Black Nazarene Symbolizing the Common Filipinos’ Catholicism and Devotion

black nazarene

How is one piece of wood, the so-called Black Narazene, making both news and history every January of each year in the Philippines since Catholic “devotees” worshiped it as a miraculous idol for hundreds of years? The Black Nazarene symbolizes the ordinary Filipinos’ Catholicism and devotion to a god made of wood. “Not at all,” protested the learned academicians and intellectuals who were into the Black Nazarene worship, too. It is how deep the Black Nazarene cult has permeated into the matrix of the Filipino faith system for over 200 years.

Poverty Toward God is Great Tragedy

poverty toward god

What is the greatest form of poverty in this life? Poor pocket? Poor health? Poor relationship? NO! When cancer or accident comes to kill, Christ would say: “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee…[but] you are not rich toward God.” In Luke 12:20-21, Christ taught about poverty toward God.

Salvation Through Faith in Christ

salvation faith christ

In her lifetime, Gadaria had all the opportunities to know Christ and His offer of free eternal life through faith in His atoning blood. But Gadaria did not seek the face of Christ in a way Mary Magdalene searched and waited for the risen Jesus at His tomb. Gadaria didn’t have the love of the truth; her deception by the devil had strengthened her grip on a false doctrine until her death—a doctrine that the money given to the Church through the priest can buy salvation and eternal life!

The Devil’s Tranquilizing Man’s Pierced Conscience

devil tranquilizing man's pierced conscience

The devil’s tranquilizing man’s guilt is just a necessary part of Satan’s primary agenda to deceive us all. Taught our Lord Jesus Christ that heaven declares adultery even on a minor lustful look. Observed Matthew 5:27-28: “But I say to you, that everyone who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.” The devil disagrees. “It is just a ‘venial sin,’” was his usual soothing pill.

Demons are Influencing Our Culture

demonism influencing culture

Jun P. Espina         1 min read

Updated on February 26th, 2020


Have you noticed that as we advance in technology, we deteriorate in moral values so equally fast? While Eve covered herself, many in today’s generation wanted to show off their body? Nude societies are making headlines in Australia and other countries. And people love them for being such blatantly depraved! God said that the man, Legion, was undressed, and had 2,000 demons! (cf. Mark 5:15) Mary Magdalene had seven demons. (Mark 16:9) Indeed, the demons are influencing our culture, and worse, our majority support and enjoy them! The apostle Paul wrote over 2000 years ago that “although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.” Corrupt politicians are voted in and the principled ones voted out. The people’s choice to release Barabbas, the robber, and crucify Jesus stays in the human heart until now to dignify what is crooked and wrong. How about calling a harlot as a “pornstar?” What talent does she possess to merit the adjective of a “star” or famous? Why not shameful, wicked, falling star—or other terms more convicting! The demons, the powers of darkness, must have twisted our moral sense and shaped out what is ugly and immoral into our culture.

Read more

© 2012-2023 ByThisVerse | Jun P. Espina. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy