We have learned from the Bible that our God is not only a God of love. He is also a God of justice. He executes judgment to all people fairly, and gives rewards or punishments depending on what people have done in their lives, be it good or bad.

God reserved the eternal life as the reward for all who remain faithful to His will and commands. In contrast, He reserved the eternal punishment for those who will be cursed, for those who are separated from Him because of their iniquities and for those who did not believe in Him.

Therefore, there are only two things that people can receive from God. Its either we receive blessings or curse from Him. The Bible says, “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV)

Who are those worthy of God’s curse?

The Bible explains that if people trust themselves or others more than the trust they are giving to the Lord God, then those people are worthy of God’s curse. The Bible says, “This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:5 NIV)

The moment we have accepted and understood the importance of our duties and obligations from God, we are expected to fulfill them with all our hearts and mind. If we cannot fulfill them, like the fig tree, we will be cursed by God. The Bible tells us that Christ cursed the fig tree because He did not find any fruit from it. So, like the fig tree, we are expected to bear fruit (Matthew 21:19).

For us who have been given the wisdom, understanding and truth, we are expected to bear the fruit of righteousness and holiness according to the spirit and truth. The Bible says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22, 23 NIV)

Curse of God are for those who directly disobey His will and commands. An example is when we trust ourselves more than we trust the true God. If we bear no fruit of holiness, we are also worthy of His curse.

Along with the fruit of righteousness and holiness, we are expected to do good deeds to others. What we did to others are what we do to the Lord. If we do wrong things to others, we are directly doing it to God. However, doing good to others means we are directly doing it to God. The Bible says, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40 NIV)

Whatever we do to others, make sure that they all lead us to blessings and not curse. Choose life so that we may live. Whatever we have received from God, especially the wisdom and His righteousness, make sure that we value them by living according to His will. Walk the talk and not talk and talk. The Bible says, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:35, 36 NIV)

We can show how we value these teachings if we can be found serving God with joy and zealousness. We feel that there is nothing more important to us than the spiritual things we have received from Him. We enjoy doing things that are sacred and pleasurable to God. And the talents we received are always put into good use, bringing us more fruits of good deeds and righteousness.

We follow what the Bible says, “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:7, 8 NIV)

By doing all these things, we can avoid the curses of God. And instead of curse, we shall be receiving His eternal and spiritual blessings of life.

We are all children to our parents. As children, it is our duty to show respect and love to them and these can be shown through obedience.

Being obedient is one of the most important traits of a child. Whose parent will not be happy if their children are obedient?

Everyone who was called unto the church of God is a child of God. As a child, God expects our obedience. When Christ manifest Himself in the flesh, He showed us a perfect example of absolute obedience.

He made Himself a man and a son. He showed us what should be done, that we are ought to be obedient to the perfect will of the Father.

As children of God, we were taught of the important duties and attributes that we need to possess inside the church of God. Even parents are taught to teach their children the values and teachings of the Holy Scriptures so that their children will grow in faith.

The Bible says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door-frames of your houses and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NIV)

Parents in the church of God are encouraged to discipline their children according to the ways of the Bible. Many children nowadays are problems to their parents and society. This is due to the fact that many parents are lacking in proper discipline. The Bible says, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” (Proverbs 13:24 NIV)

The Bible also encourages us to start off the children on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6 NIV)

If we raise our children in the way of the Lord, our children will not be raised like the typical children of this world, which lack the proper values and morality of the Bible. The key to raise a good child is to raise him or her with the teachings and commandments of the Lord.

Teach them that our duty is to be obedient to our parents. Lack of obedience means lack of respect. Apostle Paul advises, “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20 NIV)

Obedience to our parents makes God happy. This means that if we do not obey our parents, we cannot please God.

The Ministers of the church of God are part of those who were called to manage and supervise the souls of its members. Their duty is to make sure that the members reach the fulness of their faith and that they grow in relationship with God. The duty of the members is to treat them as parents in faith and in spirit.

As parents in spirit, another duty is to make sure that members will dedicate themselves in holiness and righteousness. They will also act as a model of faith to all members. The Bible says, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2, 3 NIV)

Therefore, the duty of the members is to imitate their faith and service. Apostle Paul says, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7 NIV)

Aside from imitating their faith, obedience is also expected from members. Apostle Paul adds, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. “(Hebrews 13:7, 17 NIV)

God will not place these ministers unto His church if they are not important. Their authority should be respected and they should be obeyed in faith, and by doing this, it can lead us to the perfectness of our faith and for the pleasure of the Lord.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang mga bagay na dapat ayusin ng bawat kapatid ayon sa Biblia” for September 11, 2014)

As faithful, there are certain things that should be done orderly. God is not a God of confusion but of peace, therefore, everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way (1 Corinthians 14: 33, 40).

Especially when it comes to serving the Lord, we need to do things accordingly. When we serve God, we do not do it to ourselves but we offer it to our almighty God.

One of the things that should be done in order is our prayers (Psalms 5:3). Prayers are our way of communicating to God. We say our heart’s requests through prayers. Through prayers, we ask for our daily needs, we offer our praises and thanksgiving, we entrust everything about our hope and faith through God’s mercy.

However, prayers should be done according to the will of God.

Jesus Christ left us an example of what we should pray and how we should pray. It can be found in chapter 6 of the book of Matthew.

Prayers are usually done without preparations. Usually, it is done out of order. This topic aims to teach and remind us about the sanctity of prayers. The Bible advises, “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

We should therefore examine how we say our prayers. We should select the appropriate words for every situation.

Also, the Bible encourages us to use simple words that are easy to understand. Apostle Paul explains that if we say our prayers and people do not understand us, then it is like we are saying things into the air. Members of the church cannot confirm anything about our prayers and thanksgiving if they do not understand what we are saying (1 Corinthians 14:9, 15-16)

Additionally, Christ tells us not to use vain repetitions in prayers (Matthew 6:7-8). It doesn’t mean that we are not allowed to repeat our prayers. Only vain repetitions are not allowed.

Besides prayers, what else do we need to put in order?

The Bible advises us to manage our family well. Each of us is a member of a family and it is our duty to know our responsibilities and how we can do things in order. If we are a parent (a father or a mother), our duty is to manage the family according to the will of the Lord. As parents, one of our duties is to make sure that discipline is always implemented and learned by our children. The Bible says we should teach our young children the ways of the Lord, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

If we are children, our duty to our parents is to show love, respect and obedience. This is a commandment with a promise. The Bible says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3)

If we can do all these things, the Bible assures us that we can live at peace within ourselves. If we can assure ourselves that we are doing things according to the order and will of God, then it will guarantee us the desired peace within ourselves. All we need to do is to completely trust the Lord in all things.

God has promised that He will never abandon us in any way, that He will never forsake us in any given time of our lives. And if we continue to walk with Him, we shall never doubt. We can be assured that we will never walk alone.

(From the sermon of the same title for September 14, 2014)

The Bible teaches that there are two kinds of death.

The first is the death of the flesh. It is often referred to as the physical death. The Bible explains that each person is destined to face death once and after that, he shall face judgment (Hebrews 9:27). This physical death is unavoidable, and cannot be stopped. Once a person reaches his appointed time, he shall soon face it.

Death is powerful as love is.

The second death is even more frightening. The Bible teaches us that the second death is the eternal punishment in hell. It is originally prepared for the devil and his companions. Later, all who do not believe in God and all who turned their ways against Him will be punished here. (Revelations 20:10)

However, the Bible explains that there are people who will never see death. There are people whom the Bible said that the second death has no power over them. These people are those who shall be included in the first resurrection as mentioned in the book of Revelations (20:6).

Who shall share the first resurrection according to the Bible?

Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.” (John 8:51) People who obeyed the words of the almighty God shall never see death. This death is not the physical one but the eternal death. These people are those who remained faithful until death. And when they will be resurrected, they will be resurrected to receive the eternal life.

And when they will be resurrected, they shall see under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. (Revelations 6:9) They shall see the saints who have died as martyrs because of righteousness. They will be resurrected to receive the eternal life.

