DISCERNING THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT

            The Holy Spirit is God. Just like the Father and the Son, so is he ever present even before the creation of the world. Genesis 1:2 declares that in the creation account, “the Spirit of God was hovering around the waters.”[1] The doctrine of the Holy Spirit as God and his work in the lives of people need to be firmly established at the outset since his presence is felt both in the Old and the New Testaments not as a force or a power but as a Person. Shedding light to the Spirit’s identity and characteristics are significant since our growth as Christians is anchored on how we nurture our relationship with the Holy Spirit.

           
            We need to understand who the Spirit is and how he works in and through us as God’s chosen people and how his presence in us significantly affects the decisions we make in life. Thus, in our discernment of God’s will, the Holy Spirit should be given much prominence. The Holy Spirit’s wisdom in the discernment process leads to life, and a deliberate neglect of his counsel brings about death and destruction. Believers ought to seek the Counsel of the Holy Spirit in their discernment process in order to grow, mature, and live a life spiritually directed in God’s plan and purpose.


            When Jesus was preparing his disciples for his death, resurrection and ultimately his return to the Father, he encouraged and comforted them, by saying, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”[2] Two significant roles of the Holy Spirit are mentioned here by Jesus. He described the Spirit as a Counselor, and as the Spirit of Truth. This work of the Spirit is important in the understanding of his role in the discernment and decision making process of the disciples.

            The Greek word for Counselor is paraklētos which is rendered in other translations as Comforter or Helper. The important function of Jesus in the life of the believers was to lead and guide them during his earthly ministry. He helped them to know God more. He led and guided them to spiritual maturity. However, as he was about to leave his disciples and to go back to where he was from the very beginning, he told the disciples that they will not be orphaned because he will ask the Father to send another Counselor who will be with them and who will do what he did for them. Here comes Jesus who made it clear of what the Holy Spirit’s function will be in the life not just of the disciples but ultimately for his church. The New American Commentary perfectly stated it:

            Thus the picture presented in this context is that of a Paraclete who will function as a replacement and a strengthening companion who will be a kind of alter ego for Jesus. Jesus had been leading them, advising them, teaching them, empowering them, and critiquing them. But his time with them would thereafter be limited, and his followers needed a new companion who could function in all those ways. ^[3]

            Since the disciples will be left by Christ to continue on his work, they will need his wisdom to aid them in their work. They will need his leading as to where they are supposed to go and what they are supposed to do. For this reason, the function of the Holy Spirit is the same as that of Christ. The Spirit will be as what Christ has been to them. He is the one who was leading, advising and teaching God’s people soon after Jesus’ return to the Father. This truth is palpable in the whole of the New Testament as seen in the stories of the disciples of Jesus and their work.

            Jesus continued his encouragement to the disciples when he said, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”[4] In John 16:13, the function of the Holy Spirit as a guide was even more highlighted. Jesus declared, “But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.”[5] Thus, the truth of the Spirit’s wisdom was articulated from the very words of Christ.

            The Holy Spirit’s importance is highlighted throughout the New Testament. At the outset of the process of discernment, the testing of the spirits, to the execution of it, and the fruits of self abandonment yielding to the Holy Spirit’s desires, it is indubitable that the Spirit of God is present, active and living. We have seen above how the lives of people in the New Testament were changed as they surrender to the ultimate will of God, seeking for the Spirit’s direction in their lives. They became channels of God’s grace and truth. They became God’s mouthpiece, declaring the direction where God is leading his people. They became the embodiment of what is means to seek, follow and yield into the direction set forth by God through the Counselor sent forth by Christ.

Yet, to those who did not yield to the Spirit’s desires, their lives ended in destruction. It is a good reminder for all of us that an unyielding spirit will bear vicious if not destructive consequences. The direction which the Holy Spirit is leading is always perfect. And since believers are called to be children of God, they should be led by the Spirit of God all the time in all of their life’s aspects.

Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” [6] This statement harks back the reality that as God’s children, we should be led by the Spirit at all times, producing a life that is fulfilling, and whose fruits will lead to life not just for us but for those who will see the light of God in us.

Thomas Merton in his book, Spiritual Direction and Meditation said, “Spiritual direction implies a trust in God and a sincere abandonment to the Holy Spirit, from whom we can at any time rely on the light of the divine Counsel.”[7] This statement provides us with the basic reality of the major role of the Holy Spirit in seeking for the spiritual direction of believers. Merton’s emphasis on self-abandonment is required of the person who is after the will of God in his or her decision making.

In all these, the Counsel of the Holy Spirit in the believers’ discernment process leading to their decision making is vital in order for them to grow, mature, and live a life spiritually directed in God’s plan and purpose.

---

[1] Genesis 1:2 (NIV)

[2] John 14:16-17 (NIV). The term Paraclete (paraklētos), rendered “comforter” in the KJV, “counselor” in the RSV, NIV, HCSB, and NLT, “helper” in the TEV and NKJV, and “advocate” in the NRSV.

^[3]Gerald L. Borchert, John 12-21: The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2002), 123.Italics are used by the writer to emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the disciples in his wisdom for the latter to discern what they ought and ought not to do.

[4] John 14:25 (NIV).

[5] John 16:13(NIV).

[6] Romans 8:14 (ASV).

[7] Thomas Merton, Spiritual Direction and Meditation (Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 1987), 25.


*Images courtesy of findingtruthmatters.org

LIFE'S WORTH IT!

(image from hulu.com)

        The fact that life is a gift should lead us to seize every moment of it. Life is full of excitement, love and joy. Life is a gift that is worth living. As we live life to its fullest, who knows whom we could encourage, uplift and bless. Wouldn't it be good if we could infuse the joy of living life itself to those who haven't quite gotten the  beauty of it?

         We are pilgrims in this world, yet, this gift of life will remain with us as we certainly will meet (along with the many others who have accepted this gift and much more) Jesus, the Lifegiver himself. And when that day comes, we will all experience life to its perfection.

        Jesus, in a nutshell, explained this in John 10:10 where he said that he came to give life and give all of its accompanying blessings to those who have it. Life is indeed a good blessing from a great God. Every second counts in life. Every memory we make will go down in the annals of our history as our way of seizing this precious gift or unmindfully wasting it. The choice is ours. LIFE IS WELL WORTH IT. SO LIVE AND LOVE IT!

(image from smashingtube.com)

A Change is Gonna Come

Sam Cooke originaly sang this insipirational song. However, it is Afro Blue's rendition of this classic, in the reality contest "The Sing-off" via NBC that gave me goosebumps all over.

I am excited for the big "C's", I mean CHANGES, that are about to unfold this year. WITH EVERY STEP OF FAITH IN LIFE'S JOURNEY COMES THE REALIZATION THAT GOD ALONE IS SUFFICIENT TO LEAD AND GUIDE US ALL.

Big changes are about to come! Excitement fills the air!

And life has never been better! Cheers!

DEAR PASTOR

Dear Pastor,

             I was so excited to go to church yesterday. When the singing was over and the congregation was encouraged to take their sits, my eyes were so bright that I was expecting showers of blessings from the Scriptures. As you took the microphone from the pulpit and began by opening the sermon in a prayer, I asked the Holy Spirit to guide me as I dive into the truths of God’s Word.

             When you started reading the Scripture text on the multimedia screen, I tried to check it in my Bible but it was different. I thought maybe you just misquoted it so it didn’t really bother me at first. You said it was in the book of Exodus but I checked my Bible and found it in Genesis. After reading the Scriptures, you began to share your experience the past week about how difficult your life has been. I looked at my watch and wondered when we are going back to the Bible story because you already spent 20 minutes grumbling about how life has been tough on you and your family.

             Alas! You said, “Let’s open our Bibles to the book of…Luke.” Okay, I thought. Maybe you’re going to tie it up with the narrative in Genesis. Oh yes, you did try but it didn’t work. The passage you quoted in Luke was far from being connected with the story in Genesis. I tried to hide my discontent. I looked around and saw my mother patiently cheering you while looking at the big clock on the side of the pulpit. My friends we’re yawning at my back. I tried to look at the people in front of me and they looked listless and blank.

             Then you continued your own story for another ten minutes. Finally, you asked everyone to continue reading Genesis and you will tell them what they can learn from it the following week. You said sorry to the congregation for not being prepared enough. I wasn’t shocked at all. From the moment you misquoted the passage in the Bible, I knew that there was something wrong. But I never thought that it’s going to be a mess.  

             Dear Pastor, you also said that you were wondering why the people are not coming back to the church on Sundays. Well, let me just say that they’re not coming for your story. They are going to the church to listen to “the story”. My friend’s mom said that your sermons are a big joke. I understood what she said because you’ve been consistently topping your preaching mess every week. I wanted to give you another week to prove that God really has called you for this as you claimed. Or else, I’m going to another church to listen to God’s story for me. Oh, hours before the service started, you told me not to sleep while you are preaching. Well Pastor, I did not. The whole sermon time, I was confused, discontented, and shocked. How could I fall asleep?  I was so much alive that I wanted to run away from where I was sitting. I hope you can read this letter. I’m doing this not to feed your ego but to “enlighten” you that if you will not change, everything will go downhill from here.

With much respect,

Your Son

P.S.

             Please stop doing a marathon of your favorite television series every Saturday late night. I tell you dad, it’s not helping…

A LETTER FROM ZACCHAEUS

A LETTER FROM ZACCHAEUS

(LUKE 19:1-10)

NARRATIVE PREACHING

DRAMATIC MONOLOGUE

(Full manuscript and video)

(IMPORTANT: For a better visualization of this narrative, please click the video below,

and follow by reading the manuscript)

I’ve been wondering about a letter from a friend I received a week ago and I just don’t know what is actually happening to him. I was so surprised by the way he talks this time, he is so happy. Reading it actually makes me realize that something so wonderful happened to him, and yeah, I think that’s the way it is.

My friend and I grew up together. We were buddies since childhood. And you know, we have a lot of things in common. We are both Jews. We have the same height, I mean, we’re both short, actually he’s a little shorter than me. We have the same job. We are tax collectors. Because of this, we are both hated by the people. They thought we were traitors, because we are serving the Roman Empire. Whenever we are on the streets, I think those people around are cursing us and if only they can kill us, I bet they will.

My friend is Zacchaues- the chief tax collector at Jericho. That city is one of the richest and most prosperous in all of Palestine. There are other tax collectors around the area, but my friend is their chief. He hired collectors under him. In fact, he hired me. And because he is the chief tax collector, he is really rich and when I say rich, I mean, he’s really rich. Well, I usually receive letters from Zacchaues but this one is way different. We often talk about tax, money, getting richer and all those stuff that’s why getting this one made me really wonder. And I’ve been reading this since last week. I don’t know. I just get this feeling that… oh well.. I think I just got to tell you what he said.

Zacchaues have heard of Jesus, well, I’ve heard about him, too. His miracles, his teachings and how people have been at awe with his words. Some people like him, but the others, especially the teachers of the Law hated him. One day, my friend was taking tax from the people when he heard that Jesus is entering Jericho and is making his way through the town. As he was walking through, the crowds began to gather around him. Zacchaeus was there, waiting patiently in excitement. So ran and tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. I tell you, I know the feeling because I'm short. But I know my friend, he’s not giving going to give up that easily. And so he tried again and again still he could not. So, he still tried his best to see Jesus. He said he has waited for this time to finally meet his, I guess I’m going call him Zacchaeus' secret hero. So he ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. I know that sycamore tree because when we were kids we used to play around that tree. It's still there until now. But for my friend to do that as the chief tax collector is humiliating. But, he said, he could not contain his excitement to meet Jesus. He didn’t mind the people actually noticing him on that tree and being humiliated. Well, he said there’s something about Jesus. Well he said he was just so swallowed up by his burning desire to see Jesus.

And so when Jesus came by, he looked up at my friend and called him by his name and he said, “Zacchaeus!” What? Jesus knew his name! My friend said, he was so surprised that Jesus actually called him by his name. Wow! Only a prophet could do that! And that’s not all. Jesus told him, “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” What? Jesus wanted to stay in my friend’s house? If I was there, I don’t know what I would have said.

And so Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. He heard the crowd grumble, but you know what? My friend said he was expecting it. He even heard one of them saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner!”

But Zacchaeus said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” Is he crazy?My friend is wise, actually he is schemy. That’s why I don’t get it. Why does he want to give his money back to people and more than that, he was humiliating himself. He was admitting that he actually stole money from people. I mean, he publicly admitted his fault in front of the crowd. He humilitaed himself.

But my friend said that that's how he felt what he should do. And he was so humbled by Jesus’ response to him. Jesus said, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Lost?? Zacchaues was lost??? My friend was lost? I mean…how could he be lost? He is rich. I mean, I envy his richness. He is rich, he has everything. But He was doing a crime. He's taking money from people just like…just like me….

Yeah…Zacchaeus saud Jesus actually forgave gave, and accepted him. He said Jesus looked past his faults and saw him through the eyes of mercy. Zacchaeus has changed....I don't know...

I think I..I'm thinking of sending him a letter but... I think I don't have to do that. I gotta go and find my friend. I want to know Jesus also. I don’t want people hating me no more. And I just want forgiveness, freedom, to do my job well and just be a part of God’s household like..like my friend. I don’t want to wait for another letter. Or maybe Jesus will come here and I will see him also. And I will do everything to see him. Or...I’d better go now. I just want to have what he has..freedom, forgiveness, hope…. I’m not wasting time..I’m going to Jericho and ask Zacchaeus about …Jesus…I need Jesus…I need Jesus…I need him…..I gotta go....

****

Note:

The full manuscript of this narrative sermon can be used in any way possible provided that proper citations be given. Thank you and be blessed!

THE FAITH OF A CHILD

THE FAITH OF A CHILD

(MARK 10:13-16)

NARRATIVE PREACHING

DRAMATIC MONOLOGUE

(Full manuscript and video)

(IMPORTANT: For a better visualization of this narrative, please click the video below,

and follow by reading the manuscript)

Hi there, I’m excited to see my kids. I’m just waiting for them to come home from the marketplace. They are with their mom. My wife actually said they’re going to visit the temple first before they come back and have our lunch together. My children wanted to go to the temple because I tell them a lot of stories about it. My kids love Jesus so much. I really want them to grow up knowing Jesus as their Savior. And I’m the happiest Dad in the world because they always say “Daddy, Daddy, tell us more stories about Jesus!” They are daddy's little wonders, they are my precious gems. They are everything to me. Their names are Mikaella and Janella. I love them to bits. Oh well, I am just so happy because they listen to me when I tell them stories about Jesus.

Actually, I was a Daddy’s kid, too. I looked up to my Dad and I thought of him as a superhero. I thought he could do everything. I was in awe at everything he did. I believed everything he said. I felt safe as a child because of him. He always tells me that I can lean on him all the time, and that he was my refuge. I NEVER DOUBTED MY DAD. That’s why when he told me that one day I would see Jesus eye to eye, I believed him, and I eagerly anticipated that day when Daddy will introduce Jesus to me face to face. I have so much faith in my dad that I knew it would eventually happen.

My Dad was a carpenter, just like Jesus. He believed in God. He prayed a lot. And he told a lot of stories about our ancestors, Isaac, David and Jacob. Well, we are Jews. My Dad would tell me a lot of stories about David, Isaac and Jacob and even about how God helped our people from the "beginning". I was clueless of whatever that "beginning" meant during that time. You know, I was a kid. But I believed my dad.

Maybe you are thinking, how I met Jesus huh?!  Well, one day, Jesus took his disciples to the area of Judea across the Jordan River. And so he had another opportunity to teach the people.

Because he was getting more and more popular at that time, my whole town soon found out that Jesus was there. Everyone got so excited, and so were my parents. My daddy was so excited that he run back to the house from work and told me with his face lit up, “My son, finally, I will introduce you to Jesus. Hurry up!" My mom was so excited to see Jesus also that we wasted no time and ran to where Jesus was. My father didn’t mind the hot weather. He carried me in his arms and ran as fast as he could because the long wait is finally over! I will meet Jesus at last! Just as my dad promised!

From afar, I saw a huge crowd gathering around. Well, I thought they were intently listening to whatever Jesus has to tell them. Well, for me, to finally meet my Daddy’s hero is something! And I will see him literally in the flesh! That time I was thinking, “What does he look like? Would Jesus want to see me? What would I tell him?”

When we finally arrived, I realized that some of my playmates were also there. Their parents brought them so they could meet Jesus, too! I was so happy! I felt like there was a party! So we squeezed in until we could see a glimpse of Jesus. But Alas! when we were almost there, some of Jesus’ friends said that we can’t come closer to him. Oh..I saw how my Dad’s face turned red. So my Dad gave me to my Mom and then he started pleading to Jesus’ friends. He said, "Please, please, let my child meet Jesus! I've been telling him about Jesus.. and... please, give him this chance!" But I heard one of them say, “Hey you! Do not be stubborn! You can’t let your child come to Jesus!” But my Dad kept on pleading and he said, "Please! please! Let my child meet Jesus!" He was talking to one of them and I think that was Peter, when we suddenly heard someone shout, “STOP!”

