WEEK 1
ARE YOU DRIFTING?
Host: Gayeta Family
Date: July 2, 2022
Main Text: Hebrews 2:1 KJV
[1] Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
There's a lot phases that we'll experience on our walk with the Lord. There's the time that when all things are aligned and that no matter come what may, we have the absolute confidence on the gracious and loving Hand of the Lord. We hit a plateau in our Christian life when we don't seem to be growing like we wish or when we are struggling to gain momentum in spiritual growth. Sometimes, we get off track and might suffer backsliding. But among all these and others, what we must be all aware is when we drift.
Drifting requires no effort. It will always gonna be a downstream. What takes much effort is going against the tide. When we do not feel the struggle we may be drifting. What makes drifting scarier is that one can unconsciously experiencing it. Psalms 1:4 KJV affirms in another yet same analogy that the ungodly is easily blown by the wind. When we unconsciously take God out of our lives, we become like the ungodly.
Not only do we wreck our own relationship with God, we also pose danger to others. When an object goes down the stream, chances are it takes other objects with it. We may like it or not but our life testimony has an effect with our brethren. We may share our bad viewpoints with them and discourage them in ways that we do not consciously know. When we drift, people stumbles.
Paul has always been encouraging to examine ourselves whether we are in faith (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). When we are too busy to pray, too lazy to read the Word of the Lord, too bored to fellowship with other believers, too calloused on our sins, or too proud to let the gospel change us, let us always remember that the Grace of God is greater than our sins.
We reflect and we repent. At one time or another we may all experience drifting but be assured that Christ is our anchor. While we are drifting, He is yet drawing our hearts back to Him. He draws near to those who draw near to Him (James 4:8 KJV). We can never beyond His reach.
Date: July 2, 2022
Main Text: Hebrews 2:1 KJV
[1] Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
There's a lot phases that we'll experience on our walk with the Lord. There's the time that when all things are aligned and that no matter come what may, we have the absolute confidence on the gracious and loving Hand of the Lord. We hit a plateau in our Christian life when we don't seem to be growing like we wish or when we are struggling to gain momentum in spiritual growth. Sometimes, we get off track and might suffer backsliding. But among all these and others, what we must be all aware is when we drift.
Drifting requires no effort. It will always gonna be a downstream. What takes much effort is going against the tide. When we do not feel the struggle we may be drifting. What makes drifting scarier is that one can unconsciously experiencing it. Psalms 1:4 KJV affirms in another yet same analogy that the ungodly is easily blown by the wind. When we unconsciously take God out of our lives, we become like the ungodly.
Not only do we wreck our own relationship with God, we also pose danger to others. When an object goes down the stream, chances are it takes other objects with it. We may like it or not but our life testimony has an effect with our brethren. We may share our bad viewpoints with them and discourage them in ways that we do not consciously know. When we drift, people stumbles.
Paul has always been encouraging to examine ourselves whether we are in faith (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). When we are too busy to pray, too lazy to read the Word of the Lord, too bored to fellowship with other believers, too calloused on our sins, or too proud to let the gospel change us, let us always remember that the Grace of God is greater than our sins.
We reflect and we repent. At one time or another we may all experience drifting but be assured that Christ is our anchor. While we are drifting, He is yet drawing our hearts back to Him. He draws near to those who draw near to Him (James 4:8 KJV). We can never beyond His reach.
WEEK 2
OBTAINING A GOOD REPORT
Host: Sanchez Family
Date: July 9, 2022
Main Text: Hebrews 11:1-2 KJV
[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
[2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.
As Christians, we know that one day, when we see the Lord face to face, we will receive judgment from Him based on how we lived our lives in this world. Now, while we still have the chance to serve God and change our lives, it is important that we know how we will be graded by God.
The first basis of our grade is our faith. The basis of a good report is faith (Heb. 11:2). Our faith is considered as a “required subject” in our lives. It is important in our salvation (Eph. 2:8-9), and is essential in our spiritual growth (Heb. 11:6). Faith is the foundation of our hope in Christ. The testimony of Stephen, the first martyr, reminds us that through our faith, God can work miracles in our lives and in the lives of others, showing the wonders of His power (Acts 6:8). Therefore, we must make an effort to maintain our faith.
