What Have They Seen In Thine House?

“What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, all the things that are in mine house have they seen:  there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.”  (2 Kings 20:15)

What if God suddenly visits our family!  What can be seen in our house? The family is the smallest unit of society yet it is the most important part of the community.  The family is subject to Satan’s wise destruction plans.  King Hezekiah’s life has moral lessons to be learned  in the aspect of  family life and of raising children.  The key Bible verse to ponder and to get lesson  is  “what have you seen in thine house?” One verse that strikes us most!   This is a challenging question to every Father and Mother of a family!  To raise a better home. Here are  four H’s  simply to be followed:

I – Hospitality  - We  must be hospitable.  This should be a culture of a believer.  In our Church we must initiate greetings and warm welcome to our visitors.  And also when someone visits our house we must show  a welcoming atmosphere just like what Hezekiah did. He even showed every thing.  This means all the blessings God gave to us should be repaid by being friendly and  loving our neighbours and visitors.  Not pride and arrogance.  Not being boastful by living in luxury but simple  living by helping the needy and the sick.

II – Holiness -  What can be seen in thine house?  Is there holiness? The Bible says that “we have been crucified with Christ, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” therefore we live in accordance to His will.   In our house, vices should be eliminated.  The enemies should be cast out. There should be totally no ash tray, no bottles of alcohol, no cigarette butts, no nude pictures in the calendar, no gambling playing cards, no vulgar words, no worldly satanic rock music,  no porn magazines instead our house should be seen with Bible verses written in the framed hanged in the walls and  Bible displayed  in the altar.  God said:  “Ye shall  diligently keep the commandments of the  Lord your God, and His testimonies, and His statutes, which He hath commanded thee.  And thou shalt do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord..and to cast out all thine enemies.” (Deuteronomy 6:17-19).

III-  Happiness –  What can be seen in your house? Is there  happiness?  Home’s purpose is a place of love.  When was the last you said  I love you to your wife? How can a family be happy if the husband and wife are always quarrelling?  Home is a place of rest.  Father and mother should show happiness not strife. Where did the father or mother  slept last night?  Home should be a place of shelter and security.  Acceptance and understanding should always prevail not misunderstanding and rejection.   “ Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith, than a house full of sacrifices and strife.  (Proverbs 17:1)

IV -   Harmony – What can be seen in your house?  Being parents,  we should a leader!   To be firm in decisions pertaining to discipline and good governance in the house.  A father who is a provider, protector,  a teacher, and a priest.  A father who provides food, clothing and shelter.  Buy your children with clothes presentable so that  they will be happy.   It is odd to see a father with all the new clothes and new shoes while the wife and children are wearing old and worn out clothes and shoes.  We gave cold beverages and fried chicken to our  friends  while enjoying during drinking spree yet we give sardines and a piece of anchovy  to our children while the wife and parent  are starving  to death and sad,  patiently waiting in the house for our return.  We became termites, not pillars of the family.  A father protects his family and wife.   We only protect our wife during the  days when we are courting and wooing her to become a girlfriend,  but now when marriage ceremony  is over and  old, we walk with our wives so far in a distance while arguing with each other.  We even destroy their lives!   If we know our responsibilities, there is harmony in the house. 

(From Abet F. Falcunitin’s Sunday School Message at Odiongan Baptist Church)

Christmas and Jonah and the Big Fish

“Salvation is of the Lord.”  (Jonah 2:9)

This Christmas,   Jesus is commanding us to follow Him.  To follow His orders. Jonah and the whale’s story focus on salvation.  This Christmas the best gift you can ever give to your friend is the gift of salvation.   And this is the right time.

You may have no riches and material things to give,  but you have the abundance of God’s grace that you can give.   Material things like toys and clothes and foods  and even money are temporary and can be destroyed.  Gifts bought on malls and stores and even imported ones are sometimes fake and did not pass quality assurance.  But the Gospel of Christ and the Bible is genuine,eternal and lasts forever.  It will make man a follower of Christ.  Tell  your families, friends, officemates, neighbours, those in prison and hospital that following the life of Christ is the best  and the happiest  gift they can receive!

