burning bush q2 2015

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THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF BACK TO THE BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH

ISSUE NO. 6

BURNING BUSH

2nd QUARTER 2015 DUBAI U.A.E

FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY

“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place;

and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” -Matthew 17:20

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Editor's Desk Sis. Junila Salundagit

From The Pastor Ptr. Erwin Concepcion

Into the Word Ptr. Ian Alix

Editor's Pick

Christian Study ‐ Hermeneutics Bro. Jeffrey Paul Cruz

Christian Education Corner Ptr. Erwin Concepcion

King's Men - 6th Anniversary Bro. Rued Almadilla

True Womanhood ‐ 6th Anniversary Sis. Maylin Ekit

Lord’s Young Flock: Its Significance Sis. Bernadette Kae Contreras

Christian Sojourners ‐ Prayer Watch Sis. May Pedico

Music Ministry ‐ The Bread of Life Cantata Sis. Juvy Sampang

Gameo Fellowship Sis. Erlani Maningat

Bible Study Update – Karama Group Sis. Junila Forteza

Health Corner Sis. Cherrie Tuquero

Winter Sportfest Sis. Klariss Bergonio & Sis. May Pedico

Family Day with the Apostol Couple Sis. May Pedico

Mission Updates

Life Testimony Bro. Mohammad Zad Ibrahim

BURNING BUSH

CONTENTS 10

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Table of

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From the Editor's Desk

The

ace with Gord Jes“ refore,

being justified by faith, we have pe od, through ourL us Christ.

” Romans 5:1

BURNING BUSH staff

EDITOR‐IN‐CHIEF Junila Salundagit

DEPUTY EDITOR Rued Almadilla

SUB‐EDITORS May Pedico

Juan Paolo Avila

CONTENT COORDINATORS

Arriane Intal Juvy Sampang

Cherrie Tuquero

GRAPHICS Pastor Ian Alix

Lorie Torio Jerna Love Dueñas

Rosette Perido

PHOTOS BBBC Brethren

Contact Us:

[email protected]

COVER DESIGN BY: Jerna Love Dueñas

By the grace of God through faith in Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are granted dispensation from the punishment of death due to our sin and given the liberty to be God's children. It is a precious gift that we now possess albeit undeserving, therefore summons us to revere its value and influence in our daily Christian endeavors, trying and persevering knowing that our labor is not in vain in God. Faith is no longer an insignificant word in our vocabulary; it is actually an integral part of our lives. The Burning Bush Team sincerely hopes that this 6th issue of the Burning Bush Newsletter mirrors this month's theme, The Power of Faith – the same power that inspires us to carry on despite our struggles, in view of our limitations. Optimistically, we anticipate that once again this issue brings you comprehensive information and updates of the recent activities of Back to the Bible Baptist Church. Nothing but humble servants Coram Deo, we press on to offer Him our best. We have done our utmost to put into words and capture and display in images the magnificence of our King. May every article that you read speaks of how marvelous the God we serve is and every illustration reflects the joy that we have because of our God's unconditional love and abounding grace to us! Junila F. Salundagit Editor-In-Chief

We would like to acknowledge our brethren Sis Regine, Sis Sarah Kay, Sis Rosemarie, Sis Juvy, Sis Juny and Sis Love for submitting their entries. Thank you for your labor of love!

Want to share this to a friend? You may preview or download

this issue to this link.

http://issuu.com/theburningbush

Burning Bush / Second Quarter / 2015

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Every Christian is familiar with the word “Faith”. We study it, we meditate it, and we learn how to practice it. Faith is part of the Christian life from beginning to end. It is an instrument by which the gift of salvation is received (Ephesians 2:8-9). Faith is distinct from the basis of salvation, which is grace, and the outworking of salvation, which is good works. Thus, faith became an integral part of a true believer’s life at the moment of his/her salvation. That is why the Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Dear Brethren,

In modern times, faith has been weakened in meaning that some people use it to mean self-confidence. But in the Bible, true faith is confidence in God or Christ, not in one’s self.

Genuine saving faith is a personal attachment and reliance to Christ and commitment to Him. Faith can be proved by our obedience to His commands, “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 2:8, 9) The most difficult part in the life of a believer is when faith is being tested through trials. A person may be familiar to many Bible stories about faith, even memorized those important verses to strengthen his/her faith but unless that person experience serious trials in life, he/she would not really know what real faith means. Jesus criticized His disciples for lack of faith when they experienced tremendous trials even in His presence. Peter’s faith weakened and began to sink when he turned to boisterous wind and violent waves (Matthew 14:29-31), the storm on the way to Gadarenes (Luke 8:22-25), the faith as mustard seed (Matthew 17:14-20). Every believer must undergo trials in order for him to discover how far or close he/she is to God in faith. The Bible says, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6-7). Faith not only strengthens the believers’ stand with God but also allows Him to show His power and might through them. His supernatural power was demonstrated through victories of His faithful men like Moses, Joshua, David and many other courageous men of the Bible. We are no difference than those victorious men of the Bible. They were not superhuman but ordinary men like us today. But because of their trust and faith in God, they became mighty and feared by the enemies of God’s people. Their miraculous works and tremendous war victories defied all logical and scientific norms in the history of life. Can logic and science explain the crumble down of the mighty wall of Jericho by just trumpets and shouts of Joshua and his men? (Joshua 6) Hebrew 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.” The God who created the heavens and the earth, the God who unleashed His wrath on earth because of the wickedness of the people, flooded the earth and killed all human beings except eight souls; the God who miraculously parted the Red Sea and guided Moses out of Egypt; the God who will judge this world in the last days, is the same God whom we believe today. Jesus is God personified in the flesh. If we believe that Jesus is in us and put our faith in Him, we will also be victorious in our walk with Him in this world. May the Lord Jesus strengthen our faith as we journey with Him through the Spirit.

For His Service,

Pastor Erwin Concepcion

Senior Pastor of Back to the Bible Baptist Church

[email protected] Burning Bush / Second Quarter / 2015

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"We are not what we say. What we do is the real key to our intentions. "These are words spoken by a renowned psychologist. He has observed in human behavior that the real revelation of a person’s character is through that person’s behavior. Very similar to what God said to us from the book of James that “Faith plus nothing equals nothing.” James describes the kind of faith that equals nothing, he calls it "dead faith” in James 2:17, in the same chapter verse 20 and again at the end of the chapter in verse 26. The Bible provides a clear understanding of genuine saving faith – true faith produces good fruit. In His parable of the sower in Luke 8:4-15 the Lord Jesus taught that while unbelievers are unfruitful; those who are saved would definitely bear fruit. In this parable, three out of four soils produced fruitless plants. What happened was, they heard God’s Word and continued for a while, and seems like they have believed, notice v.13 “when they hear, received the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away”. Their belief never really resulted in salvation. In other words, they said they believed but Jesus said that kind of belief is not sufficient unless it involves a new birth, a spiritual birth, being born again (John 3:1-21) a transformation which leads to a life of obedience. Saving faith is always verified by a transformed life and the presence of the work of the Holy Spirit while false, dead faith is indicated by the absence of righteous actions. Now it is clear that many people possess that kind of faith. They believe in God. They believe in Jesus Christ but not to the point of salvation. They may believe the facts about God and about Christ but they manifest no obvious commitment to Jesus Christ. They manifest no changed life that comes with true salvation marked by repentance and obedience. Intellectual belief is not enough. Remember, even the devils also believe God (James 2:19) but that is not the true saving faith. In contrast, true Christians are fruit bearing. Now, just to help you identify where you stand, here are some passages to guide you and to challenge you, all of us. Ask yourself a question: “Is my faith real?”

