Press on to finish the race of life

web-admin August 25, 2016

August 24, 2016 | Wednesday Fellowship Service (+Fr. Erel Villanueva)

Topic: Press on to finish the race of life (continuation of The Topic: Goal of the Straight and Narrow)

“Pressing on to reach the finish line. Run with full force, and with endurance… strive to finish the race.”

Hebrews 12:1-2 – Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Goal of the Straight and Narrow

web-admin August 21, 2016

August 21, 2016 – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (+Fr. Erel Villanueva)
Sunday Worship Homily
“The Goal of the Straight and Narrow”

Eternal perspective; life after death
live a committed life to God.

“Let us not live our life only in this world; but live it with an eternal perspective together with God.”

Isaiah 66:18-21

Hebrews 12:25-29

Psalm 46

Luke 13:22-30

“Let us strive to enter through the narrow gate with all the effort we can give.”

“The Kingdom of God has no place for people who are complacent and passive.”

“If we have the concept of eternal life, we will work out our salvation with fear and trembling.”

“God desires for all of us to be part of His Kingdom.”

The Goal of Understanding the Times

web-admin August 15, 2016

August 14, 2016 – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (+Bp. Ricardo Alcaraz)
Sunday Worship Homily
“The Goal of Understanding the Times”

“Let us help ease the anguish of the Lord by discerning and responding to the signs of the times.”

Jeremiah 23:23-29

Although God is great and knows all things, yet He is not far from us.

Hebrews 12:1-6

We are to look to the Lord, so we can run with endurance the race of faith.

Psalm 82

Luke 12:49-56

(v.49-53) Commitment to God can be costly but worth it.
(v.54-56) Do not just be knowledgeable about earthly things but also about heavenly things.

“While we are living in the earth, we must live with heavenly standard.”

Fire – symbolic of purification and/or judgement.

“The Lord rejoices when we spend eternity with Him but He is saddened when others spend eternity in hell.”

2 Peter 7-10 – But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

8-10-2016 Wednesday Fellowship - Bishop Ricardo Alcaraz Sermon

Wisdom and Favor

web-admin August 11, 2016

August 10, 2016 | Wednesday Fellowship Service (+Bp. Ricardo Alcaraz)

Topic: Wisdom and Favor

“When you seek the WISDOM of God, you will walk in the FAVOR of God.”

Proverbs 8:32-36

The Fear of the Lord, Knowledge & Wisdom

Proverbs 1:-7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 9:10 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

1 Kings 3:5-14 – The Story of the Young King Solomon

Proverbs 19:8 – He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.

Proverbs 16:20 – He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.

The Goal of Receiving the Kingdom

web-admin August 8, 2016

August 7, 2016 – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (+Fr. Fernando Ilustre)
Sunday Worship Homily
“The Goal of Receiving the Kingdom”

Genesis 15:1-6

When God speaks to us, we must believe His Word, no matter how impossible it may seem.

Hebrews 11:1-2;7-13

Faith takes hold of God’s power in bringing into reality God’s favor and provisions into our life.
Let us act on the Word of God for this is what faith is.

Psalm 33:6-22

Luke 12:32-37

God gave us the privilege to become part of His Kingdom; We are to allow Him to be fully Lord, God, and Master over our lives. He is the King; not us.
As the Lord gave us the Kingdom, we are to submit to His Kingdom in us.
It is the Father’s good pleasure to give us the Kingdom.
We should not put our security/dependence in what we have but only in God

Preparing for the Special Move of the Holy Spirit

web-admin August 5, 2016

August 3, 2016 | Wednesday Fellowship Service (+Fr. Erel Villanueva)

Topic: Preparing for the Special Move of the Holy Spirit

Continuation of last Wednesday Topic: “Let us love what the Lord loves” – This prepares us for Revival.

Attitudes of Anna(Luke 2:36-37) and Simeon(Luke 2:25…)

“There is a special move of the Holy Spirit; A hunger for prayer, worship, and the Word of God”

“In Church, if you are not hungry, you are dead.”

“Conquer the Spirit of passiveness, complacency, and maintenance.”

Acts 3:19 – Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord

“Only those who are prepared and sensitive to the Spirit will be part of revival.”

“Repent, examine ourselves, and have a change of heart.”

Isaiah 57:15 – For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

The Goal of Being Rich Toward God

web-admin August 1, 2016

July 31, 2016 – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (+Fr. Erel Villanueva)
Sunday Worship Homily
“The Goal of Being Rich Toward God”

Ecclesiastes 1:12-23
Colossians 3:1-11 – Set your mind on things above.
Psalm 49:1-12
Luke 12:13-21

“Do not trust your blessing; learn to trust God!”

“Money is temporary but our attitude is forever; our soul is eternal.”

“Our life is not measured by our possessions.”

