PBCAA TO HEAR TOM HOLLAND

After the Feb. 21-23 lectures at the Consuelo  Hotel in Lingayen, Pangasinan brother Tom Holland will have a special  meeting with the PBC alumni and students on the 25th of February from  8:AM to about 3PM at the Library of the collele. Brother Holland has  been asked to talk about current theories and practices in homiletics.#  — ET

GENERAL ASSEMBLY DATE COINCIDES WITH PBC GRADUATION

April 3-4, 2008 was approved by the PBCAA  board of trustees as general assembly for the association. We shall  celebrate during this homecoming the 60th year of operation of the  college or its Diamond Jubilee. This will coincide with the PBC  graduation program which shall  be held in the evening of April 4. Ten  students are expected to receive the title of Associate in Theology.  A new set of officers shall be elected and installed to  serve
from May 1, 2008 to April 30, 2011. Our current set of officers  ends its term of service in April this year. (ET)

PBCAA BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO MEET IN LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN

In the 26 January 2008 meeting, the PBCAA board decided to have its February meeting in the evening of the February 22nd or have a breakfast meeting on the 23rd at the Consuelo Hotel in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

We are checking up with the board members which above date and time are most convenient. We encourage PBCAA board members to attend the Tom Holland Lectureship to be held Feb. 20-23.

Last notice received from the eldership of the Rabon church which is coordinating the Tom Holland Lectureship at the ConsuelO Hotel, Lingayen , Pangasinan, the expected registration fee is Php1000 per head. That would take care of bed and board from evening of Feb. 20 until
morning of 23rd. Said hotel is near the provincial capitol. For more information please contact Ed Bacani at the following number (0927)312-5500. # -ET

Does the Holy Spirit in Person Help the Christian Today? (Series #5)

by Eusebio Tanicala, Ph.D.

 

Background

Several decades ago, preachers in the United States exchanged ideas on how the Holy Spirit works in or influences the Christian in the 20^th century. We have moved into the 21^st century but the questions lingered on. Three questions frequently come out that embody the issues:

1. Is there a personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the Christian today?

2. Is there a direct operation of the Holy Spirit in the Christian’s life today, the 21^st century?

3. Does the Holy Spirit aid the Christian today?

One side declares: “The Holy Spirit indwells the Christian today representatively through the word; the Holy Spirit operates in or influences (aids) the Christian today through the written/oral word only.

The above statement means that the Holy Spirit having inspired the Bible and the canon of scriptures having been completed in its printed/audio form, it is only through the reading/hearing the word that the Christian could be influenced by the Holy Spirit.

The above position is equated to the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) that trains a crew, writes a survival manual in printed and CD forms and then sends the crew on to the moon. NASA headquarters would watch through powerful telescopes as the spacecraft leaves the earth’s orbit, the landing on the moon and the walk on the moon. But radio communication is cut off. In the spacecraft the faucet doesn’t function, one member couldn’t sleep, the antenna doesn’t function, one booster engine doesn’t ignite. We ordinary people on earth say to ourselves: you astronauts on the moon, you have your survival book, read it to fix yourselves. NASA in its headquarters just sits down and watch anxiously.

The other side of the issue declares: The Holy Spirit indwells the Christian today and the Bible is a source of information/instructions in Christian life and how to go to heaven; in addition to the word, the Holy Spirit in person may help, aid, influence, guide, encourage, nudge, prompt the Christian towards a higher level of spiritual life and service.

The above position is equated to the NASA that trains a crew, writes a survival manual in printed and CD forms and then sends the crew on to the moon. NASA headquarters would watch through powerful telescopes as the spacecraft leaves the earth’s orbit, the landing on the moon and the walk on the moon. All the while radio contact and TV image exchanges are maintained. If the crew wants to ask info how to fix the faucet, if a crew member wants to solve his lack of sleep, if one booster engine doesn’t function, the crew could radio back to earth and get help from NASA headquarters. NASA headquarters would tell the crew to check their survival manual, but in addition to the manual on board, NASA experts in various disciplines would radio back their analysis and instructions about the problems. We ordinary people on earth would say to ourselves: you astronauts on the moon, you have your book, read it AND get additional help from NASA HEADQUARTERS because the experts are anxious to help.

Recently some preachers in the Philippines became more outspoken in their advocacy which resulted to two formal discussions, one in Pangasinan and the second in the Metro Manila area.

The propositions discussed in the two meetings were:

(1) Resolved: The scriptures teach that the Holy Spirit dwells in the Christian personally and directly together with the word of God.

(2) Resolved: The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit indwells, influences and guides the Christian today only through the word of God.

Basic Assumptions

In the study of the main title, the following presumptions should always be in the student’s mind so that he could readily collate the complex information about the Holy Spirit’s workings.

First, by extension, this corollary question should also be asked: “Does God in person help the Christian today?” This idea comes out from our belief in the Trinity. All three persons share the same attributes.

Second, another question should go with the main title, “Does the Holy Spirit help the Christian today through the oral/written word only as processed by the brain of the person in need?”

Third, still another question goes with the first questions: “Does the Holy Spirit in person help the Christian today through other means above and/or beyond the oral/written word, the Bible, but not contrary to it?”

Fourth, this study presumes our acceptance of God’s attributes as defined by dogmatic theology: omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, transcendence, immanence, unity, trinity, indivisibility, infinity, pure spirit.

Delimitation and Definition of Terms

This study temporarily avoids discussing the term “indwelling” and uses the terms: help, aid, work, influence, guide, nudge, prompt, encourage. By clarifying first the area of help and influence, it will be easier later to deal with the term “indwelling.”

This study is delimited within the Churches of Christ’s belief in the “Ordinary Measure” of the Holy Spirit. The “Full Measure” given to Jesus during His earthly ministry and the “Baptismal and Miraculous Measure” given to the Apostles and those they laid hands on should not be invoked in this discussion. Pentecostalism and claims of prophethood/angelship are excluded.

Terms which are central in this study are person, persona, personality, and personal.

(1) Person, or personality (persona) of the Holy Spirit refers to His having “a self-consciousness, a Being that has intelligence, with the power of choice,” (Moss, The Christian Faith: An Introduction to Dogmatic Theology, 24).

