Different Christians in Our Church Today: Are You One of Them?

ENGLISH VERSION

Different kinds of Christian:

1. CRIES-tian - faith is based on emotions not on the Word of God - crybaby.
2. CHISRRITA-tian - is irritated  with a lot of people in the Church, such as the worship leader, pastor, church's doctrines, irritated by the person sitting next to him/her and even in him/herself.
3. CURSE-tian - church goer with untamed tongue.
4. CHRISDWARF-tian - a long time attendee but doesn't matured spiritually, the Church is the only place where he can pray and read his Bible.
5. CHAIRS-tian - a kind of Christian who is marking a hole on the chairs or on the pew of the sanctuary, indifferent, unconcerned, contented by just sitting and doesn't care about the people in his surroundings.
6. CRISIS-tian - a kind of Christian that is super spiritual in the times of crisis, but super carnal if the situation is alright - and nowhere to be found when things are doing good for him/her.
7. CRUSH-tian - common among youth, they are inspired because of their crush, they are motivated by their crush not with the Lord, loves to attend Evangelis-chicks meeting, Bible Steady and Disci-Fling", instead of "Seek first..." Chick first...(vice-versa)
8. CARES-tian - a kind of Christian who is preoccupied with the cares of this world, always looking for relief, when the message is about giving, he/she is not attentive.
9. CARESS-tian - very emotional and sensitive, longs to be caress, if the pastor or church leader failed to notice him/her, she'll transfer to other church.
10. CHRISTUMMY- tian - a kind of Christian who goes to church because of occasion and feasting, loves to eat but doesn't want to share...
11. GENUINE CHRISTIAN - inspired by the love of God, inspired by the Word of God, with transformed life, fruit of the Holy Spirit, blessing to God and to others...

What kind of Christian are you?

Thanks to Pastor Alfred Yumul of Jesus Never Fails Church for a wonderful insight...amazing revelation from God! May this open the minds of our fellow-Christians, that we may all desire to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus and become a GENUINE CHRISTIAN God wants us to be!

Yes! I Believe!!!

I believe!!!

I believe in Jesus!

I believe that He has saved me!

I believe that He has forgiven me!

I believe that I have eternal life!

I believe that I am renewed, restored, reconciled to God because of His amazing works!

I believe that I can do all things through Jesus who strengthens me!

I believe that I am more than conqueror because He lives in me!

I believe that the sufferings in this world are nothing compared to what He has prepared for me!

I believe that He is faithful to do what He has promised for He is faithful!

I believe that He will perfect the things that which concerns me from the smallest detail of my life to my greatest concern!

I believe that I am healed because of His stripes, from the crowns of my head to the sole of my feet!

I believe that God answers prayer because He is a listening God, He never withholds good things from His children!

I believe that He has plan a wonderful future for me, not of evil, but a life filled with hope, blessing and favor from Him!

I believe that He has crown my efforts with success for He delighted in me!

I believe, yes I believe for I know when I believe in Jesus, this is the power that causes God to move mountains ahead of me, this is the power that causes me to claim my victory, this is the power that move the hands of God in reply to my prayers and this is the power that empower me to do great things for Him, for I believe!

Do you believe?

Only God...

Rejoice, for God will continue to stand by your side, people may fail you but God will remain faithful and true. He will stand with you, for you and beside you. He will never break His promises and He will never let go of you and will never give you up. Let the God of peace guard you and strengthen you to live for Him until the return of Jesus Christ!

HOPE: He Makes Things New...

Our past is marred with broken pieces of jar, no matter how hard you tried to put things together, your effort is futile. You tried to escape and run away from your past yet it hunts you and trap you until you are unable to escape. You are already drowning until darkness overwhelms you, filling your hearts, mind and soul with the strong presence of hopelessness, fear, helplessness and desperation.

And as you wallow in the pit of darkness a strong Presence grabs and holds you by the hand, causing you to rise until you saw a glimpse of light which is becoming stronger and brighter, enveloping you with the warmth of its presence. You felt the warm embrace as peace flooded your soul, the desire to run away and the feeling of hopelessness; fear and desperation slowly vanish away with His loving presence.

That’s what I felt, when Jesus found me, I thought that my life is such a waste, that my sins are beyond repentance, that I am unlovable and hopeless beyond repair until I found myself in His hands, my history and past failures and mistakes were Jesus’ opportunity to reshape and put me back in one piece, the time when I was in the moment of desperation was God’s time of discourse with me, it was His time of molding and shaping me according to His desire. Everything what sin has destroyed He made new, He restored peace, joy and hope as I surrender everything to Him, I was nothing but I gained everything, everything what Jesus promised. The life I dreamt of which I thought impossible became possible as Jesus turned over a new page of my life; He has forgiven me, accepted me in His family, made me new and clothed me with His garment of praise and righteousness.

