Christianity Stands Up For The Worldwide Diffusion

     “In every man's success, there is a woman behind”, this was the main thoughts of a one week lessons. Another piece of history was uncovered to me, from that point I myself learned and get some important ideas to consider. From the life of Justinian, his wife was then a big help and plays an important role in spreading Christianity. All over the history, when Rome was intruded with barbarians and strangers. From Rome strategic empire and great power, they were not that easy to be defeated. From their walls that protect them from their enemies, they were attached mainly outside that those Barbarians ambushed and control the supply of water, food, industries, and economy throughout the empire. As a result, citizens became more in crises as Christianity was still on their agenda. What happened is that they lose not of swords but because of their weak body. I learned that from history, men are subjected to be resourceful and was gifted with intellect that could be used for good or bad. Depending on their situations. When Rome fell in the hands of the Barbarians, I concluded that an empire's success does not determine its future destination. We can see Rome as a powerful empire but then when the Supreme Being interceded in man, His plans always prevail.

Let us take part evaluating my spirituality. Before, I take my conversion just a benefit I gained. It’s just an identity from a certain paper. I only acted what I feel and my comrades wanted me to be. However, deep inside there is no conversion happened. I was then really converted when I read the Scripture, facing and living the truth in hand. I learned that it’s not only an identity, but a responsibility with accountability. I have to fight and stand for it. I feared a lot of things before I was really converted. I don’t feel to read the Scripture nor participated in any Bible studies. I don’t know why I behave like that. In other ways it means that its not yet the right time where God wanted me to know the truth. With everything in mind, money, career, and worldly desires are things that occupied my mind. Changed happened when time came to open my eyes for His word. I was really wandering that God changed me. From the very beginning, we had an argument with my father to what career i wanted to accomplished. And now on a candidate for graduation in a Bible School. There is an intended time for everything. Change is the only constant in this world. 

A new creation and with new perspective in life, that was me in the present. With those changes I experienced, i can make it more productively in a specific activities. I got an identity and responsibility as an agent of change for other people, therefore, i need and i must invest time building rapport and relationships with others as the Gospel would penetrate these social communication. In the area of kids ministry, I have to take time in showing and introducing Christ to them. I may not do this alone but with God in our lives all are possible to happen. Bible studies are encouraged that stating from my family, relatives, and neighbors I have the opportunity to involve and gained their interests. 
From a changed perspective about the world, I have to stand within the truth that others could see what was the truth really. I may have lots of priorities but it will never serves as a hindrance not to participate in informing others about Christ. With the presence of other ministers, I could have partnership with them through camps, retreats, seminars, and others. 

The Rise Of False Teaching Amidst Christian Crises

Suiting in the room with breeze, another session for church history. Sitting at the right place, I was able to absorb new lessons which I haven’t gained before. There are lots of information given but then new things arises. For one week I learned that Christian doctrines, principles, and analization was then gathered and talked in the past with different councils. In every council made, certain issues were tried to be solved. So much for that, some existing false teachings like New Age was an adaptation for the past heretical teachings (Gnosticism). One Scripture but lots of interpretation and perspective depending on how it relates a person. There are lots of people who are trying to understand the Bible intellectually, but as they keep on going, increasing personal interpretation was done without and far from the true theme of the author—God. Originality and essence of the Scripture’s message was corrupted by man in trying to comprehend it. But then, apologists and other early Christian fathers help in compiling the truth. I was amazed to be known of Augustine’s life, I didn’t know that he was then a maniac. Therefore, from time to time history was revealed. I also learned that monasticism plays important part of history. Anthony of Egypt founded the unity of monks in a community which was in the present known to be a monastery. History offers us many aspects of civilization that indeed religion and beliefs arises. What was then we are proud and thankful is that we are in the new age that generation of revival and sincerity of faith.

I was really slapped by the reality that a person cannot live by his own, we need someone or others for us to refer our interpretations and ideas whether we are in the truth or not. I had so many personal assumptions that I rely on, which in fact it should not be. Such that I presumed to have a better understanding on some issues which I discovered on my own, without knowing others have a better idea for it. I admit I used to be critical negatively to others. I thought that all doctrines and principle really came up compiled to a specific man. I then realized it came over a long period of time to have these compilation. From all along, I am wrong behaving like “advantage-taker”, because of the contribution of early Christians in the present. The world is not evolving but adapting to what was present in every civilization. All the issues in the past is always possible for us to be taken in the present with different context, name, and approach.

Specifically, I can do change my behavior and principles, but on what specific steps? I will seek partners and look for others suggestions. This could give me the best and well evaluated solution. I will also recognize others work that appreciation and positive compliments could be made. Encourage and build up others with words of affirmation. Although it’s hard for me to do this, but I have to because I need to. As an agent of the kingdom I will take time in compiling interpretations and doctrines based on the Scripture. I will include all minor and major doctrinal issues with the context of Pilipino people. In relation to all worldviews, I will do my best in participating or studying about other religions, for me to have the lessons and information to be shared with others (congregations).  I will not claim any interpretations exhortations to be my own or t be the first to uncover its message, thus, all along all are revealed in the past. As the summary of all thoughts, I will really take time in reading and meditating the Scriptures for it will guide and lead me to the truth.