Rev. Pj Olsino

29/11/2025

Respect is a virtue that thrives best when it is demonstrated rather than demanded. Many individuals grow up in environments where older generations assert that respect must be granted automatically. However, age alone does not confer dignity, and true honor cannot be imposed. It is earned through humility, steadiness, and a life that embodies wisdom. Young people need to understand this clearly: you are not required to honor arrogance simply because it comes from someone older.

Also, keep this in mind 👉 growing older does not give anyone the right to disrespect younger individuals. Age brings experience, certainly, but it does not grant permission to belittle, insult, or look down on those who are still developing. Respect must be reciprocal. The older generation is called to exemplify patience, gentleness, and guidance. Meanwhile, the younger generation should look for lives worth emulating. When elders wield age as a weapon, they undermine the very respect they seek.

As a young man myself, I don't concern myself with whether those younger than me choose to respect me. Respect holds value only when it is given freely. I do not demand it nor gauge my worth by it. Instead, I encourage you, young men and women, to live in an honorable manner before God, regardless of how others respond. Your identity should rest not on the approval of others but on the Lord who knows your heart.

Aim to be an example. Let your words be thoughtful, your actions consistent, and your commitments genuine. If others, whether younger or older, see your character and choose to show you respect, then be grateful. If they do not, remain steadfast and continue on your faithful path. You gain nothing by pursuing human praise.

Young people, you are in a pivotal stage of life where humility, discipline, and integrity will lay the groundwork for years ahead. Respect emerges from these qualities. When you express respect freely, without fear or pride, you reflect the gentle strength of Christ. And when you receive respect without demanding it, you exhibit the quiet confidence of someone who knows their worth in Him.

Remember that you young people will soon become the older generation yourselves. Let us break the cycle of enforced respect and demonstrate what genuine respect truly means.

29/11/2025

What Is at Stake Here—Cultural Norms or the Authority of God’s Word?

The issue of women's ordination is often presented as a debate about gender roles. However, the underlying question is much deeper: What truly governs the Church—cultural norms or the authority of God’s Word? The core of this discussion is not about human preferences but about divine order established by the Lord who redeemed His Church with His own blood.

Some supporters of women's ordination come from traditions where they were taught that women can serve as pastors. If someone has been shaped by a church body that views pastoral roles as functional rather than divinely ordained, it can be challenging to rethink that perspective. Yet Scripture consistently bases the pastoral office not on culture but on God’s design for His Church (1 Timothy 2:12–14; 1 Corinthians 14:33–38). Examining these texts in context shows that Paul appeals not to temporary customs but to creation and the fall—realities that Christ came to restore through His saving work.

Others may support women's ordination simply because they haven't carefully studied Scripture. In an era filled with slogans, many mistakenly believe that equality means being interchangeable. However, the biblical perspective offers a different understanding: redeemed men and women have equal worth before God (Galatians 3:28) but do not hold the same offices. Christ designates certain men to preach His Word publicly, not because of superiority, but because He has ordered His Church according to His wisdom.

Some may adopt a liberal theological stance, thinking that modern ideas signify progress. Yet theological “liberalism” often disregards Scriptural authority in favor of human judgment. Being progressive doesn’t equate to being more faithful. When Christ calls the Church to listen to His voice (John 10:27), He guides us away from human speculation and back to His revealed Word.

There are also those who simply choose not to listen. This problem of closed ears is not new; the Lord frequently confronts His people for resisting His Word even when it is clear (Isaiah 30:9–11; Acts 7:51). When Scripture is dismissed, the matter goes beyond gender—it becomes about obedience.

So, we circle back to the question: What is at stake—gender roles or God’s authority? The answer is clear. The pastoral office cannot be redefined by us. The Church must either stand under Christ’s Word or stand on its own. Only one option leads to true faithfulness.

28/11/2025

Research indicates that women who assert control over their husbands at home often seek to do the same with their pastors in church. When the dynamics at home are disrupted, it frequently causes issues within the congregation. A wife who dominates her husband tends to carry that same attitude into the church, challenging pastoral authority, undermining teachings, and trying to reshape the church's order according to her own preferences. This isn't just about personality; it's a natural result of disregarding the order God set up for the benefit of both home and church.

