BoringYetGraceful

Recently I read a book about Decisional Regeneration, in Christian terms this is commonly called “altar call”. I did not know that this known church tradition within Protestant Evangelicalism was invented during the 1800s by a certain theologian.

It's kind of a marketing strategy to win souls as my POV. To gain numbers of those who will believe in Christ by forcing them to decide instead piercing their hearts by the Word of God and let the Holy Spirit work into and within them that they will be led into repentance and believe in the Good News of Christ.

The New Testament apostles never used this kind of method after their sermons. Just check the book of Acts. No one ask at the end of their sermons “tinatanggap mo ba si Jesus sa puso mo!?”. I agree (kahit papaano) that this kind of stuff are helpful in evangelism and proclaiming the Good News but forcing them to believe? Christians aren't called to proclaim and forced lost sinners to believe.

Point them and offer Christ and his Good News! Lost sinner needed to be pointed to the only Way, Truth and Life.

Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me. —John 14:6

The only Way that lead them out of rebellion and ruin. The only Truth that they need a redeemer and repent their sins. The only Life that will reconcile them to their Maker.

“The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, and will throw them into the fiery furnace; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. —Matthew 13:41-42

Are you a lost sinner? Do you even know that if you're a lost sinner? If not, how poor is your soul that your life will lead to damnation where gnashing and grinding of teeth never ends. At least happy happy ang life sa earth.

I'm not good at Gospel presentation but if you like to continue reading below, I won't force you.

REBELLION

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, —Romans 3:23

In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes. —Judges 17:6

Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, so she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. —Genesis 3:6

The first R is about Man's rebellion against God.

We call it sin.

Sin is not just the small things that we are told not to do but our willful disobedience to the Lord of all Creation who designed everything according to His wisdom.

Sin is rebellion against God in the sense that When God said not to eat of the fruit, Adam and Eve chose to ate.

In the same way, we are also guilty of doing the things we want to do above the things that God wants for us to do.

To personally reflect, in our lives, who calls the shots?

RUIN

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, both His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the likeness of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. —Romans 1:18-23

Behold, the hand of Yahweh is not so short That it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear. —Isaiah 59:1-2

For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, carry us away. —Isaiah 64:6

The second R is about our Ruin.

Since we have rebelled against the Holy and Just God, we have incurred His wrath upon us. We became enemies of God because of our Rebellion and we are now separated from His presence.

As a result, we live a life that we are not designed to live. We are trying to live as gods calling the shots, but we do not have absolute control over what would happen to us. Thus living a meaningless unfulfilled life, that only awaits for the day of Judgment. What's worse? We have no ability to escape this predicament.

We are in utter ruin.

REDEEMER

“And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” —Matthew 1:21

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. —John 3:16

But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. —Romans 3:21-26

For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. —Romans 6:23

The third R is about our HOPE.

Since we are in utter Ruin, and our Rebelliousness cannot be cured by our own strength.

We need someone from outside ourselves to Save us from our wretchedness. God in His goodness sent a savior for His people. He took the punishment that was supposed to be for them and gave them the perfect standing with the Father that He Has.

This Savior is Jesus and He will save His people from their Sins.

REPENTANCE

Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? —Romans 2:4

Therefore I exhort you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—living, holy, and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may approve what the will of God is, that which is good and pleasing and perfect. —Romans 12:1-2

The fourth R is about our response to the Goodness of God.

A person who understood His Rebellion and Utter Ruin will be desperate for the Redeemer.

The person who Understood what the Redeemer has done for Him would be filled with Thanksgiving and respond with Repentance.

Repentance means turning away from our sins and turning to God.

Since our ultimate sin is Rebelling against God, True Repentance would be a surrendered life under the Leadership of God.

A true repentant sinner would pray that His life should be lived under the sovereign rule of God.

RECONCILIATION

For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died has been justified from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all, but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. —Romans 6:5-11

So, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and graciously forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone, just as the Lord graciously forgave you, so also should you. Above all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body, and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratefulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. —Colossians 3:12-17

The fifth R is about the Person's status after Repenting of his sins and offering His life to the Lord.

He is no longer a REBEL but A Child of God who is Reconciled to Him because of what the Redeemer has done.

A person who is Reconciled to the Lord will live His life in thanksgiving doing everything for God's glory.

From now on, no longer separated from God but is Enjoying His Fellowship.