The second subject that we must pass is our devotion. Our devotion is not based on our comfort or situation. It must be consistent, come what may. A story that will remind us of this is when Ananias was asked by God to go to Saul so that he could receive his sight back. Ananias did not hesitate to obey God even if he knows that Saul is an enemy of the Jews. His devotion to God is one act that we should follow for he had a good report because of it (Acts 22:12-13). Like Ananias, we must be devoted in our service, our sacrifice, and our commitment to the Lord.
Finally, the last on the list is our righteousness. We all know that no man is and can ever be perfect. But in everything we do, we must find ourselves asking this question: “Are we trying our best to fight for and live a righteous life?” Like Cornelius, the centurion and a just man (Acts 10:22), do we fear God enough to not succumb into sin and temptation everyday of our lives? Without the fear of God, we cannot obtain righteousness. We must do our best to obey God and consider Him in everything that we do. And if ever we fail to do so, we must always be humble and ask God for His mercy.
Remember, a good grade will be rewarded by God in heaven. It is something we must look forward to and work hard for, because God’s eternal reward is greater than any reward that we can ever receive in this world.
Date: July 9, 2022
Main Text: Hebrews 11:1-2 KJV
[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
[2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.
As Christians, we know that one day, when we see the Lord face to face, we will receive judgment from Him based on how we lived our lives in this world. Now, while we still have the chance to serve God and change our lives, it is important that we know how we will be graded by God.
The first basis of our grade is our faith. The basis of a good report is faith (Heb. 11:2). Our faith is considered as a “required subject” in our lives. It is important in our salvation (Eph. 2:8-9), and is essential in our spiritual growth (Heb. 11:6). Faith is the foundation of our hope in Christ. The testimony of Stephen, the first martyr, reminds us that through our faith, God can work miracles in our lives and in the lives of others, showing the wonders of His power (Acts 6:8). Therefore, we must make an effort to maintain our faith.
The second subject that we must pass is our devotion. Our devotion is not based on our comfort or situation. It must be consistent, come what may. A story that will remind us of this is when Ananias was asked by God to go to Saul so that he could receive his sight back. Ananias did not hesitate to obey God even if he knows that Saul is an enemy of the Jews. His devotion to God is one act that we should follow for he had a good report because of it (Acts 22:12-13). Like Ananias, we must be devoted in our service, our sacrifice, and our commitment to the Lord.
Finally, the last on the list is our righteousness. We all know that no man is and can ever be perfect. But in everything we do, we must find ourselves asking this question: “Are we trying our best to fight for and live a righteous life?” Like Cornelius, the centurion and a just man (Acts 10:22), do we fear God enough to not succumb into sin and temptation everyday of our lives? Without the fear of God, we cannot obtain righteousness. We must do our best to obey God and consider Him in everything that we do. And if ever we fail to do so, we must always be humble and ask God for His mercy.
Remember, a good grade will be rewarded by God in heaven. It is something we must look forward to and work hard for, because God’s eternal reward is greater than any reward that we can ever receive in this world.
WEEK 3
WHAT IS MY RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CHRISTIANS?
Host: Malupa Family
Date: July 16, 2022
We have been taught that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind. Second to that, is "to love our neighbors as ourselves", Jesus said.
Our neighbor is anyone in our proximity with whom we can share God’s love. We are called not only to love those who are similar to us or with whom we are comfortable, but all whom God places in our path. And among those are our brethren in faith.
The Bible tells us of our responsiblities toward fellow Christians.
(1) We are to pray for each other (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3; 2 Timothy 1:3 KJV).
(2) We are to minister to each other.
- Physically (Galatians 6:10 KJV)
- Spiritually (Galatians 6:1-2 KJV)
(3) We are to encourage and edify one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:11 KJV)
(4) We are to serve one another. (Philippians 2:3-4; Matthew 20:25-28)
Being as one body - the body of Christ - we need to be on the lookout for the welfare of each other. We must remember that more often than not, we are blessed to be a channel of God's blessing. Whether it be physical or spiritual, we must support each other according the faith and grace that God has given.
Our attitude towards each other is primarily be to love them, being patient with them, being sensitive to their needs, be forgiving.
We must act toward them with a heart that first loves God. Our actions toward them is an overflow of God’s love for us and as a way of demonstrating our love toward God.
