#bro. eli

[savvy-mina-blog]

Kung alam mong ikabubuti mo, kahit masakit, tiisin mo.

Things learned from Bro. Eli and Kuya Daniel

[truthcast-blog]

A Scientific Way of Discovering Biblical Truth (Part 3)

This is the third installment of my article entitled “A Scientific Way of Discovering Biblical Truth”

One does not have to be a special someone in society to be instrumental in preaching the true Gospel of Christ. The very first called Apostles were illiterate fishermen.

(Acts 4:13) "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."

Those who are called for God’s special purpose are mostly ‘nobodies’ in society.

(I Corinthians 1:26-29) "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. "

This is God’s way in expressing and making known His power. The unimportant and the poor nation of Israel were chosen to be God’s people.

(Deuteronomy 7:6-7) "For thou art a holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:"

They were then the only people of God on earth.

(II Kings 5:15) "And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant."

(Romans 9:4-5) "Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen."

Jesus Christ, the greatest person who ever lived on earth, came from these oppressed people of God. John the Baptist, a great prophet, was a poor uneducated man.

(Matthew 3:4) "And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leather girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey."

This is consistently the pattern of God’s salvation wherein He uses the lowly to do great tasks.

(Ecclesiastes 9:14-15) "There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man."

Paul, an educated Apostle, confessed of his infirmity, thus, leaving him no chance of glorifying himself.

(II Corinthians 12:6-9) "For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Brother Eli: The person and the work

I have nothing to boast of nor to glory about myself. I am definitely nobody. Whatever infirmities or defects I have in my person are known to my peers. As I have said before, I am not perfectly witty, but I am perfectly me.

I am not ashamed about my person to anyone because I know that this is the way my Creator wants me to be: in height; the color of my skin (now, with blemishes); my eyes (although quite protruding); my voice (which I know is not quite inviting to the ears — but I love singing); and the entire person I am. To sum it all up, I am not of a very pleasing personality; but I want to tell everybody that it is not my goal to please everybody, but my God. Of course, conscientiously, I want to please people — as it is convenient to live without enemies. But I know, of certainty, the path that I am presently treading is one where I will meet and make more enemies than friends.

Can I be used by God as a preacher of the true Gospel? Let us consult the Holy Scriptures. The only quality needed for somebody to be used by God as an Instrument of His righteousness is to be clean or pure.

(II Timothy 2:19-21) "Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work."

I believe it is the Master that prepares a vessel for a good work. It is not within man’s ability to clean and prepare himself for a good work or purpose.

(Jeremiah 10:23) "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."

Doing good is an obligation of anyone who knows how to do it.

(James 4:17) "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

My fear of the Lord, and the fear to sin consistently, are the factors that drive me to speak the Gospel — to preach it.

When I first got hold of a Bible, there was, inside me, a power that made me feel the urge to read… and read more… and more… and more.

As I read, verses were imprinted in my mind one after the other, verses that aroused my consciousness about every problem and questions in life. What is life for? Why does it end? Who gives it? And what will be the afterlife?

These questions were all answered until the time that I could not anymore contain them within me, but I wanted to share them with others, as somebody who had found a great wealth willing to share and alleviate the sufferings of the poor.

The knowledge that I have accumulated in reading the word of God obliges me to speak and share the truth that I have known. My faith gives me the strength to speak.

(II Corinthians 4:13) "We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;"

I know that the mouth of a human person can be used to tell the truth about God.

(Romans 10:10) "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

I have a mouth and there is faith in my heart; these compel me to break my silence. I believe people should be warned. They have to hear the Good News; it is not only their right, but my obligation."

(I Corinthians 9:16) "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"

I have an open mind and heart. If there is anybody in this dispensation who knows better than what I have known, I am willing to be subjected to him and help him labor for the glory of the God of Israel.

I am old and tired. I have labored for years; but I believe what I have done, is not even an inch of the many miles of work that lies ahead. I do not know when I will rest, but before I finally close my lips in silence, God-willing, until that time, I want to speak the truth — and nothing but the truth. So help me God. Until then, I am nobody.

(Luke 17:10) "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."

To this, I say, AMEN!

EFS

Date Updated: June 8, 2011

[truthcast-blog]

A Scientific Way of Discovering Biblical Truth (Part 2)

This is the second installment of my article entitled “A Scientific Way of Discovering Biblical Truth”.

I do not claim to be an Apostle, an executive minister, or a ‘sumo pontifice’ (supreme pontiff), or a ‘supremo’ among those people who follow me in faith. I refuse to be called pastor, reverend or sir.

The word reverend was only used once in the King James Version of the Bible (KJV) to describe the name of the Most High.

(Psalms 111:9) “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant forever: holy and reverend is His name.”

I do not allow anybody to call me ‘sir’ — especially when it comes to religious matters because the word ‘sir’ means:

sire [sīr]

Sire address to king or lord: a respectful form of address for a king or lord (archaic)

[12th century. Via French < Latin senior (see senior)]

Microsoft® Encarta® 2007

It is a biblical prohibition!

(I Peter 5:2-3) “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.”

But who is Brother Eli in the religious realm of the present dispensation? Can he be somebody in comparison with religious leaders of this world today? Let us investigate this matter in a scientifically biblical manner.

I am an easterner… a Filipino. Geographically, the Philippines is a part of the east. Biblical prophecies speak of the East.

(Zechariah 8:7) “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country;”

The prophecy is not confined only to countries east of the center of biblical direction or reckoning point, (Jerusalem), but also speaks of east in the geographical sense.

(Malachi 1:11) “For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.”

The prophecy speaks of Gentiles in the east (Gentiles are those outside of the nation of Israel — God’s chosen people Ephesians 2:11-12). Geographical consideration will place the country of the Philippines as a biblical possibility where incense and pure offerings will be offered to God. Incense means prayers and praises to the God of Israel.

(Revelation 5:8) “And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” RSV

Although Japan is called the “land of the rising sun” which qualifies it, also, to be a possible fulfillment of the prophecy, generally, they do not praise or pray to the God of Israel, but to other gods, thus, disqualifying them.

(Isaiah 24:15) “Therefore in the east give glory to the LORD; in the coastlands of the sea, to the name of the LORD, the God of Israel.” RSV

As a nation, the Philippines, my country, is included in biblical prophecies.

(Acts 10:34-35) “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”

With regards to dialects and languages, my country of diverse dialects is included in biblical prophecies of salvation.

(Isaiah 66:18-19) “For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.”

I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.”

Originally, the Philippines is called “Las Islas Filipinas.”

(Revelation 7:9) “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;”

The number of languages listed for Philippines is 175. Of those, 171 are living languages and 4 are extinct.

http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=PH

As to the manner of God’s calling, my people are qualified to be the possible fulfillment of the prophecies.

(I Corinthians 1:26-29) “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.”

Filipinos, like me, do not claim supremacy over other nations of the earth. Our history will reveal that we are oppressed, exploited, and now are very poor; but I believe that this economic condition in my country does not disqualify us from meriting God’s salvation like the poor nation of Israel.

(Deuteronomy 7:6-7) “For thou art a holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:”

(Luke 6:20-23) “And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”

But how about the person and the work of Brother Eli?

To be continued…

Bro. Eli Soriano

[truthcast-blog]

A Scientific Way of Discovering Biblical Truth (Part 1)

On this website, I am not promoting nor campaigning for the glory of any man, but my God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

(Proverbs 25:27) “It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.”

It is God’s delight in a man to know how to glorify His God.

(Jeremiah 9:23-24) “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”

God is love; and love does not delight in the opposite of truth.

(I John 4:16) “So we know and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” RSV

(I Corinthians 13:4, 6) “Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful…it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.” RSV

It is right and sensible to believe that every good thing that happens comes from God. So, it is God’s glory that must prevail over any other.

There are comments being sent to me that say that I am like Paul or the Lord Jesus Christ as if I am in a level equal to or, to some, even more than they are! To these I vehemently disagree! I am simply Brother Eli. I may not be perfectly witty, but I am perfectly me. My person, if I were to be asked, is the least of all Christians in this dispensation. Once, the Apostle Paul claimed to be the least.

(Ephesians 3:8) “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;”

Now, I do not say that mine is a claim, but a belief regarding myself. I may be speaking to an audience larger than any audience of the Lord Jesus and the Apostle Paul in the past, but that does not make me greater than my Lord.

(John 13:16) “Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.”

There are those that claim that they were sent by God like, Joseph Smith, the Pope (being elected by the College of Cardinals of the RCC), Jose Luis Miranda (who claims that he is the Christ like Apollo Quiboloy and others), but I believe that they are all liars in light of the verses of the very scriptures they hold, and pretend to be preaching! Jesus Christ, when He comes, will not come unnoticed.

(Matthew 24:24-27) “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

These religious leaders who place themselves in a level equal with Christ and the Apostles are under delusion, to believe, among others, that they are the vicar (or replacement) of Christ.

(Hebrews 7:23-24) “And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.”

(II Thessalonians 2:11-12) “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

Their followers are definitely misled.

(II Corinthians 11:13-15) “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

They do not serve the Lord; but their own belly —looking for their own glory.

