PATHFINDER

The Works of God and its Rolein Generational LoyaltyJoshua 24:31

2009-01-08T23:11:00.000-08:00

We hear over the religious news that a former fundamental Baptist missionary’s son turned away from the faith. He became an evangelical college teacher, and later joined the ecumenical bandwagon called the emerging church movement. Could this really happen among Filipinos? Absolutely! It is already happening just as it has happened in the past. The current generation tends to reject the militancy in the faith of the past generation. Propagandists of change keep on saying that the battles of the past are no longer relevant, so the younger generation must abandon the fight of the old generation.

This is what we call generational disloyalty. This occurs when one generation departs from the former generation’s militant stand on the Word of God. On the other hand, a generation is freed from such charge if the current generation returns to the old militant defense of the faith once abandoned by the former. Where do we stand on this issue, Cornerstone people? The current generation of Cornerstone membership is militant in its stand to carry on the beliefs and behavior of this local church. She unapologetically corrects anyone who errs from the faith. She even expels from the membership anyone who refuses to get right with the Lord after being subjected to church discipline as Mat. 18:15-17 teaches.

Will the next generation of Cornerstone people uphold the faith in similar militancy and passion as well as zeal to advance her faith to other lands? Will they sustain our zeal for missions? Will they preserve our doctrines and practices as an indigenous local Baptist church? Will they preserve our godly music untainted by worldly ones? What can be done to ensure that the younger generation of Cornerstone people will carry on the faith and practice of the current ones? Joshua gave us the answer to this query! The current generation must expose the succeeding generation into the works of God at this local church. They must see and cherish how God started and sustained this local church through indigenous ministerial philosophy. They must imbibe the same principles that governed us through the years so they can stand the hardships of their future situations.

Some significant lessons can be drawn from this success of Joshua, his successor elders, and the people of Israel. First, the Israelites chose to serve the God of Joshua all through Joshua’s term and the next leaders’. They saw and heard from Joshua the need to serve in the manner which he demonstrated to them. We see this happened in Joshua 1:16-18 where the people covenanted themselves with Joshua as witnessed by the Lord. In short they made a contract to remain faithful in the service according to the standards defined by Joshua, their leader.

A covenant is such a great tool in ensuring faithfulness. It binds us to godliness. Though it is not an absolute guarantee of faithfulness, it can reduce temptation of unfaithfulness. We need to enter into an agreement of faithfulness. Joshua led them into this contract-making but he did not coerce them to make one. When Joshua reminded the people, he led them into making a covenant of faithfulness (24:23-27).

Let us be wiser in dealing with our sinful heart’s inclination to unfaithfulness. CBC members, how is your membership contract? Are you loyally keeping each of its provisions which you vowed to maintain until He comes? Why not get right with God for violating some of its provisions before your children discover them and indirectly encourage them to the same unfaithfulness?

Second, the Israelites knew well the perfect works of God. They also saw these works being fulfilled before them (see Judges 2:7). The older generation exposed the young ones to what God has done to them. They did not confine these divine works to themselves. They, rather, devised a system by which all the young ones saw what God has done. Probably, they taught these divine workings to the children. Here we see the need of educating the next generation. Our enemies are gone. But they can always return when the old guards are gone or its spirit is slowly declining from the scene. This has happened in other local churches that resulted to their fall and compromise.

Every Cornerstone ministry must showcase to its people the works of God perfectly done through this local church. Every teacher from the nursery up to the senior adults must remind the membership of our struggles and successes over temptations, over needs, and over obstacles. These must be done biblically and diligently. When the people are ignorant of our history and struggles the devil will creep in to bring deception to the naïve and vulnerable. We ought to teach all our local church doctrines and practices (including our culture) to every child and new member so as to fully integrate them into the body of Christ. This is the reason, we tirelessly keep on with our godly traditions ( i.e., church camp, Christmas fellowship, Missions Nights, Youth camp, Lord’s Supper in December and April) that sustain our belief and behavior system. We want to establish a godly Cornerstone culture that reflects the Bible. So where do you stand now, Cornerstone members in this pursuit? How are your children keeping these godly traditions?

Third, Israel departed from the ways of Joshua and the elders due to ignorance of the works of God and His greatness. This we see in Judges 2:10-14. This generation that departed did not know the God of Joshua. Note that God does not change, neither does His doctrines. It means they had no personal knowledge of the salvation work of God. They were also ignorant of the many perfect works of God. They were either untaught with the words of God or they did not learn from their teaching leaders (v.10).

Consequently, in verse 11, (1) they did evil in God’s sight and served false gods. They committed this due to their lack of knowledge. Remember what prophet Hosea said about this (Hosea 4:6). Then, (2) they abandoned the God of Joshua (v.12, forsook the Lord, cf. v.13). In stead, they embraced and followed the false gods of the people surrounding them. They began to listen to their counsels and models of life and work. What a great tragedy! Further, (3) they provoked God to anger (v.12c; 14). God is never happy over someone’s departure from the true faith be it in one segment of the doctrinal truth we espouse or in practical and moral departure. Some have undermined the latter as less significant. But consider that departure in practice is an evidence of departure from belief or thought.

So God has to chastise the Israelites for this departure with repeated national problems evident in the book of Judges. They even further deteriorated into individualism in decision making (Judges 21:25). Other heinous crimes and sins were committed in the period of the Judges due to this departure in doctrine and practice. For us, Cornerstone people, to ensure the next generation’s faithfulness we must sustain the current zeal for God. We must diligently teach our young ones with the truths we uphold. We are not to be content with mere outward conformity but must look for their true heart and lifestyle change. Let us therefore be striving towards greater consistency, Cornerstone parents and single adults, so the young ones may have no reason to depart from this blessed and pure faith. Amen!

Ang Pananaw ng Isang Musikosa mga Gawa ng DiyosMga Awit 77:11-20

2009-01-08T23:09:00.000-08:00

Kakaunti lamang na musiko ang nagiging tanyag. Marahil ito rin ang kurso na madalang na kunin ng mga magsisitapos sa mataas na paaralan at nagnanais na pumasok sa kolehiyo. Ito ang nangyayari sa sekular na larangan. Wala ring gaanong kaibahan sa ganitong larangan ng ministeryo ng mga Kristiyano. Ang iba ay pumapasok sa larangan ng musika dahil sa pagnanais na malaman kung ano ang meron dito habang ang iba ay pumapasok dahil sa kawalan ng iba pang mapapasukan. Sila’y mananatili habang wala pa silang ibang malilipatang gawain. Kadalasan, ang mga mahuhusay na musiko ay hindi nababayaran ng tama. At dahil sila’y may mga pangangailangang kailangang tustusan o ‘di kaya’y pamilyang kailangang buhayin, ang iba sa kanila’y napipilitang lisanin ang larangan ng musika. Ang iilang malalakas ang loob na piniling manatili at ipagpatuloy ang kanilang panawagan ay magbabata ng mga kabigatang nakapaloob sa kanilang desisyong manatili. Ang iba sa kanila’y magtatagumpay habang ang iba’y hindi.

Ang ating teksto ay sinulat ng isang musikong naglilingkod sa loob ng templo ng mga Hebreo. Siya’y si Asaph, isang levitang musiko. Bilang musiko, siya ang nangangasiwa ng lahat ng mga gawain patungkol sa musika sa loob ng templo. Araw-araw niyang pinapangunahan ang ensayo ng iba pang musiko sa templo. Para sa kanyang mga pangangailangan, siya’y umaasa lamang sa ibinibigay na ikapo at handog ng iba pang mga tribo. Minsan na siyang nainggit sa karangyaan ng mga masasama (Mga Awit 73). Marahil ay nakita niya ang yaman ng mga taong hindi naglilingkod sa Diyos habang siya at ang kaniyang pamilya’y bahagya na lamang na nabubuhay at paulit-ulit na hinaharap ang gawain sa templo. Ngunit salamat sa Diyos at napagtagumpayan niya ang tentasyong iyon sa pamamagitan ng pakikinig sa Salita ng Diyos.

Maraming mga aral ang mapupulot mula sa buhay ng isang musikong naglingkod sa Diyos sa kabila ng mga pasakit. Humanda tayong alamin ang kaniyang pananaw sa Diyos at sa mga gawa Niya. Isaalang-alang ang kaniyang sinabi sa bersikulo 1, “Babanggitin ko ang mga gawa ng Panginoon; sapagka't aalalahanin ko ang mga kabagabagan mo ng una.”

Sa mga talatang 1-10, labis na napighati si Asaph dahil sa kaniyang inggit at selos sa karangyaan ng mga masasama. Hindi siya makatulog. Hindi siya makaawit dahil wala siyang makitang dahilan upang magsaya. Kinailangan niya ang aliw na nagbubuhat lamang sa Diyos upang manumbalik ang kaniyang galak sa paglilingkod sa templo. Inisip niyang siya’y nilisan na ng Panginoon dahil wala siyang makitang palatandaan ng parating na tulong mula sa Kaniya. Siya’y lubos na nababahala dahil hindi pa sinasagot ng Diyos ang kaniyang panalangin upang iligtas ang bayang Israel. Sa kaniyang pananaw, malayo at walang pakialam ang Diyos sa kaniyang mga hinaharap na kabigatan.

Ngunit nakadama siya ng aliw at kasiguruhan nang siya’y nagbulay-bulay sa pagkilos ng Diyos sa bansang Israel nuong unang panahon. Una, inalala niya ang ginawa ng Diyos sa kanila bilang isang bansa (bersikulo (b.) 11). Pinili niyang alalahanin ang mga dakilang milagro ng Diyos. Kasama rito ang pagligtas sa Exodo (b. 19-20). Gumawa rin ang Diyos ng paraan upang alalahanin niya ang mga pagkilos ng Diyos sa Mga Awit 111:4. Ang pag-alala sa mga ginawa ng Diyos sa iyong buhay ay isang paraan upang makabangon mula sa pighati at panghihina ng loob. Isaalang-alang ang kaligtasang natanggap, ang kapatawaran ng mga kasalanan, ang kalakasang ibinigay ng Diyos, at ang mga biyayang ibinigay ng Diyos sa panahon ng kagipitan.

Pangalawa, nagbulay-bulay siya sa lahat ng gawa ng Diyos (b. 12a). Ang salitang bubulayin ay nangangahulugan ng pag-ungol ukol sa isang bagay. Ito ay lagpas sa pag-iisip lamang. Nangangailangan ito ng imahinasyon at pagsambit ng iyong naaalala mula sa Diyos. Ito’y katulad ng pagbubulay-bulay sa Salita ng Diyos (Josue 1:7-8). Ganito din ang ginawa ni David sa Mga Awit 143:5. Sa ating panalangin at pribadong pag-iisip at pagpaplano, kailangan tayo’y magbulay-bulay sa ginawa ng Diyos noong nakaraan. Dapat tayong manabik sa pag-ulit ng Panginoon sa ating panahon ng Kaniyang ipinangako at ginawa sa bansang Israel noon. Dapat nitong pangibabawan ang ating mga pag-iisip. Dapat itong maging bahagi ng ating mga plano sa lokal na iglesia.

Pangatlo, nagdesisyon siyang talakayin ang gawa ng Diyos (b. 12b). Bilang isang musiko, obligasyon ni Asaph na lumikha ng musika at umawit ng mga himno. Sa ganitong mga paraan niya naihahayag ang mga gawa ng Diyos. Kapag siya’y lumikha ng awit at himnong gumugunita ng mga ginawa ng Diyos, naisasakatuparan niya ang biblikal niyang tungkulin. Kailangan ng mga musiko na malaman ang mga ginawa ng Diyos na nasasaad sa Bibliya. Kailangang regular na pagbulay-bulayan ang mga katotohanang ito hanggang sa maging bahagi ito ng kanilang katauhan at maging basehan ng kanilang pagtatalakay ng mga gawa ng Diyos. Sa isang banda, kapag ang puso’t isipan ng mga musiko ay puno ng makamundong kaisipan at pagnanasa o pagkabahala sa mga kaganapan sa mundo, ito rin ang magiging laman ng kaniyang mga katha at komposisyon. Isipin ninyo ang mga salita at musikang rock o mga awitin ng mga sensual at makamundong mang-aawit. Sino ang nais nilang matuwa at bigyan ng luwalhati? Bakit nahulog sa ganitong kamalian ang Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)? Alamin kung ano ang inilalagay nila sa kanilang mga isipan at kung ano ang kanilang layunin.

Inisa-isa ni Asaph ang mga gawa ng Diyos sa Israel. Una, saan matatagpuan ang mga paraan ng Diyos? Ayon kay Asaph, ito ay matatagpuan sa santuario ng Diyos (b. 13). Dahil marami ang naghahanap ng tamang daan, sinabi niyang ito’y matatagpuan sa lugar na kung saa’y nagtitipon ang mga tao ng Diyos. Kung ang ating mga paraa’y naglalarawan ng Salita ng Diyos na itinuturo ng mga alagad ng Diyos sa Kaniyang iglesia, tayo’y gagayahin ng mga taong makakarinig at makakakita sa atin. Dahil dito, ang templo ng Diyos ay magiging tagapanguna at tagataguyod ng mga maka-Diyos na pamamaraan.

Pangalawa, ang Diyos ay gumagawa pa rin ng mga kababalaghan kagaya nuong una (b. 14). Hindi huminto ang Diyos sa pagbigay ng mga himala. Ito’y ginagawa Niya kung alam Niyang kinakailangan. Ginagawa rin Niya ito upang itaas ang kaniyang pangalan sa harap ng mga ‘di ligtas. Kaya’t maaari pa ring umasa sa himala ng Diyos ang mga mananampalataya. Anupa’t ang katotohanang ito’y dapat magpalakas ng ating loob upang magpatuloy na magsilbi sa Kaniya.

Pangatlo, iniligtas Niya ang Kaniyang mga tao (b. 15). Ito ay nangyari sa panahon ng Exodo. Walang kapangyarihan ang Israel na iligtas ang kanilang sarili nuong mga panahong iyon. Kaya’t ang Diyos ang gumawa ng paraan upang sila’y iligtas. Ito’y isang larawan ng ating kaligtasan mula sa ating mga kasalanan at sa impiyerno. Hindi natin kayang iligtas ang ating mga sarili. Ngunit ginawa ng Diyos ito para sa atin nang tayo’y nagsisi sa ating mga kasalanan at nagtiwala kay Kristo bilang ating Tagapagligtas.

Patuloy na gumagawa ang Diyos ng mga kababalaghan sa mundong ito. Bawat mananampalataya ay kailangang makita at malaman ito upang magpatuloy na magbigay puri sa Diyos. Ang inyong pag-alala at pagbubulay-bulay ng mga gawa ng Diyos ay kailangan upang maihayag ninyo ang Diyos sa ibang tao. Magpatuloy na isa-isahin ang mga ginawa ng Diyos sa iyo at sa ibang tao. Punuin ang iyong isipan at kaluluwa ng mga bagay na ito nang sa gayo’y maimpluwensiyahan nito ang paglilingkod ninyo sa Diyos.

Bilang mga modernong Asaph, isaalang-alang natin ang ating kakaibang biblikal na pananaw at pamamaraan sa lokal na iglesia. Bigyang panahon ang paglikha ng mga awiting naglalarawan ng mga doktrinang pinaniniwalaan. Kung ang doktrina ng “verbal and plenary inspiration” at ang pangangalaga at pag-iingat ng Salita ng Diyos ay tama, nararapat lamang na lumikha tayo ng mga awiting nagtuturo ng doktrinang ito. Kung ang paniniwala sa pangingibabaw ng lokal na iglesia sa mga iba pang organisasyong nakakabit sa lokal na iglesia ay tama, ang ating musika ay dapat nagsasaad din ng ganitong katotohanan. Ang pagiging militante na may halong pag-ibig at awa upang ipagtanggol ang ating pananampalataya ay ipinag-uutos ng Bibliya. Hindi ba nararapat lamang na lumikha tayo ng mga awiting naglalarawan ng mga katotohanang ito? Siya Nawa!

The Perfection of the Works of GodDeuteronomy 32:4

2009-01-08T23:06:00.000-08:00

As we start the year 2009, it is good to think about our great God especially what He has done. Our God has created all things we see and enjoy. He has made you and me in His image. He has designed our universe including our temporary place of abode-Earth. He has put in it all the living creatures He made. So there is much waste to try to find some form of life elsewhere. Such activity merely shows rejection of His revelation.

Filipinos are degenerating in appreciation of God’s works. We are gradually setting aside the traditional view, which is essentially right, of the truth of the divine creation of the universe and humankind. We do this by allowing the error of humanity that espouses man-made theory of origins to exist side by side with the long established truth. This attitude is not high scholarship, but blatant rebellion to the truth of creation. Humanity evasively declares reliance on scientific truth as he can not contain the conscience-pricking creation truth.

There is now a growing voice to absolutely remove from any science literature the creation truth. What are we going to do if this becomes legal locally? Then, we must imitate our Baptist forefathers’ methodology. They, for centuries, survived in the caves and mountains to escape the prosecuting ire of both the state and the Romanist church. The only legitimate course of action after evasion is to resort to a clandestine manner of existence. It may be hard but history is on our side. Scriptures is also on our side as the winning position. They can not fully eradicate our belief and behavior. Someone somewhere will always grasp this longing for truth and take it until the last breath.

For now, we see the terrible repugnance of Filipinos towards God’s works. They show distaste to the perfections of divine workings. More errors are promoted even by the religionists. Not behind are the false teachers in the garb of dominant Romanists, the cultists, and the deceived Charismatics. They promote ecumenism and boastfully call it divine workings. They spend much on these activities rather than on scripturally mandated efforts. You see, these groups spend millions of pesos in order to launch political and religious fun fares in the name of watchfulness. They do not bear the name of true God, neither do they promote the workings of God nor are they instruments of God’s works.

Moses wrote a song to show the faithfulness of God (of Israel) and disclose the corruption of the people of Israel. In his description of God’s faithfulness, he will teach us that God’s work is perfect. In contrast to this, man’s achievement is full of corruption. Israel will apostatize in the midst of her material prosperity. She will depart from God’s standards. Perhaps Israel would have been better if she remained poor and needy.

Moses described God as the Rock. He repeats this in verses 15, 18, 30, and 31. As such God is stable and permanent. He does not move or change. David, after experiencing victory over Saul and others, declared God as His rock in 2 Sam. 22:2-3. He learned God in the same way that Moses did. Further, David uttered the same truth in Psa. 18:2. So God’s work is indeed perfect as it needs no improvement. Why? For it is permanent and stable. Whatever God has made, that is perfect.

Did God make man? Did He make man and woman only? Or did He also make homosexuals? If God’s work is perfect then there is nothing that man can do (reinvent or revise) to improve the condition of man. Genesis 1:26-27 clearly provide answers to above queries. God hates homosexuality (practice and behavior) as it is a perversion, if not rebellion, to God’s standards. See how God acts towards this error of homosexuality in Romans 1:26-32.

To say that there is no God who made the universe including the earth is clear antagonism to God and His Holy Scriptures. It is an act of discriminating the centuries-old belief of humanity or, at least, of the Bible-believing Baptists. To make laws that outlaw such belief is pure authoritarianism and undemocratic legislation favoring only the elite, falsely so-called scholars who hide their religious convictions in the garb of science. To change our laws in order to favor those whom God has declared as in error is another evidence of instability. We can not take this error lightly and naively. We must equip our young ones to provide a defense in the future. We must enable them to provide a good fight in the near future. Retreat is not surrender. We must conserve our gains from depletion by the enemies.

So what God has made will never change. They are stable and permanent. His ways are free from imperfections. They are truthful, perfectly just (or equitable) and right (Psa. 33:4b). We must accept them by faith after discovering these truths from diligent study of the Holy Scriptures. We must replace the errors thrown upon us with these stable, equitable, and perfect truths. Our nation, just as others, will continue to deteriorate as a result of these changes in philosophy and practice. Filipinos are taking more powers into their hands to direct this nation. Anything they do not like is immediately aired in various avenues. Propaganda is employed. Followers are encouraged. Our sinful senses are the ultimate determinant of morality not anymore the stable and permanent truth derived from the Holy Scriptures.

Moses criticized Israel for her corruptions. See verses 5-7 for the basis. She was earlier warned about apostasy in the midst of prosperity. But she forgot the forewarnings and embraced the error. So Moses contrasted her with God. Israel did not bear any resemblance with her Father God’s attributes. Incidentally, note here how God expects Israel to resemble divine qualities in their conduct. What we learn from the God of Scriptures must be implemented in our lives for imitation. So we must make laws after His pattern for imitation.

Israel also disregarded God’s goodness as evident in His workings (Psa. 28:4-5). She did not make much of God’s deliverance from Egypt. This is a truth very much repeated in the whole OT Scriptures. Why? This is where God’s magnificence was seen by the whole world. Miracles occurred to favor Israel against another nation. Yet she easily undermined this. Beware of falling into similar trap as we recall our great salvation from the fires of hell when we trusted Christ as Savior.

Israel forgot who made her a nation. Verse 6 says, “Hath he not made thee, and established thee?” Here she neglected what God has done for her as a nation. God established her way back in Abraham. He can also unmake her as a nation. This is what He would do in the days of the divided kingdom of Israel (post-Solomonic period). How many nations lately realized that God who made them great as nations is now making them into miserable ones? Can this occur also to an individual believer? We see local churches that were once great and dedicated to God are no longer the same due to this sin.

Israel failed to realize that God alone made them strong and stable. See verse 12 for the basis. She relied upon the false gods of human wisdom and ingenuity. She gradually declined absolute dependence upon God and His revelations. As we experience knowledge advancement and economic prosperity we can rely upon these earthly strengths and decline to depend upon divine provisions especially His absolute power. Beware of this error as the fall of Israel may become ours, too. Let us not make idols out of knowledge, education, experience, and economic advancement. They are truly empty, for God alone is our sufficiency.

Both sinners and saints may keep rejecting the authority of God’s words upon their lives. They do this by charging the Holy Scriptures with irrelevancy and need for revision especially in matters of readability. We must strongly oppose these changes for they are inconsistent with what we learned from Moses’ declaration that God’s work is stable and permanent. And those who reject this truth will surely deteriorate to corruption. Amen!

Prophetic Maltreatment of ChristIsaiah 53:1-3

2008-12-01T23:01:00.000-08:00

As men we have no ability to perfectly know the future. No matter how we project and prudently plan for the future we still can not entirely know what tomorrow will bring. Christ is entirely different. As an omniscient person He knows what tomorrow will bring. This has an advantage and disadvantage. As sinful people once we determine with certainty how people will treat you then we would avoid engagement with such people group. But not with the Messiah—He knew beforehand that the people would reject and undermine Him, yet He still proceeded to minister to them!

Our text is a part of the prophecy of Isaiah on the sufferings of the coming Messiah. The entire prophecy was fulfilled in the New Testament. But I want to focus only on the first three verses. They are about people’s maltreatment of the Messiah. Considering the entire context already mentioned, these first three verses also found fulfillment in the New Testament. But I want still to show you from the Bible how these first three verses were indeed fulfilled. Then, we shall consider its implications upon our lives and ministry.
Signs of Rejection and Fulfillment

The text lists down eight (8) specific acts of rejection of the Messiah. Primarily, the people of Israel will reject Him. Later, as we see in the Gospels account in the New Testament, others will also reject Him. First, they rejected His message (v.1). Thousands of people heard Him preach and saw Him heal the sick yet they rejected His kingdom message. Very few submitted to embrace His message. The very source of God’s word was the one who spoke, still they refused His sermons. The Pharisees rejected His sermons and answers. The rich young ruler found His requirements of salvation very heavy, so he left without salvation. Second, they saw no attraction in the Messiah that would drive people to Him (v.2). As the prophet said, there is no beauty in Him. He must have been engrossed on physical trade works. Such will affect Him physically. The nationalists have insinuated to lead them into national liberation from the Roman oppression yet when He refused they left Him. They rejected His message. They only wanted to use Him for their own agenda. They saw no appeal in His sermons.

Third, the Messiah was despised by the people (v.3). What a great blasphemy that He was charged with being of Beelzebub. They were full of ignorance in declaring this error. People belittled Him as an illegitimate son of Mary. He was rumored to be an outcast due to this false impression. Fourth, the Messiah was rejected by the people (v.3). Once, the people asked Him to leave their place as His messages brought them economic hardship. They were seriously concerned with their business or livelihood rather than their soul destiny and earthly life quality. Here is a classic example of a village of Gadarene treating Him as persona non grata. It is like church members rejecting the instruction of God’s words because they will lose loved ones. Fifth, the Messiah endured sorrows (v.3). As a person from an economically poor family and village of Nazareth, what can you expect from Him in terms of property? Thus, He grew up working to feed Himself and His siblings. He was unlike the corrupt and greedy Romanists and cultists who preyed upon their victims to expand their wealth holdings. He was unlike the pastors who unceasingly exact funds from the people and elsewhere to bloat their pockets and to address their whims in stead of advancing the local church into distant territories.

Sixth, He was acquainted with grief (v.3). He struggled with God the Father at the garden of Gethsemane to obey the latter’s will. Many times He faced the grief brought by the desertion of His disciples. He even felt the weight of the world’s sin as he was hanging there at the cross. What a mixture of physical, emotional, and spiritual grief! So as His servants and His children we ought not to complain at the slightest grief we face in the ministry. Remember Him who was grieved by His own disciples and relatives as well as by the very people of Israel for whom He came. Seventh, people hid from Him as if they did not want to be with Him (v.3). He was regarded as a leper by some people. So He was brought outside the city as a sign of being a castaway. What an embarrassing moment when people hide from our home calls and saints’ visitation for revival! If you felt such neglect and show of insignificance then we know the heart of our Messiah when He was here.

And finally, people did not show Him respect (v.3). As a person of highest authority and power in the entire universe, He deserves the highest honor which He did not get here. Paul understood the contrasting truth in Philippians 2:9-11 where everyone must give the highest respect and submission to Christ. So every time a person refuses to do this truth he has no right to remain in this universe. For such disrespect is a blatant and horrible attack upon the Lordship and dominion of Christ over the entire universe.

As saved people we must tremble to obey Him and His words rather than get terrified over our secular superiors. The sinning and corrupt national leaders and their equally dishonest critics are given more importance as they pass by our places while the servants and workers of the Lord are insignificantly overlooked. What a terrible wickedness! When church members and leaders disregard the godly biblical counsel of God’s man it is also a sign of disrespect! There is sorrow in my heart to hear and to see people disrespect Christ and His biblical demands. Surely, when He comes he will judge them with the most just punishment. See Jn. 12:48 and 2 Thess. 1:3-10 for basis of these divine forthcoming acts.
Implications of Prophecy

Having seen that Gods’ prophecy through prophet Isaiah was fulfilled in the New Testament let us then contemplate upon its impact on our thoughts and acts. First, it shows God’s words are reliable and certain. What God has said came to pass. So what God has said in the New Testament will also come to pass. None of it could ever fail. It shows the need to deepen our resolve and usage of God’s word in all life areas. Second, we are forewarned that belittling God’s counsel as given by His servants is a form of rejection. Thus, we must seriously obey to pastoral guidance and counsel as this is designed for our safety and success in the way of the Lord. Rejection and neglect of such biblical pastoral direction is contrary to Hebrews 13:17 and leads to ruin and grief.

Third, ministers and missionaries ought to bear the sufferings of their members’ backsliding, rebellion to authority, and rejection of godly counsel. Such patient and enduring attitude signifies Christ’s influence upon their lives. Since He has called us to serve Him at the local church then we must patiently bear the burdens of the ministry in which He has placed us. Fourth, earthly life and work is not always blissful until we reach the abode of God. Why is this? The world is not ours. We are strangers in it as Peter declared it in 1 Peter 2:11. The world is also raging against God. It is zealously in pursuit of betterment apart from God’s program and principles.

Fifth, as Christ’s servants, we must endure maltreatment from people around us. Jesus was not accepted by His own siblings until His resurrection. He was deserted by His own disciples at the crucial hour. He was spitted upon by soldiers. They even desecrated His holiness by gambling at the foot of His cross. They also grumbled over before Him. None would like to be with Him. If this is how He was treated as Lord and Savior then it is presumptuous to expect applause and high respect from this world. As His followers and servants we must expect, without desiring it, the rejection of our worldly counterparts who reject Him and His words. Amen!

Ang Propesiya Ukol sa Pagiging Pusposni Jesus ng Banal na EspirituIsaias 11:2

2008-12-01T22:57:00.000-08:00

Sinabi ni propeta Isaias, “At ang Espiritu ng Panginoon ay sasa kaniya ang diwa ng karunungan at ng kaunawaan, ang diwa ng payo at ng katibayan, ang diwa ng kaalaman at ng takot sa Panginoon.” Ito ang propesiya ukol sa pagdating ng Mesiyas na pupuspusin at pangungunahan ng Banal na Espiritu sa Kaniyang ministeryo dito sa lupa. Isa sa mga sanhi ng matagumpay na ministeryo ni Jesus sa lupa ay ang kadahilanang ang buhay Niya’y puspos ng Banal na Espiritu. Ito rin ang kinakailangan ng bawat mananampalatayang nagnanais na maglingkod sa Panginoong Jesus.

Sinasaad ng ating teksto na ang Banal na Espiritu ay sasa-Kaniya. Ang ibig sabihin ng salitang “sasa-Kaniya” ay mahulog o manatili, na nagsasaad ng ideya ng pananahan. Dahil ang salita’y ginamit sa panghinaharap na panahon (“ay sasa Kaniya”), ito’y nagpapahiwatig ng panghinaharap na kaganapan. Ang panghalip na “Kaniya” ay tumutukoy sa personang binanggit sa simula ng talata “usbong sa puno ni Isai, at isang sanga mula sa kaniyang mga ugat.” Samakatuwid, ang Banal na Espiritu ay mananahan sa Mesiyas. At ang pananahang ito’y mayroong mga direktang ebidensiya na nasasaad rin sa teksto. Ito’y ang mga sumusunod: (1) diwa ng karunungan at ng kaunawaan; (2) diwa ng payo at ng katibayan; at (3) diwa ng kaalaman at ng takot sa Panginoon. Nakita ni propetang Isaias, anim na raang taon bago pa man ito mangyari, ang magiging ministeryo ng Mesiyas sa lupa. At ating tungkuling tuklasin sa pamamagitan ng masigasig na pag-aaral kung ang propesiyang ito’y tunay ngang natupad sa Bagong Tipan.

Hayaan ninyong bigyan ko kayo ng anim na pangyayari sa buhay at gawain ng Mesiyas na nagpapakitang Siya’y puspos at pinananahanan ng Banal na Espiritu. Ang listahang ito’y hindi lubos at ang pakay lamang ay hikayatin ang mga magbabasa na pag-aralan ng mas malalim ang nasabing paksa.

1. Mateo 1:18,20 - ang pagsilang ng Mesiyas ay ipinahayag rin ng isang anghel. Si Maria at Jose ay kapwang sinabihan ng anghel ng Diyos na dadalhin ni Maria sa kaniyang sinapupunan ang Anak ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng kapangyarihan ng Banal na Espiritu. Kaya’t sa pabubuntis pa lamang ni Maria, si Kristo ay puspos na ng Banal na Espiritu. Samakatuwid, sa Kaniyang kapanganakan, Siya’y pinananahanan na ng Banal na Espiritu.

2. Lucas 2:52 – Ang Mesiyas ay sumailalim sa impluwensiya ng Banal na Espiritu sa Kaniyang kabataan. Tingnan ang sinasaad sa teksto “lumago sa … pagbibigay lugod sa Diyos…”. Ang kalagayang ito’y hindi matatamo kung wala ang kapangyarihan ng Banal na Espiritu. Si Jesus ay patuloy na pinanahanan ng Banal na Espiritu sa panahong yaon. Dinaanan Niya ang normal na proseso ng pagiging musmos hanggang kabataan na hindi natikman ang karnalidad ng kamunduhan dahil patuloy na namalagi ang Banal na Espiritu sa Kaniya.

3. Mateo 3:16 – kaagad na bumaba ang Banal na Espiritu sa Mesiyas pagkatapos na Siya’y bawtismuhan ni Juan Baptista. Bakit? Bilang pagsunod sa kalooban ng Diyos Ama na Siya’y bawtismuhan ni Juan Baptista sa ilog Jordan. Hindi Niya ito kailangan upang maligtas dahil Siya mismo ang Manliligtas. Hindi rin Niya kinakailangan ito upang makagawa ng mabuti dahil Siya ang nagbibigay kalakasan sa tao upang makagawa ng mabuti. Ginawa Niya ito sa ikalulugod ng Ama (v. 17). Ginawa rin Niya ito upang tayo, na Kaniyang mga tagasunod, ay magkaroon ng modelong masusundan.

4. Mateo 4:1 – ang Mesiyas ay pinangunahan ng Banal na Espiritu sa kasukalan upang tuksuhin ng demonyo. Ang panunuksong ito ng Demonyo’y kalooban rin ng Diyos. Ang Kaniyang tagumpay laban sa mga panunuksong ito’y patunay na Siya’y pinanahanan at pinatnubayan ng Banal na Espiritu. Isaalang-alang natin ang katotohanang maaari rin tayong akayin ng Diyos patungo sa mga kahirapan kung saan ang kalakasan ng Banal na Espiritu ay magagamit ng lubusan patungo sa tagumpay. Ikumpara ito sa Lucas 4:1 kung saan hayagang sinabi ng manunulat na ang Mesiya’y puspos ng Banal na Espiritu nang Siya’y tumungo sa kasukalan.

5. Lucas 4:14 – Ang Mesiyas, pagkaraan ng Kaniyang tagumpay sa kasukalan, ay kaagad na tumuloy sa lalawigan ng Galilea kung saan Siya’y tinawag ng Diyos Ama upang magministeryo sa mga tao. Tingnan kung paano Siya pumunta duon upang tupdin ang gawain ng Ama. Siya’y nasa ilalim ng kapangyarihan ng Espiritu. Ang gayong matagumpay na ministeryo ay masusukat sa mga naging resulta nito. Una, Siya ay nagturo sa sinagoga, dala ang kapangyarihan ng Espiritu, na kinamangha ng lahat ng tagapakinig. Pangalawa, Siya’y naging tanyag sa lalawigan ng Galilea (v.14b) at sa mga karatig na rehiyon (v.37). Hindi siya kumuha ng isang tagapalaganap upang gawin iyon para sa kaniya. Ang Diyos ang nagtaas at nagpalaganap ng Kaniyang pangalan sa buong rehiyon. Ito rin ang resulta ng buhay at ministeryo ni Juan Baptista (Mateo 3:5). Pangatlo, Siya’y niluwalhati (v.15) ng lahat ng nakapakinig sa Kaniya. Nuong panahong iyon, Siya’y kinikilala pa lang bilang lingkod ng Diyos at hindi pa bilang Mesiyas. Marami ang matututunan natin dito para sa ating buhay at ministeryo. Huwag nating alalahanin ang sinasabi ng mundo patungkol sa ating biblikal na ministeryo. Bagkus ay maging abala tayo sa pagtiyak na tayo’y puspos at pinapangunahan ng Banal na Espiritu sa ating gawain.

6. Lucas 4:18-19 – itinuro ng Mesiyas na patungkol sa Kaniya ang propesiyang nasusulat sa Isaias 61:1-2. Sa madaling salita, sinabi Niyang Siya ang tinutukoy ng propeta. Ipinapakita nito ang magiging buhay at ministeryo Niya. Muli, ang lahat ng mga ito ay natupad.

Nawa’y ang bawat isa sa inyo, mga minamahal na taga-Cornerstone, ay mapuspos ng banal na Espiritu pagkaraang kayo’y mapanahanan Niya. Mga minamahal na mambabasa, nasa inyo na ba ang Banal na Espiritu? Siya ba’y nananahan na sa inyo? Siya’y lubos na nagnanais na gawin ito kung Siya ay inyo lamang pahihintulutan—kung kayo’y magsisi sa inyong mga kasalanan at magtitiwala kay Kristong iligtas ang inyong kaluluwa sa apoy ng impiyerno. Alalahaning binayaran na ng Panginoong Jesus ang ating mga kasalanan sa krus ng kalbaryo. Mga Kristiyano, nawa’y magpatuloy kayo sa pag-aaral ng Salita ng Diyos upang makalakad ng naaayon sa kalooban ng Diyos at mapalawak ng Diyos ang lokal na iglesiang kung saa’y inilagay Niya kayo. Siya nawa!

Prophecy on Global Supremacy of ChristIsaiah 2:3-5

2008-12-01T22:54:00.000-08:00

As the world gets deeper into chaos, confusion, and conflict, people keep asking, “Who is in charge, the devil or the Lord?” Some are frustrated to consider Christian biblical propositions to address society’s evils. They often cite the continual deterioration in society which appears irreversible. Saved people are also influenced away by frustrated attitude towards God. They too began to consider the view of the unbelieving towards God and society.

So the whole world engages in continual search for solution to address the global troubles. They keep on searching for answers to climate change. They continue discussing how to defeat terrorism. Recently, they have been conversing to provide economic security to the global financial crisis.

In all these strivings to secure the globe from the impending problems, they are neglecting the word of God in the pursuit for answers. In such a case then, how can they resolve problems perceived only by fallible human beings? If humanity has learned from the past Great Depression of 1930s then why did it recur in this modern age? Many have specific answers to these troubles. First, this has recurred due to human fallibility. He really can not fully secure himself apart from God’s provisions. Second, without man’s recognition, the world is being prepared into the stage of the last days where the rule of the antichrist will take place. Third, after the reign of the antichrist, the King of Kings will reign supreme. This last event will transpire regardless of the world’s attitude towards Him. Whether they accept Him or not, He will come anyway and do His way.

