tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40803177053045033402024-03-14T18:25:54.968+08:00CROSSviewsCross-centered views on today's issues.Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-72075656933559151382018-12-04T20:00:00.000+08:002018-12-04T07:35:37.434+08:00A New Blog: Upward Call<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://upwardcallchurch.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="850" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPLbKPIeXhTxCL-TNE78_Ew1ji7GHGHYqPdltJrHrSA6BDDowr1ZMldKcGcmgFmTM6CUREliV2w9zXlRDabGb0Wgr6TZNcR9T1SxPHNfninQ4bgytMPh6dxRFWv5b2Itbca4sK9PkT84/s640/Upward+Call+_+cover+a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I haven't been updating Crossviews for a while, and that's because my ministry has been undergoing some changes. So I'm starting a new blog, "Upward Call", that reflects those changes. Upward Call is all about the church and its mission in the world. I invite you to visit the blog, and if you like it, click the "Follow" button.</div>
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<a href="https://upwardcallchurch.blogspot.com/">Visit the UC Blog</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/upwcallchurch">Visit the UC Facebook Page</a></div>
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<br />Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-31915520770038362282017-01-19T12:28:00.002+08:002017-01-19T12:28:15.280+08:00A Change of PaceI'll be trying out a new approach that will focus more on our Facebook page than the blog itself. So if you haven't yet, let me invite you to like & follow the page at this address: https://www.facebook.com/CROSSviews/<br /><br />Thanks and God bless!Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-36458199022222832082017-01-08T14:12:00.000+08:002017-01-08T16:31:26.256+08:00The Best of the Briefing, Vol. 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEqccs1Y3966HVpeIuxrpg3PtGmjgYWKiF-ARl-xZK2EMEAQ8_mVnEr1hsAi9WLi55oqRi8yiGKGUg5sGqk_aLCKAlIho4C0l6Y1v8esruDKiDte8efNBx_AiX1DtooP_TsZl4KHtY1c/s1600/the_briefing_albert_mohler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEqccs1Y3966HVpeIuxrpg3PtGmjgYWKiF-ARl-xZK2EMEAQ8_mVnEr1hsAi9WLi55oqRi8yiGKGUg5sGqk_aLCKAlIho4C0l6Y1v8esruDKiDte8efNBx_AiX1DtooP_TsZl4KHtY1c/s640/the_briefing_albert_mohler.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<th style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>The purpose of the Best of the Briefing series is to help you stay updated on important realities confronting modern Christians -- LGBT rights, Christianity & politics, secular materialism, abortion, Roman Catholicism, and the like. The articles included in these volumes say particularly important things in particularly helpful ways (in my opinion, at least). I hope that you find them useful. <br /> <br /> <a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9423858/The%20Best%20of%20the%20Briefing%20Vol.%205.docx">Click here to download Volume 5 of The Best of the Briefing.</a><br /> <br /> If you prefer the audio podcast to the transcripted articles, you can find them arranged by date on <a href="http://www.albertmohler.com/the-briefing/">Mohler's website</a>. <br /> <br />If you're a <a href="https://www.logos.com/">Logos </a>user, you'll be glad to know that the documents are in .docx format, which you can use to create a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjh1sH7kfLNAhXFj5QKHYIpDiQQFggeMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.logos.com%2Fsupport%2Flogos5%2Fpersonal-books&usg=AFQjCNECdwjWEcwVDx4TZZVornPKqIMwaw&sig2=ySfkOWoNOOvym1jcNd6-xQ">personal book</a> in your Logos library. </i></span></th>
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In the closing month of 2016, developments in the West shed light on two cultural forces that are very significant in the Philippines.<br />
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-best-of-briefing.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-best-of-briefing.html" border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ37DDWFs2EiWSuiH18e7GjFx__Or1LLgxTxMvqGTvkIkHxiL7lH4rd-fCFw1qlVrgGQbzEsrmP6EG1BLFv_kytK76cgJZjavOPY_coI-k6RAu7xXD1mNElwwC3nQiFcMHSF6oz4wRW7w/s200/the_briefing_volumes+1-3_albert_mohler.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-best-of-briefing-vol-4.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-best-of-briefing-vol-4.html" border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEPLIkJNKRQiboA-xvmYnqzKNBa-iTu-tpPQ9RxUmaxyZIJr6r2Wk5c8zLulMLokP33daR-xi2BTnQ5yuC5YYnojLgtP99qL0A7BpVoSvPl1b3DRG1s3dd8N_GCaBc4-krFYx6DSTbhM/s200/the_briefing_volume_4_link.png" width="200" /></a>The first was secular humanism and the developed countries that have fully embraced it (or should we say, have become enslaved by it!). Articles number 6, 2, and 3 are all from a single episode of The Briefing. Read together, they show secular humanism has produced a society that is completely confused in terms of morality –
a society that marginalizes people with Down Syndrome in favor of parents who have murdered their unborn babies with Down Syndrome; a society that is revolted at the idea of treating the mangled remains of aborted fetuses as human remains.<br />
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<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/06/capital-punishment-should-we-believe.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/06/capital-punishment-should-we-believe.html" border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK4kS0q_cwdLOkliCKNt4IQmWUckLNho37QyLROX6FE7TAOYfTTMVxhRuN4tY_AxinS5wVzhpCbdUiK52ONxva9yjqB0Z2tx_uxxtgLpTI4CoB3V8JG-5o8qzDfPhkGDKAdRA_m1KfLQ/s200/death_penalty_link.png" width="200" /></a>The second cultural force brought to our attention was the Roman Catholic Church. The reign of Pope Francis, which began in March 2013, has led to growing dissension within the RCC. Recently, it has become clear that this dissension has reached to the very highest levels of the church's hierarchy. Understanding such issues will help us to bring the errors of the RCC to the attention of our Catholic friends, in the hope of opening their minds to the biblical gospel.<br />
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<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-jubilee-of-mercy.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-jubilee-of-mercy.html" border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufbSVROYQlP3FpHPnSGIqRJPE2dSopDSpsFj-K-gvzOGhTukepLZwPeKv5sAknB1wQ0jH8eyg9pomiknt4pTcKcydMTHI7GIgJasegVRy9D7fQyLgNh2JDcmcWepb9d3_wiOQNCThL2U/s200/missionaries_of_mercy_link.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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These two concerns are, in my opinion, the most important ones covered in this volume of The Best of the Briefing, though also worth noting are attempts in Canada to redefine the meaning of family (article no. 1), and a recent discussion about 'fake news' and bias in the mainstream media.<br />
<i> </i><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Below is the list of articles included in this volume.</span><i> </i><br />
<h3>
Marriage & Family </h3>
1. Redefining parenthood, redefining civilization: Ontario's radical new "All Families Are Equal Act" <i>(December 1, 2016) </i><br />
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2. By our outrage we reveal ourselves: France bans commercial showing happy children with Down syndrome <i>(December 5, 2016) </i><br />
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3. You'll know them by their outrage: Fury over Texas requiring fetal remains be treated as human remains <i>(December 5, 2016) </i><br />
<h3>
Media & Entertainment </h3>
4. The real problem of fake news: Why does the Left give late night television a pass? <i>(December 7, 2016) </i><br />
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5. Shrugging at the truth: How postmodernism paved the way for fake news <i>(December 9, 2016) </i><br />
<h3>
Politics & Society </h3>
6. Moral outrage over currency? Bank of England apologizes for including animal product in new £5 note <i>(December 5, 2016)</i><br />
<h3>
Religion </h3>
7. "Winks and nods" from Pope Francis sow confusion in the Roman Catholic church on divorce <i>(December 15, 2016) </i><br />
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8. "Legalized medical assistance in dying": Catholic bishops in Canada capitulate to the culture of death <i>(December 15, 2016)</i><br />
<h3>
Science & Medicine </h3>
9. Who is the relevant authority on science? How evangelicals are baffling research scientists <i>(December 1, 2016) </i><br />
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10. The folly of Scientism: Washington Post opposes Scott Pruitt for "rejecting settled science" <i>(December 13, 2016)</i>Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-34845403833336425232017-01-04T15:00:00.000+08:002017-01-04T15:05:53.871+08:00Ways Men Lead That Encourage Women, Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAhZw_B_83fPSMg0ZxQVdh7R3HYFXVf0OWdDWBzbElJTdnRyGUpvc0RFE9yDTud2VpbqJZZhijNM0SY06B6VkwNF51wwLjyM3vwGBSLNcGrt_4f9Z3fsvGMGvlW3r8Y1tDg9jHwBqfo8/s1600/o-MENTORSHIP-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAhZw_B_83fPSMg0ZxQVdh7R3HYFXVf0OWdDWBzbElJTdnRyGUpvc0RFE9yDTud2VpbqJZZhijNM0SY06B6VkwNF51wwLjyM3vwGBSLNcGrt_4f9Z3fsvGMGvlW3r8Y1tDg9jHwBqfo8/s640/o-MENTORSHIP-facebook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><i>“In what ways do men show leadership that encourages you as women?” That was my question to some sisters I interviewed a number of weeks ago. This post picks up where the second one left off, enumerating and reflecting on their responses. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/ways-men-lead-that-encourage-biblical.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/ways-men-lead-that-encourage-biblical.html" border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd1aiXHYAQkvY1IbBeM58zssmvxYP7ccLgU6urPbEewdae00WxZd4aKiNdXF4UckhUU4opBW_d6RJ95DyLMfb8Po4eelsnN7kNfSjQ7WtJEozmeBCILvCQ6oLWZ79x-ke2laoFQafeKI/s200/ways_men_lead_link.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Previously… </h3>
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/ways-men-lead-that-encourage-women-part.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3f2h8WotLUTqSQLydibOc17vDXc5xHXHbZG704ctdjXYzNlohCOwXwdA7cZueAFPlAIvAFuoyRYcZVv75qfgF8L_E9TzQzAhDcNjVLMMsvFiNAkVWfmiUOxYCbAAeqKSOET5JppFLhI/s200/ways_men_lead_2_link.png" width="200" /></a>1. Initiating Substantial Discussions <br /><br />2. Making Firm Decisions <br /><br />3. Owning Up to the Consequences of Our Decisions<br />
<br />4. Correcting When Needed <br /><br />5. Encouraging Lady-like Behavior <br /><br />6. Being Consistent <br />
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<h3>
7. Taking Leadership Roles in Ministry </h3>
Our sisters would love to see us take leadership roles in ministry. In fact, some would say it's discouraging if only women are working. They feel there’s something missing. That should be both encouraging and challenging for us men. It reminds us that, under God’s wise plan for manhood and womanhood, we really do have something unique to contribute as men. <br /><br />At the same time, men who own up to their God-assigned roles in the church also protect sisters from two temptations: being prideful about their greater devotion to the ministry, and looking down on men (which will subtly but effectively lead them to despise God’s plan for manhood and womanhood). <br /><h3>
8. Being Patient & Concerned </h3>
What about when a sister is behaving poorly (for whatever reason), what can guys do that’s helpful. Each of the women I asked gave different answers. Guys, we’re on our own here. Just kidding. The general idea was that they appreciate it when we are patient and show genuine concern for them. Try to find out what’s really bugging them, if you can. <br /><br />And here’s a special tip from the ladies: start with a kind gesture like food or coffee. Even candy would be better than nothing! (A sister tried this on me once by buying me ice cream before confronting me about something. I appreciated the gesture, but it had less effect on me as it seems to have on them!) But in the absence of any and all comfort items, said one sister, just create an encouraging environment. Ask, listen, and try to remember what they say. <br /><h3>
9. Discipling Others </h3>
Lastly, it encourages our sisters to see guys leading younger guys in discipleship. It’s great to be consistent in leadership. But it’s even better to develop leadership in others.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDO3-Sk21L75e2piEWyehy8W50ovMM-oiXcjVBNqXUm2uPT93k7AhFKGlfULNNsRIhnrNzPOFDYNLd6FtTGA2Mktc9AGiwtZrAGJfeN3bSFHcOlGsT39bwf6nfFcLmJPHLcLHp9YBCh1M/s1600/02-Karate-Kid-Pat-Morita-Ralph-Macchio-Mr-Miyagi-Daniel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDO3-Sk21L75e2piEWyehy8W50ovMM-oiXcjVBNqXUm2uPT93k7AhFKGlfULNNsRIhnrNzPOFDYNLd6FtTGA2Mktc9AGiwtZrAGJfeN3bSFHcOlGsT39bwf6nfFcLmJPHLcLHp9YBCh1M/s400/02-Karate-Kid-Pat-Morita-Ralph-Macchio-Mr-Miyagi-Daniel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Conclusion </h3>
Let me end this series with something from Albert Mohler’s book, Conviction to Lead:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Believers are driven by deep and passionate beliefs. They are heavily invested in knowledge, and they are passionate about truth. They devote themselves to learning truth, teaching truth, and defending truth. They define themselves in terms of what they believe, and they are ready to give their lives for these beliefs. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The problem is, many of them are not ready to lead. They have never thought much about leadership and are afraid that thinking too much about it will turn them into mere pragmatists, which they know they shouldn’t be. They know a great deal and believe a great deal, but they lack the basic equipment for leadership. As one proverbial deacon said of his pastor, “Oh, he knows a lot, but he can’t lead a decent two-car funeral procession.” </blockquote>
Brothers, may this encourage us to grow in our leadership. Not only would it please God, but it would make our sisters in Christ very happy! Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-24354641697384699192016-12-26T17:07:00.000+08:002017-01-04T15:05:42.826+08:00Ways Men Lead That Encourage Women, Part 2<div style="page-break-before: always;">
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“<i>In what ways do men show
leadership that encourages you as women?” That was my question to a
group of sisters I interviewed a number of weeks ago. This post picks
up where <a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/ways-men-lead-that-encourage-biblical.html">the first one</a> left off, enumerating and reflecting upon
their responses.</i></div>
<h3 class="western">
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/ways-men-lead-that-encourage-biblical.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/ways-men-lead-that-encourage-biblical.html" border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXloZ9_LJJ7XuTBBZCiCRV1SC8osPcBFAWb1I0NOM0kosIh0D6pF2ZHnTnZs0DQYvD_fAPbJzQmuBKPu4qscidCehspYC16XeZmzgFC05qLdOKKtLmcDxIGio2xdBwdgHh029cMzpl4OY/s200/ways_men_lead_link.png" width="200" /></a>
3. Owning Up to the Consequences of Our Decisions</h3>
As important as it is for men to be decisive, it won’t mean a
thing it we don’t own up to the consequences of our decisions. Even
the best of us make mistakes, and when we do, our sisters will gladly
stand behind us as long as they know we won’t run away or blame
someone else. They’ll joyfully support a leader—as flawed as he
may be—who’s willing to bear the cost of leadership.<br />
<h3 class="western">
4. Correcting When Needed</h3>
Another uncomfortable side to leadership that we need to take on
(and that women appreciate us taking on) is the responsibility to
correct, them when needed. Of course, this presupposes that we
ourselves welcome correction.<br />
<br />
One of the ladies I interviewed recounted a good example of this.
A man in a group she was part of corrected one of the women. He was
very firm yet gentle. He didn’t shoot accusations at her, but began
by asking her questions. “I felt her defensiveness,” recalled the
sister, “but he pointed her to God's Word.” The man’s demeanor
and words also showed that he was motivated, not by pride, but by
genuine concern for the woman.<br />
<h3 class="western">
5. Encouraging Lady-like Behavior</h3>
The sisters I interviewed also appreciate it when brothers
encourage them to act like ladies. On one hand, that includes
reminding them to be composed when they’re being noisy and unruly.
On the other hand, it also involves showing our care for them by
helping even with even menial tasks.<br />
<br />
So men, help them with their bags. Open doors for them. Be
concerned for their safety. If that sounds like servanthood, that’s
because it is. None of that is beneath a true servant-leader (Php.
2:5-11).<br />
<h3 class="western">
6. Being Consistent</h3>
Biblical leadership doesn’t come naturally. Most men don’t
even want to lead. When they do, it’s often short-lived.<br />
<br />
But the sisters have words of reassurance for those of us who
really are trying to grow into our God-given roles as men: the effort
is appreciated. Even the small things we do are important to them.
They’re not looking for perfection. What they <i>are </i><span style="font-style: normal;">looking
for is a pattern. The key is consistency. And the proof of
consistency is when we keep leading even when leadership is least
gratifying.</span><br />
<span style="font-style: normal;">Men, let’s be reminded that
without c</span><span style="font-style: normal;">onsistency, they
have no reason to trust us </span><span style="font-style: normal;">(1
Tim. 3:6, 10; cf. 1 Ki. 20:11).</span><br />
<br />
<i>More in the third and final post in this mini-series...</i>Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-70333484206466434342016-12-21T11:40:00.001+08:002017-01-08T16:26:08.714+08:00Ways Men Lead that Encourage Women<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Leadership is a privilege and responsibility that all men have from God. Many won't hold positions of public leadership, but they're still called to lead in the private sphere (Eph. 5:23) <br />
<br />
It seems like everybody's talking about leadership nowadays. But ironically, many consider the idea of biblical manhood (including male leadership) passé, even oppressive. That's due in part to a radical misunderstanding of what kind of leadership God has called men to exercise. Let society think what it will. Our first concern should be what God commands, and He commands men to exercise leadership. <br />
<br />
Some time ago, I asked some of the young, single women of Higher Rock (heretofore referred to as 'the sisters') to enumerate ways that men lead that encourages them. Below are some of their responses. (I'll include the rest in a later post.)<br />
<h3 class="western">
1. Initiating Substantial Discussions</h3>
The guys and gals are enjoying dinner together. The conversation is light and full of laughter. It could go that way all evening, but many young women (and sensible young men) would really appreciate something more substantial, and it would be great if one of the guys steered the conversation in that direction. This might involve talking about last Sunday's preaching, or sharing news about the ministries of the church, or swapping prayer concerns. <br />
<br />
When men deliberately do this, they show that they're intellectually mature enough to think about such things. When they do it in a skillful and engaging way, they also show that they're socially mature enough to do so. <br />
<br />
When men do this, it also gives women the opportunity to fulfill their own roles in supporting godly leadership. <br />
<h3>
2. Making Firm Decisions </h3>
According to the sisters, it's encouraging when men make firm decisions. These include things ranging from ministry decisions to where to eat. We should be able to think clearly, make good decisions, and not be easily swayed by others. <br />
<br />Mind you, "decisive" doesn't mean "stubborn". What's the difference? The decisive man is considerate of other people's concerns, and shows that he really has understood and valued them. His attitude is completely compatible with Christ's model of servant-leadership. <br />
What if, after all this, the sisters still disagree with the decision? Then it would help, they say, if he explains his reasons. One sister explains,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Though it's not required for leaders to always explain their decisions—and yes, it's valid that sometimes the obedience needs to be immediate and calls for trust on our part—but there's something to be said for communicating to us [women], and not just having a master and servant relationship. Rather, if you [men] want us to know how to support you even in ways you didn't articulate or think of, it benefits a lot to communicate your reasons and thinking. For me knowing how you reason and what factors were weightier to you not just builds trust but it also helps me know you and anticipate what's important and therefore even more quickly take cues and support [your] leadership. One can't assume that just because you're being asked about your reasons that it is equal to being scrutinized or assessed but rather we want to know how you thought about it and have a better grasp of your priority and goals so that we might come alongside and not just be utusan but actually be able to help think and support. We each can't read the other [person]'s mind. Of course, us asking about your thoughts shouldn't be conditional to our willingness to support. That has to be clear on our part. </blockquote>
On the rare occasion that the two sides still can’t come to an understanding, according to the sisters, it’s enough to be reassured by the man’s <i>character</i>, his track record. This should remind us that it’s crucial for men to establish a pattern of sound reason that is firmly grounded by Scripture and upheld by prayer.<br />
<br />
More on this in the next post.Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-29288174589726917602016-12-15T10:12:00.001+08:002016-12-15T10:12:32.306+08:00Three Traits of a Life that Matters (Psalm 78)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>This is Part 3 of the series "<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/fools-rush-in-learning-from-wisdom.html">Fools Rush In: Learning from the Wisdom Psalms</a>". See the links below to read the other parts.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/fools-rush-in-learning-from-wisdom.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/fools-rush-in-learning-from-wisdom.html" border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAphwfmKVv3PMtzu6y_7YAcrUW8ycmg-Y_k3bZY0iKAyYd6Tp4Gum1XB6MZ_wfRMzf-C15iE30lFdKOlQKOS_jujGIrVgxk9WdQXvpA_A7bSuu2Z7T_5D8VT5Ny1eQv7AxeBNIpA8VIA8/s200/fools+rush+in+link.jpg" width="200" /></a>Psalm 78 teaches us that we can build a life that matters by trusting God, remembering His works, and obeying Him.</div>
</div>
<h3>
Trusting God</h3>
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/grass-or-trees-psalm-78.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pesk9afbNcO06ZfAup_mk_jr1a6lD7Ua_ENMi-v-6ymek5-X2qMh3fMwP13v5Cya5nk2HtnycmTeRLX6j-M0EAZP62S2tzbcIIjCP-D2NrUpmVpZEI7rg5075ZVFXFohFQJ82_0qRJ8/s200/Psalm_78_grass_or_trees.jpg" width="200" /></a>The Israelites had major trust issues when it came to God. In fact,
we all do! <br />
<br />
But trust makes us receptive to God’s work and prepares us for fruitful service. God is building an everlasting kingdom in and through us. But we pull back from
this privilege when we stop relying on Him (Psa. 127:1).<br />
<br />
How can we know that we’re trusting in God? One of the indicators is a vibrant prayer life. <br />
<br />
How frequently, and how much time do I give to prayer?
