Greetings My Friend

Welcome to my personal blog. This blog is all about life, faith, love and anything under the sun. Peace out.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Wazzup

Tadaima! (I'm back!)

Been busy these past few weeks and finally got time to write again. A lot happened recently - busy at work, attended concerts and events, saw awesome movies and learned some life lessons along the way. 

Work - Still adjusting to my new daily routine. Arriving at work by 10am and leaving by 8pm. Got some new friends, thankful to the epic conversations 'bout school pride and rivalries. Haha Grateful that by next month I'll be handling tasks of a Project Manager. Favor.

Hillsong United - Had an amazing night worshiping with this great guys from Australia. Thank you for coming! And as the music style progress , same message will always be the heart of every song. Aftermath.

IFP Boot Camp - Fire!

Azkals - Sold out tickets in 2 hours! Got mine :)

Kung Fu Panda 2 - Inner Peace. Will make a separate blog for this movie. Has a lot of substance in the storyline. Must watch!

We're All In This Together. - This documentary literally changed my view in life and humanity. It blew me away. Grace at its best!

Sometimes we can be caught up doing almost anything and doing life, instead we find ourselves exhausted and empty. Make Jesus first in everything and you'll see the difference it'll make in your daily life. 

Still growing in faith and enjoying this relationship I don't deserve. Real love.

~Rob

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Hillsong United 2011

Hi guys!

Robin here, part of the Steet Team from Becca Music for the upcoming Hillsong United concert this June 2 2011 at the ARANETA COLISEUM. Below are the ticket prices and the process for ticket reservations. 

Tickets are not yet available but I'm accepting ticket reservations as of now. I'll inform you guys if its already out :)

Here are the details:
TICKET PRICES:
                VIP:             P1,800 (reserved seating)
                PATRON           P1,500 (reserved seating)
                LOWER BOX:       P1,500 (reserved seating)
                UPPER BOX A:     P800 (free seating)
                UPPER BOX B:     P500 (free seating)
                GEN AD           P300 (free seating)


Ticket reservation:


Example
Name: Joel Houston
Contact Number: 09191234567
Preferred Seats (Quantity): VIP (5)
Preferred meetup: [ 3 meet up points, choose one: Makati (Ayala Ave), DLSU Taft, SM City Sta Rosa.]


IMPORTANT!!!
  • NO group discount will be given for the Hillsong United concert.
  • You will RECEIVA a confirmation message for ticket reservations.
  • Make sure your orders are FINAL. 
  • Reservation will be void after 2 DAYS.
  • I  will contact you soon as the tickets are available for payment and pick up.

Contact me:
twitter.com/robinvillegas
09228618248

ribon.johnrobin@gmail.com

Friday, April 15, 2011

Doing Life Together.

God is doing great things in different churches worldwide. The message of discipleship is universal nowadays. Seminars, conferences and programs all around the corner. But at the end of the day, I'm hoping that it will not be all about the numbers (I'm not denying its significance.) and church growth but Honoring God and Making Disciples.


I've been blessed to have some mentors during my student days. Credits to Kuya Nathan and Kuya Mark. Both of them have been so good to me. They were there when I needed prayers. They were there when I needed someone to talk to. I thank them for all the wisdom and advice they gave to me. Those words really helps in building my faith and staying strong. Yes, they have faults. They are not perfect. Still it is great to know that some people took time to invest their lives to me.  


That's discipleship. Discipleship is relationship. 


Discipleship can be found in small groups, where in our case, we call it LIFE GROUPS. These groups are essential in a way that it helps everyone involved to grow and learn in their Christian journey. Attending church services is great but you cannot experience growth without the fellowship with other believers. You may have questions that can't  be answered during big gatherings so it's very important to have someone to help you in one way or another.


So what do we do in LIFE GROUPS? Simple. Study God's Word. Learn. Pray for one another. Share stories. Eat together! It's just doing life together. :)


Go Small. Grow BIG.



Unang Sweldo

Finally, got time to sit down and blog again. Been a while.


I read my previous posts about my job hunting and it amazes how God has been really faithful in my life. I'm now working as a Junior Operations Officer at Information Gateway in Makati and part of the SMART Communications Team. My prayer 3 months ago, was to work in SMART. In one way or another, IG was outsourced by SMART for their Value-Added-Services (coincidence? nah!?!). 2 days ago, I got my first paycheck and it was fulfilling. Grateful. The stress and work loads finally paid off. Now, the challenge for me is to be a good steward of my finances. Haha. I'm working on it. Planning to buy great stuff. Will save money for that. Excited.


