Under Construction

Chapter 4 deals about the Anabaptist, in this chapter we were able to know the main thrust of the group's belief. Anabaptist as the book defines as “Ana” meaning repeat and “baptist” meaning

baptize. In short, Anabaptists believe that a person may only come to baptism after the person has put

 his trust in Jesus Christ. They also nullify the belief of “Infant Baptism” for them it is not biblical.

They believe in the sole authority of the Bible as the basis of the belief and practices. Anabaptist

really fought the faith that they had. They disagreed on the belief that all radicals are Anabaptist.

They said that, “All Anabaptist are radicals but not all radicals are Anabaptist.” They really insisted

upon it because they know that there are four groups of radical reformers. Namely, the Biblicist,

Kingdom Builder, Mystics, and Free thinkers—all are Radicals but they are not all Anabaptist. As

you can see that the four types differs in perspective and of emphasis. They have different reaction

towards Catholicism.

As I reflect upon the story, I was able to see the greatness of God in constructing or molding the

Church which He wanted to be. God really sets things in order. He orchestrated every details of the

Church which He wanted to see and it still continues in doing that, knowing that the Church is still

imperfect in structure. As we know about the Church, it is the believers who gathered together as a

family of Christ. Everyone in the Church is still under construction by the great Architect who is

Christ Jesus. But I was so confused that instead of helping each other what happen is that most of the

churches were trying to pull others down and fighting against the differences. I like what Augustine had said, “In Majority, we are united, in Minority we have liberty and in differences there must be charity.” It’s difficult seeing Churches especially in the evangelical churches which I belong. I was not blind seeing those things that Churches are pulling each other down in their differences, comparing how they do things and how they manage things. They thought they are better than the others and they thought they were invulnerable. I see pride in every Church today which breaks my heart knowing that God didn’t plan it or make the church that way. I know that one day the Churches will be united and focus to what matters most.God wants us to love one another and help one another not pull one another down. Our love for each other will identify us that we are God’s disciple (John 13:35).

"He is just a breath away"

“A Mighty Fortress is our God,” written by Martin Luther, is a great hymn which recognizes the

power of God unto each man whenever there is trouble being encountered. The assurance of such

person being with the mighty God will give him or her confidence despite circumstances. The lyrics

speaks of who God is and what can He do into our lives. There are many events in life that seem to be

 without solution, we thought that God is not around helping each man in his or her trouble. As I

reflected on the lyrics, I could only imagine that man in his life faces a lot of troubles or difficulties

but the author assures us that God is always there. If we are to know the events happened in the life

of the writer, we can find out that the author faced huge and lots of difficulties for the author was

fighting for the faith that he had in Christ Jesus and standing for it despite oppositions. As I imagined

this the author was so depressed, helpless, alone, and discouraged yet one thing that reminded Him

that he had Jesus on his side. Jesus is his fortress, helper, strength, confidence and of comfort. The

author recognizes the difficulties and the hurt that it can give to such person. He recognizes the effect

and the damage it can give as well as reason to give up but he said it's not about us but it's about God

as our mighty fortress.

I love the song for it reminds me about my confidence in Jesus Christ. It reminds me that

though things may have gone wrong and bad, people may not stay, and things may not go well; I still

have my savior with me for He is my refuge and strength in times of trouble. There are times in my

life that I lost confidence, power, reason to live and love because of circumstances but everything

changes when I saw God's hand working in me through that and understand why he allows things. It

changes my mindset about life, love and future that no matter what happens God never changes, God

never stops dealing with me, He never stops reaching me, helped me and construct me into a person

he wanted me to be. He is still the fortress, confidence, strength and the comfort whatever trials and

difficulties I may have.

Some People differ in obstacles, differ on how to cope up with many things, differ in how to

deal situation but we have to remember that there is only one who can help us solve everything, it is

only Jesus. Apart from Jesus Christ we can't do it. I don't know what obstacles you are in right now

but I hope you will find your confidence in Jesus because in Him we can be victorious and conqueror.

Mercy and Compassion

The Pope’s visit brings significance to most Filipinos and most of them take this as a

privilege to be visited by a pope because for them it is a blessing to have the pope. In an article

his visit is referred to as the “Holy Father’s visit.” It is a week of staying in the Philippines and a

lot of preparation has been made but the thing that caught my attention is his intention why he

visits the Philippines. The theme of the Pope’s visits to Philippines is “Mercy and Compassion”

which they followed the act of Christ towards the multitude in Matthew 9:36. The main thrusts

of his visit are those affected by typhoon Yolanda and earthquake. He comes to show his deep

concern for our people who have gone through devastating calamities, especially in the Visayas

There was a statement in Pope’s exhortation “the Church must be a place of mercy freely given,

where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the

Gospel” (Evangelii Gaudium 114).1 As what the article is trying to say that Filipino should be

identified as merciful and it should be acted upon by helping other people in need.