For the saved, the current troubles the world faces are not unusual. We hear the great financial crisis surrounding the globe. So nations react by preparatory discussion on a global scale. We see terrible and massive loss of human lives through the criminal acts of religious Islamists. The nations involved spend resources to protect their respective boundaries against these perpetrators. They see the coming supremacy of their false religion via coercion and various threats. The Romanist flexed her religious muscles to get into the centerfold of global pursuits. She too does not want to be left behind. As always she wants to capitalize on the current world engagement to increase her gains. She seems yet unsatisfied with the existing wealth of her already wealthy city. So her solution is the pursuit of religious ecumenism. Our own president has joined the bandwagon of interfaith dialogue through the proposal of the political structure of the United Nations.

Even if these humanistic solutions prevail they still could not exact what the very rule Christ will have in the coming years. Christ will reign supreme in the spread of His word at His dominion. Then, He will exact the perfect rule upon the whole earth in His kingdom. This will be an incomparable reign. The strivings of nations and their rulers can not match this forthcoming perfect reign. Finally, as the world will fail to compel Israel on her knees, Christ will demonstrate His rule upon Israel and it shall be supreme. Only Christ could move her to go down on her knees before Him.

Our text is a prophecy of Isaiah on the forthcoming millennial kingdom. He discussed some of its aspects. Three of them are prophesied in this text. First, the supremacy of Christ’s words shall be felt globally (v.3). God’s words shall emanate from Zion, the city of God which is Jerusalem. Regardless of the Palestinian Liberation Organization’s denial of this city as belonging to the nation of Israel, this city shall be given to the people of Israel. God’s words shall unceasingly flow from this city. Christ will teach His words to His people. These include the saints of all ages including the people of Israel. And the saints shall live by these words of God. Moving back to verse 2, one could see that all nations will flock to the city of God- Zion. They will do this to hear and learn God’s words.

In the millennial reign of Christ, His words shall be perfectly spread throughout the globe. The center of its teaching and expansion is Jerusalem. There will be no other city where this great propagation of God’s words shall be declared. For us today who zealously promote God’s words, yet experience harassment from socialist states and left-leaning bureaucrats in the garb of democratic agencies, we can rejoice in this forthcoming victory. We don’t have to enter socialist bureaucracy to defeat suppression for we can not expect massive expansion of God’s word in this dispensation prior to the millennial reign. The smell of victory in the prophetic manner is very exciting. We are privileged in having a part in this victory. This is taught in Rev. 5:10. We are certain of this rejoicing while the unsaved is sure of defeat. For now the center of God’s words propagation is the local church and not any para-church institution. Christ has established this institution for this purpose. Let us keep on teaching, preaching, and publishing God’s words in and through the local church. We are not to be weakened by the magnitude of the propagation task, for God does not expect us to reach the world if it is beyond the God given available resources. We need to be content with His chosen institutional method of promoting God’s words.

Second, the supremacy of Christ’s authority shall be seen globally (v. 4). Currently, the world is not under the reign of Christ or under the words of Christ. The nations’ leaders and inhabitants keep rejecting His word and its impact upon various human pursuits. Almost all sectors of human pursuits have been decaying due to the heavy dominance of humanistic thought. God’s words are swept under its former dominance. However, when Christ reigns in His time all shall be subjected to His power. None could refuse submission. No nation could reject His embargo neither could neutralize His imposition of punishment. When He corrects an erring nation and ruler or people no one could question His judgment. There is no appeal to higher court. There is no charge of human rights violation. Christ’s judgment shall be swift and His penal system shall be powerfully perfect.

Ironically, the United Nations uses the phrase in this verse “…and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks…” to provide seeming Biblicist basis for their mandate. Examining however, the UN goals, processes, and programs, will show the opposite. It is planning and acting in an unscriptural manner. They deliberately forgot that such goal can only be achieved if Christ is the one reigning and not any human fallible leader. Thus, this is an example of deception, where an organization uses biblical propaganda to enlist the biblical followers into joining a seeming biblical institution! The reality is those who join will be terribly deceived.

The reign of Christ is supreme in that it will have no wars unlike what the world has faced many of all sorts, i.e., economic, religious, cultural, and political invasion. In the reign of Christ funds allocated for military defense shall be used for economic promotion and welfare of the inhabitants. No nation will go bankrupt due to overspending on military adventures. Resources allocated for economic intelligence and piracy will be realigned for greater causes. This is the best stewardship of God given resources!

In this era of the local church, we are taught to submit to Christ’s headship through the human leadership of the church pastor. God’s words shall be our rule as translated into domestic rules for implementation. We must submit to such biblical leadership entrusted to the church pastor who is tasked to rule the local church (1 Tim. 3:4-5; 1 Thess. 5:12,14; and Heb. 13:7,17). This practice is a demonstration of our belief and submission to the biblical norm. When the world rejects this practice it simply shows its repugnance to and replacement of God’s words with their best fallible alternatives. We are never to allow the supremacy of Christ over the local church to be clouded by any human replacement.

As saved people we must be desirous for the coming of Christ’s reign. We must long for this perfect system as we encounter the frailty of human system. The weaknesses of Christian rulers at our local churches should all the more move us to see the forthcoming reign of Christ.

Third, the supremacy of Christ’s people shall be demonstrated in this world (v.5). The prophet invites the people of Israel, via prophecy, to join him in the life of walking before the Lord. At the time of prophecy Israel was not pleasing before the Lord. She was not right in the Lord. The darkness of idolatry and its consequences were dominant in Israel. However, in the millennial period, she will be different. Israel will not only be supreme in politics and in other areas of human life. But she will be spiritual before the Lord. She will walk right before Him. The light of the Lord will be her guide in her conduct.

Presently, Israel is not walking in the Lord. She is in national rejection of the Lord’s authority over her. She even opposes God’s words’ influence upon her. She does not recognize the Lord Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the coming King of Kings, the Liberator of Israel from the power of antichrist. But there will be a change, as prophet Ezekiel prophesied. God is able to revive even dead bones, a picture of the spiritual condition of Israel. Her rejection will culminate at the antichrist’s deception over her as she desires national security in Palestine. When the antichrist succeeds to deceive her, the nations will think that they have triumphed. But only for a while, as the King of Kings will come to liberate her from such deception. Then Israel will be exalted into global prominence as God’s people. She will be shown to the world as supreme due to Christ’s power.

Consider that in this period, you and me as saved people are part also of Christ’s supreme reign on earth with His beloved nation Israel. This truth must be shown in the affairs of the local church. What a great privilege to share in the reign of the Lord Jesus Christ with His chosen people! The world may take all the power so long as I have the certainty of Christ’s reign both in spirit and on earth! The world may rob our cherished hard earned resources so long as we are certain of Christ’s rewards both in His judgment seat and at His earthly kingdom rule. The world may strip the local church of her earthly belongings so long as she is sure of Christ’s eternal garb. As we wait for the establishment of the Son of God’s millennial kingdom we must demonstrate His supremacy over the local church in every pursuit. Amen!

The Separation of Paul and BarnabasActs 15:35-41

2008-11-01T22:50:00.000-07:00

As democracy grows in various human endeavors our lives are subjected to democratization. Society which creates the environment in which such a system is prevalent dupes local churches to adopt the same thought in the conduct of their ministries. Hence, churches geared their ministry administration into similar system, i.e., federal church government, congregationalism are examples. This is the height of humanism gain and its infiltration of local churches. This is grossly immoral. Why? Because the local church ought to be governed not by what society dictates neither by the current educational system but by what the Bible teaches.

Even ministerial relations or organizational structure are democratized already. Not to be designed in such manner is regarded as taboo and inhuman. My position on this matter is that the democratization of the local church is a perfect evidence of worldliness. To run the local church or any para-church in the same manner is also indicative of carnality. With these accepted practices, even biblical hermeneutics were redesigned thus interpretation follows the new model-that which is democratized. This is the reason a scenario similar to the Paul-Barnabas conflict could be repeated.

I want to discuss the reasons of this division between Paul and Barnabas, so we may learn to avoid the evil of this separation as well as integrate that which will equip us to stronger ministry relations. First, let us consider the reasons that support the validity of the Pauline action. Second, let us consider the reasons that reinforce the validity of Barnabas’ action. Third, why did God include this negative event among the early church missionaries in the Bible?

Pauline action was valid due to the following reasons and evidences. One, Paul rejected a quitter Christian worker as it showed immaturity and lack of readiness in the missionary work. He taught this principle in 2 Timothy 2:1-4 and likened the Christian life and work to a battlefield lifestyle. So he did not see John Mark fit for the second journey. Maybe he could be qualified in the future. Second, Paul highly emphasized the duty of ministry and its attendant implications upon the converts or followers. A quitting worker can not exact higher commitment from his disciples and it will affect the overall goal of discipleship.

Paul’s action is an act of faith because although it could result to loss of personnel yet he did not compromise for the sake of personnel retention. He walked by faith that perhaps in the future God will provide replacement. Evidently, verse 40 shows that God raised up a replacement in the person of Silas. The latter was recommended by the church. Paul would be guilty of hypocrisy or of having ulterior motives had he removed John Mark and replaced him with Silas. But we do not have evidence for such charge. 2 Timothy 4:11 indicates the purity of Pauline motive and manner in this conflict. He fully endorsed John Mark when he saw him perfectly fit for the ministry.

The evidence in the book of Acts (from chapters 15-28) shows Paul was favored by the Holy Spirit’s workings. This fact is consistent with what was stated originally in Acts 1:8 where geographical expansion of the church is prophesied. The person to use in such platform was Paul. Although Barnabas was ahead of Paul in membership and influence at Jerusalem church and at Antioch church yet God apparently chose to use Paul as the divine instrument to accomplish the geographical plan.

On the other hand, Barnabas’ action was regarded as valid also on the following grounds. One, being related by blood with John Mark, probably he could not bear to entirely lose him. This is typical of the Filipino way of dealing with church problems. However, we must outgrow such tendency and replace it with higher biblical premises. Second, Barnabas was a man of exhortation. He emphasized such quality in this situation more than anything. We have no evidence to further validate this point, however. If John Mark had repetitiously quit the assigned ministry, then emphasis on such quality has no warrant. Third, although it is out of argument from silence, Barnabas probably thought of starting a mission work with John Mark at Cyprus, his place of origin. Again we do not have evidence to validate this. On the other hand, Paul’s choice of Silas, as well as his continuing of the second missionary journey, was approved by the brethren in that local church.

So why did God expose us to this conflict between two greatly used missionaries? I do not claim exhausting the text. But I want to suggest some to the best of my understanding why this event transpired and was included by the Holy Spirit in the narrative revelation.

First, Luke under the divine inspiration honestly revealed what has transpired for it is relevant to the development of Acts 1:8 the geographical progress of missions work. It will also explain the absence of Barnabas in the succeeding chapters (16-28).

Second, as a narrative it does not necessarily dogmatize imitation. However, it does show the strength and weakness of the characters involved. It demonstrates what can be modeled and rejected by the morality and validity of each action. We can learn the primacy of maintaining the high quality of workers over the number of workers. Delegation of tasks must also be consistent with competence. Exhortation during hardship is a necessity to prevent manpower loss.

Third, integrating the passage in the teachings of Pauline theology and model, we can learn from here that a leader must exercise courage to impose discipline upon his subordinates. Such courage must not be threatened by possible manpower loss. One must also be ready to endorse another in spite of the past provided the candidate is fit for the work. We must also seek the role and contribution of others in such decision such as selection of worker and continuance of the work. Probably, Barnabas, due to his seniority, might have invoked supremacy over Paul that he chose to part ways from him.

Fourth, we are divinely exposed to the possibility of sinful manifestation even among missionaries. Realization of this fact diminishes discouragement during crisis especially among younger Christians and workers.

Fifth, we can also avoid similar repeat if a local church has clear organizational structure and sustained culture. Everything in the church must end at the office of the pastor. It will not work if it ends at a certain committee consisting of people who need to vote and get a majority to decide. An obscure structure is an impediment to the attainment of any organizational goal. The leaner or simpler your organization the better it will be. It does not also prevent the organization from achieving greater or complicated tasks. Everyone in the organization must subscribe to the system upon entry and strengthen it by constant support and promotion of it.

Practice of Correcting Church MembersMatthew 18:15-18

2008-11-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

Christ taught the disciples, by prophecy, on how to conduct disciplinary cases in a local church. He prophesied earlier in Matthew 16:18 concerning the birth of His church which found fulfillment in Acts 2. The above text is an appropriate preparation for His disciples who will lead His church after His departure. He knew problems among members will come up due to sin. Since He has promised that His church will prevail over the devil’s attacks then this biblical manner of handling problems provide an answer to the preservation of the church.

When separation is neglected then there is a possibility the church might lead to destruction. God does not want it to happen. His church must be purged from elements who desire her destruction. Avoiding biblical discipline to spare greater or more significant members from leaving the church may lead to spiritual weakness and eventual death. Thus, the practice of separation is a great necessity both at the individual and ecclesiastical level.

Every local church must have its governing guidelines, doctrinal stand, ministerial approaches, and own local culture that describe its own identity. All these must be constructed in conformity with biblical standards. It must be constantly assessed to agree with the biblical parameters. When any of these is violated then a certain correction must be enforced. Such law or rule must be carried out or else it is irrelevant to be retained. Violation of it must be punished to prevent repetition which could bring in weakness to the church. The Savior provided clear standards on how to handle such violations.

First, it must be settled on a personal level (v.15). The offended person must go and tell the offender of his sin or violation. He must do it privately. It must only be between him and the other person. He must do it to win the offender into the right position or doctrine.

Some interpersonal problems could be prevented from becoming a local church problem if the people involved had only followed this injunction. One should not be tempted to disclose matters with others prior to fulfilling this first step of correction.

Second, if the first level of correction fails then the offended must ask another to accompany him in the task of winning the offender into his position as stated in verse 16. This is now beyond the private and personal level. The third person who accompanies the offended person learns about the problems. He needs to know all for him to do his work of convincing the offender to repentance.

The offended person must exercise care in the selection of the person to accompany him at this level of correction. Spiritual maturity is an utmost qualification. Sincerity and competence are a necessity in this task. Clear goals such as stated in Gal. 6:1 must be at the forefront.

Third, if the first two steps fail, the offended party and the accompanying person must inform the local church of the problem with the aim of possible ecclesiastical correction (v.17). We call this ecclesiastical level of correction where members will need to know about the problem. In this case, the offended person will have to inform the whole assembled membership concerning the problem of the offender. Thus, the original private sin becomes a public matter known to all people comprising the church membership. In this delicate level, the church pastor must lead and moderate the meeting so as not to allow it to become like of the world’s way of proceedings. The local church must exercise care in the administration of this disclosure so as not to make it like the ungodly judicial court proceedings. Debates and attempts to win sides must not be given forum. Here all will know about the sin of the offender and the attendant issues. Even at this level of correction the aim remains—to bring the offender to repentance and to restore him in right fellowship with the church (the premise: when one sins you sever fellowship from the body!).

Finally, if the ecclesiastical level of correction fails to bring the offender to repentance, the offender must be publicly regarded by the church through its pastor as an unbeliever. This level of correction is the ultimate avenue of correction. The shame brought by public disclosure of one’s sin must move the offender to repentance and admission of disciplinary measures. Repentance at this level means admission of all sins raised against the offender. It also involves readiness to submit to church disciplinary measures. The Lord called such person as a “heathen or publican”. As a heathen person his claim of belief in Christ is regarded as false. As a publican he is regarded as an outcast from the local church. By the usage of these terms Christ expressed strong and harsh treatment to the offender who failed to repent from sin and restore fellowship with the local church membership. No member should have any fellowship in whatever level with this person.

To some this biblical injunction may appear unloving and stern. But note well who is speaking in this context. If your Bible is a “red letter edition” then this passage is printed in red. Consider also verse 18. It teaches that the decisions made by the local church concerning these issues above have already been affirmed in the court of heaven. If one has been shortchanged by the overpowering human church leaders and members then God will avenge for him in the future. The church’s correction inflicted on him is irrelevant. If on the other hand one is truly guilty of such sin then he deserves such correction. Circumventing or any form of evading such correction is powerless. God will surely demonstrate in the future the vindication of His word.

Local church autonomy may impede the full implementation of this biblical imperative. One church may properly correct a member who may circumvent the correction by misrepresentation as he attemps to join another local church. If the latter local church neglects the former’s correction then she abets the offending person in his unrepentant position. The latter church damages the former church as well as the offender. She also damages the name of the Lord of the church. At this point fundamental local churches destroy one another by misbehavior, misrepresentation, and inciting the offender to deeper spiritual backsliding. What is the course of action to consider by the former local church whose autonomy and integrity has been doubted? The Lord strongly commanded treating the offender as a heathen and publican. Any local church that cuddles such offender-member is guilty of tolerating the wrongdoing and impeding the correction of the same. Such local church must be severed from the fellowship. Her action is detrimental to the membership. She is helping the disobedient church member to remain in his sin by going against the authority of the local church. May God spare our fellowship from such destructive local church misbehavior. CBC members mark and avoid such ruinous influence (Rom. 16:17; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14,15). Amen.

Ang Pag-alam kung Tunay kang Tinawag ngDiyos sa Gawaing MisyonMga Gawa 13:1-4

2008-10-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Madalas itanong sa akin bilang pastor, “Paano ko po ba malalaman na ako’y tinatawag ng Panginoon upang maging misyonaryo?” Mahirap na tanong ito at marami na rin ang hindi nakatugon ng positibo rito. Ang pagtanggi sa pangunguna ng Panginoon sa ating buhay ay isang mabigat na kasalanan. Ang pagsuway sa utos ng Panginoon na maging kabahagi ng gawaing misyon, anumang gawain ang ipangusap ng Panginoon, ay pagkawala ng isang pribilehiyong matagal na inaasam ng marami. Ang kahirapan ng mga tungkulin sa misyon ay madaling nakakapanghina ng loob sa mga taong hindi tunay na tinawag ng Diyos. Ang kakulangan sa pera upang tustusan ang pangangailangan sa misyon ay nagtutulak sa iba na sumuway sa panawagan ng Diyos. At ang iba naman ay tuluyan nang diniskuwalipika ang kanilang mga sarili sa pagiging lingkod ng Panginoon.

Minsan ay may isang talentadong kabataan ang nagnais na magsilbi sa Panginoon sa gawaing misyon. Ngunit ‘di naglaon, ang panawagang iyon ng Panginoon ay naglaho sapagkat ito pala ay ‘di tunay bagkus isa lamang pansariling ambisyon. Nagkarelasyon siya sa isang babae at nagbunga ang kanilang kasalanan na siyang nagdiskuwalipika sa kaniya mula sa panawagan ng Panginoon. Anong kapighatian ang bumalot sa mukha ng lalaking iyon, katulad marahil ng naranasan ni Kain, nang marinig niya ang pagtanggi sa kaniya ng Panginoon! Anupa’t ang ‘di makapaglingkod sa Diyos ay tulad ng pagkawala ng pagkakataong makamit ang pinaka-mataas na pribilehiyong maaring makamit ng tao sa mundo. Ito ay tulad sa pagkakamintis na makuha ang minsan lamang sa buhay na pagkakataon!

Sa ating pangkasalukuyang sistema at sa ilalim ng normal na situwasyon, minsan ka lamang maaaring mahalal na pangulo. Marahil ito ang dahilan kung bakit gagawin ng mga kandidato ang lahat, makamit lamang ang posisyong inaasam-asam. Kung minsan, ang ganitong espirito ay makikita rin sa mga pundamental na mga Kristiyano na nagnanais na pumasok sa pagiging misyonaryo o pastor. Lumilipat sila sa iba’t ibang simbahan upang makuha ang pinakamainam na alok. Babagsak sila sa isang iglesia na hindi sila kilala o ‘di kaya ay handang kupkupin sila (marahil ay isang kompromiso!). Sa ganitong mga pangyayari, ang taong ito ay matatawag na ambisyoso. Kung ang pagkatao ng isang tao ay maka-Diyos, hahayaan niyang ang mga pangyayari sa iglesia ang magturo sa kaniya ng direksiyon ng Diyos sa kaniyang buhay. Ang pagiging ambisyoso sa kapinsalaan at pagsuway sa 1 Korinto 12:12-27 ay kasalanan at mapanira. Kapag hinayaan ng Diyos na itama ang isang Kristiyano sa biblikal na pamamaraan, ang nararapat na gawin ng Kristiyano ay sumunod at magpasailalim sa pagtatama. Ang paglisan sa pananampalataya upang magbigay-katuwiran sa pagtalikod sa tama ay mapanira. Kaya’t posible na manatili ang isang Kristiyano sa ministeryo ngunit ‘di nakuha ang pagsang-ayon ng Diyos dahil sa siya’y tinanggihan na ng mga maka-Diyos na alagad ng Diyos dati pa. Nawa’y ingatan ng Panginoon ang Cornerstone laban sa ganuong mga ambisyosong manggagawa!

Tingnan kung paano si Pablo at Barnabas ay tinawag ng Diyos at pinili ng lokal na iglesia na kung saan sila ay miyembro upang maging mga misyonaryo. Ang tekstong ito ay nagpapakita ng maliwanag na mga alintuntunin upang malaman ang katanungan na inilahad sa itaas patungkol sa pagtiyak sa panawagan ng Panginoon.

Una, ang mga napiling misyonaryo ay naglilingkod na sa iglesia ng Antioquia (bersikulo 2a). Ang dalawang kalalakihang ito ay kabilang sa mga guro sa iglesia. Buhat sa iba’t ibang pinanggalingan o may iba’t ibang pinag-aralan ang mga guro sa naturang iglesia (bersikulo 1). Bago sila tinawag ng Banal na Espiritu, sila ay aktibong naglilingkod sa iglesia. Kaya’t matututunan nating ang isang Kristiyano ay makatitiyak na siya’y tinawag ng Diyos habang siya’y aktibong naglilingkod sa iglesia. Hindi ka papasok sa Bible School upang matawag sa pagmimisyon. Papasok ka sa CBMS dahil sa kabigatang ipinadama ng Diyos sa iyo nuong una pa man. Maaaring makapagtapos ka sa Bible School ngunit hindi ka magamit sa lokal na iglesia o sa gawaing misyon. Minsan nang nangyari sa atin ito, sana’y hindi na maulit muli.

Hindi sinabi ng mga misyonaryong ito ang kanilang naisin sa mga lider ng iglesia sa Antioquia. Tunay silang tinawag ng Diyos at ipinagdasal ito sa Panginoon (Phil 4:6b). Pagkatapos, habang sila’y naglilingkod sa Diyos ay isiniwalat ng Diyos sa kanila ang Kaniyang panawagan. Nakita rin ng mga lider ng iglesia ang panawagang iyon ng Diyos sa kanila. Kadalasan, tanging mga bayarang manggagawa lamang ang magsasabi ng kanilang ambisyon sa harap ng mga tao dahil gusto nilang makatanggap ng pantustos sa kanilang pangangailangan kahit na hindi pa sila handang dalhin ang kabigatan o hindi pa nararapat sa gawaing misyon.

Paano mo malalaman na tinawag ka ng Diyos? Una, magsimulang maglingkod sa isang partikular na gawain sa lokal na iglesia. Manatili sa gawaing iyon hanggang sa alisin ka ng Diyos. Isiping ang gawaing iyon ay tulad din ng gawaing pagmimisyon na may kaakibat na responsibilidad. Pangalawa, sabihin ang iyong mga plano sa Diyos at hindi sa mga tao. Pangatlo, kunin ang lahat ng kinakailangang paghahanda upang maging mahusay sa pangkasalukuyang gawain at hindi sa panghinaharap na ambisyon.

Pangalawa, ang mga napiling misyonaryo ay tinawag na nang Banal na Espiritu bago pa man sila napili, (bersikulo 2b). Una nang tinawag sila ng Diyos bago pa man sila pinili ng mga tao. Dito, ang desisyon ng mga tao ay kahalintulad ng desisyon ng Diyos. Ito ay patunay lamang ng kapangyarihan ng Diyos. Pagkatapos ay minarkahan sila ng Espiritu sa pamamagitan ng mga malilinaw na patunay na sila’y tunay na tinawag nga ng Diyos. Ang Banal na Espiritu ay nagpakita ng mga indikasyong madaling malalaman na sila’y pinili nga. Sa madaling salita, gumawa ang Diyos ng mga pangyayaring magkukumbinsi sa mga lider ng Antioquia na tunay ngang tinawag sila ng Diyos. Makikita natin dito, hindi lamang ang pagkakasundo ng pagkilos ng Diyos at tao, kung hindi pati ang subhetibo at obhetibong aspeto ng panawagan sa pagmimisyon. Ang subhetibong aspeto ay ang kagustuhan nating magmisyon at ang paniwalang tayo nga ay tunay na tinawag ng Diyos. Ang obhetibong aspeto ay ang pagkilala ng panawagang iyon ng mga lider ng lokal na iglesia at ang kanilang lubos na kumpiyansa sa ating ‘di nagbabagong pamumuhay at gawain kumpara sa ating sinasabi.

Paano mo matitiyak na ikaw ay tinawag ng Diyos sa gawaing misyon? Una, ikaw ay nakasisiguro at tapat na naniniwala na binigyan ka ng Diyos ng kabigatan sa gawaing misyon. Kailangang maihiwalay mo ito sa iyong kagustuhan lamang na magkaroon ng trabaho o ‘di kaya ay makilala. Pangalawa, kailangang hingin mo sa Diyos na ipakita ang panawagang ito sa iyong pastor at iba pang lider ng iglesia na hindi mo minamanipula ang mga pangyayari. Pangatlo, umasa ka na ang mga tapat na lingkod ng Diyos ay tiyak na makikita ang pagtawag at pagpili ng Diyos sa iyo. Ang kanilang saloobin ay mahalaga sa pagtiyak kung tunay ka ngang tinawag ng Diyos. Ang iba’y hindi nakinig sa payo ng kanilang pastor at humayo upang sa lumaong panahon ay masira lamang ang buhay.

Iwasan ang ‘di pagsunod sa maka-Diyos na mga payo. Tiyak na ikasisira ito ng iyong buhay at gawain. Ang tagumpay sa iyong gawain ay hindi patunay ng pagtawag ng Diyos. Kung mayroong paglabag sa partisipasyon ng lokal ng iglesia katulad sa nasasaad sa talata, ito ay maaaring basihan ng ‘di pagkilala sa panawagan ng Diyos. Ang pagsunod sa desisyon ng pamunuan ng lokal na iglesia ay kinakailangan. May karunungang makukuha sa paghihintay at pagtiyak sa panawagan ng Diyos.

Pangatlo, ang mga napiling misyonaryo ay opisyal na pinadala ng lokal na iglesia, (bersikulo 3,4). Sila’y kinilala ng lokal na iglesia. Ito ay nagpapahiwatig na may ginawang pagsusuri ang lokal na iglesia. Upang magawa ang pagsusuring ito at makagawa ng desisyon, gumamit sila ng maka-Diyos na panuntunan. Sila rin ay nagkipag-ugnayan sa gawaing misyon. Ito ay makikita sa pagbalik ni Pablo sa lokal na iglesia na ito pagkatapos ng kaniyang una at pangalawang paglalakbay. Ang ganitong ugali ay nagpapatunay na marahil ay nagpadala ang lokal na iglesia ng tulong sa dalawang misyonaryo, bagama’t tahimik ang talata ukol dito. Ipinagdasal din sila ng lokal na iglesia.

Marami tayong matututunang aral dito. Una, ang lokal na iglesia ay iyong institusyong taga-sugo. Ang lokal na iglesia ang magsusuri at kikilala ng iyong kaangkupang humayo sa gawaing misyon. Sundin ang kaniyang desisyon at alituntunin. Kung ikaw ay hindi pinayagan ng iyong lokal na iglesia, huwag pumunta sa ibang iglesia sa pag-asang sila ang magsusugo sa iyo bilang misyonaryo. Ito ay pag-ikot lamang sa malinaw na direktiba ng Panginoon. Ang lokal na iglesia rin ang magtutustos ng iyong pangangailangan. Ang magagaspang na aspeto ng ating buhay ay tunay na mahahasa sa panahong ito ng paghihintay.

Pangalawa, nuong panahong iyon, ang lokal na iglesia ay naging matagumpay sa pagsugo ng mga misyonaryo kahit na walang mga missions board na labas sa lokal na iglesia. Ang isang lokal na iglesia ay maaaring magkaroon ng isa munang kapatid na iglesia ng walang mapanghalinang kalakihang ipinapangalandakan ng mga indipindiyenteng ahensiya ng pagmimisyon. Ang misyonaryo ay dapat nasa ilalim ng isang lokal na iglesia, hindi ng maraming iglesia. Ang kagustuhan ng tao sa malalaking numero ay kadalasahang nagiging dahilan upang magkagulo ang mga iglesia at mga organisasyong tulad nito na labas sa iglesia.

Tumigil sa pagsabi sa mga tao na ikaw ay tinawag ng Diyos. Ipinalangin ito sa Panginoon. Hintayin na ang Diyos ang magsiwalat nito sa mga taong gagamitin Niya upang suriin ang iyong pagiging angkop sa gawaing misyon. Kunin ang lahat ng pagsasanay at pag-aaral upang maging mahusay sa pangkasalukuyang ministeryo.

Mamuhay tayo ng naaayon sa isinaad sa mga talata at isulong ang gawain ng Diyos sa Cornerstone bagama’t may kahirapan. Isiping ito’y ginagawa natin para sa Diyos na Siyang nagsugo sa atin. Siya Nawa!

2008 Vietnam and Cambodia Mission TripRomans 15:30-32

2008-10-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

Last Sept 1-12, I had the privilege again to visit the work in Vietnam. In this trip, I also went to Cambodia to discuss with the Filipino missionary worker in Phnom Penh the details of missions work. I want to share with you, Cornerstone people, the blessings and insights in this recent mission trip. I am greatly thankful to the Lord for this trip as His hand was so evident in many ways. So let me focus on what God has done in this missionary journey.

But before I discuss what God has accomplished in this trip, let me update you of some significant details concerning these two nations. Vietnam is an economically growing nation. Its economic capital—Saigon or Ho Chi Minh, is coping fast with the rest of the world. Last year when I was there, there were very few taxis. But in this trip, I saw many Innova and Adventure taxis plying the busy streets of Saigon. Luxury cars abound as well. Construction work seems to be unceasing. Together with these, worldliness and sins grew also. In this city of approximately nine million people (with the country’s population totaling 70 million), you could imagine its great need of hearing the message of Christ’s salvation. There are now nine Filipino missionary workers of our persuasion in that city.

In Cambodia I saw great difference. I learned that there are only nine to ten million people in the whole country. But Cambodia seems to be lagging behind its neighbors in terms of economics and infrastructure. There are also street kids who roam around there, while in Vietnam I did not see such. Cambodia is like a large city outside Metro Manila. But here there are many Filipino missionary workers who diligently work in the Lord’s ministry. There is more freedom here than in Vietnam. In both nations you can engage in tent making tasks as a means to obey the Great Commission.

Going back now to what God has taught me there and the insights I believe will benefit you, let me discuss each blessing. First, God allowed the entry of ten complete and five New Testament King James Version Bibles into Vietnam. This was a great victory! We rejoiced much for this as the brethren there would have the opportunity to read the word of God. This was accomplished according to the request of the missionary there. It was also a result of courage and confidence in God’s power to let these books into that needy nation. One has to be courageous to experience God’s power.

Second, God gave me sickness for three days while in Vietnam. I suffered from urinary tract infection coupled with fever and blood in the urine. It was diagnosed later here in the Philippines. While there, Dr. Yul Raquintan whom I contacted by texting prescribed medicines with the thought that it was probably a kidney stone problem. I thank the Lord that medicines were available there though not without difficulty. This was the first time I had this sickness. I had urinalysis two months before travelling. Both the host missionary and I endured worries during the sickness. I asked the Lord for the reason of the sickness. Then I found out His will – to humble me for the recent victory and learn not to trust in myself but in Him alone.

Third, God led me to discover that engaging in tent making mission strategy in the field is highly possible. The missionary partner there verified that scheme with some details of hourly rate in English teaching work. I found out many Filipinos are already working there as overseas Filipino workers (OFW). Some missionaries and/or their wives are themselves engaged in the same work nature – tent making. They are either employed by international language school, by private language tutorial, and/or in some multi-national companies. In Cambodia some are employed by non-governmental organizations or foundations. With Saigon’s bustling economic growth coupled with their desire to learn English for employment and travel, some tent making strategies for future Filipino missionary workers abound. This discovery encouraged me much in the feasibility of Cornerstone missionary philosophy – tent making towards indigenous local church. Though we are a small local church with meager resources yet reaching ASEAN region is not impossible. It is now within our reach. Cornerstone will provide education, training in missionary work, and partial support. The rest of the needed financial support will come from the missionary’s tent making engagement. One has to get the necessary degree, engage in teaching experience, and obtain the necessary license and language fluency to qualify there. You may use your trade skills or occupational expertise. In this way we are imitating Pauline methodology. We become closer to the scriptural mode of mission work. The missionary need not deputize to other churches. It will diminish possible compromises. It will also strengthen the local church supremacy in missions work.

Fourth, I also observed the improvement of Vietnam in its openness to the message of Christ. Although there are still raids and crackdowns on unauthorized religious gatherings yet there is a felt improvement to the positive. In the past, hardly could you see house churches gathering for worship freely. But in this recent trip, in one Vietnamese pastored house church, believers freely assembled and sang in their worship provided they stick to certain allowed number of people to gather. This is a marked development. Let us pray God will freely speak in the hearts of the national government and local leaders to freely improve this religious climate. I am personally excited in praying and in waiting to see the fulfillment of this request. Nothing is impossible with God. He can move the heart of kings and rulers. Consider Proverbs 21:1 for your meditation. May the day come that the nation will graciously permit churches to gather without fear of reprisal from the police authorities. May the day come that churches will be allowed to buy lands and erect edifices for the ministry.

Fifth, I discovered the existence of Filipino congregation in both Vietnam and Cambodia. The preaching services of the former is purely in Filipino language while the latter is in English as there are other nationalities. The one on Vietnam is very young and is still going through infancy stage, while the one in Cambodia is already mature and able to support other missionaries. It has also sent other missionary couples into other nations. As people move out of Cambodia due to their work or occupational reassignment they use it as avenue to spread the gospel to other lands. This is very scriptural as seen in Acts 8:4 and others.

Sixth, I noticed the slight weakness of existing churches or ministries in the area of music and dress standards. In Vietnam, ladies culturally wear pants due to their mode of transportation. But Christians are now learning to change to the biblical standards. Bringing in the right music and music teachers are significant elements in effecting positive change to protect the faith and godly standards among Vietnamese churches.

Seventh, I experienced the need for the missionary worker to learn and speak the language of the people as an effective strategy of reaching and discipling them. Language acquisition is a must for all workers. Diligence in this aspect of study is a necessity. Would-be workers need to learn the language even before final departure so as to reduce the time spent in learning the language at the mission field. Thereby time could be spent wisely on actual missions work, i.e., befriending people, earning their trust, sharing the gospel, baptizing them into the local church, and grounding them in the faith.

Eight, I learned the priority of prayer life and meditation on God’s word at the mission field. During the days I was recovering from sickness, much time was spent on communion with God. I was closer to Him than before. His word was my comfort and assurance as well. This sickness prepared me for the teaching and preaching tasks to follow. Then God answered prayers that I recovered for the Cambodia mission trip. The healing God gave was crucial in seeing His hands at Cambodia work and openings for us, Cornerstone.

Ninth, I learned the generosity of both Filipino missionaries in Vietnam and in Cambodia. Their graciousness evidenced divine presence and abundance in their lives. God rewards generosity and brotherly hospitality. The warm and hospitable reception I received in both mission fields shows the Lord’s blessings upon the missionaries’ lives. We were given the best accommodation according to their best ability while in their residences. I pray God will reward their hard labors with saved souls, changed lives, and abundant provisions for their ministry.

Tenth, God has protected us with His hands in the midst of dangers. In Vietnam, there were instances of police raid and discovery of Christian assembly and ministry that resulted to deportation of some foreigners. The fact that we accomplished our mission shows God’s protection from disclosure of our tasks there. I taught and preached the word of God without disclosure and disruption from the authorities. God has chosen to secure us.

Finally, both missionaries in the two fields assure Cornerstone of their willingness to help when we need it when we send our very own missionary workers. Both affirmed the great need for more workers. This is the greatest divine provision for Cornerstone in the future as we prepare to launch for the field. So why not decide to surrender to the Lord’s call to the mission fields of Vietnam and Cambodia! As you respond to His call to become missionaries, start serving Him diligently in whatever local mission assignment He gives you. Give your all to Him through the local church as He rewards you with promotion. Amen.

Comparing the Authorized Version (KJV)with Modern Versions

2008-09-01T22:39:00.000-07:00

In this article I want to help every Cornerstone member and other Christians to see for himself the truth that our old Bible- the KJV (King James Version) is greatly different from modern versions. I intend to discuss these differences on the level of every Christian seating on the mono - block. I wish every one will look at it with the attitude of faith upon our God of providence. Not so recently, some fundamental Christians were unashamedly using or endorsing one of these modern versions. They claimed that these versions were equally as good as our KJV Bible. They further stated with confidence that if differences occur then they were not substantial to destroy the essential doctrines of the faith. Scholars said it is only roughly 1% of the entire word of God.

Others have even shifted to these versions for their academic usage, i.e., memorization in Christian and Bible schools, still others for professed clarity in reading. Bible college professors are now slowly recommending the use of NASV (New American Standard Version) or NKJV (New King James Version). In one of the graduate seminaries I went to, even the elderly fundamental professors have often used NIV in their devotions in our classes as well as in their lectures. Such were the results of their graduate studies for various post-graduate degrees at new evangelical schools. Still others are zealous to declare that our time tested KJV Bible is quite antiquated because of its words usage which need revisions to jibe with the modern times. Thus they recommend the NKJV or NASV. To some quite radical Christians in a sense they already moved into the use of NIV (New International Version). They just loved this NIV and declared its great advantage of readability due to its modernity.

However, there are some things common among these modern versions which are unknown if not slightly hidden to the average Christians. Some Christians as spiritual infants are quite less informed about the real issues and the great dangers of using these modern versions. Tradition is not necessarily wrong if it has scriptural warrant. For the biblical reasons concerning our disuse and rejection of these modern versions please refer to other relevant articles written on this matter. Concerning the difference between these modern versions and our Authorized KJV Bible is my concern in this treatise.

First, all these modern versions were translated from the less trusted and inferior Greek text copies which were first published in 1881. The NKJV claimed in its preface that it has used the superior Greek text copies but at the same time it has also used the inferior text copies in many controversial occasions (See Watts 2008, p.13) We reject these modern versions not on their modern word usages but on their origin from inferior if not corrupt texts. It will be hard to produce a godly translation product out of a corrupt text. This reason is less disclosed to average church people.

Second, all these modern versions have not stood the test of time and can not claim providential care as compared with the KJV. I believe this is not a matter of accident but an evidence of divine care to preserve His word. The KJV Bible has been universally used by Christians for almost four centuries. This was the version used in almost all missionary endeavors and educational pursuits. Incidentally, it will be celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2011. These modern versions were published very recently, NASV in 1960s, NIV in 1970s, and NKJV in 1980s. If these modern versions indeed in totality were the preserved words of God (indicates eclecticism or dialecticism?) then God’s people were kept quite away from the words of God for almost four centuries.

Third, new evangelical Christians were dominantly involved in the production of these modern versions, unlike the KJV translators who subscribed to the fundamental doctrines of the faith. If we believe separation from new evangelicals is scripturally right then we must not have anything to do with them even in translation work. Could the fundamentalists who used these modern versions be contaminated by its non-separatists attitude?

Fourth, there are ministerial consequences brought about by tolerating the use of these modern versions. One, there will be difficulty in uniform memorization work. Two, there will be a need for many concordances which is now evident in the market. Three, there will be difficulty in congregational Bible reading and teaching as well as due to varied versions. Four, perverting the truth would be easier as there are varied versions. Last, there are now confusions among Christians as to which of these is the best version. This was absent prior to these modern versions arrival. Our children are slowly being subjected into this conflict.

Finally, if we compare these modern versions with our KJV Bible then we shall arrive at the following observations made by David Sorenson (2001) as quoted by George Skariah (2005) in p. 348-352.

One, when compared with KJV, NIV suggests doubt upon some passages about its reliability (see Mk. 16:9-20; Jn. 7:53-8:11; Mt. 12:47; 21:44; Lk. 22:43-44). NIV also deleted 17 entire verses from the NT of KJV and its Greek text Textus Receptus (see Mt. 17:21; 18:11; 23:14; Mk. 7:16; 9:44, 46; 11:26; 15:28; Lk. 17:36; 23:17; Jn. 5:4; Ac. 8:37; 15:34; 24:7; 28:29; Rom. 16:24; 1Jn.5:7). By these NIV translators with their scholarship have lowered the word of God to the level of an ordinary ancient literature.

Two, when compared with KJV, NASV has passages where references to Jesus by name, Him as Lord, or Christ has been deleted. There is a total of 178 places of these in the Bible. (See Mt. 13:51; Mk. 11:10; Lk. 22:31; Ac. 8:37; 9:29; Rom. 1:3; 16:24; 1 Cor. 10:28; 12:3; Eph. 3:14; Col. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Tim. 4:22). By these, NASV has diminished the number of passages supporting the doctrine of Christ as a person.

Three, when compared with KJV, NKJV has deleted words and replaced others. (See Jn. 10:6; Ac. 15:23; 19:39; 27:14; 2 Cor. 4:14 2 Jn. 7; Rev. 6:11). It has also some serious mistranslations. (See Mt. 15:32; 22:10; Lk. 11:34, 54; 22:53; Ac. 18:6; 2 Cor.7:2; 11:29; Gal. 5:4; Phil. 3:8; 1 Tim. 6:5; Heb. 3:16; Rev. 2:22; 16:16). At best it is double speak for it affirmed the use of Textus Receptus yet in some instances has shown sympathy and reliance upon the Greek texts used by the modern versions. So it is a very good bridge to move from strong KJV to NASV or NIV usage.

Therefore, we are not to abandon either partially or entirely the use of the KJV Bible. It was the Bible of the reformers, of our Baptist forefathers, and our brethren here in the Philippines. It is the preserved word of God through the centuries where our doctrines have been based. We are not to yield to the acclaim for eclecticism in the name of scholarship as that is also evil if not hypocrisy. If we claim KJV use in our pulpit and home and yet allow the same to be weakened and distrusted at the classrooms then we are hypocrites! Settle not for doctrinally diminished and historically corrupt modern versions! When did pragmatism become right at the expense of diminishing the words of God or creating doubts in our mind on the issue of veracity? There is no wisdom and discernment in the thought of rejecting the validity of KJV for the last 400 years in exchange for very new modern versions due to scholarship. Amen!

References:

Skariah, George. 2005. The Biblical Doctrine of Perfect Preservation of the Holy Scriptures. Singapore: FEBC Press.

Sorenson, David. 2001. Touch not the Unclean Thing: Text, Issue and Separation. USA: Northstar Baptist Ministries.

Watts, Malcolm. 2008. The New King James Version: A Critique. London: Trinitarian Bible Society.

The Divine Promise of the Preservationof God’s WordsPsalm 12:6-7

2008-09-01T22:37:00.001-07:00

Fundamental Christians are in unison in the doctrine of verbal and plenary inspiration of the word of God. They all agreed that God has breathed out every word of the whole of the Scriptures. Thus, it has no error in any aspect whether in the areas of science, history, and geography. For a while, this position was carried in all fundamental circles. The non-believers of this doctrine have been spewed out, if not separated, from the local churches. Largely, fundamental Christians have severed even from new evangelicals who still believe this doctrine on the basis of the separation issue.

Some fundamental ones thought the battle is over that they even became less militant due to battle weariness and desire to become more positive if not unity-conscious leaders. The devil began to sow error, at least in thought, then in preference, and later in doctrine among the fundamental Christians. The commonly held view among new evangelicals, that God preserved His words only to the extent of the essential doctrines of the faith and not the very words, dawned in the fundamental camp. This they explained as there are “scientifically established” copyist errors, and transmission errors. The devil succeeded in sharing this false view into the fundamental camp as some scholars of the latter position began to look into the academic pursuits of the former camp. Then without admission of possible influence they began to consider that indeed the new evangelical camp has some truth in their hands on this issue of preservation.

The result of this adventurous scientific pursuit of some fundamental Christians led to their belief that God did not promise at all the preservation of His word both in every word as well as in its entirety. This fundamental group recognizes preservation only in a partial or essential manner. Other groups believe that God’s preservation promise is only in heaven. Another group denies preservation in totality. My belief as well as that of others who were ahead of us in the appreciation of this truth is that God has promised the preservation of His word both in every word and in its entirety. This is called the verbal plenary preservation of the word of God.

My concern in this article is to show you that God truly promised the preservation of His word. Some fundamental brethren believe in this but only in essential or partial extent. As they establish their doctrine, they reject the usage of the above text (Psalm 12:6-7) as teaching the doctrine of preservation. In fact, they weaken the force of it’s meaning by using at best only one possible interpretation of the text that suits the new evangelical position. These fundamental scholars chose to adapt the new evangelical thought about the text rather than the interpretation of their fellow fundamental brethren which is equally valid in Hebrew grammatical understanding. I sense some serious problem here among these fundamental brethren. Probably, they were mesmerized by their own academic scholarship or that of the new evangelical fame.

Setting aside what the scholars say, though that is what they seem to convey, let us study the above text if indeed God has promised to preserve His word. Only by fully comprehending the truth of the text will we be able to thwart the devil’s way of sowing discord among the brethren through this erroneous view of preservation- that God did not promise absolute preservation. Without using the Hebrew Bible, as many may not have the capacity to use it, our English Authorized version (King James Version) is clear on the promise of preservation.

Psalm 12 is about the contrast between the ungodly and godly men. The words of the ungodly are described in verses 2-4 and compared with the Words of God in verses 6-7. David mourned over the evil words of the ungodly and its effects. But he realized Gods promise in verse 5 to deliver the godly from the ungodly. This realization was based on the view of the quality of God’s word in verses 6-7. And verse 8 is David’s realization of God’s help. So David was certain of God’s help on the basis of God’s promise anchored on God’s words.

David described the ungodly in verses 2-4 as unreliable in their words. They are flatterers, vain speakers, double-tongued, proud, and self-sufficient on their achievement. Do we have such people today among fundamental brethren who count on their scholarship in the pursuit of constructing their preservation doctrine? In such midst, he saw also the failure, indifference, and neutrality of some godly people. Could this be the fundamental brethren who are equally godly as you are yet indifferent to join the battle between absolute preservation and essential (partial) preservation? David was greatly burdened by these two groups that he asked God for deliverance.

However, David was comforted by the divine promise of deliverance. Our fundamental brethren would like to stop here and attempted to wipe under the concept of the truth of divine promise of preservation by the use of a single Hebrew grammar rule. They say that the word “them” in verse 7 can not refer to the “words of the Lord” in verse 6 because of a Hebrew grammar rule. But we reject such explanation as it will nullify the truth of verses 6 and 7. Who will do the keeping of the words? Verse 7 says the “Lord”. Which is the object of the act of preserving? Verse 6 clearly says the “words of the Lord”. This is clear in our English King James Version. Why suggest ambiguity and invoke Hebrew grammar when the very same grammar allows the same difference? Consider reading Psalms 119:111, 129, 152, and 167. These parallel psalms clearly show similar structure with our text Psa. 12:6-7. They also refer to the words of our God. They were written in Hebrew in the same structure. So we must reject the new evangelical and some fundamental brethren’s view that the text does not teach divine promise of preservation. Without resorting to Hebrew grammar, the ordinary fundamental Christians who understand English, with faith on God’s word will see the truth taught in the text. He/she will also see this truth reinforced by the above similar psalms in 119.

As we continue, David anchored this divine promise of deliverance not on his own perception nor observation, but on the very words of God which he wrote in verses 6 and 7. Here he described the words of God as first pure, second as perfectly purified, and third as preserved. The promise of preservation is also not static at the time of writing but the effect of God’s act of preservation continues through generations. This is what we call special providential preservation.

In contrast to the evil and unreliable words of the ungodly in verses 2-4, David saw the words of God as perfectly pure, perfectly purified, and perfectly preserved. The text categorically taught these qualities. Is it wrong or mere theological presumption to assert that God’s words are perfect? Are there clear passages that teach God has preserved His word only in an essential, partial manner?

Psalms 119:111, 129, 152, 167 speak of the words of God using “testimonies” to represent it. Though they are not about preservation but they are about God’s word. Note how the psalmist responds to it. First, he takes it as a heritage and rejoices in its possession. If God has not preserved the words then this is not possible for us today for it might have been lost at least partially, i.e., maybe 1% of the entire words of God. Second, he was amazed over its wonders so he desired to keep it. Indeed, the absolute preservation of God’s word is wondrously amazing and is historically evident. Third, he understood that God has fully kept it. Finally, he committed to keep it as he loves it. You can not say you love and keep the preserved KJV Bible and yet replace it with other versions. Neither can you claim the same while you teach and speak to sow doubt among the people and to pontificate that there are transmission and translation errors in our King James Bible.

What are the implications of undermining the above text? First, to undermine the exegetical truth of Psalm 12:6-7 by citing a Hebrew grammar rule without consideration of other rules is an attempt to weaken a strong passage that teaches divine promise of absolute preservation. Second, reliance upon the way of new evangelical interpretation of the text rather than the real fundamental interpreters is questionable. Is it not endorsing the correctness of new evangelical thought on bibliology considering their continual reliance upon their high scholarship? Third, if we follow the essential preservation view and reject the absolute preservation view then we indirectly rely upon the Hebrew Bible to comprehend the word of God as the KJV Bible is unclear (as they alleged) due to complexity of grammar rules. Do they suggest that we depend upon the scholars or those who know grammar to understand the word? Can not the ordinary Christian understand the truth that God has promised to preserve all His words by carefully reading these passages in Psalms? What happens now to the promise of Jn. 16:13? Fourth, as David was burdened by the indifference of some godly believers due to their refusal to help the godly who rely upon the words of God, so we too, are striving to put up a defense against this error – that God did not promise absolute preservation. Fifth, the increasing number of fundamental brethren who stand on essential or partial preservation view and its undermining of the absolute preservation view proponents is quite alarming. The error that was once among the new evangelical camp only is now within the fundamental camp. Could this be the devil’s way of destroying fundamentalism from within? I believe so.

History is being fulfilled. The error has already occurred and is being established in a few fundamental USA institutions. Its proponents have been working to raise it high and forewarn their fellows to stay away from defenders of absolute preservation doctrine. Those who defend the King James Bible are regarded as “schismatic”, “isolationist”, “extremist”, “cultist”, and “Ruckmanite”. They are also succeeding in sending their missionaries-teachers and professors into fundamental schools and churches. These are “hitting below the belt” strategy of the contrary position.

Brethren, it has arrived in our beloved country. Within our generation, we might see the great change as this error will be popularized among fundamental brethren here. I have seen it in the lives of a few fundamental brethren and if they gain the applause of some they will influence our fundamental churches. Some colleagues are undergoing re-education in this doctrine. So when they return will they not reinforce their comrades here who are already imparting their new found doctrine–that God preserved only the essentials? Some students and ministers are quite naïve in swallowing the teaching and have started promoting the same with zeal. Local churches and institutions without a sound grasp of the truth of absolute preservation view will entirely capitulate to the error. Some might be divided as the remnant will not tolerate it. There will be great havoc among our churches and institutions. Is there not a cause to stand up and use the preserved words of God as a sword to put a stop against this error? Must we allow this error to be promoted among ourselves in the name of fundamental unity?

We thank the Lord that there is hope. God has a solution to it. God’s word commanded us to separate from such error. Consider 2 Thess. 3:6, 14, 15 and 2 Tim. 3:5, 8-9, 13-14. We may be in the small minority as God’s true people always are in this battle. But we have the perfectly preserved words of God sufficient to base our doctrine in bibliology. We must obey the exhortation of Psalms 119:104, 128. After seeing the truth of divine promise of absolute preservation you can not leave without hating error and separating from its proponents. Cornerstone people, beware of the influence of that error. Do not get discouraged if some would embrace it. Take heart. Rise up and take up the words of God and thrust it into the heart and mind of our people. Sunday school teachers teach this truth to every child, every youth, and singles as well as adults. Meekly teach those who oppose this sound doctrine until they accept it. Love them as the devil has deceived them through their scholarship and desire to depart from the truth. If we do not stand up now then we shall see before our eyes the capitulation of this blessed Cornerstone people into the error of some deceived fundamental brethren. Amen.

Christ’s View on the Extent of DivinePreservation of God’s WordMatthew 4:4; 5:18; 24:35

2008-09-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

In another article we learned that God has promised to preserve His word. Had He failed in this promise then we would not have this privilege of studying His word. We would have no basis to establish our doctrine of perfect preservation. We thank those great men of the past who shed blood to defend the preserved words of God in their generation. We must imitate their great zeal as we face this terrible error sown among the fundamental brethren. In this article I want to share with you the view of the Lord Jesus Christ concerning the word of God. We shall look at Matthew 4:4; 5:18; 24:35 and its corollary passages. Consequently, we shall see how extensive God preserved His written word. Are there biblical passages that teach every word and entire words’ preservation of the Bible? Is essential or partial preservation of God’s word scriptural? If the latter is correct are there passages in support of this?

Matthew 4:4 is a passage so common to all Christians and yet so neglected that people do not see its truth on verbal (every word) preservation. We owe the great exegetical defenders of this doctrine that they diligently studied the Bible and found the clarity of this verse. This verse is also one of Christ’s answers to Satan’s series of severe temptations (v. 1) to Him. See verses 7 and 10 where Christ repeated this truth three times as He defended Himself from Satanic attacks. Indeed, the words of God alone, not history, neither the church fathers, nor the schools could protect us from the onslaught of either the devil or his errors. So Cornerstone children, men and women, we must be people of the book, particularly reading it so as to know by heart the basis of the truth that God preserved His word both in every word as well as in its entirety.

The phrase “it is written“ in the original means “it stands written.” The act of writing every word of God occurred once in the past but its effect is continual. Every written word of God continues to exist. Using this meaning now in the entire verse it will go as ”every word that was once written (in the OT Scriptures),now or still stands forever” (see Lenski as quoted by George Skariah in p.120, The Biblical Doctrine of Perfect Preservation of the Holy Scriptures, FEBC, Singapore, 2005). So Christ affirmed that every word of God (of the OT canon) remains and is passed on from generation to generation until Christ’s generation of the first century. This is what we call verbal preservation. If this is so in the OT Scriptures then did not God do the same in the NT?

The adjective “every” is combined with a singular noun “word” without an article and this emphasizes the entire words of God with focus on individual component. So, both every word and all the words are emphasized by that combination. Hence, every word and all the words are from God which He preserved throughout the generations until they reached Christ in the first century (Ibid, 121-22). Thus we have verbal preservation earlier and here we have verbal and plenary or entire inspiration and preservation. This is the truth taught by this passage.

Matthew 5:18 belongs to the larger context of the Sermon on the Mount of Christ (chapters 5-7). After teaching, when He realized that His critics were about to raise criticism against Him, He uttered verse 17. This verse shows that He came not to destroy but to fulfill the law and the prophets. This law and the prophets refer to the entire OT Scriptures. The evidence of this is found in Matthew’s similar use in 7:12; 11:13; and 22:40 where Christ divided the entire OT Scriptures into two sections. Christ obeyed all the words of God in the OT Scriptures.

Further this verse teaches some truths, namely; the word “for verily I say unto you” is an assertion of Christ that what He will speak is of great significance emphasizing absoluteness of the following statement. “One jot or tittle” refers to the smallest Hebrew letter (not word) or the smallest distinction between two Hebrew letters. This is the extent of smallness of the coverage of preservation. “In no wise” refers to strong negative which means “it (the disappearance or coming to an end) will never happen even once.” These jot or tittle will never even once cease to exist were contrasted with heaven and earth which will pass away as Peter said in 2 Pet. 3:7, 10. So we have here the truth that God’s word down to the smallest letter will endure and never cease to exist. This is absolute enduring preservation of every letter of the Bible. If this is God’s teaching concerning the OT, can we not expect God to do the same in the NT? Fundamental Christians use this as basis of verbal inspiration doctrine but refused to use the same on verbal or letter preservation.

Verse 19 provides a warning to anyone who has a wrong attitude towards any or even the least commandment or portion of the word of God. The consequence of such an attitude is to become the least in heaven. On the other hand anyone who faithfully exalts or regards God’s word shall be greatly honored by the Lord in His kingdom. This must prevent anyone from being suggestive of or pontificating doubts on the veracity of God’s word even in the smallest word. No scientific theory, educational competence, and exegetical skills should allow anyone to suggest that a certain portion of God’s word was not in the autographs or even apographs.

Matthew 24:35 is quite similar in fashion with 5:18. Here Christ described the temporal nature of the physical world that it will cease to exist. Then He affirmed the eternality of the nature of God’s word that it will never cease to exist. “My words” refers to all the words of God and not only those which Christ has spoken. It is right to understand it as referring to all and every word of God. “Shall not pass away” means it will never cease to exist or it will always be available for every generation’s use.

If we take this only on inspiration doctrine and not on perfect enduring entire preservation doctrine then do we have the preserved word of God today? If indeed a few words were lost in the transmission (copyists errors as they say) then there is valid charge that God’s word today is imperfect and these Christological assured promises were unfulfilled or have failed.

Consider also that 24:35 is repeated in the record of Mark 13:31 and of Luke 21:33. Though they are of the same content and context yet we must regard these records as divine emphases on the great significance of this every word and entire words’ preservation of the Bible.

Cornerstone people, God has promised to preserve every word and the entire words of God in the OT dispensation. He also assured us repeatedly in the Gospels that the extent of His act of preserving reaches to the smallest Hebrew letter as well as to the entire words of God. He warned us also not to have an ill attitude towards His word be it the smallest portion or letter of the word of God. So must we accept partial or essential preservation doctrine? Should we listen to a scholar who says that our Bible has transmission or translation errors? Can we validly use a modern Bible version (i.e., NASB. NIV, NKJV, ESV) that was translated from late 19th century corrupt, imperfect copies of the originals? If you do this then you believe that God’s pure and perfect words were not available until that late 19th century discovery!

But as for us Cornerstone people, let us remain in this old doctrine on which we stand. One may not have the ability to read Hebrew and Greek Bible or determine the age of copies of existing manuscripts. But our English KJV Bible is able to show the average Christian reader that God indeed has preserved His word down to the smallest letter. It is old as it has been shown in the above explanation of passages. It does not matter if only a few subscribe to it or that the less scholarly ones believe it or that only recently has it been clearly declared. What matters most is the truth of enduring, perfect verbal and plenary preservation of God’s holy word is a clear OT and NT doctrine. Amen.

The Implication of the Deity of theHoly SpiritActs 5:3-4

2008-08-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

Religious groups imported into our nation by false teachers have diligently promoted their errors. Among these is the belief that the Holy Spirit is a mere force or wind. This is the teaching of the a religious group known as Armstrongism and the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Likewise, Mormonism has a similar view. This error is intensified by an indigenous false religion that started in Sta. Ana, Manila, the Iglesia ni Cristo which also believes in the same error.

These religious groups affirm such false view – that the Holy Spirit is only either a reflection of God or mere spirit of God. Is the Holy Spirit indeed not a person much more not God as these false groups would like us to believe? Let us consider the above text which was an experience of Apostle Peter and was recorded by Luke the recorder of the book of Acts. All the above groups regard the text as inspired of God. The difference lies in how they see the text meaning. One group sidesteps the clarity of truth presented by Peter concerning the personality or being of the Holy Spirit. Another entirely rejects the truth and present its own understanding imported into the text.

From there we could learn that religious people err in understanding the Holy Scriptures due to their preconceived biases. Others tend to bring into the text their own meaning of the text which is foreign from the text under consideration. What does the text teach about the Holy Spirit?

First, Luke narrated Peter’s rebuke of the couple’s sin against the Holy Spirit ( v.3). The couple did a marvelous sacrifice of donating great funds to the local church in Jerusalem. They sold some properties they owned and gave the proceeds. But they presented the donation as 100% of the selling price of a certain property when the truth was the donation was only a portion of it. So the couple misrepresented the truth. And Peter knowing the truth, probably because God revealed it to him prior to this meeting, swiftly rebuked the couple separately of their sin of lying and not of the act of giving. Thus, Peter saw the Holy Spirit as someone whom we could offend or sin against. If the Holy Spirit is a mere force or wind then he could not be offended. To affirm such truth is irrational. So the Holy Spirit is one who has personality. He is not a force or a wind but a person!

We learn here the importance of accuracy in representing the truth. We must tell the truth regardless of the consequence. We must not lie or beautify a lie by painting it as truth. We can see too that God sees our heart when we speak or think. Nothing is hidden from Him. More so, the Holy Spirit as a person means we can enter into mutual relationship with Him.

Second, Peter viewed the act of lying or misrepresenting the truth against the Holy Spirit as the very same offense against God. Thus, following the line of thought of Peter as given in the text will show that the couple’s sin against the Holy Spirit is the same sin against God. With simple understanding, the evidence shows that this Holy Spirit at least, must be God. We may reduce it into simple equation, i.e., to lie to the Holy Spirit is to lie to God. Every sin against the Holy Spirit is a sin against God.

Every sin we commit against the Holy Spirit is also against our God as the former is also God. Do not be confused by saying that so God is more than one. He is not more than one, only and always ONE in number. Instead the text tells us that the Holy Spirit with whom the couple has lied to is God.

Third, Luke wanted to convey a message to readers through this narrative that sin against the Holy Spirit carries with it a huge consequence. It may come in the form of swift public death. It was a form of divine correction intended for public warning to future offenders. God does not state He will always bring in death or disease, or destruction. But He will require us to pay for every sin against the Holy Spirit. Such a truth is truly trembling to behold.

How sad it is to see today people merely belittle the Holy Spirit. They do not regard Him as a separate deity being. They see Him as a little lower than the Father or the Son. Sometimes even as a sort of assistant of the first two beings. In the local church, there is also a decline in the high view of the Holy Spirit. When He works in our hearts as we hear God’s word we tend to reject Him if not merely pacify Him and dump Him or His workings into the thought of emotionalism. To hear God’s word with conviction is an evidence of His living witness to work in man’s heart.

Sinners tend to delay decision to accept Christ as Savior in spite of the Holy Spirit’s convicting work in their heart. They keep justifying such inaction towards Christ by many alibis. Even saints inside the house of God dare to justify inaction or indecision towards pressing crucial issues in their life and work even if the Spirit leads them to decide. Church members refuse to respond to godly pleadings of the man of God who urges God’s people to repentance, revival, return, and resolute service. Such beloved is the modern day of Ananias and Sapphira’s sinful acts towards the Holy Spirit. We criticize the couple while we unceasingly sins against the Holy Spirit! May we cease, Cornerstone people, from such evil undermining the full power of deity of the Holy Spirit! To protect our heart from such evil, we must heed Stephen’s powerful exhortation in Acts 7:51. Amen.

Nasa Lumang Tipan ba ang Banal na Espiritu?Mga Gawa 7:51

2008-08-01T22:42:00.000-07:00

May mga taong nalilito kung kalian nagsimula ang ministeryo ng Banal na Espiritu. Ang Pentecostes sa aklat ng mga Gawa ay parang nagmumungkahi na noon lamang dumating ang Banal na Espiritu. Kung ito ay tamang pagtatasa, bakit kapansin-pansin Siya sa maraming pangyayari sa Lumang Tipan? Makikita ba natin Siya sa panahon ng paglikha ng Diyos? Kasama ba Siya sa pagpapahayag at inspirasyon ng Banal na Kasulatan? Siya rin ba ay may kinalaman o aktibo sa maraming relasyong pangtao?

Kung tutuusin, ang akda ng apat na manunulat ukol sa ebanghelyo ay kabilang sa Bagong Tipan ngunit ito’y bago ang Pentecostes. Maari kayang dahil sa bulaang aral ng Neo-Pentecostalism ay lumabo na ang dating malinaw na pagtuturo ng Lumang Tipan patungkol sa Banal na Espiritu? Binibigyang diin lamang ng mga Neo-Pentecostals ang mga patunay ukol sa Pentecostes ngunit hindi nila inihahayag ang buong aral ukol sa Banal na Espiritu.

Kung ang Banal na Espiritu ay nasa Lumang Tipan na, anong mga pangyayari natin Siya makikita? Ano ang maari nating matutunan ukol sa Kaniya? Isaalang-alang ang pahayag at pag-aakusa ni Esteban sa kaniyang mga tagapakinig. Sigurado siyang sila’y kabilang sa mga taong dati pang tinatalikuran ang pagkilos ng Banal na Espiritu. Ito’y nagpapakita ng kanyang kaalaman sa patuloy na pagtalikod ng bayang Israel sa pagkilos ng Banal na Espiritu kaya’t tahasan niya itong iniugnay sa ginagawang kasamaan ng kanyang mga tagapakinig.

Una, ang Banal na Espiritu ay kasama sa paglikha. Ito’y itinala ni Moises sa Genesis 1:2 na nagpapahayag ng aktibong partisipasyon ng Banal na Espiritu sa paglikha. Siya rin ay kasama sa paglikha ng tao ayon sa Job 27:3 at Job 33:4. Siya ay tumulong magbigay ganda sa sansinukob, Job 26:13a at maglikha ng mga hayop, Job 26:13b. Anupa’t Siya’y kabilang sa maraming aspeto ng paglikha.

Pangalawa, kabilang ang Banal na Espiritu sa pagpapahayag ng Salita ng Diyos. Tingnan ang 2 Samuel 23:2. Sa Lumang Tipan, nagsalita ang Diyos sa pamamagitan ng mga propetang Kaniyang pinili upang tumanggap at magtala ng Kaniyang Salita. Ang teksto ay nagsasabi na ibinigay ng Diyos ang Kaniyang Salita kay David na nang kalaunan ay nagpatunay dito sa pamamagitan ng pagtanggap at pagtala nito. Si Micah ay nagpatunay din ng kalakasang kaniyang natanggap mula sa Espiritu upang maipahayag ang Salita ng Diyos sa Israel (Micah 3:8). Kinilala rin ni Apostol Pablo ang pagiging may-akda ng Banal na Espiritu ng Isaias 6:9-10 (Mga Gawa 28:25).

Pangatlo, ang pagkilos ng Banal na Espiritu pagkatapos ng Pentekosta ay iba lamang na aspeto sa pagkilos ng Banal na Espiritu sa Lumang Tipan. Isaalang-alang ang propesiya ni Jesus patungkol sa gawa ng Banal na Espiritu sa Juan 15:26 (ito’y ukol sa pagpapatotoo kay Kristo). Tingnan din ang Juan 16:7-8, 13 (nagsasaad ng pagkilos Niya sa bawat isa sa atin sa katotohanan). Ganuon din ang itinuturo ng Juan 14:17 na nagsabing ang Espiritu ay nananahan sa bawat isang mananampalataya at mananatili sa bawat isa.

Ang Banal na Espiritu din ang naging patnubay ng mga tao ng Diyos sa Lumang Tipan. Isaalang-alang ang Nehemiah 9:20 na kung saan tinuruan Niya ang mga ito ng tamang gagawin. Inihalintulad ni Nehemiah ang Gawain ng Espiritu sa pagbibigay ng kinakailangang pagkain. Ang kabutihan din ng Diyos ay makikita sa pagbibigay ng Banal na Espiritu sa ilang mga tao sa Isaiah 63:10-11,14. Ngunit walang pamamalagi ng Banal na Espiritu sa mananampalataya sa Lumang Tipan. Tingnan ang 1 Samuel 10:10; 16:14; Mga Hukom 13:25; 16:20.

Kapag isinaalang-alang ang mga ito ukol sa Banal na Espiritu, marami tayong matutuhang gamit sa ating buhay at pananampalataya. Una, ang Espiritu ay kapantay ng dalawa pang persona ng Diyos at Siya ay aktibong naging bahagi sa paglika. Pangalawa, utang din natin sa Banal na Espiritu ang buhay natin kaya’t hindi natin ito dapat lustayin sa walang kapararakang gawain. Anupat’ dapat nating hanapin ang perpektong plano ng Diyos para sa atin. Labis na kamunduhan ng isang mananampalataya ang mamuhay na ikinalulugod ng mga ‘di ligtas ngunit ikinalulungkot naman ng Diyos at ng Kaniyang iglesia. Isipin ang inyong nais, ambisyon at ninanasa. Ang mga ito ba’y nagpapakita ng pasasalamat ng isang taong binigyan ng buhay at iniligtas ng Diyos?

Dahil ang Banal na Espiritu ay kasali sa pagpapahayag ng Salita ng Diyos sa Lumang Tipan, tayo ay nakatitiyak sa ganap na kawastuan at pag-iingat nito. Panatiliin natin sa ating isipan at paniniwala na ang Banal na Espiritu na kabilang sa inspirasyon ng Salita ng Diyos ay kabilang din sa pag-iingat nito. Maaari kayang kinasihan lang ng Diyos ang Kaniyang Salita ngunit iniwanan Niya ito sa atin upang tayo lamang ang mag-ingat nito? O Siya ang gumawa ng lahat ng mga ito? Sa ganang akin, kahit ang Awit 12:6-7 lamang ang matirang bersikulo ukol sa pag-iingat ng Salita ng Diyos (dahil sa marami ng marurunong ang siniraan na ang iba pang mga pahayag), mananatili ako sa aking pananaw ukol sa puro at iningatang Salita ng Diyos. Tama lamang na paniwalaan na ang Banal na Espiritu ay kasali sa pag-iingat ng bawat salitang ipinahayag at kinasihan ng Diyos.

Dapat tayong matuwa sa turo ng Bagong Tipan na ang Banal na Espiritu ay permanenteng nananahan sa mga mananampalataya. Maaari ngang mas pinagpala tayo kaysa sa mga tao ng Diyos sa Lumang Tipan sa ganitong aspeto. Kaya’t mas marami ang inaasahan sa atin patungkol sa ministeryo. Tayo ba ay naglilingkod sa Diyos? Makakaasa tayo ng pagpapanutbay Niya sa ating buhay at gawain sa pamamagitan ng Kaniyang Salita. Siya Nawa!

Significant Commands Relevant to OurRelations with the Holy SpiritEph. 4:30; 5:18; 1 Thess. 5:19

2008-08-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

Prior to the carnal emphasis of New Pentecostalism in the 1950s even as they departed from their original foundations, the Holy Spirit was not given much credit except by godly Christians. Some Christians tend to rely upon their biblical knowledge without reliance upon the Holy Spirit so they ended in frustration. Studies in the Holy Spirit began to be widely published in defense of the faith against the errors of Charismatism. We almost neglected the specific commands God gave in the Bible on how we can work productively with the Holy Spirit. The worldly liveliness the Charismatics desired was replaced with the deadness of theological discussion of some conservatives. Today, I want to share with you these very significant commands in the NT through which you will become His great and glorious instrument in the advancing of His church.

First, believers are commanded to stop a habitual action of grieving the Holy Spirit. This is the truth in Eph. 4:30. The believers of Ephesus were continuing in such ungodly habit of various types of sins as enumerated in verse 31. Essentially, believers in one local church must avoid lying to one another and speaking in a foul manner. In stead, they ought to relate in a manner as listed down in verse 32.

If we are still engaged in any of the above sins in verse 31 then we must stop such evil practice. Why are we to do this? The reason is that the Holy Spirit who is in us is much sorrowed by such ungodly behavior. It is never right to deliberately hurt or grieve the Spirit. Not only are the involved parties are affected by such sins but also the entire local church people including those not directly involved. So we must never allow such scenario to happen in the local church.

Second, believers are commanded to allow the Holy Spirit to control their lives. This is taught in Eph. 5:18. The control is possible because the Spirit is already indwelling the believer. He is urged to permit the Spirit to take total control over his life rather than his own sinful nature, the world, and the devil. This command is indeed significant in experiencing real daily victory in Christian life. Daily a believer is to allow the Holy Spirit to control him. This is also the prohibitory contrast of allowing oneself to be filled with wine as it will surely control the person.

A believer is prohibited from drinking liquor of any amount. To allow moderate, occasional, or social drinking is to allow a little sin in your life. A little leaven will leaven the whole bread. (See 1 Cor. 5:6.) The command includes absolute prohibition from any form of wine or liquor as it is unbecoming of a godly Christian. Primarily, the command is on our task to let the Holy Spirit control our lives regularly. So it involves regular surrendering to Him and permitting Him to convict us, to correct us, and to chastise us in any form.

People get discouraged when they do not see professing believers changing from bad to good. They do not fully see that the reason behind is not the powerlessness of the Bible or of God but the rejection of the person to be molded by the Spirit. Regardless of how good I am in molding people to become God’s instruments in the church, if the candidate is unwilling, uncooperative, and insubordinate then there is no way the person could improve. Usually things would get worst.

Third, believers are commanded not to resist the workings of the Holy Spirit. This is what Paul said in 1 Thess. 5:19. To quench means to put off the fire or the momentum or heat being gained. It is like putting cold water on the already burning coals. The Spirit is likened in other references to fire or flame of fire. Fire will normally eat up things around it and will cause them to burn, too. Paul warned them not to quench the task of preaching in verse 20. To quench it means to undermine, despise, belittle its importance and consequence of preaching. So in the local church, we are commanded never to quench the preaching work or the spirit of a preacher.

How do we quench the Holy Spirit? In the context, it is to resist the effect of preaching work. It also includes belittling the result of preaching. So when someone is called to preach, church members are to pray and to encourage such a person lest his fire be put off. As the pastor preaches, we must ask God to bless and widen the fire it creates in our soul as well as in others. We are never to resist neither to oppose nor to discourage the working of the Holy Spirit in any one’s life as well as in ours.

Imagine the great environment the Holy Spirit will create among us as church members when the above three commands are seriously obeyed by every one. What a holy sight to see when church members are growing away from carnality of sins mentioned in Eph. 4:31 and replaced by the virtues in verse 32. The seeming insurmountable tasks that await us Cornerstone people, shall become realities as we labor in every ministry empowered by the Holy Spirit who indwells and controls every church member. Finally, what a glorious sight that every member strengthens and encourages one another to love and to good works fulfilling together the goals of Cornerstone given by the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Errors among Filipino Charismatics

2008-08-01T22:39:00.000-07:00

Filipino charismatic Christian groups and fellowships abound in our country. They are represented by some well known personalities such as but not limited to Eddie Villanueva and his Jesus is Lord Church. It also allied with other evangelical groups for socio-political agenda. Then you have the cultic religious groups of Apollo C. Quiboloy in Davao Jesus the Name Above Every Name and Mr. Ferriol’s Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ in Marikina. Other smaller charismatic groups exist here. The already confusing religious environment is aggravated by the entry of Romanist charismatic groups aiming at winning Catholics to remain in the fold through the introduction of Pentecostals charismatism rituals and affairs. This last is represented by Fr. Archie Guiriba of Shalom and Bro. Mike Velarde of El Shaddai. These last two groups both remained within the errors of Romanism while dressing the garb of charismatism- one person with double face or garment. Such is the landscape of religious charismatism in our nation.

