SMALL GROUPS part 3

This post is delayed for a week. I wasnt able to have a chance to go online while I'm in Manila. The part 3 of our series is focused on Small Groups and entitled the preaching PLANTED PEOPLE ARE GROWING PEOPLE.

Illustration: California Redwood. Its one of the tallest and biggest tree in the world yet its root is not anchored so very deeply but just shallow. One thing remarkable about this tree is that its root is interlinked and intertwined with each other. This made the tree last even for hundreds of years facing typhoons and storms. Still standing firm. Lesson: We can stand storms in life if we are interlinked and united together.

Almost all movement in the World started with group of people decided to come together and create something. Most often than not this groups succeed. Napoleon Bonaparte, succeeded in conquering most part of the world with his band of army. Karl Marx, started communism withhis group people who regularly gathered and promote communism in the streets, market and university. Habitat for Humanity, started in the Koinonia farm when a group of people gathered and decided to build simple and decent houses for the poor. In a span of 50 years they were able to build 400,000 homes and house 1.5 million people in almost every part of the world across the six continents.

Similarly, the same movement was launched more than 2000 years ago by a group of people who decided to come together in their houses, prayed for each other, protect each other, inspire and empower each other. They never thought that this movement would surpass their lifetime and last for hundreds of years and centuries. They impacted billions of people, still today is the most vibrant movement. This movement is called the church!

The question that lurks in our minds. What is the force behind that made this movement last for centuries? What galavanized this group of people who gathered together and overcome the harsh persecution of Rome's Emperors, rejection in the society and being the minority in their time? Flip your Bibles in Acts 2: 42-47 to find out what's with this group of people who decided to guard the deposit they received from the disciples which is the truth of JESUS CHRIST.

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

The early church devoted themselves in four things that made them withstand the test of time, storms in life and harsh persecution. I believe if this is done by our church and our small groups we could create an impact that would reverbirate to next, next generation about the beauty of Christ and his local church. What are these four things?

1. Apostle's Teaching - this represents their commitment to the word of God. The more they get to know God and His ways they become more like him and made their faith firm. 

2. Fellowship - they have an enviable caring relatioship with each other. They go to the point of selling their properties and that they have everything in common. It means they are one in heart, mind, spirit. They are one in their belief and mission and purpose. 

3. Breaking of Bread - They always put Christ at the center of their life and gathering. They remind themselves that reason why they gather is because of Christ. They commemorate that Christ body that was broken made them whole and His blood cleanse away their sins! They are empowered! 

4. Prayer - They lift to God all their concerns and struggles. They acknowldged God as their ultimate help, guide, shield and sustainer. 

(listen to podcasts for the detailed explanation of the four things. to be out soon!)

When we started JAMC/this ministry 3 years ago it wasn't our ultimate goal to gather people aroud rows and fill the seats every Sunday. Thats good! But It is our strong, strong, strong desire that we could create a strong culture of small groups in our church where people get to pray for each other and inspire each other. We believe sustained life change  happens when people gather around groups of 5, 6, 8, 10 people. If your are new plugged your self in a group, If you are around in this church for long start involving yourself in small groups. Growing People are planted in the local church and in small groups!


Now here's the thing. If you practice verse 42 you'll experience verse 47!


 ⁴⁷praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.


That will make you a growing and prevailing church! Plugged yourself NOW!

UNEXPECTED - MY 5 DAYS STAY IN MANILA part1

Two weeks ago I was invited by an aunt to Manila. Unplanned. unexpected. We were in the mall looking for a birthday gift for my brother who will be celebrating his 20th birthday. There the invitation came. I agreed yet unsure. I dont know why I'll be going. All the expenses will be paid for- It's for FREE! Why not? My final confirmation I told God if He would clear everything for my going. 

After two weeks, Im in Cebu Pacific plane with my youngest brother bound for Manila. Still as I leave the airport, I dont have a hint of why I should be there. A lot of work is to be done here. Many people to meet and plans to spy. I texted two of our core leaders about my plight before the flight. No response. Maybe silence is a YES!

