MarkUp Theology

11/09/2025

Charlie Kirk: Conviction, Conflict, and a Life Cut Short
By: KuyaMark | MarkUp Theology

Charlie Kirk was never one to shy away from controversy. As the founder of Turning Point USA, he built a platform that energized conservative youth across America. He spoke boldly, challenged cultural norms, and made headlines for his unapologetic views on abortion, LGBTQ issues, and the role of Christianity in public life.

On September 11, 2025 (PH), Kirk’s voice was silenced when he was fatally shot during a campus event in Utah. His death shocked both supporters and critics, and it left behind a legacy that continues to stir debate.

Building a Conservative Movement
Kirk started Turning Point USA when he was just 18 years old. What began as a small student organization quickly grew into a national movement. Through campus tours, viral videos, and social media campaigns, Kirk reached millions of young Americans with a message rooted in free markets, limited government, and traditional values.

He later expanded his efforts with Turning Point Faith, a branch focused on mobilizing churches to engage in politics. His goal was clear: to restore what he saw as America’s Christian foundation and push back against secular ideologies.

Taking a Stand and Facing Backlash
Kirk’s views on abortion were among his most controversial. He was firmly pro-life, often using strong language to describe the moral weight of the issue. In one viral moment, he responded to a hypothetical question about abortion in extreme circumstances by saying, “Yes, the child would be born.” For Kirk, there were no exceptions.

His stance on LGBTQ issues also drew intense criticism. He frequently spoke out against same-sex marriage, gender identity policies, and LGBTQ-inclusive education. He described these cultural shifts as “sexual anarchy” and warned that they threatened the moral fabric of society.

These positions sparked protests, especially on college campuses. Students walked out of his events, activists called for bans, and media outlets labeled him divisive. But Kirk stood his ground, insisting that his convictions were rooted in biblical truth.

A Tragic Ending
During a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University, Kirk was discussing mass shootings when a sniper’s bullet struck him in the neck. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive. He was just 31 years old.

The response was immediate. Politicians from both sides of the aisle condemned the violence. Public figures, including Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, expressed their condolences. Even celebrities like Chris Pratt and Rob Schneider spoke out, calling for unity and peace.

Kirk left behind his wife, Erika, and their two children. His death reignited conversations about political rhetoric, safety at public events, and the deep divisions in American society.

Looking Back and Moving Forward
Charlie Kirk lived a life of conviction. Whether you agreed with him or not, he was consistent, passionate, and unafraid to speak his mind. His work challenged the church to think about its role in politics, culture, and education.

As we reflect on his legacy, we’re reminded of the importance of engaging with boldness... but also with grace. Kirk’s story invites us to ask: How do we stand for truth in a world that’s increasingly hostile to it? And how do we do so without losing sight of love, humility, and the gospel?

May our Good and Sovereign God bless us all.

Soli Deo Gloria!

11/09/2025

May the good Lord, in His sovereign grace, grant that Charlie Kirk found rest in Christ alone—the only true hope in life and in death.

Soli Deo Gloria.

10/09/2025

https://www.youtube.com/live/nwvub4hk9i0

Join us for a special lecture in Westminster Theological Seminary's Fall 2025 Chapel series. This lecture marks the appointment of Dr. Jonny Gibson as Profes...

10/09/2025

ROBBED: A Christian Response to Corruption in the Philippines
By Kuya Mark | MarkUp Theology

“The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with Him.”
Proverbs 11:1

When Justice Feels Stolen
In a country where corruption often makes headlines, many Filipinos feel robbed but not just of money, but of dignity, opportunity, and trust. From overpriced government contracts to missing public funds, the sense of injustice is real and painful.

But how should a true Christian respond when the system seems broken and the righteous suffer?

Robbery Beyond Money
Corruption is more than theft. It is a violation of righteousness. It robs:

Students of quality education
Patients of proper healthcare
Workers of fair wages
Citizens of hope

It’s easy to feel helpless. But Scripture reminds us that God sees, God hears, and God will act.

Biblical Truth: God Hates Corruption
The Bible is clear. God detests dishonest gain.

“Woe to those who make unjust laws…” (Isaiah 10:1)
“Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent.” (Exodus 23:8)

God’s justice is not delayed. It is patient, giving time for repentance. But when repentance is ignored, judgment follows.

How Should Christians Respond?
Stay Honest in a Dishonest World
Even when corruption surrounds us, we are called to live with integrity. Whether you're a vendor, a teacher, a driver, or a government employee, do what is right even when no one is watching.

“Better is a poor man who walks in integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” (Proverbs 28:6)

Speak Truth with Courage
Silence can be complicity. Christians must speak up against injustice... not with hate, but with conviction and compassion. Whether through social media, community forums, or church platforms, let your voice be a light.