“Being rich toward God is doing the things God wants us to do.”

“Do not hold back with a spirit of covetousness. Be willing to share and bless others.”

“You need to be faithful in small things so God will bless you with bigger things.”

Let us love what the Lord Loves

web-admin July 29, 2016

July 27, 2016 | Wednesday Fellowship Service (+Bp. Ricardo Alcaraz)

Topic: Let us love what the Lord Loves

“If we love God, why don’t we begin to love the things that God loves? Why don’t we begin to do the things that please the Lord our God? Why don’t we engage in things that delights the Lord?”

Basic Things that Pleases Him

1.) Live a life of Faith and Obedience towards Him

John 14:21 – He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.

John 14:23 – Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

2.) Worship Him in unity with one another

Zephaniah 3:17 – The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

Psalms 87:2 – The Lord loves the gates of Zion More than all the dwellings of Jacob.

John 17:22-23 – And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

Psalm 50:23 – Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.

Hebrews 13:15 – Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

3.) Being a Cheerful Giver

2 Corinthians 9:7 – So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Exodus 25:2 – Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.

Hebrews 13:16 – But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Philippians 4:18-19 – Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

4.) Bring People to the Kingdom of God

Luke 15:10 – Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Proverbs 11:30 – The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.

Daniel 12:3 – Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.

5.) A Life of Humility

James 4:6 – But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:“God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

Isaiah 57:15 – For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

6.) Faithfully Serving Him

John 12:26 – If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

Matthew 25:20-21 – “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them. His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.

Let us Make the Lord Happy! Let’s add Joy in Heaven! It’s possible to add Joy in Heaven!

The Goal of Intensified Prayer

web-admin July 25, 2016

July 24, 2016 – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (+Bp. Ricardo Alcaraz)
Sunday Worship Homily
“The Goal of Intensified Prayer”

Genesis 18:20-33 – Intercessory prayer is important and powerful(like Abraham); We have a responsibility to take our praise in prayer.

Colossians 2:8-14

Psalm 138

Luke 11:5-13

“Let us confidently persist in prayer to our Heavenly Father Who is not reluctant to help us.”

(v.5-8) Let’s be bold and confident in prayer
(v.9-13) Our Heavenly Father is so much more willing to hear us.

Persistence – Shamelessness -Boldness

Ezekiel 36-33 – It is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.

The Goal of Abiding With Him

web-admin July 18, 2016

July 17, 2016 – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (+Bp. Ricardo Alcaraz)
Sunday Worship Homily
“The Goal of Abiding With Him”

Genesis 18:1-10a – When God comes to us, we must welcome Him with joy and humility
Colossians 1:15-23 – Because we have been reconciled with God through faith in Christ, we are to continue to be steadfast in our faith in Him.
Psalm 15
Luke 10:38-42

“In the hecticness of life, it is important to keep our focus on the Lord.”

“We cannot rush our relationship with God.”

1.(v.38-40) Know the value of spending time with the Lord.

2.(v.41-42) It’s important not just to know what is important but to choose it.

Benefits of Spending Time with God (Joshua 1:8)

(Psalm 1:1-3) – You will get wisdom; prosperous, successful
(Proverbs 3:1-2) – You get sustenance from God; you enjoy the favor and blessing of God.
(Proverbs 4:20-22) – God’s favor and wisdom will cause things to work in your life => length of days and long life.
You will live a fulfilling life.
You will have health to enjoy your life.

Our Authority in Christ

web-admin July 14, 2016

July 13, 2016 | Wednesday Fellowship Service (+Bp. Ricardo Alcaraz)

Topic: Our Authority in Christ

Know and Stand Firm in the Authority we have in Christ.

Authority – The right to do something.

Luke 10:19 – Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Colossians 1:13 – He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.

Ephesians 2:1-6 – The Lord has shown us some of the things He has done for us.

Ephesians 1:16-23 – St. Paul’s Prayer our Authority in Christ.

John 14:12-14 – “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

Philippians 2:9-11 – Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Mark 16:15-18 – And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Ephesians 4:27 – nor give place to the devil.

James 4:7 – Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

July 10, 2016 - 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Goal of Loving Our Neighbor

web-admin July 10, 2016

July 10, 2016 – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (+Bp. Ricardo Alcaraz)
Sunday Worship Homily
“The Goal of Loving Our Neighbor”

Deuteronomy 30:9-14
Colossians 1:3-8
Psalm 25:1-10
Luke 10:25-37

“Love God by obeying Him and by being a neighbor to those in need.”

“Our love for God is measured by our obedience.”

1.(v.25-28) Love isn’t just intelligent defining but a way of living.

2.(v.29-37) Love isn’t about just looking for the right neighbor but by being a neighbor.

“We can only approach God with humility”

I AM BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING