Coming back from a wedding recently, still enjoying the sweets and snacks, still enjoying the party, the bride and groom, and the ceremony, I thought about the following:
"How should it be for a minister to prepare a word for the bride and groom? What should one say at a time like this?"
There are different pastors and ministers who "give a sermon" to the bride and groom, in the worst sense of this expression (thank God it was not the case of the marriage that led me to this reflection).
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Well, the couple is already at the altar; they already understand that they are in the will of God. They are adults, servants of God.
There's no point in talking about a lot of things, what they should or shouldn'tdo!
Counseling for the bride and groom should be done before the ceremony.
I could be wrong, but many pastors and ministers use this sermon tactic to take advantage of the audience made up of people who do need correction.
But a wedding ceremony is not the best place for this. Ah, wisdom... how we need it!
When I got home, still thinking about it, I started thinking about the creation of the world, how God brought Adam and Eve together, thus constituting marriage and the family.
Sin corrupted men's hearts and led them to such a distance from the Creator, to such a level of evil, that God wanted to destroy them.
The Word says that the Lord regretted having made man on the earth, and this weighed on his heart (Genesis 6.5-6).
In a flash, I realized how this is related to the union between man and woman. Marriage is the beginning, the genesis of a couple. The newly formed family has not yet been touched by the circumstances of life together. Over time, discussions, disagreements, and frictions occur.
Nothing abnormal, after all, we are flawed, imperfect, and in need of God. What is out of the ordinary is a marriage where the bad times are more constant than the good times.
Therefore, before it reaches that point, or even before there is tension in the relationship, a heavy heart and regretful thoughts arise, "I shouldn't have gotten married!" It is very similar to how God felt about His creation.
At another point, we see the Lord again on the verge of destroying His people because they bow down in worship to a golden calf (Ex 32.7-10).
Like this one, there are many other episodes in history where humanity has been in great darkness. We live in a time of great sin in society today.
So, what has stopped (and continues to stop) God from destroying human beings? Similarly, what can prevent a marriage from falling apart?
Before answering, let me make an observation: "God repenting" is not easily understandable for us. In fact, it is a very human feeling, not considered possible in the divine sphere.
The Bible itself states that God is not a man, that He should repent (Nm 23.19). How can this be? I believe that, on a different level than ours, the Father has His feelings "shaken" when something is happening to His children. The Word says that whoever touches us touches the apple of God's eye (Zec 2.8).
No matter what happens, whether good or bad, whether external or internal circumstances, God cares so much aboutwhat we are going through to the point of causing Him to rejoice or become angry. This is a proven fact in the Scriptures. We can witness God's care in our daily lives.
The Father cares because He loves. It is because of His great love that we are not-
The Word says that the Lord regretted having made man on the earth, and this weighed on His heart (Genesis 6.5-6).
Sin corrupted men's hearts and led them to such a distance from the Creator, to such a level of evil, that God wanted to destroy them.
CONTINUING FROM PAGE 3
consumed. His mercies never end (Lamentations 3:22).
That's why we still exist on earth. That's why a marriage lasts until the end of life.
In the midst of all the evil of those days before the flood, God saw a righteous man: Noah (Gen. 6:8). God heard Moses' intercession for Israel and did not consume thepeople (Ex 32.11-14).
In every moment of distance from humanity, righteous individuals made a difference. God made a covenant with them.
It is as if He were saying, "My love for you is too great. I cannot destroy men and women who walk in My presence and who, despite their limitations, seek to live in My image and likeness as I createdthem."
It is this same love that leads a man and a woman to the decision to spend the rest of their lives together.
This love is the foundation that prevents the breakdown and destruction of a marriage in times of crisis and difficulty. There is a tremendous statement that the Lord made, demonstrating how much He loves His people:
"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more I called them, the more they went from my face... My people are inclined to stray from me... How could I leave you, O Ephraim? How could I give you up, O Israel? My heart is moved within Me; all My compassions are kindled at once. I will not execute the fierceness of My anger" (Hosea 11.1-2,7-9).
These words were spoken by the Lord; however, they sound more like the words of
someone in crisis, someone who has already done everything, someone who is about to give up on their relationship, but who is still reluctant due to the great love that
beats in His chest.
However, this love does not prevent justice. Even after expressing these words through the prophet Hosea, God did
not prevent the people from being taken captive to Babylon. Only there, in captivity, righteous men stood up, interceded for the people, and God heard their prayers. Later, they were brought back to their land under the new covenant — love in action once again.
