HOLY, HOLY, HOLY! LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!

1ST QUARTER I 2016 I DUBAI, U.A.E.

ISSUE NO. 9

BURNING BUSH THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF BACK TO THE BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH

FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY Burning Bush / Fourth Quarter / 2015

BURNING BUSH CONTENTS IN EVERY ISSUE THE EDITOR‘S DESK 3 FROM THE BEAUTY OF GOD‘S HOLINESS Sis. Junila Salundagit

4 FROM THE PASTOR Pastor Erwin Concepcion

THE WORD 5 INTO WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ONE PUTS HIS FAITH IN JESUS

FEATURES THE PROMISED MESSIAH IS BORN 17 REJOICE! CHRIST‘S BIRTH CANTATA Sis. Erlani Maningat

OUR TONGUE 19 TAMING MESSAGE FROM THE VISITING PASTOR Sis. Junila Salundagit

Pastor Christian Alix

PICK 6 EDITOR‘S SOME PROVEN WEAPONS IN THE FIGHT OF HOLINESS

THROUGH INTERCESSION 20 LOVE SUNDAY PRAYER MEETING

STUDIES 7 CHRISTIAN HOMILETICS

A NEW SKILL TO SERVE OUR MASTER 21 LEARNING PHOTOSHOP TRAINING

Dr. John Piper

Bro. Jeffrey Cruz

EDUCATION CORNER 8 CHRISTIAN HOLINESS Pastor Erwin Concepcion

MEN 9 KING‘S CALLED TO BE

KING‘S MEN

Pastor Welven Salundagit

WOMANHOOD 10 TRUE TW CARES Sis. May Pedico

11 GAMEO ON FOOT IN GOD‘S MAGNIFICENT PLAN Bro. Juan Paolo Avila

12 SOJOURNERS FOSTERING CHRISTIAN ACCOUNTABILITY Bro. Sandy Soliguen

SPIRITUALLY BUDDING IN 2016 Sis. May Pedico

STUDY GROUPS UPDATE 14 BIBLE PHOTO GALLERY

16 MUSIC THE GREAT GIFT OF MUSIC Bro. Cyril Rodriguez

YOUNG FLOCK 18 LORD‘S I HAVE PLEASURE IN THEM Bro. Ranier Soliman

CORNER 22 HEALTH THE DOWNSIDE OF EXCESSIVE SITTING Sis. Cherrie Avila Tuquero

LAUNCHING OF THEBBBC.ORG 24 THE BACK TO THE BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH GOES ONLINE! Bro. Rued Almadilla

TESTIMONY 25 LIFE JESUS CALLED ME BY NAME Sis. Rochelle Maloles

UPDATE 26 MISSION CAMBODIA

Pastor Rogil Apostol and Sis. Janice Apostol

PHILIPPINES

Pastor Nel Guiang

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Sis. Mary Jane Mejila

Sis. Jerna Love Dueñas

FROM THE

BURNING BUSH STAFF

THE BEAUTY OF GOD’S HOLINESS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JUNILA SALUNDAGIT

The world sees God‘s punishments in the Old Testament as cruel. At times, they, the generation in the world question His existence in the midst of unforgiving seasons in life. They refuse to accept that the Lord could inflict sufferings and devastating death to anyone because they believe in a wonderful God who only bestows blessings and demonstrates unconditional love. On the other hand, professing Christians live such dreadful lives. To them, it is simpler to compromise and be labeled good by this world than to stand for what the Scripture reveals as a genuine Christian way of life. These all boils down to this question – Do we truly know God? In our relationship with God, we desire to intimately know Him and His attributes. We understand that though He is love, He is also just and holy. John Piper mentioned in his message, The Holiness of God, Our Sin, and the Love of Jesus, that “When we say that God is holy we mean that, along with the immeasurableness of His greatness, His character is unimpeachable. He cannot be charged with any wrong. He has an infinite love for what is infinitely valuable and an infinite hate for what opposes the infinitely valuable. His delight in praiseworthy things is unbounded, and His abhorrence of what is blameworthy is perfect. As Habakkuk 1:13 says, "Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity…" Therefore, to have insight that God is the epitome of holiness, we begin to realize the importance and implication of studying His Word and living fruitful godly lives in conformity to His statutes. It gives us bits of understanding of God‘s perfect plan and makes us marvel on the magnificence of His profound wisdom. Let us then strive for godliness in all aspect of our lives, asserting our Christian testimony, all for His glory.

DEPUTY EDITOR RUED ALMADILLA SUB-EDITORS MAY PEDICO JUAN PAOLO AVILA ART EDITOR ARRIANE INTAL LAYOUT EDITOR PASTOR WELVEN SALUNDAGIT LAYOUT ARTISTS PASTOR CHRISTIAN ALIX JERNA LOVE DUEÑAS LORIE TORIO JULIUS SIENA COORDINATOR JUVY SAMPANG REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS JEFFREY PAUL CRUZ CHERRIE TUQUERO SANDY SOLIGUEN

Thus, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding Proverbs 9:10.

PHOTOS BBBC BRETHREN DESIGN ON THE COVER ARRIANE INTAL Contact Us: burningbushteam@aol.com

Junila Salundagit Editor-In-Chief

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YOUR BURNING BUSH TEAM Burning Bush / Fourth Quarter / 2015

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From the PASTOR Dear Brethren, The call for holiness is one of the most if not the most avoided topic in the Bible. And the most profound verses in the Bible regarding holiness are 1 Peter 1:14-16. The argument here is logical and simple. Children inherit the nature of their parents. God is holy; therefore, as His children, we should live holy lives. We are partakers of the Divine nature (2 Peter1:4) and ought to reveal that nature in godly living.

Apostle Peter reminded his readers of what they were before they trusted Christ. They had been children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:1-3), but now they are to be obedient children (Romans 1:5; 1 Peter 1:2). They had also been initiator of the world, fashioned themselves after the standards and pleasures of the world. Romans 12:2 translates this same word as conformed to this world. Unsaved people tell us that they want to be free and different; yet they all imitate one another!

The cause of all of these is ignorance that leads to indulgence. Unsaved people lack spiritual intelligence, and this causes them to give themselves to all kind of fleshly and worldly indulgencies (see Acts 17:30; Ephesians 4:17). Since we were born with a fallen nature, it is natural for us to live sinful lives. Nature determines appetites and actions. A dog and a cat behave differently because they have different natures.

We would still be in that sinful plight were it not for the grace of God. He called us! One day, Jesus called Peter and his friends and said, “Come, follow Me… and I will make you fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). By faith, they responded to His call, and this completely changed their lives.

Perhaps, this explains why Peter used the word called so often in this letter. We are called to be holy (1 Peter 1:15). We are called out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). We are called to suffer and follow Christ’s example of meekness (1 Peter 2:21). In the midst of persecution, we are called to inherit blessing (1 Peter 3:9). Best of all, we are called to His eternal glory (1 Peter 5:10). God called us before we called on Him for salvation. It is wholly of grace.

But God’s gracious election of sinners to become saints always involves responsibility, and not just privilege. He has chosen us in Christ that we should be holy without blame before him in love (Ephesians 1:4). God has called us to Himself, and He is holy; therefore, we should be holy.

May His Words inspire us to follow His footsteps!

In His Service, Pastor Erwin Concepcion Senior Pastor Back to the Bible Baptist Church gbdesign@emirates.net.ae

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THE

INTO WORD WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ONE

PUT HIS FAITH IN

JESUS?

Have you ever opened the hood of a car and wondered what was going on in there? A car engine can look like a big confusing jumble of metal, tubes and wires. The moment the driver engage the gear and release the clutch, many, many things happen! But perhaps, what the driver all knows is that the car is moving.

At that moment a sinner accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior so many things happened, though he may not be conscious of more than ―sins forgiven ―or ―peace‖ or ―happiness‖. A Christian will learn gradually about what has taken place in his life – a life towards godliness.

Let us see these insightful biblical truths: 1. Saved by Christ – John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

2. Accepted Christ by God’s Grace – Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

3. Child of God – John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 4. Forgiven – Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 5. Justified – Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

6. Heavenly Citizenship – Philippians 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

7. New Creation – 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

8. Peace – John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

9. Friend of God – John 15:14-15 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

10. Indwelt by the Holy Spirit – Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 1 Corinthians 6:19 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?

11. Christ Becomes His Advocate – 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 12. Becomes a Servant of God – Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

These are but some that takes place in the believers‘ life. It is a life towards holiness.

But the question is: What is it that separates Christianity from every other beliefs?

What sets the truth apart from all the lies? As the bible reveals, it is ultimately His love and devotion to Jesus, the Lord and the only Savior.

Pastor Christian Alix Associate Pastor Back to the Bible Baptist Church ianalix.id@gmail.com Burning Bush / Fourth Quarter / 2015

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EDITOR’S PICK

Some Proven Weapons in the Fight for

When Paul says to put to death the deeds of the body ―by the Spirit‖ (Romans 8:13), I take him to mean that we should use the one weapon in the Spirit‘s armor that is used to kill. Namely, the sword. Which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

So when the body is about to be led into a sinful action by some fear or craving, we are to take the sword of the Spirit and kill that fear and that craving. In my experience that means mainly severing the root of sin‘s promise by the power of a superior promise.