How much does God’s Word direct my prayers? Do I commune with God, or just go through a
grocery list of petitions? <br />
<h3>
Remembering God's Works</h3>
There’s a
saying, “experience is the best teacher”. Our knowledge of anything is abstract until we
actually experience it ourselves. <br />
<br />
That’s why the Lord didn’t just tell
the Israelites about who He was and what He was like; He also showed
them by signs and wonders.<br />
<br />
God gives us more than true statements. He also gives us a story, a history, that we can point to and say, “Behold, this is God, my God, and this is what He did for me!” <br />
<br />
The Israelites were prone to forgetting what God had done for them in
the past (Psalm 78:11, 42). As a result, they lost their direction. They rebelled against God, strayed from him, and betrayed him (Psa. 78:17, 36, 57). <br />
<br />
God intended for them to be a powerful and glorious
nation, one that reflected the power and glory of God Himself! Butby rejecting Him, they forfeited this privilege. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>When God heard, he was
full of wrath, and he utterly rejected Israel, He forsook his
dwelling at Shiloh, the tent where he dwelt among mankind, and
delivered his power to captivity, his glory to the hand of the foe. (vv. 59-61)</i></blockquote>
We need to remember God’s works so that we learn to trust Him. “Remembering” means more than recollecting past experiences. <i>How we interpret</i> those experiences matters. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>They spoke against God, saying ‘Can God spread a table
in the wilderness? He struck the rock so that water gushed out and
streams overflowed. Can he also give bread or provide meat for his
people?’ (vv. 19-20) </i></blockquote>
Technically, the Israelites remembered that past experience. But they didn’t
learn what God wanted to teach them.<br />
<br />
So, let's pray along these lines: “Lord, help me to understand what’s happening around
me, and in my own life. Help me to see things with the eyes of faith and
to trace Your hand in all of these things!” <br />
<h3>
Obeying God</h3>
If we really trust the Lord and remember His works, then we will obey!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>When he killed them, they sought him; they repented
and sought God earnestly. They remembered that God was their rock,
the Most High God their redeemer. But they flattered him with their
mouths; they lied to him with their tongues. Their heart was not
steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant. (vv. 34-37) </i></blockquote>
<br />
There are a lot of people who give lip service to God, but their actions betray them. There are many
examples of them in Scripture, and they’re not the ones
whose lives mattered. <br />
<br />
Maybe one of the best examples is King
Nebuchadnezzar. He had several encounters with the four Hebrew wise men:
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. God even dealt with him
personally, when as punishment for his pride, God made him temporarily
insane. He praised God afterwards. But what happened after that? Did he
walk in obedience to the Lord after that? Apparently not. He remained
unchanged. His kingdom remained unchanged. He was the most powerful man
who had ever lived up to his time, the pinnacle of human significance.
But time proved that even he, and men like him, have only temporary
significance, not eternal significance. They are like grass... The great
kingdom of Babylon is long gone. We only remember it now as a symbol of
worldly power and wealth that stands in opposition to God. <br />
<br />
Brethren, nothing will ruin our usefulness and our prayers
more than withholding obedience from God, than sinning willfully. So
let’s walk in integrity, and repent of all our known sins, so that our
prayers won’t be hindered. <br />
<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
Psalm 78 exhorts us to
trust in God, to remember His works, and to obey Him. In return it
promises a life of eternal significance because it is bound up with
God’s eternal kingdom. Do our prayers reflect a commitment to these
things? Do they reflect a thirst for the things of God, and a yearning
to be free from the influence of our flesh, the world, and the devil? Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-76084849961103033532016-12-06T18:38:00.000+08:002017-01-08T15:03:34.802+08:00Grass or Trees? (Psalm 78)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
<i>This is Part 2 of the series <a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/fools-rush-in-learning-from-wisdom.html">"Fools Rush In: Learning from the Wisdom Psalms"</a>.</i><br />
<br />
Would you read a book about the history of grass? Or what about this,
would you like to be known as a one of the most significant figures in
the history of grass? I’m going to go out on a limb and say that nobody
cares, right? <br />
<br />
The really
interesting thing is that the Bible says that man is like grass, and all
of his glory is like the flower of the field (Isaiah 40:6). That puts things into
perspective, doesn’t it? People say that we’re living in historic times.
Years from now, world history teachers will be talking about Barack
Obama, the pro-abortion movement, the LGBT rights movement, and now, the
presidency of Trump – all things that have blossomed in this
generation. From a human standpoint, they’re truly historical! And yet,
all of this is just the history of grass as far as God is concerned.
Whatever influence all these so-called “world movers and shakers” have
is insignificant by God’s standard. You see, God isn’t interested in
building something that will last for the next hundred years, or even
the next thousand years! God is only interested in building what will
redound to His glory for <i>endless ages</i>. That’s God’s standard for
significance. That’s the time span we should all have in mind when we’re
talking about a life that matters. <br />
<br />
So even as the
world is making a big fuss over Trump’s election, and other such secular
happenings, let’s devote ourselves to the very things that the world
dismisses as foolish and useless: the things of God, and of Jesus
Christ, and of the Holy Spirit. Because when the last day comes, and
heaven’s record is opened before the Great Judge, it is God’s work in
and through His people that will be shown to be truly important. And that's precisely what Psalm 78 helps us do.<br />
<br />
[READ: Psalm 78:1-11 and Psalm 78:67-72]<br />
<br />
Psalm
78 has two main purposes. The first is to exhort God’s people to
faithfulness (Psa. 78:7-8). The second is to explain why God
chose David and his descendants to rule Israel. The reason is that the
tribe of Ephraim was unfaithful to the LORD, so He rejected Ephraim and
raised up the tribe of Judah instead. And from the tribe of Judah, he
chose David.<br />
<h3>
Ephraim vs. Judah</h3>
At the end of the book of Genesis,
Joseph brought his two sons to be blessed by Jacob. Although Ephraim was
the younger son, he received the greater blessing than his older
brother, Manasseh (Gen. 48:20).<br />
<br />
In the period of
the Judges, the tribe of Ephraim began
to asserts its power among the tribes. In Deborah's Song, they're called
the "root" of those who fought against God's enemies, the Amalekites
(Judg. 5:14). On separate occasions, they argued with two of Israel's
judges for not being called upon to defend Israel (Gideon, Judg. 8:1-3;
and Jephthah, Judg. 12:1).<br />
<br />
Ephraim also opposed King David. After the death of his predecessor
Saul, they supported Saul's son, Ish-bosheth (2 Sam. 2:8-9). Later, they
assisted Absalom in his coup attempt against his father David (2 Sam. 18:6). <br />
<br />
Ephraim’s opposition to the godly men of Israel became even more
prominent after Solomon’s reign. Because of Solomon’s unfaithfulness,
God split the kingdom into two. The Southern Kingdom remained under
Solomon and his descendants, while the Northern Kingdom came under
Jeroboam, an Ephraimite (1 Kings 11:26). Jeroboam then made Bethel, an Ephraimite town,
the religious capital of the Northern Kingdom (1 Kings 12:33). But the Lord wasn’t
worshipped at Bethel; idols were. From then on, Ephraim represented
Israel’s religious apostasy. <br />
<br />
In short, Psalm 78
highlights Ephraim because it represents all the sinfulness and idolatry
of Israel as a whole. In contrast, Judah represents the minority among
the Israelites who remained faithful to the Lord. In the end, Ephraim,
and the other Israelite tribes that followed it, faded into
insignificance, while Judah became the tribe of the Davidic kings, and
ultimately, the Messiah.<br />
<h3>
Grass vs. Trees</h3>
Here’s another thing to keep in mind: just as those
who were faithful to the LORD were often the minority, they were the
more significant ones. We often equate size and power with significance –
whoever has the larger numbers and the bigger stick is the more
significant one, right? <br />
<br />
But God’s Word tells us that even the
most powerful men throughout history are just grass. They are the most
significant grass in the world! (Isaiah 40) <br />
<br />
But the righteous, we are told elsewhere in Scripture, are like a tree planted by streams of water (Psalm 1). <br />
<br />
Most people want to have lives that matter. So they follow trends, they
do what’s “relevant”. They value what everyone else values! From a
human perspective, that’s really common sense. There’s safety in
numbers, especially if those numbers include the elite members of
society. It’s that simple. <br />
<br />
But Psalm 78 tells us, No! Do you
want your life to matter? Then forget what the world says, and pursue God!Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-52318551994479594152016-12-06T18:37:00.000+08:002016-12-15T10:14:15.468+08:00Fools Rush In: Learning from the Wisdom Psalms<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzkMYhuMYT9q4pSBobKigYGSeiAdEKYZBwQRNbuZMCtuxGUf9GEljMNarPpQve4rXale7X_eZPJA60pFtdgHuMncOcnva9ZTOns9CosuXWEkG045EPsQHh42odTBH-GQyT2tYKs5Km_g/s1600/fools+rush+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzkMYhuMYT9q4pSBobKigYGSeiAdEKYZBwQRNbuZMCtuxGUf9GEljMNarPpQve4rXale7X_eZPJA60pFtdgHuMncOcnva9ZTOns9CosuXWEkG045EPsQHh42odTBH-GQyT2tYKs5Km_g/s640/fools+rush+in.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
“Wise men say, ‘Only fools rush in.’” Elvis had a point! Impulsiveness is a mark of immaturity, but wise people think carefully before acting (Pro. 14:15).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabYtgz2X-qN6AfyJLgvmcGZRPf9tZ21k1g20Rd9MFNn1aUVkVzh6kqA1A0PRgiSDQs6Hp-B_7022I9ijcubFdNiBY8OPqWfaIiCCb07sChY_uZoUYAYh2UfvEBq_rJUpYRWufYQmEEuE/s1600/quote-wise-men-say-only-fools-rush-in-but-i-can-t-help-falling-in-love-with-you-elvis-presley-53-11-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabYtgz2X-qN6AfyJLgvmcGZRPf9tZ21k1g20Rd9MFNn1aUVkVzh6kqA1A0PRgiSDQs6Hp-B_7022I9ijcubFdNiBY8OPqWfaIiCCb07sChY_uZoUYAYh2UfvEBq_rJUpYRWufYQmEEuE/s400/quote-wise-men-say-only-fools-rush-in-but-i-can-t-help-falling-in-love-with-you-elvis-presley-53-11-20.jpg" width="400" /></a>When was the last time you evaluated your own prayer life?<br />
<br />
We all should, because we can pray poor. This would be a big problem, because through prayer we commune with God. It’s a direct line to God’s throne room. But just like telephone lines and cell sites need constant maintenance, so does our prayer life, or it will eventually break down. <br />
<br />
That’s something we should avoid at all costs, because prayer is one of the biggest needs, responsibilities, and perks of being a believer. What could be better and more necessary than having free, unrestricted access to our Heavenly Father? If we couldn’t come God in prayer, we’d be spiritually comatose – fully aware of God’s presence, but unable to speak to Him!<br />
<br />
But more than just maintaining our communication with heaven, we’re called to improve it. Just like our ways of communication get better and better as technology advances, so should our prayers get better and better as we advance in the Christian life. Maturity and prayer go hand in hand. As we mature, our prayer improves. Conversely, if our prayers suffer, so does our maturity. <br />
<br />
So how can we improve our prayers? One of the best things we can do to grow in prayer is to mature in our thinking, and we can do that by gaining wisdom from the Scripture. <br />
<br />
That’s what this series is about: learning from the Wisdom Psalms. <br />
<br />
The Wisdom Psalms are different from many of the other psalms in the Bible because they’re addressed to people, not God, and their primary purpose is to teach God’s people how to live. The psalms that are often included in this category are psalms 1, 14, 37, 49, 53, 73, 78, 112, and 119. Most of us are already familiar with some of these, especially psalms 1, 73, and 119. In this series, we’ll be looking at two others: Psalms 78 and 112. They were probably written by different authors at different times, but both of them hold timeless treasures. Together, they teach us that the godly life is the only life worth pursuing (and praying for).<br />
<h3>
PSALM 78: PRAY FOR THINGS THAT MATTER </h3>
Psalm 78 tells us that the people who matter are those who are faithful to God.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/grass-or-trees-psalm-78.html">Introduction: Grass vs. Trees </a><br />
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/three-traits-of-a-life-that-matters.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/three-traits-of-life-that-matters-psalm.html">Part 1: Three Traits of a Life that Matters </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/three-ways-to-build-a-life-that-matters-psalm-78.html">Part 2: Three Ways to Build a Life that Matters</a><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/three-traits-of-a-life-that-matters-psalm-78.html"> [upcoming]</a><br />
<h3>
PSALM 112: PRAY FOR TRUE HAPPINESS</h3>
As far as Scripture is concerned, wisdom, godliness, and happiness all come in one package. Psalm 112 shows us several ingredients of the truly happy life.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/godly-happy-secure-psalm-112.html">Part 1: Godly = Happy = Secure</a><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/three-traits-of-a-life-that-matters-psalm-78.html"> [upcoming]</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/godly-happy-just-generous-psalm-112.html">Part 2: Godly = Happy = Just & Generous</a><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/three-traits-of-a-life-that-matters-psalm-78.html"> [upcoming]</a><br />
<h3>
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION</h3>
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/fools-rush-in-the-best-of-both-worlds.html">The Best of Both Worlds</a><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/12/three-traits-of-a-life-that-matters-psalm-78.html"> [upcoming]</a>Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-3822567369732899692016-11-09T11:14:00.000+08:002017-01-08T15:03:34.765+08:004:12 Series - Jonathan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIs-vi_zBItiHboESxturwrWCN_n0uUJvkGnPdxgMxbtqfh_S_s38IuzMMq2lzLb5jspgtPmLpeMJnN_n1_0c94OAJ4lNVxGCNaxUKryQwnCi9cd9jUwI0COQMnSx14mTvt8IQAyprCEM/s1600/Jonathan_Battle_of_Michmash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIs-vi_zBItiHboESxturwrWCN_n0uUJvkGnPdxgMxbtqfh_S_s38IuzMMq2lzLb5jspgtPmLpeMJnN_n1_0c94OAJ4lNVxGCNaxUKryQwnCi9cd9jUwI0COQMnSx14mTvt8IQAyprCEM/s640/Jonathan_Battle_of_Michmash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>(The following account is taken from 1 Samuel, chapters 13 and 14. At some points, I paraphrased the dialogue and added some elements that were not explicit in the original account. My purpose was to make the story easier to read and to highlight certain things, while trying to retain the meaning and context of the historical account.)</i><br />
<h3>
The Young Commander </h3>
Jonathan, the young prince of Israel, was only a teenager when his father, King Saul, made him a commander in the army.
<a href="#1"><sup id="text1">1</sup></a> Though the law required only men 20 years and older to enlist<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#2"><sup id="text2">2</sup></a>, Jonathan wasn't looking for an excuse. He was the kind of man who went above and beyond minimum requirements because he wanted his life to count for God.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-412-hall-of-fame.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-412-hall-of-fame.html" border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjx7dqvJhn5JSwcB4H9j0MiZZegnvOaEpSxeiZ9Ni-VZexrK6hOAg3RzMarV5Ue2AqOVuZJWHMCEQrbr62yKBe5H2PrSv34tlcKgFTvRLHFcuQb30vwSjU1VvbZ4ySYm2pPHVK-cl-5A/s200/412blue.jpg" width="200" /></a>During this time Israel was virtually ruled by the Philistines -- a rich and warlike nation. They controlled the production of iron, and made sure
that Israel
couldn't produce their own weapons. But the L<span style="font-size: x-small;">ORD</span> wanted his people to take back the Promised Land, and He commissioned King Saul to do it. So Jonathan took his poorly armed, poorly trained men, and defeated a Philistine garrison at Geba.<br />
<h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/412-hall-of-fame-john-brown.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/412-hall-of-fame-john-brown.html" border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOj1SpD6-2KYv75wiuvJ26CXUpx-DLZn35PVUItc83_wG9-nzcnHtWq4viBJn_dg1E8hgdxPQrgo3q3HP9XJyRSxWqu4LA-v15FWmm91UQyOZvY5KE1_7aVwVEL4Cyts2-Gw2F2XMufOQ/s200/John+Brown+book+link.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/412-hall-of-fame-jane-grey.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/412-hall-of-fame-jane-grey.html" border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcs47nA7QD3KOlvkVYQi7mmPAo_z0wCQi5fkSnpUrebHSeEPplMjPxwVGVrpv67LXtAKVcFAQc50bO4Ou9fx2eky3ZeKT1YnpIDzc5cTEfmcrDIp2jY8rZeKghgv-RQSkUWQHdiskXXw/s200/Lady+Jane+link.jpg" width="200" /></a>
Crisis at Michmash!</h3>
When the Philistine lords heard of it, they were livid! How dare these pathetic Israelites rise up against them! They amassed an army that covered the land like the desert sands, with thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen. They marched confidently into Israel and encamped at Michmash.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/412-hall-of-fame-hugh-mackail.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/412-hall-of-fame-hugh-mackail.html" border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQeurOFUxEMELN8GiQF3uf2sBJlY7UKhq-ke4710hNMOLl-uZ_8u8yMmusF85NyUscd16WSj5PH8ehHToe7mVtifQ9695cFukJG0WG8veD6a47QQEmDM2O7zWIoZDVjI2jUPaar8r9m0/s200/Hugh+MacKail+link.jpg" width="200" /></a>When the Israelites realized what they were up against, their hearts melted, and many ran! Some hid in the hills, others in caves, some in tombs or cisterns, hoping to escape the slaughter that now seemed inevitable! Others fled to the lands across the Jordan River. It was every man for himself!<br />
<br />
Soon, Saul and Jonathan were left with only six hundred men whose loyalty and courage hung by a thread! What's more, Saul and Jonathan were the only ones with proper weapons. The rest had only farming tools like plows and axes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/09/412-series-margaret-wilson.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/09/412-series-margaret-wilson.html" border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-y8T2uiNAIBKoRBSheP8lX0gvbqNCOj8fbwZEJbZqYHAA7FOtGhHn4vT6nE7vNLYdCzhMyBwgVdV8uOlKFsytPFz8QWamwtlNwzg0Dq3LGbTHUw7b9e9KnKt9n5kY0u6YS9HKLb3UGA/s200/margaret_wilson_covenanter_martyr_solway+-+Copy.png" width="200" /></a>Young Jonathan had every reason to be afraid. But he was angry, too. He couldn't stand that these ungodly Philistines were terrorizing God's people! He wanted to see the God of Moses, who drowned Pharaoh's army in the Red Sea; the God of Joshua, who made the sun stand still! Who were these Philistines to mock the L<span style="font-size: x-small;">ORD</span>?<br />
<br />
So, as his father and the other commanders worried and argued over what to do next, Jonathan came to a resolution...<br />
<h3>
A God Tougher than Steel; A Faith Stronger than Fear</h3>
One morning, he gathered his courage and told his armor bearer<a href="#3"><sup id="text3">3</sup></a>, "Come with me to the Philistine garrison."<a href="#4"><sup id="text4">4</sup></a> It was a crazy suggestion. But Jonathan had always been a good judge of character, and he had chosen his comrade well. The armor bearer hesitated for a moment. But the look in Jonathan's eye was enough to convince him.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLRJitjwSRNB5tbeJkpFp6rwXFEkYwvTMMSAYrS4XwARe_mA2yEy0hA3swgGRWiimOfAKkgIMmZ7W7XCew34YYccthgsWzkniEnrde7tT0o3xdLAs6EMPDWnFP_JtVdnY021ZePnU0Bs/s1600/bozez+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLRJitjwSRNB5tbeJkpFp6rwXFEkYwvTMMSAYrS4XwARe_mA2yEy0hA3swgGRWiimOfAKkgIMmZ7W7XCew34YYccthgsWzkniEnrde7tT0o3xdLAs6EMPDWnFP_JtVdnY021ZePnU0Bs/s400/bozez+b.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pass to Michmash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They slipped out of the camp and made their way up the pass. Rocky crags towered over them on both sides, and up ahead loomed the Philistine garrison. This would not be like Geba. Now, it was just the two young men against the largest army Israel had ever seen!<br />
<br />
As they approached, Jonathan paused, and turned to his armor bearer. "Let's go. The L<span style="font-size: x-small;">ORD<span style="font-size: small;"> doesn't need a big army to save Israel. If He wants to, He can do it just as easily through us."<a href="#5"><sup id="text5">5</sup></a><br /><br />"Lead on. I'm with you all the way!" came the trembling but firm reply.<a href="#6"><sup id="text6">6</sup></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">When the Philistine sentries spotted the two youths approaching, they smiled. <i>Hoho! We're going to have fun with those two idiots!</i> they thought.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Minutes later, they were dead. Jonathan and his armor bearer mowed through twenty of them like grass! The other Philistines quickly went from shock, to horror, then to sheer panic as they fled into the camp. The two Israelites had the strength of gods!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The earth began to shake violently, and the army was thrown into chaos. The commanders tried to keep everyone in line, while others fought their way out! Some of the men were ethnic Hebrews, and they decided that the only way to save themselves was to turn on the Philistines.<br /><br />Through Jonathan's faith and courage, God made the proud Philistine army collapse in on itself!</span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The men who had marched so haughtily into Israel, expecting to squash God's people like a fly, ended up fleeing with their tails between their legs!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">When Saul and the other Israelites saw what was happening, they rallied and drove the Philistines clear out of Israel's territory.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">God had done the impossible! And He did it with two trembling young men, whose zeal and faith were greater than their fear.</span></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
Footnotes</h3>
<a href="#text1"><sup id="1">1</sup></a> In some Greek manuscripts, 1 Samuel 13:1 reads, “Saul was 30 years old when he became king” (cf. NASB). That would put Saul at 32 or 33 years old at the Battle of Michmash, which indicates that he fathered Jonathan at a very young age (early teens).<br />
<br />
<a href="#text2"><sup id="2">2</sup></a> Numbers 1:3.<br />
<br />
<a href="#text3"><sup id="3">3</sup></a> An "officer selected by kings and generals because of his bravery, not only to bear their armour, but also to stand by them in the time of danger." <i>Easton's Bible Dictionary.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="#text4"><sup id="4">4</sup></a> 1 Sam. 14:1 - "Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side." (ESV)<br />
<br />
<a href="#text5"><sup id="5">5</sup></a> 1 Samuel 14:6 - "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the L<span style="font-size: x-small;">ORD</span> will work for us, for nothing can hinder the L<span style="font-size: x-small;">ORD</span> from saving by many of by few." (ESV)<br />
<br />
<a href="#text6"><sup id="6">6</sup></a> 1 Sam. 14:7 - "“Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul."(ESV)Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-9942878822416150162016-11-03T18:03:00.001+08:002017-01-08T16:31:26.308+08:00Girl, Boy, Atbp?!?<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="top"></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MafXkmUt3GrVv6d0JRk4pgkwAOkk27n5QjnDij7Ve4VY__zLZmRJXLkr3fFngfQvuQIBAg5wv7tPwhaTXC9L6zaH5vdwIlx6msmJsnGD9aCptdoU664TJONof1RwcsTG0SAH4wjA12w/s1600/Girl-Boy-DH+wide.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MafXkmUt3GrVv6d0JRk4pgkwAOkk27n5QjnDij7Ve4VY__zLZmRJXLkr3fFngfQvuQIBAg5wv7tPwhaTXC9L6zaH5vdwIlx6msmJsnGD9aCptdoU664TJONof1RwcsTG0SAH4wjA12w/s640/Girl-Boy-DH+wide.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>It's great to be back after a long hiatus! One of the things that loaded up my schedule was preparing to speak to my church's youth about homosexuality. That's what I'm sharing in this post.<br /><br />It was an hour-and-a-half message, which I subdivided into five segments, as follows:</i><br />
<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#1"><i>Introduction</i></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#2"><i>LGBT: Then & Now</i></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#3"><i>Can A Christian Also Be LGBT?</i></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#4"><i>How Can I Minister to Those Who Struggle with Homosexual Desires?</i></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#5"><i>Should Christians Support Pro-LGBT Laws?</i></a></li>
</ol>
<i>I hope you'll be as encouraged listening to these, as I was preparing them.</i><br />
<br />
<h3 id="1">
1. INTRODUCTION </h3>
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We can’t ignore the LGBT issue. The question isn’t whether we will respond, but whether our response will be biblical or unbiblical.<br />
<br />
Christian groups have adopted very different stands on this. But what is the right response? As we think about the answer to that, there are two things that we need to be concerned about. <br />
<br />
Our first concern is the truth. Homosexuality is part of much larger issues, like sin, purity, and God’s glory. We want to avoid isolating homosexuality from these bigger concerns <br />
<br />
Our second concern is the heart – our hearts. God wants us to glorify Him in how we think, how we talk, and how we act. We need to love LGBTs and faithfully share the gospel with them. <br />
<br />
<u>This is our goal: to have a biblical attitude toward homosexuality and LGBTs.</u><b> </b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#top"><i>(Return to top)</i></a><br />
<h3 id="2">
2. LGBT: Then & Now</h3>
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The LGBT movement has ballooned in our generation. We should be concerned, but not too much. The church has been in similar situations before. <br />
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LGBT IN ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS <br />
<br />
Homosexuality and similar blurring of the sexes isn’t new or recent. It was practiced during Abraham’s time, about 2,000 B.C., in the Shang Dynasty (16th-11th century B.C.), by the ancient Greeks and Romans, in New Testament Times, and even in Pre-Hispanic Philippines! So, we shouldn’t be surprised that it’s an issue today.<br />
<br />
But why is the LGBT movement of today is so aggressive and hostile toward biblical Christianity?<br />
<br />
LGBT IN THE WAKE OF MORAL RELATIVISM <br />
<br />
During the Enlightenment Period in Europe (17th-18th centuries), many great scientists like Galileo, Kepler, and Newton pursued science from a Christian worldview. But others wanted to use science as a weapon against God, the Bible and the institutional Church. They claimed that reason and science could explain everything, so people didn’t need God or the Bible. <br />
<br />
Of course, if human reason is the standard for morality, then morality is just human beings finding reasons to do what they want. This is the essence of moral relativism.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to the present day, and we see that moral relativism has taken over Europe and America, and it’s becoming more and more prevalent here in the Philippines. More and more, people are embracing the lie that you can create your own truth. <br />
<br />
One of the reasons that the LGBT movement has become very strong in recent decades is that society has lost the ability to look at homosexuality and say, “that’s wrong.” <br />
<br />
In fact, people have devoted a lot of money and expertise to explain homosexuality in purely naturalistic terms. <br />
<br />
WHAT ARE THE CULTURAL ELITES SAYING ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY TODAY? <br />
<br />
“Homosexuality is GENETIC.” In 1995, Time Magazine published an article entitled, “Search for a Gay Gene”, about scientists’ search for genetic causes for homosexuality. These studies, however, far from proved that homosexuality was predetermined by one's DNA. <br />
<br />
“Homosexuality is caused by the environment.” Others have focused on how a person’s environment can influence homosexual behavior. But these studies often don’t distinguish between causation and indirect relation. To put it simply, they misinterpret the data, or make the data say more than it actually says.<br />
<br />
Despite the limitations of these studies, they've have been sensationalized by the mass media, so that nowadays, people just assume that science has “proven” that homosexuality is completely natural, and therefore ok. This has allowed the movement to grow rapidly, even in the Philippines. <br />
<br />
In light of all these developments, we as Bible-believing Christians might be tempted to worry. But homosexuality and cultural support for homosexuality aren’t new. The Church has faced this before. The reason we don’t know that is because for a long time, Christianity was the biggest moral influence on modern civilization. We’ve gotten used to that, but things are changing back to the way things were before Christianity became dominant. We have to be ready: ready to obey God on this matter; ready to accept whatever consequence society may impose on us; and ready to do it all, not out of hate, but out of love: love for God, love for the truth, and love for people who need Christ just as much as we do.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#top"><i>(Return to top)</i></a><br />
<h3 id="3">
3. Can a Christian Also Be LGBT?</h3>
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<i><b>Does the Bible really say that homosexuality is a sin? </b></i><br />
<br />
Some professing Christians would answer that question with a resounding No! They claim that the common proof-texts against homosexuality are either misinterpreted or mistranslated because of prejudice. This is the revisionist view. Are they right?<br />
<br />
GENESIS 19 – SODOM AND GOMORRHA <br />
<ul>
<li> Revisionist View: Sin of gang rape. This is not a universal condemnation of gay sex, but a bad form of gay sex. Sin of inhospitality.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Biblical Response: Sodom was condemned for a whole bunch of sins, not just homosexuality. But homosexuality was definitely included in that list. (Compare Ez. 16:50 and Lev. 18:22)</li>
</ul>
DAVID AND JONATHAN <br />
<ul>
<li> Revisionist View: David and Jonathan were lovers. (2 Sam. 1:26; 1 Sam. 18:1,4; 20:41) </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Biblical Response: We read these texts with hyper-sexualized lenses. Cf. Jacob's soul was “knit to” Benjamin his son = favoritism, not sexual (Gen 44:30). David and Jonathan not said to lie together. And if you know David's life, his issue was women.</li>
</ul>
JESUS’ TESTIMONY <br />
<ul>
<li> Revisionist View: Jesus never said anything about homosexuality! </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Biblical Response: Jesus came to correct false teaching, so if the traditional view of homosexuality was wrong, He would have addressed it when we spoke about sexuality. Rather, He affirmed the traditional view. (Mark 10:6-9) </li>
</ul>
“ARSENOKOITAI” - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Tim 1:9-10 <br />
<ul>
<li> Revisionist View: Arsenokoitai appears for the first time in NT, so we have to figure out what it means. Therefore, it refers to sexual and economic exploitation (pedophilia). </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Traditional View: Paul didn't pull this word out of nowhere. He pulled a word from the LXX of Lev 20:13 where we find arsen and koite, right beside each other. There's no other place where these two words occur together, beside each other. Any Hellenistic Jewish convert who came across this word would have recognized the reference. Moreover, if Paul had wanted to refer to pedophilia, there was a specific word for it: <i>paiderastes</i>.</li>
</ul>
In conclusion, the Bible does say that homosexuality is a sin in God’s eyes. <br />
<br />
<i><b> Isn’t homosexuality natural to homosexuals? How can it be wrong to be yourself? </b></i><br />
<br />
The answer to that is simple: we’re all sinful and God calls all of us to be completely changed. Everyone – heterosexual or homosexual – is a sinner, and more specifically, sexually impure. We are sinful by nature, and that's why we need a new nature. Without that new nature, we’re spiritually dead – we’re cut off from God who is the source of all spiritual life. (John 3:3; Eph. 2:1-6; 2 Cor. 5:17)<br />
<br />
Many believe that whatever is natural is good. But the Bible says that we live in a world that has been distorted by sin. So nature is a bad standard for deciding what’s good or bad. The only truly reliable standard we have is God’s Word. And it tells us to reject our sinful nature, to seek God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and to be transformed into new creatures.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#top"><i>(Return to top)</i></a><br />
<h3 id="4">
4. How Can I Minister to Those Who Struggle with Homosexual Desires? </h3>
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RESOLVE TO DO IT! ... or you probably never will.<br />
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PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT. We have a natural tendency to excuse the sins that we struggle with, even while we condemn sins that we don’t see in ourselves. But let’s be humbled over our own brokenness. Let’s be consistent in addressing all kinds of sins.<br />
<br />
FOCUS ON RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST. We have to clearly and consistently communicate that God’s first concern for people struggling with homosexual desire isn’t that they become heterosexual. His first concern for them is that they have a living relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, so that they surrender all of their lives to Him, including their sexuality. <br />
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SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. On the one hand, let him know that he’s not struggling alone. We all struggle. It’s just that most people struggle with heterosexual impurity, while a few struggle with homosexual impurity. But we’re all in this together (1 Cor. 10:13). On the other hand, don’t give false promises, like “Read the Bible, pray more and your homosexuality will go away.” <br />
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ENCOURAGE SAME-SEX FRIENDSHIPS WITH MATURE BELIEVERS. This will help the person see and experience for themselves God’s beautiful plan for same-sex relationships.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#top"><i>(Return to top)</i></a><br />
<h3 id="5">
5. Should Christians Support Pro-LGBT Laws?</h3>
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Should Christians support LGBT “rights”? Before answering that question, there’s a more basic question that needs to be addressed. As Christians, what is our place in society?<br />
<ul>
<li>We're called to be salt & light. (Mat. 5:13-16) </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> We're called to serve society. (Eph. 4:28)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> We're called to love our neighbors... even our enemies. (Mat. 22:39; Mat. 5:43)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>We should be particularly concerned for the poor and helpless. (Luke 14:12-14) </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> We're called to submit to the government. (Rom. 13:1)</li>
</ul>
In light of these points, I think we can rephrase our question this way: Is it loving to support pro-LGBT laws? <br />
<br />
The simple answer is NO, because we must “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Eph. 5:11). To support any law that supports homosexuality is to support homosexuality itself.<br />
<br />
Another reason we shouldn’t support pro-LGBT laws is that they would do more harm than good. Let's look at the pending Anti-Discrimination Bill (ADB), for example.<br />
<br />
THE ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAW <br />
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At first glance, the Anti-Discrimination Bill (ADB) sounds good. According to him, it’s about equality for all. He talks about LGBTs as if they’re victims of society. But the evidence doesn’t support that. Just look around you. Are LGBTs under attack in our country? Just the opposite, actually. If, by and large, LGBTs aren’t being victimized in our society, why would we need the ADB?<br />
<br />
In fact, the ADB in its current form would do more harm than good, because it would suppress freedom of speech and religion. We see this in the way the bill defines "discrimination". The danger has already been realized in other countries that have passed their own versions of the ADB (ex. Canada, England, US). <br />
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SAME-SEX MARRIAGE<br />
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We can't support this bill for many reasons.<br />
<ul>
<li>It will require government to redefine, not only marriage, but sexuality and family as well. That’s more than an administrative adjustment. That’s a social revolution, right there. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> For government to approve such changes in the law would mean that it supports the LGBT lifestyle, which has proven to be extremely harmful to people. The damage it has caused to people’s health and social relationships is staggering. </li>
</ul>
The typical pro-LGBT argument is, “We’re not hurting anyone, so just let us do what we want.” But they <i>are</i> hurting people, just not in an obvious way. To redefine sexuality, marriage, and family is to attack the institutions that have made civilization possible. It is also to deprive children of the stability provided by a household with a real father and a real mother. <br />
<br />
And which sector of society will be affected the most? It will be the poor -- the ones who can least afford to play around, who don't have social and economic safety nets. If we destroy the institutions of marriage and the family, we can only guess how much harm it will cause to the poorest and most vulnerable members of our society. <br />
<br />
We as Christians should be very clear on where we stand with regard to the LGBT rights movement. We stand against it, not because we hate LGBTs, but because we love them and we love our neighbors.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#top"><i>(Return to top)</i></a><br />
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Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-2934232689140712152016-10-07T15:28:00.000+08:002017-01-08T15:04:47.395+08:00Silverio Vs. Republic: A Modest Victory for Conservatives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444;"><i>Several weeks ago, a friend brought a legal case to my attention, and I think that it’s something evangelicals ought to be informed about. Because the topic is quite technical, this article is longer than my typical posts, but I would encourage you to read through it carefully, because it really is significant. And if you’d like to contribute your thoughts, or provide me with further leads relevant to the pro-LGBT agenda in the Philippines, I invite you to leave a comment. <br /><br />All emphases in quotations are supplied.</i></span><br />
<h3 style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Facts<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#foot"><sup id="foot1text">1</sup></a></h3>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
In November 2002, Rommel Silverio petioned the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Manila to have his first name and sex changed in official documents. His basis: he is “anatomically male but feels, thinks and acts as a female” and has always identified himself with girls since childhood. <br />
<br />
Prior to his petition, he had consulted with several doctors in the United States,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#foot"><sup id="foot2text">2</sup></a> and received psychological examination, hormone treatment, and
breast augmentation. Finally, he underwent sex reassignment surgery
in Bangkok, Thailand.