Jesus is the symbol of the New Covenant (1 Co 11.25) in this time of grace in which we live. Our debts (sins) today are paid by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Our lives are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. The power of love overcomes the power of sin!
Marriage is the covenant between a man and a woman. Bad times are overcome by the power of God's love in the couple's life.
Just as God has renewed His covenant with humanity because He has heard their prayers and seen repentance and righteousness in them, the marriage covenant is also renewed. Dialogue, approaching one another, forgiveness unites, and love consolidates.
When those difficult times come, instead of being carried away by the thought "I shouldn't have gotten married!", remember that God's love is within you, and only through it will you be able to walk the path of unity and joy.
Remember that this love "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Co. 13.7).
Remember to do your part, to act fairly with yourself first before demanding anything from the other person. Renew the covenant you made with your loved one before God and embark on a new era, a new Genesis in your marriage. ◙
Marriage is the covenant between a man and a woman. Bad times are overcome by the power of God's love in the couple's life.
Renew the covenant you made with your loved one before God and embark on a new era, a new Genesis in your marriage.Rodolfo Iglesias PhD in Neuroscience; Biologist
Interestingly, whenever an atheist reveals that he is an atheist, he is usually bombarded with questions. He is seen as a very strange and extremely out of the ordinary being.
It is no wonder that many atheists do not deliberately reveal that they are, depend-
WHY DON'T I BELIEVE IN GOD?
By Rodolfo Iglesias - Atheisting on the environment they are in to avoid controversy.
Which is still funny, because you don't see atheists on the street with pamphlets proclaiming atheism or inviting everyone to go to atheist meetings to debate atheism.
Atheists in general live in
theirs, happy and calm with their convictions, without the need to “convert” anyone.
You may find contradiction in this posture and the existence of atheist websites. However, unlike religious sites, it is not intended to force anyone into anything.
There are no threats of eternal punishment, no inquisitive and judgmental tone of voice, and most importantly, no references to anything that lacks evidence.
There are no quotations from sacred verses, there is no priori truth to be accepted, none of that.
About how everything came about, I believe that theories such as the big bang, precisely explains how the universe came about.
CONTINUING FROM PAGE 5
There is, yes, irreverence, questioning, pointing out the conceptual weaknesses of be lief systems, and the attempt, above all, to make people see, even for a moment, cer tain things from a new angle.
Atheists are always bombard ed with questions like how did it all come about, how are we what we are, etc.
About how everything came about, I believe that theo ries such as the big bang and the inflationary theory of the universe, both based on evi dence proven by scientists (background radiation, quan tum vacuum, spontaneous generation of matter, casimir effect, etc.) precisely explains how the universe came about, even with several questions to be answered.
While the religious view, which is also known as an appeal to ignorance, it is not just because one does not know that one must indicate that something or someone has done so.
Knowledge about the mechanisms by which the universe works, its fundamental constants and its “so-called” universal laws, allow scientists to explain numerous questions about the shape and configuration that the universe presents.
About our organisms, life in general, the theory of modern evolution, with the acquired knowledge of genetics, is a formal framework that allows biologists and other scholars from the area affirm a good part of these questions, with genetic, archeological, geological and biochemical evidence about the paths we evolved to our current configurations.
In fact, the very concept of
theory, held by the majority of the religious population, is obscure. Theory is something certain, very different from hypothesis. A theory is a fact, observed and in need of explanation.
Therefore, there are hypotheses that are attempts to explain a theory.
Evolution, like the magnetic field, energy, speed, relativity and gravity are theories, which we seek answers to understand exactly how they work, but what happens is a fact.
So the question is: Am I a physicist? Am I a biologist?
The answer is yes. I am a Neuroscientist, Biologist and Biophysicist. Currently in the last year of medical school at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the United States, to complete my fourth degree.
I am 34 years old and I am the Director of one of the largest Pharmaceuticals in the world and I am interested in studying history and how different societies operated.
Anthropology is one of the
fields of study that I can't go a week without reading. In this respect we can already see, just by reading history, that the idea of a creator, as in the case of 'God' was created in the ignorance of the most iliterary peoples in our history.
Events considered global are isolated and misrepresented at all times. And what does this indicate? It indicates that, like painting, music, social codes of conduct, among others, religion is just one of the cultural aspects of societies. A fruit of human culture.
With greater analytical rigor, it can be said, following the line of historical materialism, that religion is part of the socalled superstructure of society, which are the political, legal, cultural and ideological elements of each society, with infrastructure being the economic elements, which are basically the forces of production and the relations of production.