(2) Personal, refers to the self-willing act of a person or his direct influence in activating another person or something so that there’s an effect upon another. It is opposed to an impersonal thing/idea either read or heard that is processed by the brain of the Christian as the basis of what a person may enjoy for himself, a belief he might profess, or a command he undertakes.

The Problem Stated

The 21^st century Christian asks: “In my daily life, where do some material or spiritual gifts and blessings come from, where do some actions originate, where do some enlightenments come from, where do I derived some ideas and conclusions?”

The Christian sees several avenues and asks:

a. Shall I read my Bible and process the information with my brain?

b. Am I limited to reading my Bible as source of blessings, gifts, information and instructions?

c. Will blessings, gifts, information, instructions, joy be limited according to the limitations of my brain to process biblical information that I read?

d. Do blessings, gifts or imperceptible nudging sometimes come direct from the person of the Holy Spirit?

e. Do items come through some persons or things that are moved by the Holy Spirit Himself?

f. Are there blessings, gifts or information that reside in nature that could help or aid the Christian today which are not written in the Bible but are not contrary to the Bible?

g. Do items sometimes come from/through a combination of two or more of the above?

Purposes of this Study

First, it seeks to improve our biblical knowledge and teach us to avoid committing glaring inconsistencies in interpretation among Churches of Christ preachers.

Second, it seeks to promote our prayer life with the enhanced awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our daily Christian life.

Third, it seeks to promote more spirituality with our awareness of the Holy Spirit’s workings in our daily Christian life.

Fourth, it promotes stronger dependence upon God with the awareness that God in person is personally assisting the Christian today.

Fifth, it promotes Christian humility in that wisdom, strength, victory in life, success and service are not solely produced from the mental and physical prowess of the individual Christian, but that much of these come as grace from a personal God.

Proposition for series #5: The Holy Spirit in person may help, influence, guide, nudge, prompt, or encourage the Christian today through other means above and/or beyond the written/oral word, the Bible, but not contrary to it during periods of trial, seduction and confusion.

Satan’s Workings

If we understand the workings of Satan as a persona, we might be able to more easily understand the workings of the Holy Spirit as a persona. By asking questions in the area and time of seduction/temptation of the Christian, we might improve our understanding of the working and influencing of the Holy Spirit persona on the Christian today.

Did Satan in person seduce and tempt Eve? Answer: Yes. Did Satan in person appear in heaven as read in Job 1 & 2? Yes. Did Satan in person afflict Job with sickness? Yes. Did the Devil in person cause the death of the children of Job? Yes. Did Satan use other spirit personae to afflict people in the time of the Old Testament? Yes. Did the Devil in person afflict people in during the personal ministry of Jesus on earth? Yes. Did Satan in person seduce Jesus Christ in the three temptations after the latter’s baptism (Mtt 4)? Yes. Did Satan in person seduce Judas Iscariot and entered Judas’ personality that resulted to his becoming a traitor (Lu 22:3; Jn 13:27)? Yes. Did unwritten satanic verses inspire Judas to turn traitor? Not a reasonable conclusion. Did Satan in person desire to claim Apostle Peter (Lu 22:31)? Yes. Do I believe that it was some oral/unwritten satanic verses that desired Peter? No!

Based on 1 Cor. 5:5, when an unrepentant disciple is disciplined and is delivered to Satan, is the unrepentant disciple delivered to the persona of Satan? Yes. Or is the unrepentant disciple delivered to the power of the written/oral Bible? No!

When Satan seeks to seduce Christians today, based on the analysis of 2 Cor. 11:14, could the Devil in person transform himself as an angel of light and approach a Christian? Yes. Could an evil person wear a mascara so he could in person seduce the Christian? Yes.

There’s also the temptation described in 1 Cor. 7:5 wherein by mutual consent an extended sexual abstinence between the husband and wife is observed to enhance the couple’s prayer and fasting. Would seduction by Satan in person a possibility by taking advantage of the extended sexual abstinence? Yes. Or could Satan employ some people to seduce personally one or both of the temporarily separated couple? Yes. Is the seducing activity of the Devil limited to the power of literary works authored by Satan and his followers? No!

Based on the story of Ananias and Saphira in Acts 5:1-11, did Satan in person fill up Ananias’ heart with a lying attitude? Most likely, yes. Acts 5:3-4 says that Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit. Was it the persona of the Holy Spirit that Ananias lied to? Yes. Could we say that Ananias lied to the unwritten words of the Holy Spirit? No! Furthermore, this account says that Ananias and Saphira lied to God. Was it the persona of God that the couple lied to? Yes. Or did Ananias and Saphira lie to the unwritten New Testament? No!

According to 1 Peter 5:8-9, when Satan walks around, does the metaphor apply to the persona of Satan? Yes. When Satan roars like a lion, does the metaphor apply to the persona of Satan? Yes. When Satan devours the seduced person, does the metaphor apply to the persona of Satan? Yes. Do you think the walking around and roaring and devouring apply to satanic verses? No!

X-rated films, CDs, and bold stage shows also promote successful seduction. Association with corrupt politicians could seduce the Christian to aspire to obtain political power; handling big amounts of money could seduce the Christian to love mammon above all else. All these are consummated apart from any oral or written satanic literary works.

Because of our consistent “yes” answers in many of the above questions, it is safe to conclude that Satan most often does his influencing and nudging and seducing in person. We recognize, though, that written or oral satanic verses and atheistic philosophical treatises could lead millions into the kingdom of the Devil.

Rev. 12:9 says that Satan deceives the whole world, is this the Devil in person doing the act? Yes. Or does the Devil accomplish his work via satanic verses and atheistic treatises only? It may include literary works but not limited to literary works.

If Satan is allowed to work and deceive the world both in person and through oral/written satanic literature, I would consider it unreasonable and absurd to conclude that the Holy Spirit who is Deity (omnipresent,-omnipotent-omniscient-transcendent-immanent) would be limited by Christians today in His activities through the biblical ideas ONLY, the oral/written word, as processed by the human brain. It is more logical to believe that the Holy Spirit operates in person as well as through the word. It is not and “either one OR the other” but rather it is “either one or both of them.”