The past three weeks have been really busy for me adjusting with the work schedules and environment. Excellence and submission are primarily the character needed for everyone to achieve success in any professional career. I made some mistakes. Learned things the hard way. Still, it will help me grow as an employee and as a person.  Newbie here (valid excuse :P)


Got some new friends and they are great people. Masipag. Hope to know them more.


That's all for now.
~Rob

Monday, March 28, 2011

Shine

Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. Mark 4:21


Took time to read and meditate this verse earlier this morning before I started with my first day at work. Indeed, God has His ways in making things happen. I don't understand it but there's excitement if you don't know everything (I'm talking about my job hunting experience, but that's a different story). 


I was praying for the past few days how can my life be a blessing to other people, especially to the people at our office. This verse says it all. 
    Light - Jesus 
    Lamp - Me/You/Us
    Stand - Community (school, office, neighborhood, organisation)


    Make sure you get the Light from the light Himself, Jesus. How? Through His word, His Church and His people. The lamp symbolized our life. Make yourself available to get some light. You can't shine if you are not connected to the source. Very basic yet neglected. Have a regular quiet time. Pray. Enjoy  the company of fellow believers. Apply what you learned.


    Next question is, where can I shine? Where you are right now is the very place where God wants you to shine. Everything happens for a reason. It's no accident you are in that school or in that company. God knows and He has a plan. A perfect plan. Better listen and do our part.


    When I shine, you shine, We all shine bright. There's too much darkness going on. Spread some light. 


    Will leave you with this verse.


    In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16







    Saturday, March 19, 2011

    Somethings

    Hi. I have a gift for you tonight. 


    "Under the thin, crisp air
    It was white everywhere
    Standing
    droplets of rain are being throwed
    By heaven, on us they were throwed
    You looked....I stumble
    Wow.
    It was love at 48th sight
    It was 'my' love, again
    and for more."


    ~Cha (23rd of July, 2010)

    Sunday, March 13, 2011

    Panliligaw: Pinoy Style

    Hope of all Hearts

    Last Saturday, March 12 I am honored to be a part of the volunteer team for Planetshakers Live in Manila. Thanks to Ms Anne, Kuya Gel, Ms Jen, Sir Stan and everyone in the Becca family for bringing them here. Everyone had a great night. Met some old and new friends. New Life Music and Jodi King were part of the front act and both of them did a great job.


    Planetshakers have been to Manila for the 3rd time and they just keep bringing more songs that make us close to God's heart. Some of my favorites were sang last Saturday including: Like A Fire, Jump Around, Free, You Are Good and Hope of all Hearts.


    The best thing for me was we were able to pray for our brothers and sisters and all the people in Japan. We did that when we were singing Hope of all Hearts and that song is just right to extend our prayers comfort and protection to those people. There is hope. Jesus is the hope of all hearts.


    Great night to worship with fellow believers. Till next time.


    Hope of All Hearts
    Planetshakers


    The world may fade
    You will remain
    In the midst of the trial                                    
    You will always be the same                            
    Our God never fails                            
    Our God never fails


    With hope and light
    You reign over all                
    Though my heart may fail                                      
    You will always be the same                            
    Our God never fails                          
    Our God never fails
                    
    Praise in the morning
    Praise in the evening
    Praise when I’m laughing
    Praise when I’m grieving
    There will be dancing
    There will be singing    
    Upon injustice we will tell of our God


    The hope of all hearts
    The hope of all hearts is you
    Your love never fails                        
    Your love never fails


    With hope and light
    You reign over all
    Though my heart may fail
    You will always be all the same
    Our God never fails
    Our God never fails


    In darkness,
    In triumph, my soul shall sing        
    Of his mercy, and kindness                        
    Our offering of praise                        
    Our God never fails
    Our God never fails


    Friday, March 11, 2011

    Where our safety lies

    From Gary V.

    You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. - Matt 24:6-8 (NIV)

    The “birth pains” have now become quite frequent, and we know that with more birth pains at shorter intervals, the inevitable isn’t far off.
    It is not meant to threaten anyone but to encourage everyone that while there still is time…make that decision and move to safe ground.

