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"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

 

2003 - 1st Quarter

Table Of All Titles:

Sermon Notes: January 5, 2003

"GROWING THE CHURCH..."
By: Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor

Main Text: Selected Scriptures

Introduction:
There is a difference between church growth and growing the church. Church growth pertains more to the numerical growth, as in "filling up the building". But when we say, "growing the church", it is an experiential growth in the church. But what/who is the church?

The Church is us, the "called out ones" [Gk=ekklesia]. There is a task given to us, the Church, to grow; via cooperation, i.e. evangelism, discipleship, ministries, etc.

The question now would be, how can we extend our lives to have that tangible growth in the church?

I. Recognize inward growth.
Romans 12:11 "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;"

How do we measure growth or maturity in a Christian's life? The Bible gives us the answer.

A. (v.11a) "Not slothful in business" - not being lazy, in terms of spiritual matters.
Are we desiring spiritual growth but we are not doing anything to attain it? Are we praying for maturity but do not attend Church activities? It's being a fraud.

B. (v.11b) "fervent in spirit" - being inwardly ready to take root in God's Word.
Ephesians 3:17-18 "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;"
Are our lives grounded and rooted in the Word of God (living each day according to His Word)?

C. (v.11c) "serving the Lord" - actively taking a stand, making a commitment to do something for the growth of the church. We cross the bridge from immaturity to maturity when we start serving with rolled-up sleeves.

II. Realize the importance of our roles.
Ephesians 5:27 "That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

Our role is to keep ourselves holy. How?
A. By separation from worldly activities
B. By separation from sinful activities
C. By ecclesiastical separation. We are to separate from people who do not accept God, those having "strange" doctrines, and not letting them interfere in our worship and service to God. To separate ourselves from them means, not associating or fellowshipping with them.

III. Faithfully increasing in our "serve"
1 Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

In whatever ministry you are serving, "abound" in your work; more efforts, look for more opportunities, enlarge your territories. How can we increase in our ministry?

A. "always" - constancy/consistency. always see opportunities, seizing them to serve the Lord; always ready and open for a ministry.

B. "variety" - of ministry opportunities. As we grow working for the Church, we learn to stretch our boundaries.

IV. Fruitfulness in winning souls
Ephesians 5:16 "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

Redeem your time; from worldliness, (idle times) to winning souls. This is the design of God for the Church. This is His desire.

Conclusion:
Let us do something in contributing our lives in "GROWING THE CHURCH."

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JANUARY: MISSIONS MONTH

Sermon Notes: January 12, 2003

"MISSIONS: THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH"
By: Pastor Eduardo Gonzales
Guest Speaker

Main Text: Acts 2:40 - 47; 8:1 - 4
Acts 8:4 "Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word."

Introduction:
As the blood flows or circulates in the veins of our physical body to give and sustain its life and to deliver the supplies for its growth, so as the missions do to the church.

It reflects of a "vicious cycle": missions establishing local churches, then local churches engaging into missions, then those missions again will establish another local church. It is a continuous process of growth. The local church should gear up activities not just for edifyng believers but also for the adding of souls.

We have the promise of Christ that He will come back to take us with Him, and so until that time we should go on with the missions, for the growth of the universal church. Growth does not stop within the local church.

There are 7 (things) we need to dofor the continuous and regular flow of mission in the Church.

I. We need to revere the MASTER of missions.
He is the only One who came down to earth, who suffered and died for our salvation. We should exercise our reverence for Him

A. because of His sovereignty. God is worthy of worship.
B. because of His superiority/authority.
C. because of His strategy - that all men may be believers of God.

II. We need to REVIEW our master plan in missions.
Matthew 16:18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

A. Principle of Participation. God needs our participation in building His Church.
B. Principle of Progression. Evaluate our progress where are church is going.
C. Principle of Perpetuation. Thus Church is built by Christ and cannot be stopped. This principle applies to the universal church.

III. We need to rehearse our METHOD for missions.
Matthew 28:19 - 20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

The main goal is that all nations may know Christ.

A. by evangelizing th sinners. Not only should be done by Pastors and Missionaries but a commandment to all believers.
Acts 8:4 "Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word."
B. by enlisting the saints. "baptizing them..."
C. by educating the saints. "teaching them..."

IV. We need RELIABLE men for missions.
We can take a look at the life of Paul (and of the other disciples of the Early Church).

V. We need to be reminded in our MOTIVE in missions.

Our MOTIVE is our love for Christ and Christ's love for us.

VI. We need to rearrange our MESSAGE in missions.
John 1:12 "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"

A. Emphasize on the deity of Jesus Christ. Unless that we believe that Jesus is God, there is no salvation. The primary thing is to receive His deity (over our lives).
B. Emphasize on the deeds of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:3 - 4 "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures: And that he was buried, and that he rose agian the third day according to the scriptures:"

VII. We need to have REGULAR money for missions.
Acts 2:41 - 47 tells us of the Early Church and how they contributed to the preaching of the gospel of Christ. To have regular funds.

A. Emphasize on reaching people for the Savior.
B. Return 10% of our salary (tithes). As such is also a command.
C. Reducing our personal satisfaction in material things. Sacrifice some things for spending and giving to the missions work.

Conclusion:
We all can do something to tell unbelievers about Christ.

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JANUARY: MISSIONS MONTH

Sermon Notes: January 19, 2003

"(LAY MINISTRY)"
By: Rev. Craig Kennedy
Guest Speaker/ABWE

Main Text: Acts 6:1 - 7
v.3 "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
v.4 "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
v.5 "And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch."

Introduction:
Seven men were chosen among the congregation to, primarily, serve tables so that the apostles can go about more in their preaching and ministering of the Word of God to the people. But this minimal task will eventually expand, particularly in the service of Philip.

Stephen, the # 1 on the list of chosen men, was soon stoned to death by the end of Acts chapter 7. It is also worth noting that the first martyr was not an apostle nor a pastor, but rather a lay leader. It is the lay leader who deals mostly with the people and be with them in their homes, their work places, in their schools. Lay ministers or leaders are ordinary men/women living extraordinary lives for God. Lay ministry can have so much impact in the spreading of the gospel.

We now look into the life of a lay leader, the second guy, Philip.

I. He was a Teamplayer.
The congregation believes in him. He enjoyed the confidence of the leaders (the Apostles). Philip went to the worst places of Jerusalem, such as the in the areas of the Samaritans, which at that time, were not culturally acceptable to the Jews. The Samaritans received the Word of God through Philip, even before the apostles were able to come to them.
Philip was a self-starter, and with courage and determination, saw opportunities for ministering God's Word.

II. He was a Specialist.
He specialized in cross-cultural evangelism. In the book of Acts, he shared the Word of God to individuals from different cultures. His ministry expanded outside of Jerusalem.

III. He was a Starplayer.
People were attracted to him in 2 accounts in the book of Acts. Philip, travelling and preaching outside of Jerusalem, was able to come to Caesarea in Acts 8. Acts 10, on the other hand, tells us of Cornelius, a Gentile, must have heard God's Word from Philip before he called for Peter.

Philip as a lay leader, serving tables, became a preacher, then became an evangelist.
He also had a family of his own and his life had great impact or influence on them. His daughters, like him, also knew the importance of ministering God's Word. His home is always open for ministry.
Acts 21:8 - 9 "And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy."

Conclusion:
Pastors need to compliment and recognize the work of the lay minister.
Lay ministers have their limitations and thus they need to work together with others and with the pastor.
Lay ministers pass on their influence and have an impact in the lives of their own families and others.

Philip presents to us a model of a lay minister. Pastors and lay ministers need to work together.

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JANUARY: MISSIONS MONTH

Sermon Notes: January 26, 2003

"MISSIONS: THE BLUEPRINT OF CHRISTIANITY"
By: Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor

Main Text: Acts 2:14 - 22
v.15 "And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
v.16 "Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
v.17 "Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness."

Background:
Paul and Barnabas were journeying together preaching the gospel to Jews and Greeks. They came upon Lystra wherein they healed a crippled man. Seeing the miracle they have done, the people (who were pagans and idol-worshippers) began to worship Paul and Barnabas as the gods Jupiter and Mercurius. Paul and Barnabas appalled (dismayed), cried out among the people and rent (tear) their clothes.

The above verses depicts of the missions of the apostles and disciples such as Paul and Barnabas.

Introduction:
We can say that Christ came down as the first missionary on earth, followed by the apostles to make disciples of all nations. Christ already taught us and showed us how to do it.
Missions can happen anywhere and need not go far. We can have our own mission to our neighbors, friends, co-workers, even in our own homes if we have family members who do not know Christ yet.

We have 3 Road Maps to trace this Blueprint of Christianity.

I. MISSION: the Heart of the Church.
Jesus, as the Founder and Foundation of the Church ["ekklesia" = the called out ones (from darkness to light)], designed MISSIONS to be the heart of the Church.
In the book of Acts, the first local church are the apostles and disciple in the Upper Room cowering and fearful. But as they were endowed by the Holy Spirit (as Jesus has promised), they went out and preached to the people. Peter spoke his first preaching and 5000 people got saved.

Mission - is about you and me having the heart to snatch away people from the gates of hell. It's about believers getting out of their comfort zones and be in an aggressive assault to souls they encounter for Christ.

II. MISSION: the Heartbeat of Christ.
Philippians 2:6 - 8 "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

The above Scripture verses speaks of "Kenosis", which means the "self-emptying" of Christ, wherein He gave up His kingdom to die on the cross.
The Church should realize that Christ gave up everything, emptied Himself, to be on earth and die for us, because of His love for us. It is the sound of His heartbeat while on the cross.

As for us, since we know Christ, let us make Him known. Let us come out of our comfort zones, from the premises of our homes and you will be surprised to find that many people is needing Christ.

The Lord brings hope to hurting people. Are we extending our hands to them?

III. MISSION: the Holy Order of Christians.
Romans 1:8 "First, I thank my God thourgh Jesus Christ for you all, that you faith is spoken of throughout the whole world."

Christians in Rome, at that time, were surrounded by pagans. But they were commended by Paul in that they were involved in global missions. We, too, can do the same:
A. By speaking our faith.
B. By Christian accountability - Romans 1:14

Conclusion:
If we believe that are faith can save us, then go out, reach to people and share that faith.

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FEBRUARY: GROWING THE CHURCH THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS

Sermon Notes: February 2, 2003

"BIBLICAL BASED FRIENDSHIP"
By: Pastor Rndolf Dela Cruz
Youth Pastor

Main Text: 1 Samuel 18:1 - 4
v.1 "And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.
v.2 "And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home tohis father's house.
v.3 "Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
v.4 "And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle."

Background:
(David has just won the victory for Israel by killing Goliath. He has found favor in the sight of th people and the curiosity of Saul. David was then brought before Saul. Jonathan, Saul's son, loved David and became best friends. Such admiration and affection from the people and from Jonathan would soon create enmity between Saul and David.)

Introduction:
Perhaps, as David was before Saul, Jonathan already admiring David for what he has done. As they became friends, Jonathan eventually made a covenant with David.

I. The Reason of their Friendship. v. 1
Proverbs 18:24 "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

A. David's victory over Goliath
B. David's behavior inside the palace.

David's victory also won him the admiration of Jonathan. Jonathan welcomed David as his friend. And as David lived inside the palace, (the Spirit of the Lord was with him), thus, he behaved properly and wisely in all his ways though he was a son from a humble/ordinary beginnings. (v. 14)

Friendship should be established n the premise of testimony.

II. The Result of their Friendship. v. 2, 3
Their friendship brought good results.

A. David's privilege to live in the palace.
B. David and Jonathan's covenant.

III. The Remembrance of their Friendship. v. 4

A. Jonathan's robe
B. His sword
C. His bow
D. His girdle

Jonathan wanted David to be protected and be saved (especially from the wrath of his father, Saul).

Friendship should be established not only on the material things but also on spiritual things.

Conclusion:
The friendship of Jonathan and David presents to us an example of unity and trust with each other.
Christian Friendship does not mean only to have one friend or to have specific people close to us. Rather, Christian friendship is to have all Christians as friends. And Jesus is our Best Friend.

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FEBRUARY: GROWING THE CHURCH THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS

Sermon Notes: February 9, 2003

"PARENTAL VALUES VS. CHILDREN'S CHOICES" (part 1)
By: Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor

Main Text: 1 Samuel 2:12
"Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord"

I. The Priest's problem with unbelieving kids.

> Gaano katotoo ito sa buhay Kristyano natin?
> Where and what could have been the problem and the root cause?

Principle:
Let us constantly witness to our children, open the Bible, pray for them.
Napaka-vital ng role ng parents sa buhay ng kanyang mga anak. Responsibilidad natin na lumaki sila na may takot sa Diyos.

II. The Prophet's predicament with backsliding kids.
1 Samuel 8:3 "And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgement."

Principle:
Parental values cannot co-stand with children's choices.
What kind of life / values / character am I developing for my kids?
(Change starts now!)

II. The Possible reasons of this realities:
> Kung bakit ganito ang division sa tahanan.

11 Factors of these realitites. Kung bakit nagiging backslider ang mga anak.

1. Human nature vs. Nurture.
> Puro sigawan ba sa loob ng bahay?
2. Genetic propensities.
> (There are) Kids na malumanay (and) Kids na hyperactive.
3. Generational trends and developemental assertiveness.
4. Modelling influences in our households.
> Do you often curse?
> Do you often shout?
> Relatives can (influence our children)
5. Parenting styles
Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way that he should go: and when he is old,he will not depart from it." The Best Parenting Style!
6. Societal and global values
> Culture is being changed.
> Value ng mundo na nalilipat sa mga anak.
7. Media influences, TV, or educational influences.
> These invade our homes.
8. Peer Pressure.
> They will be influenced by their barkadas.
> We need to equip our kids.
9. Internet, cellulars and technological privacies.
> These are God's blessings but (we need to) take good care of them.
> Use them only in godly advantage.
10. Church environment.
> No time for church involvement.
> Very frequent and young people na involved sa church.
11. Influence of Last Days, Satanic aggression.
> Let's take a good grip at our families.

Principle:
Do not let children's choices take over parental values.
Start doing something for your family.
Let us not wait for the worst.

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FEBRUARY: GROWING THE CHURCH THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS

Sermon Notes: February 9, 2003 (Afternoon Service)

"PARENTAL VALUES VS. CHILDREN'S CHOICES" (part 2)
By: Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor

Main Text: 1 Samuel 2:12
"Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord"

The Proper Attitude

  1. Not all rebellion is caused by parental values, though it could be.
    Watch Out!
    Practical Suggestion: Be Discerning. Sana mapansin ng parents kung nagsisikreto na ang anak.
  2. Not all rebellion is permanent, though it could also be.
    Let's Be Warned!
  3. Nobody's perfect. We all Fail.
    Let's Be Encouraged!
  4. Child development before 7 yrs. old is crucial.
    Habang soft pa ang bata, let's be mindful in rearing them.
  5. Pray constantly for our children and commit their uncertain future to the Lord.
    The best way to be equipped.
    Let's check on each other in terms of family relationship.

Conclusion:
Satan's crusade is to destroy every family to destroy the Church.
So be prayerful always.

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FEBRUARY: GROWING THE CHURCH THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS

Sermon Notes: February 16, 2003

"DEVELOPING HARMONY IN THE CHURCH"
By: Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor

Main Text: Psalm 133
v.1 "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
v.2 "It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
v.3" As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore."

Introduction:
Many people in the world try so much to create harmony.
But lots of people would rather wear masks, (pretending to care for others), rather than have a spiritual surgery.

Our relationship at home reflect our relationships outside, especially at church. We ought to fix our relationship at home first before dealing with others.

The Main Objective now would be - how to improve/develop harmony in the Church. Harmony here does not necessarily say that each of us should step down or take a stand, but rather, it means blending together.

I. "Together" v.1 - In Oneness but not in Isolation.

Symptoms of Isolated People:

A. Appearing terribly Involved but Isolated
These people are terribly involved in the ministry, busy, mostly doing things by themselves, but in the end, there is so much complaining and comparison with others. It could mean that these people may be wanting glory for themselves by their involvement.

B. Seemingly Friendship-Oriented but Closed.
They greet people in the halls but would not come close enough to really share their lives with others.
We should strive to develop the attitude that each one is accountable to another. We should open our lives to other people and really show "friendship" with an amount of real care and concern.
We should not put standards to other people. It is unfair and this attitude must be corrected.

C. Pretentious Not to Need Others.
The ministry is about people. We should not pretend not to need others. We all need each other - a give and take relationship.

II. "Dwell" v.1
Relationships, even at Church, are temporary. But we ought to make it lasting with love and unity - mutually "dwelling" even though with different personalities, character and attitudes.

A. There must be an Authentic Open Communication.
When will we open the premises of our hearts? Frequently talk to other members and visitors of the Church.

B. Realize an Authentic Give and Take Relationship
We should esteem the other person higher than us.

C. Authentic Adaptability Quotient? (Do we have a high A.Q.?)
Ask ourselves these questions. Am I friendly? Am I seemingly friendly but closed? Are we better in complaining than affirming?

Conclusion:
Let's enjoy our Christian life, the Church life, and the Ministry. "Go out of our caves" and enjoy each other.

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FEBRUARY: GROWING THE CHURCH THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS

Sermon Notes: February 23, 2003

"RESPONSIBLE PARENTING"
By: Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor

Main Text: Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:5 - 12
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Introduction:
The Lord is teaching parents to become responsible. There are Biblical parameters where the Lord wants to lead us in our family lives, in training our children.
"Training" - this burden lies in the shoulder of the parents

I. Training Through Parental Example Deuteronomy 6:5 - 6
"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:"

Moses was giving instructions to the children of Israel as they are about to enter the Promised Land; that they should not forget the Lord and to love the Lord with their all. This was so for a greater promise for them.

Parents, we send our children t school for a purpose - a better future - as we equip them for it.

A. The Basic of the Principle:
The Lord wants us to learn to have a special heart for the Lord. This will in turn be transmitted to the children.
Parents should have a pure, sincere, and devoted love for God. This is the basic and primary principle that we can teach our children.

The primary responsibility of the parent is to love the Lord our God. The children will know and realize it. Later on, they will put it into action and this will minimize problems with them in the future.

How do we expect our children to love the Lord, if we, the parents, do not love the Lord?
We can minimize the possibility that our children will later on blame us (for what they have become). We have the guarantee of God's Word.

What have we been doing to give a good example for our children? Are we entrusting the responsibilities solely to the school?
Parenting is a partnership between the husband and the wife.

B. The Burden of the Principle: "shall be in thine heart..."
Putting it into our system. The heart is the place of sincerity and security for God's Word. When people learned by heart, it is easier to teach others.

II. Training Through Qualitative Education Deuteronomy 6:7
"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

The Lord wants us (to realize) the value or the worth of education that we must teach our children.
Quality education is not dependent on the curriculum of an educational institution but rather, starts at home, then followed-up by the Christian teachers.
Parents, we should fix our attitudes first at home.

A. The Urgency of Education
There are so many ways (and opportunities) wherein we can teach our children. (verse 7). Character education.

B. The Untiring Participation of the Parents in Educating their Children.
We should actively, not passively, (teach them); Be an intentional speaker to them. Have the motive to speak to them.

C. The Unequalled Promise of a Good Education.
A good education for our children cannot be equalled by any material possession. Be determined to make a difference in the children's lives. They have a great unequalled possibility in the future - all depending on the quality education that we give them.

III. Training Through Guided Exposure Deuteronomy 6:12
"Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage."

The objective of the Israelites then was to have a good future, via the Promised Land. But this good future will not be so if they should forget the Lord. They have the responsibility to enrich what they should find in the Promised Land.

Parents should come to the reality that their children are not their own. They can be snatched by the world. But before that could happen, parents should teach them, equip them, guide them (not forgetting the Lord their God).

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Sermon Notes: March 2, 2003

"DEVELOPING HARMONY IN THE CHURCH" (part 2)
By: Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 12:14 - 22
v.14 "For the body is not one member, but many.
v.15 "If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
v.17 "If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
v.18 "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
v.19 "And if they were all one member, where were the body?
v.20 "But now are they many members, yet but one body.
v.21 "And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee...
v.22 "Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:"

Introduction:
Christ made the design of the Church as One Body - a design of unity.

III. Breakdown of Defenses not Fences
Unity allows us to disagree with each other and to speak out. But we must also be considerate that not everything we say will be taken. This idea also does not apply to false doctrines or cults.

A. Avoid Ddistance and Formality
v. 14 - 22 indicates that there are differences in the Corinthian Church among its members.

Distance - we automatically set our distance from another when there is misunderstanding, more than usually about personal matters rather than doctrinal.
Formalities - we have filled the Church with so much standards, well-prepared "speeches", "greetings", manners to each other, leaving out the warm personal tone.

We don't really go to Church to hurt somebody. Keep in mind that our objective is to encourage people, families in the Church in the Christian living.

B. There should be a clear Admittance that we Need Each Other.
Certainly, we cannot live for ourselves alone. We need to pray for each and everyone. Everyone depends on each member as we need each other to grow.

C. Gaining foot towards Deeper Relationships
The Lord abhor superficiality, skin-deeped relationships. Realize that the more tightly knitted the relationship inside the Church is, the stronger the Church grows. We are vulnerable to attacks. But there is power to unity.

This strong relationships, however, do not happen overnight. It is but a direct result of time, energy cultivated towards relationships.

Our problem is that there are walls, fences between us all. We ought to see each other from God's point of view.
Give time to be close with one another. It may be tiresome to build relationships but we need to give our energy.

II. Great Openness not Ultra-Private Caves
We can be open to others or be as if caves to others. In the Church life, we are required to be open to one another.

A. There is Unguarded Honesty
There are people who teach others but needed to be taught themselves. They listen to others and yet always finding faults in others - becoming malicious.

Each one of us is as the Lord created. Let us appreciate people in their own personalities, learn to respect them. Our dealings should not lead to manipulation but rather to work as a team - such comes spontaneously with unguarded honesty.

B. There should be mutual caring.
Mutual caring is not dependent on the (financial, etc.) status of the person. It does not maximize on trivial issues.

People with "ultra-private cave" lives, or the "untouchables" - you can preach to them but cannot make them serve. You cannot intervene in their lives and may consider you as a "gate-crasher". They do not grow, do not have peace, "primitive", and immature.
Let us open our "caves" to other people.

Conclusion:
It's never too late. We can start anew by opening our lives to others. Freely talk to other people without "masks".
The Lord has given us things to use and other people to enjoy - not to manipulate.

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MARCH: GROWING THE CHURCH THROUGH... THE UPS AND DOWNS OF CHRISTIAN LIFE

Sermon Notes: March 9, 2003

"THE HIGH COST OF SHORT CUTS"
By: Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor

Main Text: Selected Passages

Introduction:
In our service to God and in our spiritual growth, there are no short cuts - there is only God's way.

I. The Christian Life
Exodus 13:17 "And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt."
The Israelites then were just about to experience the "better life" from Egypt. And God led them to His route.

A. There is No Short Cut to Christian Growth.
The simple truth is - to follow God's leading, and not our own instinct.
We ought to let the Word of God lead us. And there are no short cuts to Bible-reading, praying and meditation. We allow the Word of God to take control over our lives.

B. Mental Comprehension Vs. Spiritual Apprehension
More knowledge of the truth bringeth sorrow. Intellectual knowledge is of little use if we will not allow God's Word to enter our hearts.
God wants us to grow in our relationships. We let, know, and grow in the knowledge and increase in obedience to the Lord. We become ready to accept the leading of the Lord.

C. Allowing the Spirit of God to teach us.
Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us? Jesus said that the Holy Spirit is to teach us all things. Are we open for His teaching?

II. The Christian Service
Matthew 7:24 "Theefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock."
The Lord Jesus Christ distinguished the concrete foundation from the hasty foundation (the short cuts).

A. Christian Service should be characterized by Faithfulness
We need to Obey. There is disaster in hasty foundations. The man who built his house on sand not only encountered disaster in his home, property but also including the people inside that house.

The Foundation spoken here is Jesus Christ. Are you serving because of the Pastor or Jesus Christ? To show faithfulness to the people or to the Lord? To show others or because God has done more than enough for us? Are we serving Him apart from the things that He can give to us?

We ought to obey with faithfulness.

B. Christian Service should be characterized by Fruitfulness.
We need to produce. We ought to expect results in our service.

III. The Church Life
Growth is the sign of life. The Church should grow, increase in quantity and in quality.

A. We need to be serious on learning.
To learn more of God through the Bible. To understand how God operates in our lives and in the Church. The Church should grow not just by addition but by nutrition (in the Biblical instruction).
True growth is from the inside out.

B. We need to be serious in God-glorifying service.
Are we interested in the praises of people? in publicizing our statistics?
We should be concerned for the glory of God. God is interested in a God-glorifying service.

When we do things for the glory of the Lord, it will have a lasting effect as the Lord will bless us. Otherwise, the Holy Spirit will depart from the work.

C. We need to be ready for the harvest.
When we serve for God's glory, there will be harvest time.

Conclusion:
There are no short cuts. Take God's way. It may be a long way but it is the way that will lead to more blessings.

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MARCH: GROWING THE CHURCH THROUGH... THE UPS AND DOWNS OF CHRISTIAN LIFE

Sermon Notes: March 16, 2003

"STEPS THAT LEAD TO VICTORY"
By: Deacon Randy Lacerna

Main Text: 2 Chronicles 20:1 - 23
v.17 "Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah, and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you.
v.18 "And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the Lord, worshipping the Lord.
v.22 "And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
v.23 "For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against he inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another."

Background:
Israel was already living in the Promised Land. But other nations are despising them and planned to invade Israel.

I. Inquire of the Lord. v. 3
v.3 "And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah."
Jehoshaphat came to the Lord first rather than to call on his army and his people.
This should be the first step of the believer. The wise do a spiritual decision - to come to the Lord first.

A. Having confidence in God. v. 6
v.6 "And said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?"
God is in control and have confidence that the Lord will see us through.

B. Being dependent on God alone. v. 12
v.12 "O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee."
Jehoshaphat's past victories and previous accomplishments do not guarantee automatic victory in the present. Victory is in relying on God alone, not on our own strength. We need not fight our own battles.

II. They listened to His Word. v. 15
v.15 "And he (Jahaziel, a prophet of God) said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalemm and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's"
In the Old Testament, God used prophets to convey His holy Word. But now we have the Bible to hold on to as the Word of God.
Let us be wise and be sensitive to the teaching of His Word and test every spirit of preachers preaching to us.

A. You get encouraged.
The Lord, Himself, encouraged them, saying, "do not fear"
When we listen to God's Word we get encouraged.

B. Knowing the battle is the Lord's.

C. Laying down our swords.
We don't have to fight this battle for ourselves. The Lord has sustained and is still sustaining each and every one of us. He will do it continually.
The Lord wants us to extend our faith, to see beyond the circumstance.

III. They worshipped the Lord. v. 18
Worship is an attitude of the heart, a lifestyle.
The Enemy would love us to be discouraged, robbed of our joy.

A. Humility being exercised. v. 18
They literally bowed down before the Lord with a broken and contrite heart.
Our ministry and service to the Lord cannot cover us. It is our humility in the presence of the Lord that covers us

B. Recognizing Godly reverence.
They experienced God more in their lives. They know who their God is, what He has done for them and what He can do for them still.
With the glory of the Lord with us, we cannot do anything but fall in worship to the Lord.

C. Giving praise to God. v. 21
v.21 "And when he had consulted to the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever."
Even in the midst of the threats of war, they sang and praised the Lord.
The Lord always look at our hearts. The Lord God always gives us the reason to sing.

IV. Obedience to the Lord.
Jehoshaphat simply obeyed with all faith though it may not seem reasonable to not strengthen your army. But with this faith, the Lord gave them victory.

A. There's always in blessings obedience.
The Lord fought the battle for them. As we carefully obey the Lord, He will always bless us, not to stray away from His inheritance.

C. Victory granted.
Victory was theirs with very little effort in battle.
We just have to wait for the deliverance of the Lord.

Conclusion:
Every battle should be won in the spirit first through prayer.
It will manifest itself in the natural or physical.

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MARCH: GROWING THE CHURCH THROUGH... THE UPS AND DOWNS OF CHRISTIAN LIFE

Sermon Notes: March 16, 2003 (Afternoon Service)

"THE ENEMIES OF THE VICTORS"
By: Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor

Main Text: Selected Scriptures

Introduction
1 John 5:4 "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."
Victor [Greek = "NIKE"] means triumph in all aspects of life. The believer is a supernatural overcomer, meaning, he believes in the spirit and is victorious in the spirit. His enemy is also a spirit and he defeats this enemy by way of spiritual warfare.

Identifying the enemy: Knowing the enemy and applying the weapons.

I. Our Enemy is Satan.
Revelation 13:7 "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations."

A. There is only a seeming victory for Satan.
He only has a temporary power to reign in our day and age. His mission is to bring souls with him in hell. But time will come when he will bow down to the authority and sovereignty of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is a constant battle between us and Satan

B. Our continuing victory. (among the saints)
Revelation 12:7 " And 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."
Our victory is something within our grasp. Though directly we may be influenced by Satan, (through cultic activities, distortion of the Word of God), but we are already triumphant saints by the blood of Jesus Christ.

II. Death is our Enemy.
1 Corinthians 15:26 "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."
(Spiritual) Death is the ultimate separation of man's spirit from God. We can defeat death by having the Lord Jesus Christ into our lives, the Giver of eternal life.

III. The World is our Enemy.
1 John 5:4 "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."
The "world" spoken of here refers to the formulated system dictated by Satan.

To be victors - it is foolish to lose when we have the power to overcome. The Lord has powers which He transferred to us upon our salvation to overcome vices, crooked ways, wicked influences of the world.

Conclusion:
Positionally, we have already conquered Satan, Death, and the World.
But practically, we need to claim and exercise this victory.

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MARCH: GROWING THE CHURCH THROUGH... THE UPS AND DOWNS OF CHRISTIAN LIFE

Sermon Notes: March 23, 2003

"PAGTATAGUMPAY SA TUKSO"
("Victory Over Temptations")
By: Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor

Main Text: Santiago 1:10 - 15 (James 1:10-15)
(v.12 "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
v.13 "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
v.14 "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
v.15 "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.")

I. Tukso ay Di-Maiiwasan
(Temptations cannot be avoided) Everyone struggles with temptations. If we cannot get away with it, but still, there must be some way to immobilize it.

II. Tukso ay Di-nagmumula sa Panginoon
(Temptations do not come from God) v.13 God is not the author of temptations, but He permits them. God is light, His work is not to tempt man.
There is nothing wrong with facing temptations. But the fall starts when we point our fingers to God and start to blame Him.
We ought to learn to distinguish or to see the temptation and not yield.

III. Tukso ay isang Indibidual na bagay
(Temptation is an individual matter) It is an individual responsibility. Therefore, we cannot blame God or anybody else. Somehow, we also have our own part in pursuing sin. Our eyes, for instance, are our open door to sin as we face temptations each day.

But the person who is centered on Christ will willfully walk away. And there is a great reward for him that do so.
In temptations or opportunities to anger, wrath, hate, sensuality, gossips - we can willfully walk away from them. This is also a test of our character.
Remember that there is power in the Spirit of God made available to us to "help it".

IV. Tukso ay may Kaparehong Proseso.
(Temptations have similar processes)

1. Paglalagay ng pain o patibong. (set up baits or traps)
2. Pagkakakita sa pain. (appealing to our weaknesses)
3. Pagtangkilik. (yielding to the temptation - occurence of sin)
4. Pagbabayad. (the consequence) the sin highlights the pleasures but results in tragic consequences. The Lord can restore us but still we have to pay the consequences. Our delight should be in the Lord and not in the pleasures of sin.

Pangwakas:
Tips to overcome temptations:
1. Huwag payagang manatili. (do not linger with the temptation)
2. Pangontra o kalasag. 1 Timoteo 6:10 (by fleeing, running away, getting away)
3. Alalahanin ang bigat ng kabayaran. (Bear in mind the weight of the consequences of sin afterwards)
4. Salita ng Diyos ang kontrol ng isipan. (God's Word should control our thoughts.)

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MARCH: GROWING THE CHURCH THROUGH... THE UPS AND DOWNS OF CHRISTIAN LIFE

Sermon Notes: March 30, 2003

"THE WINNING LIFE"
By: Pastor Arthur P. Ornias
Senior Pastor

Main Text: 1 John 4:1 - 18
v.4 "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."

Introduction:
To overcome is to win, to conquer, to be victorious. In God's family, no one is a "born-loser". We are equipped to win because of Christ's victory.
But in every victory, there are 3 powerful enemies that may break us or correct our attitudes.

I. Winning Over Spiritual Adversitites.
v.1 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
v.2 "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God."

Spiritual Adversities are working actively. They attack us in the spirit, affecting our Christian living. The enemy can inflict so many spiritual wounds in our lives specially through false prophets. We stumble to the point of "laying low" in our service and worship.

Spiritual Adversities are deceptively powerful, cunningly plotting to win over us. They are the principalities and powers (Eph. 6:12)

We have the reason to overcome. God has already given us a concrete example through Jesus Christ, the very Reason why we overcome. The God we accepted is the same God who created the heavens and the earth. He is greater than any spiritual adversity, than Satan, or than Death.
We can expect no less than victory, no less than winning.
We will not win by discouragement or anger. We win by Christ.

II. Winning Over Recurring Anxieties.
v.18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

We have fears over our "uncertain" future. It is okay to have our concerns, to plan the future. But it is not okay to be overly anxious over them. It is then that we sin against God. Faith and fear cannot co-exist. Our anxieties bring us torment, which can bring us depression, which can lead to a breakdown.

God's love is not just a saving love, but also a keeping love. Despite the "gate-crashers" in our lives, let's focus our eyes to the Lord.
Let us give our anxieties to God. We will overcome fear by resting in His perfect love.

III. Winning Over Earthly Allurements.
These are not just the sensual things but also material things that allure us - MATERIALISM.
What is the point of having all things, they are merely temporary and we cannot take them to our grave. It is far better to lay up treasures in heaven. The world holds many allurements that attack us:
1. in the area of our lust of the eyes.
2. in the lust of our flesh.
3. in the pride of life. - The tendency to become self-righteous, being proud, will destroy the Church and our relationships.

Conclusion
Be reminded to win over these. Do we have points of weaknesses that could be our temptations? Hold on to God.

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