Brethren: Authentic, Genuine, True Believers in the LORD Jesus Christ, born again, saved by grace & redeemed by the BLOOD of the Lamb of God (which taketh away the sin of the world)! Acts 4:12; John 3:1-8; Ephesians 1:7; Eph.2:8-9; Hebrews 9:22;
Let us now join our hearts and faith and come before God’s throne of grace with boldness in believing prayer to our Heavenly Father; Let us appropriate the mercy and grace we need for ourselves, families, and households freely offered to us by our God and Father the LORD Jesus Christ; and Let us lay hold of His Divine Protection promised in His Word in Psalm 91 day by day for our benefit.
PRAYER FOR DIVINE DELIVERANCE IN TIMES OF CALAMITIES!
“FATHER GOD, we come as your children through faith in Jesus Christ alone (John 1:12-13; 3:16-18) with boldness into your holy presence NOW (Hebrews 4:16; 11:1& 6) in the mighty & powerful name of our LORD Jesus Christ and by His BLOOD (Rev. 12:11). We join our hearts and faith in prayer NOW, declaring our complete dependence and reliance upon You. We acknowledge our need for You today more than ever.
FATHER GOD, we thank You that as your people, You are our refuge and fortress from all harm (Psalm 91:2; Psalm 46:1-3, 7, 10-11; Psalm 27:1; 5; Psalm 31:3; Psalm 34:1-8; 15; 17; 22). We thank You that You are our hiding place (Psalm 32:7-8). Therefore, You preserve us from trouble, You compass us about with songs of deliverance. Selah. You instruct us and teach us in the way which we go and You guide us with Your eye. Hallelujah!
FATHER GOD, we thank You that because we have made You LORD our refuge, there shall no evil befall us, neither shall any plague come nigh our homes (Psalm 91:9-10);
Therefore, FATHER GOD, we declare in Jesus most powerful name (Philippians 2:9-10), “No weapon formed against us, that is, instigated by the enemy of our souls Satan (John 10:10a) who is the god of this world (2Corinthians 4:4), shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17); NO, not storms bringing rain & floods, not sickness, not famine, not even death and destruction; NO, these shall not prosper against us because we are God’s people redeemed by the BLOOD of Jesus Christ our LORD! Therefore HIS BLOOD IS A SHIELD & HEDGE OF PROTECTION (Rev. 12:11) upon us all, our families & homes day by day; God’s Angels as promised in Psalm 34:7 & Psalm 91:11-12 are encamped round about us keeping, protecting & preserving us in Jesus mighty name; As our mouth declare and speak (Mark 11:23) God’s unchanging Word where His promises are clearly laid out for His people, His angels hearken to the voice of His Word (Psalm 103:20; Hebrews 1:13-14) coming out of our mouths in the name of Jesus Christ our LORD to deliver and preserve us from all calamities and harm! Hallelujah!
NOW, FATHER GOD, we speak life instead of death (Proverbs 18:21) over our families, loved ones and people within our concentric circle of influence; instead of destruction, we speak preservation over our properties and belongings in Jesus mighty name; instead of sickness and diseases, we speak healing, that we are healed and made whole in Jesus name because Jesus Christ is our Jehovah-Rapha, our LORD who healeth us, declaring that by His stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5; Psalm 103:3; 107:20; 118:17; Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24).
NOW, WE COME AGAINST YOU SATAN AND EVERY DEMONS ARRAYED AGAINST US IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME! WE PRESENT AGAINST YOU ALL THE BLOOD OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST FREELY SHED ON CALVARY’S CROSS 2,000 YEARS AGO;
SATAN, YOU HAVE NO LEGAL OR SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY OVER US BECAUSE JESUS CHRIST ALONE IS LORD OF OUR LIVES, OUR FAMILIES AND HOMES AND TO HIM ALONE WE SUBMIT;
NOW, TODAY SATAN, WE REBUKE and RESIST YOU IN JESUS NAME. WE COMMAND YOU TO FLEE FROM US, OUR FAMILIES, OUR HOMES AND WITH EVERYONE WE HAVE TO DO; TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF GOD’S CHILDREN REDEEMED BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST OUR LORD; (Ephesians 6:10-18; Luke 10:19; James 4:7)
FATHER GOD, because we have set our love upon You, therefore will You deliver us: You will set us on high, because we have known Your name; Thank you Father God that when we call, You will answer us: You promised to be with us in trouble, to deliver us and honor us, with long life satisfy us and show us Your salvation (Psalm 91:14-16).
FATHER GOD, WE APPROPRAITE BY FAITH NOW YOUR DELIVERANCE FROM EVERY WORKS OF SATAN AND WE PRAISE & THANK YOU IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME! THANK YOU LORD! PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD! AMEN & AMEN!!!” (Psalm 91; Hebrews 11:1; 6; Mark 11:24; 1 Thes. 5:16-18)
SUGGESTION: BELIEVER DO THIS EVERYDAY!
THIS IS “PREVENTIVE THERAPHY”!
Don’t wait for calamities to come before you do.
Rather, daily, again and again, bring before the hearing
of God His Words/Promises. As you do in faith, He will DO
(manifest) His Word(s) in your life especially in the matter
of Divine Protection! (Numbers 14:28; Isaiah 43:26).
Use Scriptures Only in the KJV Bible!
Evangelist Emmanuel P. Salvador
Email: ministerjhn33@hotmail.com
Cell No. # +63928-774-5859
Is there such a thing as Truth, I mean Absolute Truth? Or is it true that to most people, anywhere in the world, truth is relative. Is it wise to be ignorant? I don't think so. Ignorance is not bliss.
The Way of the Cross Leads to Heaven
JOHN 14:6 JESUS CHRIST said: I AM THE WAY
Friday, October 9, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
FELLOWSHIP IN THE SUFFERINGS OF SAINTS
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the most precious name of our God and Saviour
the LORD Jesus Christ, whose we are and whom we serve
until He comes again! Maranatha!!!
The world was witness through the TV news and internet about
the latest disaster that has affected hundreds of thousands in
the Metro Manila Area comprising of 13 cities & municipalities in the Philippines.
What you have seen in the TV is true all over the Metro Manila Area. In fact, it includes the immediate provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna & Cavite. There are no electricity & water in these areas now.
My family and I are all doing well in Jesus name. We live in Greenhills Area at the 6th Floor. This is a very safe place. The LORD has been very gracious and faithful. We praise God for His protection and preservation.
My home church, where I moved my Covenant Membership from Jersey City Wesleyan Church (pastored by Rev. Donavan
Shoemaker) is Cainta Wesleyan Church. Almost 100% of the Cainta Area were submerged in flood waters as well as San Mateo, Marikina, Pasig & Pateros.
The church sanctuary & parsonage together with the premises
of the Wesleyan Academy were in flood waters of less than 6 ft from saturday to morning of monday All the sound system has been in flood waters. Most of our members in Cainta were also affected. Their homes were under water reaching even the second floors. You can just imagine what the flood waters has done to all appliances and furnitures.
Everything in the ground floor of the church and the Wesleyan Academy were submerged in flood waters. All cars and vehicles were submerged in flood dirty waters too.This is true in the whole area of Cainta which was 100% under water.
Now that the waters has receded, the clean up is very slow because the water company has not yet fully restored service plus the fact that electricity is still to be restored hopefully at the latest next week. There is much garbage and trash all over the area.
The death toll is about 200 plus there are still many missing.
Remember to pray for many of our christian brethren in many churches within the National Central District of the Philippine Wesleyan Church.
If you sense and believe that you would like to participate in the fellowship of the sufferings of God's people here in the Philippines, I initiated personally to raise some funds to help our church and the other Wesleyan churches affected.
The Apostle Paul in God's Word, the Bible encourages and challenges believers in Christ Jesus to go out of their way to help in times like these. He writes in
Galatians 6:9-10 (King James Version)
9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Any donation can be sent designated for Flood Victims
To: Rev. Bayani Gabrillo
District Superintendent
National Central District
The Philippine Wesleyan Church, Inc.
