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   

THE COUNSEL OF THE WISE

Read 1 Kings 12:1-24

KEY VERSE: "And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. " (VERSE 7)

When we become leaders, we always want to do things our way. We felt that we were given power to have people under us serve us. We never listen to the counsel of other people. For us as leaders," It's my way or the highway" is the saying.

I personally write this based upon my experiences with our company president which took the post at 2013. At that time I was still a supervisor and was handling one of our VIP accounts. He then approached each one of us, and asked us how to make the company much better. We gave our suggestions, hoping that he will listen to us since we feel he will need all the help that he can get. That's what we thought. He began to implement rules that will not benefit the teachers, and we supervisors opposed that rule. He began to retaliate by eliminating most of the supervisors, and ruling us with an iron hand. I was forced out of the account that I was in and even got complaints suddenly when he became president. His rule was marred by mass resignations of teachers old and new alike. Suddenly, the company was not a happy place anymore. It took a visit from our head office this year and about February he is not the company president anymore. We are now praying and hoping that things will get better for us that remained here.

The same thing happened to King Rehoboam of Israel, when the people approached him and aired their concerns to him. Instead of listening to the counsel of the elders that worked with his father, he instead took the counsel of the people he grew up with, which is foolishness, thus ten tribes of Israel rebelled. Only the tribe of Judah was left. King Rehoboam didn't heed sound counsel, thus the people chose another.   

In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he stressed "And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him." (Chapter 6:9).

In closing, Our Lord Jesus came to our world to serve us. He healed he sick, fed those who are hungry, made happy those that are sad, and most of all sought those that are lost.

MAY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BLESS YOU,

BRIAN LUCIANO

APRIL 27,2018   

WE WILL SERVE THE LORD

Read Joshua 24

KEY VERSE:"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Verse 15) 

The final words of Joshua son of Nun, leader of the nation of Israel after Moses, man of God, before he died, is a reminder to the children of Israel. As Moses reminded them to only love and serve the Holy Lord in Heaven, so does Joshua remind them again. But the scenarios were different than that in the time of Moses.

Moses died before they had possession of the land, while in Joshua the land already had peace and Israel now dwells in the land promised to their fathers. He recalls the story of how God called Abraham from his own country to multiply his seed and give him Canaan for his possession. He also recalls the other great deeds that the Lord has done for them, and gave them a stern reminder to who they should serve. We all know what the people answered at that time.

The key verse points out thaht we should serve the Lord as a family. The house of Joshua chose to serve the Almighty God and not the idols that were in the land they occupy. In our lives, we as fathers must be the ones that will encourage our family members to serve the Lord. We must be one in worshipping the Lord, studying his word and of course in prayer. Just like in the days of Joshua we must also forsake the modern day idols that we have, and make a covenant with the Lord. We must also tell our children of the loving power of the Lord our God. Only then will we fulfill what Joshua has said that " but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."  (v 15)


MAY JESUS BLESS YOU

BRIAN LUCIANO

MARCH 26,2018     

ANOTHER INTERLUDE

Hi!!! It's me again. I thought I will make this short post regarding this particular blog. I thought I might make some things clear regarding this blog.

As most of you know, this blog has received a very small amount of views, and it was my decision to actuallu close this blog. But I am moved by our Lord Jesus Christ to continue this blog despite very small views.

See, I have been distracted by many things that stopped me from making posts. Now, I am more determined to work more in spreading the gospel in the four corners of the world. I may not be able to go there physically and preach, but through these means I can reach audiences in a faster pace. I may even use social media to attach the blogs. This way, the posts get read.

I have slacked long enough and have not been doing my work for our Lord Jesus Christ. Now I will commit some time to actually spread the gospel to people that needs God's words. I pray that you support me in this effort.