Proofs of True Saving Faith • Love for God: Matthew 22:37-39; Psalm 42:1ff; 73:25; Luke 10:27; Romans 8:7 • Love for Others: Matthew 22:37-39, 1 John 4:20-21, 1 John 3:23-24 • Repentance from Sin: Psalm 32:5; Proverbs 28:13; Psalm 51, Romans 7:14ff; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 1:8-10 • Genuine Humility: Psalm 51:17; Matthew 5:1-12; James 4:6, 9ff • Devotion to God's Glory: Psalm 105:3; 115:1; Isaiah 43:7, 48:10ff; Jeremiah 9:23, 24; 1 Corinthians 10:31 • Continual Prayer: Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:18ff.; Philippians 4:6ff; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; James 5:16-18 • Selfless Love: 1 John 2:9ff, 3:14; 4:7ff • Separation from the World: 1 Corinthians 2:12; James 4:4ff.; 1 John 2:15-17, 5:5 • Spiritual Growth: Luke 8:15; John 15:1-6; Ephesians 4:12-16 • Obedient Living :Matthew 7:21; John 15:14ff.; Romans 16:26;

1 Peter 1:2, 22; 1 John 2:3-5

Pastor Ian Alix Associate Pastor of

Back to the Bible Baptist Church [email protected]

INTO WORD

THE

Examine your FAITH

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Matthew 17:14–21 Matthew’s gospel depicts the essential part faith plays in the events of Jesus’ life as well as in His teaching. Joseph believed that Mary’s son was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, not by an illicit affair (1:18–25). Christ trusted the Father to sustain Him in His temptation (4:1–11) and marveled at the faith so often displayed by those outside of God’s covenant with Israel (8:5–13; 15:21–28). Peter was given the ability to identify Jesus as the Messiah, though His grasp of all that means was initially incomplete (16:13–23). Faith is the focus of today’s passage as we resume our exposition of Matthew. Having come down from the Mount of Transfiguration (17:9–13), Jesus and His disciples run into a crowd. Apparently, He gets temporarily separated from the Twelve because a distraught father updates Jesus on an encounter he and his son had with the disciples alone. The man asked Christ’s followers to heal his epileptic son but they were unable to restore the boy (vv. 14–16). Jesus then laments the faithlessness of His generation, which the disciples’ failure reveals clearly (v. 17). If those appointed to cast out demons, perform miracles (10:8), and sit at Christ’s feet did not have the faith to heal others, what hope is there for all who are not apostles? We do not know the way in which the disciples’ faith has been lacking; perhaps they had been trusting in the power of their words to exorcize demons, not the Creator Himself.The epileptic seizures may also have startled them, causing their faith to waver. Jesus uses the moment to emphasize the power of faith no matter its size (v. 20). That faith can move mountains is not a literal expression, it is a metaphor that means faith can accomplish the impossible (see 1 Corinthians 13:2). Of course, power does not inhere in faith itself; faith is not a magical way to manipulate reality. Instead, faith is effective because it is the means by which we access the help of God Himself, with whom all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Faith is the conviction, John Calvin comments, that “God will never forsake us, if we keep the door open for receiving his grace.”And He cannot help but move in the lives of those who cry out to Him day and night (Exodus 2:23–3:8;Luke 18:1–8). Coram Deo Today’s passage does not define faith exhaustively; thus, it must be read in concert with other passages like 1 John 5:14, which emphasizes the importance of God’s will when we pray. As Dr. John MacArthur writes: “True faith, by Christ’s definition, always involves surrender to the will of God” (The MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 1,156). Faith believes that God can move mountains, but it also knows to anticipate only those things He has promised. Passages for Further Study Exodus 14 Luke 17:5–6 From Ligonier Ministries, the teaching fellowship of R.C. Sproul. All rights reserved. Website: www.ligonier.org | Phone: 1-800-435-4343Direct Link: http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/small-powerful-faith/

Small But Powerful

“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain,

Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

Matthew 17:20

Dr. Robert Charles Sproul was born in 1939 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries, which started as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, more than thirty years ago. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and Ligonier’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando, Florida, in 1984, and the ministry was renamed “Ligonier Ministries.”

Source: http://www.christianbook.com/html/authors/381.html

EDITOR’S PICK

FAITH

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The Holy Bible is not short of giving fair warnings about the destruction it brings to one’s soul from misinterpreting the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:16) but it also gives us clear instructions on how to evade such errors. Like the young pastor, Timothy who is charged by Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 2:15) to “study” the Scripture by “rightly dividing the word of truth” and thus, present himself “approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed” and so is likewise for us today. March 13, 2015 when the door of Manama Villa 7 once again opens to pave the start of another Hermeneutics Class with Pastor Erwin Concepcion as the lecturer. Students both refreshers and first-timers eagerly come to learn and grow spiritually. Hermeneutics means the science and art of biblical interpretation. It leans to answer such question of “How do I understand what this particular passage means?” and having the right answers through sound and proper interpretation of the Bible. Hence, leads a true believer to live a godly life. The same way as it says in page 1 of the Hermeneutics student’s manual, “knowing Scripture and as well as obeying it are the twin foundations of godly life.” The class commence by looking carefully in the overview of the whole study. It begins in the basic principles of Bible study. There are six basic principles at the heart of a sound method of biblical interpretation. One of which are the “four stages of biblical interpretation” – observation, interpretation, evaluation and application. These words can be described by asking these questions:

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

Observation – Do I understand the basic facts of the passage such as the meaning of the words?

Interpretation – What did the author mean in his own historical setting?

Evaluation – What does this passage mean in today’s culture?

Application – How can I apply what I learned to how I live my life?

The class will spend weeks of learning to get a good grasp of these principles. Each principle is defined and thoroughly examined. By doing so, the students are able to understand the importance of biblical context and apply Exegesis, which means to draw the meaning out of passage and avoid errors of approaching the Scripture in bias or subjectively called Eisegesis.

After laying out these basic foundations of Hermeneutics, the class is then given a simple exercise on April 17, 2015. Students are divided into small groups, comprising of 4. They are tasked to apply the four stages of biblical interpretation on the passage found in Matthew 15:1-20. Each student is given a chance to articulate and harness what he or she has learned in the past weeks. Through prayer, which is also one of basic principles, the activity is a success. Now that the study turns to the next chapter, everyone is looking forward for these principles to be further unpacked.

The Lord has been gracious to BBBC for giving Pastor Erwin the desire and a willing heart to teach Hermeneutics. The opportunity to have the class is such a blessing from God. So let us whisper the same prayer of Apostle Paul for the Colossians, for the believers to “be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;” Colossians 1:9, Amen. BB

Hermeneutics Class 2015 Bro. Jeffrey Paul Cruz


PRINCIPLES OF BIBLE

INTERPRETATION

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How to Increase Our OoOurour

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There are times in our lives when we question ourselves, “Am I really growing in faith with the Lord?”

Below are guidelines that will help us grow in faith with the Lord Jesus through the help of the Holy Spirit:

1. Hearing the Word of God Romans 10:17 says, “Faith cometh by hearing, and

hearing buy the Word of God.” As we hear God’s Word in the church, study it

privately, and believe God’s promises to be true, our faith increase.

We must hear, read, study, memorize and meditate on God’s Word.

2. Remember God’s Past Answers to Prayers David strengthened his faith before he fought

Goliath by remembering how God delivered him from the paw of the lion and the bear (1 Samuel 17:31-37).

Notice Saul’s lack of faith compared with David’s great faith. God’s past victories encourage us to attempt great things for God today and to trust God in the future.

3. Obey God in What You Know Already Luke 16:10 says: “He that is faithful in that which is

least is faithful also in much.” If you don’t do faithfully the little jobs that God has

given you to do today, you won’t faithfully do bigger jobs that God may ask of you later in life.

4. Ask God for Great Things Daily John 16:24 says, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in

my name: ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”

You will receive what you ask for if you ask in Jesus’ Name, according to His will.

Ask in faith for wisdom, nothing in doubt (James 1:5-7).

Ask God to give you a mighty impact to the world for Christ.

5. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s Leading Philip did this in Acts 8:26-31, resulting in the

Ethiopian Eunuch being saved. As we listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading, we become

more used of God, others are blessed, God is glorified, and we are more encouraged to attempt more things for God.

6. By Meditating on God’s Goodness of Character in the Bible Notice how God loves you. He wants to bless us and lead us in the right way (Psalm

34:4-10, 17-22). Psalm 37:8 says, “O taste and see that the Lord is good:

blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work

together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

7. By Trusting in the Lord Rather than Fearing Psalm 56:3 says, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath

taken away: blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job continued to trust God even though he lost his

wealth, health and family (Job 1:21).

8. Read How God Answered Missionaries’ Prayers in the Past Read Christian journals, books of Christian testimonies

and tracts.

9. Develop a Thankful Attitude 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks:

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Thank God for all things, knowing that God is working out His perfect will in our lives.

10. Study Bible’s Creation, Fulfilled Prophesies, and Proofs through Archaeology Study facts proven creation, Bible’s fulfilled prophesies,

and proofs of the Bible from science and archaeology. These will convince us of God’s Word being true and of

God’s care for us.

11. Tackle Giants Courageously Tackle giants courageously with the Lord’s strength.

Joshua 1:5-9 says, “(5) There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. (6) Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. (7) Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. (8) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt

Pastor Erwin Concepcion.

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meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (9) Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

12. Have a Humble Spirit Have a humble spirit seeing the natural poverty and

need of God. God will to such man. Isaiah 66:2 says, “For all those things hath mine hand

made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.”

13. Attempt New Things for God Attempt new things for God: to reach more people for

Christ and to teach God’s Word. 14. Be Content if You Are Unmarried Be content if you are unmarried; use your time to serve

God. God will provide a spouse if He wills in His own time.

1Timothy 6:6 says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

15. Learn to Wait Upon the Lord Learn to wait upon the Lord for Him to provide our

needs. Psalm 40:1 says, “I waited patiently for the LORD; and

he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.”

16. Tithe Tithe. Develop our faith in God’s ability to provide. Malachi 3:7-12 says, “(7)Even from the days of your

fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? (8) Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. (9) Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. (10) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there

may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (11) And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. (12) And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delight some land, saith the LORD of hosts.”

As we give money to God’s work above what we think we can afford, God continues to abundantly provide our needs. We then have faith to give more.

17. Be a Clean Vessel

Be a clean vessel and God will use you more. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 says, “(20) But in a great house

there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. (21) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

1 Peter 2:11 says, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.”

18. Be Filled with the Holy Spirit Daily

Be aware of God’s presence doing great things in our lives.

Ephesians 5:18-20 says, “(18) And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (19) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (20) Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

19. Study to Learn Soul Winning

Study and learn soul winning and follow up by doing it. As people get saved and come to church through our

outreach, our faith will increase.

May the Lord increase our faith as we learn His ways everyday

through the Scripture. BB


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REAL MEN

King’s Men’s


Joshua is a great leader and a good example of a faithful servant of God. Taking over Moses in leading stubborn Israelites is never an easy task for him. Nevertheless, Joshua remained to stand firm in following and obeying God’s commandment. To be strong and be of good courage were several times told by God to Joshua, giving him the assurance that HE will be with him all the way (Joshua 1:6-7, 9).

The characteristics of Joshua like his boldness, courage and faithfulness are patterns to follow for men in the church. As Joshua fought his battle, men of the churches should fight their own spiritual battle. Men are naturally leaders in their household or anywhere they exercise their authority and should take this responsibility seriously.

This is Pastor Erwin Concepcion’s exhortation to the men of BBBC in connection to King’s Men’s 6th Anniversary celebration with the Theme, “Upholding Our Integrity for Christ” from the passage of 2 Timothy 2:1-3, held on March 27 at JOMAC’S Residences’ rooftop.

The celebration has a simple yet meaningful program. It started by singing marching type hymns such as

Onward Christian Soldiers and the Fight Is On. As the game master, I prepared some games so that BBBC King’s Men can have fellowship with one another. The highlight is the challenge left by Pastor Erwin to all the men. He encouraged BBBC men to act like real men of God. He defied the men regarding three things: first is, to be more involved in the soul winning – the idea is each one reach one; second is, to participate in the music ministry especially in the choir; and the third one is, to be serious in serving the Lord in whatever ministry the Lord has called.

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OF GOD 6th Anniversary

Bro. Rued Almadilla

After the spiritual feast in the Word of God, dinner was served ala boodle fight. The TW ladies prepared the sumptuous dinner.

The celebration is concluded with a prayer by Pastor Erwin Concepcion as he lifted up all men of BBBC to be faithful in serving the great King, Jesus Christ. BB

And if it seems evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were

on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15


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And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,

True Womanhood Fellowship’s

ebruary 6, 2015 marks the 6th year of God’s faithfulness and enabling grace to the Back to the Bible Baptist Church Women’s Ministry, more commonly known as the True Womanhood or TW Fellowship. The purpose of this ministry is to display the glory of Jesus in our design as women in the truest sense. It is indeed a great blessing and privilege to be part of a sisterhood of believers who are driven by their desire to cater, encourage and equip every woman in the church to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, all for the glory of God! (2 Peter 3:18)

The celebration of the 6th Anniversary held in Lavender Hotel revolves around the Theme:

“Celebrating God’s Love – the Greatest Power Ever Known”. In the afternoon of that day before the programme proper starts, Registration and Evangelism Team with TW leaders are all set to welcome members and visitors with their heartwarming smiles, hugs, kisses and handshakes, making sure that everyone is comfortable and well-accommodated. The programme proper is soon commenced by prayer led by Sis. Dhors, followed by welcoming remarks from Sis. Arriane and singspiration led by Sis. Mayet. Sis. Lani and Sis. Juny make a perfect tandem as they host the program with wit and grace, keeping the ambience lively and engaging. The hosts also share to the new members and visitors the history of TW, how this humble ministry all started with the yearning and burden God has placed in the heart of a woman in the name of Sis. Deds Celebrar, who in her search for answers, was led by the Spirit to Nancy Leigh De Moss’ messages on Spiritual Revival. She talked about her burden and shared what she has found to two of her closest friends, Sis. Beth and Sis. Rochelle and the rest was history. After that, Sis. Eng and Sis. Jane facilitate fun group games and icebreakers. One of the hosts, Sis. Juny Salundagit, shares her testimony of how God changed her life since the day she accepted Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior and how she completely surrendered her life to

Christ. The heart that once was filled with rebellion, hatred, pain and filth as she would say, was delivered, forgiven, cleansed and restored by an ever- loving God. Certainly, the Lord has the power to transform one’s life in ways far beyond what we can imagine only if she will decide to surrender her life to God completely.

