Welcome to RLCC

Mar 29

Part of our spiritual blessings in Christ is our change of spiritual identity. In the past, you and I were objects of God's wrath because we were dead in our transgressions, living a life of sin and rebellion to God. But, because of God's mercy and goodness, we were raised up with Christ into a new ...Read more

Part of our spiritual blessings in Christ is our change of spiritual identity. In the past, you and I were objects of God's wrath because we were dead in our transgressions, living a life of sin and rebellion to God. But, because of God's mercy and goodness, we were raised up with Christ into a new identity as holy saints without blemish or lack. This became possible because of the grace that was poured out to us in Christ Jesus. It was not the result of our good works. All of it is by grace through faith. It is not a promotion but an elevation. This is the basis our new life in Christ, for we are no longer trying to be good to be acceptable to God. Doing so brings us back to a cycle of works. But by trusting in God through faith in Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live by grace. This gives us the ability to desire and fulfill God's purpose for our lives. This power is the same power that raised up Jesus Christ from the dead. Therefore, we can have hope that we can reflect God's image as each day we are transformed from glory to glory.

Mar 27

Fruit is what God expects from His people. This is the reason why He saves us and continues to save us. He fills us with the Holy Spirit to make this possible. But that is the operative word -- possible. Not inevitable or automatic. There is work to be done. The Holy Spirit works in us to make us wi...Read more

Fruit is what God expects from His people. This is the reason why He saves us and continues to save us. He fills us with the Holy Spirit to make this possible. But that is the operative word -- possible. Not inevitable or automatic. There is work to be done. The Holy Spirit works in us to make us willing and able to do His will (Phil 2:13). But we have to obey Him (12). Disobedience prevents this from happening. Living according to our own efforts or abilities (i.e., the flesh) hinders it as well. We live in the Spirit, but we must keep in step with the Spirit. We cannot produce the fruit but we are responsible for the soil. We have to remain in the vine also to bear fruit. If you don't believe this, God will make it clear to you. Fruit is more than what is seen on the outside. The outside can be deceiving. Being busy in ministry may look like we are bearing fruit. Accomplishments or accolades may hide what is truly going on in our hearts. The fruit of the Spirit is both internal and external. It is both personal and social or relational. Church attendance is not part of the list. Being invited to speak in various events, seminars, or conferences is not mentioned. Having lots of degrees attached to our name means nothing. In other words, the fruit of the Spirit is the result of true Christian spiritual formation, wherein we manifest the character of Christ and the righteousness that is done in His name, by His power, and for His glory. May we aspire for this kind of fruit alone.

Mar 26

AN EVANGELICAL VERSION OF THE STATION OF THE CROSS While the Stations of the Cross are typically associated with Catholicism, Evangelical Christians may engage in similar practices focusing on the key events leading up to and including the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Use this guide to m...Read more

AN EVANGELICAL VERSION OF THE STATION OF THE CROSS While the Stations of the Cross are typically associated with Catholicism, Evangelical Christians may engage in similar practices focusing on the key events leading up to and including the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Use this guide to meditate by yourself or with a group so that you can fully appreciate what Holy Week means. 1. Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46): Reflect on Jesus' prayer in the garden, where he surrenders to the Father's will. Emphasize the importance of surrendering our own will to God's plan, even in difficult times. 2. Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested (Matthew 26:47-56): Explore the betrayal of Jesus by Judas and his subsequent arrest. Discuss themes of loyalty, trust, and the sovereignty of God even in the face of betrayal. 3. Jesus is Denied by Peter (Matthew 26:69-75): Reflect on Peter's denial of Jesus and the reality of human weakness. Encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in moments of fear and doubt. 4. Jesus is Condemned by Pilate (Matthew 27:11-26): Examine the trial of Jesus before Pilate and the injustice he faced. Discuss themes of standing up for truth and righteousness, even in the face of opposition. 5. Jesus is Mocked and Scourged (Matthew 27:27-31): Reflect on the physical and emotional suffering Jesus endured at the hands of the soldiers. Discuss the concept of sacrificial love and Jesus' willingness to endure suffering for the sake of others. 6. Jesus Carries His Cross (John 19:17): Explore the symbolism of Jesus carrying his cross and the concept of bearing our own crosses (the will of God) in discipleship. Encourage believers to embrace the challenges and trials they face with courage and faith. 7. Jesus is Crucified (Luke 23:33-43): Reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus and the significance of his sacrificial death for the forgiveness of sins. Emphasize the victory of Christ over sin and death through his resurrection. 8. Jesus Speaks to the Women (Luke 23:27-31): Discuss Jesus' words to the women who were mourning for him on the way to the cross. Emphasize themes of compassion, empathy, and the comfort of God in times of suffering. 9. Jesus Dies on the Cross (Luke 23:44-49): Reflect on the moment of Jesus' death and the significance of his sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. Discuss the profound love of God demonstrated through Jesus' death on the cross. 10. Jesus is Laid in the Tomb (Matthew 27:57-61): Explore the burial of Jesus and the silence and uncertainty of Holy Saturday. Reflect on the hope that is found in the promise of resurrection. 11. Jesus' Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10): Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the victory of life over death. Emphasize the hope and joy that comes from knowing that Jesus is alive. 12. Jesus Appears to His Disciples (John 20:19-29): Reflect on Jesus' appearances to his disciples after his resurrection and the commissioning of the disciples to go and share the good news. Encourage believers to live as witnesses of the resurrection power of Christ. This Evangelical version of the Stations of the Cross offers a journey of reflection and meditation on the key events of Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection, with an emphasis on themes of faith, surrender, redemption, and hope in Christ. To grow in your faith in Jesus, join Real Life Christian Communities. Visit https://join.rlcc.ph/.

Mar 26

We live in a world of diversity. Consequently, people value tolerance more than truth. Truth is seen as relative. So, truth is what is true to you, or what you prefer to believe as true, which may not be true for me. In other words, it is not what I prefer to be true. To insist that there is such a ...Read more

We live in a world of diversity. Consequently, people value tolerance more than truth. Truth is seen as relative. So, truth is what is true to you, or what you prefer to believe as true, which may not be true for me. In other words, it is not what I prefer to be true. To insist that there is such a thing as "truth", which can be verified or tested, is to be dogmatic or narrow-minded. People who insist on such things are rejected because they are not politically correct in their views. They say, "We believe in freedom therefore everyone has the right to believe whatever they want to believe. You cannot insist that what you believe is the truth!" But that in itself is a declaration of "truth". To say such things is to argue that it is the truth that everyone must subscribe to. You cannot disagree with it. Otherwise, you are wrong. So, the argument comes full circle. But to believe that something is true is not tantamount to insisting or forcing one's views on someone. It is not the same as saying that my views are better than yours. We are simply asserting that there is such a thing as "truth", and not every statement or idea is true just because we say or claim so. A truth claim must be verified and tested based on agreed-upon standards that are relevant to that truth claim. In other words, scientific truth claims must be tested based on scientific standards. But testimonies of witnesses are of a different genre. Hence, they must be tested or verified differently. Such is the nature of truth claims related to faith. They are not scientific truth claims. But they are truth claims nonetheless. Unfortunately, some Christians fall into the same confusion with regard to their own beliefs. They don't want to share their faith because they don't want to "impose". Also, they don't mind transferring from one church to another since the sermons are "all about God" anyway. What is important is that they "feel" good during the worship time. Thus, instead of building a firm foundation for their faith, they are building it on their feelings. Feelings are important. But truth is even more important when it comes to faith.

Mar 25

During the Holy Week, you can meditate on the following scriptures: Psalm 22:1-31 - A prophetic psalm that speaks of the suffering and victory of the Messiah. Isaiah 53:1-12 - Describes the suffering servant, foretelling the sacrifice of Jesus. Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus praying in Gethsemane befor...Read more

During the Holy Week, you can meditate on the following scriptures: Psalm 22:1-31 - A prophetic psalm that speaks of the suffering and victory of the Messiah. Isaiah 53:1-12 - Describes the suffering servant, foretelling the sacrifice of Jesus. Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus praying in Gethsemane before His arrest. Mark 15:16-39 - The crucifixion of Jesus. Luke 23:26-49 - The crucifixion and death of Jesus. John 19:16-30 - The crucifixion of Jesus and His final words on the cross. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Paul's reminder of the core of the Gospel, Christ's death and resurrection. Hebrews 12:2-3 - Encouragement to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Meditating on these verses can help you reflect on the significance of the sacrifice of Jesus for our salvation.