They shall see the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a casper, clear as crystal. (Revelations 21:10-11)

They shall see the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

The shall never experience any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. (Revelations 22: 1-7)

(from the sermon entitled, “Ang Isa sa Tiyak na Makikita sa Loob ng Bahay ng Dios,” for dates September 18 and 21, 2014)

The Temple of Solomon is the house of the Lord during ancient Israel times. This temple was originally planned by his father, king David. But, God has other plans. David was not allowed to build it because he had shed many blood and fought many wars.

The temple was a place for worship and services for the ancient Israelites. In this place, they pray and worship God and offer their burnt offerings, which are all pleasurable to God.

The Temple of Solomon is about 1000 X 1000 feet. The tabernacle of God can be found here, which was always carried everywhere they go. It was placed in the most holiest place of the temple, which was measured as 44 feet higher than any other structure of the temple. This highest place is said to be almost the same as a 4 story building.

And because it is the house of the Lord, God can be found there.

Historically, the temple of Solomon or temple of Jerusalem was many times destroyed and built again. Israel was captured by many empires. The last was the Roman empire. Right now, the only remains of the temple is the western wall, which is also called Kotel by the Jews, a place where the Jews and other pilgrims offer prayers.

When Jesus was twelve years old, He was left unintentionally by His parents in Jerusalem. They went back and looked for Him and found Him after three days sitting in the temple in the middle of the teachers. All of them were amazed with His wisdom and answers. When Mary and Joseph found Him, He said, ““Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house.” (Luke 2:49)

Jesus was referring to the physical structure as the house of God. However, later He taught of a different house of God. It is not a physical structure or edifice. However, it is also where people can worship and serve the Lord. The house of God is what He had built, the church of God (Matthew 16:18).

Jesus is the head of this house, and is compose of members who were called by God (Hebrews 3:6).

Therefore, there are two kinds of house of God introduced by the Scriptures. However, both have the same attribute. The Lord dwells in both houses. In both houses, we can found God’s grace. The Bible says, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” (Psalms 27:4)

What assurance can we get that we can find God’s grace in His house?

When Jesus was manifested in the flesh, the Bible says that He came to call for sinners (Matthew 9:12-13). And through His church, which is the house of God (1 Timothy 3:15), and His body (Colossians 1:24,18), anyone who was called will experience His love, mercy and forgiveness.

The house of God therefore, is where we can find the sinners who were called and forgiven by God. However, these sinners repented and came back to God. From a wicked way of life, they are now living according to the teachings of the Scriptures. They found God’s mercy and forgiveness inside the house of God.

And so, each member of the church is a proof of God’s mercy and love. And since each member only experience the mercy of God, no one has the right to judge others’ mistakes and errors. Jesus says, ““Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye.” (Matthew 7:1-3)

Instead of judging others, we are expected to accept each other’s faults (Romans 15:7). However, that doesn’t mean that we rejoice on each other’s faults. If we can advise others for the sake of corrections, then we do it in order and in love.

We treat each member as a valuable and integral part of the house of God, because God will not place anyone here if they are not important. Each member is cleansed and forgiven by God (1 Corinthians 6:11,19).

Aside from this, like what we have learned, we should show that we really learned from the teachings of Christ. We prove it by showing great changes in our life’s ways. It should be according to the teachings of the Lord (Ephesians 4:23-24). Therefore, we shall leave our former ways (Ephesians 4:22).

We should show that we are not living according to our own ways of thinking, but instead, according to the will of God. It is not enough that we became members of His church. We need to attain the perfection of our faith.

How can we attain perfection?

The Bible says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

If we are living similarly to the ways of this world, then we can never attain the perfection of faith and thus, we can never have the eternal life. The only way to become righteous in the sight of God is to change our ways and follow what the will of the Lord is. The Bible says the righteous shall live in faith (Hebrews 10:38) and according to the Gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27).

This topic reminds us about the following:

First, it reminds us that our membership in His chruch is a proof of God’s mercy and love.
Second, we are expected to change our ways. It should be according to the will of God.
Third, it reminds us that we need to attain the perfection of our faith.
Fourth, it reminds us that not all who were called became righteous to God. There were some who displeased Him.

The Bible talks about Christ’s parable on a wedding invitation. Some attended the said wedding but were not properly suited (Matthew 22:11-14). They were punished for not dressing inappropriately. From there, we learned that the said clothes are not material clothes. In the book of Revelations, chapter 19, verse 8, fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people. The people were punished not because of their clothes but because they behave unrighteously in the sight of God.

Let us remember that the eternal life can be attained if we became victorious in our duties and if we attain the perfection of our faith. We can do this by living a life worthy in the sight of God. We need to bear in mind that anything that is abominable shall not enter the kingdom of heaven (Revelations 21:27). We should therefore remove anything that can hinder us from being righteous in the sight of our almighty God.

(From the sermon entitled, “Marapat tayong Mabuhay na may Pagpipigil at Matuwid at Banal sa Panahong ito” for date September 25, 2014)

No matter how expensive, fast and amazing a car is, if it doesn’t have brakes, it’s not worth using it. It’s a suicide attempt if we try it. The same goes with our character. A character without discipline and self control can only lead us to destruction. Self control is an important trait of a servant of God.

Having self control is a character that shows strength. In spiritual sense, our strength can be shown by our ability to control our urges and desires in order to fulfil God’s will. We can also show our strength if we can control our selves over the temptations that comes along.

God’s enemy, the Devil, who is also our enemy is like a roaring lion looking for its prey. Its main target are the faithful servant of God. If we are not alert and sober, the Devil will overcome us because its deceits and temptations are so powerful (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Thus, we need to guard ourselves because we can be defeated by the Devil’s deceits and temptations anytime.

Jesus says, ““Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) Prayers and belief are a perfect match to overcome the enemy and its deceits. The flesh maybe weak, but through faith we can overcome anything.

However, who are those that have no ability to control their selves?

The Bible tells us that the foolish and weak in faith are those that have no ability to control their selves. The book of Proverbs speaks about man’s foolishness, “By his foolish behaviour a man’s ways are turned upside down, and his heart is bitter against the Lord.” (Proverbs 19:3) A foolish man always do things that are against God. Their hearts are always fighting against the will of God. So, we do not expect them to have the control at anything that God wants us to control.

Instead of controlling one’s self, especially against temptations and deceits, they can get easily persuaded and overcome. Instead of perfecting the faith, they are always inclined in doing things more of the flesh. Apostle Paul mentions this, “Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3)

Like a car without a break, a foolish man has no control of himself, and eventually will crash.

The end of a foolish man is a great crash. Jesus says, “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:26-27)

And so, we need to follow the instructions of the Scriptures, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self- controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11-12)

The present world is wicked, chaotic and already won by the enemy of God. We should not allow it to overcome us and be controlled by its deceits. Faith (Hebrews 10:38), is a strong weapon to overcome everything, especially if we live by the words of God.

In order to be succesful, we need three things: (1) Desire – the desire to attain the eternal life should be greater than anything in our lives, greater than anything that can hinder us. (2) Belief – the belief that no matter what happens in our lives while serving God, we will still remain in Him and we can overcome anything. (3) Actions – we need to act according to His will, live a self-controlled life, righteous and godly, worthy of the gospel of Christ.

If we can do these things, we can be assured of salvation.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang mga Kapatid na Makakasama sa mga Nalabi upang Tumanggap ng Kaligtasan” for date September 28, 2014)

Only a few will be saved.

Even with the ancient Israelites, the holy nation of God, it was mentioned that only those who came back to the Lord will receive salvation. The Bible says, ““Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved.” (Romans 9:27; Isaiah 10:22)

Not all of the sons of Israel will be saved. Majority of them were alienated from God and from His commandments. They were like children who rebeled against their parent. They did not acknowledge God despite of what God had shown them. They committed a lot of iniquities against God (Isaiah 1:2-4).

The Bible mentions about the story of the vineyard. Israelites are a chosen people of God, and as the story goes, they are chosen grapes, and God took care of them really well. However, when the vineyard gave its fruits, they are very sour like forest grapes. Israel did the same to God. They showed bitterness and sourness despites God’s show of mercy and love (Isaiah 5:1-7). They became foolish in the sight of the almighty God. They became wise in doing wickedness, however, foolish in terms of following the commandments of God (Jeremiah 4:22).