The lies that clouded my thoughts were replaced with God’s truth that enables me to stand, live and embrace life and future ahead of me with faith and assurance firmly anchored on God’s Word for I know that He who promised is faithful to fulfill it, [Hebrews 10:23]. Lies that I lived by in the past God has answered with His word:

1.      I’m unloved – “I have loved you with an everlasting love…Jeremiah 31:3;

2.      My life is hopeless – “For I know the plans that I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11;

3.      I cannot change – “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness...”  2^nd Corinthians 12:9;

4.      I cannot do it – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13;

5.      I’m afraid – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me.” Psalms 23:4;

And there’s more! All God’s wonderful promises are found in the Bible, His word, this is His inspired Word that enables me to face life with joy as I began to live each day by faith of the unseen tomorrow and peace that He has already overcame the tribulations in life, now all I have to do is to live victoriously for Him, that the life which once I lived in darkness now have seen His marvelous light! To God be the glory!

Jesus, the Testifier of Truth

Main Text:                 John 18:37

Book Reference:    Book of John

Topic:                         The Truth that Jesus Testifies

Title:                            The Truth About You, the World and About Him

Introduction: Definition of testifier:

1. To make a declaration of truth or fact under oath; submit testimony: witnesses testifying before a grand jury.
2. To express or declare a strong belief, especially to make a declaration of faith.
3. To make a statement based on personal knowledge in support of an asserted fact; bear witness 

I.                    Jesus is the Only Testifier of Truth

a. The prophets of old talked about Him, as He is the fulfillment of all prophecies and law. Isaiah 53 and Matthew 5:17

b.     He is the Word, the God that was manifested in the flesh

c.  He is the testifier of truth because He is the truth – John 14:6, John 1:14&17

d.     He committed no sin nor was there any guile in His mouth – 1^st Peter 2:22

II.                  What did Jesus testified about?

Jesus was misunderstood by the Jews who killed Him because of envy [Matthew 26:3-4], because of their ignorance [Matthew 26:64-66] because of telling the truth {Luke 4:21-29] because of kingship [Matthew 2:2-3] because of healing on the Sabbath [Matthew 12:9-14] and because of unbelief [John 5:38-47].

It’s evident that when a person rejects the truth; that person is blind and is walking in darkness – the reason why Jesus testified the truth is because He wants to shed light to those people in darkness, the light He is giving will drive out all darkness caused by the lies of the devil. John 3:18-21.

Jesus Testified about Man:

1 – Man’s Condition – Mark 7:19-23

Corrupt and deceitful in heart

Lustful and ungodly

Dominated by satan – John 8:44

Children of the devil

Doomed to eternal hell without God or hope – Matthew 25:46

            a.     2 – Man’s means to be saved:

                                                               i.      Need to be born again – John 3:3

                                                             ii.      Everlasting life is made available to those who believed

– John 3:15-16

                 2 -   Jesus testified the truth about the Father

a.     The Father sent Him – John 7:29

b.     Their oneness John 10:30

When Jesus declared, “I and the Father are one, He was not referring to numerical value or sense, it was rather a sense of unity like a husband and wife being one flesh, [Genesis 2:24] or the church being many members yet one body. [1^st Cor. 12:12]

In fact those in Christ are made one with the Father and the Son [John 17:21-23], Jesus repeatedly declared He did not come to do His will [John 5:30; 6:38] say His own words [John 3:32-34; 8:28; 14:10] or do His own works [John 5:36; 10:37] He traced everything He said and did back to the Father.

c.     The Father loves the Son and committed everything into His hands – John 3:35

d.     The Father gives us to Jesus – John 6:37

e.     God made their dwelling in the one who loves Jesus, has His words and keeps them – John 14:21-23

Jesus’ testimony about the Father is making man understand the essence of God, this He did by making a visible manifestation of an eternal and infinite God, the mystery of His deity which was hidden from man now revealed through Jesus.

             3. Jesus testified the truth about Himself:

1 – He came from the Father – John 16:28

2 – He came to do the will of the Father – John 5:30; 6:38

Yet even though He was separate from the Father in His person, yet there was no contradiction with God in any of His expression, whether in thought, word or in deed. He was never at variance with God, never in competition with Him, and thus never required correction. He grew in wisdom and favor with God, yet never had to repent, adjust His focus or recover from a moral setback.

f.        3 – He came to lead men to light – John 8:12; 9:5

g.     4 – He came to expose the darkness in men – John 8:12; 9:5

h.     5 – He came to give life – John 10:10

i.         He came to set free – John 8:32, 36

j.         He came to lead men to God – John 14:6

Jesus was able to fulfill all this by dying on the cross, which was His main purpose of coming here; He needs to impart these truths to men in order for men to be saved.

