I’m excited to announce the launching of the official website of the Bible Baptist Church – http://www.bbcdavao-guerrero.org.

As of the moment, we are still in the process of uploading all the contents of the site. We are praying that the Lord would use this tool to inform, instruct and inspire folks to serve the Lord with their lives.

The site would be used to upload pictures, music and videos from the services. The Lord willing, it is our desire to provide live streaming for our services so that our members abroad would be able to watch and be blessed.

Do continue to pray for the Lord’s hand upon this project. We believe that this is the Lord’s doing and we are yielding to His direction even in the smallest of details

May the Lord richly bless you!

THROUGH CHRIST

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Philippians 4:13

The key to every great man or woman God has used has been a complete dependence on God.

A sign was once seen in a textile mill that stated “When your thread becomes tangled, call the foreman.” One day a lady who was newer to the mill found her thread tangled in the machinery. Not wanting to look incompetent and thinking the foreman would think badly of her, she sought to untangle the mess herself. But after several minutes of struggling with the thread, she gave up and reluctantly called the foreman. When the foreman saw the mess, he asked what she had done. “I did the best I could do,” she told him. The foreman replied, “No, the best you could do would have been to call me.”

Have you ever been in a situation where you had done “the best you could do” yet things only seemed to get worse? The key to success in our Christian life is a complete dependence upon God. Only when we realize that we cannot do anything on our own but are dependent upon God can we see Him work mightily through our lives.

Philippians 4:13 is a great verse to claim in the midst of overwhelming circumstances. When you feel like you can’t do something or when God asks you to attempt something great for Him, Paul’s reminder helps encourage Christians that we can do all things through Christ.

The key to Paul’s claim are two words-”Through Christ.” On our own, we can do nothing. We are mere human beings, no better than anyone else. Yet through Christ, we have all the powers of Heaven on our side.

Imagine if Moses had tried to part the Red Sea in his own strength. The Egyptians would have recaptured the trapped Israelites. Or what if Noah had tried to survive the flood on his own? He would have suffered the same fate as the rest of those who rejected God’s salvation. What if Elijah tried to call down fire from Heaven without God’s help? He would have put on no better display than the prophets of Baal. The key to every great man or woman God has used has been a complete dependence on God.

“Through Christ”-it is the essence of the Christian life. We cannot save souls; we must witness through Christ’s power. We cannot resist temptation; we must rely on God’s strength. We cannot live faithful lives; we must daily seek God’s help. We can do nothing on our own, but through Christ, we can do anything.

What is it God has called you to do? Plant a church, teach a Sunday school class, witness to a friend, or simply live a godly life. Realize that you cannot do any of those things in your own strength. Sure, you can gather finances and build a building, but will God work in that building? Maybe you can prepare and eloquently present a lesson, but will your class members walk away changed? And you can walk a friend through the Gospel message, but only through the Holy Spirit’s working will they accept Christ. In order for God to work through you, you must admit your helplessness and realize it can only be done through Christ.

Have you become self-sufficient lately? Going through the motions of Christianity for a while can create a routine or self-centered view of Christianity-”I know what to do. I can do it on my own.” In reality, you can do nothing on your own. It is only through Christ that you are even saved. Take time right now to realize your complete dependence on God and seek Him for help. Before you step foot in a classroom, break ground on your church building, or take someone through the Gospel, take time to call upon Christ for strength and help. Remember that through dependence on God, anything can be done.

The Dentist’s Hymn = Crown Him With Many Crowns
The Weatherman’s Hymn = There Shall Be Showers of Blessing
The Contractor’s Hymn = The Church’s One Foundation
The Tailor’s Hymn = Holy, Holy, Holy
The Golfer’s Hymn = There is A Green Hill Far Away
The Politician’s Hymn = Standing on the Promises
The Optometrist’s Hymn = Open My Eyes That I Might See
The IRS Agent’s Hymn = I Surrender All
The Gossip’s Hymn = Pass It On
The Electrician’s Hymn = Send the Light
The Shopper’s Hymn = Sweet By and By
The Realtor’s Hymn = I’ve Got A Mansion Just Over the Hilltop
The Pilot’s Hymn = I’ll Fly Away
The Paramedic’s Hymn = Revive Us Again
The Judge’s Hymn = Almost Persuaded
The Psychiatrist’s Hymn = Just A Little Talk With Jesus
The Architect’s Hymn = How Firm A Foundation
The Credit Card Telemarketer’s Hymn = A Charge To Keep I ave
The Zookeeper’s Hymn = All Creatures of Our God & King
The Postal Worker’s Hymn = So Send I You
The Waiter’s Hymn = Fill My Cup, Lord
The Gardener’s Hymn = Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming
The Lifeguard’s Hymn = Rescue the Perishing
The Criminal’s Hymn = Search Me, O God
The Baker’s Hymn = When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder
The Shoe Repairer’s Hymn = It Is Well With My Soul
The Travel Agent’s Hymn = Anywhere With Jesus
The Geologist’s Hymn = Rock of Ages
The Hematologist’s Hymn = Are You Washed in the Blood?
The Menswear Clerk’s Hymn = Blest Be the Tie
The Umpire’s Hymn = I Need No Other Argument
The Librarian’s Hymn = Whispering Hope