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Upon the filing of his petition with the RTC, Silverio was even engaged to be married to a certain Richard P. Edel. <br />
<br />
The court ruled in favor of Silverio. It gave the following reasons: <br />
<ul>
<li> It was “more in consonance with the principles of justice and equity…. Petitioner’s misfortune to be trapped in a man’s body... should not be in any way taken against him”;</li>
<li>Likewise, “no harm, injury [or] prejudice will be caused to anybody or the community”; and</li>
<li>There was no reason presented to the court to deny the petition. </li>
</ul>
The RTC’s decision was problematic, however, and in August 2003, the Republic of the Philippines filed for reconsideration to the Court of Appeals (CA). <br />
<br />
In February 2006, the CA overturned the RTC’s decision, stating, “There is no law allowing the change of either name or sex in the certificate of birth on the ground of sex reassignment through surgery.” <br />
<br />
Silverio then appealed to the Supreme Court (SC), which responded to each point raised by the RTC. <br />
<br />
First, to the RTC’s reference to “principles of justice and equity”, the SC replied, “Petitioner believes that having acquired the physical features of a female, <i>he became entitled</i> to the civil registry changes sought. We disagree.” With regard to change of name, “The State has an interest in the names borne by individuals and entities for purposes of identification. <i>A change of name is a privilege, not a right.</i>” The State allows for change of name in situations where a citizen “will be prejudiced by the use” of his name. Silverio, however, failed to demonstrate this. <br />
<br />
Second, the SC disagreed that no harm would come of granting the petition, stating that it “may only create grave complications in the civil registry and the public interest.” For example, in light of Silverio's intention to marry his male fiancé, enabling him to change his legal sex to “female” would entail massive implications on marriage and family laws. Also, such a reassignment would require similar changes in laws relating to women. <br />
<br />
Third, the SC took an entirely different posture toward the law than did the RTC. The RTC essentially took the stance that the court should grant the petition because there was "no reason to deny it". The SC, however, recognized that the RTC was acting beyond the authority of the Judiciary. The SC mildly chastised the lower court by stating something that even higher-grade students should know: “The duty of the courts is to apply or interpret the law, <i>not to make or amend it</i>.” <br />
<br />
In short, the SC ruled that “The petition lacks merit.”<br />
<h3>
A Modest Victory </h3>
The outcome of the Silverio Case is certainly something that Filipino evangelicals should be relieved and thankful for, especially since this set a precedent for deciding future cases. But we also need to recognize that this modest victory was in 2007, and was clearly not the end of our struggle against the movement for LGBT “rights”. <br />
<br />
Some concluding statements of the SC ruling make this clear. For example, it pointed out that the fatal flaw in Silverio’s petition was that “there is no such special law in the Philippines governing sex reassignment and its effects.” It also recognized the possibility, however, of the Legislature passing such laws in the future. <br />
<h3>
What can Christians take away from this? </h3>
First, let’s remember that our Lord’s purpose is not to create a Christian civilization, but to build His church (Matthew 16:18). He will accomplish this, not through government policies or a cultural movement, but through the faithful proclamation of the gospel (Galatians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 15:3). So, while we should stay informed of what’s happening in our government and the culture at large, the most important thing by far is for us to treasure the gospel of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone, <i>on the basis of Scripture alone. </i><br />
<br />
Second, let’s repent of any hint of self-righteousness and lovelessness we may have toward LGBTs. The Bible declares that there is only one difference between sinners who are under God’s wrath and saints who are forgiven, adopted, and born again. That difference is the free, unmerited grace of God. And having received such grace and such love from God, we are then called to invite others to receive the same, and to do it in a way that reflects God’s heart. <br />
<br />
Third, when the opportunity comes up, we can gently correct some of the common assumptions of our pro-LGBT neighbors.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Assumption:</b> It’s my right to choose my own gender/sex. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Answer:</b> You and I are privileged to live in a country with freedom of religion and freedom of speech, so we’re free to believe what we want. But as far as legal status is concerned, our laws have established that a person’s sex is determined at birth, based on genitalia, and can’t be changed. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Assumption:</b> Allowing for homosexual marriage isn’t going to harm anyone. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Answer:</b> I think that it will harm society, but in ways that we don’t see right away. For example, it will require a massive renovation of our legal system in relation to marriage, family, and women’s rights. LGBTs actually comprise only a very small minority (about three percent). I don't think the other ninety-seven percent should have to bear the financial cost and practical complications that will result. (At this point, it might help if we could present evidence of the consequences of endorsing the LGBT lifestyle.) </blockquote>
<h3>
Conclusion </h3>
Filipino evangelicals should take note of the Silverio Case because it helps us to better understand the relation between the law and LGBT "rights" in our country. It also serves as an example of how the pro-LGBT agenda tries to make headway by increments. It will appeal for concessions that seem small and relatively harmless, but actually have massive implications for government and society. So let's stay informed while persevering in the Lord's work.<br />
<h3 id="foot" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Footnotes
</h3>
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#foot1text">1</a> "<a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/oct2007/gr_174689_2007.html">Silverio vs. Republic of the Philippines</a>", Supreme Court (2007). For a synopsis, see The Law IsCool, “<a href="https://thelawiscool.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/silverio-v-republic/">Silverio v. Republic</a>”. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#foot2text">2</a> Why the U.S.? Probably because the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and other relevant bodies, now <a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/newsroom/news-releases/leading-mental-health-organizations-urge-an-end-to-harmful-religious-freedom-laws">support the LGBT rights movement</a>.<br />
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<td><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2011/03/another-skirmish-with-secularism-gercio.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunqVmA1H1ku0_yvtHTPA6TMVC7aBDaeHyRX7wzTDMfgECHmlGmnQVjPpsjUBUrExh9ydM1JZiVbYriOydyIMR0rAgw6wJFOCJx3qIkcY2ZGeHR6Arl2Z28cRXB2A5ymHpnPI3BOAnM6w/s200/Gercio+Del+Corro+link.jpg" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2015/08/marriage-laws-is-slippery-slope.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFCCvN6qMlazUedLJBmAVgW9c68TXnuUDAYGQKTTR4Cf0PCDqhq0wvgcC1k3BCY2cbw_wt48JBsKzAwLFPgtXjEr5_D0PvhJMp21TZp-hWxc-rjo7hmYH0V_kc0lNZTcVdU0FmIGcdjI/s200/Slippery+Slope+link.jpg" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2015/01/aiza-francis-and-gay-marriage.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkgFvDYRJt4CJg8D0CRx_Xny02TMDXtQUO7Hh8vduVPIc1651P1kkXyzPPHhggPMbHh1QlC7u1ZCnIbWpFBxeZ6DagA3MFBRdoVobxNZMmlUwUQZ-tjUqUr0xobbHxbXQj1HAOgFLAHw/s200/Aiza+Francis+link.png" width="200" /></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-37330760647043076022016-10-04T23:23:00.000+08:002017-01-08T15:04:47.400+08:00The ‘Majority’ and The Christians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWDKqELZap5SHMJVOT3L9KV4BZCF0_EWqAtFzG4frmxmUmRYW2l-nFk3LbofNpOksTN-Ct1E5_DhHCai4atzCNqut55BSMUB7bdjzqMOm7W_ZH8S3OswJOWsjj9GbAyARZ7FJ2FDHEdc/s1600/killings1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWDKqELZap5SHMJVOT3L9KV4BZCF0_EWqAtFzG4frmxmUmRYW2l-nFk3LbofNpOksTN-Ct1E5_DhHCai4atzCNqut55BSMUB7bdjzqMOm7W_ZH8S3OswJOWsjj9GbAyARZ7FJ2FDHEdc/s640/killings1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><i>This is Part 5 of a series of guest
posts entitled "The Constitution and Cardboard Justice", by my friend
and churchmate, Goya Pableo. To read the previous articles, click on the links below.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><i> </i></span> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmrGMgBVs2Fg3HZ7wvOs1qTomYzXaPTz3LYm9HemFsqUuL5yiJidNkeCEDzhgV1cIJolqfNHIdPMzg77CsQY6SZmuiXCpSg7aHWHRAD7pj-FbSUUgOpqagfjG3Syh7XD-1WEH8PggYJY/s1600/Cardboard+justice.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmrGMgBVs2Fg3HZ7wvOs1qTomYzXaPTz3LYm9HemFsqUuL5yiJidNkeCEDzhgV1cIJolqfNHIdPMzg77CsQY6SZmuiXCpSg7aHWHRAD7pj-FbSUUgOpqagfjG3Syh7XD-1WEH8PggYJY/s200/Cardboard+justice.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghghrTCV9_VYMFEzvZEvheHCuQKGb9GCaSPNSgvZjkknDMMN4oUDikjv4drhw97nvofwBpyU8ofrfeSQvIXyuBYbXGx770brkNfGASg86Fz7obmZ7jazA19qCwsntwG2WABzmg9F_SuZs/s1600/Rights+of+a+human+being.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghghrTCV9_VYMFEzvZEvheHCuQKGb9GCaSPNSgvZjkknDMMN4oUDikjv4drhw97nvofwBpyU8ofrfeSQvIXyuBYbXGx770brkNfGASg86Fz7obmZ7jazA19qCwsntwG2WABzmg9F_SuZs/s200/Rights+of+a+human+being.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmrGMgBVs2Fg3HZ7wvOs1qTomYzXaPTz3LYm9HemFsqUuL5yiJidNkeCEDzhgV1cIJolqfNHIdPMzg77CsQY6SZmuiXCpSg7aHWHRAD7pj-FbSUUgOpqagfjG3Syh7XD-1WEH8PggYJY/s1600/Cardboard+justice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>When the current Constitution was being drafted back in 1986, the term “general welfare” was debated on. The term in the Preamble was not accepted by the Constitutional Commission since it might be understood as “the greatest good for the greatest number even if what the greater number wants does violence to human dignity” (Bernas, 2011). Instead, the phrase “common good” was used. <br />
<br />
Although the Preamble is not a source of legal rights, its definition of the common good serves as a lens through which we should view the general welfare in Philippine law. <br />
<h3>
The Common Good influencing the General Welfare </h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrgCsRsDfjHu5zwHLb62XFWSEEg4_dIreBdhdX7Odx9WU0_dnyKi67wKCFhTn5la7l3qaJWt1gUaN6COZ6AKDeD9FsFdAQDV97jgQeq2kTmpxPWge8Z7Os8Z5Jd0WgW_vK6p4QdGpWJ8/s1600/Cardboard+justice+-+Copy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrgCsRsDfjHu5zwHLb62XFWSEEg4_dIreBdhdX7Odx9WU0_dnyKi67wKCFhTn5la7l3qaJWt1gUaN6COZ6AKDeD9FsFdAQDV97jgQeq2kTmpxPWge8Z7Os8Z5Jd0WgW_vK6p4QdGpWJ8/s200/Cardboard+justice+-+Copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Taking off from the Constitutional Commission’s deliberation, general welfare (a.k.a. Public Good) does not necessarily equate with what the majority desires but with what is good for them – even if they are in disagreement with it. Consequentially, if what the majority clamors for is not good for the whole nation, then the authorities must step in to uphold the law which protects our genuine general welfare. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5bqlw1alZP2JMj6NuQeAeQ_i4Nmtq7nxy7E0wXN3a3RMbtKcfVFcIKlwhLf6mQ2LCGkCuLysfvqnYCOnhLOZtL1hCDm_xEv8rz1k2Bjru09BLLFOzqWYl7vGcuBO1i_zDpKzV16KQrE/s1600/Balm+for+the+Victims.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5bqlw1alZP2JMj6NuQeAeQ_i4Nmtq7nxy7E0wXN3a3RMbtKcfVFcIKlwhLf6mQ2LCGkCuLysfvqnYCOnhLOZtL1hCDm_xEv8rz1k2Bjru09BLLFOzqWYl7vGcuBO1i_zDpKzV16KQrE/s200/Balm+for+the+Victims.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
The Issue of ‘Trust’ </h3>
Out of 1,200 Filipinos surveyed, our President started his term with a <a href="http://www.rappler.com/nation/140318-duterte-trust-rating-july-2016">trust rate of 91%</a>. This is favorable, for it shows people’s approval of our recent civil authority, whether they acknowledge it being God-given or not. However, it is reckless to carry over that trust rate and assume the same for the conduct of the war against illegal drugs, using it as statistics implying support for unlawful methods. “Do you trust your President?” is clearly different from “Do you approve of the methods used to carry out the war on illegal drugs?” <br />
<br />
Heartbreakingly, most Christians cannot delineate the end from the means, blatantly condoning – either by blind approval or bulging apathy – extrajudicial killings and “no mercy” police narcotics-operations in support of the President. Honoring the President does not necessitate that we approve of methods that could clearly place him and our nation in deeper peril. <br />
<h3>
The Issue of Approval </h3>
Approval of the war on illegal drugs is not automatically approval of the methods through which it is being carried out. True Christians should approve of the war on illegal drugs; the confrontation against these destructive substances, because we know that the true enemy of our souls uses these to bring our people under slavery and death. We pray for human security and economic growth, though temporal, but never at the expense of unlawfully executing our countrymen whom the majority may deem hopeless due to their drug problem. Let us never forget that in Christ, there is always hope. <br />
<br />
And even if majority of our people approve of the methods being used (and that’s a stretched, hopefully baseless assumption), general welfare is not subject to popular vote since it is possible for a collective mindset to be outright wrong. Historically, the Israelites wanted Saul as King, Nazi Germany supported Adolf Hitler on the Holocaust, the crowd cried for Christ to be crucified – vox populi (the people's voice) is not always for the common good. <br />
<h3>
Eternal, Not Just Temporal </h3>
As Christians, we should seek the common good of our country – to “loosen the bonds of wickedness, undo the bonds of the yoke and free those that are oppressed”(Isaiah 58:8), “render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another” (Zechariah 7:9), “defend the rights of the afflicted and needy” (Proverbs 31:9), “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with [our] God” (Micah 6:8). <br />
<br />
The outcome of these commands may or may not translate to economic growth and human security, because those are not what we are primarily after. However, obedience to these does result to the honor and praise of the Lord Jesus Christ, whose Gospel we proclaim and whose operational definition of general welfare is for our eternal good and His eternal glory. <br />
<br />
What, then, could be done to help stop the killings? Ambitious as it might seem, we’ll attempt look at possibilities in the final post of this series. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, again let us heed what God says through the prophet Micah: walking in humility with Him is, assuredly, for our good <br />
<h3>
Sources: </h3>
<ol>
<li> "<a href="http://www.rappler.com/nation/140318-duterte-trust-rating-july-2016">Duterte Enjoys Record-high 91% Trust Rating – Pulse Asia.</a>" Rappler. July 20, 2016.</li>
<li>Bernas, Joaquin G. <i>The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines (Annotated)</i>. Manila: Rex Bookstore, 2011.</li>
<li>Chandran, Nyshka. "<a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/24/president-dutertes-war-on-drugs-threatens-the-philippiness-rule-of-law.html">President Duterte's War on Drugs Threatens the Philippines's Rule of Law.</a>" CNBC. August 24, 2016.</li>
</ol>
Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-63375221015531130362016-09-22T12:25:00.000+08:002017-01-08T16:31:26.277+08:00The Best of the Briefing, Vol. 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZCpDmE6DljP2bJBVosojPIZsopuFUXWuL-IlO3f0PnfOB_Wffe9PijtBdvYRrWPf59xfZ35izuimL3ThXKLfeqBykKh7UJN8L25BBTfI1cYK3xIRnKnGEZKJ_X_hsj7PAjWR1_z62l8/s1600/the_briefing_albert_mohler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZCpDmE6DljP2bJBVosojPIZsopuFUXWuL-IlO3f0PnfOB_Wffe9PijtBdvYRrWPf59xfZ35izuimL3ThXKLfeqBykKh7UJN8L25BBTfI1cYK3xIRnKnGEZKJ_X_hsj7PAjWR1_z62l8/s640/the_briefing_albert_mohler.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
August has been a very interesting month as far as news and the Briefing are concerned. You'll notice there are more than the usual amount of articles in this volume, and from a wide range of topics.<br />
<br />
Here are some of the most salient points in these articles:<br />
<ul>
<li>The pro-LGBT movement has argued for the complete separation of gender from biological sex. Now, in light of the recently concluded Olympics, they're even beginning deny the biological distinction between male and female. This shows that the pro-LGBT ideology has become so radical that it is now willing to deny one of the most obvious facts of everyday human existence.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The success of the Moral Revolution is leading to escalating discrimination against Christians and Christian Institutions for holding to historic,Christian convictions. As things are going now, it might not be long before historic Christian Institutions (such as schools and hospitals) will be forced to either waive all support from the government or give in to its demands regarding issues like LGBT rights and abortion.</li>
</ul>
We may not be feeling the direct effects of these developments in the Philippines (yet), but let's not kid ourselves. The political and cultural elites here aren't far behind their Western counterparts. And as the elites go, usually, so goes the culture.<br />
<br />
<i>The purpose of the Best of the Briefing series is to help you stay updated on important
realities confronting modern Christians -- LGBT rights, Christianity & politics, secular materialism, abortion, Roman Catholicism, and the like. The articles included in these volumes say particularly important things in particularly helpful ways (in my opinion, at least). I hope that you find them useful. </i><br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9423858/The%20Best%20of%20the%20Briefing%20Vol.4%20-%20Mohler%2C%20R.%20Albert%2C%20Jr_.docx">Click here to download Volume 4 of </a><a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9423858/The%20Best%20of%20the%20Briefing%20Vol.4%20-%20Mohler%2C%20R.%20Albert%2C%20Jr_.docx">The Best of the Briefing</a>. </i><br />
<br />
<i>If you prefer the audio podcast to the transcripted articles, you can find them arranged by date on <a href="http://www.albertmohler.com/the-briefing/">Mohler's website</a>.</i>
<i><br />
<br />If you're a <a href="https://www.logos.com/">Logos </a>user, you'll be glad to know that the documents are in .docx format, which you can use to create a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjh1sH7kfLNAhXFj5QKHYIpDiQQFggeMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.logos.com%2Fsupport%2Flogos5%2Fpersonal-books&usg=AFQjCNECdwjWEcwVDx4TZZVornPKqIMwaw&sig2=ySfkOWoNOOvym1jcNd6-xQ">personal book</a> in your Logos library. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Below is the list of articles included in this volume. </i><br />
<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-REOEpknD5eb9UK2LLdZOyqRxC33kEfa7l8egoRZxkgMr7jNvuqyuxOD34xW6LPuQjRL4mcn7fcn1AJo6olchZDcZZVQ_aUucIFxgkYO6Ihk9DpG5Dwe-kJtxJgaK3QLlSp1b6BoT1cU/s1600/the_briefing_volumes+1-3_albert_mohler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-REOEpknD5eb9UK2LLdZOyqRxC33kEfa7l8egoRZxkgMr7jNvuqyuxOD34xW6LPuQjRL4mcn7fcn1AJo6olchZDcZZVQ_aUucIFxgkYO6Ihk9DpG5Dwe-kJtxJgaK3QLlSp1b6BoT1cU/s320/the_briefing_volumes+1-3_albert_mohler.jpg" width="320" /></a>
Business</h3>
<ol>
<li> The gender revolution arrives at the clothing store—but it's still organized male-female (August 22, 201) </li>
<li>The power of consumers: After dim sales report, Target announces new bathroom initiative (August 23, 2016) </li>
</ol>
<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgVes0jTe8PiAyfovEovO_YWXLcEqwo0J0fB80lus9tBArKKP9t-ix2ErIOt1bHtgBpbAKA67V1Vzy2NJMC8iBdeDsvatmGioFRc9IAyg9UxsTQ5lgZIj-MLkV_GpoVjy7kuNtUqqBkI/s1600/LGBT+agenda+timeline+link.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgVes0jTe8PiAyfovEovO_YWXLcEqwo0J0fB80lus9tBArKKP9t-ix2ErIOt1bHtgBpbAKA67V1Vzy2NJMC8iBdeDsvatmGioFRc9IAyg9UxsTQ5lgZIj-MLkV_GpoVjy7kuNtUqqBkI/s320/LGBT+agenda+timeline+link.png" width="320" /></a>