Day 1 we spent the whole day at Mall of Asia, shopping, check up, eat,eat,eat,and eat, coffee break, timezone game, got a new pair of shoes. That's a lot of fun. But stll got unclear purpose. At night time we went into a chinese resto, all are chinese foods, all are chinese people. Full packed for the day.Tasted a dozen of different siomai's and etc. Before the day ended I prayed and God revealed the purpose why Im there. Day 2, Ocean Park tour, amazing sea creatures!God is so awesome to be understood by a finite mind!no time to be athiest!aftersuch, S&R shopping center, you cant shop here if you'll not pay a membership of 900Php. How practical do u think is that?Well tons of grocery items, like everything you need is there!Great dinner!Pizza!Pizza! Day 3, whole day Toki-Ikot sa Divisoria with aunti Jac, whew! Im tempted to start a business! Focus, focus! Im a Pastor no time for business trading. There's a lot to be traded! at 7PM dinner with the Kids of Wong's Chua's and Lee's before our Bible study!Now this is the Most exciting part...

Stay tuned for part 2. "Kuya ang ganda ng feedback ng BS, and ganda din ni Shana!"

WHAT'S YOUR PRAYER AND FASTING STORY?

This came in late. The prayer and fasting week ended last January 12, 2011. The week was awesome!God never failed to show up in our daily prayer marathons every 6-7PM which often ends at 8:30PM. (hehehe always exenteded)During the first Sunday preaching I told the church that fasting is not just abstaining from food but also gaining rewards (jentezen franklin). So went thru Isaiah 58:6-18 to see all the rewards. When you focus on the rewards or purpose of your fast you cant focus on the hunger of the fast.

I started off the year asking God for a direction in the ministry and my personal life. During our first Leadership Team meeting I honestly told the guys that I really dont have a clue what exactly to do (Im always a thinker, putting ideas in the table but now I dont even have an agenda with me during the meeting, I just want them to know that so we can all pray hard and  seek God) but I believe after the fast He will show up and give us clear paths to take. All I know is that this year is the start of the  fufillment of the great harvest in the ministry. So we waited, lingered and remained as open and close to God's voice.

DANG! After the fast week I din't get it, but slowly realized that something's unfolding. We started seeing clear highways. We started branding out a new startegy (MI:5 Mission It'sPossible 5) The Circle of Five Second Generation Completion Challenge. Our Senior Pastor met us for an eye opener meeting that jumpstarted our intial, meaningful, fruitful discussions in our Leaders Gathering (D10 leaders). We were never serious and passionate in discipling just as like this! Our campus volunteers and services teams were inspired!.Our prayer lives soared high and empowered and consistent! (They're red hot!) We started believing God for the impossible and pray BIG prayers.I met with the Leadership team the next week and plotted our priorities for the year! There were really AHA! moments. Ideas  flowed!The first once a month Staff meeting was a tickler meeting! I asked the question what's new in your ministry that we are going to expect this year? minds went crazy!ideas were awesome!

I dint realize that's how God would unfold things and answer prayers when we seek Him first and earnestly early in the year!When we fast answers are fast! SLOW DOWN and listen to His voice, early in the morning, everyday!Like, I wanna fast regularly and seek God and obey Him more!

What is your prayer and fasting story?

Service Teams part 2

This is the topic 2 of our series. I entitled the message SAVED PEOPLE, SERVE PEOPLE. This is to ignite the hearts of the people to go out of their way to fully serve, Christ, the local church and people. At the end I challenged the members to be volunteers of a specific service team available in our local church.

I started off by asking their choice of fast food resto and why they loved it. Then I started telling my story why I became a JOLLIBEE fan. Not because of the delicious food but because way back when I was seven or eight year old, one of my friends birthday at our Jollibee neighborhood , I fell in love with the Jollibee party girl, She's beautiful, cute, "hot"(hehe) and most of all she took care of me, served me and made me feel the most important seven-year old.  I became a JOLLIBEE fan because one person, went out of her way to serve me and made me feel special. (i hope I could tell the story the way I shared it on Sunday) podcast underconstruction. it will be out soon. My BIG ask, WHY IS IT WHEN IT COMES TO GOING ALL OUT TO SERVE WE ARE LOOKING AT THE FAST FOOD RESTO (AS OUR MODEL) AND NOT THE HOUSE OF GOD?

