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I posted this in Facebook following the recent news report that came out last night ...
So last night the news show Bandila came out with this report from Pangisnan about a "flesh-eating" disease that resonates with something that has been prophesied last year by an Indian prophet. Few thoughts:
Let's be responsible in what we post as people of God, let's get all the facts muna. I saw from the youtube video that there is a "part 2" report tonight. I'm also a bit "skeptic" that Babao would reference the prophecy at the end of the report, when it was not mentioned during the report, sounds like a ploy to get more ratings. They've been peddling this hastag "pray for Pangasinan" "mysterious disease" in hopes to make it trend.
I'm not saying it's false (if the news is related to the prophecy). It may be true (The Bible tells us to test prophetic utterances, 1 Corinthians 14:29). But be responsible with what we post. Let us not sow fear, for God doesn't give us a spirit of fear, but of love, boldness and sound mind. Let us be guided with these. Boldness - never shy away from sharing God's Word and God's Hope. Soundness - let's get the facts straight and not overreact or exaggerate. Love - warn in love, don't stop at just warning, but share the antidote, the solution. In everything we do, let's see to it that Jesus is exalted.
Keep calm and don't panic. God didn't give you a spirit of fear. Jesus said, "in this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Jesus' is our victor and he has triumphed over sin and death. His courage and peace is available to His followers.
Repent and turn back to God. If you know that you have turned away from God, the Bible says, "if we confess our sins, the Lord is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 Peter 3:9).
Observe, be alert, and pray. Instead of hyping up such news, pray. "The Lord is in heaven and we are on earth, so let our words be few" (Ecclesiastes 5:2) Be observant and pray. Pray that God will spare our nation and that our people will turn back to God. Pray also that the Lord will keep us strong in faith and be a light to those who are seeking for the light.
Join the conversation and engage with the gospel. Never shy away from these discussions that can be an opening for you to share the gospel of peace. Ask God for wisdom and be ready to address their inquiries like about God or the future. Lead them to truly seek the Lord, repent of our sins (all of us need Jesus), and pray.
I found this article by Ptr. Joey Bonifacio helpful as well in addressing such issues: http://joeybonifacio.com/2014/02/pastor-an-earthquake-will-hit-manila-on-tuesday/
What are your thoughts about this news? How should we respond to this news?
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