Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Yoshi's vaccine

Yoshi got his two shots of vaccine last Saturday. One for HiB and another one for Flu. my sister rovs can't stand to look while his pedia slowly inserted the syringe each one to his thigh. My sister said that was the first time he saw Yoshi cried like that! It's like giving all of his strength when he cried because it was painful for a baby to received a shot like that. I told her been used to seeing Yoshi cried like that everytime he got his vaccines. But to be honest, i can't stand to look on Yoshi's face while he was being shot by a needle. Even me, I'm still afraid of a needle even though been used to got it while giving birth to yoshi through C-section.

After that, together with Ate Claire and his baby, Kaegan went to SM and have them photographed by Lito Sy. It's like nothing happened to Yoshi because he's back on his feet being a happy baby and a vigorous one. Thank you Lord!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Noy's Inauguration

Noynoy's inauguration was a very successful one. Through the Quirino Grandstand entrance by the historic Manila Hotel, guests got out of their luxurious vehicles, most with security escorts, and walked towards the barricaded VIP seating area. From celebrities to the richest of the rich, and the ones that fall somewhere in between, they came to witness history unfold.
Most women wore beautiful floor-length Filipinana dresses and did their best not to melt amid the sweltering heat. Almost all of the men wore barong Tagalog, though there were some who came wearing only a bahag or loincloth, which is the traditional garment up north.

Despite that, you could feel everyone’s thrill. When the presidential vehicle arrived, cameras of all kinds and megapixels documented every bit of it. PNoy arrived with PGMA, then the former president left in her own private vehicle, taking nine years of governance along with her.

Vice President Jejomar Binay’s electric jeepney was a scene stealer. He was driven from the Manila Hotel to the stands which took all of two minutes, but he stayed put in the front seat as he waited for his turn to go up the stage.

When it was President Noy’s turn, the crowd was absolutely ecstatic as a fresh new chapter was being written. When two helicopters flew by and dropped yellow petals, it was as if we were showered with optimism.


President Aquino’s speech captivated the nation and made everyone feel encouraged with the dawn of a new era, a period where change will be implemented and not merely wanted. It was a speech that was honest and moving.

Repentance

Question: "What is repentance and is it necessary for salvation?"

Answer: Many understand the term repentance to mean “turning from sin.” This is not the biblical definition of repentance. In the Bible, the word repent means “to change one’s mind.” The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions (Luke 3:8-14; Acts 3:19). Acts 26:20 declares, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” The full biblical definition of repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action.

What, then, is the connection between repentance and salvation? The Book of Acts seems to especially focus on repentance in regards to salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20). To repent, in relation to salvation, is to change your mind in regard to Jesus Christ. In Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), he concludes with a call for the people to repent (Acts 2:38). Repent from what? Peter is calling the people who rejected Jesus (Acts 2:36) to change their minds about Him, to recognize that He is indeed “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Peter is calling the people to change their minds from rejection of Christ as the Messiah to faith in Him as both Messiah and Savior.

Repentance and faith can be understood as “two sides of the same coin.” It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior without first changing your mind about who He is and what He has done. Whether it is repentance from willful rejection or repentance from ignorance or disinterest, it is a change of mind. Biblical repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ.

It is crucially important that we understand repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation. No one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to Himself (John 6:44). Acts 5:31 and 11:18 indicate that repentance is something God gives—it is only possible because of His grace. No one can repent unless God grants repentance. All of salvation, including repentance and faith, is a result of God drawing us, opening our eyes, and changing our hearts. God's longsuffering leads us to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), as does His kindness (Romans 2:4).

While repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance unto salvation does result in works. It is impossible to truly and fully change your mind without that causing a change in action. In the Bible, repentance results in a change in behavior. That is why John the Baptist called people to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). A person who has truly repented from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ will give evidence of a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:19-23; James 2:14-26). Repentance, properly defined, is necessary for salvation. Biblical repentance is changing your mind about Jesus Christ and turning to God in faith for salvation (Acts 3:19). Turning from sin is not the definition of repentance, but it is one of the results of genuine, faith-based repentance towards the Lord Jesus Christ.

Recommended Resource: So Great Salvation by Charles Ryrie.