Family & Education </h3>
<ol>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdI4vxqjsC40x1pKbwmdauBg0aJO56XiPsVJJX_Oi1c5jFhQZONeDzGGc4Mo9_8fr1jrFFsc5ZkE8gUqI8o6HnuAhCO0WltK_tGN2Srt_hmXirVGWqNC6Mwq7FmIW70y_wR91569NV17Y/s1600/NBA+All+Star+link.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdI4vxqjsC40x1pKbwmdauBg0aJO56XiPsVJJX_Oi1c5jFhQZONeDzGGc4Mo9_8fr1jrFFsc5ZkE8gUqI8o6HnuAhCO0WltK_tGN2Srt_hmXirVGWqNC6Mwq7FmIW70y_wR91569NV17Y/s320/NBA+All+Star+link.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li> Pending SB 1146 would mean the end of comprehensive Christian education in California (August 3, 2016) </li>
<li> Schools that refuse federal aid or request Title IX exemption blacklisted by secular left (August 3, 2016) </li>
<li> Good news for Christian higher education in California as lawmaker drops proposal—for now (August 11, 2016) </li>
<li> The "Good Parent" vs. the "Get-Real Parent": Deep moral insight for parents from an unexpected source (August 24, 2016) </li>
</ol>
<h3>
Politics & Society </h3>
<ol>
<li> The fall of Roger Ailes can serve warning for Christians to avoid a media echo chamber (August 4, 2016) </li>
<li>When liberal policies outpace liberal preferences: San Francisco liberals don't want affordable housing (August 9, 2016) </li>
<li>Obama administration's transgender bathroom guidelines blocked by federal judge — for now (August 23, 2016) </li>
<li>From the French Revolution to 'burkini' bans: France's radical commitment to secularism (August 29, 2016) </li>
</ol>
<h3>
Religion </h3>
<ol>
<li>Transgender deity in the Old Testament? Nonsense from a rabbi in The New York Times (August 15, 2016) </li>
</ol>
<h3>
Science & Medicine </h3>
<ol>
<li>Will our brave new world include human-animal chimeras? NIH proposal erases ethical lines (August 8, 2016) </li>
<li>The misplaced trust of Scientism and the dangers of Neil deGrasse Tyson's "Rationalia" (August 8, 2016) </li>
<li>American College of Pediatricians: gender dysphoria debate is primarily about worldview, not science (August 11, 2016) </li>
<li>The moral behind the medical stat: 1 in 5 babies born in Indiana are addicted to drugs (August 17, 2016) </li>
</ol>
<h3>
Sports </h3>
<ol>
<li>The NBA, creator of the WNBA, spurns North Carolina for codifying gender distinction (August 4, 2016) </li>
<li>The transgender revolution hits the Olympics … but not consistently (August 10, 2016) </li>
<li>No such thing as a "male body"? Transgenderism and the eclipse of biological sex (August 11, 2016) </li>
</ol>
Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-11373738646670393372016-09-20T16:17:00.001+08:002017-01-08T15:03:34.761+08:004:12 Series- Margaret Wilson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6BH8ovCmMFtA_9H8W8v1JCS0gGr0G8xKq2mSBJfM6oeHuNiTs9MgpLqcfNQbn_KF3uilCvkLjvBsWWX3zYbw7XzBKPCr2j-ct1v-AzbCCGb8ibVrnuv4rBlQ4NEYyMPyU8bqDCqTOEs/s1600/margaret_wilson_covenanter_martyr_solway.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6BH8ovCmMFtA_9H8W8v1JCS0gGr0G8xKq2mSBJfM6oeHuNiTs9MgpLqcfNQbn_KF3uilCvkLjvBsWWX3zYbw7XzBKPCr2j-ct1v-AzbCCGb8ibVrnuv4rBlQ4NEYyMPyU8bqDCqTOEs/s640/margaret_wilson_covenanter_martyr_solway.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Margaret and Agnes Wilson stood before their judge. They had been found guilty of rebellion, and were about to receive their ‘just’ sentences. But what wrong had they done? <br />
<h3>
Rebels & Fugitives<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-412-hall-of-fame.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-412-hall-of-fame.html" border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVYTaA1NpwlXawNTLhrwlEeKTpoz8c_hd6l1woPAE7BEPorZixb1fg1j0pG7wFoE89crKv1DIiaSZa_7ABxdzmXueFKQJKgEk1WKqASpvWSgb40ybOzTXMakT3Dc5mg-F3h7ZORAcoWk/s320/412brown.jpg" width="320" /></a></h3>
Margaret, at eighteen years of age, was the eldest of three siblings, and Agnes was the youngest at thirteen. They, along with their brother, Tom, committed the great crime of denying that the king was the Head of the Church, because they were convinced from Scripture that the Church had only one Head, one King, the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/412-hall-of-fame-john-brown.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/412-hall-of-fame-john-brown.html" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOj1SpD6-2KYv75wiuvJ26CXUpx-DLZn35PVUItc83_wG9-nzcnHtWq4viBJn_dg1E8hgdxPQrgo3q3HP9XJyRSxWqu4LA-v15FWmm91UQyOZvY5KE1_7aVwVEL4Cyts2-Gw2F2XMufOQ/s320/John+Brown+book+link.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
They were soon forced to escape to the mountains, to live in bogs and caves.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span id="goog_581442898"></span><span id="goog_581442899"></span>Caught!</h3>
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/412-hall-of-fame-jane-grey.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/412-hall-of-fame-jane-grey.html" border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcs47nA7QD3KOlvkVYQi7mmPAo_z0wCQi5fkSnpUrebHSeEPplMjPxwVGVrpv67LXtAKVcFAQc50bO4Ou9fx2eky3ZeKT1YnpIDzc5cTEfmcrDIp2jY8rZeKghgv-RQSkUWQHdiskXXw/s320/Lady+Jane+link.jpg" width="320" /></a>In February, 1665, the sisters slipped into the town to meet some friends. Someone there asked them to drink to the king’s health, but they refused, saying that it was against Scripture and Christian moderation. Their cover was blown! They were seized and thrown into prison, where they suffered bitter cold and squalid conditions until their trial. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/412-hall-of-fame-hugh-mackail.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/412-hall-of-fame-hugh-mackail.html" border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQeurOFUxEMELN8GiQF3uf2sBJlY7UKhq-ke4710hNMOLl-uZ_8u8yMmusF85NyUscd16WSj5PH8ehHToe7mVtifQ9695cFukJG0WG8veD6a47QQEmDM2O7zWIoZDVjI2jUPaar8r9m0/s320/Hugh+MacKail+link.jpg" width="320" /></a>Thus they found themselves standing before Lord Grierson of Lag, a man who would be remembered for his savage persecution of the Scottish Covenanters. He commanded them to kneel, and when they refused, his men forced them to the ground. Satisfied, Grierson proceeded with the pronouncements. Agnes, being so young, would be released as soon as her father paid the stiff fine of 100 pounds. Margaret, on the other hand, was to be drowned alongside a fellow Covenanter, the elderly widow, Mrs. MacLachlan.<br />
<h3>
"Think Ye That We Are Sufferers?"</h3>
On the day of the execution, guards led Margaret and Mrs. MacLachlan out of their prison and onto the banks where the Blednoch River ran into the sea. Two stakes were planted in the sand, one for each woman. Mrs. MacLachlan, whose stake was planted lower down the banks, was the first to be enveloped by the cold waters. <br />
<br />
As sea water filled the elderly lungs, the persecutors asked Margaret, “What do you think of her now?” <br />
<br />
“Think ye that we are sufferers?” She replied, “No; it is Christ in us, for He sends none a warfare at their own charges.” <br />
<br />
As the waters rose around her, she sang from the Psalter, <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>My sins and faults of youth <br /> Do thou, O Lord, forget: <br /> After thy mercy think on me, <br /> And for thy goodness great. <br /> God good and upright is: <br /> The way he’ll sinners show; <br /> The meek in judgment he will guide <br /> And make his path to know. </i></blockquote>
Then, taking her greatest treasure, her Bible, she opened it up for the last time and read from the eighth chapter of Romans. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i> whom he justified, them he also glorified. </i></blockquote>
And, <br />
<blockquote>
<i> we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. </i></blockquote>
Just before she drowned, the soldiers pulled her out, and Grierson demanded that she pray for the king. She sputtered that she wished the salvation of all men, and the damnation of none. <br />
<br />
For this, they dashed her under the water, and pulled her out again. Some of the townspeople pleaded with her, “Oh Margaret, say it!” <br />
<br />
She whispered, “Lord, give him repentance, forgiveness and salvation, if it be Thy holy will.” <br />
<br />
Infuriated, Grierson screamed, “Damned bitch, we do not want such prayers!” <br />
<br />
They threw her back into the waters and watched her drown. Afterwards, she was buried in an old churchyard alongside several others who had been martyred for the sake of the gospel. <br />
<h3>
Sources:</h3>
<ol>
<li>Jock Purves, <i>Fair Sunshine: Character Studies of the Scottish Covenanters.</i></li>
<li>Wikipedia, "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Robert_Grierson,_1st_Baronet">Sir Robert Grierson, 1st Baronet</a>".<i> </i> </li>
</ol>
Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-49573825113957078942016-09-15T09:38:00.000+08:002017-01-08T15:04:47.405+08:00Balm for the Victims<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWDKqELZap5SHMJVOT3L9KV4BZCF0_EWqAtFzG4frmxmUmRYW2l-nFk3LbofNpOksTN-Ct1E5_DhHCai4atzCNqut55BSMUB7bdjzqMOm7W_ZH8S3OswJOWsjj9GbAyARZ7FJ2FDHEdc/s640/killings1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><i>This is Part 4 of a series of guest
posts entitled "The Constitution and Cardboard Justice", by my friend
and churchmate, Goya Pableo. To read the previous articles, click on the links below.</i></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-constitution-and-cardboard-justice.html" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecUnPK9dOlN052_9PpZf91YIdh8vxHIaJStNe7rnOT2ofBMkHQb4SmNZDyLD9Kz5_RQg7lvMG5yuRMp5Yt1BA4EEZ-R7fLTyMN48znrT-jPIIKoy4SxGk_iXvk9xIjt1e3sF8xtNdt18/s200/Cardboard+justice.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-constitution-and-cardboard-justice.html">Part 1</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1674249113"></span> Since the recent <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=8&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRovPumpDPAhUGJZQKHeofBS4QFghEMAc&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gmanetwork.com%2Fnews%2Fstory%2F580050%2Fnews%2Fnation%2Fbombings-in-davao-city&usg=AFQjCNFBVQ-VYqx05K9F_gH2xuWWVuNwkg&sig2=JNRJLAsZo9C1T-ck4qhZgQ">bombing incident in Davao City</a>, President Duterte has calibrated all of his power toward the vindication of his hometown and people. Likewise, the State looks at victims through the same protective lenses as the pater patriae<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#sdfootnote1sym">1</a> - the protector, the “father”. If you harm the child, you infuriate the father.<br />
<h3>
The Victims </h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-rights-of-human-being-to-whom-legal.html" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6DNKoxZVq_NTtT-nmmigZSc-TspdGVh4s2EjoX8WoL57vrvak-qNEdnosZjA-vMzmZ4FtBQBnK_9XZaCEUvfkUPm5DRnxESntzaeIzHg3LZYfjGMwPiqs_Yz7Sv_e-wvz8CmgCYyb10/s200/Rights+of+a+human+being.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-constitution-and-cardboard-justice.html">Part 2</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For the purposes of this article, "victims" are those who have suffered physical, emotional, and/or mental harm, along with loss of property, wealth, and/or life at the hands of offenders under the influence of illegal drugs. Moreover, the families of victims are more than “third parties” (Wallace & Robertson, 2011); they also suffer, and sometimes more, with mental, emotional or even physical agony. Thus, we also treat family members and loved ones of the victims as victims themselves. <br />
<h3>
The State in lawful vindication of the victims </h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/police-power-and-due-process_25.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/police-power-and-due-process_25.html" border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtg4OHN0Jzb8MI_h0dmjDfls93DPphI-CtidB0rE5fDonT1t-wRRsAFywtvtEhSqhFgxJwjxkB6rfI6pR9wt1hQvm5PqDLJR0FiEbjfMZOPa6so4A-SiVKb9MRdfuQ-6PRzIDZ8cbBj4/s200/Cardboard+justice+-+Copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/police-power-and-due-process_25.html">Part 3</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Generally, the State should subject offenders under judicial processes even if the victims are reluctant to file a case in court. Aside from the imprisonment of drug convicts, victims could also claim civil indemnity – damages – ranging from monetary compensation to restitution (Art. 100 & 104, The Revised Penal Code). The State is also bound to protect victims from further harm by issuing restraining orders and injunctions, or by putting them under witness protection programs (among other legal remedies and benefits). <br />
<br />
The law implies that victims should forego vengeful actions against the offender and leave the full vindication to the State. If executed rightly, the law fully punishes the offender more than any extralegal remedy can: the deprivation of liberty, then of property and if warranted, of life (but as of writing, <a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/06/capital-punishment-should-we-believe.html">the Death Penalty</a> is suspended) – after due process of law – is meant to do to the offender what he has done unto the State (and indirectly unto us as a nation). This would also mean physical and emotional suffering for the convict, with loss of property, wealth, and “life” (in a sense that his physical strength wastes away as he spends his years inside the penitentiary). <br />
<h3>
“You are not in their shoes.” </h3>
Yes, we do not feel what the victims feel, and never will we – their pain is uniquely theirs. Yet, if popular opinion attempts to appease the victims by condoning lawless methods as vindication, more harm will be done. Human vindication begets human vindication, and it cannot discern who is innocent and who is guilty before the law. <br />
<br />
Although geared towards retribution, the law is a channel of reconciliation between the State and the offender, since the latter is, regardless of criminal bent, still the former’s ‘child’ (like the victims). Even if reconciliation between the offender and the victims is highly improbable, we know of a model that says otherwise. As offenders of the Most Holy God, reconciliation is paved through the blood of Christ – we have infuriated the Father, and He crucified His Son instead of us. <br />
<h3>
For All Are Offenders </h3>
As Christians, we are called to be as balm to the hurting. Encouraging vengeance and lawless retribution is adverse to our call. The Gospel that we carry is meant to make people realize that all are heinous offenders before Him, and that apart from Christ, we are bound to suffer eternal death in accordance with God executing His due process. This is the message we give to the victims of crimes in this world, with the hope that God would reconcile them to Himself for eternity. <br />
<br />
If what the majority clamors for is in conflict with the established precepts of law, what do we do? We’ll look into that next. <br />
<br />
For the meantime, may we continually comfort the hurting with the Gospel that we have received. <br />
<h3>
Sources: </h3>
<ol>
<li> <a href="http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/victims-victimes/rights-droits/who-qui.html">"Who Is a Victim of Crime?"</a> Department of Justice. Accessed September 13, 2016.</li>
<li>Act 3815: The Revised Penal Code of the Philippines. Date Enacted: December 8, 1930.</li>
<li>Salaverria, Leila. <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/812380/duterte-state-of-lawlessness-covers-the-whole-country#ixzz4J9Uq9CfR">"Duterte: State of Lawlessness Covers the Whole Country."</a> Inquirer.net. September 3, 2016. Accessed September 3, 2016..</li>
<li>Segall, Marshall. <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/pain-a-secret-garden-of-pride">"Pain: A Secret Garden of Pride."</a> DesiringGod.org. August 19, 2015. Accessed September 1, 2016.</li>
<li>Wallace, Harvey. Victimology. Boston: Prentice Hall, 2011.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#sdfootnote1anc">1</a> Latin for “Father of the fatherland” or “Father of the country”.Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-13847435844886751952016-08-25T15:35:00.000+08:002017-01-08T15:04:47.389+08:00Police Power and Due Process<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWDKqELZap5SHMJVOT3L9KV4BZCF0_EWqAtFzG4frmxmUmRYW2l-nFk3LbofNpOksTN-Ct1E5_DhHCai4atzCNqut55BSMUB7bdjzqMOm7W_ZH8S3OswJOWsjj9GbAyARZ7FJ2FDHEdc/s640/killings1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><i>This is Part 3 of a series of guest
posts entitled "The Constitution and Cardboard Justice", by my friend
and churchmate, Goya Pableo. To read the previous articles, click on the links below.</i></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-constitution-and-cardboard-justice.html" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecUnPK9dOlN052_9PpZf91YIdh8vxHIaJStNe7rnOT2ofBMkHQb4SmNZDyLD9Kz5_RQg7lvMG5yuRMp5Yt1BA4EEZ-R7fLTyMN48znrT-jPIIKoy4SxGk_iXvk9xIjt1e3sF8xtNdt18/s200/Cardboard+justice.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-constitution-and-cardboard-justice.html">Part 1</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
An offense done against a person is considered done against the State, much like every sin we’ve committed is, in totality, a sin against God.<br />
<br />
We already know the basic concept of human rights and due process. Now, we’ll look at the State’s sovereignty and due process, zooming in on how our policemen are carrying out their mandate in this war against illegal drugs. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-rights-of-human-being-to-whom-legal.html" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6DNKoxZVq_NTtT-nmmigZSc-TspdGVh4s2EjoX8WoL57vrvak-qNEdnosZjA-vMzmZ4FtBQBnK_9XZaCEUvfkUPm5DRnxESntzaeIzHg3LZYfjGMwPiqs_Yz7Sv_e-wvz8CmgCYyb10/s200/Rights+of+a+human+being.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-constitution-and-cardboard-justice.html">Part 2</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
‘Police Power’ and Due Process </h3>
‘Police power’ (not to be confused with the power of policemen) is inherent in any State, describing its authority to enact laws for the public welfare. The State’s sovereignty relies greatly on this inherent power for survival. However, does that mean that the State could do everything it desires to guarantee ‘public welfare’? <br />
<br />
Police power is inherent but not limitless. The principle of due process -- not just the mere semblance of it, but the principles of justice and fairness which it seeks to protect -- is related to the doctrine of natural law and inalienable rights (Mott, 1926). Due process is a necessary boundary to police power, especially in cases concerning human lives. <br />
<h3>
Police Operations </h3>
According to news sources, more than <a href="https://www.facebook.com/inquirerdotnet/photos/a.10150441841044453.385336.142802334452/10154752981549453/?type=3&theater">300</a>-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/abscbnNEWS/photos/a.84382255167.92215.27254475167/10154229209455168/?type=3&theater">500+</a> alleged drug peddlers have been killed in police operations. <a href="http://www.rappler.com/nation/139079-dela-rosa-pnp-not-condone-summary-executions">The policemen do not condone summary killings</a>; however, they would still undergo investigations to verify the validity of their operations regardless of the <span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/576506/news/nation/duterte-promises-pardon-promotion-for-law-enforcers-in-legal-trouble">pardon</a><a class="sdfootnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#sdfootnote1sym" name="sdfootnote1anc"><sup>1</sup></a>
</u></span>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#sdfootnote3sym"></a> that our President promises to give them. An advance pardon would not exclude one from the entire operation of the law. <br />
<br />
PNP’s war on drugs is different from the summary killings carried on by unidentified men, which they do not condone. Nonetheless, they are mandated to have <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/25/16/duterte-to-law-enforcers-show-no-mercy-to-drug-lords">“no mercy” during operations – but only under circumstances where their lives are threatened</a>. Our policemen need to make a credible effort to avoid unnecessary killings in their buy-bust operations.<sup>2</sup><a class="sdfootnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#sdfootnote1sym" name="sdfootnote1anc"></a><br />
<div id="sdfootnote1">
<div class="sdfootnote" style="page-break-before: always;">
<a class="sdfootnotesym" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#sdfootnote1anc" name="sdfootnote1sym"></a></div>