(Romans 16:18) “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”

(Philippians 3:19) “Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.”

(John 7:18) “He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.”

Someone who is truly sent by God does not claim by himself that he is sent, unless God has told him so.

(Hebrews 5:4-5) “And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made a high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee.”

The Apostles wrote and said that they were sent by God after God has told them.

(Acts 26:17-18) “I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.”

(II Corinthians 5:19-20) “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

They were not self-appointed ambassadors, but were sent and appointed by God with witnesses that testify of their being sent.

Peter testified of the Apostle Paul:

(II Peter 3:15) “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;”

Paul testified of the Apostle Peter:

(Galatians 2:8-9) “(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles): And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.”

They were commissioned by God.

(II Corinthians 10:18) “For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.”

How do we know that they were approved and commended of the Lord? Their teachings are free from errors and deceits.

(I Thessalonians 2:3-4) “For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.”

(II Timothy 2:15) “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

It is in listening and following this kind of preachers that we can be sure of salvation!

(I Timothy 4:16) “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

But how about Brother Eli?

To be continued…

Date Updated: June 8, 2011

[truthcast-blog]

The Claim that There is No God is an Escape from All Realities (Part 2)

Although there are hidden and camouflaged evils in every society, it is generally the norm in human society to condemn evil. The teachings of God in the Bible are against all evil. To deny the existence of God is to favor evil. The slogan, “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life,” implies that there is a struggle deep inside the heart of the formulators of such a slogan. However they try to shrug it off because they want to find a way of escape for the guilty feeling in their heart due to all the evil they are doing.

(Romans 2:15) "Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;" (KJV)

The formulators of such slogans are trying to escape all these realities because they are not real people:

1. The reality that there is a Creator of everything that exists;

(Acts 17:24) "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;" (KJV)

2. The reality that everything that exists was planned and created for a purpose. (The harmony in the natural and physical universe cannot logically be the product of an accident or a Big Bang)

(Romans 1:19) "Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them." (KJV)

(Romans 1:20) "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" (KJV)

(Job 34:13) "Who has given the earth as a deposit with Him? Or who has set the whole world in order?" (MKJV)

(Proverbs 8:29) "When he assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth," (RSV)

3. The reality that the Bible speaks of scientific truths even before they were discovered by human science because such declarations came from an existing God.

(Isaiah 40:22) "It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:" (KJV)

(Job 26:7) "He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing." (KJV)

4. The reality that present-day happenings were predicted in the Bible thousands and hundreds of years ago by an existing God.

(Isaiah 46:9) "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me," (KJV)

(Isaiah 46:10) "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:" (KJV)

(Matthew 24:3) "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" (KJV)

(Matthew 24:4) "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you." (KJV)

(Matthew 24:5) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (KJV)

(Matthew 24:6) And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (KJV)

(Matthew 24:7) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. (KJV)

(Matthew 24:8) All these are the beginning of sorrows. (KJV)

5. And, the reality of their very existence that the prophecy of the coming of “scoffers” is being fulfilled in their person!

(II Peter 3:3) Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, (KJV)

Throughout the history of man, those who believed and served God with all their hearts were the greatest men that this world has ever seen. They were the best public servants, the best heroes, the best mentors, the best leaders, and the best neighbors — NONE OF THESE BEST MEN WAS AN ATHEIST!

Date Updated: May 30, 2011

[truthcast-blog]

The Claim That There Is No God Is An Escape From All Realities (Part 1)

According to latest available statistics there are about 15-30% of the world population that are either agnostics or atheists. Microsoft Encarta (2009) defines these terms as -

agnostic ag•nos•tic [ag nóstik] (plural ag•nos•tics) noun 1. somebody denying God’s existence is provable: somebody who believes that it is impossible to know whether or not God exists 2. somebody denying something is knowable: somebody who doubts that a question has one correct answer or that something can be completely understood I’m an agnostic concerning space aliens. [Mid-19th century. < a-2 + gnostic] -ag•nos•tic, adjective -ag•nos•ti•cal•ly, adverb

atheist a•the•ist [áythee ist] (plural a•the•ists) noun unbeliever in God or deities: somebody who does not believe in God or deities

While it is true that there were evils throughout the history of humanity that were done by some people who “allegedly” are believers in the existence of God, the worst of these evil were done by those who denied the existence of God.

(Psalms 53:1) “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.”

This was the observation of the psalmist, David. The same observation was written by another Biblical writer many hundreds of years after David.

In Romans 3:10-18, the apostle Paul categorically stated -

“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. Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

In I Timothy 6:10, the Apostle Paul explained that the love of money is a root of all evil:

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (ASV)

But Paul was consistent in saying that all evil comes not only from the love of money but by not acknowledging the existence of God.