Common among charismatic religious groups are the following characteristics that are not necessarily inclusive in every group or at least one or few of them are found in every group. First, they claim speaking in tongues as evidence of Spirit fullness. Second, they claim health and wealth effect of being right with God. Third, they claim numbers of following is a basis of their being in the truth and favored of God. Fourth, all of them claim to be in possession of the true gospel which they define as full gospel (like Eddie Villanueva) or faith plus baptism equals salvation (like Mr. Ferriol and Quiboloy). Fifth, almost all are apolitical in position except Eddie Villanueva who is a vocal critic of the current administration but quite silent in resolving insurgency and walks on the street with leftist ideologues. Sixth, some of them accepted political inclusion into the governmental machinery. Last, they all use worldly music and ways.

With this harlot-like religious environment originally corrupted by the Romanists through political invasion in the past to advance religious territories, what else can be done? How can we spare our countrymen from such demonic destruction perpetrated by the above groups?

We must expose all types of errors. Be it theological, political, social, and religious issues, the local church must actively participate in all forms of godly exposition. Let us unceasingly use the pulpit power. Then we must proceed to pen power. Further, we must intensely promote our godly views so Filipinos would have a godly alternative to reject such errors and embrace truth propagated by true separatist fundamental Baptists. Institutions may be created to ferry those godly views thereby deepening our convictions. Lastly, forget not to prod people especially the young ones to join the fundamental church after truly experiencing genuine conversion in Christ.

The error of speaking in tongues is addressed by 1 Corinthians 12-14 and comparative study of similar event in Acts 2 and 10. Even such evidence was disowned by original Pentecostals prior to 1950s. The inclusion of health and wealth into the gospel thus claiming their full gospel is actually a false gospel. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 clearly defines the true gospel without the additions that they included. Consider the warning of Gal. 1:6-9 on how to handle such groups who bear another gospel. Number of membership is never a test of truth or doctrinal validity and accuracy. It is even a mark of false teachers as mentioned in 2 Pet. 2:2 who hailed from the truth before. The position of Eddie Villanueva is at best untenable in Scripture and at worst contradictory to the Romans 13:1-7 principle of submission and godly attitude towards authority as taught in 1 Tim. 2:1-4. His march with leftists is a mark of true blue politicians without the biblical conviction as the Bible prohibits joining the enemy to defeat another enemy! He must be ignorant of OT prophets’ warning to Israel in search of Egyptian aid to defeat Assyrian or Babylon attacks. For a preacher to accept governmental offer of position is a gross sell out. It is a sign of lapse in sound mind as the greatest and most powerful task on earth of preaching is exchanged with juicy or earthly powerful positions.

Beware of the poison of charismatism that abounds in our field committed to dupe our children and grandchildren into their lies and errors. Let us sever relations, be they Baptist or whatever, from anyone who has been touched by such wicked charismatic influence. Let us get more Filipinos out of the miry clay of charismatism through zealous evangelism and intense discipleship. Help charismatics who have been deceived into the false teachings concerning the Holy Spirit. Take diligently God’s word in 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1! Amen.

Ang Pagbuo ng Isang Mainam na Patotoong Iglesia dito sa MundoGalacia 6:9-10

2008-07-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

Kadalasan, kapag tinutukoy natin ang patotoo ng Iglesia, iniisip nating ito’y patungkol lamang sa pagbahagi ng ebanghelyo. Inutusan tayo ng Panginoong Jesus na gawin ito at dapat lamang na tayo’y sumunod! Ngunit hindi duon nagtatapos ang ating tungkulin. Pagkatapos natin silang mabahagian ng ebanghelyo at akayin sa kaligtasan, dapat natin silang patuloy na gabayan upang sila’y lumago sa kanilang pananampalataya. Madalas, dito sa tungkuling ito tayo pinanghihinaan ng loob.

Hayaan ninyong magbigay ako ng ilang mga paraan batay sa Salita ng Diyos na maaari nating magamit sa pagpapahayag ng ebanghelyo. Kung minsan ay natutukso na tayong gayahin ang mga banyagang kaparaanan. Ngunit hindi dapat. Dapat nating isaalang-alang ang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan. Oo nga’t tayo ay inutusan ng Panginoong Jesus na humayo at ikalat ang ebanghelyo. Ngunit dapat nating gawin iyon bilang pagsunod sa Kaniya at bunga ng ating pagmamahal sa Diyos at sa mga taong makasalanan.

Paano nga ba natin mamahalin ang mga makasalanang hindi nararapat ng Kristiyanong pagmamahal? Gaano katagal tayo dapat magtitiis sa mga taong itong hindi marunong kumilala ng paghihirap at sakripisyo ng iba para sa kanila?Naisip ko ang teksto natin sa Galaciang humihimok sa ating magpatuloy sa pagmahal at pagtulong sa kapwa bagama’t sila’y hindi tumutugon. Habang sinusunod natin ang paghimok ng Diyos na magpatuloy at huwag panghinaan ng loob sa paggawa ng mabuti, tayo’y bumubuo ng isang maka-Diyos na patotoo sa harap ng mga ‘di ligtas. Ating pag-aralan ang teksto upang matuto kung paano natin mapapaayos at mapapabuti ang ating patotoo.

Una, huwag tayong panghinaan ng loob sa paggawa ng mabuti (talata 9a). Ito’y nagtuturo ng kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng isang matatag na puso sa paggawa ng mabuti sa anumang uri ng tao. Madalas, kapag tayo o ang ating pagtulong ay tinatanggihan ng mga tao, kaagad tayong nasisiraan ng loob. Ito ang masamang gawaing nakasaad sa talatang ito. Hindi dapat tayong manghina sa paggawa ng mabuti. Ano man ang ating papel sa gawain ng Diyos, dapat tayong magpatuloy sa paggawa ng mabuti sa kapwa. At anuman ang gawaing itong ating ginagawa para sa Panginoon, hindi tayo dapat manghina batay sa mga resultang ating natatamo.

Pangalawa, mayroon itinakdang panahon ang Panginoon upang tayo’y umani mula sa ating maka-Diyos na gawain (talata 9b). Hindi ito maaaring hadlangan ng tao. Ito’y kusang darating sa itinakdang oras ng Panginoon. Kaya’t tayo’y magpatuloy sa paggawa nang may pagkilala ng pagdating ng pag-ani. Alalahanin natin ang hirap na dinaanan ng ating Diyakono sa pagkalat ng Salita ng Diyos at ang paglipas ng panahon na ‘di niya nababanaagan ang liwanag ng pagsagot ng Diyos. Ngunit isang araw, tayong lahat ay nagdiwang kasama siya habang nakikita natin ang paglago ng gawain sa kanilang lugar at ang pag-usbong ng isang iglesia. Tayong lahat ay nagtipid ng pera para sa ating mga misyonaryo. Sinikap nating maitabi ang bawat piso upang sa lumao’t madali’y magamit para sa gawain ng Diyos. Naisip nating talikuran na ang proyekto ng CAM dahil sa hirap ng pagtaguyod nito. Ngunit naniniwala akong ang ating pagpapagal ay pagpapalain rin ng Diyos. Nagtakda ang Diyos ng araw na makikita natin ang paglago ng ating pondo. Paano? Hindi ba’t kaya ng Panginoong paramihin ang magbibigay at ang ibibigay? Nakikita natin itong nangyayari sa mga negosyo. Kaya’t bakit hindi tayo tumulad sa mga langgam sa pag-iimpok at umasa sa Diyos na Siya ang magpapalago nito.

Umaasa ako at patuloy na naghihintay sa Diyos na Kaniyang pagpalain at palaguin ang mga ibinigay Niya sa atin. Alam kong magtataas Siya ng mga magiging katuwang natin sa gawain. At kung magkagayon, matutupad natin ang pagpapadala ng mas marami pang manggagawa sa loob at labas ng Pilipinas. Kaya’t mga kasapi ng Cornerstone, halina’t makisama sa mga kalalakiha’t kababaihang patuloy na gumagawa upang maitaguyod ang gawain ng Diyos!

At panghuli, magpatuloy sa paggawa ng mabuti sa lahat ng tao (talata 10). Ang talatang ito ay tiyak at sakop ang maraming bagay. Pagkatapos ang dalawang paghimok sa paggawa ng mabuti, ang manunulat ay nag-udyok sa kaniyang mambabasa na gumawa ng mga proyektong magiging kapaki-pakinabang sa ligtas o ‘di ligtas man. Ito din ay nagbigay ng paalala na unahin natin ang mga kapwa mananampalataya. Pakatandaan ang paalalang ito ukol sa prayoridad upang hindi magkaroon ng suliranin sa iglesia sa hinaharap.

Ang mga proyektong ilulunsad ng iglesia ay dapat maging kapaki-pakinabang sa mga kasapi ng iglesia. Pagkatapos ay maaari itong palawakin upang sakupin ang ligtas at ‘di ligtas. Kung ang proyeto ay maging matagumpay, tayo ay mag-aani ng maka-Diyos at ‘di-makukuwestiyon na patotoo. Hindi ibig sabihin na kapag nangyari ito’y hindi tayo mapupulaan ng iba. May mga taong magpupumilit na tayo’y sirain sa pamamagitan ng paghanap ng ating mga pagkakamali.

Kailangang gawin ng iglesia ang mga proyektong ito bilang pagkilala sa pagmamahal ng Panginoong Jesus sa mga tao. Kapag naramdaman ng mga tao ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng ating mga gawa, mas magiging madali para sa taong itong buksan ang kaniyang puso sa ebanghelyo. Maaring hindi siya maligtas. Siyang nakakakita ng pagmamahal ng Diyos at nakakarinig ng ebanghelyo ngunit tinanggihan ang alok ng Diyos na kaligtasan ay masusunog at maghihirap sa impierno. Wala silang dapat sisihin kung hindi ang kanilang sarili. Mabuti na lamang at hindi ganito ang lahat ng mga tao! Purihin ang Diyos dahil sinabi na Niya sa Bibliya na may mga taong tatalikuran ang mali at aakapin ang katotohanang nakahayag sa Bibliya dahil sa pagmamahal ng mga Cristiyano. Siya Nawa!

The Causes of Loss of Church WitnessRevelations 2-3

2008-07-01T22:34:00.000-07:00

Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation while he was at the island of Patmos enduring the wickedness of society. He was exiled there by the evil ruler who got offended at his preaching. However, under such circumstance, God revealed His will to the apostle. He wrote the last book of the entire word of God. He gave clear messages to seven local churches in Asia Minor. Unfortunately, all these local churches lost their witness and eventually their existence in that region of the world.

Regardless of the local church’s size and leadership, she can lose her stance and witness. The world will laugh at her demise from the place where she used to declare God’s word to the people. How did these local churches lose their witness? Why did they cease to exist in spite of God’s promise in Mat. 16:18? Let us study that we may all be forewarned by these messages to the churches.

As a local church can we lose our witness and existence at the present location? Can we lose our strong fundamental Baptist stance? Can we lose also our spiritual existence at the place where we are now? Can we become a church that exists but ceases to remain on old historical truths?

Of the seven local churches in Asia Minor, namely; Ephesus (2:1-7), Smyrna (2:8-11), Pergamos (2:12-17), Thyatira (2:18-29), Sardis (3:1-6), Philadelphia (3:7-13), and Laodicea (3:14-22), five of them were issued a divine rebuke. All of them were commended except Laodicea. All of them were also exhorted to do something. They were also given divine promise. I shall focus on the rebukes unto these five (5) churches. Perhaps the reasons for the rebukes were contributory to the death of these churches in that region.
My desire is that we may be forewarned from the possible death of our local church due to neglect in any of above causes which led them into oblivion, if not cessation.

First, the Ephesian church was rebuked for forsaking her first love (2:1-7). The saints there were of the second generation. They remained true to the sound doctrines and practice. However, they lacked deep devotion to the God of their forefathers. Their hearts were not on fire for God though they subscribed to fundamental doctrines and ways. They seemed to appear like the Israelites in the days of the prophet Amos. They were not devoted to God.

Cornerstone people of the second generation, this fits you all. You who are young people today, whose ages range from 20 years and below, listen very well! You are prone to this error and may need to heed the same rebuke if this is true. Even we of the current generation after having been 20 years or so in the Christian life, are inclined to lose our first love for the Lord. We may continue membership in this Cornerstone church, unquestionably militant fundamental Baptist church, but if our heart has lost great fire for the Lord, then we are in a similar situation as this local church. Beware as we may get lost soon!

Second, the Pergamos church was rebuked for allowing their members to hold false doctrines (2:12-17). Either their local pastor or the leadership has allowed the false teachings of Balaam and Nicolaitans to prevail in their midst. Balaam caused Israel to spiritually stumble. It is similar with any doctrine or way that may cause members to stumble over certain doctrines. It involves departure from once held belief or moving to a new belief. Either way will qualify for Balaam’s way. Nicolaitanism involves compromise with the world’s morality and pagan’s way. Such were also permitted in this local church.

As church pastor, leaders, and members, we are never to allow anyone in belief and behavior to cause our members to stumble over certain doctrine or manner by departing from our old cherished doctrines or moving into a new belief. That will cause the fall of this church. Let us not allow modern day Balaam and Nicolas in our membership. They must repent from such errors and embrace the true ones. Diligent teaching must be employed to counter their possible deterioration. Beware of departing from the cherished belief that God’s true word was preserved in the texts that underlie the KJV Bible. Embrace not the trend of moving into newer versions, i.e. NASV, ESV, NIV due to their superior scholarship. Remain in the old path and old way!

Third, the Thyatira church was rebuked for tolerating immorality and idolatry (2:18-29). God rebuked this local church as she allowed “modern day” Jezebel to corrupt her people with sexual immorality and pagan idolatry. In the OT Jezebel corrupted the nation and influenced even king Ahab to her side. This church’s members either remained in such worldly practices or tolerated others in such evil ways. God assured that her children will cease to exist as a divine consequence for such depravation.

God designed that church people who fell in such sins must be corrected. They must be shown the gravity of sins and its consequences. Tolerating them is wrong. Immorality is rampant today even among God’s people. Paul warned about it in Ephesians 5:3 that it should not be mentioned among them. Believers are increasingly materialistic today. Materialism is a sign of paganism. Idolatry is not only the mere possession of religious idols. The pursuit of more money for selfish reasons today is the measurement of success. Lottery is increasing and enticing more people. Beware of them, Cornerstone people! We must spew out the unrepentantly immoral and idolatrous church members! Else we will cease to exist. Younger Cornerstone people you are duty bound to do the same if you want this church to remain in your generation.

Fourth, the Sardis church was rebuked for being spiritually dead (3:1-6). She developed a façade of spiritual vitality. People and colleagues rendered them as an effective and alive local church. They were at the heart of a trading area. Thus they exercised influence over other churches. But Christ stripped them of their hypocritical robe. And the real condition was disclosed — a spiritually dead church. Why were they such? First, they actually did things not out of devotion to Christ. Second, they failed to complete their duty as believers to Him. Third, God was not pleased over their life and ministry.

I fear the coming bema judgment of the Lord. None of us could escape that day! Let us examine now our hearts’ motive of service to Him, lest our labors be burned for nothing! Let us ensure we do things in His way that we may not be rejected, too. Let us not strive to please people and be promoters instead of the Lord who will scrutinize our heart and labor. Let us go to the field out of devotion for Christ. Let us sacrificially give after having been impressed by Christ’s great sacrificial love. Let us give our young children to the Lord even with the thought of possible poverty and death because of the Father’s love and giving up the Son. Beware of getting busy out of a dead heart! Get busy for the Lord out of a convicted heart to love Him who loved us first.

Finally, the Laodicea church was rebuked for being lukewarm (3:14-22). This church was wealthy and blessed with greater resources. With that they became contented and complacent. They did not strive to spiritual growth. They did not labor to earn spiritual rewards in the heavens. Thus, they were spiritually poor, wretched, and blind. The water in Laodicea was piped from city of Hierapolis and reached the place lukewarm. Their physical environment affected their spiritual condition. They were not zealous for the Lord’s work there. Many local churches typify Laodicea. May it not be said of us, Cornerstone!

When we serve God at the local church without zeal and passion then we signify Laodicea. When we do things in church ministry without intensity we are lukewarm. How is your church attendance recently? Have you increased in tithes, mission offerings, or expansion fund offerings recently? What progress did you make in your academic studies CBMS students? Are you intensely growing in teaching ministry? Mission workers are you intensely in love with your ministry and the people you are reaching? Beware of the spirit of Laodicea in your life, in your work, in your family, and in our church.

All these local churches got lost throughout time. Christ’s warning to them was fulfilled. Let us seriously heed this warning. We may lose our entrusted ministry if we fail to listen to this message. Our church may cease to exist at the current place if we disobey God’s warning. Our cessation will not run contrary to Christ’s promise in Matthew 16:18 — church perpetuity. Rather such consequence will bring shame upon us servants of the Lord and members of Cornerstone! Amen.

The Witness of the Local ChurchActs 4:1-37

2008-07-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

As a local church pastor I always long to see our church members living up to the demands of the gospel of Christ. As such it means members must diligently fulfill local church duties. Our compliance with those obligations will enable Cornerstone to bring to fruition her unfinished businesses. There is great sadness in my heart, and much stress is created as well, when people of God fail to live up to the demands both of the gospel of Christ and that of the goals of Cornerstone.

As Paul said to the Ephesians in 5:3b, “...let it not once be named among you, as becometh saints…” There are matters we should never allow to occur as the witness of Cornerstone will be at stake. Specific actions must be done to prevent the occurrence of such witness-destroying events. When local church people are disunited, it will ruin their witness as God’s instruments. If they are uncommitted to the divine expectations and organizational goals then they shall be a hypocritical institution. When fear creeps in the hearts of its people, as critics mount intense attacks, then the devil laughs at them while the Savior grieves. These events are destructive of the local church witness.

Let me inspire everyone to the scriptural illustration on how a church strengthens her witness in the midst of fear-sowing society and critics. Consider the history of Jerusalem church in the first century, how she managed to intensify her witness while the criticizing world raged in anger against her. Look at Acts 4:1-37. As the Jerusalem church grew in great numbers (they reached more than 5,000 numbers already, v.4), the critics were worried about their increasing zeal and influence (vv. 2-3). Consequently, the critics launched attacks aimed at weakening their strength. In verse 13 they undermined their competence. In verses 15 and 18 they ordered the Christian leaders to cease from their ministry. In verse 17 they decided to threaten them. In this witness-damaging situation, how did the church respond?

First, they engaged in prayers to face the threat (vv.24-30). The leaders shared the critics’ attitude towards the church and indirectly agreed to assemble for prayers. In prayer they brought the matter before the sovereign Lord. Notice the content of their prayers in verses 25-26, these are paraphrased quotes from Psalm 2. This psalm is the psalmist’s response to the Lord while in distress. The psalmist called and rested upon the sovereignty of the Lord in that situation. Indirectly, they learned how to use OT scriptures for their situation’s need. Should we not likewise do the same?

Regardless of the environment’s intense negative dealings with the church we can still be victorious over them by similarly learning from this narrative. We must engage in diligent prayers for every need we face. We must plead before God for the monies we need to sustain our missionaries. We can also rely upon the generous Father to transform stones into precious jewels as His provisions for the work of the Lord. We can beg God to thwart the accusing people around us desiring only the fall of His servants and His people. If we fail to trust Him and labor in prayers then we become disheartened people unable to sustain our witness.

Second, they asked God for boldness to face the threat (v. 29). The early church realized that without God’s grace of boldness they could not stand up to this threat. This humble urgent request was divinely granted in verse 31b. By this attitude they nullified the humanistic tendency to rely on earthly and worldly resources. What do I mean by this? We tend to depend on our human contacts to bail us out of the mess we face in life. We are prone also to use money in overcoming such a situation. So others engage in bribery. We may also invoke our religious right or freedom to insulate us from such criticisms. However, the Jerusalem church taught us here to rely on God’s grace of boldness endowed upon our spirit. Why did they ask for boldness? Clearly they desired only to speak the words of God. They did not do any retaliatory action except to beg God for protection.

As God blesses us with resources for the ministry, let us be warned not to rely upon such earthly gains to make us victorious in the battle. Definitely, we will use every God given asset to advance His work with faith in God who controls the process. Let us learn also from the experience of Elijah who obeyed God to Zarepath even if it was illogical to be sustained by a widow in time of drought and famine. Our witness as a local church is under question when we shrink from our duties due to fear. We fear to serve Him in the full-time ministry because of fear of financial insufficiency or poverty. We fear to move to the right doctrinal position because of possible loss of ministerial network. Others could not overcome their pride. We shrink from zealous evangelism and discipleship as fear of rejection creeps. Some men withdrew from the ministry due to fear of rebellion from the people or the latter’s insensitivity towards the minister. We hesitate to financially get involved in church ministry as we see its least financial returns or it has no return at all.

Parents discourage children to engage in ministry as they are worried of their future. A relative seems less satisfied over my daughter’s interest to pursue a music career in the church ministry. Preachers tend to go to the States for a better life and ministry while the great cities and provinces of our nation are in dire need of mission workers. In all these cases, we need God’s grace of boldness.

Third, they united together to face the threat (vv.32-37). The church decided to become knit in dealing with the circumstance at hand. Their mind and spirit were together (v. 32a). They voluntarily gave a portion of their individual assets into a common ownership (v. 32b). Notice that they were not coached by the church leaders. This was a pure Spirit work in the people’s lives (v. 31). Thus, verses 34, 35, and 37 are consequential evidences of such great unity among the Jerusalem church members. Every need was well addressed. They did not construct a socialized system of economic leveling. They were faced with such great needs that out of their brotherly concern they volunteered to be a blessing to the brethren. What they did here is echoed by Paul in Gal. 6:10.

As a local church we must maintain our current strength in unity. Let us act as caretaker in every area of ministry where God has placed us to shepherd every person under our care towards contributing to the intensification of our church unity. For by this we shall together defeat the critics’ attacks to stop the fulfillment of the goals of Cornerstone.

When does a church lose her witness in this society? One, when its members have less concern for the welfare of fellow members in every area of human life. Two, such predicament exists when members see themselves only as associational and professional assembly. Three, when members fear the repeat of wrong practice thus leading them to inaction. Four, when people of God are self-centered and insensitive to the demands and needs of the church ministry. This last was addressed by the prophet Haggai in his book.

The local church can not ask the world to grant her cessation in opposing her at all fronts. But she can strengthen her witness before this world so the latter may be silenced by her illogical and invalid criticism. Let us continue on in the ministry of prayer both in private and in public. Cease not to pray for the pastor, his family, his ministries, the deacons and their families, the missionaries, the staff, the Sunday school teachers, the Samuels, the financiers, the partners abroad, and every leader and member. Beg the Lord to grant them boldness to speak the word, to lead us to higher grounds of growth, and to conquer territories for the church. Join the increasing unity in this local church by word and by deed. Lead other weak members to get involved in the growing unity. Paul spoke of assured victory we shall have in 1 Corinthians 15:57. Amen!

Ang Gantimpala sa Pagtangkiliksa Lingkod ng Diyos1 Hari 17:8-24

2008-06-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

Ang mga taong hindi batid ang kaligtasang na kay Kristo ay mangmang din sa benepisyong maaring makamit sa pagtulong sa lingkod ng Diyos. Ito rin ay totoo sa Bagong Tipan. Bakit? Dahil ang tao ay makasalanan at hindi maaalala ang ginawang kabutihan ng Diyos sa kanila hangga’t hindi ipakita ng Diyos sa kanila ang galit Niya. Nakakalungkot na makita ang mga kasapi ng iglesiang ipinapagkait ang kanilang sariling maging pagpapala sa kanilang pastor. Hindi ko makayanan ang ganitong kasamaan kaya’t ganun na lamang ako kasidhing magsermon laban dito. Bakit? Dahil ang Kristiyano ay kumikilos laban sa sarili niya at maaaring magresulta sa pagkawala ng pagpapala ng Diyos.

Ang iba ay ayaw magbigay ng pabor sa Pastor sa takot na ang pastor ay maging abusado at yumaman nang husto. Nakalimutan nila na anumang ibinibigay ng Diyos sa kaniya ay para sa ikasusulong ng gawain ng Diyos. Kaya’t ang ganitong walang basehang takot at pangamba ay nagiging balakid sa pagpapalang maaaring matanggap sa pagtulong at pagtangkilik sa lingkod ng Diyos. Ang ating teksto sa itaas ay tungkol sa nangyari kay Eliseo sa mga liblib na lugar sa Israel. Nagpunta siya sa sapa dahil sinabi ng Diyos sa kaniya ito. Nagtuloy din siya sa isang banyagang lupain dahil sa utos ng Diyos. Makikita natin ang pagiging masunurin ni Eliseo sa pangunguna ng Panginoon. Dapat nating gayahin siya sa aspetong ito. Paano? Anumang kabigatang ibinibigay sa atin ng Diyos ay dapat nating tuparin. Nararanasan natin ito habang nakikinig sa pagtuturo ng Salita ng Diyos. Kailangan tayong tumugon at gawin ang ating napagdesisyunan anuman ang kahinatnan nito. Dapat nating sundin ang ipinapakita sa atin ng Diyos habang tayo ay nagbabasa at nag-aaral ng pansarili ng Bibliya. Ganun din, dapat nating sundin ang anumang ipinapahayag sa atin ng Diyos habang ginagawa natin ang ating pang-araw-araw na gawain hangga’t ito ay hindi labag sa Salita ng Diyos. Huwag kang sumuway kapag itinutulak ka ng iyong Pastor na gawin ang isang maka-Diyos na gawain.

May isang gawain sa ating teksto na karapat-dapat ng ating pansin. Ang ginawa ng balo kahit na hindi niya alam na siya’y pagpapalain pala ng Diyos. Kung tutuusin, hindi mo iisiping magiging katuwang siya ng propeta sa ministeryo sa mga panahong iyon. Tunay na nagtataas ang Panginoon ng mga tao upang matupad ang ninanais Niya. Una, pinakain ng balo ang propeta sa mga talatang 10-13 bilang pagsunod sa mensahe ng propeta na galing sa Diyos. Ang ganitong pagsunod ay isang kabayanihan nuong panahong iyon ng taggutom. Hindi siya nagdamot bagkus ay inuna ang pangangailangan ng propeta kaysa sa pangangailangan nilang mag-ina. Ang ganitong gawain ay nagpapakita ng ating pagbibigay prioridad sa pangangailangan ng gawain ng Diyos anuman ang ating katayuan sa buhay. Mayroong pananampalataya sa ginawang pagsunod na iyon ng balo. Walang pag-aalinlangan sa ginawang pagsunod. Kailangan nating lahat ang ganitong pag-uugali. Ito ay nakakahawa! Nais mo bang maging kagaya niya?

Pangalawa, ang balo ay biniyayaan ng sapat na probisyon sa ganung panahon ng taggutom. Tingnan ang mga talatang 14-16. Habang ipinapahayag ng propeta ang Salita ng Diyos, ang propesiya ay natupad. Siya ay biniyayaan ng sapat na pagkain sa panahon ng taghirap. Ano ang ipinapahayag nito tungkol sa ating buhay? Kaya ng Diyos na ibigay ang ating pangangailangan kagaya ng ipinangako Niya. Hindi Niya maaaring sirain ang salita Niya. Lagi Niya itong tutuparin! Huwag nating kalimutan ang itinuturo ng Mateo 24:35. Ngayon, takot tayong sundan ang ginawa ng balo dahil sa pangambang tayo ay magugutom! Mas pinagkakatiwalaan pa natin ang mga bangkero at ekonomista kaysa sa ating Panginoon. Kayong takot na sundin ang panawagan ng Panginoon ay hindi mararanasan ang pagpapala ng Panginoon hangga’t hindi kayo sumusunod sa tawag Niya!

Pangatlo, ang balo ay pinagpala nang napagaling ang kaniyang anak mula sa karamdaman. Tingnan ang mga talatang 17-24. Nagsumamo ang propeta na pagalingin ng Diyos ang anak ng balo dahil alam niya ang maaaring maging epekto nito sa balo at sa ibang tao. Namatay ang bata hindi dahil sa gutom kung hindi dahil sa karamdaman. May dahilan ang Diyos kung bakit Niya pinayagang mangyari iyon. Itataas ng Diyos ang Kaniyang lingkod sa harapan ng balo. Palalalimin ng Diyos ang pananampalataya ng balo dahil sa pangyayaring ito. Sa huli, ipapahayag ng balo ang katapatan ng Salita ng Diyos na ipinahayag ng propeta (talata 24). Anupa’t ang lahat ng bagay ay kumikilos sa ikabubuti ng mga anak ng Diyos na nagtitiwala sa Kaniya. Ang imposible ay nagiging posible para sa kaluwalhatian ng Diyos. Ang ating reaksyon sa mga panahon ng paghihirap ay nagpapakita kung gaano tayo umaasa at nagtitiwala sa Salita ng Diyos.

Lagi kong itinatangi ang kagalakan ng pagpapastol sa mga kasapi ng Cornerstone dahil sa pagdami ng mga nagiging pagpapala sa Pastor at sa kaniyang pamilya. Ang ibig sabihin lamang nito ay lumalago na ang impluwensiya ng Salita ng Diyos sa kanilang mga buhay. Sa huli ay pagpapalain sila ng Panginoon.

Kayong mga kasapi ng ating mga simbahan sa misyon, hinihimok ko kayong maging pagpapala sa inyong mga misyoneryong pastor o manggagawa. Paano? Pag-isipang bigyan siya ng matutuluyan sa gabi. O di kaya’y tiyakin na siya’y may sapat na makakain dahil hindi niya sasabihin sa inyo kailanman ang ganitong pangangailangan kung sakali man. Sabihin ninyo sa kaniya na siya’y inyong ipinapanalangin at handa kayong siya’y suportahan. Protektahan ninyo siya laban sa mga pagbatikos at atake ng kalaban.

Kailan ang huling panahon na naging pagpapala kayo sa inyong Pastor? Nagiging pagpapala ba kayo sa inyong Pastor? Sa anong mga kaparaanan ninyo binabalak na maging pagpapala sa inyong Pastor? Maaari bang ang inyong pagmumukha, salita, ugali, kabutihan, at pagkalinga ay maging pagpapala sa kaniya? Mga kasapi ng Cornerstone, tingnan ang gagawing pagpapala ng Panginoon dahil sa inyong kabutihan! Namnamin ninyo ito at ipahayag rin sa iba upang sila’y mahimok na gumawa ng mabuti sa Pastor! Siya Nawa.

The Role of Leaders in the Local Church1 Tim. 1:8-13 and 1 Cor.12:28

2008-06-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

Does the local church need deacons? Can women become deacons? What is the role of teachers in the local church? Does this include those teachers in the Bible school, in the Christian school, and in Sunday school? Are those men and women who do other tasks in the church part of leadership, i.e, music, finance, compassion, literature and maintenance?

As the local church increases the number of leaders directly involved in the ministry, it will grow further. As the number of members who are not involved in the ministry decreases then the church becomes spiritually healthier. Is not the pastor sufficient to do the ministry of the local church? If this is so then how can the pastor teach both the nursery and the adult classes? Can he preach the word while maintaining the cleanliness of the comfort rooms? Can he play the piano while leading the congregation in singing? The pastoral leadership’s success is measured by the number of members whom he has trained to serve either with or under him.

Let us identify from the Bible the kind of biblical leaders and modern day church leaders who emanate from biblical principles. First, we have the deacons. Second, we have the teachers at various areas and levels of teaching. Third, we have the musicians. Fourth, we also have the people who help the pastor in financial management. Fifth, we have those behind the maintenance work of the church. Sixth, we also have those engaged in literature and publication ministry. And likewise those devoted to the compassion ministry of the local church. Not all of these leaders could be extensively discussed in this article. But whatever is your position in the local church, you exist to help the pastor do the work of equipping people or aiding someone the pastor has authorized to do something for him. Do not neglect that your authority is delegated by the church pastor. Thus, it can be withdrawn and be given to another! So take care of it and use it well for the advancement of the local church under the pastoral leadership.

Church deacons are men selected by the church leadership and appointed by the pastor. They must comply with minimum qualifications as determined by Paul in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Various life areas of a deacon candidate are covered in that qualification. Men who desire to serve the Lord in this capacity must start to study and qualify themselves into the details of qualifications. After faithful deacon service such a man is worthy of the degree or title Deacon. They are chosen to serve the church by alleviating the pastor of the non-spiritual tasks he deemed proper to delegate. However, teaching and preaching tasks may not be delegated as they are primary tasks of the pastor, except in extreme cases. Once a man was chosen to serve as deacon, and he did it faithfully. Later he became an evangelist. Our assistant pastor was once a deacon and now he is into full time teaching-preaching ministry. Another man was once a deacon and now he is in missionary work. As church leaders of high honor in the local church they deserve high respect from the membership. Their duty may not be at the frontline. Yet their fulfilled work is not a mean task in the ministry. Thus, we must call them appropriately as Deacon_____. As the local church grows in number and in various ministries, it must increase the number of its deacons. But once appointed as deacon, he will remain in that office until any of the following occurs such as death, disqualification, or resignation from membership or office.

When deacons are godly and supportive to the pastoral leadership the pastor will succeed in leading the church to where God wants him. On the contrary, when the church is beset with problems it is sometimes because of the poor quality of the deacons’ life and ministry. Let us pray to God to increase the number of godly deacons in Cornerstone.

Teachers are carefully selected and appointed by the pastor into the teaching office. Paul discussed this office in 1 Corinthians 12:28. Primarily, this is an office belonging to male teachers. But it may include female church leaders who exhibit teaching gift especially among children. The male teachers may progress into the preaching ministry, but the female teachers can not as the preaching ministry office belongs only to qualified men. As teachers they are the extension of pastoral teaching ministry. Every teacher must be careful in belief and behavior that their words and ways are consistent with the pastoral belief and behavior, else, much harm could be inflicted upon the students of the teachers. The pastor develops and trains them to be apt to teach as well as fit to teach. Every teacher regardless of his or her teaching group must seek to be trained by the pastor and ensure his teaching content and lifestyle is fully recommended by the pastor.

These teachers include those in the music ministry. They also teach through music and hymns. Workers assigned at evangelistic centers and any strategy-based soul winning center area also covered by this teaching duty. Those who are engaged in literature ministry production are likewise in the teaching ministry.

Church members must highly regard teachers as pastoral representatives. This is what Paul taught the Thessalonians in 1 Thess. 5:12-13. Teachers help the pastor in equipping all sectors of the church members so the latter may do the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12-16). Therefore, they must not be neglected in their needs (1 Tim. 5:17b-18).

Teachers who go outside the realm of the local church authority are doing harm to the local churches. This could happen both to those who teach without pastoral scrutiny of their life and teaching material as well as to those who teach outside the local church authority. The latter unconsciously develop dependency upon them and indirectly discourage students to rely upon their pastoral authority. So you will hear students seeking counsel from their Bible school professors and not from their local church pastor. Some students regard their professors as more authoritative than their pastors especially in issues where scholarship is highly factored in such as the issue on Bible versions.

As a pastor, I feel bad that some workers do not regard their pastor’s position and arguments on such a crucial issue. They would rather listen to what the scholars say. Recently, one student saw that his pastor loved him much more than the teachers. Missionaries on the field, whom will you trust and seek counsel in such significant issue, your pastor or your Bible school teacher? Why ask them who do not even know what the pastorate is by ignorance in practice? Whom will you trust in teaching ministry and pastoral work, your pastor or your seminary teacher? Beware lest the devil or your heart deceive you as others have been ruined. You will forfeit the wisdom of the man of God who oversees, who cares, who feeds, and who protects you from deceivers and enemies!

Evangelists were divinely given to expand the missionary work of the local church. You will see this office in Ephesians 4:11. Evangelists were tasked by the Lord to engage in evangelistic ministry. Entering into office necessitates similar qualification with the office of the pastor as it also involves teaching and preaching ministry. The difference of evangelism office with the pastorate is in the area of ministry geography. The former starts the work and turns it over to the latter for maintenance and growth. Both are significant in the overall growth of the local church. In the absence of an evangelist the local church pastor must do the work of an evangelist else it will have a hard time growing in number. On the other hand, when pastors linger in evangelism and neglect feeding his people the latter may become spiritually hungry. So, one has to be sure of the true divine calling and leading before entering the office.

In Acts 14:21-28, we have a pattern for evangelistic work exemplified by Apostle Paul. I believe this is more scriptural than the modern day so called evangelists who prey on church members and church goers to start a new local church. True evangelist work is praying and preparing to enter a new land where there is no work of his kind. Second, testing the field and starting to prepare the field for gospel sowing. Third, actually sowing the gospel through various means or strategies. Fourth, winning the open hearted and discipling them to grow in the faith. Fifth, baptizing the disciples into the local church. Sixth, teaching them all the necessary doctrines and practices of the evangelist’s position. Seventh, training and preparing the local trained leader to pastor the newly established local church. Finally, leaving and turning over the work to the new national or local leader to act as the baptized members’ pastor. Thereafter, the evangelist returns to the sending church to report his accomplishment. Then after a while of rest and recovery, he starts again in another location. This he will do until the Lord returns.

As a local church, such is our model in church planting at every province and nation of Asia. As we showed high respect to deacons and teachers, when the pastor finally selects and anoints a man who will engage in full time evangelism, we must also show similar respect to him. Such is also taught in 1 Thess. 5:12-13. Cornerstone members, let us diligently pray that the Lord will grant us a full time evangelist in the above philosophy and practice. To conserve our current gains, we must select and send such a man.

