Sign of the End Times

I honestly do not know exactly how to proceed with this, but I know that I definitely have to say something. I do not know how many people actually do read my blog; I think there is none, but nonetheless, I need to get this off my chest.

Ok, so a sister of a celebrity recently said some things in public television, and as everything and everyone is sensitive about religion, she got bashed and there were so much bad comments and untruths that made it hard for me to read further. Anyway, I am in no way saying that everything she said was correct nor am I saying that majority of it were. I simply feel the need to address some of the comments posted thereafter.

Exhibit A: I do not know what kind of "believer" his mom and siblings are, but regardless of what it is that they believe in, (in the context of the topic, it's probably in God) I don't think it's fair for them to call Alex tanga. Second point, on reading the Bible: The Bible is not a crystal ball. It is not something you look into in pieces, out of context. For example, if you are deep in debt and decided to look into the Bible to get enlightenment, and chance upon Judas' story after the betrayal when he hanged himself... is that even logical? No. It's not a toy you shake (magic 8-ball) and expect answers based on your understanding and then depend your life on it. Ultimately, it takes the Holy Spirit's wisdom and guidance to understand the Bible. It does not give you doubts, on the contrary, it tells you exactly what your purpose in life is. Doubts arise from not having the patience to learn the context. It is why we have to attend Sunday Service in church. The doubts come from not having the Holy Spirit's guidance and being pilosopo as a result. Also, religion and belief are two different things. Belief is a way of life. Christianity is a way of life. As for the additional comment, it just seems to have come from a very bitter and very angry person.

Exhibit B: As there are mistakes in what Alex has publicly shared, there are also holes in this comment. Let's face it, we are not perfect. Again, religion and belief are not the same. Religion has never been a ticket to salvation, but belief/faith in Jesus Christ is. Claiming to have a god on their side does not necessarily mean it really is God on their side. Isn't it common sense to understand that when these people committed the atrocities, then these people are just probably worshiping a god based on their understanding, which, I repeat, should not be the case. I absolutely agree that "Believing in an imaginary being is not a guarantee that you'll end up a better person", which is why I believe in the Alpha-Omega, and not an imaginary one. Lastly, while religion does not necessarily modify behavior, belief does. For the Nth time, religion and belief are not the same. If you truly believe something is real or a fact, won't that dictate your behavior?

Exhibit C: Actually, all non-believers and all believers are sinners. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Exhibit D: By the way, Alex is not Catholic. (At least from what I gather.) Second, what makes the pope the authority over people who are not Catholic? Also, John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. God & Son (Jesus Christ) = eternal life, the rest = perish.

Exhibit E: If this person was a true believer, he/she wouldn't be "wala akong pakialam sa mga taong iba yung religion or walang religion".
"A believer is ready to serve everybody wherever he can. He cannot but profess the gospel before men, even though he foresees that he can reap nothing but ridicule and scorn for it; yes, he is ready also to give his life for the gospel" - C.F.W. Walthers

Again, I am not actually saying that everything Alex has said is true, nor do I agree with everything she said, but what I am saying is that these comments are not true or have faulty basis as well.

Hay, it's scary how things like this happen more and more frequently lately. Indeed the end times are upon us.

Before I Do (Part 2) Marriage Takes Three

I promised to do a part 2 and 3 on the Before I Do post I did in the beginning of May. After going through the May 10 workshop and the others that followed, I decided to do more breakdowns. Sorry for the delay. Here is part 2:

So, I'd like to break it down to the three components in a marriage: God, Husband, and Wife. The Before and After I Do workshop provided a great illustration on this:

Obviously, as with everything, the marriage should be centered on God. He is to be your anchor, your basis for everything. As the husband and wife focus on their relationship with God and grow closer to Him, they grow closer to each other at the same time. 

Although it seems to be such a thing of common sense, I learned a lot from this. I learned that you're not supposed to go into a relationship expecting your partner to complete you. You both have to be complete in Christ, because two incomplete people can't make each other whole. People disappoint, people fail, people may not always be there, but ultimately, our God is, and forever will be perfect. Marriage is not a give and take with your spouse. It is always a give. You take from God. He alone could sustain you. Whatever overflows from that, you give to your spouse and loved ones. Amazing? I know, right?! So much enlightenment!