So, for example, when I begin to crave some illicit sexual pleasure, the sword-swing that has often severed the root of this promised pleasure is: ―Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God‖ (Matthew 5:8). I recall the pleasures I have tasted of seeing God more clearly from an undefiled conscience; and I recall the brevity and superficiality and oppressive aftertaste of sin‘s pleasures, and with that, God has killed the conquering power of sin.

It is a beautiful thing to be the instrument of God‘s word-wielding power to kill sin.

Having promises at hand that suit the temptation of the hour is one key to successful warfare against sin. But there are times when we don‘t have a perfectly suited word from God in our minds. And there is no time to look through the Bible for a tailor-made promise.

So we all need to have a small arsenal of general promises ready to use whenever fear or craving threaten to lead us astray.

Here are a few of my most proven weapons: 1. "Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) I have slain more dragons in my soul with that sword than any other I think. It is a precious weapon to me.

2. "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32). How many times I have been persuaded in the hour of trial by this verse that the reward of disobedience could never be greater than "all things."

3. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me . . . And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18, 20). How many times have I strengthened my sagging spirit with the assurance that the Lord of heaven and earth is just as much with me today as He was with the disciples on earth!

4. "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me" (Psalm 50:15). What makes this weapon so compelling is that God‘s helping me has made the occasion of my glorifying Him. Amazing arrangement. I get the help, He gets the glory!

5. "My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

The context is financial and material. But the principle is total. What we really need (not just want) will be granted. And what is need? Need is what we must have to do God‘s will. What we must have to magnify our Savior. That is what we will be given as we trust him.

Be constantly adding to your arsenal of promises. But never lose sight of the chosen few that God has blessed in your life. Do both. Be ever-ready with the old. And every morning look for a new one to take with you through the day.

Source: http://www.intouch.org/about-us/meet-dr-charles-stanley

JOHN PIPER John Piper (@JohnPiper) is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Bro. Jeffrey Paul Cruz

As the sun sets in the life and ministry of the apostle Paul, he writes to young Timothy. Like the passing of torch, Paul admonishes his apprentice with these firm words saying, ―Preach the Word‖ (2 Timothy 4:2). He then adds, ―be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.‖ Both Paul and Timothy know the importance of this, for the Word of God is Holy and the Gospel of Jesus is a life giver. Thus, every man who stands and preaches this Divine truth should handle it with all reverence, care and readiness.

From then on, from generation to generation through the grace of God and guidance of the Holy Spirit, the men of God have passed on the knowledge and skills in preaching the Word of God. Some might have heard the word Homiletics which means the art and science of preaching. It is a study that would take time and patience to learn, but above all with love and obedience to God and His Word. Homiletics can also be termed as ―Sermon‖ like most of us are familiar with. ―It is a communication of Biblical truth by man to men with the explicit purpose of eliciting behavioral change.‖

hom·i·let·ics the art and science of preaching

Moving in this present generation, both the men and women of BBBC has answered the call to continue this humbling and important task – to Preach the Word. Like in the past years, once again the door of Manama Villa 7 opens wide on November 13, 2015 to welcome both new set of students and refreshers of the study. With grateful and persistent heart in teaching, Pastor Erwin Concepcion starts to conduct the weekly class focusing initially in the first chapter or Homiletics 1 (Basic Guidelines to Sermon).

One of the key highlights of this study that has been discussed is the three types of sermon – Topical, Textual and Expository /Exegetical. Where in the Exegetical or Expository preaching is the main focus and preferred study discipline. The said lesson is covered in the whole Chapter 2 of Homiletics which will be unpacked as the class progresses in the weeks to come. Another part of Chapter 1 is the Sermon Structure and Organization, that which is given much attention also. This part of the study discusses the key parts in structuring or the coming together of one‘s whole sermon.

In the past weeks, each point of Chapter 1 is given careful attention for all the students to grasp and understand.

Finally, after weeks of studies, where else can you know how much you have learn but through practical application. So last December 18, 2015 the class is given the task to structure and organize the assigned text in John 3:1-21. Surely, through much prayers and guidance the students have successfully put into practice all that they have gained in Chapter 1. Glory to be God! Now, the class moves to the next chapter which is the heart of the whole study, the Exegetical study of the Scripture. In the coming weeks, the class will engage themselves in learning this powerful and life changing form of sermon.

For one goal and one goal only to ―Preach the Word‖ to the people (2 Timothy 4:2) and bring salvation to everyone who will come in faith to our Lord Jesus Christ through the grace of God (Ephesians 1:13) for us who believed that the Word of God will continue to admonish and strengthen our faith.

So, let us remember the class in our prayers for them to finish the study and one day stand behind the pulpit.

Preaching gives glory and honour to God, the One who has spoken the Word – God the Father, Lord Jesus Christ the Son and God the Holy Spirit (1 John 5:7)! BB

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HOLINESS

Pastor Erwin Concepcion

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea; Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!

God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

God’s holiness speaks of its exalted status (Isaiah 63:15) as well as His perfect sinlessness. ―By the holiness of God, it is not implied that He is subject to some law of standard of moral excellence external to Himself, but that all moral law and perfection have their eternal and unchangeable basis in His own nature. ‗He is the One in whom these eternal sanctities reside, Who Himself is the root and ground of them all‘. The holiness of God is set before us in the Scripture as of great practical consequences.

(1) It is the special ground for reverence, awe, and adoration (Psalm 71:22; 111:9; Isaiah 6:3).

(2) It is the standard of all holiness (Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:16).

(3) It implies necessarily the Divine opposition to, and condemnation of all sin (Habakkuk 1:13; 1 Samuel 6:20; Isaiah 6:5).

(4) The contemplation of this attribute is accordingly and peculiarly adapted to awaken or deepen the human consciousness of sin.

(5) It is revealed to men, nevertheless, as setting before them the highest end of their aspiration and hope and endeavor (Exodus 19:6; Leviticus 20:7; Hebrews 12; 1 Peter 1:16).

TWO ASPECTS OF HOLINESS IN THE CHRISTIAN’S LIFE: There are two ways a Christian can be holy – positionally and practically. There are eternal holiness and temporal; perfect and gradual; absolute and progressive. The Christian is holy because of his position in Christ, and he is becoming holy in practical sense.

POSITIONAL HOLINESS is the believer is internally set apart into God‘s family. To be in Christ is to be holy in this sense (Ephesians 1:4; Hebrews 3:1). In position before God, every true believer is holy and blameless from the very day he is born again. How can this be? It is because the born again person is placed into Christ, and God no longer sees that person as a condemned sinner, but as blessed saint. God looks at the believer through the blood of His Son and sees no sin. The Christian is not holy in this positional sense because he is good, but because Christ has put away his sin and declared him righteous. Every child of God is holy; every child of God is a saint, in this positional sense.

PRACTICAL HOLINESS is to be holy in daily living. Though Christians are holy in Christ positionally, the Bible teaches that it is God‘s will for them to be holy in practice also (1 Peter 1:15-16). The two aspects of holiness are seen in one verse in Colossians 3:12. This verse teaches that since Christians are holy and beloved by position in Christ, they should live up to this position by being holy in life. Every true Christian, because of his trust in Christ‘s blood, is perfect and holy before God – as holy as Jesus is – but every Christian does not live a holy life day by day. The Christian is to be perfect in holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1).

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The Bible states that it is impossible to be truly holy in daily life without first being made holy in Jesus Christ, positionally. Only after a person is born again will God accept his efforts of daily holiness. Outside of Christ, there is no true holiness. Only

by His blood can a person be cleansed of sin and made fit to serve God in righteousness and truth (Galatians 2:20; 6:1416).

The following contrasts between holy and unholy are from the book Holiness by J.C. Rice: a) Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God, according as we find His mind described in Scripture.

It is a habit of agreeing in God‘s judgment – hating what He hates – loving what He loves – and measuring everything in this world by the standard of His Word.

He who most entirely agrees with God, he is the most holy man. Contrariwise, an unholy one judges all things according to his own mind; as the Scripture often put it, he is ‗wise in his own conceits‘ (Romans 12:16).

The unholy one desires to do his own will, rather than putting God‘s will first – ‗every way of man is right in his eyes‘ (Proverbs 21:2). b) A holy one will endeavor to shun every known sin, and to keep every known commandment. He will have a decided bent of mind toward God, a hearty desire to do His will – a greater fear of displeasing Him than of displeasing the world – and a love of all His ways. He will feel what Paul felt when he said, ‗I delight in the law of God after the inward man‘ (Romans 7:22). An unholy one sees no reason for him to be transformed, nor to be conformed to the image of Christ Jesus, but to the unholy one Christ is but a name which he can use as a tool to accomplish his own ends, and to establish his own glory among men. c) A holy one will strive to be like our Lord Jesus Christ.

He will labor to have the mind that was in Him, and to be ‗conformed to His image‘ – ‗to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God‘ (Romans 12:2). While holiness assures meekness, humility, charitableness, and spiritual-mindedness; unholiness regards these as mere pretenses, hypocritical acts which will deceive opposing parties while the unholy one is undermining their position.

