Am I My Brother's Keeper?

“Where is Abel thy brother?”  And Cain said, “I know not: am I my brother’s keeper?”  (Genesis 4:9)

The background of this great Bible question was the murder of  Abel  by his brother Cain.  God knows that  Cain murdered Abel.   God gave Cain a chance to confess his crime.  But Cain did not tell the truth.

Cain said “Am I my brother’s keeper?”  There are many things we can learn from Cain and Abel.

1.     We also tell lies to God and we do not keep our brothers.

2.    Cain was jealous with Abel because God favoured Abel.  We are sometimes full of envy and jealousy when favors are not given to us by our friends.

3.   God favoured Abel because Abel’s offering to God is with humility and true faith. Cain’s offering to God was given in pride. “God opposes the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”  (James 4:6).    We give God not the best but the left-overs! We do not work hard and honestly.

4.     God gave the best for us His only son Jesus but we gave God the second class. Abel’s offering was the spotless Lamb.  We offer God worn-out or torn clothes like rags.

Are we our brothers’ keepers? Are you and I responsible to the needs of  other people? Is it our job to feed the hungry? Do we owe anything to the orphans? And the widows?  Is it our job to minister the sick? If Christians engage in sin, is it our job to speak to them?  Are we responsible for helping them to guide them away from the sin and back to righteous living?

The answer is Yes!   As Christians we are indeed our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers!  “Visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction .” (James 1:27)  Our faith is dead if we give nothing to our brothers. (James 2:15-17).  “Let us love in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:18).   Whenever we come across a person in need, we must realise this is a Divine Appointment.  God  is calling us to join Him. “We must love and defend the fatherless and widow, loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.”  (Deuteronomy 10:18).

“Loose the bands of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free,  give bread to the poor and hungry, the strange shelter, the naked thou cover him.”  (Isaiah 58:6-7).

Ask yourself:  What do I need to give God?  Is God calling me to join a church group where I can offer Him my time and talents to be used in ministry to the hurting and lost people of this world?  Does my attitude towards all the needy people around me,  my neighbours and co-workers, even beggars who I avoid in the street, need to change?   The way we should live is by “keeping our brothers” selflessly loving and caring for others.

(From Dr. Derek Stringer’s Great Bible Questions)

How Many Times Shall I Forgive?

“Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21)

Forgiveness is one of God’s attributes. It falls under God’s Love, a benevolent, merciful , gracious and forgiving Father.  “That you love one another, as I have loved you.” (John 5:12).

In  a real sense, forgiveness can be very difficult.  Real forgiveness or genuine forgiveness is as rare as hen’s teeth, and it is more common to be unforgiving than forgiving. It is sadly our natural human state because we put our resentment in cold storage so that we can thaw it out when we need it. They say they bury that hatchet but maintains a map that carefully marks the spot where they buried it so they can dig it up when they need it.  We nurse our grudges as if they were our precious children!  It’s a dog-eat-dog  world not dog-forgive-dog world.

Jesus wants us to understand that forgiving is something we should do over and over and over again. God tells us to forgive 70 times 7 or 490 times indicates the persistent, relentless nature of the love that is to be characteristic of a follower of the Lord. If Jesus did not forget Peter for denying Him because of cowardice, Peter would have been lost. But because God forgave Peter, he was changed.

Really, God asks us to do something that is so hard ...and one of those is to forgive.  But God tells us to forgive endlessly because God is so forgiving. God knows that forgiving others is good for us. God knows that refusing to forgive damages our relationship with Him and God knows that forgiveness will benefit the forgiven.

 Luke 6:27-28 tells us to “love our enemies.”  Matthew 6:9-13 directs us to pray “and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”   Matthew 6:14 reminds us that “if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” The parable of the unforgiving servant depicts what God will not forgive us if we will not forgive others ( Matthew 18:23-25).

