United Church of God Global Ministries Inc.

What is the “REAL CHURCH”

Administrator — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 07:59:02 GMT

What is the "REAL CHURCH”

by Bro. Curtis Carl Edwards

What is the real church?

The real church is nothing more - and nothing less – than what the Bible describes it to be!

The blue print of the real church is shown in the Book of Acts, and shown to us through the original Greek manuscripts of the Bible, when it defined the "church” by using the word "ἐκκλησία.” This word means "called out people.”

Why did God demand that his disciples be called out?

God demanded his disciples be called out then – and also now – because no one can be a member of the real church unless they have been called out of darkness (sin) and called into the light (holiness).

1 Peter 2:9 - But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;

Just as their Master, the disciples walked in the light of the Word of God, which meant they obeyed:

(1) the call to come out of sin
(2) the call to come out of false, organized religion
(3) the call to practice personal holiness
(4) the call to be the real church.

John 5:14 - Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 - For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

Ephesians 5:27 - That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Consider this. Today‘s modern, so-called church-------

• Approves of sin in the church
• Accepts false religion, false spirits and false doctrines
• Does not demand personal holiness
• Says there is no holy church in this world

Consider the modern church and the real church in the Book of Acts – are they the same? NO!

How can determine whether or not we bear the traits of the real church or the false church? First let us examine the un-Biblical standards that the false church practices! These prove that the false church is directly opposite of Christ’s teaching when they FALSELY SAY----->
* Christian denominations are ok if they do not require obedience to the Bible’s teaching concerning a complete lifestyle of holiness *Christians are sinners & sinners are Christians * Live the best you can and you will go to heaven * All men sin * If you die in your sins you will still go to heaven * Sin will not separate you from God * Preachers can sin and still be used of God * Christian denominations are ok if they approve of sinning members * Christians can pray to Mary * Christian religions can use sorcery, witchcraft * Christian religions can use priests, bishops and pastors who are homosexual, pedophile child abusers or married but fornicating * You can have the Holy Spirit without living holy * You can be baptized in the Holy Ghost and still practice sin, adultery, lying, cursing and uncleanness of spirit as long as you can pray with tongues * You can have the Holy Spirit without having the fruit of the Spirit * No church is pure * The real church is not the one, visible Body of Christ but it is a sin practicing or sin allowing denomination * The true church can practice false doctrine * Mpango wa kando is ok*

Any individual, church or denomination who practices such is shouting very loudly that they are not the real church! Those who are not the real church are part of the false church.

For the real church to spring up again, we have to go back to the blueprint. We MUST be a "called out people.” The real church is never "called out” to "stay in” …… Are you called out or are you staying in?

If you wish to live holy and to be the real church and to follow the same doctrines & patterns as the church in the Book of Acts, then feel free to make contact at:

Brother Curtis Edwards
Email:curtisedwards1950@hotmail.com
Phone:+1-678-646-1830
KENYA 254-703123738

Read the Current Issue

Administrator — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 05:46:35 GMT

Read the Current Issue

Belief

Administrator — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:07:25 GMT

Fundamental Beliefs of the United Church of God

We trace our origins to the Church that Jesus founded in the early first century. We follow the same teachings, doctrines and practices established then. Our commission is to proclaim the gospel of the coming Kingdom of God to all the world as a witness and teach all nations to observe what Christ commanded (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20).

God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit

We believe in one God, the Father, eternally existing, who is a Spirit, a personal Being of supreme intelligence, knowledge, love, justice, power and authority. He, through Jesus Christ, is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. He is the Source of life and the One for whom human life exists. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who is the Word and has eternally existed. We believe that He is the Messiah, the Christ, the divine Son of the living God, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born in the human flesh of the virgin Mary. We believe that it is by Him that God created all things and that without Him was not anything made that was made. We believe in the Holy Spirit, as the Spirit of God and of Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the power of God and the Spirit of life eternal (2 Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 4:6; 1 Corinthians 8:6; John 1:1-4; Colossians 1:16).

The Word of God

We believe that Scripture, both the Old and the New Testament, is God's revelation, and His complete, expressed will to humanity. Scripture is inspired in thought and word, infallible in the original writings, is the supreme and final authority in faith and in life, and is the foundation of all truth (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; John 10:35; 17:17).

