The world transitioned to digitality in these past years. We Are Social reported that, in 2021, 60.1% around the world are online. This reality is also true for churches. Due to the pandemic, the church rapidly adopted live streaming, zoom meetings, and online worship service. Furthermore, a survey noted that 74% across all denominations optedContinue reading “Stop Church-Scrolling: Reminding the Local (Online) Church Too”
Author Archives: JP Arceno
A Biblical Surgery: Renewal of the Heart
The human heart is very precious. It represents a lot of images: love, passion, life, commitment, etc. But moreover, in the Bible, it is central to the idea of the wholeness (shalom) of a person. A heart pertains to the entirety of a human’s life—mind, heart, and soul. Not always, but truly. This human heartContinue reading “A Biblical Surgery: Renewal of the Heart”
The Supreme Calling of Fatherhood
Fathers are part of the local church. Being in the church is being in the covenant family. When Paul urged the covenanted church to be in unity, he contended that fathers ought to “bring them [their children] up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Father have the calling—not only to modelContinue reading “The Supreme Calling of Fatherhood”
10 Principles of Giving as an Act of Worship
Read King David’s Seven (7) Principles of Giving and God’s Kingdom Currency. Biblical giving is an act of worship. First, it is stated in the Scriptures that the early church practiced generous giving—giving with a cheerful heart (Acts 4:32-37; 2 Cor. 9:7). Acts 4:32 states, “All the believers were one in heart and mind. NoContinue reading “10 Principles of Giving as an Act of Worship”
A Biographical Sketch of John Calvin (1509-1564)
John Calvin was born in Noyon, France on July 10, 1509. His parents were Gerard Cauvin and Jeanne. Gerard remarried after Calvin’s mother died. Still, young Calvin experienced and felt genuine motherly love from his stepmother. When Calvin was twelve years old, he got a benefice from the bishop of Noyon where his father worksContinue reading “A Biographical Sketch of John Calvin (1509-1564)”
God’s Covenants: Looking Forward and Godward
Christians ought to look forward and Godward alongside the contemplation of the promises and covenants of God. The former alludes to “looking unto Jesus” verse in Hebrews 12:2. Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of all the covenants stretching from the Adamic typology and seed, preservation of life in Noahic covenant, to Abraham’s promised land andContinue reading “God’s Covenants: Looking Forward and Godward”
True and Proper Worship
What is the heart of worship? A simple answer would be: the centrality of our worship is grounded in Christ alone. Through Christ and in Christ, we were given the privilege of access to worship God with the utmost humility, reverence, and devotion. Indeed, even Apostle Paul reminded us, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers andContinue reading “True and Proper Worship”
Life Begins in Discipleship
There’s this famous phrase, “Life begins at forty.” Why? It is a time in a person’s life where he or she has already accumulated enough wisdom, savings, and connections to live a flourishing, comforting life. On the other side, there’s a fine line that a person may start experiencing their mid-life crisis. Trying to correctContinue reading “Life Begins in Discipleship”
Eagerly Waiting for Christ
Sadly, after the death of Christ, the apostles returned to their normal way of living. Providentially, their faith was rekindled once again after Christ resurrected on the third day. The apostles, finally, knew that Jesus is the Messiah, the Lord, the Redeemer, and the One who had inaugurated the New Covenant. After having time withContinue reading “Eagerly Waiting for Christ”
Baptism: Meaning, Mode, and Manner
Download the full sermon manuscript on Union Community Bible Church Website On March 28, 2021, I preached a sermon on the topic of Baptism. Specifically, this topic is aligned to our sermon series, Defined: Understanding our Identity. In the previous sermons, we tackled about the Christian identity as an image of God, marred by Sin,Continue reading “Baptism: Meaning, Mode, and Manner”
John&Paul's Reflections 