Category: Sermons

Our True North: The Unchanging Truth Amidst the Changing World

Posted on by Union Community Bible Church

 

Text: Hebrews 12:1-3

Introduction:

GPS – suggests to you which is the fastest way to your destination. But suddenly, your connection will get lost. What now?
Ancient tool True North: The North Star is the anchor of the northern sky. It is a landmark, or sky marker, that helps those who follow it determine direction as it glows brightly to guide and lead toward a purposeful destination. – Jennifer Theard
Even in cultural contexts, like during the slavery of Africans in the US and parts of Europe, they used the North Star as the guide for their escape plans and underground passages. Likewise, for fishermen and those people living in the mountains in the Philippines. Their guide through the woods and the vast ocean is also the North Star.

Biblically, in tradition, the Star found in Matthew 2, wherein the Magi saw this star and followed it until they reached the Baby Jesus. It was believed that it was the North Star. Metaphorically speaking, our lives are easily lost and distracted in our journey in this world. And yes, we need a North Star to help us navigate this life. In our passage:

Hebrews 12, “1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Thesis: Jesus is the True North—the north star of life.

Background:

We become distracted by what’s important. Some of you are scrolling on your Facebook wall, Tiktok For You Page, checking who’s gonna win today in NFL Wild Card Giants vs Vikings at 4:30PM, or looking for some highlights of Miss Universe. Well, Miss USA won; she’s half-Filipina from Texas; and yes, her evening gown was made by Rian Fernandez of Pangasinan, and Patrick Isorena made her national costume from Quezon City.

Main Idea:

Christ has suffered, gone through all that the world can give, and died on the cross for us to be like him as we strive to live in this world.

Jesus – the Seven I AMs of Christ

  • I am the bread of life – John 6:35-48
  • I am the light of the world – John 8:12; 9:5
  • I am the door – John 10:9
  • I am the good shepherd – John 10:11-14
  • I am the resurrection and the life – John 11:25
  • I am the way, the truth, and the life – John 14:6
  • I am the true vine – John 15:5

The Church – 1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Corinthians 3:11

The church is not the source of truth or the stand of truth. But “the church is what holds up and holds firm the truth in the world.” (GotQuestions) When we sing together and worship God. It aligns us back to God. I love

The Bible – 2 Timothy 3:16

Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Conclusion: This Year 2023, may we all find ourselves faithfully pursuing Jesus in our family, career, and plans ahead.

True North by Twila Paris (01-01-1999)

There’s a strong steady light
That is guiding us home
True North
In the lingering night we
Were never alone
True North
We need an absolute
Compass now more
Than ever before
True north, True north

 

Ptr. John Paul Arceno
UCBC New Jersey
January 15, 2023

 

New Year 2023, What Now? Ask God to Change Your Heart

Posted on by Union Community Bible Church

 

 

Text: Deuteronomy 30:6

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023!

Introduction: Shoes that do not fit. Do you change the size of your foot? Or replace your foot? No. We look for another shoe that fits our feet. Likewise, New Year offers the following perception: transition, change, renewal, and a better year. But it is not the year we change; it is our hearts, attitudes, and choices.

Deuteronomy 30:6 “The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live!”

Contextual Background: Deuteronomy 28; deuteronomistic principle: obedience and curses; Deut 29 states renewal of the covenant; then, Deut 30 offers prosperity, restoration, and promises

Main Idea:

The Predicament

  • Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. But we are worse because we prioritize shallow, worldly things over God!
  • Google and Amazon, among others, can process our behavior to know what we want before we know it ourselves.
  • We cannot change our hearts by ourselves. We need someone to do it. And that someone is God. (Like creating a new year’s resolution).

The Promise

  • “conditional statement” in verses 1-5 of Deut 30. Ask God to change your heart.
  • The Maker of hearts also knows how to remake hearts.
  • I trust the next chapter because I know the Author.