END

I grew up in a Christian household, go to church every Sunday, kids camp here and there, but the sinner in me only put his faith in Christ during my high school years. You can read more about here.

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, leading to righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, leading to salvation. —Romans 10:9-10

nml GB/SDG

Note: Gospel presentation taken from 5R's Gospel presentation

I slept after our lunch which also our breakfast. Its Good Friday today and the surrounding is silent trying to kind like holy, I don't know.

The day again was hot, you can feel it on the walls of our apartment that is colored gray outside. I don't know why its the chosen color of the owner, I guess maybe its their favorite or no option at all.

I started reading The Chronicles of Narnia again, hoping I'll finish it this year. Journey with me my dear reader, if there's any.

The sunset is beautiful today as we viewed it from our room's window. The day was hot due to April is here, and it's also the first day of our long weekend because of the holidays.

Life is so easy these days to take granted small things that is beautiful around us. Yet. People still aren't content in their life even they can do things in just a click of a screen whereas before it will take days or months to attain such things.

Sometimes long weekend wasn't long at all unless we experience an endless summer where days will drag us to the Sheol.

There will be times that you'll hit a wall. It's normal to fall at times because the only remaining way is not just go up, why not go sideways like a stock market trend.

I'm still here.

Seedlings

There was a time in my life that I don't have any interest in playing the guitar. During my freshman year in highschool, I bought my father's guitar because friend D ask for it for a school subject performance, I think it wasn't for MAPEH. That's the only time I bought the guitar which I don't have anything to do with it. Stephen Speaks still resonates in my ears.

A Christ follower must be transparent in their life because the life of Christ is so transparent. That during His first tenure here on earth, the darkness of this world cannot take it, and they nailed Him into the cross. To the Christian reading this post, does your heart still beats for this world or just a passerby whose chief end is to glorify God forever?

Growing up in a household where both married couple professed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior doesn't mean Christian na din agad yung anak. Faith in Christ is personal, but it is something worthwhile when the legacy of faith is passed down at home. The parents are only the tool, but it's the work of the Spirit that works inside the child. Growing up inside the church is different from growing up in faith. Christ followers have different paths and they knew where they came from and they knew their chief end. Nothing compares sa mga material blessing here on earth to the blessing of glorifying God forever.

Heart of Worship

I don't know if some people still remember. During my sophomore year in highschool. It was intramurals, I was with my classmates and we visited the annexed school, I forgot why I'm with them. Then we decided to go to a nearby woods, I can't say it's forest basta kakahuyan. It's a long walk, then we have company from other school tailing us, hinayaan lang namin. Once we are in the river, and the cute na falls, the fun started, while the they watched us.

I don't know how to swim but I took off my t-shirt but still wearing my pants, and jump off the cliff, I was hyped by D and A. In short, I got drowned, thankfully both saved me. There's a little commotion but still ends up in laughter. Sira ulo daw ako. Then a few minutes passed. Our company from the other school moves trying to surround us, one of our classmates observed them and they carry a knife blade, and they're after one of us. This was the time uso yung mapagtripan kayo sa ibang school at kargado pa ata sila, and the best, walang ibang tao.

We quickly put our uniforms and move, na kunwari hindi namin alam, we end up walking the other way which there's a path papuntang bayan, and they continue to tail us but they end up not pursuing us. It was a thrilling moment still alive in my memory. What if we stay there? I don't know what's next, maybe your not reading this post.

As I said before, porke lumaki ka sa church, magulang mo Christian, doesn't mean Christian ka na din. One Sunday, around between Aug-Sept of 2003, I'm 13 years old, the song was Heart of Worship, I was at the back. God struck my heart for the first time. That was the time I put my faith and trust in Him, Lord and Savior. Yes, I did encounter Him multiple times before it, from random verse kung saang lumalop sa bahay noon, to coffee cups na nakalagay 'When I grow up, I just want to be like you, Jesus” not knowing to be like Him, is more than life.

Gujangjang Begins...

Fast forward, another random day that year, almost kasunod lang. There was an eagerness in me to learn to play the guitar. The guitar was a long time tambay sa bahay since I'm small. Father and bigbro plays guitar. My interest that time wasn't to be like Yngwie Malmsteen, I just want to play the guitar. Gratefully, bigbro brought home that songhits filled with Christian songs with minus-one na CD. Sa pagkaalala ko, I learned the basic chords within 3 months, I didn't learned any song but practiced to play the chords cleanly. Within the first 6 months if I remember correctly, I learned to play In Your Hands, As The Dear, and Numb by Linkin Park. And pushed myself to sing In Your Hands while playing. Fast forward again, that same year or 2004, I started playing sa church dahil kulang musician. My first instrument to play was the drums, naaalala ko pa yung mga unang salang ko.