Satan the Devil

We believe that Satan is a spirit being who is the adversary of God and the children of God. Satan has been given dominion over the world for a specific period of time. Satan has deceived humanity into rejecting God and His law. Satan has ruled by deception with the aid of a host of demons who are rebellious angels, spirit beings, who followed Satan in his rebellion (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 8:12; 2 Timothy 2:26; John 12:31; 16:11; Revelation 12:4, 9; 20:1-3, 7, 10; Leviticus 16:21-22; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 11:14; Ephesians 2:2).

Humanity

We believe that humanity was created in the image of God with the potential to become children of God, partakers of the divine nature. God formed humanity of flesh, which is material substance. Human beings live by the breath of life, are mortal, subject to corruption and decay, without eternal life, except as the gift of God under God's terms and conditions as expressed in the Bible. We believe that God placed before Adam and Eve the choice of eternal life through obedience to God, or death through sin. Adam and Eve yielded to temptation and disobeyed God. As a result, sin entered the world, and through sin, death. Death now reigns over all humanity because all have sinned (Genesis 1:26; 2 Peter 1:4; Hebrews 9:27; 1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 5:12; 6:23).

Sin and God's Law

We believe that sin is the transgression of the law. The law is spiritual, perfect, holy, just and good. The law defines God's love and is based upon the two great principles of love toward God and love toward neighbor, and is immutable and binding. The Ten Commandments are the ten points of God's law of love. We believe that breaking any one point of the law brings upon a person the penalty of sin. We believe that this fundamental spiritual law reveals the only way to true life and the only possible way of happiness, peace and joy. All unhappiness, misery, anguish and woe have come from transgressing God's law (1 John 3:4; 5:3; Matthew 5:17-19; 19:17-19; 22:37-40; James 2:10-11; Romans 2:5-9; 7:12-14; 13:8-10).

The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ

We believe God so loved this world of helpless sinners that He gave His only begotten Son, who, though in all points tempted as we are, lived without sin in the human flesh. That Son, Jesus Christ, died as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His life, because He is the Creator of all humanity, is of greater value than the sum total of all human life. His death is, therefore, sufficient to pay the penalty for every human being's sins. In paying this penalty He has made it possible, according to God's plan, for each person and humanity as a whole to have their sins forgiven and to be released from the death penalty (Hebrews 4:15; 9:15; 10:12; John 1:18; 3:16; Colossians 1:16-17, 22; 1 John 2:2; 4:10; Ephesians 1:11; Revelation 13:8).

Three Days and Three Nights

We believe that the Father raised Jesus Christ from the dead after His body lay three days and three nights in the grave, thus making immortality possible for mortal man. He thereafter ascended into heaven, where He now sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate (1 Peter 1:17-21; 3:22; Matthew 12:40; 1 Corinthians 15:53; 2 Timothy 1:10; John 20:17; Hebrews 8:1; 12:2).

Repentance

We believe that all who truly repent of their sins in full surrender and willing obedience to God, and who by faith accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, have their sins forgiven by an act of divine grace. Such individuals are justified, pardoned from the penalty of sin, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, which literally abides within them and supplies the divine love that alone can fulfill the law and produce righteousness. They are baptized by the Spirit into the body of Christ, which is the true Church of God. We believe in a true change in life and attitude. Only those who have the indwelling presence of and are being led by the Holy Spirit are Christ's (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:29-32; 2 Corinthians 7:10; John 3:16; Ephesians 1:7; 2:7-9; Romans 3:21-26; 5:5; 6:6; 8:4, 9-10, 14; 13:1; Jeremiah 33:8; John 14:16-17; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Philippians 2:3-5).

Water Baptism

We believe in the ordinance of water baptism by immersion following repentance. Through the laying on of hands, with prayer, the believer receives the Holy Spirit and becomes a part of the spiritual body of Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:13, 16; John 3:23; Acts 2:38; 8:14-17; 19:5-6; 1 Corinthians 12:13).

The Sabbath Day

We believe that the seventh day of the week is the Sabbath of the Lord our God. On this day we are commanded to rest from our labors and worship God, following the teachings and example of Jesus, the apostles and the New Testament Church (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-11; 31:13-17; Leviticus 23:3; Isaiah 58:13; Hebrews 4:4-10; Mark 1:21; 2:27-28; 6:2; Acts 13:42-44; 17:2; 18:4; Luke 4:31).

The Passover

We believe in observing the New Testament Passover on the night of the 14th of Abib, the anniversary of the death of our Savior (Leviticus 23:5; Luke 22:13-14).