However, not all really turned away from God. There were some who are considered as remnant, which will receive salvation. There were some who remained faithful to God until the end of their lives. Some of them even became martyrs of faith (Hebrews 11:35-38). This is a proof that God did not really turned away from His chose people, the Israel (Romans 11:1-4).

In Isaiah 1:9, we can read, “Except the Lord of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.” This is a prophecy of what would become of His people. The remnant talks about the seed, which is Christ. Galatians 3:16 says, “Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.”

And about Christ, what is the aforementioned number of those who will be saved?

Christ Himself says, only few will enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 7:13-14 says it all, ““Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

The gate or the door in other translation is His body, which is the church according to Colossians 1:24,18. Anyone who accepts Christ and became a member of His body or church will have a chance for salvation. However, it was said that only a few find it. This is the reason why Christ tells us, ““Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” (Luke 13:24)

Many will look for the way of the truth, the way of salvation, the true church, unfortunately, only a few find it. There were some who are predestined long before who can come near Him, who has the chance to have a relationship with Him, who can serve Him (Ephesians 1:4) However, we can read in the Bible that those who were chosen are of no value and importance in this world, the foolishness of this world, the poor, for the reasons of making them rich in faith (1 Corinthians 1:26-29), and through this, arrogance in all people shall be removed and thus, we can prove that in all things, only the power and mercy of God reigns.

What are the traits of these people who are called and chosen to be saved?

Jesus says, “For many are, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) This is a proof that not all who wanted to serve God shall be righteous for salvation. The Bible explains the traits of those who are worthy of God’s redemption. Many will be called, but only few will be chosen for salvation.

To assure us of victory or success, like soldiers and athletes, we need to show we are fighting our best fight. It is not enough that we serve God. It is not enough that we became members of His body. We need to serve God with all our heart, mind and soul. Apostle Paul says, “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:3-5)

Thus, we need lots of patience and perseverance to be able to make it. This is an important element to attain perfection and salvation.

Let us remember always that there is no victory without a battle. If we surrender we will not win and if we turn back, there will be no victory. If we really wanted to be be part of the kingdom of heaven and receive the eternal life, we need to stand firm until the end, fight a good fight, finish the race and keep the faith.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang mga Taong Makatatakas sa Impiyerno” for October 2, 2014) Contrary to the common belief about hell, the Bible tells us that hell doesn’t exist, at least not yet. If it doesn’t exist yet, where is hell now? What does the Bible tell us about its existence?

The Bible tells us that the present earth and heaven that we see are all reserved unto fire. Apostle Peter explains, “By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.” (2 Peter 3:7 NIV)

This will eventually happen when Christ comes again. In His impending return, Christ will bring the reward for those who remain faithful and victorious until the end. However, Christ will also carry His wrath to those who are worthy of eternal punishment. The topic doesn’t say that there were already souls in hell, and that they can escape it.

What is the meaning of escaping from hell? Is it true that there are people who can escape the everlasting punishment? The fact is, we can all escape hell. It is God’s will that we know the truth and be saved from hell. How can we escape hell and be saved from it?

We need to understand how we can avoid eternal punishment. At least, now we know that hell is not existing yet, we have lots of opportunity to escape it. How? The best way to avoid hell is to come to God and serve Him. The logic is simple, the more we come closer to God, the more we go far away from hell. People need to understand and know the will of God.

The Bible tells us that only those who do the will of the Father can enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, to avoid hell, we need to do what the Father wills. One of His will is to repent and be baptized as written in Acts 2:38,41,47, which says, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:38, 41, 47)

Notice that those who received Baptism became members of His church. Christ built His church so that we can fully serve God and do His will according to His pleasure. In Matthew 16:18, we can read that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church.

Therefore, if we are a member of His church, we have the biggest chance of escaping hell. As a proof, Apostle Paul says that it is the church whom Christ Will save. We can read it in Ephesians 5:23,25, which says, “For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:23, 25 NIV)

It is therefore a huge blessing to be part of His body, which is the church of God. Blessed are those who found and were able to enter the narrow gate. Many will try to enter it, unfortunately, they won’t find it. Having been baptized and becoming member of the church alone, doesn’t guarantee us the escape from hell. We need to follow the advises of the Bible.

One of the advises tells us, “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV)

Becoming a member is only a step towards salvation. We need to remain clean until we reach the perfectness of our faith. Baptism removes and washes our sins away. However, what do we do with the sins after our baptism? Let us remember that no abominations will enter the kingdom of heaven.

Therefore, We do not let our bodies become an instrument of deceitful desires. Apostle Paul explains, “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.” (Romans 6:12, 13 NIV)

Most of all, we need to run away from all sorts of temptations and wickedness. Before temptations overcome us, we need to turn away. We don’t let our confidence and curiosity become a weakness in facing temptations. The story of Joseph teaches us that running away from his master’s wife made him more righteous before God. His master’s wife seduced him, but it did not prosper because he ran away from it. He did not face it remember, he fled.

Apostle Paul suggests, “and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:26 NIV) This means that even those who are already trapped trap can escape, only if they follow God’s will and instructions. Temptations will always be there. It comes in an unexpected place and time and anytime, it can overcome us if we don’t watch ourselves.

We need to avoid being like those who have been overpowered by temptations and deceits. As God’s creations, we really don’t have choices at all. Even if we do or failed to do His will, we shall face Him soon at the appointed time of judgment. We will all be measured to what we have done, be it secretly or revealed. We cannot hide from God.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Likas o Katalagahan na Makikita sa Isang Matuwid na Lingkod ng Dios” for October 5, 2014)

It is God who gives us strength through faith the moment we are called to be His servants. That strength allows us to live according to faith, which pushes us so we can fulfill all His will and commands. Living according to faith means we shall talk, think and act according to faith. We shall make plans and decide according to faith. And by doing these things, we know that we can please God.

A servant’s joy is through following the righteousness of God. We obtained trust because we learned it from His teachings of righteousness. And not only that we heard it, we grow in faith and trust through Daily life experiences. In Micah 6:8, a servant walks with God and Make God as his leader and guide all his life. We don’t live on our own, we entrust everything to God.

However, no matter how strong our faith is, sometimes we experience failures that cause us to stumble. We fall at many things. Our faith is always shaken up by troubles, problems and sometimes they are brought by our own faults. And since Apostle Paul knows this, he did not forget to tell this to his your preacher, Timothy. He writes, “Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.” (1 Timothy 1:18, 19 NIV)

It is normal to fall at many things in life. We fall and stumble in many aspects of our lives. Even in spiritual aspects, we get to experience failures and heartaches. However, what’s important is that we grow in every failures and learn from them. And no matter how hard we fall, or how many times we fall, what’s important is that we know how to get up.

The Bible tells us, “for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” (Proverbs 24:16 NIV) Anyone can experience failures, the Bible tells us that there is a difference between a righteous and the wicked one when it comes to handling failures. While the righteous finds way to get up, the wicked remains down.

Whatever happens, no matter how painful they experience, the faithful will get up and remain firm in faith. There are many characters in the Bible that tells us about failures and triumphs. Their stories tell us about how they amazingly face all troubles and how they willingly overcome everything. They did it not because their character is strong, but because they entrust everything unto the Lord. God carried them all so that they can stand up again.

Job, a righteous servant of God felt terribly down considering the trials that he experienced. However, those troubles made him stronger. Those experiences made him realize that trials are there to test our faith. And no matter how hard those tests are, we should remain in faith. Thus, he remained in faith and found himself in the end getting back all the things and even all his children who were lost because of his trials.

David, the king of Israel, fell and experience one of the hardest times of his life because of his child’s sickness. During those times, he prayed, fasted, and made himself miserable in the eyes of his companions. He did those things because he wanted to ask for God’s mercy. But when the child died, he immediately fix himself up, cleaned his body and dress up appropriately to worship and serve God in the temple (2 Samuel 12:15-20). The story tells us that even if the experiences of life is really painful and very hard to accept, we need to take courage and remain firm in our faith. We need to get up like David to show that we put our trust in God in everything.

The same goes with Jonah, the prophet of God. When he found himself eaten by a large fish, he felt terribly bad of himself knowing that no matter how hard he tried to escape God, still he was caught up facing the wrath of God. Inside the belly, he called upon the name of the Lord and prayed, vowed to fulfill his duties as a prophet and speaker of God. (Jonah 1 and 2) God talked to the fish and he found himself in the land of Nineveh.

And this is what God expects us to do. God wants us to completely trust in His power and providence, that no matter what happens, He will never neglect nor abandon us.

Our trust in Him ensures us that He will lift us up when we fail, especially if we continue to serve His will after we find the strength to get up. We can read in Jonah 2:7,9, ““When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.” (Jonah 2:7, 9 NIV)

Thus, even if we fail because of sins, we need to rise up and run away from the sins that dragging us down. And we do it through His mercy and grace. Apostle Paul explains, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.” (1 Timothy 1:12, 13 NIV)

We should do the same, think of God’s mercy. It is His mercy that makes us get up and continue.

If the cause of failure is due to God’s punishments, we need to positively face all of it and learn from all mistakes that we have done in the past. God loves us, that’s why He corrects us. And sometimes, His corrections make us feel uncomfortably down. However, His corrections are leading us to salvation. Instead of getting annoyed and angry because of His punishments, let’s focus on the positive effects.

When we recover and gained our strength, from being down we found ourselves standing up again, Let us not forget that it is His mercy that make us get up again. Whatever happens, we continue to praise and serve the Lord and fulfill our vows to offer Him thanksgiving. This is the True character and trait of a true servant of God. The Bible tells us, ” Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.”(Psalm 140:13 NIV)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang mga Nagsisipaglingkod sa Dios na naghahanap ng Magiging Kagantihan” for dates October 9 and 12, 2014)

A true servant knows that serving the Lord is the primary duty of every human being. Actually, it is the purpose of our existence. It is the reason why we are created by God. We are a clay to the potter and as a created being, we are created to give honor and veneration to the almighty Creator.

God is worthy to be praised and adored. He is holy, almighty and He is the rewarder of all human beings. He will give eternal reward, which is the eternal life to all who served Him, to all who persevered until the end and to all who attained victory. However, God is also the giver of the eternal punishment to those who did not believe, who turned against Him, and who did not remain in Him.

In David’s Psalms, we can read how David honored God, “Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11, 12 NIV)

There is no other God in the Bible who can provide everything that we need. It is Him, the only one true God, whom we believe who gave us life and strength.

He is also the one who chose us, accepted us as His children, who placed us in His house, which is the church of God (1 Timothy 3:15). It is indeed a great honor and a huge blessing to become His child. In His house we found favor from the Lord.

Everyone who accepted and believe Him has been given the chance to become a part of His family. They were born again according to the will of God. We can read, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12, 13 NIV)

Thus, inside the Lord’s house, we felt the presence of our Father, the one true God and our creator. God never cease to let us feel His presence, His guidance, blessings and protections are all overwhelming. He responds to every prayer at His time and pleasure, and keep us safe from any harms and wickedness.

This great fate of being a servant of God, along with His providences are the reasons why we keep on serving Him amidst all trials and hardships. It is not God alone who will benefit if we continue on serving Him. It is us who will reap the greatest reward as His children.

The primary reward of serving God is more On the spiritual aspect. It is about the salvation of our soul. God wants us to know His truth and be saved, and He promised that He will reward us with salvation if we keep on holding on to the faith given to us. The Bible says, “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” (Romans 2:7 NIV) Apostle Peter explained that this is the sole purpose of our faith, to attain the salvation of our soul (1 Peter 1:9).

Besides all of this blessings and good fate, we believe that no matter what happens in our lives, we know that God will never abandon us. God promised that He will never forsake us. Even in the material aspect of our lives, if we are doing the right thing, and working as if we are working with the Lord, we will sure get the fruits of our labors. God had promised that once we prioritze the kingdom of heaven, we will experience His providence (Matthew 6:31-33).

This doesn’t mean that God will provide all of our material needs. We cannot rely our personal needs to God. We also need to work hard for everything that we want and need. However, God will surely bless us if He sees that in everything we trust in Him.

We need to understand that serving the Lord is more on the spiritual aspect of our lives. We serve Him not because we want Him to bless us materially. We serve God because we know that at an appointed time, we shall enter the kingdom of Heaven to receive the eternal reward, which is the eternal life.

Thus, it was advised that while we serve the Lord, we need to remain peaceful and learn to trust the Lord in all circumstances. The Bible says, “so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way:bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (Colossians 1:10-12)

Although many servants know that serving the Lord is a spiritual thing, there are some who have learned different perceptions about it. They serve God for a different purpose, for a different reward.

In his letter to the Corinth, Apostle Paul says, “For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.” (1 Corinthians 9:16-17)

Paul explains that preaching the Gospel of the Lord is his primary duty, which he received from God. If he will not perform this duty, he will be the most woeful person according to him. He is fulfilling his duty not because of his will. He knows that it is the will of God who called him to be an Apostle.

Paul reminded himself that if only to his will, he will have desired material things in serving God. However, he did not ask for it. He did not ask for material benefits in exchange of performing his duties.

Paul adds that in reality, he has a right to reap material benefits in the performance of his duties. He writes, “If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you.” (1 Corinthians 9:11) Paul did not use this right. He wanted to teach something to the members of the church.

Paul doesn’t want to become a burden to the many brethren of the church. He did not receive any material reward for being an Apostle of the Lord. He believes that holiness has a great reward. It will not come from earth. It will be an eternal reward, which is life everlasting.

We should not think that holiness is a way of getting rich or a way of answering our material needs if we are a Minister of the gospel. He writes, “and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” (1 Timothy 6:5)

Some people think that serving God can give us material benefits. Remember those people who were following Christ in the mountains while He is preaching about the kingdom of heaven? They were following Him not because of His teachings. They followed Him because they ate fish and bread and get full (John 6:24-26).

If we are thinking about material benefits as the rewards of our services to the Lord, then we are serving God wrongly. Paul writes, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:19)

The truth is, a Minister has a right for material benefits in serving the Lord. However, Apostle Paul did not use this right. He wanted to be a voluntary preacher of the gospel and not a paid one. He wanted a greater reward.

As he told to the members of the church, Paul doesn’t want to be a burden to them. He writes, “I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed.” (1 Corinthians 11:8-9)

He wants to explain here that the material support that he receives from the other churches are solely used for the needs of other churches, not for his personal needs. This is the reason why he learned to support his personal needs by working as a tent maker.

Every donation of members should not answer the personal needs of any preacher. Donations should be wisely used in spiritual advancement and growth of the church.

Each donation that a member gives should be used for spiritual management. This is what Apostle Paul implied in not using his right as an Apostle of Christ when it comes to material benefits.

This topic wants us to learn two things. First, we need to fully understand that God’s reward in serving Him will not be found here on earth. Therefore, servants should not challenge God to bless them materially. They should serve God because of the greater reward, which is life everlasting, in heaven.

The eternal reward can be attained through truthful service. Apostle Paul mentions, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

Second, we need to fully trust the administration of the church in our time. We should be aware that all our donations and financial support are only used for holy purposes and works of the church. Let us remember that God will never forget all our good deeds. Giving is an act of love and God is truly pleased if we are giving out of love. Remember, God loves a cheerful giver. Paul writes, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang mga Natutulog na Dadalhin ng Dios na Kasama Niya sa Kaniyang Muling Pagparito,” for October 30, 2014 service)

The Bible defines the word “sleep” in many ways. The typical sleep that we know is the ordinary sleep, which we do everyday at night. However, the Bible says “death” is also a form of sleep. All dead people are only sleeping in the eyes of God (Psalms 13:3), the Bible calls it “the sleep of death.”

Since we shall all die at an appointed time (Hebrews 9:27), therefore we shall all experience the sleep of death. Apostle Paul explains, “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him” (1 Thessalonians 4:14). It is very clear here that when the Lord Jesus comes again, He will bring those who are asleep (dead). They will be resurrected (awaken from sleep).

Remember the story of Jesus’s dead friend Lazarus? He was awakened from his sleep. After three days, Jesus rose again from the dead. These events are a preview of what will take place when Jesus comes again. Jesus said once, “a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.” (John 5:25) It is indeed an amazing sight to see and it will happen when Christ came. The dead will come back to life when they hear the voice of the almighty God.

