BIBLE 101 : WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL BETWEEN THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS ?

Christians take it for granted that the bible is divided into two : the old testament and new testament. Most Christians, however, do not know the significance and relevance of the difference between the two. Worse, churches today purposely do not teach the difference between the two. I can think of several reasons why most churches do not expound on the topic of old and new testaments.
1. Teaching the difference between old and new testament will mean less income for the church. Tithing, an old testament ritual, will become a thing of the past when properly explained in the context of new testament giving. Most churches would rather keep their members ignorant of the true meaning of the word of God than lose 10% of their members' income every month.
2. Teaching the significance of the new testament and consequently the new covenant will give Christians freedom and a life in Christ. Freedom will mean less ability for the church to exercise control over its members. Churches will lose their hold and grip over their members once the members realize that they are indeed free under the new covenant.
3. Old testament and old covenant institute fear among church members by constantly reminding them that disobedience merits punishment. As a result, church members deem it best to simply follow whatever church authorities tell them to do. Fearful and obedient church members are the ideal members for most churches. Church members who question are the bane of most churches.
I am just so sensitive and particular about the topics of old and new testaments as well as old and new covenants for these are pivotal in allowing people to experience the fullness of life in Jesus.
                       John 14:6a, Jesus answered, " I am the way and the truth and the life. "
                       Philippians 4:13, I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
                       John 10:10, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Christianity is not all about following rules and regulations as what old testament teaches. It is not all about receiving punishment for every transgression. Rather, it is a life based on love that Jesus clearly showed when He died on the cross for everyone.

THE U.S - ISRAEL DEAL

Israel, after two years, will finally press charges against an Israeli soldier who shot a Palestinian woman and child carrying a white flag during the Gaza war. The woman and child were among the 28 Palestinians who were carrying white flags on their way to safer grounds. The charges come in the wake of Prime Minister Netanyahu's official visit to the U.S. The visit is the first for the prime minister after the controversial flotilla raid.
It just defies logic as to why the U.S. continues to support Israel despite its continued defiance of international treaties and laws. Israel remains defiant because it knows it has a superpower behind its back. I cannot accept the common notion that Jewish power and influence are just so great and pivotal in America that Obama is utterly helpless to dictate to Israel what to do to diffuse tension in the Middle East. I refuse to believe that the U.S. can be held hostage by the Jewish people and turn a blind eye to the many human rights abuses Israel continues to commit against the Palestinians. Now is the perfect time for Obama to put Israel in its proper place.

THE BELIEVERS

A lot of people in our office are talking about a young Filipino who has earned a slot in America's Got Talent. Luigi Seno indeed has talent. I saw his performance and he stands a good chance of making an impact in the show. With his family solidly behind him, Luigi might just make it all the way to the finals.
I am however saddened by the fact that two outstanding young girls who have joined a local talent show are not generating that much talk. Known as The Believers, these two young girls sing songs from Broadway musicals. And can these two girls sing ! What makes these girls amazing is that they sing songs that are not typically being sang by teenage girls. They sing songs that only Lea Salonga or Monique Wilson will sing. Even more amazing is the fact that these two girls study in public schools and are left to research on their songs on their own.
Currently enjoying their 8th consecutive win in Talentadong Pinoy, The Believers are merely two wins away from Hall of Fame. Despite the presence of truly talented contestants every week, The Believers continue to hold their own and render winning performances. I am just a little sad that these two truly talented girls are given little notice while a talented young Filipino generates so much buzz for doing well in an American show.

FAREWELL STA. LUCIA

With Sta. Lucia's defeat to Coca-Cola last Sunday, the team bids farewell to the PBA. After 17 years of providing excitement and entertainment to PBA fans, Sta. Lucia finally exits the league. Like its loyal fans, I am deeply saddened by the demise of the Sta Lucia team. I have watched the team from its maiden year to its final struggling years. From Zandro Limpot to Ryan Reyes, I have seen the team's highs and lows. From Nat Canson to Boyet Fernandez, I have seen Sta. Lucia's commitment to keep its fans happy.
With all the things said about Sta. Lucia, I would just like to add a few good words to two of the men behind Sta. Lucia. Mr. Buddy Encarnado has been the force while Coach Boyet has been the heart behind the team. More than being an owner, Mr. Encarnado took care of the people making up the whole team and their families. Coach Boyet , on the other hand, gave opportunities to players who were talented yet lacking in exposure. The two served people in the team selflessly and sincerely.
It is truly a sad day for the PBA and its followers as Sta. Lucia takes its final bow in Asia's first professional basketball league.

