DOES GOD VIOLATE OUR FREEDOM OF CHOICE?

              There were some controversies that Jesus Christ himself plotted his own death -- that He orchestrated Peter’s denial or led Judas’ to His betrayal. In short, does God violate our freedom of choice?

            Let’s chose a famous plot in the Bible to clarify this controversy like the conversion of St. Paul. Saul before becoming Paul was a member of the Pharisee, the strictest sect of Judaism. When he heard that the follower of Jesus is spreading the gospel he was outraged and vowed to prosecute them and even intended to kill them (Acts 8:1-3). His “cause” was that he believed he is actually obeying the law of God given to Moses; he also asked permission from the high priest. But something changes when he came to Damascus….God intercede that eventually made his conversion. (Acts 9) On that event, is there a particular transgression of Paul’s freewill?

            If we look back to the original intention of Paul, we will understand that he was actually doing this for his love of God. Although he was mistaken for the fact that he was actually plotting against the Messiah we can see his heart totally dedicated to obey God. He was ignorant of the truth, maybe because he has heard the leaders of his church falsely accusing Jesus believers and themselves was ignorant. (None of the rulers understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Cor. 2:8) Therefore, God did not violate Paul’s freewill but actually directed his intent to the truth.

            That is in contrast to the intent of most people who decide to be an atheist. They read the Bible with an objective to find fault in them so they fail to saw the truth and go to great length in obscuring its message. That is also true to most religious fanatics who deduce the scripture according to what they believed or to what seems to fit best in their traditions.    

            So does God violate your freewill? You can read the Bible anyway you like but I must asked you “…shall I crucify your King?” (John 19:15)

IS THE BIBLE TRUE?

     It is sometimes ridiculous to prove the authenticity of the Bible using the scriptural verses taken from it; most especially when talking to skeptics. It is like the accuse testifying for himself. Although I believe the Bible to be an inspired revelation from God and can answer life’s entire question “All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: for the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3: 16 (KJV) more often than not, we needed outside verity to establish our position.

     During the Lenten season we examined the Death & Resurrection of Jesus Christ. (See my April Post) I believed that I have proven beyond reasonable doubt that there is indeed a corpse and a resurrection that happen as I assume the part of CSI and dissect each & every issue in question with accommodating historical fact base upon unbeliever’s account plus common sense. I also touch the issue between evolution theory & creation. Although the issue were at times disputed depending on paradigm or mind-set, I strongly believe the data I presented are logical enough to confirm the more believable stand that there is an intelligent design behind the appearance of the universe against accidental and unplanned proliferation of life as most evolutionist claim.

     Therefore, with the above stated proof, and if asked; I can further clarify certain clouded issues but for now allow me to share the faith why I believe the Bible to be true. It is simply because of my personal experiences and how my life has been truly transformed. Needless to say the millions of lives it has blessed for thousand upon thousand of years. It is not the archeological record of Noah’s ark that had been unearthed half a century ago or the minute detail of Daniels prophesies being fulfilled in ancient record -- it is because of the daily miracles which have been constantly pouring upon those who surrender their life to God; and their testimony of released from the hold of vices or from filthy living. I suggest you observe someone within your neighborhood who had given his life to Jesus and asked yourself “is the God of this Christian true?” or “Is the Bible True?”  

Does Your Preacher Pray?

   Do you still pray? I mean, really talk to God. When we pray we communicate with God. Communication happens when two or more individual exchanges thought. Therefore, no communication happens when we just blabber words using memorized prayers. Paul thought us how to approach God in  Hebrew 10:22 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

   A lot of Christians fail to accomplish an important command from God and that is to pray regularly day and night by merely chanting empty words. In fact vain repetition is loathsome to God, and Jesus himself taught us how to pray in Matthew 6:7 “When you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” Then he gave us an example which was now popularly known as The Lord’s Prayer. (Verses 9-13) Again, the said sample prayer given by Jesus was misquoted as it is now even used in chanting. Jesus did not say “This is what you will pray…Our Father…” but listen carefully, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father who art in Heaven…” (v. 9) after this manner means pray like these. We are also request to constantly devote ourselves in prayers Colossian 4:2 “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;” Why Paul used the word devote? Devote means – giving constant attention to….The apostle knew without prayers there s no relationship with God. People with long distance relationship knew how difficult it feels without having communication to his/her love ones. I also heard of couple living together and sleeping on the same bed in this sentiment: “We rarely talk any more.” Sadly, some Christian had similar relationship with God. They go to church without really talking to God but just there for the sake of being there for attendance.

   Galatians 4:6 “Upang ipakilalang kayo’y mga anak ng Diyos, pinagkalooban niya tayo ng Espiritu ng kanyang Anak nang tayo’y makatawag sa kanya ng “Ama! Ama Ko!” I memorized* the verse in Filipino because I think the verse is very important to me, for this determine who are the real children of God and not the illegitimate one.

   “Before spiritual growth, there must be a spiritual life.” That is what Jesus advise to Nicodemus when he said “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) That should make one re-think his/her position in the sight of God. There are only two sides in the world; you are either on God’s kingdom or you are with Satan.

   Does your preacher pray? Do you? Does your God spoke back?

(*memorized verse to be your guide on daily living but never memorized prayer…)