Let me share some thoughts I discussed before the Calasiao Church of Christ in Pangasinan last month.

GREETINGS AND INTRODUCTION: Good morning to everyone! Magandang umaga sa inyong lahat! Maabig a kabuasan ed sikayon amin! Naimbag nga aldaw kadakayo amin!

I would like to commend and thank your young preacher Jasper Carreon for scheduling me to preach this Sunday morning, February 9, 2025. For the first time, I would like to reveal and inform you that CALASIAO CHURCH OF CHRIST here in Cabilocaan, Calasiao, Pangasinan was my third home congregation after BINALONAN CHURCH OF CHRIST and DAGUPAN CITY CHURCH OF CHRIST. Paano nangyari? How did it happen?

I stayed in Cabilocaan, Calasiao, Pangasinan when I was working as Assistant Regional Information Officer at the Bureau of Forestry Regional Office in Dagupan City. My beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing just returned to Pasadena, California after our wedding ceremony officiated by the late brother Conrado Mapalo at the METRO MANILA CHURCH OF CHRIST (formerly QUEZON CITY CHURCH OF CHRIST) Auditorium located at 31 Samar Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines last May 5, 1974 (Cinco de Mayo). That’s how I started worshipping at the CALASIAO CHURCH OF CHRIST.

For a start, my late sister-in-law Elvira Jimenez Tuliao petitioned my late mother-in-law Rufina Barte Jimenez who subsequently petitioned her daughters Trinidad Jimenez Tuliao, Perseveranda Jimenez Trinidad and my beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing.

My beloved wife and I adopted our nephew who eventually joined the U.S. Navy with the adopted name FERDINAND MADLAING. When he got his naturalization as U.S. citizen, he changed his name to the original biological name FERDINAND RELOSIMON.

Through the original vision and sacrifice of my late sister-in-law Elvira Jimenez Tuliao and her late husband Domingo Tuliao, extended families up to the 3rd, 4th and 5th generations were able to come and immigrate to the United States described by late brother Herman Trinidad as the “land  of milk and honey.”

While many generations of extended families benefited from these material blessings, all of these material blessings will almost be nothing if we miss the BEST OF BLESSINGS  – the gift of ETERNAL LIFE in HEAVEN!  Matthew 16:26  (NKJV) says:

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loss his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Every Christian (young or old) must share the gospel (the power of God to salvation,  Romans !:16) to their FRANCS (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors Co-Workers, Strangers).

Let me discuss with you this morning a very simple, practical and proven guide or formula in sharing the gospel in its purity and simplicity = WWWHH (3 W plus 2 H).

Firstly, on W1, every Christian (young and old) must share to every alien sinner from among our FRANCS — WHO IS THE REAL JESUS IN THE BIBLE? Here’s what Jesus said in John 8:24 :   “Therefore I said to you  that you will die in your sins, for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins

Every sinner MUST know and believe WHO IS THE REAL JESUS IN THE BIBLE? namely: a. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. “Simon Peter answered and said: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” (Matthew 16:16).

b. Jesus is 100% God and 100% Man  –  Here’s what we read in John 1:1, 14,  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . .And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us  and we behold His glory, the glory of the only begotten of His Father, full of grace And truth. Colossians 2:9 affirms,  “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”

c. Jesus is the only Mediator between God and man – Here’s what 1 Timothy  2:5 reads, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus.”

Why do we need a Mediator? Isaiah 59:2 explains ,” But your iniquities have separated you from God, And your sins have hidden His face from you.”  

Secondly, on W2, every Christian (young and old), must share to every lost soul from among our FRANCS —  WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?

Gospel is the power of God to salvation. Romans 1:16 said,  “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek or Gentiles.”

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 explained the historical facts of the Gospel of Christ which can never be denied. “I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you – unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures.” This is the gospel- DBR =Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus.

 Thirdly, on W3, every Christian (young and old) must tell every lost soul from among our FRANCS – WHY OBEY THE GOSPEL?

 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 explained  why every alien sinner must obey the gospel immediately after knowing and understanding the Gospel (DBR  = Death, Burial & Resurrection of Jesus Christ). “And to give  you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey  the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” Every alien sinner must obey the gospel to avoid eternal damnation in hell. ( Read Part II next week issue).

(ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE#00635976) in California since 1981. He is the founder of MOBILE SIGNINGH SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California USA. He can be reached at (650) 438-3531 or (415) 584-7095 or email:artmadlaing@hotmail.com)

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(Part 2)

I am sharing to our readers Part 2 of my last week’s column.

Fourthly, on H1, every Christian (young and old) must tell every alien sinner from among our FRANCS – HOW TO OBEY THE GOSPEL.

On the Day of Pentecost, in Jerusalem during the first century, Apostle Peter first preached the gospel – Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many of the Jews heard, understood the gospel and were cut to the heart and asked:

“Men and brethren what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).

Peter answered in a very simple and straightforward words HOW TO OBEY THE GOSPEL

“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

Fifthly, on H2, every Christian (young and old) must reach out to every lost soul from among our FRANCS (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors, Co-Workers, Strangers)

HOW DO WE EVANGELIZE AND REACH OUT TO OUR FRANCS COLLECTIVELY AND INDIVIDUALLY TODAY? Here are some simple, practical and proven ways:

1.Pray that God will open doors of opportunities to share the gospel to our FRANCS. Bro. Jon Rowe and his wife Razzle Rowe always have this morning prayer: “O Lord, please lead me to a precious soul today” They meet their prospects wherever they go at McDonald, Post Office, banks. RESULT: They have weekly baptisms at the SOUTHWEST CHURCH OF CHRIST in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

2.Share Gospel tracts, Prayer Requests, Gospel Postcard collectively  and individually (door knocking and individually)  (Show Gospel Tract, Postcard & Prayer Request)

3.Watch My Angel Radio (MYAR). Invite your FRANCS to watch MYAR (www.MyAngelRadio.com) with you. Watch also the regular TV Program “IN SEARCH OF THE LORD’S WAY” every Sunday morning (https:/www.searchtv.org ). Thousands of lost souls were converted and obeyed the gospel in baptism after regularly watching “IN SEARCH OF THE LORD’S WAY” and “MY ANGEL RADIO”  everyday (Monday to Friday) with eight broadcast centers located in San Francisco and Sacramento, California  and Albuquerque, New Mexico in the United States; and Baguio City, Butuan City, Puerto Princesa, Pagadian and Cavite in the Philippines.

4.Order some books and magazines through our BOOKS MINISTRY. Read and share the books and magazines ordered to your FRANCS. After they finished reading the books, follow up  & arrange for WE CARE Gospel Presentation. (Show Sample of Book)

5.Wear and show the Fish Bracelet to your FRANCS to generate curiosity and interest. Then, follow-up with WE CARE Gospel presentation. I’ll always remember Raquel, a Jewish lady guest during one Sunday morning. At the Golden Gate Church of Christ. I asked if I can hug her and then she saw the FISH BRACELET I was wearing. After telling the Fish Story using the Fish Bracelet, I asked her if we can have WE CARE Gospel presentation the following Wednesday Devotional & Prayers. My beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing had WE CARE Gospel presentation with Raquel by 6:00pm before the 7:00pm Wednesday Devotional. At the end of the Gospel presentation, Raquel said, “I  don’t’ want to leave this church building without obeying the gospel in baptism for the remission of my sins, But I’m  hungry.” We went for dinner to a nearby Chinese Restaurant while preparing the baptistery. I, then, called brother Marcus Dancer to come over an officiate the baptism of Raquel. About 11:00pm on that memorable Wednesday, brother Marcus Dancer baptized Raquel for the remission or forgiveness of all her sins, The angels in heaven were rejoicing with us! Raquel moved to another city but she is still very active and faithful Christian.

6.Arrange for WE CARE Gospel Presentation to your FRANCS. I commend and thank sister Deborah Q. Marcos in arranging WE CARE Gospel presentation for her husband Renato Marcos, a former Roman Catholic., on Thursday evening in our home in San Francisco, California. On the third Thursday, Renato decided to obey the gospel in baptism for the remission or forgiveness of all his sins (Acts 2:37-38). Brother Renato Marcos is now very active and regular Song Leader at the Golden Gate Church of Christ in San Francisco, California.

7. Memorize “YOU ARE MY SAVIOR” and “I DID IT YOUR WAY” and sing with your FRANCS (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors, Co-Workers, Strangers) as your first contact to your prospects to generate interest and curiosity. Remember, we sang and memorized these two evangelistic songs earlier in the Bible Class.

8.Join ACAPINOY – ACAPINOY is acapella singing of favorite gospel songs and heavenly hymns in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Ilocano, Cebuano and Pangasinan. It is easier to invite your FRANCS to join the ACAPINOY (Quarterly ACAPINOY or Special ACAPINOY) than inviting them to the Bible Class or Worship Services. ACAPINOY is effective, practical and easy way to reach out to our prospects all year round especially to the fast-growing Spanish, Asian and Filipino population. In fact, Jun Fuentes, Director of Heritage Bible College in Baguio City, Philippines, appreciated and commended the Special ACAPINOY hosted by the CALASIAO CHURCH OF CHRIST in Cabilocaan, Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines, during the Lunch Fellowship and Preachers Get-Together last Saturday, February 22, 2025. Encourage your home congregation to host a Quarterly ACAPINOY or Special ACAPINOY.

9 .Confront and say something to your FRANCS. Examples: 1.” How are you with the Lord  today?”  2. “What if  the Jesus Christ were to come right now or if you’ll die tonight ? Would YOU know for sure, without any doubt, that you would go to heaven?” After the initial friendly and sincere confrontation, you can follow-up with WE CARE Gospel Presentation.

CONCLUSION & INVITATION:  To conclude our lesson and message this morning, may I share with you the most unfortunate and tragic event in the life of King Agrippa. In Acts Chapter 26, Apostle Paul had the opportunity to share the gospel to King Agrippa. In verse 27, Apostle Paul asked, “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”  In verse 28, King Agrippa replied  to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” In verse 29, Paul said to King Agrippa, “I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me today might become both altogether such as I am (a true and plain Christian)”

In the account related in Acts 26:27-29, we find the following: 1. Paul stated that King Agrippa was a believer. 2. King Agrippa stated that he was not a Christian.  King Agrippa missed the mark and died in his sins because he refused to obey the gospel in baptism for the forgiveness of his sins due some obvious reasons.

There are millions of people in the world today who are believers and almost become a Christian like King Agrippa.  IS FAITH ALONE ENOUGH TO SAVE?  The plain answer is NO! Even the demons believed and trembled but they are lost forever (James 2:19).

Almost a Christian like King Agrippa will not bring you to eternal home in HEAVEN. And yes, almost a Christian like King Agrippa will surely bring you to eternal damnation in HELL!

If you are here today and heard and understood the gospel —- the Death, Burial & Resurrection of Christ, we encourage and invite you to obey the gospel in baptism for the forgiveness of ALL your sins. Don’t be like King Agrippa who missed the mark and died in his sins for refusing to obey the gospel in baptism. Please do not leave this church building today not sure of your ETERNAL DESTINY.

 If you are a Christian but became lukewarm, we encourage you to repent and rededicate your life to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Whatever your needs, we invite YOU to come forward as we sing the invitation song –

*Message was first delivered by author and Evangelist Art Gabot Madlaing during the Sunday morning Worship Services at the CALASIAO CHUCH OF CHRIST in Cabilocaan, Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines last February 9, 2025. Similar message was delivered at the DAGUPAN CITY CHURCH OF CHRIST in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines last Sunday morning, February 16, 2025; and during the Sunday morning  Worship Services of the TOWN PROPER CHURCH OF CHRIST in Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines last February 23, 2025.

(ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Rea Estate Broker (DRE #00635976) in California since 1981. He is the founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California USA. He can be reached at (650) 438-3531 or (415) 584-7095 or email:artmadlaing@hotmail.com)