Take a glance and consider the life of Jonah.  Jonah’s life was full of lessons.  Jonah disobeyed God.  He ran away from God.  Instead of obeying God’s order to preach the Gospel in Nineveh, he went to Tarshish.  Because of Jonah’s disobedience,  God sent a violent storm!   In our lives, sometimes  God will send storms if we disobey Him!  The storms may be in whatever form like illness, accident, financial difficulty, broken relationship, loss of job, or loss of life.

The storms of our life will pass away because God has prepared it.  God knows how ,  when and why to start and stop the storms!    In the Bible it was said that the  “now the Lord HAD PREPARED a great fish.” (Jonah 1:17).    Meaning, God had prepared our  lives. God knows what will happen to us even to Jonah.  The whole of our life was already a finished plan God had prepared, a master piece.  God created everything , from the weather to the  whale to the forgiveness of Jonah’s disobedience to Jonah’s success of making the Ninevites repent and believe God. God is in control to carry out to accomplish His plan to save us when we are troubled.

We must share the Gospel of Jonah to others.  We must not disregard this and assume we knew better than God.  Jonah though stubborn and always complaining, yet, still God extends His loving arm of mercy and forgiveness that extends beyond all people on earth.

This year’s Christmas may be the appropriate and right time for you to change. God is always telling and reminding us to do right things.   Remember,  God wants you to be an obedient son and to be saved!   The only problem of gift giving is your defying self.  Will you accept His gift? 

(From Andrew's Sermon and Pastor John Abet F. Falcunitin during Baptist Men’s Sunday School )

Why Was The Lord Of Glory Laid In A Manger?

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”   (Luke 2:7)

Why was the lord of glory laid in a manger? The answer are because of alienation,  because of  association, and because of accessibility!

 

I – BECAUSE OF ALIENATION -  We  alienate or reject Jesus because we cannot accept Him as our  God and Saviour.  The people of  Nazareth love Jesus as a teacher, a healer, a defender of the poor but when Jesus said I am God,  they said No!  You’re only son of Joseph the carpenter. We do not  want God because we cannot  leave our comfort  zones  and  give up our properties. 

II – BECAUSE OF ASSOCIATION – Jesus was born to associate with mankind. To experience man’s poverty, problems, and priorities.  “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”  (2 Corinthians 8:9). God promised us to meet our needs. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19). God knows our needs, trials  and struggles in life.  “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” (Isaiah 53:3).  God knows our poverty.  “And Jesus saith unto him, the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the son of man hath not where to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20).

III – BECAUSE OF ACCESSIBILITY – Imagine for a moment that Jesus had been born in Herod’s Palace amid all the riches of that place.  Imagine Him being separated from the common man by the walls and grounds of King’s palace. If that was the case, would you feel the freedom and liberty to come to Him? However , He was born in a manger and thereby he made Himself accessible to all who would come to Him. It is noteworthy to see the visit of the shepherds and the wise men.   This is the reason why God is not interested so much in our talents and treasure but in our time and availability! We must always be accessible to God 24/7 and 365 days a year.

(From Rev. T.A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

The Biblical Meaning Of Christmas

“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...All things were made by Him; without him was not any  thing made that was made..and the word was made flesh and dwelt among us.”  (John 1:1-5, 10-14)

Christmas means  God is over us, for us, with us and in us!

I – He Is God Over Us –    God is  our Creator, sustainer, Judge, and the Alpha and Omega .“For by him were all things  created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities or powers: all things were created by him and for him.”  (Colossians 1:16). He is our sustainer.    “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5). He is our Judge.     “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” (John 5:22).   “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”  (Revelation 22:13).

II – He is God For Us – Jesus is for us. He offered His life for us though we were sinners.  “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).   ^“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”  (Romans 8:31).

III – He Is God With Us -   God is with us...very close to us!  God is with us in our highest and lowest, fastest and farthest and lightest and darkest moments of our lives. “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23).   “If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.  If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.”  (Psalm 138:8-12).

IV- He Is God In Us – Christ is our hope, help and our haven of rest.  “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).   “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began”  (Titus 1:2).     “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  (Matthew 11:28).

(From Rev. T.A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

Jesus Is Knocking At Your Door

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”    (Luke 2:7)

Our God is waiting for us. Jesus was laid in a manger  because there was no room for  Him in the inn.  Like us,  God is knocking in our hearts, God is speaking to us through the Bible, patiently and uses people just to let us know He cares for us.