</div>
<br />
It is tempting to be discouraged by how the government is wielding its police power seemingly without regard to due process. On the other hand, we acknowledge that <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/809417/duterte-tells-critics-count-cops-soldiers-killed-in-drug-war-too">policemen die in these buy-bust operations</a>. How then do Christians honor the civil authorities and at the same time, uphold the rule of law? <br />
<h3>
God’s Sovereignty Over All </h3>
God’s Word admonishes us to submit to our government (Romans 13:3-4) for it protects the innocent and punishes wrongdoing (the punishment being commensurate to the crime committed, as pronounced in Exodus 21:23-25 and as echoed by lex talionis). By condoning summary killings and intolerant police operations, we are systematically disintegrating this protective shield. As Christians, we should also consider that every person executed – whether summarily or under the police, whether alleged drug peddler or policeman – is deprived any further opportunity to hear the Good News, repent, and be saved (even if that has to happen in prison). <br />
<br />
In light of God's grace towards us as sinners, can we really approve of the arbitrary killing of any human being? <br />
<br />
God's sovereignty does not excuse our irresponsibility, whether it’s in blindly supporting or vehemently detracting our current government. As Christians, let us uphold each person’s dignity, remembering that only upon hearing and understanding the Gospel can any one be pardoned of sin committed against the Sovereign God. <br />
<br />
One major argument of those who condone this war is “What of the victims? You’re not in their shoes…” We’ll thresh that out in the next post. <br />
<h3>
Sources:</h3>
"Drugs Death Toll." Digital image. ABS-CBN News. August 4, 2016. Accessed August 8, 2016. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/abscbnNEWS/photos/a.84382255167.92215.27254475167/10154229209455168/?type=3&theater">https://www.facebook.com/abscbnNEWS/photos/a.84382255167.92215.27254475167/10154229209455168/?type=3&theater</a>. <br />
<br />
Cupin, Bea. "PNP Chief: 'I Do Not Condone Summary Killings'" Rappler. July 08, 2016. Accessed August 25, 2016. <a href="http://www.rappler.com/nation/139079-dela-rosa-pnp-not-condone-summary-executions">http://www.rappler.com/nation/139079-dela-rosa-pnp-not-condone-summary-executions</a>. <br />
<br />
Esguerra, Anthony Q. "Duterte Tells Critics: Count Cops, Soldiers Killed in Drug War, Too." Inquirer.net. August 25, 2016. Accessed August 25, 2016. <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/809417/duterte-tells-critics-count-cops-soldiers-killed-in-drug-war-too">http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/809417/duterte-tells-critics-count-cops-soldiers-killed-in-drug-war-too</a>. <br />
<br />
Gutierrez, Jason. "Body Count Rises as Philippine President Wages War on Drugs." The New York Times Asia Pacific. August 02, 2016. Accessed August 25, 2016. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/03/world/asia/philippines-duterte-drug-killing.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/03/world/asia/philippines-duterte-drug-killing.html</a>. <br />
<br />
Macas, Trisha. "Duterte Promises Pardon, Promotion for Law Enforcers in Legal Trouble." GMA News Online. August 05, 2016. Accessed August 8, 2016. <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/576506/news/nation/duterte-promises-pardon-promotion-for-law-enforcers-in-legal-trouble">http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/576506/news/nation/duterte-promises-pardon-promotion-for-law-enforcers-in-legal-trouble</a>. <br />
<br />
Mott, Rodney L. Due Process of Law: A Historical and Analytical Treatise of the Principles and Methods Followed by the Courts in the Application of the Concept of the "law of the Land" Indianapolis: Bobs-Merill Company, 1926. <br />
<br />
Pacia, Sarah Isabelle. The Kill List. JPEG. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, August 15, 2016. Accessed August 25, 2016. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/inquirerdotnet/photos/a.10150441841044453.385336.142802334452/10154752981549453/?type=3&theater">https://www.facebook.com/inquirerdotnet/photos/a.10150441841044453.385336.142802334452/10154752981549453/?type=3&theater</a>. <br />
<br />
Rosalado, RJ. "Duterte to Law Enforcers: Show No Mercy to Drug Lords." ABS-CBN News. July 25, 2016. Accessed August 25, 2016. <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/25/16/duterte-to-law-enforcers-show-no-mercy-to-drug-lords">http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/25/16/duterte-to-law-enforcers-show-no-mercy-to-drug-lords</a>. <br />
<br />
Rosette, Adel. "Human Rights Advocates Urge Duterte to Stop Extrajudicial Killings." Philstar Global. July 14, 2016. Accessed August 9, 2016. <a href="http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/07/14/1602791/human-rights-advocates-urge-duterte-stop-extrajudicial-killings">http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/07/14/1602791/human-rights-advocates-urge-duterte-stop-extrajudicial-killings</a>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Footnotes</h3>
<div id="sdfootnote1">
<a class="sdfootnotesym" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#sdfootnote1anc" name="sdfootnote1sym">1</a><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>Pardon can only be given after a verdict of ‘guilty’ – it implies that the offender has admitted his wrongdoing.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4080317705304503340#sdfootnote4anc">2</a> A buy-bust operation is a police strategy wherein a law enforcer poses as a drug buyer and catches a drug peddler whose selling illegal drugs.</div>
Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-17539709887511550082016-08-23T18:21:00.001+08:002016-08-23T18:21:06.181+08:00CROSSviews: Timeline of the Advance of the LGBT Agenda in the Philippines<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/timeline-of-advance-of-lgbt-agenda-in.html">CROSSviews: Timeline of the Advance of the LGBT Agenda in the Philippines</a>Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-2084104876971480722016-08-22T21:16:00.000+08:002017-01-08T16:31:26.247+08:00Timeline of the LGBT Movement in the Philippines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zFUSafjUGpqwZbjD9oAYS27F3zP9RAa2wdMrwap27bMmyyZLL7bbVm7lE1TzxAUAfk59MJGQGRBNqkxp8YpKrgvPkxnj-bZMJ5cCNH8da3V9r6_5pdWCG62UcKKvXWjmQG5JYNA4wsU/s1600/Gay_flag.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zFUSafjUGpqwZbjD9oAYS27F3zP9RAa2wdMrwap27bMmyyZLL7bbVm7lE1TzxAUAfk59MJGQGRBNqkxp8YpKrgvPkxnj-bZMJ5cCNH8da3V9r6_5pdWCG62UcKKvXWjmQG5JYNA4wsU/s640/Gay_flag.svg.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>I've been immersing myself in research on the LGBT issue, particularly with regards to anti-discrimination laws and same-sex marriage. There's so much more reading to do, but already my brain feels like pudding.<br /><br />Before I call it a night and shift to more pleasant labors, I just want to share this partial timeline that I've put together regarding the advance of the LGBT agenda in the Philippines. It's definitely not light or happy reading, but we need to inform ourselves because we cannot be ignorant or silent on this issue.</i><br />
<h3>
1968</h3>
<div>
<a href="http://mccquezoncity.com/about/history/">The Metropolitan Community Church (MCC)</a>, a non-denominational Protestant church, is founded in the United States. It is " the world’s first church group with a primary, positive ministry to gays, lesbians, bisexual, and transgender persons."</div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>1987 </b></h3>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<i><b>July 6</b></i> - <a href="http://www.chanrobles.com/executiveorderno209.htm#.V7lLKaLA2nM">The Family Code of the Philippines</a> is passed. Article 1 states, "Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life. It is the foundation of the family and an inviolable social institution whose nature, consequences, and incidents are governed by law and not subject to stipulation, except that marriage settlements may fix the property relations during the marriage within the limits provided by this Code."</div>
</div>
<div>
<i><b></b></i></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>1991</b> </h3>
</div>
<div>
A group of Filipino gay men begin the process of <a href="http://mccquezoncity.com/about/history/">bringing MCC to the Philippines</a>. Meetings were first held in Manila, then Makati. Other gay-affirming churches would follow: <a href="https://lgbtschristianchurch.wordpress.com/">LGBTS Christian Church</a>, <a href="http://freedominchristministries.weebly.com/index.html">Freedom in Christ Ministries</a>, <a href="http://ecogph.weebly.com/">ECOG</a>.</div>
<div>
<i><b></b></i></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>1992</b> </h3>
</div>
<div>
The first LGBT pride march is held in Manila. From hereon, the city holds it annually.</div>
<div>
<i><b></b></i></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>1995</b> </h3>
</div>
<div>
Representative Rey Calalay files a bill proposing to recognize the “third sex” as a sector.</div>
<div>
<i><b></b></i></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>1999</b> </h3>
</div>
<div>
The <a href="http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/gender-issues/137968-anti-discriminatory-bill-17th-congress">Lesbian and Gay Legislative Advocacy Network (LAGABLAB)</a>, the country's first LGBT lobby group, is formed.</div>
<div>
<i><b></b></i></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>2000</b></h3>
</div>
<div>
LAGABLAB helps craft the first version of <a href="http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/gender-issues/137968-anti-discriminatory-bill-17th-congress">the Anti-Discrimination Bill</a>, seeks to offer special civil protections for LGBTs. The ADB is then submitted to Congress by Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Akbayan Representative Etta Rosales. The bill faces stiff opposition and lacks a strong base of supportive legislators.</div>
<div>
<i><b></b></i></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>2001</b> </h3>
</div>
<div>
LAGABLAB, Amnesty International Pilipinas and the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and other supportive organizations launch the <i>Stop Discrimination Now Campaign</i> to support the passage of the bill.</div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>2006</b></h3>
</div>
<div>
<i><b>September 13 - </b></i>MCC, which has been limited first to Manila, then to Makati, begins establishing Bible studies and support groups in Quezon City.Eventually, MCC's Rev. Ceejay Agbayani would have his ordination repealed and form his own church, <a href="https://lgbtschristianchurch.wordpress.com/">the LGBTS Christian Church</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<h3>
2007</h3>
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/10/silverio-vs-republic-modest-victory-for.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/10/silverio-vs-republic-modest-victory-for.html" border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpKwtYmm5LnZLRBGKeoCB9SmCofWfyXNU3OcMv2mwPdaYiu70xuj2kkFCoSZOfDQLd4VHacYlqZUMQLDeEiiLYV0eQm3t5H2jiAC0wVXPsfC5WICPpGzG2VR5JIOunCi2MyyO9DRCPp8/s200/Silverio_vs_Republic_crossviews.png" width="200" /></a><i><b>October</b></i> - In the case of <a href="http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2007/oct2007/gr_174689_2007.html">Silverio vs. The Republic of the Philippines</a>, the Supreme Court rules against the <a href="https://thelawiscool.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/silverio-v-republic/">petition of Rommel Silverio</a> to have his name changed to "Mely" and his sex changed to female.<br />
<br />
The <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0980443016/ref=pd_sim_14_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=XBPX9H8Y0X20HRT0NEXW">Study New Testament for Lesbians, Gay, Bi and Transender</a> </i>is published. It is the first study Bible advocating revisionist, pro-LGBT interpretations of key passages. <br />
<h3>
2008</h3>
<i><b>September 23</b></i>- <a href="http://globalnation.inquirer.net/112673/transgender-legal-status-sc-relies-on-nature-not-surgery-in-ruling-on-cases">Jennifer Cagandahan officially becomes "Jeff"</a> and is recognized as legally male, by virtue of the Supreme Court's upholding the decision of the local court of Siniloan., Laguna.<br />
<h3>
2009</h3>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580512135/ref=pd_sim_14_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=XBPX9H8Y0X20HRT0NEXW"><i>The Inclusive Bible</i></a> is published. The TIB is the first "egalitarian" translation of the Bible, replacing male pronouns and claiming to present the same ancient truths in "new and non-sexist ways".<br />
<h3>
2011 </h3>
<div>
ABS-CBN releases "Nasaan Ka, Elisa," <a href="http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/101187/jadines-new-teleserye-to-tackle-lgbt-theme?utm_content=buffer0e0a2&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer">the first teleserye to explore LGBT themes</a>. This is followed by "Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala" (2013), and "Till I Met You" (2016). GMA Network follows suit with "My Husband's Lover" (2013), "The Rich Man's Daughter" (2015), and "Destiny Rose" (2015).</div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>2012</b></h3>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Queen-James-Bible/dp/0615724531"><i>The Queen James Bible</i></a> is published. The description reads, "The Queen James Bible is based on The King James Bible, edited to prevent homophobic misinterpretation." <br />
<h3>
<b>2013</b></h3>
</div>
<div>
<i><b>March 25</b></i> – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quezon_City_Pride_Council">The Quezon City Pride Council</a> is launched. It is created by official order of Mayor Herbert Bautista in order to oversee the integration of all city programs and projects for the LGBT community. The Council is composed of notable individuals that promotes and advocates LGBT rights from different industry and profession. Also part of the Council are members of the Local Government sectors.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<i><b>June 28</b></i> - The Inquirer reports that <a href="http://globalnation.inquirer.net/76977/ph-ranks-among-most-gay-friendly-in-the-world">the country ranked as the 10th most gay-friendly</a> in a global survey covering 39 countries, in which only 17 had majorities accepting <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Homosexuality">homosexuality</a>. Titled "The Global Divide on Homosexuality," the survey conducted by the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Pew Research Center">Pew Research Center</a> shows that 73 percent of adult Filipinos agreed with the statement that "homosexuality should be accepted by society," up by nine percentage points from 64 percent in 2002.</div>
<br />
However, the results are downplayed by Jonas Bagas, executive director of the TLF Share Collective, who said, "I think that the study only reflects the perceived acceptance of the LGBT community based on the high visibility of gay entertainers. It’s acceptance [that is] contingent on how you fit the acceptable stereotype—the gay entertainer, the creative, talented bakla, the lesbian security guard."<br />
<br />
The following year, in another survey, the Pew Research Center reported that 65% of the Philippine population <a href="http://www.pewglobal.org/2014/04/15/global-morality/table/homosexuality/">saw homosexuality as morally unacceptable</a>.<br />
<div>
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div>
<i><b>Nov. 27 - Dec. 3</b></i> - <a href="http://www.gaycities.com/events/283121-inqcity-independent-pride-film-festival">InQCity Independent Pride Film Festival</a>. One promotional blurb said this: "Headed by the Father of Pinoy Queer Cinema himself, Director Cris Pablo promises everyone a list of most sought after films for the family and for LGBT."</div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>2014</b></h3>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<i><b>June 21</b></i> - Rev. Agbayani leads a mass gay wedding in QC.</div>
<div>
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div>
<i><b>August 7-10</b></i> - The National Conference and Meeting on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) is held in Butuan City.</div>
<div>
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div>
<i><b>October</b></i> - The QC Council passes the <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/642680/qc-council-approves-pro-lgbt-ordinance">"Gender Fair" City Ordinance</a>. It prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (Sogie) in the city. Bishop Emerson Beriones of the Orthodox Church says, "This is not the first in the Philippines, but the most comprehensive, the deepest, in protecting LGBT rights."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2015/01/aiza-francis-and-gay-marriage.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2015/01/aiza-francis-and-gay-marriage.html" border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXWcqLLL2EIT2OTdpHj-flUmXcS6HFrS6jclRZAumzg4YkvQov5nlif50JNfeEAOnW5iwVGUysNS8ei7OiBD_yW_aNAunz31eNpJNS6sIBr8k3Cx2W1DokP8Iqykij8PaAcaiYVi8_x8/s200/Aiza+Francis+link.png" width="200" /></a><i><b>December 9</b></i> - Celebrity wedding of <a href="http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/news/77491-liza-dino-aiza-seguerra-married-wedding">Aiza Siguerra and Liza Diño</a> in San Francisco, CA.<br />
<br />
<i><b>December 9-16</b></i> - <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/387578/lifestyle/artandculture/quezon-city-to-host-largest-int-l-lgbt-film-festival-in-asia">Quezon City International Pink Film Festival</a> held. It was the largest international film festival that features films that highlight the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. </div>
<br />
<i><b>December 13</b></i> - The <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/392550/lifestyle/the-qc-pride-march-love-and-rainbow-colors-fill-the-streets">first gay pride march in QC</a> was held, in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the first pride march in the Philippines. The event was organized by the QCPC and attended by about 4,000 members and supporters of the LGBT community.<br />
<br />
According to council member Jeffklein Glodove, “QCPC defines
equality in all aspect of life. Equality in the workplace, social
services, and delivery of goods without any discrimination regardless of
gender identity and sexual orientation."<br />
<h3>
<b>2015</b> </h3>
<div>
<i><b>June </b></i>- Rev. Ceejay Agbayani Jr. leads a <a href="http://cnnphilippines.com/videos/2015/06/29/LGBT-Church-holds-Holy-Union-Rites.html">mass gay wedding in Project 8</a>, Quezon City. CNN Philippines reports that Agbayani has presided over 600 LGBT weddings since 2006, and that he issues a certificate of marriage to each married couple.</div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>2016</b></h3>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/02/punch-counterpunch.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/02/punch-counterpunch.html" border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRH8sZUsX2FyOJgkX2ntLSdfq7FLBWaBTKgqFfa7YjIZne001k9bp2pkIsKWD6txhLEot9ZUDiPUwSnO6RJHB-zMpBPHq8YeDDpjggHurTId9lsy73nptef0BAstghtWJ4XjCTH1cLhIA/s200/Punch+counterpunch.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><b>February</b></i> - Congressman Manny Pacquiao expresses his <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjv-orx9qLPAhWEJZQKHRJ6D5oQFggeMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fsport%2F2016%2Ffeb%2F16%2Fmanny-pacquiao-gay-people-worse-than-animals&usg=AFQjCNH9ugwnja-OWUXFHHJXkjgnxuIe9A&sig2=Cwi5OVgf0_sRQvb-sCFZKw">stance against same-sex marriage</a>. He is misquoted as saying that homosexuals are "worse than animals". LGBT celebrities (<a href="https://twitter.com/vicegandako/status/699455860632719361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">Vice Ganda</a>, <a href="http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2016/02/16/1553640/aiza-seguerra-slams-manny-pacquaio-over-same-sex-marriage-comment">Aiza Sigeura</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiR-9P386LPAhUGVZQKHZewA_8QtwIIJTAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DucVz8FZv5sE&usg=AFQjCNFQV8Vs0QEqBFSNOpdttHIuHoqiIQ&sig2=G0WeZztjIYn-Mvn_wSkJ_Q">Boy Abunda</a>) use this opportunity to demean those who are against the legalization of same-sex marriage. Pacquiao feels compelled to issue an <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2016/02/16/sport/boxing-manny-pacquiao-animals-gay/">apology </a>for his choice of words, though he maintains his convictions.<br />
