Revelation 20:1-15 – the “thousand years”

The Christian church throughout its history has debated against each other on their understanding of the “thousand years.” As the context has clearly stated, the “thousand years” is directly connected to the reign of Christ together with His believers (Rev. 20:4). It is also a period wherein Satan would be restrained for a period, before unleashing him again for the last time (Rev. 20:1-3). Some have understood this event as something in the future, and others see it as a present event. I believed the disagreement arise not from hermeneutical differences but from theological. Often times, our theological bias cause us to interpret a certain passage differently. CAN”T WE EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS AGREE WITH ONE ANOTHER IN OUR UNDERSTANDING OF “THOUSAND YEARS“?

Few More Days and It’s Christmas

At Christmas Is Christ Happy Over Us?

“Mommy,” asked Jane, “what makes everybody so happy at Christmas?” “Well, because it is the Lord Jesus’ birthday … and because we love Him … and because we are happy about His coming to this world.”

Jane thought a minute and then said, “Then is the Lord happy about you?” “Oh, little girl, what a question you have asked!”

Is the Lord Jesus happy about us on His birthday? Is he really happy because He sees within our hearts a deep, true love for Him? Does He see a satisfying love and not just a seasonal affection stirred up by the festivities of Christmas? What He wants more than anything else on His birthday is the love of our hearts.
***Story taken from: A Treasury of Bible Illustrations.

 

 

Reaction:

Last Night, as reported in the News, traffic was heavy because of Christmas rush. People are busy trooping to the malls and shopping center, to buy gifts for their love ones and friends. If only the same spirit be manifested for Jesus Christ, how much better would the world be. And I am sure, Jesus Christ will be happy with that.

 

 

 

Christianity Can Benefit from Pyschology

I read the book Saving Your Marriage Before It Start by Dr. Les and Leslie Parrott, both psychologist (http://www.christianbook.com/html/authors/1301.html). Through the seven guidelines that they posted I was better informed of marital relationship. This book provides insights that are not clearly stated in the Bible – the needs of every husband and wife. This does not mean I do not uphold the sufficiency of Scripture. The Bible is complete, inerrant, and all sufficient in its message for salvation. There is no knowledge that can supersede the Bible’s truthfulness. But the Bible does not attempt to address every issues of humankind. Thus, at times the Bible seems to be at odds with science. Psychology being a branch of science, which deals with the study of human behavior and mind, is often seen in the same perspective. The book certainly will be of great help for those in the pastorate. Pastors as shepherd of God’s flock not only address the issues of sin and salvation. They are also obligated to care for their sheep.  I will reiterate my previous stand, indeed, Christianity can benefit from psychology (November 23).

Infant Baptism?

 

Proponents of Infant Baptism have 4 basic arguments:

1. One of the arguments proposed in favor of baptizing infants is that entire households were baptized in New Testament times (Acts 16:15, 33). Certainly such households or families must have included children. Consequently, groups who hold this position believe this practice should be extended to the present day.
2. A second argument cited is Jesus’ treatment of children. Jesus commanded the disciples to bring the children to Him. When they did so, He blessed them (Mark 10:13-16). Because of this example from Jesus, it would seem inconsistent to deny baptism to children today.
3. A third argument put forth by covenant theologians is that children were participants in the Old Testament covenant: “And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you” (Gen 17:7). They were present when the covenant was renewed (Deut 29:10-13; Josh 8:35). They had a standing in the congregation of Israel and were present in their religious assemblies (Joel 2:16). The promises of God were given to the children as well as adults (Isa 54:13; Jer 31:34). Circumcision was administered to infants in The Old Testament. Since baptism has now replaced circumcision, it is natural that it should be administered to children, according to those who practice infant baptism.
4. A final argument presented in support of infant baptism is the historical evidence. Infant baptism has been practiced in the church from early times, certainly as early as the second century, according to those groups that baptize infants.

*** Taken from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Thomas Nelson Publishers, © 1986), Baptism.

Should we agree with these arguments? Should we practice infant baptism in our church?