(Romans 1:28-32) “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

The godless Hitler murdered millions of innocent Jews. While other tyrants confess that they know God, their acts of cruelty and injustice denies their claim.

(Titus 1:16) “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”

From various sources [Localhistories.org/tyrants; Adherents.com/joseph_stalin] -

Polpot (an atheist, leader of the Cambodian communist movement known as the Khmer Rouge). He has killed probably at least 1.5 million people and it may have been as high as three million.

Joseph Stalin (an atheist, General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union’s Central Committee). A tyrant who murdered millions of people. He began a series of ‘purges’ in which millions of people died. The purges are known as the Great Terror.  The Soviet dictator said, “You know, they are fooling us, there is no God… all this talk about God is sheer nonsense.” – (E. Yaroslavsky, Landmarks in the Life of Stalin)

Adolf Hitler (Nazi leader, no religious inclination) isresponsible for the murder of some 6 million Jews during World War II.

Will the belief in the true God bring evil to humanity?

God said -

“Thou shalt not kill.” ( Exo.20:13) “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” (Exo.20:14) “Honor thy father and thy mother…” (Exo.20:12) “Thou shalt no steal.” (Exo.20:15) “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” (Ephe.5:25)

Believing in the God who commands all these things will make human society more humane. There is wisdom and prudence in believing in God as all areas of logic dictate than denying His existence. Denying God is denying the principle of science and logic that nothing happens without a cause.

(Romans 1:19-20) “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”

The wonders of the created universe prove the existence of the Most Magnificent Creator. Denying God is denying the dictate of human conscience that there is somebody greater than him.

(Romans 2:14-15) “For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; )”

The inability of a man to attain the stature that he perfectly wants to be, proves the fact that he was created by somebody higher in power than he is; while understanding the purpose of the Creator who had allowed the presence of infirmities in his being, will make him realize how great his Creator is.

(Romans 9:20-21) “Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?”

(II Corinthians 12:7-10) “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

CLAIMING THAT THERE IS PROBABLY NO GOD, IS AN ESCAPE FROM ALL REALITIES.

Why?

(To be continued…)

EFS

Published on Feb 24th, 2009 at esoriano.wordpress.com

Date Updated: May 30, 2011

[truthcast-blog]

Ignorance of the Law Excuses Someone

  God is the prime executor of justice on earth.

(Jeremiah 9:24). “…But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”

In God’s justice, the worst crime done ignorantly, especially of unbelievers, is pardonable.

(1 Tim 1:13) “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.”

Unpardonable crimes are those willfully committed having fully received the knowledge of truth.

(Hebrews 10:26) “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins…”

Genuine repentance is the only thing needed for absolution.

(Prov28:13) “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

Confession must be done, firstly, to God, then to the offended party.

(Psalms 32:5) “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.”

(James 5:16) “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

To merit God’s pardon, we have to learn how to forgive our offenders.

(Matthew 6:14-15) “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Therefore, ignorance is pardonable.

In the truest sense of God’s justice, no biblically inclined mind and thinking will conform to the internationally accepted fallacy of human principle on laws: Ignorantia legis neminem excusat.

The principle states, “Ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance therewith”.

The primary logical question is: How can you comply with a law you do not know?

The lawyer Apostle Paul said, where there is no law, sin cannot be imputed.

(Romans 4:15) “Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.”

“Because the law brings punishment from God. Where no law exists, there can be no sin”

God’s law is just and is the formidable bastion of justice.

(Romans 7:12) “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.”

Is it justice being served if somebody is being prosecuted for an offense based on a law not known to him?

There is a provision in the fiber of the Philippine jurisprudence, and in most civilized countries of the world, known as the “Blackstone’s formulation”.

“In criminal law, Blackstone’s formulation (also known as Blackstone’s ratio or the Blackstone ratio) is the principle: “better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer”, expressed by the English jurist William Blackstone in his Commentaries on the Laws of England, published in the 1760s.”

If, because of an innocent person, it is better to set free ten criminals, will it be prudent and just to prosecute a real innocent person because of his non-compliance with a law he is ignorant of?

In my opinion, it sounds stupid!

I am not a lawyer by profession. I am nothing; but my knowledge about God’s law and justice obliges me to say that these two principles in international law utterly contradict each other. I am reminded of a verse in the book of Job that says:

“The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he?”

It is noticeably ridiculous that the symbol of justice in almost all courts or law is a blindfolded woman with a balance on her hand.

In the Holy Book, it is influence and money that covers the eyes of an unjust judge.

