My last day of work was the final day of the preachers’ studies and Gospel Lectures at the building of the Metro Tuguegarao congregation. My morning session lesson was “Are You A Pharisee?” examining the traits and doctrinal stands of the sect as stated in Scripture. While they were condemned for their hypocrisy and self-righteousness, they were never condemned for strictly keeping the Old Law. In fact, they were very clearly condemned by Jesus for failing to adhere to the Law of Moses, but changing it by both addition and subtraction through their traditions (see Matthew 15 and Mark 7). They were also condemned for their rejection of the “counsel of God” by failing to be baptized by John (Luke 7:29-30). An examination of Matthew 19:3-9 also shows the Pharisees objected to the strict teaching of Jesus regarding marriage and the putting away of marriages to marry another. Thus, many of the same traits and doctrinal views of the denominations and those seeking to loosen God’s law are actually akin to the actions of the Pharisees, not those strictly adhering to God’s law.

 

After brother Ben Vistro spoke in the afternoon session, I followed with a lesson on “Godliness Without God” from 2 Timothy 3:1-5. The lesson noted the tendency of idolatry to invent their “religion” by making gods they could serve by doing the things the carnal man already desired. We noted the parallel of the same thing being done as the denominations and many institutional churches remake the church of the New Testament by adding the practices that attract the carnal man as well. At the end of the lesson, an invitation was extended by Rody and one young lady responded to be baptized into Christ!

 

This trip has been a very fruitful one! Several have been baptized into Christ in both the areas of Cebu and the Cagayan Valley. Two restorations took place in the Tuguegarao area that have great promise of helping the work to further grow. In addition to that, we saw evidence of a great deal of edification of the saints in every place visited. All repeatedly stated how much they had been encouraged, learned and challenged to more growth. At the same time, we sadly experienced some efforts by American brethren to hinder the work being done by actions of gossip and false charges. It is hard to understand why one would want to hinder the work they claim to desire, but they were not successful in their efforts. If anything, it further strengthened our Philippine brethren to continue the work! As with every trip, I believe I benefitted the most by seeing the faith, zeal, love, evangelistic desire and yearning for truth of so many here. They have strengthened and encouraged me beyond measure and I return more energized to serve the Lord! Please keep this fruitful field in your prayers.