When family members bully you and you find no one to turn to

 

Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. -- Psalm 69:20

 

But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge. -- Psalm 94:22

 

Years ago, you thought that the fights in your family were normal. Besides, you understood that no family is perfect so you just let things be. But as you aged and now that you’re an adult, you realized such instances weren’t only fights but occurrences when family members bullied you.  

When did the bullying start?

You look back and see that the clashes between you and your older siblings began the times you finally stood up against their wicked ways. Gone are the days you hesitated to identify their ways as wicked because that's what they really are.

 

You witnessed their arrogance, covetousness, incontinence, and fearless acts of lying. You witnessed their disobedience to your parents. You witnessed how they answered back your parents and disrespectfully behaved in their presence. You witnessed the brazen manner they prioritized other people and neglected the family and closest relatives. You experienced how they intentionally slammed doors or other objects at you (or another family member), yelled at you, called you names, humiliated you privately or publicly, ignored you, belittled you, gave you the silent treatment, attacked you, and hurt you physically. At certain times, you also witnessed how your parents and another member of the family, even at the time of poor health, became the recipient of their ill treatment. The sad part is that they see nothing wrong with all these but defend themselves or make excuses for such unacceptable attitude and behavior. 

 

You sought help but found none

You resented them for all their wicked ways and you wanted to fight them. You thought they would stop when you alerted the authorities, but they didn’t. They continued behaving as brats and bullies. So, to find comfort and support, you reached out to people you considered friends or allies. But instead of lending you a listening ear, one person lectured upon you to patch things up with your family. The next person received your message, but your message received no consoling response but silence and evasion. Yet another person blamed you for being the passive recipient of such treatment and accused you of allowing such things to happen. You also turned to a few family members, whom you thought would stand by you and support you, but they're too busy, uninterested, or unconcerned.

You considered seeking clinical treatment; you thought you needed one because of the depth of pain you endure for being the target of repeated family bullying. But since the pandemic, your source of income has been impeded and your funds depleted, so you hold yourself back from spending significant amount of money for getting professional help. But you sense in your heart that you’re restrained. You can identify right from wrong. You fear God and so taking your own life is never going to be your immediate resolve. Most importantly, you believe that God is the Ultimate Healer of all time. Considering all these, you’re convinced you don’t need professional help or clinical intervention after all. 

Still, the stress and trauma from all the bullying you experience in your family all these years just don't go away. You’re deeply hurting and alone. But pause awhile. Take this time to remember the ones who were there for you. They may no longer be around, but they accorded you the clear affirmation that they loved you, cared for you, chose you, stood by you, and believed in you to be the resilient individual you’ve become regardless of the circumstances. But just because they’re gone now doesn’t mean you don’t matter anymore, because you do matter. In their absence, know that the Lord is there for you and He takes care of you (Psalm 27:10).  

God is alive and He listens to your cries

The experience of being bullied by family members is painful enough and to find no one to turn to may compound the pain even more. Remember, you’re not the first one to be in this lonely situation. God sets the solitary in families (Psalm 68:6). He hears you each time you cry and He feels your pain.

The God of the Bible has documented in His Word the believers who went through similar bullying experience in the family. Take Joseph, for instance. His older siblings were jealous of him, primarily because their father favored him highly and so they bullied him to no end. But even if they mistreated him and later sold him to slavery (Genesis 37:27), God stayed by his side, turned his painful situation around, and made him ruler of a foreign land. You may not become a ruler of another place after this painful situation, but know that God will perfect whatever concerns you (Psalm 138:8).

Hold your head up high and trust in God—and in God alone

You can—and you will have to—resist the abusive acts of your narcissistic siblings, especially if you live in the same place with them. If this is so, you might have to observe all of the following practices from this time on: 

Fret not because of evildoers

You still sense the anger you have toward them for all the trouble and pain they've caused not only you but also the family. So you imagine punching them on the face real hard! You're angry! But God's Word commands us to cease from anger and to abstain from doing evil ourselves (Psalm 37:8), so you step back. God's Word speaks to you softly but firmly: "Fret not thyself because of evildoers . . . For they shall soon be cut down like the grass . . . Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass" (Psalm 37:1-5).

 

Keep your distance

This means you will have to set some boundaries. This may mean not joining your siblings at meal times or not cooking the family food anymore. This may also mean you will have to stop talking to the family bullies. Difficult, but doable. Remember, you can’t change the bullies, but you can change the way things go for you—if you stay away from them.  

Buy your own supplies and eat your own food

Sharing things with family bullies can be primary factors contributing to the familiarity that breeds contempt. So diminish such factors to discourage the bullying; purchase your own groceries and other necessities, food included. You have to tell them—verbally or in written form—that you’re separating from the family food and that you’re buying your own supplies. You need not explain why you’re doing this. But in your heart, you refuse to participate in their wicked works and "eat of their dainties" (Psalm 141:4). And they're probably not concerned about checking what’s missing in the pantry or wherever around the house because you used to take care of these things, which, by the way, isn't your obligation. So, now that you've freed yourself from all that, you'll see them move and take on the responsibilities.

Take care of yourself

You’ve taken care of the family all these years. But instead of thanking you, these family members trash your sedulous efforts and bully you as if you deserve to be harshly treated. The psalm of David has become your ultimate cry toward God: “For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer” (Psalm 109:4). So now, instead of using your resources for others, do yourself a favor: spend your resources to take care of yourself. Many people experience financial constraints, especially at this time of the pandemic, and you probably do too. Trust in God. Ask Him to show you ways to earn sufficiently so you can sustain your daily needs and not depend on anyone. 

