You may be wondering why I’m writing about this update on Israel. For 2 simple reasons: 1) As Christians we are to pray for Israel (Psa.122:6-9). 2) Israel is the divine time-clock of world history. By watching what is happening to the Jewish people, it’s possible to determine what stage has been reached in the Last Days program of God.  When Jerusalem was destroyed in AD 70 the Jews were dispersed and scattered worldwide. A century ago there was no Israel. The world and even many of the Bible scholars during that time would never thought nor imagine that Israel would become a nation again.  Yet God is true to His promise. On May 14, 1948 the world witness the re-birth of the nation Israel. As soon as the state of Israel was proclaimed in 1948, Jews from the 4 corners of the earth – north, east, south, and west went home. After almost 2,000 years the Jews again had a national homeland. It was a restoration unique in human history. Today the nation Israel is a fact of history with her own Prime minister, her own leaders, her own government and her own well-trained army, air force and navy.

No other nation has a history like the history of Israel: Twice she has been exiled and twice she had been re-gathered. The 2nd exile lasting 1900 years and being a worldwide dispersal; twice she has lost her land and twice she has regained it. No other nation has been dispersed among the nations for at least 2,000 years and was restored to their homeland and still remain an identifiable ethnic unit. They never lost their identity and nor their language. Hebrew is now the language spoken by the Jews of Israel. It’s the only dead language in history that has been restored. The existence of the nation Israel today is an undeniable evidence of God’s sure word of prophecy!

Have you ever wondered why there is so much media attention given to a country, as far as land size is concern, smaller than Luzon? The question is, “Why so much media attention given to Israel?” It is because God said thousands of years ago during the end times there would be a nation of Israel and they would play a prominent role in world events. I’m not Harold Camping who falsely predicted the rapture of the church last May 21, 2011. But the fact is Jesus is returning very soon. The signs are undeniably clear. The question is are you ready?

“And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” (Rom.13:11)

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Please start praying for our 2011 Thailand Mission this coming July.

TO EASE OUR TRAFFIC EACH SUNDAY, WE NEED EVERYBODY’S COOPERATION:

• Please no parking, no waiting, no loading in front of the blue gate.
• Please load or unload passengers where you have parked your car and not in front of our blue gate.
• As much as possible, only small vehicles may park in the parking area in front of the church.
• Please do not block any of our neighbor’s driveway.
• We parked only on one side of the street (church’s side). Please be guided accordingly through our traffic personnel.

Now as much as we do not believe such false claims, it did bring to mind again of the fact of Jesus’ return anytime. And in the light of that He said, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap (Luke 21:34).” Jesus mentions three things that can crush your heart.

First, DISSIPATION – Dissipation means “excess.” Is there anything in your life you are doing “in excess?” For instance, eating is fine, overeating is dangerous; using the internet is okay, but being addicted to it is dangerous.  Being hardworking in a job is good but becoming too busy with it makes your life imbalanced. Having a business is good, but business replacing God has spiritual consequences.  Is there anything excess in your life today? Whatever that is, it’s weighing you down! The only thing you and I should be doing in excess is loving, praying, and serving God!

2^nd, Jesus mentions the danger of DRUNKENNESS as well. Dissipation or excess, leads to drunkenness which leads to dissipation. It’s a vicious circle of cause and effect. Drunkenness represents the desire to dull ones senses by artificial means. Sometimes, life gets so tough many people try to escape from reality by drugging themselves with alcohol or drugs.

A third danger Jesus lists is ANXIETY or WORRY. Some people who would never get drunk or live an excessive lifestyle are eaten up with the cancer of worry and anxiety. Drunkenness can destroy you physically, but worry will destroy you emotionally and mentally. Why did Jesus tell us not to be weighed down by these things? “…And that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap (vs.34b) – In other words, when Jesus returns you don’t want to be found to be unfaithful and lazy servant – busy building your own kingdom but lazy in building God’s kingdom!