When a person accepts these truths, He will accept Jesus, His works, His redemption, His sacrificial death, and His resurrection, that truth remains in Him. A person who after learning the truth about himself and God is transformed, his eyes will be opened, will follow the course of truth and will continually to stay in that path. Satan blinded the world with lies and so people are living in a life of lies in darkness leading to judgment and condemnation [John 3:18] but once you have known the truth, the truth will set you free so that you will walk in the light of God leading to life.

III.                Jesus, Testified about life: 
             Let’s focus on Jesus’ words: He testified the truth found in John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus referred to the battles that He has already won…

Tribulation may refer:

1.      Satan’s plot against all believers

2.      Life’s necessities

3.      Sicknesses and diseases

4.      Pains and sufferings

It is a big lie that you are incapable of winning, that you are hopeless, alone, inferior etc., because the truth is Jesus overcame these and all you have to do is live in that truth because Jesus lives in you.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“For my grace is sufficient for you…” 2^nd Cor. 12:9

Conclusion:

When Jesus testified the truth, it is different from Satan’s sugar-coated lies, Jesus doesn’t make the truth sound better so you will feel better, He doesn’t flatter man to convince man of his sins and his need of a savior or that he is loved by God, in fact, Jesus speaks from His heart, He speaks the truth in order for the world to accept Him and if by chance the world rejects Him, the world will realize what awful choice they made, He doesn’t threaten or frighten you to obey, He upholds His righteousness and justice for man to follow so that man will not face judgment.

He speaks and will continue to testify about the truth in your life because man is bound by the deceptive lies of the devil; He speaks the truth to set us free, to know Jesus is to know the truth!

SONA: Hope for Better Philippines

The State of the Nation Address by the Philippine President

His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III President of the Philippines
to the Congress of the Philippines
Session Hall of the House of Representatives
July 23, 2012, Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City

        The third SONA of the president was delivered in Filipino language which is very impressive because he addresses the Filipino masses, the common people which he called his boss during his term. The president gave answers to different issues in the Philippine government; from education, economy, unemployment, territorial rights, corruption and medical and health benefits.

            He started with the concept of the possibility to achieve your dreams, Filipinos have dreamt for a long time to have a better life, to achieve peace and unity, the prevalence of justice and equality, the provision of job, medical and health benefits to common people, the decrease of corruption and proper consummation of budget where it is allocated, not to mention the improvement of military and police establishment as well as the infrastructure of the national roads, highways, airport plus the typhoon monitoring which according to the president will lessen the number of casualties and property loss due to unpreparedness.

            According to President Aquino III, he faced a heavy laden on his shoulders when the former president finished her term, because of enormous debts she left in her office, but with the perseverance, unity of his government office and the removal of corrupt officials the dream and solution became a possibilities. He mentioned that some of the achievements are the proper distribution of land to farmers who deserve it, the increase of books, school supplies, rooms and chairs for every student in a community, the additional airports and roads for every province, the free vaccination for every infant against common illnesses, the increase of pension for pensioners not less than 5,000 pesos which will happen by the end of the year, the making use of PHILHEALTH benefits for all Filipinos, the distribution of electrical source in every towns and barrios, the decrease of dengue cases in areas such as Palawan by the use of mosquito traps invented and initiated by Filipino scientist, the increase of rice production because of the improve farming practice and irrigation service, the proper purchase of military gadgets, equipments and vehicles, the increase of housing projects for military personnel and common people, the enhancement of tourism projects in promotion and tourist spots of the country, the adequacy of the country to lend money to other countries, the increase of job opportunities and the decline of unemployment in our country which also reduce the OFW workers in numbers and lastly the diminution of crime rate in our country.

Such report is very impressive and the Filipino people is hoping a visible and material manifestation not only in data or in words written on papers, we hold on in every promises the government made and is currently doing, what we desire for every Filipino is that they will have faith not only in the president’s word but in God who appointed and willed the president’s appointment in the office. It is impossible to achieve such development if we will remain a critique and at the same time not to pry with governmental issues, if we will not do our part in the improvement and just be an audience, if we will continue to blame the government for our misfits, indolence and non-involvement, if we will allow corruption and compromise to what is wrong, if we will be pessimistic with the progress of our country.

Indeed every Filipino dream and continues to dream, the SONA of the president is still in the making, he cannot do it alone, the advancement may be visible or invisible as of the moment but what is important is that all of us will partake with our country’s growth and development so that the “sleeping man in Asia” will become “Asia’s Next Tiger” in the future.

