"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." Philippians 3:7-8 ESV
Preaching the law can be challenging—theologically, ethically, and culturally. No matter how tempting it is for preachers to dismiss a difficult portion of Scripture, our ministry decisions should be made not out of ease or convenience. In line with the apostolic mandate to “preach the Word” (2 Tim. 4:2), let us preach Christ in Deuteronomy for the people of God entrusted to our care.
Ang conversion ay isang U-turn sa buhay ng isang tao. Ito ay ang pagbaling ng buong buhay ng isang tao mula sa kasalanan at patungo kay Cristo para sa kaligtasan. Mula sa pagsamba sa diyus-diyosan patungo sa pagsamba sa tunay na Diyos.
The gospel is “of first importance.” It is our church’s central message and primary motivation. Why do we need to have greater confidence in the supremacy of Christ and the sufficiency of what he has done on the cross? In light of contemporary trends that diminish the importance of gospel preaching, how are we to continue embracing the foolishness of the cross? What must change in how we preach and minister to our people? What should we expect from God if we will continue to be faithful in gospel ministry, even when we don’t see immediate and quantifiable results?
Ang ipiprisinta natin (in life, in preaching or any ministry) ay hindi kung ano ang gusto natin o ng ibang tao, kundi kung sino si Cristo at ano ang ginawa niya sa krus para sa atin. Hindi kung ano ang gusto, kundi kung ano ang kailangan. Si Cristo lang, walang kumpromiso.
The gospel is a past event with present benefits. Kailangan natin sa araw-araw na balik-balikan ang nakaraang ginawa ni Cristo sa krus to address our problems regarding unity sa church, and regarding our misplaced confidence or boasting.
Kung hindi ka attentive sa Word, you dishonor God. Salita n’ya ‘to, iisnabin mo? Kung hindi ka attentive, pridefully you’re starving and hurting your soul. Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4). Magiging malnourished ka, magkakasakit, mamamatay ka if you’re not paying attention.