Even though this office is grossly neglected by Christians, let us blaze the trail for others to follow. Let us now prepare, select, and send evangelists who will do the work of the local church. We need to fill every province of this nation with Cornerstone belief and behavior to counter the spread of falsity among fundamentalists and evangelicals. We must reproduce faster than the average rate of local churches. Cornerstone juniors, youth, singles, married and seniors, come and join this wagon of laborers who are continually training to become servants of the Lord that will bring Christ to every province and Asian nation! Amen

The Role of the Pastor in the Local ChurchEphesians 4:11-16

2008-06-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

Local churches vary in understanding about the role of the pastor. One view is that a pastor is hired by a church board to perform religious tasks for the people. Another view is that a pastor is a servant of the church who serves the church members and must live in poverty like the Lord Jesus. Still others view the pastor as one who speaks to comfort the people at various times. With these various conceptions of the pastoral ministry, come the different expectations from the pastor.

How should we regard the pastoral office? Does the Bible speak about proper view of the office? How should members relate with him? What are his tasks in the local church? Is he really a hired employee whom the church board can remove at their pleasure? Must the office of the pastor be given a term of service? How should leaders of para-church institutions relate with the man of God? Unbiblical answers to these questions will lead to ruin of the local church thus frustrating the man of God.

Occasionally, we hear of stories of young people who were sent to Bible school for ministerial training and who returned to his local church with different doctrines or behavior. Having imbibed the false views of institution teachers, he now questions the validity of his pastor’s teaching being less scholarly in nature. Other returnees quietly distrust the leadership of his pastor in various ministry areas. He is now mesmerized by the glitters of scholarship. He is now a victim of loyalty-hungry teachers who subtlely imbibed their supremacy over the young person’s pastor. This is true in my former alma mater as well as in other schools. Why does this thing happen?

First, the young student is too naïve and untaught with the true biblical role of pastor and also that of the school. Second, the school is either in competition with the local church followership or is plainly unsophisticated with the scriptural role of the school or worst probably desires to supplant the local church view about the pastoral role. Sometimes, this last perception is the dominant reason of conflict.

Some events that had transpired in our local church history and the current events are clear illustrations of above philosophy of pastoral role and authority. Let me discuss with you from the Bible some passages that provide answers to the above troubles.

God has entrusted to the office of pastor (and teacher) the task of qualifying the believers for the work of God in the local church. This is the truth of Ephesians 4:11b-12. The task of teaching is inherent in the pastoral office. The text does not provide separation of the office of teaching from the office of pastorate. This is hard to implement on a universal manner. But rather intended to be carried on in a local church setting. Qualifying task involves equipping work after selecting minimum qualities of people fit for the mold. Consequently, church members must accept the truth that their pastor, being God’s man, is the one to teach and to shepherd them towards becoming fully qualified for the local church ministry fulfillment.

See what is going on among Bible school graduates. Men and women are endorsed to the church for the work because they are degree holders. They are presumed fit for they have finished certain religious academic units. They have been influenced NOT by their pastors but by teachers who did not submit their teachings and practices to local church pastors. At best they only paid lip-service of being church members too as teachers but their belief and behavior were actually independent of their respective pastoral direction. This is plain worldliness among many fundamental schools. This is biblically wrong! Cornerstone people, we must unlearn this evil perpetuated among our generations and friends. We must remain in the belief that God has given us pastor(s) to qualify us into the various areas of local church ministry. We do not need teachers and scholars who refuse to submit their teachings and ways under the authority of local church! Thus, CBMS from inception until the Savior comes must remain under the control of Cornerstone Baptist Church else it has no biblical reason to exist! The former is an extension of the church pastor’s teaching ministry.

God intends that the pastor (and teacher) does the work until church members reach unity of the faith until the coming of the Savior. This is what is taught in verse 13. Christ is the final model of church members’ imitation and it must be sought diligently. However, a human leader is necessary for initial emulation. Paul extensively taught this point in 1 Corinthians 11:1; Galatians 4:12; Philippians 2:20; and 2 Timothy 3:10-14. So, academic graduation is not terminal, as far as qualifying aspect is concerned; but a beginning of a lifelong modeling of your pastor for the ministry’s sake. You will have to start by emulating your local church pastor towards fully imitating the Lord Jesus Christ. When church members look highly to teachers outside the local church then there is violation of God’s word in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. This will result in frustration either among members or the pastor as well as leaders. Such attitude is inviting conflict and chaos in the local church especially when the pastor is weak. When church members confide to teachers other than their pastor then there is room for local church conflict. Both the pastor and members need to know this truth. The pastor must be worthy of confidentiality and the member must trust the Lord for such a pastor God has given him.

God also designed the local church to be doctrinally stable as a result of pastoral work. Consider verse 14 as the basis for this. The pastoral teaching work either at the local church or at its extension in the Bible school must be geared at stabilizing the doctrinal grasp of the members. As the church increases in stability, it will survive attacks in doctrinal and ministerial areas. The local church must not be carried away by the fad of doctrine that changes in generations. She must not yield to changes in any area of doctrines. For instance, a large educational institution in the USA is changing its doctrine on bibliology. She used to believe that every word is inspired in the autograph. Now she still believes that, but denies the preservation of every word in the apograph. She now affirms that such (the preservation of every word in apograph) is not possible for it is not the original writings. She clearly affirms that God has preserved only the message (the essential doctrines of the faith) and not every word. Hence, there is a very minimal word discrepancy between manuscripts. So the discrepancies in words do not really matter for the essential passages on which the essential doctrines hang are unaffected. This teaching is seen in a book endorsed by the institution president. Beware of such slight departure, Cornerstone people! We must remain in the old fashioned doctrines of the faith and never attempt to change it.

God wants the pastor to speak the truth in love leading the church towards growth. Look at verses 15-16. Speaking in bitterness is never right. Harboring ill feeling towards our critics is ungodly. Exposing falsity is however urgent to warn the ignorant from deception. It is not necessarily being cantankerous. The pastor must lead the local church in growth of love towards one another even to its enemies. But love does not mean tolerating or compromising with errors. Separation is a must when there is unwillingness to correct error. The pastor must also lead the church to increase in number. These last two are both results of dependence upon the ultimate spiritual head of the local church – the Lord Jesus Christ. When the local church diligently follows (Hebrews 13:7,17) the leadership of the pastor, he will succeed in bringing together the local church into greater unity and growth. When members highly respect him as taught in 1 Thess. 5:12-13 he will have greater strength to work for the local church. As long as he remains scripturally qualified, as specified in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-11, he must pastor the local church.

Church members never neglect him and his needs! Consider 1 Timothy 5:17-18! Are you loyal to your church pastor more than to your bible school teacher? Whom do you regard more, your pastor or your teacher? Do you take time to encourage your pastor either personally or ministerially? With whom do you confide in personal and ministerial issues? Cornerstone people, if we favor, follow, and remain loyal to our pastor, then we shall strengthen him to do God’s vision for the local church!

Ang mga Katangian ng isang Lingkod na LiderHebreo 11:23-29

2008-05-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

Si Moises ay napabilang sa listahan ng mga taong kabilang sa bulwagan ng pananampalatayang nakasaad sa Hebreo 11 na kung saan ang may-akda (na marahil ay si Pablo) ay tinuring silang mga taong may malaking pananampalataya. Isang malaking karangalan para kay Moises ang mapabilang sa listahanang ito. Ang kasaysayan na ang bahalang maghusga kung ang pananampalatayang hawak natin sa ngayon ay karapat-dapat ng parangal sa hinaharap. Ano ang mga katangian ng magaling na pinunong Hebreo na ito na nagpalaya sa kanyang mga kapwa Israelita sa pagmamalupit ng mga taga-Ehipto?

Siya ay namulat sa impluwensiya ng maka-Diyos at malakas ang loob na mga magulang at kapatid (talata 23). Ang mga magulang ni Moises ay nanatiling matatag sa kanilang paninindigan na itago siya sa paningin ng mamamatay-taong Paraon. At sila ay nagtagumpay at nabigyan siya ng pagkakataong mabuhay. Sinuong din nila ang panganib nang sila’y makipagkasundo sa anak na babae ng Paraon at lumakad ng may pananampalataya sa Diyos nang hinayaan nilang maitaguyod si Moises sa ilalim ng sistema ng Ehipto. Ang Diyos ay hindi nagpabaya at iningatan si Moises upang sa hinaharap ay maging kagamit-gamit sa Kanyang mga layunin.

Kailangan nating mga magulang ang lakas ng loob ng mga magulang ni Moises. Kailangan nating manatiling malakas kahit na ang mga nangyayari sa ating paligid ay pilit na pinapahina ang ating kalooban. Kailangan nating isaalang-alang ang ating iiwanang patotoo. Naiisip ko ang isang magulang na nananatili sa kasalanan na nagpalaki ng isang anak na babae na ngayo’y mali ang pananaw sa kanyang kasarian at lulong sa pagnanakaw. Ngunit ang ama’y nananatili sa kanyang kasamaan at tumatangging kilalanin ang kanyang mga kasalanan. Anong masamang pamana ang kanyang iniwan sa kanyang anak!

Pinahindian niya ang mga pribilehiyo ng pagiging kasapi ng pamilya ni Paraon (talata 24). Hindi ba’t napaka-impraktikal ni Moises nang tinanggihan niya ang mga benepisyo ng pagiging apo ng Paraon (batay sa pagiging ampon niya)? Bakit niya ginawa ito? Dahil ayaw niyang sumalansang sa plano ng Diyos, kaya’t ipinagkait niya sa kanyang sarili ang mga benepisyo ng pagiging kapamilya ng Paraon upang maganap niya ang layunin ng Diyos sa kanyang buhay. Ang mga pangyayaring ito sa kanyang buhay ay patunay ng higit na pagpapahalaga ni Moises sa kalooban ng Diyos kaysa sa kanyang pananatili sa palasyo.

Bilang mga Kristiyanong mga magulang, ang mga gawain na pinapayagan nating gawin ng ating mga anak ay nagpapakita kung anong uring karakter ang nais nating makamtan nila. Kung minsan ay pinoprotektahan natin sila laban sa ilang paghihirap sa buhay, tulad ng pag-ulit sa antas ng pinag-aralan dahil sa katamaran o di kaya ang pagharap sa kahihiyan dahil sa maling ginawa. Ang mga maling pamamaraan na ito ay siguradong makakaapekto sa kanilang buhay sa pagtanda.

Mas ninais niya na danasin ang paghihirap na nakaugnay sa pagiging kabilang sa mga tao ng Diyos (talata 25). Mataas ang kanyang pananaw sa mga paghihirap na nakaugnay kay Kristo (talata 26). Ang paghihirap ay natural na inaayawan ng ating katawan. Iniiwasan natin ang anumang makakasakit sa atin. Ngunit hindi alintana ni Moises ang pakikisama sa mga Israelita kahit na ito’y nagdudulot ng sakit sa kanya. Ang tingin niya sa mga pasakit na iyon ay marangal at nakalulugod. Ano ang nagtulak sa kanya upang gumawa ng kakaibang desisyong ito sa kanyang buhay? Ang marangal at ang panghinaharap na gantimpala sa langit. Anong dakilang lingkod si Moises!

Ang mga batang nakaranas ng paghihirap sa buhay, kahit na iyon pang mga nasa ministeryo, ay may inklinasyon na tanggihan ang tawag ng Diyos sa ministeryo. Bakit? Dahil ayaw nilang maulit ang nakaraan. Ito ang mga taong hindi nakita ang dangal ng pagsisilbi sa Panginoon. Ang nakikita lamang nila ay ang paghihirap hindi ang mga gantimpala sa gawain ng Panginoon. Kaya’t nahihilig silang makisama sa mga ‘di ligtas o sa mga taong kinu-kompromiso ang Salita ng Diyos upang maibigan ang buhay at maiwasan ang paghihirap. Ito ay hindi tunay na kristiyanismo!

Mas takot siya sa galit ng Diyos kaysa sa pagkainis ng mga tao (talata 27). Dahil dito ay iniwan niya ang Ehipto at pumunta sa lugar na kung saan siya itinakda ng Diyos na manatili. Ipinakita ni Moises ang kanyang tapang at lakas ng loob nang iniwan niya ang maling lugar upang hanapin ang tama. Pinagtagumpayan niya ang tukso na manatili sa maling lugar dahil lamang sa benepisyong natatamo niya rito.

Mga magulang, mas binibigyan ba natin ng halaga ang mga batikos ng ating mga kamag-anak kaysa sa pangangaral ng Diyos o turo ng mga lingkod Niya? Nakakalungkot na isipin na para sa marami sa atin, mas matimbang ang sinasabi ng mundo kaysa sa sinasabi ng ating Pastor.

Nabuhay siya ng may pananampalataya at pinangunahan ang Israel patungo sa Diyos (talata 28-29). Una, sinunod niya ang tagubilin ng Diyos ukol sa Paskua sa talata 28. Pangalawa, pinangunahan niya ang Israel na tawirin ang Pulang Dagat (Red Sea) kahit na ito’y imposible sa mata ng tao (talata 29).

Tunay ngang nabuhay siya sa pananampalataya. Iniwan niya ang kasiguraduhan ng buhay sa Ehipto upang sundin ang Diyos sa isang buhay na walang katiyakan at puno ng panganib. Ngunit sa lahat ng mga ito ay sinagip siya ng Diyos. Gumawa pa nga ng mga milagro ang Diyos na kanyang nasaksihan at ikinatatag ng kanyang paniniwala. Anupa’t hindi magiging isang dakilang tagasunod ng Diyos ang isang pinuno kung hindi siya handang sumuong sa panganib o magbaka-sakali sa buhay. Hindi siya maitataas sa posisyon kung hindi siya handang tumahak ng buhay sa pananampalataya o buhay na walang katiyakan. Ang kapangyarihan at panustos ng Diyos ay magiging malinaw lamang sa gitna ng walang katiyakang buhay hindi sa isang buhay na nakasandal sa proteksyon ng kamunduhan.

Elisha’s Preparation as Servant Leader2 Kings 2:1-15

2008-05-25T07:22:00.000-07:00

Leadership is a significant role to play in the ministry of the Lord. Very few are born as leaders. Some became great leaders not because of their birth origin but because of their family exposure. Leadership is not inherited. It is learned through various means. Education is only one of the basic preparations. It is not the qualifying aspect into leadership function. If it is learned then it can be acquired. It can be lost as well due to non-usage. Leadership is a skill. It is a product of repetitively doing the various aspects of leadership. At times people are drawn into leadership roles by the glitters and glories of the office. Some have fallen as they were launched too early into it without the necessary preparations. Some have grown too old to lead and have been overwhelmed by the fear of its consequences. For the saved, nothing really happens which will not be divinely used as preparations into future leadership roles.

Elijah was a great servant leader of God in the Old Testament days. He was a man of faith. He was so courageous to face the false prophets. But he was also too fearful and presumptuous of being alone in the battle God has placed him in. He was greatly used of God. It seems that he was unsurpassable by anyone. But he himself knew well that when he goes someone has to carry on the tasks he received from the Lord. In short, he was faced with the need of succession. In the business world, this is called as the passing of great leadership.

We, too, face the same problem in every church ministry as we deal with various causes of moving out from the task we used to do. But the local church must continue. So she must be prepared in providing fit leadership for the future. Our current generation must prepare the next towards leadership tasks they will face. How do we do it? In my search from the word of God, I stumbled over this Elijah-Elisha succession which exemplifies godly servant leadership succession. I wish you, brethren, would look into other biblical evidences for further corroboration of this biblical study. Both the departing and succeeding leaders will learn much from it.

Elijah chose Elisha out of the working field to serve him. We see this in 1 Kings 19:19-21. Studying the text closely will reveal some important elements in the selection. First, Elisha was busy plowing the field (v.19). Second, Elijah searched and chose him (v. 19). Third, Elijah signaled to him as he passed by (v. 19). Fourth, Elisha left his work and followed Elijah (v. 20). Fifth, he sought permission from Elijah to inform his parents before departure (v. 20). Sixth, Elisha kept his word and followed Elijah (v. 21). Finally, he served Elijah (v. 21).

The narrative does not show evidence that Elijah specifically detailed with Elisha the tasks he would do. But, he fully understood the meaning of the older prophet’s signal. I think there were many risks involved in the action of Elisha in committing to follow Elijah. There lies the first greatness of this rising servant leader of the Lord.

Another evidence of Elisha’s greatness is his urgency to follow Elijah though he sought parental information prior to his all out obedience to the older prophet. Further, the text also indicates his dedicated service to Elijah, a task not specified but probably presumed and carried on by Elisha.

I admire Elijah in his discernment to get Elisha though he was divinely directed in the process. We can not absolutely claim similar guidance from the Lord. However, we can rely upon His word and prayer for discernment to achieve similar ends. The older prophet was also prudent to prepare for the future need of his ministry successor.

To those who will be chosen to serve, consider the circumstances of Elisha prior to his selection. You ought to emulate the same as lessons can be learned as well there even in a secular and neutral field!

Elisha remained with Elijah until he was taken by the Lord. This is mentioned three times in 2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6 where the former always said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. What does this mean? Is it disobedience on Elisha’s part or indication of his dedication to the older prophet? Elijah must have tested him to leave him and go elsewhere even for ministry’s sake. But it seems that the young prophet passed the test. Elisha was stony dedicated to serving Elijah. His commitment to serve Elijah in 1 Kings 19:21 remained. He was unaffected by the ups and downs of Elijah’s ministry including his upcoming departure.

As a servant of the Lord to have Elisha’s spirit, attitude, and action nowadays is a great asset in the ministry. Such a fellow church worker is indeed a precious possession. I would rather have one such church worker than five people who do not have such commitment. Thus, it is my diligent prayer and preaching that God will mercifully multiply Elisha’s model in our local church. Such is not developed alone by asking the Lord. We have the duty to teach, to preach, and to model such pattern among our leaders and members. Consider this, mission workers and pastors! Your failure to define this goal and work hard to achieve it will lead to ministry defeatist attitude.

Cornerstone members here and there, you ought to imitate Elisha in your ministry at the church. Be privileged when you are chosen to serve by the Lord through the local church authority. Stick to it until your leader is gone before the Lord. May you be described in the future or in eternity as one who remained faithful and uncompromising until the end of our leader.

Elisha received the most potent provision (vv. 9-10). Elisha did not demand from Elijah any favor. But in God’s providence, the older prophet saw the need to ask Elisha about what he desired in life before the former left him. With humility and readiness, perhaps with no confusion, he asked for the very power behind Elijah’s ministry success or faithfulness. Elisha knew what to ask that matters most in his current life and work. He was not worldly neither lustful in requesting for favors. He showed a mature and godly character by this request. Elijah readily granted his permitted request (v.10). What a great possession Elisha received!

What would you like the Lord to give you in the ministry you are currently engaged in? Would this indicate Elisha type of character or the world? As parents, what do you desire most for your children? In such longings do we demonstrate Elisha’s character or that of the world? As youth and single, what do you long for in life? Would the Savior be pleased with your desires and longings in thoughts and prayers?

Think of what the Lord might be thinking of us Cornerstone people as a local church. What do we desire as a church and why? Would the Lord be honored with our prayer request, plan, and prodding?

Finally, Elisha received the very mantle of Elijah (vv. 13-14). The mantle symbolized the older prophet’s authority which the young prophet received both by divine delegation and Elijah’s turning over. Elisha mourned over the departure of Elijah as he would be surely missed. The authority also includes the prophet’s power which he inherited by divine transfer. This authority and power received were both manifested in Elisha’s life and witnessed by people (v. 15). This is the climax of Elisha’s succession to the office of the prophet.

Elisha did not aspire for the mantle even if he knew he was the chosen successor. This indicates his humble character even in managing the glories of promotion. He was not mesmerized by the nobility of power. He was not also blinded by the very authority inherent in his office. He knew this must be used to minister to Israel the very words of God. Elisha was prepared well so he was greatly exalted by the Lord into succeeding Elijah.

Cornerstone leaders, let us indeed be servants of the Lord according to Elisha’s character in matters of dealing with promotion. Let us use our divinely given power to advance the local church of Christ. Wait until the Lord gives you the exaltation into the ministry office. Let us think less of ourselves even as we think more of the church people to build them up until the Savior comes. Amen!

On Being a Servant of the Local ChurchRomans 16:1-20

2008-05-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

Paul wrote this epistle to the believers residing in the city of Rome. The epistle is strongly doctrinal in nature. The theological discussion is the foundation of the letter. From chapter 12, Paul began to discuss the moral and practical implication of his theology. Finally in the last chapter he enumerated the people who worked with and for him. It is a long list of names of people. He mentioned them for commendation. He seemed to make them for others’ emulation. At the start he called them servant of the church.

As an inspired book aimed at building up the readers, it is of great importance that we modern readers take a serious look at this Pauline servitude principle. He wanted the readers to imitate these named people so local churches may also be strengthened through the life and work of such people. Clearly, the Lord wants every church member to be a servant of the local church. But how do we express such desire to serve? As I consider the text, there are some clear and noticeable serving principles.

Be a servant of the local church like Phebe in verse 1. As such you would have to make yourself available in any type of work in the local church even without remuneration. Servitude is doing whatever task is assigned by the Pastor or his duly designated representative. It involves work of whatever nature, i.e. physical, mental, occupational, and spiritual. You will not demand the work and how it will be done. Someone in authority will delegate it to you.

Be a succourer of people as said in verse 2. Choose to help needy church members whether they ask for it or not. Consider being a help to the Pastor and to his family. Typically, the latter is expected to do all. And they do not easily complain as they are church leaders expected to work hard. So your help to them will serve as a consolation and reinforcement in life and ministry. To do this you must discover the need of the needy. Exercise discernment in learning their problems and needs. You would not wait to be told to help others. Upon seeing the need you will prepare to be of help and implement the prepared aid.

Be sacrificing for the ministry as exemplified by the married couple in verses 3-4. There is less evidence that this couple were ordained missionaries. However, there is much indication that they were great helpers in Pauline missionary tasks. They did so much to help the apostle. They willingly risked their lives to secure the apostle’s life and ministry. This is unlikely to happen in humanity even among the saved. We call this Christian heroism. Others are envious to hear and to see such church members. They undermined them as religious fanatics.

Such envy is developed due to the absence of their own people to be biblical. It shows the Lord’s purpose for their lives is to readily commit to die serving the apostle in the mission field. Do you have the same attitude as married church member couples? There will be no church advancement to occur until the church members are becoming more like this married couple. Life will pass anyway. When life is consumed in the advancement of His church it will count for eternity.

Be sowing much labor as called upon in verses 6 and 12. These people work to exhaustion. They get so weary in rendering the ministry required labor of whatever kind. They were unlike the youth who will escape from hard labor but will linger at easy engagement. Service at the local church requires investing much labor of all kinds. Labor involves spiritual, physical, and financial, too. Some singles and adults who failed to master this principle while young are in a mess for failing in their current roles. The Lord’s ministry at the church necessitates greater work than in the secular field.

Be a supportive household as said in verses 10, 11, 13-15. The writer mentioned various family names by their fathers who exemplified very supportive attitude and actions towards the work of the local church. These families did acts that enabled missionaries to do church planting work as well as build up the churches started. Another aspect of church life is how to maintain the members in which some leaders are quite weak. So in this ministry aspect some families are needed to reinforce the weaker areas and prevent them from failing. By the grace of God, I could also enumerate family names at Cornerstone who have shown similar actions. But I continue to minister that all of you families both here and at the mission churches may be found as such. Fathers and mothers, your leadership is crucial in creating a supportive household.

Be separating from divisive brethren as declared in verse 17. This is hard to do as many would not want to carry this on. But, we are under obligation both by the Lord and our church commitment to keep this injunction. Divisions will never strengthen the local church. It will weaken its resources and power. Thus, to the doctrinal and ministerial deviants, we must sever relations. We do not enjoy this action. But we are to humbly do it for Christ’s sake and the preservation of the church. Note well the actions and words of some brethren. Counsel them to repent and return to the godly and historical position. We must do this even among fellow professing fundamentalists who failed to walk in a holy manner and attempted to lead us away from the doctrines and practices we learned before. Discern how some are indirectly suggesting less militancy in the perspective of verbal preservation of the entire Bible in the name of scholarship. Some are commencing to suggest the advantage of using versions other than the historically tested and providentially preserved King James Version in the English language. Analyze how the nationals are indirectly subjected into educational dependency by the foreign workers. Some less militant nationals are being used for their missionary work. Division is being sown among the militant fundamentalists. Non-fellowship with some sectors of fundamentalists is viewed as extremism or branded as departure from the sound position! Beware of such false views. Let us return to the strengthening of Cornerstone local church and its daughters and replicate the same in other like-minded churches. The battlefield must be drawn at the local church. Beware of working to build up a para-church institution at the neglect of the local church unity and primacy.

Be speaking to build up the young ones as exhorted in verse 18. The deceived are enlisted by fair speeches. The Western and more educated are deemed more authoritative than the ones taught elsewhere. This is plain educational and religious imperialism. When the youth sit under such environment expect future parroting of the acquired message. The latter is not encouraged to be critical towards the more authoritative ones. So when someone speaks contrary to the masters’ view, without similar educational acquisition, they are undermined. Religious assemblies are organized to build up the foreign workers’ dominance instead of the nationals. The rural church people are on the sidelines while the urban foreign leaders are in dominance though they enjoy the presence of the former for statistical uses. The themes are hard to reach the lowly ones as they are geared towards the religiously advanced ones. Even the medium used is of the foreigner as the nationals’ way is deemed inferior. Let us start and keep on correcting these great errors of our environment and our forebears. We enjoin you into the wagon of reformers who will stand up to build up the lowly and young nationals instead of merely pleasing the foreigners. One day they will leave and it is you Cornerstone people and our countrymen who will keep on laboring to preserve the church!

Be submissive to local church authority as taught in verse 19a. With Paul hearing the Romans as being insubordinate is discouraging. He boasted upon learning that their submissiveness is publicly known. In the same manner Cornerstone people, there is joy in my heart to hear that everyone of you submits to local church authority led by the missionary pastor. Workers labor hard to teach this principle. Correct those who violate this. Boast in the Lord those who practice this diligently that others may emulate the same. I had few experiences from some Cornerstone members who were indirectly influenced by another to leave Cornerstone through various religious gimmicks. But I thank the Lord for His mercies in preserving them as the target prey remained. Such is demonstrative of indirect encouragement of a church member not to be submissive to pastoral authority. Glory to God! Woe to the deceivers!

Be simple to evil things as encouraged in verse 19b. Servants ought to know well the godly way with implementation in view. But they must avoid mastering the details of how evil works to keep them from getting influenced in the process. The Bible is clear that we must avoid even the appearance of evil (1 Thess.5:21-22). It is dangerous to study well how prostitution is committed and not be contaminated by its details. All ages must exercise discernment in such situation. In counseling ministry, servants of the Lord, must exercise utmost care! Parents reject the world’s way of subjecting your children to their ways for educational advancement’s sake! Such is contrary to injunction among the Thessalonians.

Be struggling to victory over Satan as enjoined in verse 20. God has assured us victory over Satan. This is possible through the death and resurrection of Christ. See 1 Cor.15:55-58 as basis for this. Our part is to claim the promised victory and implement His commands in our daily lives. Service to the local church is a command. It is a godly and noble ministry in whatever capacity. Refusal to serve Him according to the above guidelines results in defeat by Satan. Serving Him by our own strength is victory for the Devil. Start serving the Lord as church member in certain area of ministry. Serve Him faithfully through Cornerstone where God has placed you until death. Such is the norm for all of us beloved brethren here and there! Amen!

The Sin of Procrastination

2008-04-26T09:29:00.001-07:00

By Pastor Jed Raquintan

As Filipino Baptists we lack the heritage of devoted giving to the work of the church. We do not have generations of great giving legacy of our forebears. Children are scarcely taught to be generous in giving their tithes and offerings which belong to the local church. Hence, expecting children to give beyond the regular tithes and offerings is not usual. When these kids become adult members in the church it would take a divine miracle or a chastisement for them to become great givers.

As a family man I always desire my children to have a legacy of giving beyond the regular tithes and missions offerings. By this they will develop the habit and hopefully a godly culture of generous giving for the temple needs. The same desire runs in my blood as your pastor. I realize that most of us never had such godly culture prior to salvation in Christ. If we believe in the culture of generosity of giving beyond the tithes and offerings then we must start it in ourselves, in our family and our relatives.

Practically, ministers and churches resort to external sources to sustain the work. Indigenous ministry is defeated. Servants wanting the church to be strengthened through the biblical indigenous method are disheartened. However, before we fully accept ministerial discouragement, we must first exhaust the word of the Lord in providing solutions to such lack. The passage provides prevention of a repeat of similar want in our local church if we diligently heed its truth. The passage teaches that God wants His people to prioritize and not to delay the needs of His temple. If we fail on it then He will surely show it in our economic life.

Prophet Haggai was God’s man of the hour. He was divinely tasked to preach the word of the Lord. He was chosen to encourage the disheartened workers of the temple who longed to see the temple rebuilt. He was assigned to rebuke the insensitive and indifferent Israelites towards finishing the temple building. I think his work must have been quite difficult. For 15 years the temple work ceased as ordered by law through the influence of oppositionists. The indifferent ones found justification in the cessation order for their sin of procrastination.

God judged the people’s neglect of the temple building work as untimely. While the temple building was unfinished they prioritized their houses. They returned from exile to rebuild the temple. God provided their needs through the trip from Babylon to Jerusalem. But, soon, they succumbed to the hardship of opposition and settled themselves in finished houses. What a great irony! The divine provisions were used on their residences instead of the construction of the temple. They used the permission to return for self enrichment.

God permitted them to have economic insufficiency. They invested so much time and resources for their agricultural businesses expecting to get good harvest. But the actual yield was almost nothing! They spared much for their basic necessities, i.e., food, clothing, and retirement yet after some time they did not get what they expected. How did these things happen? Probably, God influenced the harvest yield. Perhaps, He allowed natural causes to affect their life that the overall yield was meager! They did not notice that their resources were placed in unsafe and unyielding investments. In their human minds the efforts and investments were sound and certain. But by procrastination of the temple building work God caused their investments to fail.

God strongly urged His people to actively finish the temple building work. They needed to exert hard labor by going up the mountains to get the necessary materials. They needed to stop procrastination. They needed to finish the temple building work. They must stop the work in their houses and continue rebuilding the house of the Lord. This task would earn the pleasure of God. It was glorifying to Him. In the same manner, when God’s people prioritize the work of the Lord in the local church, He is honored. When we work to finish the church building where we assemble for the ministry, He is pleased. The beauty of the meeting place reflects the glory of the Lord. The degree of involvement and size of generosity of God’s people will always cause His name to be extolled.

Finally, God sent chastisement upon the people. This divine action was prompted by their indifference to finish the temple building work. The indifferent justified their inaction and procrastination with the hardship of the times. However, their economic hardship was a result of divine hindrance. God closed the windows of heaven to keep the blessings from them.

Some implication of this sin of procrastination is evident. First, as church people we are to prioritize the church building work and its ministries than our residences. For a Christian to get busy building his house while neglecting the needs of the local church to build its edifices for the ministry is grossly sinful. It is the plain relevant message of the prophet. If you find home at Haggai’s rebuke then you are exhorted to stop and start building up the church. Second, did Haggai build his house too? That would be unlikely as he would be found hypocritical. Imagine the great love and sacrifice of this servant of the Lord who found joy only in seeing the temple building rebuilt even if he had no permanent residence!

Third, we must realize that our livelihood now and in the future will always be affected by our attitude towards the priority of church needs. God greatly rewards faithful labor focused not on selfish interest but on the interest of the local church. May I forewarn you people of God to cease from the sin of procrastination! Stop delaying what you are prompted to bring into the local church building needs.

Finally, we must learn that as the church building is being built we need to get involved in generously providing for its materials. Our tithes and offerings, as another prophet spoke about it, are for the temple workers’ provisions. It is the Lord’s temple maintenance provisions. Since God has moved the heathen kings to provide for the temple building then God‘s people are highly expected to do greater than them.

As New Testament people of God, let us seriously consider the needs of the church building to finish it that God’s glory may be displayed. I believe, according to facts and history of Cornerstone’s giving attitude, we can finish this unfinished worship place if every member and partner will heed God’s call to Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified…. Only the sin of procrastination will keep us from finishing this church building.

As your pastor, at the parsonage I daily see the unfinished tasks. My heart trembles and longs to see the glory of God be displayed in our worship place! Not having much funds, I have asked Him to use me, like the prophet, to finish the church building of the Lord. I thanked God that He enabled us to help the missions work. But must we allow such noble task to keep the glory and the pleasure of God displayed among the people, the worshippers, and the observers? Would you join me in prayer, in partnership, and in prompting one another in this renewed zeal to finish the temple of the Lord? Amen!

The Time of Salvation

2008-04-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

Humanity recognizes that life is short. Life is the most important resource that people possess. So everything is being done to secure life. Lawmakers enact laws that protect human life. Judges give premium to the security of life. Governments are expected to secure citizens’ welfare. But something is lacking in all these pursuits. The salvation of human soul seems to be overlooked. It is dumped into the realm of the spiritual. A need that is attended to when time permits; when all the basic needs are successfully met. We have forgotten that the completeness of man rests in his soul’s condition. We think of our spirit only when we are sick, troubled by life’s intricacies and nearing the end of life. Good if you would have the privilege of feeling the end of life. What if this would not be your case?

Apostle Paul affirms the urgency of salvation. He realized it was significant in life. One can not live life to the fullest by neglecting salvation. For one to leave earthly life without receiving eternal life is terribly shocking. It is a terrorizing experience as you are going to a place beyond human comprehension for the terrors it brings. I think to enter eternity without eternal life is such a great illogical procrastination. Why did the apostle sound that way? The text gives some reasons for such view.

Paul realized the shortness of life on earth. James acknowledged it too in 4:14. An unwise and unprepared person may spend life as if life is long only to discover quite late that he would soon be in eternity and yet still without salvation.

Then, he declared that NOW, that is upon understanding it, is the proper time to be saved. The text clearly says now is the accepted time…, now is the day of salvation. As you hear the need to be saved you ought to positively respond. Such response needs repentance from sin and believing in Christ to save you. When the soul winner pleads before you to receive Jesus then you must immediately follow him. Upon listening to the preacher who asks you to come to Christ and ask Him to save your soul then you should positively agree even if it is in public. What is at stake is your soul, which will soon enter to eternity!

The apostle indirectly assumes that whenever and wherever you come to Christ for salvation He is most ready to receive you. Note what he said …have I succoured thee… Jesus declared this truth in Matthew 11:28 as well as in John 6:37b. What an assurance that anyone in whatever condition can come to Him now! Friends, delay no more as your soul is at stake here! Come to Christ as soon as you have turned away from sins. You may not have another time that you expect!

The apostle spoke from his experience when he met the Savior on the road to Damascus. There he never delayed upon the impression of Christ on him. He swiftly responded to the convicting work of the Savior. There was no indication of vacillation due to possible reprisal from the religious authority. He never thought of his colleagues who might criticize him. He was childlike in responding to the call of Christ. You too need to be responding to the call of salvation. You must do it now!

The text also calls every soul winning church member to realize the urgency of salvation. We need to zealously get people into the body of Christ! We can not be indifferent now. Souls are at stake including our relatives and the people deceived by various errors. No matter how hard life is and the work of witnessing the urgent call of salvation is paramount. All existing CBC ministries must be geared towards reaping souls for the Savior! Our time is short! Our life is short. Our resources are meager. We must use each resource in a timely manner.

By Pastor Jed Raquintan

Let us eagerly raise every peso and wisely spend it to win souls for the Savior. Let us devote our energies as Christian servants towards the work of winning more souls and establishing more local churches. As I consider my days, not many are left, perhaps. Even Moses did the same in Psalm 90. So, much time and labor must now be invested. Having less in life will not disqualify me from the wise investment of time to get more souls for Him!

Since God said that man needs to be saved NOW and must respond NOW to the call of salvation, then we must likewise give our lives into the task of winning more souls. We need to give more time into the task of building up and reproducing disciples. We need to invest more funds in the task of providing more Sunday School rooms that will accommodate more attendees. We need to provoke the youth to give up their lives into the full time ministry now. We need to train more teachers and missionaries and send them into the mission fields. We all need to remain faithful in the faith until death. Amen!

We are made for Eternity

2008-04-26T09:27:00.001-07:00

By Bing Villa

“Rise up before your bedroom gets light from the rising sun! Breakfast must be ready before the noise of animals outside! It’s lunchtime when you don’t see any length of shadow of the roof because the sun stands in the middle. All in the house before sunset! Prepare for each day the night before!’ Phrases we often hear from our fathers when we were young. Yes, even without watches or clocks, the sun, moon, stars are witnesses to remind us of the valuable resources God has given—TIME. “ And God said, let there be light in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and for years” (Gen. 1:14). How do you invest and use your time as a young person?
Set your priorities.

Know your Biblical goals and be committed to fulfill them because pressures to violate will be continual from various sources. If you don’t plan your time, someone else will. So plan according to priorities such as relationship with God- personal devotion, ministry to others, family, developing your character and talents. The rest you may put on the next category of priorities.
Be single-minded for the permanent one.

In my early college days, I have tried one of the different time management that goes like this; 6:00 to 6:45 am get up and prepare for the part time job nearby, 7:00-12:00 at part time work, 12:15- 1:00 pm lunch and prepare for school, 2:00-7:00 pm at school, 7:00-8:00 travel home, 8:00-9:00 rest and dinner, 9:00-11:00 home works. In case home works require more time, I would either stay late or get up earlier than my usual schedule the next day. Sacrifices I made were for a purpose – to finish college and get a job. But you see, I was single-minded for a temporary one. One day, my persistent friend Linda who stayed next door invited me to attend their youth fellowship. In her zealousness to win souls, I became a Christian. Apostle Paul was single-minded for the Lord in Phil. 3:13-14, his life priority was to know Christ and serve Him. It is part of the permanent that can not be lost.
Invest your time for eternity.

When I was already working in the office, I tried the time management I had in college but it didn’t work. Even as a Christian, I saw as if time itself was a burden because my strength, responsibilities, dreams and demands of other people all conflicted with one another. The tyranny of clocks robbed me of life’s enjoyment; my body began to react in pneumonia, hyperacidity, pimple outbreaks. But during these experiences I learned of God’s divine nature- His timelessness. God has His own sense of timelessness even when we labor under time bondage. The blessing of God’s timelessness does not mean various activities without rest, which did not answer my quest for the abundant life.

Young people, there are needs around which cry for your involvement, attention or re-thinking. Your younger siblings or a child next your door would insist to be taught about Jesus even in your busy time, classmates or fellow youth in the church will unexpectedly need help. Such investments even in small ways are investments for eternity. You should also respect other’s time by coming on time for an appointment (Philippians 2:4). God’s children need to maintain godly flexibility. We need to look continually to God for possible re-direction. Let us be wise in our use of time (Eph 5:15-16).

2008-03-26T09:26:00.001-07:00

Apostle Peter wrote this second letter to address the need of the first century believers. They were tempted to depart from the sound doctrines of the faith. Some professing people groups were influencing them away from the truth. He encouraged them to spiritually grow so they can combat such temptation. Peter was a man who acted like a modern day local church pastor concerned about his members. He showed accuracy in his theological positions on various areas discussed in the book. In the study on apostasy, this book is a must reading as it discloses many aspects concerning the subject.

One lady church member asked me years ago, “If these religious cults are indeed wrong in their teaching then why are they growing fast?” If we are to read the news and statistics in Europe and USA, then you will be surprised at the astounding numerical growth of Islam as a religion in those once “Christian nations.” If you visit the northern part of Luzon, Philippines you will see the Muslim traders fast spreading in the marketplace and their mosques gradually being built. As a child, I never saw any Muslim trader in my province in the 1970s. But today even in our remote town you will see them. Soon, their mosque will also be constructed. In the end of 1980s as I ministered in Villasis, Pangasinan mission work I never saw any Muslim trader at the market. After less than 20 years I saw them selling goods and perhaps at this time of writing their mosques are under way.

The advent of the Americans in our land at the turn of the past century brought religious freedom to the Filipinos. Our ancestors gloried in that blessing. But with that freedom the false religionists and cultists came as well. Thus, later the Seventh-Day Adventists, the Mormons, and the Jehovah’s Witnesses came to our religious shore. In less than two decades, thereafter, the indigenous religious cult known as the Iglesia ni Cristo was born (1914) in Manila and is now an economic, political, and social institution to reckon with. This group’s influence will be complicated by the commencement of other false religious groups, such as but not limited to, the Ang Dating Daan, the Fourth-Watch Church, and the Quiboloy Church (Jesus the Name Above Every Name).

Why do we have this false religious development? Why is the Romanist Church continuing to flex her religious and political muscles in our people? As someone asked me in the past for an answer, here is God’s answer to the above question.

Apostle Peter prophesied in our text the coming of the false teachers and prophets. He declared how they would develop. He told us how they would affect people. And He discussed their manner of leading people as well as their attitude to the truth.

First, Peter disclosed their origin – from the local group of true saved people (v.1a). The false prophets will claim to have special communication access with God even if it can not be biblically verified. They will come from among God’s people. As such they used to be part of true Christian churches. Apostle John’s declaration helps here (1 Jn.2:19). Either they would be expelled by the godly church leaders due to their error or they will depart from the godly church as the latter is unwilling to adapt to their teaching. It shows that they used to have contacts with the sound teaching churches.

Second, Peter declared their teachings and acts (v. 1b). They will smuggle in (the local churches) their teachings. It will be shared under the cover of other sound teaching matters. They will creep into until the whole structure is influenced. The teaching will be of man’s origin. It has no apostolic origin. The teaching will bring destruction either in organization, in teaching, and in people’s lives. They will deny the sufficiency and substitutionary work of Christ. They will criticize the simplicity of such work relative to salvation. Finally, they themselves will be destroyed and doomed. They will deteriorate from the orthodox doctrinal position. Refusing Christ’s offer of salvation at the Cross they are headed to eternal destruction in the lake of fire.

Third, Peter foretold their large number of followers (v. 2). Many will embrace their new teachings and ways of life. Some of God’s people will follow them. This last group is called apostates. People will be enticed by their example described by the author as evil. The false teachers’ lifestyle will be lascivious and uncontrolled. In spite of this wickedness, large mass of people will follow them. They will see the false teachers’ lifestyle as the norm. People will be mesmerized by the false teachers’ aggressiveness in attacking sound teaching and presenting it as false. This is the very act of many false religions towards the historical and apostolic teaching. If you were to number the false religious groups in the country, namely the INC, ADD, PMCC, Quiboloy’s, the SDAs, the JWs, the Mormons, and the RCC, then the fundamental Baptists would be insignificant in number. Each group claims at least a million members while the RCC has 80% of the entire population.

Fourth, Peter discussed their manner (v. 3). As mentioned above, false teachers and prophets attacked the truth and aimed at presenting it as the false one. If you watch their TV programs and read their papers the same attitude is manifested. They will engage in acts that exploit the members. They will trade their doctrine like a commercial product for a substantial gain. Their leaders are in great luxury and ostentatious life as a result of successful trading. Indeed, religion in this sense becomes a big money-making enterprise. All these religions learn the trade from the great mother whore of the Romanists. She occupies the professorial chair of religious enterprising course offered by the University of Rome funded by the endowments of false Peters.

Fifth, Peter assured their damnation (v. 3). As they victimized people even those who once professed Christ as Savior, God will not neglect their deserving punishment. God does not sleep over their case. Their deserved judgment is actively being prepared. It is gaining momentum and will be unleashed at the designated time. So the godly faithful Christians need not worry about apparent divine toleration. We must worry about not working hard to preserve the remnant and striving to win the deceived (Titus 1:9-11).

The birth and growth of false teachers and churches are prophesied. We can not change that. But we are equipped by the prophecy. We are to forearm our people from such vicious attacks from them. We are to encourage the church members to diligently study the Word for their own growth and strength. Then we are to strive to win back the deceived ones into the Lord. Evangelism must be intensified at all fronts. Doctrinal grounding at the Sunday School and home levels as well as at secular studies must also be intensified. Every sector leader is to work harder to protect his herd. Every missionary worker is to prevent the deceivers from entering his flock. The man of God must ever be militant to carry on this spirited passion to present the local church pure before the Great Shepherd at His coming. Amen.

Brewing Apostasy among Baptists

2008-03-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

By Pastor Jed Raquintan

As the street marchers prepare for rally in the afternoon of February 29, 2008, news was aired about BIBLEMODE leader Rev. Dr. Benny Abante and officers’ call for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s cabinet secretaries to resign over the allegations of corruption. The call also issued a threat of changing support to the President if she does not improve her governance. I acknowledge the right of these Baptist pastors to exercise freedom of expression. But I think of the biblical validity and historical consistency of their action. Is it right for Baptist pastors to call on high governmental officials to resign?

Some biblical principles will invalidate this action. First, Romans 12:2 commands Christians to stop being molded in external actions like the unsaved. Calling either the President or her cabinet secretaries to resign is an ungodly Filipino culture that started in EDSA 1. It is again being drummed up by some sectors and imitated by BIBLEMODE.

Acts 5:29 provides a basis for civil disobedience among Baptist. However, the elements of the context are absent in the current uproar. There is no law that prohibits Baptists to exercise their cherished beliefs and practices. If we disagree with the ways the government runs the bureaucracy we are still to follow and support it. If violation of existing laws exists then we must bring the matter before the proper courts.

Romans 13:1-7 commands Baptists to follow government authorities. Resistance, in verse 2, includes standing against or opposed to the authorities. Submission is not absolute as shown in Acts 5:29. But the general rule is to follow the injunction of authorities. The act of opposing is tempting in this current noise. Noticeably, the Baptist leader seems to be more supportive of the fallen Speaker Jose De Venecia, than to these injunctions.

2 Peter 2:1, 10 describes the character of false prophets and teachers. Religious cults and Romanists model this. The former is passively uninvolved in the noise. The latter is active but careful in crafting her public statements. To be seen on the streets like these two are fitting qualities of false teachers. But, for the Baptists who claim to be as fundamentalists, to speak and to act in a similar fashion, to despise government, and not be afraid to speak evil of dignities, is evil.

Apostle Paul never acted in a manner similar to the Baptist pastors’. When his right was violated at Philippi in Acts 16:35-40, he just let it happen. He aired petitions in the right manner thereafter. He filed a complaint before the right courts without creating uproar or imitating the current mob culture of some. He was always victimized by uproars like in Thessalonica and in Jerusalem.

Baptists must consider their cherished historical practices. Rev. Abante’s call to resign is the first deviation in Baptists’ political behavior. This is inconsistent with historic Baptist belief and practice of State support. We never saw this during the Marcos era or in any other era. Thus it is proper to call it as the first public apostasy in Baptists tradition.

In light of this departure, we must obey 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15. Let us remain a separatist Baptist. Violation of this will nullify our claim of being true fundamental Baptists. Romans 16:17 commands us to reject the action of BIBLEMODE. The text warns against divisions and scandals it creates. And having seen their current position, we must mark and avoid them. We are not to fellowship with them as they lead us away from the truth (Deut.13:5, 10, 13). We are not to act based on trumped up machination or unfounded accusations. Let us abide by the rule of law. Let us pray and keep our high respect of State officials (1Tim.2:1-2). Let us not follow the clamor of the majority if it’s evil and unlawful (Exodus 23:1-2). Amen!

Walking in the Ways of the Lord

2008-03-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

By Eden Raquintan

The prophet Samuel was one of the greatest men in the Old Testament. He was so named because his mother, Hannah, asked him of the Lord. Hannah was barren so she petitioned the Lord to give her a son with the promise that he shall serve Him all the days of his life. He started serving the Lord at a very tender age (at 4-5 years old) and did so faithfully until his death.

Unfortunately, the Bible does not speak well of his sons for they “walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.” (1 Sam. 8:3). Samuel was a man completely devoted to do God’s will, but his sons were not. Yes, when Samuel was old he made them judges over Israel, but they did not turn out to be the good judge that he was. They served God, but not faithfully.

As a mother, it is my prayer that someday my children would become the Lord’s servants in our church because I want them to experience the blessing and the joy that goes with faithful service to the Lord. However, I know that it will still take much teaching, nurturing, disciplining, and praying before I could see the fulfillment of my longing. Molding them in His precepts is not an easy task at all. I’m afraid that it is really getting harder and harder for us parents to teach our children to become faithful followers of the Savior.

These are dangerous times. I can wholeheartedly agree with Paul when he said, “perilous times shall come…” in 2 Tim. 3:1 ff. They have, indeed, come. Many of the characteristics of men described in this passage can be seen among us, and our children are not isolated that we can be sure they won’t be affected. The influence of the world is very much felt in many Christian homes.

Television is a powerful medium that has invaded most Christian homes to the destruction of our children. It has been a constant struggle for me and Pastor Jed if we are going to allow our children to watch tv regularly on weekends. Programs that promote homosexuality, fornication, rebellion (in the guise of freedom), and other ungodly acts are all over television. Constant exposure to these could make such loathsome acts acceptable to the viewers in the long run. If uncontrolled, it could also take much of their time which they could have spent in Bible reading, studying, or doing household chores and other more profitable endeavors.

Unknowingly, many of us have also allowed materialism to creep into our homes. A young boy who owns an old model mobile phone once told me, “Nakakahiya po itong cellphone ko kasi, hindi pwedeng idisplay.” Do people have cellphones in order to flaunt them? There‘s a couple who chose to pull out their son from a certain private school because he was gradually adopting the ways of his classmates. He was beginning to think that they were rich enough for him to be able to buy expensive toys, to frequently eat at fastfood chains, and to always go shopping at the mall. One parent aired her concern that the Christian School where her children are enrolled seems to be setting a tradition of having those who are celebrating their birthdays to have a party in class! I overheard another young man, pointing to his shoes, saying, “Hoy, branded ‘to. Galing ‘to abroad!” Are we not loving the world more than the things of God?

Difficult as it may seem, we have to do something about our situation. We should not let our children imbibe more of the world and less of God. One way is to have them join church activities instead of staying at home and watching tv or hanging around with unsaved classmates. Some of our young people come here every Saturday to conduct Bible Studies in the neighborhood and nearby communities. Sunday afternoons are spent in devotions, fellowship, and related activities. Secondly, let us diligently study God’s Word and teach our children the same. Do not just wait for Sunday for them to hear it. If they are not used to hearing His Word daily they won’t automatically be interested to hear it when they go to church. Lastly, let us walk our talk. We ought to be our children’s model, not the celebrities they see on television. No matter how much of God’s Word we teach them, as long as they don’t see it translated into our lives, they will not heed. Let us not walk as Christians on Sundays only. Let us walk as Christians should walk every single moment of our lives, whether our children and other people see us or not. God forbid that we would be the ones to influence our children to fall away from God’s truth.

Little Foxes

2008-03-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

By Annabelle Ragsac

Majority, if not all of us, Christian singles at CBC know that, physically, our duty is to remain sexually pure. We are also well versed of the “be not unequally yoked together” command in II Corinthians. Our Pastors keep on reminding and preaching topics on holiness, purity, propriety and modesty. Single Christian leaders have also a bunch of rule or policy in dealing with the opposite sex. However, it is sad to say that the most common cause of backsliding of singles in CBC, leaders or non-leaders, active or non-active, is the sin that has to do with those matters. Immorality is indeed a dreaded disease or a terror in the Church of Christ even in the early times.

If we are going to trace back how Christians fall into this trap, we can postulate that committing grievous errors do not start on big matters. They were committed initially by just entertaining ungodly thoughts. At the outset, Christians only marginalize those “minor rules” and commit “little compromises” and then “grievously err” because they are not truly determined to do what they know is right! Christians are fond of entertaining petty but dangerous adventurism. Little foxes spoil the vines, little sins can make a Christian miserable!

In my two decades of stay at CBC, I could not count the number of singles who have fallen to this sin of sexual impurity or immorality. It breaks our hearts every time we lose a brother or a sister for committing the sin of immorality. We shed great volume of tears when we discipline an erring brother or sister. But why do we keep on committing the same sins again and again and not learning from the past experiences? God forbid that a well taught and serving Christian will someday add to our current statistics. Oh, we must be able to remember and learn from our past experiences!

Some theologians define an apostate as someone who has once believed and then rejected the truth of God. We do not have to preach an erroneous gospel or strange doctrines to become an apostate. We do not have to be a member of a false Church to become an apostate. To fall away from the truth is to become an apostate and Christian singles may fall away from the truth in many different instances. Committing immorality leads to falling away. Indeed, Church history tells us that a lot of Christian singles fall away because of immorality. Further, we can also be a promoter of apostasy by damaging our testimony. If we are not careful with our conduct and manners, we can communicate a wrong signal and become a stumbling block. The unsaved being led by thousands will be hindered from coming to Christ due to our damaged testimony. Young believers likewise will be offended to join the church. The Pastor will find it difficult to reproduce church leaders/workers if the latter are not faithful. We can cause delay in the advancement of the Work of God. When we backslide, we rebel against God’s truths, thus, it is easy to become a real apostate!

The challenge for us now, singles, is making the right choices and keeping a life of purity and continuous service for our Lord and Saviour. May we be able to finish our course and press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ.

God is in Control

2008-01-27T06:06:00.000-08:00

By Ruth Salgado

After two years and eight months of praying, God gave Daniel Joshua to Pastor Nards and me on May 8, 2007. What a joy!

But after two weeks we learned that the much-awaited child was sick and needed special medical attention. At first I was shocked. I couldn’t say a word when the doctor explained to us the results of his laboratory exams and his condition. I was totally unprepared for the situation. Pastor and I both cried seeking the Lord’s guidance so that He would not allow the devil to penetrate our hearts and use the situation to discourage us and make us angry with God. As I remember, Pastor Jed said through text that the easiest way to accept the situation is to thank God for what He has allowed. It was hard but it really worked. We began searching our hearts for sin and neglect. I had been very careful during my pregnancy. I even took a leave from work for eleven months just so I could free myself from stress and a strenuous job. But still it happened.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)

Since then we visited the hospital every two weeks to monitor Daniel’s health. One doctor said that we always need to be prepared because with his condition he might not live long. Oh! It was like a dagger that struck my heart. As months went by, we did see what was expected of him. Because he has a very small fontanel, his brain was not able to grow just like the normal child. This caused his seizures. He also has positioning which would last for almost two hours per episode.

On his fifth month his seizures attacked very often and his doctor advised that he be confined. One of our brethren referred us to the National Children’s Hospital (NCH), a public hospital for children. On October 17, 2007, we went there for check up and the following day we returned for Daniel’s confinement. During our 27-day-stay in the hospital, we saw how the Lord worked in us, how he moved people to be of help, and how He poured out His daily provisions. Cornerstone was our shelter then. We slept, ate, and did our laundry in the church. Pastor Jed and Ate Eden so generously and lovingly accommodated us. We do appreciate the Cornerstone family who offered prayers and help in whatever form.

If I felt the pain, how much more did Daniel. In his frail body, he experienced different kinds of laboratory exams that needed blood extraction. How many needles were pierced through his body because the dextrose was detached very often! He was fed through Oral Gastric Tube (OGT). The oxygen tank was our companion everyday. He took three high dose drugs to control his seizures, but sometimes these drugs were of no effect to him. In such situation we could only depend on God for help. Day and night we cried unto the Lord so that He would strengthen us. It was a daily battle. We prayed to God not to stop the storm we were in but to make us able to walk through it faithfully.

One week before our discharge from the hospital, we submitted my Philhealth so as to lessen our bills. But it was not honored due to the three months gap during my maternity leave. I was alarmed but Pastor Nards comforted me and told me that God is in control. True enough, the day before our discharge Pastor submitted his Philhealth and when the bill arrived we only had to pay P10.00! What a great God! The doctor advised us to buy an oxygen tank before going home. The brand new costs P4,600.00 at Bambang, Manila. That same day my sister called us up and told us that their office was selling an oxygen tank. When Pastor went there he got it for only P2,500.00!

We learned so many principles in that experience. God never made a mistake in bringing Daniel into this world. In fact, He used Daniel to show us our weaknesses so that we would trust in His strength. As a couple, it brought us closer together. We learned to appreciate and be thankful for the little improvements we saw in Daniel. God tested our faith and obedience through trials to help us grow.

The Lord is still pruning us now, ridding us of our rough edges so that we can be more effective in the ministry. It is hard, really hard because God used not hammer to mold us but a mallet. If it is the Lord’s will for our life, we submit to it. May He be glorified…

But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10) Amen!

God is the Father of the Saints

2008-01-20T06:08:00.000-08:00

By Pastor Jed Raquintan

People see God as the father of all humanity. This is known as universalism. Some religious institutions regard this concept. Even non-religious groups believe the same. Others who do not believe in God are considered children of God. Some, in the name of their false god, use religious fanatics who massacre people through suicide bombings. Others claim the fatherhood of God while invading nations and making them vassals.

Our own local politicians who enjoy public service while pocketing the taxes paid by the citizens still go to their religious worship houses. Within Catholicism, followers fight one another for a bigger share in government corruption. Yet, her own religious leaders do not make any correction towards her rebellious priests and bishops. These are the so called moral molders of our society. Some of them even escaped the clutches of justice for such crimes and immorality of fathering children while still a religious priest.
Others became elderly only in age but not in godly wisdom as they are also seen in gross rebellion. How could a legislator while under trial for crime commit another crime of similar nature and yet demand respect? Liberal Protestants and some born again groups were likewise guilty of these sins. Yet, they also claim the fatherhood of God.

The god of these above mentioned people is not the same as the God of the Holy Scriptures. How do we know this? We shall examine the epistles of Apostle John who lived through the first century seeing all the wickedness of that period. He saw the struggle of the first century church against its false members, its fight with false teachings, and its admonition to the faithful members. The fallacy of the above mentioned universalism is anchored on limited human knowledge. This is a result of rejecting the eternal wisdom of God. The religious leaders, its politician-partners, and its followers are promoting alternatives concocted by their boastful reform without consultation with God’s counsel. They see their wisdom as superior and God’s word as irrelevant.

Thus, they will surely fail and even if they seemingly succeed time will show its weakness and soon destruction. Let us now turn to the eternal counsel of God’s word in 1 John 3:1 which says, Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Apostle John spoke of seven specific truths regarding the limited fatherhood of God.

First, saved people have fellowship with God the Father, 1Jn.1:3. John declared clearly that he and his readers have fellowship with the Father. They are acceptable to Him. He enjoys their company. They have commonality. They have passed His standards to be acceptable. What is His standard on this matter of fellowship? People must become sons of God (3:1). Without this condition human claim of His fatherhood is weightless and non-sense. This fellowship is not only spiritual but also in other aspect of human endeavor. For one to be rejected into fellowship is demeaning. So people longed to be accepted into such divine fellowship only to be refused because they failed to comply with His revealed (in Scriptures) standards. Are you accepted already into His fellowship? If so, then you must be saved already!

Second, saved people must separate from the world as willed by the Father, 1Jn.2:15-17. The ways of the world is never His plan. The world is currently at war with God. Their ways are not consistent with His ways. Consider the wicked way of that aged bishop and politician. What about the one who is ill with cancer? Nearing death yet still actively sinning! Where is the nationally known “born again brother” now? Some media practitioners are grossly and indirectly promoting wickedness more than the godliness of true saved people whose sacrifices are evident in their ministries. They prefer the evil adventurist more than the quiet yet godly servants of the Lord. I pray that no true believer would ever invest their money and skills in such occupational institutions. So why should we put our hard-earned money into those companies?

Third, saved people must remain true in His sound teaching, 1 Jn.2:22-24. People who reject Christ and refuse His gift of salvation are guilty of denying Him. They belong to the antichrist. They deny the Son of God and consequently the Father. The text also exhorts the saved to remain in the sound teaching of Christ (v.24). We are never to consider departing from it in whole as well as in part. As we see increasing apostasy nowadays, beware of slowly and scientifically sliding from what we heard in the past. Let us not consider departing from any point of doctrines. If we do that then we become liars (v.22, 24). As fundamental Baptists we must be steadfast in our doctrines. Let us not waiver in our position on the preserved word of God (in the King James Version). Preservation is a biblical doctrine. God has kept His word down to the smallest letter both in the original and in existing copies of the original manuscript. See 2 Jn. 9 as warned by the apostle who heard Christ teach this doctrine. Give no listening ear to any argument to the contrary position. Let us crusade this position else we can not preserve it in the coming evil days! Let us give our children and grandchildren a godly model of steadfastness. I pray none of us will succumb to the modern view in this matter.

Fourth, the saved people are called children of God, 1 Jn. 3:1. If we publicly claim this sole sonship of God or limited fatherhood of God then we can expect ridicule and persecution from the world. Why is that? Look at the latter part of the verse therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. So there is the reason of our earned rejection and ridicule from the unsaved people. Hence, do not be surprised by their ungodly attitude. You are more privileged than them. You are sound while they are insane! Verse 2 clearly distinguished the saved as His children while the others are not. The dehumanization of the Filipino rests not in its social corruption and oppression as claimed by social scientists. Rather in the believers’ failure to give the former a chance to get saved and aggravated by man’s rejection of the gospel. Those who reject our biblical programs emanating from the wisdom of God are dehumanizing themselves and others. Are you a child of God already?

Fifth, people get saved as they receive the Savior sent by the Father, 1 Jn.4:14-15. The Lord Jesus Christ left the glories of heaven to become man so He can provide us salvation. The Father planned this design. The Son of God humbly took the challenge. He saved those who came to Him and asked Him for salvation (v.15). Have you done this, dear friends? Delay no more to receive this precious gift of salvation! You can not die without this gift! Some things are evident here. The saved is possessed and indwelt by the Son of God. This is the undeniable mark of our being God’s! Also the saved are in God. God the Father desire everybody to be saved. Yet not all want to be saved. Others will continue in their rejection. Further, we owe God much. So He deserves our total devotion and submission. When the will of any human transgresses God’s will then we must unhesitatingly submit to God’s leadership. Employees must refuse submission to employer. Soldiers must not follow the orders of their officers if its sinful and unlawful. Citizens must refuse submission to lawful authorities who make ungodly demands.

Sixth, saved people receive God’s commandments to be obeyed, 2 Jn. 4. Remember Jesus declared His commands are not burdensome (Mt.11:30) as claimed by others. We ought to believe Christ more than man’s testimony concerning this matter (1 Jn.5:9). He gave us commandments for our benefits. Our obedience will bring blessings. Our disobedience will bring curses in our life, work, and society (Deut. 30:1-20). Religiosity is futile if we are violating His commands. As people become religious and yet rebellious to authority they are guilty of hypocrisy. Such is the mark of not being the child of God. He is not God’s son neither is He his father.

Finally, saved people are taught by the apostle that God our Father is with the other two persons of the Trinity (1 Jn.5:7) working harmoniously together. These three testify together for our benefit. In verse 6, the Spirit testifies to the truth. Likewise, the Son of God testifies to the same task (v.9). These three are engaged in the task of building up the saved. The text is one of the clear evidences in the New Testament teaching the existence of the Trinity and their role in our lives. Beware of those who pontifically say this was not part of the true word of God!

After considering these seven privileges God gave to every saved person, you can express much thanksgiving to God our Father. He bestowed all these unto us. None of these came from us. So we owe Him so much. Let us therefore begin this year with such resolute mind and heart to give Him all the devotion of a saved person. Amen!

Moving Forward to 2008

2008-01-20T06:03:00.000-08:00

A year has passed for CAM Agri Project. Looking back, the Lord has taught us a lot of how to’s—how to manage the farm, how to deal with people, how to maximize the resources, how to bounce back from defeat, how to sustain the work, how to,… etc, etc. In all of these how to’s, we saw the hand of God moving and molding us in the way He wants us to be—ever trusting and leaning on Him. True, there were mistakes done, failures, discouragements, and disappointments. But in all of these, the Lord God sustained us and the Project is still existent and continuing despite its limited resources. The love, understanding, and support of some of the brethren provided encouragement during those times we were tempted to call it quits.

After four months of waiting, we have finally harvested the palay. The land yielded a total of 25-30 sacks of palay (yet to be milled). Much prayer was given for this palay as several typhoons threatened to destroy the crop. But thanks to God who shielded them from the harshness of the rain and blessed us with sunlight when it was time to harvest and dry it.

The number of our goats has also doubled to 12, with some of the does giving birth. God has also protected these animals as we have zero mortality to date.

We envision the year 2008 to be another exciting and faith-filled year for CAM as we continue on the above projects and embark on new ones. Lord willing, the plan to invest on high-breed goats will start this year. As a response to the government’s plan to construct a dam in Laiban, Rizal, the CAM management has been busy looking for an alternative farm. Please pray that we will be able to find one.

May you continue to support us this year and the coming years to come. God bless us all!

Apple of His Eyes

2008-01-20T06:02:00.000-08:00

By Annabelle Ragsac

Most people around us see us, singles, as loveless. We do not have someone special or we are special to no one. Or worse, they even judge us as wanting and unhappy individuals. Do we really see ourselves as such? Do we feel that way... loveless and dejected singles?

As children of God, we always know and believe the love and concern of God for us. However, many children of God do not genuinely grasp or deeply realize the depth and profound reality of God's love. A lot of Christians deny themselves the fullness of deep joy and satisfaction that really should be theirs, simply because they either do not appreciate or are not able to understand the very special relationship that should exist between them and God Himself. Our fallen nature dictates that we always look or concentrate on something that is lacking in us. The society’s norm is sometimes our standard and model.

What I want to emphasize here is how our Father sees us and His very special quality of love toward us. The Bible implies that both the ancient Israel and the true New Testament God’s people or the Church are considered the apple of God’s eye or His peculiar treasure (Deut. 7:6-8; Titus 2:11-14; I Pet. 2:1-9). Do you really believe that you are personally the apple of God s eye? Do you actually feel you are beloved of God? Or is the love of God more of a concept or an abstract notion to you? As a Christian, I firmly believe that I am the apple of His eyes. That is always the hope I raise or invoke every time I face hardship or unfair treatment from unbelievers. I find my value because of that benefit and I feel special to someone who is very special! Such is the case with you and me and all who are so specially loved by the Father.

In my secular job, there were times I experienced unjust treatment from my superiors. I also encountered deceits or backstabbing from my colleagues. My encouragement always is the thought that I know that My Father loves me so much, that I am the apple of His eyes. “...for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye ...’(Zech 2:8). I enjoyed thinking that if God is for me, who can be against me. Who will bring any charge against those whom God hath chosen? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? (Rom. 8). Who will have the last laugh?

I believe my Father can overturn an event or shake the whole agency where I am working just for MY sake, or just for the sake of any single Christian! Yes, our God can open any door anywhere just for us and He will do what is right for us. Indeed, God Himself promises to fight for us. I cannot say these things if I did not experience how the hands of God moved especially just for MY sake. But such great privilege means great responsibility. We will enjoy such as long as we are living right with God, as long as we do not refuse His role in our lives.

Are you also enjoying that very special feeling of being loved, of being close to and highly prized by God Himself? God supremely loves more than you and I could ever possibly imagine. He never ceases to love us. It is by His grace that he loves us that much. Yes, the Father of the Saints absolutely loves and we are His beloved!

The Meaning of Christ's Name

2007-12-20T14:45:00.000-08:00

By Pastor Jed Raquintan

..…and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins.

The book of Proverbs in chapter 22 verse 1 says A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. Names are not only significant but also crucial. A name will be borne in a lifetime by the bearer.
Today it is easier to change names as laws provide such avenue on clearing the self from bad connotation of names. Hebrew customs carefully observe the giving of names. They are aware of its lifetime implications.

Nowadays, it seems that people are less serious about name giving. Popularity is one of the keys towards giving names. There was a period when names were all derived from names of dead saints. Once I learned that a father named his son from car auto parts. There seems to be an apparent disinterest in the moral and spiritual implications or connotations of chosen names.

Our Savior as He entered into this world was not spared from name giving. He must have some name. And that is my intent in this article. I desire to elaborate the issues relevant to the name of our Lord and Savior. Who gave Him such name? Where was it taken? What is the real meaning or connotation as well as the effects of the name given?

First, the name JESUS was a divinely designated name. You see this in verse 21a. The angel, sent by the Lord as messenger to deliver the message to Joseph, disclosed this name. Expressly, it was not human in origin. I mean, Joseph did not conceptualize it; neither did Mary nor any other human relative choose it. It was not also original with the angel because the latter was only a messenger from God. Angels speak whenever God gives them a message. They go to people as God assigned to them. So God thought of this name.

The name JESUS means God is salvation. So it is the Lord’s way of preparing the people whom Jesus would be with concerning the latter’s future task on earth. By considering the name given, a Jewish or Hebrew person will immediately recognize the heavenly origin of Jesus. It also implies the divinity of this person. Thus, to be named Jesus signifies the heavenliness and highness of our person. Hence, there is a corollary expectation to live with the meaning of the name.

Consequently, you may choose to name your son or another newborn boy with that name. But let us seriously remember the divinity attached to it. We are scripturally reminded to respect the name of God. We are not to use it in vain. Even though this text does not indicate the deity of Jesus, yet it does require us to pay the highest respect to such divinely designated name.

Second, the name JESUS was a disclosure of His earthly task. You see this in verse 21b. Every Hebrew person prior to Jesus’ birth expects the day their nation would be delivered from their political oppressors. For centuries they were severely controlled by foreign aggressors. Though it had divine permission to chastise them, they failed to fully understand this aspect. With this skewed expectation, they were hopeful of the coming of a political messiah – a savior who would free them from foreign colonization. However, the Savior’s first coming was neither political nor socio-economic in nature, but spiritual, focused on the most significant – the salvation of the souls. God, being wiser than man, conceived and prioritized the greatest need of humanity. Man needs to be saved from his sin and its penalty.

JESUS means God is salvation. Understanding it sincerely and consistently with the context, its only meaning is to deliver Israel from their pressing need- the salvation of soul from sin’s penalty in hell. Thus, Jesus’ earthly tasks were related to this overall mission goal. Everything He did on earth was relevant to that main goal. Luke said in 19:10, For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. He did all to lead needy sinners to salvation. He healed to show people His divine power. He made miracles to display His divine authority. He came to call people to repent from sins and to believe in Him as the spiritual king of their soul.

So Jesus refused to be sidetracked from many entanglements He faced on earth. He rejected the offer of some sectors to lead a nationalist movement to free the nation from political oppression of the colonizers. He also shunned away from excessive miracle-making that would only satisfy human longing for life betterment and excitement without the real desire to follow God. Therefore the name Jesus bore the very task He would carry on.

Applying this concept, when we give a name it implies the quality of life and work the person will have. This is truly a hard task for the name giver. As humans we can not fully know the future and the future character and work of those whom we named. Thus, prayerfulness and consistency in teaching those whom we named are expected of us. The character of names given must be carried on by the person. It is indeed disastrous to see one living and working contrary to his/her name. If there is only one godly quality of life and work we could work on for life then that would be to live according to our name.

Let us not neglect also that the name Jesus was meant to bring salvation to its hearers or receivers. Never miss the salvation Jesus offers us as it entails heaven and hell for eternity. Have you received the salvation this Jesus gives? See Romans 6:23.

Third, the name JESUS was a display of God‘s presence. Look what verse 23b says …. Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. This is the other name given Him. It was an Old Testament prophesy in the book of Isaiah. This name signifies what God would do through Jesus. As God is a spirit He still planned, however, to let Himself be seen of men. To do this, God the Son was incarnated to accomplish the task mentioned. So, this name is corollary to the name JESUS. If the latter refers to His earthly task then “Immanuel” refers to His being with sinning people in order to accomplish the goal of saving needy sinners.

As God He could just have willed and spoken for man to be saved. But He chose to be with them so He could communicate the message of salvation to them. Hence, the concept of God was not something abstract or beyond human appreciation. It was rather a public demonstration of what He intended to do for the needy sinners. It was an act of bringing salvation not from a distance but by being with them. It was an act subject to our senses for greater appreciation.

What is the relevance of this truth in our lives? One, the highest God made His presence felt upon needy sinners to do something concrete for them. I think we too ought to be with the people we want to reach for Jesus. We want to be with them not to be appreciated or be imposing upon them. Our presence reduces the hardship of others. Two, the soundness of our aims remains ineffective, if not a sure failure, if they are not translated into the level of the people we desire to reach.

Finally, the name JESUS was demonstrative of man’s obedience. Consider verse 25b which says …and he called his name JESUS. Joseph who already had a hard time accepting the truth of the virgin birth of Jesus was further tasked to name the child Jesus. This name was not unusual in Hebrew history. Yet, it appears that Joseph lost his freedom to choose names for the child. Nonetheless, Joseph accepted the divinely designated name. This is a mark of his character – a life of obedience. He kept God’s chosen name even though he could have hidden it to himself.

This has a similarity with the birth of John the Baptist to Zacharias and Elizabeth. Consider Luke 1:57-64. Zacharias’ unbelief on God’s message, including the naming of the child led to his becoming mute. And his obedience to name his son with God’s chosen name in spite of cultural violation as far as naming is concerned led to deliverance from physical defect.

Joseph could have disobeyed God even secretly. But he chose to keep God’s assignment. He overcame the fear of man in naming the child not from his own liking. He humbly submitted to God’s designation. Let us seriously regard keeping the commands of God in the Bible. Let us not fear the wrath of family and friends in our obedience to God’s call to the ministry. Our genuineness as believers assure the Spirit leading in us. Our sincerity to obey the Savior leads us to gradually abandon necessary earthly entanglements towards serving the Savior. Consider what God can do to you, to your family, to your occupation, and to your possessions or being as a result of fearing the consequences of not serving Him in the full time capacity!

Joseph prioritized God’s designation regardless of man’s wrath. He remained on divine assignment even if it meant humiliation in public. Peter reminds us all in his plea to the Savior in Mark 10:28-30!

Friends, have you received the salvation this name JESUS offers? Why not come to Him in repentance from sins and believe in JESUS alone to save you from hell? He can save you now, John 3:15-18, 36!

Therefore, let us always remember the highness and divinity in the name JESUS. This name recalls the salvation we received. It also enjoins us to be with the people we want to get saved regardless of the current differences. And let us be courageous to keep the divine designation both in belief and practice until we see Him who bears the name JESUS. Amen!

Look and Live

2007-12-20T14:43:00.000-08:00

Before our meeting with Pastor Jed last September, when my wife and I were to present to him the not-so-encouraging financial status of CAM, we went through the process of thinking how we could sustain the project given the remaining resources and our limitations. We knew back then that Pastor would not be so happy with the numbers that we would show him and that he would ask us how we intend to continue.

We often hear Pastor Jed teach the idea of bi-vocational ministry in the pulpit – of doing the work of the ministry while at the same time pursuing a secular job. Though I am not a fulltime worker of the church, I know I must apply this for me to be able to continue the CAM Agri project (which we are convinced the Lord has called us to oversee, at least for now) and at the same time earn a living. After much thought and prayers, we then decided that we must align our business with that of CAM to lessen its operational costs. As CAM then has already been caring for three goats (under a 50-50 arrangement with the owner) and owned three goats (donation to CAM), we decided to pursue our long-time plan of starting a goat farm.

“’Cob, pag ipinadala ka na sa kung saan, tingnan mo ang ikinabubuhay ng mga tao. Magagamit mo ito para makilala sila, makapagsimula ng pakikipag-usap sa kanila, at magkaroon ng ideya kung paano ka din mabubuhay sa lugar na iyon.” This I told Jacob in one of our light conversations while were were in Tanay loading a sack of uling (charcoal). To cover the costs of our regular visits and shoulder a portion of the operational costs of CAM’s farm in Laiban and at the same time earn a living (while the goat farm is still at its infant stage and unable to generate income yet), we have been selling uling, camote, and buko. As these are the products of Tanay, we decided to sell these so that we don’t come down to Manila empty-handed. The Lord has been good in providing us access not only to the much-needed revolving capital but also to outside (of CBC) buyers.

I’ve been asking Jacob to accompany me to Laiban and Sto Niño, Tanay. This I do, not only to augment the labor requirements of the farm but also to expose him to the reality of and train him for the ministry. “Dapat matuto kang mag-adapt sa lugar na paglalagyan sa iyo para hindi ka lamang aasa sa sustento ng iglesia. Sa ganitong paraan, matututo ka ding makibagay sa mga tao na siyang pinagmiministeryuhan mo. Hindi ka pupunta dito na naka-barong o naka-amerikana o ipagwawagwagan ang iyong MA o PhD o di kaya naninilaw sa mga alahas na nakasabit sa leeg. We can reach them only if we touch their lives through caring – not empty babblings using the Word of God. Nakita mo na nga na naghihikahos, ‘di mo man lang maabutan kahit ano pagkatapos mong kausapin.” Jacob just nods in agreement. I can only pray and hope that somehow I’m able to positively influence this young man.

To date, the CAM owns 11 goats – the three donated by the brother mentioned earlier, two does bought last September and a newborn kid, three recently bought does and a buck, and the last one is again a newborn kid of the doe that CAM is taking care of under a 50-50 arrangement with the Christian owner.

And so as we physically toil the ground of Laiban, learn from our past mistakes and embark on new activities, the Lord continuously toils the ground of our souls with these lessons in the ministry. Lord willing, as the goats come to age, the banana trees bear their fruits, and the palay be ready for harvest, we too have grown in spiritual maturity. Amen!

Sa Kanyang Murang Edad

2007-12-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

Ni Wendy Quising

Marahil ang ilan sa inyo ay nagsimulang dumalo sa Sunday School sa murang edad. Maaga kayong naturuan ng mga bagay patungkol sa Bibliya. Marami na ang mga kuwentong narinig tungkol kina Abraham, Moises, David, Elias, Pablo at marami pang iba. Siyempre hindi natin dapat isantabi ang pangalang Jesus! Siguro kung inyong bibilangin, mga bata, ang dalas na marinig ninyo ang pangalan ng ating Panginoon ay libu-libong beses na. Ngunit kung tatanungin ka, ano ba ang bahagi ng buhay ni Jesus ang dapat mong tularan?

Sa edad na 12 taong gulang ang ating Panginoon ay nakakitaan na ng interes patungkol sa gawain na pinagagawa sa kanya ng Diyos Ama. Oo, hindi niya sinayang ang kanyang panahon. Nang hinanap Siya ng Kanyang mga magulang ay nakita nilang Siya ay nakikipag-usap sa mga Pariseo sa templo (Lukas 2:41-52). Hindi siya katulad ng mga batang hindi masunurin sa magulang. Inilaan Niya ang kanyang oras para tuparin ang utos sa Kanya ng Diyos Ama. Hindi Siya katulad ng marami sa inyo na kapag nawala sa bahay ay kung saan-saan matatagpuan. Ang iba sa computer shop, ang iba sa malls, ang iba nasa kapitbahay at nakikipaglaro ng playstation, mga walang kabuluhang bagay na kumakain ng ating oras.

Maaari nating isipin na ang kanyang ama ay maagang namatay dahil siya ay hindi na nabanggit pa sa mga huling bahagi ng buhay ni Jesus. Kaya dahil ang kanyang amang si Jose ay namatay nang maaga, bilang panganay sa magkakapatid, marahil Siya na ang pumalit bilang tagasuporta ng kanilang pisikal na pangangailangan. Hindi Niya pinabayaan na magutom ang kanyang inang si Maria at ang Kanyang mga kapatid. Hindi Siya umasa sa iba. Maaga Niyang natutunan na maging responsable sa Kanyang sarili at sa Kanyang tungkulin bilang panganay na anak. Siguro, ang iba sa inyo ay tinuturuan ng mga gawaing-bahay katulad ng paghuhugas ng pinggan, pagwawalis, pagliligpit ng higaan at pag-aalaga sa nakababatang kapatid. Hindi sana kayo nagrereklamo o umaangal kapag kayo ay inuutusan sa bahay. Ang mga iyon ay paraan lamang ng inyong mga magulang upang mapalaki kayo ng tama para sa paglaki ninyo matuto kayong magtrabaho para sa sarili ninyo. Hindi habang buhay meron kayong magulang. Darating ang panahon na maiiwan kayong mag-isa at mapipilitang magtrabaho. Paano kung hindi kayo natuto? Paano kung hindi kayo naturuang maging masipag? Walang magyayari sa inyo kundi umasa sa iba. Huwag ninyong tularan ang kwento ni Juan Tamad! Siya’y naghihintay na lamang na mahulog sa kanyang bibig ang bayabas galing sa puno sa sobrang katamaran. Si Jesus, mula pagkabata ay maituturing na responsable at masipag na bata. Kung hindi Niya natutunan nang maaga iyon ay marahil silang lahat ay magugutom nang mawalan sila ng ama.

Ang bahaging ito ng buhay ng Panginoon ay dapat nating tularan at gawing halimbawa upang sa paglaki ninyo ay hindi kayo magsisi. Ang napakadakilang nagawa ng Panginoon na pagbabayad sa ating mga kasalanan ay tanda lamang ng pagiging masunurin Niya sa Diyos Ama. Ang pagtatrabaho Niya para sa Kanyang pamilya ay nagpapakita na hindi Niya iniisip ang sarili Niya kundi ang kapakanan ng iba.

Sagradong Harana

2007-12-16T15:13:00.000-08:00

The Basis of Our Belief and Behavior

2007-09-01T18:36:00.000-07:00

Filipinos do not have biblical heritage both in culture as well as in nationhood. This was due to the Spanish oppression of our people in keeping the Bible from its subjects. They punished even priests who violated the religious prohibition of having possession of the banned book. They merely reflected the orders of their superiors in Rome. Thus for more than 350 years our people were in gross spiritual darkness, not seeing the word of God, except for isolated smuggling of the banned book into the country or the very few instances that the old book was brought into the nation’s shores.

So we developed, as a nation, without the benefits of the word of God. We started as a people without the illumination of the inspired word of God. We educated our people without it and its influencing impact. We created government based on principles anchored on humanistic and deeply religious knowledge. So, expectedly, only one dominant religious institution was indirectly allowed both by its national leaders and its subjects. We became the only nation in Asia that is deeply Roman Catholic but not biblical. We became devout religionists committed to Romanism but not Christian in the biblical meaning of the word.

The proponents of this dominant religion “converted” the natives into a worst religion. Thus, they deepened the blindness of the people. The people became outwardly religious yet with empty hearts longing for true scriptural salvation. The “discoverers” of our archipelago sought areas they eventually donated to the king of Spain. While the reformation in Europe was raging and the Romanists was losing, the latter sought the other areas of the world as their future gains for Rome. With this they succeeded. The reformers then battled in Europe for “sola scriptura.”

So what should be the basis of our faith as Filipinos? Must we keep what the Spanish and their successors had taught us for more than four centuries? Or must we reject and discard it into the garbage bin and take the reformers’ battle cry? Consider also our Baptist forefathers’ belief through the centuries (check past issues on Baptist distinctives). Further, look into the predecessors of our Anabaptists ancestors who believed in the same even if they paid it with their blood from the monstrous, murderous, and mean Romanists with the aid of their State cohorts or puppets.

Let us allow the holy Scriptures to speak for itself regarding this issue. Let me use 2 Timothy 3:15-17 as our basis for the study on this issue. The text gives us clear principles about the benefits of the Scriptures to humanity, namely;

First, verse 15 teaches that the holy Scriptures are necessary for people to receive salvation as they express faith in Christ Jesus. The exposition of the holy Scriptures to man’s understanding will lead to man’s salvation (from hell) as he places his faith on Christ. Timothy was taught since childhood by his mother and grandmother with the holy Scriptures. And this habitual act resulted to the young man’s conversion and godly conduct. Today, people give lip service to the Bible. The tide has changed. People could not refuse anymore the validity of existence of the Bible. We are no longer in the days of the oppressive Spanish era. Yet, our general population is still captive to the old thought. Check how the older people treat the young ones within possession of the Bible in the remote areas of the nation. Consider how our politicians and national leaders treat the old book. They put it in many areas only as a decorative object. You will see it in court halls, in congress, in jeepneys, in cars, in offices, in lecture halls, as well as in homes. You will not see its eternal teachings in their hearts and work. If you go to classrooms, teachers or professors of all sorts undermine its principles. They are coward animals who could not expose and explain the word of God and yet claim to be “the teachers of teachers.” So the current morass of our people is only a deserving result of their ill attitude to the word. Try to ask how many Filipinos are truly saved. Or who have found the truth of salvation spoken of in the text by the apostle Paul? I thought the Bible is in many places here!

Secondly, verse 16 teaches that all Scriptures are inspired of God. Every word is God-breathed guaranteeing no error in every word; that all its teachings are divinely given; and that all in all it is perfect. Consequently, it also assures the current readers that s/he has access to the very words inspired and preserved by God through the centuries. If God did not ensure its perfection and preservation, then how else could it be profitable to people. There were four areas the Scriptures are profitable, namely; a) in doctrine, b) in reproof, c) in correction, and d) in instruction. What aspect of man’s life would not be covered by these? How many do you think among our countrymen believe in this teaching? Perhaps, very few because they were not exposed early to such teachings. Even if they were, the influence of ungodly views promoted in many places would give the young ones hardship to survive. So they are ridiculed by professors in the classroom when they project their biblical philosophy and principles. In the halls of congress, Biblicist legislators would surely be laughed at indirectly by his colleagues. Worst, we elected or appointed leaders who are unbiblicist in view.

If indeed the Scriptures is profitable why do we have less people who subscribe and carry its principles to fruition. Why do we have to be diluted and replaced by humanistic views? Let us promote and protect our Biblicist view carried by our institutions. Let us build more organizations that will carry the instructional profit of our Biblicist view. We are to ensure that the existing institutions are strong in this conviction that they may last in the next generation.

Thirdly, verse 17 teaches that Scriptures are sufficient to equip people in producing beneficial works. If one has experienced genuine salvation (has with it concrete changes in life) and is benefiting from the profits of biblical study exposure then, surely s/he will produce godly works beneficial to others. When professing Christians failed to produce biblical good works it is because they have no Christ or they are selling out their biblical convictions for temporal advantages. The Bible is not an isolated exclusive literature that benefits only the hermit-like communal people group. Rather, as the text says, it positively affects people. In all human endeavors, people will be blessed by its principles. The spiritual and religious matters are not the sole realm of the holy Bible. As this verse says, profitable and beneficial creative works of the saved and sanctified peoples shall affect the people surrounding them. These are works covering many areas of human studies and expertise.

Biblical studies and formulation of scriptural philosophical life views are crucial in human development. What goes on in the human mind will affect his works. The person’s philosophical framework will substantially determine his creation and behavior. Yet, many educators and policy makers have continued to reject the biblical mindset. They usually regard it as mere literature conducive for spiritual upliftment. This is a classic ignorant person if not poorly educated concerning the benefits of biblical studies and its impact in philosophical or behavioral formulation.

In one of the issues of a newspaper, the chief justice of the supreme court challenges lawyers to look into other fields of study such as sociology and economics in their preparation for globalization trend. The highest lawyer of the land, unfortunately never mentioned biblical study or philosophy. Does it mean that the centuries old holy Bible is irrelevant to the lawyer’s preparation towards one world mindset? So are you surprised why legislator-lawyers craft self-serving laws? Why do big nations under the lead of brilliant lawyers oppress the smaller nations in the area of economics? Sociologists under the spell of unbiblical theorists and practitioners continue to reject the biblical premises of man, his behavior, and dealings with community while the holy Scriptures for ages has clearly taught the answers to sociological problems and pursuits.

As Biblicist people let us keep a strong hold onto the old view – sola scriptura not only for soul salvation but in all human life endeavors. So let me encourage people in every profession to seriously study the holy Scriptures so you may know how to make your occupation biblical in framework and pursuit. Consider organizing yourselves to protect your interest and continuity. Refuse mingling with others who would dilute and render your biblical occupational pursuits to powerlessness or nothingness. The Bible is sufficient for us to make all works profitable and beneficial to others. By this we become complete as the text says. In the mean time let us not be deadened by the opium of human pursuits that rejects God’s holy word governing them in all human life endeavor.

Nag CAM ka na ba?

2007-09-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

I was eating in a fast-food restaurant once when a young man approached me to offer dried mangoes and macapuno. He told me that the proceeds will go to their scholarship fund. He then continued to say that he was once an out-of-school youth until a religious group took him and sent him to school. In return, he must sell the products of the manufacturer sponsoring their schooling.

I have also heard of other religious groups doing the same – engaging in commerce and trade to advance their cause. One of the more famous groups is the Good Shepherd convent in Baguio City. I suppose anyone who has gone to Baguio and has bought some pasalubong would not miss including Good Shepherd’s ube jam, strawberry jam, peanut brittle, etc. According to this group, their nuns are the ones who make these products, without a pay to advance their cause of spreading the Roman Catholic faith, including sending some children and youth to school. It is by doing these social activities that they are able to win the hearts of men.

Brethren, we might think that what they are doing are all in vain for they do it to gain merit from the Lord and be assured of their place in heaven. But most of us will be embarrassed by their zealousness and their enthusiasm to promote their products and their work. I’m afraid that unless we capture that same zeal and spirit of voluntarism and cooperativism to advance the cause of Christ, it would take much longer time for us to realize our vision of sending missionaries to every province and we would see the cults and communists overtaking us and capturing the hearts of men for their own cause.

Last week, we harvested a portion of our tilapia. I was quite discouraged by the output because the tilapia did not grow and the volume was not as I expected. To recoup some of the losses, we decided to process the tilapia as “tilanggit” to command a better price. Again our Samuels (Jacob, Erwin and Lester) were there to help out to debone the tilapia and marinate them and again some of the brethren were willing to buy and patronize them. Needless to say, they were quite satisfied with the taste!

I remember a sister in Christ who would buy our camote and use it in almost every dish that she would cook. A brother in Christ also called me to tell me that he will entrust his goats to CAM’s care. He and CAM will then divide equally the kids that will be borne. Recently also, a Christian couple in the US (the wife being a former member of CBC) sent money for CAM. And we will never forget the giving of a Christian widow, who despite being recently operated on, continuously gives her weekly support for the CAM. Due thanks also are given to men and women of God who help us with the minute details of the operation and who do not fail to include CAM in their prayers.

For the remaining months of the year, the CAM will embark in the goat-raising project. We now have six goats in our care and we plan to buy more, including one high breed buck to upgrade the size and quality of the herd. The purchase will be done after we have constructed additional housing for them.

The bananas will be due for harvest November-December. We have recently harvested eggplants and sweet corn. These vegetables we just tried to see if they will thrive and yield a good harvest. This being the case, we intend to plant corn and peanuts when in season.

The fishponds are currently being restructured (deepened and widened) and nets will be placed to prevent predators from eating the fingerlings. We also plan to buy sex-reversed tilapia fingerlings instead in our next round. The pigs are also due for selling and I have instructed Nonoy to catch some young roosters for the consumption of our church workers.

Last August 25, the Samuels plus some of our ladies and men planted rice. Lord willing this will be harvested by the end of the year. It was such a blessing to see the brethren allowing their hands to be dirtied and their feet buried in mud as they subject themselves to a task that they are not used to doing. If only all of us can capture that spirit of cooperation, the ministry of CAM will go a long way! I know not all of us will be able to physically go to Laiban but everyone can help express support by some other way. As an example, one couple who can not join sent food for the brethren that day.

Little by little, we are capturing the spirit of voluntarism and cooperativism. Our earlier vision of our bahay kubo and of bringing only salt and kerosene whenever we go down to Laiban are slowly materializing. I pray that this will gain momentum.

Cornerstone, nag-CAM (cooperate, assist, minister) ka na ba? Mag-CAM na!

Tungkulin ng Asawa’t Ina

2007-09-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

Ilang taon na ang nakakaraan, isang dalagang Kristiyanong malapit nang ikasal ang humingi ng payo sa akin kung dapat ba siyang magpatuloy sa pagtatrabaho pagkatapos ng kasal, o tumigil na at manatili na lamang sa bahay. Sinabi ko sa kanya na walang nilalabag sa Bibliya ang mga babaeng may asawa na patuloy pa ring nagtatrabaho sa labas ng tahanan basta hindi nila kinaliligtaan ang kanilang pangunahing tungkulin, at iyon ay sa kanilang asawa at mga anak.

Subalit sinabi ko rin sa kanya na ang sitwasyon niya ay naiiba dahil sa kung siya ay magpapatuloy sa kanyang trabaho ay lalabas na siya ang magtataguyod sa kanyang pamilya dahil sa napakalaki ng agwat ng kanilang kinikita. At dahil sa siya ang bumubuhay sa kanila, malakas ang tukso na siya ang maghari-harian sa kanilang tahanan, na siyang magiging dahilan ng paglabag niya sa Banal na Kasulatan patungkol sa pagpapasakop ng asawang babae (Efeso 5: 22-24; Col. 3: 18).

Nalulungkot akong tingnan ang mga pamilyang ang ina ang naghahanap-buhay at ang ama ang nasa bahay upang gawin ang tungkulin ng ina. Oo nga’t ito na yata ang uso ngunit hindi ito ayon sa Bibliya. Ang ama ng tahanan ang siyang dapat na mangalaga (Efeso 5: 29; 6: 4) ng kanyang pamilya at kasama sa pangangalagang ito ang pagbibigay ng kanilang pisikal na pangangailangan. Siya ang may katungkulang bumuhay ng kanyang pamilya.

Samantala tayong mga asawa o ina ay dapat na siyang abala sa ating mga tahanan (Tit. 2: 5) at tinitiyak natin ang kaayusan nito, ayon sa pamumuno ng ama sa tahanan. Subalit sa panahon ngayon na napakalakas ng batak ng materyalismo, maraming dahilan ang mga ina upang bigyang katwiran ang paghahanap-buhay. Ang problema ay madalas na nagaganap sa mga tahanan na “kung sino ang mas may pera ang mas malakas ang boses.” Siya na ngayon ang mas may otoridad. Hindi natin maitatangging napakaraming mga babae ngayon ang may mataas na katungkulan sa iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan.

Tunay ngang baliktad na ang mundo. Ang lalaki gustong maging babae at ang babae ay gustong maging lalaki. Noon ang tawag sa magulang na nasa bahay at nag-aalaga ng mga anak ay “housewife”; ngayon, “house husband.”
Ngunit magkaganito man ang mundo at makiayon man ang marami, nakatitiyak akong ang ating Panginoon ay nalulugod sa mga Kristiyanong asawa’t ina na sumusunod sa Kanyang kalooban at Siya rin ang magtataas sa kanyang Salita at doon sa mga nananatiling tapat dito.

Ngunit magkaganito man ang mundo at makiayon man ang marami, nakatitiyak akong ang ating Panginoon ay nalulugod sa mga Kristiyanong asawa’t ina na sumusunod sa Kanyang kalooban at Siya rin ang magtataas sa kanyang Salita at doon sa mga nananatiling tapat dito.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Church Planting Work

2007-08-01T18:44:00.000-07:00

We want to focus this issue on exalting the person and work of the Holy Spirit. He is not like as described by the religious cults and false theology views. They portray Him not as a person but simply as a force emanating from God. Others also view Him as inferior to God the Father. Still many religious people live as if He is not around. They hardly realize the significance of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Church workers and preachers work to exhaustion attempting to fulfill their tasks as if the Holy Sprit is unnecessary. Missiologists seem to suggest heavy reliance upon practical, cultural, intellectual, and linguistical strategies in the work. Seldom does the Holy Spirit’s invocation or participation integrated in. In this age of scientific studies, organized planning, and fast pace technology, churches are heavily relying on humanistic wisdom to get and keep people in the church while the same workers are indirectly neglecting the Holy Spirit’s direction and ministry.

I pray that we could learn from this short treatise on the role of the Holy Spirit in our missions work. God disclosed Him in the book of Acts that we may develop a pattern towards a biblical model of missions.

Missiologists recommend the use of felt needs in the strategy to get a hearing of the gospel. They undermine the plain old scriptural methods of preaching and house-to-house canvass. They also suggest sufficient language study for the missionary. Further, mastering the local culture of people to reach is highly factored in the work of missions. They also conduct data gathering survey prior to missions proper. Though these are not ungodly in themselves, yet it appears the preoccupation is suggestive of becoming more ”scientific.” I see a diminishing trend in reliance on the Holy Spirit. There seems to be an absence of waiting and discerning upon the working and moving of the Holy Spirit. There is no reliance on the Holy Spirit and prayer. The last is more often associated with Him.

My humble position is greater dependence upon the Holy Spirit who indwells, fills, and guides us in every work we do for God—asking God to reveal the specifics the Holy Spirit wants us to accomplish. Even as we plan, the missionary worker and financier must ever be listening to the disclosure of the Holy Spirit. He knows where we ought to start a mission work. He has designated peoples for us to work with as initial contacts. He plans us to do specific tasks at specific places. All these shall be revealed by Him as we attempt to look for people and to locate the places as well as determine the kind of tasks He intends for us to do.

Some clear passages in the book of Acts will help us in the formulation of the above perspective, namely;

In Acts 2 the Holy Spirit filled the people gathered for worship and they formed the nucleus in the commencement of the Jerusalem church. The unity this local church obtained was due to the Spirit’s control over their lives as evident in Acts 4:31-32. Further, they became generous to one another as well as to their ecclesiastical goals (4:33-37). In the worldly sight of science and culture, the family and financial advantages are deemed best indicators of local church formation. This was not so at this point! How do you start a local church?

In Acts 6 they chose leaders who were Spirit dominated (6:3) and this was corroborated by their style and zeal in preaching for missions (7:55). Consider also Philip, as one of the seven, how he witnessed and won the Ethiopian eunuch (8:29-40). We harvest nothing in missions work for we operated under our best ability without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Is this right with you?

In Acts 9:31 the people of God found comfort not in any worldly entertainment but rather in the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. They were encouraged by the event leading to the conversion of the once great persecutor of the church – Saul (9:5-20). Paul’s conversion and abrupt change was regarded as due to the Holy Spirit working to strengthen the church. How do you respond, missions worker and financier, to negative circumstances in life and work? Are you becoming full of faith or of doubt?

Peter narrated to the Jerusalem church how he started missions work in Caesarea (11:2-15) through the initial contact – Cornelius. He never wanted to go there and he had strong feelings against Gentiles. This was due to his strong and skewed patriotism. Yet, the Holy Spirit prevailed and he followed Him. Then, this contributed to the commencement of missions work in this non-Jewish city. Further, a work was started in Antioch due to the zealous missionary spirit of the scattering Jerusalem saints (11:21-24). Is the very place of current missionary work we are engaged in a result of our religious orchestration satisfying our selfish desires and ecclesiastical ambition that is void of the Holy Spirit’s leading?

This newly established Antioch church began to seek and send her missionary to the uttermost part of the earth (13:2-3). They did this under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Their missionaries were also guided by the Spirit in the trip and selection of places to go and to work at in connection with their tasks as church planters (13:4, 9, 52). There seems to be an absence of indirect evidence that the choice of places was due to survey and scientific examination. Is this still the same approach to missionary work today?

After the Jerusalem council, the churches resolved not to impose upon the non-Jewish churches Jewish ceremonial regulations in the work of missions (15:28). As led of the Holy Spirit, they saw the need not to add any burden upon the non-Jewish converts and churches that may weaken the latter. Do we see this same attitude in the work of missions among missionaries and national churches? What are we doing to keep the unnecessary foreign importation of beliefs and practices that sometimes lead to ungodly divisions among the national churches?

Paul on his second missionary journey, carefully followed the view espoused in this article – the direction of the Holy Spirit in spite of his attempts and plans (16:6-17). Twice they attempted to go to a certain place and conduct missions but the Holy Spirit kept them from it. In between they chose to go to other places. Ultimately, they found out where God wants them to be (v.6-10). This Spirit leadership led to the commencement of the local church in Philippi. How do you harmonize your human duty to plan and to penetrate places for missions with the Holy Spirit’s leadership?

When Paul started the church in Thessalonica it was not an easy typical approach of church planting. It was filled with opposition coming from the society’s sectors. They only stayed there for three weeks (17:1-10). The apostle declared in 1 Thess.1:5 how he went there and brought the gospel in that city. It was after the power of the Spirit. He did not use humanistic approaches and worldly strategies in the work. Rather, he engaged the power of the Spirit. The apostle rejected the “sales techniques”, the “seeker-friendly services”, and the “soft-positive preaching styles” in his ministry there. Must God’s people use any of these worldly humanistic approaches of ministry?

As Paul requested the Ephesian preachers’ presence so they could fellowship together at Miletus, he forewarned them of the need of reliance upon the Holy Spirit in their respective local church ministries (20: 23,28). This shows the apostle’s dependence on the role of Spirit in his and that of others’ ministry. Human experience and education are still insufficient to guide us in the conduct of ministry. They are inferior to the leading and controlling of the Holy Spirit as directly encouraged in this text by the apostle. Which do we follow in making decisions for the ministry?

Finally, Paul resolved the seeming conflict in the Spirit’s leadership over his trip to Jerusalem. Consider Acts 21:4, 12-14. Paul was determined to go to Jerusalem. He was convinced it was God’s will for him (v.12-14). Likewise, the brethren who exhorted him not to proceed, due to some dangers, were also led by the Spirit (v.14). Paul did not follow their recommendation. Rather, his perceived right course of action. The rest of the book is a consequent story of this godly decision. How did the apostle arrive at such a decision? I think the apostle had access to greater information that led him to be convinced of the perfect will of the Lord contrary to the brethren’s recommendation.

May this simple biblical study on how a missionary was guided by the Holy Spirit in his ministerial pursuit serve as a help to every willing and lowly missions worker of the Lord. Missions partners and financiers, ask Him whom to help and how to use your resources to advance the missions of Cornerstone. Seek His leading and direction and He will never leave you in confusion and conflict. Pursue His will in spite of man’s persistence. Amen!

Youth’s Journey with the Spirit

2007-08-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

Every time I hear “Samuel”, a name given to any young male Christian entering the full time ministry in CBC, I am reminded of Hannah who made a vow to give her son to the Lord (1 Samuel 1,2). I have been blessed by her life and have empathized with her predicament, yet I have never learned that the step of faith she made was a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in her (1:15b).

I once thought because of cultural background, that concept never applies to me. Then the Lord spoke to me while working with you young people who sometimes call me “Nanay, Ate, Ma’am/Mom or Tita Bing.” Through this ministry I can also share the life of mothers. I have seen their grief over a rebellious daughter with an unsaved boyfriend, a pregnant daughter still in school, a son who is addicted to computer games, pornography, smoking or drugs. I have also seen sons and daughters becoming disheartened because their parents would not support their interest for the Lord’s work

Here was the key to Hannah’s satisfying life. She did not live superficially that ultimately led to faith falling apart. When she was filled with the Holy Spirit, she was mistaken as being drunk with wine. Her heart was in deep relationship with God allowing Him to guide each step of her life. And the result was a heart rejoicing in the Lord in chapter 2.

Oftentimes, I seek the advise of our Pastor’s wife as I encountered odd situations a youth is going through. I need the wisdom of motherly understanding. Ate Eden would share to me that at times she too is fearful of the thought that “what if my children are not really called in the endeavor we encouraged them to do which is geared to the fulltime ministry that we have asked God to call them to?” But we would part ways agreeing that walking by the Holy Spirit relieves anyone from crippling fears.

I was inspired when brother Joel Dayrit (one of the Samuels) showed me his baby picture with his parents. It was taken when they dedicated him to the Lord. He pasted it at the back of his Bible to remind him of his parents’ prayer for him to be called by God. I have never met his parents but with deep admiration especially for his mother, I whispered a prayer that the Holy Spirit be victorious in each step of Joel’s life. How blessed also is Ate Joy because her Lester has entered the ministry to be your full-time “kuya” in the youth ministry. I wish Robin’s mother too would experience joy for a son who left secular schooling to enter the Bible school.

These young men’s decisions were not human manipulations but rather a choice they made allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them. I realized that the reason I don’t have a faith like Hannah is because I have in my personal and ministerial life, thoughts and deeds which I don’t want to give up to God. Being filled with the Holy Spirit means allowing God to have more of us daily even when part of us is not ready to do so because we want God’s presence more than anything else.

The Uniqueness of Our Baptist Faith (part 2)

2007-07-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

Last issue, I discussed the first four distinctives of the Baptist faith. Baptists believe in the biblical authority as the basis of belief and behavior. In contrast to the Romanists’ dependence on church authority and tradition, the former highly regarded what the Bible says, so that the former even paid much for this view with blood that remain unretributed to this day. We also believe in the autonomy of the local church. Hence, our local churches do not form a centralized authority to which each church submits. We also believe in the priesthood of every believer. This doctrine serves as an unusual teaching during the pre-reformation period in which the established Romanists church controls everything even the destiny of every soul. Finally, I discussed the fourth distinctive – the two church ordinances namely baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper. Both are for the saved people already.

In this issue, I will discuss the remaining four distinctives that make the Baptist faith a unique one until other Christian groups found out these teachings’ closeness to the holy Scriptures. These are individual soul liberty, salvation by grace through faith, the two officers in the church, and the separation of church and state. I pray that these distinctives will equip you to know your Christian Baptist heritage and to overcome the devil’s temptation to sell out the faith for material reasons or for another faith.

Baptists believe in the doctrine of individual soul liberty. Through the centuries even prior to the reformation period, this Christian people group were severely persecuted by the false established church. During and after the reformation period, the Baptists were persecuted by the Protestants. Though it was done for mixed motives such as political and religious, but they were always opposed for their being uncooperative with the society demands pertaining to religious matters. In Romans 14:5,12 Paul taught that every Christian can follow something their conscience tells them so especially in matters where the Scripture is unclear or allows us to do so. Some favor recognition or observance of a certain day over another. This must be respected. Unfortunately, some Christian groups today prohibit the observance of birthday, of death anniversary, and of Christmas. The celebration and observance connected with these days is not wrong. Consider the godly reasons for observance of these days! What may be ungodly is the expenses incurred for the celebration or neglect of church attendance that keeps the Christian from giving his tithes and offerings for missions and the church needs!

Baptists believe in salvation by grace through faith. We anchor this teaching on the following passages, namely; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:5; Titus 2:11; 3:4-7. Though we are not alone in this belief, yet we maintained this clear doctrine through the centuries both before and after the reformation period. Baptists teach and preach this doctrine tenaciously knowing that man needs salvation. However, some of our comrades have a tendency to water down this truth in favor of greater statistical “converts” being brought into the church. This we must strongly reject as it will result to a mixed congregation inside the local church. We must be warned with what happened in the first four centuries of Bible Christianity in which people with doubtful conversion were accepted. For as in the past, we too could reap the negative results inside our local church. Soul winners, Sunday school teachers, Deacons, and Pastors must be careful in examining the conversion testimony of every membership candidate. Let us carry this truth as we go and visit every home and speak to every soul about their need of Christ. Let us teach this in every Sunday school classroom. Let us preach this at the pulpit. Remember it is the Lord who saves, brings people to church, and adds them into the local church (Acts 2:41-47).

Baptists believe in two church officers. We accept only two main offices in the local church, namely; the office of the Pastor (Senior Pastor if there are two or more pastors in the church). This is taught in 1 Tim 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-7 (bishop); in Acts 20:28 (overseer); and in 1 Peter 5:1-4 (elder). The Pastor rules the local church in all its phases of ministry. The second is the office of the deacon. The number of Deacons is not prescribed. Hence, the local congregation has the prerogative to determine. This is clearly taught in 1Tim 3:8-12. These men must be called “Deacon”. They were chosen to assist the Pastor in the discharge of his administrative function in the local church. They are not in authority over the Pastor to check his job. They are chosen according to the qualities mentioned in Acts 6:1-7 in addition to what was stated already. Conflicts come when these two officers do not fully understand their respective tasks and fail to maintain harmony. Since the Pastor must be in full time engagement, the deacons must always look into the Pastor’s condition and needs including that of his family so as to free him from possible worries in his domestic affairs. A godly Pastor must also lead his deacons towards full potential and sound harmony with one another. Any trouble in this level will bring the church down and fail to fulfill her desired goals.

Baptists believe in the separation of church and state. There are four passages on which this doctrine is anchored. First, in Matthew 22:15-22 in which Christ recognized the state‘s authority to exact taxes upon its subjects as well as the validity of religious financial obligations to its respective local churches. However, in this modern day we see increasing state intervention in the affairs of the local church. Let me enumerate them. One, the state unjustly obligates religious institutions to pay taxes (withholding) from the income earned of their investment; they provide exemptions that only discourage honesty and strengthen bureaucratic evil practices; Second, the state does not have clear-cut policies on how to treat the income of religious ministers and workers even if they are positively contributing to the moral development of society yet remained unrecognized and unfairly rewarded. Second passage is John 18:28-40 in which Pilate himself recognized the authority of religious courts over the civil courts. Unfortunately, in this democratic state we only recognize the religious courts of Islamic faith while the Christian or Baptists’ faith are placed in the sidelines. Perhaps the issue of fear and consistency are crucial in this provision.

Third, in Romans 13:1-7 the Baptist faith espouses the view that we must submit to the civil authority regardless of its wickedness, unfairness, and injustices. We believe we are not to launch a movement that will unseat the elected and appointed authorities. Although, this submission principle is not absolute, Baptist churches must unite to put up a strong defense against this national prostitution perpetrated by religious groups identified below. We strongly reject the EDSA 1-3, the military coups, the military mutiny, and other forms of rebellions. Our comrades both in the pew and in the pulpit only sit down and watch them dominate the media airwaves and the streets. Thus, events of this sort develop a rebellious attitude among our people. In all these, the Romanists, the liberals and some ignorant evangelical Protestants, as well as the group of Eddie Villanueva have been behind or participatory to these events. I deplore such evil and unscriptural national behavior started by military officers who reached the Palace, the Senate, and other high government offices. Almost all of these were members of above churches that continue to divide and demonize the nation. What have we done, Baptists comrades? Have we preached against this wickedness or are we like dogs that are unable to bark against the perpetrators?

Fourth, in Acts 5:17-29, the Baptist churches are biblically authorized to engage in civil disobedience to state impositions, demands, and legislations when our cherished doctrines and morals are violated or promoted to be transgressed by the larger society. Our early Christian ancestors in the first few centuries espoused this view. Likewise our Baptist forefathers practiced this through those Christian groups named after their human leaders; then the Anabaptists predecessors of Baptists. We are not historical and biblical Baptists if we are not imitating this lineage. Thus, are we just to sit down and watch the nation and its leaders legislate laws and enforce them that are unBaptistic from the start? Should we not encourage our own people to strengthen the few to organize and to put up a fortress of apologetic defense against this Romanist, ecumenical, and socialist attacks against the Baptist faith? There is hardly a true voice on our defense in many governmental agencies especially in the law making body. Our existing “conferences” do not address the issues of the day affecting the lay people. So they are left to fend for themselves when the evil attacks them from all fronts. Christian schools are forced to compromise with the statutory requirement for recognition and or accreditation for survival reasons even if they operate clandestinely. Agencies are dominated by Romanists who have no biblical morality and by the non-Romanists who have agreed with the existing norms of the agency for job security and avoidance of ostracism. We must ensure our biblical morality is intertwined to every aspect of human endeavor strengthened by creating institutions managed by godly men and women of God. Amen!

Cults and False World Views

2007-07-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

Recently, Pope Benedict XVI approved a change on the Roman Catholic tradition about Limbo-” a place of happiness” somewhere out there between heaven and hell where the souls of unbaptized children go when they die. Limbo is not an officially published dogma of the RCC but a hope based on God's mercy which invites us to pray for there salvation, and Jesus' tenderness toward children that their is a way of salvation for children who died without baptism(MacCarthy 1995, 26-27 ; CBCP 1994, 1261). According to a Catholic theologian, Thomas Aquinas, they do not suffer the pains and deprivation of hell, but neither do they enjoy the benefits of the blessedness of heaven (Erickson 1995, 1092). For centuries the RCC holds that infants are “Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin... have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God...”(CBCP 1994, 1250). However, the Vatican chose a new better hope that “children who die without being baptized can (now) go to heaven.”

The theological modification is not derived for clearer scriptural convictions but because of the “pressing pastoral needs.” How can those infants born to “non-believers” (non-Catholics) including the innumerable abortions, stillbirths, and miscarriages get to heaven? Certainty it is not achieved since the Scripture they said is “ largely silent on the matter.” Where there is no fixed ground of belief, changes and philosophical speculations are always welcome. This is the old historical trend of the RCC.

Further, the new teaching is not to encourage Catholics not to baptize their children anymore but to comfort parents who failed to baptize their children before death. But do we really need to worry about the souls dead infants? We will answer this without going through the subject of baptism.

Children are born with a sinful nature (Psa 51:5; Rom. 5:12-14). But they are neither lost nor condemned before reaching the age of responsibility. The child is still innocent and incapable of making genuine moral decisions. They are not yet able to reject Christ. In fact, Jesus made them an example of true and simple faith that leads to salvation (Matt 18:3-5; 19:14). If children are condemned, David would not have rejoiced with the assurance that someday he shall see his child that died-2 Sam 12:19-23(Erickson, 1994).