We all looked at where the voice was coming from….and…it was..JESUS! And so he asked his friends to give way for us. What I remember was slowly, my dad and mom, and the other parents, brought me and my playmates to where Jesus was sitting. I could not believe it was happening. It was like a story came to life. And I remember Jesus saying, "Let the children come to me. Do not stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." And then everybody was silent. Then he took us in his arms one by one, and placed his hands on our heads and blessed us. I was actually the last among the children whom Jesus blessed. He held me in his arms and I hugged him back. I saw my Dad and my Mom smiling and giving me a THUMBS UP!!

Oh actually, that wasn’t the only time that I saw Jesus. I know you are thinking how it happened again right? Well, I can vividly remember the time when he was crucified at Calvary. When my parents heard the news that Jesus will be crucified outside the city, they asked me to join them. As a kid, I did not know what was goin’ on. I saw some people were mad like crazy and they were shouting at Jesus and telling him that he deserved to die. I heard them saying, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" They were so bad. I knew something wasn’t right. I was troubled…..I was….shocked! Honestly....I was afraid. Because the last time I saw Jesus, he was very strong and happy. He carried me, Held me in his arms, he laid his hand on my head and blessed me. It was so beautiful. I might not have understood everything he said back then, but that was the most beautiful, the most peaceful time of my life.

But the story at Calvary was very different. Jesus was covered with blood. I was afraid of blood and so I couldn’t even look at him. That was, the saddest I’ve seen my parents. When we came back home that day, silence filled our house. I couldn’t help myself and so I ran to my Dad and asked him, “Daddy, Jesus will not die for long, right?” He looked at me, held me in his arms and asked, “My child, do you trust me?” So I said, “Dad, I never ever doubted you.” And so he looked at me in the eye, and said, “One thing I am so sure of is that everything will be alright.” I did not know what he meant but his words calmed my heart.

After a couple of weeks, the news spread throughout the town that Jesus was alive! My Dad came home rejoicing and telling me that Jesus was alive and so I asked him, “Daddy, Daddy, did you see Jesus?” He looked at me and said, “No...but remember, I told you before that...everything will be okay? Trust me son, Jesus is alive! Everything is okay now.” I looked at my Dad and I was so confused. I just sat on the chair outside our house while my mother was cooking good food for us to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

My father noticed me wondering outside. So he called my Mom, and they came up to me and finally they told me who Jesus is and should be in my life. They explained to me who he was, and what he did for me, for them and for everyone...even for those people who were saying, "Crucify him! Crucify him!" at Calvary. My Dad told me that Jesus loves me so much and that he gives favor to a child like me. And then he said, “Do you remember what Jesus said when he blessed you?” Oh, that I remember of course, Jesus said, “The kingdom of God belongs to such as...me...such as me.” And so my face began to light up again.

My father was a very good Dad. He told me more and more stories about Jesus. But three months later, he died.All he asked me to remember was everything that he told me about Jesus and for me to continue to believe in him and have faith in him.

Now, I am happily married and a father of two beautiful children. You know the Jesus’ stories about....what my Dad told me, I'm sharing them to my kids now and more. I told my kids who Jesus is and how he changed my life. My faith in him like a child never faltered. I trust him like a child trusting his Dad for everything. I trusted my Dad completely. And my Dad told me to trust Jesus more than I trust him. He told me to never doubt Jesus. He told me to believe Jesus everyday the way I believed him as a child and more. He told me to remember what I saw on the cross- that Jesus loves me more than I could ever imagine. And he told me to never lose that faith of a child in me.

Oh, I can hear my daughter calling me now…I guess I gotta go and meet them outside. I have another Jesus story to tell them. Okay guys, I gotta go…bye…..

****
Note:
The full manuscript of this narrative sermon can be used in any way possible provided that proper citations be given. Thank you and be blessed!

THE TYRANNY OF THE 5%

Not all people will like us, and that is a fact that we must accept. There is always that 5% of the crowd who will dislike us. They are those whom we have to live with. Yet the joy of being accepted transcends the disapproval of the 5%. It goes beyond the tyranny of the minority. What we get from the Scriptures is the great encouragement from the Apostle Paul. In Romans 8:31-39 (NIV), Paul states:

^31"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ³³ Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

What we must remember is that we are not here on earth to gain the approval of men. We are here as pilgrims. Our acceptance is anchored on who we are in Christ and that is all that matters. In a world corrupt and sinful as it is, we cannot expect to live in justice, although we strive for it. THERE IS NO EUTOPIA ON EARTH. Perfection and complete acceptance will only come when we finally get to meet our Creator.

The tyranny of the 5% will hurt us as humans but it will not do harm to our soul. Keep your courage all you saints. If God is for us, then who can be against us?