To be thrilled with the report of the president is alright, however we must keep a watchful eye so as not to criticize but to bring to remembrance what he has promised. We are very happy and proud that the improvements he mentioned in his report have facts and supporting documents and testimonies from people, unlike the previous government who only based the SONA in shallow waters. Though there is no point in comparison, but it is also a very good learning ground for the current president so that the mistakes committed by the previous government officials will not be repeated during his term. Let the history of this nation serves as a wisdom and knowledge to make and create a better future for the Filipino who have their hopes on high still dreaming for a better Philippines!

Hello Everyone

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From Loser to a Leader

Topic:               From Loser to a Leader

Theme:             Transforming a Loser to a Leader

Title:                 There are No Losers in God’s Transforming Hands

Texts:                Gospel, Acts and Epistle of Peter

Introduction:

How can God transform a loser to a leader? Christians are followers of Christ: the Victor! We who follow Him must live up to that testimony as leader of our pack.

Insight: Peter was considered one of the best church leaders of early Christian church. But his journey to the pinnacle of leadership was filled with rough and life-changing experiences that transformed him to a remarkable leader in the history.

Peter as a Loser

Peter’s life without Jesus – reference – the Gospel

Occupation: Fisherman in Galilee – Mark 1:16

His character:

Arrogant – Mark 14:27-31

Faithlessness – Matthew 14:28-31

Temper – John 18:10

His ignorance:

Became an instrument of satan – Matthew 16:21-23

Unaware of the future, though revealed by Jesus plainly – The Transfiguration – Mark 9:5-6

His fall –

Denied Christ three times, his arrogance and independence from God has led him to fall. Matthew 26:33-43; John 18:15-26

Returned back to fishing – John 21:1-3

Peter’s life when he encountered Jesus John 21

Relationship restored:

1.       Jesus make Himself known to Peter by reminding Him of their first meeting – going back to where and when we first encountered God would brighten our clouded mind filled with memories of our failures and sins.

2.       Forgiveness was initiated by Jesus, when Jesus asked Peter the first time; he wants Peter to recall of his commitment found in Matthew 26:33-35. Jesus is giving Peter the chance to regain himself by asking where his commitment lies, this is a question of priority. It could be that the choice is between his work, the fish and Jesus. Sometimes we are torn by our priorities and God-priorities, there is no option for the place of number 1 in our list, and we should always have a foremost priority. Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” what are “The These” in your life that hinders you to perform your duty as a leader in full potential…Jesus promised that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness all “THESE things shall be added unto you.” It sn no coincident that Jesus used the same allegory in Matthew 6:33 and in John 21 in referring to priorities in life.

3.       Jesus asked Peter the second time to make him feel uneasy, Jesus’ question was direct, no options given, it is a question requiring a direct answer, a question of intimacy, Jesus was asking Peter on the basis of his knowledge about his Savior, who Jesus is to Peter and who Peter was and is to Jesus. A connotation of Peter’s past which Jesus forgave and restored, his present which Jesus renewed and his future which Jesus prepared and determined. By this second question, Peter was shaken because he remembered how he failed Jesus, he was humbled, wanting to be sure not to commit same mistake, he answered Jesus by using the phileo term of love not the agape love which Jesus required. Jesus was satisfied to see his arrogance had changed to humility. God’s loving dealing with our sins is powerful enough to put us back to track. We may have fallen as a leader, but let us remember our failures are God’s means to humble us so that we may fully depend on Him.

4.       Jesus 3^rd question was a question of appointment, upon hearing Peter’s reply to Him, Jesus was determined to strengthened him by allowing Peter to freely reflect on his failure when he denied Christ, seeing that Peter was humbled by his mistakes gave Jesus the opportunity to strengthen his shaken confidence in himself and restoring him by appointing him of leadership. Jesus also told Peter what manner of death he will face, instead of being afraid, Peter embraced Jesus’ words and appointment, he was delighted for he will never commit the same mistake again unlike before when Jesus foretold of his downfall. Their conversation caused Peter to acknowledged God’s sovereignty and his frailty. What a comfort to all leaders appointed by God, because before we enter into the world of leadership, God will strengthen us first so we will come out victorious!

The Transformation of Peter – First Step of Making a Leader Initiated!

Peter’s life was changed when he encountered Christ and he made a sure decision to follow Him even if he learned what manner of suffering he has to take. – John 21:18-19

A person who encountered Christ will be transformed by the power of God, a person who is humbled by his weakness will walk in humility and will depend on God every step of the way for he knew his tendency to fall. Peter realized this, and this is what Jesus wants to see in Peter, the humility before he could take the leadership position. Our position should not cause us to be proud, but it should create a humble spirit that we may reflect Jesus’ leadership.

After Peter’s Transformation comes his empowerment – 2^nd step of Making a Leader in progress – Acts 2

The Holy Spirit empowered Peter and the rest of the disciples, fulfilled. The work ahead of them was vast and impossible without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Peter’s leadership will not be validated, strengthened and empowered without the equipping of the Holy Spirit. Godly and Christian leaders will be able to withstand the challenges of the position: from feeding the lambs, tending the sheep and feeding the sheep and especially following Jesus even to the point of death. Peter’s empowerment brought miracles and healing:

Boldness to preach the Word

Miracles upon miracles follow.

Preaching to the Gentiles

Preaching to the leaders of the council

His insight pertaining to Transfiguration was changed and now he saw the future glory of Christ and the courage to face death. 2^nd Peter 1:12-18

These are important because a leader producing amazing results has proven himself worthy of followers.

Peter’s Leadership – The Continuity of a Leader

Peter’s leadership traced back to his intimate conversation with Jesus, Jesus reminder, appointment and commission to Peter became his pattern for leadership: an example of servant hood, humility and sacrifice. 1^st Peter 5:1-5. How can you serve as a leader or overseer?

Servant hood:

1.       You serve willingly not by force

2.       You serve eagerly, ready for work even if there is no compensation involve.

3.       Serving as an example for them to follow: Jesus washed the disciples’ feet

4.       Begins with a command to feed the sheep, not to fleece them, not to lord over them. A sheep’s wool or fleece is a source of fine linen for textile manufacturing and industry. Wool is taken out of the sheep by shaving them which is tremendously painful – this is a process of fleecing. A leader should not take advantage of his position over his followers whether in monetary or power control, not take advantage of their trust but care for them the same way Jesus cared for His flock.

Humility – v.3

1.       Not acting as boss, lord or master over your flock but as good examples of service, humility: setting pattern of true leadership, because in a leadership position, there is a tendency to become domineering or demanding, some failures of a leader is imposing what they think is right now based on God’s Word, implementing policies with a hand of iron and demanding service from men which are very opposite to Christ’s nature of leadership but similar to satan’s leadership – because he wanted to be served, worshipped and honored: Lucifer’s downfall. Humility reflects on the character of Christ and must be seen in every godly leader.

Sacrifice – v. 2-3

1.       Godly leaders are willing to sacrifice

2.       For the growth of their flock

3.       For the fulfillment of God’s desire for the flock

4.       For his life for the flock

5.       When Jesus talked to Peter, Peter never forget Jesus’ words, sacrificing is required for every leader because when you sacrifice you set aside yourself for the good of your flock – that’s what Jesus did!

Conclusion:

Whether you are an aspiring leader, or already in the position or you think you cannot do anything for God because you think you are a loser, remember that in Jesus hands, there is no such thing as a loser, submit, surrender and be transformed and empowered in His mighty hands to do great things for Him!

Forgiveness: A Difficult Word?

Forgiveness is a difficult word, sometimes, we say we have forgiven a person yet we cannot forget the offense they have done to us, and such concept is in contrast with the true meaning of forgiveness. In Matthew 6: 14-15, Jesus encouraged forgiveness, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” We have the assurance of God’s forgiveness because God Himself promised that when we come to Him in humility and confess our sins, He is just and faithful to forgive us our sins [1^st John 1:9]. People can receive forgiveness no matter how grave their offenses are, they can be sure that their sins will be wiped out and will be remembered no more.

But when people offended us it is difficult for us to release forgiveness, we always find excuses not to forgive them, we always see ourselves as the most offended one, we always demand our rights over those who offended us, we want them to suffer and we want them to acknowledge their sins before us so we can forgive them. If we are setting standards for people to do for us so we can issue forgiveness, we are playing god! Have you ever realized that when we do this we are going against the very nature of God and we are setting ourselves high above Him?

God’s basis for forgiveness is if we faithfully confess our sins, [1^st John 1:9] if we come to Him with a broken spirit and a contrite heart, [Psalms 51:17] if we forgive others who have offended us [Matthew 6:14-15], why is it more difficult for us humans to forgive? Why is it our policies and standard are burdensome compared to God? We humans always exult our rights over the One who made us righteous; God wants us to forgive others so He too can forgive us with our offense.