Therefore, I identify with this form of analysis of human societies. And, like any cultural element, religion is changeable according to time and place.
This is easily verifiable, just mentioning that throughout history we have had Sumerian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Egyptian, Celtic, Greek-Roman, Mayan, Inca, Aztec, Norse, etc. And that's just to name the best known.
And what differs a mythology from a religion? The answer is, strictly and directly, just the fact that mythology is a religion that no one currently follows or believes in.
And why did mythologies become like that, losing the “status” of religion? It might be thought that it was by:
Evolution, like the magnetic field, energy, speed, relativity and gravity are theories, which we seek answers to understand exactly how they work, but what happens is a fact.
CONTINUING FROM PAGE 6
— From want of evidence in their beliefs? – Why do most modern religions have evi dence? No.
None of that. The religions of the past were relegated to the condition of mythologies basically due to a very hu man aspect, which were the processes of assimilation and cultural imposition of one people by the other.
Analyzing world history as a whole, and seeing the geo graphical influence that the currently predominant reli gions such as Judaism, Chris tianity, Islam and Hinduism have, it is clear that such geo graphical influence was determined by historical events of assimilation and cultural resistance of the most diverse, such as wars, commercial expansion, expansion and fall of empires etc.
What I want to demonstrate with this preamble is that, from the historical point of view, looking at history, one sees no reason to believe that any ancient mythology, or any current religion, is truer than another.
In this context, we are all Atheists, at least in relation to the ancient gods. I, like more than 25% of today's young people, believe in just one more God in my disbelief.
Finally, I am displeased with some religious attitudes towards science. Some, with a simpler mind, deny science in general, without even being aware of what they are talking about.
And some others, scholars, have a destructive and negative attitude towards science. Are the theories I cited, of the Big Bang, of the inflationary universe and of natural evolution, complete? No way.
But science is a continuous process of discovery, and such theories, in the light of new evidence, will be improved, or even refuted, giving way to new, more consistent theories. If we don't know something, we shouldn't create finite explanations, but question ourselves and seek to increase our knowledge.
I do not defend current scientific methods blindly. It's not that. Research on diseases that afflict poorer populations in Africa could be more advanced, if there weren't a greater incentive to treat dis-
eases that afflict the middle class in the western world, for example. What I am defending is the attitude of the scientific method itself. The process itself. The investigation itself.
This is what moves thought forward. Now, what do some religionists, creationists in general, do?
They point out any inconsistencies in some scientific theory and go screaming “Science is wrong! The theory is wrong! God created everything! God exists, God exists!
Glory to God!".
This is brutal encouragement to lazy thinking. As we don't know how something works, then we come to the conclusion that it was God who did it and that's it. And stop there. And what does this explain anyway?
Anything! And it is an attitude that encourages ignorance. And worst of all is the hypocritical attitude of such a person.
They vehemently criticize science, and they are all with their touch screen cell phones, their cars, their flat screen televisions, their computers and tablets with internet access, and taking their medicine to cure their illnesses.
All the result of “damn” science. Which by the way decreased maternity deaths from 60% to 0.8%, deaths from infectious diseases from 65% to 0.2%, deaths from psychopathic problems from 15% to 1.9%, and I could go on with a huge list.
We live in a world where violence has never been lower, deaths have never been lower, and life has never been longer. We live in a privileged world, even if you don't believe it, the result of the questioning of those who did not believe in myths, who wanted to know and sought to understand. ◙
Science is a continuous process of discovery, and such theories, in the light of new evidence, will be improved, or even refuted, giving way to new, more consistent theories.Leandro de Mattos Boer Martins PhD in Neuroscience Biologist
WHY I BELIEVE IN GOD
By Leandro de Mattos Boer MartinsT
he first thought that comes to mind when I think about sharing my reasons for believing in God is the way the
question “Do you believe in God?” generates such confusing responses.
The problem really is not in the expected affirmative or negative answer to this question, but in the answer to the subsequent question linked to the description of God.
The confusion is mainly because people present very variable, confusing and even contradictory concepts about what they think about God.
Very often it is difficult to discern whether they are describing something or someone.
This can be easily verified in the reports of the Pew Research Center's religion surveys.
The second thought that comes to mind involves a mental trip back to childhood, searching my memory for more vivid memories of
I had to know the gospel in order to believe and be saved.
"The effect of not believing in God is believing in anything." G.K. Chester Ton
CONTINUING FROM PAGE 8
my belief in the existence of God. In fact, there is not in my memory a moment like “and then I started to believe in God”.