Pray for Justice, Act with Mercy
Prayer is powerful, but it must be paired with action. Support honest leaders. Educate others. Help the poor. Be part of the solution, not just a spectator.

Trust God’s Justice
Even when earthly justice fails, God’s justice never does. He will expose what is hidden, and He will vindicate the oppressed.

“For we know Him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay.’” (Hebrews 10:30)

A Word to the Church
Churches must not remain neutral in the face of corruption. We are called to be salt and light. We must preserve truth and expose darkness. Let our pulpits preach righteousness. Let our members live it.

Robbed, But Not Defeated
Yes, we may be robbed, but we are not defeated. The Christian response is not revenge. It is righteous resistance. It is not bitterness. It is boldness in truth. It is not despair. It is hope in God’s justice.

Let us live with integrity, speak with courage, and trust that the Lord will restore what corruption has stolen.

Soli Deo Gloria!

09/09/2025

Safe or Unsafe: The Hidden Danger of Secret Sin and the Justice of God
By Kuya Mark | MarkUp Theology

“For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
— Ecclesiastes 12:14

The Illusion of Safety
In our world today especially here in the Philippines, many people live with a false sense of safety. Some feel safe because they haven’t been caught. Others feel secure because their wrongdoings are hidden behind closed doors, encrypted messages, or layers of influence and power.

But Scripture reminds us: being “safe” from human eyes does not mean being safe from God’s justice.

The Danger of Being Unsafe
There are three kinds of “unsafe” that Scripture warns us about:

1. Unsafe in Secret
Many sins are committed in secret corruption, infidelity, abuse, dishonesty. But God sees what is done in the dark. Jesus said, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” (Luke 12:2)

In the Philippines, we’ve seen how hidden crimes eventually surface. Whistleblowers speak out. Documents leak. Victims find courage. God has a way of exposing what man tries to bury.

2. Unsafe in Pretending
Some people wear masks of righteousness... churchgoers, leaders, influencers yet live double lives. They appear safe, but their hearts are far from God. This is spiritual hypocrisy, and Jesus had strong words for it: “Woe to you… you are like whitewashed tombs.” (Matthew 23:27)

Pretending to be good while living in sin is not safety, it’s spiritual danger.

3. Unsafe in Delay
Others think, “I’ll change later. I’ll repent when I’m older.” But delaying obedience is disobedience. The longer we wait, the harder our hearts become. And justice delayed is not justice denied... God’s judgment will come, in His time.

God’s Justice Is Sure
The Bible is clear: God is just. He may be patient, but He is not passive. He may be merciful, but He is not blind.

Whether it’s a corrupt official, a cheating spouse, a dishonest businessman, or a gossiping neighbor God will bring every deed into judgment.

This is not just a warning but it’s a comfort. For victims of injustice, for those who suffer silently, for those who cry out for truth that God hears. God sees. God will act.

The Call to True Safety
So what does it mean to be truly safe?

Safety is found in repentance. Turning away from sin and turning toward God.
Safety is found in integrity. Living honestly, even when no one is watching.
Safety is found in Christ. Only Jesus can cover our sins, cleanse our hearts, and make us right before God.
A Word to the Church
To my fellow believers: let’s not be content with appearances. Let’s not hide behind religion while harboring rebellion. Let’s be a people of truth, transparency, and transformation.

Let’s be safe not because we’re clever, but because we’re covered by grace.

Conclusion: Justice Will Be Served
Whether in this life or the next, justice will be served. The question is not whether God will act—it’s whether we will respond before He does.

Let’s not wait to be exposed. Let’s choose to be real, repentant, and redeemed.

Soli Deo Gloria!

07/09/2025

“There Will Be Trouble and Calamity”: A Wake-Up Call for the Philippines
By Kuya Mark | MarkUp Theology

“There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile.”
— Romans 2:9 (NLT)

A Verse for Our Times
Romans 2:9 is not just a warning to ancient Israel or the early church, it’s a timeless truth that echoes through every generation. In today’s Philippines, this verse feels especially urgent. As we scroll through headlines filled with corruption scandals, environmental disasters, rising crime, and deepening inequality, we must ask: Are we reaping the consequences of collective disobedience?

This isn’t about finger-pointing. It’s about reflection. It’s about repentance. And it’s about hope.

The Cycle of Evil and Calamity
Paul’s words in Romans 2:9 are part of a larger argument: God shows no favoritism. Whether Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, public official or private citizen, those who persist in doing evil will face consequences.

In the Philippines, we see this cycle play out in real time:

Corruption in high places continues to drain resources meant for the poor. From overpriced infrastructure projects to ghost employees in government payrolls, evil festers when accountability is absent.
Environmental abuse, illegal logging, mining, and pollution—has led to landslides, flooding, and food insecurity. Creation groans under the weight of human greed.
Disinformation and online toxicity have eroded truth and trust. Lies spread faster than facts, and many are led astray by influencers who profit from division.
Violence and injustice from extrajudicial killings to domestic abuse are often met with silence or apathy.
These are not just “social issues.” They are spiritual issues. And Romans 2:9 reminds us that God sees, God knows, and God will act.

God’s Justice Is Not Delayed—It’s Patient
Some may ask, “If God is just, why does evil seem to prosper?” Paul answers this earlier in Romans 2:4: “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you?”

God’s patience is not permission. It’s an opportunity. A chance to repent. A chance to turn from evil and walk in righteousness.

But when we ignore that chance when we persist in injustice, dishonesty, and idolatry, trouble and calamity are not far behind.

What Can We Do?
As believers, we are not called to despair we are called to discern, declare, and do:

Discern the times. Let’s not be numb to evil or normalize sin. Let’s call it what it is.
Declare the truth. Speak up for righteousness in your family, workplace, and community. Use your voice to uplift, not to tear down.
Do what is right. Whether you’re a student, a tricycle driver, a barangay captain, or a CEO... choose integrity. Choose compassion. Choose justice.
A Word to the Church
To my fellow Christians: we are not exempt from this warning. Romans 2 was written to religious people who thought they were safe because of their heritage or rituals. But Paul says, “It’s not those who hear the law who are righteous, but those who obey it.” (Romans 2:13)

Let’s not be content with Sunday worship while ignoring weekday wickedness. Let’s not preach grace while practicing greed. Revival begins with repentance.

Conclusion: Trouble or Transformation?
Romans 2:9 is a sobering verse. But it’s not the end of the story. The same God who warns of trouble also offers transformation. Through Christ, we can be forgiven, renewed, and empowered to live differently.

The Philippines doesn’t need more slogans. It needs a moral awakening. It needs people who will say, “Enough is enough. I will not participate in evil. I will stand for what is right.”

Let that awakening begin with us.

Soli Deo Gloria!

07/09/2025

Join the Educators’ AI Global Forum 2025! ✨🌍

📅 Date: September 27, 2025 | 9AM-5PM (PST)
📍Mode: Online
🎯 Theme: Demystifying AI Hallucinations: Foundations, Failures, and Fixes

Get ready for a global exchange of ideas as educators, researchers, and innovators tackle one of the biggest challenges in Artificial Intelligence— understanding and addressing AI hallucinations in education and beyond.

🎤 Featured Speakers

1. Dr. Aldrin Estonanto– Associate Professor V, Nadim Bronze Awardee (Southeast Asia)

2. Dr. Joseph Cemena, LPT– Filipino Supervisor, Unida Christian Colleges, Philippines

3. Mr. Gerald Ello, LPT– Instructor, City College of Tagaytay | Think Tank - SciTech

4. Ms. Annalyn Aban, LPT – Robotics Technology Trainer & Educator, Felta Multimedia Inc.

5. Mr. Naseruddin Ali, CSE – Computer Educator, Delhi Public School Nagpur, MH (India)

6. Mr. Joshua Vidal– Editor-in-chief, SciTech

7. Mr. Mark Ramos, Th.M. – Global Compliance Auditor, Teleperformance PH

8. Mr. Lemuel Ramos, LPT – Science Supervisor, Unida Christian Colleges

9. Ms. Roselyn Simbajon, MLIS– Chief Librarian, Unida Christian Colleges

10. Marlon Fernandez, MA, LPT– Google Certified Innovator | Think Tank - SciTech

11. Mr. Jignesh Kamlesh Patel– PGT & IT Manager, Delhi Public School Lava Nagpur, India

12. Aston Quielza, LPT (MA-Cand.)– Francisco E. Barzaga Integrated High School, Research Fellow - SciTech

13. Ms. Jerryl Jean L. Saunayan– Teacher & Researcher, Department of Education, Philippines

14. Dr. Hui Geng– College of Foreign Studies, Guilin University of Technology, China

15. Dr. Emma Estenzo Porio- Ateneo De Manila Professor and Principal Investigator of CCARPH

16. Trixie Buraga Pascual- Research Intern of CCARPh-ADMU

17. Judd Christian Bañas- Research Intern of CCARPh-ADMU

🎙️ Hosts

Jezelle Aron-Salvacion, LPT, MAEd (Cand.)–Instructor, National University-MOA, School of Arts and Sciences

Mr. Dustin Flores–Instructor, Far Eastern University, Alabang

✅ Free Registration Here: https://bit.ly/Educatorsforum2025

📧 Inquiries: [email protected]

🔗 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and shape the future of education with AI.