When we find it hard to forgive, think about Jesus on the cross, how in His suffering He released and prayed forgiveness for those who insulted, persecuted and reviled Him on the cross. “Father forgive them for they do not know what they do,” Luke 23:34. When we forgive we are doing ourselves a favor, we are setting ourselves free from pain, bitterness and other complications brought about by unforgiveness. Experts say that unforgiveness cause stress and some illnesses which are spiritual by nature. And the only cure to spiritual illnesses is a balm of healing which is also spiritual, forgiveness is spiritual and has a freedom effect from the forgiver and the receiver of forgiveness. Even if you find it unfair or unjust on your part, for Jesus too suffered all forms of injustices when He died on the cross, yet He never insisted His righteousness because if He did, God would not find any reason to forgive us, it is by Christ’s work why we can be forgiven. If there is someone who offended you, just forgive and think of the beauty it will do to you, you may not be Jesus just like what everybody says, but you can be a little Jesus by becoming like Him by following His example of love, compassion and forgiveness. Think about this…

Maintaining Your Purity

I was listening to 702 DZAS when I heard the portion: “The President’s Report”, Pastor Dan Andrew Cura was discussing the issue of Sexual Abstinence and maintaining your purity while waiting for the right one. I’m very thankful because the station has launched this campaign which will educate and give awareness to young people on how premarital sex can stain their purity, innocence and commitment to God, family and even in their relationship with their special someone.

According to survey mentioned by Pastor Dan Andrew Cura the percentage of teens to young people who have engaged in premarital sex have soared to 70%, this is a saddening news because it shows that our youth devalue their worth, purity and future in exchange for worldly and passing pleasures of sin. Experts say that some of the contributing factors to this situation are family conflicts, media and entertainment, environment and personal issues. These problems may have been taken cared of if our youth has a strong foundation in their childhood training and discipline, if they experienced and encountered God in their lives and if there is a strong family ties at home, they will not look for sense of belongingness outside the hedge of the family circle.

In our church, majority of our young people belong to a group of teens with ages ranging from 12 to 18, in order to prevent mishap in the future due to impulsive decisions, peer pressure and personal issues, we have held several Teen Talk focusing on waiting for the right person at a right time and maintaining purity during the waiting process. We may have fed them with godly values, influence and counsel, but the decision is theirs to make and so with all the young people in our society, it is our fervent prayer that our youth will value the things which are important and eternal.

Just a heads-up, to all ladies out there…please be reminded of the following insights and try to meditate the truth behind this. I would like to encourage you to evaluate and be honest with yourself as we tackle some issues pertaining to your worth as a woman.

No. 1 – If these lovers of yours really love and value you, that person will not cause you to disobey your parents and your God. It is more frightening to think that if they can cause your disobedience to God, what damage they can do to you as a person, they may have the power to turn your hearts away from God. Think of the reality, if they can hurt God by their stubbornness, they can hurt you too. A person who loves God and is committed to Him is godly and will not cause your heartache. Because he values his covenant with the Almighty, he values you as a person; he values his commitment to the one whom God has reserved for him. So it is very important that you must learn to wait for the right time and for the right person, not just going on in a relationship, it is important to pray and listen to godly advice from experienced people and most especially your parents. It would be unfair if that person has reserved himself for you and yet you are throwing yourself to every cute guy in town, damaging yourself, emotionally, mentally and physically, same with all men. Preserve yourself so that when that right person comes both of you will face life ahead together without guilt and regrets.

No. 2 – If these lovers of yours really love you, they will value your future. Men who cause their partner to commit premarital sex only satisfy their sexual cravings, and after they are done with you they will leave you heartbroken and damaged. Ladies, please consider that sex may be pleasurable at the moment but its effect has lasting consequences. Be visionary, don’t just dwell at the present, think of your future, it is an unpleasant sight to see yourself mothering your children at an early age, instead of enjoying your youthful beauty, you look like 40 years old because you have been dilapidated and worn out by the situations you yourself are not ready to handle. Value your time, take it easy, don’t rush into things, you have seen and heard testimonies of people who committed such mistakes and have seen where this mistake have led them into and once you’ve compromised, you cannot change things the way they are, you need to live with it…A girl who came up to me and told me how much she regretted for not listening to her parents, is now a mother at an early age of 14, she stays with the man who caused her pregnancy, but she was so upset because he is going out with other girls even if they are only living together for a year, he would come home and forced her to have sex with him because he’s drunk. She wanted to get out of the situation, but she can’t. She needs to deal with her mistakes for the rest of her life, what a sad reality, but still a lot of girls committed the same mistakes over and over again. When are you going to learn?!

No. 3 – if these lovers of yours really love you, they will value your purity, nothing is more important but the two of you walk down the aisle blameless before God because sex is more wonderful when committed inside the blessing of marriage. A man values a woman by waiting for her at a right time, if a man committed not to touch a woman sexually in their waiting period she is definitely a part of a future reserved for by the man. Usually, when couple engaged in premarital sex, some women were left alone to suffer while the man leaves all the responsibilities and heartaches to the woman. A woman is battered sexually, emotionally and spiritually.