Conclusion: Press Pause (from Daily Bible Devo)
10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” 11 The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. (NLT) ( Psalm 46:10-11 )

This week, take time to pause to remember who God is and what He has done for us. When our lives are hurried, we only have the chance to focus on our to-do lists. Making space in our schedules for prayer and meditation helps us to better see God at work in our lives and in our world. In our moments of reflection, we can begin to understand how God has shown up on our behalf throughout our life. We can see how he has acted as our fortress in times of stress or danger. We can thank him for who he is when we read the Bible and learn about his character. Press pause so you can begin to know God better.

 

Ptr. John Paul Arceno
UCBC New Jersey
January 1, 2023

 

The Beloved Payment: Is Salvation Costly or Cheap?

Posted on by Union Community Bible Church

 

 

Text: 1 Peter 1:18-19

Short Background: there was economic inflation and a financial crisis during the writing of this epistle due to Emperor Nero’s blasphemous persecution. This context explains why Peter compared the payment of salvation from gold and silver with the blood shed by Christ. Indeed, gold and silver have limited and volatile value, while Christ’s gracious act was infinite and eternal.

Introduction:

Buying something with a credit card. Needs payment. Or else you will end up having a bad credit score, broke, too much debt, or, worst case, be in jail (in some countries). What do we do now? It’s either we pay for it. Or someone else’s pay for us. If someone is paying for it, do we deserve it?

Biblical survey: Throughout time, humanity has been offending and building a lot of bad credit scores with God. Yet, despite the stubbornness of men, God still pays for their debt/ credit. However, it just keeps on repeating. (Illustration: 5-6 loan interest; you try to pay more so you can ask for more credit). But it does not help you get off from your status. Likewise, we would ask God for forgiveness, but then we do it again or maybe something worse. (Indulgences, “Lord, here’s my tithe or donation,” then you plan to do something wrong in the near future.

Main Idea:

1. But the Bad news is our debts to God cannot be paid by mere good works or replenishing our spiritual credit scores. No! The payment is death (Romans 6:23). No one can pay for their own, the interest is too high, and none can pay for themselves.

2. God’s solution: but praise God! There’s Good news. He saw the shortcomings of the people. They cannot do it independently (Roms 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”). They need God’s self-giving love (Eph 2:8-9). It is not by works but only through God’s gift of payment.

What is the payment? If it requires death? Then death should also be the payment. 1 John 2:1-2 “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”

The Christmas story is about a beloved payment, that is, Christ (John 3:16-17). God in heaven was thinking about paying all our debts once and for all by sending His Son, Jesus Christ (perfect, holy, pure, and eternal). That is the meaning of Christmas. God gave His Son. That’s why we cannot outgive God.

3. More Good News: we become co-heirs or co-sharers of God’s riches once we become part of his family. Romans 8: 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ if indeed we share in his sufferings so that we may also share in his glory.”

How do we access these riches? Through prayers, obedience, and reading His Word. Understanding the eternal riches of God gives us more joy in living in this world.

 

Ptr. John Paul Arceno
UCBC New Jersey
December 25, 2022

 

The Befitting Path: Sharing the Way

Posted on by Union Community Bible Church

 

 

Text: Matthew 19:16-28

Introduction:

One of the books that impacted my life is The Pilgrim’s Progress. It narrates the journey of a person named Christian, who was lost, hopeless, and miserable. However, throughout his Tomb Raider action-like challenges, he reached the end of his path. But the final challenge seems impossible to accomplish. Yet, he jumped and tried to achieve it. He died. Surprisingly, he reached the Gate and received the prize. How? The final challenge requires dying to self and depending on the Person who created all things. Indeed, a great book that was written during his imprisonment in London.

Biblical survey: [1] Lost Coin, [2] Lost Sheep, and [3] the (Lost) Prodigal Son.

Main Idea:

There’s another story in the Bible that seeks the befitting path of salvation. However, unlike the stories shared a while ago, this ended as a tragic one. Read Matthew 19:16-28.

Christ requires Perfect Obedience not because we can achieve it but to show how inadequate we are in trying to do it by ourselves. Only Christ is perfect.