06/09/2025

Poverty by Design

by: Kuya Mark | MarkUp Theology

“Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights…”
— Isaiah 10:1–2 (NIV)

Is Poverty Intentional?
The assertion that “poverty is intentional” may sound provocative, but it reflects a growing body of political theory and lived experience. This idea aligns with what scholars call predatory governance, a system where those in power intentionally suppress progress, manipulate institutions, and keep populations dependent to maintain control.

In this view, poverty is not merely the result of tragedy or poor choices. It is manufactured and a product of systemic neglect, policy manipulation, and intentional underdevelopment.

Predatory Governance: A Modern Pharaoh?

Predatory governance thrives when:

Education is underfunded, keeping people uninformed and unempowered.
Social services are inconsistent, making survival a daily struggle.
Policies prioritize politics over productivity, stifling industries and innovation.
This is not new. In Exodus, Pharaoh feared the growing strength of the Israelites and responded by oppressing them with forced labor (Exodus 1:8–14). His goal was not just economic gain—it was control. He weaponized poverty to prevent liberation.

Today, similar patterns emerge when leaders intentionally limit opportunities, exploit the poor, and use dependency as a political tool.

Biblical Insights: God’s Heart for Justice
Scripture consistently reveals God’s concern for the poor and His judgment against those who exploit them:

Proverbs 14:31 – “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker.”
Amos 5:11–12 – God condemns those who “trample on the poor” and “deprive the innocent of justice.”
Luke 4:18 – Jesus declares His mission: “to proclaim good news to the poor… to set the oppressed free.”
The Bible does not treat poverty as a moral failure of the individual, but often as a symptom of systemic injustice. God calls His people to break the chains of oppression, not reinforce them.

Christian Responsibility: Prophetic Engagement
As followers of Christ, we are called to discern the systems that perpetuate poverty and speak truth to power. This includes:

Educating ourselves and others about the root causes of poverty.
Advocating for policies that promote equity, access, and dignity.
Empowering communities through discipleship, education, and economic opportunity.
The Church must not be silent or complicit. We are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16), preserving truth and illuminating injustice.

Are We Builders or Bystanders?
If poverty is indeed intentional in many contexts, then neutrality is not an option. To ignore systemic injustice is to participate in it by omission.

Let us ask:

Are we challenging unjust systems, or benefiting from them?
Are we lifting others up, or turning a blind eye?
Are we building the Kingdom of God, or maintaining the kingdoms of men?
Conclusion: Hope in the Midst of Injustice
While predatory governance may seem overwhelming, the Gospel offers hope. Jesus came not only to save souls but to transform societies. His Kingdom is one of justice, mercy, and truth.

Let us be agents of that Kingdom, challenging systems, empowering the poor, and living out the radical love of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.

Soli Deo Gloria!

04/09/2025

🇵🇭 When Justice Cries Out
By Kuya Mark | MarkUp Theology

💔 A Nation in Crisis
The Philippines today faces a flood—not just of water, but of corruption. Billions of pesos have been allocated for flood control projects, yet many communities remain submerged in both literal floods and systemic injustice.

From ghost projects and substandard construction to bribery and political favoritism, the crisis is not just economic, it’s moral. It reflects a deeper sickness in the soul of our nation. When public service becomes self-service, the poor suffer most. When integrity is traded for influence, the nation groans.

📜 What Scripture Says
God’s Word speaks clearly about injustice. The prophets condemned leaders who exploited the poor and twisted justice for personal gain. Isaiah warns of those who “make unjust laws,” and Proverbs reminds us that righteousness, not wealth or power is what truly lifts a nation.

God is not indifferent. He sees. He hears. And He calls His people to respond, not with rage, but with righteousness; not with despair, but with discernment.

🙏 A Call to the Church
In times like these, the Church must not remain silent. We are called to be salt and light, to live with integrity, to speak truth, and to intercede for our leaders and communities.

Revival begins not in government halls, but in the hearts of God’s people. We must model the righteousness we long to see in our nation. Our pulpits must preach truth. Our homes must reflect grace. Our lives must embody justice.

🔍 A Call to Examine Ourselves
Before we condemn corruption in others, we must examine our own lives. Are we honest in our dealings? Faithful in our responsibilities? Compassionate in our leadership?

The fight against corruption begins with personal repentance and a renewed commitment to live according to God’s truth. We cannot call for national integrity while tolerating personal compromise.

🌱 A Call to Hope
Despite the darkness, there is hope. The Gospel reminds us that transformation is possible. That justice will prevail. That God is still at work in our nation.

Let us not grow weary. Let us pray. Let us act. Let us believe that righteousness can still exalt the Philippines. The floodwaters of corruption may rise, but the foundation of truth stands firm.

📌 Reflection Questions
How can I live with integrity in a corrupt culture?
What role does prayer play in national healing?
How can the Church be a voice for justice today?

Soli Deo Gloria!