We Come and Go: Pilgrims and Sojourners

life is transient

Like pilgrims and sojourners, we come and go.

A few months ago I was overcome by my childhood experiences. I became very nostalgic hence I visited places where I spent my formative years. I visited a particular bridge where I used to fish with friends. They were not so important or knitted to my heart then - though I cherished a few dearly - but I now realize how important they were.

Some of them, like Johnny, are no longer with us. Narka, Oscar, Chebon, and others are not traceable, lost to the currents of life - I want to know where they are so bad - and some I cannot recognize. Pity.

At the Bridge

I was there 14 years ago. Now, after 14 years:

• the integrity of the bridge is still sturdy

• the water level is barely diminished or raised

• I struck the ground multiple times and even sat on it; it's still intact

• I have transformed significantly but the place hasn't

• we come, we go, and the earth remains - like a wave tossed in the oceans

Indeed, earth is not our eternal home. So, as the scriptures stipulate: do not be conformed to the patterns of this world, Romans 12.2. The earth and everything in it is not particularly important; being united with Christ is.

Christ Jesus gives us hope of a new place and a new life - devoid of all the noise. A place where we will live forever - eternal creatures - singing and worshipping our Lord God Almighty.

The concept of heaven has stirred heated debates for decades: some argue there's no such thing as heaven and that we will vanish like animals; but some, like me, have clung to this hope of eternal life, 1 John 2.25.

I assure you mankind is an eternal being. Your body may age, degrade, and vanish; but your spirit and consciousness will live forever.

Which Religious Doctrine Should You Follow?

Conflicting Doctrines of Modern Churches

I am shocked by the diversity of beliefs and interpretations that exist today. From debates over Saturday and Sunday to conflicting interpretations of scripture, religious discourse is fraught with contention.

Yet at its core, a true understanding of scripture requires more than intellectual prowess; it demands a humble reliance on divine guidance. Through the Holy Spirit, faith, prayer, and a holistic understanding of the Bible, one can glean deeper truths beyond human understanding.

Saturday or Sunday, which is The Day of Worship?

The SDA says Sabbath (not necessarily Saturday - but Sabbath) is the seal of God and Sunday (inaugurated by Papacy - exercising ecclesiastical authority) is the seal of the devil - that everyone worshipping on this day will be condemned to hell - because Sunday is the mark of the beast.

How to Interpret the Bible

In a nutshell, for you to interpret the Bible correctly, you should fulfil these elements:

Be Filled with The Holy Spirit

(our promised teacher); things can go wrong if there's no teacher. You may think you are right but you will be surprised when the teacher proves you wrong.

You need Faith

Faith is mandatory, Heb. 11.6. You need to believe in the Word of God 100 percent. Faith is the higher knowledge - the knowledge of God that man cannot fathom. It doesn't fit on our natural scales. People who act in faith may even be considered insane. We need to have the faith of God - He spoke things into existence, Genesis 1 - creation.

Whole Bible Context

Bible Theology and Theology Proper. You require the knowledge of the entire Bible to understand deeper prophetic implications. Consider every miniature detail, see how it is connected to other segments, and draw a clear-cut nexus between them. With the help of the Holy Spirit, and your commitment (faith), you'll receive a revelation.

Perpetual prayer

Prayer is a vital organ in this body. When Daniel prayed, his prayer got answered virtually instantly but the angel faced resistance from a legion of demons in the 2nd heaven. Persistence in prayer urged God to send reinforcement - angel Michael.

Spiritual Lifestyle

Apparently, a spiritual lifestyle is compulsory for God to fellowship/commune with you. Through this fellowship, you will receive spiritual clarifications and interpretations.

So it's not about using human knowledge to decode the Bible and/or its contents - prophecies; it's all about God.

Trinitarianism and Christology

Many concepts of the Bible have been misunderstood and misinterpreted:

Trinitarianism and Christology. You cannot dwell on the misinformed/misguided versions of the Trinity and Christ.

We are too lazy and foolish to pray or read the word - hence mislead.

What is Trinitarianism?

Trinitarianism is the representation of the God-head hierarchy: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

No insubordination. Now, each member of the Trinity is fully God. Also, the God-head cannot be distributed or shared or divided into pieces of one another; each member is fully God.

They is only one God. The God-head is three in one. They are not separate individuals - this is called tritheism.

Christology

Who is Jesus Christ?

This is a big topic: Christology. Let's just see the foundation of Christology.

The deity of Jesus Christ must not be diminished. Jesus is the second member of the God-head and he's fully God. Any religion that denies the place of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is flawed. Flee for your life.

He descended to earth and became 100 percent man and 100 percent God. He's the perfect man. Jesus is the son of God.

Let's Wrap Up This Summary

Reflecting on nostalgic moments of my formative days, I realize the ephemerality of human existence. Our true home is in the promise of eternal life with Christ.

Amidst doctrinal debates, we should rely on divine guidance and scriptures to know the path.

Lastly, in a world of diverse beliefs, it's essential to anchor your faith in the unchanging truths of Scripture and the eternal hope found in Christ.