Dulpa, 11 reflection charles spurgeon

I learned that when Charles Spurgeon was a child he already learned how to read the Bible, and was very interested in listening stories about all the missionaries who were killed, burned and jailed because of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though Charles doesn’t have any formal education still he reads well, and his lack of a college degree was no hindrance to his remarkable preaching career, because his grandfather, his mother and father taught him how to read Bible, puritan books, and he never ashamed to read in front of many people every time his father ask him to read in the church service. He had also a nice conversion, when he became a follower of Jesus Christ. Fortunately, he became successful in the ministry, and became popular in his town, because he was a great preacher. Although he also experienced many tragedies, and challenges but still he never give up in his career as a minister in the Lord.

When I was a child my parent did not taught me how to read and write because they were illiterate and they themselves does not know how to read and write because when they were young their parents did not bring them to school to study because of poverty. When I was in grade one my teacher is the one who taught me how to write my name and read alphabet and every time my teacher give homework I just work it alone. Then when I was in grade 2 i help my siblings. I believe that being a child of a poor family is not a hindrance to get education. By the help of God I graduated in my high school as a working student, and the Lord has blessed me because I am now about to graduate in college, by the help of God and of those people were instrument by God to provide and  paid my rice, viand, and tuition fees. I also experienced a lot of challenges when I study here in BTC and one of those is my financial needs but I can say that God is faithful, gracious, provider and loving. His help never delayed His attentive towards my needs.

            Looking for the future I am excited of what God will do next in my life. I am now about to graduate, and I believe that God will entrust me with new ministry this year. I will always put in my mind that all the achievements and success that I will be experience is because of the help of God. I will always acknowledge God, for He is the source of all wisdom, the giver of life, the one who holds my success. All I need to do is always trust in His power for He is able to use my life in many ways, and I will serve God through the gift, talent and skills that He entrust in me, and I will always do my best to give glory to God whatever I will do.

Dulpa, 10 reflection william carey

I learned that William Carey was exactly the kind of person that most of us would least expect because he came from a poor family, but God used his lives to be an instrument so that people in India might know that they were loved by God. Carey was raised in a small, rural town where he received almost no formal education. His chief source of income came through his work as a shoemaker. He had an awkward, homely appearance, having lost almost all his hair in childhood. But the Lord used Him in many ways.

William Carey was a pioneer of the modern Christian missionary movement, a movement that has since reached every corner of the world. He used his God-given genius and every available means to serve his Creator and illumine the dark corners of India with the light.  I was inspired in his life because of his hard work and perseverance despite of all the hardship in life that he encounters. In the mission field, he experienced lack of support, opposition at home and local situations fraught with disease and discomfort, but still he perseveres in spite of those circumstances in life.

 I came also from a poor family, but it’s not a hindrance for me to serve and be fully equipped for God’s glory, even though my parent did not support me financially. In Carey’s life, I was reminded that I have a duty as a Christian to preach the Gospel to every creature and I can be a goer, sender or mobilizer. As for this year I am a sender, and I practice help, support and pray for those missionary who cross-cultural missions just to obey God’s call in their life. I will not go but I will support them through prayer especially the BTC student missionary. As of now I will practice to be spiritually ambitious. I will expect great things from God; and attempt great things for God. I will also use every God-given abilities, skills, talent, gift, and learning to serve my Creator, and by living as a salt and a living example in this dark world.  

Dulpa, 9 reflection francis of assisi

I learned that Francis of Assisi acknowledged that God in heaven is his father and he showed that he loved so much that he followed Jesus so literally in pursuit of poverty, desiring nothing more than the Lord. It teaches me that i can be committed faithful followers of Jesus while doing it in my own unique way that glorifies God.

        I also learned that he walked a miles just to meet and preached to unknown numbers of people on the dusty roads, in city squares, in churches especially to those  poor people. I can sense that he loved God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. But I did not like of what he did when he pursuit of poverty even though he was wealthy person. As being a Christians I have responsibilities for others, for my family, for my aging parent, for my country that God entrusts to me. I know that God has given me special gifts, talent, skills to be used for his purposes as workers in the marketplace, friends in the community, encourages of the brokenhearted, lovers of the oppressed.

