HOW JESUS CHRIST PROPHESIZED THE FALL OF JERUSALEM, AND HOW THAT IMPACTS US TODAY

READ LUKE 19:41-44

KEY VERSE:“For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.”  (vv 43-44)

One of the reasons why the Israelites were waiting for the Messiah is to deliver them from the might of the Roman Empire. Known as one of the greatest ancient empires of the ancient world, Rome conquered most of the known world. They were waiting for deliverance from Rome, as Rome also taxes them. Also, they have leaders that were in cahoots with Rome. They know that the messiah will be a very powerful one, to be sent by God himself. Then Jesus Christ came into the world, born of a lowly carpenter's son.

Even though he already revealed to them who he is, they rejected him as the Messiah. Despite the miracles and cures and declaring the good news of the kingdom of God, he got his just rewards. He was nailed to the cross, given to the very powers that ruled them. Yes, they delivered their savior to the hands of the people that they want to freed with in the first place. Even Pilate questioned him, to which Jesus Christ said "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. " (John 18:36)

Even if that were the case, Our Lord Jesus Christ never wanted them to fight Rome. When he was asked if he payed taxes. Jesus' answer was "render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21)

But Jesus know what are in the hearts of men. The key passages indicates how the destruction of Jerusalem will happen, and he even wept of what will happen to the temple. A lot of us right now will conclude that this happened because they rejected the Messiah and have him put to death in the hands of the Gentiles. This is true, but there is also a deeper meaning. From the different points of scripture, we know that the Israelites are a stubborn group of people, who always rebelled against authority. They did not like the authority that Rome has over them, thus war broke out between them and Rome. In the end, the Roman Emperor Titus sacked and destroyed the Second Temple in 70 AD. They were then scattered around the world.

How does this affect us today? Most of us defy authority. Whether they be parents, bosses or even the leaders of our nations, we defy them. We criticize them if their policies don't benefit us. Specially if they oppress us, we then take to the streets and protest against them. But the scriptures offer a different point of view. Different New Testament authors tells us to be "subject to the rulers that are above us". Why would they say that. Simply because if we can't follow our earthly leaders, how can we follow our Lord Jesus Christ which is in the heavens? To say that we love him is to follow him, also he gave authority to our leaders to lead us, and to follow them as well. Now we may argue that some of them are not agreeing with things in the scriptures (LGBT, same sex marriages, abortion, divorce, human rights violations), but we can take a course of action by praying for them for proper governance. In this way, we can say no to some issues without being violent. If we really follow our Lord Jesus Christ, then we have to follow our earthly rulers.

Jerusalem and the Jews got what they deserved. If they have listened to Jesus, their temple would still be there. However, they put him to death and rebelled against Rome. They lost everything, just as Jesus has prophesied.

This goes out to people who still criticize their government always. They just open their mouths without making a major contribution to society. Whatever happened to the great saying of the late President of the United States John F. Kennedy who said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country".  Each ruler, whether they are righteous or evil, will have roles to play in the events that will shape our history. May we please consider this.

BRIAN LUCIANO
JULY 18,2019       

A HUMBLING EXPERIENCE

Read Mark 12:41-44

KEY VERSE: "For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." (verse 44)

Last year, I was suspended for fifteen days by my company. I don't want to get to the details but it was nit something that I felt needed that long time. I was without a stable income at that time, and when I came back after my suspension I didn't have a salary for one pay period. 

Though I came back, there was bitterness in my heart. I was really ranting since I felt that there was an injustice done unto me. I was also concerned with how I will make it through the next pay period. Yes, I got help from my brothers in our former church, also from my relatives and my wife's relatives, but God really moves in a most uncertain and wonderful way. 

One of our maintenance personnel, Ate April ("ate" in our language means older sister), approached me and gave me a small amount of money (it was 500 hundred pesos). She told me not to be bitter anymore and she even apologized for the amount. She also told me that this will help me to get through next week. I broke up in tears, as this was a very humbling experience for me. She was the least of the people in the office, but she was moved by God to help those in need.

The scripture passage about the widow'd offering (verse 41-44) came to mind. As Jesus observed the people giving in the treasury she saw one widow who gave on two mites. She gave more because according to Jesus they cast in their abundance but she gave all that she have. This does not mean that Ate April gave her entire income for that day, but she gave because someone needed it. It's not the amount anymore that makes the difference, but she, being the least in the office, helped me in my time of need. The Lord compensated her by having the company give her 5,000 pesos as part of her Loyalty award to the company. 

This story just reminds us that if we are blessed then we must share our blessings to be salts and lights to a world filled with narcissistic people. The story of Ate April's generosity has moved me so much, that I will now be supporting a campus minister in spreading God's word. And, her story will be told to people of how the Lord works in ways we cannot see. 


To God be the Glory!!!




BRIAN LUCIANO
01/24/19

THE REAL 300

Gideon and his 300

The 300 Spartans

Read Judges 7

KEY VERSE: "And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place." (VERSE 7)

I have always admired the tale of the 300 Spartans. Against the massive Persian Army, these 300 brave warriors fought to the last man in order to fend of the invading Persian army. I studied it in our World History class, and I was amazed of what they did. When the comic book 300 by Frank Miller came out, I bought it. Miller's tale and drawings gave a more visual feel of the battle. Director Zack Snyder adapted the comic to film, magnifying my excitement. I was hooked.The success of the Spartans relied on their being a military state. Meaning they relied on military training, might and power to overpower their opponents. They also have a unique formation called the phalanx, where is is an impregnable wall of shield and spears that served as their defense and offense. 

But the bible tells of a different tale of 300 warriors. Gideon, one of the Judges of Israel, also fought with only 300 men. The only difference is that he fought not with military might, but with a greater power: The Almighty God. Yes, there are a lot of people that joined his army, but God said "The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me" (VERSE 2). How wonderful is the Lord! He wants the people to know that it was him that delivered them in the hands of the Midianites and not on their own selves. By the power of the Lord, Israel was delivered in the hand of Midian,not by mere spears and swords,but by the hand of God. 

In the Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews, he is one of the "men of faith" stated in Chapter 11 Verse 32. True, the Spartans perished fighting for freedom and defense of Greece, but Gideon lived and became one of the Judges of Israel, all because he believed in an all powerful God. This is the true power of the 300. May we be like Gideon, who trusted always in the Lord and overcame every struggle not by his own might, but by the might and trust of an all powerful God. We must never boast or say to him, " Mine own hand saved me !" We can overcome any trial that is before us, if we have a strong faith in an all powerful and loving God, who would never let us perish, but have life eternal.   

MAY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BLESS YOU,

BRIAN LUCIANO

MAY 11,2018       

THE CHRISTIANS AND THE WORLD

Read John 16

KEY VERSE: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (VERSE 33)

This particular chapter of the Book of John tells of how we Christians will be treated by the world. I have loved this chapter since it details how much Jesus has loved his disciples, that as he goes away to be offered for our sins, he tells his disciples the things that will come to pass. He says that as he goes back to the Father, he will send the Comforter to minister unto them (VERSE 7). He also told them that as the world rejoices, they will weep (VERSE 20). But there is an end to all this turmoil and tribulation, as our Lord Jesus Christ has said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (VERSE 33) 

Life is getting more complicated for Christians around the world. In countries like China, even online downloads of bibles are prohibited. There is a law in the state of California that is pro LGBT which will restrict Christians speaking out against them. Even GQ magazine placed the Holy Bible in their 21 BOOKS YOU DON'T HAVE TO READ, calling it "repetitive, self-contradictory, sententious, foolish, and even at times ill-intentioned". We are being touted as bigots and haters. They mock us, and even censor us. They still believe that we are the largest "religion in the world", thus we are still in the majority, and we face no such thing.

Is that so? Then why did Our Lord Jesus Christ say that the world know him not. if they believed in him, they why did they put him to death? So if Christ is not of the world, then so are the real Christians. Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ. The so-called majority religion is made up of man made traditions that mostly don't glorify God. The real Christians, however, rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, to live a life acceptable of God. He is separated from the world, thus the world thinks differently of him. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, he can interpret the Scriptures, have fellowhip with fellow believers, and most importantly preach the Gospel of Salvation with boldness. Thus persecution and death follows. But though we will face persecutions, we have the promise from our Lord Jesus Christ that he has overcome the world, and that in these words we can find peace. The peace that he gives us is not the peace of the world, which is temporary, but the peace that comes from an all powerful God who will someday return and reclaim his kingdom.

Let us not be too attached to this world. I will always pray for all of you my brethren in the Lord to strenghten us against this world. Thank you.

MAY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BLESS YOU,

BRIAN LUCIANO

MAY 4,2018         

EDOM'S SIN

Read Obadiah

KEY VERSE:"For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever." (VERSE 10)

We all know the story of one of the sibling rivalries in the bible, namely Esau and Jacob, sons of Isaac and grandchildren of Abraham. We all know that by Rebekah's cunning advice that Jacob stole the blessing of Isaac and ran away to work in his uncle's place, and alos get married. His older brother Esau was furious at him. It will be years later that they will reconcile.