<br />
<i><b>April-June </b></i>- The QCPC conducts an HIV/AIDS Seminar and Orientation in every baranggay of QC.<br />
<br />
<i><b>June 25</b></i> - Freedom in Christ Ministries rallies at the Metro Manila Pride March to <a href="http://says.com/ph/kulture/this-church-rallies-at-manila-pride-to-say-sorry-to-lgbt-community">ask for forgiveness</a> on behalf of Christians and the church. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><b>May</b></i> - Geraldine Roman of the Liberal Party becomes the first transgender official in Philippine history. He won <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/10/asia/philippines-transgender-geraldine-roman/">62% of the unofficial votes, with a 99% turnout</a>. <br />
<br />
<i><b>August 15 </b></i>- Philippines AirAsia announces that it is <a href="http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&title=philippines-airasia-open-to-transgender-applicants&id=131923&utm_content=buffer409ce&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer">open to transgender applicants</a> for all vacant positions. According to Philippines AirAsia Chair Marianne B. Hontiveros,“The success of AirAsia is largely driven and inspired by people who dare to make a difference. In the weeks and months ahead, expect exciting times, significant changes and improvements from Philippines AirAsia as we are set to expand our operations, increase our fleet, launch new international flights, and introduce innovations.”<br />
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<td><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2015/08/marriage-laws-is-slippery-slope.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFCCvN6qMlazUedLJBmAVgW9c68TXnuUDAYGQKTTR4Cf0PCDqhq0wvgcC1k3BCY2cbw_wt48JBsKzAwLFPgtXjEr5_D0PvhJMp21TZp-hWxc-rjo7hmYH0V_kc0lNZTcVdU0FmIGcdjI/s200/Slippery+Slope+link.jpg" width="200" /></a></td>
<td><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/03/seeing-through-pro-lgbt-propaganda.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDO8UQr729LnLWulnATV-ctROpTCnf1VUBlckB9cxFeF27_HF7ToVtea2ju5QfBOy2XQGFSH6jqno1o4fHxhUWav51j67T14t9Ts7eYbGqPZdKkUQX1hS0IHK-sk32x2l7k0CHa31tbnI/s200/LGBT+propaganda+link.jpg" width="200" /></a></td>
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Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-61256756753388933512016-08-20T13:40:00.000+08:002017-01-08T16:31:26.273+08:00The NBA Canceled All-Star Game in Support of LGBT Agenda<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZtOPEvRwE1gMotXJjsm0Iv18Vmf0K4Yx2C4t1Q53rQPViKRkWArnxFB5LR_wRZxACzuu1LWIUaV-2KTSINLIZ8yIF69qWYa3qF2aEJWjZ_OXC6a7RlCm_Cc51PU6DkSOhsqeYa4UGx4/s1600/BN-PA688_GAYNBA_M_20160721182641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZtOPEvRwE1gMotXJjsm0Iv18Vmf0K4Yx2C4t1Q53rQPViKRkWArnxFB5LR_wRZxACzuu1LWIUaV-2KTSINLIZ8yIF69qWYa3qF2aEJWjZ_OXC6a7RlCm_Cc51PU6DkSOhsqeYa4UGx4/s640/BN-PA688_GAYNBA_M_20160721182641.jpg" title="taken from http://www.wsj.com/articles/nba-pulls-all-star-game-from-charlotte-over-north-carolina-bathroom-law-1469138932" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from http://www.wsj.com/articles/nba-pulls-all-star-game-from-charlotte-over-north-carolina-bathroom-law-1469138932</td></tr>
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<br />
Basketball is a big thing in the Philippines, especially the NBA. I'm not a fan myself, just a casual and occasional spectator. But there was an interesting and important development earlier this month, when the NBA decided to pull its all-star game from Charlotte in North Carolina, due to <u>the state's bathroom law</u>.<br />
<br />
No, that wasn't a typo.<br />
<br />
If you haven't been following the unfolding of the moral revolution in the U.S. in recent years, you might be wondering, <i>What in the world does the NBA have to do with bathrooms? And what's a "bathroom law"?!</i><br />
<br />
In order to understand what's going on here, we need to take a quick peek at the big picture.<br />
<h3>
The Moral Revolution in the U.S.</h3>
There has been a strong, well-funded, politically powerful, and hugely successful movement in the U.S. to reject all vestiges of Christian influence in the government and other public institutions. This is part of the <i>secularization</i> of their society. In a totally secular state, religion would have absolutely no place in the public square, because it would be dismissed as an entirely private thing. Europe has led the way in this, and America has been heading down that path at frantic speed.<br />
<br />
Part of the moral revolution is the promotion of the LGBTQA+ agenda (lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer-androgenous-???), which is forcing American society to reinvent itself in order to accommodate the demands of a very small minority of its citizens (about 3%). Here are some examples of what's been happening.<br />
<ul>
<li>In April 2014, the U.S. Department of Education issued a statement that <a href="http://www.glsen.org/article/dept-ed-title-ix-protects-trans-students">LGBT students would be protected from "discrimination"</a> under Title IX of the Education Ammendments of 1972. It is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on
the basis of sex in all educational institutions that receive federal funding.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court declared <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/06/26/417717613/supreme-court-rules-all-states-must-allow-same-sex-marriages">same-sex marriage to be legal in all 50 states</a>. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>In March this year, big business firmly took a side when it formed the <a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/business/coke-joins-coalition-fighting-for-lgbt-equality/nqkHP/">Business Coalition for the Equality Act</a> -- a group of about 60 companies including <span class="cm-story-dateline">Apple, Microsoft, Nike, Google, Amazon, Best Buy, Pepsi, Coke, Accenture, and Facebook -- which seeks additional federal protection for LGBTs.</span> </li>
</ul>
<h3>
House Bill 2 </h3>
One of the recent developments in the moral revolution has to do with public bathrooms. The proponents of the LGBT agenda are now determined to outlaw the traditional assignment of bathrooms as being for either "males" or "females".<br />
<br />
Of course, they failed to consider how difficult it would be for, say, 18 girls to use the ladies' locker room in a New York recreation center after they saw <a href="http://time.com/4324687/even-in-liberal-communities-transgender-bathroom-laws-worry-parents/">a bearded man in the changing room</a>.<br />
<br />
To protect its citizens from such situations, the government of North Carolina issued in May this year law called "House Bill 2". HB2 requires people to use the public bathroom that accords with the sex they were assigned at birth.<br />
<br />
Immediately, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/us/north-carolina-transgender-bathroom-bill.html?referer=&_r=1">the Department of Justice warned North Carolina</a> that its "discriminatory" law violated the civil rights of LGBTs and could mean the loss of millions of dollars in federal funds.<br />
<h3>
The NBA's Boycott</h3>
The NBA has recently made clear that it supports the LGBT agenda and opposes HB2. As early as April, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called the legislation "problematic". Consequently, it decided to boycott and humiliate North Carolina by canceling its all-star game in the state's largest city. The league issued this statement,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span id="article-text">While we recognize that the NBA cannot choose
the law in every city, state, and country in which we do business, we do
not believe we can successfully host our All-Star festivities in
Charlotte in the climate created by HB2.</span></blockquote>
The move is estimated to have cost the state $100,000,000 in potential revenue, a significant loss for any state. This is a clear signal to all those who oppose the pro-LGBT agenda: "Surrender unconditionally, or suffer the consequences."<br />
<br />
What's more, the NBA is actually being inconsistent with its own sex and gender policies. Tami Fitzgerald, the Executive Director of the NC Values Commission, issued this <a href="http://www.wsoctv.com/news/statements-in-response-to-nba-pulling-all-star-game-out-of-charlotte/408897480">critique</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The League has decided that advancing a political agenda that embraces
allowing grown men into the bathrooms and showers of young girls is more
important than protecting the privacy and safety of their fans. ...</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
20 years ago this year, the NBA recognized the innate biological
differences between men and women and created the WNBA to provide
opportunities for women to play a sport they love with other women.
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Today, the NBA denies these
biological differences and seeks to force women to compromise their
privacy and safety in the stadiums in which their leagues play.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This is hypocrisy at its worse and
yet another example of the bullying and deceitful tactics opponents of
privacy and freedom are making.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The NBA should be ashamed of
itself for using North Carolina--particularly its young girls--as a
political pawn for an out-of-touch agenda that compromises both dignity
interests and privacy rights. The NBA issued guidance last year that
teams and leagues must invest more in family-friendly sponsorships and
activation campaigns to make their events more family-friendly.</blockquote>
And let's remember that all this fuss has come about because of the insane demands of the moral revolution to turn its society upside-down so that 3% of its population wouldn't feel bad when 18 teenage girls can't use the women's changing room for fear of running into a bearded man.<br />
<h3>
How Should Christians Respond?</h3>
Evangelicals can't condone the stance that the NBA has taken against religious freedom in favor of LGBT “rights”. But what would that mean, in practical terms? I don't think there's any one response that all Christians, everywhere, should take. Since the Bible doesn't address this situation directly, it's up to us to inform ourselves and decide according to conscience. <br />
<h3>
Sources:</h3>
<ol>
<li>Bill Chappell. "<a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/06/26/417717613/supreme-court-rules-all-states-must-allow-same-sex-marriages">Supreme Court Declares Same-Sex Marriage Legal in All 50 States</a>". NPR.org.</li>
<li>Leon Stafford. "<a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/business/coke-joins-coalition-fighting-for-lgbt-equality/nqkHP/">Coke joins coalition fighting for LGBT equality</a>". AJC.com</li>
<li>GLSEN. "<a href="http://www.glsen.org/article/dept-ed-title-ix-protects-trans-students">U.S. Department of Education Issues Guidance Clarifying Title IX Protections for Transgender Students</a>". GLSEN.org.</li>
<li>Eric Lichtblau and Richard Fausset. "<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/us/north-carolina-transgender-bathroom-bill.html?referer=&_r=1">U.S. Warns North Carolina That Transgender Bill Violates Civil Rights Laws</a>". NYTimes.com</li>
<li>Belinda Luscombe. "<a href="http://time.com/4324687/even-in-liberal-communities-transgender-bathroom-laws-worry-parents/">Even in Liberal Communities, Transgender Bathroom Laws Worry Parents</a>". Time.com</li>
<li>Cox Media Group. "<a href="http://www.wsoctv.com/news/statements-in-response-to-nba-pulling-all-star-game-out-of-charlotte/408897480">Statements in response to NBA pulling All-Star Game out of Charlotte</a>". WSOCTV.com.</li>
</ol>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Related Posts</h3>
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<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2015/08/marriage-laws-is-slippery-slope.html"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2015/08/marriage-laws-is-slippery-slope.html" border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWNiX9_zUCB7xyBsDa5Q2RNac-dpemMhYcwxwLfs-lrqqlQRlqdZWjrj0VGTqo08nm8F1ti74tGelaYijCU_j5ifzSBA_EYEwFeFBoWgg6iRKZ9C0ZwMpIgy_pIuhlz5vvl3s9rHkG_0/s320/Slippery+Slope+link.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/02/punch-counterpunch.html"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/02/punch-counterpunch.html" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRH8sZUsX2FyOJgkX2ntLSdfq7FLBWaBTKgqFfa7YjIZne001k9bp2pkIsKWD6txhLEot9ZUDiPUwSnO6RJHB-zMpBPHq8YeDDpjggHurTId9lsy73nptef0BAstghtWJ4XjCTH1cLhIA/s320/Punch+counterpunch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2015/01/aiza-francis-and-gay-marriage.html"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2015/01/aiza-francis-and-gay-marriage.html" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXWcqLLL2EIT2OTdpHj-flUmXcS6HFrS6jclRZAumzg4YkvQov5nlif50JNfeEAOnW5iwVGUysNS8ei7OiBD_yW_aNAunz31eNpJNS6sIBr8k3Cx2W1DokP8Iqykij8PaAcaiYVi8_x8/s320/Aiza+Francis+link.png" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2011/03/another-skirmish-with-secularism-gercio.html"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2011/03/another-skirmish-with-secularism-gercio.html" border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEjCF8hHb9k86LLNwMjhUSvU6HVmbGPgHMB3zkYOazWKBOcjPcI0P0z8PEfvgJPUEVfJJW4om7XK0VOBqbVCMWkO8B-S891ZVfq6ckJXdMGYO8l0AKqOOwD0hdxmxpkJA62d7cBz-dR0/s320/Gercio+Del+Corro+link.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-38574701972227857912016-08-15T22:35:00.000+08:002017-01-08T16:28:36.860+08:004:12 Series - Hugh MacKail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-pop3JSvuQn2SiGnBRKttaO_Hspdfw-04IitK4yU-C6gx5joYqUR4i6OD1dTw5QXdac8fjYT6jQ-dQiTRwNzvLW1OAWNy9JIcEKc998tky6atdbfOpeCweVmIlhB5s9Rl-Ugw3ANqUM/s1600/S_T_Untitled2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-pop3JSvuQn2SiGnBRKttaO_Hspdfw-04IitK4yU-C6gx5joYqUR4i6OD1dTw5QXdac8fjYT6jQ-dQiTRwNzvLW1OAWNy9JIcEKc998tky6atdbfOpeCweVmIlhB5s9Rl-Ugw3ANqUM/s640/S_T_Untitled2.jpg" width="640" /></a>I like this entry, because it's as challenging for the 20-somethings like me as it is for teenagers. It's about a young man named <a href="https://saltyscrivener.uk/2013/03/05/covenanter-stories-no-12-hugh-mckail/">Hugh</a>. </i></span><br />
<h3>
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-412-hall-of-fame.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-412-hall-of-fame.html" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3UEuUSAGBwEWZ_p7KcWO1ZmS-DxJ9JXYCjxqEoE5hJAHyfXnS0gCWflPen-A9YRwters6ox5dn8BBkVTbcN_IlIdFeHKmtEp_-HmAPPm09SWWtRfECAOzETfnRaIJKFOWlFn4UVJE3A/s320/412small.png" width="320" /></a>
Evil Times </h3>
For more than a hundred years, Scottish believers had been contending for the ideals of the Protestant Reformation in their country. When the kingdom adopted the Reformed faith as the national religion in 1560, it was a moment of victory for the gospel cause. But in 1618, the king <a href="http://reformationhistory.org/fivearticlesofperth.html">imposed English Anglicanism</a> on the Scottish Presbyterian Church. Reformed believers couldn't accept this, however, because many of the doctrines and practices of the Anglican Church contradicted the gospel. And so, they decided to “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29; John 19:11). <br />
<br />
Several wars and many years later, in 1660, King Charles II began to <a href="http://reformationhistory.org/covenantersscotlandoverview.html">systematically persecute</a> the Reformed Presbyterian Church. <br />
<h3>
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/412-hall-of-fame-jane-grey.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/412-hall-of-fame-jane-grey.html" border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcs47nA7QD3KOlvkVYQi7mmPAo_z0wCQi5fkSnpUrebHSeEPplMjPxwVGVrpv67LXtAKVcFAQc50bO4Ou9fx2eky3ZeKT1YnpIDzc5cTEfmcrDIp2jY8rZeKghgv-RQSkUWQHdiskXXw/s320/Lady+Jane+link.jpg" width="320" /></a>
From Pastor to Soldier </h3>
At this time, Hugh was a twenty-one year old pastor, and he preached against Charles' oppressive policies, declaring, "The Scripture doth abundantly evidence that the people of God have been persecuted sometimes by a Pharaoh on the throne, sometimes by a Haman in the state, and sometimes by a Judas in the Church."<br />
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/412-hall-of-fame-john-brown.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/412-hall-of-fame-john-brown.html" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOj1SpD6-2KYv75wiuvJ26CXUpx-DLZn35PVUItc83_wG9-nzcnHtWq4viBJn_dg1E8hgdxPQrgo3q3HP9XJyRSxWqu4LA-v15FWmm91UQyOZvY5KE1_7aVwVEL4Cyts2-Gw2F2XMufOQ/s320/John+Brown+book+link.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_377498977"></span><span id="goog_377498978"></span>Soon, he was forced to run for his life from the authorities. He joined a small band of men that had taken up arms in defense of the gospel. One author tells us, <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
They were of the school who know the permitted power of the devil, and in adversity rebel not against God, but bless the name of the Lord, as Job of old, neither sinning nor charging God foolishly. They believed that their sufferings were as blood-washed as their sins. 'Brother, die <br />
well, it is the last act of faith you will ever be able to do,' was the advice of one Covenanter to another, sick and dying. </blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97ffcusVHoekwchFldnEE5Y61kPcO-PcBeV_DrwmHobu9PgiyzKWq8231PnCLsOZyGIRKyvpPltXK4_vwSwM8GCgLnw9fSIZPygKNocZXRpTtaALndv4va0-OciHn0M9OKWe0qLzuxlw/s1600/margaret_wilson_covenanter_martyr_solway+-+Copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/09/412-series-margaret-wilson.html" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97ffcusVHoekwchFldnEE5Y61kPcO-PcBeV_DrwmHobu9PgiyzKWq8231PnCLsOZyGIRKyvpPltXK4_vwSwM8GCgLnw9fSIZPygKNocZXRpTtaALndv4va0-OciHn0M9OKWe0qLzuxlw/s320/margaret_wilson_covenanter_martyr_solway+-+Copy.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_377498995"></span>In the bleak winter of 1666, this haggard and homeless band of nine hundred rebels was hunted down and crushed by four thousand government troops. Those who died had the easier lot. At least they died quickly. <br />
<br />
<span id="goog_377498977"></span>Twenty-five year old Hugh wasn't so fortunate. He was captured, interrogated and tortured. His leg was put into a device called “The Boot”. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The executioner enclosed the leg and knee within the tight iron case, and then placing a wedge of the same metal between the knee and edge of the machine, took a mallet in his hand and stood waiting for further orders. … [the executioner's] mallet instantly descended on the wedge, and forcing it between the knee and the iron boot, occasioned the most exquisite pain…. </blockquote>
Hugh's leg was turned into a pulp of blood, flesh and shattered bone. Thankfully, God enabled him to endure, and he refused to say anything that would betray his brethren. <br />
<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXK6CzQJ8RlFYyO3-x1FQiCsx0lFDpOBaXYqOUQdAJq184fvaP1tzbjVHFFQpTU2qkn-b6Ju6VJrcFZhE4pAnAkhGhOFB2q4mGk5hPm00BURctGEw3ugnWq3jTMtTdyeauORKQZcxF_g/s1600/192171871ff01807a43cdd616c51c0ee.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXK6CzQJ8RlFYyO3-x1FQiCsx0lFDpOBaXYqOUQdAJq184fvaP1tzbjVHFFQpTU2qkn-b6Ju6VJrcFZhE4pAnAkhGhOFB2q4mGk5hPm00BURctGEw3ugnWq3jTMtTdyeauORKQZcxF_g/s320/192171871ff01807a43cdd616c51c0ee.jpg" width="320" /></a>A Good Confession </h3>
On the day of his execution, he prayed, “Lord, we come to thy throne, a place we hitherto have not been acquainted with. … Our prayer this day is not to be free from death, but that we may witness before many witnesses a good confession.” <br />
<br />
His prayer was answered abundantly. As he climbed up the hangman's ladder, he cried, “I care no more to go up this ladder, and over it, than if I were going home to my father's house,” and “Every step is a degree nearer heaven.” At the top, he took out his pocket Bible and read to the crowds from Revelation 22. Then, full of the Spirit, he cried,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Now, I leave off to speak any more to creatures, and turn my speech to thee, O Lord. Now I begin my intercourse with God which shall never be broken off. Farewell, father and mother, friends and relations! Farewell, the world and all delights! ... Welcome, God and Father! Welcome, sweet Lord Jesus, Mediator of the New Covenant! Welcome blessed Spirit of grace, God of all consolation! Welcome, glory! Welcome eternal life! Welcome, death!</blockquote>