Ladies if you want to be sure of a true man who will keep and treat you what you truly deserve, do not give in, maintain your purity, do not fall at their invitation to sin, it may be pleasurable at the moment but the consequence has a lasting effect. Think about this...;D

Call to Follow and Fish

Theme:           The Call to Follow and Fish

Topic:             Leaving All to Follow Christ

Title:                The Caller; the Fisher and the Fish

Texts:               Matthew 4:18-22 and Mark 1:14-20

Introduction:

a.     What can you see in our world today?

b.     As a Christian, what are you doing about this?

c.     Are you the fisher of the fish?

d.     In this video you are about to see, we Christians are called by God to fish for Him, because there are many fishes in the sea and these fishes are falling straight to the snare of the enemy.

INSIGHT:

The world is facing spiritual decline, but the biggest problem is, the world doesn’t know about this.

I.              Purpose of Jesus’ Call – The Fishes

a.     Matthew 4:16 – the people sat in darkness…who sat in the region and shadow of death. There are many fishes in the sea, and they could be your love-ones, friends, relatives, family, community, your nation and the world.

b.     These people are lured and trapped by satan in his snares and they know nothing about it. Satan uses his bait: fame, wealth and splendor in exchange for their souls.

c.     They are captive and blinded, they are controlled by the god of this world, they are groaning inside waiting for deliverance – these fishes could be someone close to you, and these people need Jesus. They need someone who would tell them about Him.

d.     Do you know the difference between Jesus as the Fisher and satan? When a person gets caught in Jesus arms, He offers them life to the full and afterwards they became parts of Jesus’ body. While satan, once you get caught in his traps, you’ll fall into a frying pan!

e.     Is it okay with you to see your love-ones die without knowing Jesus? If not be a member of Jesus’ Fishermen: He never hanged Wanted Posters – His demand for manpower is urgent that’s why He made the call personal. There are a lot of people dying without knowing Jesus, but the sad reality is the Church doesn’t care about this.

II.            The Call to Believe –  On the account of Jesus’ preaching before He gathered the first disciples, He was declaring four things as stated in Mark 1:15:

a.     “The time is fulfilled…” – the time when after He was baptized by John, tempted by satan in the wilderness and ministered by angels – this was the commencement of His ministry. This is the time that He needs to fulfill His purpose. All of His preparations are over and it’s time to put them to action. His mission and ministry starts here in order to accomplish what He was assigned and committed to do.

b.     “…the Kingdom of God is at hand…” – this Kingdom which was hidden from men was now proclaimed by Jesus Himself, His willingness that all become partakers of this Kingdom. Jesus’ desire to establish God’s kingdom not in physical but in the hearts of men.

c.     When Jesus declared that the Kingdom of God is at hand, He was declaring that redemption and salvation has come: the need of the world to hear the good news.

d.     The purpose of Jesus’ call is to bring light to this darkened world because the people sit in darkness [Matthew 4:16], because the world is sick, dying and passing away. [1^st Cor. 17:31 says, “those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.”]

e.      “Repent…” – the first step of becoming part of this Kingdom is to turn away from sin which is the basic sign of humility therefore acknowledging that our offense is committed against God and that we badly need His mercy.

f.        “…and believe in the gospel.” – Believe in Jesus which is the core and the gospel that man needs to know.

g.     It is impossible for us to be partakers of God’s kingdom without doing the basic and necessary steps: repent and believe.

III.           The Call to Follow – is an idiom of discipleship. Upon declaring Jesus’ first evangelistic crusade, He calls for people who will become His arms, voice, hands, feet to the world.

a.     Jesus’ earthly mission has a timetable of 3 years. During this span of time He needs to accomplish the purpose of His coming – part of that is to have people on His team which will continue what He has started. He is calling fishers who are not qualified in earthly standard but will be perfected along the way.

b.     Jesus’ call is to enhance the gift that He has given us since we are formed in our mother’s womb. For He has knitted us so He knows our frame – He knows our capacity to succeed and become noble. Before anyone can use us for vain glory, Jesus desires to make us an instrument of praise and glory for Him.

c.     Jesus Call is a total surrender – when Peter, Andrew, James and John responded to Jesus, they left everything behind them, their business, family and their comfort zone. Jesus’ call requires faith to depend on Him for everyday sustenance and provision, it is putting God’s kingdom first and foremost on our list, it is counting everything loss that we may gain Christ [“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8]

  