When we forgive it is beneficial to both the forgiving and forgiven.  We recreate that person and be like Peter and Onesimus whom was forgiven by Philemon thru Paul’s request. When we forgive, we reduce tension and restore our relationship. Forgiveness made enemies into friends!  We must not harbour resentment because it is not good to our psychological and physical health.  Job 5:2 warns us that “to worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish and senseless thing to do.” Chronic anger is damaging to body. It leads to emotional stress, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bone.” (Proverbs 17:22).

But how can we forgive?  Here are some God’s tips:

P-Pray

E- Empathy

A-Act

C-Confess

E-Example

Use this acronym and always remember to live at peace with others (1  Thessallonians 5:13).

We must “pray for those who ill-treat you.” (Luke 6:27-28).  We need to try to understand why they did and what they did and this is empathy.  We must act in forgiving ways. Do not revenge. Leave the vengeance to God. Jesus said “vengeance is mine.” (Romans 12:19). “Do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27). “Bless those who curse you.”  (Luke 6:28). Jesus told us to do this when we are hurt:

1.       Go to the wrongdoer. “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” (Matthew 18:15)

2.       Innocent party must initiate reconciliation.

3.       Do it privately.

4.       Forgiveness is not optional. It is a command.

5.       Be prepared to act in a forgiving way even if you do not feel like it.

6.       If a friend or family member holds a grudge, keep on acting toward them in loving ways.

7.       If your adversaries need help moving house, fixing a flat tire, need to borrow something, go to their aid.

Sometimes part of forgiveness is owning up our fault. We may be part of the blame. Consider if our jealousy, stubbornness, ambition, or even our bad attitudes has contributed to the rift.  Accelerate peace process by admitting our wrongdoing. We must say “I am very sorry. The hurt I caused you causes me pain as well.”

To end, set ourselves like Jesus as an example.  Jesus suffered and died to forgive our sins. Ask ourselves: Is there someone we need to forgive?  Is there someone who needs or wait  our forgiveness?

(From the Great Bible Questions by Dr. Derek Stringer)

Sola Fide, Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, and Sola Gratias (Four Essential Truths of Christian Faith)

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2  Timothy 3:16).

Here are  four truths that are essential to Christian Faith:

I – Bible Alone  (Sola Scriptura) -  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2  Timothy 3:16).

 The Bible is plain.  “From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures.”  (2 Timothy 3:15).

The Bible is powerful. “For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart.’ (Hebrews 4:12). 

The Bible should be preached. “Preach the Word; be instant in season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2).

II – Christ Alone (Sola Christus) – “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the  Father, but by me.” (John 14:6).   Salvation is simple:  The source, scope, simplicity and security is only Jesus.  Jesus alone.“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth:  for I am God, and there is none else.”  (Isaiah 45:22).

III – Grace Alone (Sola Gratias) -  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.  Not of works  lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9).  “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Romans 5:8).  GRACE means G- God , R-reaching, A-accepting,  C-caring and E-encouraging.  God is gracious and merciful because he commendeth his love toward us. 

IV -  Faith Alone (Sola Fide) – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1).  “As it is written the just shall live by faith.”  (Romans 5:17). Genuine faith is from start to finish. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1). A faith that should be lived forever. “I am crucified with Christ:nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20).

(From the Sunday Worship Messages of Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon)

How Much Does Jesus Really Care About You?

“Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Does really God care for us? The answer is a resounding yes! God really care for us.  God said “all”   all our problems.  Past, present and future problems. God is asking to cast all our problems to him. Let God handle all our fears, failures, disappointments, school problems, marriage, business, sickness and money.  

There is a song:

It Matters Him About You

Your heartaches, your sorrows, He shares

Regardless of what you may do.

He loves you; he wants you, He care

Although He has millions of soul to see about

Although the sun, the moon and the stars are in His care

How wonderful to know, wherever you may go.

He can be reached just a whispered prayer.

For it matters to Him about You!

The Bible says that Jesus’ CARES means:

C- Comfort – “Jesus is the God of Comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

A-Aid- “God is our refuge and a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

R-Restore and Rest- “God restoreth our soul.” (Psalm 23:1).

E-Eternally-“Jesus loves you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3).

S-Supply – “My God shall supply all our needs.” (Philippians 4:19).