Sin Against the Holy Spirit

Our Lord Jesus mentioned the sin/blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. See Matt. 12:1-31. Most Bible scholars believe that the context tells about disregarding the many miraculous deeds that Jesus accomplished to back up His claim of his Sonship and prophethood. In spite of the many miracles done by the Holy Spirit (v.28) through Jesus, the Jews still insisted that Jesus was not what He claimed to be. The oppositionists said that Jesus’ power in driving out evil spirits was from Beelzebub (v. 24, another name for the Devil). Jesus said that the Pharisees have committed the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit by assigning the Holy Spirit’s power to Beelzebub’s. Was this blasphemy committed against the persona of the Holy Spirit? Yes. Was the blasphemy committed against the inspired words of the Holy Spirit, the unwritten gospel? No!

Holy Spirit Workings from Creation to the First Century

Did the Holy Spirit in person accomplish His creative work in Genesis 1:2? Yes. Did the Holy Spirit in person help Gideon (Judges 6:34), Samson (Judges 13:25), Samuel the prophet (1Sam 10:6), King Saul (1Sam 11:6), King David (1Sam 16:13)? Yes.

Did the Holy Spirit in person descend upon Jesus and remained in Him (Jn 1:32,33)? Yes. Did the Holy Spirit in person assist John the Baptist? Yes. Did the Holy Spirit in person descend upon the apostles in Acts 2? Yes. Did the Holy Spirit in person descend upon the household of Cornelius (Acts 10)? Yes. Did the Holy Spirit in person come upon those whom the apostles laid their hands on in Acts 8? Yes. Did the Holy Spirit in person help Apostle Paul in his ministry? Yes. Did the Holy Spirit in person help Timothy and Titus? Yes. Did the Holy Spirit in person help the Roman, Corinthian, Thessalonian, Ephesian, Colossian and Hebrew Christians in the first century? Yes.

Are Verses Applicable in 21^st Century?

If from creation up to the time of the apostles of the Lord Jesus, the personal workings of the Holy Spirit was exercised upon nature and upon the servants of God, the remaining problem for this study to solve is applicability upon 21^st century Christians of the NT declarations and promises involving the workings of the Holy Spirit in the “Ordinary Measure” of the Holy Spirit.

Remember that the question is considered under the “Ordinary Measure” of the Holy Spirit as understood and accepted by Churches of Christ for decades.

Is the promised succor/aid/help of the Holy Spirit (God, Christ) that are found in Matt. 7:13; 1 Cor. 10:13; Hebrews 2:18 and Hebrews 4:15-16 applicable to the Christian in the year 2008? Let’s analyze the passages.

*“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matt. 7:13)

(1) In times of trials and we pray, do we deal with a personal God? Yes. (2) When we ask for deliverance from severe temptation, do we expect a personal God to act and help us? Yes, we expect a personal God acting. (3) Is the Evil One a persona? Yes.

*“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you maybe able to bear it.” (1 Cor. 10:13)

(1) Based on the above, when the Christian is under severe trial and suffering, does this verse point to a personal God who cares and who could extend help when called upon? Yes. (2) Does this verse point to a God who is faithful and who personally cares? Yes. (3) Does this verse point to a God who personally cares to show the way of escape? Yes. (4) Does this verse say how God would personally show a way of escape? No! (5) Does this verse teach that it is from the written/oral word only, the Bible, that the Christian could determine the way of escape? No! (6) Does the Bible provide an example of escape for every conceivable confusing situation that millions of Christians find themselves in? No! If not, then the Bible does not provide the Christian an example of escape for every situation. (7) Is it reasonable then to think of a God to do some imperceptible nudgings and promptings governed by the spiritual orientation of the disciple and the heart’s attitude of dependence upon God so that the way of escape maybe arrived at? Yes, it’s reasonable. (7) Do I think of this God in our passage as both transcendent and at the same time immanent today? Yes. (8) Do I believe that this passage is applicable to the Christian today? Yes.

*“For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” Heb. 2:18.

(1) Based on the above, should I point to the person of Jesus Christ who experienced trials and temptations? Yes. (2) Does the verse point to a persona who could personally help? Yes. (3) Does the verse tell the Christian to read or hear only the accounts of Christ’s suffering and seduction to derive a sense of aid reception? No! (4) Is the aid in this verse derived from Bible knowledge only as mentally processed by the brain of the Christian? No! (5) Should I think of Jesus Christ in the heavens as both transcendent and at the same time immanent? Yes. (6) Is this passage an applicable assurance to the Christian in the 21^st century? Yes.

“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. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

(1) Based on the above, should I think of Jesus Christ as High Priest in the heavens as a real persona as the high priest in the Old Testament tabernacle and temple was a real persona? Yes. (2) Does this verse point to a real, live persona who has feeling and sympathy? Yes. (3) Does the verse point to a persona who was himself tempted as the Christian today is tempted? Yes. (4) Does the verse encourage the Christian to approach the spiritual throne of grace by faith? Yes. (5) Is the real existence of that throne of grace situated in the heavens or situated in an idea that is read in the Bible? It is in the heavens; it is not a mere idea in the Bible. (6) Does the verse make me feel that the mercy and grace that ooze out from the spiritual throne that give spiritual strength to the Christian flow out from the person of the High Priest? Yes. (7) Does the verse make me feel that the mercy and grace flow out from an idea or mental Bible knowledge as processed by the mind of the Christian? That‘s not a reasonable deduction. (8) Does the verse make me feel that this spiritual strength from the throne of grace is the same in degree to the moral/ethical strength that a communist derives from the writings of Karl Marx – that is inspiration is derived from mentally processed wisdom only without any direct intervention emanating from the dead person? No, it is not parallel. God acts through the word. However He also acts beyond and above the written/oral word but not contrary to it. Whereas, Karl Marx can influence the socialist only through his idea that is read/heard and processed in the brain of the adherent.

Conclusion

Karl Marx is a physically dead persona. His spirit persona is in Hades. Marx’s spirit could not transmit wisdom and strength to a physically suffering and confused communist. A living communist derives wisdom and physical strength only from the mentally processed ideas which are derived from Marx’s writings. When a communist is trapped by a platoon of Army soldiers in the Sierra Madre mountains, would a way of escape be transmitted from the spirit of Karl Marx who is residing in Hades. No! Can the spirit of Karl Marx supernaturally and directly activate forces of nature to help the trapped communist? No

NASA headquarters could radio expert instructions, encouragement, news to its crew on the moon. NASA headquarters could activate computers which in turn activate spacecraft parts to fix themselves while out there in space. The Holy Spirit/God is no less powerful.

On the other hand, Christ/the Holy Spirit are living personae Who could personally and directly transmit abilities, comfort, encouragement, hope, wisdom, to the suffering, seduced Christian. Such enumerated help are derived above and beyond the mentally processed literary ideas from the Bible. These aids may come directly from the persona of the Holy Spirit/Christ. God could even activate nature in degrees imperceptible to the ordinary human senses so that nature would come to the aid of the beleaguered Christian. Or move people to give succor. This idea is backed up by our belief in the guardian angel (Matt. 18:10), of angels as ministering spirits sent out by God to aid the Christians (Heb 1:14), and angels disguised as visiting strangers (Heb 13:2). Or friends and acquaintances who suddenly become so gracious even in the absence of normal or natural human promptings thus supplying the Christian some much needed moral, material or cash assistance in time of dire crisis. ©

Kabacan church needs workers

The congregation that meets along Rizal Avenue (National Highway) in downtown Kabacan, Cotabato is in need of two workers: one Minister for Adults and one Youth Minister.

A. Minister for Adults

Qualifications: at least a bachelor’s degree in theology, 30-60 years old, at least 2 years experience in the ministry, able to communicate in Tagalog and English, able to teach music and lead singing in the church, married or single, physically fit.

B. Youth Minister

Qualifications: at least an associate degree in theology, 23-30 years old, one year experience in youth ministry, able to communicate in Tagalog and English, able to teach music and lead singing in church, single and physically fit.

Contact Person: Mr. Quintin M. Balagot

Email: kenbal5@yahoo.com Mobile phone: (0905) 944-7868

WBS courses promoted in southeastern Mindanao

In the third week of this month, preachers went around congregations in the CARAGA Region to promote the use of World Bible School courses to help get people study the Bible. Among those who gave time to this effort are Isaac Valdez of Tangtangan, South Cotabato; Gabriel Valdez of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; Johnade dela Cruz & Bert Tino of Butuan City’ Roy Catamora of RTR, Agusan del Norte and Archie Perucho. – Bal Lagua, Jr.

Baguio-Benguet youth hold Songfest

Young people of the congregations in Baguio City and nearby towns will hold the Songfest 2008 in the evening of February 17^th at the auditorium of Philippine Bible College, 18 Rimando Road, Baguio.

The host and organizer for this year’s event is the A-Hill congregation that meets at Loakan District of Baguio.  Youth leaders who coordinate this affair are Wyler Addamag and Robin Baquiran.

Tom Holland Lectures in Lingayen, Pangasinan

Noted book author and professor of homiletics brother Tom Holland of Tennessee will be featured in a lectureship at the Hotel Consuelo, Lingayen, Pangasinan on February 20, 21 & 22. Elders of the Rabon Church of Christ in San Fabian, Pangasinan are coordinating this affair.   

On February 25, brother Holland will speak to the Philippine Bible College alumni in Baguio City.     

Christianity and Islam Compared (Series #3)

By Eusebio Tanicala, Ph.D.

This study seeks to provide our readers an objective comparison of some major teachings of the two great religions. We need to be well informed of each other’s major doctrines for better understanding.

This series #3 deals with what each one believes about Jesus the Messiah on His being the Son of God.

Christianity and Islam equally declare that Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Mary, is the Messiah. Judaism, however, denies that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah. Christianity and Islam both recognize that Jesus the Messiah is a prophet, God’s messenger.

Deedat Vs. Yusuf Ali

On the one hand, Christianity believes that Jesus Christ is “the Son of God;” on the other hand Islam believes that Jesus Christ is “a son of God.” But Muslim apologists are not agreed on this point. Ahmed Deedat in his booklet “Christ in Islam” quotes A.Yusuf Ali’s translation of the Quran in English in its index and declares that Jesus Christ is “not son of God” by citing 9:30 (page 7). I get the quotation from the Qur’an’s translation of Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali & Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan, “And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah, and the Christians say: Messiah is the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouths. They imitate the saying of the disbelievers of old. Allah’s curse be on them, how they are deluded away from the truth.” This means that A. Yusuf Ali considers Jesus the Messiah “not son of Allah.” Islam denies the sonship of Jesus even with the small letter s.

Another Qur’anic passage says this, “… And say: ‘All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has not begotten a son (nor an offspring), and Who has no partner in (His Dominion, nor He is low to have a Wali (helper, protector or supporter)…” (17:111). (See also Surah 18:4,5). In addition, Surah 43:59 says, “He (Jesus) was not more than a slave. We granted Our Favour to him, and We made him an example to the Children of Israel (i.e. his creation without a father).”

This means that Jesus the Messiah, to a Muslim, is not a begotten son.

Dr. Al-Hilali and Dr. Khan in the index of their translation of the Qur’an say, “Jesus never called himself Son of God as far as I know – but he used to call himself the ‘Son of Man’ (ref. Mark 2:10) although he heard himself being called by that name he did not object – as assumed in the Bible – and did not consider the title exclusively for him. According to the Biblical term in the Old and New Testament, every God-fearing righteous person is called ‘Son of God”. In Matthew 5:9, we read: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (p. 1027) Indeed, Dr. Al-Hilali and Dr. Khan did not know their Bible! In the Christian Bible, because of the uniqueness of Christ’s sonship, the term Son when applied to him is capitalized. Just as the Qur’an is a unique book so the Muslims capitalize the first letter. It is not true as Al-Hilali and Khan say that “every God-fearing righteous person is called Son of God.” A righteous person is a child of God but nowhere does the Bible say that that an ordinary person is the Son of God with capital S. Al-Hilali and Khan’s argument is misleading.