# 18-1 Bulacan Street, West Avenue,
1104 Quezon City, Philippines
Or: Thru Bank Transfer
The Wesleyan Church NCD
METRO BANK, West Avenue Branch, Quezon City
Savings Account Number # SA 3-198503801
When you do, make sure that you email me so a proper acknowledgement and accounting can be made. Donations can be done thru the internet like www.Xoom.com (Xoom Global Money Transfer) for a very minimal fee.
Once again, thank you for remembering that as God's people, we are link and united by one Spirit. In times like these, we need to remember to pray and act upon the bidding of God. I only ask that you act as the Holy Spirit bids you do.
In Christ Love,
Pastor Manny
Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21;
Colossians 1:9-14; 3:16-17
Evangelist Emmanuel P. Salvador
"Man Must Be Born Again"
John 3:1-7
Ministry Blogsite: http://manny-knowthetruth.blogspot.com/
Ministry email: ministerjhn33@hotmail.com
Personal email: emmanuel.tranquil@gmail.com
Greetings in the most precious name of our God and Saviour
the LORD Jesus Christ, whose we are and whom we serve
until He comes again! Maranatha!!!
The world was witness through the TV news and internet about
the latest disaster that has affected hundreds of thousands in
the Metro Manila Area comprising of 13 cities & municipalities in the Philippines.
What you have seen in the TV is true all over the Metro Manila Area. In fact, it includes the immediate provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna & Cavite. There are no electricity & water in these areas now.
My family and I are all doing well in Jesus name. We live in Greenhills Area at the 6th Floor. This is a very safe place. The LORD has been very gracious and faithful. We praise God for His protection and preservation.
My home church, where I moved my Covenant Membership from Jersey City Wesleyan Church (pastored by Rev. Donavan
Shoemaker) is Cainta Wesleyan Church. Almost 100% of the Cainta Area were submerged in flood waters as well as San Mateo, Marikina, Pasig & Pateros.
The church sanctuary & parsonage together with the premises
of the Wesleyan Academy were in flood waters of less than 6 ft from saturday to morning of monday All the sound system has been in flood waters. Most of our members in Cainta were also affected. Their homes were under water reaching even the second floors. You can just imagine what the flood waters has done to all appliances and furnitures.
Everything in the ground floor of the church and the Wesleyan Academy were submerged in flood waters. All cars and vehicles were submerged in flood dirty waters too.This is true in the whole area of Cainta which was 100% under water.
Now that the waters has receded, the clean up is very slow because the water company has not yet fully restored service plus the fact that electricity is still to be restored hopefully at the latest next week. There is much garbage and trash all over the area.
The death toll is about 200 plus there are still many missing.
Remember to pray for many of our christian brethren in many churches within the National Central District of the Philippine Wesleyan Church.
If you sense and believe that you would like to participate in the fellowship of the sufferings of God's people here in the Philippines, I initiated personally to raise some funds to help our church and the other Wesleyan churches affected.
The Apostle Paul in God's Word, the Bible encourages and challenges believers in Christ Jesus to go out of their way to help in times like these. He writes in
Galatians 6:9-10 (King James Version)
9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Any donation can be sent designated for Flood Victims
To: Rev. Bayani Gabrillo
District Superintendent
National Central District
The Philippine Wesleyan Church, Inc.
# 18-1 Bulacan Street, West Avenue,
1104 Quezon City, Philippines
Or: Thru Bank Transfer
The Wesleyan Church NCD
METRO BANK, West Avenue Branch, Quezon City
Savings Account Number # SA 3-198503801
When you do, make sure that you email me so a proper acknowledgement and accounting can be made. Donations can be done thru the internet like www.Xoom.com (Xoom Global Money Transfer) for a very minimal fee.
Once again, thank you for remembering that as God's people, we are link and united by one Spirit. In times like these, we need to remember to pray and act upon the bidding of God. I only ask that you act as the Holy Spirit bids you do.
In Christ Love,
Pastor Manny
Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21;
Colossians 1:9-14; 3:16-17
Evangelist Emmanuel P. Salvador
"Man Must Be Born Again"
John 3:1-7
Ministry Blogsite: http://manny-knowthetruth.blogspot.com/
Ministry email: ministerjhn33@hotmail.com
Personal email: emmanuel.tranquil@gmail.com
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCY
Brethren:
In this era of information technology, there is no reason why one is to be
uninformed much less ignorant of many issues especially pertaining to
God's Precious Word, The Holy Bible.
One need though to be very careful in choosing the resources one is to look into.
The challenge for the authentic, genuine, true believer in Christ is to find the time
and make the time if need be to read, study, and scrutinize many good, reliable
resources available through the internet.
It is a matter of making priority to the need to become informed. So, every one will
decide for himself even on matters that are so crucial, yes, possibly controversial.
Pastors and teachers of the Holy Scriptures truly called of God (Ephesians 4:11), are to be ever vigilant, studious, always teachable (for there is no such thing as knowing everything). We are to ever be a student of God's Word and the many issues surrounding it (2 Timothy 2:15) for the rest of our lives on earth.
Yet, it is my sad experience and observation that many so-called pastors/teachers are ignorant if not uninformed in many crucial issues that affects the lives of many christian. Possibly for the following reasons: laziness or just plain indifference or "I don't care" attitude.
Just this week, in response to one of my emails, a pastor emailed back saying that he has no time for such things and asked to be stricken out of my list. I immediately replied "will do" and deleted said pastor's email address.
Praise the LORD though, two pastors responded in the affirmative. One said, he will
share said information to his people. The other commended the sender
of crucial, even controversial information.
I do not seek popularity in what I do. I do what I do believing in my heart that I have a responsibility to share information that I have first personally read, studied and confirmed to be true. Such crucial information will and must help God's people become informed especially in matters of eternal consequence.
Such matter like the New Bible Versions and the people behind such endeavors. News like well-known so-called preachers of the Gospel, in fact & in truth denying the exclusivity of my LORD Jesus Christ being the ONLY WAY to heaven.
John 14:6 (King James Version)
6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Acts 4:12 (King James Version)
12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Yet, it is imperative, if I may say so, that believers in our LORD Jesus Christ, must
ever be vigilant, wary and ready to stand with conviction for God's Word, the Holy
Bible.
Suggested article (not mine) on Dynamic Equivalency. Visit www.wayoflife.org.
Search topic on Dynamic Equivalency.
I invite you to personally find the time to open, read, study and decide for yourself what you will do and not do in the light of such scholarly exposure.
For those who will receive this email and desires to be taken out permanently, let your intention be known. Your wish will be honored. Thank you!
Evangelist Emmanuel P. Salvador
“Man Must be Born Again”
John 3:1-8
In this era of information technology, there is no reason why one is to be
uninformed much less ignorant of many issues especially pertaining to
God's Precious Word, The Holy Bible.
One need though to be very careful in choosing the resources one is to look into.
The challenge for the authentic, genuine, true believer in Christ is to find the time
and make the time if need be to read, study, and scrutinize many good, reliable
resources available through the internet.
It is a matter of making priority to the need to become informed. So, every one will
decide for himself even on matters that are so crucial, yes, possibly controversial.
Pastors and teachers of the Holy Scriptures truly called of God (Ephesians 4:11), are to be ever vigilant, studious, always teachable (for there is no such thing as knowing everything). We are to ever be a student of God's Word and the many issues surrounding it (2 Timothy 2:15) for the rest of our lives on earth.
Yet, it is my sad experience and observation that many so-called pastors/teachers are ignorant if not uninformed in many crucial issues that affects the lives of many christian. Possibly for the following reasons: laziness or just plain indifference or "I don't care" attitude.
Just this week, in response to one of my emails, a pastor emailed back saying that he has no time for such things and asked to be stricken out of my list. I immediately replied "will do" and deleted said pastor's email address.
