The Centrality of Jesus Christ

By Pastor Jose V. Velasco,Jr.

     In the New Testament and in Christian faith Jesus Christ is central. Paul equated life with Christ as he said, "For me to live is Christ" (Phil. 1:21). In writing the Corinthian Christians he said, "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2). Jesus is the central theme of Paul's preaching and teaching.

      If we are true believers in Christ we must also say, "For me to live is Christ." That means at least two things. 1). Our lives must be like that of Christ. This is God's will for us. "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son (Rom. 8:29). This necessitates knowing how Christ lived and what He taught, then living both His life and teachings. 2) He enables and empowers us to live like Him. Because of our human frailty we cannot by ourselves live like Christ. But by our faith in Him He provides us with the power and wisdom we need to live like Him.

      Christ is central in our salvation. Some mistakenly believe that by doing enough good they can qualify for eternal life. But the fact is no one can because there always remains a stain of sin in us to disqualify us from heaven. "Nothing impure will ever enter it- - " (Rev. 21:27). What we need is the forgiveness that Christ alone gives by His death on the cross if we believe in Him (Eph. 1:7). Hence, He alone is the Savior (Acts. 4:12; 1 Jn. 4:14).

     The foremost symbol that appears in most churches is the cross. It symbolizes the suffering and death of Christ; but because it is empty it also symbolizes His resurrection. Christ is our victorious Lord. Hence, He alone is the center of our worship. "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:9-11). We admire people and things, but we do not worship them. We worship Jesus Christ alone. Is He central and above all in your life?

Prayer:  

     Lord God, I surrender my total life to you. Help me to make your Son Jesus Christ central and foremost in my life. In His name. Amen.

Yield Not to Temptation

by: Pastor Jose V. Velasco, Jr.

     We may generally define temptation as enticing someone to something. So narrowing temptation to the realm of the spiritual and moral it is the devil enticing godly people to be unfaithful and disobedient to God. This is the constant activity of the devil. He tempts all believers without exception. "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). God does not tempt anyone (James 1:13).

     Satan uses various ways and means to tempt people. He uses the bad examples and influence of unbelieving people around. He uses un-Christian literature and misleading teachings. Even good things, like work, may be used by Satan to draw people away from God when these surpass God in their lives. Satan changes God's words in temptation. God declared that the forbidden fruit in the garden would cause death when eaten. Yet, Satan said it does not. But it will make one wise (Gen. 3:4). Mostly temptations work progressively, not abruptly. In Eve's case it began with just a trivial question, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" (Gen. 3:1). Eve entertained the question and it progressed until she was trapped. Alcoholism could begin with only one small sip and progresses when persistent until the victim is hooked. So beware.

     How can we overcome temptations? Have a good knowledge of God's words. Jesus used God's words fairly well in His temptations in the wilderness (Mt. 4:1-11). In all of the temptations Jesus said, "It is written- - ." Satan will have a hard time confusing a Christian who knows God's words. Constant prayer connects us to the source of strength and power which enables us to defeat temptations (Phil. 4:13). The influence and support of Christian groups. Hence, the importance of joining a church and cell groups. It was the practice of the early Christians to meet for fellowship, prayer and study frequently (Acts 2:42, 46) and this gave them inspiration and perseverance even in the midst of persecutions. Avoid situations that bring temptations. Paul says, Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character" (1 Cor. 15:33). This does not mean we avoid people otherwise we cannot share them the gospel. We must love and befriend them, but we do not join them in their questionable practices.

     In closing, we must be firm in our faith in God always. John the elder says faith is the victory (1 John 5:4).

Prayer: 

Lord, we are continuously surrounded with temptations. You are our wisdom and power to overcome them all. May you always be with us. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Knowing the Truth

Pastor Jose V. Velasco, Jr.

     To begin with let us read John 8:31-32: -  Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Jesus here is talking about truth. But what is truth? Generally, truth are the real facts about something or someone. There is scientific truth, psychological truth, political truth, religious/ethical truth, etc. Ignorance of truth could bring serious consequences. If the wrong medicine, for example, is administered to a patient the patient's condition could worsen or he may even die.

     Let us consider the truth Jesus mentions in our Bible text. He has in mind spiritual and moral truths. In the biblical context of Jesus' words printed above He explains who He was, His relation to His Father God, and His teachings (Jn. 8:23-32). He is saying that He is God's Son. And His words and God's words are identical. The New Testament also claims that Jesus is the exact semblance of God the Father. According to Paul, "He is the image of the invisible God," - - (Colossians 1:15). Jesus Himself said, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (Jn. 14:9). We can summarize two categories of truth here: a) truth about God. If Jesus is the exact representation of God we can know from Him that God is loving, forgiving, holy and righteous. b) Another is the category of truth on right living. How should I live properly before God and others? Jesus discusses this considerably in His teachings. That is why He said that if we hold to His teachings we will know the truth, and the truth will free us- free us from error and its consequences.