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

Overcome Sin

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, if there be any praise...think about these things.”  (Philippians 4:8)

There  is a great chance to commit sin if we are ignorant in the word of God. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.  There is a saying “an ounce of prevention is better than  a pound of cure.” What are the effective ways to fight sin:

I – Know and Depend Completely On God’s Word – By knowing and depending completely on God’s Word, we avoid the sin of ignorance and self-reliance.   “Study diligently the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life.” ( John 5:39).  By  reading the Bible, we learn the truths and gain eternal life. To break God’s Word and to pronounce independence from God completely or partly is a sin.

II – Believe In God’s Goodness and His Generosity – “Taste and See that the Lord is Good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8).  God is not slack concerning His promise.  God’s goodness has been proven. Do not disobey God and you will see the pouring of His abundant blessings. We must bring the full tithe in God’s house. If we do that God will pay us in direct proportion...even bigger proportion!

III – Trust God’s Commands As Expressions Of Utmost Love – “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18). By trusting God’s commands, we avoid the sin of considering ourself wiser than God.   “ “Your statues are wonderful, therefore, I obey them.” (Psalm 119:129).  God is always right to forbid us to do unlawful deeds.

IV -  Do not Experiment With Sin – Don’t ever dare to experiment sin. Before

we know, the damage has been done.  We must not jump from the building down to the ground to prove the Law of Gravity. Avoid the sin of commission.

V – Follow God’s Warnings – The Bible is a book of warnings. “We should not test the Lord, as some of them were killed by snakes..these things happened to them as examples and were written as warnings...”  (1 Corinthians 10:9-11).  It’s just like following the warning in the medicine bottle like “warning:toxic or poisonous when taken in over dosage”. God warned Lot.  God warned Adam and Eve.

VI – Reject Every Temptation to be Independent From God – “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls like a roaring lion ready to devour someone.” ( 1 Peter 5:8).  Sin’s mission is to take us out of God’s favor.  Do not use the formula of the devil in earning a living.  Sin is better prevented and easier to prevent than to cure.

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages and  from Ed Lapiz’s Book Pitu-Pito)

In Times Like These

“Many shall run to and fro.”  “Nations shall rise against nations.”  (Daniel 12:4) (Matthew 24:6-7)

Our  age now needs Church revival and a need to have spiritual awakening. The days are really evil.

I – It Is An Age Of War – “Nation shall rise against nation.” (Matthew 24:6-7).   There shall be famines, pestilences, earthquakes.  For 3,521 years, only 286 years have been warless.

II – It Is An Immoral Age – “Men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers .” By the year 2000, Divorce outnumbered marriage.

III – It Is An Age Of Crime – “Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers.” (2 Timothy 3:3). We will have a lot of “hoodlums in uniform.” A white collar crime and widespread scam and syndicates.

IV – It Is  A Stressed-Out Age – “Many shall run to and fro” (Daniel 12:4).  We live in a continuous rush and always say busy, busy! Time is running out.  We live in an age when people depend on pain killers to cope.  Half of our hospitals are victims of stress.  Drugs and alcohol are rampant and younger generations are learning drugs.  What will happen to us if our country is run by drug addicts,  criminals?

V – It Is An Insipid Christianity – “The salt shall lost its savour.” (Matthew 5:13).  When salt lost its savor, the church is tasteless, unpalatable,because of gambling and drugs.  The sad part is, Philippines is a Christian nation in Far East.  Churches in US are being sold due to less numbers of churchgoers.

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

How To Handle Stress

“They shall run and not be weary...they shall mount up with wings like an eagle.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Stress may come from shocking moments,  traumatic events,  repetitious pressures, errors that we make,  sales related to money and financial pressures. Here are God’s  tips to reduce stress:

I – Face The Problem and Grow! – “Be strong and of  a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” ( Deuteronomy 31:6).

II – Don’t Limit God – “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm  37:5).  Do not reduce your stress by alcohol, overeating, drugs and cigarettes but turn it all in God’s hands.

III – Learn To Wait  – “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” ( Isaiah 40:31).

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)