Praise the LORD though, two pastors responded in the affirmative. One said, he will
share said information to his people. The other commended the sender
of crucial, even controversial information.
I do not seek popularity in what I do. I do what I do believing in my heart that I have a responsibility to share information that I have first personally read, studied and confirmed to be true. Such crucial information will and must help God's people become informed especially in matters of eternal consequence.
Such matter like the New Bible Versions and the people behind such endeavors. News like well-known so-called preachers of the Gospel, in fact & in truth denying the exclusivity of my LORD Jesus Christ being the ONLY WAY to heaven.
John 14:6 (King James Version)
6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Acts 4:12 (King James Version)
12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Yet, it is imperative, if I may say so, that believers in our LORD Jesus Christ, must
ever be vigilant, wary and ready to stand with conviction for God's Word, the Holy
Bible.
Suggested article (not mine) on Dynamic Equivalency. Visit www.wayoflife.org.
Search topic on Dynamic Equivalency.
I invite you to personally find the time to open, read, study and decide for yourself what you will do and not do in the light of such scholarly exposure.
For those who will receive this email and desires to be taken out permanently, let your intention be known. Your wish will be honored. Thank you!
Evangelist Emmanuel P. Salvador
“Man Must be Born Again”
John 3:1-8
Thursday, August 20, 2009
SURALLAH HERE I COME!
Missions Report
Part II – Day 1
As I write this mission report, I want for the reader to clearly understand that the Christian life is to be lived in obedience to the Great Command of the LORD. This obedience then translate to a lifestyle of pursuing the mandate to fulfill the Great Commission as given to the disciples by the LORD Jesus Christ before He ascended back into heaven (Matthew 22:37-40; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). There are three words that must become very obvious to the reader of this blog, the words Deliberate, Intentional and Inconvenient, if such a lifestyle is to be achieved for God’s Glory and Honor alone! Ministry in a nutshell is “Inconvenient” to say the least.
Woke up early of July 17th. Was brought to the airport by my daughter Delight to take the Philippine Airlines Flight PR 453 to General Santos City leaving at 7:00 AM. Every time I fly, I request for a wheelchair because of my heart condition. I have an Implanted Cardio Defribilator (ICD Pacemaker). This help me a lot to be able to move with the help of someone. At the NAIA, I was helped by Leo, a family man. Talked to him about his need to be born again and make Jesus Christ LORD of his life. Gave him a good tip that morning.
The flight lasted for less than 2 hours. It was a smooth flight altogether arriving in GenSanCity airport before 9:00 AM. The man seated on my right in the plane was not in the mood to talk. He preferred to sleep throughout the flight. At the airport, a young man named Christian pushed my wheelchair. I let him know also his need to make Christ LORD of his life. Gave him a good tip.
I was met by Tyrone Felarca, one of the young people from Pastor Ben Pabellon’s church studying in the city. We took a taxi (P300.00) to the city. The trip from the airport to the city is about 30 minutes. Got to challenge Tyrone to make the Bible final ultimate authority in his life; to become a man full of God’s Words, thus making him a man full of faith.
Shifted then my attention to the driver of the taxi named Dodong. Confronted him with his need to be born again based on John 3:1-8 and encouraged him to go check out The Wesleyan Church in 28 Sineguelas Street, GenSanCity. He said that he already goes to a church. Asked him which, replied the Roman Catholic Church. I then told him the truth from God’s Words in the Bible that he was in a religion that was involved in the sin of idolatry and therefore is in truth and in fact, on his way to hell. I urged him to try for his own sake the church I suggested to him to go to. Encouraged him to get for himself a Bible and make sure that everything he believes in is in agreement, lines up and is not contrary to the written Word of God the Bible.
At the Yellow Bus Line terminal about 10:15 AM, I took a bus for Marbel, 50 kms going south, where I was to be met by Pastor Ben Pabellon in the terminal. The LORD was very gracious in preparing a young man of 26 years, named Jethro, married with two kids, who sat beside me in the bus. The trip was about an hour ride. As soon as this man sat beside me, I deliberately started a conversation. Asked him where he got his name. He did not know other than the fact that he was named such by his parents. I then told him that the name Jethro is in the Bible. Told him, it was the name of Mose’s father-in-law in the Book of Exodus. As we conversed, learned that he travels all over the Philippines, going from town to town making sure that it was during the town’s fiesta for he then tried to sell his product. He was away months at a time from his family who lives in Manila. What a way to try and provide for one’s family.
As we talked, learned that he was a member of the Iglesia Ni Kristo, a cult that teaches that Jesus Christ is just a man. I then got my cellphone which has an English & Tagalog Bible. For the next 30 minutes or so, I showed him God’s Words especially zeroing in on John 1:1-14. I let him read for himself God’s Words trusting that God the Holy Spirit will quicken & anoint His Words to open the eyes of his understanding. Challenge him to make sure that everything he accepts is in fact written in the pages of Holy Scriptures; that he is not to just accept anything even coming from his own pastor, without confirming for himself and making sure 100% that it is God’s very Words written in the pages of Holy Scriptures. Showed him what the Berean Christians did in Acts 17:11. This man just soaked himself in God’s Words. Before we reach Marbel, he gave me his cell number. Sent him outright 3 messages which he received the same minute. He was profusely thankful for the opportunity he was given to see for himself the truth of the Gospel of Christ, that Jesus Christ first and foremost is truly God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth.
At the bus terminal in Marbel, we shook hands and parted ways. My heart was filled with gratitude and thanksgiving for the privilege of opening God’s Words to help one who has been deceived by the Deceiver Satan but has now been set free. Truly, the LORD’s Spoken Word in John 8:31-32 is true. When the truth of God’s Words is heard, received and believed, it results in freedom. Praise the LORD!
Texted Pastor Ben informing him of my arrival. Met this brother for the first time for we have basically communicated only through email and text. Shook his hand as we greeted each other warmly. He was with two of the young people in his church Brother Richard and Sister Twinkle. These two rode with me in another YBL to Surallah, 22 kms from Marbel while Pastor Ben rode in his motorcycle back. Got to introduce ourselves to one another as I begun to speak to these two young people as to what they were to expect from me concerning ministry. The trip was about 30 minutes. Alighting from the bus in Surallah, we took a tricycle that brought us to the church and the parsonage. Praise God, I reached Surallah safely at about 2:00 PM. I then had a late lunch, prepared by the niece of Pastor Ben. Praise the LORD for appetite.
My bags were brought by Brother Richard to a room in the church parsonage. This became my “hotel” for the remainder of my stay in Surallah.
I was informed by Pastor Ben that we were to go and minister to the hospital staff of the Rhodeline Landero Hospital whose director is Dr. Eileen L. Afable, the daughter of the late Dr. Landero, a member of the church at about 3:30 PM.
After about 30 minutes of rest, Richard, Twinkle and I took a tricycle to the hospital. Pastor Ben went ahead of us in his motorcycle. At the hospital, we were warmly received by Dr. Afable with her staff.
In one of the bigger rooms in the hospital, a group of about 10 women staff led by Dr. Afable, we had a wonderful time with them for about an hour. Pastor Ben turned over to me the whole time to be able to communicate with these women about the importance of God’s Words the Holy Scriptures in the lives of people. Spoke to them of their need to really know that they have truly experienced the New Birth, if one is to be assured not only of eternal life, but God’s divine protection and provision in this lifetime. Spoke to these women for almost an hour from my heart, laying the foundation of God’s truths based on the Bible. As I looked at the faces of these women, I knew in my heart that what they heard from my lips, were words that they will not forget. That God will be faithful even to His promise in Isaiah 55:11 … that His words will not return unto Him void, that is uselessly. Rather, that those
Words will bring a change and transformation in their hearts and lives that will last for all eternity.
Pastor Ben encouraged them to ask questions. I took a number of those and gave them a biblical answer. Impressed upon their minds the following: “Every question that man has, God has an answer in His Word, the Bible; Every problem that man will face in this lifetime, there is a solution in the Bible”. I closed by challenging them to listen, read, study, memorize & meditate on God’s Words daily if they want God’s best for their lives and families. I then prayed for them and the hospital.
It was about 6:00 PM, as we headed back to church. I had been up for about 14 hours since 4:00 AM. My day had truly been very long. Yet, as I look back, a day worthwhile to have been lived with the view of eternity that is soon to be experienced when our LORD returns. MEANTIME, ONE IS CALLED TO BE FAITHFUL, WILLING TO BE INCONVENIENCED FOR THE SAKE OF SOULS THAT OUR LORD DIED FOR!
The night in the province, unlike in the big cities, promises to bring rest and renewal to one’s physical body. Praise the LORD!
Part II – Day 1
As I write this mission report, I want for the reader to clearly understand that the Christian life is to be lived in obedience to the Great Command of the LORD. This obedience then translate to a lifestyle of pursuing the mandate to fulfill the Great Commission as given to the disciples by the LORD Jesus Christ before He ascended back into heaven (Matthew 22:37-40; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). There are three words that must become very obvious to the reader of this blog, the words Deliberate, Intentional and Inconvenient, if such a lifestyle is to be achieved for God’s Glory and Honor alone! Ministry in a nutshell is “Inconvenient” to say the least.
Woke up early of July 17th. Was brought to the airport by my daughter Delight to take the Philippine Airlines Flight PR 453 to General Santos City leaving at 7:00 AM. Every time I fly, I request for a wheelchair because of my heart condition. I have an Implanted Cardio Defribilator (ICD Pacemaker). This help me a lot to be able to move with the help of someone. At the NAIA, I was helped by Leo, a family man. Talked to him about his need to be born again and make Jesus Christ LORD of his life. Gave him a good tip that morning.
The flight lasted for less than 2 hours. It was a smooth flight altogether arriving in GenSanCity airport before 9:00 AM. The man seated on my right in the plane was not in the mood to talk. He preferred to sleep throughout the flight. At the airport, a young man named Christian pushed my wheelchair. I let him know also his need to make Christ LORD of his life. Gave him a good tip.
I was met by Tyrone Felarca, one of the young people from Pastor Ben Pabellon’s church studying in the city. We took a taxi (P300.00) to the city. The trip from the airport to the city is about 30 minutes. Got to challenge Tyrone to make the Bible final ultimate authority in his life; to become a man full of God’s Words, thus making him a man full of faith.
Shifted then my attention to the driver of the taxi named Dodong. Confronted him with his need to be born again based on John 3:1-8 and encouraged him to go check out The Wesleyan Church in 28 Sineguelas Street, GenSanCity. He said that he already goes to a church. Asked him which, replied the Roman Catholic Church. I then told him the truth from God’s Words in the Bible that he was in a religion that was involved in the sin of idolatry and therefore is in truth and in fact, on his way to hell. I urged him to try for his own sake the church I suggested to him to go to. Encouraged him to get for himself a Bible and make sure that everything he believes in is in agreement, lines up and is not contrary to the written Word of God the Bible.
At the Yellow Bus Line terminal about 10:15 AM, I took a bus for Marbel, 50 kms going south, where I was to be met by Pastor Ben Pabellon in the terminal. The LORD was very gracious in preparing a young man of 26 years, named Jethro, married with two kids, who sat beside me in the bus. The trip was about an hour ride. As soon as this man sat beside me, I deliberately started a conversation. Asked him where he got his name. He did not know other than the fact that he was named such by his parents. I then told him that the name Jethro is in the Bible. Told him, it was the name of Mose’s father-in-law in the Book of Exodus. As we conversed, learned that he travels all over the Philippines, going from town to town making sure that it was during the town’s fiesta for he then tried to sell his product. He was away months at a time from his family who lives in Manila. What a way to try and provide for one’s family.
As we talked, learned that he was a member of the Iglesia Ni Kristo, a cult that teaches that Jesus Christ is just a man. I then got my cellphone which has an English & Tagalog Bible. For the next 30 minutes or so, I showed him God’s Words especially zeroing in on John 1:1-14. I let him read for himself God’s Words trusting that God the Holy Spirit will quicken & anoint His Words to open the eyes of his understanding. Challenge him to make sure that everything he accepts is in fact written in the pages of Holy Scriptures; that he is not to just accept anything even coming from his own pastor, without confirming for himself and making sure 100% that it is God’s very Words written in the pages of Holy Scriptures. Showed him what the Berean Christians did in Acts 17:11. This man just soaked himself in God’s Words. Before we reach Marbel, he gave me his cell number. Sent him outright 3 messages which he received the same minute. He was profusely thankful for the opportunity he was given to see for himself the truth of the Gospel of Christ, that Jesus Christ first and foremost is truly God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth.
At the bus terminal in Marbel, we shook hands and parted ways. My heart was filled with gratitude and thanksgiving for the privilege of opening God’s Words to help one who has been deceived by the Deceiver Satan but has now been set free. Truly, the LORD’s Spoken Word in John 8:31-32 is true. When the truth of God’s Words is heard, received and believed, it results in freedom. Praise the LORD!
Texted Pastor Ben informing him of my arrival. Met this brother for the first time for we have basically communicated only through email and text. Shook his hand as we greeted each other warmly. He was with two of the young people in his church Brother Richard and Sister Twinkle. These two rode with me in another YBL to Surallah, 22 kms from Marbel while Pastor Ben rode in his motorcycle back. Got to introduce ourselves to one another as I begun to speak to these two young people as to what they were to expect from me concerning ministry. The trip was about 30 minutes. Alighting from the bus in Surallah, we took a tricycle that brought us to the church and the parsonage. Praise God, I reached Surallah safely at about 2:00 PM. I then had a late lunch, prepared by the niece of Pastor Ben. Praise the LORD for appetite.
My bags were brought by Brother Richard to a room in the church parsonage. This became my “hotel” for the remainder of my stay in Surallah.
I was informed by Pastor Ben that we were to go and minister to the hospital staff of the Rhodeline Landero Hospital whose director is Dr. Eileen L. Afable, the daughter of the late Dr. Landero, a member of the church at about 3:30 PM.
After about 30 minutes of rest, Richard, Twinkle and I took a tricycle to the hospital. Pastor Ben went ahead of us in his motorcycle. At the hospital, we were warmly received by Dr. Afable with her staff.
In one of the bigger rooms in the hospital, a group of about 10 women staff led by Dr. Afable, we had a wonderful time with them for about an hour. Pastor Ben turned over to me the whole time to be able to communicate with these women about the importance of God’s Words the Holy Scriptures in the lives of people. Spoke to them of their need to really know that they have truly experienced the New Birth, if one is to be assured not only of eternal life, but God’s divine protection and provision in this lifetime. Spoke to these women for almost an hour from my heart, laying the foundation of God’s truths based on the Bible. As I looked at the faces of these women, I knew in my heart that what they heard from my lips, were words that they will not forget. That God will be faithful even to His promise in Isaiah 55:11 … that His words will not return unto Him void, that is uselessly. Rather, that those
Words will bring a change and transformation in their hearts and lives that will last for all eternity.
Pastor Ben encouraged them to ask questions. I took a number of those and gave them a biblical answer. Impressed upon their minds the following: “Every question that man has, God has an answer in His Word, the Bible; Every problem that man will face in this lifetime, there is a solution in the Bible”. I closed by challenging them to listen, read, study, memorize & meditate on God’s Words daily if they want God’s best for their lives and families. I then prayed for them and the hospital.
It was about 6:00 PM, as we headed back to church. I had been up for about 14 hours since 4:00 AM. My day had truly been very long. Yet, as I look back, a day worthwhile to have been lived with the view of eternity that is soon to be experienced when our LORD returns. MEANTIME, ONE IS CALLED TO BE FAITHFUL, WILLING TO BE INCONVENIENCED FOR THE SAKE OF SOULS THAT OUR LORD DIED FOR!