So I shared 4 things about Why and How  to serve and turned our Bibles to Luke 10:25-37, the Parable of the Good Samaritan as our text.

1. THERE IS ALWAYS AN OPPURTUNITY TO SERVE.
 v. ³⁰ In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.


There are thousand of people in the world that are beaten up and harrassed by the enemy. Every Christian always has an oppurtunity to serve. If you look around you there are seemingly endless opportunity to serve. In the local church, your concern must not be, am I needed or the slot is full. Your concern is, have I rendered service because there is always an oppurtunity to serve.


2. YOU ARE CALLED & GIFTED, EMPOWERED & EQUIPPED AND EXPECTED TO SERVE.
³¹ A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. ³² So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 


In the story the most qualified people to help dint extend help. Let me tell you something if you are a Christian. You are called and gifted, equipped and empowered and expected to serve! Every Christian has the Holy Spirit and the Spirit gives the gift to every Christian for the common good and fo works of service. No Christian is not gifted, called or empowered to serve. We are called to serve. We are Christ hands,feet, eyes, and heart in this broken world.


3. SEE AS JESUS SEES. 
³³ But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.


The only person in the story that see the broken man as Jesus sees was the Samaritan. He looked at hmi with pity. It means with compassion, with great concern, burden and love. We have to see our world as Jesus sees that we may gain a heart of compassion and concern for everyone.


Three ways the Samaritan was involved in the life of the robbed man:
a. Spiritual Involvement. Pour on oil (indicaie of the Holy Spirit) and wine (the blood of Jesus) Comfort and salvation.
b. Physical Involvement. He carried him to his donkey and brought him to the inn.The most evident form of involvement.action speaks louder than words. Dont claim your gifted or good at any thing. JUST TO DO IT and we will agree.
c. Material/Financial Involvement. He paid two denarii and paid for the full expense. real involvent goes involves the pocket!


We are called to involve in our local churches not to one of these three, nor the two out of three but to all of these.


4. SERVE BECAUSE JESUS COMMANDED TO DO SO.

³⁶ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? ³⁷ The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

A Christian is not a person who attends church. A Christian is a follower of Christ. One whose life is fully yielded and surrended to Christ. I've seen a lot of attenders in the church for many years yet they are not followers of Christ. If we are truly His follower we are under His Lordship and do what he commands of us. The Bible says, that Jesus came to serve and not to be served. So we ought to imitate that. Jesus is the servant of all.

What would start as an obligaton will eventually turn into a passion. I told my story about how I landed in ministry. How I first resisted it but eventually became so passionate about it!

If you are not yet involved in the local church service team, grab the form and sign up now!Because saved people, serve people!

WEEKLY WORSHIP SERVICES part 1

This is a continuation of the blog i made yesterday on the first part of the preaching series 5 THINGS HOW WE DO CHURCH. I entitled the message FELLOWSHIP PEOPLE ARE FIRED UP PEOPLE. There are many benefits people miss if they consistently absent themselves in worship services deliberately or not. Attendance to worship services alone doesn't guarantee growth but failure to have the habit to do so would mean a great set back in the spiritual growth of a believer.

In the Old Testament God placed a BIG emphasis on observing a weekly worship service, in their time they called it Sabbath. In Exodus 31: 15 it says," For six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day is to be put to death." God wants his people to remember Him a specific day in the week. Because if they'd get busy in their world and in the world they will forget God. In our time there will be no people who will sentence us to death by not observing Sunday Service. But those who fail to do will eventually experience not physical death but spiritual decline and sooner a feeling of death.

In this post i focused on the Importance and Gifts of Worship.

