Loakan Baptist Church Easter Cantata 2014

Good News of the Cross!
April 20, 2014
An Easter Musical with songs collected over the years... =)
Loakan Baptist Church

Here are the videos of the Cantata! enjoy and be blessed! =)

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BLOOPER! Hehe!
Thanks to Diana Leano for being the camera woman! hehehe! =)

Father, Forgive Them

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." (Luke 23:34)

Meditating upon this verse and understanding why Jesus Christ said this, it has indeed added and deepen my knowledge, more of what we Christians ought to be and do. This verse indeed has been many times used by preachers and teachers. Surely, if we are Christians, this verse is very familiar.

Within this verse we understand that Jesus Christ is our mediator or our intercessor.... He intercedes for man, esp. us Christians who is His own. He is the Mediator between God and man. John 14:6 says "Jesus IS the way, the truth, and the life; NO MAN comes to the Father, BUT BY ME". There is no one else, no other roads that leads to God but Christ. 

With this verse, we also understand that when the Lord Jesus Christ mediates or intercedes for us, God the Father answers His prayer... And that God forgives! As we know, when God forgives, He no longer remembers it nor will it ever be used for bribery or something. Our sin is totally annihilated erased in His mind when God forgives.

But this verse is totally unusual for the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ prayed or interceded not for His people... but for those who have wronged Him... Those who accused Him falsely, mocked and spit upon Him, beat Him, whipped and lashed Him until His flesh are cut, pierced His hand and feet; Those who crucified Him. He interceded for them! But why?

First off, as bible scholars would say, it is the fulfilment of the prophecy written in Isaiah 53:12... "... and made intercession for the transgressors." That is the reason why. But I don't think it's just that! I mean literally praying for those who crucified Him only. I believe there is something we need to understand. You see a question came to my mind, "What if Jesus did not intercede for them?" Of course He wouldn't be able to fulfil this prophecy in Isaiah. And it would be possible that those who crucified Him might be all dead in just an instant (like that of Ananaias and Sapphira). But much more than that, is that we might not have, what we call "Salvation." If I am to understand, all man-kind's sin is actually the reason why Jesus was crucified. We are part of those who crucified Him on the cross, because of our sin! And we are also one of those transgressors of whom Jesus is interceding before God the Father. Therefore I believe, the moment a sinner or an unbelieving soul repents and confesses to the Lord Jesus Christ, then the Lord intercedes for him before the Father, by which forgiveness is given.

Now that we understand Jesus is our intercessor before the Father, now what? or what then? I mean, what does this principle teach us or make a realization for us? or what or how then should we respond? what effect is this to us? Surely, number one should be thankfulness! We will be very much thankful to God and to the Lord Jesus Christ! Much more these words will follow... Worship, Magnify, Priase, Adore, Honor and Glorify... All pertaining to the One Worthy of it.

But there is another one we should take note of... A response that the Lord Jesus Christ has been teaching as well, giving commandment to it that we ought to obey. And this response we often neglect or even always fail to fulfil. That is, on how then do we respond to others, especially to those who have wronged us, our enemies to be exact. You see more than our praise and adoration to the One worthy, what Jesus Christ did was also a call for us who believe on Him to do the same.

Do you not remember Jesus said "Love your enemies"? Do you not remember Him saying, "Do good to them that hate you. Pray for them. If one slaps you on the right, give him your left. If they throw a stone at you, give them bread."? These were His commandments and He did not only gave this commandment but set Himself as the greatest example of all. He did what He said... He lived in His life what He taught. Now the challenge is left to us. How about us? Can we not obey our Lord's commandments? Are these words nothing more but show off? I don't think so... If these words were nothing more than words, and has no meaning, a design just to make things unique in the Bible, then those words would become nothing more but LIES... and there would be no Truth in it. And if it is a lie, then the Lord Jesus Christ would be a liar. BUT NOT! He is not a liar. 