Thanks a lot and may our Lord Jesus Christ bless you,

BRIAN LUCIANO

MARCH 26,2018

THE OLIVET DISCOURSE: Part Two: The Great Tribulation

Part Two: The Great Tribulation (Verses 15-35)

Key Verse: "Key Verse: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." (Verse 21)
   
Jesus spoke of the abomination of desolation, that we need to heed this. Here, wisdom was to begiven to the reader. This event is not recorded in the scriptures but in the Apocryphal books. It tells of an event in which Antiochus IV conquered Israel and defiled the temple by sacrificing a pig. Now that this event is already finished, Jesus tells us of a future event in which the temple in Jerusalem will be defiled again. Some may argue that there is no Jewish Temple existing, but as we know this future event will mean that what the apostle Paul told us, as he writes in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4:

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

He will want to be worshipped as God. And then Jesus gave a warning about what will happen, as he tells us to flee into the mountains, a warning to those about to give birth and with child, and that the flight may not be in winter or sabbath. (Verses 15-20)

Jesus then tells us about a Great Tribulation, that it will cause a great suffering upon the people. The suffering will be so great that unless the days be shortened, no flesh will survive. This means that a great population of the world will be wiped out. The nuclear capability of countries right now has increased rapidly. North Korea was successful in their sixth nuclear testing. So do countries like the US,Russia, China and others. This simply means that nuclear wars will be norm. Entire populations and cities will be annihilated, and those that survive will be killed by famines and pestilences. If we think that the Second World War was bloody, then let us wait for the Third One. (Verse 21-22)

He then tells about the rise of false teachers and prophets, who will show different signs. These false teachers will prophesy the coming of the Messiah, and will draw many prople to be deceived. As we approach that day, we know that many so called Pastors and Ministers teach a corrupted gospel. These people pervert the word of God, and only teaches either work based salvation, or carnal things. Most people have given to these teachers. Gone will be the gospel of salvation, replaced with a gospel that God will make us rich here on earth. Some of them will even tell when Jesus Christ will come. Again let us not be decieved. (Verses 23-28)      

The last part here describes the coming of the Son of Man. It gives us a picture of how he will come. He will be beheld by every eye in all his glory. He will then tell his angels to gather the elect to him. Jesus tells us the parable of the fig tree, as when the leaves are there, know that summer is here. So, he tells us that when these things happen, his coming is also near. We must therefore be vigilant, and always ready. Let us always be with Jesus Christ. As he has told us,

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."(Verse 35)

This is his promise to us. Let us always stay in his faith. And let us share this gospel of salavtion and hope to those that need it.

Last part next time: May Our Lord Jesus Christ bless you!!!!

BRIAN LUCIANO

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

THE OLIVET DISCOURSE: Part One

Part One: How it all happens (Verses 1-14)

Key Verse: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; then the end will come" (Verse 14)

It starts with the Jesus departing the temple, as he prophesied  the destruction of the temple. At this time, the Jews still reject Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah. They still believe in the Law that was givsn by God to Moses. As we all know the Temple is the main place where is Jews worship. It would be 40 years after Jesus' death and resurrection that this prophesy was fulfilled, as the Roman Legions destroyed the Second Temple and scattered the Jews all over the Earth.  He came to save the lost sheep of Israel, but like most of us today, we still prefer religion over him. It was also then at this time that his disciples asked him about the end of the world, and his second coming. (Verses 1-3).

Next he gave warnings to them. He told them of a great deception and the coming of false Christs, conflicts against nations, great natural disasters in various places. He says that we should not be troubled as these are just the beginning of sorrows. If we observe the events in the world today, don't you think that bible prophesy is being fulfilled? Typhoons, Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Famines are killing a lot of people today as they happen almost every time. Conflicts in countries like Iraq, Syria and North Korea may show that the World maybe readying for a Third World War. If the Second World War yielded a lot of casualties, imagine what a Third World war would mean. Before it only took two nuclear bombs to end a war, now imagine almost every superpowered country using it to annihilate one another? That is why there came the Rapture or Pre-Millenialist belief that all those worthy will be saved by the Lord. Let us not be blind to this. Open your eyes, and also open your bibles as well. (Verses 4-8)