The great “then” of my life came when I became a Chris tian, the day the Scripture was read to me, the day I re pented of my sins and recog nized Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died for my sins and rose again, so that one day I too might rise again and live forever.
So, I had to know the gospel in order to believe and be saved. Perhaps someone will say that my belief in God is one of the effects of being born in a Catholic home, with a religious zeal that did not let me miss mass on Sundays, nor eat meat on Good Friday”.
While this argument is sociologically valid, I can assure you that, in fact, I was “born believing in God”. This statement is likely to strike some astonishment in readers who were expecting a more elaborate statement about the existence of God from a scientist.
This, however, is the truth: the conviction that God exists was already engraved in my heart when the flashlight of my intellect began to discover the world around me.
It is interesting to remember that the Bible does not discuss the existence of God. Rather, without asking the reader's permission, it states, right in its first verse (Gn 1.1), that God exists.
It is a brusque, dry statement, without logical preludes, generating, through the sudden literary appearance, the perception of the eternity of God — someone without begin-
ning and without end — and of a God with something in his hands — a creation and a purpose.
The Bible later teaches that we know that God exists through two mechanisms: creation and providence:
Acts 14:17 - "Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy".
Rom 1:20 - "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature— have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse".
And it was precisely in this context, which does not require any formal training in the scientific area, that my conviction that God existed gained strength.
Every time I looked at the starry sky of Ribeirão Preto, in São Paulo, or observed the explosion of life (and its maintenance) in this world in such a complex and harmonious way that I understood that it not only existed (cosmological argument), but that He was also the great legislator of scientific laws that we would later learn academically (teleological argument).
Indeed, if there are laws, there must be a lawgiver, and my heart was filled with the hope of meeting him.
Something, however, happened as I grew up: I was faced with my character flaw, manifested in many forms, and it took me a while to suspect that that legislator was
The conviction that God exists was already engraved in my heart when the flashlight of my intellect began to discover the world around me.
And it was precisely in this context, which does not require any formal training in the scientific area, that my conviction that God existed gained strength.
probably not just concerned with creating the laws mentioned in my science books (anthropological and moral argument).
He will also create holy laws, showing the way of life that pleases him.
It is also important to stress that my belief in God is not the result of any scientific theory or even frustration with any of them.
My career in the scientific field has only made me more capable of verifying how evolutionism is a worldview based on unverifiable assumptions, with contradictory consequences and full of interpretation bias.
For a better understanding of how these theories are not as solid as their proponents claim, I suggest the Answers in Genesis (www.answersingenesis.org) and Creation Ministries International (www.creation.com) websites, which provide a good technical and
semi-technical collection.
In the book of Job, between chapters 38 and 41, God asks Job 77 rhetorical questions— very perplexing questions. They are all centered on your power to create and orchestrate the Universe.
It is the most extensive testimony coming directly from the mouth of God as a being
who has existed forever and the Creator of all that exists.
And this testimony is addressed to a person who already believed in God, not an atheist!
Anyway, the greatest creationist sermon in the Bible was addressed to a... creationist!
This fact should make us re-
flect: why did God give such a testimony to a person who needed no further reason to believe in him?
Answer: because it was not enough just to believe in him, but to delve into his knowledge, growing in a relationship of love and obedience.
As for atheists, the Bible calls them “fools” (Ps 14.1) for despising such a grand demonstration of God's power and his willingness to receive them as repentant children.
The reasons for this foolishness are also exposed in the Bible (Rm 1): it is the result of vanity that corrodes the soul and the repudiation of an authority that opposes the sinful desires that burn in the heart.
Atheists, therefore, should not expect rhetorical questions from God.
This is a privilege only of his children who are in the process of discipline and learning. ◙
My career in the scientific field has only made me more capable of verifying how evolutionism is a worldview based on unverifiable assumptions, with contradictory consequences and full of interpretation bias.
These questions will help you decide if you are ready to buy a home:
Do I have a stable and secure source of income?
Have I had steady work for the last 2-3 years?
Do I have good credit?
Am I paying my bills on time?
Am I able to pay my bills or other debts?
Am I able to pay the monthly installment of a home (mortgage) every month, plus other additional expenses with taxes, insurance, maintenance (electricity, water, etc.) and necessary repairs?
Do I have enough money for a down payment and closing costs?
If you answered YES to these questions, you are ready to buy a home now. If you answered NO to any of these questions, focus on strengthening this area or talk to a fi-
Do I have enough money for a down payment and closing costs?
nance agent about different programs. Every person has different financial needs.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CREDIT
When you apply for a home loan, the Financial Institution
will take into account 3 main factors to decide whether you have good credit and will be able to repay the loan. These factors are known as the 3 C's:
CAPACITY: is your present and future ability to pay your
debts.