The night in the province, unlike in the big cities, promises to bring rest and renewal to one’s physical body. Praise the LORD!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
MISSIONS TRIP TO SURALLAH, SOUTH COTABATO
Missions Report Part I
A JOURNEY BACK TO THE PLACE OF MY SPIRITUAL BIRTH
For quite sometime since I got back from the US last December, my heart and mind kept going back to the place where I got saved and born again almost 34 years ago. It was on September 1975 in General Santos City (formerly known as Dadiangas) where the LORD touched and transformed me and made me become a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17).
My spiritual birth had to be of all places in South Cotabato. I was then a 22 year old, working as a medical representative for United Laboratories, Inc. assigned to one of its ethical divisions Therapharma, Inc. I was given the territory covering then the whole of South Cotabato based in General Santos City.
My work brought me to all the towns of Polomolok, Tupi, Marbel, Banga, Surallah, Norallah, Isulan, Tacurong, Tantangan including the coastal towns of Glan, Kiamba & Maitum visiting all the medical clinics and hospitals in my territory with about 120 doctors & allied professions. This was from the period January 2, 1973 to April 1977. Our 1st & 2nd daughters were both born in GenSan.
I led a very wayward worldly kind of life up to August 1975. My wife and I were like “cat & dog” most of the time in our early married life. The fact was, she suffered three miscarriage because of emotional stress. My kind of work then “trained” me to be one.
But God Almighty had mercy on me. By His grace, He took the initiative to seek me out, saved and redeemed me by His Blood on September 1975. Since then, for the past 34 years, I have sought to center my life to obey the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40) and fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) of my God and Saviour the LORD Jesus Christ even as He has called me as an Evangelist (Eph. 4:11).
And so, after more than 3 decades, to be exact 32 years, I journeyed back by faith to the place of my spiritual birth to pursue the call of God upon my life as an Evangelist. I acceded to the invitation of Pastor Ben Pabellon of Christ’s Community Church (SBC), in Surallah, South Cotabato to come and minister to his church and people trusting that the LORD would open other doors of ministry throughout my stay.
The LORD was gracious and faithful to provide for my plane ticket through the Philippijne Airlines Mabuhay Miles of my wife Delia. He moved her also to give without my asking her, the money for the said fare.
The LORD did and the report follows in detail. TO HIM ALONE BE THE GLORY! Isaiah 42:8.
A JOURNEY BACK TO THE PLACE OF MY SPIRITUAL BIRTH
For quite sometime since I got back from the US last December, my heart and mind kept going back to the place where I got saved and born again almost 34 years ago. It was on September 1975 in General Santos City (formerly known as Dadiangas) where the LORD touched and transformed me and made me become a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17).
My spiritual birth had to be of all places in South Cotabato. I was then a 22 year old, working as a medical representative for United Laboratories, Inc. assigned to one of its ethical divisions Therapharma, Inc. I was given the territory covering then the whole of South Cotabato based in General Santos City.
My work brought me to all the towns of Polomolok, Tupi, Marbel, Banga, Surallah, Norallah, Isulan, Tacurong, Tantangan including the coastal towns of Glan, Kiamba & Maitum visiting all the medical clinics and hospitals in my territory with about 120 doctors & allied professions. This was from the period January 2, 1973 to April 1977. Our 1st & 2nd daughters were both born in GenSan.
I led a very wayward worldly kind of life up to August 1975. My wife and I were like “cat & dog” most of the time in our early married life. The fact was, she suffered three miscarriage because of emotional stress. My kind of work then “trained” me to be one.
But God Almighty had mercy on me. By His grace, He took the initiative to seek me out, saved and redeemed me by His Blood on September 1975. Since then, for the past 34 years, I have sought to center my life to obey the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40) and fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) of my God and Saviour the LORD Jesus Christ even as He has called me as an Evangelist (Eph. 4:11).
And so, after more than 3 decades, to be exact 32 years, I journeyed back by faith to the place of my spiritual birth to pursue the call of God upon my life as an Evangelist. I acceded to the invitation of Pastor Ben Pabellon of Christ’s Community Church (SBC), in Surallah, South Cotabato to come and minister to his church and people trusting that the LORD would open other doors of ministry throughout my stay.
The LORD was gracious and faithful to provide for my plane ticket through the Philippijne Airlines Mabuhay Miles of my wife Delia. He moved her also to give without my asking her, the money for the said fare.
The LORD did and the report follows in detail. TO HIM ALONE BE THE GLORY! Isaiah 42:8.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
A JOURNEY BACK TO THE PLACE OF MY SPIRITUAL BIRTH
The LORD has allowed me to travel back to the place where He saved & redeemed me almost 34 years ago. I was born again, saved by grace & redeemed by the BLOOD of my LORD Jesus Christ September 1975 in General Santos City, South Cotabato. I was then a 26 year old, husband to my wife Delia Angelina and new father to our eldest daughter, D.Anissia born April 5, 1975 and working for a pharmaceutical company.
I traveled back last month July 17th friday via PAL Flt to GenSan leaving Manila at 10:00 AM and arriving in General Santos City at almost 12:00 noon. This was primarily a Ministry Trip I undertook by faith on the invitation of Pastor Ben Pabellon of the Christ's Community Church, Surallah, South Cotabato.
I took a YellowBusLine from Surallah to General Santos City July 22nd wednesday late morning arriving in GenSan at about 1:00 noon. Took lunch in the bus terminal & proceeded to take a tricycle (motorcycle with a side car)to see my intended first stop, a christian doctor in his clinic.
My second stop at about 4:00 PM was the Wesleyan Church in the city. The pastor of the church was out, but the District Office being located in the same address, I was able to see, talk, share & pray for and with the family of the DS Marcelino A. Saura, Jr., with his wife and kids for more than an hour.
After my visit, I was graciously brought by motorcycle to the bus terminal by the DS.
I was back in Surallah that night at past 9:00 PM.
Meantime, I went on with the ministry that the LORD has brought me to Surallah to pursue in the next two weeks. I flew back to Manila August 4th arriving in my home in Greenhills at about 2:00 PM. My wife Dell was home and I ate a late lunch.
When I opened the computer to check my emails the next morning, I noticed an email from the DS I met in GenSan 2 weeks back. Read the email and was touched in my heart by the transparency with which a brother & fellow minister in Christ have written about their fears and desire for their kids. I knew in my heart why the LORD brought me back to GenSanCity that day and it was for this family to be encouraged and challenged to continually trust and believe that the LORD who called them into the ministry will and must be faithful to His people, more so to those called of the LORD in the five-fold ministry based on Ephesians 4:11.
I asked this precious brother in Christ if he would allow me to post his email in this my blog with my corresponding email reply to him and he graciously acceded because my & his intention in doing so, is to help encourage many of our people especially pastors in the provinces, who are discouraged and therefore need to be encouraged.
This alone is the intent of this posting in my blog of both the DS email and my reply.
Succeeding postings will be made as part of my ministry/mission report on my 18 days
journey back to the place where I experienced the New Birth based on John 3:1-8.
Manny
Letter of Thanks
From: Marcelino Saura (rev.marcelinosaura@yahoo.com.ph)
Sent: Mon 7/27/09 12:44 PM
To: ministerjhn33@hotmail.com
Good evening Pastor Manny,
I am pastor Marcelino Saura Jr. the District superintendent of the Southern=
Mindanao District.
I and my wife want to thank you for our short time together in our district=
office last Wednesday July 22, 2009. you have encouraged us so much. speci=
ally in the aspect of our part as parents of our kids,
the morning before you come we have our sharing time with my wife and our t=
opic is about the future of our kids, and we are worried because we don't h=
ave any investment or even savings for their schooling, so my wife is telli=
ng me that we will just let them study in a vocational school.