The Festivals of God

We believe in the commanded observance of the seven annual Holy Days given to ancient Israel by God and kept by Jesus Christ, the apostles and the New Testament Church. These Holy Days reveal God's plan of salvation (Colossians 2:16-17; 1 Peter 1:19-20; 1 Corinthians 5:8; 15:22-26; 16:8; James 1:18; Exodus 23:14-17; Leviticus 23; Luke 2:41-42; 22:14-15; John 7:2, 8, 10, 14; Acts 2:1; 18:21; 20:16; Zechariah 14:16-21).

God's Food Laws

We believe that those meats that are designated "unclean" by God in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 are not to be eaten.

Military Service and War

We believe that Christians are forbidden by the commandments of God from taking human life, directly or indirectly, and that bearing arms is contrary to this fundamental belief. Therefore, we believe that Christians should not voluntarily become engaged in military service. If they are involuntarily engaged in military service, we believe they should refuse conscientiously to bear arms and, to the extent possible, to refuse to come under military authority (Exodus 20:13; Matthew 5:21-22; 1 Corinthians 7:21-23; Acts 5:29).

Promises to Abraham

We believe in God's enduring righteousness. That righteousness is demonstrated by God's faithfulness in fulfilling all of the promises He made to the father of the faithful, Abraham. As promised, God multiplied Abraham's lineal descendants so that Abraham literally became the "father" of many nations. We believe that God, as promised, materially prospered Abraham's lineal descendants Isaac and Jacob (whose name He later changed to Israel). We believe that God, through Abraham's Seed, Jesus Christ, is making salvation available to all humanity regardless of their physical lineage. Salvation is not therefore a right of birth. It is freely open to all whom God calls, and those who are regarded as descendants of Abraham are those of the faith, heirs according to the promises. We believe that the knowledge that God has fulfilled and continues to fulfill the physical promises made to Abraham and his children, and is fulfilling the spiritual promise through Jesus Christ, is critical to understanding the message of the prophets and its application to the world in which we live (Psalm 111:1-10; Romans 4:16; 9:7-8; Galatians 3:16; Genesis 32:28).

God's Purpose for Mankind

We believe God's purpose for mankind is to prepare those whom He calls, and who elect through a life of overcoming sin, developing righteous character, and growing in grace and knowledge, to possess the Kingdom and to become kings and priests reigning with Christ on this earth after His return. We believe that the reason for mankind's existence is literally to be born as spirit beings into the family of God (Romans 6:15-16; 8:14-17, 30; Acts 2:39; 2 Peter 3:18; Revelation 3:5; 5:10).

The Church

We believe that the Church is that body of believers who have received, and are being led by, the Holy Spirit. The true Church of God is a spiritual organism. Its biblical name is "The Church of God." We believe that the mission of the Church is to preach the gospel (good news) of the coming Kingdom of God to all nations as a witness, and to help reconcile to God such people as are now being called. We believe that it is also the mission of the Church of God to strengthen, edify and nurture the children of God in the love and admonition of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38-39, 47; 20:28; Romans 8:14; 14:19; Ephesians 1:22-23; 3:14; 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 10:32; 11:16, 22; 12:27; 14:26; 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1-2; 5:18-20; Galatians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Timothy 3:5, 15; Mark 16:15; Matthew 24:14; 28:18-20; John 6:44, 65; 17:11, 16).

Tithing

We believe in tithing as a way of honoring God with our substance and as a means of serving Him in the preaching of the gospel, the care of the Church, attending the festivals and helping the needy (Proverbs 3:9-10; Genesis 14:17-20; 1 Corinthians 9:7-14; Numbers 18:21; Deuteronomy 14:22-29).

The Resurrections

We believe that the only hope of eternal life for mortal humans lies in the resurrection through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We believe that at the return of Jesus Christ a resurrection to spirit life will take place for all who have been God's faithful servants. We believe that after Jesus Christ has ruled on this earth for 1,000 years, there will be a resurrection to physical life of the vast majority of all people who have ever lived. We believe that after these people have had an opportunity to live a physical life, if they become converted, they too will receive eternal life. We also believe that those who reject God's offer of salvation will reap eternal death (1 Corinthians 15:19, 42-52; Acts 23:6; John 5:21-29; Romans 6:23; 8:10-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Revelation 20:4-5, 11-15; John 3:16; Matthew 25:46).

