Classes Begin in Cebu City

Our classes got started just a few minutes before 9am as all had arrived by then. We started by introducing the book of 1^st Peter with regards to the writer, recipients, time and place of writing, theme and other factors. We spent some extra time talking about the difference between Peter, as he is seen in the Gospels, and the growth that had taken place with him by the time he writes the two epistles he authored by inspiration. We got through the first chapter, noting both the teaching and application contained therein. We discussed at length how our faith and hope should help us to endure the trials of life as our focus is fixed on our eternal hope in heaven and our trust that the Lord will bring us to that eternal home.

Jonathan Carino, Rody Gumpad and Lordy Salunga took the last 30 minutes before the lunch break to clarify in their dialects any question the students had to make sure the points got across. Though all of the men attending the classes can understand English, it is still their second language and they may not understand some of the points made because of the difficulty of dealing in a second language. That is why I wanted these men to have some time at the end to help clarify.

The afternoon session introduced our study of the errors of Premillennialism. I introduced the study by pointing out how dangerous this error is as it leads to so many false concepts, false practices and take away the faith necessary for the salvation of our soul. We discussed the fact that a false teacher by the name of Cyrus Gusela had made some think he had renounced the error of Premillennialism when in actuality he was merely trying to seek a unity-in-diversity accommodation wherein his error as well as others (institutionalism, use of instrumental music in worship, etc.) would be tolerated in a union with faithful brethren. His errors continue to present a danger to faithful brethren, so there is a need for them to be ready with a answer to the concepts of this error.

The need for the study is also seen in the fact that all of the preachers in these classes came out of denominations and the vast majority had been taught Premillennialism in those denominations. I addressed the false concept that the Bible gives time clues which should lead us to conclude that Christ’s coming at the end of time is near. The fact is that the Bible teaches it will occur like a thief in the night – at a time we cannot know. I also used a PowerPoint presentation with pictures to give a visual picture of the story of the book of Revelation so all could see the main point – that Christ will be victorious over the power of evil that opposed His will and His people, so we should remain faithful that we may have victory with Him. Lastly, we introduced ten basic errors of Premillennialism that we will be examining in detail over the next few days.

During the afternoon discussion period led by Jonathan, Lord and Rody, it was obvious that several of our class participants had some concepts that needed clarification as a result of their backgrounds. It was good that they could discuss the finer points in their dialects so that these things could be addressed clearly. I gave some extra time to the discussion period today for that reason.