Oh how often... how is it that we fall and fail in obeying this commandment. When someone have wronged us, we tend to make ALL things about that person so negative including all things connected to that person; We do not want to be acquainted. And we shut the door!... But can we not remember, that WE WERE GOD'S ENEMIES.... We wronged the Lord Jesus Christ so often, and yet HE LAID HIS LIFE FOR US, even interceded for us before the Father so that we could gain mercy in God's sight. Why indeed do we fail to do like as unto our Lord and Master Jesus Christ? We become nothing more like the one servant Jesus Christ talked about. The servant whom his master have forgiven of his debt and yet the servant wouldn't forgive the one who also is indebted to him.

Now here is another verse we ought to read and understand. 

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:43-45)

Take note of the last verse, it says "...That ye may be the children of your Father." You see, doing what the Lord Jesus Christ asked us to do is actually an evidence we are His children, God's children. And if we do not, what then are we?

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"Jesus Christ died for you, won't you die for others too?" -- r.e.c.

Missions and Giving

The Missions! What is the Missions? The dictionary defines it as a calling or assignment or a task to be done and usually requires travelling or a journey with respect to the Christian religion.

When it comes to missions ministry or serving in missions... it comes to my thought, not everybody understands the concept of missions, at times even professing Christians do not understand. Well, perhaps because there are those who have destroyed the image or the concept of what missions is all about. Within so called "churches" or "christian group" there are those who have defiled the true meaning of "Christianity" or "Church" or "ministry".. Just watching some documentary videos about Christianity of today can prove what I'm saying... Other reasons why Christians do not understand, is that they may have never heard nor have not even experienced what missions is all about.... Usually, if I'm not mistaken, church members are just encouraged to simply give to missions, never to understand what really is the heart of missions... Don't get me wrong... I'm not saying giving is wrong... I'm just saying, most often, we forgot something when it comes to missions.... Let me first give you these verses to remind or to study:

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20)

"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." (Matthew 9:36-38)

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)

"[On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel." (1 Corinthians 9:14 Amplified Bible)

"Let him who receives instruction in the Word [of God] share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his support]." (Galatians 6:6, Amplified Bible)

"Other churches I have robbed by accepting [more than their share of] support for my ministry [from them in order] to serve you. And when I was with you and ran short financially, I did not burden any [of you], for what I lacked was abundantly made up by the brethren who came from Macedonia. So I kept myself from being burdensome to you in any way, and will continue to keep [myself from being so]. As the truth of Christ is in me, this my boast [of independence] shall not be debarred (silenced or checked) in the regions of Achaia (most of Greece)." (2 Corinthians 11:8-10, Amplified Bible)

"Indeed, the signs that indicate a [genuine] apostle were performed among you fully and most patiently in miracles and wonders and mighty works. For in what respect were you put to a disadvantage in comparison with the rest of the churches, unless [it was for the fact] that I myself did not burden you [with my financial support]? Pardon me [for doing you] this injustice! Now for the third time I am ready to come to [visit] you. And I will not burden you [financially], for it is not your [money] that I want but you; for children are not duty bound to lay up store for their parents, but parents for their children." (2 Corinthians 12:12-14, Amplified Bible)

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

More verses to read & study: Luke 21:1-4, Mark 12:41-44

Well, I have placed verses and verses, practically talking about two things, or more than two things... But I hope we would see that when it comes to missions, missions pertaining to the task of sharing the gospel to them that needs to hear it... the number one thing Christ Jesus had in mind are ... what? Money? No, it is not but laborers... people who will labor for and with Him... Apostle Paul is one example who had answered that call.... and looking at the verses on 2 Corinthians 12:12-14 and 2 Corinthians 11:8-10, if I may ask, was apostle Paul mindful of his financial support or his needs? No, he was mindful of the people who needs to hear the gospel and God's Words... In fact, he didn't want to be a burdensome to the people whom he is ministering to... That's why I believe, he did also support himself with tentmaking (Acts 18:3).

But we do have to understand as well that indeed the responsibility of the church is also to really help or feed their workers, their pastors (1 Corinthians 9:14, Galatians 6:6). As pastors or God's laborers feed God's people with God's Words, so should God's people provide their pastors their needs. It is a mutual responsibility, not because I said so, or somebody said so... but because God says so! Anyway, if we are to really go to the root of this kind of responsibility, it is as simple as what God commands, love thy neighbor as thyself. And if we go further, we find the principle and God's character that GOD IS LOVE! Therefore, in its simplest understanding, if we the church do not do our responsibility in taking care of our pastors or laborers in the Word, are we not believing that God is Love and that we are simply saying or portraying that God's Love is not in us? Of course, this principle is not something that should force us to do our responsibility of giving.... God is not actually interested in that. But God is most interested IS OUR HEARTS!

Try reading Luke 21:1-4 or Mark 12:41-44. Jesus wasn't interested in how much a person gives, but how the person gives. The "how" is actually the status or state of the heart, whether the heart is fully given to God or not.. Romans 12:1-2 greatly emphasizes a life given fully to God or in other words our heart, our will, the whole of us fully given and offered to God and letting God use it for His glory and honor. Such is what God desires, though He doesn't force us to be of such. Apostle Paul, even begs, pleads that we called as "Christians" do so... because if we don't, then perhaps we ought to ask ourselves, are we truly of the Lord Jesus Christ? Are we indeed followers and believers of Christ? Do we really meant Jesus being our Lord (Master) and our Savior?

You see, I believe, when it comes to the missions or not only missions but even on the Christian realm, we so called Christians ought to be giving our life first. Letting our hearts be in accordance to the Will of God. And that is not only for pastors, laborers of the Lord or anyone special, but all those who profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior! And if we give our all, our life..... then everything else follows... even with just the principle of "giving"....

Let me illustrate it in a practical life example.... supposed one professional person goes on a mission outreach and helps in that mission outreach, experiencing and seeing the needs of the people, being able to understand their physical needs and that person goes back to his home church. Then he has another professional friend, who is richer than him, of whom he shared his mission outreach experience. Then here comes the opportunity to give through their church regular offering, who would you think would give more? To whom would you think will the Lord say .. "for a truth! this man has given much more than the other"?

Simple principle of God is, "Give first your heart to Him, and He will use it mightily for His glory and honor and surely, whatever you do, it will be in accordance to the Will of the Father." (read Psalm 37:4)

Cantata Practice for Easter 2014

Loakan Baptist Church Choir's Dress Rehearsal for the incoming Easter Cantata 2014 Here is the videos!!!

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About 2000 years ago a baby was born... His Name is Jesus... a proof of Him being born is the year we are numbering.... What year is it now? Those years are counted starting from the day Jesus Christ died, buried and rose again... Why are we counting the years based on His death? because we are counting the years when might He come back as He has promised....

But the greatest news that we need to understand is WHY did He come? 




Here first is the BAD NEWS:

Romans 3:23 
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
Romans 3:10-11
"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God."

WHY AND HOW IS IT THAT ALL HAVE SINNED?

Romans 5:12
"Wherefore, as by one man[Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"

WHAT THEN if all have sinned?

Romans 6:23a
"For the wages of sin is death;.."

Revelation 21:8
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

BUT THERE IS A GOOD NEWS

John 10:10
"The thief[Satan] cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

Romans 6:23b
"BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 10:9-10
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

NO AMOUNT OF GOOD WORKS OR EFFORTS CAN SAVE US... it is only BY FAITH (Believe and Trust) IN JESUS CHRIST (Who He says as He is, Lord, Savior, Master, King)

Ephesians 2:8-9
"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."

Titus 3:5
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"

If you have not let Jesus Christ be part of your life, Now is the time to decide....

2 Corinthians 6:2
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Romans 10:9-10
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

If you are a Christian, then I think this post is worth sharing...