    “Safety is not in the absence of danger but being in the presence of the Almighty God.” - Ptr Ray-An Fuentes

    Monday, March 7, 2011

    SWITCHFOOT Live In Manila 2011


    That's right, the multiaward-winning American band is coming to Manila this April 30, 2011! This is your chance to watch Switchfoot live for their second visit to the Philippines. 
    Venue: Phil-Sports Arena (Formerly Ultra)
    Date:     April 30, 2011 (Saturday)
    Time:    7:30PM

    TICKET PRICES:
                    VIP:                        P3500
                    COURTSEAT:       P2500
                    RINGSIDE:           P1800
                    LOWER LEVEL:   P1500
                    RINGSIDE 2:        P 800 (free seating)
                    GEN AD                 P 500 (free seating)


    Patience

    Patience.


    Ito siguro yung isa sa mga bagay na alam kong mahina ako. Ayokong pinaghihintay ako, lalo na yung sa pila at sa mga laging na-lalate na tao. Kahapon, alam kong kailangan kong baguhin ang perspective ko sa patience kaya nakinig ako sa podcast ni Pastor Joey Bonifacio. Isa siya sa taong talagang hinahangaan ko at tuwing nakikinig ako sa kanya imposible na wala akong matutunan. Bilib ako sa wisdom nat humility niya. Dahil siya mismo ang umamin na mahina din ang pasensya niya. 


    If I want to understand patience, I MUST understand time. He quoted a verse from Ecclesiastes that 'There's a time for everything.". This verse is simple yet profound. No need to rush things because everything will happen at a certain time. No pressure. 


    If I want to understand patience, I MUST understand that there are seasons in life. There will be times when all you do is fruitful and that's SPRING. But, there will be times when even you do everything you can to see a fruit it will not happen, that's WINTER. There's a time to rest and a time to work again.


    If I want to understand patience, I MUST understand love. Love is patient. He goes with a saying that God is patient with us. People, including myself wants to rush things and if it didn't happen in our time frame we tend to blame others and get frustrated. God sees the big picture.


    One concrete example of patience is how the farmer is looking forward to his harvest. The seed is there and what's between the seed and harvest is time....PATIENCE. He know that as time passes by, time will come and he'll see that the harvest is worth waiting.


    Whether you're waiting for a call for your dream job....
    or waiting for your future partner....
    or waiting in a line for those documents...
    or waiting to get out of traffic


    We all need to be patient. And in that time of waiting, believe, hope and be excited for the future knowing that the best is yet to come. Be a better you. 



    Monday, February 28, 2011

    Busy February Weekend

    Feb 25 - Friday


    Spent most of my time at church since we were in charge of the stage design and creative stuffs for the Thanksgiving anniversary. Had a great time with churchmates decorating and making the church as presentable as it should be. The altar,stage curtains, LCD projector, tarpaulin and wallpapers were done by all of us. Thumbs up guys! We all did a great job. Thankfully, there's Burger Machine to fill out our tummies. Sarap!


    Feb 26 - Saturday


    Finally, Mama bought Bert a new phone, the Samsung Galaxy Ace. I told him to buy it coz of its awesome features in an affordable price. Later that day, I went to Araneta Coliseum with Dong to watch Super Show 3. By 5PM, the dome was filled with fan girls. 3 hours of pure awesomeness. These guys are talented. Personally, I liked the solo performance of Yesung, Henry and Eunhyuk. I can barely here their voices because of the deafening screams of all the fan girls. It was really loud!!! Great experience. Got home by 1AM.


    Feb 27 - Sunday


    Woke up early for our church's 18th anniversary. It was special for everyone since the theme was all about acceptable offerings to God. What could be more acceptable than giving our very life and the best of us to Him. We did some prophetic gestures like walking and giving our offering to the altar that we made last week.  Everyone did a great job. I salute all the people who did their best behind the scenes. There's free lunch for everybody. It was a celebration of God's faithfulness. More fruitful years to come. 


    Later that afternoon, me and some  TLW trainers went to Day by Day Christian Ministries to help them out with the TLW training. It's always great to share what I know to these young people and really teach them about what real love really is. Had a great time with my small group: Charlene, Vangie, Shin, Alvin, Joshua, Jao. Rashiel and James. We're rollin'!!!!