OF LOST ATM CARDS, FRIENDS AND GOD'S LOVE

What was suppose to be a relaxing afternoon last Saturday turned into quite a stressful moment for me. I was set to go bowling with some friends when I realized that I lost my active atm cards. I must have thrown the cards in the trash can when I threw all the useless receipts and calling cards from my wallet before leaving my place. To make things worse, my friends backed out on our bowling game. So, I was all by myself at SM North Edsa with fifty bucks in my pocket. And fifty bucks simply could not get me anywhere.
I decided to call Gelo first since he and his family live nearby. Unfortunately, he was not answering my call. I then called Jojo and told him that I was in trouble. He promised to get in touch with Jenny, Gelo's wife, to somehow contact Gelo and that he would call me back to relay what plan they come up with. After a minute, Gelo called to ask me where I was and how much money I needed. After thirty minutes, Gelo and Jenny dropped by to hand me the money that I needed. I thanked them so much for their help and concern.
When I got home, I heaved a big sigh of relief and had a heartfelt moment as I realized how truly blessed I am to have friends who I can depend on in times of great need. Gelo and his family were set to go to the airport that time yet took a stopover to hand me the money that I needed to get home and use for two days. Jojo, when informed that I was in trouble, immediately asked how he could help. His first impulse was to deliver help and not ask how I got into trouble. While there were others who were willing to help as well, Gelo and Jojo stood out from the rest at that particular time as they took the initiative to help. While the whole episode was initially stressful, its conclusion truly comforted me with the thought that God loves me as shown by the kind of friends that He has blessed me with.

JAMES YAP : THE TOP PERFORMER OF THE CONFERENCE

As I expected, James Yap played magnificently in B-Meg's play-off match with San Miguel. Yap finished the game with 28 points several of which came from the 3 point area. Unfortunately, B-Meg's import was not able to play his usual game because of foul trouble. Consequently, B-Meg lost the match and will settle for a slot in the quarterfinals.
With the way James Yap continues to dish out spectacular games, I maintain the opinion that he deserves to win just about all of the achievement awards the PBA will be handing out this season. He definitely should win the season MVP given the way he consistently plays despite the big problem that he currently faces. In fact, I would dare say that Ranidel de Ocampo does not deserve to win the Top Performer of the Conference award. The PBA press corps voted quite mindlessly to proclaim De Ocampo as the top performer of the conference. James Yap not only produces the points but produces them during critical moments to lend victory to his team. His points are delivered in time to seal victory for his team. The greatness of Yap's game can only be highlighted when taken into context that it is played out in the midst of a serious personal crisis. Indeed, James Yap for me is the one and only top performer of the conference.

WILL JAMES YAP BE DENIED OF HIS DUE ?

For the first time in history, the PBA will give out an award for the best player in the elimination stage. Ranidel de Ocampo will be given the Fiesta Cup Phoenix Fuel- PBA Elims Top Performer award. De Ocampo beat Kelly Williams, Mac Cardona, Jimmy Alapag and James Yap for the award. The trophy will be handed out on Sunday during the wildcard stage.
I find the award very strange, to say the least. It comes at a time when James Yap is performing much better than the previous conference. In fact, he was only 8th in the statistical race last conference. He is in 5th place this conference. The same PBA press corps voted for the top performer award this season as last season's best player of the conference award. So, what gives ?
I could be wrong but could it be a way designed for James Yap to lose out in this conference's MVP award ? Could it be a way for the PBA to justify a James Yap defeat in the season's MVP race ? After all, James' recent break-up with the presidential sister paints a whole new scenario to the case. I have the funny feeling that the PBA might not want to "offend" the first family by handing out its highest achievement award to James Yap. It is truly unfortunate and an injustice should James Yap be denied of his due because of politics. But then again, the PBA has played politics before and is not new at it at all.