Encounters (March 2024)
What Happens When A Sinner Meets The Savior?
The Call to Faith
March 31, 2024 • Swanee Gumatay Budiao • John 20:24–29
It is generally believed that a Christian who believes in Jesus must have faith and not doubt. But the truth is, followers of Jesus are not exempted from experiencing doubts. While we are on this side of eternity, we will experience hardships and difficulties that could lead us to doubt God. The good news is that the Bible is filled with stories of real people with real struggles like ours. And today, as we discuss our last encounter for this series, we are going to study together an encounter that happened after the Resurrection of Jesus—Thomas’ encounter with the Risen Christ. We are going to find this in John 20:24-29 as we try to answer the question: How can we have faith even when we have doubts? I believe that if we open our hearts to God, we will learn a very important truth that can help us overcome our doubts when they come and live by faith as we run this race by God's grace. Today, we are going to approach this encounter by discussing the Two Stages of Thomas’ journey of faith and how his encounter also applies to our lives today. Let us allow the Lord to use Thomas' encounter with the Risen Christ to speak to us. Let's begin. How can we have faith when we have doubts?
The Call to Redemption
March 24, 2024 • GV Lehayan, Charo Habagat • John 4:1–26
In spite of our shameful pasts, we should not feel undeserving of receiving eternal life. Jesus came to offer salvation to all, regardless of their sins. Like the Samaritan woman, who was isolated and marginalized, we may feel unworthy of God's grace. However, Jesus does not avoid us; instead, he seeks us out and offers us living water, the source of eternal life. We can draw near to God and believe that Jesus will transform our past into a testimony of his grace and redemption. Jesus came for us because we have needs and because he wants to redeem our stories, making us deserving of eternal life through his sacrifice.
The Call to Salvation
March 10, 2024 • Pol Galang • Luke 19:1–10
Listen to discover how our salvation continually transforms us. Just as a near-drowning experience can remind us of life's fragility, our salvation prompts ongoing gratitude and a desire to share its impact. Don't miss this message that will strengthen your faith and inspire you to spread hope and healing.
The Call to Obey
March 3, 2024 • Swanee Gumatay Budiao • Luke 5:1–11
As we begin a new series this month, we are going to learn about Jesus’ encounters with different people in the Bible whose lives were changed because of Him. We hope to be encouraged and inspired to continue seeking Jesus as we follow Him together as one church. To start, we will dive into Luke 5:1-11 as we study Jesus’ encounter with the First Disciples and learn about why Jesus is calling and inviting us to obey Him.