Fitted Into The Creator's Original Design

"Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." Genesis 1:26

Only human beings were created according to the image and likeness of God. We are reflections of God's glory. Reflectors of His character in our love, patience, forgiveness, kindness and faithfulness. Man was created for a distinct purpose. Like a bulb fitted into its lamp receptacle, we are the source of light. If the bulb is not fitted into its lamp receptacle or placed on table or desk, it is useless and meaningless. Apart from God, you and I are useless, meaningless. We need to "fit into the Creator's design".

Our life is also shaped by God. Our physical body is only formed from the dust of the ground. Adam and Eve were created without soul. Our bodies became meaningful and priceless when God breath His life into our (Adam and Eve's) nostril. We became the "living soul". Therefore we define Death-as "the departing of soul from the body". So we must learn to value our life because it is a "Mysterious Gift" that God gave us. God is our vine and we are the branches. Without Him we can do nothing.

Our life is also sacred because it came directly from God. Body and soul are inseparable. If our body commit sin, soul also sins. Therefore our doings should be committed to serve God. We should satisfy Him. What task has God assigned you? Establish a home? Strengthen a marriage? Lead a family? Support a ministry? Serve a church? Check your attitude toward your assignment. Do you complain? Ignore? Reject or do you enjoy? The more difficult the task, the greater the joy because it enables us to see the power of God. Thanks to God!! He gave us joy...a lasting joy...in spite of troubles...not just temporary happiness...if only we fit ourselves and follow His original design.

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon's Messages @ Odiongan Baptist Church Inc. )

The Visitation Team

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:19

Truly, God is "Jehovah Jireh." He provides all our needs. Everything we need. Even in our Church, God's provision is overflowing. Thanks to God, He gave us a "Visitation Team." Every Saturday, our deacons, brothers Crispulo Fontamillas , Restler Fetalvero, Nilo Fosana with wife Janilyn, sister Cel Selosa, Arthur Cabatu, and Harry Fetalsana and others, visit almost all houses and places in the entire community of Odiongan for one brave purpose-TO WIN SOULS!

Lost souls, sick souls, convicted souls, and many kinds of unsaved souls are the main target of the team to bring them back to Jesus' wonderful love and care. Carrying with them as their weapon, is the Bible. Rain or shine, far or near, mountain or hill, like wounded soldiers, the team never surrendered, nor fainted. There were times they were discouraged, but with the intercession of the Holy Spirit, they were able to overcome difficulty. Until now they are visiting and are more aggresive than before. I myself was inspired by the team because they simply live what they preach.

I sincerely pray to God to give them good health in order to continue their mission and I know God will always make miracle for them. Always a miracle! For me the visiting team are the Soldiers of Christ who have put on the Mighty Armor of God carrying with them their weapon-The Double-edged Sword. They are truly "Soul-Winners in the Lord's Vineyard". They gave light to the world..they gave hope to every man and salvation to all souls. Amen.

How To Thrive-Not Just Survive

This message was delivered by Pastor Teofilito A. Rufon during the Thanksgiving Service and Joint Fellowship of Baptist Men and Women held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Warly Fran for the abundant blessings God has provided to their family.

1. Rise Thankfully - "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord."( Psalm 92:1). Thanks should be on our lips daily. Start each day by giving thanks. The roof in our house, the food, clothing and shelter, all of these should be thanked of to God.

2. Pray Expectantly - "Be careful for nothing. But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6). We all have worries in our home, jobs and relationships. But Paul's advice is to turn your worries into prayers. If you want to worry less, then, pray more! Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray!

3. Think Positively - "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue, praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8). What we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions.

4. Forgive Quickly - "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." (Colossians 3:13).

5. Work Worshipfully - "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord." (Colossians 3:17). As a Christian we represent Christ all the time. Do everything in the name of the Lord.