Last time I worked in a company I tend not to give all my salaries in my parent even though I have a responsibility to help them financially. I allocate half of my income for myself so that I can buy what I want and save for my future needs. I don’t like to give all my income to them so that they will not too much dependent of me and I can budget my income wisely and help others also.  The idea of giving all to the poor of all your resources and lived with them is not a good idea, because how can you help if you don’t have enough for selves and don’t have any income resources. I know that Francis and I have different perspective in life. I can serve for and help better if I have much and I can be effective if I have a lot of resources to help others. For me I cannot be an effective minister if I too my self needs help. So, I must think wisely, and use all the resources wisely, not being boastful instead I will always acknowledge God as the owner of all things, because all things come from Him.

Dulpa, 8 reflection crusades

I learned that whenever there is a war there is also a cost. The crusades during in the Middle Ages were also cost and loss of many lives. Thousands and thousands of people were killed for a cause. Many innocent people were killed, burned, women were raped. People during those years suffered a lot because the man who started the first Crusade was Pope Urban II. He was tall and handsome and impressive. He was also a great orator or speaker. He knew how to speak and spoke to the people about the birth of Jesus with much feeling him and huge crowd believed the pope and they felt anger towards the Turks.

I Learned that Urban have been a powerful and effective preacher, but he had one major problem: he did not preach the truth. The Crusade resulted in much loss of life; many people died due to hunger, thirst, war, and famine. I learned from the mistakes of the past. I had also experienced listening to the wrong voice. I taught it was right but it brings me down. In the end I realized that I was wrong after I committed a mistake. Now I must be aware of misguided words, I must think first before I will act.

The Crusaders were all excited about rescuing the Holy Land from the Turks. Today people get all excited about many things. I may also get excited after my graduation, but I must always put in my mind that I must listen to the voice of God. The Crusaders were all passionate about killing Turks. I must also practice being   passionate about sharing the gospel with people that I may going to meet after my graduation and seeing some of them come to know the Savior and walk in the truth of God’s Word. Many of the crusaders were very sincere in what they were doing. I must also be sincere in my daily walk with God, my first priority in life, and my right attitude. I must be sincere in my daily communication with God, especially reading His word.

Dulpa, 7 reflection martin luthers

I learned that Martin of Tours has become one of the most familiar and recognizable Christian saints. He is best known for the account of his using his military sword to cut his cloak in two, to give half to a beggar for clothed. He helped the beggar, and he took pity on him even though he doesn’t know about that’s person’s name. I learned that Martin is compassionate towards those poor people, because he showed care by giving the portion of his clothes to the beggar, he doesn’t mind what people might say about his uniform that was cut. I also learned that He follow God’s call, and become bishops who serve the Lord fully. As I listened to the reporter Martin chose to follow the desires in his heart, the conviction to serve the Lord through people. He quite as being a military soldier, and he became the soldier of God who won souls for Jesus.

Past two years of my stay here in BTC, I don’t have any support from my family.  I’m struggling financially because I can’t pay on time of all my obligations in the kitchen, tuition fees and including my boarding. I always made a promissory note, so that I can take all my exams. One day i receive payable account from the office and stated there, that I have balance and it almost 17 thousand. After I receive that letter,  I make a plan to go home and find work, and stop study here in BTC, but the Lord is good because somebody was being compassionate to me, she paid all my accounts here in BTC until now. I realized that God used someone to meet my needs, and because of that I really appreciate my sponsor of her kindness to me. I really don’t know about her, but I thank God for her life as instrument used by God to fulfill His purpose in my life. Through her support, care, love, and compassion I am now going to graduate in college by the help of God.

As being a Christian, a student I will also show compassion, care, love, and support to those unfortunate people. I will also share to them the blessings that I have received from God, by doing so I can make their smile every day. I will also help those who ask food in the streets. Actually, I practice give bread to the beggars in the Country mall. Every time I went there together with my friend we usually share them about the love of Jesus, and we pray for them, and after that we give them bread. As for now I practice myself to be generous in a little way that I can share.

Dulpa, 6 reflection martin luther

I learned that the “95 Theses” were written in 1517 by a German priest and professor of theology named Martin Luther. His thoughts helped as instrument in forming the movement known as the Protestant Reformation. I learned that he wrote his radical “95 Theses” to express his growing concern with the corruption within the Church, and his theses is to challenge the Catholic Church and other scholars to debate with him on matters of church policy. While he was in front of the popes, priest, princes, kings and all the people he never recant what he had stated instead he spoke about it boldly, and lived by it, and defends. It’s amazed me because of his courageous acts, he stand firm in front of all witnesses and spoke what is in the Bible.

            I cannot imagine the boldness and courage even though he was in the midst of his enemies, he never give up instead he is willing to die for Christ. Luther’s life reminds me to stand firm what i believe about my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When I was in my elementary and high school years, I experienced being called by my two terror teachers.  They were angry because I did not attend catechism lectures; they told me to fail my GMRC subject, and in front of them I don’t know what to do and what to say about my belief. I was tense at the time and my only answer to their questions is that I am a Christian that’s why I did not attend your lectures; and they told me I cannot go home if I cannot memorize “ Our father, and hail Mary.

Like, Luther I can always do the right thing, and not follow what others did was wrong, instead I will take stand against something that is just plain wrong and correct them. During those years I was able to defend my faith and I said to my teachers that it’s up to you if you will fail me in your subject. I said to them that I am different from yours and you cannot force me to memorize because I knew what I believe, in the end of semester I got low grade but I never attend catechism lectures.

  As Christian I must stand firm of what I believe and not recant of my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ whatever might happen. I must speak boldly about the truth, the gospel and live by it. I must not afraid of my faith; instead I will declare to the world that I am saved through grace by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. For sure I will face many obstacle in life but I will always put in my mind that greater is He who is in me, and He can deliver me from my enemies. I will just trust His care and love that He will guide me of what to say in front of my enemies. I will stand firm and persevere in the faith.

Dulpa, 5 reflection The monks

As we continued watch the video about the dark ages. I learned that life was very hard in the Middle Ages. Very few people could read or write and the poor people were required to stay with the land and pay very high rent to the lord. The Monks taught boys from wealthy noble families how to read and write Latin, and some boys from wealthy families were tutored privately. Students began learning but the girls were not taught to read or to write and the children of the poor spent their time working the fields and caring for the home. They learned what they needed to know to survive in society. I also learned that during those times medical knowledge was very limited; therefore, health care was generally dominated by myths, folklore and superstition. People believed that bad odors caused disease and that some illnesses were the result of “sins of the soul.” Sometimes the church stated that illnesses were punishments from God and that those who were ill were so because they were sinners. The use of leeches for “blood-letting” was also a common practice. Some believed that the moon and stars, as well as their astrology sign, caused some diseases.

During the period many people who were poor were not given the opportunity to be taught in the school on how to read and write, they don’t have the privileged to study and learned instead they worked all day long in their masters and were not treated fairly. It is a sad story that until now rich people did not treat the poor and they were so unkind to their servants. I experienced that when back 2004 when I was here in Cebu. I was a housemaid working student and my lord did no trait me well. They promised me to support my studies financially and the equivalent of that is to work in their house whole day but they did not pay my tuition fees during my exams.

God is good because He was so kind to me and I was sent here in BTC studying and there I found out that there are a lot of people who were so kind that God used their lives as instrument to help my studies. So, I conclude that some people were kind and unkind. I want to be a kind person, and I want to treat people fairly even if they were poor or rich, educated or not. I will value people because God made them also.

Dulpa, 4 reflection the dark ages

Last Thursday of 10, 2015 we had watched a video entitled “The 'Dark Ages”. This is a term often used synonymous with the Middle Ages. It refers to the period of time between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Italian Renaissance and the Age of Discovery and during this period the 'Dark Ages' were a difficult time in which to live: famine and disease were common. The Black Death Bubonic Plague devastated Europe in the late 1340s, killing an estimated 100 to 200 million people. Warfare was also a part of everyday life. The Europeans and the Muslims of the Arab world fought numerous conflicts. Also the middle ages are often said to be 'dark' because of a supposed lack of scientific and cultural advancement.

