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Seventh Day Adventist Church -Abkasa, Prk. Langka, ABKASA, BRGY. MANDALAGAN, Bacolod CIty (2026)

19/02/2026

The Peace Child

Key Text: Isaiah 9:6

Tribes across the planet have their own unique ways of engaging in peace treaties. It involves exchange of gifts, sharing of meals, butchery of sacrificial bulls or pigs, and the like. But one peace offering stands out and it is found amongst Sawi People in Papua New Guinea. To end the war between two villages, a father from one village will take his son and give him to the enemy village which would be the "Peace Child". As long as the Peace Child lives in the former enemy village, the peace is warranted. It is considered to be the most trustworthy and costly peace offering because a male child should be given up in exchange for a treaty.

In the same manner, for God so loved the world that He gave us His son. What makes Jesus stand out as a peace offering is that He is the "only begotten" son - irreplaceable, uncreated, and most loved by the Father. If the Peace Child among Sawi People should live to warrant peace, God had let His only son die, not only an ordinary death but the most inglorious death - a death on the cross, in order for a peace treaty to be warranted.

Moreover, it is the offender that offers peace offering to the offended party. However, God, though being the offended party, is the one who gave the peace offering, Christ Jesus, to reconcile the world to Himself. Such an amazing love!

Friends, if sending His only begotten son would not convince you of His love for you, then what else would do?

*Based on Sabbath School lesson Thursday: To Reconcile All Things

18/02/2026

The Divine Courtship

Key Text: 1 John 4:19

A significant portion of the world's population finds it hard to begin any endeavor. Twenty percent of adults are chronic procrastinators, 62 to 68 percent lack focus, about 20% regret taking the task in the first place. This ends up with 8% percent of the people being able to achieve goals.

Not so with God, in the beginning He created Heaven and the Earth for six days and rested on the seventh day. The Lord Jesus Christ initiated the creation because He is the creator. He took the first move when the problem of sin on Earth began in the garden of Eden by looking for Adam and Eve first. It was God who first sought the way for the redemption of man. Nobody has to urge or beg Him to save us. He did every first move necessary for the creation and redemption of this renegade world.

Jesus is also called the firstborn of the dead. Meaning, He has overcome death by His death on the cross. Had it not been because of His death on the cross, we would have no choice but to accept our fate by default in the end - death. The good news is, Jesus paved the way for us to be given another chance to choose between Life or Death with the sacrifice He made. He conquered death as our fate by default.

Most importantly, He died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). It is like a wooing man to a virgin offering her reasons why she should choose him. In the same way, Jesus is offering us the reason why choosing life is far better over choosing death. And if ever we love Him back, it is because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Friends, Jesus is extending His arms for you to choose Life and be with Him, will you take that loving arm?

*Based on Sabbath School lesson Wednesday: The "Beginning" (and Initiator)

16/02/2026

Under the Wings of Love

Key Text: John 18:6

A story in an old National Geographic Magazine which told about a charred body of a bird with three tiny birds scurried beneath their mother's body. It was found after a forest fire through Yellowstone park. The mother bird could have flown to safety using her wings but she chose to use those wings to protect her chicks.

Jesus is the firstborn over all creation (Col 1:15). That is, He has preeminence over the created hosts because HE is the CREATOR. (John 1:1-3; Col. 1:16-17; 1 Cor. 8:6; Hebrew 1:2,10). However, in order to be our Redeemer, He has to come in flesh (John 1:14; John 8:58; ) because only His death is the acceptable appropriation for our sins. (Rom. 6:23; 1 John 2:2; 1 Peter 2:24; Rev. 5:12). It is because of the Divinity of Christ that all things are created and in His humanity that He can be our Saviour. Many, if not all, are struggling to fathom this truth as to how it is possible and chose to believe that Jesus is just a mere human instead. However, the glaring evidence of His existence before the world began (John 17:5) is all over the scriptures and no can deny that. The "how"could not be fully explained for it is beyond human grasp, but the "why" is very clear. He came to flesh for His love for us (John 3:16)

Denying the divinity of Christ is to claim that He is just a mere tool for the salvation of men and that He was created to become a sacrifice for our sins. And if Jesus died on the cross because it was the sole purpose of His existence, that makes Christ a slave and would depict God as merciless master. Yet, that is far from the truth. Christ could have backed out from being our Redeemer the moment He was arrested that night in the garden. He could have called ten thousand angels to rescue him (Matthew 26:53). He could have just spoken the word and his murderers would fall dead (John 18:6). But, He never did.

Just like the Mother Bird in the story who could have flown to safety using her wings but chose to stay to protect her babies until she died, Christ did the same. He could have used His power to save Himself from being crucified but He chose to stay - for YOU and ME.

My friend, Jesus Christ has chosen you. Will you choose Him today?

*Based on Sabbath School lesson Monday: Firstborn over all Creation

15/02/2026

Emmanuel

Key Text: Mat 1:23

There are a number of reasons why atheists don't believe in God. Some argue that there is insufficient empirical evidence. Others cannot equate how a loving God allows the problem of evil in this world. There are also claims of the inconsistencies and errors of historical accounts and that religion is simply used to control people.