As a pastor, I often face accusations of “restricting service to men.” In truth, I'm upholding the order established by Christ, that is, an order that safeguards the church from confusion, conflict, and self-appointed leadership. The pastoral role isn't based on talent, enthusiasm, or societal expectations but rather on what the Lord has instituted.

At the same time, claiming, “We cannot serve God because we are women,” is an argument that misses the mark. Scripture affirms that every believer, regardless of gender, has a meaningful vocation given by God. Women contribute significantly to their homes, communities, and congregations through prayer, acts of mercy, witness, teaching children, and many other expressions of love. To equate “service” solely with “pastoral office” shows a misunderstanding of both concepts.

Additionally, the argument that “other denominations allow women pastors” lacks validity. The Church doesn’t base its doctrine on external trends but on Scripture. Truth isn't determined by majority opinion or contemporary feelings.

In family life, the principle remains consistent. When a wife seeks to control her husband, Scripture labels that as disorder rather than Christian living. And when such disorder becomes a pattern, it often leads to resistance against rightful pastoral leadership.

The pastoral office, home life, and congregation thrive when God's order is respected with humility and confidence in His wisdom.

Proverbs 31:20, 26–27
Titus 2:3–5
1 Peter 3:1–6
1 Timothy 2:11–14
1 Corinthians 14:34–35
Titus 1:5–6
Ephesians 5:22–25
Colossians 3:18–19
1 Peter 3:7
Genesis 3:16
1 Corinthians 11:3

28/11/2025

Why whispher when you could just talk or shout? 🤔
_____________________

Whispering is an intriguing behavior. Have you ever thought about why we whisper? We do it to keep our words from others. Kids share secrets in whispers so their siblings don’t hear. Adults might whisper to hide a comment, avoid correction, or talk about someone without taking responsibility. The core of whispering shows intent: concealment. Therefore, when something needs to be whispered, it often suggests that it shouldn’t be said at all.

This pattern is clear from the beginning. In the fall, the serpent didn’t confront God directly; instead, he approached Eve quietly and subtly, planting seeds of doubt in a soft voice. Genesis 3 describes the serpent as cunning rather than loud. His deception depended on secrecy, that is, encouraging doubts about God away from Adam’s ears and without openly rejecting God’s clear message. As a result, whispering becomes associated with temptation, implying hidden persuasion and a shift away from God’s clarity.

The Bible also points out others who communicated through whispers. Proverbs warns against those who whisper and create divides among close friends. The psalmist speaks of people who conspire against the righteous in secret whispers. Paul identifies “gossip, slander, whispering” as characteristics of those who turn away from God. In every instance, whispering is linked to sin, division, and deceit. There isn’t a single biblical example where whispering leads to godliness or unity. Thus, whispering consistently shows a heart that prefers darkness over light.

If Scripture connects whispering to secrecy, deceit, and harm in relationships, what should Christians do?

👉 Speak clearly. Speak honestly. Speak openly.

Truth doesn’t need to hide. Love doesn’t need to disguise its intentions. Correction should be direct and caring when needed, not whispered like the serpent's trickery.

So why whisper when you can express yourself plainly?
Why stay in the shadows when you belong to Christ, who is the Light of the world?

Whispering may seem minor or harmless but its significance in Scripture and life highlights its risks. Christians are called to live openly, protect their speech, and engage in communication that uplifts rather than resorting to whispered words that undermine.

Genesis 3:1–6
Proverbs 16:28
Proverbs 26:20
Psalm 41:7
Romans 1:29–30
2 Corinthians 12:20
Ephesians 4:25
Ephesians 4:29
Matthew 5:14–16
John 8:44

26/11/2025

The Lutheran tradition is more than just an accessory. It’s our confession, our identity, and our connection to the Gospel. However, in many of our congregations, I see it slowly fading away, not because of rebellion, but due to quiet neglect. The liturgy has become optional. Hymns that convey Christ’s teachings are being replaced by sentimental songs. Altar calls, praise sets, and borrowed practices from other churches come in so easily, influencing hearts without anyone realizing how far we stray from our beliefs.

My brothers, fellow pastors and church leaders, I urge you sincerely that the liturgy is essential. It is the heartbeat of our faith. It serves as the church's public confession and is how we pass on the true Gospel. If we let it go, even gradually, we teach our people to forget their identity.

We are Lutherans not by chance or convenience but because our tradition grounds us in Christ’s work rather than our own efforts. Losing this means losing much more than form. It means losing clarity, identity, and the comfort that our people urgently need.

I implore you to speak out. Teach. Correct. Stand strong. Protect the legacy entrusted to us. Let us not be silent watchers. Let us defend the richness we've received so that Christ’s Gospel stays pure for those who follow us.

26/11/2025

25/11/2025

Here are some misguided pieces of advice that contradict Galatians 1:10, which we sometimes share with our pastors.

1. “Sometimes it’s easier to go along with others’ expectations.”
2. “People generally respect those who keep everyone happy.”
3. “It’s better to blend in with the crowd than to stand out.”
4. “Being flexible with your beliefs can help avoid disagreements.”
5. “Sometimes it’s wiser to remain silent rather than upset others.”
6. “Not everything in the Bible needs to dictate every decision.”
7. “You can’t please everyone, but seeking approval often helps.”
8. “Doing good when people are watching creates a positive impression.”
9. “Embracing popular ideas simplifies things.”
10. “Focusing on gaining people’s approval often leads to success.”

25/11/2025

Here are 7 worse advices that contradict God's Word especially 1 Timothy 4:12.

1. “You’re young, so just keep quiet. Older people know better."
2. “Don’t work too hard in church. Nobody follows a good example anyway.”
3. “Say whatever you want. People should just accept your personality.”
4. “Do what feels good. Don’t worry about how it looks.”
5. “You don’t need to love everyone. Focus only on people who treat you well.”
6. “Don’t be too serious about your faith. It will only make people think you're weird.”
7. “Purity is old-fashioned. Just go with the flow; everyone does it.”

24/11/2025

"Regarding earthly things, desire and satisfaction are opposites. If I desire and hunger for food, it is because I do not have it. When I have eaten and am full and satisfied, I no longer desire food. Spiritual things work differently. When we have the Lord's Words, we also want more of it. Or, sadly , when we don't have the Lord’s Word, we despise it even more. The more we skip church, the less we want to go to church. With the gifts of the Gospel, the more we are satisfied with them, the more we long for them."

-Bryan Wolfmueller
Frequent, Worthy Reception
Large Catechism, Essays on the Sacrament of the Altar

23/11/2025

Gambling is considered a sin because it contradicts the clear and straightforward teachings of Scripture. While the Bible may not specifically mention the word "gambling," it presents principles that highlight why this practice is wrong. Here’s an explanation.

First, gambling reflects a lack of trust in God’s daily provisions. When someone gambles, they put their hope in chance and luck. However, the Bible instructs us to “Be content with what you have.” (Hebrews 13:5) God encourages us to rely on Him rather than on luck for our needs.

Second, gambling fuels a love for money, and the Bible warns us about this danger. “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” (1 Timothy 6:10) Gambling offers the allure of quick cash and easy rewards. This craving only breeds greed instead of faith.

Third, gambling undermines good stewardship. God gives us money, time, strength, and talents so we can manage them wisely. “Stewards must be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) Gambling squanders these gifts by risking them for something uncertain and self-serving.

Fourth, gambling stems from coveting—wanting what belongs to others. The Tenth Commandment states, “You shall not covet.” (Exodus 20:17) The aim of gambling is to win someone else's money, which violates God’s command because it seeks profit at another's expense.

Fifth, gambling harms others since one person's "win" typically comes at the cost of someone else's loss. But God commands us to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18) Any practice that thrives by hurting others cannot be pleasing to God.

Sixth, gambling dismisses honest work. God provides for us through our labor—not through luck. “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

In conclusion, gambling is sinful because it breaks our trust in God, fosters greed, harms others, and leads our hearts away from following God's will.