A shocking youth message

Watch this video and try to reflect on your faith.

Recently I have viewed this and not at all that I am shocked. I agree with a lot of things that He said. Although for some, he may be misunderstood and perhaps disagreed upon (just reading comments on youtube). And, at some point I may not understand some of his points, like the statement "continuing to repent," which may sound like Salvation is lost when we sin or backslide after being a Christian. But I believe that's not what he meant, for he never said it. He explained further, that if you are a genuine Christian, when we sin, God makes a way for you to get back to Him. But if you are truly not saved / not a genuine Christian, then we are still imprisoned by sin.

Perhaps I could explain this on another point. One of which I have observed is that we mostly forget when witnessing or leading a person to Christ that they should willingly, personally receive Christ to be their Lord and Savior. And the word most often left off is the word "Lord". Sometimes Christians focus only on the word "Savior" which means One who saves and leave the word "Lord" which means Master, King or Leader, the One of which we ought to obey and follow. Almost the same with repentance. When we repent, we turn our back to sin and turn towards God or Christ and follow Him. And to be a genuine Christian, one must make that decision and a decision of Faith that should change our life. And other than that decision, is God's omnipotent power to change life. (Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9)

Another thing is, when we talk about Christianity. Christianity is also about having a relationship. A relationship toward our God. In John 1:12, it says that if we receive Christ, we are given the power to become sons and daughters of God. It's a relationship that a Christian should not only recognize it but live it. Just as on how we relate to our parents or siblings, so should we relate to our God. The only problem, as the speaker may be talking about, is that when we receive or pray the sinner's pray but don't really recognize or have not really made that binding relationship with the One whom we pray to. Praying the sinner's prayer is not a formula to be saved. It's a personal statement that comes from the heart and professed by the mouth of which declares who should you be now, a Christian. (Romans 10:9-10)

One of the raised problem too is when we doubt. I too doubt at times, but I do not look towards the time of which I prayed, but I look to my relationship with Christ. And remind myself that Christ has been there for me always, and that He had and still is my Best Friend, my Father, my God, my Savior, my Lord, my Master and my Everything. And that reminds me of who I am to God and God to me.

Considering also the speaker's audience, i believe they are foreign, of course :-) ... I just really don't know what do they believe in context of the Christian Faith and the gospel. But as for Filipino Christians? Hmmm?? I believe our faith is still intact as a Fundamental Baptist, although I also believe, compromises are starting to creep in. Just as technology rises increasingly fast, so is the Word of God easily twisted and make diverse confusion of the Christian faith. These are the times of which the call for Christians to stand on the Faith and on His Word is much greater than ever. Jesus Christ is our Foundation, the Solid Rock and the Word of God as our witness of the Faith. Though Christ is in heaven, God has given us His Word and His Holy Spirit to guide and teach and preach the Truth. And the only truth we can only depend on.

Surely, we are in the age of which a lot of things are proclaimed. Many profess they are truth and that they have truth. I remember Jesus Christ saying about these things.

Matthew 24:5
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

And, by this, stands a warning. A warning for His people to be alert and be watchful. Sadly most often, we aren't. We are too busy with other things. Security, fame, power, money creeps most often in our mind forget our God, the God, Who made the stars, feeds the birds of the air and watches over us day and night. Surely, this is a tragedy for Christians who no longer struggle in following Christ but simply go on the flow of the world.

This is just perhaps a reminder to ask "What do we stand for as a Christian?" and therefore we must go to His Word, know it and live it.

Just a video.. can't think of anything else to write..

Busyness and the great need...

For in a few moments there I had to ponder... It's been years I have been in the same church and doing the same ministries I am able to handle. Previously I was a Sunday School Teacher, an Ambassadors for Christ officer, a choir member and an AWANA leader. But back then I was simply a student still free to do things. Right now, I'm an employee in a known local newspaper and still giving some time helping out in AWANA ministry and the Choir ministry. Still attending the AFC observing and looking after the new young generations of young people.

Can't help but see time passes bye and realize things. I have been in the church for so long continually trying to disciple young people and helping them out to learn to disciple others as well. Discipling young people has been my desire for a long time, my heart's delight, but right now, as the church is currently in the theme of "Witnessing", somehow I had to look at my status on how well I have been winning souls for the Lord. And, I see my self lacking of it. I'm not saying I haven't been able to witness to any person but simply lacked much of effort or zeal of doing it. I do believe that we are commanded and should be part of witnessing, but it seems this is one of my weaknesses. The one thing that bothers me is the fact that most often many struggle in this area due to a lot of many factors (i think). Not everybody seem to have the gift of sharing things so easily especially to a complete stranger. It is a good thing though that there a lot of ways and methods that has been presented as by way of being able to share the gospel, like the AWANA ministry. It gives a portal for Christians to share the gospel to kids and train them. Cantata presentations are also one by which choir members can be part of witnessing to other people. Through songs that they sing and the preaching of the pastor, the gospel can be heard by unbelievers. But when it comes to sharing the gospel to our friends and love ones, it makes another whole new level or situation. It takes a lot of courage and much prayer I believe.