Date: July 16, 2022
We have been taught that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind. Second to that, is "to love our neighbors as ourselves", Jesus said.
Our neighbor is anyone in our proximity with whom we can share God’s love. We are called not only to love those who are similar to us or with whom we are comfortable, but all whom God places in our path. And among those are our brethren in faith.
The Bible tells us of our responsiblities toward fellow Christians.
(1) We are to pray for each other (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3; 2 Timothy 1:3 KJV).
(2) We are to minister to each other.
- Physically (Galatians 6:10 KJV)
- Spiritually (Galatians 6:1-2 KJV)
(3) We are to encourage and edify one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:11 KJV)
(4) We are to serve one another. (Philippians 2:3-4; Matthew 20:25-28)
Being as one body - the body of Christ - we need to be on the lookout for the welfare of each other. We must remember that more often than not, we are blessed to be a channel of God's blessing. Whether it be physical or spiritual, we must support each other according the faith and grace that God has given.
Our attitude towards each other is primarily be to love them, being patient with them, being sensitive to their needs, be forgiving.
We must act toward them with a heart that first loves God. Our actions toward them is an overflow of God’s love for us and as a way of demonstrating our love toward God.
WEEK 4
BEING FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
Host: Gacosta Family
Date: August 20, 2022
Main Text: 2 Kings 4:1-7 KJV
[1] Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.
[2] And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.
[3] Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
[4] And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.
[5] So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.
[6] And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.
[7] Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.
More often than not, we fail to meet the standards of the Lord. The indwelling of The Holy Spirit doesn’t automatically make us unable to sin. However, It is keeping us from sinning as if we suddenly have the urge to think about our actions thoroughly. Still, we grieve the Holy Spirit unwittingly.
A faithful Christian knows that a person is completely different when they are filled with the Holy Spirit. Being indwelt is one thing and being filled is another. As much as the jars are empty – they are unserviceable, being filled with oil (The Holy Spirit) – we’re now invaluable.
The question now remains, how can we be filled with the Holy Spirit?
1. We ACKNOWLEDGE the need of the Holy Spirit.
The power and miracle of the Lord started on the widowed woman’s life when she went and asked for Elisha’s help. We have been frequently ignoring our need of God. If only we have the humility to recognize our position with and without God, our perspective will change.
2. We need to ACCEPT Christ as our Lord and Savior.
“Start where you are, give what you have” – Ptr. Joey Sauco
Elisha asked the woman what she had, to which she replied, “a pot of oil”. Even though we Christians have different “wealth” in this life, what we all have is Christ. We need to be saved before we can be filled by the Holy Spirit.
3. We need to have SPACE in our heart.
Elisha asked the woman to get as many empty jars and vessels as possible. These vessels were the catalysts in God’s work in their life. Just as empty, clean, and without holes these vessels were, we need to constantly empty ourselves and let God fill us with the Holy Spirit.
4. We need to SHUT our doors to sin and temptations.
God’s blessings were already named after His children. They’re already in store for them to enjoy. As surely as these were by God’s power, sin’s interruption is sure. Therefore, let us make sure that sin doesn’t impede the Holy Spirit’s working in our lives.
5. We need to ENJOY it.
In the end, the woman and her family enjoy the fruit of their obedience. Likewise, our time being filled with the Holy Spirit must be cherished and taken care of.
Date: August 20, 2022
Main Text: 2 Kings 4:1-7 KJV
[1] Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.
[2] And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.
[3] Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
[4] And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.
[5] So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.
[6] And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.
[7] Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.
More often than not, we fail to meet the standards of the Lord. The indwelling of The Holy Spirit doesn’t automatically make us unable to sin. However, It is keeping us from sinning as if we suddenly have the urge to think about our actions thoroughly. Still, we grieve the Holy Spirit unwittingly.
A faithful Christian knows that a person is completely different when they are filled with the Holy Spirit. Being indwelt is one thing and being filled is another. As much as the jars are empty – they are unserviceable, being filled with oil (The Holy Spirit) – we’re now invaluable.
The question now remains, how can we be filled with the Holy Spirit?
1. We ACKNOWLEDGE the need of the Holy Spirit.
The power and miracle of the Lord started on the widowed woman’s life when she went and asked for Elisha’s help. We have been frequently ignoring our need of God. If only we have the humility to recognize our position with and without God, our perspective will change.
