Attn: Hospital Ministry, Follow-up Team, Thailand Mission Team, LVF, and Outreach Pastors will have a Counselors’ Training this coming Thursday, April 2 right after the mid-week bible study.
“IBS” class will take a break and will resume on May 5.
BEREAN “GETTING DEEPER” class resumes this Tuesday, March 31. “IBS” class will take a break and will resume on May 5.
THANK YOU for praying for the COLLEGE CAMP! The Lord met us and did an awesome work, and the testimonies we heard from students blessed our hearts! God spoke tenderly and sweetly! Thank you again for supporting us in prayer!
BEREAN “GETTING DEEPER” class resumes this Tuesday, March 31. “IBS” class will take a break and will resume on May 5.
Inviting all Sunday School Kids from Grades 1 to 6 (with parents’ consent)for our KIDS CAMP 2009!THEME: “SEAQUEST”
DATE: April 8-10
COST: P600.00
VENUE: Calvary Chapel Training Center, Candau-ay
Registration ends today, March 29. There will be only 50 slots. We only accept non-Sunday school kids if the number will not reach 50.
RESURRECTION SUNDAY SUNRISE SERVICE on April 12, 2009l 12, 2009
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
WP-Bible plugin! Venue will be at the Freedom Park at 5:00 am. NOTE: No regular English and Visayan services on this day.
Attn: Hospital Ministry, Follow-up Team, Thailand Mission Team, LVF, and Outreach Pastors will have a Counselors’ Training this coming Thursday, April 2 right after the mid-week bible study.
YOUTH CAMP 2009 is also fast approaching!THEME: “JESUS EXEMPLIFIED”
DATE: May 18-23
VENUE: Calvary Chapel Training Center, Candau-ay
COST: P1,700 (food, lodging, t-shirt)
AGE LIMIT: High School level only
SPEAKER: Ptr. Joseph Jo
Fundraising Activities: Bake sale, T-shirt/Sticker selling, Organic vegetables, Workdays, Rummage sale. We also have YOUTH WORK DAYS scheduled in April and May as we go out and clean up our baranggay. If you wish to sponsor a youth for Youth Work Day, please approach Glen or Abba.
It’s better late than never. Typically, commencement speakers address the 
graduates, offering them words of wisdom for life in the “real world.” If you’re part of this year’s graduating class, I’m sure you’re receiving lots of advice from counselors, friends, and family. They’re doing their best to help you make wise decisions about your future. As a pastor let me say this - as a follower of Christ, be careful what you buy into.
When it comes to spiritual matters, it’s vitally important that we are not deceived. The Apostle John offers this warning: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:11 John 4:1
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
4
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.
WP-Bible plugin). You see, there was a problem in the early church because people tended to be swayed by anyone who showed up in their church service claiming to speak truth. Unfortunately we do the same thing today; we trust people just because they’re on the radio, write books, or have incredible charisma. But Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15Matt. 7:15
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
WP-Bible plugin).
The question is, how do you tell the difference between truth and something disguised as truth? The key is to test everything against Scripture. We can learn an important lesson from Paul’s missionary visit to Berea. The Jews there 
“received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11Acts 17:11
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
WP-Bible plugin). In other words, they didn’t just accept what they heard at face value; they checked it out to make sure it was true.
So, some words of advice to graduates: Stay in God’s Word so you don’t get burned by the world. Your school exams may be over, but the real tests of life have just begun. As you prepare for the next phase of your life, whether you’re moving into the job market or furthering your education, remember to be like the Bereans - test everything you hear against Scripture. Always remember that God’s advice is the best advice you’ll ever receive.
Open Door
Open Door
When my kids were small I told them they had my permission to come into my study room whenever they wanted, no matter what, no matter when. I wanted them to know that their concerns and questions were important to me, because they were important to me. And they took advantage of that right — sometimes to the surprise of my visitors or people I was counseling! (hahaha)
Did you know that we have the same access to God? It’s true. The God of heaven and earth, the Creator of all that exists, is available to you at all times, for any reason. Hebrews 4:16Hebrews 4:16
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
WP-Bible plugin says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” The reason we can come “boldly” is in verse 15. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” That High Priest is Jesus Christ. He understands it all, and He is never surprised at our struggles.