IV.               The Caller – Jesus Christ – against the call of this world.

a.     Passed the test – [Matthew 4:1-11] satan offered fame and riches and splendor to Him but Jesus was focused on one thing: You! He was never swayed to and fro, what He needs to finish must be done accordingly for He knows what is at stake if by chance He slipped away from His goal.

b.     Beloved Son of God – [Mark 1:11] the Father honors and exalts the Son, Jesus. Because Jesus us the perfect image of the Father. He is authorized to represent the father and all authority and power is upon Him in order to accomplish God’s will. If the father delights in Him, then we can be assured that He delights whomever Jesus approves. Jesus words and calling is final for He speaks on behalf of the Father. He is not mistaken in His decision.

c.     The Spirit descended upon Him like a dove – [Mark 1:10] Jesus as 100% man was enveloped by the Holy Spirit for Him to accomplish His mission. Christ’s mission is not an easy one. The Great One who [“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  ⁷But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ⁸And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:6-8] Being holy yet dying a sinner’s death was much unbearable for Him yet He bore it all for the sake of His love to humanity.

d.     This is the kind of caller who is sounding the call. As stated in my previous preaching, satan is also calling and sometimes we have responded to his call more than we have responded to Jesus’. Let’s make an analysis of who is the best:

        JESUS                                                             SATAN

Passed the test                                             Failed the test

Beloved Son of God                       as Lucifer he was created by God

Powerful                   

Holy Spirit Baptizer                          

He died because of His love for you

e.     Jesus is incomparable, but sometimes it’s helpful to analyze and evaluate the truth, for more and more people are being deceived that satan is powerful because he can do some stuff. Jesus is more than that.

f.        Indeed Jesus’ call may sound radical, leaving your family, riches and everything just to follow Him – but the price is worth it don’t you think. Anyway, Jesus’ call is not to be taken as a burden, because He never imposed Himself on someone but rather He allows us to choose whom we will follow. There are famous people in our world today who are willing to sacrifice their own souls for money, fame and splendor but they don’t know the scary trade this will bring upon them. Our response to Jesus’ call allows us to choose between death and life.

g.     Jesus is worthy of our trust, He deserves our attention for He surpasses all knowledge and wisdom. He’s a miracle worker, lover of soul, all knowing and all-powerful. So there’s no reason not to trust Him and not to respond. He can take care of you. Trust Him when He asked you to leave everything behind for He will take care of them for you.

V.                 The Fishers – Simon and Andrew - Notice that He didn’t call the trained Pharisees or scribes He called artisans and encouraged them that the skills they already had were serviceable in the kingdom.

a.     If God called shepherds like Moses and David to shepherd his people Israel, Jesus could call fishermen to be gatherers of people. Some great men and women of God in the Bible never even became public expositors of Scripture; social workers, teachers and many others have skills and backgrounds on which we must draw to be an effective church today. It is to our loss that congregations disregard the insights of the various professions among us. [Taken from Bible Gateway Commentary] so what you are today is enough for God to utilize you, all you need is an obedient and trusting heart to the One who calls you.

b.     These fishers were not perfected overnight – they have their weaknesses: impulsive, arrogant, boastful, self –righteous and hypocrites. Despite of their weaknesses Jesus loves them. As much as He knew their tendency to succeed, He knew all along their tendency to fail, to doubt, to commit mistakes and be proud, yet in all these, Jesus saw in them the potential to grow, to change and the potential to do great things for the kingdom.

c.     Jesus is not limited by our weaknesses and limitations, unless we totally shut Him off, just like Judas. Our limitations and weaknesses are conditions that are present in every human being – this is God’s springboard of opportunity to show Himself powerful. But the act of limiting God is an offense to Him, it is rejecting and doubting what God can do and will do through you. How do we limit God, it is by acting, saying and living in faithlessness – the thought of I can’t do it, I’m not qualified, and so on.

d.     The fishers demonstrated three things:

                                                               i.      Immediately left their nets and follow Him v.18 Mark

They left their business source of income and livelihood

                                                             ii.      They left their father Zebedee

They left their family and love-ones

                                                            iii.      They act is haste.

e.     If we are going to follow Christ, it’s important to do it immediately, this act simply means putting Christ above all else and depending on Him for resources, for His resources are readily available. That’s why Jesus wants us to be baptized with the Holy Spirit so we can experience the same power that can change the course of history!

f.        They may have records of failures and downfall, Jesus allowed this to happen to build their character: once they allowed Jesus to take the full control of their lives – they were able to turn the world upside down.

VI.               Conclusion:

a.     Jesus’ call is still ringing… let’s respond to His call and make a change on our world today, let us not allow the instruments of the enemy steal the center stage. It is high time that we sound the alarm of salvation!

b.     Sound the alarm and make it so loud until it reaches the farthest side of the world. Before it’s too late!