We were able to get started a
little before the time set this morning. When I was driven back to the hotel by
Kristofer Carino after classes yesterday, it took over an hour and a half
because we were in the middle of rush hour traffic. The hotel is probably no
more than 4 kilometers as the crow flies – maybe 5 to 6 as the roads are laid
out. Counting the drive to the hotel and then back, he had to travel about 3
hours! That put the whole family in for a very long day.
Given that problem, we
decided there was a need for a “Plan B.” I decided to get started earlier so we
may leave earlier, before the heaviest part of rush hour traffic and get my
driver back to the venue at a decent hour. From now on, I will be picked up at
6:45am so we can start classes at 7:30am or a little before. That will end my
part by at least 4:30pm and driving times should be cut in half. Jonathan
Carino and Lordy Salunga are taking the time from 4:30 to 5:30 for discussion
and further clarification in their dialect so that all have a better understand
of the material covered. It will also give students another half hour to work
on their assignments in the evenings and get to sleep earlier so they can be
more rested for the next day’s classes. I know they must need more sleep just
as I do, having had a little less than 3 hours last night after the late
arrival and preparation for today’s classes.
Today, we covered Paul’s
teaching from Ephesians 1:3 to Ephesians 4:6. We noted the prologue to this
great epistle (Eph. 1:3-14) which ties the scheme of redemption together in one
interwoven thought. From that point, the inspired apostle takes up each element
to further clarify each aspect of the plan. In the process of going through the
day’s studies, we dealt with several grand themes:
· The correct idea of the predestination taught in God’s
word (God’s plan to save men who are called by the gospel and willingly come to
be “in Christ” and not an arbitrary decision of God to save some and condemn
all others to hell).
· The gospel message being the means of how
God calls us to Him.
· How the Spirit and Christ are said to dwell in us.
· The difference between man’s works that have no place
in our salvation and the good works that
“God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” which do play a part in
our salvation.
· How God made possible the end of the mandated separation
of Jew and Gentile, commanded in the old law, and then reconciled both to
Himself in one body – the church.
· The manner by which God made known His will for
salvation, a mystery for many generation, but revealed or made known by the
apostles and prophet inspired by the Holy Spirit.
· The plan that God gave for unity which was prescribed
by the Spirit and the part we must play in maintaining that plan in the bond of
peace.
As always, I think I learn more and benefit more than the students from these all-day efforts to concentrate on the Bible message. Of course, I am also very thankful to each of you who make these trips possible with your support both monetary and through prayer. Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to have this great blessing of being a part in the work of our Lord here in the Philippines!