Now, for those who speed on the highway – a few hymns for you
45 mph = God Will Take Care of You
55 mph = Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
65 mph = Nearer My God to Thee
75 mph = Nearer Still Nearer
85 mph = This World Is Not My Home
95 mph = Lord, I’m Coming Home
Over 100 mph = Precious Lord Take My Hand

Before someone becomes a worker at the Bible Baptist Church in Guerrero. He/she has to submit to the leadership requirements or standards laid down by our pastor and of course, the Word of God. Here is a sample form:

I count it a great privilege joining my pastor on a mission trip last Thursday, August 13. Together with some men of the church, we visited the work of Bro. Armando Dusonan in Lasang, Bukidnon and Bro. Danilo Dao-an in Napisolan also in Bukidnon.

We conducted a preaching service in Lasang under their un-finished church building. The Lord blessed with 44 coming to trust Christ as Saviour. Those same people then followed the Lord in the waters of baptism. The Lord led my Pastor to immediately organize that work into a local church under the authority of its sending church, Bible Baptist Church in Napisolan. God truly worked in a marvelous way!

LASANG

We then headed to Napisolan to have another service. 17 came to follow the Lord in Believers’ Baptism and were baptized at the river right below the church. Bro. Luke Pensader of Tibal-og and Bro. Armando Dusonan had the privilege of baptizing these new converts.

NAPISOLAN

I thank the Lord for the wonderful opportunity He has given in allowing me to go to these places. We have to see the urgency and need to pray for more laborers in the harvest field of our Lord. I’m praying that God would continue to supply the needs of these mission works and empower its Pastors to preach the whole counsel of God.

by Cary Schmidt

This article was originally posted in Caryschmidt.com

I have written a couple of posts about twitter—why I decided to use it and things I’ve learned from the experience. Overall, twitter has been a positive experience, but not entirely. Here is a short list of the best and worst ways to use twitter:

The Best Uses of Twitter:

Encouraging Connections—Twitter is a great means of encouraging others and staying connected with helpful and strengthening relationships—friends, family, and ministry acquaintances—and what’s going on in the lives of others. I love following Pastor Chappell’s posts—they encourage me in a multitude of ways.  Hundreds of times others have strengthened and encouraged my spirit through their posts.

Edifying Words—Twitter is great for sharing quotes, scriptures, and principles that edify. I love following people whose hearts are obviously focused on spiritual matters and challenging subjects. Positive thinkers and spiritually minded people have a joyful heart and challenge me to be a better Christian.

Equipping Resources—Twitter is a great way to share ideas, helpful information (eg: blog posts, stories, useful media). I have often been informed of a good article, a new book, or a resource that proved to be beneficial in some aspect of life.

The Worst Uses of Twitter:

Arguing Foolish Questions—On or off twitter this is just wrong. But it is especially undiscerning to bring an argument into the public arena of 140 character posts. What an impossible and pointless way to carry on, and a fantastic way to ruin your testimony, hurt the name of Christ, and nullify the little influence that twitter might afford. Twitter isn’t the place for airing grievances, issuing reprimands, or broadcasting contention. (Only by pride cometh contention.)

Arrogance or Narcissism—Twitter doesn’t make someone arrogant, but it does reveal it. Pride and narcissism show up easily when you’re only allowed 140 characters. Twitter is a really bad way to tell the world how great you are and how much you love yourself.

Amplifying the Wrong Voices—Twitter is a tool of communication. It publishes, influences, and amplifies—and not every voice should be amplified. Before you quote, link, or otherwise amplify a voice, think it through. Don’t inadvertently give greater exposure to voices or philosophies that are unbiblical.

Aimless and Pointless Posting—For some, twitter is nothing more than a place to post mental rubbish. Strange. In truth, Twitter is an invitation to influence. It is permission to publish. If even one person follows you, they have asked you to share your life, your heart, your thoughts. That influence is a stewardship. Before you post, ask: Does this in any way honor the Lord and encourage others?