What I liked about this visit is the emphasis of showing mercy and compassion to other

people. His visit is to comfort the people. If you are going to look at his action as the leader of

the Catholic Church it reminds us about the role of a shepherd towards his flocks. It is

comforting to know that their leader doesn’t just teach them what it is to love one another but

acted it by visiting his people. If we noticed, today’s leaders are not practicing this kind of act. It

seems that to see them in such session or fellowship satisfies their leadership but forgot the most

important thing and it is to show the care or to show the love. There is a common statement,

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” The act of pope

coming here will challenge us to do likewise. We should visit our flocks. We should show our

concern. A care that is not just words but also through action. That is, practicing what we are

preaching.

I was challenged about the Pope’s action as well as encouraged of doing it as he follows

Christ-like actions. I was reminded about what Christ has done for me. He acted out of concern.

He showed so much concern toward me and loved me up to the point that He died for me. I was

challenged to show it not just teaching it. I must live to love like Christ. How about you? Are

you a man of a great knowledge or a man of action - don’t just talk about the truth, walk it?

Servant leadership

Are you a Lord or a Servant?

The rule of the Popes and their supremacy and the claim to be the true church is one of the interesting ideas that Roman Catholics believe. It was in their time that apart from the Catholic Church men can't have salvation. It was in the power of the pope that they believe as the highest authority among the living. Popes during A.D 1050 - 1215 gained their power through monastic reform, crusades, and pope's leadership. Pope became wealthy and of great influence in the society and even in the state. They became authoritative and greedy for the position in which some of them bribe just to have the position. We can see a lot of wrong teachings as well as the wrong practice during that time. They have also wrong governance of the church. They thought that they were given the highest authority in the church.

Nowadays as we can see that it is still practiced that pope has the highest authority in the church. They are still practicing many wrong teachings and beliefs which contradicts the teaching that was written in the Bible. It was so sad knowing that they are so religious as well as dogmatic about their beliefs yet they are in the other side of the rope. Pope is above everyone but they don't know that everyone is equal.

I was pondering about this idea about “having power or supremacy”. It was so ironic that Jesus Christ is teaching his disciples then to be a servant of all. We can read it in Luke 22:25-27 it says, “…And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called 'Benefactors.' "But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. "For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.…” It is very clear that Jesus Christ teaches his people not to lord over others yet He wants every believer and especially leaders to be a servant of all. It was so interesting to know that God wants us being servant not as Lord. This is also a great reminder to all of us who are in the position that we should practice servant leadership as what Christ has done. Meaning what was practiced by the pope at that time was not servant leadership but rather lording over others. We know that people don't want to be a servant a sad but true to almost leaders but it should be obeyed and displayed that the greatest and biblical leadership is being a servant. Think about your leadership style today, are you a Lord over others or a servant of everyone? Is your leadership biblical or just a result of what was being practice? You have to make a right decision by following God's ideal leadership style.

Differences...

Difference

Many people around the world have different views on things and events. They most likely have a different thought about life as well about their belief on God. It's interesting to know that after many years had passed, religion is still the most attractive and essential thing to human lives. The belief on many gods and the belief of one true god was the common belief then while some believed in spirits but the important point is that today many are being misled with wrong ideas that lead  them to a wrong set of beliefs and practices. In the history of the Roman Catholic Church many things are done differently.  They have seven sacraments.  In NT times salvation was through Christ alone but not in the Church where one needs someone, the pope or bishop, as intermediaries between God and man. They believe that it was the pope's primary duty as intermediaries. It is quite alarming in the sense that the belief in the NT church and today's Catholicism has a big difference. The difference between the two churches are so tremendous and dangerous as well. As I think about these changes of practice and belief, I have come to a conclusion that this was due to human greed, greed of power and of wealth. We can see the danger of being greedy.  It is dangerous when you believe on something and what you believe is wrong. So as to the practice, how we act is most likely based on what we believe. Example to that is when a person believes that life is a test. He has this kind of attitude not to dwell much on his problem, when problem arises, because he sees life as a test. This is also what happens to the Roman Catholic Church some of their belief and practices are not biblical.

As we can see in the evangelical world the belief that salvation is through faith in Christ Jesus alone. Person can come to God directly through prayers and there is no need of intermediaries. People can confess their sins directly to God by asking God for forgiveness through prayer. Baptism as well as the Lord supper doesn't save a person nor cleanse him or her but the practice of doing it is showing yourself that you are a follower of Him. It is not something that has a magical power to make a person better but rather a symbolism of your full submission to God. This is a challenge for us in order for us to see ourselves living or walking on the right track (Biblical). Read your Bible and see whether you are living biblically or you are just a mere follower of traditions. The bible teaches us a lot of things and  help us see the truth.