I learned how the people before living with a difficult situation with a great destruction. A lot of people experienced war some of them were tortured, killed some of them died in the field during the war, some of them died in the sword because of their belief, and some of the civilian’s house were burned while others died because of famine, and they experienced too much hungry because they don’t have food to eat and water to drink and a place to live, and the poor were living in the streets and some of them died because of disease. It is painful experienced of the people during the dark ages, some people thought that there is no hope and as we can see the movie some people died without knowing their Lord and savior. It is hurtful because if I will put my life during that day I don’t know what to do and say those people who hurt you and killed your love ones. But I learned that God’s purpose must prevail and fulfill in the lives of those who reign and became the leaders during that time so that we those who were alive must appreciated their works as they defend the Christianity and protect. I also experienced difficult situation in life when my father and mother got separated, my younger sister died, I felt too much lonely and depressed, and also after few years my grandfather died, and my grandmother died due to tuberculosis and when I came here in BTC a great typhoon that hit in Leyte killed a lot of people and destroyed a lot of houses. All those events that happened God has a purpose and even if it is difficult I can say that God is in control and He is in the midst of  us showing his care, love, protection, mercy, and faithfulness . I learned that God has a reason for allowing things to happen. I may never understand His wisdom, but I simply have to trust His will.

Now in my journey I may not know what will happen in the future or what I may encounter in the future if it is good I will praise and thank the Lord and if it is bad I will stay worship my God and thank Him for his goodness in my life. I will still persevere knowing that God is in my side and He is my great helper in times of need. I will put my whole trust in Jesus knowing that He knows my future. I know that challenges in life will come but as I trust in God, He will strengthen my faith. I will fight the good fight. I will finish the race faithfully and fruitfully by serving God the rest of my life. I will be able to build a building for the homeless.

Dulpa, 3 reflection St. Clement

One of our classmate reports is about the life of St. Clement of Rome. He grew up from a stranger family, he was educated, and had access in the imperial court but he was not joyful in pagan society, because he was not happy he chose to live a life pleasing in God’s eye even if it is costly. He spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, defended the Church in apologetic writing and fought the many heresies. Clement was sentenced to a martyr's death in the arena by the Emperor Trajan. According to a fourth century story, Trajan had banished the pope to the Crimea in the southern Ukraine because of his success in evangelize. Clement was so eager to share the gospel to the people and he satisfied the thirst of two thousand Christian confessors by a miracle. The people of the country were converted and seventy‑five churches built. A frustrated Trajan then ordered Clement to be thrown into the sea with an iron anchor.

I learned that it is costly when we follow the Lord Jesus Christ but it is more joyous when we bring souls back to God. Clement had an impact even after his martyrdom. He became one of the great examples for us Christians that whatever might happen even if we will experience persecutions we can still reach out to those people who’s going to hell. By letting them know that Jesus Christ loves them and died for them. I learned that God is working in many ways Clement was exiled but the Lord still used his life in many ways to fulfill his purpose in his life. He did not waste the time to be silent, and grumble against God instead he spread the good news to the people.

Because I have hope in Jesus Christ I must live lives of purity and righteousness. Because of what Christ has done in my life. I will let be hurry with all energy and readiness of mind to perform every good work that God intended for me to do. For the Christian there is no reason for selfishness or self-promotion. As follower of Jesus I must work together in all harmony and peace. I know that God will reward a simple spirit of submission. With love and compassion, Clement urged his readers to: be of humble mind, laying aside all haughtiness, pride, foolishness, and angry feelings, being especially mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus. I believe that none of our thoughts are hidden from God; I must seek to obey Him rather than follow the human leaders of any side that can ruin my life. I will also use all the opportunities to spread the news about Jesus whenever God leads me. I will not be silent and keep all that I have learned instead I will share it through all the people that God wanted me to share. I will share the gospel through friendship evangelism at least 1 person every week starting this December 8, 2015.One of our classmate reports is about the life of St. Clement of Rome. He grew up from a stranger family, he was educated, and had access in the imperial court but he was not joyful in pagan society, because he was not happy he chose to live a life pleasing in God’s eye even if it is costly. He spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, defended the Church in apologetic writing and fought the many heresies. Clement was sentenced to a martyr's death in the arena by the Emperor Trajan. According to a fourth century story, Trajan had banished the pope to the Crimea in the southern Ukraine because of his success in evangelize. Clement was so eager to share the gospel to the people and he satisfied the thirst of two thousand Christian confessors by a miracle. The people of the country were converted and seventy‑five churches built. A frustrated Trajan then ordered Clement to be thrown into the sea with an iron anchor.

