Repentance and Faith

As I chomp my breakfast with a coffee to prepare for work–my bread and butter–I read a tag line on the newspaper that “big things come from small packages”. An affirmation for me that the greatest accomplishments are never achieved with partial skill or wavering commitment; that any worthy transformation or excellence does not equate with 99% or “almost” of a single thing. It will always be a combination. The same concept with spiritual renewal that requires faith to God beyond our best human efforts.

God has showed His immense love for us through Jesus and has initiated a relationship with us. Now it is our time to respond. What do we reply?

Last October 21, 2013, Kuya Jeremy Quimpang or as he commonly known as Kuya JQ, conveyed God’s message about ‘Repentance and Faith’. While we are busy struggling for worldly labels, preoccupied with worries how the world should perceive us; we often forget that we are created in God’s perfect image. We get perplexed that we are chasing the wrong ideals. “We need to repent to reform our lives”, Kuya JQ said. “Repentance should come with Faith”. We need a 180-degree-turn-around.

The Greek word for repentance is “metanoia”, which literal¬ly means a change of mind. It is neither a simple confession of wrongdoing, nor is dependent on feelings. Not even with feeling sorry because we are afraid of the consequences. Repentance refers to a change of direction. It is dropping of an old set of standards and values; which is basically, turning away from sin, evil, and running your own life.

Repenting is being honest–admitting that we have sinned and asking God’s forgiveness. It is being humble that we cannot do it by ourselves and we need God’s help; and acceptance that Jesus as Lord. We must renounce sin by actively turning away from it and deciding not to do it again which totally complete repentance.

“It is a double-action response”, he furthered. “We cannot just have repentance without the other–faith”.

Faith is belief in the gospel, which is the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. A personal act and decision that is never based on feelings; and not a wishful thinking. Faith is accepting the life that God has promised us and letting God show us how to live it. And we must be willing to do whatever God wants of us, and actually do it.

“At the end of the day, walang taong magaling kung hindi naka-charge sa Kanya”, the speaker highlighted as the crowd intently listening.

2,000 years ago, Jesus sounded the call to repentance and faith. It is the same call to us today. And as we respond positively, God promises us salvation from sin, forgiveness and reconciliation, eternal life, and the power of the Holy Spirit for our lives.

Brothers and sisters, let’s accept the challenge to repent and believe in Jesus. Then take God up on His promises, and expect to experience the peace and joy and power of the Lord in our lives.

And with that, may God be praised.

By: Ryan Rebaja

What it Means to be a Christian

Our Christ-like Identity: Christianity

Once upon a time, a long-raging battle has overwhelmed almost the whole of the Filipino nation. It was not that so long ago, and a lot of those here today may still have witnessed the heat of the clashes. It was the fight between the Vilmanians and the Noranians. Oh yes, it was fiery, as the two parties knew very well what they were arguing for. The Vilmanians fought hard and tough for what they strongly believed in – that Vilma was the better actress (the same with Noranians for Nora). As bearers of the names of these two actresses, their fans stood firm on their side throughout the battle. As modern day Christians, what do we do to stand for what we believe in? What does it really mean to be bearers of Christ’s name, Christians? This is what was heard from the Voice SFC on October 14, 2013, during its third talk.

From the previous episode of the The Voice SFC, the participants have learned who Jesus Christ is – that He is our Lord and Savior. In this latest episode, the speaker busted most myths about Christianity. We have heard of Christianity from history, from our religion teachers and from church. We even claim ourselves to be Christians. But with all the things associated with Christians – church, doctrines, morality, saints, kindness, sacrifice, bible – there seem to be a clouded notion of what Christianity is.

The speaker explained that Christianity is not a mere religious system that makes people observe religious practices (as like rituals). It is not also a mere moral system – a list to do’s and don’ts and going to hell when you are “bad”. Christianity is not a mere humanitarian system, being at all times the ‘good Samaritan.’ Lastly, it is not a mere coping mechanism for the suffering, poor and oppressed. The true essence of being a Christian is being united with God, through Jesus Christ, our redeemer. It’s not a system, an organization, a support group or a mere religion, but a true, intimate relationship with God. Everything else that Christians do and believe in, those mentioned above, are simply a Northern star that points to Him, a mirror that reflects Him, an expression of our relationship with Him. Christianity then is not about you, doing all the good things, serving unceasingly, praying intensely, worshipping loudly, etc. It’s about God, initiating a loving relationship with us through Jesus Christ. Because being Christian is being Christ-like, the only begotten Son of God, and through it we enter that same relationship that Jesus has with the Father.

As Christians, we bear Christ’s name. Unlike the Vilmanians and Noranians though, we are given the special privilege to not just be die-hard fans of the name we bear, but to be like Him, to share His identity as child of God, heirs of God’s Kingdom. What an extravagant way of showing His love. As Christians then, we have this peace that though wars may rage, famine may strike, and the world may crumble, our Father will hold us, and will provide for us, for He loves us. That is our identity.

And with that, may God be praised!

By: Naja Fragante