Grabbing the world’s attention nowadays, as I write, is the just over two-month-old “martial law” declared in May 2017, throughout the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, by President Rodrigo “Digong” Roa-Duterte. Martial law was imposed by Duterte because of “rebellion” and threat to national security and integrity by the ISIS [Islamic State]-inspired “Maute” group, comprised mainly by ethnic Maranao Muslims and led by one with the family name “Maute.” The 90% Islamic City of Marawi, in the Mindanao Province of Lanao del Sur, was the target of the “Maute” group for establishing a province of the Islamic “caliphate,” much like what happened in Syria and Iraq. [See: The Children of Abraham.]
Feast of John the Baptist
On the 24th of June each year many people in the Philippines celebrate what the Roman Catholic Church has designated as the Feast of Saint John the Baptist. The same feast is also celebrated in most other countries where there are Roman Catholics.
In many cities, towns and barrios in the Philippines people would traditionally douse water on their neighbors and passersby on this day. This is supposedly to commemorate the birth of the prophet John, who went about baptizing in all of Judea during the time of Jesus Christ (the first century A.D.).
The Value of the “Firstborn”
In the Philippines, as in other countries, great value, weight or importance is placed upon the firstborn child in the family. As the firstborn (eldest) son or daughter, the panganay (Tagalog) or kinamaguangan (Cebuano) is traditionally raised up to be a kind of surrogate father or mother to help take care of the younger siblings. This was the practice especially when Filipino families were large.
The kakâ, as Tagalogs address the eldest sibling in the family, often helps discipline the younger siblings. In some cases the kakâ is expected, or chooses, to help in supporting the schooling of their younger siblings. Some firstborn here have ended up becoming old maids or old bachelors while thus supporting their siblings and, in some cases, their elderly or sickly parents, too.
Leanings
It is a long-accepted truism that mankind is a bundle of extremes. Like a pendulum, at one time men’s opinion on a matter may swing one way and the next time the other way. For example, years ago baggy pants were the fashion. Now trendy pants are as tight as they can be!
But at most times men tend to be “polarized” — some people are camped in one opinion while others are camped in an opposite opinion. America’s well-established two-party political system is a good example of polarity.
Forgiveness in the Bible
Hebrews 10:4 declares: “For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” But how come, in Leviticus 4 and 5, for example, there is abundant mention of sin and trespass offering of bulls and goats, and through them the sins of the people of Israel were forgiven (Leviticus 4:19, 26, 35; 5:10, 13, 16, 18).
How do we reconcile this seeming discrepancy?
Fake News
“Fake news! Fake news!” Just about the whole world has heard those words hurled at media in recent weeks by a head-of-state. And media has fought back in what would look like a protracted word war. That war is even threatening to escalate into physical violence!
Who’s to tell what’s fake and what’s real? Why do some people talk about “true facts” — insinuating that there are “false facts?” But a “fact” is fact because it is true! The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines “fact” as “something that truly exists or happens.” Otherwise, the thing is mere “fiction” — not real or actual. Fake! A product merely of one’s imagination!
Do You Love the World?
John 3:16 — that famous quote from the “beloved disciple” of Jesus Christ (John 13:23; 21:20-24) — declares: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Yet the same apostle John also wrote: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).
Just What Does God Mean — “I Do Not Change?”
As many people reckon time, a new year — 2017 — has just broken. [See: “Happy New Year!”] For many, this also is a time to make “New Year’s resolutions,” a time to change — usually for the better. But, as many ruefully find out while the days, weeks and months roll by, those resolutions are soon forgotten and fall by the wayside. “Maybe next year again?” they console themselves.
Why do men need to change, whereas God says, “I do not change” (Malachi 3:6)? Just what does God mean by that?
The New Testament Teaching on Giving
It is that time of the year again — the “Christmas season.” Many call this time a “season of giving” — a season when people “give gifts” to each other. And because people do that, it is also a season of buying — and selling! Many commercial companies realize their greatest profits during this season more than at any other time of the year.
Preachers often bemoan the fact that, while the people are “exchanging gifts” with each other, they forget to give to the cause of Jesus Christ, who many say is the “reason for the season.”
Of Elections and Appointments
The month of November this year 2016 has been a crucial month for the people of the United States of America (U.S.A.) as they voted for their new president and other officials. Through the ever-watchful eyes of the multi-media, the whole world had been witness to the colorful proceedings of the campaign by the two political parties for their presidential and other bets. Now the election is over. Many are happy about the result, but many also are not happy.