1. WORSHIP IS FOR EQUIPPING AND EMPOWERING.
- one of the primary reason why believers are spiritually defeated in their Christian walk is because they underestimate one of the gifts of worship that is to empower and equip them.
In the Old Testament one of the means that empower the Israelites when they where taken out of Egypt was the Observance of the Three Major Feast which is a reminder for them on how God rescued them and their forefathers out of the Egyptian slavery. Whenever they gather together to celebrate these feasts, there will be a reenactment of the event. The young and the old will both have the foretaste on how God saved them and anticipate of God's salvation in the future. That's why God commanded them to perform various worship services. A memory of the great things of what the Lord have done in the past reminded them today that the Lord is with them despite they are wanderers in the desert.

2. WORSHIP GIVES MEANING.
- worship brings us face to face with the God who created the heavens and the earth. We are reminded of who we are and whose we are when we begin to worship Him. One of the reasons why both believers and non-believers ask a lot of question in life, like why am I doing this? what does plenty of money do in my life? why am i working so hard?why am i not enjoying life? why is life so full of hurts? as if they live life without meaning is because they lose sight of who they are and whose they are. The Bible says, all things were created by Him and for Him. Unless we recognize this life will be without meaning. Worship reminds us of our purpose.

3. WORSHIP INSPIRES HOPE.
In a world where all of what we here are problems, calamities, crimes, soaring commodities, war and the news brings almost nothing but bad news, hope is void.It is only during Sunday where we are connected and renewed by the power Christ and God's word. We are refreshed. Isaiah 40 says, those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength and soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired they will walk and not grow weary. Every Sunday we are recharged and reconnected to the ultimate source of Hope which is Jesus Christ.

4. WORSHIP PROVIDES RESTORATION.
Most Christians who professed to be burnt-out, tired, discouraged and weak miss the fourth gift of worship. The role of the church every Sunday is to reconnect people into the restorative power of Christ. People who are trampled and beaten by the world needs to be recharged to ready to fight the good fight for the week ahead.They are looking for a place to be encouraged, empowered and inspired to live as Kingdom people to minister to the lost world.

I thank God I grew in a family who values Sunday worship. As i grew up as a kid i cant remember if i'd ever miss a Sunday. Dad will always wake us up and bring us to church even if we don't like and we don't show interest (like we are kids) and envy some of our friends who sleeps all day long. But those moments helped me and my brothers grow in the fear of the Lord and grow in the knowledge of Christ. As we went to the real world we were being prepared to put up our moral guardrails and convictions.

WHAT IF YOU MISS ALL THESE EVERY WEEK?

If you are a new Christian start making a commitment to set aside days of the Week for the Lord. If you are a regular attendee continue what you have started and taste that the Lord is good!

Next Sunday will part 2, the IMPORTANCE OF BEING PART OF A SERVICE TEAM!

Brand New Series 5 THINGS HOW WE DO CHURCH Intro

Yesterday, we started a brand new series called 5 THINGS HOW WE DO CHURCH. This idea dawned on me late of 2010 as i think about how really is discipleship done. I listened to Perry Noble, New Spring Church about Discipleship Process and Andy Stanley's Strategy in Northpoioint Community Church to help me figure out about this mind bugging question. Discipleship is the process of becoming like Jesus. Jesus commandment is clear to "Go and Make Disciples" Matt. 28: 19-20. How it should be done was not absolutely spelled out. Discipleship varies in every culture, location and many other factors. There is no one size fits all. So how do we make disciples? We simply do Church. How do we do Church? The 5 THINGS that we(SGCM) identified are the things we see happening in the daily grind of life as a Christian in our church context.Discipleship doesnt just happen in the context of small groups, though we believe that small group is a powerful venue where disciples can grow. But to depend the whole disicpleship process on small groups is incomplete. Discipleship is not just a program in our church. It is the way we do church.

I believe that what we do in church directly affect the wholistic spiritual growth of every Christian. Weekly Worship Service, Service Teams, Invest and Invite, Percentage Giving and Small Groups.These are vital ingredients for a maturing Christian. If practiced with all heart and faithfully life change happens.