2. We need to ACCEPT Christ as our Lord and Savior.
“Start where you are, give what you have” – Ptr. Joey Sauco
Elisha asked the woman what she had, to which she replied, “a pot of oil”. Even though we Christians have different “wealth” in this life, what we all have is Christ. We need to be saved before we can be filled by the Holy Spirit.
3. We need to have SPACE in our heart.
Elisha asked the woman to get as many empty jars and vessels as possible. These vessels were the catalysts in God’s work in their life. Just as empty, clean, and without holes these vessels were, we need to constantly empty ourselves and let God fill us with the Holy Spirit.
4. We need to SHUT our doors to sin and temptations.
God’s blessings were already named after His children. They’re already in store for them to enjoy. As surely as these were by God’s power, sin’s interruption is sure. Therefore, let us make sure that sin doesn’t impede the Holy Spirit’s working in our lives.
5. We need to ENJOY it.
In the end, the woman and her family enjoy the fruit of their obedience. Likewise, our time being filled with the Holy Spirit must be cherished and taken care of.
WEEK 5
TRUSTING THE LORD
Host: Pacheco Family
Date: August 27, 2022
Main Text: Psalm 119:41-48 KJV
[41] VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.
[42] So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
[43] And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
[44] So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
[45] And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
[46] I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
[47] And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
[48] My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
Saying that we trust the Lord is one thing and living a life that is trusting the Lord is another. It is easy to declare our confidence in the Lord on good and easy times. Nevertheless, we need to be even more trustful in bad and hard times. We can know the Lord without trusting Him, but we CAN trust Him if we KNOW Him.
A life that is trusting God has its manifestation in one’s life. We present our trust in the way that we wait (v. 43). When our Christian character is intact in the process of our prayer items, it displays a solid trust in the promises of the Lord. Our sureness in God’s answer whether it’s favorable or not demonstrates humility and places God in His rightful place – the Lord of our lives.
We also exhibit another level of trust on how we walk our Christian lives (vv. 44-45). We do not believe in tough luck, but we believe in the mighty and wonderful plan that God stored in us for His glory.
Another is the way we witness (v. 46). Every Christian must have the unspeakable joy and transcendent peace knowing the blessed hope. Our lives must show on outpour of the blessings that God is pouring on us. People should see the fruits of our relationship with the Lord. They must see a life that is actively doing for the Glory of the Lord.
And lastly, we display our utmost trust the way we worship. Our love of God is ultimately shown in th things that we actively do on our worship. The level of seriousness and zealousness we have on our worship is our expression to the knowledge of our debt of gratitude towards God. The level of pursuit of excellence in every ministry is rooted in the level of one’s trust in the Lord.
Date: August 27, 2022
Main Text: Psalm 119:41-48 KJV
[41] VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.
[42] So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
[43] And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
[44] So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
[45] And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
[46] I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
[47] And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
[48] My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
Saying that we trust the Lord is one thing and living a life that is trusting the Lord is another. It is easy to declare our confidence in the Lord on good and easy times. Nevertheless, we need to be even more trustful in bad and hard times. We can know the Lord without trusting Him, but we CAN trust Him if we KNOW Him.
A life that is trusting God has its manifestation in one’s life. We present our trust in the way that we wait (v. 43). When our Christian character is intact in the process of our prayer items, it displays a solid trust in the promises of the Lord. Our sureness in God’s answer whether it’s favorable or not demonstrates humility and places God in His rightful place – the Lord of our lives.
We also exhibit another level of trust on how we walk our Christian lives (vv. 44-45). We do not believe in tough luck, but we believe in the mighty and wonderful plan that God stored in us for His glory.
Another is the way we witness (v. 46). Every Christian must have the unspeakable joy and transcendent peace knowing the blessed hope. Our lives must show on outpour of the blessings that God is pouring on us. People should see the fruits of our relationship with the Lord. They must see a life that is actively doing for the Glory of the Lord.
And lastly, we display our utmost trust the way we worship. Our love of God is ultimately shown in th things that we actively do on our worship. The level of seriousness and zealousness we have on our worship is our expression to the knowledge of our debt of gratitude towards God. The level of pursuit of excellence in every ministry is rooted in the level of one’s trust in the Lord.