CAPITAL: is the total amount of money in the bank and other assets you have that can be used as collateral (collateral) for a loan.
CHARACTER: means how you have paid your bills in the past.
Financial Institutions use credit agencies to obtain information about CHARACTER through the Credit Report. You can also request a copy of your Credit Report through these agencies:
Equifax, Inc.: PO Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 1-800-997-2493 or 1-800-685-1111 (English) www.equifax.com
Experian: PO Box 9600 Allen, TX 75013 1-888-397-3742 (English) www.experian.com
TransUnion: PO Box 1000 Chester, PA 19022 1-800-888-4213 (English) www.transunion.com
How long have you been working at your current job?
How much do you earn per month? (*)
How much do you spend per month?
How much money do you have in your savings or checking account?
Do you have your own house?
Do you have any kind of investment or other assets (car, stock market, etc.)?
Have you received credit before?
How many credit accounts do you have open (credit cards, stores)?
Have you ever had your credit denied?
Have you ever declared bankruptcy?
Do you have any property seized due to non-payment?
Have you ever paid a bill late?
(*) It is not mandatory to disclose whether you receive child support if you are divorced, child support or pocket money, unless you believe this information will help you qualify for the loan. This is personal information.
COMPONENTS OF THE PROVISION OF A HOUSE
Your monthly home payment will be based on the following factors:
P = PRINCIPAL: Principal amount payable on the loan.
I = INTEREST: Interest charged for borrowing money.
T = TAXES: 1/12 of the estimated annual tax value of your home.
I = INSURANCE: 1/12 of the annual risk insurance amount. This figure will also include flood insurance and mortgage insurance (PMI) if you are downing less than 20% of the home's value.
You will likely pay taxes and insurance monthly along with principal and interest.
If you prefer, in some cases the finance company will give you the option to pay taxes and insurance separately.
If you are going to pay taxes and insurance as part of your monthly home payment, the finance company will open an escrow account to hold this money until you have to pay it. In some cases, this deposit guarantee account will also earn interest.
WHAT AMOUNT OF MONTHLY INSTALLMENT CAN I PAY?
Keep in mind that just because you qualify for a certain amount does not mean you will be able to easily pay monthly installments. It is safer to get a loan for less than the maximum amount
you can qualify for. You have to consider your personal situation and your future goals and financial needs.
Generally, many people estimate that they can pay a mortgage (financing) that is 2 or 2½ times greater than the value of their income. For example: if your annual income is $30,000, you can pay a mortgage from $60,000 to 75,000.
$30,000 X 2 = $60,000
$30,000 X 2.5 = $75,000
Lenders look at the debt-toincome ratio (DTI) when they consider your application for a home loan. This ratio represents your monthly expenses compared to your gross income (excluding taxes) monthly.
Finance companies calculate your monthly household expenses and your total monthly debts as a percentage of your income. The proportion of this percentage is a very important factor in the financial institution's final decision on whether to finance the purchase of your home.
Lenders generally require that principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI) or your home expenses be less than or equal to 25% (up to 28%) of your gross monthly income. Financial companies call this proportion “front-end”.
For example, if your gross income is $2,500 or $30,000 annually, your mortgage payment should be $700.00 or less.
$2,500 X 28% = $700 → maximum monthly mortgage amount .
Finance companies generally require that housing expenses + long-term debt be less than or equal to 33% (up to 36%) of gross monthly income. This ratio is called “output” (backend).
For example, if your gross monthly income is $2,500 and your mortgage is $700.00, other long-term debt should not exceed $900.00.
$2,500 X 36% = $900.00 → maximum monthly debt amount.
If your debt-to-income ratio is above these limits, talk to your mortgage broker about other options you may have.
MANAGE YOUR CREDIT
When you get your credit:
If possible, pay off your debts in full each month. If you can't, pay more than the minimum required. This will reduce the total interest you will have to pay.
Pay on time to avoid late payment penalties and protect your credit. If you cannot pay on time, call the financial institution immediately to explain your situation.
They will certainly offer you an alternative.
Pay on time to avoid late payment penalties and protect your credit.
Always check your account statement monthly to verify transactions. If you suspect an error, contact the finance company immediately.
Ignore offers that financial institutions send you to “reduce” or “skip” payments.
You will likely have to pay interest during this period.
Always think about the difference in the cost of paying something in cash or on credit.