 I – Jesus Knocks at Your Door Individually – “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20).  “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1:12).

II – He Knocks Through The Bible – “But what saith it?  The word is nigh to thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach....How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?  And how shall they  believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”  (Romans 10:8,14).

III-  He Knocks Patiently – “I stand at the door and knock.” (Revelation 3:20). He knocks during our youthful days. “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.”  (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

IV – He knocks Through The People – “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Do we have room in our hearts to accommodate Him? This Christmas, Jesus is waiting.

(From Rev. T.A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

It Is Well With My Soul

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."  (Romans 8:18)

It Is Well With My Soul

Horatio G. Spafford

1820-1888

I

When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

II

Though Satan should buffet, tho trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed his own blood for my soul.

III

My sin-oh, the bliss of this glorious tho't:

My sin not in part, but the whole

Is nail'd to the cross and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

IV

And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,

The clouds be roll'd back as a scroll,

The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,

"Even so," it is well with my soul.

Chorus:

It is well with my soul, It is well,

It is well with my soul

Horatio G. Spafford, a lawyer and a businessman from Chicago, wrote this beloved hymn. He was born in North Troy New York, on October 20, 1828. Along with his financial success, he always maintained active relationship in Christian activities. He was noted as a man of unusual intelligence and refinement, deeply spiritual, and a devoted student of the Scripture.

Some months prior to Chicago Fire of 1871, Spafford had invested heavily in real estate in the shores of Lake Michigan, and his holdings were wiped out by this disaster. Desiring a rest for his wife and four daughters, Spafford planned a European trip for his family in November of 1873. Due to unexpected last minute business developments, he had to remain in Chicago, but he sent his wife and four daughters on ahead as scheduled on the S.S. Ville du Havre. He expected to follow in a few days. On November 22 the ship was struck by the Lochearn, an English vessel and sank in twelve minutes. Several days later, the survivors were finally landed at Cardiff, Wales, and Mrs. Spafford cabled her husband, "Saved alone." Shortly afterward Spafford left by ship to join her bereaved wife. It is thought that on the sea near the area where his four daughters had drowned, Spafford penned this text whose words so significantly describe his own personal grief - "When sorrows like sea billows roll."

It is notewothy however, that Spafford's hymn does not dwell on the theme of life's sorrows and trials but focuses attention in the third stanza on the redemptive work of Christ and in the fourth stanza anticipates his glorious Second Coming. Humanly speaking, it is amazing that one could experience such personal tragedies and sorrows as Horatio did and still be able to say with such convincing clarity "It is well with my soul."

Phillip P. Bliss, in 1876, impressed with Spafford's experience and expression of text short wrote the music for it. In 1881, Spafford left Chicagowith their two daughters and settled in Holy Land of Jerusalem. Horatio died at the age of sixty. (Text taken from Kenneth W. Osbeck's 101 Hymn Stories p.126).

Today this hymn is already a church song widely sang by many churches all over the world for many years. Sometimes I cry every time this song is being played in our Church. It reminds me of my griefs, my sadness too..like Horatio's . But thanks to God...thanks to Horatio. The song soothes my soul...yes... it is well with my soul.

Unchanging Reasons for Thanksgiving

“I will never leave thee nor forsake thee”  (Hebrew 13:5)

I - Our  Savior  – We thank God for His ABIDING presence. This is one of the reasons not to change our way of always thanking God. Because He did not leave nor forsake us.  He said “and lo, I am with you alway even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20).  “Fear thou not for I am with thee.. I will strengthen thee...I will help thee...I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”(Isaiah 41:10). We thank God for His ASSISTING presence.  He is a loving, faithful, wise and active helper. “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:6). And we thank God for His ANCHORING presence. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”  (Hebrews 13:8).

II – Our Salvation – Jesus is the PRICE to redeem our salvation.  “Wherefore that Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate.’ (Hebrews 13:12).  “For by grace are you saved through faith and not of yourselves, not of works lest any man should boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9). GRACE means God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Jesus suffered PAIN  when He said :“this is my body which is given for you.” (Luke 22:19-20). “They put crown of thorns upon His head.” (Matthew 27:29).  All these He did PURPOSELY to sanctify us. “That He might sanctify the people.” (Hebrews 13:12).  We gain POSITION in our salvation. “ Therefore there is now  no condemnation to them which are Christ Jesus.”  (Romans 8:1). “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:28). We are always PROGRESSIVE in our faith. “But grow in grace, in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”  (2 Peter 3:18). And we were finally PERFECTED. “In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13).

III- Our Sanctuary – We thank God because He promised us our permanent place in heaven not any city of the world.  “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” (Hebrews 13:14). Heaven is a GENUINE place.  Heaven is a REAL place. “In my father’s house are many mansions if it were not so I would have told.” (John 14:2).  Heaven is a RESIDING place.  “ I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:3).  Heaven is a RESTING place.  “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, that they may rest from their labours.” (Revelation 14:13). Heaven is GLORIOUS place  In its BEAUTY and BLESSINGS and in the PRESENCE with God. “God is with men, and he will dwell with them.”  (Revelation 21:3).  Heaven is guarded from SORROW.  Note the words “No More.” No more sea, no more sadness, no more sleep (death), no more suffering, no more sundown (night). “And God shall wipe away all tears  from their eyes;  and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither there shall be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”  (Revelation 21:4).

(From Rev. Teofilito Arevalo Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

Am I My Brother's Keeper?

“Where is Abel thy brother?”  And Cain said, “I know not: am I my brother’s keeper?”  (Genesis 4:9)

The background of this great Bible question was the murder of  Abel  by his brother Cain.  God knows that  Cain murdered Abel.   God gave Cain a chance to confess his crime.  But Cain did not tell the truth.

Cain said “Am I my brother’s keeper?”  There are many things we can learn from Cain and Abel.

1.     We also tell lies to God and we do not keep our brothers.

2.    Cain was jealous with Abel because God favoured Abel.  We are sometimes full of envy and jealousy when favors are not given to us by our friends.

3.   God favoured Abel because Abel’s offering to God is with humility and true faith. Cain’s offering to God was given in pride. “God opposes the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”  (James 4:6).    We give God not the best but the left-overs! We do not work hard and honestly.

4.     God gave the best for us His only son Jesus but we gave God the second class. Abel’s offering was the spotless Lamb.  We offer God worn-out or torn clothes like rags.

Are we our brothers’ keepers? Are you and I responsible to the needs of  other people? Is it our job to feed the hungry? Do we owe anything to the orphans? And the widows?  Is it our job to minister the sick? If Christians engage in sin, is it our job to speak to them?  Are we responsible for helping them to guide them away from the sin and back to righteous living?

The answer is Yes!   As Christians we are indeed our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers!  “Visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction .” (James 1:27)  Our faith is dead if we give nothing to our brothers. (James 2:15-17).  “Let us love in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:18).   Whenever we come across a person in need, we must realise this is a Divine Appointment.  God  is calling us to join Him. “We must love and defend the fatherless and widow, loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.”  (Deuteronomy 10:18).

“Loose the bands of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free,  give bread to the poor and hungry, the strange shelter, the naked thou cover him.”  (Isaiah 58:6-7).

Ask yourself:  What do I need to give God?  Is God calling me to join a church group where I can offer Him my time and talents to be used in ministry to the hurting and lost people of this world?  Does my attitude towards all the needy people around me,  my neighbours and co-workers, even beggars who I avoid in the street, need to change?   The way we should live is by “keeping our brothers” selflessly loving and caring for others.

(From Dr. Derek Stringer’s Great Bible Questions)

How Many Times Shall I Forgive?

“Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21)

Forgiveness is one of God’s attributes. It falls under God’s Love, a benevolent, merciful , gracious and forgiving Father.  “That you love one another, as I have loved you.” (John 5:12).

In  a real sense, forgiveness can be very difficult.  Real forgiveness or genuine forgiveness is as rare as hen’s teeth, and it is more common to be unforgiving than forgiving. It is sadly our natural human state because we put our resentment in cold storage so that we can thaw it out when we need it. They say they bury that hatchet but maintains a map that carefully marks the spot where they buried it so they can dig it up when they need it.  We nurse our grudges as if they were our precious children!  It’s a dog-eat-dog  world not dog-forgive-dog world.

Jesus wants us to understand that forgiving is something we should do over and over and over again. God tells us to forgive 70 times 7 or 490 times indicates the persistent, relentless nature of the love that is to be characteristic of a follower of the Lord. If Jesus did not forget Peter for denying Him because of cowardice, Peter would have been lost. But because God forgave Peter, he was changed.

Really, God asks us to do something that is so hard ...and one of those is to forgive.  But God tells us to forgive endlessly because God is so forgiving. God knows that forgiving others is good for us. God knows that refusing to forgive damages our relationship with Him and God knows that forgiveness will benefit the forgiven.

 Luke 6:27-28 tells us to “love our enemies.”  Matthew 6:9-13 directs us to pray “and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”   Matthew 6:14 reminds us that “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.” The parable of the unforgiving servant depicts what God will not forgive us if we will not forgive others ( Matthew 18:23-25).

When we forgive it is beneficial to both the forgiving and forgiven.  We recreate that person and be like Peter and Onesimus whom was forgiven by Philemon thru Paul’s request. When we forgive, we reduce tension and restore our relationship. Forgiveness made enemies into friends!  We must not harbour resentment because it is not good to our psychological and physical health.  Job 5:2 warns us that “to worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish and senseless thing to do.” Chronic anger is damaging to body. It leads to emotional stress, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bone.” (Proverbs 17:22).

But how can we forgive?  Here are some God’s tips:

P-Pray

E- Empathy

A-Act

C-Confess

E-Example

Use this acronym and always remember to live at peace with others (1  Thessallonians 5:13).

We must “pray for those who ill-treat you.” (Luke 6:27-28).  We need to try to understand why they did and what they did and this is empathy.  We must act in forgiving ways. Do not revenge. Leave the vengeance to God. Jesus said “vengeance is mine.” (Romans 12:19). “Do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27). “Bless those who curse you.”  (Luke 6:28). Jesus told us to do this when we are hurt:

1.       Go to the wrongdoer. “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” (Matthew 18:15)

2.       Innocent party must initiate reconciliation.

3.       Do it privately.

4.       Forgiveness is not optional. It is a command.

5.       Be prepared to act in a forgiving way even if you do not feel like it.

6.       If a friend or family member holds a grudge, keep on acting toward them in loving ways.

7.       If your adversaries need help moving house, fixing a flat tire, need to borrow something, go to their aid.

Sometimes part of forgiveness is owning up our fault. We may be part of the blame. Consider if our jealousy, stubbornness, ambition, or even our bad attitudes has contributed to the rift.  Accelerate peace process by admitting our wrongdoing. We must say “I am very sorry. The hurt I caused you causes me pain as well.”

To end, set ourselves like Jesus as an example.  Jesus suffered and died to forgive our sins. Ask ourselves: Is there someone we need to forgive?  Is there someone who needs or wait  our forgiveness?

(From the Great Bible Questions by Dr. Derek Stringer)

Sola Fide, Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, and Sola Gratias (Four Essential Truths of Christian Faith)

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2  Timothy 3:16).

Here are  four truths that are essential to Christian Faith:

I – Bible Alone  (Sola Scriptura) -  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2  Timothy 3:16).

 The Bible is plain.  “From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures.”  (2 Timothy 3:15).

The Bible is powerful. “For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart.’ (Hebrews 4:12). 

The Bible should be preached. “Preach the Word; be instant in season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2).

II – Christ Alone (Sola Christus) – “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the  Father, but by me.” (John 14:6).   Salvation is simple:  The source, scope, simplicity and security is only Jesus.  Jesus alone.“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth:  for I am God, and there is none else.”  (Isaiah 45:22).

III – Grace Alone (Sola Gratias) -  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.  Not of works  lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9).  “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Romans 5:8).  GRACE means G- God , R-reaching, A-accepting,  C-caring and E-encouraging.  God is gracious and merciful because he commendeth his love toward us. 

IV -  Faith Alone (Sola Fide) – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1).  “As it is written the just shall live by faith.”  (Romans 5:17). Genuine faith is from start to finish. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1). A faith that should be lived forever. “I am crucified with Christ:nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20).

(From the Sunday Worship Messages of Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon)

How Much Does Jesus Really Care About You?

“Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Does really God care for us? The answer is a resounding yes! God really care for us.  God said “all”   all our problems.  Past, present and future problems. God is asking to cast all our problems to him. Let God handle all our fears, failures, disappointments, school problems, marriage, business, sickness and money.  

There is a song:

It Matters Him About You

Your heartaches, your sorrows, He shares

Regardless of what you may do.

He loves you; he wants you, He care

Although He has millions of soul to see about

Although the sun, the moon and the stars are in His care

How wonderful to know, wherever you may go.

He can be reached just a whispered prayer.

For it matters to Him about You!

The Bible says that Jesus’ CARES means:

C- Comfort – “Jesus is the God of Comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

A-Aid- “God is our refuge and a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

R-Restore and Rest- “God restoreth our soul.” (Psalm 23:1).

E-Eternally-“Jesus loves you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3).

S-Supply – “My God shall supply all our needs.” (Philippians 4:19).

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

Overcome Sin

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, if there be any praise...think about these things.”  (Philippians 4:8)

There  is a great chance to commit sin if we are ignorant in the word of God. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.  There is a saying “an ounce of prevention is better than  a pound of cure.” What are the effective ways to fight sin:

I – Know and Depend Completely On God’s Word – By knowing and depending completely on God’s Word, we avoid the sin of ignorance and self-reliance.   “Study diligently the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life.” ( John 5:39).  By  reading the Bible, we learn the truths and gain eternal life. To break God’s Word and to pronounce independence from God completely or partly is a sin.

II – Believe In God’s Goodness and His Generosity – “Taste and See that the Lord is Good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8).  God is not slack concerning His promise.  God’s goodness has been proven. Do not disobey God and you will see the pouring of His abundant blessings. We must bring the full tithe in God’s house. If we do that God will pay us in direct proportion...even bigger proportion!

III – Trust God’s Commands As Expressions Of Utmost Love – “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18). By trusting God’s commands, we avoid the sin of considering ourself wiser than God.   “ “Your statues are wonderful, therefore, I obey them.” (Psalm 119:129).  God is always right to forbid us to do unlawful deeds.

IV -  Do not Experiment With Sin – Don’t ever dare to experiment sin. Before

we know, the damage has been done.  We must not jump from the building down to the ground to prove the Law of Gravity. Avoid the sin of commission.

V – Follow God’s Warnings – The Bible is a book of warnings. “We should not test the Lord, as some of them were killed by snakes..these things happened to them as examples and were written as warnings...”  (1 Corinthians 10:9-11).  It’s just like following the warning in the medicine bottle like “warning:toxic or poisonous when taken in over dosage”. God warned Lot.  God warned Adam and Eve.

VI – Reject Every Temptation to be Independent From God – “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls like a roaring lion ready to devour someone.” ( 1 Peter 5:8).  Sin’s mission is to take us out of God’s favor.  Do not use the formula of the devil in earning a living.  Sin is better prevented and easier to prevent than to cure.

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages and  from Ed Lapiz’s Book Pitu-Pito)

In Times Like These

“Many shall run to and fro.”  “Nations shall rise against nations.”  (Daniel 12:4) (Matthew 24:6-7)

Our  age now needs Church revival and a need to have spiritual awakening. The days are really evil.

I – It Is An Age Of War – “Nation shall rise against nation.” (Matthew 24:6-7).   There shall be famines, pestilences, earthquakes.  For 3,521 years, only 286 years have been warless.

II – It Is An Immoral Age – “Men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers .” By the year 2000, Divorce outnumbered marriage.

III – It Is An Age Of Crime – “Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers.” (2 Timothy 3:3). We will have a lot of “hoodlums in uniform.” A white collar crime and widespread scam and syndicates.

IV – It Is  A Stressed-Out Age – “Many shall run to and fro” (Daniel 12:4).  We live in a continuous rush and always say busy, busy! Time is running out.  We live in an age when people depend on pain killers to cope.  Half of our hospitals are victims of stress.  Drugs and alcohol are rampant and younger generations are learning drugs.  What will happen to us if our country is run by drug addicts,  criminals?

V – It Is An Insipid Christianity – “The salt shall lost its savour.” (Matthew 5:13).  When salt lost its savor, the church is tasteless, unpalatable,because of gambling and drugs.  The sad part is, Philippines is a Christian nation in Far East.  Churches in US are being sold due to less numbers of churchgoers.

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

How To Handle Stress

“They shall run and not be weary...they shall mount up with wings like an eagle.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Stress may come from shocking moments,  traumatic events,  repetitious pressures, errors that we make,  sales related to money and financial pressures. Here are God’s  tips to reduce stress:

I – Face The Problem and Grow! – “Be strong and of  a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” ( Deuteronomy 31:6).

II – Don’t Limit God – “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm  37:5).  Do not reduce your stress by alcohol, overeating, drugs and cigarettes but turn it all in God’s hands.

III – Learn To Wait  – “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” ( Isaiah 40:31).

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

When God Corrects His Children

“My son despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth.” (Proverbs 3:11-12) 

We are called sons of God when we believe, accept and receive Christ as our Saviour (John 1:12). Since we are children of God, the question is: Why does God discipline His children?

God disciplines His children because He wants everything in order. Because God is a god of order. “Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:40). His family must be under His discipline. He doesn’t punish us because He enjoys inflicting pain but because He is deeply concerned about our development. He knows that in order to become morally strong and good, we must learn the difference between right and wrong. 

When God disciplines us, he loves us. “For whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth” (Hebrews 12:6-8). We must learn from His correction. Love and corporal punishment are inseparable and are not inconsistent but rather complementary with each other. If we rebel against God and refuse to repent, He may use guilt, crisis and bad experience to bring us back to Him.

If we would not be first moved by persuasion, He will send us pain.  he beats us to become better persons. God is delighted with our obedient response to His love. One example is the principle of tithing. It has been proven that what you sow ye shall reap. If you give what is due for God, He will abundantly give you what is due for you with overflowing "cup that runneth over". On the other hand, tremendous shortage will occur if you do not give what is due for God.

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon’s Mid-week Worship messages)

Where Are You Going To Spend Your Eternity?

“Neither there is salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”                                                              (Acts 4:12)

Time passes quickly. The clock of time is wound only once, and no man has the power to tell when it will stop. Even as you read these words, the ageing process is going in our bodies and everything around us. We read in God’s Word, the Bible….

“For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (James 4:14).

You might think that you have plenty of time and many years ahead of you. Well…..tell me, can a doctor guarantee that any part of your body will not fail any time? Or, can you guard yourself against the hundreds of unseen dangers and incidents in our everyday life? Of course, NOT! Yet death and judgment are sure. God’s Word says,

“……..it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”        (Hebrews 9:27)

Eternity is endless, forever and ever, and God has left this eternal choice up to each of us; to choose heaven or hell, eternal joy or eternal agony. Yet there is so little concern about this eternal matter, like the rich man we read about in the gospel according to Luke……

“And I will say to my soul, soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee…” (Luke 12:19-20).

What must you do?

1. Admit that you are a sinner…”For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).
2. Repent….for…… “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish..” (Luke 13:3).
3. Believe….”that Christ died for our sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
4. Ask….Jesus Christ to come into your life as Saviuor and Lord. You must decide where will you spend eternity. Jesus said, “ I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6).

(From the tract of Odiongan Baptist Church)

Pig or Lamb (A Concept of Repentance)

"Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)

The Bible says that if anyone be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away and all things are become new. This means if we believe in God, we must change our lives. This is metamorphosis. Like a change from larva to butterfly. This changing of  physical appearance means becoming new. A totally new person. If all professing Christians in the world says that they believe and accept God, then a change should be manifested in their daily lives otherwise what they professed was nothing. Nothing but a mere belief and mere acceptance of God.

 

The Bible says that there should be fruits. There should be output. If there is no output or fruit, there is no change. Changing one’s self is impossible without repentance. Repentance is crucial. The meaning of repentance in the Bible is "to change or to turn." It was mentioned seventy times in the New  Testament. It is a command. It is imperative. Jesus said “except ye repent, ye shall likewise all perish.” To be sorry is not enough in repentance. One may admit a guilt or mistake without repentance. Judas hanged himself but he did not repent.

 

Take the case of a Pig and a Lamb. Though how much effort you do to change the appearance of a pig: bath him, polish his hoofs, put some perfume, tie a ribbon around his neck, still the pig will look for a mud puddles. The pig had been changed outwardly but not inwardly. He was still a pig at heart. Take a lamb on the other hand. Put a lamb in the living room then turn him into the yard, and he will try his best to avoid some mud puddles. Why? Because his nature is that of a lamb. Question. Are we pigs or lambs?

(Taken from the book Peace with God by Billy Graham pp 140-143).