Church musicians have different stories but it's their faith in God matters most. You can sweep-pick, tump, do gospel-chops, slap & pop, etc. yet the heart is not aligned, then you're like a clanging cymbals, a noisy gong. Wala na ko maisip. This is the genesis of my journey how I end up being a church musician, not because I Iove music but I love God whom loved me first before the foundation of the world. Soli Deo Gloria.

We love, because He first loved us. — 1 John 4:19

Previous post consists of my favorite Christian music albums. As for this post, it will be a short talk about albums outside Christian music.

Todo Combo – Moonstar 88 (2008)

Third studio album of the band coming out with their new vocalist that time. Though its not a big issue for me, same way what happened with Mojofly. I have the first 2 album in CD back in the day (thanks kay ate doon sa may dry goods sa palengke noong nasa may MNHS pa sila). The sound of the album is fresh and distinct compared from the previous two. The well known song for this 18-track album is Migraine which kung M88 fan ka you can still relate with Ang Pagibig Kong Ito and Torete, the M88 sawi song series didn't stop. The fillers are funny and a good pause along the whole album. It also contain other well known song they cover: Senti by Yano and Panalangin by APO Hiking Society, which also a hit from this release. Sakin lang walang tapon lahat ng kanta dito sa album na 'to. Among the tracks na LSS ako is: Late Ka Na Naman, Dot Song, Friendster, Di Kita, Di Kasi, the last track, Damang-dama.

Brand New Eyes – Paramore (2009)

Third studio album of the famous pop-punk group Paramore. I'm updated and listened to all of their studio release except This Is Why. The first two album is edgy and screaming, after BNE there is a change in sound yet still carry the maturity coming from BNE held by Hayley. BNE for me have all elements of Paramore sound, the previous edgy screaming sound are softened like they found the gold their digging. It's just sad that after this album, umalis yung gitarista which for me malaking influence sa instrumental sound of the band though the vocalist carry the torch and continue the journey buti na lang bumalik yung drummer.

Cafe Bossa – Sitti (2006)

One of the best selling OPM album, and its on the class of its own. That time I'm trying to learn bossa nova and ended giving up. I listened to the OG bossa nova by Joao Gilberto specially that Getz/Gilberto album, and some other albums then I discovered Sitti sa nagbebenta ng burned CD per album noong liberation day celebration Mariveles (in short sa bargain). The album is mind blowing lol, she covered some well known song and arranged it in bossa nova (I think many artists already do that but this is 2006). It contains her hit song Para Sa'akin that touch that bossa feels. The whole album is gold.

Grow – Chon (2014)

A silent homies I am, even they already disband, sad. Grow literally a growth album of this math rock instrumental quartet from California. I listened to this album on repeat during my pre-Spotify days using Power Amp music player in my Android phone. I listened a lot of instrumental guitar in rock and metal, so this one was not new, then I found out this was called math-rock, I don't care about the sub-genre, what matters it's a guitar instrumental. The album is technically cheesy, no scalar shred runs but filled with licks here and there. The drums and bass doesn't just fill the rhythm section, they also harmonize with the guitars. It's a refreshing sound though I still return listening to Jeff Loomis debut album.

Define The Great Line – Underoath (2006)

This one is memorable since college days . I was in a computer shop, paper and pen on hand, writing the songs of the album. Reference once I set on sail the seven seas or if I have some fund to burn a CD. Then someone poke in my back then I turn my head, its the father of a friend which is a pastor. Nakalimutan ko na nangyari, ewan ko lang kung nakita nya yung ginagawa ko, lol. This is a metalcore album, if you read the previous post, the vocalist there is the drummer here and also the backup or clean vocals. The album is not a typical metalcore as it also leaning in a mathcore. What I like in this album is overall raw sound lalo na yung sa guitars even there's no solo, everything is pure riffage that gives off that Underoath sound.

Let me introduce you to some of my favorite music albums. When I say favorite, there's come a time in my life that I listened to them repeatedly, some took months until my ears goes off. And this was before I step into the world of Spotify and streaming music. Thanks to the seven seas of the Internet and we are able to download mp3 or FLAC files, and burn them in plastics disc with an aluminum layer.

It Is Well – Kutless (2009)

A Christian rock album consist of some known worship songs in CCM circles. Didn't know one of their song from this album became a hit back then when I'm into this release. I'm not new Kutless as I already listened their previous releases but this one hits well in my heart and ears, specially the title track It Is Well. The rock arrangement plus the choir in the intro is banger the comes the heart touching words of this old hymn while shout It Is Well, not that song All Is Well. Worth listening if you like worship songs arranged in a lively radio friendly rock genre.

To The Ends Of The Earth – Hillsong United (2002)

One of those early Hillsong United line up with pop-punk sound, harmonize overdriven guitar sounds, energetic drums, and uplifting choruses that you want to jump and shout I'm free! I know the sound of this album would sound cheesy today. As for the songs, halos lahat gusto ko. The title track is easier said than done.

Hymns Live – Shane & Shane (2019)

While that Kutless release became a foundational album to me, S&S was a game changer as I dive into more hymns but modern. I'm not well versed in all the songs (didn't grew up singing them in the church) but the words stirs up, and the modern arrangement is super bonus. Thank God for the life of this group, I was able to get to know more Christian artist who sung a ton of modern hymns.

Anthem Song -Aaron Gillespie (2011)

Aaron is a drummer of the metalcore band, Underoath. The band is known in the Christian metal circles but yup, there are some changes through the years, try listening to their first 2 albums. As for this album, the southern roots of the drummer opened up singing worship songs. Earnestly I Seek Thee and Your Song Goes On Forever is a must listen.

Worthy – Beautiful Eulogy (2017)

Lastly, this is a hiphop/rap music album. Filled with Bible verses here and there as two pastors take their sermon with a beat.

Wisdom, power and praise Glory, honor and strength Worthy! To the Lamb who was slain Be wisdom, power and praise Forever! And to the King on the throne Be glory, honor and strength You are worthy!

Photo by Kelly Sikkema

This is a part of a writing challenge.

What are the best things to do for the last few days of this year?

Eat Samgyup

You can take this advice for real or not. it's up to you. It's a wonderful Korean food that takes over the Filipino palette due to the unlimited aspect of the restaurant that opened here. Yet it still depends on how the meat is cooked and the mix. It's not just about filling yourself a ton of meat. The taste still matters.

Reflection

How did this year go well with you? If you take life for granted, I'm sure reflection about life is not a part of your routine unless something happens that really shit you out of the blue. Ask yourself some questions about your life. The internet is a good source of self reflection ideas if you're not familiar with it. I did this before when I remember doing it, lol.

Planning

After reflecting on the past year, then comes the planning for the future. Life is not easy unless you have a ton of money, but having more money doesn't mean life would be easier. You will be prone to kidnapping and burglar, and bad people will chase you and hire some private army to guard you. That's what you called planning.

This is a part of a writing challenge

We lose our patience when we overthink, but to have more patience is to think more mindfully. Patience is virtue, but that virtue must be into action, practice, and tested. Life is full of tests compared to what we had encountered from school. The grading is not just about getting a passing grade. The result sometimes gives birth to more tests and problems.

Thinking mindfully is knowing everything, what is in your mind, and where it must go. It would be difficult, but it is worth a million smiles and peace in your heart rather than having an anxiety overthinking. Every hard challenge gives an easy life; patience is easier said than done; that's why what all you need is to think more.

This is a part of a writing challenge

Recently, the appeal of jazz music was enchanting to my ears, though I knew the genre years ago as someone who listened and played music. I don't listen to it a lot as my musical taste is different. I learned to play guitars, then automatically I was introduced to pop, rock, and metal. The only thing I knew about jazz is when the chords of certain songs would have m7/M7 chords. My perspective would be, “Oh, that's sounds jazzy.” And the drums swings a lot, and I called it Dixie land kind of jazz, but I'm wrong.

When I'm interested in a certain genre what would I do is look for top recommendation from known sources and through that I begin my journey. Well, the musicians that introduce to me is the Chick Corea Electrik Band. I'm into guitars back then, and into the technique called sweep picking, that points me to Frank Gambale which is a member of the Electrik Band. The genre of the band is jazz fusion. Its leaning to rock with jazz elements but this list open me more to the world of jazz music.

“It takes an intelligent ear to listen to jazz” — Art Blakey