Ang Iglesia Metodista . . . through the valley with Christ
"This one thing let us do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are ahead, let us press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14); crying unto him day and night, till we also are "delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious freedom of the children of God!" (Romans 8:21)
John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, 1872
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12 ENERO 2014 UNANG LINGGO MAKALIPAS ANG KAPAHAYAGAN TAON A
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Kapahayagan ng Katuwiran
Epiphany of Righteousness
Pumayag ka nang mangyari ito ngayon sapagkat nararapat nating tuparin ang lahat ng katuwiran sa ganitong kaparaanan. (Mateo 3:15)
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. (Matthew 3:15)
Sa ebanghelyo ng Panginoon, ang katarungan, pag-ibig, at katuwiran ay magkakasing-kahulugan.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ defines justice, love and righteousness as mutually interchangeable.
I
Ang katuwiran ay sa Diyos, ito ang sandigan ng katarungan.
Righteousness is of God, it is the foundation of justice.
Akong si Yahweh ang tumawag sa iyo sa katuwiran, binigyan kita ng kapangyarihan upang pairalin ang katarungan
sa daigdig. (Isaiah 42:6)
I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles. (Isaiah 42:6)
II
Ang katuwiran ay sa Diyos, ito ang sandigan ng pag-ibig.
Righteousness is of God, it is the foundation of love.
Totoo ngang naunawaan kong ang Diyos ay hindi nagtatangi ng mga tao. Subalit sa bawat bansa ang taong may takot sa kaniya at gumagawa ng katuwiran ay kaniyang tinatanggap...ang bawat sumasampalataya sa kaniya ay magkakamit ng kapatawaran sa mga kasalanan sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang pangalan. (Gawa 10:35, 43)
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right...everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. (Acts 10:35, 43)
III
Ang katuwiran ay sa Diyos, ito ang sandigan ng matapat na pagsunod.
Righteousness is of God, it is the foundation of faithful obedience.
Pumunta si Jesus kay Juan sa ilog ng Jordan upang magpabautismo. Ngunit tumanggi si Juan. Sinabi niya: Ako ang dapat mong bautismuhan. Bakit ka magpapabautismo sa akin? Sumagot si Jesus sa kaniya: Pumayag ka nang mangyari ito ngayon sapagkat nararapat nating tuparin ang lahat ng katuwiran sa ganitong kaparaanan. Nang magkagayon, pumayag na si Juan. Nang mabautismuhan na si Jesus...ang mga langit ay nabuksan sa kaniya. Nakita ni Juan ang Espiritu ng Diyos na bumababang tulad ng isang kalapati at lumapag kay Jesus. Narito, isang tinig mula sa langit ang nagsabi: Ito ang pinakamamahal kong anak na labis kong kinalulugdan. (Mateo 3:13-17)
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17)
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As we journey on through the valley...with Christ, let us bring the books we read, the songs we sing, the reflections we write,
the pictures we keep and the people we love.