Discussion Forum #10

What happens spiritually when any factor is put above Scripture in authority?  Include in your discussion how easily we set our own ideas above biblical truth.

Discussion Forum #9

Many of our church members have a Catholic background so the belief of lesser mediating gods are almost always embedded in their concept of relating with God. Let's say that you are planning to teach a class in church this Sunday to teach your people that the idea of mediating beings is not necessary for a Christian.  

Present your lesson plan in the comment box below.  Include scripture references and the main points of your lesson.

Discussion Forum #8

If we randomly ask people what they want in this present life, I am almost sure that peace would be one of the answers.  Everywhere you turn, you see the absence of peace--1S1S.  Syr1a.  Palest1ne.  Fallen 44.  Magu1ndanao.   People all around the world recognize this, in fact, there has been countless peace talks and agreements that were discussed, signed, and broken.  Peace never came.

 

Another initiative that has been pursued is the interfaith dialogs and tolerance.  We have heard that the current pope even promotes this wherever he goes--conducting interfaith meetings and dialogs.  In fact, February 1-7 of each year has been designated World Interfaith Harmony Week by the United Nations.  It was launched in February 2011 to promote harmony among people of different faiths at a time when inter-religious conflict is claiming lives and livelihoods all over the world.


For this week's discussion, what are your thoughts about this?  Does this really lead us to acquiring peace?  Can this be related to what the Apostle John wrote in Revelation 17 and 18? 

got desire?

There are times in life where you are already so lost yet not know it.  You keep going and going, farther and farther from where you're supposed to be.  I know I need to stay close to the Lord.  I need to seek Him in all that I do.  I need to hear the beating of His heart so mine can be in tune with His.  In short, I desperately need Him and I know it.  But I choose to go my own way--then I get hurt, I get confused, I get lost.

However, the love of God just won't let you go.  He reaches out to you.  He speaks to you.  He keeps loving you.

Since last Sunday, the Lord has repeatedly reminded me that I am utterly helpless without Him.  I am like a deer that just couldn't go without water--I couldn't go on living without Him.  I struggle to move forward and accomplish those which the Lord has placed in my hand to do but I have neglected the very provision He gave me in order to prosper--His Word.  This is evident in my slackness in reading His Word.  My Bible reading plan says I should be in Exodus 20 but I am still in Genesis until now. This depraved heart knows what I should do but it continuously refuses to follow what's right.  Oh how I desperately need God's constant rescuing. 

This reflection continued even in my church history class.  We were talking about the Reformation and how it accomplished so much in the life of the church during that time.  But the challenge for change and renewal, not just within our churches but more importantly within each individual hearts, continues on even today.  Yesterday, we received the news that my husband's mother has already gone to be with the Lord.  I told Dindo that we are indeed getting older each day.  Before long, we'd hear more of these news of loved ones passing away or even we ourselves may die anytime.  Life is short.  Time flies fast.  At the end of all these, only what I've done with and for Christ would really matter.  This morning in chapel, Sir Bob Long spoke about how much we need to desire God to be part of our lives.  We need to ask God to place in our hearts a continual thirst for Him, His word and His will.  Oh Lord, may my heart's desire be more of You each day.  (By the way, this post's title "Got Desire?" was the title of Sir Bob Long's message in chapel today.)

Here is a song that has been playing in mind today.  

All I want is more of You
All I want is more of You
Nothing I desire Lord
But more of You
All I want is more of You
All I want is more of You
Nothing I desire Lord
But more of You
More of You

Jesus I am thirsty
Won't You come and fill me
Earthly things have left me dry
Only You can satisfy
All I want is more of You

Discussion Forum #7

The Reformation was a remarkable time of change and renewal where our eyes have been opened to the truth of God's love, the sufficiency of His Word, and need for constant reformation of this world.  Indeed, it was a milestone in the life of the Church carefully orchestrated by God Himself. 

For this week's discussion, describe the significant accomplishments of the Reformation and how the church should continually uphold the pursuits of Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin.
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Discussion Forum #6

The whole Philippines stopped for the entire 5 days that the Pope was in the Philippines.  Everyone was eager to hear what he would say as he met with different audience.  He celebrated mass for the clergy.  He spoke to the nation's political leaders in Malacanang, met with families at the MOA Arena, and even flew into Tacloban in the middle of a signal #2 storm just to be with the victims of the typhoon Yolanda along with many other pilgrims from all over the country.  He listened to the cries of the youth at UST and met with religious leaders from other faiths,  and celebrated mass before 6 to 7 million people.  Even the broadcast networks were united for five days just for him.

What changes do you hope for in the lives of the people who watched and listened to him?

What changes do you pray for in yourself?

Discussion Forum #5

Critique the statement, "Mysticism teaches that man can have a relationship with God that does not require the organization nor government of the church."