Beautiful voices echo through the hall as the Ladies Quartet render their special number to the Lord. Right after that, TW leader, Sis. May Pedico delivers God’s Message. She expounds on how great and immeasurable God’s love is towards us, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). As


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and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. ~ Mark 12:30

The Greatest Power Ever Known Sis. Maylin Ekit

6th Anniversary Special


recipients of God’s gift, of God’s great love therefore, this same love ought to manifest in our lives, enabling us to love God, love others, and love our enemies. Loving our enemies may be the hardest thing to do and is almost impossible with men, but if we have God’s love in our hearts, it is always possible for His love enables. As we are revived, encouraged and inspired with the message, our Senior Pastor, Pastor Erwin Concepcion reminds us with words of exhortation, encouraging us - women, to be godly, in the way we think, talk and walk, with added emphasis on how we should and why we should dress up with modesty. Praises be to God for He has blessed us with leaders whose utmost desire is to continuously seek to glorify His Name and remain

steadfast in their work for the Lord, leading and equipping us – members for God’s service and thus, for God’s glory!

Before we end, there could be no other lovelier way to wrap up the celebration than by lifting all our voices together in singing our theme song!

Here’s the chorus from the song entitled Truly Yours by Steve and Vikki Cook, the line that sums it all:

Make us Yours Lord, truly Yours, With hearts and minds completely Yours

Women who love You with a passion for Your name Make us Yours, Lord, truly Yours.

And how can a sumptuous dinner be possibly

missed?

What a blessed day, indeed!

May the True Womanhood Ministry, together with the rest of BBBC Ministries, continue to grow in God’s grace in many years to come!

All glory, praises and honor be unto the Lord God Almighty! BB

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First of all, I would like to thank our Lord for giving me an opportunity to share how blessed I am to be a part of the LYF ministry.

So what is LYF all about? LYF stands for Lord’s Young Flock. This is one of the groups

in BBBC ministering the young ones. It is all about encouraging and moulding children in the Lord’s way by the help of the teachers. This ministry guides not only me, but every little ones to know and grow spiritually in the Lord.

Having our LYF Friday School every week assists us to increase our knowledge about the

Bible, godly principles, equipping us in our Christian walk. We are also having our activity like prayer watch. This gives us the chance to pray for

our teachers, BBBC members and all other ministries of the church. Whenever we have our prayer watch, we are looking forward for exciting experience of sleepovers and cooking of breakfast. Brethren from the church welcome us heart-warmingly in their humble home.

Bernadette Kae Contreras

Every 3rd Friday of the month, we are having a separate worship service which we call the Junior Worship. We are given privileges to be a worship leader, prayer leader, usher and usherettes. I and my best friend Tracy Nicole Del Castillo are assigned for playing the instruments. She plays piano and I play guitar. Some render their special songs for God. We praise the Lord for our 3rdAnniversary last February 2015. Junior Worship is a great experience that will always be cherished in our hearts.

LYF is flourishing for the past years till date. We have our own cantata, playing different kinds of instrument, participating

on drama team and orchestra. In addition, we have our own camping, worship and fellowship and assignment to assist teachers in handling toddlers in every Friday School. Our ministry indeed, grows.

Kae’s Farewell With the LYF

Teachers

ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN MY LIFE

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

In the past six years that I am in this ministry, I witnessed the beauty of the Lord’s glory that is continuously working not only in my life but in my family’s life. I decided to be baptized last year March 22, together with my best friend and my fellow teens in LYF. I am surrounded with godly friends who add up in my joy. I pray that we can use all the things that we have learned to continue serve the Lord in one way or another wherever He leads us. BB


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PRAYER IS POWER Sojourners’ 2nd Quarter Prayer Watch

Sis. May Pedico

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. -Philippians 4:6

With confidence I believe that every Christian perceives prayer as a communication with God. Communing about prayer, stapled quote like this echo in my mind, “Prayer is power! More prayer, more power; less prayer, less power and no prayer, no power! It simply means we should never underrate the power of prayer.

This leads to fashion a pursuit for Sojourners –

the singles’ ministry of the church to what we call the Prayer Watch. Lend me a minute of indulging in reminiscence: It started with few familiar countenances of singles and young professionals who clustered together in Mamzar Beach to wholly focus on praying and meditating on God’s Word. To calculate the time, it was 5 years ago. See how time advances so swiftly!

Since then, Prayer Watch turned to be a customary quarterly activity of Sojourners. As we pray, we witness innumerable times how the Lord God Almighty answers our prayers! We rejoice over to see the power of God intensely working in us and through us. Henceforth, it changed our perceptions, our hearts and at most, our lives! Such, cause us once again to pursue our 2nd quarter prayer watch for the current year 2015 on Friday night, 7:30pm onwards of April 3. Favored with the presence of 28 young adults inclusive of the visitors, having the desire to listen to the Word of God, fervently pray and happily fellowship with fellow singles made the event worth-remembering.

The cool and refreshing breeze of the winter night makes the ambiance in Zabeel Park ideal for the activity. We opened with a prayer then sing songs in the hymnal while seated on a mat. The set of games prepared by Jomac group has energized and brought us smiles, chuckles and laughs. The message of God delivered by Bro. Melvin situates us to the solemn manner and meditation state. He exhorts us to walk in the light as children of God and followers of Christ (John 8:12). We should not be seen walking in darkness anymore which is evidential in our deeds and words (John 3:20-21).

Individual, by pair and by group prayers lead by 3

brethren namely Bro. Melvin, Bro. Rued and Bro. Sid shadow the Message, respectively in timed approach, adding up to the highlights of the Prayer Watch. Tasty and finger-licking foods were served for dinner and thus, joyous fellowship voluntarily springs in.

As anticipated, sojourners find it hard to split ways,

momentarily. In the darkness of night, endless chats can be visualized and overheard while strolling towards the train, homeward bound. Each of us possesses smiles in our faces, reflections of what is in the inner men. As an assembly of Christian young adults, we have surrendered and expressed the desires of our hearts to the Lord. With perseverance, we pray having faith and assurance that God, in His perfect time and will, is going to answer our requests. He continually works in us and through us for prayer is power!

Another prayer watch serves its purpose and so, to

the Lord God Almighty be the glory and utmost praise! BB


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Musical presentation 2015

Sis. Juvy Sampang

The

After 3 months of intensive preparations, we, in the music ministry are grateful for God's constant providence. All things needed are set from the music sheets, drama scripts, costumes, props, venues and the equipments necessary for the play. After rigorous practice of the cast and incessant joint prayers of Back to the Bible Baptist Church members, the most awaited day has finally come.

It seems that there are millions of butterflies in my stomach while waiting for the cue to start. It is maybe the usual feeling of most stage performers, especially to those doing it for the first time. I am grateful and thankful to be given a chance like this. As I stand in awe of God's amazing grace, I realized how privileged I am to be able to worship and give praises to Him through singing, offering my voices to our living God.

The Back to the Bible Baptist Church presents a musical play entitled “The Bread of Life” in remembrance of the

Resurrection of Jesus Christ (John 6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.) The event was held at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Salahuddin Road, Deira, Dubai on Friday, 10th of April 2015, 6:30 in the evening. I was extremely nervous as I saw the pleasant countenance of our guests – family members and friends who came to see the presentation. The call to worship and reading of Bible passage was led by Bro. Rued Almadilla at about 7pm. Bro. Cyril Rodriguez guided everyone in singing of hymns accompanied by BBBC Instrumentalists. Pastor Erwin Concepcion then, led us to an earnest opening prayer.