      What is our basis and source of truth? God's words. Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" (Jn. 17:17). And as mentioned in our text above Jesus said that in holding to His teaching we will know the truth. Thus, we must eagerly learn God's words to know the truth.

     Ignorance and disobeying God's truth lead to much of human troubles. For example, the belief of the extremist terrorists that killing infidels, meaning people who do not belong to their religion, will bring them to heaven and be rewarded with virgin wives, is causing horrible miseries. Nowhere in the Bible, which Christians believe to be God's word, is this teaching taught. The deliberate violations of the Ten Commandments is bringing terribly distressing consequences in relationships. Knowing and living by God's truth is the way to a really fulfilled life.

Prayer: 

Lord God, may we know your truth and be empowered to live by it. Help us to spread it by proclaiming your words and enable us to be good models for it in our daily lives. In the name of Jesus who is the truth we pray. Amen.

Abiding in Jesus

By: Pastor Jose V. Velasco, Jr.

     In John 15 Jesus compares His relationship with His followers to the connection of a branch to the main tree. For fruitfulness and survival the branch must be connected to the main tree. So Jesus told His followers, "Abide in me" (v.4 KJV & RSV). It is a fact that not all who follow Jesus will abide. It is said that most of those who followed Jesus hailing Him "Hosanna" when He entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday were the same people who abandoned Him on Good Friday and shouted "Crucify Him".

      What are some reasons why followers of Jesus abandon Him later? We may find some answers in Jesus' parable of the sower. The birds that ate the sown seeds are temptations that destroy the faith of Christians. Satan may use unbelieving friends or relatives to lure us to abandon our faith (1 Peter 5:8). The shallow-soil faith is not deeply grounded in the teachings of the Bible. The Bible teaches that to be a Christian is to believe and follow Christ (Jn. 3:16; Mt. 4:19). It is to love, obey, serve and be loyal to Him to the end. Just going to church without a real personal relationship with Christ has no deep meaning and may disappear anytime. The thorns and weeds that choke the plant may be earthly interests which are not necessarily bad because they may be meeting indispensable practical needs. But when they become so uppermost in life at the expense of Christ these will cut us off from Christ. In addition trials and sufferings may be so severe that they weaken our faith and we abandon it. In addition trials and sufferings may be so severe that they weaken our faith and we abandon it.

      What must we do to continue abiding in Christ? First, is prayer. As the incarnate Son of God, Jesus prayed frequently (Mk. 1:35; 14:35-36; Mt 14:23; Lk. 6:12; Jn. 17:1). This strengthened Jesus' link to His heavenly Father. So are we in our link to Jesus. Second, studying intently His words. The tree nurtures the branch from the nutrients it gets from the soil. The teachings of the Bible inform and guide our faith so it becomes genuine, meaningful and stable. Third, community of believers, the church. Its worship, fellowship and ministry is a spiritual support and inspiration to each Christian follower. When the believer participates in the ministry of the church, he/she bears fruits of good deeds. From early times believers met regularly (Acts 2:42, 46; Heb. 10:25).

      We need to persevere and abide to the end. Otherwise, we will be cut off and be burned (Jn. 15:6). Jesus promised, "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Rev. 2:10 RSV). Such an unmovable abiding in Jesus is the guarantee of our hope for eternity.

Prayer: 

     Lord Jesus, help me through the power and guidance of your Holy Spirit to abide in you and be steadfast in my faith in you forever. Amen.

Knowing Christ

Pastor Jose V. Velasco, Jr.    

       We will start with St. Paul's affirmation when he said, "- -I know whom I have believed- -" (2 Timothy 1:12). He knows Christ. The Bible has a specially more profound meaning of knowing a person. It is not merely having some information about a person, but having an intimate acquaintanceship with that person. It is a personal relationship. Paul knows Christ in this manner. Christ is alive and active in his life. He knows His love and forgiveness. He directs and helps him in all his activities. He is his strength and power. He provides him with all his needs in fulfilling his mission. All his triumphs in his struggles and ministry come from Christ. For his part, Paul believes in Christ, loves, obeys, and serves Him.

       This is the kind of knowing Christ all people who profess to be Christian must have. Short of this our faith is superficial and rootless. It is false, not genuine. And a fake Christianity does not touch life deeply. It does not transform life. Hence, we have so many professing Christians who are very unchristian in their life-style. Jesus referred to them thus, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me" (Mt. 15:8).

       How can we attain the real and true knowledge of Christ? Jesus initiates it by inviting us, "Follow me" (Mt. 4:19; 9:9). This invitation comes to us when the gospel reaches us. You may respond by praying in your heart, "Yes, I want to follow, love, obey and serve you forever. So we get related to Him spiritually. Then we begin to follow His life and teachings, and slowly become like Him. We are on the way to becoming a real Christian.

       Paul's words, "I know whom I have believed" carries a strong sense of certainty. It is like the blind man whom Jesus healed. He was so certain of Christ healing him that he said, "One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" (Jn. 9:25). There is no maybe or perhaps. It is sure. Not a bit of doubt. This personal knowing of Christ lasts for eternity. In His long prayer Jesus said, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" (Jn. 17:3).  Do you now genuinely know Jesus Christ this way? You may by inviting Him into your heart to become your Lord and Savior.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, I hear you calling me to follow and know you in an intimate and personal way. I open my heart to you. Come, may you be my Lord and Savior. I love you. Help me obey, serve and live for you. Amen.

COME TO THE BANQUET

By Pastor Jose V. Velasco, Jr.

  I suggest that you read Luke 14:15-24 as a background for our Bible Reflection. Matthew's version of this parable uses banquet as a metaphor for the kingdom of heaven (Mt. 22:2). The term banquet suggests much. It suggests that the kingdom is a gathering of God's people. On earth it is the visible gathering of God's family, like the church. This negates the claim that it is not necessary to belong to an organized religion as long as you believe in Christ. The banquet idea provides the context in which God's people interact with one another in love, peace, harmony, joy, service and fellowship. In the kingdom God's people also relate and interact with Him.

  The banquet celebration is underway in the here and now. It is not just something we wait and experience in glory after we die. We enter the banquet the moment we truly believe in Christ. We experience it in our worship and prayers, in our Christian fellowship, in our feasting on God's words as it is taught and preached, as we live daily in the spirit and life of Christ. And by our unfading commitment and loyalty to Christ until the end, we shall continue to celebrate this banquet in eternity (Rev. 2:10). 

  People are invited to come to the banquet (17-20). But in sinthey turn down the invitation of God's call to faith, love and obedience to Him. And they do not know that by doing so they are missing the greatest invitation ever extended to them in life.They also miss all the blessings it brings.

  God mandates His servants to go out and invite people to come to the banquet (21, 23). We are all His servants whom He sends out. This ministry of invitation is not an option but a command. We must reach out to people "so that my house may be full" (23). We can interpret this literally. God wants His worship house to be full of true worshipers. Thus, we must surely devise ways to bring in more people into His kingdom. What are our programs and activities to carry out this command?

  Prayer: Lord, thank you for including us in your kingdombanquet celebration. We are aware that a lot of people aroundare still out from that celebration. Grant us the passion, the wisdom and the power to bring in more people to your kingdomcelebration. In the Name of your Son Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Pastor Jose V. Velasco

     

Journey in 2017

Journeying in 2017

  Entering this new year was just like beginning another year's journey in our lives. What are some things we must remember in a journey? 

  We must know our destination. Our destination is the thing we want to reach or attain in life. Because this is so important to us we will give our best effort, thinking and means to know and reach it. Since God is the creator of us all, He has the right to determined a common destination for all of us. He also has the right to assign ourdesignations and role in that destination which vary. What is our common destination? God. He wants us to be in intimate relationship with Him. He must be Lord and supreme over all our lives. We must honor and glorify Him with our commitment, obedience, love and service to Him. We must all live a life pleasing before Him. But in that destination we have various assignments. These are our duties and missions. They vary. What does God want us to do to serve Him? We must discover these and fulfill them with our best. 

  How do we get to our destination? Is there a map and/or a GPS? Yes, the map is the Bible. It shows us how we may get to God. It gives us the direction in life. So we must not tire of reading and knowing the message of the Bible. We must individually read it, and also join groups for Bible study. The GPS is the Holy Spirit. The GPS talks and you hear it with your physical ears. The Holy Spirit talks but we hear Him with our minds and hearts. When we read the Bible, when we pray, and in various situations the Holy Spirit speaks. How? He impresses on our minds and hearts His messages. Paul says, "The Spirit himself testifies to our own spirit- - -" (Rom. 8:16). It is a heart-to-heart talk. But how do we determine these are messages from the Holy Spirit, and not from other spirits? They should be consistent with what the Bible says.

 In our journey there may be some misleading diversions that draw us away from the right way. These are the temptations that Satan sends to distract us. We must resist and overcome them by intently following the map (Bible) and the GPS (the still small voice of the Holy Spirit).

  But in our own strength and wisdom we cannot walk the journey by ourselves. Yet, interestingly enough, God, who is our ultimate destination, is ever present with us along the journey. He supplies us with the strength and powerwe need. Our destination, which is our close fellowshipwith God, will extend beyond death to eternity. Christ promises, "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Rev. 2:10).

Prayer: Lord, be with us throughout 2017 and all the ensuing years thereafter. Help us to persevere in our life journey that we may reach our destination in you triumphantly. In Jesus' precious name. Amen.

Pastor Jose V. Velasco