The Meaning And Importance Of The Cross

The cross, like the fish, is one of the symbols of Christianity. The one wearing or putting up a cross in a building or a tomb or anywhere else is saying, “I am a Christian, a disciple or follower of Jesus Christ”. The cross without the image of Christ symbolize that Jesus did not remain nailed to the cross because He resurrected on the third day as the Scriptures say.

What about the fish? The Lord Jesus Christ in selecting his disciples said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19). Where do fishermen catch fish? From the most shallow portion of the sea to its deepest part. The deeper the sea, the more valuable and the bigger the fish to be caught. That is why the Lord Jesus told Peter, “Put out into deep waters and let down the nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4, NIV).

It is more difficult to evangelize important people, usually the very rich and the highly educated ones who can manage their life on their own. One has to go into the “deep” so to speak, not just in the shallow part of the sea to evangelize these class of people. And to go to the deep is fraught with dangers and sacrifices. There in the deep, you will “catch” people of the likes of Nicodemus and Zaccaeus or Saul later re-named Paul. These class of people, if caught, will be influential in catching others like them for the kingdom of God.

Back to the cross, the Apostle Paul said, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23), and he further said, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 6:23). “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (vs. 24).

Furthermore, he said, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (or payment) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission (or forgiveness) of sins that are past; through the forbearance (tolerance or patience) of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (vss. 25-26).

And he further elaborated,

“1Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. 2You used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3All of us used to live that way, following the passions and desires of our evil nature. We were born with an evil nature, and we were under God's anger just like everyone else. 4But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, 5that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!) 6For he raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with him in the heavenly realms -- all because we are one with Christ Jesus. 7And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus. 8God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Eph. 2:1-9 NLT)

The Penalty for sin whether small or big sin is death. So all have to die with no exception because no one is sinless. But because of the immeasurable LOVE of God to His very special creation whom He created after His own image and likeness, God provided a remedy and that is, “He sent His only begotten Son to be crucified and to die on behalf or in substitution of all sinner-believers of Jesus Christ (also God in human form), so that the sinner-believer shall have eternal life, and will abide with him in heaven forever and ever and “there will be no more death, or sorrow or crying or pain” (Rev. 21:3-4 NLT).

But notice very well the requirements:

1) Faith in Jesus Christ;

2) Purely by grace (defined simply as unmerited or undeserved favor). Meaning, the sinner does not deserve the gift of eternal life because of his sin, but by the grace of God (because of His infinite LOVE even if a man is a sinner) and purely because of the sinner’s faith or full trust in Jesus, that sinner is given the gift of eternal life.

The Apostle Paul emphasized that a sinner-believer of Jesus is not saved by his own efforts and not of his good works (Eph. 2:8-9), and he further said, “a man is not justified by the works of the law (or by following to the letter the ten commandments and other lesser laws) but by the faith of Jesus Christ” (Gal. 2:16). Here is the exact quotation of Gal. 2:16:

^“16 And yet we Jewish Christians know that we become right with God, not by doing what the law commands, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be accepted by God because of our faith in Christ—and not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be saved by obeying the law.”

This remedy is necessary because as already said above, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The Bible says, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10 KJV). The Bible tells us, “The LORD looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if there is even one with real understanding, one who seeks for God; all have become corrupt, no one does good, not even one!” (Psalm 14:2-3 NLT). But God “does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent” (2 Peter 3:9).

But the sinner must believe with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus himself said, “He who believes in me though he were dead yet shall he live” (John 11:25) and he shall have eternal life for believing and will never perish (vs. 26 NLT). He is referring to spiritual death. Meaning, the earthly body dies, but the soul and spirit of man who repented of his sins, believed, accepted and received the Lord Jesus as his only Savior and Lord shall resurrect and live eternally. Thus, Jesus said, “you believe in God, believe also in me… and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, so that where I am (in heaven), there ye may be also… (John 14:1-3), and “because I live, you shall live also (vs. 19).

The second requisite is faith or belief in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

What is faith? The Bible itself defines it. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1 KJV). In another rendition, it says: “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see” (NLT).