The noose tightened around his neck, and this young man of proven faith was ushered into the Lord's presence to receive his eternal reward.<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-412-hall-of-fame.html"> </a><br />
<h3>
Sources:</h3>
<ol>
<li>Jock Purves, <i>Fair Sunshine: Character Studies of the Scottish Covenanters.</i></li>
<li>Robert McEvoy, "<a href="https://saltyscrivener.uk/2013/03/05/covenanter-stories-no-12-hugh-mckail/">Covenanter Stories -- No. 12, Hugh MacKail</a>", SaltySchrivener.uk.</li>
<li>"<a href="http://reformationhistory.org/covenantersscotlandoverview.html">Covenanters in Scotland General Overview/Background</a>", ReformationHistory.org.</li>
<li>"<a href="http://reformationhistory.org/fivearticlesofperth.html">The Five Articles of Perth (1618)</a>", ReformationHistory.org.</li>
</ol>
Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-53415130017422151172016-08-08T18:55:00.001+08:002017-01-08T15:08:27.818+08:004:12 Series - Jane Grey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjECLsxvaVTvd8I_Fm_YkFTZ3r_P6o6DzpyoYpnfQhr1OLNrOwLTfEYujoospCex9CjUGg_gKgJbDxK-MWaBN8Vq4tP3W4mSYaXEdtrnJiIN8gcQMftZaonYlmCDPlmXiDJTYJ-AHOwQ/s1600/Delaroche_Lady_Jane_Grey.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjECLsxvaVTvd8I_Fm_YkFTZ3r_P6o6DzpyoYpnfQhr1OLNrOwLTfEYujoospCex9CjUGg_gKgJbDxK-MWaBN8Vq4tP3W4mSYaXEdtrnJiIN8gcQMftZaonYlmCDPlmXiDJTYJ-AHOwQ/s640/Delaroche_Lady_Jane_Grey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Only seventeen, Jane was deeply devoted to the Lord and His Word. But it had gotten her into very serious trouble. <br />
<h3>
<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-412-hall-of-fame.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-412-hall-of-fame.html" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36ZpbdB7QgIQ6ylGBh70bbVEiKJ3Qy3-LAeKZqVgwsNsYtP08y3c7iCQ03kasvkdO0aETtrrD9Vu_PlJdURDgPdZ7fpKxcv2g4nfBhQb7-2JZYDwKzSPpmquvjKkrz3eJ4yvVxad1m9Q/s320/412purple.jpg" width="320" /></a>A Privileged Upbringing</h3>
Jane was born into one of the most powerful families of England (in stark contrast to our previous hall-of-famer, <a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/07/412-hall-of-fame-john-brown.html">John Brown</a>). She was the grand-daughter of <a href="http://englishhistory.net/tudor/relative/charles-brandon-mary-tudor/">Princess Mary Tudor</a>, the sister of King Henry VIII.<br />
<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5KtMpeIJyTHrftNbbg28_OQjewrdNhADlT0T8JrxUAu95x55Jl5nBfyoW_LUz5bOdl8mQZ2UMq_SX0fDEWYX0X-1Lvxji5d9ZMeH9a4M9lPx_TFDEspIQSaZhUlYgV8qtioUXruR7BQ/s1600/20160808_144917.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5KtMpeIJyTHrftNbbg28_OQjewrdNhADlT0T8JrxUAu95x55Jl5nBfyoW_LUz5bOdl8mQZ2UMq_SX0fDEWYX0X-1Lvxji5d9ZMeH9a4M9lPx_TFDEspIQSaZhUlYgV8qtioUXruR7BQ/s640/20160808_144917.jpg" width="307" /></a></h3>
But she was privileged in another way. Her father, Henry Grey, Duke of Suffolk, was a strong supporter of the Protestant Reformation in England. He made sure that Jane learned the Scriptures, and by God's grace she developed a deep love for Christ and strong biblical convictions.<br />
<h3>
In Over Her Head</h3>
<b></b>
Noble-born and strong in faith, young Jane was sure to be a great help to the Reformation in England. But before she had the chance, crisis struck. <br />
<br />
Her uncle, King <a href="http://www.englishhistory.net/tudor/monarchs/king-edward-vi/">Edward VI</a>, was dying. He and Jane were about the same age, and shared the same love for the gospel. During his reign he had championed the Reformation in England. Now, he wanted to secure its future even after his death.<br />
<br />
But he had to act quickly. His half-sister, Mary, was next-in-line to the throne, and she was a staunch enemy of the gospel. So, on his deathbed, Edward nominated Jane as his successor. <br />
<br />
Though this caught Jane completely off guard, she bravely accepted her duty. The people, however, rejected her in favor of Mary. After only nine days of being queen, Jane was dethroned and Mary crowned the new queen. Poor Jane was convicted of treason and sentenced to death. <br />
<h3>
Standing Firm in the Faith</h3>
While Jane awaited execution, Mary sent a priest to convert her. She stood firm, however, in a way that would have made the Apostle Peter proud (1 Peter 3:15) When the priest insisted that she ought <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOj1SpD6-2KYv75wiuvJ26CXUpx-DLZn35PVUItc83_wG9-nzcnHtWq4viBJn_dg1E8hgdxPQrgo3q3HP9XJyRSxWqu4LA-v15FWmm91UQyOZvY5KE1_7aVwVEL4Cyts2-Gw2F2XMufOQ/s1600/John+Brown+book+link.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOj1SpD6-2KYv75wiuvJ26CXUpx-DLZn35PVUItc83_wG9-nzcnHtWq4viBJn_dg1E8hgdxPQrgo3q3HP9XJyRSxWqu4LA-v15FWmm91UQyOZvY5KE1_7aVwVEL4Cyts2-Gw2F2XMufOQ/s320/John+Brown+book+link.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
to believe in the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, she replied,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
No, I ground my faith upon God’s word, and not upon the church:
for if the church be a good church, the faith of the church must be
tried by God’s word, and not God’s word by the church....</blockquote>
She writes, "my faith had armed my resolution to withstand any
assault that words could then use against me."<br />
<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpnTOOq7FIGyRhGT4baBAFecdMuKs-Wks1sfaFzxShMZ-UdkCHFkPlW4huwVYE0UrWRPsi2V96r32B9RDWjQ6D6OPSzE0sKoTD94XkxpAgoZ7Kj6IUvf2Xiu1VvlYI_1Phggt1E64i1w/s1600/margaret_wilson_covenanter_martyr_solway+-+Copy.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpnTOOq7FIGyRhGT4baBAFecdMuKs-Wks1sfaFzxShMZ-UdkCHFkPlW4huwVYE0UrWRPsi2V96r32B9RDWjQ6D6OPSzE0sKoTD94XkxpAgoZ7Kj6IUvf2Xiu1VvlYI_1Phggt1E64i1w/s320/margaret_wilson_covenanter_martyr_solway+-+Copy.png" width="320" /></a>A Brave Death</h3>
Soon, execution day came. Jane testified to the people gathered in front of the scaffold, saying,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I pray you all, good Christian people, to bear me witness, that I die a good Christian woman, and that I do look to be saved by no other mean, but only by the mercy of God in the blood of his only Son Jesus Christ: and I confess, that when I did know the word of God, I neglected the same, loved myself and the world, and therefore this plague and punishment is happily and worthily happened unto me for my sins; and yet I thank God, that of his goodness he hath thus given me a time and a respite to repent and now, good people, while I am alive, I pray you assist me with your prayers. </blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQeurOFUxEMELN8GiQF3uf2sBJlY7UKhq-ke4710hNMOLl-uZ_8u8yMmusF85NyUscd16WSj5PH8ehHToe7mVtifQ9695cFukJG0WG8veD6a47QQEmDM2O7zWIoZDVjI2jUPaar8r9m0/s1600/Hugh+MacKail+link.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQeurOFUxEMELN8GiQF3uf2sBJlY7UKhq-ke4710hNMOLl-uZ_8u8yMmusF85NyUscd16WSj5PH8ehHToe7mVtifQ9695cFukJG0WG8veD6a47QQEmDM2O7zWIoZDVjI2jUPaar8r9m0/s320/Hugh+MacKail+link.jpg" width="320" /></a>Then she recited a Psalm and prepared for the end. The executioner kneeled down and asked for her forgiveness, which she gladly gave. She had only one request: "I pray you, despatch me quickly." She leaned over the executioner's block, and seconds before the blade fell, she said, "Lord, into thy hands I commend my spirit."<br />
<br />
Lady Jane died when she was only seventeen years old, but her steadfast love for the Lord and strong convictions were a breathtaking testimony to everyone who witnessed them.<br />
<h3>
SOURCES</h3>
<ol>
<li>Hanson, Marilee. <a href="http://englishhistory.net/tudor/relative/lady-jane-grey/%22%3Ehttp://englishhistory.net/tudor/relative/lady-jane-grey/">"Lady Jane Grey – Facts, Biography, Information & Portraits"</a>.</li>
<li>Eric Ives, <a href="http://www.ladyjanegrey.info/?page_id=2356">"Conference with Dr. Feckenham"</a>. </li>
<li>John Foxe, <i>Fox's Book of Martyr's</i>.</li>
<li>Carter Lindberg, <i>The European Reformations.</i></li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
</ol>
Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-29390412215288165452016-08-08T10:17:00.002+08:002016-08-08T10:17:29.174+08:00A Real-life Example of Mark 10:29-30<i>A few days ago, I got this feed from <a href="http://www.opendoorsuk.org/">Open Doors</a> on my <a href="http://www.geero.net/prayermate/">PrayerMate</a> app. While reading and praying over this item, the Spirit brought this verse to my mind:</i><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Jesus
said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or
brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my
sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this
time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and
lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. (Mark
10:29-30, ESV)</i></blockquote>
<i>May the Lord encourage you with this present-day example of how He fulfills His word.</i> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIz9XH_ZYX2Kc7nqqjbTFGIKsQotUmhL5t81qXMlGLMU_Vjm1JJ1xvE-Ye-cGWLz1nBlH_1lHkEsKI1LmIyrn49MogtjptYw9YLWY7ynoxsPKTDHqiPyrkyGvxCLociS57X6OEyyRse0E/s1600/sintanyehyu.jpg" /><a href="http://www.opendoorsuk.org/htmlemail/epa/epa_160804.htm">http://www.opendoorsuk.org/htmlemail/epa/epa_160804.htm</a></div>
<br />
<br /><br />Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-67149919950537020352016-08-03T12:47:00.001+08:002017-01-08T15:04:47.414+08:00The Rights of a Human Being To Whom Legal Process is Due<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24rx87M1QAWtgLXhh6dvWwaA6rMoTr532C6awWWSHVq7_yodEGIimse4amRMVBV7rUbHqJk4R7CZl7w94UWAiFkMTMYVj0S5rmgMz2cKtnpF4Bubl7GEN0sHViI1PxhGDxaIpQmTSM6g/s1600/killings1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24rx87M1QAWtgLXhh6dvWwaA6rMoTr532C6awWWSHVq7_yodEGIimse4amRMVBV7rUbHqJk4R7CZl7w94UWAiFkMTMYVj0S5rmgMz2cKtnpF4Bubl7GEN0sHViI1PxhGDxaIpQmTSM6g/s640/killings1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><i>This is Part 2 of a series of guest posts entitled "The Constitution and Cardboard Justice", by my friend and churchmate, Goya Pableo. To read the first article click <a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-constitution-and-cardboard-justice.html">here</a>.</i></span><br />
<br />
<i>* * *</i><br />
<i>
</i>
Cardboard Justice refers to the recent streak of extrajudicial killings in light of the Duterte administration's war against illegal drugs. As Filipino Christians, we can hardly be apathetic to this issue.<br />
<br />
In this post, we'll discuss the basic concept of human rights and due process as enshrined in <a href="http://www.gov.ph/constitutions/1987-constitution/">The 1987 Philippine Constitution</a>, and frame the discussion within two questions: <i>What were the dead?</i> and <i>What were their rights?</i> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">What The Dead Are – Or Were </span></b></span></span><br />
<br />
Article II, Section 11 of the Constitution declares that “The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.” <br />
<br />
The dead were humans (an obvious fact), and the State ought to value their dignity by virtue of their simply being human. At this fundamental level, there's no distinction between a drug user and, say, the President. Both are on equal footing, both have inherent dignity as humans, and both should be continually valued, honored and respected. Even criminals are human. <br />
<br />
That means the victims of Cardboard Justice had human rights. The Constitution adopted <a href="http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/">the Universal Declaration of Human Rights</a> of 1948 (UDHR), having transcribed it to Article III of the same. The UDHR did not bestow human rights; it only recognized what already was inherent. Even if there was no UDHR, human rights would still persist. What, then, are the fundamental human rights to be considered for those who were slain under Cardboard Justice?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">What They Should Have Had, But Di</span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #666666;">dn</span></span></b></span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">’t Get</span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution states that "No person shall be deprived of life, liberty and property without due process of law." <br />
<br />
Due process should be afforded to anyone who comes into conflict with the law. Procedurally, if you are accused of a drug-related crime, the courts and law enforcers should ensure your <i><b>right to notice</b></i> (you are being accused of a drug-related crime – did you know?) and <i><b>hearing </b></i>(are you affirming or denying the accusation? – let the court hear you). This means that you can't just be arbitrarily arrested, deprived of your property, or killed.<br />
<br />
Due process protects us from abuse of power (‘I’ll kill you because I think you’re a criminal’), even if such abuse is disguised in the niceties of procedural form. Moreover, the denial of due process opens monstrous opportunities for vendettas that are not drug-related. If you have an enemy, just shoot him and leave the signature cardboard!<br />
<br />
Due process is for everyone. It is not bestowed by popular opinion, nor can it be eradicated by a Chief Executive’s pronunciation. The law of the land is above all who are within its territorial jurisdiction. As they say, it is “the rule of law and not of man”. <br />
<br />
What else were the victims of Cardboard Justice deprived of?<br />
<ul>
<li> They did not undergo <i><b>custodial investigation</b></i>, wherein they should have had the chance to discuss with a police officer the allegations leveled against them (Article III, Section 12 (1)); </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>They weren’t <i><b>presumed innocent</b></i> until proven guilty;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>They weren’t given the chance to <i><b>consult
with or be assisted by lawyers</b></i> (Article III, Section 14 (1)); and</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>They weren’t <i><b>formally adjudged ‘guilty’</b></i> by a judicial court and meted with the death penalty – there was no speedy, fair trial (Article III, Section 16).</li>
</ul>
Those most responsible for the extrajudicial killings assure us that "change is coming." The dead, however, can no longer change nor experience change. The Scriptures do reassure us of God's sovereignty over all situations at all times, but the perpetrators of injustice will be held responsible, either by a human court or by the Judge of all. And let us be warned that a nation that would abet such injustice will have blood on their hands.<br />
<br />
Thus, we have to prayerfully consider and ask ourselves: are we willing to be used by God in this issue? <br />
<br />
Next, we’ll try answering the questions ‘What about due process for the State and the victims of drug-dependents?’ and ‘What is general welfare?’ to help us better understand what the Philippine law covers for the public, the dead, and the dead’s victims.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>SOURCE: </b></span></span></span><a href="http://www.gov.ph/constitutions/1987-constitution/">The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines</a>. Philippines. Official Gazette. GOVPH. Accessed July 26, 2016. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4080317705304503340.post-64321480336416212842016-08-03T12:43:00.001+08:002017-01-08T15:04:47.409+08:00The Constitution and Cardboard Justice - An Introduction<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDafPJss6FE8TaznJIUslb9HB6_eYoJ1Tmd5AbrS2EUjmfNq-igK94tMg9SiLDBnP5bbKEiMobwOdRrDYTA-ioQbAwe3IXSSxMul_nQTgvKX3rHjOe31Alpkvb3qODtepca3gKxKkj7pg/s1600/killings1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDafPJss6FE8TaznJIUslb9HB6_eYoJ1Tmd5AbrS2EUjmfNq-igK94tMg9SiLDBnP5bbKEiMobwOdRrDYTA-ioQbAwe3IXSSxMul_nQTgvKX3rHjOe31Alpkvb3qODtepca3gKxKkj7pg/s640/killings1.jpg" /></a> <br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #666666;">This post is the first in a series wherein my friend and churchmate, Goya Pableo, a law bachelor and graduate student at UP Diliman's School of Urban and Regional Planning, reflects on the recent streak of extrajudicial killings perpetrated under the Duterte administration.</span></i><br />
<br />
* * *<br />
Have you thought of buying gravestones and what your epitaph would be like? Consider cardboards. <br />
<br />
Recently, cheap cardboards are epitaphs for human lives. Nameless, they simply read, “Drug Lord Ako”, “Pusher Ako”, “Pulis na Pusher: Huwag Tularan”, or something similar that connects the unnamed dead with non-adjudged crimes related with illegal drugs. Are we willing to overlook the value of these lives for the sake of change?<br />
<br />
Cardboard Justice has been used to describe the summary executions (<a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/573262/news/nation/chr-average-of-10-suspects-killed-per-day-under-duterte#sthash.oLkWJRVV.dpuf.">averaging 10 persons a day</a>, according to the Commission on Human Rights), of alleged drug pushers or users. Some of those included in the death toll, however, were <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/image/news/07/22/16/tok-tokbang-bang-the-bloody-war-on-drugs-26">innocent bystanders</a>. Some of these killings were carried out by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), who were following their mandate and killed in the name of self-defense. Other killings were condemned by such law enforcers, who pointed to vigilantes as the perpetrators. Either way, whether by law enforcers or by vigilantes, the dead were killed under the same banner: the merciless war against illegal drugs.<br />
<br />
(Another angle we need to consider is the victims of these alleged drug users and pushers. Weren’t they given justice through what was done to those who harmed them?)<br />
<br />
The killings seem to ease their way into a normal Filipino’s information-diet as delivered by different media platforms. When news of Cardboard Justice pops out at us between photos of our friend’s birthday party and our crush’s recent vacation, or when we watch it in the news as we wait for our fave teleserye, how do we, as believers, react? <br />
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As those who bear the name of Christ, our reaction (or the seemingly absence of it) matters. This series humbly aims to aid fellow believers as it discusses the pertinent provisions of The 1987 Philippine Constitution in relation with the summary executions. <br />
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Thus, I ask for your patience as we process this information, with the hope that your prayers would be centered on the Redeemer Christ, that your reactions would be checked by the reality of Him being ever before you, and your actions would flow from your loving communion with Him. <br />
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This is a humble attempt for you and I to be Christian Filipinos at such a time as this.<br />
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<a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-rights-of-human-being-to-whom-legal.html">Next time</a>, we will be tackling the questions <i>What were the dead</i> (a common sense question, really) and <i>What were their rights</i>? <br />
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Even then, please pray that the summary executions would stop, that the Government would be able to handle the pressure of rehabilitating its surrendering citizens who are drug-dependent and that the Gospel would be made clear. You do not need to wait for the next post to do very well what is within your control.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://cross-views.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-rights-of-human-being-to-whom-legal.html">Part 2: The Rights of a Human Being To Whom Legal Process is Due</a></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>SOURCES: </b></span></span><br />
<ol>
<li>Roxas, Joseph Tristan. "<a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/573262/news/nation/chr-average-of-10-suspects-killed-per-day-under-duterte#sthash.oLkWJRVV.dpuf.">CHR: Average of 10 Suspects Killed per Day under Duterte.</a>" GMA News Online. July 11, 2016. Accessed July 26, 2016.</li>
<li>Cellona, Jonathan. "<a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/image/news/07/22/16/tok-tokbang-bang-the-bloody-war-on-drugs-26">Tok, Tok... Bang, Bang: The Bloody War on Drugs #26.</a>" ABS-CBN News. July 23, 2016. Accessed July 26, 2016.</li>
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Kito Espirituhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11250520566299675455noreply@blogger.com2