(Exodus 23:8) “And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the officials, and subverts the cause of those who are in the right.”

(Luke 18:2) “Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man…”

I hope all judges will be just.

Pardon my ignorance of your laws!

Published on December 30th, 2009 at esoriano.wordpress.com

Date Updated: July 6, 2010

[truthcast-blog]

Masturbation: Is it a sin or not?

  Masturbation: Is it a sin or not?

In my 43 years of propagating God’s words in the Bible, I have come across numerous people asking me what the Bible says about masturbation: Is it a sin to masturbate or not? Many religious denominations condemn masturbation in whatever manner it is done. In the present Jewish religion, a rabbi has this to say —

“Kabbalah is very explicit about the negative spiritual side-effects of masturbation. The idea is as follows: Your seed is the material by which you procreate; it is the genetic material within you that allows you the opportunity to partner with G-d. When we let human seed go to waste, we squander G-d’s sacred and divine potential” [From AskMoses.com]

While the Jehovah’s witnesses have this to say —

“You Must Be Holy Because Jehovah Is Holy,” Watchtower, February 15, 1976. pp.122-123.

“15 In recent years, homosexuality has swept the world. These homosexuals claim that they are ‘bringing it out of the closet’ and they brag by saying, ‘We are proud to be such.’ It was apparent that this erosion of moral standards could pose a danger or threat for God’s holy people, so the congregations were alerted and wrongdoers were cleaned out. Likewise, unclean practices, such as masturbation, which can be a steppingstone to homosexuality, have been dealt with in a serious, yet understanding way, to help individuals keep clean and pure in Jehovah’s eyes” [From Watchtowerinformationservice.org ]

Sin is defined in the Bible as transgression of the law.

(1 John 3:4) “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”

Everything unrighteous is sin.

(1 John 5:17) “All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.”

It is a known fact and scientifically accepted that every normal human person experiences occasional lust of the flesh. Even the apostles of Christ testify to this.

(James 1:14) “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”

Sexual urges in humans is but as natural as experiencing hunger, thirst, tiredness, and the like. It is one of the most important processes in the human body. This feeling is moderated by God’s laws and statutes among His people, like the Israelites, because this is God’s instrument in the process of procreation. The Lord killed Onan when he did not obey God’s law to raise seed for his brother who died, and spilled it on the ground.

(Genesis 38:8-10) “And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother’s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother’s wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.”

Onan did not masturbate, as others claim. He lay with his brother’s wife to enjoy the pleasure of sex, but at the point of orgasm, he spilled it on the ground in utter defiance of God’s commandment. So, he was condemned to death.

Frankly speaking, most men (and women), if not all, masturbate — especially those without sexual partners. Even those with sexual partners, like husbands and wives do masturbate also, when situations do not allow them to have sexual intercourse; like when a woman has her period or is pregnant and about to deliver her baby. In a clinic, a man is required by a doctor to masturbate when a physical checkup and evaluation of his capacity to bear children.

In the biblical sense of righteousness, these situations can not be considered as sin. If a married man or woman, a bachelor, or a spinster, does masturbate to refrain from doing evil or infidelity to his or her partner, are you going to consider it a sin?

(1 Corinthians 7:29; 31) “But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;”

“And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.”

Scientifically, there is also evil in too much indulgence in everything we do to our body. Overindulgence in eating, drinking, and the like, will cause us to sin and scientifically will eventually cause diseases in our bodies. (Link)

Gluttony is being condemned by the Bible.

(Proverbs 23:20) “Be not among winebibbers, or among gluttonous eaters of meat…” RSV

Overindulgence in masturbation poses psychological and physiological imbalances.(Link)

Scientifically, there are benefits of regular, but not overindulgence, in masturbation. In a recent study, researchers say that “They found those who had ejaculated the most between the ages of 20 and 50 were the least likely to develop the cancer.” They say that “Men who ejaculated more than five times a week were a third less likely to develop prostate cancer later in life.” [From BBC.co.uk] ]

I do not recommend masturbation to anybody, neither do I encourage anybody to make it a scapegoat for their immoral sexual addictions, but I will not judge nor condemn anybody, who, because of force of circumstances, and not with an evil mind, is doing the act. God judges according to the intents of the heart!

(Jeremiah 17:9-10) “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”

Sins committed by a Christian due to the ‘weakness’ of his flesh are pardonable under God’s mercy.

(Galatians 6:1) “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

It is better to marry than to burn.

(1 Corinthians 7:9, RSV) “But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion.”

May the Lord teach your heart of the proper things to do through His words in the Bible.

God bless,

EFS

Published on May 27th, 2007 at esoriano.wordpress.com

Date Updated: December 2, 2010