The bottom line—twitter is influence by invitation. If you misuse it, your invitation will be revoked. If you use it wisely, others will appreciate and benefit. As Christians, our communication should be biblical, pleasing to Christ, and helpful to others.

To those who have positively influenced me through twitter—I say, “Thank you!” Keep exemplifying these best uses!

One person recently said it this way, “Twitter is simply magnifies what you already are.” May every part of our lives—including twitter—magnify Christ and that which He loves!

Let Me See You in the Valley
Dr. Jack Hyles

You’re not what you are when things are going your way,
and you’re wearing the conqueror’s crown.
You’re not what you are when exalted and praised.
But you are what you are when you’re down.

You’re not what you are when applauded by men,
when your achievements are lauded and hailed.
You’re not what you are when success is your lot.
But you are what you are when you’ve failed

You’re not what you are on boulevard wide
you are what you are on the alley.
You’re not what you are on Everest heights.
You are what you are in the valley

You’re not what you are when softer winds blow.
You are what you are in the gale.
You’re not what you are on mountain peak high.
You are what you are in the vale.

You’re not what you are ‘cause riches abound,
don’t tell me how much you can make.
But wait ‘til battles and enemies come,
just show me how much you can take.

You’re not what you are when starting the race,
but whether or not you ever quit.
You’re not what you are because of talent and charm,
but the measure is courage and grit.

You’re not what you are when the truce is enjoyed,
when peace has climbed to its height.
But you are what you are when the battle has begun,
for you are what you are in the fight

You’re not what you are when all goeth well
and everything is going by form.
But you are what you are when the winter time comes,
for you are what you are in the storm.

So hang right in there, don’t waver, don’t falter, don’t bend,
‘Cause you’re not what you are when the race has begun,
But you are what you are at the end.

“Quit, Give up, You’re Beaten,” they shout at me and plead,
“There’s just too much against you now, this time you can’t succeed.”
And as I start to hang my head in front of failure’s face,
My downward fall is broken by my memory of a race.
And hope refills my weakened will as I recall that scene,

For just the thought of that short race rejuvenates my being!
A children’s race, young boys, young men, how I remember well-
Excitement sure but also fear, it wasn’t hard to tell.
They all lined up so full of hope, each thought to win that race-
Or tie for first- or if not that at least take second place.
And fathers watched from off the side, each cheering for his son-
And each boy hoped to show his dad that he would be the one!
The whistle blew and off they went, young hearts and hopes afire,
To win and be the hero there was each young boy’s desire.
One boy in particular who’s Dad was in the crowd,
Was running near the lead and thought, “My Dad’ll be so proud!”

But as they speeded down the hill across the shallow dip-
The little boy, who thought to win, lost his step and slipped.
Trying hard to catch himself, his hands flew out to brace-
And mid the laughter of the crowd the boy fell on his face.
So down he fell and with him hope- he couldn’t win it now-
Embarrassed, sad, he only wished to disappear somehow.
But as he fell, his Dad stood up and showed his anxious face,
Which to the boy so clearly said, “Get up and win the race.”

He quickly rose, no damage done, behind a bit that’s all.
He ran with all his mind and might, to make up for his fall,
So anxious to restore himself, to catch up and to win.
His mind went faster than his legs, and he slipped and fell again.
He wished then he’d quit before with only one disgrace.
“I’m hopeless as a runner now, I shouldn’t try to race.”
But in the laughing crowd he searched, found his father’s face,
That steady look, which said again, “Get up and win the race.”

So up he jumped to try again ten yards behind the last.
“If I’m to gain those yards,” he thought, “I’ve got to move real fast!”
Exerting everything he had he regained eight or ten.
But tryin’ so hard to catch the lead, he slipped and fell again.
Defeat! He lay there silently, a tear dropped from his eye.
“There’s no sense running anymore, three strikes, I’m out, why try.”
The will to rise had disappeared, all hope had fled away,
So far behind, so error prone, a loser all the way!
“I’ve lost so what’s the use,” he thought. “I’ll live with my disgrace.”
But then, he thought about his Dad, who soon he’d have to face.
“Get up!” an echo shouted low, “Get up and take your place.
You were not meant for failure here, get up and win the race!

With borrowed will, get up,” it said. “You haven’t lost at all.
For winning is no more than this, to rise each time you fall!
So up he rose to run once more and with a new commit,
He resolved that win or lose, at least he wouldn’t quit!
So far behind the others now, the most he’d ever been,
Still he gave it all he had and ran as though to win.
Three times he’d fallen, stumbling, three times he’d rose again.
Too far behind to hope to win, he still ran to the end!
They cheered the winning runner as he crossed the line first place.
Head high and proud and happy, no falling, no disgrace.