Remember: if you buy a stereo for $500 with a credit card that charges 20% interest per year, it will cost you $1,084 and it will take you 9 years to pay it off if you only pay the amount minimum of 10 dollars required by finance companies.
MANAGE YOUR MONEY
Carry only small amounts of cash in your wallet to avoid spending it.
If you can, deposit your salary immediately in the bank as soon as you receive it.
This way, you will feel less compelled to spend it.
Control the use of credit cards.
Don't go shopping just for fun.
When you go shopping, have a list of what you need with you.
Buy only what you need; don't buy things just because they're on sale.
Use a list to shop for food and thus avoid impulsive purchases.
Take your food to work whenever you can. This way, you
won't need to spend on restaurants.
To get the best prices on expensive items like cars or appliances, do your research in several places before you buy them.
Pay your bills on time to avoid interest, cancellation of services and, above all, to avoid bad credit.
BUYING A HOUSE IS EASY, FOLLOW THESE STEPS:
1- DOCUMENTATION
Get in order all the documents needed to qualify for a loan to buy your home.
There is nothing to fear! Talk to a representative of a Bank or Mortgage Company.
For your convenience, Antonio Fonseca, Countrywide Bank representative, can be reached at (914) 643-0275. He will tell you exactly what you need and will likely have a guided program for your financial needs. Each program is different, but generally you will need the following documentation:
- Bank Account Statement, Proof of Income, Form W2, Copies of Income Tax Return, Copy of Lease and Social Security contract.
You may have to submit other documents.
2- GET THE MORTGAGE
When you don't have enough money to pay the full value of the house, the bank or other financial institution will give you a loan that will cover the total cost of the house. If you qualify for the loan, the finance company will give you a letter (Pre-Approval Letter) which is proof that you will have in your hands to show the realtor who is selling the house that you already have where to get the money.
This way, as soon as you find your dream home, your offer will be considered seriously.
3- MAKING AN OFFER:
After your credit or mortgage is approved, talk to a Costa Property & amp; Management Inc broker. (914) 9345001 about finding the home at the approved value. Once you've found your home, you'll make an offer to buy through your realtor. He/she will begin the negotiation process on your behalf with the other broker representing the seller.
If your offer is accepted, it will be better for you if the sales contract is signed as soon as possible. Until the contract is signed, the seller of the house
may accept other offers that are better than yours.
4- SALES CONTRACT
Information the lawyer needs to make the contract:
Price of the house (Price)
Clauses (Terms)
Down Payment: The amount of money you want to invest in buying the house.
Generally, upon signing the contract, the down payment varies from 5 to 20% of the house price. Depending on the situation, you may be able to trade a lower entry. This payment will be deposited in an account by the seller's lawyer (Escrow Account), until the transfer of the deed (Title).
Contingencies (Mortgage Contingency): Even if you have already been pre-approved for a mortgage, it is important to keep this contingency in the contract.
Other Contingencies to which your offer is subject: This clause may include, but is not limited to, satisfactory inspection of the property.
Personal Property: List of all items that will be included in the purchase of the house, for example: appliances, chandeliers, curtains, etc.
The Closing Date: The date you will receive the deed. Generally, it is not a fixed date. To be agreed between the lawyers after all documentation has been released.
5- INSPECTION
After the offer is accepted, you will be required to inspect the property. It is advisable that you participate in the inspection, in this way you will get to know your new home: the current condition, the necessary repairs
CONTINUING FROM PAGE 13
and maintenance. It is rec ommended that you hire li censed professionals to carry out the inspections.
Types of inspections:
Engineering Inspection: This inspection covers the struc tural part of the house, the exterior walls, pools, heaters, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical.
Termite (Termite): This in spection should cover all types of wood-eating insects. It should be done throughout the house and on the walls outside.
Radon: Invisible, odorless radioactive gas that can enter the home through the earth around the home. High levels of this gas can cause health problems after some time.
Asbestos (asbestos): Mineral fiber that was used for insulation and fire protection. If in good condition it does not need to be removed, just covered and sealed. This work must be done by a licensed and trained contractor.
Oil Tank: All oil tanks with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or greater must be leak tested. Underground tanks must be tested regardless of capacity.
Lead (Lead) Paint: If the house was built before 1978, it was likely painted with lead-containing paint. By law, buyer and seller must sign a memorandum that they are aware of the risk of poisoning caused by ingesting or inhaling lead paint dust or particles.
6- CLOSING DAY –THE BIG DAY
Before Closing: After all contract contingencies have been made, your attorney will order the “Title Search” of the home and the “Title
Insurance Policy”. It is also necessary to order the “survey” (map) of the property. The financial institution's attorney will need all of these documents before determining the closing date.