However, are all dead will come back when Christ comes again?

Not all dead people will come back to life when Christ comes. Only those who died serving God, those who remained faithful until death will be resurrected. The Bible says, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

The Bible also tells us that Christ will take those who will still be alive when he comes. They will be caught up to meet the Lord up in the air, along with the risen faithful and be with Christ forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

Blessed are those who will be resurrected from the dead when Christ comes. The resurrected and those who be left alive at that time will be taken by Christ to fulfill His promise in John 14:2-3,” would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Aside from those who are literally sleeping (dead), there are those who are dead in the sight of God because of their sins – “one who lives for pleasure is dead even a while she lives.” (1 Timothy 5:6) They will surely not enter the kingdom of heaven including those who did not attain victory in serving the Lord.

Servants who are lazy and wicked – Matthew 25:26, will surely not receive the promised eternal life. Servants who did not yield fruit but instead lived according to the wickedness of this world will all be damned.

There are two things that we need to understand in this topic: (1) to warn us of the coming destruction and punishment if we will not be triumphant (2) to give us inspiration of the prize of salvation, which is the eternal life.

Remember Christ’s advise on us. We need to be watchful and be prepared for His coming. Be cautious of not to fall asleep especially when He comes (Mark 13:35-37). The Bible says, “Wake up!” and be raised and do the things that He expects us to do when He comes. Apostle Paul says, “The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.” (Romans 13:12-13)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Kamatayan at Kung Paano Ito Naitakda sa Tao”, for November 2, 2014 service)

Why do people die?

Many people do not understand the concept of death. Why do we have to die? Why can’t we live forever? And because death is often misunderstood, many people cannot accept its painful effects. Others blame God or other people when death comes to their loveones.

Do we need to blame someone if death comes? What does the Bible say about death? Does the Bible explain its origin? Is death a curse from God? This topic will give us an overview of how death came to people.

Man is destined to die once (Hebrews 9:27). This means we live once and we die once. We cannot exceed our days since it is already known. The Bible says, “A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.” (Job 14:5) Even if we wish to live longer, we cannot overcome the power of death. It is very powerful and no one can control when it comes.

Throughout the history of mankind, experts have searched on how to sustain life. They tried to look for ways on how they can extend the life span of humans. As time goes by, the life span continues to drop. They have failed to stop death. The wealth and power of the strongest people of this world can’t withstand the power of death. There is no power on earth that can prevent death. Its power is beyond our control. The Bible says, “As no one has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has power over the time of their death.” (Ecclesiastes 8:8)

What is destined to man will always prevail. Man will return to dust, – “since from it you were taken” (Genesis 3:19).

Why do our lives need to end? Is this the original plan of God when He created man?

The truth is, the original design of man is to live an eternal life. It only changed when death came to us. How did death come to mankind?

Because of man’s sins, death has come to everyone. Apostle Paul writes, “just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned —(Romans 5:12)”

God warned both Adam and Eve not to eat the forbidden fruit – but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die (Genesis 2:17) Man was cut off from God because he has committed a transgression against God. Did death come to the both of them when they disobeyed God? The answer is yes. Many Bible readers do not understand the meaning of death here. They are saying that God is not telling the truth because they did not die when they ate the forbidden fruit. Yes they did not die, at least not immediately. But do they live forever? The Bible says they both die.

The most important thing we need to learn here is that death came to mankind because of disobedience. Death should have been no power over us if only Adam and Eve did not disobey God and ate the forbidden fruit. Death came to us as a curse from God because of man’s defiance. Along with death, mankind will experience sufferings and hardships, (Genesis 3:16-19), however the ultimate curse is the end of life here on earth.

The power to know the time of death was not given to mankind. Death became a puzzle to us. Experts like doctors may predict the extent of one’s life based on obeservations, however, there is no way that we can know the actual time of death. This is an absolute power and only God has it. God gives the life, and He decides the extent of it, He decides the end of it (Job 14:5).

Why does the time of death become unknown to mankind?

The reason why the time of death was made unknown to us is because God wants us to fear Him. The Bible says, “Put them in fear, O Lord: that the nations may know themselves to be but men.” (Psalms 9:20) We are only mortals, limited beings and we need to understand that this life should only be used according to the purpose of God.

They say that it is easy to live, but it is hard to live right. We only live once, but once is enough if we live it right.

Aside from this, we need to understand that it is not the death of our physical being that we should be afraid of. It is the one that has the power over death that we should be afraid of, and who else has the power over death but God. God is the life giver, but He also has the power to put anyone to eternal damnation. The Bible says, “But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” (Luke 12:5)

The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. True wisdom comes from knowing the will of God, through His words. If we accept His words, it will help and guide us to live a proper and righteous life. The original plan of God is that mankind will have to live a life without end. However, life without end on earth became impossible but it is possible in the kingdom of heaven. Only those who do His will are righteous to live eternally in heaven.

Thus, before this life ends, we should prepare for it. How can we prepare for it? Preparing for death doesn’t involve only about funerals and arranging wealth and heirs. Living a purposeful life is the best way to prepare for death. If we live according to the purpose of God, then we are assured that we would live an eternal life after.

Remember the words of the Bible, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:57-58)

(From the sermon entitled, Ang mga Uliran ng mga Nagsisisampalataya na Marapat Tularan,” for dates November 20 and 23, 2014)

It is important to have faith in God. Faith is the act of believing in God, in what He can do, in what He can give and trusting in His power. In the absence of faith, no one can ever please God (Hebrews 11:1, 6).

In contrast to many people’s belief, possessing faith is not obtained by personal decisions or relations. Faith is founded upon hearing the words of God (Romans 10:17), thus, preachers are very important instruments for having faith.

The Bible tells us that faith is not fitted to anyone or anything except to our almighty God. Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled: have faith in God and have faith in me.” (John 14:1) The Scriptures tell us that there is only one God in whom we should serve and believe. The Father, in whom all things were created, was manifested in the flesh through Jesus Christ. The word, which is God, was manifested in the flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1, 14).

If we believe that only the Father can save us, and also believe that Jesus can also save us, we are not in any way commiting any mistakes, because the Bible says, “Have faith in the Lord Jesus, and you and your family will have salvation.” (Acts 16:31)

If we believe that there is only one God, then we are doing the right thing because this is what the Bible is telling us, “You believe that there is one God. Good!” (James 2:19) The Scriptures tell us that there is no other God who can bring us salvation except the one true God, “I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.”(Isaiah 43:11)

The early servants of God put their faith on this belief. They have shown their faith in God and in His words through their obedience to His will and commands. Many of them became models of faith.

Having models of faith is very important, especially to the new members. Everyone needs a role model even in the aspect of faith that will act as guide and example so they can attain the perfection of faith and that they can fulfill the will of God. These models will guide and inspire them to correct principles and servitude to God. Without the models, they may find it difficult to do the will of God.

There are many servants of God who became models of the believers. However, how did they become models?

They became models because of what they have shown and done. Their obedience to the will of God is unremarkable and walked according to righteousness.

If there is a character in the Bible that showed us what a real model of faith is, it is Christ Himself, who though He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a slave and by looking like other men. He humbled Himself, by becoming obedient until the point of death (Philippians 2:5-8). He showed us what characters is fit for servants, that is, humility and obedience. He left us examples, so that we can follow His steps (1 Peter 1:21).

Besides Christ, there are many servants who have showed to be models of faith. Apostle Paul says, “For you know yourselves how you must imitate us, because we did not behave without discipline a among you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:7) They strive to live a life according to the Gospel that they have received.

In dealing with others, they strive not to become a burden. They worked and supported themselves so that they become models to many (2 Thessalonians 3:8-9). And to show that they value most their ministry, they have treated themselves as trash of this world so that they can fulfill their duties.

This means that they have chosen to be poor in this world to show that the most important thing in this life is to serve the Lord. The Bible tells us, “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)

The Bible tells us that the models of believers in the church of God are those who have received responsibilities as preachers, ministers, teachers, deacons and deaconesses. They were chosen to teach the words of God, as well as to guide, inspire and become role models to all members. Apostle Peter has something to say about them, “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:1-3)

Having the knowledge of being a role model to faithful and believers of the church, these elder brothers and sisters are out to prove that they deserve to be chosen on the ministry. They lead and guide the members with all love, concern and humility.