Sometimes even how hard we try to obey God, it is still inadequate. Like Job 23:11, “My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.” Other times, we are proud that we have been faithful to the path of Christianity and claim that we have obeyed everything. Like the rich man, in Matthew 19:20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

Surrender: The Pineapple Story (Illustration)

The befitting path is the gospel way. Christ became like us, suffered and died on the cross, and resurrected and overcame death for us to be part of his family. He knew what was going to happen to him. He foretells his path toward sacrifice and atonement. And yet, he wants us to see this as his Promise. The promise of renewal, entrance to the kingdom of God, and receiving eternal life.

Conclusion:

Takeaway? A part of the Christmas story.

May we find our way toward Christ. Just like the wise men (Magis) who followed the path of the Star. 1) sough Jesus, (2) offered full surrender, and (3) obeyed God rather than the ways of man. We may also do likewise.

God seriously finds us and puts us on the befitting path, the rightful one for us to find him finally. “We were once lost, but now we are found.” – John Newton.

Christ chose this path for us.

 

Ptr. John Paul Arceno
UCBC New Jersey
December 18, 2022

 

A Beautiful Provision: Jesus is the Perfect Gift to Share

Posted on by Union Community Bible Church

 

 

Text: 1 John 5:11-13; Romans 6:22-23

Introduction:

Think about a gift. When we hear Christmas, we think about gifts. In the Philippines, when the month of September comes, we start singing Jose Mari Chan’s Christmas songs. Likewise, here in the US, we buy discounted items for gifts from Thanksgiving sales, Black Fridays, and Cyber Monday discounts. Well… who does not want gifts? I am not fond of receiving gifts. It makes me feel shy. Maybe it’s just my coping mechanism, or not used to receiving gifts when I was a child.

Most of us have godparents, ninong and ninang. I have too. But the problem is that 100% of them are pastors. So, do the math. I haven’t received any from them but prayers. And I am thankful for their prayers. That’s the greatest form of gift, I guess? So, I tend to go with my siblings every Christmas day because they have rich executive-level godparents.

Personal Story: I am easy to be pleased with. Just give me a coffee, and you’ll surely see me smile. However, there was this one memorable moment; it was when Ivy gifted me Honey Citron teas. I asked her why, then she said that she observed that every time we go out for a date, I order Citron teas. And I somehow have a unique smile every time I drink it. Of course, I was so kilig (butterflies in the stomach). Such a beautiful gift. I know you also have that kind of experience, like a gift of marriage, children, jobs, etc.

But in the Bible, the first “Exchanging of Gifts” happened. Throughout the Bible, there are stories that present exchanging gifts as a covenantal act. However, unlike us today, they did not feel bad about what they received since they could not out-give the Giver; until Christ happened.

Main Idea: Christ as the Greatest Gift of All (John 3:16)

Text: 1 John 5, 11 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

Romans 6, 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Given – in the passages that we just explored, we saw that there is a Giver, and a gift has been given. The Giver is God, and the gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus. Have you ever received a gift that has another gift with it? Like, someone gave you a wallet, and inside the wallet, it has cash or a gift card. Wow, that’s certainly joyous. Likewise, the gift is Christ, and in Christ, there is another gift, the gift of eternal life. That, indeed, is a beautiful gift.

Received – If there’s a gift, then what do we do with it? Reject, ignore, or receive it? Of course, all we need is to receive it. In our passages, it has a conditional clause of “whoever has” or “who believes”-this is the same with John 3:16’s “whosoever believes.” Only those who have received the gift have the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus. What did it feel like when you first received your gift? You were happy? Excited?
Yes, we were excited about how we would use it, play it, or enjoy it. Then what happened after several years? We lost the excitement of enjoying the gift. It has become a decoration now. It is like that sometimes. We have gifts that have been received, opened, and (now) kept somewhere. Look at your basement, perhaps your storage? There are gifts in there that you never used anymore. (same with faith)

Valued – We have forgotten about it because we have forgotten its value. Gifts received—like the one we have received in Christ—are to be valued; it has an eternal value. How can you share if you have forgotten how to enjoy the gift? What we share is experience. Christian experience. Illustration: Mystery Box (Anime). Patrizia said, “Pastor, it is about the experience, not just the surprise inside. But the feeling and the process of being excited and surprised.” Here, I remember Leonard Sweet’s book about the Gospel according to Starbucks. Their coffee is mid—nothing special. What they sell is experience. Likewise, in our Christian faith. Our gift in Christ is having this relationship with him, an experiential gift.