But on page 28, Ahmed Deedat makes this confession, “They know that according to their own God-given (?!) records, God has sons by the tons: ‘Adam. Which was the SON OF GOD,’ Luke 3:38; ‘That the SONS OF GOD saw the daughters of men that they were fair…’ Gen. 6:2, 4; ‘Israel is MY SON, even my firstborn’ Exodus 4:22; ‘for I (God) am a FATHER to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn’ Jeremiah 31:9; ‘the Lord hath said unto me (David) Thou art MY SON: this day have I BEGOTTEN THEE’ Psalm 2:7; ‘FOR AS MANY AS ARE LED BY THE Spirit of God, they are SONS OF GOD.” Romans 8:14.” Deedat cleverly misrepresents the Christian Bible (NKJV) in that he capitalizes in writing SONS OF GOD. But the Bible does not capitalize but write this way: “the son of Adam, the son of God” (Luke 3:38; “that the sons of God saw the daughters of men” (Genesis 6:2); “Israel is my son, My firstborn” (Exodus 4:22); “’You are My son,” Psalm 2:7; “these are sons of God” Romans 8:14. Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips is more truthful in his presentation in his booklet “The True Message of Jesus Christ,“ pages 42-46 because he writes in small letters the term “sons” as are found in the Bible.

Ahmed Deedat continues on page 28, “Can’t you see that in the language of the Jew, every righteous person, every Tom, Dick and Harry who followed the Will and Plan of God, was a SON OF GOD. It was a metaphorical descriptive term, commonly used among Jews.” Again, he writes with capital letters which is misleading. What does this mean? It means that Deedat accepts that Jesus Christ and other obedient people as metaphorically “sons of God” Not that God physically sired the obedient, physical people. And the sonship of Jesus Christ is metaphorical not physical. Jesus’ being begotten son is also metaphorical that expresses His uniqueness.

The above quotations clearly is a case of A. Yusuf Ali VERSUS Ahmed Deedat. One says Jesus is “not son of God” but the other says he is SON OF GOD.

Islam recognizes the Gospel

Another convergence of belief for Christianity and Islam is acceptance of the Gospel as God’s message to mankind. On one hand Christianity attaches two meanings to the term “Gospel.” First, it refers to the biography of Jesus Christ recorded in the four books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; and second, the term “gospel” refers to the work of Jesus Christ in the redemption of mankind: His incarnation, his sufferings, his death, his burial, his resurrection and his ascension into the heavens.

On the other hand, Islam declares that the Gospel should be accepted as God’s message but how the term “Gospel” is defined is not clear to this writer. Sometimes the Qur’an promotes acceptance and belief on the Gospel, but when a declaration in the Gospel is contrary to a Muslim’s faith and practice, the Gospel is conveniently set aside. This practice is misleading and dishonest.

The following is a declaration from the Qur’an, “… So believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), the Prophet who can neither read nor write (i.e.Muhammad) who believes in Allah and His Words [(this Qur’an), the Torah and the Gospel and also Allah’s Word: ‘Be!’ – and he was i.e. Jesus—son of Mary], and follow him so that you maybe guided.” (VII.158 Translation by Al-Hilali & Khan) You see, belief in the Gospel is commanded in the Qur’an. In the last part of the above passage, “follow him so that you maybe guided” by grammatical construction refers to Allah’s Word, Jesus Christ.

The reader sees the term Gospel on the third line. This Gospel record should be believed. In the following paragraphs, we are going to submit passages from the Gospel that the Qur’an says should be accepted and believed.

Gospel Record

Christians who know their Bible don’t teach that Jesus the Christ was begotten in the sense of physical siring or generating a child through the natural, human activity of male and female intercourse. Deedat points out a “metaphorical” use of the term “begotten” because he knows that Adam, Israel, King David, all obedient Christians are called “sons of God” but were not physically sired by Allah. It is metaphorical and not physical sonship. Just as the term “firstborn” does not take the ordinary meaning of being born physically and not to mean first in chronological time. So if “firstborn” means uniqueness or rank, so does “begotten” mean uniqueness and elevated rank. Deedat and the Qur’an pitifully misrepresent Christian belief on this matter on the Sonship of Jesus the Christ.

Now we submit passages from the Gospel which the Qur’an says should be believed by Muslims:

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said,, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!… And John bore witness, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. ‘I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.’” (Gospel of John 1:29 – 34, NKJV)

This testimony is from John the Baptist, one of the prophets recognized by Islam. If Muslims would not accept this testimony of John the Baptist, then they are disregarding a true prophet of God.

“Nathanael said to Him, ‘How do You know me?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’ Nathanael answered and said to Him, Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” (Gospel of John 1:48-50).

Nathanael, one of the apostles, made this confession and Jesus Christ confirmed the truism of that confession. Again this passage is from the Gospel which the Qur’an says should be believed. Jesus the Christ who is recognized by the Qur’an as a true prophet of God recognized the confession of Nathanael that his is the Son of God.

“No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” (Gospel of John 1:18).

This is John the Apostle giving the testimony written in a Gospel record which the Qur’an says should be accepted and believed.

Jesus the Christ made this confession, “I speak what I have seen with My Father… Jesus said to them ‘If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself but He sent Me.” (Gospel of John 8:38, 42). This strongly suggests the procession of Christ’s non-human persona from God and from heaven which antedates His incarnation. Notice also John 16:27, “…I came forth from God.” In John 17:4-5, “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” His divine persona, the pre-incarnate persona of Jesus came from heaven, proceeded out from God and antedates his becoming a human being.

Notice the conversation in Luke 22:66-71. The elders of the Jews took Jesus into their session hall in Jerusalem and asked questions. “Then they said, ‘Are You then the Son of God?’ So He said to them, ‘You rightly say that I am.’” It was Jesus the Messiah Himself who declared that He is the Son of God. He said that the elders rightly pronounced his Sonship, the Son of God. This is a Gospel record which the Qur’an says should be accepted and believed.

The Sonship of Jesus the Messiah is the pillar of Christianity. John the Apostle makes this conclusion in his Gospel record: “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (Gospel of John 20:30-31). This is a Gospel record that the Qur’an says should be accepted and believed.

There are other passages in the Gospel record that state that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God. But the submitted verses above should be sufficient to prove the insufficiency of research done by Muslim apologists in their denial that Jesus the Messiah is the Son of God.

It is very clear that the Gospel records prove that Jesus the Christ is the Son of God. In Christian belief, the Gospel records are inspired by God so it should be true. Jesus clearly acknowledged that he is the Son of God. John the Baptist, a true prophet recognized by Islam, confessed that Jesus is the Son of God. The claim denying the Sonship of Jesus the Christ that is promoted by Muslim apologists who don’t know their Bible should be the one discarded.