Years later, both brothers gave births to ancient kingdoms, namely Edom (Esau) and Israel (Jacob). Mount Seir became the dwelling place of the Edomites while the land of Canaan became the inheritance of the Israelites. Moses was even instructed by the Lord not to "Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession" (Deuteronomy 2:5). God also took care of the descendants of Esau since they are Jacob's brother. Thus Israel and Edom are brothers.

However, on that fretful day that the Kingdom of Judah fell,  the Edomites also helped the Babylonians plunder the city. Instead of helping their brother, they rejoiced, sacked, plundered and delivered those who are escaping to the enemy. The prophet Obadiah details of how Edom stood against his brother in verses 11-14. He also tells of how Edom will be judged by the Lord, and how Jacob will be restored.

As Christians, we should not behave how Esau and Edom are. We must not consent evil, neither must we be like people who kicks a man when he is down. We know that Edom is a Gentile nation, but he is still a nation blessed by God. It is sad that he chose to side with fellow Gentiles than his brother in time of need. If we do his, we will become like Edom, who was consumed by God and became just a footnote. Esau's legacy is not a lasting one, for the Lord judged his people for the wickedness they have wrought upon their brother. Let us not be like Edom.

MAY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BLESS YOU,

BRIAN LUCIANO

MAY 2,2018   
                   
                     

WOLVES AT THE DOOR

READ Matthew 7:15-20

KEY VERSE: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (VERSE 15)

We are already living in what we call the End Times. These are the times in which Our Lord Jesus Christ told his disciples as a precusor of his coming. There are many signs, and this is the time that we as Christians should be really awake. We must always be on guard at all times. We must also be aware of the traps that satan and his followers will set before us.

The title came from the from a 2016 movie. It recounts the murder of Sharon Tate-Polanski, wife of director Roman Polanski, at the hands of the Charles Manson Cult. She was pregnant at that time that murder was done by Tex Mason and others. It was really horrifying. But what if there was an actual wolf in front of your door? What will you do? Possibly try and prevent it from devouring you and your family, or fight it. Now, how about if it was a harmless sheep,instead of a ravening wolf, I guess it's a different story, right?

Today there are many so called false prophets that teach false doctrines and mislead the sheep astray. They may look clean cut outside, but when you analyze their teachings, they are contradicting what the bible teaches. Our Lord Jesus Christ also told us that we shall know them "by their fruits"(verse 20). We know that a good tree cannot bear forth bad fruit, otherwise a bad tree bear good fruits.Doctrines that point that Jesus is not God but just one of the prophets, you can have your mansion here on Earth, there are many ways to God, and others are just some examples of false doctrines. Also, look at the lives of some of these people. For a servant of the most high God, some of these so called preachers are filthy rich, while the members of his congregation remain poor. They amass wealth here on earth, which is contrary to what the bible says about "amassing treasures here on earth" (Matthew 6:19-21). Let us be weary of them, lest they lead us to the wide path of destruction.

The bible teaches us on how we shall avoid them. They will have their judgement for leading God's flock astray. Always pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance in your eveyday life, and read the bible, and study it always. In that way, you will keep the wolves at bay.

MAY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BLESS YOU,

BRIAN LUCIANO

MAY 2,2018   
             
                     

THE SCRIPTURES OF LIFE

Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17

KEY VERSE: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (VERSE 16)

The bible is our guide in life. As Christians, we are to read the bible to know God's plan for us. It also is our guidebook to everyday living. As we grow in our relatonship with our Lord Jesus Christ, we must always meditate upon his words. We do not read the bible to gain earthly knowledge, nor to boast and puff up ourselves. Rather, we read the bible to share God's good news to the world. In a world filled with darkness, the bible remains the lamp that lights our paths.

Sadly, some people read that read the bible twists the scriptures for their own gain. They will only use scriptures that will please their listeners and will not tell them and remind them about their salvation. This is quite dangerous, as some people feel that being in a church and listening to God's word by the pastor is enough. That's why "churchanity" became prevalent even to Christians. We need to read and understand the bible, and also ask some of our leaders about things that we don't understand.

We also need the bible to guide those brothers in Christ that are lost to get back in to God's loving arms. If we know the scriptures, then we can correct the brother if he has fallen away from the faith, and to show him the error of his ways. Finally, it is God's love letter to us. He loves us so much that everyday we read the bible we are reminded constantly about his love for us. His promises for us will never fail, that we will be with him forever when he comes back.

This is also one reason why my blog is entitled this way. I have recieved new life and meaning through God's word, and I pray that you will also. Choose a life in serving the Lord.

MAY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BLESS YOU,

BRIAN LUCIANO

APRIL 27,2018