Jesus Christ's Return

We believe in the personal, visible, premillennial return of the Lord Jesus Christ to rule the nations on earth as King of kings and to continue His priestly office as Lord of lords. At that time, He will sit upon the throne of David. During His thousand-year reign upon the earth, He will restore all things and establish the Kingdom of God forever (Matthew 24:30, 44; Revelation 1:7; 11:15; 19:16; 20:4-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16; John 14:3; Isaiah 9:7; 40:10-12; Hebrews 7:24; Jeremiah 23:5; Luke 1:32-33; Acts 1:11; 3:21; 15:16; Daniel 7:14, 18, 27).

Church Ordinances

Administrator — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:35:31 GMT

The Ordinances of the Church

Believer's Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

What is Baptism?

Definition for the word baptism is "a rite of washing with water as a sign of religious purification and consecration.”

Believer's Baptism

In Mt 28:19, the Lord Jesus commands his disciples to preach the gospel and baptize those who believe it in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Baptism is actually just the Greek word for "immerse". Thus, Christ wants believers to be immersed in water.

The prerequisite for baptism:

"And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." - Ac 8:36,37

The purpose of baptism:

By being immersed, a believer identifies with the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. He/she also testifies in public that he/she has become a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Common misconceptions about baptism (and the corresponding truths):

Baptism can be done by sprinkling, or pouring water on the person. Solution to misconception: drop the Greek and start using English instead.
Baptism is necessary for salvation. Eph 2:8,9 says we're saved by grace (God's unmerited favor), not by works, lest anyone should boast. If baptism was necessary for salvation, people doing baptism could take credit for sending others to heaven - that would be abominable to God.
Baptism is sufficient for salvation. You can't get to heaven unless your sins are forgiven. Nowhere in the Bible are we told that baptism takes away people's sins. We are told that forgiveness of sins is available through Jesus Christ (Ac 13:38), based on the shedding of his blood (Col 1:14). Mk 16:16 makes it clear that belief + baptism is sufficient for salvation, belief being the necessary ingredient.
We get the Holy Spirit upon baptism. Ac 10:44-48 clarifies that this is not the case. The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove when he was baptized. It is wrong to draw a parallel between us and Jesus because his baptism was an inauguration of his ministry, not a symbol of his having turned from sin like us!

The Lord's Supper

Whereas baptism is an identification with the death of the Lord Jesus, the Lord's Supper is a proclamation of the same thing.

Titles used in scripture for this ordinance:

The Lord's supper (1 Cor 11:20) - This title connects this act with the passover supper where the Lord Jesus instituted it, recorded in the synoptic gospels. Each family would have the meal together, with the head presiding, around the unleavened bread, wine, the roasted lamb, the bitter herbs, etc. The presiding person would take the first cup called the cup of blessing, bless it and pass it on. Then they will have the bitter herbs with fruit sauce, reminding them of Egypt. The head of the family would give a sermon explaining the meaning. They'd sing Ps 113, Ps 114, and pass on a cup of wrath, not drunk, but poured out, representing the plague on the Egyptians, then they'd eat the unleavened bread with prayer, then there was a cup called the cup of salvation then Ps 115-118, the wine again, called the cup of the kingdom that's coming. At the time of the third or fourth cup, the Lord Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. He took the unleavened bread and gave it. He gave the wine as well, saying this is the wine. He asked them to keep this until he comes. The meal reminds them of the Egyptian deliverance; for us our deliverance from sin and Satan. The Lamb was slain.
Breaking of bread (Acts 2:42): In Israel, after a death of a person , after the burial, people would visit the home, and break bread there, Jeremiah 16:7. This was an act of consolation and fellowship. For us, we're remembering the one who died and celebrating the resulting fellowship that we have with each other.

Note: that the Lord's Supper is not an occasion when God imparts saving grace to us. When we received Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we were completely justified - we don't need anything more to be done in that direction.

The importance of the Lord's Supper: 1 Cor 11:23-30. This centers around various features.

The Source: Paul has received it from the Lord Jesus. The word received (paralambano) is used for things received from one's father, to be passed on to others, something to be revered. In the 10 verses from 23 to 32, Lord is mentioned 7 times, emphasizing the authority of Jesus over this ordinance, and over us.
Time of institution: "On the night when he was betrayed". Judas Iscariot walked out just before it was instituted. Thus it was instituted when the world was out to betray him. Thus it was an ordinance of love.
The duration of its performance: "This do ye, till he come". The Jerusalem church evidently kept the Lord's supper everyday. Towards the end of the apostolic age, it was kept on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Some things in the apostolic age were temporary, not this, indicating its importance.
The meaning: The Lord's Supper is also important because of its great meaning.

