by Keith Jainga
“Thou shalt commit adultery.” That’s exactly what many in England read from their Bible in 1631. This was a typographical error found in a batch of King James Version Bibles printed by Robert Barker and Martin Lucas. Somehow the printers failed to notice that the word “not” was omitted from the command in Exodus 20.14. …
Just follow the rules. For many, that’s the way to approach moral-ethical living. It’s all about getting to know the rules and regulations, and then putting them into practice. Many have a biblical or Christian inclination to accomplishing this task—for example, singling out the Ten Commandments as their “rule of life.” And when they feel …
“Don’t go changing … I love you just the way you are.” So goes the popular love song by Billy Joel. It is a picture of unconditional love. It is the highest form of love to keep on loving someone whatever his or her characteristics or circumstances may be. True love loves no matter what. …
Christians believe in certain attributes that belong exclusively and uniquely to God. For example: Omnipotence (all-powerful) refers to God’s unlimited and matchless power and authority. There is no other power that is above him. Omnipresence (all-present) means that God is present everywhere. There is no place where he is not. Omniscience (all-knowing) is about God’s …
Christianity is all about faith. It is about trusting the Lord. It is by putting our trust in Christ that we come to receive the benefits of God’s salvation (John 3.16; Ephesians 2.8-9). It is also by putting our trust in Christ that we are empowered to continue living in a manner that is worthy …
I was reading Jim Belcher’s Deep Church, and came across a section that describes what he calls a “centered-set church.” In light of Vallejo International’s vision to “make Christ the central focus in people’s lives,” Belcher’s discussion resonated with me. Here I would like to pass on some of his insights about what the community …
A couple of months ago, I pulled out my old SLR camera, a Nikon FE2, which I had purchased many years ago. It was a good camera. And it has served me well. But when I took out the camera from a long stay in storage, I made a discouraging discovery. Somehow the shutter mechanism …
As I write, the plane my sister-in-law Che and her husband Sarsi are on is just about to land in Honolulu, Hawaii. The day started quite early. And it was very evident that they were extremely excited and delighted to make this trip. In fact, they had been thinking about it for months. I am …
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines was in the center of the nation’s news the past couple of weeks. An exposé alerted the public to the BOC’s random inspection of balikbayan boxes without the proper representation of the recipients. (“Balikbayan boxes” are packages of personal effects and/or gift items sent by Filipinos residing …
“Whatever!” The use of this word as an informal assertion expresses “a reluctance to discuss something, implying indifference, skepticism, or exasperation.” Oftentimes it is dismissive of an issue or topic that one is confronted with. It signals the attitude that refuses to be bothered with any further discussion or prodding. This attitude often shows itself …