Your lawyer should instruct you on necessary documentation and final additional costs (closing cost).
This is the day you will receive the deed. Before you go to closing, you and the realtor will make a final inspection of the property – walk through –to make sure that everything is in its place and working as it should.
7- CLOSING COSTS (Expenses)
These expenses can be incorporated into the total loan amount. This list is only a guide. Your attorney will confirm these expenses:
Homeowners Insurance
– Homeowners Insurance (must be paid before closing)
Recording of the Deed – Recording the Deed (around $100.00)
Oil Tank – You will have to pay the seller for oil that is in the tank.
Survey: Property Map ($700.00)
Condominium Common
Charges & amp; Associates
Due: Monthly condo fees.
Taxes: Distributed equally between buyer and seller.
Bank Insurance & Tax Escrows: The finance company will collect a percentage (8 –9%) of the annual insurance amount and fees per month to pay subsequent tax installments.
Purchaser’s Attorney Fee: The amount charged by your attorney to represent you.
Title Insurance: Deed Insurance Closer's Attendance Fee: $50.00.
8- WHO MUST BE PRESENT AT CLOSING TIME?
You and your attorney, the seller of the home and his attorney, the attorney for the bank or financial institution, the representative of the title company “Title Closer”, and the real estate agents involved in this transaction.
9- WHAT SHOULD I TAKE WITH ME ON THE CLOSING DAY?
Your lawyer will guide you, but these are usually the following documents: Checkbook.
Driver's License or Passport. Residential Insurance with proof of payment.
Authenticated check to pay for any transaction.
Certified Check to pay deed expenses.
All buyers must be present at closing to sign loan documents. Otherwise, they will have to give a power of attorney to their lawyers.
Carry a few extra checks in case of any extra expenses.
10- WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT CLOSING?
The 3 lawyers and the “Title Closer” will review all the necessary documentation and calculations. The “Title Closer” will be responsible for assuring your lawyer and the finance company's lawyer that the property being transferred to you through the deed (title) is free of any debt, embargoes; that residential taxes have been paid, that the property is free of any infringement, and most importantly, that the property has the “Certificate of Occupancy” also known as C of O, which is a housing permit given by the Building Department of the city where it is located buying the house. Without the C of O you are not released to occupy the new house.
After all documentation has been signed by both the seller and buyer, the attorney for the financial institution where you are taking the loan will pay the seller. Then the deed and other documents will be given to the “Title Closer” to be registered with the County Clerk’s Office. Your attorney will send you a final statement explaining all transactions and expenses.
After all this, your house key will be given to you.
CONGRATULATIONS!... YOU JUST MADE ONE OF YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE! ◙
Thanks to Master Jesus, who had mercy on me, healed me, freed me, and saved me for free, I have had the opportunity to visit hospitals and prisons.
It is true that our Master told us to go two by two, but in this place where we live, ev erything is more difficult be cause everyone is very busy, and the schedules often do not coincide.
Therefore, we cannot expect the availability of others to do the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.
Jails and hospitals are full of souls thirsting for the waters that quench your thirst and mine.
Beloved, it is time for us to take a stand in our father's harvest (first I am fitting in). I have seen great things. People who have been healed, saved on their deathbeds, delivered from deep comas, cancer, fevers, and various pains.
All for the glory of the one who works to will and to do in everything and everyone.
From these visits, I have had varied experiences, but what makes me most happy, in addition to saving these lives, is that whole families and friends come behind them.
We begin to share their daily lives and become like members of these families, and they are members of the
I pray to the Lord Jesus to empower us, encourage us, and send laborers into the harvest. I have asked the Lord to give me wisdom, simplicity, and courage to do what He
I cannot miss the opportunity to invite you to " Go into all the world “. Go, don't wait for others, take the first step. You will be blessed and greatly rewarded by the Lord Jesus Christ. ◙
Jails and hospitals are full of souls thirsting for the waters that quench your thirst and mine.
CONTINUING FROM PAGE 15
that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
BEFORE: Before accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior, I used to drink a lot of whiskey until I got drunk. I also experimented with "soft" drugs.
My marriage was deteriorating to the point of divorce proceedings. I already had a daughter, but our unhappy life affected my wife as well.
However, during the divorce
proceedings, I accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord.
AFTER: Jesus first showed how much he loved me and took an interest in me.
He forgave my sins, cured me of an illness for which medicine had no answer, and helped me overcome my addictions to alcohol and drugs.