My heart sounded like a drum roll with its continuous and erratic beating as the Lord’s Young Flocks started singing,

though soon after a smile appeared on my face seeing those little ones confidently giving their best to the Lord. It touched me deeply to listen to such sweet and joyful voices offered to give glory to our Savior. As we raised our voices in praises and worship to deliver the message of God's immeasurable grace and great love for all mankind through songs, other group of BBBC brethren sequentially performed with their God-given talents in acting, portraying the lives of the characters in the story.

The story was about how a man came to know Jesus Christ through breaking of bread. How he believed and followed

Him and shared the Bread of Life from Heaven to everyone. How he came to know THE VERY BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED IN THE WORLD. The story goes through when the father and mother don’t want to believe their son telling them the miracle that Jesus had done with his packed lunch of bread and fish. Most people hold on to the saying to see is to believe eventhough the truth is right in front of them. We require proof as basis for our belief. But the Lord is great and amazing, He showed His power and the father in the story experienced it. In his own eyes, he was healed not only physically but more highly, spiritually. It was truly a blessed and wonderful night!

Choir delivers the message through singing.

He is the living bread that came down from heaven and that if anyone who eats the bread,

He’ll live forever: Jesus said that the bread He gives is His flesh, which He gives

for the life of the world. Whosoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.


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With conviction and magnitude, Pastor Erwin Concepcion, the Senior Pastor of Back to the Bible Baptist Church briefly discussed the message of the performance supported by enlightening passages from the Scripture. Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life and as His followers we have the responsibility to spread this truth. God demonstrated His love towards us when His Only Begotten Son was sent to be the sacrificial Lamb as the Atonement for our sins. Our faith plays a very important role in our salvation. We have to believe in Him, repent from our sins and fully surrender our life to Him. This is the Good News; Jesus sacrificed His life so we can live. With all of your heart, accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and you will experience an eternal life with Him in heaven after physical death on earth will come to you. BB

Pastor Erwin concludes the night with a prayer.

Meet Mr. Drama Director, Bro. Jeffrey Paul Cruz

Bro. Cyril leads the Congregation in the closing hymn. Children sings praises to the Lord.

Lucas’ father shares to his family that Jesus is the Bread of life.

Burn One of the scenes that proves of Lucas’ strong faith.


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gam-eh'-o Definition to lead in marriage, take to wife

a. to get married, to marry b. to give one's self in marriage

Source: http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/gameo.html

GAMEO MINISTRY M

arriage EMBEDDED IN FAITH

od commanded all Christians to study His Word (2 Timothy 2:15, John 5:39) and He also give

specific instructions to married couples on how they are to live their lives as husband and wife. From the beginning of time, starting from the Garden of Eden up to today’s time, God is specific when it comes to marriage and each person’s role. Marriage is the most important relationship a man and woman can enter into (Ecclesiastes 4:9) asidefrom his/her personal relationship with God. This union is sacred. As our pastor often says, “Marriage is the joining of two sinners, two different personalities, different family backgrounds, different ways of upbringing, culture or way of life and living together in one house.” Can you imagine what will happen to them after the wedding? After the first child is born? When a man and a woman finally decide to be together in covenant of marriage having God in the center of their union, everything will be alright.That is in our idealistic perspective but, what if their union is tried? How would a godly man and woman react? How will they settle the issues and differences? Can they stand the blows without being neither shaken nor weakened?

Couples must build a marriage on the Solid Rock foundation who is Jesus Christ! But, how? “Walk by faith and not by sight”. Through our faith, we will be able to hid God’s Words in our hearts that we may not sin against Him (Psalm 113:11).

Faith is the key element in our spiritual lives. In other words, "the just should live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). What is meant by "living by faith, not by sight"? Living by faith means living supernaturally in the spirit, not in the flesh. It means being IN the world but not OF the world. It means rising ABOVE our circumstances and looking to the Author and Finisher of our faith. It also means fixing our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen (2 Corinthians 4:18). Meaning to say, seeing our partner not as the object of our blame and anger when things do not come out right. Looking unto Jesus, we should realize that conflicts in couples sometimes arise because God wants to mold our characters to become better persons, stronger, dependable, faithful and Christ-like couples. When conflicts arise, couples should remember what God has commanded them to do, that is to love one another as Christ has loved them (John 13:34) and gave Himself for them. Ephesians 5:21-30 describes relationships within families: we are to submit to one another in love and put the needs of others more than our own. This is especially true in marriage where the husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church and care for her as he cares for his own body. On the other hand, a wife is to submit to her husband and respect him (Ephesians 5:22, 30). With that in mind, when conflict arises the first step is self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5). After we have brought our concerns to the Lord and been honest with ourselves about our own failures or selfish desires, then we can approach others with our

G

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EMBEDDED IN FAITH

concerns. Furthermore, God designed believers to meet each other’s needs peacefully (Colossians 3:15). We all need God’s grace for our own mistakes and we must have grace for others when communicating our needs and concerns (Colossians 4:6). Communicating the truth in love is the key to being heard. Only when we communicate to others their value in our eyes, they will be able to accept hard truths (Ephesians 4:15). Practicing the discipline of thinking carefully and praying before we speak can break this vicious cycle. Godly communication can be put in simple terms by remembering to treat others the way we want to be treated (Luke 6:31). God said blessed are the peacemakers and being such is one of the goals for Christians (Matthew 5:9). Applying biblical principles to relationships will enable us to handle conflict effectively. Moreover, there are some spiritual activities that could help couples to strongly live in faith and grow together in Christ. As we seek God together as a couple, we will also draw closer to each other and develop a deep, close spiritual intimacy. Couples should always be together when they pray, attend the Bible study or worship service, give regular tithes, present in fellowship, do service or join church ministry and most of all witness Jesus to others. He entrusted to His followers the task of leading the reconciliation of the lost souls to God.

Doing all the things mentioned will prepare the couples in any storm that will come their way. The problem is that most Christian couples wish they spent time together praying and encouraging each other from the Bible, but they just don't do it. They let other

arriage

“For we walk by Faith, not by sight”

(2 Corinthians 5:7)

priorities crowd out what should be the most important aspect of their marriage. Spending time in prayer and in the Word as a couple helps you anticipate what will come in your next seasons of life. As Jesus mentioned in

Matthew 17:20, “...If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Having great faith will move us to pray together, push us to turn to Him and teach us as we have the Scripture to "hold on to". Spiritual intimacy and walking in faith, holding each other’s hands will draw us closer as a couple and it will help us stand strong in every season that comes our way. A marriage embedded in faith is the kind of marriage founded in love, guided by His Word and sealed by God. It is a covenant so strong that even in life’s strongest calamities or great tragedies it will be able to stand still and immovable. Finally, let us bear in mind

what God said in Mark 10:9, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” BB

Sis. Erlani Maningat

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BIBLE STUDY UPDATE KARAMA BIBLE STUDY GROUP

WHY ONE NEEDS TO BE A PART OF A BIBLE STUDY GROUP?

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without

wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

And let us consider one another to provoke unto

love and to good works:

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,

as the manner of some is;

but exhorting one another: and so much the more,

as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25

The following verses cannot stress enough the importance of a bible study group. Attending bible studies is a big part of a Christian’s spiritual growth. Through these small groups, we can have in-depth study of the scriptures and opportunities to ask from the most complex up to the most mundane of questions in our minds to assuage doubts that can sway our Christian faith. We are offered a structured time to focus on topics that address our needs or interests related to our Christian walk. We can share our insights and perspectives to others. More importantly, it is an opportunity to invite unbelievers to evangelize and let them hear the Gospel. It also allows us to have a stronger relationship with our brethren as we are given more time to fellowship. Correspondingly, we become not only accountable to our own welfare but our fellow Christians, as well. Karama Bible Study Group is just one of the many Bible study groups of Back to the Bible Baptist Church.