Programs for the holy week

Northeastern Luzon churches will hold the annual fellowship 2008 (Panagkakadua) in Tabuk City, Kalinga on March 20-21, according to Edward Tangunan, coordinator for this event this year.

On the other hand, the Northwestern Luzon churches will have this holy week fellowship (Panagkakadua 2008) in Sapang, Moncada, Tarlac from March 19-22 according to program secretary Jovencio Gundayao.

 

First Sunday fellowship in Baguio

A-Hill church that meets near Loakan airport also ushered in the new year with a pot luck  lunch on January 6^th. Michael Hildreth was the guest preacher.

 

January fellowship in Ilocos Norte

To usher in bright hopes for the new year, the brethren in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, likewise, held a lunch fellowship and gave away gifts to some members on January 6th. Abel/Eva Mariano, Jose/Ester Sagadraca and Romulo/Nena Reyes provide the leadership for this congregation.

Year end fellowship in La Union

La Union- The congregation in Pongpong, Santo Tomas held its regular year end fellowship last December 30^th with a lunch on the ground. Brethren from nearby churches like Tubao, Agoo and Rabon joined the fellowship. Evangelist Ruben Mendoza was the guest speaker.

Emilio Panday transfers ministry to Baguio City

For several years brother Emilio Panday based his evangelistic activities in Mangatarem, Pangasinan, but this January he was absorbed in the ministries of the Centrepoint congregation in Baguio City.

Paalaran ng Bagong Buhay sa Pilipinas

Now in its fourth year of operation inside the Maximum Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prisons of the Bureau of Corrections, Paaralan ng Bagong Buhay sa Pilipinas (Philippine Institute of New Life Behavior), PBBP for short, opened classes on January 12, 2008 for the first quarter with close to300 inmates enrolled in ten classes. Each inmate-student is given free study materials including textbook, notebook, ball pen and writing pad.

Tom Holland to meet PBC Alumni

On February 25, after the Lingayen, Pangasinan event, brother Tom Holland will go up to Baguio for a special meeting with the Philippine Bible College alumni. He will give tips on sermon preparation and delivery as well as encouragements for preachers.    Coordinator for this affair is Becky Braga (09019-306-7911).

Does the Holy Spirit in person help the Christian today? (Series #4)

This is the fourth series in our study. I would like to repeat that we should go into this study as brethren helping one another. We are brethren struggling to find a reasonable and balanced view about the Holy Spirit.

CHURCHES OF CHRIST

This present study should be delimited. We are not talking about the views of the Pentecostals who claim direct, baptism and miraculous operation of the Holy Spirit on everyone who prays for the coming of the Holy Spirit. We are not talking about Mormonism and the Jehovah’s Witnesses that claim that the Holy Spirit personally and directly guide their leaders in the formulation of doctrines and teachings and strategies. We are not talking about teachings that contradict what is written in the Bible and is correctly interpreted.

Historically Churches of Christ have for decades taught that there are measures or degrees of the Holy Spirit’s work in helping, guiding, influencing, nudging, encouraging the Christian.

1. Holy Spirit Without Measure. This was given to Christ during his personal ministry on earth. We don’t talk about this degree of empowerment in this study. The person we refer to in this study is the Christian today, in the 21st century.
2. Baptismal and Laying on of Hands Measure. The apostles were baptized with the Holy Spirit as promised and they were empowered to do miraculous things to confirm the new message they delivered to the people. In turn, the baptized apostles laid their hands onto faithful men who cnfirmed the message of salvation that they preached to others. We don’t talk about this degree of empowerment in this present study. The person we refer to in this study is the Christian today, in the 21st century.
3. Ordinary Measure. All members of the Churches of Christ for decades agree on this degree. But the means or the how the Holy Spirit empowers or influences, or guides, or nudges, or encourages the Christian today is the ISSUE. One side says this empowerment resides ONLY IN WRITTEN/ORAL WORD, THE BIBLE. Another side syas that this empowerment resides in the written/oral word, the Bible, and ALSO DIRECTLY OR OTHER MEANS APART FROM THE WORD, but not contrary to the Bible.

In Series #3, we have submitted Job 26:13; Psalms 19:1-5 and Romans 1:19-21. From these verses we have concluded that the Holy Spirit does declare truth through the glorious material creation. The heavens when observed by astronomers reveal a wondrous design those description is not found in my NKJV. These verses tell you that belief in God or strengthening a belief in God could be derived from sources apart from my NKJV Bible, but not contrary to it.

Add Job 12:7-10 “Now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?” Zoology, ornithology, ichthylogy, geology, biology all reveal wondrous dandy designs. Men of science quote Lord Kelvin, famous British scientist, who exclaimed: “If you study science deep enough and long enough it will force you to believe in God.”

The Bible says in Genesis 1:2b, “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” I have the picture that the Holy Spirit broaded over the globe and participated in the arrangement of the earth as a proper habitation of animals and mankind. A scientific study of nature helps the agnostics and some atheists to seriously think about the God we believe in.

Teachers of Christian Evidences also know that we have to use the Argument fom General Consent, Argument from Necessity, the Cosmological Argument, Teleological Argument, the Anthropological Argument and the Ontological Argument to reach out to the educated and scientifically oriented agnostics and atheists in order for them to pay attention. (See
discussion of these items here).

The views above considered, I would like to suggest that a deeper study of nature would help us build up our Christian faith in God apart from the Bible but not contrary to the Bible.

Why I believe in the existence of God

by Eusebio Tanicala, Ph.D.

Note: This lesson was shared with a congregation in Quezon City, Philippines several years ago. I want to share it with our readers.

REALM OF THE ABSTRACT
Arguing and persuading oneself on the existence and claims of God belongs to the realm of philosophy. One deals with the abstract. One deals with ideas, reason and logic.

Arguing and persuading oneself on the existence of spirits and ghosts is something similar to our topic. Maraming naniniwala na mayroong mga espiritu at multo. Marami ding hindi naniniwala.

Ideas, reasons, arguments, reflections derived from deep meditations to explain a belief in God are summed up in the following weird statement: “Reasons which reason can’t reasonably reason out.”

However, one who spends some time in spiritual matters, one who reflects on things beyond the physical, one who has some training in philosophy would have more appreciation of spiritual things than the ordinary mind.