But we thank you because you had come and minister with us. you have encour=
age us a lot at that time and we praise God for your time with us. you have=
reminded us that we have our God who could provide for the future of our c=
hildren.
thank you once again.
Rev. Marcelino A. Saura Jr.
From: ministerjhn33@hotmail.com
To: rev.marcelinosaura@yahoo.com.ph
Subject: RE: letter of thanks
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2009 03:07:04 +0000
Dear Pastor Mar,
Greetings in the most precious name of our God & Saviour the LORD Jesus Christ
whose we are and whom we serve until He comes again! Maranatha!
I am sorry that I was not able to reply to your email sooner. I just got back yesterday afternoon from Surallah, South Cotabato after 17 days of ministry.
It was my privilege to have met you & your wife with your kids that 22nd day of July in General Santos City.
I have sought to live my life as one called of the LORD as an Evangelist
Ephesians 4:11 (King James Version)
11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
to follow the admonition of the Apostle Paul in
Galatians 6:9-10 (King James Version)
9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
as a way of life. And so, my business and the business of every one who name the name of Christ, is to bring and do good, to all that the LORD allows us to be in contact with in our daily sojourn in this earthlife until He calls us home or the Rapture comes.
I praise God that my short visit with you has brought encouragement to both of your hearts and I pray that, hencefort, you with your wife & kids will resolve to LOOK UP & TRUST in the LORD JESUS CHRIST ALONE for all of your earthly needs.
To HIM ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Isaiah 42:8
8I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
We are called to be like Joses Barnabas known as the son of consolation, that is encouragement in
Acts 4:36
36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus.
We must seek at all times, when the opportunity presents itself, to put courage in the hearts of God's people especially HIS servants who labor in HIS vineyard. As we do, much can be accomplished to build the kingdom of our God in the hearts and lives of people within our individual concentric circle of influence for HIS GLORY ALONE.
It is good to remind ourselves that our God, the creator of the heavens & the earth, is the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob and of those who are believers in the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We are assured of HIS DIVINE GUIDANCE, LEADING, DIRECTION, PROVISION & PROTECTION in every aspect of our lives as we daily trust HIM for whatever need may arise in our lives.
Let us remember and I highly suggest that you with your family memorize this Scripture
Ephesians 3:20-21
20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
As we daily seek to live for HIM a life of righteousness, holiness through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit living in the inside of our hearts, let us daily heed the teaching of the writer of Hebrews, that there is only one kind of life that will please HIM and that is the LIFE OF FAITH. We see this truth again & again emphasized in the scriptures as follows:
Romans 1:17 (King James Version)
17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Galatians 3:11
11But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Habakkuk 2:4
4Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
Hebrews 10:38
38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
We must ask the question WHY? WHY FAITH? The answer is clearly taught in Scriptures specifically in
Hebrews 11:6
6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
As we seek to daily LIVE A LIFE OF FAITH, A LIFE THAT PLEASES GOD, let us be assured of HIS PROVISION & PROTECTION AS WE FULFILL THE MANDATE OF HIS CALL UPON OUR LIVES.
As you, my dear brother & fellow minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ live this kind of life, a life completely/fully dependent alone on the Goodness & Faithfulness of our God and Saviour the LORD Jesus Christ, then you are assured of HIS ABILITY TO WORK ON YOUR BEHALF EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
Read, study & meditate on the following Scriptures:
Isaiah 1:19
19If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
Nahum 1:7
7The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
Isaiah 54:17
17No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Revelation 12:11
11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
and PSALM 91 and PSALM 112.
Rest assured that as God the Holy Spirit bring you and your family into my remembrance, I will pray for you all.
In Christ Love,
Pastor Manny
Ephesians 1:14-23; 3:14-21;
Colossians 1:9-11; 3:16-17
I traveled back last month July 17th friday via PAL Flt to GenSan leaving Manila at 10:00 AM and arriving in General Santos City at almost 12:00 noon. This was primarily a Ministry Trip I undertook by faith on the invitation of Pastor Ben Pabellon of the Christ's Community Church, Surallah, South Cotabato.
I took a YellowBusLine from Surallah to General Santos City July 22nd wednesday late morning arriving in GenSan at about 1:00 noon. Took lunch in the bus terminal & proceeded to take a tricycle (motorcycle with a side car)to see my intended first stop, a christian doctor in his clinic.
My second stop at about 4:00 PM was the Wesleyan Church in the city. The pastor of the church was out, but the District Office being located in the same address, I was able to see, talk, share & pray for and with the family of the DS Marcelino A. Saura, Jr., with his wife and kids for more than an hour.
After my visit, I was graciously brought by motorcycle to the bus terminal by the DS.
I was back in Surallah that night at past 9:00 PM.
Meantime, I went on with the ministry that the LORD has brought me to Surallah to pursue in the next two weeks. I flew back to Manila August 4th arriving in my home in Greenhills at about 2:00 PM. My wife Dell was home and I ate a late lunch.
When I opened the computer to check my emails the next morning, I noticed an email from the DS I met in GenSan 2 weeks back. Read the email and was touched in my heart by the transparency with which a brother & fellow minister in Christ have written about their fears and desire for their kids. I knew in my heart why the LORD brought me back to GenSanCity that day and it was for this family to be encouraged and challenged to continually trust and believe that the LORD who called them into the ministry will and must be faithful to His people, more so to those called of the LORD in the five-fold ministry based on Ephesians 4:11.
I asked this precious brother in Christ if he would allow me to post his email in this my blog with my corresponding email reply to him and he graciously acceded because my & his intention in doing so, is to help encourage many of our people especially pastors in the provinces, who are discouraged and therefore need to be encouraged.
This alone is the intent of this posting in my blog of both the DS email and my reply.
Succeeding postings will be made as part of my ministry/mission report on my 18 days
journey back to the place where I experienced the New Birth based on John 3:1-8.
Manny
Letter of Thanks
From: Marcelino Saura (rev.marcelinosaura@yahoo.com.ph)
Sent: Mon 7/27/09 12:44 PM
To: ministerjhn33@hotmail.com
Good evening Pastor Manny,
I am pastor Marcelino Saura Jr. the District superintendent of the Southern=
Mindanao District.
I and my wife want to thank you for our short time together in our district=
office last Wednesday July 22, 2009. you have encouraged us so much. speci=
ally in the aspect of our part as parents of our kids,
the morning before you come we have our sharing time with my wife and our t=
opic is about the future of our kids, and we are worried because we don't h=
ave any investment or even savings for their schooling, so my wife is telli=
ng me that we will just let them study in a vocational school.
But we thank you because you had come and minister with us. you have encour=
age us a lot at that time and we praise God for your time with us. you have=
reminded us that we have our God who could provide for the future of our c=
hildren.
thank you once again.
Rev. Marcelino A. Saura Jr.
From: ministerjhn33@hotmail.com
To: rev.marcelinosaura@yahoo.com.ph
Subject: RE: letter of thanks
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2009 03:07:04 +0000
Dear Pastor Mar,
Greetings in the most precious name of our God & Saviour the LORD Jesus Christ
whose we are and whom we serve until He comes again! Maranatha!
I am sorry that I was not able to reply to your email sooner. I just got back yesterday afternoon from Surallah, South Cotabato after 17 days of ministry.
It was my privilege to have met you & your wife with your kids that 22nd day of July in General Santos City.
I have sought to live my life as one called of the LORD as an Evangelist
Ephesians 4:11 (King James Version)
11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
to follow the admonition of the Apostle Paul in
Galatians 6:9-10 (King James Version)
9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
as a way of life. And so, my business and the business of every one who name the name of Christ, is to bring and do good, to all that the LORD allows us to be in contact with in our daily sojourn in this earthlife until He calls us home or the Rapture comes.
I praise God that my short visit with you has brought encouragement to both of your hearts and I pray that, hencefort, you with your wife & kids will resolve to LOOK UP & TRUST in the LORD JESUS CHRIST ALONE for all of your earthly needs.
