Philippine politics is said to be at its critical level in moral degradation. Corruptions and political immorality is extremely rampant from the top most powerful governing body to the lowest. There are even times that school teachers teach students to cheat in an inter-school examination contests. No wonder why corruption has become more and more difficult to solve and why religion entered to politics.
Corruption is like a termite that slowly cripples a wood building eating everything as long as it is made up of wood. The building starts to weaken and disintegrate, until time comes that it will be in the hands of a strong wind which can blow it away. And this is exactly what is happening to our country.
The Church however (meant collectively), is trying its best to re-educate people and restore morality in politics. Some religious leaders even went as far as running for government position. One of the primary examples that we can quote is Fr. Panlilio, who run and won as governor in Pampanga.
The most heated debates among Christian groups however, was about the candidacy of Bro. Eddie Villanueva, a well known evangelist, founder and leader of Jesus Is Lord Movement who has itself around 5 million members.
Just like Fr. Panlilio his candidacy did not pass without scrutiny among religious groups especially among Evangelical Christians. In his first presidential candidacy in 2004, many Christians were never convinced of a pastor running for government office. I was in seminary that time during his first candidacy when I witnessed how Christians expressed their disappointments against him.
As I tried to involve myself deep within the forums of presidential candidates, I was even surprised that Christians are more hysterical and critical against Bro. Eddie especially in the issue of compromise. And as far as my personal observation is concern, there are more evangelical Christians who seem to humiliate him than non-evangelical Christians. Non-evangelical Christians who won’t vote for him simply commented that he’s not their best choice.
Six years passed, Bro. Eddie decided to run again. In an interview conducted by the Inquirer, Bro. Eddie was asked, “why are you running again?” Bro. Eddie answered, “Hindi pa ako nadala… ang importante before the eyes of history I am not guilty of abandoning the patriotic duty of every Filipino, …to have a genuine government that is dedicated for the Filipino people.
Was Bro. Eddie Really The Answer For This Genuine Change?
Evidently, we cannot put our trust to people who claims to have a genuine change. In fact, Bangon Pilipinas did recognize this fact which leads to their slogan “Sino’ng para sa matapat na gobyerno? Eddie Tayo”. The slogan has a double meaning. One is that, genuine change in government starts within us, and second, Bro. Eddie will set an example for that change.
The only thing that we can do however is to choose someone who has the political will and ability to put that changed into effect.
Bro Eddie And Perfecto Yasay Filing their COC
One of the questions that my friend asked me, “Is Bro. Eddie the only one who can bring this change?” I answered him, “no!” Other candidates are also capable for that change. But as of now, Bro. Eddie is the only one who has the political will to bring that moral revival on our stinking politics. He was not driven by political machineries and money. In fact, most of the Bangon Pilipinas campaigns were made through volunteers and donations of ordinary people.
Another fact is, Bangon Pilipinas has set an example of a real genuine support where campaigning makes a difference. Other political candidates depend on businessmen who will finance their campaign, paying the materials and paying the man power. Bangon Pilipinas supporters however, depend on volunteers and donations from ordinary people. Funny, but this is the first time that I saw campaign materials for sale to refinance other campaign materials and the Bangon Pilipinas Party.
To make these things clearer, here’s a table that tells something about their qualifications and doubts (religion aside).
|
Presidential Candidates |
Qualifications and Doubts |
| Eddie Villanueva | Evangelist, Civil and Political Moralist, Political Economist, CEO, Professor but little low according to SWS Surveys |
| Noynoy Aquino | Political moralist, senator for many years, no record of corruption, but probably has a weak leadership |
| Richard Gordon | Economist, and a strong political leader, have a strong political will, but remained silent in administration’s scandal. |
| JC De Los Reyes | Godly, Civil and Political Moralist, Lawyer, but too young and could have a weak leadership. Most of all, farther in winning having a lower SWS Surveys than Bro.Eddie. |
| Erap Estrada | Good Mayor, adored by the poor, but immoral, gambler, drunkard, and convicted plunderer. |
| Manuel Villar | Good political leader, Businessman, the richest man in the senate, but was involved in manipulation of government projects for self interest. |
| Gibbo Teodoro | Good political leader, probably one of the geniuses of Philippine political arena, lawyer, pilot and former defense secretary. But, a close ally of the administration has a primary agenda for Charter Change which can put GMA to become the Prime Minister. This means, if he wins, it is as if, we will still be in the mercy of GMA. |
| Jambi Madrigal | Whistle blower of many scandals in the senate, probably a good one. But, woman again??? |
Can Bro. Eddie Win?
There is hope for winning. I would rather focus on the possibilities than the impossibilities. This can definitely be achieved if Christians will come together to their senses in voting for the most God-fearing man among all the candidates.
The bigger challenge however for the Bangon Pilipinas is how to unite Christian groups when it comes to his candidacy. Some Evangelical Christian supporters are even pulling out their support for him especially when the video taken from the church of Apollo Quiboloy exploded. Evangelical Christian groups does not accept and never considered Ptr. Apollo Quiboloy to be a brother in the faith because of his claims to be the “Son” of God which has a literal meaning that he is the “New Messiah” or the “New Jesus” of our time.
Disappointments against Bro. Eddie become stronger when Bro. Eddie say, “Amen” to what the church of Apollo Quiboloy is doing, and when Bro. Eddie stated that Quiboloy is a brother. A Filipino-Theologian friend considered this as a “spiritual suicidal for political survival.” Another one said, “I relegate Bro.Eddie to be the least among the candidates. He is a pastor and he should know better.”
In a forum, some of these Evangelical Christians are demanding an explanation and apology from Bro.Eddie concerning the Quiboloy church incident. We all know that Quiboloy has been respected by all presidential politicians especially that he could bring about 6 million votes for the chosen candidate. But how this matter can be reconciled? How can this be changed? We can only hope that Bro. Eddie will address a letter to the Evangelical Christians concerning his actions.
One friend asked me, “Hindi po ba kayo nababahala sa pagcocompromise ni Bro.Eddie?”, I answered him, “Nababahala. Pero nababahala din ako na mapunta na naman tayo sa mga kamay ng mga kurakot na mga pulitiko, sa mga idolaters, sa mga immorals at sa mga pulitikong walang takot sa Diyos.”
As for me, I will still support Bro. Eddie. Even if we say that he had compromised in that incident, I still believe that he still remains to be the best candidate among the presidentiables.
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Church and State, Religion and Politics
by Kenneth Cauthen
The essay that formerly was on this page was published as a part of a chapter of my The Ethics of Belief: A Bio-Historical Approach, 2 vols. (Lima, OH: CSS Publishing Co., 2001). A brief summary follows.
The question of religion and politics is not the same as the question of church and state. Failure to make this distinction results in confusion. The problem of church and state has to do with institutions and practices. Neither must trespass the boundaries that define their legitimate sphere of influence. Here the concept of separation is valid. Thorny problems arise in two particular areas.
1. The first involves trying to steer between avoiding an establishment of religion and permitting its free exercise. Prayer in public schools and is among the most contentious.
2. A second range of problems arises when religious belief and practice conflict with secular law.
The problem of religion and politics defines another set of issues. Church and state deals with the relationship of institutions that are independent of each other. Religion and politics has to do with two spheres of activities in the life of the same persons. Citizens who belong to religious groups are also members of the secular society, and this dual association generates complications. Religious beliefs have moral and social implications, and it is appropriate for people of faith to express these through their activities as citizens in the political order. The fact that ethical convictions are rooted in religious faith does not disqualify them from the political realm. However, they do not have secular validity merely because they are thought by their exponents to be religiously authorized. They must be argued for in appropriate social and political terms in harmony with national values.
In both cases, we should be prepared to deal with complexities, ambiguities, and overlapping realms in which practical discernment must find workable principles to guide us that are as compatible with fundamental Constitutional imperatives as human reason can devise.
Created: Thursday, August 10, 2000. Last updated: Friday, June 15, 2001, 5:00 PM
from: http://www.visionforum.com/hottopics/blogs/dwp/2008/01/3351.aspx
Biblical Principles of the Ballot Box
More important than who wins or loses the 2008 election is this: will Christians look to the Bible as their absolute standard for determining what principles must guide their voting practices? At stake is far more than the presidency. The question concerns the conscience of the Church. We can “win” an election, and yet sell our spiritual birthright. Conversely, we can “lose” an election yet remain faithful to the Word of God, thus preserving the conscience of the body of Christ and enjoying the favor of the Lord.
Elections matter. They matter a great deal. But what matters the most is that the Church remains faithful to her Bridegroom by following the only infallible standard ever written for the selection of civil magistrates. That standard is the Bible, and there is none other that perfectly reflects the mind of God. It is our source book for determining what guidelines must govern the selection of our leaders.
Some believe that the Bible is silent on the question of what standards should govern the selection of a civil magistrate. But to reach this conclusion is to deny the sufficiency of Scripture, and to substitute autonomous human reason for biblical revelation. Others are so fearful of certain outcomes, that there is little reasoning with them. These individuals are (no doubt, unwittingly) fixed on specific outcomes, not commitment to biblical guidelines. They want to condemn their brethren by saying that a vote for X, is really a vote for Y. Their election fears seem sometimes to rise to a self-righteous hysteria, governed more by emotions than objective standards. None of these approaches are helpful.
The Bible is the only answer for fearful Christians in an age of politics. The Bible has the answer to the ethical chaos of fear-driven voting, pragmatic voting, “ends-justifies-the-means” voting, and “lesser-of-two-evils” voting. The Bible does not require Christians to vote for perfect candidates, but it does require that Christians support biblically qualified candidates. Biblical Principles of the Ballot Box explores the Scriptural standards for selecting civil magistrates, and offers great hope for Christians living in an age in which our leaders have broken covenant with the God of their fathers. It explores the blessing presented in Scripture to all who will enter the ballot box with supreme confidence that the Lord sovereignly reigns, that He is more pleased with our obedience than with our rationalistic, extra-biblical voting strategies, and that the greatest hope for America is not found in the outcome of any one election, but in the persevering witness of the Church as God’s representative in America, to uphold his non-negotiable standards and righteousness.
Biblical Principles of the Ballot Box is our gift to anyone who supports Vision Forum Ministries during the remainder of the month of January with a donation of any amount.
Posted by Doug Phillips on January 28, 2008 | Permalink
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So, has Bro. Eddie REALLY, REALLY met the impeccable standards set by the word of God??
The answer, my friend, is left as an assignment for the voter to figure out for themselves!!!!!!!!!!
For some more related answers to have some clearer, more authoritative, undeniable, biblical standards regarding choosing those who we want to rule over us, taken from a related post, but so very, very relevant here:
http://www.visionforumministries.org/issues/ballot_box/biblical_standards_for_choosin.aspx
Biblical Principles for the Ballot Box
Biblical Standards for Choosing Civil Magistrates
by William Einwechter, July 7, 2004
The conscientious Christian desires to glorify God and obey His Word in all that he thinks and does. This desire extends to his actions as a Christian citizen. Perhaps one of his more important actions as a citizen is that of voting for the men who will serve as magistrates over him. So as each election draws near he seeks to determine which candidate he should endorse with his vote. Throughout the process of deciding he receives much advice, such as: vote Republican; vote for the conservative; vote for the one who is pro-life; vote for the one who stands closest to you on the issues; vote for “x” even though he is less than desirable because if he doesn’t win, then we will have “y” who is even worse; and so on.
However helpful this kind of advice may be, the Christian who believes that the Word of God is able to instruct him in righteousness and equip for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17 ), including the work of voting, will necessarily turn to the Scripture for guidance. The Bible contains explicit instructions concerning the qualifications for civil officers, and to these the Christian ought to look as he determines who he will support with his time, money, and vote. There are two primary texts that set forth the standards for choosing civil magistrates: Exodus 18:21 and Deuteronomy 1:13 .
Exodus 18:21
In Exodus 18 , Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, advises Moses to appoint men to help him in governing and judging the nation, lest he wear out both himself and the people (18:17-19 ). An important aspect of Jethro’s counsel to Moses is in regard to the kind of men that he should appoint as rulers. The character of the men chosen must be according to the following standards:
“Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating coveteousness…” (Ex. 18:21 ).
Men who are able
Civil leaders must be men of strength. The strength that is required here is not primarily physical, but moral and spiritual. It refers to men of valor and of virtue; men of courage and of character. A man who is a coward will not fulfill his duty to uphold God’s law if doing so would be unpopular with the people. A man who is of an evil character cannot govern justly. Only those who have proven that they have the ability, courage, and integrity necessary to lead should be chosen as civil rulers.
Men who fear God
Magistrates should be men who honor and reverence God and His Word. This qualification indicates that only those who are believers, i.e., stand in covenant with God through faith, should be considered for the office of magistrate (cf. Deut. 17:15 ). If a people are to have wise and understanding leaders, they must choose those who fear God, for the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 1:7 ). Men who do not fear God are, according to Scripture, “fools” who hate true wisdom.
Men committed to truth
Civil rulers need to be men who stand firmly and faithfully for the truth. Men of truth are men who do not lie, but speak the truth even to their own hurt. They love the truth and hate all that is false. It is absolutely essential that civil leaders be men who can be trusted to speak the truth. Liars and lovers of falsehood are a scourge to those they lead.
Men who hate covetousness
A man who is raised to the position of civil magistrate must be one who seeks no unjust gain from his position. He must “hate” (not simply dislike, but hate) the thought of using his office to enrich himself through violence, fraud, bribes, etc. A coveteous magistrate will try to use the power of his office to unjustly seize for himself the wealth of those he governs. A magistrate must also hate covetousness in others, and not allow any citizen to use the power of civil government to seize the wealth of his neighbor through unjust legislation or confiscatory taxation.
Deuteronomy 1:13
In Deuteronomy chapter one, Moses recounts the events that took place forty years earlier at Mount Sinai. One of these events was the appointment of rulers to serve with him in governing the nation in accord with the advice of Jethro (Ex. 18:13-26 ). In speaking of the appointment of rulers he does not mention Jethro, for Moses knew that God was using Jethro to direct him in that circumstance. The account of the appointing of rulers to assist Moses in judging the people given here provides further insight on the biblical standards for the choosing of rulers.
First, Moses indicates that although he did the appointing, it was the people who actually chose their own rulers. Moses charges the people to “take you wise men….” The word “take” means to provide or choose, while the word “you” means for yourselves. Therefore, Moses gives the people the responsibility of selecting their own leaders. Moses then appointed (installed into office) those chosen by the people.
Second, Moses provided the people with specific standards for determining which men were qualified for the office of civil judge and ruler. The citizens have the responsibility of choosing their own rulers, but they are not free to choose whomsoever they will. Rather, they are charged by Moses to choose only those who meet certain qualifications. Moses states:
“Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.” (Deut. 1:13 ).