Kagaya ng radio waves. Maraming radio waves sa isang kuwarto. Marami sa loob ng inyong kuwarto na hindi natin maririnig sa ating pangkaraniwang pandinig commentaries, songs and newscasts . But these sounds would become intelligible and understandable if one is trained in the field of electronics. When one is able to assemble radio or tv receivers, then the inaudible becomes audible and the silence becomes
verbal.

Kaya kailangan natin ang magandang spiritual receiver sa ating puso at isipan upang mabuo ang paniniwala sa Dios.

DEFINITION/DESCRIPTION OF GOD
Strictly speaking, we should not define the true God because the word “definition” means to set limits or boundaries. Our impressions about God is that He is infinite, limitless, boundless. He is only limited when it comes to what is contrary to His nature. God is holy, so He cannot be unholy. God is all powerful, but he could not become powerless. God is eternal, so He could not will to cease His existence.

The following are good representatives of people’s impressions about the true God:

1. Westminster Catechism: “A Spirit infinite, eternal and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.”
2. Ebrard: “The eternal source of all that is temporal.”
3. Fuller: “The first cause and last end of all things.”
4. Howe: “An eternal, uncaused, independent, necessary Being, that hath active power, life, wisdom, goodness, and whatsoever other supposible excellency, in the highest perfection, in and of itself.”
5. Calovius: “Essentially the Infinite Spirit.”

ARGUMENTS AND STATEMENTS OF FAITH
There are statements of belief in God that were formulated by philosophers and Christian apologists. These are not objection-free. But they express and support our intuition. The Bible declares the existence of God but does not seek to prove His existence. Even among
Christians, the Bible says this, “Whosoever comes to God must have faith that God exists.” Among Christians, belief in God is still largely maintained by faith. In our everyday life, we have to be careful less the Devil uses physical and sensual realities to drown our spiritual orientation.

Here are some of the major arguments and statements of beliefs in the existence of God. Take them together, string them one after the other to form a good view of the whole idea about God.

A. Argument from General Consent

Other apologists and authors call this as “Argument from Universality.” Still others call it “Argument from Intuition.” Based on observations of ancient literature, ancient arts, myths, contacts with tribes still having primitive ways of life, the majority of tribes and nations recognizes the existence of Beings/ being, a Great Spirit/spirits, a God/gods upon whom they depend on and worship.

The ancient Tagalogs had an idea of a Bathala; the ancient Ilocanos and Itnegs had their Kabunian; the Igorots had their Lumauig. The ancient Greeks and Romans had their gods like Zeus or Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Athena, Diana, and others. The Apostle Paul observed this in Acts 17:16-29.

Filipino poet Cirilo Bautista wrote poetry on the Cave Paintings of Lascaux in France. The cave dwellers of France are believed to have done these cave paintings six thousand years ago.

The Vedas of India say: “There is but one Being–no second.” Charles Darwin, the evolutionist, says, “In my most extreme fluctuations, I have never been an atheist in the sense of denying the existence of a God.”

The conclusion is that there is a widespread consent in the existence of a Great Spirit Being. There must be one who has planted this idea in the minds of tribes and nations. Man in ancient times, man in the present age has an innate or inborn feeling to recognize a Supreme Being.

It has been reported in newspapers that the USSR and China under the atheistic leaders tried to eliminate belief in God. But that idea of a God still comes out even under repressive regimes.

B. Arguments from Necessity

August Strong, a scholar, made this reflection: “In contemplating finite existence, there is inevitably the suggested idea of an infinite Being as its correlative… We could not recognize the finite as finite except by comparing it with an already existing standard — the Infinite.” (Systematic Theology, 58).

This argument also means that man has a capacity and yearning for religion or a relationship with a Supreme Being. When people grow old or become sick, instinctively they realize that there is a Great Power. The explanation for this is that there is a God or Creator that planted this feeling in our being.

C. The Cosmological Argument

Sometimes this belief is called “Argument from a First Cause. To the ordinary observer this is expressed in the this statement: “For every effect there is a cause.” Some state it this way: “Begun existence must have a sufficient cause of that beginning.”

D. The Teleological Argument

Some call this the “Argument from Design.” Modern science tells us that all things in the physical world have their uses, that order pervades the universe, that the methods of nature or natural laws are rational methods. There is correlation of the chemical elements to each other, there is fitness of the inanimate world to be the basis and support of life; there is unity of plan in the organic world; there is existence and cooperation of natural laws.

Another theory states that the material universe has no beginning,that it has always been existing, and the world is blindly developing and blossoming. But the combination of the cosmological argument and the teleological argument would come out for the existence of an Intelligent Power or Intelligent Cause.

E. The Anthropological Argument.

Sometimes this is called the Moral Argument or others call it Man’s Mental and Moral Nature. Elements of this argument follows:

1. Man, as an intellectual and moral being, has had a beginning upon the planet;
2. Material and unconscious forces do not afford a sufficient cause for man’s reason, conscience and free will;
3. Man, as an effect, can be referred only to a cause possessing self-consciousness and a moral personality; and
4. There’s in man a desire for an ultimate realization of happiness so he aspires to attain this good thing.

These elements could not reasonably be derived from non-living objects.

F. The Ontological Argument

Sometimes this is called the Philosopher’s Argument because it is difficult to understand and difficult to accept among young minds. This argument has the following elements:

1. The idea of a God is necessary to our reasoning;
2. If there is nothing in reality corresponding to this idea of God, then our reasoning is deceptive;
3. And if the reality of the idea is null or non-existent, then there is no use reasoning and arguing further because then everything is nullity or non-existing.

CONCLUSION

Man is the image of God, therefore, man is an expression of God’s nature. Having this expression of God’s nature in us, we have that inborn longing for the parent of our spiritual persona.

This cause and effect relationship is found in Psalms 94:9,10: “God made our ears– can’t He hear? He made our eyes–won’t He see? He scolds the nations–won’t He punish them? He is the teacher of us all–hasn’t He any knowledge?”

Another passage is meaningful: “Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7.

Lectures by Tom Holland

Brother Tom Holland, author of books on homiletics and a professor of homiletics in several colleges that are operated by members of the Churches of Christ in the United States, will be the featured speaker in the February 20-22 lectureship at the Consuelo Hotel in Lingayen, Pangasinan.   Coordinator is Edwin Bacani (0927-312-5500).

