Ptr. Fred Casulla**

I.  Ano ang ipinahihiwatig ng mukha ng salamin at anino ng isang Cristiano?

• Nagpapahiwatig ito ng paniniguro sa katayuan bilang isng Cristiano – II Timoteo 4:7,8
• Nagpapahiwatig ito ng paniniguro sa katapatan mula sa kapahayagan ng isang Cristiano – Marcos 8:38
• Nagpapahiwatig ito ng paniniguro na mahalagang bantayan ang sarili ng isang Cristiano – I Pedro 5:8

II.  Paano makikilala ang katotohanan ng mukha sa salamin at anino ng isang Cristiano?

• Gumamit ng tamang salamin, ito ang Banal na Kasulatan – II Timoteo 3:16
• Gumamit ng ayon sa nais mo at nais ng Diyos na makita sa salamin at anino mo – Santiago 1:22-24

III.  Ano ang sangkap upang maging malinaw ang mukha sa salamin at anino ng isang Cristiano?

• Huwag maghanap ng ibang mukha kapag nakaharap sa salamin – I Cor 12:18
• Huwag huhubarin ang pagiging Cristiano kapag hindi araw ng linggo – Galacia 3:27
• Huwag takpan ang ilawan na ipinagkaloob ng Diyos sa atin – Mateo 5:12-16

Ang mukha sa salamin at anino ng isang Cristiano ay totoong mahalaga na mapanatiling malinaw sapagkat ito ang makakapaghayag ng totoong mahalaga at mapanatiling malinaw sapagkat ito ang makapaghahayag ng totoong pananampalataya na mayroon tayo (Mateo 5:6)

*Sermon Outline at the Joint Prayer Meeting (Gumaoc, Francisco and Palmera Church of Christ); November 28, 2008

**Ptr. Fred Casulla is the resident Pastor of Francisco Homes Church of Christ, San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan

Prepared by: Ptr. Doods Agravante

Sunday School: November 16,2008

Teacher: Bro Jun Garabiag (Gumaoc Church of Christ Elder)

1. Christianity involves activity
   a. Some of that activity involves "working together" with other Christians
   b. Each Christian needs to understand the importance of our collective work

2. Sadly, many Christians live as though they believed in "solo Christianity"...
    That being a Christian involves minimal involvement with the local congregation
   a. They act like "independent" Christians - aloof, isolated, solitary
   b. The congregation's work becomes "what they are doing down there..."
       (instead of what "we" are doing)

3. The consequences of "solo Christianity" are dangerous...
   a. Such as inactivity, unhappiness, spiritual stagnation, etc.
   b. Recent studies suggest that people without active involvement in a church are more
       likely to have weakened immune systems,  therefore more likely to get sick
   c. The bottom line is that Christians rarely survive spiritually
      apart from their proper relationship with other Christians
   d. Like a glowing ember removed from the fire of which it is a 
      part...it soon cools and dies (while the other embers remain hot)
[Of course, it is not God's intention that this happen.  That is why one significant 
of being a Christian is that we are "Connected To Other Christians".]

A. THE “TOGETHER” ASPECT OF LIFE IN CHRIST 
            ILLUSTRATIONS OF TOGETHERNESS...

      1. One illustration is that of "fellowship" Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 1:9; 1 Jn. 1:3,7
          We work together as we extend "the right hand of fellowship" -  Gal. 2:9
         -The idea is that we share together in the work and rewards of Christian life

      2. Another illustration is that of "brotherhood" - 1 Pet. 2:17
         a. In Christ, we enjoy a family relationship - Mk 3:31-35
         b. We are the "house" or "family" of God – Eph. 2:19; 1 Tim. 3:15
         -The Christian needs to have a "family" consciousness about other Christians

      3. One more illustration is that of "membership" - 1 Co 12:27
         a. The church is Christ's "body" – Eph. 1:22-23
         b. Christians are "members of one another – Rom. 12:5         
         c. As members of the body, there are "corporate" (Latin 
            "corpus" means "body") responsibilities
         d. Body members are functionally interdependent 
            1) Not all members have the same function - Ro 12:3-8
            2) If the body (and its members) is to grow, each member  must contribute – Eph. 4:16
      There are not "vestigial" organs or "decorative" parts;  no useless or unimportant members

 B. THE CONCEPT OF LOCAL CHURCH "MEMBERSHIP"...
      1. The "local" church is different from the "universal" church
         a. "The church" of Christ universally is the sum of all Christians – Matt. 16:18
         b. "A church" of Christ locally is a specific group of Christians who function
             together as a congregation - Acts 14:23; 1 Cor. 1:2

      2. One is "added" by the Lord Himself to the "universal" church
         upon obedience to the gospel - Acts 2:41,47-The idea of becoming a Christian 
         and never a part of a local congregation is foreign to the Scriptures!

      3. Christian are obligated to participate in the life of a
         faithful congregation, whenever possible
         a. Participation in the fellowship with other Christians is not optional - 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Thess. 3:6
         b. Much of what a Christian is to do is "for the common good - 1 Cor. 12:7 (NASV)
The main idea is that as Christians we have responsibilities to other Christians,
 in Christ we are truly "Connected To Other Christians". 
 

Golden Test: Matthew 22:36-40

A common question that usually people asked is, where you are

connected, and who are your connections. Being connected is not enough,

what matters most is a healthy relationship that rooted in our love to God

and love to others.

1. Get Connected to God… How can you connect yourselves to God?

A. It all started when we realized that we are sinners and we need a savior.

B. when you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul & mind.

C It is a lifetime commitment of relationship and service to God.

2. Get Connected to the Family… Do you have a healthy relationship?

A. It is the oldest institution in the world & the backbone of civilization.

B. You need to know your role in the family (husband, wife and children).

C. Commitment to each other, and prioritize your family & their needs.

3. Get Connected to the Community… What is your good contribution?

A. It begins when you love your neighbor as yourself.

B. Observe the local and the national ordinance.

C Always observe the “Golden Rule” (Matt. 7:12).

Lastly, are you sure that you are connected to God? Are you sure that you are connected and have a good relationship to your family? Are you sure that you are a good example and have a good contribution your community? If Not, follow this simple steps and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

That first fellowship will be a model for the next fellowship.  It will be the starting point from here on.  Local church that will host the next fellowship has a model to look into.  They will surely try to improve what had been done at Gumaoc and they must.  It is always God desire that Christians should learn from the first, that we should not be stagnant, that we should keep on moving forward.  Now the task is at Francisco Homes Church of Christ (Host of the second Fellowship on January 2009).

We will always remember that moment where the Elders and Deacons hand in hand prepared, served the food and assisted the women of Gumaoc.  It is a something to cherish, something worth copying.  As Ptr. Doods mentioned, it is the time to show that Elders support the women of the Church, and that even we are used of seeing the women of the Church supporting the Elders, there are times that it is proper for the Elders to take the back seat and support the Women of the Church as what happened in this fellowship.

Even our Ptr. took the back seat and became for a moment the official photographer.  He moves swiftly from the front to the back and to the registration boot, capturing the moment of every events. I’m sure those pictures will be very important in the next years to come.

Our Deacons (Bros. Ronald and Louie), I discovered are good cook. Bro. Jerson, another Deacon,  I realized can be a waiter in his own right preparing and serving juice. Bro. Fred and Bro. Rolly are at there best  in assisting our cook and in serving the food.

The children were also a big help, in one fleeting moment, I have observed that with proper training and right model that children can be very effective.  Ptr. Doods was right, these kids with proper guidance will grow and mature as model Christians.

The youth took the chance to decorate, what an efficiency to behold.  They also have fellowship to be done at Pangarap Church of Christ but before going there, in unison the youth finished the decoration of the Church.

I had been amazed by the strong unity and cooperation of Gumaoc brethren, but I continue to feel that every time we have an activity, this fellowship is again a display of strong unity, bonding and fellowship for the women of Gumaoc.  With Sis Glo (DORCAS Chairwoman), Sis Emma, Sis Vilma, Sis Cherry, Sis Peachy, Nanay Merlyn, every body, they displayed something worth remembering in a fellowship, that is togetherness…

Brethren from the local Churches came even before the 2:00 pm date time.  Once again, the women of every local Churches proved that when it comes to activity for the Lord, they moved in unison.  Pangarap was the first one to arrived, followed by Tala.  Then everybody come in cluster, Villanova, ALMAR, Francisco and Palmera.  They extend greetings and rendered special number.  They were very active in “Getting to know you” portion.  Seeing them communicating with each other, smiling, embracing and showing the feeling of oneness will give you a strong proof of the  beauty of being a Christian.

ROCK Mission Pastors  were also there to support (Ptr. Doods of the Host Church, Ptr. Ariel of Pangarap, Ptr. Ijit  and Bro. Benny of Villanova, Ptr. Fred of Francisco Homes and Ptr. Angie of Palmera).  Ptr. Ijit (Chairman of ROCK MISSION) took the opportunity to explain the ROCK MIssion mandate and promote the December 13, 2008 “Grand Fellowship.”

First Women Rock Mission Fellowship was a huge success. We praise and thank God for this wonderful work and blessings!

Sis Glo Urriza (Gumaoc DORCAS Chairwoman) introducing Gumaoc Church of Christ Women Choir

Gumaoc Church of Christ Women Choir

Tala Church of Christ members rendering their Special Number

Getting to know you portion of the"First Kababaihan ROCK Mission Fellowship"

I believe that day, the congregation was able to experienced the true worship. God is so good that from the kids, youth, men’s number, the context of the message were transferred and translated to one soul.  The message focusing on “Get Connected, to God…family and community” delivered by our Pastor imparts inner peace, joy and assurance that we are rightfully connected to one thrue God.  Being part of the congregation and  hearing the message gave us a realization that we are connected to God and we need always maintain our connection with our family and at the same time, do our best to connect with the community. We learned, accepted and we conclude that we should continue to obey the words of God.  All the activities resulted in one ultimate goal, soul conversion and acceptance of God.  One soul (Sis Zoraida Liban) accepted God as her King and Savior. we are  sure,  all the angels in heaven are singing  praises to God for this wonderful work.

Music ministers are at their best elements.  Bro. Ronald (Song Leader) as always is so energetic.  The back ups singers were also at their best.  God is so good. The songs ” Ating Paninindigan, Still… and all other songs lifted our praises to Almighty God.  I’m sure for a long time the melody will remain… I wish we could have add one song “The Heart of Worship”, I had suggested that before, but maybe…

From our earlier estimates, we will probably total more or less 150 person during the anniversary.  So, we prepared  enough food for that number.  God brought a lot of visitors, but He also provided us enough food to share.  The food for the 150 was able to feed more than 200 hungry bodies.  I could attest to that because my wife (Sis Glo), our Pastor (Ptr. Doods Agravante) and one of our elder (Bro. Fred) were the last one to eat.

From the opening prayer, song of praise and worship, special numbers, message… we will always thank God He made us a believer and part of His body at Gumaoc Church of Christ.  His works that day (November 8, 2008) will always be part of us…

and we thank God that He provided us a good leader…our Pastor.

Gumaoc Church of Christ Choir 08

Sis Zoraida accepted God as King and Savior

Kids Special Number during the Church of Christ 22nd Anniversary

Gumaoc Church of Christ Men's Choir

1. Pray for believers to experience true worship (Romans 12:1-2).  Ptr. Doods said that Pastors almost always prepare for their message but some of the believers sometimes failed to experience true worship because they are not preparing themselves to receive the message.  He said that as we worship, we need to ready ourselves, from the clothes we are to wear, time of coming to church, hearing the message and we even need to respect to the one delivering the message. We should understand that Pastors delivering the message labored for it. We need to listen/focus on the message. He urges everybody to pray for preparation before hearing the message.  He strongly emphasized that worship starts at home even before the Church service started.
2. Pray the believers will know, accept, and obey the word of God (Jn. 10:27).  Ptr. Doods adds that it is important that we know the word of God, but much more important is accepting it and applying it in our lives.  That is the ultimate goal of evangelism.
3. Pray for unity in the church (Eph. 4:3). Ptr. Doods time in again is reminding everybody that believers belong to one body and for the body to move and act efficiently, parts of the body should move in unison.  It means there must be unity.  Arguments, deliberation are part of a growing church but the bottom line is having one decision.  Every believers should pray for unity of the church.
4. Pray for souls to be won for Christ (Mt. 9:37-38). Ptr. Doods said that all the things we are doing, the church activities like prayer meeting, evangelism, sharing and fellowship have one ultimate goal, that is to bring soul for Christ.
5. Pray for joy in the hearts and lives of the believers (Phi. 4:4-6).  Every believers should experience joy in their heart.  We should enjoy our life as Christian knowing that we have one God we could always rely in times of our needs.

Finally, Ptr. Doods informed the Brethren that through prayer, we can transform the church and help to reach it’s full potential.

Ptr. Doods leading the Brethren in their morning devotion

Effective Partnership in the Ministry

As an introduction, Ptr. Fred cited the preparedness of the Brethren of the Tala Church of Christ i.e. welcome Banner and good Choir Presentation (song of praise and dance presentations).  Then he presented the following:

1. Manifestation of effective partnerships
   • In the Bible,  Jesus with the Apostles
   • In the present church, Pastor with Elders, and
   • Among faithful servants
2. Importance of Partnership
   • Removes jealousy (I Cor 12:14-16)
     • All are part of the ministry and good partnership removes envy/covetousness
   • Removes competition (I Cor. 12: 17-18)
     • No competition between Elder vs Pastor; or among brethren because they are different from each other. The gift from God given to everyone are very different; each gift God provided can be used in serving the church
   • Removes condemnation of weaknesses of other faithful (I Cor. 12:21)
   • Removes partisanship to each other instead promote equity
3. How to have effective partnership with other faithful?
   • We should have one purpose/objective (Eph 4:10-12)
   • Have one spirit (Eph 4: 4)
   • Have one direction (Eph 4:4)
   • Have one basis of ministry (the Bible)
4. Obstacle to effective partnership in the ministry
   • Wrong motives
   • Seeking personal greatness
   • Different spirit
   • No connection/communication/cooperation among leaders
   • Competition among members
5. Finally, there is a need for partnership if we want to continue God’s work.  We must remember that God called us in the ministry showing the model of unity through partnership

Last October 19, 2008, Kababaihan of North Area 1 had their first meeting from 2:00 pm until 5:oo pm at Pangarap Church of Christ.  The said meeting was initiated and facilitated by ROCK Mission leaders headed by Chairman Ptr. Jerecho “Ijit” Dans.  The meeting happened because each leader strongly believes that there is a need for the women brethren to strengthen their role in the local church, together help in evangelism work, and extend the services of the ROCK Mission.  During the meeting attended by women from the different local Churches (Gumaoc, Pangarap, Palmera, Almar, Villanova, and Tala), they agreed on the following:

• Women’s group will have a fellowship every third Sunday of the month; at 2:00 pm, Christian women time.
•  First fellowship will happen on November 16, 2008 at Gumaoc Church of Christ.
• The host church will prepare the program and will shoulder the expenses during the  fellowship. 
• There will be no fellowship on December since there will be Grand Fellowship among the 11 local churches.

Brethren of Gumaoc Church of Christ are busy preparing for the coming 22nd Anniversary.  Everybody is looking forward for the momentous occasion.  The preparation shifted to high gear during the last two weeks more so when they learned that the “First KABABAIHAN FELLOWSHIP” of the North Area 1 will happen at Gumaoc Church of Christ as part of the post Anniversary Celebration.  Everybody is excited knowing that it is a history in the making “The First” in North Area 1.

As early, Gumaoc Kababaihan through the leadership of Sis. Glo Urriza (DORCAS Chairman); Sis. Emma (hardworking Secretary), Sis. Vilma (Acting Auditor), Sis. Cherry (Vice Chairman) and all others are in consultation working for the activities to be in-placed during the Fellowship.  Among the activities in line are: getting to-know you; singing; games;  planning and more.

DORCAS from Gumaoc Church of Christ attending the CWMM Fellowship at Cruzada Church of Christ (Quipo, Manila)

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ROCK MISSION is the acronym for Reflectors of Christ Kingdom. Members of the North Area 1 Churches of Christ came together for a common mission of efficiently spreading the word of God (Mt. 28:19); and equipping every member for each local Churches for the work of the ministry and for edifying the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12). It is on this premise that members of the North Area 1 local Churches  work together in a worthy endeavor.

To continuously bond and equip every member, the Mission will have a GRAND FELLOWSHIP at the Manila Bible Seminary (MBS), Novaliches, Quezon City on December 13, 2008 starting from 6:00 am until 5:00 in the afternoon. ROCK Mission leadership with Ptr. Ijit Dans as Chairman, believes that  this fellowship will enhance bonding and camaraderie among members that will be an essential element in efficiently spreading the Gospel.

The said fellowship will be attended by members of the North Area 11 local churches with their Pastors leading the delegates: Palmera – Ptr. Angie; Francisco Homes- Ptr. Fred; Gumaoc – Ptr. Doods; Pangarap – Ptr. Ariel; Sampaguita – Ptr.  Domeng; Baracks – Ptr.; Villanova – Ptr.Ijit; Almar – Ptr. Ronald; Tala -Ptr. Ramos; Bagong Silang – Ptr.; Seminary Hills – Ptr. Sammy.

The fellowship will be highlighted by early Morning Parade with respective muse from each local Church; Praise and Worship Singing where Special numbers will be rendered by Brethren from Pangarap, Tala, Francisco Homes and a Solo number by Ptr. Domeng (Sampaguita).  Raffle of prizes will be done in between song numbers. Additionally, Brethren will enjoy the several sport events ranging from basketball, volleyball, tug of war, sack race, relay, Bible telephone, dart and game of the mind (chess).

ROCK MISSION Leaders during one of the Leadership Seminar at Gumaoc Church of Christ (SJDM City, Bulacan)