God doesn’t condemn us for our sin when we approach the Throne of Grace. After all, when we come to Him, we’ve already admitted we’re in the wrong, we have a problem, and we need His help. If we didn’t want to admit we were wrong, we would hide. That brings me to the scripture that I want you to read. Psalm 139 is full of wonderful truths about God and His knowledge and love for us. Read it over slowly several times and digest it.
Verse 7 in particular stands out. “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” The psalm goes on to explain how that very idea is nonsense. There’s nowhere to hide. But that’s the great part. Not only is there nowhere to hide, there’s no reason to even try. We can come to Him at any time, with any problem.
Are you struggling with a sin? Come to the Throne of Grace. Are you depressed 
or grieving? Come to the Throne of Grace. Are you angry, or confused, or full of doubt? You guessed it — come to the Throne of Grace. God is waiting there, eager to hear your problem, eager to give you His solution, His care, and His love. You can come anytime. Isn’t that what being a child of God is all about? He’s never too busy, and He’s never annoyed that you want to talk to Him. What a wonderful God we serve! What a wonderful Father we have!
NO BEREAN “GETTING DEEPER” Class this coming Tuesday, March 24. It will resume March 31.
COVENANT KEEPERS next Sunday, March 29 at 6:30 pm here at CCD. Inviting all couples for a time of instruction and fellowship!
Visit our website in our new URL at http://ccdumaguete.com
Please pray for our COLLEGE CAMP this March 23-25!
NO BEREAN “GETTING DEEPER” Class this coming Tuesday, March 24. It will resume March 31.
COVENANT KEEPERS next Sunday, March 29 at 6:30 pm here at CCD. Inviting all couples for a time of instruction and fellowship!
Inviting all Sunday School Kids from Grades 1 to 6 (with parents’ consent)for our KIDS CAMP 2009!
THEME: “SEAQUEST”
DATE: April 8-10
VENUE: CCTC, Candau-ay
Registration starts today, March 22. There will be only 50 slots. We only accept non-Sunday school kids if the number will not reach 50.
RESURRECTION SUNDAY SUNRISE SERVICE on April 12, 2009l 12, 2009
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
WP-Bible plugin! Venue will be at the Freedom Park at 5:00 am. NOTE: NO regular English and Visayan services on this day.
YOUTH CAMP 2009 is also fast approaching!
THEME: “JESUS EXEMPLIFIED”
DATE: May 18-23
VENUE: CCTC, Candau-ay
COST: P1,700 (food, lodging, t-shirt)
AGE LIMIT: High School level
SPEAKER: Ptr. Joseph Jo
Fundraising Activities: Bake sale, T-shirt/Sticker selling, organic vegetables, rummage sale. We also have YOUTH WORK DAYS scheduled in April and May as we go out and clean up our baranggay. if you wish to sponsor a youth for YOUTH WORK DAY, pls approach Glen or Abba.
RESURRECTION SUNDAY SUNRISE SERVICE on April 12, 2009l 12, 2009
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
WP-Bible plugin! Venue will be at the Freedom Park at 5:00 am. NOTE: NO regular English and Visayan services on this day.
Inviting all Sunday School Kids from Grades 1 to 6 (with parents’ consent)for our KIDS CAMP 2009!THEME: “SEAQUEST”
DATE: April 8-10
VENUE: Calvary Chapel Training Center, Candau-ay
Registration starts next Sunday, March 22. There will be only 50 slots. We only accept non-Sunday school kids if the number will not reach 50.
Inviting all Sunday School Kids from Grades 1 to 6 (with parents’ consent)for our KIDS CAMP 2009!THEME: “SEAQUEST”
DATE: April 8-10
VENUE: Calvary Chapel Training Center, Candau-ay
Registration starts next Sunday, March 22. There will be only 50 slots. We only accept non-Sunday school kids if the number will not reach 50.