Unholiness is basically unbelief in all its forms. It encompasses deceit, both of self and of others; and it is often revealed in idolatry of self, and of external objects which will serve the interest of self. BB

Pastor Welven Salundagit

Men

are taught to be strong, reliable and responsible in preparation for adulthood as they are to lead their own family in the future. But how prevalent are these words to the men of this generation? Why are more and more men go astray? Is it the cause of violence and broken families?

constantly have communication with the Lord becomes the air he breathes, giving him strength and the power to resolve even the most mundane of tasks at hand. His reliance to the Lord becomes apparent, thus, he prospers and becomes an inspiration to many. The Lord is reflected in his countenance and people ask him for advice.

According to Statistics in the United States 71% of high school dropouts (National Principals Association Report on the State of High Schools), 90% of homeless and runaway children (US D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census), 85% of youths in prisons (Fulton County Georgia jail populations, Texas Department of Corrections, 1992) and 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (US D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census)(Source: http://fatherhoodfactor.com/us-fatherlessstatistics/). These are just some of the reasons why it is important to strengthen men and to train them to be good role models not only to their family but in society. This is not to disregard the crucial part of women but to emphasize the role of men as appointed leaders by God.

3. TO BE A LEADER Men are called by God to lead. We are to lead with great joy and delight, to lead though it may be costly, and to lead with love. The Scripture gives us the best example of effective leadership in the lives of godly men like Moses, Joshua, and so on. However, first and foremost, a man should lead his family. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body (Ephesians 5:23). The godly man leads his family in worship. He must make sure that he is spending his own time in the Word and in prayer. He will also seek to ensure that his family is doing the same. The man is highly responsible for his family‘s Spiritual Growth though faith is very personal he should keep in mind that as the head of the family it is his primary duty. Even in the Old Testament, God commanded this to the Israelites saying, “ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

(Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

A sententious statement comes to my mind which goes like this, ―Bibles aren‘t allowed in school anymore but encouraged in prisons. If kids were allowed to read it in school, they may not end up in prison.‖ It is a blessing that we are not restricted this much but, regrettably, people are just simply not interested by the Word of God. To raise a man with good moral character is one thing, but to raise a Godfearing man is another. The Bible is the best manual to refer to in order to effectively shape an individual‘s character. No one can best mold us into strong, reliable and responsible people than our Lord Himself. Thus, Back to the Bible Baptist Church upholds in training and teaching men through different ministries. The Church believes that equipping men through the Scripture will enable them to be effective in all aspects of their lives: may they be married, single or even just budding youth. By means of Bible Study, Friday School, listening to preaching in worship service and personal devotion changes in a Christian man becomes apparent therefore equipping him to carry out the following: 1. TO STRIVE FOR MATURITY AND GAIN WISDOM It is not enough for men to feed his family only, but more importantly, nourish them with the Word of God. It is extremely crucial for the man in the family to guide them into godly path. His primary responsibility is to ensure that they are led to Salvation. In order to achieve this, he himself should be the bearer of this wisdom through intensive study of the Word of God and eventually passing it on to his children.

To raise God-fearing family should be the priority and on top of his goal checklist. As said in 2 Timothy 2:15, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, he must hold fast in Spiritual maturity.

2. TO PRAY AND RELY ON GOD When a person is saved, praying becomes an integral part of his daily living. He does not pray out of habit but he prays because it is his lifeline to God. To Burning Bush / Fourth Quarter / 2015

Leadership in the church is a role that has been designed uniquely for men (1Timothy 3). All throughout the biblical history most leadership positions were occupied by men. In cases where women lead, taking for example the Story of Deborah, sad to say but the truth is she is in the moment when men don‘t lead. Same instances just show that men are weak and are not wearing the pants which God instructed them. For us men to effectively lead in the church involves our lives including our speech and conduct—ought to display Jesus Christ. It should be our aim to be a walking, talking, living, breathing gospel proclamation. This calls for training, studying, experience and most importantly submitting ourselves to the correction and molding of the Holy Spirit. It may take time and hardwork but nothing can be too difficult when we know that the Lord Jesus Christ is a very present help to strengthen and equip us.

And so, I encourage my brothers in faith, let us persevere and be steadfast in our Christian walk and serve Him with all our might– with our lives. Let us stand strong as leaders as God hath called us to. Let us be good examples and be diligent learners of the Word of God and be truly called, not only men but THE KING’S men (2 Timothy 2:10-15).

BB

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Sis. May Pedico The Ministry True Womanhood Fellowship is the women‘s ministry of Back to the Bible Baptist Church, regardless of age and status in life. We are single, married, mom, empty nester and widow lovingly and purposefully fashioned by our Creator as women. We have learned to love each other despite our individual differences. We rejoice and celebrate with those who experience victory and weep with and stand to comfort those who deal with sorrows.

Each of us experiences the joys, blessings and sorrows of our womanhood varying in different stages and seasons of life. One might have joy in the beginning but the subsequent years might be hard to endure considering that in the long run conflicts will arise, problems are inevitable and responsibilities are permanent. Come to think of the transition from singlehood to being married then being a mom or moms to being a grandma and to the most unwanted season of widowhood. How is that?

As women undergo such seasons, they have to make a lot of adjustments. Then the grace of God is teaching and molding us to happily endure and lovingly embrace those seasons we are in. They are God‘s wonderful plan. We counsel our hearts with these truths. Life is hard but God is good. As Pastor Warren Weirsbe says, ―When you are in the furnace, your Father keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat.‖ We learn to trust God more and hold on to our faith and promises of God and deeply pray.

As we endure the hardship and difficulties because of His grace that is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9), we become more dependent to God and choose to pursue intimacy in our relationship with Jesus. As soon as we are done, such experience will help us to minister grace to other women.

Moreover, we are women reaching out women for God‘s glory! Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we aim to purposely mentor, counsel and reach out women. We strive to live out the Titus 2 woman and yearn to be virtuous women (Proverbs 31).

Furthermore, this ministry desires to recover biblical womanhood by teaching and helping women mature spiritually in faith and live godly lives in this complex age where the gravitational force of the offered pleasures of the world is stronger. It grieves our heart to see our sisters captured and lured by the enemys‘ lies ensuing to drift away from the church. Before it happens, we reinforce everyone with various generated activities and we encourage every woman to join Friday School

Sis. Riza‘s Bridal Shower

with us. The more, the merrier. We have our Friday School right after Tagalog Worship Service wherein we are currently studying the women of the Bible, we have bridal showers for those sisters who are getting married, baby showers for those who are first-time expecting a child, visitation ministry, quarterly workshops, fun run, anniversary and other activities. We encourage each other to serve our Master with gladness, considering it as a privilege.

Make A Difference One day, we will part ways but we want our sisters to learn from us. We choose to labor for His glory because we want to leave a legacy of faith and because we care.

Yes, we care! We care for every woman! We care because Jesus cares! Pass forward, when time comes that we will look back to the years we have spent together in BBBC, our greatest joy are to behold women having a closer relationship with Jesus from the time we are together and beyond and are blessings to their relationships. Nowadays, it is my prayer that as we grow in numbers, may the love of Christ and our love and concern for each other will not fade away rather it will be warmly felt by each one. Let us cooperate and support our very own ministry for ladies, exalting Jesus in our midst!

As the famous godly missionary, author and speaker Elisabeth Elliot says, ―The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian makes me a different kind of woman.‖ Yes, make it personal and intentional! As a Christian woman, make a difference.

We pray that as we grow old, we will grow old gracefully; evident in our lives that Jesus is in us. As daughters, sisters, wives, moms, aunts and grandmas, we look forward to possess a life that creates sweet-smell to God, vertically and to our neighbors, horizontally – a life of great godly influence.

Finally, when our life comes to an end and our Lord God calls us to glory, we want to speak with Apostle Paul, ―I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

God bless the True Womanhood Fellowship Ministry! BB 10

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Bro. Juan Paolo Avila

I want to start by thanking the Lord for allowing me to share the testimony of our wedding.

A wedding

ceremony we never thought and expected to be a joyful church celebration!

Our love story blossomed in June of 2011. Since I am working in Dubai and she is based in Abu Dhabi, our relationship faced a lot of challenges. We often argue on petty things. But when she moved here in Dubai last November 2012, everything change. I introduced her to BBBC Family. From then on, we both attended weekly bible studies, Friday Worship services and other church activities. We are blessed because we are surrounded by people who consider us part of their family. Through them, we found a place where we feel the warmth of a home, and the acceptance of very close friends. After several lessons about salvation, we finally decided to accept the Jesus Christ as our Lord and personal Savior. We were baptized last June 07, 2013. From then on, together we serve the Lord in different ministries of the church. We both grow in the knowledge of Him and praise God because through our brethren, we learned how important it is to put God in the center of our relationship. Every day I am being reminded how blessed I am to have Riza in my life. She is my greatest cheerleader and my best friend. I told myself that she is the one I will marry and will spend the rest of my life with.