Saving Faith is something we are hoping for because we cannot or have not seen it fulfilled yet. Because if we have seen it or can already see it, that is no longer faith. Thus, the verse or expression, “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7 KJV). In another rendition, it says, “we live by believing and not by seeing” (NLT). For example, we are yet hoping to resurrect like the Lord Jesus Christ. We have not resurrected yet because in the first place, we must physically die first like Jesus, but we believe with all our heart that after we die physically, on resurrection day, we shall resurrect just like the Lord Jesus. Also, we hope to be in heaven with Jesus and live with Him there forever and ever because that is his promise (John 14:3). We have not been to heaven yet and we have not seen heaven, but we believe with all our heart that what we are hoping shall truly and really come to pass.

Faith is best demonstrated by the two lepers who approached the Lord Jesus Christ for healing. The Lord Jesus asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord”, they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you”, and their sight was restored (Matt. 9:28-29 NIV). Everyone who approached the Lord Jesus for healing, Jew or Gentile, Roman or whatever be his nationality, was healed, because Peter said, “of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons (or does not show favoritism), but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts. 10:34-35 KJV).

Remember, the Bible says, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). In another rendition, the Bible says, “Yet faith comes from listening to the message of good news – the good news about Christ” (NLT). So, one must hear (or read, study and accept and believe) the Word of God. The perfection of our faith is knowledge of the Word of God. Hear/study the Bible – the Word of God. That is why, the Lord Jesus told His disciples (and every believer is a disciple) “Go into all the World and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16; Matt. 28:16-20 NLT).

The cross symbolizes and is the evidence of the infinite LOVE of God for mankind to such extent that God gave and sent His only begotten Son to suffer a substitutionary death in the cross of calvary (John 3:16). Jesus Christ suffered the supreme sacrifice by way of substitution for the sinner who is decreed to suffer the sentence or penalty of death. So, the sinner who has faith and believes on God/Jesus and His promises, the best of all is salvation and eternal life, though guilty is absolved or redeemed from his death sentence, but instead is assured of eternal life now and in the new world to come, to be lived with Jesus Christ in the ultimate destination of all believers – Heaven.

More than the above symbolism is the fact that Jesus Christ was 100% human because He died, but at the same time 100% God or “divine” because He resurrected as he foretold, since only God and God alone has the power to resurrect any human being, and only God has the power of resurrection.

[FGBMFI Davao City Chapter Bulletin March 31, 2013]

Precious Time: Handle It With Care

            Time lost can never be regained.

It is written, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Life is compared to a flower and a shadow or vapour that last only for a few minutes or hours or few days (James 4:14; Job 14:1-2).

In the prayer of Moses, the man of God, which is the oldest Psalm (several hundred years before David wrote many of the Psalms), he said: “The days of our years are three score years and ten (70 years); and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years (80 years), yet is their strength labour and sorrow (or pain and suffering in other rendition), for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10).

The giver of time and days freely is God himself, and we are to devote or use time and days wisely. We must therefore take advantage of the opportunities time provide to serve the Lord in whatever capacity as God has bestowed to us a talent or talents and to do His will. Therefore, we must ask ourselves how much time do I devote for God and the mission He commanded us to do according to His will? The mission is: “Go ye unto all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature” [good news of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ] (Mark 15:15) “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20 KJV).

Time spent for writing articles to be published in our FGBMFI Saturday Bulletin is definitely one means of “preaching” the Gospel all over the world for those who have their own blogs, and where internet is available. Thanks to ex-Davao City Councilor Peter T. Laviña who graciously provided me a blog. Blessed are those who are contributing regularly to our FGBMFI Saturday Bulletin. Their reward is now being enjoyed by them and more are waiting in heaven.

Most of us devote our time looking for money which can be the source of our security and happiness. I said “us” because I, too, am guilty of it. I literally work, including this article writing, more than eight hours everyday, including holidays except Sundays and Holy Friday.