Value this beautiful provision of Christ to us. The gift of salvation, the gift of eternal life. Find joy in it. Yet, those who do not value such a Christian experience also fail to share it with others. How can you share something that you do not have?

Shared – The most cheerful Christians are those who share the gift of Christ. The ones who do not are like going to Starbucks and ordering a decaf coffee. Funny because Greg Laurie says, “the problem today is that we have too many ‘decaf disciples,’ too many ‘uncarbonated Christians.’” “What’s the point? All the fun is gone! Why don’t you just hold an empty cup and pretend to drink?” These Christians are spiritual hoarders. “Sometimes, as Christians, we can be the same way—hoarding all that God has given to us and not sharing it with others. But you are Blessed to be a blessing.”

Let us not be like that. Do not be a decaf disciple nor a spiritual hoarder of God’s beautiful provision. This Christmas season, the best gift we can share is Jesus. By doing so, the church that had received the beautiful provision—who is Jesus—becomes the beautiful provision to the world.

Conclusion:

The receiver of the gift (church) becomes beautiful because of the beautiful provision (Jesus). Dustin Benge says, “The church is beautiful because the lens through which Christ regards her is his cross—the focal point of blood, righteousness, forgiveness, union, justification, regeneration, and grace. His cross makes her beautiful.”

Prayer: ‘Lord, remove the excuse that binds my will from obedience to You. I am afraid, and I am nervous—what if they won’t listen? What if they mock me? What if they reject me? Give me all that I need to avoid the sin of not sharing the only thing that can save—Your gospel. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.” – Greg Laurie

 

Ptr. John Paul Arceno
UCBC New Jersey
December 11, 2022

 

The Promise of a Blessed Persecution

Posted on by Union Community Bible Church

 

 

Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-12

Theme introduction:

46% of the UK say that they are Christian. “The proportion of people who said they were Christian was 46.2%, down from 59.3% in the last census in 2011. In contrast, the number who said they had no religion increased to 37.2% of the population, up from a quarter.” (OFS UK) “Over a third in the US, indicated that they have ‘no religion’ also known as being in the ‘unchurched’ religious category.” PEW Research 2018. “18% of baby boomers, 25% of Generation X, 29% of millennials, and 34% of Generation Z” are unchurched or unaffiliated (Lifeway 2022).

Reasons why they do not want to be part of any church? Irrelevant or not an important centerpiece in life; did not have any transformational experience; to avoid being persecuted or labeled.

In this thought of experiencing persecution and trials, we will emphasize today’s sermon. Before that, I have here a simple activity called: Three Lies and a Truth.

You’ll hear people saying, “you can overcome trials by yourself and God does not give us trials that we cannot surpass.” It sounds good, but it is not biblical. Look at Job; look at Paul in Romans 7. There are trials that you cannot surpass. And God gives you those trials so you can fully depend on Him, not on your own self. Read our passage: 2 Timothy 3:12. Explain verses 10-11.

Sermon Introduction:

Kintsugi – Makoto Fujimura said that in Christ’s weeping in John 11:35, he shares his children’s entire pain and persecution. Praise God for that because we have a God who assures us that he is with us when we are persecuted.


John 20:27, Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Main Idea:

Why do we experience these things? Read John 15:18-21. Expressions of today’s persecution: discrimination, oppression, Subtle Persecutions nowadays: cancel culture, censorship. A proper theology of suffering begins with God. By persecuting the church, the devil deceives himself into thinking he can stop her mission in the world. – Dustin Benge

Why do we experience such persecution and suffering?