This time, it makes me wonder, with so much busyness, i can't seem to really figure out how could i even share the gospel with those close to me; friends, co-workers and other relatives. I sometimes would want to know whether am I really in the right direction or not? So much question remains in my mind like "Why give so much time in the church, when there is currently a great need to go out and share the gospel?" This is just one example of questions I have in mind.

Recently I have been able to be with my fellow elementary batchmates, which really challenges me to seek the salvation of my fellow batchmates. The problem? my time and my priorities. My co-workers too seem to be wanting that I go with them on certain activities. Their activities are not bad or evil and if I also would like for them to know Christ, then I must do something. Problem? Still time management or perhaps activity management.

All through out the week, 24/7, I see myself much busy in the church. Why? because I see the need of helping. And perhaps a problem? Only few see the needs. Only few would commit. Only few would give lives. If only all the church members would take part, how magnificent would it be. But it seems this doesn't often happen at all. Here we are learning a lot, but so few do it. I really wonder, pondering.... too much needs...

Well, for some reason from time-to-time we Christians should really review our priorities and also perhaps the circumstances we are in. And truthfully there's a lot of factors affecting our management of our priorities. Unorganized plans, abrupt decisions and useless activities most often destroy efficient and effective priority management. Wisdom, i believe is what we are lacking. Great wisdom from God is what God's people need. Discernment of what does God desires and separating it from our own desires. And, most importantly, that we obey and follow it. Oh how I wish we Christians have that kind of attitude, where we can discern and know God's heart & desires at the same time we obey. We Christians have to seek God's will, continually depending always on Him and learn to obey Him.

Truly, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

Christians Committed to Christ Concert

Alright placed the whole concert... hehehe! except for Lemuel's preaching... sensya na lems... di ko na vinideo ung preaching mo :D

Ambassadors for Christ

by Dennis Valles, edited by Roldan Caroy /to be published for "The Salt" newsletter

Ambassadors for Christ or AFC, is a regular fellowship for the young people every Saturday evening, with the members averaging from high school & college young people. The history of how this was organized or how it started is basically unknown or un-informed to young people of this generation. But seemingly its goals and objectives still remain throughout the years.

The programs of the AFC continue to vary and as decided by the current officers, the program is in this order: First Saturday of the month, birthday celebrants are recognized and given some tokens, with regular fellowship; Second Saturday, film showing with group discussion; Third Saturday, Cell group handled by Ptr. & Mrs. Geru Sardina or kuya Dan and ate Janice, each group handled according to their own genders; Fourth Saturday, Special Saturday or Special Event, unusually being done within the AFC fellowship.

Each Saturday, a bible quiz is also rendered for the purpose of motivating members to keep on reading God’s Word, the foundation of our Christian Faith, emphasizing also the need to know our Bible, especially in times of needing to share it to unbelievers. To motivate members to read the Bible is of course, giving a price or token to the winner of the month, with a special discount for the upcoming KESWICK 2009 on December.

Last February, the MBFFBC-AFC has been held at the Baguio Baptist Church. The young people of the Metro Baguio Churches had their fellowship in a form of a game based from the known “Amazing Race”. Many young people joined and enjoyed this activity. It was tiring, but through it, different young people got to group and know each other. Another Metro Baguio – AFC fellowship was held last April at our church, Loakan Baptist Church. The main theme of the fellowship was centered on God-given talents and Ptr. Abraham Bigornia was the speaker. Only few churches were represented, due to some communication problem. Although some problems occurred it was a good learning experience and also learned a lot from the message given. Last July, the AFC had a food/dinner fellowship, remembering the month of nutrition. The young people really enjoyed the food with of course not forgetting to digest God’s Word as well.

Being the current President, it is a challenge leading and helping young people to grow and it is truly hard. With the current number of the AFCers of 12-22 and several inactive officers, due to other personal priorities, it is a sad thing to note this. But, also encouraging it is to note, that still some young people and officers continue to be faithful, attending and doing their part in this fellowship. It is my hope and prayer that the young people will grow, not only in numbers but also in our individual spiritual lives. By this, I also ask that the church pray for us, that we may continue on and grow for the sake of the next generations to come.

As for me being the president, my hope is to be able to fulfill my duties, especially to continue this endeavor, setting our focus only on our God and living as an example to be Christ-like, representing Him as Ambassadors for Christ.