Because of your belief in Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, you will be persecuted at these times. For when the great deception comes, then people will not care for each other. They will only serve their whims. As we all know, social media like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have been used to create the perfect idol:US. Yes, we want it all. The focus is not anymore in the Lord Jesus Christ, but in our family, activities,etc. It made us man-made Gods, no more needing idols of stone and gold. We don't care for others, only ourselves. This great deception will lead more people to apostasy, and a great falling away. True Christians will be persecuted like in the times of the Apostles. Because they believed in the Savior, people will find them indifferent. They will be tested, and in the end shall suffer and die. But for them, to die for Christ is to live with him as well. As Paul's letter to the Philippians states "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). Also his letter to the Romans he says "Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him" (Romans 6:8). But why will God's elect be persecuted? Because they will be preaching the gospel of the Lord in all the world. Yes, the believers of Christ will be preaching the gospel. I am very happy that there are people in countries like China, Egypt and Syria wanting to read the bible. It means that little by little, the gospel of salvation is reaching unbelievers. As Christians in the faith, this is good news for us.
(Verses 9-14)

Next time I will deliver Part 2. may Our Lord Jesus Christ bless you!!

BRIAN LUCIANO

AUGUST 31,2017  
                 
   

THE OLIVET DISCOURSE: INTRODUCTION:

INTRODUCTION:

This entry will be divided into three parts. This will also be the last entry of the blog that I will be doing. This will be a blog that will herald what Jesus Christ told his apostles. I know that most of you has already read it, but I hope that I can relate to what the Scriptures and the current events in world mean for us. I pray that this will further inform us on where we actually stand in bible prophecy. May Our Lord Jesus Christ Bless you!!!!!

BRIAN LUCIANO

THE SELFLESS BOY

Read John 6:5-15 

KEY VERSE "There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?" (Verse 9)

When I was in grade school, we had a book in our English class which details the story of the boy that is in the feeding of the five thousand. If my memory serves me right, the boy in the story is the son of a fisherman. His father catches some fish, in which the boy's mother cooks. She also bakes bread for him, thus he grows very strong. One day, the boy hears about Jesus. He then asks his parents if he can listen to him. His parents agreed, and his mother baked bread and cooked some fish for his lunch. He then packs his food then goes on to Jesus.

The story continued as how it is written in the scriptures. The lad, being sensitive to the needs to the people, offered to share his lunch with Jesus. He then experienced the miracle of the loaves and fish, in which all those present were able to eat. The story concludes with him coming home and telling his parents about the miracle, in which gives delight to the boy's parents.

The scriptures shows us the attitude of the child. He did not only think of himself but also of others. As Christians in the body of Christ, we too are to do the same. We have to be selfless in loving our neighbor, such as the Lord Jesus Christ loves us. He offers his own body as a living bread for us. If we could all be like that boy, then this world will be a much better place, as most of us will not just be looking after our own but even the needs of others. It is implied, but we can conclude that the parents of the child also raised him in the scriptures.

This particular story will also be for parents, as it is our responsibility to raise our children in the scriptures and tell them about Jesus Christ. If we raise God fearing and selfless children, then they will reflect not only our character,but the character of their real parent, Our Lord Jesus Christ.

I pray that this entry be an inpiration to both parents and children alike.

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU,

BRIAN LUCIANO

AUGUST 21,2017
                         

A BRIEF INTERLUDE

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,

It seemed that his blog has not a lot of views. I really don't kow why that is th case, but I pray that readership in this blog is increased. I made this blog as a means to spread the Word of God to the people. This is my way of telling people about the scriptures, that they may find fulfillment and happiness with it. In this busy world, I know that the Word of God still shines through.

Brothers and sisters in the faith, this blog is made for you. Here you will find how God works in our lives, how God guided us in building his church, and how he will come again in the future. To those already in the faith, this will serve as a guide in having that fellowship with other Christian brothers and sisters. This will also encourage you to read the bible.

Again, I am not a minister nor a pastor. I am just an average guy who wants to share God's love to all of you.

I will always pray to our Lord Jesus Christ for all of you.

Your brother in Christ,

BRIAN LUCIANO

AUGUST 21,2017

THE LITTLE ONES

Read    MATTHEW 18:1-6

KEY VERSE "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." (VERSE 6)

Children are a real delight to us. The world is very simple to them. For them, such as long as they can eat, play, sleep and be loved by their parents, they are happy. These are times that we just long to be like them.

It is because of this reason that they are the greatest in the kingdom of God, and beloved by Our Lord Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, he tells his disciples that a child is the greatest among them. He tells them that unless he humbled himself as a child and accepts one of them accepts him. The child's characteristic of being dependent on the parents' love and support is reflective of how we as Christians also look for the same love and support in Our Lord Jesus Christ. That is why they are the first in God's kingdom, being of course the least in man's eye.

The key verse however gives us a warning. Those little innocent children, that is Jesus Christ's children also, that is harmed he gave a stern warning. Better for them to perish than to offend these children. Right now, the world run rampant of pedophilia, of children being molested at a young age, their innocence being taken away. Some being abandoned upon birth, some not being even able to live because of abortion. There are some, being "passed through the fire", or in olden times being sacrificed to pagan Gods. What is this world going to?

I am saddened of how the world treats these young ones. Worse than that, their innocence is being taken away from them. Gone are their happy days playing, having loving parents and enjoying the simple things in life. We as parents should raise them by the Scriptures, as we are just caretakers of them here on earth, but Jesus Christ is their heavenly father. I support a Pre-Tribulation Rapture because of this reason, that these little ones will be with Our Lord Jesus Christ so that they will not endure the coming end.

I pray for all the children in the world, that Our Lord Jesus Christ protects you by sending his Holy Angels to guide your ways.

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU

BRIAN LUCIANO

AUGUST 10,2017

       
     

THE IMPORTANCE OF BAPTISM

Read Acts 8:26-39

KEY VERSE  "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)
         
Why do we need to be baptized? What is the importance of it? Are we baptized when we were a a baby? Do we really know the reason for our baptism before? Did we follow how Jesus Christ was baptized? What does the bible say?

All these questions can be answered through the bible. We all know that Jesus Christ was baptized when he was about thirty years old, at the time when he is about to start his ministry. At that time, Jesus already knows what his mission in the world is. As he begins his ministry, he opened the book of the prophet Isaiah and began to say to them" The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,  To preach the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18-19).

In the Acts of the Aposotle, Philip was commanded by the angel of the Lord to go down south in the desert. He found there an Ethiopian eunuch was reading from the book of Isaiah. Then he was led by the Holy Spirit to join him, and he answered and he preached unto him Jesus Christ. As they were passing by, they saw water and the eunuch told what will hinder him to be baptized? Philip told him that he must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, which he did. Then they alighted in the chariot, and Philip baptized him.

See, this is what baptism is all about. We have to know who Jesus Christ is, and confess our sins to him. How will a baby know who Jesus Christ is? The Apostle Paul tells us in the letter to the Romans that we are being buried in Christ in his death, so that we are going to be raised with with him with his resurrection. Yes. we are submerged in water, to be buried for our sins, and raise up as new men, cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ and his resurrection. That is what baptism is about. We need to know Jesus Christ first. He will also baptize us with the Holy Spirit, so that we can preach his gospel to the world.

Me and my wife were already baptized in the Lord Jesus Christ's name last March 18, 2017. Just like the Ethiopian eunuch, we also accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior.

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as you lord and savior? Then repent of your sins, and be baptized in water, and he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU,

BRIAN LUCIANO

AUGUST 1,2017

AS WE WALK WITH HIM

Read Luke 24:13-35

KEY VERSE "But their eyes were hidden that they should not know him" (Verse 16).        

How do we say that we know Jesus? It has been a question that has been raised to many people. We know him by many means. Our parents told stories of him as we grow up, or by the media (television, movies and even comics). But, is this how we really know him? What if he actually walked with us, will we recognize him. Will we hear his voice?

The road to Emmaus contains this episode in the life of the disciples. It was just after the resurrection of Jesus that he met two disciples as they were on this road. The key verse explains what the meeting was like. They didn't recognize him yet, even as he spoke to them about the scriptures. It was only in the breaking of the bread that they recognized that it is him.