As for my home, God performed a miracle in my life and my wife's life, bringing us happiness as a family with Jesus. He also called me to serve Him full time. ◙
CONTINUES ON PAGE 17
He forgave my sins, cured me of an illness for which medicine had no answer, and helped me overcome my addictions to alcohol and drugs.
"Wine is a mocker, and strong drink is raging; and whoever errs in them is not wise." -
Proverbs 20:1
"Woe to those who rise early to run after strong drink and continue until night, until wine warms them!" - Isaiah 5:11
I was a person dependent on drink, to the point of consuming one or two bottles of strong drink because I only liked to drink this way.
I started drinking and smoking when I was 14 years old, and since then, I don't think I've ever gone a day without drinking.
I got married and have a couple of beautiful children, but I had never worried about my family.
I even took my wife along to learn to drink to the point that we fought over drinks, leading to several separations.
However, God had a plan for our lives, and He didn't allow that to happen.
Arriving in Japan for the
fourth time in 1995, my wife was invited and felt the need to go to a church because there was a void in our hearts, something was missing that would truly fill it and make a difference.
She came home talking about what she had heard and seen and invited me to go with her next week.
I remember telling her that she could go, but not to bring this "believer thing" home. However, God is faithful, and before I knew it, I was already involved in the "business."
On November 27, 1996, at 3 pm, God came into my life in a powerful way, freeing me from addictions.
Since then, by His mercy, I have been engaged in missionary work in Japan alongside my family.
One word that truly stuck with me was, "Antonio, Jesus loves you, and He can change your life."
GOD MADE ME BORN AGAIN! ◙
I was a person dependent on drink, to the point of consuming one or two bottles of strong drink because I only liked to drink this way.
Aland of vast distances, rich resources, and natural beauty. Canada became selfgoverning in 1867, remaining attached to the British crown.
It is the second largest country in the world by land area. Only Russia is bigger, occupying virtually the entire northern half of North America.
Canada is a federation, a constitutional monarchy, and a parliamentary democracy, consisting of ten provinces and three territories.
Its name comes from the Iroquois word Kanata-ton, which means "villages" or "small houses".
The country's Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom - a symbol of Canada's historic ties with the United Kingdom - and headed by the Prime Minister.
The current Prime Minister of Canada is Justin Trudeau. The country's capital is Ottawa.
It has two official languages: English and French. Both are used in the Parliament of Canada.
Canada has seven regions, each with a different climate and landscape:
the Pacific coast, home to Vancouver Island and the city of Victoria;
The mountain ranges, where the highest mountains in the country are located and Mount Logan, located on the largest glacial cap south of the arctic circle;
The prairies; the Canadian Shield;
The Great Lakes, the Appalachians, on the Atlantic;
The Arctic and National Parks.
It is the country with the longest coastline in the world - in addition to the Atlantic and the Pacific, it also has a coastline on the Arctic Ocean. It is estimated that the country has one-seventh of the
Canada is the second largest country in the world by land area, occupying virtually the entire northern half of North America.
Toronto is home to the National Ballet of Canada and the Canadian Opera.
Among the city's main museums and galleries are the Royal Ontario Museum, dedicated to the arts, archeology, and natural history; the Thomson Gallery, which brings together works by Canadian artists known as The Group of Seven; the Henry Moore Sculpture Centre, which has more than one hundred works by the artist, and the Eskimo Art Gallery.
On a day trip, it is possible to visit Niagara Falls, between Canada and the United States. One of the most beautiful regions in Canada, the Rocky Mountains have large lakes of turquoise water in their forests.
There are several national parks in the region, such as the Top of the World Park, Kootenay Park - both can be visited by car - and Purcell
Park, which requires visitors to take a little breath, since the best routes can only be
Other sports enjoyed in the parks, in addition to trekking,
In all parks there is a village that provides infrastructure for visitors.
Niagara Falls is a must-see when visiting Canada. It is close to Toronto and receives more than 20 million tourists a year.
Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. It can be seen on the American and Canadian side, making the border between them.
Although the waterfalls on the American side are higher, seen from the Canadian side is more beautiful. ◙
Turismo.com
Canada's largest city, Toronto sits on the shores of Lake Ontario.Niagara Falls The Rocky Mountains
THE END IS NEAR MATTHEW 24:7-13
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
All this will be the beginning of the pains. Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.
At that time many will be offended, will betray, and hate one another, and numerous false prophets will arise and deceive many. Due to the increase of wickedness, the love of many will grow cold, but he who endures to the end will be saved.