Watch for my next blog as i outline some of the main points of the first part of my message. The importance and Gift of Weekly Worship services.

Key notes on my preaching about Prayer and fasting

For three years now, every start of the year we are calling a one week fast. This 2011 the first preaching was focused on foundations for fasting.I entitled the preaching SLOW DOWN. a call to not just indviduals but the church as a whole to come together and seek God early this year. To seek His direction, guidance, wisdom, agenda and plans for our lives, ministry and career. Seeking God first will make us successful. In a man's heart are plans but it is the Lord who directs his steps. So here are the highlights for me.

WHAT IS FASTING?

1. Fasting is making a space for God in your busy life.
-Fasting is not hunger strike it is seeking God and being in tune with Him. It is not to manipulate God to do what you want but it is allowing ourseleves to know His plan and align our live to it.Fasting in essence becomes meaningless when we dont deliberately set apart/consecrate a time to seek and meet God. To have a meaningful and fruitful time with Him.

That means also that we have to let go of the things that we know will contaminate our fast. Things that will shift focus from God. I dont mean you dont go to work or do the daily routines but i want you to spend ample/quality of time in God's presence and lesser on TV, Internet, Party and loud environments.

When you fast you spirit is specially open. it means you can be susceptible to both good and evil. So be careful what you listen to, watch and involve during the entire duration of the fast. SEEK GOD AND HIS WILL FOR YOUR LIFE.

2. Fasting is gaining rewards. Fasting isn't just abstaining from food it also follows rewards. When you focus on the rewards of the fast it will not let you focus on the hunger of the fast. It means fast with a purpose. Ask from God anything that in accordance to His will and the scripture that will be void of selfishness like salvation for relatives and family, personal healing, campus revival and awakening, business oppurtunities, wisdom in studies etc. The nation Israel fast for a purpose and they experience the sweet reward as they seek God and God blessed them. Isaiah 58: 6-13 lists all the rewards when we fast.

3. Fast with friends or groups.
Two is better than one, if one falls some one can help him up. Fasting with friends is joureying with friends. it is not fun to be at the top of mount everest alone, it is memorable with group of friends who will inspire you, hug you and give you a tap on your back. Thre nation Israel gather togteher when they fast. When you feel the pain of hunger or the temptation to eat just call a friend and he will pray for you. If you see visions of friend chicken and french fries, call a friend and he will strengthen you. find time to pray with your pratners pr group everyday of the fast. It makes your fast meaningful, memorable and inspiring.

4. Fast before you undertake a mammoth task. The nation Israel seek God before they do something gigantic. They seek God's help and direction. As a result they have always been victorious. What's the mammoth task you perceive to undergo this year? Is it a new business?change career? moving to a new community? praying for the man or woman you will marry?restoartion of broken relationships? what course to take? what carreer to pursure? God is at work and he shall direct you.

For the ministry this year, the mammoth task is to WIN people ( im praying that we will reach our 1000 attendance in our youth services) RAISE more leaders im praying for 200 committed leaders and FINANCIAL STABILITY for the church. Ultimately life change. I believe this year will be the last year we stay in our current facility. we are moving to a bigger and better one!

5. Lastly, The ultimate blessing of Fasting is intimacy of our relation ship with God. He is the ultimate reward of our fast. Seek God. God told Abraham that He is his greatest reward not Isaac nor the multitudes promised to be his inheritance. Seek God for in him is all what we long and desire for!


Grace and strength be with you this entire duaration of the fast.
See you everyday 6-7pm at the center as we culminate everyday with a prayer maranthon.

What's your list>?

My TOP 10 ONELINERS in 2010

These are the top 10  most helpful and memorable one liners  that i read/highlighted from books and blogs and heard from preachings and podcast that inspired, changed and empowered me not just for 2010 but maybe for the rest of my life. Here's the top 10 list (not in order).