However, we do not have to be working every single moment. God the Father commanded: “Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:

“¹³Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: ¹⁴But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.” (Deut. 5:13-14 KJV)

It is necessary to take a break every so often. Use the wisdom given us by God. Precisely Moses prayed further, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (vs. 12). In another rendition, it is said: “Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom (NLT). Laconically stated, “spend wisely our alloted time in this earth”.

According to wise King Solomon, “There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT). The Lord Jesus Christ is our best example. He demonstrated this when He was on earth ministering. He lived only for 33 years or so, yet he was able to accomplish His mission – to save all sinners who believe, repent and accept and receive Him as their Lord and only Savior (Mark 15:16). He said to His disciples: “Sleep on now, and take your rest:” (Matt. 26:45; Mark 14:41 KJV); “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place (without disturbance), and rest a while:” (Mark 6:31 KJV).

We should be grateful that the Lord does not sell time. If this were the case, only the rich can buy. No, He provides it as a gift to everyone who is willing. “Whosoever will” is the policy of God (Rev. 22:17). God does not force His will upon us. This is the grace of God. So let’s spend our days “redeeming the time” (Col. 4:5), using the opportunities to serve God and our fellowmen for as long as we live and are able.

How can we serve the Lord God and others? Ask yourself, “What is my talent, or what do I enjoy most to do?” Serve the Lord and others by using that talent. As you continue serving, your talent is improved and “perfected” until you become an “expert.” You will not be bored and be watching your watch but instead you will enjoy your work or “ministry” in the kingdom of God; you will forget the time and days past, and also you will be surprised beyond measure and beyond your wildest dreams that God will enable you to earn exceedingly and abundantly (Eph. 3:20).

We do not know exactly how long and how much time or days we have left. So let us live and serve God and men who will need our services as if this day is going to be our last. Let us spend our God-given time and days WISELY.

Time is gold and very precious. Handle it with care!

[FGBMFI Davao City Chapter Bulletin March 23, 2013]

Saved By Religion or By Christ?

Religion is defined by the on-line dictionary which is very similar to the Reader’s Digest definition as:

“1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion, etc.”

Webster defines religion as:

“Recognition on the part of man of a controlling superhuman power entitled to obedience, reverence, and worship; the feeling or the spiritual attitude of those recognizing such a controlling power, with the manifestation of such feeling in conduct or life; the practice of sacred rites or observances; a particular system of faith in and worship of a Supreme Being or a god or gods; the state of life of the members of a religious order;”

Black’s Law dictionary defines religion as:

“A particular system of faith and worship recognized and practiced by a particular church, sect, or denomination.”

It is said that man is incurably religious. To many people, religion is their way to, and of, knowing Jesus Christ. And Christ said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6 KJV).

A follower or disciple of Christ is one who observes or does the teachings and works of Christ, particularly the spread of the Gospel (or Good news) or the Word of God. He is LOVING, joyful, a peaceful person, longsuffering or very extraordinarily patient, very gentle in his manner and conduct (avoiding to hurt anyone’s feelings); he is a very nice, good and understanding person (he places himself in the shoes of another person), he is full of faith (believing and trusting in the promises of God (Jesus Christ in person); he is meek (not boastful) and can control his temper and emotions (is not easily angered or [soon angry, Titus 1:7]). The Bible tells us: “Be angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath” (Eph. 4:26 KJV). He does not slam the door or pound the table hard even when angered. This is being Christlike. Succinctly stated, he is like Jesus Christ in his character and conduct (Gal. 5:22).

However, in every rule there is an exception, like one day, the Lord Jesus got so much angered upon the people who converted the premises of the Temple of Solomon into a marketplace instead of a house of worship and prayer, by reason of which Jesus drove all of them away from the Temple. This is what the scripture specifically says:

“In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; and he saw money changers behind their counters, Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and oxen, scattered the money changers’ coin over the floor and turned over their tables. Then going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Don’t turn my Father’s house into a marketplace” (John 2:14-16 NLT).

A Christlike person does not depend on his good works to be in heaven, but he will be in heaven by the grace of God through his faith in Jesus Christ as evidenced by his Christlikeness (Exh. 2:8). Thus, the Bible says, “By grace you have been saved through faith …; it is the gift of God, not of works” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

A Christlike person does good works out of gratitude and love for God (Jesus Christ in person) and for his neighbor. There is no artificiality or hypocrisy in his thoughts, words and actions.

Someone who is religious may believe in God, attend church regularly, utter beautifully worded and eloquent prayers, show kindness beyond compare, and be seen as a very good person whose qualities and character are hard to equal. However, people who are religious and have many good qualities are not saved by their religiosity and their religiosity will not substitute for faith (belief and full trust) in Jesus Christ alone as his Lord and only Savior, not by his good works. But a SAVED person necessarily does or performs good works. Thus, the Bible tells us: “For we are God’s masterpiece (obra maestra). He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned (prepared) for us long ago” (Eph. 2:10 NLT).

We are NOT saved by what we have done or are doing, but by having Full Faith (trusting) in God and because of what Jesus Christ has done in the cross of calvary.

A saved person is sanctified [made holy] in Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:2). How do we know a saved or sanctified person? Jesus Christ said, “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:16; 12:33; Luke 6:44 KJV). These fruits are either the souls he has evangelized or brought into the kingdom of God. These will be the believer’s treasures in heaven. The “fruits” also refer to the spiritual fruits or characteristics of a saved person spoken of by the Apostle Paul in Gal. 5:22 as elaborated above.

People with faith put their trust in Jesus, repent and prays for forgiveness of their sins. They have the incredible assurance of entrance into heaven and seek to become more like Jesus each day, and moment by moment.

There are not many ways or “padrinos” to get into heaven; God’s Word says there is only one – by the grace of God through faith in his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Salvation is a gift from God. Receive the gift by receiving Jesus Christ into your heart.

When someone reaches the door of heaven he will not be asked, “To what religion or religious sect or denomination do you belong?” which is usually asked in application forms for application of earthly positions. Rather, the question will be: “Do you belong to Jesus Christ (regardless of your religious denomination or affiliation)?”

We must remember, these various sects, denominations or nomenclature of religious groups are only man-made not by Jesus Christ or by his Apostles. Stated differently, the question to be asked by the guard in heaven, will be: Are you a believer or follower of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the only begotten Son of God?

Only those who belong to Christ by faith are allowed to enter heaven by the grace of God. Meaning, we do not really deserve to enter heaven, it is only by the GRACE (unmerited favor) of God and by our FAITH in Jesus Christ and in the truth of all Jesus’ promises. In the words of Jesus Christ, “Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Then, he elaborated further what he meant by “born again” by saying, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5 KJV). This will be explained in a subsequent article.

In conclusion, one is not saved by his religious sect or affiliation but by his spiritual relationship to Jesus Christ, regardless of his religious affiliation.

[FGBMFI Davao City Chapter Bulletin, March 16, 2013]

The Prescription for Good Life

People normally associate “the good life” with success in business or profession, fame in society, and great material wealth.

The truly successful people who earned their success through diligence and honest hard work have the tendency to succeed more and more and have many friends because success begets success. Wise King Solomon said, “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Prov. 10:22 KJV). Be successful and generous and God-fearing like Manny Paquiao and you will have plenty of friends and admirers. You can even be a Congressman though you know nothing on lawmaking, and who knows, a governor or even a President of the Philippines!

In the spiritual realm, a “good life” is a gift from God to those who trust Him, and who make obeying God’s commands and applying Christian principles of life their primary aim.

Life is good when lived in love of God and of neighbor. “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous (or virtuous and godly person) and his ears are open unto their cry” (Ps. 34:15). “The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles” (vs. 17). The promise of the LORD is that, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (vs. 19).

In Job 14:1, the Bible tells us, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble”. Thus, the LORD Jesus who was born of Miss Mary, and, therefore, a 100% human (and also 100% divine) lived only for 33 ½ years or roughly 12,227 days. He suffered tremendous persecution hardly describable in words during the short span of his life as human, culminating in his crucifixion in the cross of calvary. Praise God, He sent His only begotten Son to take our place in the cross of calvary. We do not have to be crucified or die spiritually for our sins anymore.

