March Pleading

March Pleading

- March 10, 2020

Amidst the scare of the so-called Corona virus, (which the media is frantically hyping up as the new black plague but has the same symptoms as the common flu), life goes on in this part of Bulacan. Sin is still the biggest disease, having a 100% fatality rate. But thanks be to the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ for His sure mercies that we have the freedom to proclaim the good news of reconciliation far from the persecution that besets our brethren overseas. We are told not to fear men, and that includes sickness and disease. A thousand may fall beside us, and ten thousand by our side. But it shall not come near us. And even if it does come to us by His sovereignty, we know whom we should fear.

In most countries where Christianity is singled out and illegal, having a church building is a liability. We should number our days, and not abuse the time and freedom we have to continue being unmindful of souls entering daily into a Christless eternity, lest we find ourselves behind solitary cells, wishing we had prayed and memorized the word of God when we had the time we do now. A good number of businesses where we stood did not appreciate the fact that we were in effect keeping customers away from their stalls. Even after everything they have heard, Abraham's words ring true: they will not be convinced, even if one comes back from the dead.

This dear brother graces us with his presence by bearing the yoke of Christ's labor in His vineyard with us. He came all the way from Sitio Ilas, Rizal to study with our brother pastor, in preparing to become a pastor himself. He hunts wild boars for a living. There is a small church there that needs a faithful shepherd, and sadly there are many strange cults there as well. May the LORD give him a heavy burden for the kingdom, and boldness for the faithful proclamation of the gospel of Christ.

In spite of our frailty and unworthiness, it is such great comfort to know that God Almighty uses the weak things of this world to confound the wise. The wisdom of God shining forth in saving men through the foolishness of preaching.

May the LORD of all the earth send forth more laborers in His harvest, and take His glory. Amen.

Comments

Kletos Covenantal Ministries is a small house gathering of Christians inside Brgy. Batia, Bocaue, Bulacan standing solely on the absolute authority, sufficiency, and inerrancy of God's Holy Word by the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God, the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are Presbyterian in church polity. We adhere strongly to the Westminster Confession of Faith (Larger and Smaller), the Athanasian and Nicene Creeds, and the Heidelberg Catechism. Our emphasis is on prayer, experimental/experiential preaching, the active proclamation of God's word in public, catechism, and daily intentional Family Worship in the homes.

Who I Am

I am a husband, and a father.

I am a mere recipient of my Father's mercy by the gracious merit of my Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ of God.
An unprofitable servant.

Raised as a Roman Catholic, lived like a demon for 24 years in that religion, became a "Christian" and joined a rich church twice, while living as a hypocrite for 19 more years, 14 of those in adultery. Finally found by Christ out of his own good mercy, convicted of my severe offenses, I realized I was helplessly lost. Regenerated and renewed according to the will of God through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Granted the gift of repentance and faith. Was saved. Washed in the blood of the Lamb. Passed from death unto life. Justified. Dying daily in sanctification. Soon to be glorified.

I pray in God's mercy that I may endure to the end carrying His name, proclaiming His kingdom, and preaching the good news of Christ's salvation, the good work of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, and the victorious power of the Resurrection unto sanctification which is in Christ Jesus, to all who will believe and behave the gospel.

I do not believe Christ saved me to merely hide inside a church building to be a good member, but He enlisted me to be a warring soldier for His kingdom to come; nor do I believe the Holy Spirit indwells in a believer and lets him live as the same old person prior to being saved. If, despite my service, the most Sovereign Lord assigns me to hell at the end, then I have no merit of my own to present to him for myself, other than that which is found in Christ. Though I deserve His justice, I can only plead His mercy. Regardless, God is still truly worthy of all service, worship, and praise.

I am in no way superior, more good, or better than the person I meet on the street. The only difference is I fully realize that I am a guilty criminal before God and that I rightly deserve to die under his justice, yet by His mercy and grace He forgave me - and so I am eternally grateful for this act of kindness that no good act in my entire life can ever truly repay. The common "churchian" knows this, yet has no evidence for it. I am of no such company.

Out of gratitude, I willingly set out to fulfill the Great Commission of proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ where all the fishes are - out on the street. Faithfully declaring the clear Gospel of repentance unto salvation, which is able to save to the uttermost, the newness of life in Christ, the persecution that comes with such profession, and the terrifying wrath & judgment of God to come upon the sons of disobedience.

If I lift Him up therefore, He will in turn draw His elect to Himself, thus glorifying the Father, who deserves the reverence He demands from all people and creation. May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward for his suffering.

Grace alone.
Faith Alone.
Christ alone.
Scripture alone.
For the glory of God alone.