SPIRATIONS: “… (Jesus) appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God…” (Acts 1:3, the Holy Bible).
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40 DAYS OF PRAYERS FOR THE DEPARTED: DOES IT HAVE ANY BASIS? On Sunday, May 27, 2018, the so-called “40th day of prayers” for my mother, Mrs. Salvacion Haber Lazo Mauricio (she died on April 18, 2018) took place. My siblings—Philip, Leny, and Marisa—and I, with our respective families, trooped to our hometown, Ramos, Tarlac, and offered prayers and Bible verses for the eternal repose of her soul (and of the souls as well of our departed father, Melanio Pauco Mauricio Sr., and of our slain brother, Bgy. Captain Ariel Lazo Mauricio).
To those who have been asking if there is any basis at all for this practice of commemorating the dead on the 40th day of prayers for them, the Children of God Blood Kin of the Christ Church (or the AND KNK, Simbahang Anak ng Diyos Kadugo Ni Kristo) believes that, yes, it has some basis, and this is from the Bible itself, in its Acts 1:1-9. It would do well for everyone to read those verses.
The truth however is that, the present way of commemorating this practice is no longer wholly in accord with what Acts 1:1-9 is saying. This is why a reminder has to be made for all: it would be best if everybody read the Bible, to enable them to see for themselves whether the teachings, rituals, traditions, and practices being fed to, and observed by, them and their groups for a long time now relative to matters of faith adhere to the teachings of Jesus, our God and Savior.
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WE CANNOT FOOL GOD: We can not—no, never—fool or defraud God! This is so because He was the One who created all of us human beings, and He fully knows what are in our deceptive hearts and puny minds, including our greedy dreams and selfish ambitions in life (please read Genesis 6:5-7 and Romans 3:23 of the Bible).
God knows that despite man’s profession of their faith in Him, all the intentions of their hearts are evil. That is the reason why God said “Not all who call on me `my God, my God’ will be able to enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
Too, the Bible has a warning: “Whoever says, `I know (God)’ but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person…” (1 John 2:4). And all liars, according to Revelation 21:8, would be among those who would be thrown in the lake of burning sulfur, and punished without let-up for all eternity.
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“PRAY CONTINUALLY:” Philippians 4:6 says: “Do not be anxious about anything. But in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…” Colossians 4:2: “… devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful…”
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil…”, says 1 Peter 3:12. 1 Timothy 2:8 intones: “… Therefore I want people everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing…”
In Matthew 21:22, it is there written: “… If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer…” In Romans 12:12: “… Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer…” In 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “… Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus…”
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FOR QUESTIONS, REACTIONS: If anyone would like to ask me any question about what the burning issues of the day mean, or what we have discussed here, or to consult on any problem, whatever it maybe, please call 0917 984 24 68, or email me at batasmauricio@yahoo.com, or post your concerns at www.facebook.com/attybatas. Promise, I will answer right away. Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!/WDJ