1. LEADERSHIP IS STEWARDSHIP, IT IS TEMPORARY AND YOU ARE ACCOUNTABLE.   
   - andy stanley, catalyst podcast
Every leader who decided to be on-board on a vision is expected to give his utmost best and dedication. Every leader must understand that his time is short and must make it count. Leadership is an honorable ambition.

2. YOU CAN ALWAYS DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR BLAME. - andy stanley, the blame game
-The tendencies are if you have a blame, you can always do something about. So stop blaming and start fixing something.pursue discipline and excellence.

3. CHOOSE TO LIVE A SPIRIT-FILLED NOT A SPIRIT-LESS LIFE! 
   - craig groeschel, ghost
Many Christians choose to live a Spirit-less life by less/not acknowledging the work of the Holy Spirit. The tendencies are they "use" the Holy Spirit instead of the Holy Spirit using them.


4. DISCIPLESHIP IS RELATIONSHIP. 
   - andy stanley, 7 practices of effective ministry
Any person who views  a person is a project, a manufacturing plant and a tool is an alien to genuine discipleship. Discipleship is relationship. Every person has the right to be treated valuable and important. Life change best happens within the context of meaningful relationship among Christians!

5. PRAYER CLOSET CHANGES LIVES.CORPORATE PRAYER CHANGES CITIES.
   -chris galanos,blogs
A person who doesn't spend quality personal quiet time with the Lord is an ARMY LOST COMMAND. The  blessings of closet prayer outweighs the answers to prayer. As God said to Abraham,"I AM YOUR GREATEST REWARD. Prayer closet doesn't just change your prayer life, it will change your life! Corporate prayer has the power to change cities, communities and campuses. Whatever two or three person will agree on earth it shall be done in heaven. SGCM  is a Prayerful church!


6. BETTER BEFORE BIGGER.
- andy stanley, leadership podcast
If you get better your customers will demand that you get bigger.  As leaders we have great appetite for success, increase, bigger results. Before seeing that result Our questions must always be how can we get better (in our current worship services, discipleship, venue, materials, leadership, finance,service teams etc) so that we get better. Those who can be entrusted with little can be entrusted with much!


7. ABANDON VISION BEFORE ABANDON MORAL AUTHORITY.
 - andy stanely, visioneering
Moral authority is non-negotiable every leader must protect it at all times. More than vision success every leader's greatest success is how he can live his life pleasing to the Lord and a model for people to follow. moral guardrail is a must, intentional living, double standard.

8. GOD MUST FIRST DO SOMETHING "IN" YOU, BEFORE HE CAN DO SOMETHING "THROUGH" YOU. - perry noble, blogs
Inward business before outward results. God always work inside-out to a person. You must first experience the miracle before people will experience it through you. You must first grasped it in the Spirit before you it happen. You must experienced revival and passion inside before you can carry it outside. You have to receive instructions first  before you go. God will always prepare His people before the battle. God still speaks and we must be sensitive to his WHISPERS!

9. VISION NEEDS A CONSTANT ATTENTION.
 - bill hybels, courageous leadership
Vision leaks. Never allow the daily grind of life and ministry drift you from your vision. vision check daily. talk about it daily.own it daily. submit to God daily. See it happen daily.
-our vision is TO BUILD CHRIST-CENTERED,BIBLE-BASED, SPIRIT EMPOWERED, LARGE-BASED CHURCHES AND CAMPUS MINISTRIES IN THE PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD.
our mission is TO LEAD PEOPLE INTO A PERSONAL AND GROWING RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.

10. DIVERT DAILY, WITHDRAW WEEKLY & ABANDON ANNUALLY.
- rick warren, catalyst 
Rest is a Holy Spirit directed activity. The Bible says,keep the Sabbath (rest) and know that He is God. The world can get along without you. The ministry must be purpose driven not personality driven. Rest is every leaders best friend. a time to recharge, rethink, relax, gather in and refuel to better serve your team. Leaders, guard your rest day.


there are still many of them but these are the top 10 that came first into my mind. these are really life changing.
what are your top 10 one liners?