They strive hard to become models in all aspects of life. They behave well and orderly especially in dealing with members and co-ministers in the church. They choose the appropriate words that the goal of inspiring and teaching the members will be applied. The purpose of the ministry is to impart the words of God and inspire the members to grow in faith. (2 Timothy 2:15)

They are also models in the aspect of showing love and concern to everyone and in the fulfillment of their duties and holy obligations. In faith, they make sure that the highest priority in principle is the love of God and duty. Above all, they make sure that they live a clean and honest life possessing the virtue of godliness in everything (1 Timothy 4:12).

They also strive to control and discipline themselves so that they can truly deserve to become role models in the aspects of holiness and gentleness. Having said this, they strive hard not to be easily carried away by temptations and worldly pleasures (Titus 2:12).

Their love is pure and manifest that love in actions and not only in words (1 Peter 1:22). They lead by example for the purpose of strengthening the faith of members (Titus 2:7-8).

Apostle Paul’s advice to each elder is evident in his many writings. For the bishop, he writes, “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” (Titus 1:7-9)

These role models are not only models in the church; they are also models in their own families as well. This was explained by Apostle Paul to Timothy, “He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)” ( 1 Timothy 3:4-5)

The same goes to other elders such as the preachers and ministers of the church, as well as the deacons and deaconesses, which are all chosen to help the overseer in administering the ministry of the church. They should strive hard to possess the best qualities and traits of a spiritual leader to become excellent models of faith.

Additionaly, they should have good reputation with outsiders (1 Timothy 3:7) and have good discipline over themselves, knowledgeable with the words of God, honest and sincere, courageous and persistent in fulfilling their holy obligations (1 Timothy 3:8-13), possessing gentleness, excellence in all things especially in love and in endurance (Titus 2:2).

All of these traits and experiences are enough to make them examples and models of the believers. And this challenges everyone to trust, respect and follow them because their actions, traits and principles are inspiring and encouraging. Apostle Paul says, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7)

Their ideologies and traits lead them to become righteous in the sight of God. They attain victory because of their truthfulness and sincerity in performing their duties. Their obedience are exemplary even if it cost their lives.

Our duty now is to follow their examples of servitude and principles, because by doing this, we know that it will also lead us to attain whatever they have reached, that is, the assurance to attain the crown of righteousness unto salvation. Apostle Paul says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4: 7-8)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Karangalang Dapat Ingatan” for November 27, 2014 service)

Having an honor is important. For some, status of life is not important. They can be poor or rich as long as they have the desired honor. It’s enough for them to live with integrity. For them, one of the most important treasures that they can ever have is having a good reputation.

The Bible tells us that having an old age is a crown of righteousness (Proverbs 16:31). Experiences of life teach us to grow maturely in many aspects of life. It tells us what to do or what not to do. These experiences include the mistakes that we oftenly do. People who encountered such mistakes can choose to become wise not to do the same mistakes again. Thus, they learned something from their mistakes.

Old people think differently from young people. They are more settled and wiser. Muhammad Ali says, “A person who is in his fifty, yet think and act like twenty, has lost thirty years of his life.” Old and mature people already knew where they will stand and what to do. They behave according to their age, and that makes them honorable.

The Bible also tells us, “The glory of young men is their strength.” (Proverbs 20:29) The strength of men can give them honor and glory. This is true especially to athletes. Their skills, strength and talents made them honorable.

However, whatever glory or honor a man may possess, everything will fade. Championships are passed to other younger and skillful players. Trophies and other awards can be earned, but eventually it will be set aside. The honor and glory produced by man can be forgotten.

But there is an honor and glory that will not fade and forgotten. It is an honor that came not from men, but of God. The Bible tells us that having been called to be a servant of God is the most precious honor that a man can have. Paul says, “no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God.” (Hebrews 5:4)

Apostle Paul takes this very seriously. In his letter he writes, “for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.” (1 Corinthians 9:15) For him, the most important thing in his life is when he was called to be Christ’s apostle (1 Corinthians 1:1-2) unto the church of God. This honor is incomparable to the glory and honor people received in this world.

Why is it an honor to become a servant of God? A member who is called to become a servant of God is regarded to become a part of God’s house, a house that is built spiritually, to become a holy priesthood. It gives a member a chance to serve God by giving spiritual offerings that pleases God (1 Peter 2:5). Members are also regarded as special people, a holy nation that deserves to give glory and honor to Him who took them out of the dark into the light of heaven (1 Peter 2:9).

These are all the reason why servants of God showed unconditional obedience to the will of God. The late brother Renato C. Beltran said, “Above all glories, I value most the honor of being a servant of God.” This is almost similar to what Apostle Paul said, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.” (Acts 20:24)

That is why, we are blessed that we are a part of those who have received this honor. However, along with this honor is a huge accountability to proclaim the glory of God, who has called us. The Bible tells us not to receive God’s grace in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1). This means that it is our duty to give importance to it by keeping it. We are called to be holy (1 Corinthians 1:1-2), therefore, we have to be seen striving to be holy in many aspects of our lives.

To do this, we should remain in whatever task we are called. This will lead us to receive the promised crown of righteousness, which is the eternal life. Apostle Paul explains, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Hindi dapat Mawala sa Buhay ng Tao,” for November 30, 2014 service)

Many people are driven to strive for many things in their lives. Usually, these are material things that are pleasureable to them. Though it is not wrong to satisfy our needs and wants, we should be careful not to do immoral things in order to fulfill it.

The Bible tells us that all the works of man is dedicated to satisfy their mouth (Ecclesiastes 6:7). This is the usual focus of many people, that is, to satisfy their desires and wants. For some, they will die if they will not get what they want. Poor or rich, they are doing their best for achieving these desires.

It has been the mentality of many people to give everything just to live (Job 2:4). This means that they can resort to do wicked things if this is the only way to meet their needs.

Although it has been the usual way of thinking of many people, it is not the design of God for us. We were created not for food and drinks. God first created our needs before He had created man. This means, the needs are created for us and not the other way around. Life is more valuable than these needs. Though basic needs are important, this is not what can complete and satisfy us here on earth. The Bible tells us that food cannot bring us near to God (1 Corinthians 8:8).

Jesus tells us, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul.” (Matthew 16:26) We can satisfy our desires and wants in life but if we acquire them the wrong way, we may end up losing our soul. What good will it gives us?

We understand that food is not enough for us to live. And it is not also enough to live just for food and drinks. We need the most vital element of life, something that cannot be acquired from our material desires. What is this most vital element that we need? Jesus tells us, “‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

We can notice that no matter how much food and drinks we take in our bodies, we can never feel satisfaction. Our bodies will feel hunger and thirst again. This is a proof that man’s desire is endless. Thus, we should learn that life is not all about food and drinks only; also, we should understand that the most essential thing in life is to know the will of God through His words.

The words of God help us answer what couldn’t be understood and couldn’t be satisfied in this life. Through hearing the words of God, we gain faith (Romans 10:17). Nobody can please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6). Therefore, along with the basic needs that we get in life, we should also satisfy our spiritual needs, and this is done by feeding the soul with the words of God, which inspire and lead us to become righteous. This is His design.

Let it be a lesson to us that certain characters in the Bible became unrighteous because they chose to value the material needs rather than the spiritual. Esau sold his birthright for a plate of food. Judas Scariot betrayed Christ in exchange for thirty pieces of silver. Ananiah and Zafirah, a couple that hid something from the Apostles ended up dead.

These stories give proof that people can choose to do wicked things in the sight of God for the sake of satisfying their selfish deires. Apostle Paul says, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

God expects us to understand the value of this life that He has given us. Our life is valuable than anything in this world. It is very precious and important to God. We should give importance to it by living according to His design and purpose. We should not left out the most important element, which will come from knowing the will of our creator and fulfilling it.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang mga Lingkod ng Dios na Inaring Kalugihan ang mga Bagay na Pakinabang sa Sanlibutang Ito,” for December 4, 2014)

Not all who serve God is looking for salvation. Some of them aim to benefit materially. In our times, one of the fastest ways to get lots of money is through religion. There are many groups of faith built not to introduce the message of the will of God, but to present their own teachings, typically inclined to give them monetary benefits. These groups have persuaded many people, promising them instant salvations in exchange of their monetary donations. These people are blinded.

The concept of building a group of faith aimed to enrich them is not new. This has been a part of history long time ago. When Jesus Christ preached in front of many people, many followed Him. However, He knew that they followed Him not because of the words that He preached, but because all of them ate bread and got full (John 6:24).

This incident was repeated over and over again. Many people thought that serving the Lord is a way to be blessed materially in this life.

This is in contrast to what the Bible tells us. Paul writes in his letters, “…who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” (1 Timothy 6:5) Indeed, many people have been blinded and corrupted by man’s teachings. This is a work of the devil.

In the sight of God, this belief is wrong and cannot please Him. Paul says, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:9)

If serving the Lord is not a way to be rich materially, what then is the perfect definition of serving God in the hearts and minds of the early servants of God, particularly the early Christians?

For most of the Christians, serving the Lord is a sacrifice. They have learned to give up their excellent status in exchange of maintaining their faith. Merriam Webster dictionary defines sacrifice as “the act of giving up something that you want to keep especially in order to get or do something else or to help someone.”

It was a time of religious turmoil in the early part of the Christian church. The enemy of the church, especially the Roman Empire, persecuted them. However, they showed the vastness of their faith in God. They have sacrificed a lot in their lives for the sake of their Christian faith.

How come they have shown huge sacrifice in serving the Lord?

These Christians managed to sacrifice even their lives because of Jesus Christ. Knowing, accepting and believing Christ made them do sacrificial things. In order to attain Christ and please Him, they did not turn away from their faith. They have chosen to consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, for whose sake they have lost all things and considered them garbage for the belief of gaining Christ in their lives (Philippians 3:7-8).

Aside from this, they imitate what Jesus Christ did. Christ showed them examples and these examples are enough to encourage them to show what serving the Lord is all about, that is, to make sacrifices.

Apostle Paul, who has been chosen as the apostle to the Gentile nations, showed the same examples of sacrifice in serving the Lord. In his letter, he encouraged the Christians to follow his examples, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:2) The same affirmation is what God expects from every one of us. God wants us to give more importance to what we have received, especially our holy duties and obligations as servants of God.

For Apostle Paul, his calling in the ministry is the most important honor he had ever received in his life. Through his letters, he wants the other members of the church to have the same conviction. He writes, “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me —the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24)

Is it wrong to have the same belief as Apostle Paul? It is not wrong actually to choose and live the same belief as Apostle Paul. Actually, it is God’s will to His servants.

For these early servants, life is not that important. What’s important to them is that their lives should be utilized in the service of the almighty God. The only way that this life can be valuable is by pleasing the Lord through service. Paul writes, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

Can this belief and conviction lead us to eternal salvation? The Bible says, “If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know…. for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.” (Philippians 1:22, 19) If it is the will of God for all of us, then it will surely lead us to our salvation.

If the purpose of serving God deviates from this belief, then we are in the wrong direction. Jesus Christ mentions that anyone who wishes to save his life will eventually lose it (Matthew 16:25-26). We can gain material and financial wealth on earth, but if we fail to have the most important wealth of all, which is the honor of being a servant of God, then we lose everything. However, in order to get hold of being a servant of God, we may end up sacrificing a lot in this life.

We can exchange holy deeds from material things, but this will surely fail us. The lesson aims to remind us that servants of God are different from people who do not learn about faith. Our priorities are different from the priorities of the unfaithful. Our focus is not here on earth. We are looking straight to heaven.

Let us serve God and follow the examples of those who have served God and became righteous. By then, we shall be measured enough and not lacking in the sight of the almighty God. Let us contemplate on what Paul says, “Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.” (Ephesians 6:6)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang mga Kapatid na Nagsisipaglingkod sa Kabila ng Kahirapan at Kahapisan” for December 7, 2014)

A person usually gets weak and looses hope when troubles and depressions come. Many people who have been in those situations got lost.

However, servants of God have different interpretations when these situations come. For them, such situations are opportunities to show the immensity of their faith in God. This is how their faith is measured and known.

Amidst the painful sufferings brought by poverty and depressions of life, servants of God remained faithful to their holy duties and obligations. They have shown that we should serve God not only when we are abundant and having conveniences of life.

Being poor, or lacking in many things in life should not be a hinder in fulfilling our holy duties before our almighty God. If we read the Bible, there are many sufferings experienced by the early servants of God. The early Christians especially, have shown amazing faithfulness in God. The Bible records, “Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.” (Hebrews 11:36-38)

Some of them, especially the preachers of the Gospel of Christ, though being warned not to preach the words of God and the name of Jesus Christ, were not stopped and hindered. They continue to shout and propagate the teachings of Christ amidst the persecutions they encounter. They remained focus on following first what the will of God is rather than following what the people wanted them to do (Acts 5:29).

Of all these sufferings that they have encountered and experienced, can we not consider them martyrs and models of faith? They did not allow anything to hinder their obedience and faithfulness in the will of God, that no matter what happened to them, they would always remain with their faith even if their lives were at stake. This is a huge challenge for all of us in our times today.

On what should we be challenged? We should be moved by their heroic deeds and martyrdoms. We should be challenged not to feel any sort of idleness when it comes to spiritual duties.

We have not experienced yet what they have encountered in their times. And for them, amidst the many sufferings and painful experiences of being a servant of God, they have remained obedient to the will of God.

Sadly, many who claimed to be servants of God today, are easily giving up when little trials come. Some of them even turned away and left their holy duties and obligations.

We should be challenged that we too, can show that nothing can make us feel weak because we know that Christ strengthens us in everything that we do. Apostle Paul writes, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10) Paul wants us to understand that hopelessness is not an option for a servant of God.

He adds, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17) A true servant of God treats these experiences as something that will make him stronger in faith.

A true servant holds on to what Paul wrote to Romans, “nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:35-38) A true servant holds on to hope, that comes from the words of God, that nothing can move us because we are entrenched with His words that give us hope.

To be able to overcome all these painful experiences and sufferings, we should focus our sight not on what our eyes can see. It should be focused in heaven, which is our ultimate motivation. If we are motivated to be in heaven, then nothing can hinder us from getting there. Apostle Paul writes, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinto 4:18)

We should also show that nothing could hinder us from pleasing the Lord. The Bible says, “Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:6-9)

If we could do this, we can be assured of inheriting the promised eternal life, which is the purpose of our faith. Let us be reminded about Paul’s letter, “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18) If nothing is worth comparing with that glory, then there is nothing that we can sacrifice when it comes to serving the Lord.

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang mga Bagay na Ibinigay ng Dios upang Pakinabangan sa Sanlibutang ito,” for December 11, 2014)

Before God created man, He first created all things that will be beneficial to man like the animals and plants. The basic needs of man were provided first and were all have been given to mankind (Eclesiastes 3:11-14).

When God created the first man, He saw that it is not good that the man is alone. Then, He created the woman, as man’s companion, so they can create a family, also a basic need of every individual (Genesis 1:27-28). So, each man will have a wife for his own, and a woman will have her own husband. The husband will provide what is proper to her wife, and the wife will do as well. (1 Corinthians 7:2-3)

If all provisions were given to mankind, there is no reason at all that a man should feel anxious about the things that he needs. All he has to do is to act and strive for the things he desires to have and want.

Jesus tells us, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat? ’ or ‘What shall we drink? ’ or ‘What shall we wear? ’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:31-34)

This tells us that life is not all about our material needs and wants. We also need to satisfy the spiritual part of our lives, to feed our soul, to find the righteousness and the kingdom of God, which should be the top most priority of every being.

To be able to do this, whatever provisions we have, we need to use them properly in our lives. If we have more than we need, giving and helping is a way to show that we are properly utilizing them. By doing this, we are assured that we are following the will of God. The Bible tells us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10)

In all the blessings of God that we received, we have been given the liberty to utilize them, be it material or in the spiritual aspect of our lives.

However, we are being warned of these provisions given to us. Although the purpose of all these necessities is to provide for our needs, but we have to make sure that it is being used according to His will. When God created man, He let the man to be the steward of all His creatures. Therefore, man has been given the task to be the caretaker of this world.