Best of all, however, is that, “the LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him (or put his complete confidence and reliance on the integrity of the promises of God) will be desolate” (or guilty), and these will live a truly good life. The spiritual prescription: be righteous and completely trust God for deliverance from all your troubles. That is truly the good life!

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Psalm 34:8). This means that no one can taste a good life without knowing and fully trusting God for victory and deliverance from all his troubles in life.

[FGBMFI Davao City Chapter Bulletin, March 9, 2013]

Heart Trouble

The heart pumps oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body’s cells, tissues, and organs through the arteries and veins in our body back and forth, for as long as we live. When the heart malfunctions, the flow of blood is affected and every other part also malfunctions and the body becomes sick. When the heart stops pumping, the body dies.

The heart is likened to an engine and the arteries and veins as the fuel line. When there is no more fuel that feeds the engine because of clogging, the engine stops functioning or “dies”.

It is absolutely essential that the fuel lines in an engine are kept clean and clear and free from obstruction so the fuel will flow freely just as the arteries and the veins should be kept clean and clear from any obstruction of bad cholesterol so the oxygenated blood will flow freely to keep the body healthy and in good shape.

King David, inspired by the Holy Spirit said, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10). Clean from sin which is likened to the bad cholesterol in the arterial walls of the human heart.

The most common affliction that plagues people is physical heart trouble. More than any other ailment, it is the disease that causes an early and sudden death. Statistics show that in the Philippines, the number one ailment-killer is one connected with heart trouble.

But there is an affliction even more deadly than a malfunction of the heart that pumps blood through our body system. It is an spiritual heart disease from which everyone suffers and which leads to eternal death. The Bible tells us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). We are all dead in our trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1). No one is without sin. Thus, the Bible tells us, “As it is written there is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Rom. 3:10-12; Psalm 14:2-3 KJV).

The truly and greatest of all heart specialists, the Lord Jesus Christ, said, “Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man” (Matt. 15:19-20).

The prophet Jeremiah said: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9).

King David said, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me (Ps. 51:10) … Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit (vs. 12).” The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise (vs. 17).

We need a new clean heart and a renewed spirit. But how can that happen? It takes the healing touch of our Lord Jesus Christ. We must know Him, accept Him as our Lord and only Savior, and repent of our sins.

God showed His love, kindness and concern to us in Christ Jesus when He gave his only begotten Son to die in our stead in the cross of calvary, the supreme sacrifice of a Father and Son. The shedding of blood of Jesus Christ in the cross of calvary cleanseth us from all sins (Heb. 9:14, 22 & 28); “if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He makes us alive eternally by grace through faith in Jesus Christ; “it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8). A gift has to be received so we can benefit from it.

The antidote to physical heart trouble is to eat only healthy foods and avoid “fatty” foods which are the source of bad cholesterol that clogs the arteries of the heart.

On the other hand, the antidote to, or remedy for, spiritual heart trouble is faith in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, and the only Savior of our soul; and confession of our sins to God [Jesus Christ in person] (Psalm 32:5 and 51:3), not to any saint, priest or minister.

A special place called the “Kingdom of God” already prepared by our Lord Jesus Christ awaits the born again sinners (John 3:3, 5) where they will live eternally with Jesus Christ (John 3:15-16).

It is true all of us will one day die physically, but not spiritually for the “born again” believer, inasmuch as the incredible assurance and promise of Jesus Christ is: “… I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26 KJV). “Shall never die” in this verse means “shall not die spiritually.” Jesus further promised, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye maybe also” (John 14: 1-3 KJV). “Yet a little while, the world seeth me no more; but ye see me; because I live, ye shall live also” (vs. 19 KJV).

Therefore, the “born again” Christian who remains as such until his last breath is trouble free spiritually in his heart and shall live eternally with Jesus Christ in the Kingdom of God.

FGBMFI Davao City Chapter Bulletin, March 2, 2013