Instead, He wants us to KEEP WATCHING AND PRAYING (Luke 21:36) – God is up to something very important in the world right now, and if we don’t see it, we won’t know how to pray. Like the disciples, many of the followers of Christ are asleep in the light right now, and while we slumber, God is working.  We need to wake up and start watching and praying. If you aren’t watching, you won’t know how to pray. If you aren’t praying it doesn’t matter what you see.  It doesn’t mean we’re literally and constantly looking up at the sky…but it means always expect that Jesus is going to come any time, any day, so we want to be ready and be found faithful! As Paul wrote to Timothy, we should be “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13). Are you looking?

ANNOUNCEMENT:

• The Lord surely has blessed the young people!  Thank you CHURCH, for those who helped out, supported in any way, and prayed for the YOUTH CAMP!
• THAILAND TEAM 2011 will start their Mission Training this Monday, May 23 at 7:00 pm, here at CCD.
• COLLEGE CORE will resume this Friday, May 27.
• The Sunday School Ministry will be holding a KIDS OUTREACH SEMINAR this Saturday, May 28, 2011 here at CCD, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. It is a seminar/workshop on the different creative gospel presentation methods. This is open to all CCD ministries, fellowships, and outreaches. Lunch and training materials are free. Please sign up at the back after the service.

…we who are still alive and are left will be CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

Now that word “caught up” is the Greek word harpadzo. We got the word “rapture” from the Latin word, ”rapare” which means “to take away” or “snatched out”, which is the literal meaning of the word, “caught up.” It’s a snatching away with force – by the collar, like what the angels did to Lot. Beloved, there’ll be a great snatching away that will occur anytime! And it’s going to be quick! 1 Corinthians 15 describes it like the twinkling of an eye. That’s how fast it’s going to happen. Blinking and twinkling are not the same. See how fast you can blink your eye. It’s not that. That’s about one four hundredth of a second. The twinkling of an eye is the time it takes your eye to see someone you are looking for and recognize them–that’s the twinkling of an eye.

Some people think when Jesus comes to rapture the church, they are going to have time to get on their knees and repent. They think He’s going to come floating down on a parachute. “Hello, Lord. I want to get saved!” No it’ll be so sudden. 1 Thess.5:9 – “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” What an awesome truth! The word “appoint” means “a destiny, an appointed end.” You know we all plan for the future. Most of you have already planned where you will eat lunch after church today. Our plans don’t always work out the way we intend, but God’s plan for us is so certain that we can call it a destiny, or an “appointment.” And if you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, we have nothing to fear because God didn’t save us from our sin and call us to follow Jesus only to pour out His wrath on us. No. He died to save us not only from hell but from the God’s judgement that will upon the earth! Rom.5:9 – “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!”

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus come!

Beloved, the coming of Jesus for His bride is indeed our blessed hope! With all what’s going on in the world today, there is hope for us who believe in Jesus. It may look bleak and black but the brightness of His coming will change all that! Nobody knows the day nor the hour of His coming for His bride, but we know it is coming soon and very soon! Don’t fall asleep. Be watchful. Be faithful. Be light and salt. Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus come!

He wants to tear down the scaffolding and reveal the unshakable realities that are eternal…

GOD TODAY IS SHAKING THINGS. He wants to tear down the scaffolding and reveal the unshakable realities that are eternal. Too many people are building their lives on things that can shake. But a Christian can be confident, for we shall receive an unshakable kingdom. In fact, we are part of God’s kingdom today! Now what shall we do as we live in a shaking world? Listen to God speak and obey Him. Receive grace day by day to serve Him with reverence and awe. Do not be distracted or frightened by the tremendous changes going on around us. Keep looking to Jesus Christ and run with perseverance. While others are being frightened we can be confident!