Each individual is unique and gifted according to God’s divine purpose and we complement one another, like-minded in serving and bringing glory to God. It is a blessing, indeed, to belong to a group and get prayer support, be encouraged at tough times and be reminded of our commitment to God’s work in moments of weakness.

Attending our Bible Study every Tuesday nights, 8:30pm to be exact, has become a delightful habit for all of us. It is a welcome respite from a hectic day by being with our brethren. We start with an opening prayer, then with singing to prepare our hearts. This is followed by a challenging memory verse recitation. Afterwards, as soon as a special number is given, a short devotion will be heard from one of the members. Bro. Melvin Caba, our bible study group leader, will then continue by teaching us our lesson which at the moment is the Doctrine of Salvation. We end by a closing prayer which includes the giving of thanks for the food that has become a traditional way for us – Karama BS Group to fellowship. The entire time friendly banter and stories will be thrown here and there. It is a usual sight to see everyone having great moments that we soon realize several minutes once again has passed and we should be finally heading home.

God is truly marvelous for granting us this gift to meet and know His people who bring joy and strengthen our Christian lives in preparation for His Kingdom. We are inviting you to be part of our weekly Bible Study. If you are not yet a member of any bible study groups and live nearby Karama Area, then you are most welcome to join with us as we grow in the knowledge of God’s Word. BB

Sis. Junila Salundagit


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For Your Creator’s Glory

Keep Yourself Healthy

You can live within normal and healthy weight limits more

than you desire to punish yourself. Right now, you use food to numb your emotional distress and you fear that without using food and excess body fat as psychological defenses, your life will be nothing but empty pain. Therefore, to overcome the habit of constantly reaching for something to deaden pain, endeavor to teach yourself to act in new ways through love. Recognize the urge to utilize food as a way to numb emotional pain, and then return to food to its proper place in your life: not as a psychological defense but as a gift of nutrition. This takes considerable conscious effort – still, it is possible through graceful trust in God’s help and protection. Here are some suggestions to consider with regards to a healthy way to care for your body and in the process, let go of excess weight and maintain an ideal weight: Make exercise a constant part of your life. Do bending

and stretching exercises. Use light weights. If necessary, follow an exercise DVD to learn the routines. Walk rather than drive, wherever possible. Take stairs rather than elevators. Lifestyle activities require at least 30 minutes of your time.

Eat foods made with whole grain flours. Avoid “store

bought” baked goods that use refined white flour. Bake as much as you can at home, using whole grain flours. Each serving portion looks like: 1 cup corn flakes equals a fist (hand), 1 pancake is a size of a compact disc, 1/3 cup of cooked rice or pasta is a lemon (big) and ½ cup baked or cooked potato equals ½ baseball. One serving will give you 15gms of carbohydrate equivalent to 60 calories.

Use light olive oil for shortening, not the commonly used

“partially hydrogenated vegetable oil” stuff that clogs your arteries. Each portion looks like: 1 teaspoon butter is 1 thumb tip and 1 tablespoon reduced fat, mayonnaise equals to 1 whole thumb. One serving will give 5grams fat equivalent to 45 calories.

Eat more vegetables as much as possible, rather than meat. One cup of raw vegetables is 1 tennis ball and half cup of cooked vegetable is half of a tennis ball. You will get 15 grams of carbohydrate and 25 calories in one serving.

For meat and meat products, 1 serving is 2-3 oz of protein,

1 oz. meat (1thumb) contains 0grams of carbs, 7gms protein 3-8 grams of Fat and 50-100 calories. Meat substitutes can be cottage cheese (1/2 cup), cheese (1 oz), Egg (1), peanut butter (1 tablespoon) and tofu (1 cup is a fist of a hand).

Avoid fried foods because they add unnecessary and

unhealthy grease to your diet. Greasy foods also tend to make your mind sluggish, thus, interfering with prayer.

Coffee and tea are considered free foods which are fine for

breakfast and dinner but throughout the day avoid them along with the culturally standard soda pop and colas. Drink only pure water about 8 oz (250 ml) of water per hour is not only healthy but it keeps you properly hydrated and also helps to keep your stomach full, thus, preventing you from feeling hungry between meals.

Avoid “automatic eating” and reflect on whether you really need the food or not. Whenever you are about to eat anything, whether it be a full meal or just a sip of water, take time to give it a proper blessing. In support of a humble diet, always thank God for the daily provisions He gives. Be grateful to God for receiving and gripping them with your bare hands, many are less privileged to have it. You are responsible to take good care of yourself. With a physically healthy body that is free from illness, you can serve God in various ways. Taking in appropriate and nutritious foods and drinks will give glory to your Creator! Hoping you will choose to do so! BB

What? know ye not that your body is the

temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you,

which ye have of God, and ye are not your

own?2For ye are bought with a price:

therefore glorify God in your body, and in

your spirit, which are God's.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Sis. Cherrie Tuquero



WINTER SPORTSFEST Enthusiasm and great delights are what everyone sounds as another BBBC victorious event hits the 1st quarter of the Year 2015. Winter Sportsfest 2015, an activity that makes us engage in physical activities is held at Kuwaiti Girls’ School Gymnasium, in Al Nahda, Dubai. ‘Twas a 2 consecutive Friday nights’ affair worth remembering! Nights of BBBC in Action!

On the first Friday, many brethren gathered in Manama Villa 7 for a devotion led by Pastor Ian Alix. His text is found in 1Timothy 4:8 which says,” For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. Indeed, exercise is essential to our physical bodies, though it profiteth a little, it is where God dwells according to 1 Corinthians 3:16, Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? Cited verses remind us to take good care of ourselves. These God-given bodies and life must be nourished both spiritually and physically. On the way to the venue, excitement ascends! Sportswear, rubber shoes, gears and accessories on are just clear evidences of the readiness of the brethren.

After the opening prayer, everyone gathers to have the grouping. Members were grouped by Bro. Rued and

Bro. Sid into 4 groups namely red, yellow, green and blue. Happily waving their flags and ribbons, all are set to start the games! Each group members are categorized on which sport they are into, lining up for basketball men and women, volleyball and badminton. As the games started, the noise pulsates in the gym; screams, cheers and laughs! A lucid depiction of the scenery: basketball on the left side, badminton on the corner, volleyball to the other and LYF's corner, as well. Everyone is waiting and is excited to know who will take the lead. A night jam-packed of fun and Christian joy! This is the Elimination round!

The remaining Friday was the finale of the sportsfest. We started from 6:30 pm at the same location. Several brethren from vacation join in. The whole court was prepared to see who the winning team really is. Everyone is in deep excitement since this is the championship round. Pastor Ian led the opening prayer. Warming up exercises followed and was led by Bro. Vincent. We have learned that the latter is what we missed last time, the extreme cause why humorous whines of body aches were

EBRUARY 13, 2015

BBBC in

PART 1 F

EBRUARY 20, 2015 PART 2 F


Sis. Klariss Bergonio and Sis. May Pedico

overheard and experienced in the succeeding days after the previous Friday. Enjoyment and more of it are what we have as brethren in Christ from the very start of the program. While the adults are intensely having the close rivalry, the Lord’s Young Flock kids in certain areas are enjoying their games as well led by Sis. Jane and Sis. Riza. They, too, gladly played the games customized for them. Everyone’s cheers, laughs and grins with jumps of happiness bring joy to the onlooker since these are monumental spectacles to behold! Our muscle tissues worked out so well! Soon the games ended. The hosts called up the brethren to gather together at the south end of the gymnasium’s court for the awarding of prices.

While seated on the floor, we are thrilled to hear the winners that will be announced. Here are the brethren who received the awards and acknowledgements for their outstanding performance per team: Ladies’ Division for Red – Sis. Klariss and Sis. Marsha, for Green – Sis. Sarah Kay, Sis. Angeli and Sis. Mayette, for Blue – Sis. Jerna Love, Sis. Shine and Sis. Dhorz and for Yellow – Sis. Joy and Sis. Lani. As for Men’s Division brothers Jeff Cruz, Jeff Intal, Eugene, Felix,

Melvin and Vincent received the awards. Lord’s Young Flock, Kitchen and Cleaning Ministry also received the recognition award for their labor of love. The following are the results of the overall standing: Red – 1st, Green – 2nd, Blue – 3rd and Yellow – 4th with their attractively wrapped in cellophane and ribboned, fruits and vegetable awards – that were precisely apples, oranges, bananas and onions, respectively.

We enjoyed the dinner prepared for us by our dab-handed cooks Sis. Lani, Sis. Thea, Sis Razel and their allies. Moreover, we securely locked those nights of fun and fellowships with prayers and with joy and smiles in our hearts we used to depart the place by 11pm. Winter Sportsfest 2015 set BBBC in Action! Such event always fashions happy moments to us whenever talked about or reminisced. Thank God for His grace that always abounds in us – BBBC Family! BB

Action!

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One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4

David’s ‘One Thing’ Desire BBBC Family Day

Sis. May Pedico

Family Day is one of the regular activities of the church quarterly observed and so, in BBBC’s calendar the 2nd quarter celebration is scheduled on 3rd of April, 2015.

“What makes it special?” is maybe one of the questions that popped out of your mind. “Well, what makes a worship day special, then? “ Friday in the Middle East is special to us, Christians since we do acknowledge it as our Sabbath Day – The Lord’s Day. What adds up to it being different from the rest of the Lord’s Day is that we have visiting missionaries from Cambodia – Pastor and Mrs. Rogil and Janice Apostol.

Friday morning comes and all are pleasantly and gracefully clothed to worship the Lord! Beautiful countenances adorned and fill in the chairs of the church. Glimpse of brethren who are standing at the backside signifies that seats in the worship hall are occupied. We used to have two worship services every week which are comprised of Tagalog and English but not on the said date, which started from 9am till 2pm. Our guest missionaries have their testimonies before Pastor Rogil preach.

To the highly regarded as the Man after God’s own heart, David, the Message of God conveyed by Pastor Rogil revolves in. Psalm 27:1-4 covers up “David’s Purpose in Seeking the Lord”, the Title of the Message that is being preached. His preaching flows apparently for the hearers of God’s Word to have a heart that seeks the Lord (Psalm 27:4). To seek the Lord is not just that easy while living in this chaotic world. There are lots of distractions. One has to purposefully do it and as Christians God commanded us to do so in several passages of the scriptures. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

and this boils down to His command, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38; see also Mark 12:30 & Deuteronomy 6:5). To enumerate Pastor Rogil’s bulleted points: First is, I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. Second, to behold the beauty of the Lord and last is, to inquire in his temple. I merely condensed these as David’s ‘One Thing’ Desire which can be found in Psalm 27:4. What a desire of David – an excellent, awe-inspiring one! He was once a shepherd boy but God promoted him to be the king of Israel in His impeccable time. Accordingly, those who seek the Lord will be satisfied (Psalm 42:1). Our guest speaker ended up with a challenge for us to be men and women after God’s own heart, to seek the Lord basically just like what David did!

The worship service ceased with the worshipers having crushed hearts, pierced by the sharp-edged Word of God in the Sermon and on the other hand, inspired and motivated. May such Message, moreover, cored and wrapped up as David’s ‘One Thing’ Desire be nailed in each one’s mind and be acted out in pursuit of seeking God no matter what the circumstance is. Eagerly hoping that David’s ‘One Thing’ Desire would be ours, too!

To complement the celebration of the Family Day, delectable and satisfying buffet lunch were feasted in one of the restaurants of Samaya Hotel which escalates the sweet and passionate fellowship among brethren and guests.

Hallelujah! *Hakavod Lashem! BB

*hakavod lashem (הכבודלה׳) means glory to God in Hebrew


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Family Day with the Apostol Couple, Missionaries from Cambodia


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An Update from Rogil and Janice Apostol in Phnom Penh City and Kampong Chnnang Province, Cambodia

Dear BBBC Brethren,

We love to share with you the milestone of Cornerstone Church, Phnom Penh, Cambodia by God's favor alone! It is the sustaining grace of God that made us this far. We give all the glory to the Lord.

MILESTONE

February 19 to March 28, 2015: Back to work at Cornerstone Church, Phnom Penh and The Cornerstone Organization, Cambodia. - The church theme for 2015 is to be "A man after God's own heart" taken from Acts 13:22 and I Samuel 13:14. - We saw the sustaining grace of God to our beloved brothers and sisters at Cornerstone Church, Phnom Penh while we were in the Philippines. We appreciated your continued prayers for the church family. March 29 to April 28, 2015 - A month visit to Janice' mother in Dubai, UAE before her retirement next year God willing and we would like to take the advantage to minister to our brothers and sisters while in Dubai.

MOVING UP FOR THE GREAT COMMISSION

Cornerstone Church family is challenged to go for lasting change and for life-changing impact that begins in himself / herself through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Romans 10:14 - "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" - We are praying to develop godly missionary teachers in Phnom Penh to reaching out Cambodian students. This is to intensify the campus ministry program. Praise God for the few fruit through the campus ministry program believing that God will multiply the believers like the 2 fish and 5 loaves. The team together with Nary, our Cambodian Campus Ministry staff is dedicated to serve the students for the Gospel. Please pray with us, there are four (4) Cambodian candidates for water baptism is on May 6, 2015.

- The railroad ministry program is still adjusting because of the changed schedule made. God used Pa Vourchnea as in-charge and the team for this railroad ministry for the past 2 years. Right now Engr. Judson Quitco and Mey Mey are the new in-charge for the year 2015. Praise God for an average of 50 kids were ministered for the past 2 years. - The community outreach program at Kampong Chnnang province is moving up by God's grace. One big challenge that we are facing is we do not have still a full time staff on site. We are also late on the target date of constructing the literacy building and sanctuary project. God willing the construction date is on the middle of 2015. Please continue to support and pray for this project. We have initial seed money of $2000 US and we are still raising the remaining $5,000 US including the fence, toilet, and an attached small room for the future on site staff.

Mission Updates


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By God's sustaining grace, there are few baptized believers in the village, an average of 250 to 350 kids were ministered for the past 4 years and a total of 25-30 professed believers - adults. Janice and I saw how God blessed the informal literacy program in the village. By God's grace we are moving up on this program this year 2015. Please continue to pray and support this project.

MINISTRY

CHURCH ACTIVITIES FOR MAY 2015

May 6, 2015: Baptismal Service May 13-15, 2015: Youth Camp at Kampong Chnnang Province May 31, 2015: 4th Year Church Anniversary


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Praises

1. Sustaining Grace of God to Cornerstone Church family and the Cornerstone Organization.

2. Faithfulness of God to His people for God's daily provision.

3. Spiritual Growth for Cornerstone family.

4. 2015 Theme "A man after God's own heart.

5. Bible studies during the week.

6. Cambodians professed to believe Jesus this march.

7. Four (4) Cambodians decided to follow the Lord ian water Baptism.

8. Sustaining grace of God for different ministries of the Church.

9. Wisdom and Strength for Pastor Rogil in shepherding ministry.

10. Sustaining grace of God for all the ministry volunteers.

11. Successful wedding celebration of Vannak and Nary last March 7, 2015.

12. Provision in buying the domain for the Church

MINISTRY SCOPE:

1. Church Planting Ministry

2. Campus Ministry

3. Operation Villages

4. Marketplace Ministry


Mission Updates ...Continuation

Thank you so much for your continued support through prayers and finances as our mission partners of reaching CAMBODIA and BEYOND for God's greater glory!

In His service,

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Here are the pictures of our evangelistic sharing of who the real God is to our non-Christian Thai contacts. The ones wearing uniforms are university students who came to help in the community service of our church and student center and the opportunity is not passed without telling them about the Bible and the saving grace of Jesus. The other Group is professionals and students who come to our church and student center to study English and then they are taught about the Bible. The One teaching them is our trained bible student. Please pray for them to understand their need of coming to Christ for personal salvation and for the Word of to work in their hearts and that they would keep coming and hear more of God's Word...Thank you!

THAILAND

Mission Updates

An Update from Sis. Esther Acosta



I would like to share my life testimony with you. I was a young businessman during my years living in the UAE.

I am an Iranian nationality, currently living together with my parents and brother in Indonesia.

I grew up with my faith as Muslim in a Muslim family and just like any Muslim believer I tried my best to find peace and joy by getting close to God and doing His wills.

At that time of search and spiritual reflection, people around me advised me that I can get closer to God and be saved by doing the Islamic laws. I was told that good works can help me of being unpunished by God for my sins. I heard these things from family, friends and school during my younger years, like any other children.

I go to mosque and fast during Ramadan and make daily prayers and join in mourning of Shia Imams. I give offerings to the best that I am able to, but this offering was completely different from what other people give. Usually people give offerings to guaranty their good health and put away disasters.

Those are the teachings I heard and read in Islamic religious books and I tried to do and practice them but even that time I felt more alone and more far from God.

At that time, several questions surround me: Why should I worship the God with the other language which I cannot even understand? Why should I worship God through prophet and Imams? Why God wants us to do such these hard things to follow? Where are you God? Why I cannot feel you in my life, etc.

I cannot find the answer and thought that what I was doing was wrong. I decided to stop searching for God because I was really disappointed.

Also as Muslim, we are barred from searching and discovering other religions, so I tried to forget about having connection with God.

Since then, I lived my own life with my choices and ways without understanding that the earth which we live in and all other things are the creation of God.

After few years, while I was in the same situation, one night, I had a dream. I saw a person came to me and introduced Himself as Jesus Christ. He told me to go to a church and light a candle and He will give me peace in my life. At the time, I was confused why Jesus came to me. That time (late 2012) we were living in UAE and I have some Christian friends.

I asked them related questions and still didn’t understand what it was. Finally one day, I decided to go to a Catholic Church and light a candle as I was told in my dream.

After weeks, with the invitation of some Christian friends I attended one of the anniversaries of Back to the Bible Baptist Church. I felt the true love from them because they didn't care about my religion and they treat me very well. Until that time, I didn't meet such friendly group in my life.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17

" "

True Salvation and Peace Found in Jesus Alone

My Life Testimony

Bro. Mohammad Zad Ibrahim


By the guidance and grace of God through Jesus Christ and advises and prayers of Pastor Erwin and BBBC, we migrated to Indonesia and now attending a Bible Believing Christian church. We have great multi-national and Iranian Christian community here, too, in Jakarta like the BBBC in Dubai.

Finally, I want to mention that we really cannot forget the love of Back to the Bible Baptist Church to us. Please continue praying for us, the Zad Ibrahim Family!

Thank you and God bless you all! BB

(3)Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

(4)Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

(5)For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

(6)Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Romans 6:3-6

"

"

I shared what I witnessed with my family and they were curious to know about Christianity.

As I wanted to know it, too, after approximately one year, through some friends I met Pastor Erwin and I told him my story. I requested him that he will teach us about the bible and fortunately, he accepted to do it. During that time of the beginning of our studies, we have encountered many difficulties such as our home is far from Dubai since we live in Sharjah that time, with always heavy traffic all day long and worries of persecution for preaching to Muslim and fear for us, too.

During these bible study classes we learned that Jesus is the Son of God and only Savior. Finally, me, my father, mother and brother as a family believed in Jesus as the true Messiah. Pastor Erwin bought each of us a Bible in Parsi and we were all happy to have our first Bible.

After some bible study classes that we had with Pastor Erwin, because of some problems we decided to leave the country as soon as possible.

Before we left the UAE, all of us obeyed the Lord Jesus and were baptized by Pastor Erwin early morning which was witnessed by some members of BBBC and we experienced really great feeling deep inside us, in our life.

I realized what true love is in Christianity and that is really different from the vision that I experienced before. I also received the promise of God which is peace in my life and I can say that God in His will, has chosen us to become His children through my dream.

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FRIDAY WORSHIP SERVICES: BACK TO THE BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH - DUBAI

(DHOW MEETING ROOM, SAMAYA HOTEL) TAGALOG SERVICE 8:30AM – 10:00AM

ENGLISH SERVICE 11:00AM – 1:00PM FRIDAY SCHOOL 10:15AM – 10:45AM KING'S MEN FRIDAY SCHOOL CLASS 10:15AM TRUE WOMANHOOD FRIDAY SCHOOL CLASS 10:15AM LORD'S YOUNG FLOCK GRADERS AND PRE-TEENS 10:00AM PRE-SCHOOLERS 11:40AM JUNIOR WORSHIP 12:00PM

(MANAMA VILLA, ABU HAIL DEIRA) BBBC ABU DHABI MIRFA MISSION 12:00PM

SUNDAY PRAYER MEETING Contact: Sis. Cathy Concepcion 050 4523 550 8:30PM Manama Villa

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: SUNDAY AJMAN Contact: Sis. Gemini Peralta 055 7920 968 MONDAY ABU DHABI Contact: Bro. Jay Jope 050 9417 696 TUESDAY IC-DEIRA, SHK ZAYED Contact: Sis. Cathy Concepcion 050 4523 550 GOLDEN BELL Contact: Sis. Aileen Hinojales 050 8893 0683 DEIRA Contact: Bro. Jeffrey Intal 050 2876 209

ABU HAIL Contact: Bro. Nelson Maningat 055 9366 988 KARAMA Contact: Sis. Haidee Sulitas 055 1096 247 SATWA Contact: Sis. Jona Delapena 055 5095 248

SHARJAH Contact: Bro. Paul Nena 050 5737 034 SHARJAH AL NAHDA Contact: Bro. Jeff Maloles 050 2069 392 MIRFA Contact: Bro. Bong Cawaling 050 1819 357

WEDNESDAY SALAHUDDIN Contact: Bro. Ric Saquing 056 9518 305 SOJOURNERS ( 1st Friday night and 3rd Wednesday night of the Month)

Contact: Bro. Melvin Caba 050 1637 277 SATURDAY MAMZAR OPEN BEACH Contact: Sis. Cathy Concepcion 050 4523 550

DUBAILAND Contact: Bro. Rued Almadilla 050 2702 086 THURSDAY CHOIR PRACTICE Contact: Sis. Shirley Guiang 050 3634 894 8:30PM Manama Villa

BACK TO THE BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCHDUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry,

for the edifying of the body of Christ:

REGULAR CHURCH ACTIVITIES:

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry,

for the edifying of the body of Christ:

burning bush q2 2015

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