The new teaching of the RCC, though not Biblical, is designed to meet the needs of humanity. Albeit, even if there are some theological issues that are not so clearly revealed in the Bible, we should not be engrossed in formulating new beliefs that are given to change because they can't be found in the Scriptures but are merely conjectures. Nor should we adopt teachings because they are convenient to the conscience, but denying the unsatisfied needs of our church and society. Our main duty is to act by the clear teachings and commandments of the Bible while discovering and implementing Biblical systems and structures to help the needy within and outside the local church.

References:
Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). 1994. Cathechism of The Catholic Church. Manila: ECCCE and Word of Life Publications.
McCarthy, James. 1995. The Gospel According to Rome. Oregon: Harvest House Publishers.
Erickson, Millard. 1995. Christian Theology. Manila: Christian Growth Ministry (CGM).

The Uniqueness of our Baptist Faith (part 1)

2007-06-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

In the course of pastoral work of visiting people, sometimes I am asked about the origin of the Baptist faith. Others from the Romanists background would immediately dump the Baptists as Protestants. They say it with an inflated head as if the former were truly of ancient origin. Some misinformed and not so intelligent media people due to their narrow and Romanist bias, occasionally charge the Baptists as foreign imperialists puppets. At times this may have some pinch of truth because of some poorly educated Christian groups. The Jesuits would like us to believe that the Baptists were no older than the Protestants. Though, our Baptists forefathers brought the faith into this land as the American invaders entered. Yet, that does not mean we started only sometime in the late 19th century.

Let me share with you brethren a very important portion of true church history. This lesson I want to share with you was kept by the Romanist educators from the inquirers. The ecumenical proponents adulterated its purity to promote their interest. They even lambasted the puritanical propagators of truth and charged them with sowing division and as anti-peace proponents.

My point in this treatise is to show you from the Bible that the Baptist faith is unique. Then it was even imitated by the same Protestant groups without recognition of the origin. Even the Romanists, who were guilty of terrible human rights violations during the Dark Ages and Reformation period, escaped the rule of law then. Now they are proposing and espousing ecumenism in all fronts to lead the fundamental Christians into final defeat. Space in this paper will not allow me to fully exhaust the uniqueness of the faith of Baptists. I suggest you take a look and study deep into the Word of God the following passages supporting every claim.

First, true Baptists believe in Biblical authority. Passages such as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1:20-21 are foundational in this belief. Baptists regard the Bible as the supreme and final basis of all belief and behavior. We do not worship the book itself as some ignorant critics would like the public to be conditioned that Baptists are guilty of bibliolatry. Our forefathers paid the price of this teaching so that many Baptists were massacred by the Romanists during the Reformation period and their properties confiscated without fair trial. I think the many Romanists adherents today would like to erase this past dark image of their church by being propagators of human rights. It’s plain hypocrisy for the Romanists to be defenders of such rights while the victims of the pasts were never vindicated. They did it because of their belief in the doctrine of papal authority. Until now many Filipinos are still following the many errors of their church simply because of time and tradition factors. Even if they know that the Bible clearly teaches that making and revering idols are blatantly false. For decades their church has taught that there is a limbo, the place where unbaptized infants go. But recently, the pope changed it and said there is no such place called limbo. Yet many educated Filipinos are silently abiding with it or not speaking critically about it as they do not want to rock the Roman church or are afraid of papal and cardinals eternal pronouncements to their souls. Whereas, we Baptists must never get tired and must never depart from this holy and Christ doctrine that His word (all the inspired scriptures- the 66 books) are sufficient to guide us into completion. It was the Romanists who departed from the scriptural teaching that the Baptists have carried on and stood for for centuries even before the rebellion of the Protestants.

Second, true Baptists believe in the autonomy of the local church. As such we believe that every local church must become independent of any human authority outside its local members. In other terms, we are decentralized. We are not under another religious institution. We govern and make decisions locally. This view is evident among the first century New Testament local churches, such as but not limited to, the churches in Jerusalem as well as in Antioch (Acts 6:1-7; 13:1-3; 14:26-27; 15:1-35). The Lord Jesus prophesied what He wanted the local churches to follow in times of church discipline (Mat.18:15-17). Paul recommended to the Corinthian church some actions they needed to implement as a local church (1 Cor. 5:1-13). Although, Paul was the key in the founding of many local churches yet he did not place them under one organizational structure by which he governed them. There is no clear and strong evidence of centralized religious authority in the first century Christianity. In fact, this practice continued through the third centuries. When local churches, for whatever reasons, relinquish their freedom to another institution, who will dictate unto them what to do then they are not believers of this doctrine. As a local church CBC was divinely privileged to plant churches. We have no intention and strategy of permanently keeping them under the sending church. Our policy is to gradually lead them to become an autonomous local fundamental Baptist church. This autonomy, however, does not prohibit the local church to partner with other institutions of like faith and practice if it is not contrary to the Bible and if it will strengthen the church in the pursuit of its organizational goals. Some rejected this teaching for its perceived weakness such as the failure to make uniform doctrines and practices. Also its opposite has organizational advantages such as numbers and larger finances. These are humanistic and unscriptural.

Autonomy is not necessarily weakened even if a church engages in limited partnership provided the church will not surrender its freedom to join and to sever relations. In this area our local churches are still immature and are in great need of much dose of spiritual feeding to achieve maturity. Current groups that I know do not provide structure and respect for the autonomy of every local church and the representation of every church pastor as well as his equality, either in position or in power, with fellow pastors. Thus, we see and hear more new groups being born out of one group. Others are already frustrated to consider joining as they know divisions would soon creep in. However, that should never weaken us to continue seeking and working towards an improved structure and a more mature institutional leadership. I am greatly burdened of the need of our fellow pastors and church members for a stronger local churches partnership to build a powerful witness in this already decaying and disintegrating nation. Our spiritual and organizational condition is a mirror of our national condition. If truly we are the salt or preservative, then our model must be promoted and preached so our nation may find hope in us.

Third, true Baptists believe in the priesthood of every believer. This teaches that every saved church member possesses equal spiritual privileges with other persons regardless of their differences in education, economics, maturity and ecclesiastical positions. We base it on 1Peter 2:5-9. So a member could go directly to God without the help of anyone. S/he can pray directly to God without the aid of anyone and be heard by the Lord. S/he can bring tithes and offerings every time s/he worships Him at the church. S/he can render services and praises to God through the church ministries. This is entirely contrary to Romanists belief that one needs Mary to seek the help of Jesus. Or one must seek the priest to get divine graces through the sacraments. These last two are false and obnoxious lies originating from Satan’s mouth. Because of these errors, Filipinos were deceived by the conquistadores; that until now some are still under their spell although they were long gone. Many could not decide for their souls’ salvation without consulting another human being such as relatives. I remember a wife attending my baptismal class in one of the mission churches replied to my query for baptismal decision, “I will ask my husband first about baptism!” Another one sought the permission of parents and was not baptized due to parental opposition. Must we seek parental and conjugal permission before following the supreme Lord who saved our souls from hell and sustained our lives from dangers? Some Christians seek parental support before entering the full time ministry and would delay obedience due to unfavorable parental attitude. So Baptists have uniquely pursued what they discovered from the Bible – that s/he is free to make a godly decision without interference of any human being. CBC people let us live by this godly biblical principle. We are to heed godly counsel and direction but not those that lead us to wrong decision. You are accountable for every decision you make.

Fourth, true Baptists believe in two church ordinances. Church ordinances are not necessary for the soul’s salvation. However, they are scriptural commands to every saved person. S/he can’t please God without keeping these two ordinances. Thus, obedience is expected of the saved. Failure to do these means disobedience, an indication of the Spirit’s absence in the person’s life. Jesus declared that His true sheep (the Christian) hears His word and follows Him. A person is not a true Christian if s/he does not habitually hear God’s word and diligently practice the Word of God. These two ordinances are 1) water baptism by immersion; and 2) Lord’s supper. Passages teaching these are as follows Mat. 28:19-20; Ac.2:41-47; 8:12, 13, 26-40; 16:15, 30-34; 1 Cor.11:23-32. The command to be baptized must possess the following elements, namely; 1) the candidate is saved; 2) the mode is immersion; 3) the baptizer is an authorized Baptist fundamental minister; and 4) entrance into and association with the local Baptist church. There is no age and period to lapse after salvation requirement in the Bible. The Lord’s Supper is for the saved and baptized church members in good standing. It is meant to perpetuate the church’s recollection of the Savior’s work at Calvary. The elements of the Lord’s Supper are only symbolical of the body and blood of Christ. Thus, what matters most are our hearts and lives condition as well as the truth symbolized by the elements. So every partaker is to focus on the truths being taught and symbolized by the ordinance. These truths must control his heart, head, and hand. So every observance of this latter ordinance must be kept in the spirit of the cross. There must be true repentance from every known sin. There must be separation from every ungodly association. There must be the readiness to amend with another Christian. It is quite unfortunate that even church members do not diligently keep this ordinance. As such they are grossly sinning against the Lord who commanded this to be kept. Let us beware of undermining and underestimating the power and great holiness of this ordinance. Let us provoke many to follow Jesus in scriptural water baptism after confessing Christ as their Savior and to worthily partake of the Lord’s Supper.

(to be continued next issue)

The Little Red Hen

2007-06-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

After almost a month of going in and out of the hospital, I was finally able to visit the CAM agriculture project at Laiban, Tanay. I have seen some progress on the work. We have partially harvested the camote which was planted just two months ago. The tilapia fingerlings have reasonably grown. Our piglets are growing just fine. But one thing caught my attention -- there are already some chicks chirping around! The first ten chicks on site! After just a month one hen had already hatched her eggs.

The chicks today will be the chickens of tomorrow. And soon it will be chicken meat served on our tables. Now, it may be just few in number, but I believe it is a good start. Once in a meeting with CBC leaders, I was trying to motivate and encourage our brethren to be of help to our project. I told them, this little chicken will reduce the expenditures of our church. The bananas will be an additional income. I made some computations just to drive the point. Indeed, slowly but surely, it’s coming to reality. Soon we will reap our labor.

I was reminded of a story about a little red hen who had several chicks to feed so she thought of planting corn for their food. She knew it would be hard to do it alone, so she asked her friends to help her. She went to her friend, the duck, to ask some help, but the duck just quacked and said “some other day.” Then she went to the turkey but he just laughed with unbelief saying, it can’t be done. Then she went to the goose. The goose just agreed but didn’t come. But the hen was really determined. She planted the corn, watered it and took good care of it until it was ready for harvest. When harvest time came she asked her friends again to help her but they didn’t come. So she harvested it all by herself. When it was cooked the good smell reached the three animals which went to the hen to ask for some, but the hen ignored them. So they went home famished while the hen and her chicks were all full.

The hen received some discouragement. She was ridiculed. She was laughed at and questioned by her friends but she didn’t give up until she saw the fruits of her labor.

I had a privilege of going with the pastor last week to visit a pastor who was before a fundamentalist but was deceived to go to a charismatic group. He was abandoned by his Baptist sending church and found shelter and received help from a charismatic group. But now he realized his fault and is now willing to go back to the fold of fundamentalism. We don’t like these things to happen to our own missionaries laboring in the field. As the hen planned and provided the needs of her chicks, we must also do so for our missionaries future and present needs. There may be discouragements. Things may happen not the way it was planned. Some people may laugh at our ideas. Others may question its feasibility. Amidst all of these, we must remain focused on our goals. Like the hen, we must plant the corn and allow them to smell the sweet savor of our labors.

The CAM agri-livestock project is not only aiming to provide our missionaries their needs but also to teach them how to turn stone into bread so to speak. As they see how we manage the project, we teach them how to sustain and maintain the work indigenously. Because of our limited resources, everyone must learn to roll up their sleeves. They must learn not only to preach and sit all day long in their study tables, as if it is all they need to do and either just starve the next day or just wait for their families or whoever can help them to provide their daily needs. It grieves my heart to learn of pastors who have exchanged their biblical convictions, like Esau, for one morsel of meat.

Also, remember that the whole agri-livestock project is subject to the vagaries of nature. The outcome can very well be a product of genetics. Even the prices are subject to the workings of the market. But we realize that though we can do something to lessen the negative results of these, we need to place them all before God’s throne of grace and ask for His blessing. This is one truth we want our missionaries to learn from the project. May God help us all.

A Friend to All

2007-06-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

When I got saved seven years ago, our beloved pastor asked me to be a part of the Sunday School ministry. My students then were JC, Abie, Kezia, Queenie, Aaron and others of their ages. They were the kids to whom I started teaching God’s word. Now, they are in the primary level. They are now more mature physically and spiritually. They have left the pre-primary class and stepped in to the next level. In a few years from now, they would be attending the junior’s class and then the young people’s group. Well, some of them are proud if they are being promoted to another level knowing that some of their friends are left behind. As one of their teachers, I feel blessed if some of them are growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord. Kids, do you have a burden or desire of becoming one of the leaders of our church? Have you thought of being a pastor, a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, a missionary or even a part of the music ministry of this church someday?

Being a part of the Sunday school class is indeed a great blessing for all of you and I believe that this is one way of molding your mind and heart to become one of the strongest leaders of this church. Not all the kids have the opportunity of attending Sunday School because they do not have the channel to do so. You are so blessed that your parents are able to bring you to the church much more to the Sunday School. Is there a time that you asked your mom and dad, “Why do I have to attend Sunday School?” Why do your parents ask you or even compel you to go to church? Maybe simply they would answer, “Son, because this is what God wants us to do.” Yes, God commanded us to have time for Him. We have to have time to hear His word, to pray with the people of God and to have fellowship with other people much more with the kids in the church. And Sunday School is the best time for you to do the basic commands God has given us.

The “CHURCH” would not be complete if “U” is not in it. And that “U” is you-all of us including little ones. Can you imagine attending Sunday school all by yourself? You see, each of us is important. Your mere presence is a blessing to every Sunday School student around you whether in 2’s and 3’s class, pre-primary, primary or juniors class. I am sure Matthew Malonzo, a student of 2’s and 3’s class, would agree with me. He feels happy every time he sees “Tata” (from Tatalon) in their class. He is one of his best friends. And I am certain that you feel the same, kids. I am sure that you would feel lonely if one Sunday you would find yourself all alone in your Sunday school class. That is why it is always important to pray for your classmates and be nice to them especially if they are new comers in the group. Whenever we sing the welcome song, “I am Glad you’re Here Today”, be sure that you are really glad that you can be with them at least once a week. Never neglect attending Sunday school. You should consider how to be a blessing to others by coming early to church in order for you not to miss the lessons imparted by your teachers in large group class. It has an equal relevance as the “per level” class. Always remember that your presence is indeed a great blessing to all the people in the church and so is your punctuality in attending the church. Kids, you should always be a blessing not a burden to everyone!

The Significance of Teaching

2007-05-01T16:13:00.000-07:00

Christian education is familiar to many Christian circles. However, few are engaging themselves in it especially as a local church ministry. Many are interested in it under a para-church organization. This area is confined only to so called “Sunday school teaching” in the local church. It is viewed as a necessary ministry of baby-sitting the kids to enable the adults to engage in less distracting learning environment. Men especially desire adult teaching rather than children teaching ministry. The latter is seen as a stepping-stone towards the higher adult teaching position. Thus, the children’s teaching ministry is left to the women.

According to Romans 12:7 teaching is a permanent gift given by the Holy Spirit to the church to make her equipped and more complete for the advancement of its ministry goals. So it is right to assume that God has given the local church teachers for all ages. This teaching gift is not only necessary in the spiritual building up of the local body but also in the needs for general education of the local body. This would include the learning for skills for life as well as the educational background of the church people for its society dealings.

Let us consider what Apostle Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Primarily the passage is a direct exhortation on the need of discipleship. Yet, the need and importance of teaching to accomplish discipleship is evident in the text. I desired to emphasize the role of teaching which we call Christian education n this short treatise. Let me share some thoughts with you from this verse that may encourage us to consider Christian education as a life ministry beyond what has been traditionally regarded as occupational choice or part time social outreach.

First, we are commanded to entrust what we have learned to others. This is derived from the word commit thou. The idea behind it is the act of depositing or entrusting some significant truths or lessons. This act of imparting or passing on to others would require the act of teaching. So this is one of the basic elements of the Christian educational process. There can be no education if teaching does not occur. And teaching only happens when the teacher with a ready mind and heart begins to unload what he or she has accumulated through the years. Further, a teacher will not only impart what he or she has already learned but also the skills connected with learning. The act of depositing as a process is not easy. It necessitates ability to absorb information and the determination of how much to give to the learner. It also requires ability to help students avoid information loss or increase retention skills in learning. A teacher must know the content of teaching. In our text, Paul refers to what Timothy has already learned by listening, and by observation as witnessed by others. Also the teachers must know well the students to develop the best strategy in passing on the blessed truths to the student-learners. With this last there are many factors to consider which I do not intend to discuss here.

If we do not engage in teaching there is no way we could effectively preserve what we have believed and learned through the years. We would have no successors carrying on forward what we learned. We would be guilty of greediness as we failed to share with the next generation the blessings we obtained. If professionals do not engage in teaching there would be no future men and women in that same professional category. Imagine if preachers do not establish training schools, would there be more religious teachers? What will happen if Christian doctors got discouraged and stopped teaching, would there be more medical doctors? Who would provide financial advice and direction from our fundamental perspective to the next generation if the present Christians engaged in financial services do not see the need to reproduce themselves?

Second, we must maintain standards in teaching. Paul exhorted young Timothy to raise up some standards in every facet of the teaching task As to the students, Timothy must select the men he will teach who are faithful. This means they must be reliable, loyal, and dependable people. I regard this as entry qualification of learners in the educational process. The apostle was aware of the danger of depositing God’s truth to unfaithful people. Second, Timothy is to preserve the teaching content he is to give to these people. In principle here the body of truth given him by the apostle must be kept intact for impartation to others. Revision in content of any forms is wrong. Our students must imbibe the preservationist conviction. This is the foundation of a true fundamental perspective. However, if you observe the type of education our own people receive from non-fundamental perspective is insinuating a non-preservationist direction. So, we must create our own educational system from various fields if we desire to keep our gains.

Third, our learners must be able upon exit at the educational process to duplicate themselves. I mean the ability to teach the same things he has been taught to reproduce more faithful and capable people. Thus, with this in mind as an end, we must identify people who could initially teach; men and women who are trainable; manpower whom we could deploy at target site to accomplish our educational goals.

Applying these insights, we must start now to identify these people who could teach both religiously and secularly. Then, we need to invest in their lives towards equipping them to become capable and effective teachers of God’s truths in any life area. Further, we must create a system that provides an environment by which giftedness is exercised through Christian education. Thus, a Christian school organization is a necessity to achieve this. Parents, consider encouraging your children to venture on this field of Christian education. Teaching has been undermined much by some teachers as well as by other professions. But, in my understanding of the field and the Scriptures, teaching is a noble and lofty task. But with a worldly mind one would fail to see its great honors and rewards.

When I checked the past, I discovered that our nation has no fundamental Baptist college or university or educational institution that offers different courses to our young people entering college and post graduate studies. Thank the Lord we have seminaries and religious training schools. The school started by Baptist forefathers in the Visayas is now a liberal school. Except for the weekly sound teaching environment at our local churches, our young ones are deprived of the best available collegiate education from the Christian perspective. Once I inquired from a leader of a seminary about the prospect of offering courses on Christian education degree program as future teachers of this nation and I got no hope due to some reasons.

So where do we send our children for general education or professional education? Must we send them to devout Romanist schools which we indirectly help become financially strong by our patronage? Would that approach have some effect upon our children? Are we satisfied in sending them to secular schools that occasionally lead to our youth destruction in morals and influence? Others resorted to sending children to foreign schools. Is there any danger with this? Following this would yield manpower loss. Others failed to return to homeland thus brain drain is experienced.

None of the above could address our nationalist devout religious convictions. They would only reduce our zeal and make us weak and counter productive in life, work, and ministry. CBC people and our allied ministry partners, we must consolidate our resources and raise up an institution of true nationalist zealous religious conviction that will train our young people in various human endeavors to become the great defenders of the faith in this nation and in the world! Amen!

Is Hell a Real Place

2007-05-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

The Watchtower Bible Tract Society, commonly known as Jehovah’s Witnesses does not only teach that men can be saved after death but also actively warns people by their tracts about the dangers of the doctrine of hell fire (not the danger of going to hell). Satan is the author behind the denial of the existence of hell as a place of everlasting torment for the unsaved. He whispers to all men that it is not true and offers false hope.

The cult has four reasons why hell as a literal place of punishment cannot be true: (1) It is unscriptural; (2) it is unreasonable; (3) it is contrary to God’s love; and (4) it is repugnant to justice (McDowell and Stewart 1982, p. 74). They are teaching soul-sleep (unconsciousness after death) and the annihilation of the wicked -- eternal extinction after judgment (Wilson and Tetley 1992, p.93) . Human reason may support these demonic teachings but the Bible teaches the opposite.

It is absolutely scriptural: (1) Matt. 25:46 speaks of “everlasting punishment” against “life eternal”; (2) Matt. 25:41 “everlasting fire” for eternal anguish; (3) Matt. 25:30 “weeping and gnashing of teeth “ pictures the torment only conscious souls shall be tormented even immediately after death (Heb. 9:27; Luke 16:19-31 as a reference to the present hell); (4) Rev. 20:14-15; “cast into the lake of fire.” This is the future final destination or place of the unsaved. The present hell shall be cast into this future lake of fire. “ Death” here does not mean annihilation but the separation from the true eternal life which is God. The purpose of fire is not for extinction of existence but for eternal torment (Rev. 20:10).; (5) II Thes. 1:9 “punished with everlasting destruction.” Destruction here does not also mean annihilation; rather it describes the impact and extent of punishment that is eternal. And this is “righteous judgment” (II Thes. 1:5-6) of the God of justice to those who do not believe the gospel (II Thes. 1:8).

Hence, it is not contrary to God’s love and justice. In His great love, Christ suffered and died for the sins of the whole world. He offers free salvation to all men. If men reject it, then they have to suffer the penalty of sin. What kind of punishment only God can rightly judge because He knows how terrible sin really is. His holiness and eternality we cannot fully comprehend. His perfect holiness demands perfect justice and He has already revealed it clearly in the Scriptures. Wisdom teaches us to accept it and act according to the divine decree before it is too late.

References:
McDowell, Josh and Stewart, Don. (1982). Handbook of Today's Religions: Understanding the Cults. San Bernardino, CA:
Wison, Alex and Tetley, Christine. (1992). Witnessing to the Cults. Makati: Church Strengthening Ministry.

The Three Little Pigs

2007-05-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

The story of the three little pigs reminds me of the time when I purchased five piglets for the CAM project. The story goes this way: the three little pigs were just weaned from their mother and they had no house of their own. So, they constructed their own. The first one built a house made of straw. The second built a house made of wood. The third built a house out of stone and bricks. Both the houses of the first and second little pigs were destroyed by the big bad wolf. Only the house made of stone and bricks remained where the two piglets came for cover and protection and were made safe.

I was contemplating to build a good quality pig pen for our CAM project but the availability of funds did not permit me to do so. I thought, if I build a good and quality housing, I will have no budget to buy the piglets. We will then have a nice-looking pigpen with no pigs in it. On the other hand, if I buy more than five piglets, I will have no money left to construct the pigpens. So I reduced the number of pigs to five and made a very simple and economical pigpen just so we may be able to start the project. Thanks to Brother Erwin who has learned the indigenous principle that Pastor Jed has been teaching. He looked for indigenous materials to augment our meager provision for the pigs’ housing.

Brethren we have planned to increase the volume of our pigs this year that we may be able to address the present and upcoming needs of our mission works and of the church. We could do more for the Lord’s work without burdening so much the sending church as it has its own needs to address.

The vision is so great and noble that we should not allow the wolf to destroy it. I met an accident last April 11. My right arm was broken and was operated twice. That incident made me realize that what I built for CAM was made of straw and wood just like the houses of the two little pigs. I requested a meeting with the Pastor to come up with a more solid plan for the CAM projects so that every one would know the direction we are treading. Truly no one is invincible as GOD can take us home anytime He pleases. But the Lord’s work must go on, with or without us. Indeed, it would be a great privilege and blessing if GOD allows us to be a part or an instrument in fulfilling His purpose.

So we decided to put every thing in writing-- the plans and projections of our project. From time to time, we will publish it here not only to inform you but to encourage you to be part of it in prayer, in financing, as part of the work force or in giving encouraging words, suggestions and even constructive criticisms. We have devised different investment schemes which you can avail of. We also need donations for our capital expenditures so that our structures just like that of the last piglet will be able to withstand the attacks of the various kinds of wolves. Do not let the wolves of this world devour your resources. Use them for the Lord’s work that they may yield eternal returns.

MANY CHRISTIANS DIE POOR, UNDER THE CLOAK OF LIVING BY FAITH AND “SACRIFICE” FOR THE LORD BUT THE TRUTH IS THEY DID NOT PLAN OR DID NOT IMPLEMENT WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED. MOST OFTEN, IT IS THE LACK OF VISION AND PLAIN LAZINESS THAT DROVE THEM TO POVERTY.

How wise are we in our treasures?

2007-04-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

In the present trend of materialism, people tend to accumulate and hoard treasures rather than generously share them for the advancement of a cause. Even saved people are not spared from such evil. God wants us to be victorious over this tempting evil. As we get closer to the celebration of this local church’s founding anniversary, let us examine how far we have used the Lord’s entrusted treasures for the advancement of His church’s mission-vision. We are grateful to Him who empowered us to do His ministry as He provided us through the years. However, we are never to be complacent in whatever God has enabled us to achieve in His work. The field is extremely white and in great need of a new generation of workers that will harvest the souls for His kingdom. How are we going to sustain the cost of training men and women to increase the harvesters and church planters? Where do we house these men and women undergoing training at our school? How can we accommodate more worshippers and students of the word preached week after week? The need for teachers in training school is increasing. We thank God for inspiring more people to cast their lot into the ministry. We praise Him for bringing in the ones He is calling to surrender lives to the fulltime ministry. All these can’t be carried on without you Cornerstone members. Your increasing dedication is humbly urged into these various endeavors created to sustain the work of the Lord. All of us need to be committed stewards of the Lord.

The Savior narrated this parable in verses 1-8a. In the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus, he used this parable to teach His disciples the right use of wealth for kingdom purposes. The parable was the customary practice among wealthy landowners of the day who hired managers to take care and to grow their estate. The Lord Jesus highlighted the wisdom of using treasures for future needs. The steward was dishonest to the landowner. He made decisions to ensure himself in the future. But this last is the thing that the Lord Jesus wanted the disciples to learn. Thus, He is indirectly showing the learning of a good lesson out of a negative example. The main lesson the Savior wanted us to learn in this parable is the great wisdom of using every resource we possess for future needs. Investing one’s current possession, instead of hoarding it, with the goal of addressing future needs is perfectly wise. This act is not contrary to walking by faith principle. This provides a biblical premise on the wisdom of creating savings either on personal or institutional level. As saved people, we are to increase in this scriptural virtue both at the individual and the institutional level. But where do you, Christians, place your hard earned money for future needs? Are we depending more on the wisdom of the less-wise managers than on the wisdom of the wise stewards of the Lord? As more Christians pool their savings to mutually develop themselves economically then more tasks could be accomplished. Besides, this would create a godly consequence pursuant to the principle in 1 John 3:17. That would glorify the name of Jesus before the world!

The latter section, verses 8b-13, of the text shows the Lord Jesus’ demonstration of the truth’s relevancy in the disciples lives. The truth unfolded above shows its current application in the lives of the hearer-disciples. Others see three relevant, though I personally understand four relevant application principles. First, treasures are to be used to win people to the kingdom (v.9). Every peso we get must be used wisely towards leading people to salvation. We use money or other forms of wealth to get people into the kingdom. So establishing institutions that facilitate the administration of different strategies to get people into the kingdom is scripturally right. It is quite burdensome to regularly ask our people for somebody’s needs due to calamitous events. I believe in it and so am asking the Lord to use this local church in creating organizations that will answer this need.

Secondly, the Lord Jesus encouraged us to use faithfully whatever little resources we have as it will be rewarded with larger stewardship (v.10). The reward shall be dependent upon the manager’s loyalty and integrity. We can’t ask God for greater stewardship if we are not faithful in smaller management. This holds true to money, manpower, and other forms of means. One is undeserving to be promoted to a higher position who has not proven himself faithful in a lower position. Let us consider the entrusted stewardship of land God has given us to till for the CAM projects. We hardly hear such generosity among Christians, nowadays! Yet, God in His goodness empowered such hearts to favor His children’s needs. So we must emulate the steward, in the right sense, we learned from this parable. As church members and benefactors of CAM ministry, we are under divine obligation to get involved not only in the blessedness of receiving but primarily in giving. Think of what you could give! Consider one of these which you could share – hard labor, capital funds, equipment and materials, quiet prayer and reinforcement, and linkages for its advancement. Nothing is too small to share in the work of the Lord because everything is significant. Even one of our pianists, who knows she has to take care of her hands, invested manual hard labor! Every liter of crude oil and vehicle depreciation cost spent twice a week by our project manager substantially freed CAM from the financial burdens. The youth spent their able bodies on hard labor! Professionals used their day off in it! What a great, generous heart-warming people of God!

Thirdly, Christ wanted us to become reliable in financial management as it shall become the basis of spiritual care of souls and greater spiritual tasks as rewards (v.11). Some men have launched into the ministry of souls without passing this financial test. But, why did they make it in the ministry? Because God has shown them mercies through the provided servants who take care of the lack in the servant of God’s leadership. The great dependency of local fundamental churches on external sustenance for the last century was partly due to failing in this test. Many have neglected if not undermined this test as if God will work without us doing our share. CBC people, let us be strong in indigenous principle. What we are doing is consistent with this truth. Consider Romans 12:9 and 1Thess.5:21 in your meditation. Shut your ears to ungodly words that weaken our leaders who are engaged in hard labor to raise our indigenous status in this land! Keep your heart from the contamination of criticism launched by others discouraging our noble attempts to free our local churches from external dependency from all fronts. Such seemingly alarmist attitude is normally expected as the critics enjoyed in ease the contrary approach to what we are pursuing.

Finally, the Lord Jesus emphasized the subordination of every treasure to God’s primary interest (v.13). He strongly warned that we can’t serve both money and God. In Aramaic, “mammon” means wealth or possession. So, whether we inherit or work for a treasure, we are duty bound to let it be used in subordination to God’s program. Christ commanded the church to preach the gospel nationwide and throughout the world. The CBC’s strategy of reaching the world is by delimiting first to seemingly reachable areas such as Asia – our very own neighbor nations. The missionaries that will go to these areas will come from the trained Filipino workers. Even those who have gone abroad for work must seriously consider, in the light of biblical principles, the interest of the national church of their origin. Thus, our money, our lands, our talents and skills, our linkages, and our lives must be wisely used in every activity designed to advance the interest of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As you ponder about this truth and its relevant applications, would you consider some areas you could be of great use to the Lord’s work? Continue giving your tithes and offerings as these are being used to sustain our Pastor and family, our teachers and church workers. As members of CBC in this locale, we need to improve the current facility to make it a safer and better worship and service place! On April 29, I would ask you to have a share in the cost of fulfilling this great need! This is the right way of minimal participation you could do according to this text. As you discipline yourself in saving a little like the ants in the book of Proverbs, you are encouraging the men and women behind the FAITH Systems. Are you currently involved in it? Let us keep the high spirit God has generated in our souls for the CAM projects! Equally significant are the men and women planning and preparing to improve the sustenance of more students at CBMS who would become missionaries. Their teachers are never to be neglected in their quality of teaching competence. Pray that the good Lord would enable us also to institutionalize our noble strategies of securing sinners into the saving hand of our Savior!

A Pinch of Salt and a Bottle of Kerosene

2007-04-01T16:24:00.000-07:00

Let me start my article by telling you a story commonly told in the barrios.

One day, a child was heard crying and shouting to his mother, “Nanay, manok na naman ba ang ulam natin?” The mother replied, “Pasensiya na anak, hindi pa ako nakakaluwas para pumunta sa palengke at bumili ng sardinas.”

During those times, it would take an hour or so to wait for a bus to go down to the city proper and another two-three hours to travel because of the bad road conditions. With that, the people in the barrios would always have second thoughts of going to the city and would go there only in times of emergency or when the benefits of traveling outweighed the costs.

Even now in our barangay in the province which is situated in the uplands of Ligao, Albay, people would go to the market most often only once a month because of the distance. And they would often just go to the nearby sari-sari store to buy only two things – salt and kerosene. My mother owns a small sari-sari store and I know that these are the two fast-moving commodities.

Most, if not all of the daily food of the people in our barangay are from their backyards. Surrounding the local community are coconuts and banana trees, corn, and rice. In their backyard are chickens, pigs, turkeys, geese, and ducks. Thus, the dining table would have chicken or pork and eggs during mealtimes. Indeed, the families in our place would rely on their own produce for their daily food intake.

What then is my point?

God graciously entrusted to us hectares of land in Laiban, Tanay for our mission works. Our pastor has envisioned it, not only to house our in-house missionary school but also as a training ground for future missionaries on how to live simply and productively amongst the people they will be ministering to. It will also be a source of funds for our missions. These are all in line with the indigenous principle that our church is adhering to. With our limited manpower and financial resources, we need not always look to the more affluent Western world to support the work of Christ. By God’s grace, we can do it!

We have started planting camote for industrial purposes. We have also finished restructuring the fish ponds which now have 7,500 tilapia fingerlings in them. Lord willing, after three and a half months, we will be able to harvest 1,200 kilos. We also have started planting vegetables and are currently preparing the housing of goats and pigs. We already have a few chickens, ducks, and turkey running in our “backyard” in Laiban.

In the future, we aim to have 50-100 heads of goats not only for meat but also for milk production. Aside from that we envisioned a small piggery. This June also will be the rice planting season. Recently, we have asked the permission of the Latojas to cultivate more than two hectares of uphill portion of their land for the planting of bananas and other root crops.

All of these, the Lord willing, will not only address (at least partially) the financial needs of our mission works but also the daily provision of our church workers. If we can maximize the use of the land and use it at its full potential, we believe that we can greatly reduce the food expenses of our church workers.

Right now, every time we go down to Laiban, we always bring our own food. Wouldn’t it be a great blessing that one day, it will only be salt and kerosene that we will need to bring down with us? And wouldn’t it be a double blessing that we will be able to bring up with us vegetables, eggs, rice, bananas, fish, meat, and other victuals from our own produce? What a great blessing that would be indeed!

Brethren, the work before us is great. This can not be done by one man. Neither can it be done by two or even the leadership of CAM. We all need to take part in this. The volunteer work of cleaning the land is continuing. More money is needed also to finance our future projects. One way of financially helping this work, is to patronize our products. But above all, we need your daily and sincere prayers for wisdom and God’s abundant blessings. Pray always that God will envelop with his cloud of protection whatever things we have placed in Laiban.

May God continuously bless us all. Amen!

Developing Your Spiritual Gifts

2007-04-01T16:19:00.000-07:00

“What should I do after graduation?” is one of the most difficult decisions of life young people face. Even committed young people in the midst of several options ask “how can I know God’s will? Where can I get involved?” God guides through the Bible and He uses the Holy Spirit, parents, friends and elders or leaders in the church. You may have wondered that during our LYE screening I asked most of you this question, “What is your Spiritual Gift?” In your puzzled expression I sensed the need for enlightenment.

Not knowing our Spiritual gifts will lead to discouragement, defeat, despair, wasted time, treasures and talents. Spiritual gift is like a map or road sign to a lost and confused traveler on a highway.

What must you do to discover your spiritual gifts?
1. Pray. Not to ask for the gift but to reveal it to you (Phil 4:6,7).
2. Study. God has dispersed his spiritual gifts at least one to every believer upon salvation and not on the basis of spiritual maturity or education. You will find the list of gifts in I Cor. 12; Rom. 12; Eph. 4; and 1 Peter 4. They are given for the edifying of the body (Eph. 4:11,12) and not the self (1 Cor. 13:5). If you have confirmed to be gifted as a teacher, then you will not be contented in just reading books you choose on teaching but you will enroll at CBMS.
3. Delight in the Lord. He will place within your heart desires the areas of service consistent with your spiritual gifts (Psa. 37:4). But a desire does not necessarily mean a gift. It will have to be confirmed by your ability.
4. Develop. The discovery of your gift has a corresponding assurance that God gave you teachers, pastor or elders to help you develop your gifts (Eph. 4:11) and are reliable to evaluate your God-given ability. Our heart is deceitful above all things (Jer.17:9). We may confuse spiritual gifts with natural talents which are possessed at birth. Such talents should be dedicated to the Lord to be used for His glory. Ability improves and develops with practice. In seeking to develop your gifts you have to be available. Never refuse an opportunity to serve such as assisting in nursery, teaching in Sunday school, joining adult soul winning, working at CAM projects, visiting sick people, and encouraging weak members.

Serve. In my early Christian life our church offered us Sundays filled with services - teaching children, visiting, counseling, cleaning a school classroom for our Sunday service and then before going home at night, arranging the furniture back to the original position. Preparing and arranging for summer and “winter” (or December) church camps and vacation Bible school gave us also exhausted nights in bed but our hearts were bursting with excitement for souls saved, new contacts, encouragement of broken heart and edification of fellow believers. The personal blessing of God to my soul and ministry were used by our Lord to assure me of His direction. Blessings accompany the spiritual gifts exercised in the energy of the Holy Spirit. Obviously it was not concluded in a two-day conference or a four-day youth camp but God works in weeks, months, and even years!

Young people, do not be impatient but rather pray, study, delight in the Lord, develop the gift, and serve. Never Quit!