ESTABLISH YOUR PRIORITIES. When you begin to establish priorities, you have to decide just where God stands in your life. So ask yourself, “Who or what is most important in my life?” And I’m hoping that your answer will be, “My relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, is most important to me.” If so, then put that at the top of your list of priorities, & say, “This will affect my decisions, my scheduling, my relationship with others, & my whole outlook on life.” The next in the list is your family. If you’re married – Your wife; if you have small kids – Your kids. They’re growing up ever so fast. These are precious moments. Don’t let them get away. Make sure that you spend quality time with your children. Make sure that your family is very high on the list.

And if you are single, listen to Paul’s advice: “I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man/woman is concerned about the Lord’s affairs – how he/she can please the Lord. Her/His aim is to be devoted tot he Lord in both body and spirit (1 Cor. 7:32-34).” And for the church as a whole – let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and the harvest field – for they are ripe for harvest; and let’s continue to be faithful to His Word and to help others know the Word – to disciple them – for this is Christ’s mandate for the church!

See to it that we do not refuse Him who speak (Heb.12:25). God still do speak through His Word…

See to it that we do not refuse Him who speak (Heb.12:25). God still do speak through His Word and His creation today. Is anybody listening? Are we listening, church? We have this ever shining hope in our hearts, are we sharing it? Do we tell others of this hope we have in Christ? Why not when God wants to use you to be a messenger of hope in this ever darkening times! Jesus’ return is near. Is anybody listening?

“Lord, grant us ears to hear, eyes to see, hearts that are yielded to You only. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.”

---

]]> http://ccdumaguete.com/new/2010/01/15/haiti-earthquake/feed/ 0 http://ccdumaguete.com/new/2009/12/14/the-longing/ http://ccdumaguete.com/new/2009/12/14/the-longing/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:01:10 +0000 ccdgte http://ccdumaguete.com/new/?p=5352 My kids are very excited, counting down the days…to our Manila trip.






They long to be with their cousins, uncles, aunts, grandpa and grandma! My dad and mom can’t wait either. They’ll be surprised to see the kids grown up and tall! Whew! Time flies so fast indeed. But in every second that ticks, every minute that passes and every hour that turns to shadow, the closer we get to see our Savior Jesus! That, I can’t wait!

I don’t claim to know the exact date when He will return. Nobody knows – only the Father. Yet God has given us signs to sense where we are now in the fulfillment of His plan and program. And indeed, it’s very near. But how many of the world’s people today expect it? How many really long for it? Or how many dismiss it as a fable or as nonsense borne out of a fictitious tale? How about you who profess to be a Christian? Do you “still” believe it? Or we have been seduced by the world and caught up in the web of deception that our vision of His coming has been blurred so that our life-style show it?



“…have we been seduced by the world and caught up in the web of deception that our vision of His coming has been blurred so that our life-style show it?”

Jesus warned, “Be careful or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap…Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man (Lk.21:34,36).”

A little girl had been listening while her mother’s friends were speaking about the imminent return of the Lord. After some time she was missed, so her mother went in search of her. She found her looking out a window at the top of the house. Asked what she was doing she said, “Oh, Mother, I heard you say Jesus might come today, and I wanted to be the first to see Him. See, I washed myself and put on a clean dress.” 1 Jn.3:3 says, “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself just as He is pure.”

Beloved, before you really get stressed out and started pulling your hair this Christmas season, remember what it’s all about: Jesus was BORN TO DIE for our sins, DIED TO LIVE AGAIN for our justification, ASCENDED back to the Father to intercede for us and one day soon will be COMING AGAIN to take us where He is! In the meantime, we’re to be the Salt and Light of the world as we abide in Him who is faithful and true!





]]> http://ccdumaguete.com/new/2009/12/14/the-longing/feed/ 0 http://ccdumaguete.com/new/2009/10/08/the-shaking/ http://ccdumaguete.com/new/2009/10/08/the-shaking/#comments Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:48:20 +0000 CCD-Lanni D http://ccdumaguete.com/new/?p=4842 The more I watched on TV the aftermath of typhoon Ondoy, the more heartbroken I become for the victims. Such tragedy. Such pain. Such lost. And then the tsunami in Samoan Island (169 reported dead) and the earthquake in Indonesia (1,100 perished at the time of this writing), are painful reminders that life on earth is very fragile, that in this life there is no guarantee that we’ll be free from any calamity. If not typhoons, earthquakes or tsunamis there may be something else. Everything, just like that, can be swept away! That’s why we’re not to put our hope in this world and the things of the world.

In this life there is no guarantee that we’ll be free from any calamity…

Isaiah 24:18b-20, “The floodgates of the heavens are opened, the foundations of the earth shake. The earth is broken up, the earth is split asunder, the earth is thoroughly shaken. The earth reels like a drunkard, it sways like a hut in the wind; so heavy upon it is the guilt of rebellion that it falls – never to rise again.” That’s a decisive prophecy that this world is going to totter on its foundations someday and collapse as we know it; and it will be over.

Before the end comes, God has appointed that this great final shaking be preceded by smaller earthquakes and other calamities to give notice of something awesome, the way contractions and labor pains precede the birth of a child and tell us that it’s coming (Matt. 24:7-8). Why birth-pangs? What does it mean? It means that there will be an increasing frequency of these things as the end comes near and that the intensity of them will increase — because that’s the way it happens with labor pains before a birth.

If you ask, “Why should God ordain that there be an increasing frequency and intensity of calamities toward the end of the age, as the Lord draws near?” Well again consider a woman having labor pains. The labor pains warn a mother and father to get ready and go to a safe place to have the baby. God means to give birth-pangs to the world so that the world wakes up and knows something is about to happen. This is mercy with all the tragedy that there is in all the calamities of the world. It’s the loud, clear voice of a holy God saying ‘Get ready there is a shaking coming that will leave no house standing, no building standing, no place to stand but the throne.

Shakable things will be removed and replaced by the unshakable… (Read also 1 John 2:17)

Divine shaking separates the shakable from the unshakable (read Heb. 12:25-29). When God shakes the world, people will know what things will last, what will not. Shakable things will be removed and replaced by the unshakable (Read also 1 John 2:17). Divine shaking intends to bring to an end the worldly system to bring about the kingdom rule of Christ. Again and again He is shaking people to awake to the reality of the instability of this world — to turn their eyes on that which is eternal and find hope – Jesus Christ and His Word!

Beloved, no guarantees here on earth, but in Christ we are guaranteed eternal life. There are only three things that are eternal: God, His Word and man’s soul. The soul that sins shall die but the soul redeemed by His blood is safe and secure forever!

]]> http://ccdumaguete.com/new/2009/10/08/the-shaking/feed/ 1 http://ccdumaguete.com/new/2009/07/03/being-spiritually-alert/ http://ccdumaguete.com/new/2009/07/03/being-spiritually-alert/#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:47:08 +0000 ccdgte http://ccdumaguete.com/new/?p=3968 Last week, the United Kingdom again came face to face with the horror of terrorism when two Mercedes were found to be packed with explosives and nails. Shortly afterwards a burning Jeep was driven into the Glasgow Airport. Citizens in Britain and America have been put on high alert because of these threats. Living in uncertain times can cause us to feel shaky and uncertain about the future. But as Christians we can have a confident view of the future if we have a heightened awareness of the Word of the Lord and the Lord of the Word. In Revelation 1:1-20, we find John exiled on the island of Patmos. Though his life circumstances weren’t pleasant, he was given a new vision of His Savior and a future view of the world. John paid fresh attention to the Lord’s voice, gained a fresh perspective of His Savior, and had a fresh experience of worship. If we are spiritually alert, we can learn from John’s experience.

First, let’s consider the voice John heard, “I [John] was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet” (Revelation 1:10). Jesus Himself was speaking to John. Pretty amazing, wouldn’t you say? It had been about sixty years since John had heard the voice of his Master. But he recognized the voice as the man from Galilee. And Jesus reminded John that He is God, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last” (v.11). John also gained a fresh perspective of Jesus Christ as he gazed upon Him. He saw Jesus standing among seven golden lampstands which Jesus explained are the seven churches.”

What a wonderful description of the church! A lampstand’s purpose is to give light, dispel darkness, and show the way. Jesus said He is the “light of the world” (John 8:12). He also gave that distinction to His church: “You are the light of the world…so let your light shine before men” (Matthew 5:14-16). Jesus stands in the midst of His church, the church that is meant to illuminate the pathway out of spiritual darkness. If you are terrorized by the darkness around you, the only place to turn is to the light that Jesus shines.

John then described the image of Jesus wearing a garment that flowed to His feet. This symbolizes Christ’s majesty and greatness. His hair was “white like wool” and “His eyes like a flame of fire” (v. 14). John saw the Jesus of judgment. Jesus revealed Himself in this way because His message was about God’s judgment on the earth. One day He will come to judge the earth. Thankfully, although He must judge us, He has mercifully paid the debt we owe. Jesus, the judge, paid the price for our sin with His own blood. God can’t turn His back on sin, yet He won’t turn His back on us. Have you asked this mighty judge for forgiveness from your sin? If you have, then you need not fear.

John’s fresh perspective of Jesus launched him into a fresh experience of worship: “When I saw Him I fell at His feet as dead” (v. 17). Why did John fall at the feet of Jesus? It was probably partly because of the radical, magnificent vision before his eyes. More than that, he probably fell down in awe that the Holy God was speaking to him personally. Thankfully, you too can see and hear the Savior. Gaze at Jesus as described by John and know that He is your Savior. Be thrilled and encouraged and humbled all over again.

While recent events have turned us into a world living in a heightened state of awareness, let’s remember to remain spiritually alert to Jesus Christ by paying attention to His voice, remembering His majesty, and worshipping Him anew.

]]> http://ccdumaguete.com/new/2009/07/03/being-spiritually-alert/feed/ 0 http://ccdumaguete.com/new/2008/10/04/meltdown/ http://ccdumaguete.com/new/2008/10/04/meltdown/#comments Sat, 04 Oct 2008 11:14:54 +0000 ccdgte http://alabasterjar.freehostia.com/wordpress/?p=595

Bible Prophecy

The current financial meltdown that is taking place in the US that affects many countries like a domino effect may very soon lead to a global economic solution that will set up a one world system. These are the things that Bible prophecy scholars were warning about 20 years ago. The pieces of the puzzle are falling in place at the present time. Yes, Jesus’ coming is very, very near!

How Do We Respond?

But how do we, as Christians, respond to this? First of all, we need not fear for the Lord will rapture us in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. And while waiting for that day, He will make sure that He will provide for His people’s needs for God’s economy is not affected by the world’s economy. We live by a different principle, we breathe under the reign of the King of the universe, who loves us and gave His life for us! “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Rom.8:31-32).

Do Not Worry About Tomorrow

Secondly, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34). It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the world’s troubles. There are not enough hours in the day to pray for all the problems out there! It’s easier to focus on the things in our own lives, our own family members and our own finances and troubles. It’s harder to care deeply and daily about people whose faces we’ve never seen. Yet, even as we pour out our hearts to God for the things important in our own lives, we need to remember something vital Jesus said and that is to seek first His Kingdom. God knows we need to pay our bills. He knows we want Him to protect and guide our children. He knows we need His direction. And, we should definitely keep praying for these things and trusting Him for them daily. Even so, we should also take some time every day to simply seek God’s Kingdom.

Seek Ye First His Kingdom…

How can we partner with God in accomplishing His will in the darkest places on earth? It could be that God is ready to do something wonderful in a life, or a town, or a country, if only His people are willing to ask Him for it. Seek first His Kingdom. Jesus says if we do, all those other things we need taken care of will be taken care of. Keep praying. The gates of Hell will not prevail if we do!

]]> http://ccdumaguete.com/new/2008/10/04/meltdown/feed/ 0