Yet, there are scientists like Dr. Francis Collins, Dr. Sy Garte, and Dr. Sarah Salviander who, after thorough study in their respective field of specialization, came to realize the limit of human intelligence and understanding who concluded that it is logically satisfying that God is behind all the wonderful things unfolding in their study.

However, the wonders of nature and science alone is not sufficient to reveal the fullness of God. Hence, for God so loved the world, He gave his only begotten son (John 3:16), and to become Emmanuel, "God is with us" (Matt. 1:23) for us to know and see who truly God is and how much He loves us. Jesus was with God, and is God, (John 1:1-2) and by Him all things are created and none would have been made without Him (John 1:3, Col. 1:16). No one could have better revealed who God is but the Son of God - Jesus Christ.

Contrary to the belief of others, God is not distant that He just left us after He created us. He came, and became flesh (John 1:14), so that He could dwell among us. He came to reveal the invisible God whose love for us is stronger than time, distance, powers, principalities, or even death. He wants us to understand that He is one with the Father reconciling the world to Himself since we were separated from Him because of sin (2 Cor. 5:19).

Friends, Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart so that He can dwell with you (Rev. 3:20). Will you let Him in?

*Based on Sabbath School Lesson Sunday: The Image of the invisible God

12/02/2026

Fishing pole or Fishing boat?

Key Text: Philippians 4:10-13

There is an anecdote of a businessman and fisherman who were both relaxing on a beautiful beach. As the businessman walked by the seashore, he found the fisherman with a fishing pole. Wondering why the fisherman was out there fishing instead of working hard for his family, the businessman asked a series of questions and advised the fisherman to work hard to buy a big fishing boat and ultimately have a fishing fleet. The fisherman then asked "what reward will I get?". "So that you will get rich and will have no care in this world sitting on this beautiful beach happily", the businessman replied. "So what do you think I am doing right now?", the response of the fisherman which left the businessman speechless.

Joy, peace, and happiness - these are so elusive these days because people do not know where and how to find contentment. Contentment springs from the knowledge of knowing your purpose in life. Without a purpose, it's like living without direction, falling into a never ending chasm of doubt and confusion. There are those who know their purpose, but the things that they live for are of this world (riches, family, romance, etc.) which are fleeting and uncertain causing them to get lost when these things vanish.

Friends, Jesus calls us to a higher purpose. His ideals and aspirations for us are higher than ours. He wants us to have an everlasting life and inherit His kingdom He prepared for us. The purpose He has for us never disappoints and brings peace, security, and most all - contentment. It is why the Apostle Paul said there is "great gain in Godly contentment". Through thick and thin, we remain unperturbed since the glory awaits us is exceedingly great but it is not of this life and not of this world.

So whether God gives us a fishing pole or a fishing boat, may we choose to walk the purpose God has for us, daily.

*Based on Sabbath School Lesson for Thursday: Keys for Contentment

10/02/2026

Fleeting Glory

Key Text: Philippians 4:4-7

When Paul wrote the letter to Philippians admonishing them to rejoice, he was in an unlikely place of peace and joy. Put behind bars and was in the death row, Paul had all the reason to bemoan the difficulty of his situation. Yet, there he was, using the greek words "chairo" (to rejoice) for eight times, "synchario" (rejoice together) for two times, and "chara" (joy) for five times in his entire letter to Philippians.

Paul's joy and peace were not dependent on external circumstances. It was not about where he was, but where he would be after all he had suffered. It was not about the things he had, but what he was promised to have in Christ Jesus. It was not about the life that he would lose but the eternal life that he would gain in Christ's return.

Paul's joy and peace is anchored to the Rock of Ages (Isaiah 26:4) and not on the fleeting glory of this world. Would you like to do the same today?

*Based on Sabbath School Lesson, Tuesday: Rejoice in the Lord - Always

09/02/2026

WE'RE NOT HOME, YET

Key Text: Philippians 3:20-21

There was a story of an old missionary couple from Africa who went home back to America after decades of missionary work which did not turn out with a plausible result, at least in the eyes of men. Coincidentally, the then US President Roosevelt was with them on the same ship. When the ship docked in New York, a welcome military band in honor of Roosevelt's arrival was in place together with the Mayor and other dignitaries while the old couple slipped off the ship unnoticed. The husband said to her wife "Roosevelt receives a tremendous welcome, yet not one person comes to meet you and me when we return home", then the wife replied "But we're not home, yet".

Indeed, this world is not our home, our citizenship is in heaven. Unfortunately, since the prince of this world is the adversary of heaven, we are still behind enemy lines. We may be stripped off of rights, privileges, and comforts not unless we deny our Heavenly Citizenship.

Recently, the Filipinos who hold dual citizenship in the US may be bound to choose between US or Philippine Citizenship. Despite of the news, there are those who remain determined to choose Philippine Citizenship if the enabling law is already in effect. In similar manner, if we are born of Heaven, we should remain steadfast in our faith to hold onto our Heavenly Citizenship under the rulership of Jesus Christ. We may be deprived of the things we hold dear in this world but nothing can be as glorious as resurrection to eternal life which is reserved only to the citizens of heaven.

*Based on Monday Sabbath School lesson: Stand fast in the Lord

AI generated image

07/02/2026

With much pleasure, we warmly welcome Ptr Levy Laput with his beloved wife Doc Yanni Laput to their Pastoral Ministry here in Seventh-day Adventist Church - ABKASA.

We look forward to working together in proclaiming the Gospel and spreading the love of our Lord Jesus to the community and our Brethren. 😇

07/02/2026

Praise be to the Lord for the fruit of labor in Kaburihan Branch Sabbath School for kids!

Happy Sabbath!

05/02/2026

LESSON 6 Q1 2026

Thursday: Just One Thing - Knowing Christ

Key Text: Philippians 3:10-16

There once was a movie entitled “Wedding Crashers” which tells of the story about two divorce mediators who crash weddings in an attempt to seduce women. Though only a work of art, wedding crash happens in real life. In fact, according to the Wedding Venue Professionals Association, 1 out of 14 weddings will have a wedding crasher in the US. These wedding crashers (uninvited guests) are pretending to know the couple, dressed up also as they are expected, and some forge invitation cards to get their way in.

Jesus declared in Matthew 7:23 that there are those who call upon Him but are doers of iniquity and He does not acknowledge them. In the Wedding Feast of the Lamb during His advent (Rev. 19:7-10), we certainly do not want to be Wedding Crashers, do we?

Which brings us to question, how do we come to know our Lord and Saviour even more?

Today's key text outlines the steps of knowing Him. Firstly, Being the WORD (John 1:1) who was with God, we need to hear Him through reading the scriptures that testify about Him (John 5:39). We should pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us in digesting whatever is written in the scriptures because spiritual things are spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14).

However, having a cognitive knowledge of Christ is not enough, we should partake of His suffering and death. This does not mean to be literally nailed on the cross at a certain occasion, as others do, but to obey His Father's will like bearing the burden of sharing the Gospel, caring for others, and withstanding the tide of immorality no matter the cost. This is what the Apostle Paul describes as dying daily (1 Cor. 15:31).

Ultimately, knowing Christ is also aiming and pushing towards the goal that Christ has set for us. The goal includes becoming a conqueror over sin and bearing fruits of righteousness that are altogether against our sinful nature yet ultimately leads to being glorified when He comes.

Knowing all of these seems to be overwhelming. Nevertheless, Christ promised us that He will be with us to the very end and His grace is sufficient to make us able to go through the process of knowing Him. (Heb. 13:5 ; 2 Cor 12:9)

04/02/2026

Lesson 6 Q1 2026

Wednesday: The Faith of Christ

Key Text: Galatians 2:16

Most of us have already heard and understood that "We are saved by grace through faith"(Eph. 2:8) and that we need to have faith "in" Jesus. However, today's verse talks about the faith "of" Jesus whereby we are justified and forgiven.

What exactly is the Faith of Jesus? One can make a whole sermon or book to vividly describe the faith of Jesus but let us try to have a glimpse of it.

Jesus' Faith is not self-centered but Father-centered. In contrast to the world that teaches us to believe in oneself, Jesus believed and has faith in His Father in heaven although He has all the reason to believe in Himself because He, also, is God. (John 1:1-3)

Jesus' Faith is the faith in action. He lives by the will of the Father. In everything He does, it should be according to the will of the Father and for the benefit of others. Not a miracle was done for selfish motives. (John 6:38)

Jesus' Faith is the faith of trust and impartial obedience. It was not always easy for Jesus to follow the will of the Father. In the garden of Gethsamane, He prayed for the cup of suffering to pass but not as He would but according to the Father's will. (Matt. 26:39) Jesus put Himself to the willingness of the Father because He fully trusts that His Father loves Him.

While many of us adore the faith of the martyrs who lived and died for their faith, let us not forget to behold and emulate the ultimate model of True Faith - Jesus Christ.

03/02/2026

Lesson 6 Q1 2026

Tuesday: The Things that matter

Key Text: Matthew 16:26

In 2024, a Cambridge Physics team made a strange discovery that an average human feels 8% shorter than it did 10 years ago. Social Media, Online streaming platforms, relentless pursuit of deadlines and goals all leading to time slips without a moment's notice. In the middle of the hustle and bustle of daily life, have we come to pause a while and ponder the things that matter most?

For some, It is either career, family, or peace of mind - yet while family, serenity, and glory are such beautiful things, would it be enough to cherish it for a lifetime which only lasts for about 70 years as Psalms 90:10 declared?

Let us consider opportunity that Jesus offers to be able enjoy all of these things and more through ceaseless ages. Only if we surrender to Him and accept the salvation He bought us with His blood. He said in John 10:10, "... I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. "

In this life where all is temporary, shall we make eternity as the ONLY THING that MATTERS?

Seventh Day Adventist Church -Abkasa

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