I learned that it is costly when we follow the Lord Jesus Christ but it is more joyous when we bring souls back to God. Clement had an impact even after his martyrdom. He became one of the great examples for us Christians that whatever might happen even if we will experience persecutions we can still reach out to those people who’s going to hell. By letting them know that Jesus Christ loves them and died for them. I learned that God is working in many ways Clement was exiled but the Lord still used his life in many ways to fulfill his purpose in his life. He did not waste the time to be silent, and grumble against God instead he spread the good news to the people.

Because I have hope in Jesus Christ I must live lives of purity and righteousness. Because of what Christ has done in my life. I will let be hurry with all energy and readiness of mind to perform every good work that God intended for me to do. For the Christian there is no reason for selfishness or self-promotion. As follower of Jesus I must work together in all harmony and peace. I know that God will reward a simple spirit of submission. With love and compassion, Clement urged his readers to: be of humble mind, laying aside all haughtiness, pride, foolishness, and angry feelings, being especially mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus. I believe that none of our thoughts are hidden from God; I must seek to obey Him rather than follow the human leaders of any side that can ruin my life. I will also use all the opportunities to spread the news about Jesus whenever God leads me. I will not be silent and keep all that I have learned instead I will share it through all the people that God wanted me to share. I will share the gospel through friendship evangelism at least 1 person every week starting this December 8, 2015.

Dulpa, 2 reflection St. PolyCarp

During the two sessions of class our classmates having a report about the life of a Christian martyrs who really made a great impact in our Christianity and church history. One martyr that inspired me a lot was an old man who is 86 years old and probably the last surviving person having been a disciple of St. John, no other than the bishop church of Smyrna St. Polycarp. 

I was touched and inspired by his dedication to God.  He was a teacher and church leader who modeled us of not compromising in this world practices; he hated the heresy and love God so much, he followed the pattern of Christ’s in spite he was betrayed by the young men, he was arrested; he was sentenced to be burned because of his faith, and during those days he could have escaped but he refused saying, “God’s will be done.” He was still calm and steadfast, even though he was surrounded by the enemies, he still prayed to God for the people and the church for 2 hours, and one phrase that touched my heart when he was about to give the speech to deny Christ and he will be set free but his answered captured the attention of the listener "Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He never did me wrong; how can I blaspheme my King and Savior?"

 It was a great testimony of Polycarp’s life that he never denied his faith in front of the many witnesses instead he was boasting about God’s goodness in his life. His death is worth knowing that his life is owned by God.  I learned that the spread of Christianity was costly and it takes some courage and perseverance to bring the good news about Jesus to everyone who doesn’t know, and it cost your life when you follow Jesus. The life of Polycarp is a testimony of faith; he never retreat nor surrender in spite of all pressures and persecution, and in his death; he still make known the name of God to his enemies that God is faithful and Jesus is his Savior. If we love Jesus Christ, we shall love the Church and hate heresy, which rends His mystical body, and destroys the souls for which He died. Like St. Polycarp, we shall maintain our constancy in the faith by loving Jesus Christ, Who is its author and its finisher.

Dulpa, 1 reflection (church history)

As I studied the book I found out that church history is how God’s plan of redemption has been worked out from the beginning until today. This story includes a hero of the whole world, his life on earth, his ministry, total sacrifice of one self, his adventure, his passion, his care for the lost, and also the dramatic conversion of his chosen apostles and disciples, who became martyrs because of their faith in Jesus, and a miracle story of some people who experienced total healing, forgiveness and love on which the church were built because of their trust in Jesus works and ministry as the head and foundation of faith.

I also learned that God had protected and preserved his people to the present day as to bring about the accomplishment of his redemptive purpose in His Son Jesus Christ to bring salvation for everyone, and He was so patient with his people, and faithful to his promises even if the people were so doubtful, and hardheaded,  This is the story of Jesus of Nazareth, recorded by the apostles in the 4 Gospel of Matthew until John as compelling witness that Jesus is long-anticipated Messiah, who brought the kingdom of God to earth and is the prophesied fulfillment of God’s promise of true peace and deliverance for both Jews and Gentiles.

 Jesus was born into a Davidic family which had gone to Bethlehem at the command of a Roman governor. Jesus was a Jew. He came from a Jewish family; He studied the Jewish scriptures; He observed the Jewish religion. The gospel writers picture Jesus as retracing the steps of Israel. Reminiscent of Israel, Jesus spent time in Egypt, entered the Jordan (baptism), was tempted in the wilderness, called twelve apostles (like twelve tribes), spoke God's word like Moses performed mighty deeds of deliverance (signs, wonders, and exorcisms), and confronted imperial powers. Where Israel had failed, Jesus had been a faithful Son. His followers were to take up the task of being God's servant people. He worked with a faithful band of disciples, He taught them about life in what he called "the kingdom of God," and he introduced them to the new covenant that bound them together in forgiveness and love. His death on the cross provides us salvation, and after Jesus ascension, he sends the Holy Spirit to empower the apostles as witness, to spread the message of the gospel, and to draw to himself people from the nations and

Because of that the believers founded their faith in Jesus and they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ among both Jews and Gentiles, and in doing this they establish the church.

            The church believed the written word of God that were inspired by God alone (2Tim.3:14-17) as their sole authority of faith and beliefs. Each church carried out their work with two officers called pastor or bishop, then minister and deacon and they also practiced baptism and the Lord Supper as symbolic memorial of Jesus and the early Christians worshiped simply by singing hymns, praying, reading the scriptures and urging one another but in those times they don’t have buildings to worship together until many years later, they just met together in houses.

As I read all those information from the book I begun bored and honestly I don’t love history; I don’t like to tackle their names, their contributions to the society, specially their struggles in life, and their journey and hardships. I tend to ignore them and said “What labot me imo rana kinabuhi”. I can say that because I’m bombarded of many things and I tend to be self-centered. But as I finished reading the materials my eyes was opened and  I’ve realized that I must deny myself and follow Christ and tell others of what He has done on the cross and share the faith that I have received from Him. One way that I can help myself so that I will not easily get bored of reading is to write down all those information that would help me to understand and learn more and during class discussion I will take notes and listen to all reporters in front and pay attention to them. I will also continue in what I have learned and firmly I will believe that church history is God’s story of redemption and salvation for his people whether Jews or Gentiles. I believe that the Bible the written scriptures will help me able to discover more things that I don’t know before and I will study it as my daily spiritual food. In Matt. 28:19-20 that talks about the great commission, hopefully this year 2015 I can make disciples, maybe not in all nations, but in small groups of youth in my home town.  I pray that i can make a great impact in their lives by teaching them how to obey God and study the history of the church. As I move forward looking for Jesus the author of my faith, I will share what I have learned about Him, and I will tell others about what he has done on the cross, the salvation that He offered. I will share to my close family including my relatives, neighbors, friends, school mates in my elementary and high school days, and to my co-workers in Leyte and this coming December 21 during the birthday of my beloved mother, I will share the gospel, the good news that Jesus was born, died, resurrected, and will come back again. I will share the acronym of the CHURCH. Christ is the only way to heaven. He humbled himself and become obedient to his Father and died on the cross for you and for me. He understands your life and situation, and through his own blood He redeems you with his precious blood, so you could come through his name Jesus because He can, healed your pain and diseases.