  • Corporate Sin – God affirms corporate confession of sin as a model for the Jews in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” God spoke these words to Solomon in the context of the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. God was not setting a liturgical format; rather, He was emphasizing the principle of mercy over a community who lives in humility before Him.
    • Jonah 3:5-9
  • Shares Christ’s Suffering – Philippians 1:29-30, For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have; 1 Peter 4:12-13.
  • Draws near to God – throughout church history, we learn that persecution is a catalyst for church growth and increase instead of destruction.
    Where is the gospel in here?

    • Covenant of Redemption (Isaiah 49)
    • Philippians 2:5-11
    • John 3:16-17
    • Explain the covenantal agreement; someone needs to atone for the wrongdoing and bridging the contract covenant, Rom 6:23, death is the payment.
  • Eternal Reward – Rejoicing
    • 2 Corinthians 6:10; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Matthew 5:10-11
    • Paul, despite persecution, was rejoicing. Peter and Silas were singing in their imprisonment.
    • One of the oldest Baptist churches in America (1665), First Baptist Church of Boston’s history traces back to a tragic event of Obadiah Holmes’ punitive whipping in 1651.
      Obadiah Holmes stood his ground defending the truth of the believer’s baptism. As a consequence, he was imprisoned and had received thirty lashes with a three-corded whip. He chose to be whipped even though given an offer to be bailed by his friends. // With gracious endurance, he said that he had “such a spiritual manifestation of God’s presence” that it was as if he had been whipped “with roses.” // Moreover, it is said that through this event, Henry Dunster, the first president of Harvard University, rejected infant baptism in 1654.

Conclusion:

II Corinthians 12:9, “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”

 

Ptr. John Paul Arceno
UCBC New Jersey
December 4, 2022

 

Building Upon the Sufficiency of the Gospel

Posted on by Union Community Bible Church

 

 

Text: Colossians 2:6-7

Introduction: Hindrances of Not Evangelizing:

  • Disobedience
  • Lack of knowledge (clarity and definition)
  • Lack of prayer (faith and discernment)
  • Lack of confidence (fear of failure)
  • Lack of compassion (apathy and indifference)

Main Idea: Setting Up on the Gospel Foundation

  • Biblical Mindset:
    • > Agricultural Images: “Some sow the seed of the gospel, others water the seed others have sown, and even others reap where people have already sown and watered.” ~ Greg LaurieRead 1 Cor 3:5-9*
    • > Building Images: someone lays the foundation, and someone builds upon it. But Who already laid the foundation? Christ himself. Read 1 Cor 3:10-11*

Our Challenge: Many see serving others and obedience to God as a burden instead of joy. Others do it as virtue signalling than a model of faith. // The world’s religion (v. 8) vs the gospel (v 9; 13-15). We just need to point them to Christ. Lead them. And tell them about him.

  • Commit to “each one reach one” (write their names) next week we will give them books, gc, fellowship, more

Our Response:

  • Building Upon the Sufficiency of the Gospel of Christ (Col 2:13-15).

Our Takeaway:

  • Just do the first-step of obedience.
  • Let God show you the next steps after.
  • “Your job is to be faithful. Your job is to do your part and leave the results in the hands of God. // You cannot lead everyone to Christ, but by God’s grace you can lead someone to Him.” – Greg Laurie

Conclusion:

Don Whitney says, “Evangelism is a natural overflow of the Christian life. We should all be able to talk about what the Lord has done for us and what He means to us. But evangelism is also a Discipline in that we must discipline ourselves to get into the context of evangelism, that is, we must not just wait for witnessing opportunities to happen.” Later Whitney says, “Unless we discipline ourselves for evangelism, it is very easy to excuse ourselves from ever sharing the gospel with anyone.” Whitney believes that the point of disciplining ourselves for evangelism is to plan for it—for Christians to actually put it into their schedule.”

 

Ptr. John Paul Arceno
UCBC New Jersey
November 20, 2022

 

UCBC Way: Understanding the Times

Posted on by Union Community Bible Church

 

 

Text: John 1:37-42

Introduction: 1 Chronicles 12:32” from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command.” Dr. Chris Shirley makes an exegesis of this passage on how King David’s group ‘who understood the times’ against their rivalry, King Saul. Understanding the times is a necessary ingredient to succeed.

For many months now, and specifically in recent weeks, we are also trying to determine which is the best way for UCBC to proceed accordingly to achieve our vision. The Vision: we know our identity as a church, given that Christ our all in all, but at the same, we also know our goal and our vision to be global and reach out to the next generation. However, there is a missing link. How can we achieve our vision? We know it, we understand it, but we need the means to go to it. A vehicle to move forward and reach it. (Show car, airplane, boat method). We have an identity, but what are our means to duplicate and pass on ourselves to other places?

UCBC Way: Understand – Connect – Build Up – Commission

Background: as a Bible-believing church, we make sure that our ways, our methods, and our principles are grounded in biblical truths. Let us read and explore briefly John 1:37-51

37-38 – “what do you want?” Understand the Need

39-40 – salvation; “come and see” – Connect

41 – “find his brother” and “tell him” – Build Up

42 – “brought him to Jesus” – Commit

Naming is significant – commission

 43 – “finding” Philip

44 – same context and need (understand)

45 – scriptural foundations (build-up)

46 – “come and see” same in verse 39

47-49 – the answer to our need

50-51 – Commitment and covenantal promise

This is not just a cycle but a spiral-up wherein we know that it started from Christ choosing the twelve apostles, Pentecost, and the whole world. This biblical way is the UCBC way. The things that we do our means to reach our vision for the following years. We will learn and familiarize ourselves more with this UCBC Way for this whole month. For now, our challenge for the entire month is for “each one, reach one.”

The Challenge: “Each One, Reach One”

  • Week 1: Understand (Discern and Pray)
  • Week 2: Connect (Communicate)
  • Week 3: Build-Up (Care)
  • Week 4: Commit (Share) – invite them on our last Sunday, a thanksgiving celebration.

 

Ptr. John Paul Arceno
UCBC New Jersey
November 6, 2022

 

Our Church: The Loveliest Place

Posted on by Union Community Bible Church

 

 

Text: Ephesians 4:1-16

Introduction:

Church as a Family [oikos]; Paul tells Timothy that the church is the household of God (1 Tim 3:15). We are God’s family— John 1:12-13. He adopts us into his family. Gal 4:4-5. Church as family (Children – John 1:12; Brothers – Heb 2:11; Bride – Eph 5:22-27).

Background of Ephesians 4:

Paul calls us to live a faithful Christian walk by being humble, at peace with one another and maintaining the unity of the church. Take note, it says, maintaining, not creating unity. We are to preserve such unity in the body of Christ (v. 3). This unity has been established in the expression of the Triune God (vv. 4-6). He furthers that Christ gifted the church with different people with distinct leadership roles (vv. 8-11). To equip the saints with unity and spiritual growth (v. 12).

Transition: Starting from verse 13 onwards, it tells us about the church experience. It is not a linear movement from point A to B but has ebbs and flows or ups and downs in the whole experience. It is like a heartbeat that goes up and down. If the line is constant, it means what? Death, right? Meaning that experiencing such ebbs and flows in church experience show that we are alive.

Main Idea:

The Heartbeat Rhythm and Musical Melody (Let us accept the reality that we experience challenges and struggle with them). Even in the early church, in NT, they are also dealing with issues, persecutions, conflicts, and partitions.

It is a never-ending process. Verse 13 states that “until” we reach this knowledge and maturity in Christ and “attaining” (present participle -ing) the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. The church is the body of Christ. While Christ is perfect, we are not perfect here on this side of eternity. Hence, it is an undergoing process. “Sorry for the inconvenience, under construction” WHEN? Until Christ returns.

Conflicts, disagreements, issues, and arguments will never end. But we will never arrive at our destination if we keep focusing on these things. So, while we deal with these matters, we also support and encourage one another to move forward, look to the future, cling to the promises of Christ, and reach our church vision.

Illustration: How many medical checkups do we need per year? (20s—every 2 to 3 years; 30s—every other year; 40s to 50s—every year; 60s—twice a year) Regular checkup and executive checkup. Eye checkups, physicals, dental, and so on. Likewise, as a church, we should have regular checkups. >>> Where are we now? Where are we going? Church Vision – summarized in two words – Global + NextGen. Moreover, let us locate where UCBC is now.

How are we doing? Who is the church? This vital question is one of the things that hinder our church movement. We are not sure who belongs to the family. Updating our church membership. “To be a Christian is synonymous with being the church. The two are inseparably and eternally linked. While it’s possible to be a member of a church and not be a true follower of Christ, it’s impossible to be a genuine believer and not be in the church. – Dustin Benge

Conclusion: Our Church + The Loveliest Place

No other people, not outside our church, not even our denomination, will help us to get better but ourselves. Our church is our family. We belong to one another. The moment you signed the covenant, you became part of this community. By God’s grace and the Spirit’s guidance, we work with one another, pray for one another, and love one another. Cause if we do not do these things, then who else?

Why the loveliest place? Your workplace can fire you; your friends can leave you; your crush can hurt you; nowhere in this world right now can be considered a perfectly secure place. But the church bears the promise of God’s love that he will never divorce the church. “He will never go searching for a more attractive family.”

“The church in the world is the beauty of Christ in the world. Because Christ is her beauty.” The loveliest place in this world is the church because of Christ. The church is the loveliest place. It portrays and reflects the beauty of Christ. Christ died for the church. For our redemption. Christ loves the church. We are loved by Christ.

 

Ptr. John Paul Arceno
UCBC New Jersey
October 16, 2022

 

The Word: The Guide to Life

Posted on by Union Community Bible Church

 

 

Text: James 1:22-25

Introduction:

What is your guidebook in life? Tiktok? A manual is essential for any newly purchased appliances. Even software applications have EULA: End-User License Agreement. Likewise, the life that we have as Christians has a guide. More to that, it is the transformative rule of our faith and practices.

Background of James’ writing:

There were various challenges and persecutions that were happening during the time of James’ writing. Such as the massacre of temple priests in Rome, the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in AD70, riots, wars, and even Nero’s gruesome tortures. The result of these dark events was called diaspora, or the Jews escaped and moved to other neighboring counties for safety and peace.
In this context, James is reminding all Christians to be guided in their life by one important book. The ultimate instruction of life. The Handbook of Life, the Word of God, the Bible. Guidebook? A mirror that reflects your life.

Main Idea:

  • Written Word (2 Timothy 3:16): The Bible

The Bible is the Word of God, and it points us to Jesus. We believe and trust the Bible because we have faith in Christ. The Bible, for Christians, is authoritative in all manners of faith and practices. Since this is God’s Word, we need to treat it as literally His and inspirationally true and binding. That is why believers must anchor their hearts and minds in the Scriptures. It is the only true–the absolute “TRUTH” amidst the “fake news” surrounding us today.

More than just a manual, it provides and sustains our life; Psalm 19:7-9 states, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.”

Greg Gilbert’s words, “As Christians, we believe that God has spoken to us in His Word, the Bible.” It is infallible and inerrant. “This God–his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true” (Ps. 18:30). Gilbert adds, “It is to God’s Word that we look in order to find what he has said to us about his Son Jesus.”

  • Living Word (John 1:1, 14; Hebrews 1:1-3) Jesus

Illustration: Before the Coffee gets cold (transition to 1 John 2:4-6): “Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”

Application:

Verses 22-24 read that knowing and memorizing Scriptures are not enough; we need the Word of God to put into action. You do not just read and meditate but apply it in your life.

Illustration: Which translation is the best? KJV? NKJV? NIV? ESV? NASB? CSB? The one that translates into actions. Transformation is necessary for us to experience the real application in our lives.

  • Personal – emotions/ fear/ work/ good news
  • Family – honor your parents/ husband and wife/ disciple your children
  • Church – regularly attend/ give your tithes and offerings/ do missions and evangelism.

 

Ptr. John Paul Arceno
UCBC New Jersey
October 2, 2022