It was in June 2015, when we planned about our wedding. The details are still vague. We are still uncertain when and where is the wedding so we just keep it in ourselves. One morning, we both agreed to hold the wedding in December in Philippine Consulate since my parents are coming for the holidays. We started preparing for our big day and solely rely on our own wisdom. We did not ask help from our brethren and forgot to pray for God's Divine intervention. As a result, the planning process became chaotic. We don't know where to begin and what are the things to be done so we ended up asking Pastor Erwin for spiritual advice. We told him every single detail of the wedding plans. Pastor Erwin then told us that he's very much willing to officiate the wedding ceremony but the final decision still lies in our hands. Riza and I take into consideration the suggestion of our beloved Pastor. We both agreed that our wedding ceremony will be on December 11, 2015. I must say that it is very difficult to arrange and organize wedding in 3 weeks time. We have to arrange for photo shoot, choose the wedding reception, prepare the entourage, look for the perfect souvenirs, etc. The whole process is very tedious and we told each other, "We can't make it before December 11". That's the time we seek help from our brethren. We told them that we are on the brink of giving up. By God's mercies and provisions, they offered their time and effort to assist us and some eve volunteered their resources. During the whole period of preparation, we both feel the love and care of our brethren. They prayed for us fervently and assured us that everything will be in order. I can attest that The Lord Jesus is in control of everything, from planning until the wedding day.

My family was blessed with the testimony of our church. They felt the warmth of love from brethren and saw how Christians care for each other. I prayed to God that through this ceremony, their hearts will be softened and that they understand the real meaning of "wedding".

Our wedding is a great testimony of God‘s wonderful plan, labored with love and coupled with prayers!

Today, as I write this testimony, our heart is overwhelmed with joy!

God heard and answered our prayer. My wife is now pregnant!

Such great blessing from the Lord!

I just want to bring back the highest praise and honor to our dear Lord! BB

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Bro. Sandy Soliguen

We are living in the world that appears to be

losing its moral anchor at a constant decline. Nowadays, the choice to do the right thing seems to be easily ignored and compromised, hence, the need for accountability is paramount for any society to achieve moral stability, and it should start with responsible and upright individuals.

Accountability is basically the willingness to hold you responsible for your words and actions.

Considerably, there are secular accountability or advocacy groups today that take part in dedicating their time and devotion for this purpose-driven task.

Accountability groups that we know of today are normally structured to reform people having difficulties in dealing and overcoming deep-seated human issues such as addiction, depression, anger management, and the likes.

The way this support system works is that each one in the group is encouraged to share personal and sensitive information about them, comfort and motivate one another who are struggling with similar life circumstances, in the hope of recovering from their ordeals and get another shot at life. The appalling truth though is that, more often, the emphasis is not at all focused on spiritual realizations of one‘s need of a Savior, and that it‘s not just about overcoming one‘s weakness; but being overcome with Christ as Lord of one‘s life that matters most.

Christian accountability on the other hand expands beyond just giving and receiving moral support from fellow believers and this is what the BBBC singles ministry aim to achieve through the creation of Christian Sojourners‘ accountability group. For its kick off, a general assembly meeting was scheduled to present the plan. This was held last 4th of December 2015 at Popeye‘s Restaurant, Al Rigga, Deira.

The fellowship meeting started half past seven in the evening, shortly after everyone had their names registered for their attendance. Such an encouragement getting overwhelming support from our regular CSJ participants, visitors, even a few former CSJ brethren who came to assist and successfully graced the event. It also feels great to see new faces actively participating and taking part in the program. Bro. Rued Almadilla later on delivered God‘s Word through his message on the subject, ―Accountability‖.

The focal point of our devotional study was centered on Christian accountability, the need to build responsible and quality relationships among fellow believers, as we are all part of the same body of Christ.

This is where Christian Sojourners accountability groupings come into play. Prior to that, Bro. Rued introduced to us the new set of Sojourner Officers with him being the appointed President, Bro. Sid as his assistant leader, Sis. Mabel as Adviser and sisters Khei, and Regine as the 12

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treasurer and secretary, respectively. He then proceeded with the pronouncement of accountability group members and corresponding leaders. I reckon most of us were surprised as selection of members was deliberately done in random. It was explained later that its main purpose is for us to get to know and learn how to get along with others who are not our usual circle of friends in the ministry. We are aware of the challenge as establishing accountability friendships may take time and serious effort to develop and grow.

In a nutshell, essential elements that we should take into account in building accountability friends are: Humility (1 Peter 5: 5), Submission (Ephesians 5: 21), Encouragement (1 Thessalonians 5: 11), Warning, Comfort, and Support (1 Thessalonians 5: 12-14).

Thanksgiving and prayer concluded the assembly meeting; with all of us later continued in never ending moments of fellowship, laughter and photo taking spree while enjoying the refreshments served that night.

Ours is a life of spiritual warfare and we need fellow believer friends to whom we can go to, and hold us responsible if we desire to lead a holy walk in our faith.

As iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), consider becoming a loving, loyal Jonathan to his best friend David and a confidant, encourager Barnabas to his soul-brother Paul.

Likewise, put into consideration father figure and mentor Paul to a younger ward Timothy, or perhaps an honest, uncompromising Prophet Nathan to his beloved King David.

We can‘t hold a candle to such great men of faith, but we can look at their examples for us to learn the importance of having someone to be accountable to, as Ecclesiastes 4:910 says; “Two are better than one, because they have a

good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up”. BB

SOJOURNERS’ NEW YEAR FELLOWSHIP

Sis. May Pedico

On the 6th of January, 2016, Wednesday night, 8pm onwards, the singles of BBBC celebrated their New Year Fellowship at Jomac Rooftop, Abuhail. It is still winter in Dubai and so everyone was advised to dress up with their attire that can sustain their own selves from the cool winter breeze of the night.

With joy and excitement, sojourners gathered together, not thinking about the tiredness from each of their work to hear God‘s Message which is so relevant to the fresh year.

Setting goals is essential in whatever aspects of man‘s life. If one aims nothing, he will not hit anything as the common saying goes. But much more to setting any other goals as a Christian, one in necessity must have the aim to grow spiritually.

Speaking of goals in life, in reference to this idea, we ponder upon the Word of God that is in complete passion delivered by our recently appointed president, Bro. Rued Almadilla.

Apostle Paul in his pastoral epistle to Timothy instructed the latter to ―Discipline himself for the purpose of godliness.‖ Let us consider these 7 points that were discussed and given highlights: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Prayerfully write a one-sentence purpose statement for your life and write down a few long and short range goals in light of it.

Put in place a regular, daily time in the Word and prayer, including some time to memorize Scripture.

Work on developing godly character qualities, especially in areas where you are weak.

Develop a habit of reading solid Christian books that help you grow spiritually.

Get into a small group where you can deepen relationships, encourage others, and be encouraged in the Lord.

Ask God how He wants you to be serving Him in light of your gifts and start serving somewhere.

Set some financial goals to help you become a better steward of the resources that God has entrusted to you.

“God help us to remember and do those things taught to us.

May Your mercy and grace abound in us to bud.”

The New Year 1st fellowship was good enough to be remembered. We are blessed to hear the Message with such reminders and instructions how to grow spiritually in this brand new year 2016. As adult Christians seeking to please God in our lives, may we thrive to bud in a number of aspects if not in all, however, above all else spiritually from now on until He comes by His grace and for His renown and glory!

Games, prayer time and fellowship with the graced mouth-watering sea foods soup were not missed. pleasure in them over a sweet fellowship with the presence of everyone.

We take

Praises to God for His goodness and faithfulness to us! May we spiritually bud in 2016 and onwards! BB

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ABU HAIL

AL WASL – Sri Lankan Group

Al RIGGA

IC - DEIRA

KARAMA 14

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MAMZAR

SATWA 2 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. And is profitable for doctrine, for reprrof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

SATWA VILLA 3

SHEIKH ZAYED Burning Bush / Fourth Quarter / 2015

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The Great Gift of Bro. Cyril Rodriguez

One

of the fundamental truth from the Word of God is that He is the Creator of all things, without Him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:1-3) and music is not an exemption. God created music, not the various styles but its elements and concept. Music has been there ever since the creation of the world (Job 38:4-7) and God intended it, like all other creation, to be played for His glory, for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11), to worship Him and to give praises to His Name. Music is God‘s gift to His creation (James 1:17) and we are stewards of this great gift, thereby making us accountable on how we use or apply it in worship and in our daily lives. That being said, man as stewards of God‘s creation fails to keep music holy because of man‘s sinful nature and Satan‘s deception he corrupted it and use it to abominate God in various forms.

Another critical truth about music is that it is not and will never be neutral, it communicates. Our body and soul can be affected by music in some ways. That‘s why sometimes you unknowingly stomp your feet, move your head or sing in the back of your mind whenever you hear familiar songs, and sometimes your emotion and even your spirit is being lifted up when you hear songs of encouragement.

The Bible does not give us a ―specific‖ meaning of what Music is but it does say a handful of things about it. We cannot deny that its importance, especially in worship, is highly valued. Take the longest book in the Bible for example, the book of Psalms – it‘s not there by accident but to show us the significance of music not just in worship but also in times of joy, grief, victory, loss and in different situations this earthly life offers.