To HIM ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Isaiah 42:8
8I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
We are called to be like Joses Barnabas known as the son of consolation, that is encouragement in
Acts 4:36
36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus.
We must seek at all times, when the opportunity presents itself, to put courage in the hearts of God's people especially HIS servants who labor in HIS vineyard. As we do, much can be accomplished to build the kingdom of our God in the hearts and lives of people within our individual concentric circle of influence for HIS GLORY ALONE.
It is good to remind ourselves that our God, the creator of the heavens & the earth, is the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob and of those who are believers in the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We are assured of HIS DIVINE GUIDANCE, LEADING, DIRECTION, PROVISION & PROTECTION in every aspect of our lives as we daily trust HIM for whatever need may arise in our lives.
Let us remember and I highly suggest that you with your family memorize this Scripture
Ephesians 3:20-21
20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
As we daily seek to live for HIM a life of righteousness, holiness through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit living in the inside of our hearts, let us daily heed the teaching of the writer of Hebrews, that there is only one kind of life that will please HIM and that is the LIFE OF FAITH. We see this truth again & again emphasized in the scriptures as follows:
Romans 1:17 (King James Version)
17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Galatians 3:11
11But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Habakkuk 2:4
4Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
Hebrews 10:38
38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
We must ask the question WHY? WHY FAITH? The answer is clearly taught in Scriptures specifically in
Hebrews 11:6
6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
As we seek to daily LIVE A LIFE OF FAITH, A LIFE THAT PLEASES GOD, let us be assured of HIS PROVISION & PROTECTION AS WE FULFILL THE MANDATE OF HIS CALL UPON OUR LIVES.
As you, my dear brother & fellow minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ live this kind of life, a life completely/fully dependent alone on the Goodness & Faithfulness of our God and Saviour the LORD Jesus Christ, then you are assured of HIS ABILITY TO WORK ON YOUR BEHALF EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
Read, study & meditate on the following Scriptures:
Isaiah 1:19
19If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
Nahum 1:7
7The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
Isaiah 54:17
17No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Revelation 12:11
11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
and PSALM 91 and PSALM 112.
Rest assured that as God the Holy Spirit bring you and your family into my remembrance, I will pray for you all.
In Christ Love,
Pastor Manny
Ephesians 1:14-23; 3:14-21;
Colossians 1:9-11; 3:16-17
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Brethren:
What is our attitude towards God's Precious Words, the Bible?
Is it one of awe, love & devotion? Or do we consider the Bible just like all
the other books we find in any library or bookstores?
Our attitude will reveal the kind of christian profession we will show and manifest to those in our sphere of influence.
Let us be like the Psalmist who not only loved the Word but reverence it. It was daily food for his soul and spirit.
Am posting here in my blog the following article by an Australian pastor.
I pray that the ones who will read this will re-examine their attitude towards the Bible, God's Precious Words.
Manny
TREMBLING SAINTS
Apr/27/09 21:15 Filed in: Buddy Smith
April 28, 2009 fbns@wayoflife.org;
The following is by Pastor Buddy Smith, Grace Baptist Church, Malanda, Queensland, Australia
Forty years ago one of my old Bible college teachers died in the pulpit, in the middle of his sermon. He paused, sat down, laid aside his earthly tabernacle, and was ushered by the angels into Heaven's gates. I often reflect on the things he taught us. In fact, as I write, I realise that I am still being molded by his life. I am teaching one of my Scripture classes in the public school two new choruses and just realised today that I learned them from that dear old preacher, all those years ago. In the photo album of my heart, his page is especially precious to me, with the corners of the page well worn from turning. The memory that moves me most is not one I saw for myself. A friend gave it to me. The old preacher spoke in chapel one week, and my friend told me he peeked during the prayer before the sermon. To his surprise, the old preacher was kissing the pages of his Bible. That touched me so deeply that I never forgot it. Kissing the pages of his Bible!
THE GOLDEN KEY
Why did his simple, secret act of devotion to the Word of God speak to me so powerfully? For me, it was the dawning of a great truth, a truth which has increased in magnitude over the years until it has become a continual enlightenment to my soul. The truth is this --- A man's attitudes and responses to the Word of God are the key to his godliness. Tell me how a man treats his Bible, how he handles the Holy Scriptures, how he receives and responds to the words of God, and I think I can tell you his life story.
I know, someone will object to this bold affirmation, but its truth is too well established to refute. It is what the centuries keep saying to the hours.
In our day many pastors view the Bible mechanically, and their ministries display their engineering expertise. To them the Bible is a box of tools, or a bin of nuts and bolts. Their churches reflect their view of the Bible. They are workshops of well oiled machinery. Efficient. Running smoothly. Working like a production line, maybe, but cold and impersonal, and without life or love.
Some see the Bible as a book of philosophy, full of erudite and sophisticated reasonings. Their churches are filled with members wearing oxygen masks due to the thin air they must breathe as their pastor leads them way up beyond the top of Mt. Everest in a search for truth beyond Scripture. They are unaware that they are fostering a form of gnosticism, but that is what it is.
Others use their Bibles as sales manuals for prospective customers.
Yet others handle the Word of God as though it were a work of fiction or a movie blockbuster, designed to entertain a bored and jaded world on its way to Hell.
Examples of the Bible being misused could be multiplied endlessly, but what we need to ponder deeply, and frequently, is how godly men have handled their Bibles down through the ages.
HOW GODLY MEN HANDLE THE BIBLE
The Psalmist spoke of this when he wrote, "O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day." Job revealed his heart when he said, "I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." At the end of the book of Isaiah is my favourite description of the godly and their responses to the Bible. It is found twice, in Isaiah 66, verses 2 and 5, where we read of the man who trembles at the Word of the LORD. In these verses, God promises that He will look to that man (more than he looks to the heavens, the earth, or the temple), and that He will defend that man and honour him. The Jews in Jerusalem, in a time of revival under Ezra, knew what it meant to tremble at the commandments of God (Ezra 9:4 & 10:3). Daniel and his companions (10:7), and Paul (Acts 26:14) trembled at the Words of God. Even unbelievers are seen occasionally trembling at the Word of God. Belshazzar's knees gave way at the very sight of the handwriting on the wall (Dan.5:6). Possibly the best text on men trembling at the Word of God is Exodus 19:16, 18, when both the mountain and the people quaked and trembled (same Hebrew word) at the presence and voice of God.
LESSONS FOR THOSE WHO WOULD TREMBLE
It is from such texts that we learn three great lessons.
First, it is usually when the Word of God is spoken, and sometimes when it is written, that it has the power to make men tremble! Worldly wise men, ever so eloquent and refined, never speak the Words of God with power! They may inform and entertain, and they may sway the multitudes or move them to tears, but they can never call down the power of God upon their hearers.
Second, when the Words of the LORD are spoken in faith by holy men, and with power, men quake and tremble before the God of Heaven. Surely this is the missing factor in our churches' equations for blessing! The dry bones are never brought to life until there is a shaking, and there is never a shaking until an Ezekiel prophesies over them (in fear and trembling) with the Word of the Lord.
Third, when men tremble at the Words of the Lord, sceptics tend to be few and far between. There were no German rationalists in the congregation in Exodus 19 that trembled before the voice of God. Ezra, chapters 9 and 10, are wonderfully silent on the subject of modern sceptical criticism of the Word of God. Israel was too busy trembling at the Word of the Lord to be sceptical. Mssrs. Westcott and Hort were absent. Griesbach, Lachmann, and Semler, Aland, and all his sceptical disciples disappear like mist before the burning sun when men tremble at the Bible. It ought to be painfully obvious to one and all that critical men have no desire to fellowship with those who tremble at the Word of God. I have read enough of Westcott and Hort to perceive that they did not fit in with the evangelistic meetings of D.L. Moody or Gypsy Smith. Hudson Taylor and George Muller were no heroes of the men who loved the whisper of the Serpent's criticism of God's Words. Arrogant men who avoid the bold preaching of the gospel despise the Bible, and their judgment is near. Proverbs 13:13 reads, "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed, but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded." It is in the peace and quiet of the Garden, not in the shadow of Boanerges' pulpit that we find the sceptical questions of the critics as to the accuracy and interpretation of the Words of the Lord.
Surely, the need of the hour is for God's men to preach with power the Word of God, and to do so in faith, and men will tremble once again before the God of Heaven and at His Words!
Christmas Evans knew very little English and preached almost entirely in Welsh. His fiery preaching brought so many to Christ, and they rejoiced in their Saviour so loudly, that many English preachers accused him of excess. One of his critics came to hear Evans for himself, so Evans attempted to translate a phrase here and there into English for his guest's benefit. So powerful was the Word of the Lord from the lips of the old one-eyed preacher, even in Welsh, that the English preacher, smitten with conviction, cried out, "Is this my dear Saviour? Lead me to him!!!"
Which, I think, adds another piece to the puzzle.
Trembling saints are contagious if their trembling is at the Word of God.
Oh God, make us to tremble before Thy Word.
What is our attitude towards God's Precious Words, the Bible?
Is it one of awe, love & devotion? Or do we consider the Bible just like all
the other books we find in any library or bookstores?
Our attitude will reveal the kind of christian profession we will show and manifest to those in our sphere of influence.
Let us be like the Psalmist who not only loved the Word but reverence it. It was daily food for his soul and spirit.
Am posting here in my blog the following article by an Australian pastor.
I pray that the ones who will read this will re-examine their attitude towards the Bible, God's Precious Words.
Manny
TREMBLING SAINTS
Apr/27/09 21:15 Filed in: Buddy Smith
April 28, 2009 fbns@wayoflife.org;
The following is by Pastor Buddy Smith, Grace Baptist Church, Malanda, Queensland, Australia
Forty years ago one of my old Bible college teachers died in the pulpit, in the middle of his sermon. He paused, sat down, laid aside his earthly tabernacle, and was ushered by the angels into Heaven's gates. I often reflect on the things he taught us. In fact, as I write, I realise that I am still being molded by his life. I am teaching one of my Scripture classes in the public school two new choruses and just realised today that I learned them from that dear old preacher, all those years ago. In the photo album of my heart, his page is especially precious to me, with the corners of the page well worn from turning. The memory that moves me most is not one I saw for myself. A friend gave it to me. The old preacher spoke in chapel one week, and my friend told me he peeked during the prayer before the sermon. To his surprise, the old preacher was kissing the pages of his Bible. That touched me so deeply that I never forgot it. Kissing the pages of his Bible!
THE GOLDEN KEY
Why did his simple, secret act of devotion to the Word of God speak to me so powerfully? For me, it was the dawning of a great truth, a truth which has increased in magnitude over the years until it has become a continual enlightenment to my soul. The truth is this --- A man's attitudes and responses to the Word of God are the key to his godliness. Tell me how a man treats his Bible, how he handles the Holy Scriptures, how he receives and responds to the words of God, and I think I can tell you his life story.
I know, someone will object to this bold affirmation, but its truth is too well established to refute. It is what the centuries keep saying to the hours.
In our day many pastors view the Bible mechanically, and their ministries display their engineering expertise. To them the Bible is a box of tools, or a bin of nuts and bolts. Their churches reflect their view of the Bible. They are workshops of well oiled machinery. Efficient. Running smoothly. Working like a production line, maybe, but cold and impersonal, and without life or love.
Some see the Bible as a book of philosophy, full of erudite and sophisticated reasonings. Their churches are filled with members wearing oxygen masks due to the thin air they must breathe as their pastor leads them way up beyond the top of Mt. Everest in a search for truth beyond Scripture. They are unaware that they are fostering a form of gnosticism, but that is what it is.
Others use their Bibles as sales manuals for prospective customers.
Yet others handle the Word of God as though it were a work of fiction or a movie blockbuster, designed to entertain a bored and jaded world on its way to Hell.
Examples of the Bible being misused could be multiplied endlessly, but what we need to ponder deeply, and frequently, is how godly men have handled their Bibles down through the ages.
HOW GODLY MEN HANDLE THE BIBLE
The Psalmist spoke of this when he wrote, "O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day." Job revealed his heart when he said, "I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." At the end of the book of Isaiah is my favourite description of the godly and their responses to the Bible. It is found twice, in Isaiah 66, verses 2 and 5, where we read of the man who trembles at the Word of the LORD. In these verses, God promises that He will look to that man (more than he looks to the heavens, the earth, or the temple), and that He will defend that man and honour him. The Jews in Jerusalem, in a time of revival under Ezra, knew what it meant to tremble at the commandments of God (Ezra 9:4 & 10:3). Daniel and his companions (10:7), and Paul (Acts 26:14) trembled at the Words of God. Even unbelievers are seen occasionally trembling at the Word of God. Belshazzar's knees gave way at the very sight of the handwriting on the wall (Dan.5:6). Possibly the best text on men trembling at the Word of God is Exodus 19:16, 18, when both the mountain and the people quaked and trembled (same Hebrew word) at the presence and voice of God.
LESSONS FOR THOSE WHO WOULD TREMBLE
It is from such texts that we learn three great lessons.
First, it is usually when the Word of God is spoken, and sometimes when it is written, that it has the power to make men tremble! Worldly wise men, ever so eloquent and refined, never speak the Words of God with power! They may inform and entertain, and they may sway the multitudes or move them to tears, but they can never call down the power of God upon their hearers.
Second, when the Words of the LORD are spoken in faith by holy men, and with power, men quake and tremble before the God of Heaven. Surely this is the missing factor in our churches' equations for blessing! The dry bones are never brought to life until there is a shaking, and there is never a shaking until an Ezekiel prophesies over them (in fear and trembling) with the Word of the Lord.
Third, when men tremble at the Words of the Lord, sceptics tend to be few and far between. There were no German rationalists in the congregation in Exodus 19 that trembled before the voice of God. Ezra, chapters 9 and 10, are wonderfully silent on the subject of modern sceptical criticism of the Word of God. Israel was too busy trembling at the Word of the Lord to be sceptical. Mssrs. Westcott and Hort were absent. Griesbach, Lachmann, and Semler, Aland, and all his sceptical disciples disappear like mist before the burning sun when men tremble at the Bible. It ought to be painfully obvious to one and all that critical men have no desire to fellowship with those who tremble at the Word of God. I have read enough of Westcott and Hort to perceive that they did not fit in with the evangelistic meetings of D.L. Moody or Gypsy Smith. Hudson Taylor and George Muller were no heroes of the men who loved the whisper of the Serpent's criticism of God's Words. Arrogant men who avoid the bold preaching of the gospel despise the Bible, and their judgment is near. Proverbs 13:13 reads, "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed, but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded." It is in the peace and quiet of the Garden, not in the shadow of Boanerges' pulpit that we find the sceptical questions of the critics as to the accuracy and interpretation of the Words of the Lord.
Surely, the need of the hour is for God's men to preach with power the Word of God, and to do so in faith, and men will tremble once again before the God of Heaven and at His Words!
Christmas Evans knew very little English and preached almost entirely in Welsh. His fiery preaching brought so many to Christ, and they rejoiced in their Saviour so loudly, that many English preachers accused him of excess. One of his critics came to hear Evans for himself, so Evans attempted to translate a phrase here and there into English for his guest's benefit. So powerful was the Word of the Lord from the lips of the old one-eyed preacher, even in Welsh, that the English preacher, smitten with conviction, cried out, "Is this my dear Saviour? Lead me to him!!!"
Which, I think, adds another piece to the puzzle.
Trembling saints are contagious if their trembling is at the Word of God.
Oh God, make us to tremble before Thy Word.
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