Don’t rush your recovery process

You've been through years of being bullied by family members and the pain you feel is valid. So don't pressure yourself to get out of it speedily. Don’t hold back those tears; take your time to relieve your heavy heart. Cry out to God. He hears you and He will heal your deep wounds in His time. 

Stay productive

Attend to your paid or unpaid projects that have been put off for so long. Get back to them. Do them. Complete them.

Avoid family gatherings where the bullies are present

Just because it's a family event doesn't mean you have to force yourself to be there. You just can’t blend in the family gathering because the bullies are there. Besides, other family members might not see your painful experience as serious and knowing that fact might just unnecessarily hurt you even more. You're no prisoner. So, opt to go some place else and rejoice in the Lord Jesus.

Stop confiding in people, but in God

From your personal experience, you already know that no one’s willing to give you a shoulder to cry on or lend you a listening ear without you getting scathing remarks or emotional and mental bruises. People you're once close to stay aloof or stand afar off (Psalm 38:11). Perhaps, God has removed these people around you for your own good (Psalm 88:8). So stop seeking affirmation, comfort, or pity from people. And do so without bitterness. Remember, everyone’s different so you may not receive the same soothing relief other people find in their network of people. You don’t need human validation to say you’re OK or otherwise. But choose to ask God for help in times of trouble, for vain is the help of man (Psalm 108:12). 

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. -- Psalm 27:14

 

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. -- 2 Timothy 3:1-5

The sinner's prayer is a false doctrine, a false teaching

How do we get saved? God's Word says: 

"Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household." - (Acts 16:31)

For this reason, I never led my parents to utter the sinner's prayer, which I unnecessarily uttered for myself decades ago. Brazenly, many professing Christians take pride in leading someone to utter such prayer. If you have done the same, it's not too late to repent. The Lord Jesus is the only way (John 14:6).

UPDATED--To professing Christians: Be of the same mind with the brethren who "earnestly contend for the faith" (Jude 3)

Update: Present-day church leaders preach God's Word but detrimentally fail to warn the brethren of the dangerous teachings and teachers lurking in the church. I am one with those who bring up the issue. The following article is just a few of the many examples when church leaders choose to keep quiet about the topic and fall short of exercising their accountability in protecting the flock. 

Yah, who I mention in this article, is an author whose associations include some of the editorial team members of the Philippine Christian Bookstore, which carries the titles of Zondervan, the publisher of books by Rob Bell (Love Wins), John MacArthur (The MacArthur Bible Commentary), Brian McLaren (A New Kind of Christianity), Eugene Peterson (The Message, a mystic Bible translation), Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life), the late Ravi Zacharias (Seeing Jesus from the East, among those pulled by HarperCollins because of confirmed sexual misconduct along with rape allegations against him), and other false teachers of this time. 

__________________________________________________________________

Few days ago, I received an e-mail from Yah, a long-time acquaintance. The message was brief so I replied briefly as well, sharing a bit of my present circumstance which includes the passing away of my dad whom I dearly miss. Yah ended her message with sharing a link to the preaching of her pastor husband, Pastor Anthony John O. Munar, at their church in Batangas, the Jesus Our Abundant Life Church. I listened to the preaching entitled, "Be of the same mind with one another," while cooking lunch and thought I'd leave a short brotherly (or sisterly) comment, which reads in Filipino:

Magandang araw po sa inyo diyan sa Batangas, Pastor. Pinakinggan ko po itong preaching niyo habang ako’y nagluluto ng ulam. Ako man po ay dating miyembro na umalis sa mga iglesiya ko noon, ayon po sa Roma 16:17-18. Mangyari po ang liderato na ng mga iglesiya na aking dinaluhan ang silang nangunguna sa pagpapalaganap at pagsasagawa ng mga katuruan na salungat sa Salita ng Diyos. Sumulat po ako ng maikling aklat patungkol po dito: “Among the emergent churches in the Philippines and the reasons I left them” https://tinyurl.com/h6yuuc7f. Natagalan lang po ang pagrebisa ko ng aklat na ito dala ng mga kaganapan sa aking buhay. Pero may mga aklat na rin po patungkol sa mapanganib na mga katuruan at tagapagturo sa panahon po natin ngayon. Isa na po riyan ang aklat ni Ray Yungen, “A time of departing: How ancient mystical practices are uniting Christians with the world's religions” https://tinyurl.com/casaxxnm. Maging kaisa rin po nawa kayo, Pastor, sa pagbibigay ng babala sa kapatiran, laban sa mga katuruan at mga tagapagturo na salungat sa Salita ng Diyos.

(Good day to you all there in Batangas, Pastor. I listened to your preaching while cooking our meal. I too was a member who left my previous church, following Romans 16:17-18. Unfortunately, the leaders of the churches I attended initiated and disseminated certain teachings contrary to the Word of God. I wrote a small book about it: "Among the emergent churches in the Philippines and the reasons I left them” https://tinyurl.com/h6yuuc7f. The revision of the book has been protracted due to my circumstances. But a number of books to warn the brethren against dangerous teachings and teachers have been released. Ray Yungen's book is just one of them: "A time of departing: How ancient mystical practices are uniting Christians with the world's religions” https://tinyurl.com/casaxxnm. Pastor, may you be one of those warning the brethren against teachings and teachers contrary to the Word of God.)

I later edited my comment post to include the URLs of my book and that of Ray Yungen's. But it was then that I noticed my comment below the YouTube video disappeared.

Reminding the flock to follow God's commands is crucial at this time. May that not be a selective effort though, as handlers and teachers of God's Word choose to leave other relevant issues untouched at the pulpit. Indeed, I pray that my acquaintance and her pastor husband be of the same mind with the brethren who earnestly contend for the faith.

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude, verse 3)

 

Eric Barger: Is your Church New Age, Emergent, or Christian?

Grieving never means not being strong enough

by Al Sabado

How many times do we hear people tell the bereaved, “Be strong”? Or have we been telling that statement to people who just lost a loved one?

I've heard that many times since few weeks ago, when my dearest father passed away. I know people meant well, but grieving is never about being weak or not being strong. The truth is, strength comes in allowing ourselves to grieve naturally as human beings.

So today, I told one of my siblings, “Let’s take the time to grieve. No rush...”

Grieving means facing the pain of losing a loved one. No explanation required. No skipping the process. No holding back those tears.

After my dearest father passed away less than a month ago, I still cry. I can laugh and smile certain days. But I still cry and I probably will every time I remember him.

I miss my father so much. And I am so grateful to the Lord for him—my close friend, a loving father to us his five children.

Yes, I grieve and I take the time to do so...

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.--(Matthew 5:4)

Weak and beggarly elements: Observing days, and months, and times, and years

God's Word says,

"But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain." (Galatians 4:9-11)

Repost: Is cremation Biblical?

Al Sabado

Public

Dec 20, 1:26 PM

At least two of my siblings signified their wishes to be cremated when they die. But I objected and told both of them that when they die and if I'd still be around, each of them will have a decent burial, just like our mother's.

When we read God's Word, we can note that Christians buried their dead, not cremated. Any wonder why God hasn't shown us in the Holy Bible examples of burning the body of deceased loved ones? Because cremation isn't Biblical and it's not God's way. Cremation comes from pagan origin. God has repeatedly shown us in the Scriptures the special way of burying the dead through the lives of believers such as Abraham, Moses, Jacob, Joseph, David, and the Lord Jesus Christ. If we claim to be believers of the God of the Bible, don't we follow His ways?

You may do Google search or visit the link of "Cremation: What Does God Think?" to read more on the subject.

"Cremation: What Does God Think?"

From Al's Google+

Homemade almond milk and wheat bread topped with chopped oregano leaf

by Al Sabado

We didn’t have bread this morning and I felt not going out to buy from the store. But I remembered the wheat flour (a kilo for Php60, about 1 USD) I bought the other day from St. Ellen store here in Marikina—my ultimate source of baking ingredients. (They also sell nuts, walnuts, raw whole or slivered almonds, high-grade chocolate for baking, and cake boxes, among others.)

I didn’t have yeast and thought it better not to have it. So I searched for a simple recipe on Google by typing “homemade wheat bread without yeast” and clicked one of the options that led me to the page of Yeast Free Bread by www.food.com. But I couldn’t figure out from the page whether I’d have to knead the mixed ingredients, so I looked further on YouTube and found Roberta L TV, where I learned to simply mix all dry and wet ingredients in a bowl. Thanks for that cool demo, Roberta! I was excited to see the mixed product that I ran outside, picked a few oregano leaves from across the street (our kind neighbor’s vacant lot), chopped a piece, and sprinkled it on top of the mixed bread—ready for baking.

After a 20-minute preparation, the bread’s all done in 40 minutes. Now we have freshly baked wheat bread on the table. The result? I say, it's great! I'm happy with it. Since the bread has no yeast, the texture of a thick slice is heavy and chewy, which is ideal for heavy breakfast, then just a thin slice for light snack. What I really like about it is that I know what's in it—no strange stuff added. 

My homemade wheat bread topped with chopped oregano leaf. The oregano leaf I used was big enough, I thought, but you can use more if you prefer, for a generous sprinkle of oregano. Other toppings or mixes (e.g., raisins, slivered almonds, walnuts, etc.) are possible.

Oh, the almond milk, yes, I’ve also tried making it at home, because the consistency of the almond milk my sister buys from the supermarket looks so thin. I wasn’t (and still am not) convinced it’s truly nutritious. So I was quite pleased to read Diana Herrington’s article, “Why I Don’t Buy Almond Milk,” where she also shared her easy-to-follow Almond Milk Recipe. I’m prone to cooking and making food out of basic ingredients, especially when I don’t have all the ingredients in our kitchen. So my version of almond milk is simply the blend of almonds and water. (That’s one cup of almonds soaked 12 hours in plain water. Use that same water and add more, equal to three cups.) The rest is enjoying a glass of it. I recommend the use of strainer upon pouring the juiced almonds on the pitcher to further eliminate almond sediments.

My glass of thick homemade almond milk. Notice its thickness compared to the ones sold at the supermarket.

Almonds are rare where I live, but I found they’re available from stores that sell baking ingredients, just like St. Ellen, which sells a kilo of almonds for Php940, about $20 USD. And because almonds are costly, you’ll opt to make sure not to throw or waste the almond pulp, which makes sufficient flour base for making cakes. I just tried making almond pulp cake loaf. 

A small slice of almond pulp cake loaf (over an inch high) I made yesterday.

Now, how can we tell if people enjoy what we cook? Quietly observe. For example, in my case, when my dad finishes a slice of cake while dropping compliments about the food, I know my cooking is good. But if he's quiet and gets no second serving of what I cook, I know my cooking is bad. I'd figure out what went wrong; the temperature I applied must be too high, I probably added too much salt, or I forgot to put sugar, etc. But hey, my dad ate more than a slice and said I could sell my [almond pulp] cake loaf! So, place your order now! :)

Kidding aside, again, look for the baking stores nearest your place when you want to make your own homemade almond milk—a wonderful alternative, especially when the supermarkets you go to run out of almond milk supply.

Enjoy! :)

Repost: "What Is Contemplative Spirituality and Why Is It Dangerous?"

Al Sabado

Shared publicly  -  9:07 PM

The person I referred to in one of my blogs (http://alsabado.blogspot.com/2015/09/updated-lists-of-false-christian.html) is a committed member of the Baptist Church. He told me he hasn't heard of "contemplative spirituality" and I suppose many others haven't heard of the same either.

Brennan Manning, a contemplative proponent, became a familiar name to me, in over a decade that I attended Bread of Life Ministries (BOL). The BOL pastors are probably among the most vocal when it comes to promoting (and practicing) such spirituality. Some who left BOL, aren't much aware (or they probably are) of such dangers lurking in this spirituality that they've brought it with them upon transferring to other churches, such as CCF.

If you haven't heard of contemplative spirituality and its dangers, please continue reading by visiting the link below. Good evening.

DISCLAIMER: I am posting the following link for information only and not for endorsing any affiliations of the author.

What Is Contemplative Spirituality and Why Is It Dangerous?

faithalone.org

Return to Journal Index Menu | Go to Main Menu. Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society, Autumn 1997 -- Volume 10:19. What is Contemplative Spirituality and Why is It 

If your church leaders fail to warn you of doctrinal errors . . . beware

Al Sabado

Shared publicly  -  3:16 PM

What do supposedly Bible-believing churches teach these days? I look back and find traces of danger, which many church leaders now embrace and feed the flock. Following are just a few examples:

1. Recently, upon reading Ray Yungen's "A Time of Departing" (pp. 190-1), I learned that Chuck Swindoll is now into contemplative spirituality (see the dangers thereof, http://www.faithalone.org/journal/1997ii/Caddock.html). 

In Philippine setting:

2. "Practicing the presence" was a subject matter of Bible study when I was still attending Bread of Life Ministries, an evangelical church with numerous outreaches locally and abroad. Who would think that such practice is a "dangerous" discipline of the New Age Movement, and probably other groups that do not (and refuse to) recognize Jesus Christ as the Lord.

3. "Cultural redemption" is also a hot topic of Ed Lapiz in his congregation, Day By Day Ministries, which I also attended for some time. But what does God intend to redeem: the human soul, or the culture that we can't even bring with us to the grave?

4. A "package full of assorted candies that give you cavities" was what I found at the Christ's Commission Fellowship (CCF) church program menu. CCF hasn't denounced to this day its adherence to Rick Warren/purpose-driven life/church, and its leadership seems to be "content" using The Message in teaching God's Word. The Message, by Eugene Peterson, is a Bible translation that fails to address Jesus Christ as the Lord, but master (the same title that Judas used prior to betraying the Lord Jesus), among other serious doctrinal issues.

What does your church teach? If your church leaders fail to warn you of doctrinal errors, but promote ecumenism, feel-good gospel, and the like, beware . . .

The Message Bible: A Mystic Mess

av1611.org

The Message Bible: A Mystic Mess

Turn from weak and beggarly elements

Al Sabado
Shared publicly  -  12:01 PM

I was a college freshman in 1989, and a devout Catholic at the time, when our theology professor in Miriam College assigned our class to read the Ten Commandments and to bring to class our Bibles. Our family has a super huge and heavy Bible at home, so I thought I'd drop by National Bookstore and buy something handy (a King James version, which I still use to this day, now with its brown and crumbling pages).

Little did I know that homework would turn my life around, as I first read through Exodus 20, verses 4 and 5:

"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

"Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;" (Exodus 20:4-5, http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Exodus-Chapter-20/#4)

My eyes were opened, because nearly all my younger years, I prayed and bowed down to the images in our home and everywhere else I found them. I've stopped doing all that.

I've also stopped praying novenas and the rosary, because God's Word says, we should not use vain repetitions in prayer:

"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

"Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:7-8, http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Matthew-Chapter-6/#7)

I've also stopped praying for, and to, the dead, such as Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the countless saints that the Roman Catholic church has taught its followers to venerate. For the Lord Jesus has said,

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6, http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/John-Chapter-14/#6)

The Lord Jesus is the only way. And if all that is what God's Word says, then

"... We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29, http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Acts-Chapter-5/#29)

I've also stopped celebrating Christmas. My reason for that is similar to why I'm no longer celebrating birthdays and other similar occasions ("Un-celebrating birthdays, a liberating experience," http://alsabado.blogspot.com/2014/04/un-celebrating-birthdays-liberating.html). God's Word says,

"But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain." (Galatians 4:9-11, http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Galatians-Chapter-4/#9)

Note in that passage a stress on "weak and beggarly elements."

Some people say it's wrong to read the Bible as it is written, literally. But if God means something else other than what He says in His Word, then what a mean God could He be! But no, God is not mean, for us to misunderstand His Word. God has freely given us the Bible so that we may understand Him, His will, His promises, for all who hear and abide by Him.

The God of the Holy Bible is the Living God, who created life and all that is in it (http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-God-Creating-The-World/). He hears us. He loves us so much that He doesn't even make us guess where we go once we die. Our eternal destiny has an ultimate security, if we choose to trust in His Only Begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Have you made that choice? If you haven't, I pray that you will ...

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16, http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/John-Chapter-3/#16)

Christmas Carols: Sound Doctrine, Or Catholic Tradition?

blessedquietness.com

Evaluation of Christmas Selections in the LIVING HYMNS Hymnal ...The LIVING HYMNS Hymnal was used as a base for this evaluation because it is the one used by the church 

We can choose to be lonely, or rejoice in the Lord Jesus always (Philippians 4:4)

Al Sabado

Shared publicly  -  10:29 AM

When I stopped attending a physical church in 2009, loneliness was evident. But I discovered it's a choice to dwell in such a state, and it's a choice to rejoice in the Lord Jesus always (Philippians 4:4, http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Philippians-Chapter-4/#4). I've chosen the latter.

Why leave church? Perhaps, a more appropriate question is, "Why become part of a church whose errors unfold brazenly and contradict fearlessly what God's Word firmly teaches and commands us to do, and not what to do?" Think about it. If you're too comfortable in your church, beware...

Let's read God's Word and know what God's will is. But I hope you and I know by now that the Bible translation, "The Message," is such a mystic mess,http://www.av1611.org/kjv/mess_bible.html. Let's read the King James Bible version instead,http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1611-Bible/.

A blessed stay-at-home Sunday to you and your loved ones! :)

Letter to the Editor: Alone and Dismayed By Condition of Churches in a Midwest Town -

lighthousetrailsresearch.com

Dear Lighthouse Trails Editors: I live in the Midwest, and one would think that the apostate church has not infiltrated us here. Nothing could be further from the truth. My 

Should Christians expose error? Definitely, yes.

Al Sabado

Shared publicly  -  10:00 AM

Definitely, yes! A lovely stay-at-home Sunday to all! :)

Should Christians Expose Error? -

lighthousetrailsresearch.com

By Harry Ironside Objection is often raised—even by some sound in the faith—regarding the exposure of error as being entirely negative and of no real edification. Of late, the hue and cry has been against any and all negative teaching. But 

If a deceased neighbor shows up, beware! That’s a demon in disguise.

by Al Sabado

Are ghosts any of the people who died? No, they’re not. Contrary to popular belief, dead people, including our deceased relatives, neighbors, and friends can no longer come back, even in ghostly form, and roam around earth to visit or guard us. Our appointment, as humans, is to die once: 

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27)

Then what are those “ghosts”? Such apparitions are demons or familiar spirits. In verse 27 of Hebrews 9 we can note that no activity transpires between death and the judgment. Did you notice that too? But Satan must be pleased to assume the exact appearances of dead people and make us believe we can still talk to our deceased loved ones, when God forbids us from doing such an abominable thing (see Deuteronomy 18:11).

“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Corinthians 2:11)

Satan will do everything in his power to fabricate lies and distract us from knowing God’s truth. He’s out there to deceive humans. As it is written,

“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Revelation 12:9)

Satan, whose name is a Hebrew word meaning “enemy,”¹ is capable of transforming into something else with his ministers, to appear as good entities despite being evil to the core. We can confirm this by reading God’s Word:

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

God forbids us to consult or commune with familiar spirits. For this reason, we must have nothing to do with familiar spirits or demons and we must not consult those who communicate with such evil spirits; they are not of God but of Satan. So to the “experts” out there performing these exact activities and those consulting such experts, listen to what God’s Word says:

“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:31)

“There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

When we die, we’re dead. We’re no immortal beings who stay on earth earth after death—even in spirit form—to deal with unfinished business whatsoever. We won’t even know anything once we’re dead. God’s Word says,

“For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5)

And so the idea of purgatory or the reincarnation is also a lie of all time. These two man-made concepts—that is, purgatory and reincarnation—are not God’s design, but among the greatest lies of Satan. Once we’re dead, we can’t correct our wrongs in some midair and we can’t be re-created to take another form of life (e.g., bird, tree, etc.). God gave His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for all our sins so that instead of perishing in the fires of hell, we may live an eternal life in heaven. It’s our choice—NOW that we’re still alive—to accept or reject the reason behind the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. None of our good works will change that.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

The Lord Jesus Christ is the only way.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

So, are heaven and hell real? Upon reading the Bible we can note that they are. They’re not just a state of the mind or fictional places we replicate on earth. God’s Word describes that an immense gulf separates these two eternal places, so that those who go to heaven can’t cross paths to reach hell, and vice versa. As it is written, during the conversation of Abraham and a dead man,

“And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.” (Luke 16:19, read also following verses 20-31)

Do we then go to heaven, or hell, when we die? The condition God has set for us to enter heaven is in verse 16 of John 3: believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Not our good works. Not our church affiliations, rituals, or practices. Now, let me ask you, do you believe in God’s only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ? “Yes,” you say. That’s good. Let me ask you another question, if you die this very minute, do you go to heaven? Is your answer

a. “I’m not sure I know.”
b. “It’s up to God, really.”
c. “I believe so. I’ve done many good things in life.”
d. “I have no idea.”
e. “Yes, because I’m saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Is your answer the last one? Praise God! Or is your answer any one from “a” to “d”?

Dear friend, we ought not be uncertain about this important matter. We don’t guess where we go when we die. God has made that one thing, our eternal security, certain for us: do read John 3:16 again. I won’t tell you to say a sinner’s prayer. (I thought that’s the one thing to do to be saved from eternal damnation.) Just remember, nothing in what we do can change or add to the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, for us. Our salvation is a gift from God. But a gift can’t be ours unless we accept it.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31)

Repent. Some people say that once we're saved, we're always saved. But if we don't repent of our sins and continue sinning, then that makes us disobedient, just like King Saul who'd lost the favor of God, right? Believing in the Lord Jesus means doing the will of God and refraining from sinning.

“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:11-13)

Fear no one and nothing but God. Years ago I had to stay overnight in a two-story office building to finish editorial work. The following day the security guard asked, “Ma’am, hindi po ba kayo natakot (Ma’am weren’t you scared),” because the building was known to have familiar spirits. I smiled at him and said, “Hindi po, meron po tayong Panginoon (No, we have God).” And God is greater than he who is in this world (1 John 4:4).

“But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” (Luke 12:5)

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)

Updated: 4 November 2015

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¹ Holy Bible. Authorized or King James Version. Red Letter Edition. Wichita, Kansas: Fireside Bible Publishers, 1970.

Don’t baby your kids, TRAIN them!

by Al Sabado

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

Not once did we hear stories of children who grew up foolish, or with “horns,” because their parents did not give them proper training in their childhood. So how do we train children? Following are just a few tips useful for the young (or young-at-heart) parents with young children. Most of these tips are from the ageless examples of my grandparents, the late Pastora and Blas Sabado, who diligently and painstakingly raised my dad to be the responsible and dignified man that he is.

1. Don’t “baby talk” your kids. Some parents think it’s cute baby talking their kids. Please don’t do that. Kids, who grow up with this type of baby talking from parents, tend to be brats. Talk to kids in a straightforward manner: Let your yes be yes and your no, no (Matthew 5:37). Do what you say and say what you do. This way they respect you for your actions and your words.

2. Train your kids to get up (and go to bed) early—everyday! Getting up daily between 4:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. is OK. Be sure you do that too, so they follow you by your example. Yes, do that, even now that they’re still young. Remember it takes practice to build proper life habits and discipline. They learn to prepare for the day, not in a rush but in a timely manner.

3. Assign kids regular household chores. Start teaching them NOW how to do household chores, even with household helpers around. Your helpers aren’t slaves; they’re there to HELP you. So, don’t let your kids grow lazy and get busy with their tablets, laptops, and other tech gadgets unless their assigned tasks are done. Don’t hesitate to give your kids household assignments for fear they won’t do them properly. Patiently teach them the proper way. And, dear parents, please shift your perfectionism to low gear. That will save you from having headaches. If kids don’t get the task correctly the first time, don’t forbid them to perform the same task again. Allow them to learn! Kids will have to start acquiring discipline through practical skills and you’d better teach them that now, or they’ll learn something else, to your dismay!

4. Orient kids not to be fond of watching television. If you don’t have TV at home, good for you! You’ll do yourself a favor. TV watching can be among the most unhelpful, unproductive activities in the household. Unless you’ve trained your family members to focus on what matters most, then TV watching will continue to be a distraction for them.

5. Train your kids to be book readers instead. But avoid the trend to dictate on your reading preferences. Carefully select the books your kids read. Stay away from books that promote occultism. Do a bit of research to know the dangers of occultism and protect your kids against them. And if you haven’t read the Holy Bible, then read it with your kids. I’m serious! Don’t read anything else unless you and your kids have read it. And read it or listen to it constantly. You may download the free audio Bible in mp3 format here and save it in 4GB microSD, which you may play on your cellphone. The King James Version of the Holy Bible is so far the incorruptible translation—best to evade the others, especially The Message, translated by a New Age proponent. If you’re unaware of the dangers of the New Age (Movement), then research on that also.

6. Teach kids to save money and to spend only on essentials. Accustom them to ask before buying anything, “Do I need this item, or do I just want it?” Differentiate to them need from want, and instill in their minds to prioritize the need.

7. Impart to your kids the value of taking care of family members and the household. The idea behind waiting for everyone to settle around the table before anyone eats teaches your kids how to value family members. Develop also in them the concern for their own household. For example, you may tell the older kids to check if the cupboard still has food supplies, or if toiletries and cleansers are used up already, among other household necessities. Then ask them to make a list of items needed in time for grocery shopping. Inform them of the budget so they make sure they limit their list to essentials. Best if you let them do this assignment regularly. That way you teach your kids responsibility while you unload yourself of tasks you can simply delegate to them. Most importantly, remind your kids not to give up on each other but to look after one another, because time will come you won’t be there for them.

8. Coach your kids to practice social graces, without the need to receive “Like” or “Plus” buttons. Some teachers these days give schoolwork, which students will have to post on social media and collect 100 likes for it. That sounds innovative. But what does that teach our kids? That they’ll only do something unless other people like what they’re doing? So if they don’t receive favorable response, then does that mean they’re awful, or that they won’t do anymore something they ought to be doing to the best of their ability? Isn’t it best to teach kids to accomplish tasks out of duty, compassion, and sincerity—with or without people watching?

9. Teach kids to practice courtesy and propriety toward other people. Good manners and right conduct may be excluded from the school curriculum, but not from the household discussion. So teach GMRC at home. Teach your kids to assist people around your home. Teach them to greet the elderly in the neighborhood by saying, “Good morning, Sir (or Ma’am).” Teach them (boys and girls) to offer their seat to the elderly and older women. And to young boys, teach them gentlemanly etiquette when they’re with girls. For instance, (a) when riding a public transport, the lady gets in the vehicle first before the young man does, to make sure the lady gets in the vehicle safely; (b) when alighting a public transport, the young man gets off the vehicle first before the lady does, to make sure the lady gets assistance when necessary; and (c) when walking or crossing the street with a lady, the young man takes the outer or danger side of the road while the lady walks on the safe side.

10. Encourage your kids to share with you their story and don’t scold them for it. Some parents easily get annoyed when their kids begin talking to them or telling them stories. Be patient. Be sure to make time to listen to your kids. Yes, put down that laptop and stop doing your office work at home (unless you do work from home)! You don’t only bond with them during such time, you also encourage them to trust YOU with their secrets before they do other people. So if they begin telling you about their crushes in school, for instance, don’t panic! Hold your peace. You can use the time to be an opportunity, where you begin guiding your kids to make proper choices in life.

11. You may beat your kids, but don’t kill them! The Holy Bible says, “Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die” (Proverbs 23:13). But some parents nearly kill their children when they give them beatings. Please don’t do that! Don’t even make the mistake of scolding your kids in public places or in front of people, because doing that can painfully embarrass them unnecessarily. Deal with your kids in the privacy of your home, with moderation and kindness.

12. Affirm your love to them no matter what happens. Be sure you have affirmed your love to your children, especially after you scold them. This way they understand you scold them for their faults, but that you love them regardless of the error committed. Now, if, for instance, you notice your son starts behaving like a girl, or your daughter starts behaving like a boy, be brave to deal with the matter lovingly. This is why it’s so important to teach children Biblical precepts early on, so they understand that the fear of God is never similar to following the patterns of this world (Romans 12:1-2).

I wish you and your family God’s best!

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. (Colossians 3:21)

UPDATED: Lists of false (Christian) authors, churches, groups, leaders, practices, movement, teachers, etc.

by Al Sabado

Few days ago someone from a Baptist church wrote to me expressing his "concern" about my blog posts on non-church attendance. He said he wouldn’t contact me again because it seemed I’ve made up my mind not to attend church (and probably because I didn’t signify my interest attending his church here in the Philippines). He said he once left the Baptist Church, but returned to it when he was convicted. He admitted, however, that the Baptist Church has its flaws in that it claims to be the Bride of Christ, meaning the rest (other denominations) are doomed. But is that something new, when every denomination out there has similar (false) claims?

Nothing can separate a believer from the love of God. I no longer find the man’s message surprising because that isn’t the first time someone became "that" concerned, to the point of telling me I’m not worshipping God’s way. I responded briefly to his message saying I regret he has judged my way of worship as not God’s way. But I clarified that I’m a firm believer and that nothing can separate me from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). I'm saved by God's grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Then he wrote me back. Now that surprised me, because he said he wouldn’t contact me again. He clarified he wasn’t judging me and that he wrote to me because of the verse I’ve quoted, which says,

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:27)

He ended his message by saying, “you tell your readers there is no need to belong to a church, that is not what the Word of God teaches.”

But God is not any graven image and He doesn’t dwell in churches made with hands. I didn’t respond anymore to the man’s message because I can tell we’re not on the same page. The verse I quoted came from God’s Word in the Holy Bible, not from me. If anyone thinks the verse is irrelevant to one’s church attendance, then please read the entire Bible and see if God tells us to seek membership in any man-made church so that we can "possibly" abide in Him. God’s Word says,

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. (Acts 17:24-29)

Please don't cite Hebrews 10:25 to say otherwise. Read that verse again if it means we ought not to abandon false and corruptible churches:

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)

Believers can meet together. But we don’t attend church for the sake of belonging to a community. Because if that community is in error, we too become part of that error. Abiding in Christ is God’s enabling, not the enabling of any man-made churches. God's Word says,

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (2 Corinthians 6:17)

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Matthew 7:15)

Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee. (Jeremiah 7:16) 

The believer’s anointing comes from God, NOT from church appointment, membership, or fellowship. Another reason I’ve stressed in my blogs is that we—believers in Christ Jesus—are the church of God. Our being believers is not dependent on any church building or structure but on God’s grace at work in our lives. God’s Word says,

For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 

For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. (Romans 9:15-18)

Also, among other verses,

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

But yes, I will now say there’s no need to belong to your church if it does deceive you—without you knowing it! Why would we go to such churches (or listen to such pastors, read such books, hear such music, submit a journal article to so-called Biblical yet fearlessly compromising institution such as Liberty University, etc.) when we know they're exploiting and serving contaminated spiritual food to the flock? Why lack the plain understanding that we ought to have nothing to do with them? For what harmony is there between the Lord Jesus Christ and Belial (2 Corinthians 6:15)?

Doesn't God command us in His Word to come out from among them (2 Corinthians 6:17) and avoid them (Romans 16:17-18)? God's Word tells us we "should earnestly contend for the faith" (Jude 1:3-4). For this reason, I’m reposting the following list I initially posted on my freelance editorial website. The list has links to related readings via Google search.

UPDATED: Lists of false (Christian) authors, churches, groups, leaders, practices, movement, teachers, etc.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17-18)

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:22-23)

1. List of (Probable) False Christian Leaders, False Christian Teachers and False Prophets (As Indicated By The Ecumenical or Heretical Organisations They Belong To)
2. Master List of Christian Authors and Books Not Recommended
3. My list, as follows:

International

• Acupuncture
• Anne Graham Lotz
• Assemblies of God
• Astrology
• A. W. Tozer
• Baptist Church
• Bible Code
• Billy Graham
• Birthday celebration
• Black mass
• Black pope
• Blood moons
• Blue Beam Project
• Boston Church of Christ (a.k.a. Boston Movement, International Churches of Christ)
• Breath prayers
• Bruce Wilkinson
• Calvary Chapel
• Cindy Jacobs
• Charles Finney (The Sinner's Prayer)
• Charles Spurgeon
• Christian Cabala
• Christian yoga
• Christmas
• Christmas carols
• Chuck Missler
• Chuck Swindoll
• Church Growth Movement
• Circle Maker, The
• Climate change (global warming)
• Communicating with the dead
• Compassion International
• Contemplative spirituality
• Conversations with God
• C. S. Lewis
• Cultural redemption
• D. L. Moody
• Dominionism
• Don Moen
• Ecumenical churches
• Elijalist
• Ellen White
• Emergent church
• Endorsers of The Message, a false Bible translation by New Age proponent, Eugene Peterson 
• Evangelicals and Catholics Together 1994
• Evidence Bible, The (book)
• Feng shui
• Freemason (a.k.a. Mason)
• Global warming (climate change)
• Graven statues, images
• Great Commission Movement
• Greg Laurie
• Hierarchical discipleship
• Higher self
• Hillsong church and music
• Horoscope reading
• Inner healing, power
• Jehovah's Witnesses
• Joel Rosenberg
• John Calvin
• John Hagee
• John MacArthur
• John Maxwell
• John Wesley
• Joyce Meyer
• Joel Osteen
• John Piper
• Joseph Prince
• Kari Jobe
• Karma
• "Kingdom now" theology
• Kundalini
• Larry Crabb
• Liberty University
• Lucis Trust Publishing
• Mark Biltz
• Mark Driscoll
• Martial arts
• Martin Luther
• Max Lucado
• Mega church
• Methodist Church
• Mike Hoggard
• Mormon churches (Church of Christ, Latter Day Saints)
• NavPress Publishing
• Neale Donald Walsch
• New Age Movement
• Oprah Winfrey
• Our Daily Bread Ministries
• Pat Robertson
• Paulo Coelho
• P.E.A.C.E. Plan
• Pentecostal Church
• Pope, The
• Pranic healing
• Prayer labyrinth
• Prayer of Jabez, The (book)
• Praying for the dead 
• Praying to the dead
• Praying the rosary
• Presbyterian Church
• Promoters of contemplative spirituality
• Prosperity gospel preachers
• Purgatory
• Purpose-driven church
• Ravi Zacharias
• Ray Comfort
• Reiki
• Reincarnation
• Rick Warren
• Robert Schuller
• Roman Catholic Church
• "Sa Ta Na Ma" meditation
• Secret, The
• Seventh-Day Adventist
• Seeker-sensitive church
• Shack, The (book)
• Silva Method
• Steven Anderson
• Tai Chi
• Tithing, present day
• Tony Campolo
• Torah observant messianics
• Transcendental meditation
• United Nations
• Vegan, vegetarian diet
• Veneration of saints
• Watchman Nee
• Women pastors and preachers (1 Timothy 2:12) 
• Word of Faith Movement
• Word of Faith preachers/promoters (e.g., Bethel Bible Institute, Toronto Blessing, Trinity Broadcasting Network)
• Yoga
• Zondervan books
• Other churches, institutions, organizations, preachers, publishing houses and bookstores following--intentionally or unknowingly--any or all of those in the above lists
• Endorsers and followers of Rick Warren. Bill Hybels, Erwin Mcmanus, John Orthberg, and those in List 1 and List 2

Philippines

(Refer also to above list, e.g., Cultural redemption, Emergent church, Great Commission Movement, Church Growth Movement, Purpose-driven church, Seeker-sensitive church,
etc., as most Philippine churches are patterned after such churches.)

• Back to the Bible Bookstore
• Bread of Life Ministries (BOL) 
• Campus Crusade for Christ
• Cathedral of Praise
• Christ's Commission Fellowship (CCF) 
• Dating Daan, Ang
• Day by Day Christian Ministries
• Feast, The
• El Shaddai
• Greenhills Christian Fellowship (GCF)
• Harvest Christian Fellowship Philippines
• Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) 
• Jesus Is Lord (JIL) 
• Jesus Miracle Crusade
• Metro Manila Christian Church (MMCC, a.k.a. Boston Movement) and affiliates: Baguio Christian Church, Batangas Christian Church, Cagayan de Oro Christian Church, Daanbantayan Christian Church, Laoag Christian Church, Metro Cebu Christian Church, Metro Davao Christian Church, Metro Olongapo Christian Church, Negros City Christian Church, Zamboanga Christian Church
• OMF Literature Bookstore
• Philippine Christian Bookstore (PCBS)
• Saddleback Church South Manila 
• Victory Christian Fellowship (VCF) 
• Word of Faith Community
• Churches teaching and following Rick Warren's PDL and other non-Biblical practices 
• Mega churches, as well as small churches, not teaching and intentionally evading God's warning on deception flowing in churches--deceiving the very elect (Matthew 24:24) 
• Women pastors and preachers (1 Timothy 2:12) 

• Other bookstores selling Purpose-Driven Life, Zondervan books, and the like 
• 98.7 DZFE (examine program list) 
• 702 DZAS (sister company of DZFE)

Updated: June 2021