Here are some definitions of Music: 1. Music is an art form and cultural activity whose medium is sound and silence. The common elements of music are pitch (which governs melody and harmony), rhythm (and its associated concepts tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics (loudness and softness), and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture. – Wikipedia 2. ―Music can be defined as an organization of tones and rhythms into a discernible whole that is designed to communicate a message to the listener.‖ -Music in Worship; Mr. Douglas Bachorik, Music Director, BJMBC 3. Music is "the art of arranging tones in an orderly sequence so as to produce a unified and continuous composition". -Webster‘s II: Riverside University Dictionary Remember how David desired to build a temple for the Lord? But God did not allow him but choose Solomon to build it (I Chronicles 22:5-12). Well, guess what? David did not go to his room and cry the whole day but prepare all the necessary things and assign diverse positions for the building.

And, one of the amazing assignment that he has done is the assigning of the musicians (I Chronicles 25:1-7), he even .

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appointed chief musicians (I Chronicles 16:5). Can you imagine the thrill and excitement of these musicians assigned by the king to play music in the temple to praise the great ―I AM‖?

The Bible has a whole lot more to say about music but my desire is not just to write about that, but rather, I would like to appeal to every one of us whose hearts was touched by the Spirit to take part in our Music Ministry. The Lord looketh at the heart! The most important requirement in the ministry and Music Ministry is not just about singing and playing instruments.

There are more to it, there are enough tasks for every member of BBBC to fill in. Your helping hand and willing heart are most welcome.

Music is a form of worship in itself, simply because we worship God through music; we sing and play instruments to worship the Lord and that‘s one of the beauty and joy of being a part of Music Ministry!

We cannot bring back music‘s perfect form but we can be instruments of God to offer to Him a kind of Music that is holy and pleasing in His sight. Music Ministry for me is a ―general‖ or an ―open‖ ministry in the sense that everyone can join immediately once you are saved and serve God especially singing in the choir. It may also be the first ministry that new believers find themselves to suit in because everyone can sing, though not professionally of course, unlike the Pulpit, Teaching and other ministries which demand some specific knowledge and skills to be effective. Music Ministry is also a good training ground of Christian values for both new and old believers, such as discipline, fellowship, loving and bearing one another‘s burden, etc.

Singing and playing musical instruments cannot replace the preaching of the Word but we must not be deceived that Music Ministry is not as important as the others or lesser in value compared to other ministries. We worship God through music and that makes it of no lesser value because in the end it serves the same purposes – to give glory to God and to edify the brethren.

In one way or another, music has a place in the lives of each and every human being.

The sound of waves pounding the cliffside or an organized set of sound of the orchestra is music in somebody‘s ears. Everyone can sing and/or play a musical instrument, not maybe as good as others, but we all have that ―musician‖ in us. Who among us doesn't sing even a line in 24 hours? Or whistle a note or two?

There will be music in heaven for sure; we will be singing psalms! (Revelation 14:1-3, 15:1-4) so better bring out that ―musically-inclined‖ you while we are still here on earth. If the Lord touches the ―musician‖ that is in you, come and take part. There is nothing wrong if church seats will be emptied when the choir sings because everyone is in front singing and playing instruments, isn't there? So, why not consider and pray for this humble plea? After all, we only have one Audience, the Giver of the great gift of Music. BB

REJOICE! BBBC CHRIST’S BIRTH CANTATA Sis. Erlani Maningat

December is defined as the busiest month of the year, wherein all homecomings, family reunions and celebrations are done. It is a month where shopping malls are so busy, street lights never rest and cities never sleep. It is a time also when you miss the loved ones that are far from you, not only those who left us temporarily, but also those who left us permanently, though we have high hopes that sooner or later, we will be joining with them when it is time for us to go to our true home.

Whenever month of December comes, there is a familiar celebration that arises in the mind of all people ―Christmas‖, but for BBBC family, it is the ―Birth of the Savior‖. December 25, 2015 is one of the special occasions where BBBC family celebrates and remembers the coming of the Savior. BBBC Choir hold a mini cantata entitled,‖Rejoice! The Savior is born!‖ Songs like Rejoice; O Come, O Come Emmanuel; God Came to Earth as Man and Room for the Savior are four heart touching songs that tells the story of how Jesus came to earth leaving His glory in heaven to save mankind from their sins and the its punishment. These songs aim to touch the heart of the hearers. They will not just hear how the songs are sung but also understand the message of the songs that speak of God‘s ultimate sacrifice that he sends His son to redeem us from our sins, to save us from the fires of hell, moreover, to die that we may live.

Pastor Erwin Concepcion in his preaching taken from Matthew 1:18-25, highlighted the coming of the ―Messiah‖ the true meaning of the celebration, dropping aside the gift-giving, merry-making, and all night drinking and solely focus on the birth of the Savior. Reminding us also, that Mary is highly favored by God because she was chosen to bear God‘s Son – Jesus, and she was blessed amongst women and not above women, giving us no reason to worship her. Pastor Erwin also reiterated the humble way and simplicity of Jesus‘ birth that was in a manger.

Why is it in a manger? Because the manger is the lowest among the low and poorest of the poor, he left His throne and glory in heaven to be a man. He experience humility, hardship and pain. He came down to earth as man so that he will experience what we experience and want us to experience what he had experienced. Pastor Erwin, in his preaching, presented Jesus as the Messiah wherein His humanity was introduced, His entity was known and His mission is introduced. He shall save his people. It was mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:21, ―For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him‖ telling us that there is no other way but Jesus, that we are hopeless and hell bound if we will not believe in Jesus Christ. John 15:13 ―Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you‖. Only God can do such sacrifice. Jesus doesn‘t need anything from us or asking us to pay back. He is just asking us to believe in Him and surrender our lives to Him, for He is the only way, no man comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).

We know that salvation is only through Jesus Crist, that is the true spirit, the true meaning of the celebration.

Pastor Erwin in conclusion left a question to all of us, ―Is your relationship with Jesus restored? Do you believe that Jesus, indeed, come to restore back again your broken relationship with God? Will you surrender your life to Jesus?‖ The birth of Jesus indicates the celebration to restore our broken relationship with God. We are discouraged to follow the worldly celebration that is so common in our generation today. God has told us to separate ourselves from the world and walk with Him as His chosen people – a peculiar generation. For some it is a very big question mark why we BBBC family do not celebrate the so called ―Christmas‖. Yes, we don‘t! But, we celebrate the coming of the Messiah! We celebrate that God sent forth His Son to earth to save us! We celebrate that God has given us a chance to restore back our relationship with Him! Most of all, we celebrate because we want to thank God for calling us, adopting us and choosing us to be His children. For all these reasons, we ―Rejoice‖. BB Burning Bush / Fourth Quarter / 2015

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Bro. Ranier Soliman

pening and preparing the thought and the heart of the children on the most important decision in their life that is to know, believe and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior is the primary purpose of Lord‘s Young Flock Bible Study. Children are trusting by nature. Bible Study and Friday School aim that the children will come to Know God and make the Bible Teaching exciting and real to the children. Sin is naturally bound in the heart of a child

(Proverbs 22:15). Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. In addition, as quoted in Genesis 8:21 ―… for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; …‖ Bible Study and Friday School directs the shaping of these children‘s heart and mind in truth, in God‘s wisdom and in strengthening of their faith to God. Also, these intend in ministering by encouraging parents to be a good examples to their children. Moreover, we advise them to attend Junior Worship Service regularly, believe and trust in Jesus, have a prayerful life, Read their Bible. We also teach them on how to have a relationship with God and nourish it, to be obedience to God, to their parents, and to the people in authority. We inculcate in their young minds doing of things without complaining and help them change their rebellious heart to obedience by surrendering their life to Jesus. We encourage them to open their mind in the truth and let them understand the lies of the present generation which rampantly deceive the youth.

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The last bible study topic was about ―Peer Pressure‖. This pressure influences to do things within the social group to be able fit in. It is common in the youth to encounter peer pressure from their friends specially doing the worldly things such as smoking, drinking liquor, drugs, etc. Peer pressure can be deceitful and in bible study we see some Bible passage from 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 ―Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.‖ We also teach the children to follow righteousness and stand firmly on the right side, doing right even no one else does. To add up, we teach them that there are some ways to say no when it is wrong to do it even everybody is doing it. If I am a kid, I would rather be wise and know what is good and evil than to be a fool and lose everything.

There is a preacher‘s quote that says, ―The ugly reality is that peer pressure reaches its greatest intensity at just the age when kids tend to be most insensitive and cruel.‖ Before peer pressure creeps in and influence the kids, we intentionally teach them to love God and serve Him while young as they are as wisest King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 12:1 declares, ―Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;. We do not to waste the opportunity of teaching them today because tomorrow might be too late. BB

Our Tongue Message from the Visiting Pastor Sis. Junila Salundagit

T

o tame one‘s tongue surely is not an easy task for many. I believe that at one point in our lives we have hurt the people we love because of the carelessness in our speech and it is not more than once that we hoped we could take back the words we harshly uttered. Indeed, our tongue is just a small member of our body and yet it has the ability to destroy even the strongest bond of relationships.

On the 15th of January, 2016, during worship service, this was the topic of our guest speaker from International Christian Baptist Church Pastor Rico Bernardo. In line to that month‘s theme A Transformed Life, he entitled the message that morning Transformed Talk/ Word of a Christian where he could not stress enough the importance of evident change in the believer‘s speech.

In 2005, according to a British documentary filmmaker, and his colleagues, the average person will speak 123,205,750 words in a lifetime. The research team also determined that the average person speaks 4,300 words per day (Source: https://atkinsbookshelf. wordpress.com/tag/ how-many -words-does- the- ave rage-person-speak-in-their-lifetime/). The question is how many of those words do actually have value or how many of those words are to be considered corrupt communication? Ephesians 4:29 says, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. In our day to day lives as Christians, do we take time to study the words that we say before actually letting them out of our lips? Today, since you woke up, how many of the words you uttered are actually edifying and how many are emotionally or spiritually destructive?

Pastor Rico Bernardo and Family Burning Bush / Fourth Quarter / 2015

It is easy to lose one‘s head when we encounter a trespass that even justifies our desire to retaliate, but remember what is said in 1 Peter 3:9, Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. In lieu of complaints when we felt injustice in our work or even in relationships, put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness Colossians 3:12-14 (see also Philippians 2:14 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18). More importantly, how do we handle information or even a secret? Keep in mind James 3:5-6, Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Brethren, as children of God, how can we hold on to our good testimony that may lead unbelievers to repentance when we do not exude godly lives? Why are we stubborn and resort to our own understanding when it is perfectly clear that the Scripture is our reference of what is good and irrefutable truth? Why do we become stumbling blocks to young believers who look upon us for guidance in their Christian walk? Why is there no change in our Christian lifestyle?

Word has power to bring death but it also has power to bring life. The Word of God is there for us to freely speak of and share to lost souls. Do we choose filthy words over words that lead to eternal life?

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21). Verily, it is a challenge to rein our mouths against corrupt communication and submit into holiness, howbeit the Holy Spirit will guide us and the Lord will strengthen us to overcome any temptations that will lead us to sin. Let us surrender our lips to God and pray that only words that bring Him glory will pour out of our mouth. BB Burning Quarter / 2016 19 That ye putBush off/ First concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according

Love Through Intercession Sis. Mary Jane Mejila

We all have petitions. Some are praying for a child, some for work, some for healing, some for a husband and so many more. People get easily discouraged when answer to their prayer gets delayed or not granted. But, there are those who do not cease praying and even ask others to pray for them. Praise the Lord for prayer meeting, an opportunity for brethren to intercede for us.

Back to the Bible Baptist Church‘s Prayer Meeting is held every Sunday at 8:30 PM at Manama Villa 7. We start by listening to different testimonies of our brethren. It is always a joy to hear stories of blessings from everyone‘s lips and how they were tried but continued in faith in spite of the hardship. Afterwards, there is preaching that feeds our souls with the Word of God. As soon as we are all set we are asked to find a prayer partner. The whole room will be filled with whispers, some are asking of their partner‘s welfare and some already started praying. We will close in prayer also giving thanks for the food that we are about to partake. I genuinely commend those who in spite of a tiring day at work are still very zealous to attend. They are very happy to spend their remaining strength for the Lord.

Prayers are our ways of communing with God or to be exact our ACTS of communicating with God as we follow the order of praying (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication). It is an act of humble worship in which we seek God with all our heart (2 Chronicles 7:14). Prayer is when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9), an expression of intimate relationship with our heavenly father (Mark 1:35), and where we ask God for guidance and wait for His direction and leading (2 Samuel 5:19).

But why do we need to attend prayer meeting? Is it not the same if we pray at home by ourselves? Is it not more solemn to pray alone? It is because, praying together brings unity. When we pray corporately, not only do we help ease each other‘s burden or longing but we also strengthen the bond of our relationship as a church. Praying together embraces us with the spirit of unity that rekindles passion in serving and lifts up one‘s heavy countenance. The church is not just a community of doctrine. It is a reflection of life and love in union with our Lord Himself. In prayer meeting we can meet Him and talk to Him in prayer as one body.

Believers can encourage one another to endure and have unwavering faith in the midst of suffering. By sharing and praying together as Christians, we often help others and encourage them through our very own testimony of answered prayers. There is joy in unified hearts of brothers and sisters praying before God in behalf of one another as it links us spiritually. Jesus fervently prayed in John 17:23,” I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” Indeed, where there is prayer, there is unity. We obey the commandment of the Lord to confess our faults to one another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availed much (James 5:16), as we fulfill the law of Christ when we bear each other‘s burdens (Galatians 6:2). There will be a point in our Christian life that we are weak and sometimes our unconfessed sins hinder not only our ability to pray but affects our relationship with the Lord. The prayer of brethren could ease our burden and help us get through hard times.

Lastly prayer meeting brings evangelism. Did you know that prayer meeting is the first worship service I attended in Back to the Bible Baptist Church? It was year 2005. I was aggressive and wanted to be different from others back then.

A woman named Remedios reached out to me seeing that I was searching for things the world offered but never found any satisfaction. She invited me in a prayer meeting. Right away I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior. She ministered me and I started to have stronger relationship with the Lord through her. Surrendering my life to the Lord, I realized that God had different plan for me (Jeremiah 29:11). When I got married to Bro Eugene, I felt that God answered my prayer. It could be because that was the time I truly prayed to our Lord. Prayer meeting paved way for me to have an open communication with a believer. It brought friendship and openness that is not possible in other circumstances – the very reason that attending prayer meetings is a blessing to me and my family.

When laziness and excuses come knocking on our door discouraging us to attend prayer meeting let us consider that we will miss the blessing of fellowship among believers that welds relationship stronger. Therefore, brethren I encourage you to come and join us next prayer meeting! BB

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:20 20

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LEARNING A NEW SKILL TO SERVE OUR MASTER Sis. Jerna Love Duenas

BASIC PHOTOSHOP TRAINING Learning new things is not a waste of time or a waste of energy, especially if we will use it for our God‘s glory. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). A two-session of Basic Photoshop Training was conducted by our very own Pastor Ian Alix on two Fridays, January 22 and 29, 2016 from 5pm until 8pm in Manama Villa No. 7. The seminar was conducted for those who are interested to learn Photoshop – a software program that is used in graphic and photo editing.

While the learners are waiting for the teacher, the former‘s excitement can be felt inside the room. Finally, the teacher came. We started with an opening prayer and then proceed in the training proper. Each of us brought our own laptop and with Photoshop application installed. We followed on what Pastor Ian instructed us to do. Smiles and joy can be seen in the faces of the students while learning the simple way on how to edit an image. It is the mind setting – that as soon as we learn Photoshop we can use it in serving the Lord Jesus Christ our Master, that make us happy while learning.

so we can learn and practice at home. After two Fridays of Basic Photoshop training, as students we were glad that we have learned new skill that we can use and be of help to the church, specifically, on The Burning Bush Newsletter Ministry.

We are the manager of all the gifts and talents that God has entrusted to us. They may be great or small in our eyes, but they all matter to God – the Giver! Be wise and use that talent by offering and bringing them back for the glory of our Creator.

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness (Romans 12:6-8). BB

Pastor Ian explained the basic concept of Photoshop. He discussed on how to cut and paste images, put text, and changed color. He gave us sample images of invitations that he designed, and showed us how to do it. He also gave us assignments

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

I Corinthians 15:58

Burning Bush / Fourth Quarter / 2015

Burning Bush / First Quarter / 2016

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THE DOWNSIDE

EXCESSIVE Sis. Cherrie Tuquero

C

hances are you're reading this article while perched on a chair. Did you ever wonder how many times you sit in a day? An 8-hour-a-day desk-job, and then unwinding on the couch in front of the television all evening. What‘s more? Do you depend on email, mobile apps and online shopping to accomplish tasks that 10 or 20 years ago would have required you to get up and run errands?

Whether your profession requires you to sit for long periods of time, or you are inactive by choice, a sedentary lifestyle or commonly known as "couch potato" carries various health risks.

Here‘s how sitting affects your health: when you slump in your chair, your body burns an estimated 75 calories per hour compared to walking which is 148 calories, so metabolism drops and as a result it affects your health.

A study reveals that prolonged period of sitting is linked to 18% risk of developing heart disease, colon cancer, depression, lipid (cholesterol) disorder, diabetes, obesity, hypertension and osteoporosis(weak bone).

Are you among those individuals experiencing sitting disease or unhealthy lifestyle?

DIET and ADVICE:

As a response to concerns over health, include in your lifestyle outdoor activities 15-30 minutes like jogging exercises, walking or walking challenges among co-workers, roommate, flat mate and family members, cycling, use stairs instead of elevators (depending on situation or body condition). If your excuse is tiredness or lack of time of course you are tired, who isn‘t?

You aren‘t the only one who is a wife/ husband/ parent, who works and who has millions of things to do.

We all do, so try basic-fat burning home workout and believe it or not, exercise actually boosts your energy levels and you able to accomplish more during day and not feel as exhausted as before.

A famous quote says ―Those who do not make time to exercise or change lifestyle will need to make time for illness‖. Do yourself a favor and make time for yourself to exercise, you‘ll look and feel much better and possibly prevent health-related issues in the future.

It is important for people to remember that balancing physical activity with food intake is the key to maintaining a healthy weight.

1 Corinthians 10: 31 says, ―Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God‖.

A.) Eat breakfast every day. A good breakfast will help you control your appetite throughout the day.

Examples: Always include lean protein, a fruit or vegetables (complex carbohydrate) to complete your meal.

(1) Omelet, 1/2 cup vegetable, 100%whole grain English muffin, (2) Whole grain oatmeal added with skimmed or low fat milk, fruit, (3) Two slices of French toast (whole grain bread) and 1 egg Common Complex Carbohydrates (helps you feel full faster, lessened cravings) Dairy - Low fat yogurt, Skim milk Nuts, Seeds and Legumes -Lentils, Kidney beans, Chick peas, Split peas, Soy beans,Pinto beans, Soymilk Whole Grain Breads and Pastas - Breads and pastas made with the whole grains listed below provide more fiber resulting in feeling full sooner, and longer.

Whole Grains - Buckwheat, Brown rice, Corn, Wheat, Barley, Oats, Sorghum, Quinoa Fruits and Vegetables - Potatoes, Tomatoes, Onions, Okra, Dill pickles, Carrots, Yams, Strawberries, Peas, Radishes, Beans, Broccoli, Spinach, Green beans, Zucchini, Apples, Pears, Cucumbers, Asparagus, Grapefruit, Prunes

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OF

SITTING B.) Rate your hunger level. If you allow yourself get too hungry, it will lead to overeating at your next meal. If you notice yourself getting hungry in the afternoon and you know dinner isn't until later in the evening, have a snack. A small snack can help tide you over until your next eating time and may prevent overeating later.Choose snack that has lean protein or produce fruit or vegetable, this will keep you satisfied longer, than carbohydrate based snack.

Example: low fat cheese stick and a small apple, 1/4 cup of hummus and carrots, 2 tsp of peanut butter and celery or cucumber sticks.

C.) Eat larger portions of fruits and vegetables. Aim for 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. They are low in calories, high in fiber & vitamins: About 1 cup raw vegetables and 2 cups leafy greens counts as 1 serving; about 1 cup of fruit or 1/2 cup dried fruit counts as 1 serving of fruit. Instead of having starch (like rice or potatoes and a vegetable), cook up two different types of veggies. Pack more vegetables & fruits on your lunch boxes.

D.) Time your meal. Practice putting your fork down between bites, it should take at least 20minutes to complete a meal and taking a sip of water. Focus on your food, eat mindfully and take time to really enjoy your meal.

E.) Drink 8 oz of water. You may feel hungry, but is actually just thirsty! Try drinking water or another clear, flavored drink, sugr-free beverage like (diet iced tea) shortly before meals to prevent common symptoms of dehydration. Aim 64oz of clear, sugar free liquids all day. Always have a water bottle close by and sip all day as it will help you quiet down your hunger temporarily before your meal.

F.) Concentrate on good or unsaturated fats (which include Polyunsaturated & Monounsaturated). It is mainly found in fatty fish, nuts, seeds and oils from plants and includes salmon, trout, herring, avocados, olives, walnuts and liquid vegetable oils such as soybean, corn, safflower, canola, olive and sunflower. Both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats help lower your blood cholesterol level when you use them in moderation.

Healthy diet isn‘t to cut out the fat—it‘s to replace bad fats with the good ones that promote health and well-being.

Examples: Choose fish, poultry, and lean cuts of meat with the fat and skin removed before cooking. Eat no more than 6 ounces per day or substitute vegetarian sources of protein for animal sources several times a week. Good sources include lentils and beans including soybeans. Broil, bake, roast, steam or poach foods rather than fry them. Cut down on high fat processed meats. Limit organ meats such as liver. Use skim or low-fat milk, cheeses, and yogurt. Use all fats and oils sparingly. Use liquid or soft tub margarines or vegetable oils high in monounsaturated fats like canola and olive oil instead of butter. For dressings add condiments and spices like mustard, basil, ginger, garlic & cinnamon to increase flavor. Stay away from packaged and processed foods, such as pies, cakes, cookies, doughnuts, croissants, and muffins that are high in saturated or hydrogenated fats.

G.) Read labels. Information on food packages will allow you to figure out how many calories, fat or carbohydrates are in one serving of food. Notice it in juice or sports drinks and snack foods. Sometimes the "individual" sizes are actually 2servings. Look for the “Nutrition Facts” on the label and choose products that are low in saturated fat.

H.) Stop eating when you’re full. Understanding the difference between satisfied, full and stuffed is important. An appropriate small portion size should leave you a satisfied feeling. Satisfaction which typically means you're no longer hungry. You may notice that you lose interest in your meal, beginning to feel a very faint stretching sensation in your stomach.

It is discipline that guides us to good and healthy life. He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth (Proverbs 10:17). So beloved, I wish above all things that mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John 1:2). BB

Burning Bush / Fourth Quarter / 2015

Burning Bush / First Quarter / 2016

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Back to the Bible Baptist Church Goes Online!

The Launching of Bro. Rued Almadilla The Soaring Trend Reality Our world has been connected to the virtual world more than ever before. Almost everybody communicates through the internet. Websites became one of the primary communication tools for many including social media and the like. It is just fitting that churches should have their presence online, as well. People who would like to know about a particular church just click Google in order to find if the church they are looking for are just on their neighborhood. The availability of the church website immediately gives a glimpse of the biblical stand of a particular community of believers as well as their culture, activities and contact details.

Its Significance The Back to the Bible Baptist Church has recently launched its website with the address ―thebbbc.org‖.

Through the combined efforts of professional brethren and leadership of Bro. Angelo Malilay, the website materialized and went officially present online on 8th of January, 2016. BBBC initiated the creation of this online platform so that those who are interested in attending the worship service will readily find our church information. Furthermore, it will help those Christians who moved here in Dubai and are looking for church where they can attend to. Another purpose of creating the website is to give updates of the church activities to the brethren who are in the other parts of the world such as in Philippines, Australia and Canada.

Such is considered an answered prayer to many of us who wanted our loved ones to see what we are doing here and to those who are not believers yet to hear the Good News of Salvation and God‘s Message from His Word.

Praising the Giver We praise God for wholehearted, diligent brethren whom He used for the website to be launched and constantly use to continuously function. He made them instruments to eventuate the boon.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Doxology is frequently sung when Christians receive blessing and so, do we! It manifests gratefulness of heart by giving back the praises to God. Upon hearing the clear audible pronouncement that BBBC goes online, every one of us was overwhelmed with joy because we perceive this as one of God‘s wonderful provision.

Back to the Bible Baptist Church, as a body of Christ rejoiceth over this blessing and to the Only Wise God, the Giver of all blessings belong the honor and glory!

(James 1:17) Making the Most Out of It Finally, through our website let us make Christ renowned all around the world! Brethren, what are you waiting for? Spread the news and to make most out of it browse, download and share! It can be God‘s tool to bless believers and reach out lost souls. Make it viral!

BBBC goes online via thebbbc.org! BB

The website thebbbc.org showcases likewise, important information about the Back to the Bible Baptist church.

It includes the pastor and deacons, the statement of faith and various ministries. Recent preachings are included in the watch, read and listen icons. The galleries are the photos of the church activities, past and recent. In the homepage, announcement for upcoming and ongoing activities can be seen. The links for the soft copy of the official newsletter of BBBC – The Burning Bush are also available on the website. Indeed, this launching of the BBBC website is of great significance!

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

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JESUS Called Me By Name

Sis. Rochelle Maloles

My life before knowing Jesus Christ...

Bro. John Ericson Soriano

It was a rough & smooth road to my self-defined success and happiness. I had my own set of goals & well planned strategies to reach them, no room for failure. It meant total discipline and hard work to graduate with honors, to compete with others along the way, to work my way through college and focus on becoming the best that I can be, a successful CPA Lawyer, perhaps, or better. I could get married in my thirties and stand out as a working family woman. It was a never ending pursuit for happiness. And in the worldly realm of things, there seemed nothing wrong with them. But actually, there was, it was all about me, myself & mine.

My Life before Christ was focused on worldly ambitions; it was a race not a journey. I was a working college student for four years and it was in my senior year when I met Bro Jeff (now my husband for 15 years). I graduated in May 1999, it was a momentous year because this would have become the start of my so called ‗life plan‖. I had landed a great starting career at Philips Semiconductors, one of the leading multinational companies at the time. I have done it!

However, the Lord God in His sovereignty had another plan for my life. In December of the same year, seven months thereafter, I was married to Bro Jeff. I was 21 years old then and it was almost 10 years ahead of the plan. I was not ready for a family life; I was not prepared for this turn of events! Our marriage was challenging. We were too young. I was insecure, selfish, demanding and full of hang-ups due to unfinished businesses in life (Career, money, family support to my aging parents, unfulfilled expectations and many other deviations which I defined as a fatal failure). Our story has a beautiful part though, which was having our two boys, Justin and Joshua. Justin at 2 years old was diagnosed with severe ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). We accepted this dilemma with courage. It had changed so many perspective but the pressure and financial stress of raising a special child had put an additional strain to an already troubled marriage and to an incomplete, unhappy and unsatisfied life!