    One of my busiest weekend so far. 
    Feels great to be serve and help others. You better try it.
    ~Rob

    Thursday, February 24, 2011

    Gusto ko

    Got free time today to compose and put some chords in it. So here it is.


    Key of E


    Maraming beses na akong nadapa
    Maraming beses na mata ko'y lumuha
    Di makakaila na kailangan Kita
    Kaya ngayon ako'y Sayo na


    Gusto kong makita ang yong nakikita
    Gusto kong maisip ang yong naiisip
    Gusto kong magbago para Sa'yo
    Salamat sa pagmamahal Mo


    Wala pang title...haha

    Sunday, February 20, 2011

    No.


    Haven't blog for a while. Been busy for quite some time. Anyway, just had my morning Bible reading and learned that as believers we must learn to say NO to temptation.


    Luke 4.: 1-13 / The temptation of Jesus. 


    Even Jesus, the Son of God was tempted and was not an exception for this. But He knew how to resist and say NO.


    Here's some advice as I read the passage:


    1. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. In verse 1, it was emphasized that Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and later on went to the wilderness. One can't rely on one's self to overcome any temptation or testing in life. Learn to lean on the power of the Spirit that lives in all of us. 


    2. Acknowledge the power of Scriptures. Jesus quoted some verses to the devil because He knew there is great power in it. He reminded himself about God's words and made Him stronger and bold to confront the enemy.


    3. Learn to say NO. With the Holy Spirit and God's word, Jesus was able to say NO. He knew that if He gave in to temptation, He will commit sin against His Father in heaven. He thinks before he acts.




    Being tempted is not a sin. But if you GAVE IN to that then it becomes a sin. Remember that God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bare. His grace is sufficient.


    Have a great week! 
    ~Rob


    Thursday, February 3, 2011

    Salamat

    A chapter of my life is about to close and a new chapter will begin. Graduation will be on Saturday. But before that I would like to post a thank you message to all of the people who made me what I am today.


    To all of my blockmates, block EN. Kahit 1 year lang tayo nagkasama, nagenjoy talaga ako.sa  Special thanks sa mga unang naging kaibigan ko sa DLSU, sila Keem, VJ, Francis, Brett, Perdi, Ian at madami pang iba. Maraming umalis at lumipat block natin at isa na ko dun. Pero nakakatuwang isipin na sabay sabya pa rin tayong ga-graduate. Buti na lang trisem tayo. Haha


    To ICTM ID 107, S13, S14, S15, S16. Salamat kahit bago ako sa CCS, welcome pa din ako. Drama. Masyadong madami para sabihin ko lahat ng names nyo. Piliin ko na lang, salamat kay Pauline, Pe, Robert, Alfred, Maichi., Lara, Ria, Sy, Alexis, Nicole, Jacy, Raisa at sa lahat ng naging groupmates at partner ko sa mga activities. Naka-survive din tayo with flying colors sa course natin.


    To my FORMDEV Family. Salamat kay Doc Sison sa lahat ng tinuro ninyo sakin. I appreciate all of it and it made my faith stronger. Sa fellow facis, salamat sa masasayang kulitan and kantahan. Continue to serve God and others kahit wala na tayo sa campus. Sa lahat ng handles ko, sorry kung di kosa  kayo nalibre. Short lang talaga. Haha. Just keep in mind that no matter what happens God will always be there for you.


    To my CCC family. Thank you kay Kuya Geoff and Kuya Nathan. Sila ang mga naging mentors ko during may early days at DLSU. Thank you din kayla Val, Mark To, Ate Alps, Ate Liselle, Ponch, Kuya Paul, Ate KZ, Ate Kristel, Pearl and many more. You've helped me learn and apply how to really reach out to the students with the Good News. Salamat sa lahat ng advice, archer's calls and follow ups.


    To my JIL family. Thank you sa lahat ng prayers and fellowships. Kung wala kayo di ko alam kung papano ako mag-ggrow as a believer. Sa KKBs and LIFEJAM, I salute you all sa lahat ng ginagawa nyo. Keep it up.


    To Mama and Papa. Salamat sa lahat at kahit na alam nyong mahirap magpa-aral sa La Salle pinilit nyo pa din akong mapagtapos. Alam ko po lahat ng pagod and struggles nyo dahil di naman po talaga madaling magpa-aral sa isang sikat na University. Many time, I took for granted your hard work for me pero it does not mean I'm not grateful. Nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord kasi binigay nya kayo samin nila Bert and Bebe bilang magulang. Kung wala po kayo, wala din ako. Love you Pa and Ma. 


    To Jesus. Thank you po sa lahat ng blesssing and sa maga tao na binigay nyo sa buhay ko. Salamat po sa inyong walang hanggang pag-ibig at habag na patuloy ko pong nararanasan sa kabila ng pagsuway ko po sa inyo. Wala na po akong masabi dahi alam kong alam nyo naman ang laman ng puso ko. Salamat po.


    Excited to see what's in store for me in the future. My best days are ahead of me.


    ~Rob

    Wednesday, January 26, 2011

    Nikon D3100

    Calling Mama and Papa, ok na tong graduation gift. Mas mura kesa sa kotse. Hahaha.

    Read and watched some videos and I am impressed with the features and performance of this DSLR. Cool! Entry level camera for a beginner like me. I want! 


    Busy February

    Just want to share my activities this February. A lot will happen next month. Better to take note all of them. :)


    Feb 1 - Release of Parachute's Band new album: Love Without Measure
    Feb 2- Graduation rehearsal
    Feb 4 - Birthday of our Senior Pastor
    Feb 5 - GRADUATION - yeah men!!!
    Feb 6 - Tagaytay with the Villegas' Family
    Feb 9 - AFC Challenge Cup: Philippines vs. Mongolia (1st leg)
    Feb 7 - I HEART: We're all in this Together DVD Release
    Feb 12 - True Love Waits Seminar
    Feb 13 - LIFEJAM Special
    Feb 14 - Valentines Day. :)
    Feb 15 - Hillsong United Album Release: Avalanche
    Feb 20 - Birthday ni Bert
    Feb 22 - Tatay's birthday
    Feb 26 - Super Junior: Super Show 3
    Feb 27 - JIL Sta. Rosa 18th Church Anniversary


    *Ticket meetups for Planetshakers between these dates.


    WOW! Busy busy busy month for me. Maybe that's the reason why I can't get a job for now. Will focus on career hunting the month after. There's a time for everything. His grace is enough. 

    Thursday, January 20, 2011

    Azkals' Training

    Too bad I can't watch the February 9  match, that's why I decided to went to UMak last monday to watch the first training of Azkals with their new coach, Hans Michael Weiss. It was also the first day of open try-outs. 42 aspirants came. Got to see Dan Palami, Nonong Araneta, Chino Trinidad. TJ Manotoc, Chiqui Roa and the whole Philippines National Football Team. The best is yet to come! All out support for the Azkals. Thank God for the LRT and MRT. Hehehe


    Here's some pictures. 









    Great to see new faces and fans. Football is now getting recognized here in our country. It's really a beautiful game. Excited for the future of AZKALS. You guys are great!

    Samsung Wave s8500

    Hoping to get this phone ever since I watched the demo video. Fast. Sleek. Has a good camera and video capability. HD. Samsung Apps. Waiting for the right time to buy one. Watch the video and see for yourself.




    Hyundai Redefined

    How can you not love Hyundai with these beautiful lineup? 

    Accent


    Elantra


     Genesis Coupe


     Getz


     Grand Starex


     i10


     i30


     Santa Fe


     Sonata


     Tucson

    Can't choose? Buy all of them! Hahaha

    Elantra and Tucson. I want!

    Planetshakers Live in Manila!


    Planetshakers Even Greater Tour March 2011 

    Come join Australia's Planetshakers in their mission to "empower a generation to win a generation" this March 2011! The Melbourne-based band is coming to Manila for the third time, following their mall tour in August 2008 and their last concert in December 2009.


    Date: March 12, 2011
    Time: 7:30PM
    Place: Phil. Sports Arena (former Ultra)

    Tickets:

    VIP Patron: PHP 1000 (reserved seats)
    Courtseat: PHP 800 (reserved seats)
    Ringside/ LL: PHP 800 (reserved seats)
    Ringside II: PHP 500 (free seating)
    Gen Ad: PHP 300 (free seating)

    Contact me for Ticket Reservation:
    ribon.johnrobin@gmail.com
    09228618248

    http://www.beccamusic.com/

    Job Hunting

    I am now officially free to the stress of exams, homeworks and professors. Another chapter of my life is about to begin and I am very excited what will happen next.

    I am currently in search of a job that suits my skills I gained from the University. I may not be as good as you think, but I know I can be of use to the company with proper orientation and training. Got a lot of things to work out. Need to build my character more. Just like what Francis Kong is saying, CHARACTER is more important than the degree you have. It is the true measure of success.

    WIP - work in progress. That's me! I am not perfect but I'm striving to learn everyday. Not afraid to make mistakes. Because I know through that, I can grow and be mature. 

    What will happen next? Maybe months from now, I'll be working full time. I always wanted to work in Makati. He knows my heart and I believe for the best in my future.

    Chill. He's in control.

    ~Rob

    Simple Realizations



    We must put value to these people:


    1. Friends - Have some good time with them. Laugh with them, cry with them. Be there in good times and in bad. Sometimes, you can share things to them you can't tell to your family. Value your friends.


    2. Family - They always got your back. Even if you did a lot stupid stuff. They will be always there for you no matter what happens. Eat with them. Go out and have fun with them. Value your family.


    3. God - The One who started everything. He gave you life. He gave you people that will mold your character. He is the reason why you are here. Talk to Him. Spend time with Him. He understands when no one can. He sees your heart. His love is unconditional. He is our Father.


    There's no need to complicate life. Value these and you will live your life to the full.


    Blessings.


    ~Rob

    Wednesday, January 19, 2011

    Connected

    "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." John 15:4


    Powerful words indeed. Everyone wants to be productive and fruitful in everything they do - whether in their studies, work and relationships. It's great to know that the Bible says it clearly that if we want to be productive, make sure you are attached to the source.


    Let me say it this way. Imagine a LED TV, 48 inches, brand new and high definition. It looks good. The purpose of that TV is to entertain us with the shows and movies. But if it's not plugged in to the power outlet, you can't use it. It's useless. Just a decoration. The same way goes to our relationship with Christ.


    No wonder we can't see things happen when we do it in our own way. We want to be more loving, more forgiving and more helping person. But sometimes, or most of the times we fail. Why? Because we focus on our abilities rather on the Source of that love. I can hear God is saying that you can't do it on your own. You can't change yourself. But I want you to know that I am here and together, we can make things work out. 


    Think about this thought especially to those who are involved in the ministry. Yes, you can plan and have some great activities. But don't get busy with the kingdom, make sure to contact with the King first.


    Remain in Him, and you'll see things happen more than what you can ask or ever imagine.


    ~Rob

    Gospel according to a rock star: Bono of U2




    Gospel According to Bono from U2…knows Gospel Better than Many Pastors


    You can find Bono’s explanation of the Gospel at the following link:  http://www.worldmag.com/articles/10892
    Here is a summary of some things Bono states:
     ”The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death,” replies Bono. “It’s not our own good works that get us through the gates of Heaven.”
    “Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: He was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually Christ doesn’t allow you that. He doesn’t let you off that hook. Christ says, No. I’m not saying I’m a teacher, don’t call me teacher. I’m not saying I’m a prophet. I’m saying: ‘I’m the Messiah.’ I’m saying: ‘I am God incarnate.’ . . . So what you’re left with is either Christ was who He said He was—the Messiah—or a complete nutcase. . . . The idea that the entire course of civilization for over half of the globe could have its fate changed and turned upside-down by a nutcase, for me that’s farfetched.”


    It’s a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma
    “At the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics—in physical laws—every action is met by an equal or an opposite one,” explains Bono. “And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that. . . . Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff.”
    “I’d be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge,” says Bono. “It doesn’t excuse my mistakes, but I’m holding out for Grace. I’m holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity.”
    All I can say is that Bono understands what is at the center of the Gospel: grace, substitutionary atonement, and the deity of Christ. Whether Bono is a Christian is not something I am seeking to answer….but whether Bono understands the Gospel and contended for it in this interview is a resounding yes. I can only hope that the successful megapastors of our day would articulate the Gospel and take seriously the uniqueness of Christ’s claims as Bono does. We would be well off.


    http://endued.wordpress.com/2008/03/25/gospel-according-to-bono-from-u2knows-gospel-better-than-many-pastors/