Creed

Stapp: I Am a Christian
by Mark Moring
posted 08/09/04

In Creed's almost ten years together—including a few where they were one of the hottest rock bands on the planet—nobody ever asked lead singer Scott Stapp if he was a Christian. Many asked if Creed was a Christian band, and their reply was always no—even though some of their lyrics included a message of faith. But no one ever directly asked Stapp about his beliefs. Well, we asked him the other day, and Stapp says he's glad no one asked him about it until now. Read on to find out why.

In this exclusive interview with Christian Music Today,

Related: • Passion: Track Listing

Stapp discusses his faith journey, Creed's recent breakup, and his solo career, which officially kicks off with the August 31 release of The Passion of the Christ: Songs, a new album featuring multiple artists—including Stapp, P.O.D., Third Day, Lauryn Hill, Kirk Franklin, MxPx and others—who were inspired by Mel Gibson's landmark film. Stapp's contribution to the project, a song called "Relearn Love," is the first single off the album, hitting radio airwaves this week.

First things first: Why did Creed break up?

Scott Stapp: Mark [Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti] and I had been working together for the last ten years. There comes a point with any collaboration like that where you start having other interests creatively. I was moving in one direction musically, and as a guitar player, Mark wanted to move in another direction. That was essentially the reason we broke up. Those feelings actually started happening right after Human Clay (1999), and we went ahead and made Weathered (2001) together. [Tremonti and Creed drummer Scott Phillips went on to form a new band, Alter Bridge, whose debut album releases on Wind-Up Records on August 10.]

Sounds like it was a friendly break-up.

Stapp: When something like that happens, people want to try to find some dirt and make it more of a soap opera. But I think we both walked away with the door still open, if we want to do something together again. So yeah, I would call it a friendly break-up.

How did you get involved in the Passion songs project?

Stapp: They flew me out to a private screening of the film last summer, and to meet Mel Gibson, to kind of get a vibe on what was going on.

So, the film moved you to the point where you felt like you had to write a song?

Stapp: Actually, there was already a song percolating inside of me, so to speak, concerning a renewal in my heart. Interestingly, my personal life and my spiritual walk were kind of coming full circle around the same time I was asked to be involved in the project. I had been shedding all the callousness and the weathered state that I had been in, personally and spiritually, even prior to seeing the film. Seeing the film just kind of closed the door and allowed that song to be born.

What had triggered those spiritual changes in your life?

Stapp: A lot of personal things. I was hurt and beaten down. Five years ago, I had a divorce that I didn't really want. I was so busy with Creed that I don't think I ever really dealt with that emotionally. She [his ex-wife] elected not to be involved in my son's life, leaving me as a single father, and I was really worried about my little boy [Jagger, who turns 6 in October]. And there were other things that came along in the trappings of fame, things that hurt some of my relationships. So when I finally had time to reflect on everything, I was broken down to the point where I had no other way but to look up. I couldn't handle it all. I was asking a lot of questions—of myself, of God—looking for answers.

My dad always said I was hard-headed, that it would take something like that to wake me up spiritually, and I guess it did. My heart had gotten so beat up that I didn't have anything left to give. I was emotionally and spiritually dried up, so I was just searching for God. I reached out to my pastor and my father for some guidance. I was really soul searching and, I guess, on my path to coming home spiritually. And once that process began—and I'm still going through that process, and probably will for the rest of my life—that's when things started changing in my life. I started making some proper decisions, getting things in order. It's kind of like cleaning up your house. I was looking for direction for what God wanted me to do—and that's when I got a call about The Passion.

Prior to this recent renewal, how would you have described your faith?

Stapp: I'd have called myself a struggling Christian who was trying to find holes in everything he had been raised to believe. I was a doubting Thomas. I was raised in a climate where I believed in God because I was afraid of going to hell—and I didn't think that was the right way to fall in love with somebody. I always believed in God and Christ, but I was in rebellion—trying to make my relationship with God fit into my life instead of making my life fit in with him. I was stubborn.

It just took all of that to come to a screeching halt, to get to the point of having nothing, for me to finally realize, Hey, what are you fighting with this for? Until then, I hadn't claimed my faith as my own; I had just grown up with it. But I finally got to that point after years and years of running from God. Christ stepped in when I asked him.

When you first saw The Passion of the Christ, how did it affect you?

Stapp: At first, I was saddened and disheartened. I couldn't believe this is what Christ had to go through. I knew the story, but I was seeing it through different eyes. It was not just a Bible story that I had heard since I was four years old. It made sense to my life as a man, and as a father and as a friend and as a son. I was shocked that someone loved me so much that they would do this for me. I also got angry at various times during the film.

Angry at what?

Stapp: At how Christ was being treated. But then that would turn into a humility about understanding the sacrifice. I had a whole gamut of emotions—love, peace, anger, humility, sadness. I left the film exhausted; I was drained. But also, I was happy, because it helped me get a visual picture of what I finally understood.

Did you meet Mel Gibson?

Stapp: Yes. He was excited that I was interested in the songs project. He said, "I don't know much about music, but my kids love your band." I had a little demo of "Relearn Love" and I played it for him, and he said, "Listen, man, I'll leave that stuff up to you." He was like, "This is your experience, and I want you to express it however you want."

So you were writing "Relearn Love" even before you saw The Passion.

Stapp: Yes, and The Passion came along and gave me focus. It was kind of God's final confirmation that I was moving in the right direction.

Can you give me a specific example of how that "relearned love" is manifesting itself in your life?

Stapp: It's simple for me: It's giving without expecting anything in return. Prior to this, the way that I loved people around me, I always expected something—even if that was just expecting them to treat me like I treated them. But now I understand that real love is just giving without expecting anything. That's what love is to me, and that's what I feel that Christ showed us.

On Creed's website, you had answered an FAQ in part by writing, "Who are we to say that being a Christian is the only way to heaven?"

Stapp: Well, I can honestly tell you, I didn't write that.

But your name was on it.

Stapp: [Turns to tell his manager sitting nearby to call his record label and "tell them there's something on the Creed website that I didn't write … again." Then he addresses Christian Music Today again.] I didn't write that. I would never answer a question that way. That sounds like something the owner of my record company [Wind-Up Records] would say.

[Stapp, clearly perturbed at this revelation, says something else to his manager, then addresses us again.] I would never say that, dude, because that's not what I believe. We'll be sure to make a note of that. That stuff happens all the time, because my label, you know, they're about making money. They don't want to disenfranchise people. Creed wasn't a Christian band, but I would never insinuate or say anything that would make that kind of a statement. I'm glad you told me about that.

So, where do you stand in regards to that statement?

Stapp: Oh, I'm a Christian. I was a Christian in Creed, but nobody ever asked me.

You've been really open in this interview. Is that because I'm with the Christian media? Or would you answer these questions similarly for the mainstream media?

Stapp: The nature of my answers are a lot different now that I'm no longer with Creed. I'm a solo artist now, and I don't have a band to hide behind. So when someone asks me if I'm a Christian, I have to say yes, because I am. But do you know I was never asked in 10 years if I was a Christian personally? We were only asked if Creed was a Christian band.

Well, you never got interviewed by us!

Stapp (laughs): But I'm glad nobody asked, because my life wasn't right with God. The Christian community latched onto a lot of my music, because there were a lot of things about my struggle they related to. But I didn't really want to come out and be identified as a Christian, because I didn't want to be a hypocrite, because my life wasn't right. I didn't want to make any kind of public profession until I felt like my heart was right.

I've since learned that my life's never gonna be right, and I'm always going to be scrutinized and looked at under a microscope. And it took me, since I was 17 and left home, running from God, to now, as a 30-year-old man, when I honestly feel like I've come full circle and my heart's finally in the right place. I'm still going to make mistakes, but I don't have any problems with publicly professing my faith now. It just took me a long time to get to the right place in my relationship with Christ.

It's just crazy how things have come full circle for me as a solo artist. I kind of look at everything that happened with Creed as a preparation—me going through things to get my life ready for God's plan. It's been a journey and a learning experience.

So, are you now a "Christian artist," or an artist who happens to be a Christian?

Stapp: I'm an artist who's a Christian, because I don't write music to be evangelical. Now, if that happens, it happens. My dad's a dentist, and he's a Christian. Now, does he put in Christian fillings? No, that's just part of his three-dimensional life. Now, there are people that are Christian artists, because they have a purpose to be evangelical for Christ. I don't feel I've been called to that yet. Now, that could change. There's no telling what kind of call God will put on my life.

Kanye West Poses As Jesus on Rolling Stone Cover Religion or Rebellion?

Rolling Stone - February, 2006 issue - featuring Kanye West
Courtesy of Rolling Stone
Sponsored Links

When controversial rapper Kanye West posed for the cover of Rolling Stone magazine as Jesus, many people were shocked and dismayed, but few were surprised. West is, after all, no stranger to controversy.

Let's take a brief look back at some of the highlights of the Kanye West story and see if this is about raising awareness of issues or raising awareness of Kanye himself ... 

"Jesus Walks" - at first glance, it looked like the man was trying to take his faith to the streets. The story behind the song was perfect. "They" said you can rap about sex, drugs and violence but you can't rap about Jesus and get radio airplay - so he set out to prove them wrong. However, once he won a Grammy for the song, it seems like Jesus got the boot. In his acceptance speech for winning he said, "I plan to celebrate and scream and pop Champagne every chance I get because I'M AT THE GRAMMYS, BABY!" 

2004 American Music Awards - When he didn't win the Breakthrough New Artist of the year award, he pitched a well-publicized temper-tantrum, saying, "I feel I was definitely robbed. I was the best new artist this year. I don't know if I'll be back at this award show next year." He then tore into Wilson's music backstage, labelling it "bulls**t". Apparently it was too much to bear for a man who feels as if he's "carrying the whole of hip-hop itself, the state of music too," to not get recognized as the Saviour of the genre' that he sees himself as. 

The AIDS virus - On July 2, 2005, West appeared on the Philadelphia end of Live 8, using the global platform to comment on "man-made diseases placed in African communities," endorsing the idea that AIDS was created by the U.S. government to exterminate Africans. The funny thing here is that regardless of where I looked, I didn't find anywhere that even mentions that Kanye West has donated a penny of his money or a moment of his time to help fight the AIDS epidemic. 

Political Insensitivity - While at Live 8, West also accused American politicians of insensitivity, claiming they "...ride home in their Benzes and Bentleys while poor Africans starve." Apparently he feels more like an American politician than anything else because he isn't exactly riding in a Pinto or taking the bus. Then there is the reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling that he reportedly has in his dining room. I'm betting that the money he spent on that could have fed more than a handful of families. 

Racism and President Bush - No one on the planet will ever forget West's response to Hurricane Katrina. Did he ...

Donate $25,000 and host a radio show asking for others to donate like Fat Joe? 
Donate $50,000 and host a different radio show to raise money for survivors like T.I.? 
Form his own charity to sponsor events to raise money as well as donating his own like Master P? 
Donate a half a million dollars to relief efforts like Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Sean "Diddy" Combs? 