These qualifications summarize those stated previously in Exodus 18:21 and provide additional commentary on the standards God has established for choosing rulers.
Men
The Hebrew word translated “men” in this text refers to males as opposed to females. The generic term for mankind, which would include women, is not used here, but rather, the gender specific word for men. If the choice of words means anything, then it is necessary to conclude that God intended that only men be chosen for the office of civil ruler. In Exodus 18:21 the same Hebrew word is used; in fact, in every other passage dealing with the civil magistrate, his duties, and his qualifications, men are in view (cf. Deut. 17:14-20 ; 2 Sam. 23:3 ; Neh. 7:2 ; Prov. 16:10 ; 20:8, 28 ; 29:14 ; 31:4-5 ; Rom. 13:1-6 ). The order of male headship established at creation applies to each of the three “governments” established by God: the family, the church, and the state. [1]
Men who are wise
The Hebrew word for “wise” means to be skilful, prudent, intelligent, or able. It denotes both natural ability and wisdom attained through experience. But wisdom in the biblical sense is never just prudence and skill gained through experience. According to Scripture, wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and proceeds to a knowledge of God and His precepts. True wisdom comes from God as a man searches for it in the Word of God as he would search for hidden treasure (Prov. 2:1-8 ). Such a man will come to “understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity, and every good path” (Prov. 2:9 ). Thus, a magistrate should be a man of ability and intelligence who is skilled in judgment because of his fear of the Lord and his knowledge of God’s Word.
Men who are understanding
To be “understanding” is to be discerning, to have the ability to make a proper judgment. It refers primarily to moral insight and ethical discernment. A man of “understanding” is able to discern the right course of action based on the moral law of God. In terms of civil law, a man of understanding knows what is just and is able to judge righteously in disputes or criminal cases because he understands God’s law.
Men who are known
These are men who have proven themselves to be wise and understanding. Their character, ability, and wisdom have been demonstrated by their service in other spheres. A man who would be a ruler must first prove himself in family life, business, community service, church service, etc.
Summary
The biblical standards for magistrates given in Exodus 18:21 and Deuteronomy 1:13 give citizens a sure guide for determining which men among them are truly fit to serve as their civil rulers. The qualifications given in these texts indicate three areas of concern:
Natural Ability
The demands of being a magistrate require men who are intelligent and have the skills necessary to lead others.
Personal Integrity
Magistrates must be men of the highest personal character. They must be men of truth and virtue. Their lives should be an example of righteous living. As those charged with enforcing God’s law in the civil sphere, they should keep all aspects of God’s moral law. They must be men who are there to serve God and man, and are not there to enrich or promote themselves.
Spiritual Maturity
Magistrates, as ministers of God, should be men of spiritual attainment (a knowledge and fear of God) and biblical wisdom. It is vital that a ruler knows that he is accountable to God and has a healthy fear of the day that he will give account to God. A ruler must also be knowledgeable of God’s law as it is revealed in Scripture so that he can carry out his duty of establishing justice in the gates (i.e., in the courts and legislatures of the land).
Other Relevant Scriptures
The standards for choosing magistrates as established in the law of God are carried out, amplified, and upheld throughout the rest of Scripture.
Deuteronomy 16:18-20
After Israel has taken possession of the land it will be their duty under God’s law to select judges and officers to carry out judgment in the gates. These rulers are charged to “judge the people with just judgment.” Hence, it follows that the people should choose “wise” and “understanding” men who will be able to do just that. It is right to assume that the standards Moses taught them in Deuteronomy 1:13 should be applied to the choosing of local magistrates since no new or different standards are given here.
Deuteronomy 17:14-20
This text addresses the circumstance of Israel seeking a king to rule over them. It further establishes the responsibility of the people to choose their rulers, in this case, their king. However, they are not at liberty to choose whomsoever they will, but only the man approved and chosen by God. Furthermore, the man they choose must be a “brother,” i.e., a man who stands in covenant with God through faith; he must not be an unbeliever, but one who fears God as stated in Exodus 18:17 .
2 Samuel 23:3
In this text it is plainly stated that “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” Righteous men who govern according to God’s law as God’s ministers is always the biblical standard.
2 Chronicles 19:6-7
These verses contain the instructions of King Jehoshaphat for the judges that he appointed in the land, city by city:
Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in judgment. Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you: take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.
The charge given by the king reflects the standards for choosing magistrates given in the law of Moses. Only men who “fear God,” who are “able,” “wise,” “understanding,” and “hate covetousness” could possibly fulfill the duties spoken of by Jehoshaphat.
Nehemiah 7:2
After the walls had been rebuilt and the Levites appointed to serve in the Temple, Nehemiah continued to restore the integrity of Jerusalem by establishing Hanani and Hananiah as civil rulers in the city. Nehemiah specifically stated that he chose Hananiah because “he was a faithful man who feared God above many.” Nehemiah followed the standards of the law of God in appointing the leaders of Jerusalem. As a “faithful” man, Hananiah is firm in his stand for truth; he is a man who is known for his faithfulness to truth; thus, he meets the qualification “men of truth.” Hananiah is also a man who fears God “among many.” He has proven himself as a man of spiritual maturity who is qualified to lead others.
Proverbs 29:2
The biblical standards for choosing magistrates instruct citizens to select righteous men. This verse emphasizes the great importance of selecting righteous men by stating: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” This proverb teaches that it is great folly to elevate wicked men to civil leadership, but great wisdom to follow God’s law and elect only men who fear God and obey His Word.
Romans 13:1-6
The nature and purpose of the magistrate’s role is defined by Paul in this classic text on civil government. Paul explains that the authority of the civil ruler comes from God, and that the ruler serves as God’s minister to exercise God’s vengeance against evildoers. This description of the nature and purpose of the office of civil ruler applies to all rulers in all nations at all times; no exceptions are given by Paul. Thus, the same role that was assigned to magistrates in the Old Testament is assigned to magistrates in the New Testament (cf. Deut. 1:16-17 ; 16:18-20 ; 2 Chron. 19:6-7 ; Prov. 16:10, 12 ; 31:8-9 ). If the role is the same, then it must be that the qualifications are the same.
Application
The biblical standards for choosing civil magistrates needs to be applied today in the following manner:
* The only men who are truly qualified for civil office are those who meet the standards set down in the Word of God. God is sovereign over civil government, and the sole prerogative to establish what kind of men can and ought to serve as magistrates belongs to Him. Men who do not meet the biblical standards are not fully fit to serve as rulers.
* These standards instruct citizens who have the liberty of choosing their civil magistrates on how to carry out their duty in accord with the will of God. It is God’s revealed will that His ministers in the civil sphere be men who fear Him. God’s blessings are on the people who choose men of ability, character, and spiritual maturity.
* Christians should support with their time, money, and vote those men who meet the biblical qualifications. In all that he does the Christian is to seek to glorify God and promote the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. When the Christian gives his full support to men who meet the biblical standards for civil magistrates, he is doing these very things. If we are to have righteous civil government, then we must have righteous men as rulers. If we are to have a civil government that honors Christ, then we must have men who honor Jesus Christ as civil leaders.
* Voting for a biblically qualified candidate who appears to have no chance of winning is not the waste of a vote, it is obedience to God. Obedience to God is never a waste of time or effort, but the compromise of biblical truth always is. Compromise sacrifices victory in the long run for the sake of immediate “success” or “peace,” while godly obedience sacrifices immediate gratification for the sake of ultimate victory. Christians often complain that there are no godly men to vote for, but when one does appear, they don’t vote for him anyway because, they reason, “he can’t win.” Can we expect the Lord to give us qualified men as candidates for civil office if Christians are not committed in principle to supporting them in obedience to biblical law?
* The church must labor to raise up men who will meet the biblical standards for magistrates. Where will men come from who are qualified for civil office if not from the covenant people? If there are no men qualified for a particular office, it is because the church has failed; it is not because the biblical standards are unworkable in the present context. The goal of the church should be to have a biblically qualified man running for every civil office in the land. We are a long way from reaching this goal. But the church must begin by equipping men to serve as magistrates and challenging them to glorify God as His minister in the civil sphere. Race by race, office by office, the church needs to take dominion over politics by raising up biblically qualified men.
* The biblical standards for choosing magistrates apply even in non-covenanted nations. This would seem evident when Christians have a biblically qualified candidate to vote for, i.e., God’s law commands them to vote for the man who meets the biblical standards even though they are in a nation not formally in covenant with God. But how does the biblical teaching on choosing magistrates apply in instances where there are no candidates who meet the biblical standards? This is debated among Christians. Some advocate strict compliance with the biblical standards at all times and all places. Others argue that strict compliance is only fully possible in a covenant nation (which is the goal); in the meantime, we should use our vote to support men of ability and integrity who are generally in agreement with biblical standards of law and justice.
* In a true Christian nation, the biblical standards for choosing magistrates will be part of constitutional law. A nation that is in covenant with God through Christ will express this by means of a national confession of submission to God and His law, and by a religious test for office that is based on the biblical qualifications for civil rulers.
* The biblical standards for choosing civil magistrates also provides a benchmark for men already in office and for men seeking the office. Every Christian in political office should evaluate himself in light of these standards; this is the kind of man he is to be. For those Christian men who are contemplating political office here are the standards that they should aspire to.
Endnotes
1. For a more detailed defense of this point, see my article Should Christians Support a Woman for the Office of Civil Magistrate?
About the Author
William Einwechter (Th.M.) is an ordained minister and an elder at Immanuel Free Reformed Church in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Linda, are the homeschooling parents of ten children.
“The strength that is required here is not primarily physical, but moral and spiritual.”
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Yep, repeating the same old same different mistakes,
over and over, again and again … ad continuum … ad nauseam … ad infinitum …
So, can an Evangelical candidate really have such a great power to make dramatic redemption of our country’s deplorable conditions, even from way back it’s historical past????
Does religion really have such a redeeming power on the politics?
What can we learn from history?
That we can’t really learn anything from history,
since we have been repeating the same old mistakes,
over and over, again and again ….
As a lyric of a song goes:
“Di na natuto ….”
Kailan ba talaga matuto ang Pilipino????????
333 years in the Spanish convent …
40 years in the American Hollywood …
5 years in a Japanese brothel …
since then, a sham kind of puppet democracy
to its Hollywood colonial masters ….
Can our country really learn from its history?
As the lyrics of a song goes:
The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind …
The answer is blowing in the wind …
SO, HOW CAN RELIGION REALLY PROPOSE TO TRANSCEND FROM THE DEPLORABLE HISTORICAL RECORD OF OUR COUNTRY?????????
Since the Marcos regime, the Philippine politics and religion have been such a chaotic mess. Neither politics nor religion, including Protestant Evangelicalism, can uplift the downtrodden Filipino people. With such a sizeable astronomical debt, the Philippines is so way below compared to its Asian neighbors, with no sovereign wealth to boast about that can uplift the economic conditions of the people.
Can religion really reform the politics of this country??
Only history can tell ….
Philippine democracy is a losing proposition!!!!!
In other words, do the Filipinos really have ANY good choice?
Some answer to who is righteous among them:
Romans 3:10
As it is written, There is none RIGHTEOUS, no, not one:
Some answer to the treatment of toleration of sin:
Ephesians 5:11
And have NO FELLOWSHIP with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].
There are other answers, but already given in earlier posts!
Can “compromise” really encourage “moral upliftment”?
Aren’t there any conflicts, contradictions, and inconsistencies between “compromise” and “moral ascendancy”?
If one compromises now, what can assure us that one would not compromise later?
If one will be forced to compromised to play pragmatic politics, up to what levels of compromises can one tolerate and wink at?
Your second secant thoughts also needs to go to the other side of the boat to have a balance or else the boat will sink.
These questions have never been answered by those who are against Bro.Eddie.
Who among the candidates do you think is more righteous and has a stronger political will for moral upliftment?
Who among the candidates do you think has a better moral background?
Who among the candidates do you think have never compromised a bit?
Who among the candidates have never lied?
Who among the candidates are righteous enough to stand against corruption?
Who among the candidates doesn’t have any hidden agenda and secrets?
If those born-again Christians who are against bro.Eddie can answer all these questions and can put their theology for their answer as what they did to Brother Eddie, then perhaps, I will pull out my vote and put it on the better one.
Sometimes, we can ask a thousand one-sided question without actually answering which one is better. And those who have answered it, has fall short in proving that it was really the best answer.
.-= Ptr. Vince´s last blog ..I PROMISE by Jaci Velasquez With Lyrics and Chords =-.
Furthermore, no one is saying that we need to tolerate sin. The question is, how are going to treat that sin?
.-= Vince´s last blog ..I PROMISE by Jaci Velasquez With Lyrics and Chords =-.
John 7:24
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous JUDGMENT.
1 Peter 4:17
For the time [is come] that JUDGMENT must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?
2 Peter 2:4
For if God SPARED NOT the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
2 Peter 2:5
And SPARED NOT the old world, but saved Noah the eighth [person], a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
Romans 11:22
Behold therefore the goodness and SEVERITY of God: on them which fell, SEVERITY; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in [his] goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
On toleration of the sin of compromise and false doctrines
in churches by the son of a former scandalous preacher with great exposures (literally, figuratively, publicly):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_xO_o-60XA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFBejhhDoRM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k06AjdNDZ_8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSINCCaa7fg&feature=related
I commend you for your support for Bro. Eddie. I am a catholic and being saddened by the comments of other “christians”. Sometimes, some supporter tend to forget that it’s not only born again christians who are supporters of bro. Eddie that they result to attack different faiths unnecessarily on forums.
Heck, I don’t care about what they are saying. Bro. Eddie is an ecumenist. If you are an apologist, you will know that Bro. Eddie is good in playing words without compromising. He’s teaching the truth without really affirming the beliefs of others.
They do not know how to read between the lines. It’s like saying to the whole Pastor Quiboloy’s crowd that it is JESUS’ name which is the name above every name and not what they perceived to have been thinking.
Hayy, Gising Pilipinas! Bangon!
Rogie
I am really surprised that there are Catholics like you who strongly supports Bro.Eddie and more open minded than some born again Christians.
My apologies to you Rogie. Sometimes, born-again Christians are more skeptic to their fellow born-again because of the christian standards that we are trying to live with. You will not understand it unless you understand what it is to be a Bible believing/follower Christian.
However, I am also convinced that there were some who went over the border line of judgment and humiliating a fellow Christian which I am also against. I always believe that a testimony of grace and compassion towards a fellow believer has to be practiced all the more just like what Christ exemplified.
Thanks to your encouragement.:) Blessings to you!!!
@K.Ogs, I just don’t believe that other candidates is far better off pleasing our God more than Bro.Eddie.
Giving the standard of religiosity as judgment for Bro. Eddie, we also have to put the same standard for other candidates.
.-= Vince´s last blog ..I PROMISE by Jaci Velasquez With Lyrics and Chords =-.
And for the compromising controversial Christians and churches for the sake of pragmatic politics and power games:
To make us ponder and wonder with second secant thoughts…
from: http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/sg1441.htm
The Church in Prophetic Perspective
The Disaster of the Church that Tolerates Sin
by John MacArthur
All Rights Reserved
(A copy of this message on cassette tape may be obtained by calling 1-800-55-GRACE)
Revelation 2:18-29 Tape GC 1441
Introduction
A. Entanglement with the World
The letter to Thyatira in Revelation 2:18-29 is the longest of the seven letters, and it is written to the most insignificant of the seven cities. This letter closely follows the thought of the letter to Pergamos. The compromise with sin, Satan, and the world that began in Pergamos becomes full scale in Thyatira. If the church at Pergamos married the world, then the church at Thyatira had been living with it for a long time. It had become entrenched in the world. The letter shows the depths of sin that compromise brings: full scale idolatry and immorality.
The church at Thyatira represents the church that is absorbed by the world. It was literally living with the world. There are also churches today that name the name of Christ but are totally involved with the world. There are Christians who call themselves disciples of Christ but they are really disciples of Satan and the world.
B. Evils of Idolatry
The evils of idolatry had penetrated deeply into the church at Thyatira. For example:
1. THE WICKEDNESS OF JEZEBEL
In Revelation 2:20 we will meet a woman who is called Jezebel. That does not mean that her real name was Jezebel; she may have become known as Jezebel because her works so closely parallelled those of Jezebel in the Old Testament (1 Kgs. 16:31; 18:1–21:29). That Jezebel caused Israel to be wed to Baal: When Ahab, the king of Israel, married her, he married the world and paganism because she brought Baal worship into the nation. That is exactly what Jezebel of Thyatira did–she married the church to the world and brought in paganism, which resulted in immorality and idolatry. Both Jezebels succeeded in corrupting God’s assembly by initiating a marriage to paganism.
2. THE DEPTHS OF SATAN
In Revelation 2:24 we see a comment regarding “the depths of Satan.” What began as an aberrant teaching in the church at Pergamos became full-scale activity in a mystic cult of worldliness at Thyatira. The church tolerated sin, apostasy, idolatry, and communal feasts (where sacrifices were offered to idols, eaten by the people, and followed by an orgy). The church even became deeply involved in those things! Once the church married the world, it became absorbed by the world.
As we look at the letter to the church at Thyatira, let’s begin with …
I. THE CORRESPONDENT (v. 18)
“And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, who hath His eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like fine bronze.”
A. The Picture of Christ
That is not a very comforting picture. When Jesus Christ wrote this letter to the Thyatiran church, He wasn’t giving them any comfort; He was giving them a portrait of penetrating judgment. When a church reaches a high level of sinfulness, Christ stops being their companion and starts being their judge. With His eyes like a flame of fire, He sees through their flaws to the reality of their sin. His feet like burnished brass are ready to trample on their sin. Bronze, or brass, is the symbol of judgment.
1. THE CONTRAST OF TITLES
The description of Christ in verse 18 is the same as the description of the glorified Christ in Revelation 1:14-15: “… His eyes were like a flame of fire; and His feet like fine bronze, as if they burned in a furnace ….”
In each of the letters we have studied, the description of the correspondent is taken from the vision of the glorified Christ in Revelation 1. There has always been a parallel. That is also true in this description, but with one significant difference. Revelation 2:18 says, “… These things saith the Son of God ….” But Revelation 1:13 says, “And in the midst of the seven lampstands [stands] one like the Son of Man ….” In the letter to the church at Thyatira, Jesus Christ is no longer designated as the Son of man; He is designated as the Son of God. Why? The Son of man designates Christ in His humanness, as He ministers to the churches in love and tenderness. But when He writes to the Thyatiran church, He is no longer the Son of man. He is no longer seen in His humanness; He is seen as God coming in divine and penetrating judgment. The Holy Spirit never makes a mistake in the names of Christ that He chooses. Christ’s deity is emphasized because He is not coming to help them; He is coming as God to judge them because of sin. He is no longer the sympathetic Savior; He becomes the judge.
2. THE CHARACTER OF JUDGMENT
a. Eyes Like a Flame of Fire
There is nothing more penetrating than fire. Everything yields to it. It consumes all opposition, and sweeps down all obstructions with invincible power. Christ is described as having eyes of flaming fire that penetrate the walls of the human heart to reveal hidden sin. The eyes of the Son of God are able to see through everything–piercing all masks, shredding all coverings, and searching the remotest recesses to see the hidden things of the soul. There is no escape.
b. Feet Like Fine Bronze
When Christ saw what was happening at the church of Thyatira, He was ready to come in judgment to crush sin. A description of that type of judgment is found in Revelation 19:15: “… He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” Christ comes in power to crush sin under His feet.
When the church marries the world, Christ gets upset–so upset that He may kill some Christians (Rev. 2:23). That is a terrifying picture of judgment. God does not tolerate sin. Christ does not tolerate a church married to the world. That is why the introduction of the world into the church is a devastating problem.
B. The Punishment by Christ
1. A FRIGHTENING PASSAGE
Hebrews 10:26-31 is one of the most frightening passages in the Bible. This is what God thinks of sin: “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses; of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, with which He was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know Him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto Me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge His people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
2. A FRIGHTENING PUNISHMENT
Christ will come in serious judgment. God deals with sin even among His own people. He has provided an escape from sin’s power, penalty, and presence. But if men refuse the way of escape–if they refuse the sacrifice of Christ and the forgiveness of God, then they will be caught in God’s judgment on sin. In addition, God may have to punish some believers so severely that they may lose their life (1 Jn. 5:16). They won’t lose their salvation; God may remove them because they have become a stumbling block.
We have seen the correspondent: Christ gives solemn words to the church. Now let’s notice …
II. THE CITY (v. 18)
A. Its Strategic Significance
Thyatira was located exactly thirty miles from both Sardis and Pergamos (the capital city of Asia Minor for three hundred years). Thyatira still exists today with a population of approximately twenty-five thousand. Thyatira had one purpose: to act as an interceptor of any armies approaching Pergamos. Since Pergamos was the capital, it was the most threatened city of Asia Minor. But the armies would have to defeat Thyatira first.
B. Its Religious Significance
Thyatira wasn’t the center of any kind of worship. There weren’t any temples. It did have the shrine of a satanic priestess called the Sambath^e. She would tell fortunes for a certain sum. But for the most part, the people of Thyatira worshiped the gods that the rest of Asia Minor worshiped in those days. It was as immoral as any other pagan culture in that area. That was the environment of the church at Thyatira.
The next point in our outline is …
III. THE CHURCH (v. 18)
A. The Preparation
We can’t be sure who started the church at Thyatira, but we can guess that Lydia did. She was from Thyatira, and was won to Christ by Paul when she was on business in Philippi, which is in Macedonia (Ac. 16:14-15). Luke also tells us that her family was converted. It is very likely that Lydia went back to Thyatira with her family, and they became the nucleus of the church there.
B. The Problem
1. JEZEBEL’S DOMINANCE
The problem that faced the body of believers at Thyatira was not persecution; the church was being completely dominated by the woman Jezebel, and all of the evil people that followed what she was propagating. The little group of true believers didn’t have the opportunity to go to another church because there weren’t any others. They didn’t have many options, so they lived with the problems.
2. JEZEBEL’S DESIGN
Jezebel had brought the church into total involvement with the world. Her design was to force Christians to compromise by marrying the church to the world, just as the Old Testament Jezebel had married Israel to Baal worship (1 Kgs. 16:31-33).
a. Her Pretense
I imagine that her pretense might have been based on the fact that compromise would be good business policy because of the number of guilds in Thyatira. Guilds were the forerunner to labor unions. People of certain trades would congregate to decide on basic wage scales and other work- oriented issues, much as a union does today. If a Christian didn’t want to belong to a guild, he would find it difficult to get a job.
You say, “Why wouldn’t he want to belong to a guild?” The guilds weren’t just involved in labor; they were also social groups. Anyone who belonged to a guild went along with everything the guild did, including communal feasts, sacrifices, and orgies. Consequently, Christians stayed away from the guilds.
b. Her Prompting
I imagine that Jezebel may have prompted the Christians on a commercial basis. She may have even suggested, “How are we going to win the world unless we join the guilds?” Many people joined them. As a result they brought sin, idol worship, and immorality into the church.
Now let’s look at …
IV. THE COMMENDATION (v. 19)
“I know thy works, and love, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.”
They were improving. There was a little group of people in the midst of that unbelievable mess who were progressing. They were the true believers.
A. The Divine Pairing
Notice that Christ pairs up their virtues.
1. LOVE AND SERVICE
He says, “I know thy … love ….” Of the churches we have studied, this is the only church that He says has love. While love was decreasing at Ephesus, it was increasing at Thyatira. They weren’t hurting for love.
Their love issued in service, which is the outgrowth of love. When you love, you minister. The Greek word for service is diakonia. The English word deacon comes from it. It also means “minister.” As a result of their love, the church at Thyatira was a serving church.
2. FAITH AND SERVICE
Christ says, “You have faith. As a result of your faith, you are a patient church.” When you believe God, you don’t worry; you wait on Him.
Love results in service, and faith results in patience (Gk. hupomon^e = “steadfast endurance”). The church at Thyatira was to be commended because they were advancing in spirituality.
B. The Deadly Polarization
Of the churches that Christ has addressed to this point, the church at Thyatira was the only one He had commended for love. Yet it had a gross sin problem. The church had love, but it also had an abundance of sin. You say, “What’s the problem?” The church didn’t have sound doctrine. The balance that God demands is love and sound doctrine. The church at Thyatira didn’t have that balance. The church at Ephesus was the opposite; it had sound doctrine. The members were finding the false prophets and kicking them out of the church as soon as they opened their mouth. But they didn’t have love. As a result, the church was eventually destroyed. There has to be a balance of love and sound doctrine. Either polarization is deadly.
The Polarized Church
If you analyzed the Christian world today, you would find that this polarization still exists.
1. DOCTRINAL PERFECTIONISTS
If you have been a Christian for any length of time, you are undoubtedly on twenty or thirty mailing lists. You may have noticed that we have our extremists today–the moral, doctrinal perfectionists who are loveless, ruthless, and horribly offensive while standing for the truth. But nobody can stand them. They have sound doctrine but none of the love. Their ministry takes place in a goldfish bowl: They spend most of their time having conferences with each other, or sending out papers.
2. TOLERANT SENTIMENTALISTS
These people constantly preach a meaningless, tolerant sentimentalism and call it love. But love never soothes sin. True love says, “With tears in my eyes I tell you that without Jesus Christ, you’re on your way to hell. Without Christ you have no place in the fellowship of His body.” But love also says that you can know Christ. It doesn’t say, “We will take you into the fellowship like you are.” That’s not love; that’s sentimentalism. Without sound doctrine, love is a joke. You can tell your child, “I love you; do what you want,” but that isn’t love. If you love your child, you will say, “I love you, but now I have to spank you,” when you need to.
A pastor told me, “When I was young in the pastorate, the people of the church used to tell my wife, `You’re too hard on your children–you discipline them too much.'” Today all of his children are serving Jesus Christ, or are preparing to serve Him.
The essence of love is a balance between love and sound doctrine. The church at Thyatira had love but no sound doctrine.
Next, let’s look at …
V. THE COMMENDATION (vv. 20-23)
A. Thyatira’s Tolerance of Jezebel (v. 20)
“Notwithstanding, I have a few things against thee [better translated, `I have this against you’], because thou allowest that woman, Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.”
Christ is saying, “I’m upset because you tolerate sexual sin and idolatry, which I hate. You shall have no other gods before Me.” The church at Thyatira tolerated Jezebel and her doctrine. The people never got rid of her; they allowed her to exist in the church.
Exposing and Eliminating Sin
If the church is going to be what Christ wants it to be, it must expose and eliminate sin. Someone will say, “You can’t throw people out; that’s demonstrating a lack of love.” No, that’s not true. Sound doctrine is the issue, not love. You don’t deal with sin in a sentimental way, but according to God’s Word. He says to put it out of the church.
Christ is adamant about eliminating sexual sin from the church. For example, 1 Corinthians 5 is Paul’s commentary on the attitude that the church must have toward discipline. When sexual sin exists in the church, God deals harshly with it. Paul says, “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he hath done this deed …” (vv. 1-2). Instead of being sorry, the Corinthians were proud about what happened.
In verses 4-5 Paul says, “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” Paul is saying, “Get sin out of your church by turning that person loose so that Satan may destroy his body in order that his soul might be redeemed.” What does Paul mean by that? He might mean to allow Satan the opportunity to pull him so deeply into sin that he will finally turn to God. He may also mean that Satan will destroy his body literally so that Christ will take his spirit home to be with Him. Either way, it is a serious situation. When there is that kind of sin in the church, it must be put out. Paul says, “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out, therefore, the old leaven …” (vv. 6-7).
The Bible is absolutely intolerant of sin in the church. It is also intolerant of sin in our lives. If the church isn’t pure, it doesn’t have a message for the world. That problem is characteristic of many churches today. The church cannot mix fellowship with sin.
1. THE OLD TESTAMENT PARALLEL
a. Jezebel’s Perversion
We don’t know who the Jezebel in Thyatira was. She is called Jezebel because she parallels the Old Testament Jezebel. The latter was the notorious daughter of Ethbaal, who was the king of the Sidonians (1 Kgs. 16:31). The Sidonians were famous for worshiping the false god Baal. When Jezebel married Ahab, Baal worship was set up in Israel. Elijah became upset and forced the issue at Mount Carmel. He said, “We are going to decide this issue. If God is God, then He will send fire; if Baal is God, then he will send fire” (1 Kgs. 18:20-40). Temples to Baal had been set up everywhere. Donald Grey Barnhouse said that the priests of Baal were wicked sex perverts. That was the kind of perversion that Jezebel had brought into the church at Thyatira.
The same thing is happening today. Sin is brought into the church under the guise of a new morality. But it’s not new; it’s revitalized Baal worship. I have heard preachers who advocate such morality. A chaplain at a so-called Christian college advocated premarital sex for anybody who honestly felt that they were in love. The students agreed unanimously that it was the finest chapel message they had ever attended. When depravity is turned loose like that, you can expect that kind of response.
b. God’s Punishment
Do you know how God deals with that depravity? Remember what He did to Jezebel? She was pushed out of a window and the dogs ate her (2 Kgs. 9:30-37). You can’t end up any lower than that! When the Bible wants to refer to someone as the scum of all scum in Hebrew, it calls him a dog. To be eaten by dogs is serious judgment. Don’t make light of sin.
2. THE NEW TESTAMENT EXAMPLE
The Jezebel of the New Testament church in Thyatira was a parallel to the Old Testament Jezebel who married the church to the world and brought in idolatry and sexual sin. The Jezebel at Thyatira calls herself a prophetess in Revelation 2:20. There have been many women in history who have claimed to be prophets of God: Annie Besant, Madame Blavatsky (popularizers of theosophy), and Mary Baker Eddy (a popularizer of Christian Science). Every time I see a religion or cult that has a woman who claims to be a prophet, I have a problem with it. I am not saying that God can’t redeem some of the people who are in those situations, because He can. Jezebel claimed that she was a prophetess speaking the deep things of God. But Jesus said that she and her followers were actually speaking about the deep things of Satan (Rev. 2:24).
B. Christ’s Intolerance of Jezebel (vv. 21-23)
1. HIS PATIENCE (v. 21)
“And I gave her space to repent of her fornication, and she repented not.”
God was gracious to this Jezebel. He doesn’t want to destroy people, He wants to love them and win them to Himself. But Jezebel did not repent.
2. HIS PUNISHMENT (vv. 22-23a)
a. Casting Her into Bed (v. 22)
1) A Place of Immorality (v. 22a)
“Behold, I will cast her into a bed …”
You say, “What does He mean?” Everything Jezebel advocated took place on a bed, such as sexual immorality. The Romans didn’t sit on the floor like the Orientals, or sit in a chair like the Europeans and Americans; they laid on a bed. So Christ says, “Jezebel, if you like beds so much, I’ll put you in one.” But what kind of bed?
2) A Place of Tribulation (v. 22b)
“… and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.”
There is still a vestige of grace. Christ asks Jezebel and her followers to repent a second time. So Christ says to Jezebel, “Since you like beds, I will give you a bed of tribulation–a bed of death. And everyone that commits adultery with you and follows other gods, idols, false prophets, sin, and immorality, will be thrown in that bed with you.”
b. Killing Her Children (v. 23a)
“And I will kill her children with death …”
Everyone who imitates Jezebel’s activity is in danger of death at the hands of Christ. That is serious! The warning could refer to unbelievers, or to believers who are totally out of fellowship with Christ. Associated with the church are unbelievers who are hypocrites, and believers who are living in sin. The people who live like that are called the children of Jezebel because their lives are patterned after her conduct. Christ says, “I will kill them.” Why?
3. HIS PURPOSE (v. 23b)
“… and all the churches shall know that I am He who searcheth the minds and hearts; and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.”
Christ is saying, “The churches will know that they can’t hide anything from Me. If something like what has happened at Thyatira occurs at another church, I may remove some of its members until it realizes its sin.” That’s how much God hates sin.
Jesus Christ died to purchase the church and present it blameless to God, “not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing …” (Eph. 5:27). When the church becomes polluted with sin, Christ removes that sin because He wants to keep the church pure. We often think of Christ as the loving Savior–and He is–but when He judges, He is seen with eyes like a flame of fire and feet of burning bronze. If the church does not keep its ranks pure with discipline, then Christ will make it pure by removing the stain.
Will Christ Take the Life of a Believer?
It is possible that Christ will take the life of a believer. For example:
1. 1 CORINTHIANS 11:29-30 — In verse 29 Paul accused some of the Corinthians of misusing the Lord’s supper. In verse 30 he says, “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.” Some of them died because of how they treated the Lord’s table of remembrance.
2. 1 JOHN 5:16 — John says that we should pray for our brother, but not to if he has committed the sin unto death. You say, “What sin is that?” It is no particular sin–just the sin that is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. When the sinful life of a believer becomes a great stumbling block, God takes him home. It can happen.
Now let’s look at…
VI. THE COMMAND (vv. 22b, 24-25)
A. A Full Repentance (v. 22b)
“…repent of [your] deeds.”
Christ is talking to professing Christians, not true Christians. He may also be addressing true Christians living in sin. If you call yourself a Christian, but are married to the world, living in sin, and defiling your covenant with Christ, then repent before Christ removes you. That is a solemn warning. Christ wants a pure church. There is no place for worldliness or compromise. Sin must be dealt with.
B. A Final Reminder (vv. 24-25)
“But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine [of Jezebel], and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak, I will put upon you no other burden. But that which ye have already, hold fast till I come.”
1. ENCOURAGEMENT
In Malachi 3:1-6 God tells Israel that He is going to come in judgment. Verse 16 says, “… they that feared the +LORD spoke often one to another ….” The faithful people didn’t know what would happen to them. Instead of talking to God, they mumbled to each other. But He heard them. Verses 16-17 say, “… a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the +LORD, and that thought upon His name. And they shall be Mine, saith the +LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels ….” The people brightened up at that, saying, “We won’t be a part of the judgment!”
2. EXHORTATION
God says the same thing to the faithful group at Thyatira: “I may have to judge the church, but hang on until I come. I’m not going to put any more burdens on you.” He says the same thing to us. The Greek word for “hold fast” is krate^o, which means, “to be strong or mighty.” That implies that holding on to what they had wouldn’t be easy (Rev. 2:19). Christ uses a strong word to indicate that Satan is going to be tough on them, and that they will need to hang on tight.
Christ commands the ungodly to repent. He commands the Christian in sin to do the same. He says this to the believer who is true to the faith: “Hang on! I’m not going to put any more burdens on you. Just hold fast.”
Christ closes the letter with …
VII. THE COUNSEL (vv. 26-29)
Christ closes with a word to the overcomers. First John 5:5 identifies the overcomers: “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” Whoever is redeemed is an overcomer.
A. The Proof of the Overcomer (v. 26a)
“And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end …”
That is the proof that a person is an overcomer.
B. The Promises to the Overcomer (vv. 26b-28)
What will the overcomer be able to do?
1. TO SHARE IN THE REIGN OF CHRIST (vv. 26b-27)
“… to him will I give power over the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers, even as I received of My Father.”
When Christ returns in His Kingdom, He will reign for a thousand years on earth. Before that, the church will have left the earth in the Rapture (1 Thess. 4:16-17). Seven years of tribulation then follow. Afterwards the church will return with Christ for the thousand-year Kingdom. During that time, Christ will reign as King of kings.
a. Ruling with Judgment
Christ will rule with a rod of iron–there will be instant, divine judgment upon sin. He will not rule alone; all of the overcomers will rule with Him. We will be ruling over all of the nations of the world that will exist at that time with the power of judgment. Christ says, “And he shall rule over them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers ….” That refers to the enemies of God. Then He says, “… even as I received of My Father” (v. 27). What does He mean by that? Christ said, “… the Father … hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (Jn. 5:22), and He is granting a portion of it to us. Those who know Christ in the Kingdom will rule with Him.
b. Sheperding with Mercy
The word “rule” is poimain^o in the Greek text. It literally means, “to shepherd.” Our rule will involve not only the execution of judgment, but the administration of mercy and direction to the sheep as well. That’s a beautiful combination.
2. TO RECEIVE THE MORNING STAR (v. 28)
“And I will give him the morning star.”
You say, “What is the morning star?” Revelation 22:16 says, “I, Jesus, have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” Someday, the morning star will be mine–and the morning star is Jesus Christ. He will be yours and mine. There won’t be any distractions in eternity. I totally belong to Christ now, but I will never experience all that He is until the day I see Him.
Why is Jesus called the “morning star”? Because He will be like the dawn of the Kingdom. The first thing that rises in the day is the morning star. When the morning star rises at the dawn of the Kingdom, Jesus Christ will be fully mine.
There are two things the overcomer will be able to do: reign with Christ and possess Him for his own.
C. The Perception of the Overcomer (v. 29)
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
Two things stand out in my mind as we conclude. First, the picture of sin in Revelation 2:18-29 has been devastating. You now know what God thinks of a church that marries the world. Second, two descriptions of Christ stand out. The first description portrays Christ as coming in fierce wrath and penetrating judgment. For some people, that is the only Christ they will ever know because they refuse Him as Savior. However, the other picture is of Christ as the morning star. Which Christ do you know? The choice is yours.
Focusing on the Facts
1. How can the church at Thyatira be considered an extension of the church at Pergamos? What were the depths of sin that existed in the church at Thyatira?
2. How can the Jezebel of Thyatira be compared to the Jezebel of the Old Testament? (see 1 Kgs. 18:1–21:29)
3. In Revelation 1:13, Christ is referred to as “the Son of man.” In Revelation 2:18, He is referred to as “the Son of God.” Why is His title changed in the letter to the church at Thyatira?
4. How are Christ’s eyes and feet described in Revelation 2:18? Why?
5. What does God think of sin? (see Heb. 10:26-31)
6. What way of escape from sin’s power and penalty has God provided man? What happens to the man who refuses that provision?
7. Why was the city of Thyatira significant?
8. How did Jezebel get the church at Thyatira to marry the world?
9. What two pairs of virtues does Christ commend the church at Thyatira for? Why can those virtues be paired?
10. Why did the church of Thyatira have an abundance of sin along with love? What is the balance that God desires?
11. What must the church do with sin if it is to be what Christ wants it to be?
12. How did Paul encourage the church at Corinth to discipline a certain church member?
13. How did the Jezebel of the Old Testament pervert the nation of Israel? How did God eventually punish her? (see 1 Kgs. 16:31; 2 Kgs. 9:30-37)
14. What is the guise that sin has in many of the churches today?
15. Why did Christ cast the Jezebel of Thyatira into a bed? What kind of bed was it? (see Rev. 2:22)
16. What did Christ mean when He said that He would kill Jezebel’s children? (see Rev. 2:23)
17. In what condition does Christ want to present the church to God? What will He do to keep it in that condition? (see Eph. 5:27)
18. Will Christ ever take the life of a believer? Support your answer.
19. What did Christ exhort the faithful Thyatiran Christians to do? (see Rev. 2:25)
20. What will be the two aspects of the believer’s eventual reign with Christ in the Millenium?
21. What is “the morning star” (Rev. 2:28)? Why is it significant?
Pondering the Principles
1. The church at Thyatira could be commended for its love, but not its doctrine. The church at Ephesus could be commended for its doctrine, but not its love. Which of those churches does your life best represent? Why? If you have more sound doctrine than love, what do you think Christ would want you to do in order to regain the necessary balance? (see Rev. 2:5) What would He want you to do if you have more love than sound doctrine (see Ac. 2:42; Col. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:13; 3:16-17)? Based on your situation, what commitment do you need to make? Do so now.
2. Read Ephesians 5:27. How does Jesus Christ want to present the church to God? If that is what Christ desires for the church, what responsibility does each member have? What are you doing to keep the church pure? What are you doing to keep your own life pure? Are there any areas of your life that are married to the world? Name them. Confess them to God and repent of them. Make the commitment to keep your life unspotted by the world.
3. Jesus Christ commands the faithful members of the church at Thyatira to hold fast to what they already had (Rev. 2:25). Christians need to do that because Satan wages a strong fight. As a result, how should Christians hold fast against Satan? Look up the following verses: 2 Cor. 4:4-6; Eph. 4:27; 6:11-16; Js. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8. Make a list of the many provisions that God has given you to have victory over Satan. Apply those things to your life every day.
Added to the John MacArthur “Study Guide” Collection by:
Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
Box 119
Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
Websites: http://www.biblebb.com and http://www.gospelgems.com
Email: tony@biblebb.com
Online since 1986
So related to the pragmatism of Philippines politics:
from: http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/king-solomons-sins-of-compromise-are.html
Gerhard’s Blog
Thursday, February 11, 2010
King Solomon’s sins of compromise are our own
The historical narrative in the liturgy (1 Kgs 11:4-13) leaps from greatness to greed and from conviction to compromise for King Solomon, notwithstanding “the Lord God of Israel had twice appeared to him.” Whatever the motive, “When Solomon grew old his wives swayed his heart to other gods, and his heart was not wholly with the Lord his God as his father David had been.” Whether it was another Eve tempting Adam or not, Solomon’s actions would conclude the sumptuous period of peace and unity in Israel. The consolidation sought by David would be lost through Solomon’s corruption of the Law, and usher in civil war and perdition…
Can we not learn from history?
How many “compromises” have led to broken families?
Who has “swayed your heart to other gods”?
Why did you choose to follow them?
How many accommodations of “sin” have destroyed personalities, careers and even nations?
We cannot blame anyone
– but take the responsibility upon ourselves.
Question the choices you make… do they correspond to God’s gift of God’s Christ in you?
Mercy provides the recompense for an honest repentance
(Mk 7:24-30):
in the territory of Tyre a pagan Syrophoenician woman pleads with Jesus “to cast the devil out of her daughter,” on the grounds that while Jesus is sent primarily to Jews, “the house-dogs under the table can eat the children’s scraps.”
What faith!
And what mercy Jesus displays!
The same mercy awaits you when you break from what entraps you. We all have “a thorn in the flesh”…
But mercy is there for the wound.
However, we so often return to the compromise:
Which “gods” do you insist on following?
e.g. has your anger made you blind to reconciliation?
or has your compromise with the Gospel ensnared your Christian logic?
Those “scraps” are waiting to fall from the table above you.
Expect to be blessed.
G
[pic:
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/British-Wildlife-Photographer-Of-The-Year-Competition-Opens-For-2010/Media-Gallery/201001315528372?lpos=UK_News_First_UK_News_Strap_Teaser_Region_0&lid=GALLERY_15528372_British_Wildlife_Photographer_Of_The_Year_Competition_Opens_For_2010
]
Oh, politics, politics … how maddening are your games!!!
Hhhhmmmmmm …. to tolerate even the “least evil” of compromise for the sake of “moral upliftment”?
The perplexing contradictions and inconsistencies are so difficult to reconcile?????
Hhhhmmmmm …. so, compromising is the least evil as compared to the other extremely egregious evils?????????
Indeed, it provokes some second secant thoughts!!!!!!!
A very relevant word of God in this so difficult enigma:
Proverbs 14:34
Righteousness EXALTETH A NATION:
but sin [is] a reproach to any people.
Mahirap talaga ang pili-an as ever, considering other issues in the election processes!!! What’s really new under the sun, the moon, and the stars?
“Evil” is to the mind and heart of the perceiver, and choosing the “lesser evil” has become more enigmatic and difficult as ever!