ATTN: ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS! We have a COLLEGE CAMP coming up!THEME: SWEETLY BROKEN Ps. 51:17
DATE: March 23-25
VENUE: Calinawagan Beach House in Dauin
COST: P670 (food, lodging, t-shirt)
SPEAKER: Ptr. Joseph Jo
Registration ends this Wednesday, March 18. Please approach Ptr. Jerry or Marisa.
CHOIR PRACTICE resumes this Wednesday March 18 at 6:30 here at CCD. Those who desire to join the choir are most welcome! Please approach Jing Guevara or any choir member.
CHOIR PRACTICE resumes this Wednesday March 18 at 6:30 here at CCD. Those who desire to join the choir are most welcome! Please approach Jing Guevara or any choir member.
Please visit our website in our new URL at http://ccdumaguete.com
ATTN: ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS! We have a COLLEGE CAMP coming up!THEME: SWEETLY BROKEN Ps. 51:17Ps. 51:17
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
WP-Bible pluginDATE: March 23-25
VENUE: Calinawagan Beach House in Dauin
COST: P670 (food, lodging, t-shirt)
SPEAKER: Ptr. Joseph Jo
Registration ends this Wednesday, March 18. Please approach Ptr. Jerry or Marisa.
Inviting all Sunday School Kids from Grades 1 to 6 (with parents’ consent)for our KIDS CAMP 2009!THEME: “SEAQUEST”
DATE: April 8-10
VENUE: Calvary Chapel Training Center, Candau-ay
Registration starts next Sunday, March 22. There will be only 50 slots. We only accept non-Sunday school kids if the number will not reach 50.
YOUTH CAMP 2009 is also fast approaching!THEME: “JESUS EXEMPLIFIED”
DATE: May 18-23
VENUE: Calvary Chapel Training Center, Candau-ay
COST: P1,700 (food, lodging, t-shirt)
AGE LIMIT: High School—College Level
SPEAKER: Ptr. Joseph Jo
We’re doing Fundraising Activities: Bake sale, T-shirt/Sticker selling, Organic vegetables, Workdays, Rummage sale, and if you wish to sponsor a youth, please approach Glen or Abba.
When you’ve done all you could to the best of your ability, with all the preparations and perspirations, and still it seems that all your hard work will come to nothing – there’s nothing left to do but to trust God, to let Him take care of the rest. And He did it again! That’s another testimony of God’s ability to come through as demonstrated to us at the Dapitan concert. And beloved, He is worthy to be trusted!
An Old Testament story illustrates the futility of relying on something other than the Lord for help. The Philistines have defeated the Israelites in battle, and they’ve captured the Ark of the Covenant. They put the Ark in their temple, next to a statue of their god, Dagon. The next day they find the statue, fallen on its face before the Ark. They stand it up again, only to find it the following day, toppled over again, this time with its head and hands broken off.
That’s pretty amusing, but the story gets very serious after that. The Philistines are stricken with disease, and they send the Ark from city to city to save themselves from God’s anger. You can read it in 1 Samuel 5 and 6. You would think they’d realize, “Hey, we’re worshipping the wrong god!” Instead, they decided to stick with the idol that has failed them. But God says, “I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me” (Isaiah 45:5Isaiah 45:5
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
WP-Bible plugin). Idols don’t have to be something as blatant as statues we bow to. They can be more subtle things, 
like our possessions or people we look up to. Is your idol a car, or a house, or your work? Is it some celebrity? Or is your idol yourself — your looks, your status? In short, what is it that dominates your thoughts and your activities? If these idols were taken out of your life, would it seem unfulfilling and empty?
Any idol will disappoint you. Cars and motorcycles will break down. Our bodies and our looks will deteriorate. Money and homes can be devalued, or lost in a moment. The people we look up to will fall flat on their faces. Only God and His word will remain, and they are unchanging and sure. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 8:41 Corinthians 8:4
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
WP-Bible plugin, “We know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.” Put your faith and your trust in Him alone!
Once again, as we witnessed the power and grace of God at work in the lives of the people in Dapitan and Dipolog, one cannot deny the fact that God loves to use people just like us as His instruments. Undeserving and incapable in ourselves as we are, He chose to use us that we might experience His glory. The truth is each one of us was given a gift (1 Cor.12:7,11). And for us to function properly in the Body of Christ, we are to exercise our spiritual gift. After all, is that not the way a physical body functions? In the body of flesh and bones, there are a variety of cells. There are nerve cells, blood cells, tissue cells, muscle cells, hair cells, and many others, each having a distinct and different function.
The body operates, not by the cells getting together and voting as to what is the best thing to do, but by simply functioning, by doing what they individually and particularly were designed to do. Actually when cells begin to function for their own parasitic needs, they become very harmful to the body. This is how cancer cells behave – independent and out of control. Certainly the body does not operate by the cells revolting. Did you ever experience a rebellion of the muscle cells of your stomach? We call it indigestion! Or a revolt of your brain cells? That is called insanity. It means that the body is sick, something is wrong with it. It is not operating the way it was intended to do. The purpose of each member of a body is found in serving a body.
Take your hands for example. Say you get hungry and your brain cells tell your hand, “Reach out and grab that bread, put it in your mouth and feed the body.” But what if your hand says, “I’m sick of feeding that body. I’m going to hit him in the face instead.” That’s no good. The hand’s purpose has been negated and it’s become harmful to the body – not a blessing at all! The body of Christ can’t be fruitful and effective unless each member is functioning and serving for the good of the whole and the health of the body!
In our human bodies, as you know, we have white blood cells. If an infection comes into the body, the white blood cells come and surround that infection and load it up with chemical explosives. They absorb that infection, then they blow it up and it’s gone. In the process, they sacrifice themselves in order to serve the body. What a blessing that is! And beloved, don’t be afraid to serve the body sacrificially. 1 Jn. 3:161 Jn. 3:16
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
WP-Bible plugin –“ This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” We need you to serve Christ in the body, and to consider it an honor to work together for the glory of the Lord. Every member is important. You are important. Be involve. Use your gift. Jesus longs to see us working together and appreciating each other.
Thank you Church for all your prayers and support in any way in our recently concluded outreach in Dapitan and Dipolog. Let’s continue to be ONE, standing together serving the Lord, building up the church and to let others know that there is HOPE FOR THEM THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!
Who would imagine that a city as hard as Dapitan (in terms of religious stronghold – Roman Catholic Dominated and 15% of the population worship Jose Rizal!), many would flock inside the Auditorium (We’re told we’re the first Christian group who have successfully gathered that number of people – around 2,000?)? Only the God of the Breakthrough!
Who would think that amidst the brownout people are like being sucked inside the Auditorium like wave after wave? Only the God of the Breakthrough!
Who could ever see it – that even though there are lapses in the information dissemination that many a people were drawn to the concert? Only the God of the Breakthrough!
Who could silence our doubts and feelings of defeat when we thought nobody or very few would come to the concert? Only the God of the Breakthrough!
Who could pull us together as a team despite of the growing tensions that were brewing due to the tiredness, stress and pressures? Only the God of the Breakthrough!
To whom would you go to when the battle seems lost? Only to the God of the Breakthrough!
Who could ever do it that amidst the noises inside and the disturbances outside, God’s Word preached still pierced through the hearts of the unconverted souls? Only the God of the Breakthrough!
Who could have done it, that hundreds of people coming forward, convicted of their sin and seeing their need of Jesus, found forgiveness and received salvation that night? Only the God of the Breakthrough!
Yes, these and many more are evidences of God’s power and grace. The battle was intense you could sensed it. But the enemy is no match against the God of the Breakthrough! Jesus is victorious. How it pays to know that we’re fighting not FOR victory but FROM victory. For Christ has already won the victory for us 2,000 years ago on the cross of Calvary! You may be going through some battles right now. Whatever it is look to the God of the breakthrough. It may look bleak and black but His light will shine through the dark clouds of doubts and through the black smoke of fear and worries.
Trust in the God of the Breakthrough today and you will see that indeed the battle belongs to the Lord!
