In addition to the Three Forms of Unity (Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession of Faith, Canons of Dort), we treasure the rich and harmonious diversity of creeds and confessions within the historic Protestant Reformation tradition. In particular, we recognize that the system of doctrine contained in Scripture is also confessed in the Westminster Standards, namely the Confession of Faith, the Larger Catechism (Part 1 and Part 2), and the Shorter Catechism.

Being part of the historic Reformed church, we trace our heritage from the Apostles through the ancient church to the Protestant Reformation. This “faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) is summarized in the “five solas” below:

Sola Scriptura | Salvation is revealed in the Scripture alone. The Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God, the only authoritative revelation of God’s will for our faith and life.

Sola Gratia | Salvation is by grace alone. God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves, in showing us favor we could never earn or deserve, before we would even want it or ask for it.

Sola Fide | Salvation is received through faith alone. We are counted righteous in Christ by believing and trusting in him, and we can add nothing to his finished work of salvation by our own good works (even though good works are evidence of a true and living faith).

Solus Christus | Salvation is in Jesus Christ alone. Jesus lived the perfectly obedient life that we should have lived, died the death under God’s wrath that we deserved to die, was resurrected from the dead and ascended into heaven… all on our behalf, to reconcile us to God. It is only by our sins being imputed to him, and his righteousness being imputed to us, that we are saved.

Soli Deo Gloria | Salvation is to the glory of God alone. The plan, initiative, and outworking of our salvation from start to finish is entirely due to the wisdom, grace, and acts of the Holy Trinity. Therefore, God alone is to be thanked and praised for his saving work in our lives.

It had been a good visit with family and friends, especially at the wedding, and here are some of the highlights:

Pampered: We had a taste of luxurious living for a week, staying in a lakeside condo in Santa Cruz and driving a Mercedes. Both were courtesy of a couple of friends from our church, Trinity United Reformed Church.

Family times: Since the condo was about 15 minutes from Tim and Chesney’s house in Scotts Valley and 45 minutes from Lem’s apartment in San Jose, we got together for some evenings together. We even babysat Caleb and Tyler one afternoon.

Disneyland: Lem drove with Rachel to LA to join Oli and Nem for a day trip to Disneyland. Although tired from the trip, Rachel thoroughly enjoyed her first visit back as a teen.

Wined and Dined: We’ve had several lunch and dinner invitations, and not being used to big meals have made us feel stuffed after the meals.

Unexpected gifts: I visited Harris & Associates, the company I worked for temporarily in 2005 and 2006, and the IT Manager, Ramon Guiao, promptly donated a couple of their spare laptops after I talked to him about Mars Hill Study Center’s needs. How God’s providence works. Thank you, Ramon and Harris & Associates!

New mission organization: We’re finally coming close to finalizing our affiliation as a tax-deductible foundation under Congressional District Programs. Details are forthcoming soon, hopefully before the end of November.

Preaching: I’ll be preaching this Lord’s Day, November 9, 9 am and 5 pm services, at Trinity URC. My texts will be Psalm 46 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

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Click on the pictures for larger images.

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As you can see, there’s still a bunch of needs, including:

• Printed resources: Books, journals, magazines, periodicals
• Multimedia equipment: TV, DVD player, LCD projector, and multimedia resources
• Computer equipment: Two PCs, laser printer/copier, DSL router
• Furniture: Two computer tables, bookcase, office table, chairs, whiteboard
• Appliances: coffee maker, microwave oven, split-type air-conditioner

Although it’s not fully ready yet, what we have right now is a good start. This is already quite a bit of resources that will help local pastors. And we’re very grateful to one of our United Reformed Churches for donating about a hundred books, which include many Bible commentaries and exegetical resources, and which we hope will arrive from the States in about a month.

Please spread the word to your friends who live in the area. College age and beyond are all welcome!

The ordination service was a very solemn gathering of the congregation of Trinity United Reformed Church in Walnut Creek, California plus many of my family and friends from around the SF Bay Area, some of whom I haven’t seen for many years. Several pastors and elders from our Pacific NW Classis also attended.

Rev. Joghinda Gangar officiated, and Rev. Steve Donovan of Escondido URC preached on “Apostolic Preachers” from 1 Corinthians 4:1-5. He explained that Christ has vested the apostles with authority “as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God”; but Paul was also aware that ultimately, he was not accountable to man, but to God, “It is the Lord who judges me.” Since the apostles handed this servanthood and stewardship down to ministers through the ages, ministers also have authority in the church as well as accountability to Christ the coming King. Click on thumbnails to enlarge, or view as slideshow.

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I’m posting here a picture of the ordination invitation that we sent out. Everyone who’s in the area is cordially invited to attend.

As for family matters, Evelyn and Rachel are in the Philippines, even though they would very much like to be with the rest of the family during this time. We’ll be moving to another house in Antipolo, Rizal on the first week of June, right after I come back from California and after Rachel’s school is done.

As a missionary pastor in the Philippines, the areas of my involvement are church planting, pastoral training, and teaching at seminaries. Lord willing, we will be able to open a Christian Study Center in the area where we live to serve as a resource and study center for pastors, as well as a seminar or workshop center and a place for worship and Bible study.

I plan to be in Concord, California until May 26. Here’s my schedule for the rest of my stay:

May 9: Ordination service
May 11: Lead worship services and preach at Trinity URC
May 17-18: Presentations at Escondido URC and Christ URC (Santee)
May 25: Preaching and presentation at Zion URC in Ripon, CA