Apostle Paul advises, “And they that use this world, as not abusing it.” (1 Corinthians 7:31) Anything that is too much is dangerous. Abusing the resources given to humanity is a bad thing. Excessive desire to possess all things in life will eventually lead us to bad fate. Therefore, we need to be cautious of all the things given to us.

Apostle Paul also advised the brethren of the church not to finish by way of the flesh. Brethren of the church started by way of the spirit and they are supposed to finish it by way of spirit also (Galatians 3:3). If we live our lives by way of the flesh, it will definitely lead us away from God. It will also lead us astray from the righteousness of God, because these material things were utilized by the devil to put mankind away from God. Jesus tells us, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.” (Luke 21:34)

Apostle James explains that people have been wrongly motivated in desiring the wealth of this life. They desired things and used it for their own pleasure and wickedness (James 4:2-3). People learned to kill others because of this. They envied others’ wealth. Instead of using the wealth and resources given to them according to the will of God, they used for their own desires.

Some of the examples are the following: (1) having one partner in life did not suffice people. They learned to commit adultery to satisfy their sexual lusts. (2) modern technologies were used to do harmful and immoral things (3) some learned to leave their sexual orientation for the purpose of satisfying their sexual desires (Romans 1:26-28).

All of these things resulted to one thing; the world became too dangerous to live on. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 tell us, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self- control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”

We may not stop the wickedness of the present world, and its impending destruction, but we do have the control to ourselves and make it meaningful and pleasureable to the almighty God. If we live according to His will and desire, then we are doing the right thing.

Apostle Paul advises us to fulfill the purpose of our calling in the church of God. He tells us, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13) Let us encourage each other to please God by loving one another, instead of indulging ourselves into the desires of the flesh.

While we have the strength, this body should be used not in wickedness and wrong desires, but instead be used like we have been risen from the dead, and it should be an instrument of the righteousness of God (Romans 6:13).

More importantly, we were not created to love this world. We were not created to love the things of this world (1 John 2:15-17). This world will end, along with all the things within it. Our lives will end as well. However, our lives will become worthy if we lived according to the purpose of our existence.

We only live once on earth and our lives here is only temporary. We should learn to be satisfied in all things. We should also learn to be grateful at all times, being thankful for whatever we have in life. The Bible tells us, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)

(From the sermon entitled, “Ang Minsa’y Nagpapalayo sa Isang Mananampalataya sa Panginoong Dios” for December 14, 2014)

If we study the Bible, one of God’s desires is to make us become near to Him. People become far because of the sins commited. Sins separated us from God.

Everyone who comes near to God will eventually become closer to God. Noticeably, those who were called by God to serve Him are poor, weak and despised by this world. People who are like them are very close to the heart of God. Apostle James tells us, “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (James 2:5)

God wants to send a strong message here. He calls the lowly so that no one may boast before Him. Apostle Paul explains this, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not —to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Corinthians 1:27-28)

It is very clear here that one of God’s traits is the love for the things that are poor, lowly and despised. The Bible tells us, “Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly” (Psalms 138:6)

And so, being called unto His church is a blessing because we are gven the chance to come closer to the almighty God. However, being a servant of God doesn’t mean we can avoid turning away from Him. There are things that can make servants forget God.

How can a servant or a faithful forget God and turn away from Him?

There are many ways that a servant turns away from God. Sins can definitely be the major reason. However, what this lesson would like to emphasize is that sometimes, material abundance can make a servant change. It can push us away from God.

How can it push us away from God? Some people don’t know how to control themselves when it comes to material abundance. People tend to want or desire more than what they have. This causes them to become busier than before, and make them having less time in fulfilling their holy obligations and duties. The Bible tells us, “Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God…” (Deuteronomy 8:11-14)

When people turn away from God, they become conceited and arrogant. They think that they possess all things without God’s help. They think that they’ve got them by their own. They have forgotten that it is God who makes us rich and poor. The Bible reminds us not to think like this, “You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” (Deuteronomy 8:17)

In one of Jesus’ parables, He explains that material things and personal desires are oftenly the reasons why people become distant to God. We can read in Luke 14:17-20, that people have used these material things and personal desires as an excuse not to accept the invitations being given to them.

We can read, “At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready. ’ “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me. ’ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me. “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.”

It is not wrong to desire for material things in this life. In fact, Apostle Paul explains, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8) However, we should do these things in perfect balance. 

We should not desire too much, not to forget about our spiritual duties. Remember, we have a God to serve, we have a holy obligation to fulfill and we have a faith to keep.

We should not let our hearts be inclined to a wealth that will not last forever. We can get lost if we continue to hope for these things. The Bible tells us, “though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” (Psalms 62:10)

This is a very strong warning to everyone so we will not forget God and turn away from Him. The usual cause of turning away from God is when we get anxious of what we will eat and drink for tomorrow. We worry about our situations here on earth. We are afraid that we may loose all the material pleasures that we have now.

The more people experience abundance, the more he becomes inclined to desire more abundance in life. They fear of loosing everything what they have. This mentality pushes them to desire and strive for more. Eventually, it turns them away from the most important things of life, serving the Lord.

What we need to understand here is that we should learn how to handle all types of situations of life. Life can bring us abundance and depressions brought by poverty. In poverty, we should learn not to let anything becomes a hindrance in fulfilling our duties.

In abundance, we should be wiser to understand that it is God who blesses us with these things, and if God provided us with what we want, then it should us push us closer to Him. It is a big insult in the part of God, if we turn away from Him while He is blessing us.

The Bible tells us, ”… give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord? ’Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:8-9)

This means that we should learn to equalize or balance all the things that come our ways. Blessings and provisions come from God. Trials and depressions can also come from God. If they will come, and surely will, we should be smart in facing them.

If there is something that should be put on top of our priorities, then it should be what pleases God more. Jesus tells us “…seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

If His kingdom and righteousness will be our life’s priority, nothing will be lost; instead, we can attain true life, which is the eternal life.

Jesus tells us, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul.” (Matthew 16:25-26)

(From the sermon entitled, “Kung Kailan ang Pagpapasalamat ay Mabuting Bagay, for December 21, 2014)

Thanksgiving is a good thing. It is our way of returning the favor or showing gratitude to someone who has done something good to us.

The Bible tells us the same thing, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High (Psalms 92:1). For God, offering appreciations through praising and thanksgiving is expected from His servants. It glorifies the almighty God, “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me.” (Psalms 50:23)

However, not all who could offer thanksgiving can glorify the Lord. If the offering is not done right, then the thanksgiving can become unworthy. The Bible tells us that the offering of the wicked is abomination to God (Proverbs 21:27). That goes to show that not all forms of thanksgiving are accepted.

How can thanksgiving become a good thing in the sight of God?

First and foremost, the offering of thanksgiving should be according to the righteousness and will of God. The Bible tells us about this, “I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness.” (Psalms 7:17) The offering, no matter how big and great can be rejected if not done according to the righteousness of God.

If the offering was done according only to the desire and design of men, and was not agreeing to the will of God, then it will be rejected. The offering should be what God desires, “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness…” (Psalms 4:4)

Jesus tells us that services, worships and thanksgiving that are done out of men’s teachings are absoulutely vain and worthless (Matthew 15:9). People have tried to serve God according to their ways but God rejected them because they are not following what can please Him. They are only doing what can please them and not what can please the Lord (Romans 10:1-3). These are all wicked and abominations to God.

The Bible tells us that if the offering confers to what God wants, then it will definitely please Him, “Then you will have delight in the offerings of righteousness.”(Psalms 51:19)

To make sure that an offering is according to the pleasure of the Lord, we need to comply to these elements. The Bible tells us, “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” (1 Chronicles 16:29) First, we need to bring an offering. Second, we need to be present and come before Him, and third, we show Him the worship and praises according to the beauty of His holiness. These elements are important to please God.

If we can please God, then God will surely give the desires of our hearts. He will continue to bless us more with His love. He will continue to shower us with His amazing grace. God will not forget what pleases Him, and so, He will repay us with His gifts. More importantly, He will show the beauty of His salvation, “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God.” (Psalms 50:23)