No - he simply announced that "George W. Bush doesn't like black people" on the NBC Concert for Hurricane Katrina. 

After a career more centered on controversy than talent, posing as Jesus on the cover of Rolling Stone was just more of the same. 

Some fans have come to his defense, claiming that he was trying to re-emphasize his religion. That might have been believable had the article itself gone into how great having Jesus as his Saviour has been, instead of how great Kanye West thinks that Kanye West is. If this was about faith, you would think that he would have mentioned it.

Other fans have come to his defense, claiming that this is simply a racial issue and if it were someone like Brad Pitt as Jesus, no one would have a problem with it. It wouldn't matter if the person on the cover were pink, purple or polka-dotted. Posing as the Saviour of mankind to sell magazines is wrong no matter what the color of your skin is.

When I saw the cover, I was outraged. My first thoughts were, "How dare he!" and "Who does he think he is?" Jesus is more to me than just the central figure of Christianity. He's my personal Saviour. The one who died for my sins. The magazine cover mocked that and was a slap in the face to me as a Christian. 

I immediately started contacting Christian and Gospel artists, Pastors and others in Christian leadership. Much to my dismay, while several people out of the 50+ that I contacted were willing to comment "off the record," calling the magazine cover everything from "heresy" to "offensive" to "blasphemy," only five people were willing to comment on the record. This was as hurtful to me as the magazine cover itself. Upon examining my reaction, I found myself in a situation of not "practicing what I was preaching." I had taken the line between shepherd and flock and turned it into "those with opinions who matter" and "those who don't." The reality is that we all matter. Just because I don't lead a 10,000+ member church doesn't mean that my voice is any less important than someone who does.

We, as Christians, are quick to complain amongst ourselves that making fun of our religion is a popular past-time. Yet we sit quietly by while people do it - keeping our mouths shut so we don't sound "too Christian" or fanatical. While I don't condone violence or riots at all, I think it's well past high-time that we start to speak up. God gave us voices - yet we won't use them. We are much like the watchmen in Isaiah 56:10-11 - "His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter."

The five artists and industry professionals that spoke out all did so knowing that they could draw fire for their comments. They all realize that standing on your own convictions can make you unpopular to some, yet they're all willing to be unpopular in order to be true to themselves. I respect that immensely. 

Micah Stampley
Micah Stampley, winner of the 2004 Stellar Award Talent Search and 2006 Stellar Award nominee for New Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year said ... 

Like many of those whom you have contacted concerning this matter, I am totally thrown off at his attempt to portray himself as my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am also outraged by the failure and refusal of those Christians of influence to take a stand on a matter that is offensive to our faith. In my opinion, this young man feels that he is superior to his peers and surroundings and to depict himself as Jesus Christ is proof of that. Kanye has a level of pride that is unique, it's frightening! It reminds me of when Lucifer tried to exalt himself above the throne of God as we read about in the scripture. As a result God cast him down along with all the angels that agreed and followed him. After he (Satan) was kicked out of heaven, the bible described him as the fallen star. Here is what I mean by this reference; Kanye West may be a shining star right now but when you try to exalt yourself as Jesus, you open up to being the next falling star and all those that follow and support are in position to be cast down as well. Let this be a lesson learned just because someone uses the name of Jesus Christ it does not mean they stand for what His name represents.

Heidi Stampley
Heidi Stampley, wife and manager of Micah Stampley said ... 

As a Christian involved and associated with the music industry I am appalled. It is amazing to see how the great success and ministry that came out of the "Passion of the Christ" has been disgraced in an attempt to draw more attention to this magazine and the artist (Kanye) that was used. Personally Kanye never offered a real symbolism of what Christianity is about. His song "Jesus Walks," in my opinion, was not at all a song that brought glory to the name of Jesus, instead it took the name, character and nature of Jesus in vain and was offensive to those that discerned a greater agenda. I guess now we all see it never really was about Jesus and his (Kanye) great need for him but it was to make a statement. If he really had a sincere conviction or reverence for Jesus, he would have never agreed to such a outrageous depiction of Him. This song offered no real life changing value. It received more attention by Christians simply because the name of Jesus was used. Saying the name of Jesus should have more weight and be less surface to the true believers; those whose personal relationship is that of a life that does bring glory and praise to his name. Kanye West, although he has capitalized on the name of Jesus without the power or conviction associated with His name; will never know the real power and the weight of what he is doing, until a Christian is real with Him and shares the truth of Jesus in a way that matters. At this rate, without some direction and divine intervention his grandiose behavior will only increase and God only knows what he will do next. It's really not about Kanye. When are the real believers and soldiers that say they are in the army of the Lord, going to stand up for the Jesus that they profess!?! This is a War Cry!

Brian Jones - Road to Revelation
Brian Jones, lead guitarist and co-founder of Road to Revelation (as well as my husband and partner in ministry) said ... 

I have to say as a Christian and as someone who is serving in music ministry that I am greatly offended by the cover of Rolling Stones latest issue with Kanye West portraying himself as Christ. I think this was a tasteless play to gain more media coverage for him and Rolling Stone and after reading the article itself I found no mention of Jesus anywhere in there except as a mention of the awards he won for "Jesus Walks." Of course, there were numerous mentions of how he thinks he should win every award out there. I find myself running a gambit of emotions here.... anger, disappointment and pity. I'm angry that this young man would even begin to set himself up as Christ because, based on his article and his past media outbursts, I doubt he has ever put anyone else before himself. He has never carried the weight and burden of any of our (mankind) sins. He most certainly has not given his life for all of us as Jesus did on the cross. I think this a mockery of my Lord and Saviour and what He did for all of us so that we could come to find Grace, Forgiveness, and Redemption. I also find this offensive because it seems to be just another example of someone using Christianity as a tool for headlines and personal gain, which seems to be happening more and more frequently.

It angers me that as this story has unfolded, many of the very people that God has guided to a platform and placed in positions of leadership (both as artists and clergy) have chosen to remain silent rather than speaking out. I find their silence offensive because our leaders have a responsibility to speak out on the issues that we are facing. That's part of what they're called to do. It appears as though some of our leaders are more concerned with not rocking the boat and keeping their place in the food chain than with keeping it real and speaking the truth - even if that truth isn't politically correct. 

My God isn't weak and He wasn't silent during the Old Testament. My Saviour isn't weak and He wasn't silent during his ministry. I don't believe that we, who call ourselves Christians, are supposed to be weak or silent either. Our leaders need to step up and lead - giving a voice to the people that they're leading. 

I'm disappointed by the fact that Kanye West, who has won awards for his music, seems content to let the controversy he creates define him rather than letting his music speak for itself. As an artist myself, I want to be recognized for how I use my God-given talent - not how much controversy I can stir up.

As I write this, I feel more pity for Kanye West than anything else. I look at him and see a young man who doesn't believe in his own talent enough to just let it take him where it will. I see a man who could do so much positive and so much good in our world getting too caught up in his own drama and delusions to do more than make headlines. I see a magazine that will stoop to any level of "dirty pool" for profit. I see Christians looking for someone to stand up for them and I see leaders who are afraid to really lead.

David Paul Pelsue - Kids in the Way
David Paul Pelsue, lead singer and co-founder of Kids in the Way said ... 

Do you ever wonder why the world finds it so easy to dismiss Christianity as a joke? I believe it's because we constantly set ourselves up by reacting in such ways. To address the issue, I believe the Kanye cover is done in poor taste. Simply, if this offends you, don't support the magazine. Don’t support Kanye. I think dragging the parties involved into the street and beating them with fingers of judgment and horror is embarrassing. Is that the Christian thing to do? That’s not our job. I believe God is quite capable of handling someone's spirit. I don't know Kanye's heart personally. I don't know what exactly He believes. I do know that he has some spiritual thoughts and ideas simply from his music and public statements. Maybe someday, in a quiet place, God will convict his heart and Kanye will realize this might not have been the smartest choice. Maybe not. But that's up to God. I believe in accountability and keeping people in check with their actions, but to throw a complete stranger that you don't even know inside and out on the chopping block is unnecessary. We live in a real world where people don't respect our beliefs and aren't considerate of them. It’s time to stop acting so shocked and appalled. Honestly, Rolling Stone probably banked on this kind of response to occur. They knew there was no way the Christians would allow their bubble to be popped. If we didn't call out the army of the Lord every time another Harry Potter book was written, maybe the world wouldn't take jest in pushing our buttons. I’m tired of lynch mob mentality in the "Christian" world. What happened to turn the other cheek? What happened to not judging your brother? And remember the one thing Jesus died in the name of...love? In no way am I saying we need to lie down and let people walk on us and our beliefs, but there are certain things you just take care of amongst yourself. Don’t buy the magazine. Don’t agree with Kanye and Rolling Stone. End of story. Again, if this offends God, let's not insult Him by thinking He can't take care of the judgment that's needed.

Emily Cobb
Emily Cobb of Proper Management said ... 

My comments represent only myself and not Proper Management or any of its artists. While I do find this cover 100% offensive and wish it had not been created, I feel like this may become another “Target - Happy Holidays” sort of issue for Christians. In my opinion, Jesus has already conquered the world and He has conquered even blasphemous images such as this. If all that non-Christians out there see us Christians doing is complaining about other peoples choices, then why in the world would anyone else want to follow Jesus with us?

In this moment, I am fired up about many in this world not having food and many dying by the minute from AIDS. And mostly I am fired up about wanting God more than anything else in life and trying to stay in His Word and in prayer with Him daily. I have a choice today, I can either spend time being upset about this worldly cover and try to figure out a way to change peoples minds about it, or I can love people like Jesus right where I am and lift up a prayer for all who may see this image or any other terrible images and ask God for protection of their hearts and minds. I choose the latter.

Silly Questions Daw

MITCH: WE ARE ALL CHILDREN OF GOD..PERO BAKIT LAGING NAKAEMPHASIZE SA BIBLE UNG “HIS ONLY SON” PAG NABABANGGIT SI JESUS SA IBANG PAGES SA BIBLE?

FRANZ:I WANT YOU TO READ THIS VERSE, “BUT AS MANY AS RECEIVED HIM, TO THEM GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, EVEN TO THEM THAT BELIEVE ON HIS NAME” (JOHN 1:12). WE ARE ALL CREATION OF GOD BUT WE WILL JUST BE CONSIDERED AS A CHILDREN OF GOD IF WE RECEIVE JESUS AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR. NAKAEMPHASIZE SA BIBLE ANG “HIS ONLY SON” KASI SI JESUS LANG TALAGA ANG TRUE SON. WE ARE ALL ADOPTED. WE ARE CREATED PERO SI JESUS IS HINDIDAHIL HE IS FROM GOD. PINANGANAK SIYA NI GOD.
LET’S DEFINE THE WORD SON OF GOD SA BIBLE. THE PLURAL, "SONS OF GOD," IS USED (GEN_6:2, GEN_6:4) TO DENOTE THE PIOUS DESCENDANTS OF SETH. IN JOB_1:6; JOB_38:7 THIS NAME IS APPLIED TO THE ANGELS. HOSEA USES THE PHRASE (HOS_1:10) TO DESIGNATE THE GRACIOUS RELATION IN WHICH MEN STAND TO GOD. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT THIS PHRASE FREQUENTLY DENOTES THE RELATION INTO WHICH WE ARE BROUGHT TO GOD BY ADOPTION (ROM_8:14, ROM_8:19; 2CO_6:18; GAL_4:5, GAL_4:6; PHI_2:15; 1JO_3:1, 1JO_3:2). IT OCCURS THIRTY-SEVEN TIMES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT AS THE DISTINCTIVE TITLE OF OUR SAVIOUR. HE DOES NOT BEAR THIS TITLE IN CONSEQUENCE OF HIS MIRACULOUS BIRTH, NOR OF HIS INCARNATION, HIS RESURRECTION, AND EXALTATION TO THE FATHER'S RIGHT HAND. THIS IS A TITLE OF NATURE AND NOT OF OFFICE. THE SONSHIP OF CHRIST DENOTES HIS EQUALITY WITH THE FATHER. TO CALL CHRIST THE SON OF GOD IS TO ASSERT HIS TRUE AND PROPER DIVINITY. THE SECOND PERSON OF THE TRINITY, BECAUSE OF HIS ETERNAL RELATION TO THE FIRST PERSON, IS THE SON OF GOD. HE IS THE SON OF GOD AS TO HIS DIVINE NATURE, WHILE AS TO HIS HUMAN NATURE HE IS THE SON OF DAVID (ROM_1:3, ROM_1:4. COMPARE GAL_4:4; JOH_1:1-14; JOH_5:18-25; JOH_10:30-38, WHICH PROVE THAT CHRIST WAS THE SON OF GOD BEFORE HIS INCARNATION, AND THAT HIS CLAIM TO THIS TITLE IS A CLAIM OF EQUALITY WITH GOD). WHEN USED WITH REFERENCE TO CREATURES, WHETHER MEN OR ANGELS, THIS WORD IS ALWAYS IN THE PLURAL. IN THE SINGULAR IT IS ALWAYS USED OF THE SECOND PERSON OF THE TRINITY, WITH THE SINGLE EXCEPTION OF LUK_3:38, WHERE IT IS USED OF ADAM.

MITCH: WHAT’S THE DIFFERNCE BETWEEN GOD’S WILL AND GOD’S PLAN?

FRANZ: ALAM MO, GOD’S WILL AND PLAN IS THE SAME, BAKIT? LET’S DEFINE FIRST THE WORD “WILL” (A FIXED AND PERSISTENT INTENT OR PURPOSE) AND THE WORD “PLAN” (HAVE THE WILL AND INTENTION TO CARRY OUT SOME ACTION). SO MEANING TO SAY, GOD’S WILL AND PLAN IS THE SAME. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT THE WILL IS UNG “KAGUSTUHAN” NI GOD AND THE PLAN IS TO CARRY OUT THAT “KAGUSTUHAN” IN TO ACTION.

MITCH: ASKING FOR MORE OR BEING UNCONTENTED (GRAMMATICALLY WRONG BA? SORRY…^_^) IS A SIN… RIGHT? IS IT A SIN TO ASK MORE OF HIS LOVE?

FRANZ: FIRST, ALAMIN MUNA NATIN KUNG TAMA BA UNG UNCONTENTED NA WORD, ANG TAMA KASI DAPAT IS DISCONTENTED. WHAT IS DISCONTENTED? IT IS SHOWING OR EXPERIENCING DISSATISFACTION OR RESTLESS LONGING. ASKING FOR MORE OF HIS LOVE IS NOT A SIN. THINK ABOUT THE LOGIC, PAANO NAGING SIN ANG DESIRE MO TO EXPERIENCE MORE OF HIS LOVE? DIBA SI JESUS LANG ANG SATISFACTION NATIN. ONCE MAREALIZE MO ANG LOVE NI JESUS, SATISFIED KA NA. KASI HE HAS SHOWN HIS LOVE TO ALL OF US WHEN HE DIED ON THECROSS FOR OUR SINS. DISCONTENTMENT IN A WAY IS A SIN PERO NOT IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR EXAMPLE, “ONLY BY PRIDE COMETH CONTENTION: BUT WITH THE WELL ADVISED IS WISDOM.” (PRO 13:10 AV). BASTA PAG UNG DESIRE ISMASAMANA, IT IS A SIN,PERO PAG UNG DESIRE MO IS MABUTI AY WALANG PROBLEM DOON. ISA PANG EVIDENCE NA IT NOT BAD TO ASK FOR MORE OF GOD’S LOVE, SABI NI DAVID SA PSALMS, “MY SOUL THIRSTETH FOR GOD, FOR THE LIVING GOD: WHEN SHALL I COME AND APPEAR BEFORE GOD? “(PSA 42:2 AV). HGETO SABI NI JESUS, “IN THE LAST DAY, THAT GREAT DAY OF THE FEAST, JESUS STOOD AND CRIED, SAYING, IF ANY MAN THIRST, LET HIM COME UNTO ME, AND DRINK.” (JOHN 7:37).

MITCH: NARARAMDAMAN NYA BA NAMAHAL NA MAHAL KO SIYA? AT GINAGAWA KOYUNG KAYA KO PARA MASURRENDER YUNG SARILI KO COMPLETELY TO HIM?

FRANZ: OF COURSE, GOD KNOWS THE DESIRE OF OUR HEARTS. LET’S STUDY THE HEART. ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE, THE HEART IS THE CENTER NOT ONLY OF SPIRITUAL ACTIVITY, BUT OF ALL THE OPERATIONS OF HUMAN LIFE. "HEART" AND "SOUL" ARE OFTEN USED INTERCHANGEABLY (DEU_6:5; DEU_26:16; COMPARE MAT_22:37; MAR_12:30, MAR_12:33), BUT THIS IS NOT GENERALLY THE CASE. THE HEART IS THE "HOME OF THE PERSONAL LIFE," AND HENCE A MAN IS DESIGNATED, ACCORDING TO HIS HEART, WISE (1KI_3:12, ETC.), PURE (PSA_24:4; MAT_5:8, ETC.), UPRIGHT AND RIGHTEOUS (GEN_20:5, GEN_20:6; PSA_11:2; PSA_78:72), PIOUS AND GOOD (LUK_8:15), ETC. IN THESE AND SUCH PASSAGES THE WORD "SOUL" COULD NOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR "HEART." THE HEART IS ALSO THE SEAT OF THE CONSCIENCE (ROM_2:15). IT IS NATURALLY WICKED (GEN_8:21), AND HENCE IT CONTAMINATES THE WHOLE LIFE AND CHARACTER (MAT_12:34; MAT_15:18; COMPARE ECC_8:11; PSA_73:7). HENCE THE HEART MUST BE CHANGED, REGENERATED (EZE_36:26; EZE_11:19; PSA_51:10-14), BEFORE A MAN CAN WILLINGLY OBEY GOD. THE PROCESS OF SALVATION BEGINS IN THE HEART BY THE BELIEVING RECEPTION OF THE TESTIMONY OF GOD, WHILE THE REJECTION OF THAT TESTIMONY HARDENS THE HEART (PSA_95:8; PRO_28:14; 2CH_36:13). "HARDNESS OF HEART EVIDENCES ITSELF BY LIGHT VIEWS OF SIN; PARTIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONFESSION OF IT; PRIDE AND CONCEIT; INGRATITUDE; UNCONCERN ABOUT THE WORD AND ORDINANCES OF GOD; INATTENTION TO DIVINE PROVIDENCES; STIFLING CONVICTIONS OF CONSCIENCE; SHUNNING REPROOF; PRESUMPTION, AND GENERAL IGNORANCE OF DIVINE THINGS."

MITCH: BAKIT MAY MGA TAONG (TULAD KO) ANG HINDI CONTENTED? WHY THER IS ME WHO ALWAYS ASK FOR A GREATER LOVE FROM GOD? I WANT MORE…

FRANZ: NOW I JUST WANT YOU TO REALIZE GOD’S LOVE FOR US. LOVE, THIS WORD SEEMS TO REQUIRE EXPLANATION ONLY IN THE CASE OF ITS USE BY OUR LORD IN HIS INTERVIEW WITH "SIMON, THE SON OF JONAS," AFTER HIS RESURRECTION (JOH_21:16, JOH_21:17). WHEN OUR LORD SAYS, "LOVEST THOU ME?" HE USES THE GREEK WORD AGAPAS ; AND WHEN SIMON ANSWERS, HE USES THE GREEK WORD PHILO , I.E., "I LOVE." THIS IS THE USAGE IN THE FIRST AND SECOND QUESTIONS PUT BY OUR LORD; BUT IN THE THIRD OUR LORD USES SIMON'S WORD. THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THESE TWO GREEK WORDS IS THUS FITFULLY DESCRIBED BY TRENCH: "AGAPAN HAS MORE OF JUDGMENT AND DELIBERATE CHOICE; PHILEIN HAS MORE OF ATTACHMENT AND PECULIAR PERSONAL AFFECTION. THUS THE 'LOVEST THOU' (GR. AGAPAS ) ON THE LIPS OF THE LORD SEEMS TO PETER AT THIS MOMENT TOO COLD A WORD, AS THOUGH HIS LORD WERE KEEPING HIM AT A DISTANCE, OR AT LEAST NOT INVITING HIM TO DRAW NEAR, AS IN THE PASSIONATE YEARNING OF HIS HEART HE DESIRED NOW TO DO. THEREFORE HE PUTS BY THE WORD AND SUBSTITUTES HIS OWN STRONGER 'I LOVE' (GR. PHILO ) IN ITS ROOM. A SECOND TIME HE DOES THE SAME. AND NOW HE HAS CONQUERED; FOR WHEN THE LORD DEMANDS A THIRD TIME WHETHER HE LOVES HIM, HE DOES IT IN THE WORD WHICH ALONE WILL SATISFY PETER ('LOVEST THOU,' GR. PHILEIS ), WHICH ALONE CLAIMS FROM HIM THAT PERSONAL ATTACHMENT AND AFFECTION WITH WHICH INDEED HE KNOWS THAT HIS HEART IS FULL." IN 1CO_13:1-13 THE APOSTLE SETS FORTH THE EXCELLENCY OF LOVE, AS THE WORD "CHARITY" THERE IS RENDERED IN THE REVISED VERSION.
MAY MGA TAONG TULAD MO BECAUSE YUNG LOVE NA HINAHANAP MO W/C IS EVERLASTING AND UNCONDITIONAL AY KAY GOD MO LANG MAHAHANAP. ASK FOR MORE OF HIM AND YOU WILL SURELY RECEIVE MORE OF HIM.

IMPORTANTE ITO!

NAKATANGGAP KA NA BA NG GANITONG LEAFLET? HALIMBAWA, NAGLALAKAD KA TAPOS MAY MGA ILANG KABATAAN ANG NAGABOT SAYO NG GANITONG LEAFLET. ANUNG GINAWA MO NG MABIGYAN KA NITO? BINASA MO BA O ITINAPON MO NA LANG BIGLA? SABIHIN NA NATIN NA HINDI KA PA NAKAKATANGGAP NG GANITONG LEAFLET, ANO KAYA ANG GAGAWIN MO DITO? BIBIGYAN MO BA NG PANSIN ANG MENSAHENG NILALAMAN NITO?

HINDI ITO BASTA-BASTA LEAFLET LANG. MAHALAGA ANG LAMAN NITO. ISA KO SA MGA BAGETS NA NAMIMIGAY NITO. BAKIT KO ITO GINAGAWA? ISA LANG ANG DAHILAN, DAHIL GUSTO KONG MARANASAN NIYO RIN ANG PAGMAMAHAL SA ATIN NI GOD. KAILAN KO LANG TALAGA SIYA NAKILALA NG TUNAY AT SA MGA PANAHON NA IYON AY MALAKI ANG PINAGBAGO NG BUHAY KO. GUSTO NIYO MAINTINDIHAN ANG SINASABI KO? IKUKWENTO KO NA LANG SA INYO ANG LAMAN NG LEAFLET NA ITO.

ANG LAYUNIN NG DIYOS:

KAPAYAPAAN AT BUHAY NA WALANG HANGGAN

MAHAL KA NG DIYOS. NAIS DIN NG DIYOS NA MAGKAROON KA NG PERSONAL NA RELASYON SA KANYA AT MAGKAROON NG BUHAY NA WALANG HANGGAN.

ANG SABI NG BIBLIA:

“...MAYROON NA TAYONG MAPAYAPANG RELASYON SA DIYOS SA PAMAMAGITAN NG ATING PANGINOONG HESU-KRISTO.” (ROMA 5:1)

“SAPAGKAT GAYON NA LAMANG ANG PAG-IBIG NG DIYOS SA SANGKATAUHAN, KAYA’T IBINIGAY NIYA ANG KANYANG KAISA-ISANG ANAK, UPANG ANG SINUMANG SUMAMPALATAYA SA KANYA AY HINDI MAPAPAHAMAK, KUNDI MAGKAROON NG BUHAY NA WALANG HANGGAN.” (JUAN 3:16)

“…NGUNIT ANG LIBRENG KALOOB NG DIYOS AY BUHAY NA WALANG HANGGAN.” (ROMA 6:23)

KUNG ANG LAYUNIN NG DIYOS AY PAGKAKAROON NATIN NG MAPAYAPANG RELASYON SA KANYA AT BUHAY NA WALANG HANGGAN, BAKIT MARAMI ANG HINDI NAKAKATAMASA NITO?

ANG ATING SULIRANIN:

KASALANAN AT PAGKAKAWALAY SA DIYOS

NILALANG TAYO NG DIYOS NA MAYROON SARILING PAG-IISIP AT KAKAYAHANG PUMILI. NGUNIT SA KADALASAN, PINIPILI NATIN NA SUMUWAY SA DIYOS SA PAGSUNOD AYON SA PANSARILING NAISIN. ANG PAGSUWAY SA DIYOS AY TINATAWAG NA KASALANAN, AT ITO ANG DAHILAN NG PAGKAKAWLAY NATIN SA DIYOS.

ANG SABI SA BIBLIA:

“SAPAGKAT ANG LAHAT AY NAGKASALA, AT WALANG SINUMANG NAKAABOT SA KALUWALHATIAN NG DIYOS…SAPAGKAT KAMATAYAN ANG KABAYARAN NG KASALANAN…” (ROMA 3:23; ROMA 6:23A)

“KAYA, PIANLAYAS NIYA SA HALAMANAN NG EDEN…” (GENESIS 3:23A) (MATAPOS SUWAYIN NI ADAN AT EVA ANG UTOS NG DIYOS)

“ANG MASASAMA NINYONG GAWA ANG DAHILAN NG PAGKAKAWALAY NIYO SA DIYOS. NAGKASALA KAYO KAYA HINDI NIYO SIYA MAKITA, AT HINDI NIYA KAYO MARINIG.” (ISAIAS 59:2)

ANG ATING KASALANANANG NAKAPAGHIHIWALAY SA ATIN SA DIYOS!

ANG KASAGUTAN NG DIYOS:

KAMATAYAN NI HESU-KRISTO SA KRUS

SI HESU-KRISTO ANG TANGING KASAGUTAN SA ATING PAGKAKAWALAY SA DIYOS. SI HESUS AY IPINAKO AT NAMATAY SA KRUS NG KALBARYO, AT MULING NABUHAY UPANG PAGBAYARAN ANG KASALANAN NG BUONG SANLIBUTAN. ITO ANG DAKILANG PAG-IBIG NG DIYOS PARA SA ATIN.

AYON SA BIBILIA:

“…AT WALANG KAPATAWARAN NG KASALANAN KUNG HINDI SA PAMAMAGITAN NG PAG-AALAY NG DUGO.” (HEBREO 9:22)

“NGUNIT IPINADAMA NG DIYOS ANG KANYANG PAG-IBIG SA ATIN NANG MAMATAY SIKRISTO PARA SA ATIN NOONG TAYO’Y MAKASALANAN PA.” (ROMA 5:8)

“SUMAGOT SI HESUS,’AKO ANG DAAN, ANG KATOTOHANAN AT ANG BUHAY. WALANG MAKAKAPUNTA SA AMA KUNDI SA PAMAMAGITAN KO.” (JUAN 14:6)

“KAY HESU-KRISTO LAMANG MATATAGPUAN ANG KALIGTASAN, SAPAGKAT WALANG IBANG PANGALAN NG SINUMANG TAO SA BUONG MUNDO NA IBINIGAY NG DIYOS SAMGA TAO UPANG TAYO AY MALIGTAS.” (GAWA 4:12)

PINAGKALOOBAN TAYO NG DIYOS NG NATATANGING DAAN UPANG TAYO’S MAKAPAGBALIK-LOOB SA KANYA. SIYA’Y KUMAKATOK SA ATING MGA PUSO AT ATAYO’S KANYANG INAANYAYAHANG TANGGAPIN ANG ALAY NIYANG RELASYON SA ATIN.

“NAKATAYO AKO AT KUMAKATOK SA PINTUAN. KUNG DIRINGGIN NINUMAN ANG AKING TINIG AT BUBUKSAN ANG PINTO, PAPASOK AKO SA KANYANG TAHANAN AAT KAKAIN KAMING MAGKASALO.” (PAHAYAG 3:20)

ANG ATING TUGON:

TANGGAPING SI HESU-KRISTO BILANG DIYOS AT TAGAPAGLIGTAS

DAKILA ANG PAG-IBIG NG DIYOS ATMGA PLANO NIYA PARA AS ATIN. NGUNIT ANG TAO AY MAKASALANAN AT NAHIWALAY SA DIYOS. DAHIL DITO HINDI MALALAMAN NG TAO ANG DAKILANG PAG-IBIG AT PLANO NG DIYOS. ISANG NAPAKALUNGKOT NA KALAGAYAN. SI HESU-KRISTO ANG ATING KASAGUTAN SA ATING SULIRANIN KUNG SIYA’Y ATING TATANGGAPIN SA ATING BUHAY.

AYON SA BIBLIA:

“SIYA ANG TINUTUKOY NG MGA PROPETA NANG KANILANG IPHAYAG NA ANG BAWAT SUMAMPALATAYA SA KANYA AY TATANGGAP NG KAPATAWARAN SA KANILANG KASALANAN SA PAMAMAGITAN NG KANYANG PANGALAN.” (GAWA 10:43)

“SUBALIT ANG LAHAT NG TUMANGGAP AT SUMAMPALATAYA SA KANYA AY BINGYAN NIYA NG KARAPATANG MAGING ANAK NG DIYOS.” (JUAN 1:12)

“PAKATANDAAN NINYO: ANG NAKIKINIG SA AKING SALITA AT SUMASAMPALATAYA SA NAGSUGO SA AKIN AY MAY BUHAY NA WALANG HANGGAN. HINDI NA SIYA HAHATULAN, SA HALIP AY INILIPAT NA SIYA SA BUHAY MULA SA KAMATAYAN.” (JUAN 5:24)

NAIS MO BANG TANGGAPIN SI HESU-KRISTO SA IYONG BUHAY? APAT NA BAGAY LAMANG ANG DAPAT MONG GAWIN:

1. AMININ NA IKAW AY MAKASALANAN.

2. HUMINGI NG KAPATAWARAN SA MGA KASALANAN.

3. MANIWALA NA SI HESU-KRISTO AY NAMATAY SAKRUS ATMULING NABUHAY UPANG ILIGTAS KA SA IYONG MGA PAGKAKASALA.

4. SA PAMAMAGITAN NG PANALANGIN, PAPASUKIN SI HESUS SA PUSO AT TANGGAPIN SIYA BILANG DIYOS AT TAGAPAGLIGTAS.

BAGO KA MANALANGIN KAILANGAN GALING SA PUSO MO ANG DESISYON NA TANGGAPIN SI HESU-KRISTO SA BUHAY MO.

PANALANGIN:

PANGINOONG HESUS, ALAM KONG AKO’Y MAKASALANAN AT KAILANGAN KO ANG IYONG KAPATAWARAN. NANINIWALA AKO NA NAMATAY KA SA KRUS NG KALBARYO UPANG PAGBAYARAN ANG MGA KASALANANKO. NAIS KONG TALIKURAN ANG MASASAMA KONG GAWI AT NAIS KONG SUNDIN ANG NAIS MO SA AKING BUHAY. TINATANGGAP KITA BILANG AKING DIYOS AT TAGAPAGLIGTAS. MAGHARI KA SA AKING BUHAY NGAYON AT MAGPAKAILANMAN. AMEN!

NGAYONG TINANGGAP MO NA SI HESUS SA PUSO MO, GUSTO MO PA BA SIYANG MAS MAKILALA PA, INAANYAYAHAN KO KAYONG DUMALO TUWING LINGGO SA:

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kung FU J

Isang fan film based sa AGent J ng VCA. This movie stars Jessie Daguit as KUNG FU J. Ang gwapong gwapong KUNG FU apprentice ni Master Jackie Li(Toper Gonong). Siya ang na-asign para iligtas ang bongang-bongang superstar na si Dingdong Guttierez(Michael Bunales) mula sa Powerpuff Boys (Dexter Hidalgo, Rueno Bolambot and Franz Valmonte). Follow the amazing action-packed adventure ni Kung Fu J.

KUNG FU J - Disk One




KUNG FU J - Disk Two