What is the meaning of the Lord's Supper?

It shows the death of the Lord Jesus (Luke 19:24,25, 1 Co 11:26). The cup is the cup of the new covenant. In the OT there were 2 important sprinklings of blood. In Leviticus 8, Aaron and his sons were consecrated for service. In Leviticus 14, a leper was cleansed. Thus it indicates separation for service and cleansing. Both these meanings were intended for the Israelites when Moses sprinkled blood on the people in Ex 24:8. In Jeremiah 31, God says He'll make a new covenant, which means a new testament, also with blood. For the old, it was animal blood, here Jesus' blood, which speaks of the life he laid down. Cleansing and separation are implied here. This meaning is in the PAST.
The Lord's Supper also conveys the meaning of the communion that we have as one body (1 Cor 10:16,17). That is why we keep only one loaf. This meaning is in the PRESENT.
It anticipates the coming of Jesus. This meaning is in the FUTURE.

The Participants in the Lord's Supper:

The participants should be the members of Church of God. These are those who have been saved (Ac 2:47), by faith.
The participants should be baptized: In Mt 28:19, 20, observance of commands like the Lord's supper, comes after baptism. In Ac 2:41,42 the same order is maintained. We can't choose one ordinance over the other. Doctrinally speaking, all believers have a part in the Lord's supper. Practically, in keeping with apostolic practice, those who take the Lord's supper have to have regard for baptism.
The participants should be in good state: "Let a man examine himself." (1 Cor 11:27-30)

By: billmostrales.ucoz.com Bill Marquez Mostrales

Create Your Badge

Sis.Ruth on United Church of God Blog

Administrator — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 08:27:17 GMT

I try to solve people's problems everyday, and to do so, I resolve to make them my own. I endeavor to keep sane. Scripture, music, scenic poetry, and uplifting company make me sane... Ruth Mostrales

Feed Your Soul, Too

(By: Sis Ruth)

Speech during the Celebration of Teachers’ Day at Febias College of Bible (via court of reverie et al.)

I think I asked every single person I met along the way to pray for me. Ma'am Debbie did and so did Pastor Buddy. Feeling quite scared, I left the chapel in the middle of the message of the Guest Speaker to pray. I don't know, I just felt so inadequate. Was my speech too long? Too verbose? Too profound? I looked at it again and prayed. And then I crossed out pedagogy and substituted "instruction" in one, and "teaching" in another. The pro … Read More

via court of reverie et al.

Posted August 18, 2010 by Ruth in Uncategorized

Obadiah — A Tale of Two Brothers

The book of Obadiah is the tale of two brothers — Jacob and Esau. During the time of writing, the prophet noted the injustices done by the Edomites (descendants of Esau) against the Israelites (descendants of Jacob). God was moved when he saw his people suffering because of the indifference of the Edomites to the sorry plight of their brothers. Suffice it to say that God did not like that to the Edomites, family relations was not enough to help Israel.

History reveals the source of this conflict, yet as to why God chose Jacob over Esau, we will never know. God’s election is never out of merit, it is purely by grace.

God chooses whom He chooses, for though Jacob cheated and outsmarted his brother Esau, God remained with the former, while Esau’s line was cut off. God promised to restore the house of Jacob, and fulfilled His covenant with Him ultimately through Jesus Christ.

Posted August 16, 2010 by Ruth in gems on the narrow way

Wisdom in Christ

The poesy of Job 28 problematizes on the theme of wisdom — its source and in what it consists. In his fallen state, man will never attain to wisdom. Man’s efforts will prove futile, for though he can subdue baser pursuits, wisdom remains out of reach.

Job proceeds from human efforts, hence the despair. Job mistakes the endeavour as a pursuit of a place, or a time, or perhaps a situation of enlightenment. In the end, after much contemplation, God guides him into the truth, that is, into a proper relationship between the Creator and the created one. Job finds the key that will unlock wisdom — the fear of the Lord. We find the sensus plenoir in Christ. The salvific aspect of wisdom becomes accessible to us through the work of Jesus Christ — the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24). Christ is the fullness of the ever-wise, omniscient God. As for Job, he came to the realization that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding. Therefore, it is not so much a question of where or how, but in whom. Wisdom is found nowhere else but in God, for the wisdom of God is in Christ, and is Christ.

Posted August 13, 2010 by Ruth in gems on the narrow way

Promise

The promised heirs are the heirs of promise. They dwell in the land of the covenant new.
Where Jesus lives in the hearts of His people, and His Word in their hearts holds true.
The vintage Wine overflows from their cups, and good Bread is broken everyday.
Jesus eats and sups with them as they follow Him on the way.
The promised heirs are the heirs of promise be they Gentile or pure-blooded Jew —
and by faith, dear friend, through Jesus Christ, partake of the blessings, too.

RVM, july 21, 2010

Posted July 20, 2010 by Ruth in gems on the narrow way

let Jesus shine

In celebrated high-profile cases among the rich, famous, and powerful segments of the population, the witnesses become well-known themselves. They, too, inevitably share the spotlight. There’s always an advantage in popularity/notoriety.

But in witnessing for Christ, Jesus shines, not the witness. In fact, the witness "ceases”, while Jesus "increases”. The Holy Spirit subdues the witness completely that the latter is moved to ask for nothing else but to bear his cross in shame for the glory of his Master.

Let the eyes of men be drawn to God, not to the human instrumentality. May our light so shine that people see Jesus shine and glorify Him. Nothing we do as followers of God will ever matter, save that which we do for Him, which primarily is to make His work on the cross, and His triumph on the third day, shine in everything that we do.

rvm
20 july 2010

Posted July 20, 2010 by Ruth in Uncategorized

tears of praise

In times like these
I know God remembers
In times like these
I know He is Love
He is my Hope and my Refuge
And I’m never alone
In times like this
He sits on His throne.

When the moments of sorrow
And moments of rain
And the looming tomorrow
Are scaring me again
When the moments of darkness
Assemble all fear
There’s doubt in the air
In times like these.

But in times like these
He is my Tower
In times like these
My Solace and Shield
He is greater than any burden
He is better than fear
He is my God
Also in times like these.

When the strength of my youth
Is challenged by decay
And the best of my years
Fade swiftly away
The uncertainties and dangers
Of every day
Bring me to my knees
In times like these.

When the Word became flesh
He knew times like these
And in His frail body
He felt times like these
Oh my Savior, Redeemer
Help me bear this cross
This heavy cross
In times like these.

ruth v. mostrales
june 14, 2010

to all who are reading this poem, please pray for my niece who might face a delicate operation this early point in her life. thanks and God bless you all. – rvm

Posted June 14, 2010 by Ruth in gems on the narrow way

June 10, 2010

Father, I cry out to You.

Enlighten me with the knowledge of Your Word though it is blurred by these tears while I read it.
Teach me the faith that made the martyrs bold.
Show me thy beauty that, when the feeble saw it, made them strong.
Guide me as I look at the Way before me, help me to see your footsteps as I go.
And, as I move forward, let me not look back except to behold Your Son upon the cross, and Your Son resurrected on the third day.
I am nothing without Him, LORD, I am nothing on my own.
May You teach me to continue to trust in You when it is easier to doubt.
May I choose to remain in the narrow path and forsake the way that leads to destruction.
Help me to wait on You, and do this with joyful expectation because Your promises are true and You can be counted on.
Teach me how to love the way Your Son loved, and to hate every deed that You abhor.
Let me love my neighbor as I love myself, and let me place You above all.
And should I falter be patient with me…
Restore me and let me delight in Your chastisement.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Posted June 9, 2010 by Ruth in gems on the narrow way

Tagged with prayer

Reflection

I had been through one of the worst weeks last week and if I didn’t know better, I would have thought God had forgotten about my situation (and pretty much our situation in the office, as a whole). I spread several years before me, those moments I stood up for what I believed in and lived for, only to witness them crumble down before my very eyes. Tears rolled down my face and my heart thumped in fear at what appeared as a bleak future looming ahead. I felt weak. I had long outgrown my wobbly knees, I thought, but for the first time in years, they are back to match the beating of my embattled heart. I thought I would fall to the ground and no one would help me up.

I couldn’t recount the minutest detail of what I had gone through emotionally, psychologically and physically, but I was glad I remembered Jesus Christ before everything inside me shut down. I started with Why questions, and then came the Hows. Finally, I asked: "Lord, who will stay beside me while I go through this trial? Who will be with me — is there anyone I can still trust knowing that in every person a betrayer is sleeping and needs only to be awakened? Is there anyone I can trust who will value friendship over money and not the other way around?”

All of a sudden, the lyrics of an old song surfaced in my mind and I began to recite it silently, solemnly…

Be strong and take courage
Do not fear or be dismayed
For the LORD will go BEFORE you
And His light will show the way…

Right there while on board that jeepney on my way to the office, God had a firm grip on my being, a tight hold on my heart as He reminded me of one of His promises neatly tucked inside that old song.

The LORD will go before you.

And then, I searched Biblos, and found an amazing verse: "You will not leave in a hurry, running for your lives. For the LORD will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind.” (Isaiah 52:12)

Wow! He was saying, "I will not only stand or walk side by side with you. No. I, the Lord has spoken that I will not only fight alongside you. I will go BEFORE you! And as I do, I will also watch your back. And guess what, I did finish it all on the cross! Tetelestai!”

I am reminded of Jesus’ selfless sacrifice — He went BEFORE me and died for me so that in His suffering I shall receive victory over death. Jesus did not merely fight side by side with me, but He led the way, fought my enemy in my stead, and won the victory for me so that I would never have to fight it alone and fail.

And as if that weren’t enough, He guards me from behind and assures me that He takes care of what I cannot face or see as I move forward, and gives me push in the right direction. He wants me to make it to heaven. What a wonderful Savior!

I will still have to face the trial up to its conclusion as the Lord would have it, but I am encouraged that I will not fight it alone — the LORD will go before me, and His light will show the way.

Amen. ^^

http://bible.cc/isaiah/52-12.htm

Posted April 16, 2010 by Ruth in gems on the narrow way

Tagged with faith, grace, Jesus Christ

I used to write…

i used to write not thinking about what others think, just writing without thinking how much ink is spent, just writing without thinking about the space used up, just writing.

i used to dream without knowing the time or hour, just dreaming about what’s near and far, just dreaming inside my reservoir of dreams and aspirations.

i used to laugh without thinking how loud it sounds, just laughing without fear or remorse, just laughing and enjoying the day and of course, just laughing.

i used to cry over childhood sins, just crying over poems and sad refrains, just crying without my hanky near and letting them flow without care as they stare.

i used to be what I thought will do, being the me that did all the work, but stumbling upon what God did for me and you, I received new birth.

now i write and write upon parchment old the most beautiful tale ever told, and if ink is blood let my pen bleed well to retell Jesus’ love story without compare.

march 31, 2010

Posted March 31, 2010 by Ruth in gems on the narrow way

The Strength to Face All Conditions

I used to equate blessing with ease and comfort. I don’t anymore. I have come to understand God’s sovereignty in my life. Whether I be poor or rich, it doesn’t matter, as long as I know God is using my circumstances for His glory.

Which reminds me of the fact that when I accepted Jesus as my Savior, I didn’t make reservations (and I’m sure glad I didn’t). Simultaneously with accepting His loving sacrifice on the cross, I also made Him my Lord and Master, whether I was aware of it or not. Being His servant means I have to listen to His voice and follow in his steps. Jesus died for me in obedience to His Father’s will. Jesus exemplified the life of a Son, a Servant, a Redeemer. As the Son, He sought His Father’s heart. As the Servant, He toiled in order to say: "It is finished.” As our Redeemer, He paid the price. In all these facets of His person, He humbled Himself and glorified God. In being God’s Servant, He suffered, but He received His exaltation from the Father. That’s Jesus’ example. He didn’t seek fame or fortune. He didn’t seek self-preservation. Instead He denied Himself, took up His cross and obeyed the Father. Having set the example, there’s no reason why I should change my course and lose my soul to gain the whole world, no matter how tempting it is to succumb to the temptation. Living a life of service to God and others demands that I live a life fully committed to the will of God and His glory. Everything else is secondary.

When times are tough and I battle against lack and poverty, and I grow frustrated about corruption in the government and private sectors, I struggle to keep my feet on the narrow way. By God’s grace, He leads me to unearth and rediscover Paul’s secret again. Paul secret is and is in Jesus Christ. He said:

"I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.” – Philippians 4:11b-13

God bless everyone.