In this life, this is how I would describe my personal relationship with him. I thought I always knew and will recognize him. I grew up following all the customs and traditions of my former religion. I was also, a good son and eventually became a good husband. But just like the disciples, my eyes were hidden thus I didn't know him well.  I was so caught up with my religion, that Jesus was hidden from me. But he never gave up on me. December 2015 as the year was about to end I made a promise that I would like to know him.

As I celebrated by birthday last year, I bought a bible and the latest copy of Our Daily Bread devotionals. I not only read, but studied the bible and shared the message to my wife. Just as Christ was recognized by his disciples in the breaking of the bread, He revealed himself to me in the bible. Now, I know that I am walking with him now.  

That's the reason for this blog. I just don't write topics out of thin air. I write topics that the Holy Spirit leads me to write. I want the readers of the blog to be touched by Our Lord Jesus Christ, so that when we walk with him, we can recognize him.

Have a Blessed Weekend,

BRIAN LUCIANO

THE DAYS OF NOAH

Read Matthew 24: 37-39

KEY VERSE  " But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Verse 37)

The rain always reminds us that the hot months are already over. It heralds floods, traffic jams, road accidents and a lot of things. Heavier rains means that loss of life and property is at hand. This has always been the cycle in our country.

But the bible tells of a different kind of rain. In the Book of Genesis, God drowned the world with a great flood, killing almost all life except Noah and those in his ark. The ark became the salvation of them. It rained hard for almost 40 days and nights. Imagine that.

Today, our Lord Jesus Christ refers to the End of days as like in the days of Noe.   We live in a world more wicked than those times. People don't care anymore about God. They have become ingrained to the world, thereby just trying to please themselves with the word more than what God can provide. Different forms of idolatry has taken over the world. The world moves closer and closer to what we will know as the Tribulation. Our Lord Jesus Christ describes the Tribulation period to his apostles, as being great "such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor shall ever be" (Verse 23).

As the floods devoured he wicked people in Noah's days, so will the Great Tribulation destroy the wicked also. The floods caught the people unaware, save Noah and the people in the Ark. This is  where we must be cautious. As how we prepare if there are rainy weathers, we must also prepare for this event. How? By
being always connected with our Lord Jesus Christ in prayers and the scriptures.

In closing, we must be ready for these days to come. The signs are already here. Let us be part of the Ark, the God that saved Noah will surely save us as well.

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU

BRIAN LUCIANO

JULY 27,2017                                  

RICHES IN HEAVEN

Read  Luke 12:13-21  

KEY VERSE: Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart be also"

This gospel reading is very significant for today. As Christianity is being infiltrated by the so called "Prosperity Gospel", more and more people are now focusing on having earthly treasures more than heavenly treasures. The influential people, the media and even the so called Pastors of this gospel pushes forth the getting of more material wealth. This is very different to what the bible actually says.

In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus Christ was asked by a man in the company to divide his inheritance with his brother (verse 13), to which then Jesus told this parable. In this parable, the rich man accumulated so much wealth that he needed to tear down his barns to build new ones. Then he said to himself that he will just east, drink and be merry for may years. But on that night he dies, so who now gains in those treasures that he has stored up? (verses 16-20)

It is sad that even Christians today are so focused on the world. It's not like that we don't want to work, but we should not focus on this too much. Why? Because we are living in the End Times. Even if we work hard to store up things for this, do you think it will be worth it? In the end it will be a waste, as this world is only temporary. I once looked at the apartment that we are renting as I was praying, and I told myself that even though I don't have my own house, we are all but just renting in this world. The real owner, Jesus Christ, will be the one that will build our mansions in heaven. So shy work very hard on things that are temporal?

My brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, let us all work for our salvation. Let us focus more in the things that our Lord Jesus Christ promised us: Eternal Life. That way, we will experience the fullness of God's love and promise to us. This world can only offer so much,and in the end will just be wasted. I know because before I also chased after the world, but as Jesus Christ opened my eyes he now uses me to preach his good news to the world.

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU,

BRIAN LUCIANO

July 19,2017