But when the fallen youngster had crossed the line, last place,
The crowd gave him the greater cheer for finishing the race.
And even though he came in last with head bowed low, unproud,
You would have thought he’d won the race to listen to that crowd.
And to his Dad he sadly said, “I didn’t do too well.”
“To me you won,” his father said, “You rose each time you fell!”

And now when things seem dark and hard and difficult to face,
The memory of that little boy helps me in my race.
For all of life is like that race, with ups and downs and all,
And all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall!
“Quit, Give up, You’re beaten,” they still shout that in my face.
But deep within me a voice still says, “Get up and win the race!”

Great Opportunities

It is wonderful to serve the Lord. I thank Him for saving me and for calling me into His work. I just want to share what He has allowed me to do in various places in this month.

In Panabo
Last July 9, 2009 I was privileged to be invited to the Bible Baptist Church – Panabo for their 2^nd Annual Mission Conference. I enjoyed good time of visitation and fellowship with their pastor, my friend, Steve Ong. They had a theme of “Ye are Witnesses” from Acts 1:8. I preached that night from Acts 8 on the Ethiopian Eunuch. The Lord blessed in a special way and I give Him all the glory for that. I encourage you to be in prayer for the church, their pastor and his family as they labor for the Lord in that needy area.

In Malita
July 14-16, 2009

I enjoyed a wonderful opportunity being with the opening of the 3^rd Year of the Bible Baptist Institute Opening in Malita. The school has been blessed with 18 graduating students! All of them excited and eager to serve the Lord. My pastor, Rev. Anselmo Ingay, preached a great message on Gideon and how he conquered the challenges by relying upon the Lord.

The following day, I taught classes on the Articles of Faith, Song leading and Soul Winning. During the afternoon, all of us went out to the community and practiced what we have learned in the classroom. Joy can be seen on the faces of each one as they shared their soul winning experiences. I also thank the Lord for the great opportunity of preaching His Word that night. The altars were filled as Christians dedicated themselves to the Lord.

Please be in prayer for Bro. Joel Brasileno & family as they seek to labor for the Lord in Malita.

I give glory to God for all the things He has allowed me to do. It’s my desire to just be a blessing.

‘Til next time!

Bro. J

“The History and Purpose of our Bible Institute”
2 Timothy 2:1-4; Hebrews 5:1-4
Given by Rev. Anselmo Ingay last July 7, 2009

The 1^st Bible School was opened by Rev. Schott on June 9, 1959 – that was 50 years ago. We are now on the 48^th year because there was 2 year period when Bible School was stopped. When Bible school started, they had only one teacher, Rev. Schott with the help of Mrs. Schott. In 50 years of existence, I’m proud to say that out Bible institute remains the same. What it was 50 years ago is very much the same now.

Mainly, I would like to say that our goal and purpose is very much the same. The original and only purpose why Bible institute was started is to train men and women for full-time ministry. Our ladies are expected to serve as Bible women. Our men are expected to become Pastors of local churches. Our school is not meant for people who just like to get bible knowledge; we believe bible learning is provided by teaching through our Sunday School program and most especially the preaching of God’s Word which is done by the pastor.

As a pastor, I always draw a line – I always make a distinction in training men to do the work of the ministry. I train the men in our local church to do the work in the ministry of the local church.
I train men in our Bible School to go to the mission field. And by the grace of God, we do not want to mix-up things in our priorities. If you’re not called of God to go to the mission field, do not enroll in Bible School because I’m committed to do this ministry as a training ground for the 500 pastors who will pastor the 500 churches that I want to see before the time the Lord calls me home.

Avoid these few things in coming to Bible School:

1. Don’t go to Bible School because you feel there is no other place you can go to. It seems everywhere you go, you fail. You try to drive a bus, you failed; you tried to be a doctor, all of your patients died; you tried to be a lawyer, all of your clients went to jail; you applied for a job and nobody accepts you, so you go to Bible School.

2. Don’t go to Bible School hoping the ministry will provide you a living.

3. Don’t go to Bible School because you feel the ministry is the easiest job in the world. There are a lot of churches who look at the ministry as a place to find comfort, like someone on vacation; they look at the ministry as a place to find good sleep.

4. Do not look at the ministry as a place to try-out, a place to find opportunity. If it works favorably, well good; if things get hard, that means you retract or withdraw.
NO! Ministry is a life of commitment!

Friend, the only reason you surrender to go to Bible School is because God has called you.