Christian Fellowship ‘08 in Kalinga

Christian Fellowlship ‘08 (Panagkakadua ‘08), the annual fellowship for Northeastern Luzon Churches of Christ which falls on the so-called “holy week” shall be held in Tabuk City in the province of  Kalinga  on March 20-21.   Coordinator is Edward Tangunan: Cell  number -0920-252-9756.

Christian Fellowship ‘08 in Tarlac

Northwestern Luzon Churches of Christ, on the other hand, shall have their fellowship (panagkakadua) in Sapang,Moncada in the province of Tarlac on March 19-22. This was revealed recently by Jovencio Gundayao, program secretary. You can call/text him:  0919-221-6637.

Rabon Bible College Lectures

A series of lectures on special issues is being sponsored by the Rabon Bible College in cooperation with the Philippine Bible College Alumni Association. Rabon Bible College, a preacher training school, is operated and managed by the Rabon Church of Christ of
San Fabian, Pangasinan.

This lecture series started last Dec.15, 2007  and the second meeting was held Jan. 5, 2008 where Jovencio Gundayao discussed his views on the Holy Spirit’s work and influences, while Eusebio Tanicala presented an explanation on the scripturality of operating a preacher training school and congregational benevolence to non-members of the Churches of Christ.   The third meeting is set for January 26.

Does the Holy Spirit in Person Help the Christian Today? (Series #3)

by Eusebio Tanicala, Ph.D.

(Editor’s Note: I appeal to brethren that we should make this study on the Holy Spirit’s work of urging, nudging, encouraging, influencing and guiding the Christian today as a team effort. Matagal nang sinaliksik ng mga kasamahan natin sa America, pero madilim pa rin ang ating pagkaintindi. Subukan natin ang kakayahan ng Pinoy. Let’s picture this as a launching into the deep, wide blue sea of theological thoughts. As a team, let’s open our hearts and minds, work together, compare notes, exchange ideas, show weaknesses and errors in reasoning, recognized strong arguments. We are like fishermen hunting for fish in the corals and possibly pearls in the giant clamps embedded in the sandy sea bottom. Let’s not quarrel. Let’s not choke each other. Let’s love and help one another).

There are those who believe that the Holy Spirit is completely immanent and is therefore perched in the heavens beyond the blue skies up above. These brethren believe that the Holy Spirit has revealed the Bible and is now in its printed form when read and its oral form when explained that the Holy Spirit may affect, influence, or guide the Christian today in the 21st century. It is claimed by these advocates that no other source of help is available outside the language of the Bible. Neither is help available from the person of the Holy Spirit.

In this Series #3, I would like to ask a few questions and I desire honest answers:

• Suppose I want to earn 12 units of advanced astronomy so that I could appreciate and explain better the complex adornment of the heavens which was made by the Holy Spirit as testified to by the Job 26:13. I know that this advanced learning Astronomy in 12 units is a good work. Could anyone please tell me the Bible books and chapters and verses that would explain to me in mathematical details about the Supernovas, Black Holes, Pulsars, Dying Stars, Planetary Systems aside from the Solar System, the Kuiper Belt?

Please email me your answer.

• Job 26:13 says that the Holy Spirit has adorned the heavens; Psalm 19:1-4 (the H.S. is included in the Godhead) says that the material cosmos declares the glory of God making voluminous unwritten/inaudible testimonies of God’s wondrous architectural and engineering abilities; Romans 1:19-21 declares that the material cosmos provides sufficient information in the formulation of a reasonable belief in God’s existence and a reasonable theological foundation so as to avoid idolatry. Could anyone deny the clear positive declarations of the the three above passages that the material cosmos which are the Holy Spirit’s work could provide knowledge about God apart from the written/oral word as contained in my New King James Version?

Please email me your answer.

Soul Harvest 2007

Coming back to Baguio City on the 28th of December from his third evangelistic and leadership training journey to the Visayas and Mindanao, brother Santiago Sameon II makes this summary:  174 souls baptized in several places he visited and in various church affairs he participated in.

To God be the glory and praise!

Singing and Leadership camp a success in Isabela

Ilagan, Isabela - A Singing and Leadership Camp was successfully conducted for church young people of Isabela province on Dec. 26-29 at the Isabela Sports Complex in Ilagan town. This affair was hosted by the Bliss congregation of Ilagan in cooperation with World Bible School. Bal Lalgua, Jr.  served as coordinator.

Gospel Meeting & Leadership Training in Ilocos Sur

On Dec. 27–28, brethren Dick Baguioen and Eusebio Tanicala conducted a two-night gospel meeting and a two-day leadership training in the congregation at the upland congregation of Lidaoan in San Emilio town of Ilocos Sur. Lidaoan is nestled on a mountainside near the famous Tirad Pass of the Cordillera Mountain Range.

Bro. Emilio Panday relocates work to Baguio City

Brother Emilio Panday relocates his church work this year  of 2008 from Mangatarem, Pangasinan to Baguio City.

Ilocos Family Camp

Ilocos Norte-  Brethren in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union came together for a Family Camp in a Currimao Beach Resort for several days in December. Jay Wilson and Steve Doughty were the special lecturers.

Aklan and Antique churches hold Bible Camp

Barboza, Antique-  Brother Samy Sinco reports that brethren in Antique and Aklan held a Bible Camp at Barboza, Antique last Dec. 26th. This is the first time that brethren in the two provinces could come together for Bible study and fellowship. It is hoped and prayed that a new series of Bible lessons will start to be shared with families in this town in the first week of February.

Baptisms in Isabela

San Mateo, Isabela-  Brother Edward Tangunan reports that Martia Gamas and Anna Marie Lingolingo were baptized in San Mateo last December 23rd

Leadership Training moved to Quirino

Diffun, Quirino - The Leadership Training Class in Isabela moved its session to Diffun, Quirino in the middle of December. Lessons were discussed in class  in the morning and the  church leaders went out to share gospel lessons with friends in the afternoon. Reggie Valdez and Franz Lumandaz teamed up in teaching follow-up lessons with Brigida Baniega. She obeyed Jesus Christ and was baptized on Dec. 16.