God called me by name, I came to know Jesus, My Lord & My Savior…

The concept of Jesus as my Savior was not all new to me. During my childhood, I used to attend the Bible Summer Camps with my cousins and in one of those days, when I was 12 years old, I had accepted the Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal Savior. During college, I lived with the same cousins in Manila and attended the Church Services and Bible Studies for as long as my schedule permitted. However, the beginning of my story has already laid out to you the reality that I did not commit an obedient Spirit-filled life.

It was in October of 2006 when God‘s intention to change the course of my life happened. I was invited by my close friend Melanie Rodil-Reyes to visit Dubai and try to find out what it has to offer in terms of career and finances. It was the determination and patience of Bro. Melvin Rodil and Pastor Erwin Concepcion that led us to know Jesus as our Personal Lord & Savior. The prodigal daughter is back at last! In the same year, I surrendered my life to Jesus and was baptized, declaring my obedience and submission to the only Wise Sovereign, Loving Savior who knows me by name. Life continued to be challenging and not without problems, even to this day, as I write this testimony, but with God as my Rock and Fortress, facing them has become a different story (Psalm 18:2)! It has made all the difference in the world!

My life after receiving Jesus Christ as the King of my life…

In our GGW Graduation (Girl Gone Wise Bible Study), I always remember my concluding speech which was based on the same book, GGW by Mary Kassian. My life after the encounter with the Living Water, just like with the Samaritan Woman, changed everything. I was a sinner and still am, for as long as I live in this fallen world the battle between my flesh and Satan will continue. However, I fight now with God, Whose mercy and grace is bigger than all my sins. I, just like the Samaritan woman made the decision to believe and follow Jesus. We had come to the well feeling empty. Everyday, we felt dry and thirsty on the inside. We wanted to feel worthwhile, we wanted purpose and meaning. We were so tired of the emptiness. We wanted to find fullness and satisfaction instead of constantly carting around an empty bucket. But Jesus looks right into her heart & my heart and puts His finger on that tender place of all our shattered dreams and failures and promises to quench our thirst with the Living Water. He is the Messiah, the Deliverer and the Object of our longings and dreams. He is the only one who can fill our buckets.

Just last week, amazing news happened from Justin‘s Speech Therapist of 5 years. She said that he had broken the record on Speech Pathology, that children with severe Autism may develop the ability to speak until the age of 12. Justin did it at the age of 15. He has opened his world by his ability now to speak intelligent words. All praises and glory to Him alone! The Lord continues to shower me with blessings and surprises, like the coming of our beautiful Baby Juliana, amidst struggles and difficulties and I am forever grateful!

My life today is an endless prayer to be a submissive wife, a Godly mother, a soul winner and a faithful servant of God. The life plan has changed… it is to grow in wisdom, be a salt and light to a generation of women who are broken, floundering and looking for answers. My life plan is to be able to tell Jesus my life verse, ―I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.‖ 2 Timothy 4:7. BB Burning Bush / Fourth Quarter / 2015

Burning Bush / First Quarter / 2016

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

Literacy and Sanctuary Building Project

C

ornerstone is serving the Lord at the outreach in Rah Village, Kampong Chnnang province for four years now. The ministry evolves as the years go by and we came to a very special project for literacy and sanctuary building. We have seen the great need in that place physically and most especially spiritually. We give God the glory and praises He deserves and for providing the needs for this project. The construction of the building started last 20th of August, 2015 and currently the project is 90% complete by the grace of God. We have had the inauguration program last November 25, 2015 to formally open the building. It was attended by the Cornerstone church Family and guests, barangay carom nearby barangays, mayors and other churches. We are now at week 17 of the project by His grace. Please help us pray for wisdom as we are still setting up the literacy projects.

We are encouraged from the Word of God in Matthew 21:13 ..."'My house will be called a house of prayer,'... and in Nehemiah 6:16 - ...they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.

PRAYER ITEMS     

Wisdom for Cornerstone Church Ministry Heads in making the specific ministry goals and objectives and budgets Wisdom for the Cornerstone Church leaders and members for 2016 ministry Spiritual growth for Cornerstone family Wisdom for the Discipleship Ministry of Cornerstone Wisdom for the website project of the Church

Thank you so much for your love and for your continued partnership for God's global glory! God bless!

Together in His Service,

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Burning Bush / Fourth Quarter / 2015 Burning Bush / First Quarter / 2016

PHILIPPINES A letter from Pastor Nel and Maribeth Guiang in Puerto Princesa City, Philippines.

The Brethren Back to the Bible Baptist Church Dubai, UAE Brethren, Greeting you a blessed day in Christ‘s precious Name in whom we joyfully serve!

I am so thankful that we have a Father who knows every need and situation. I whispered my petition to Him in secret but He had spoken it out to you loudly. Truly, He is an intimate Father who really cares and answers prayers in His own especial way in times of need. Indeed, the Lord used you to be the answer of my needs as I received your financial support last two weeks ago.

By faith, I responded to leading of the Lord to help in the opening up of Southern Palawan Fundamental Bible School (SPFBS) in Brooke‘s Point and the challenge of the furtherance of the gospel to the local tribal people, knowing that He is my Adonai and responsible for all my needs. This ministry is based at Brooke‘s Point Bible Church in the town of Brooke‘s Point. After responding to this need, the Lord led me also to help a young church started by Brooke‘s Point Bible Church in Puerto Princesa because her pastor just left the church. These ministries divided my weekdays, 4 days in Puerto Princesa City and 3 days in Brooke‘s Point, causing me to travel 192 kilometres every week.

The SPFBS at present is operating at 3 different locations. The main Bible School is at Brooke‘s Point Bible Church, one extension class is at Puerto Princesa Bible Church where I am also the instructor and another extension is among the Palawanon tribe on the mountain.

My challenge to the brethren at Puerto Princesa Bible Church is ―Each One Bring One‖ in every six month. I started training the members to share the gospel to new comers or visitors, not letting anyone leave the church without hearing the gospel of salvation. Every last Sunday of the month, we have a gospel presentation in the evening service, challenging the brethren to bring their love ones and/or friends. This month, the three male leaders of the church and I, as two teams, are scheduled to go out to share the gospel to unbelievers with the intention that these two groups will also break up to make it four teams and so on. It is my prayer that this small young church will be become evangelistic. Since we have college students, I am also praying for a campus ministry by training these students. At present, I am writing follow up materials to be used in this ministry. I planned to have a series of ten short lessons to be used and I have done the first three booklets. With these ministries I have in mind for this church, I really covet your prayers for boldness and consistency until evangelism becomes the life passion of this church.

I greatly appreciate your spiritual and financial support ―But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.‖ (Philippians 4:19).

Pastor Nel Guiang Burning Bush / Fourth Quarter / 2015

Burning Bush / First Quarter / 2016

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But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

I Peter 1:15-16

REGULAR CHURCH ACTIVITIES FRIDAY

WORSHIP SERVICES BACK TO THE BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH - DUBAI (SEVILLE ROOM, CARLTON PALACE HOTEL)

TAGALOG SERVICE ENGLISH SERVICE

8:30AM – 10:00AM 11:00AM – 1:00PM

FRIDAY SCHOOL 10:15AM – 10:45AM KING'S MEN 10:15AM TRUE WOMANHOOD 10:15AM LORD'S YOUNG FLOCK GRADERS AND PRE-TEENS 10:00AM PRE-SCHOOLERS 11:40AM JUNIOR WORSHIP 12:00PM (MANAMA VILLA, ABU HAIL) BACK TO THE BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH ABU DHABI MIRFA MISSION 12:00PM

SUNDAY

PRAYER MEETING

Sis. Cathy Concepcion 050 4523 550

8:30PM Manama Villa

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY GROUPS SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

AJMAN ABU DHABI IC-DEIRA SHEIKH ZAYED AL RIGGA ABU HAIL KARAMA SATWA SHARJAH AL NAHDA, SHARJAH MIRFA SALAHUDDIN SOJOURNERS

SATURDAY

MAMZAR OPEN BEACH DUBAILAND

THURSDAY

CHOIR PRACTICE 8:30PM Manama Villa

Sis. Gemini Peralta 055 7920 968 Bro. Jay Jope 050 9417 696 Sis. Cathy Concepcion 050 4523 550 Sis. Aileen Hinojales 050 8893 0683 Bro. Jeffrey Intal 050 2876 209 Bro. Nelson Maningat 055 9366 988 Sis. Haidee Sulitas 055 1096 247 Sis. Jona Delapena 055 5095 248 Bro. Paul Nena 050 5737 034 Bro. Jeff Maloles 050 2069 392 Bro. Bong Cawaling 050 1819 357 Bro. Ric Saquing 056 9518 305 (1st Friday night and 3rd Wednesday night of the Month) Bro. Rued Almadilla 050 2702086 Sis. Cathy Concepcion 050 4523 550 Bro. Rued Almadilla 050 2702 086 Sis. Shirley Guiang 050 3634 894

BACK TO THE BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH Burning Bush / Fourth Quarter / 2015

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES