Interview

The Year of Amazing Grace

December 22, 2020

“God’s grace goes ahead of us, is with us, and will stay with us. God is and will always be in charge.” In this article, Bishop Juray Mora and his wife, Deah, share the reality of God’s grace in one of history’s most difficult years.

It is a fact that 2020 is unlike any other year. What is your most important realization this year?

Bishop Juray: For me, the truth of God’s character, grace, faithfulness, and even His promises are all discovered in a time of trials and testing. When you are in the middle of challenging situations, you discover that His words are true. During this chaotic and uncertain time, we all went back to seeking our peace in God. When this was just starting, the numbers all looked bad. It seemed like everything was just getting worse, and everywhere you look, people were fearful. It was at this time that we learned to go back to God to seek His presence and find our hope in Him.

Deah: There are actually so many realizations this year. I think God removed all the unnecessary things that we considered necessary. This year we went back to the basics and realized that the beauty of His promise is found in the simplicity of life. God is our fortress and His word is our foundation.

What are you most thankful for in 2020? How did your family cope with all the challenges and changes you experienced this year? How did all these change you as a person and as a family?

Bishop Juray: I’m thankful for my time with my family. When our kids were young, we lived in the province and we did most things together. Life was simpler in the province. When we moved to Manila and as the kids grew older, their schedule started dominating our schedule. But because of this pandemic, we went back to doing things together as a family. We would have our prayer and devotional time together. We got to finish our conversations because no one was in a hurry to go anywhere else. This season really brought the importance of relationships to surface.

Deah: There was a period of adjustment. We have six children, and five of them still live with us at home. Being a big family confined in a limited space, it may sometimes feel like your personal space was invaded. Needless to say, quarrels erupted every now and then. This season exposed what God wanted to deal with in each of our hearts. It forced us to deal with them and run to God. He used this to draw us closer to Him. Because time was redirected to family, our relationships with one another also grew. My kids learned to adjust, tolerate, and be gracious with each other. They also expressed how thankful they were for our devotional time, which we get to do more regularly now. Even my son, who got married in January, also joins us online. It was fun to see the kids play online games, learn new skills, and do several things together. God really maximized this season and each of us experienced Him in a new and greater way.

We started 2020 with a declaration that we will see God’s amazing grace. Looking back, what new thing did you learn about God’s amazing grace? What is something new you learned or experienced about who God is?

Bishop Juray: We saw how God’s grace had gone ahead of us. From the start of the year, my family experienced challenges one after the other. A day before the lockdown, God’s provision poured in. It was completely unexpected. My son, who just got married, left the country where they had their honeymoon a day before lockdown was declared. In the midst of this pandemic, we experienced the grace of God. His grace goes ahead of us, is with us, and will stay with us. The challenge is really on our end. Are we going to believe Him and His promises? My wife and I agreed that we will choose to be in faith and build our faith. We went back to God’s word and spent time in prayer all the more. I also told my family that we need to push back against fear. In these very uncertain times, we see fear all around us. As people of God we know that fear, other than fear of Him, will not produce anything good. We have to choose to trust God for what’s ahead and be in faith.

Deah: God showed me that He has been the same. He was just as in charge before the pandemic as He is now. God used this year to put me in situations where I can trust Him more. It’s just like being a bummer lamb before its shepherd. Bummer lambs are rejected lambs. Their mothers, for whatever reason, did not take care of them. The shepherds feed them through bottles. They form a special bond with their shepherds. This year taught me to depend on God the way a bummer lamb would depend on a shepherd in order to stay alive.

Some say that things will never really go back to how they were before. How can we continue to declare God’s unchanging love and amazing grace in a world that has just gone through major changes?

Bishop Juray: Change constantly happens in our lives. We can live through the changes as long as our values stay the same. These values will dictate what we will treasure and what we will, in turn, protect. No matter what happens around us, if we can keep strong relationships with our friends, family, and God, we would be able to adjust by the grace of God. That is something we can keep on declaring. We can speak about God’s supernatural power. As people of God, I hope that we would continue to declare the miracles we experienced this year, that this would be part of our “new normal.”

Deah: We declare what the word of God says, not what society says. We know that the word never changes, but the power of the word causes change. As believers, we can and should continue to declare that. In any situation, God’s word is the only true source of power and hope.

Bishop Juray serves in the Bishops Council of Victory. He has been married to Deah for almost 30 years. They are blessed with six children who are pursuing God’s plans and purposes for their lives.

Beyond the Series is a set of interviews on topics related to our sermon series.

Beyond the Series Part 2: A Joy-filled Christmas in 2020

December 22, 2020

“Our joy springs from the truth that our Savior was born. We shouldn’t let any outside circumstance or event steal that joy from us.” In this article, Pastor Paolo Punzalan shares how we can make this year’s Christmas celebration more meaningful.

What is one of your family’s favorite Christmas traditions? How has this tradition been affected by our current situation?

We have several Christmas traditions. Putting up the Christmas tree is one of the most important for us as a family not just because it signals the start of the celebration, but because it’s a memorable family event every year. It’s a walk down memory lane. The first thing we put on the tree is the first ornament Jen and I had as a married couple. The kids grew up knowing the story behind that ornament. Then each one that would follow has its own story. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness throughout the years. Another important tradition is reading the Advent story. When the children were young, we used a storybook, but now we use the passage from Luke. Then we take turns sharing our insights. This year, one of the insights shared was God’s very precise timing. If God can make sure that light from a star would travel years in advance so that people during Christ’s birth would see it at that exact moment, we can be sure that God can bring His perfect timing for everything in our lives. It’s so amazing to hear how God speaks to them through the story; it’s different every year. It’s also our tradition to buy toys and goodies and make loot bags. We drive around the city to give them to street children. It’s our way of teaching our children that Christmas is about giving, not just receiving.

How are you making this year’s Christmas celebration exciting and meaningful for your children? How would you want them to remember Christmas 2020?

We aren’t really doing anything different this year. We may not have as many guests at home and have shifted our gatherings to online platforms, but it’s still the same. This year, we did not do the usual loot bags, but we gave to the relief operations for those affected by the recent typhoons. The method may have changed, but what we are doing and why we are doing them remains the same. We also did not do the usual advent where we would invite several people in our home, but we had it online. In fact, we just had one for our village. Circumstances around us may change which may result in changes in the manner we celebrate Christmas, but the spirit behind this celebration will never change.

In one of my Christmas gatherings this year, I asked everyone, “Given the choice, would you have rather had a different 2020?” Personally, my answer to my own question is yes and no. Yes, because we couldn’t have physical gatherings, people lost jobs, and went through so many challenges. This has been a faith-stretching year for everyone. But at the same time, this year brought unprecedented growth. The growth in terms of relationships in families, dependence on God, and faith to believe that even if you no longer know what to do, you are certain that God is right there with you and He will act on your behalf. In spite of everything that we lost this year, there was also a lot we gained. I would not want to lose all that.

With everything that has happened this year, how can we, as Christians, celebrate this season and at the same time make it meaningful to others who may be going through a difficult time?

It’s a fact that 2020 took a lot from us. But what it has given us is clarity. Crisis creates clarity, and what this year made clear to us are the most basic yet the most important things. Yes, Christmas this year has been stripped down to the smallest of gatherings, but it should not take away our joy. This year clarified the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is based on events, on things around us. On the other hand, joy runs deeper. Our joy springs from the truth that our Savior was born. We shouldn’t let any outside circumstance or event steal that joy from us. At the same time, we also acknowledge that all of us went through so many challenges and most of us are having a difficult time. I think celebrating this season with a joy that comes from a grateful heart—reflecting on all the little things we’ve taken for granted in the past years—would make this Christmas season more meaningful to us and to those around us.

Pastor Paolo serves as the senior pastor in Victory Fort and has been married to Jenn for 25 years. Together with their four children and growing family, they continue to serve not just in the church, but also in their community.

Beyond the Series is a set of interviews on topics related to our sermon series.

Beyond the Series Part 1: Celebrating Christmas in 2020

December 18, 2020

“Celebrating Christmas is like a beacon in the night. In the midst of the darkness, it points you to something that will never be shaken—God’s love.” In this article, Bishop Ferdie Cabiling and his wife, Judy, share the importance of celebrating the season.

What was a typical Christmas celebration like in your family? When your children were growing up, how did you explain the reason for celebrating Christmas to them?

Judy: Establishing Christmas traditions has been part of the discipleship and mentoring I received from our church leaders. Early on, we learned the importance of not letting the season pass us by because of busyness and instead be focused and deliberate in ensuring that we have time to explain to the children what the season is about. That is why even before December, we plot all our family activities on our calendar and start creating that sense of anticipation for the birth of the Messiah. We start with setting up our Christmas tree, which is a family event for us. Then we read the story of the advent to continually remind our children why we are celebrating this season. The dynamics in our Christmas celebration changed since last year, when our eldest got married. But building that sense of anticipation for the coming of the Messiah stayed the same.

Will you be celebrating Christmas this year? Why do you think it’s still important to celebrate Christmas at a time like this?

Bishop Ferdie: Battling with a pandemic does have an effect on this year’s Christmas celebration. As the spiritual head of my household, I want my family to celebrate Christmas, but as a pastor, I understand the current “cancel culture” that wants to cancel not just this year’s Christmas celebration, but the entire year. This year may have been full of challenges, volatile, and ever-changing, but as a believer and follower of Christ, we have to hold on to who God is because He will never change. As a Christian family, we hold on to that. This year may have been very shaky, but God’s love, demonstrated by the fact that at one point in history He sent His Son to the world to suffer and die for us, remains constant. That is why in spite of everything that is happening around us now, we still have all the reasons in the world to celebrate Christmas.

Judy: I also feel people’s cry to cancel 2020. It’s like a force that tries to press on you. But all the more I realize the need to celebrate Christmas no matter what. It’s like a beacon in the night because the meaning of Christmas is even more visible now. I feel like I was with Mary and Joseph during that first Christmas, stressed and confused with everything that’s happening. They knew they were carrying the Savior of the world, and yet there was no place for Him to be born. But in the midst of all that, angles burst into song and shepherds worshiped God. That’s just like what’s happening now. We are in this darkness, but the fact remains that our Savior has come. This makes this year’s Christmas even more memorable.

Knowing that this year has been a very difficult year for a lot of people, how can we celebrate Christmas in a way that would be relevant to others around us?

Bishop Ferdie: In a way, this pandemic can enable us to extract the real meaning of Christmas. In the past, the definition of Christmas could be summarized in one word—consumerism. We were conscious of what we wear when we go to the malls or to parties, and measured the importance of people by the amount of gifts given or received. But this year stripped us of all that and left us with just the bare minimum. We are down to the real essence of Christmas—love. That’s why I believe that in the future, we will look back at this year’s Christmas and say, “That was a beautiful Christmas. I did not have much to give, but I gave my whole heart.”

Judy: I agree. All of us are experiencing suffering right now in varying degrees and forms, and we are all doing our best to cope with the situation. But this pandemic also opened the hearts of people and made us see what really matters in life. Our celebration this year may not be as extravagant or festive as the previous years, but it is no less meaningful. On the contrary, with all the noise gone, the real meaning of Christmas becomes louder. I think the beauty of the simplicity of our Christmas celebration this year will be relevant to people around us.

Bishop Ferdie and Judy Cabiling have been married for 29 years and are blessed with two children. They surrendered their lives to Christ when they were still students and have been serving our church since it was established in 1984.

Beyond the Series is a set of interviews on topics related to our sermon series.

Beyond the Series: In God We Trust

December 4, 2020

“We listen to what God says about finances in His word because we trust Him. The more we trust Him, the more we hear Him.” In this article, we will learn how we can face our own personal challenges and be channels of God’s blessing.

What is the importance of hearing about finances from God’s word? How will it affect a person’s walk with God?

We study what God says about finances because we do not lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Instead, we acknowledge that in His wisdom and sovereignty, God knows what is best in every area of our lives, including our finances. Whenever we step out in faith and trust God, we silence any voice that tries to compete with God’s voice and we get to know Him more. Trusting God in our finances means putting ourselves in a position where we can experience His reality and goodness in our lives. It means leaning on Him, putting our full weight without any fear that we will fall, because we know that we are leaning on someone who is strong and stable.

How has our recent series, Add to Heart, helped us face financial challenges brought about by the pandemic and the recent typhoons?

In the third week of the series, we looked at the poor widow who gave sacrificially to God. During that time, a widow had very few options in terms of sources of income. From the story we know that she chose to be a beggar. She was clearly challenged by her situation and yet, it did not stop her from giving. In spite of her poverty, her generosity was abounding. In the same way, any pandemic, typhoon, or calamity should not stop us from being generous. Generosity is not an act but a posture, an attitude. An act of generosity is an overflow coming from a generous heart.

We have several people in church who demonstrated generosity in spite of their own challenges. One couple would be Getty and Grace Cua. They attend our church in Greenhills, but they live in Marikina. During the typhoon, the first floor of their house got submerged in flood water. So they redesigned their home and placed the kitchen on the second floor, with the intention of opening their kitchen and serving soup to people if ever there would be flooding in the city again. And that’s exactly what happened. They were able to feed hundreds of families even if their own family was experiencing difficulties because of the recent typhoons. Their generosity was an overflow of their trust in God.

When we look to God and not at our own financial situation, we can rise above our own challenges. We can be certain that the God we trust is more than able and willing to provide all that we need.

How does knowing what God says about finances affect your financial decisions? How would knowing these principles enable us to trust God more in this area?

When we look at Scripture, we can see that God used finances to make a point. But the point was never about money; it has always been about the heart. What we need to understand is that we should not settle for material things in this world. That’s what we always say to our children. We are a family on a mission. We teach them not to have a firm grasp on the things of this world, and instead be ready to let go if and when God tells us to do something. This world is not our home. We have been placed here to do specific assignments from God. Having a firm grasp of that should guide us in our financial decisions in life.

Dennis Sy serves as the senior pastor in Victory Greenhills. He started following Jesus as a young student and now, together with his wife, Thammie, is teaching their young children to do the same.

Beyond the Series is a set of interviews on topics related to our sermon series.

Beyond the Series: Expressing the Truth of the Gospel

October 29, 2020

Now more than ever, we find ourselves in situations where we can demonstrate the reality of the gospel. In this article, Pastor Marc Constantino tells us the importance as well as practical ways of expressing God’s love to people around us.

What does expressing the gospel mean and what is the importance of doing a series on it?

Sometimes, when we think of the gospel, it’s all about preaching the good news. We know that we should declare the good news that Jesus came to live among us and paid the full penalty of our sins by dying on the cross so that we can be restored to a right relationship with God. In our ongoing study of the book of Romans, we see that from chapters 1–11, the apostle Paul explained how God showed us mercy, forgave us, and made us righteous through the death of Jesus on the cross. As a church, we have always been passionate about preaching this truth.

Through The Gospel Expressed, we are shifting our focus to gospel demonstration. From Romans 12, Paul started talking about ways to express the truth of the gospel, which can be summarized this way: love one another. Paul explained that we are to do this purely, sincerely, and sacrificially. We all know how difficult this is, especially if we consider the person unlovable. That’s why Paul frames this instruction in view of God’s mercy. We can express genuine love to others because we’ve received God’s abundant and sacrificial love first. It is this love that He now wants us to demonstrate to those around us.

Paul gave practical ways we can do this: in our attitude toward each other (especially to those who are different from us), by helping those in need, and even by loving our enemies. Paul devoted several chapters on expressing God’s love to people in our church and community. This series on expressing the gospel is very important, not to mention timely, knowing how this pandemic is affecting all of us.

Last weekend, we offered our Victory Kapasigan facility for the Pasig City government’s temporary use. How did this come about, and why did the church decide to do it?

It all started when the Every Nation Building was converted into temporary housing for health care workers back in April. At Victory Pasig, we thought of doing the same.

Then several weeks ago, I was in a meeting with Mayor Vico and other pastors from different churches in Pasig. While Mayor Vico was discussing his research about the pandemic and pouring his heart out to us, I asked him how the body of Christ can help at this time. He gave two ways: food distribution and housing facility.

When he said this, I knew it was time to push through with making our venue in Pasig available for the use of our health workers. God gave us this facility, and in this season, we can use it to bless the community. It is a privilege for us to be given the chance to serve and express love to those in our city. It will be used by nurses and other medical practitioners from a hospital right beside our facility. Our Kapasigan location now has 18 beds, a makeshift room to be used as a cafeteria, and a shower room. We are grateful that these front liners will have a safe place to rest after their long shifts each day. The joy our local government and front liners have expressed for this is our joy, too.

What other initiative is the church doing in this season of pandemic to express the gospel?

We’ve had several initiatives as a church in Metro Manila and even in the Philippines. Most of these are started by our church members. Even before The Gospel Expressed series came out, people in our church have been helping those affected by the pandemic, like front liners, jeepney drivers, and other people who’ve lost their source of income. Victory group leaders have organized fundraising activities, cooked and distributed food to communities, distributed medical supplies, and visited hospitals to ask how they can help. On their own, they went out of their way to demonstrate the gospel and be a blessing in this difficult season. This brings me great joy and we honor those who are serving as God’s hands and feet to our world.

How can a regular church member take an active role in expressing the gospel?

As a church, this is our opportunity to be salt and light to the world. Yes, there are fundraising activities and other initiatives that we can be part of, but we can also do simple gestures to reach out to someone. There are a lot of people who are going through depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. We can be sensitive and intentional about reaching out to people—our friends, relatives, classmates, or workmates. You’d be surprised at how much a call or simple text message would mean to people nowadays. Intentionally setting time in your day to meet with people on whatever platform to pray for them and encourage them is an expression of love.

Pastor Marc Constantino is the senior pastor of Victory Pasig. He also oversees Victory Metro East and Antipolo. He and his wife, Rizzel, have been married for 22 years now and are blessed with 3 wonderful children.

Beyond the Series is a set of interviews on topics related to our sermon series.

Beyond the Series: Bringing the Gospel to the Nations

October 7, 2020

The call to bring the gospel to the nations is for every believer. In this article, Pastor Michael Paderes and his wife, Pia, talk about their experience as missionaries and the importance of doing missions.

Why do we need to go or send people to do missions work abroad when we can do the same work here in our country?

Pastor Michael: Missions is a matter of obedience. Going back to the mandate of God in Genesis 26:1–6, it says we are to extend His glory and rule over all of creation. It’s not just a project or passion of Every Nation. It’s a response to God’s call; and it shouldn’t be unique to Victory or Every Nation. Every believer should participate in God’s mission to redeem all of creation. That is why if we don’t go to other nations, we would be limiting the scope of the work of God. In Matthew 20, it says “Go and make disciples of all nations.” In Acts 1:8, it says that we’ve been empowered to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. It is very clear in Scripture that as an act of obedience, as an act of faith, we are to go and proclaim the gospel as our way of helping redeem all of creation back to Christ.

Even Jesus Christ came to be among us. The Father sent the Son, and the Son’s ministry was incarnation. Christ came to be with us in order to redeem us. The same principle applies to us. It’s one thing to just broadcast the gospel. It’s another to be among a people to proclaim, to demonstrate, and to live out the gospel so that other nations would be redeemed and discipled.

How has doing missions work affected your lives as individuals and as a couple? How have you seen God accomplish His work through you?

Pia: We went as missionaries to Russia a year after our marriage. We were young and ready to conquer the world. We went there thinking that we would be going to change this nation and change the people. After four years, we realized that it was us who got changed—our perspective about different people and cultures. We know that the gospel is all-encompassing, that it’s the truth that all people from all nations need to know. But the way we are to present God’s truths will vary depending on the culture. What will work in one nation may not work in another.

Pastor Michael: Personally, it’s not so much our involvement in missions that changed me as it was the preaching in the early days. Every Sunday preaching felt like a missions message. From the very beginning, God gave me a global vision. I was very much willing to go anywhere to fulfill the call of God. Pia and I went to the mission field not because we were called to be missionaries, but because we were obeying what God says in His word to all believers. Seeing all that God is doing left permanent imprints on my mind and heart.

First, God’s word is true. He really has called us to go to the nations. Second, He can use anyone to make an impact in the nations. And lastly, Every Nation—and Victory, in particular—has a unique call to reach the next generation in the nations of the world. Even after 25 years of doing this, I am still in awe and humbled when I see locals surrendering their lives to Christ. I can’t believe that I get to be part of it. To me, it’s nothing less than a miracle. Seeing a person of a different faith, culture, religion, and worldview leave all that to surrender his or her life to God and be totally transformed is something I will never get tired of. That’s still what gets me up to this day. I’ve seen how the gospel transforms individuals, families, communities, and cities.

Like all missionaries, we faced trials and challenges in the mission field. These challenges strengthened and fortified our relationship with God. Out there, you will literally fall on your knees and cry out in desperation to God. You really will not be able to rely on your strength. You will learn to cry out and hold on to God. And He always comes through. May it be in your finances, your ministry, or issues in your heart that God brings out. You will learn to depend on God alone.

When we were in Russia, the Russian economy collapsed and we relied on God alone for our daily provision. We also experienced security threats and numerous discouragements. We faced difficult challenges, but we also experienced God’s faithfulness and how He can miraculously turn situations around. In the mission field, you will experience the reality of God. If you are in the middle of God’s will, He will make a way. He will always show Himself faithful.

Why do think missions should still be a priority now, when there are other pressing needs due to the pandemic? How can you be a bearer of good news to nations in the midst of a global crisis?

Pastor Michael: God is so committed to His mission that He will see to it that His plans and purposes are fulfilled. God chose to do this through the Church—pandemic or no pandemic. The global situation is a big shock to all of us, but not to God. God knew from the very beginning that this will hit us in 2020. God made His plans and chose, empowered, and anointed us knowing that a pandemic will hit us this year. We don’t press pause on life, the mission of God, or what He is asking us to do because of an unprecedented pandemic. God’s will is to work in and through us in the midst of this.

When campuses started to close, new doors opened for us to continue doing what God wants us to do. Discipleship in several parts of the world are actually at a peak because of these new doors. Some churches are currently having their record-breaking number of ONE 2 ONE meetings. A lot of students now are more open to talk about life when we shifted online. This pandemic created opportunities for our missionaries. All the more, we need to be ready to share the hope and peace that can only be found in Christ in this season of global crisis.

How can a regular church member be involved in missions?

Pastor Michael: Every member can help fulfill the Great Commission. They can pray for missionaries, for the nations, or for a particular nation that God put in their hearts. They can give and become a partner of our Every Nation missionaries. They can also go by joining a Ten Days team or go long term, by becoming a cross-cultural missionary. The call to make disciples of all nations is for every believer. Whether through praying, giving, or going, we can all participate in what God is doing in every nation.

Truly, there is hope in the gospel that is for all people. Taking the gospel to the nations is what will transform the world, and as believers, we should all actively take part in it.

Pastor Michael Paderes has been serving as the Missions director of Every Nation Philippines for 18 years. He was 28 years old and his wife, Pia, was 24 when they went to Russia as missionaries. They are blessed with three lovely children who are also actively serving the church.

Beyond the Series is a set of interviews on topics related to our sermon series.

Beyond the Series: Multigenerational Relationships

September 17, 2020

“God’s plans and purposes are so vast that it will require multiple generations working together to accomplish them.” In this article, two women from different generations talk about the importance of building multigenerational relationships.

How important is building relationships with the next generation?

Pastor Mye: The mission of God is so great and His kingdom so vast that we need to realize that His heart is not just after one generation. That is why it is crucial to involve the next generation in everything that we do, which is how God wants it done. We see this truth in the Old Testament; we still see it now. God’s plans and purposes are so vast that it will require multiple generations working together to accomplish them. So we should build relationships not just with the generation after us, but also with the generation before us.

What do you think the younger generation needs the most from the older generation?

Hannah: I think that my generation needs two things from the older generation. The first one is relationship. I’m really thankful that Ate Mye did not treat me like I was inferior or that I have no choice but to listen to her simply because she’s older. Ever since I met her, she has been a loving sister to me, someone who listens and genuinely cares. I felt that she had no other agenda than to know me and build a relationship with me. I know that with her, I am safe and I will be heard. Second, we need their support. Instead of looking down on us and listing the different ways their generation is better than ours, it would mean a lot if the older generation would recognize that each generation is different. I also remind myself of this, especially now that I’m reaching out to those younger than me. I can see the difference between my generation and theirs. I want to be there for them in the same way that Ate Mye was with me, building a close relationship with me and supporting me.

What do you think causes the gap between the younger and older generation?

Pastor Mye: I believe there’s a misunderstanding that springs from the thought that one generation is better than the other. One generation is saying, “Listen to us because we know better.” And the other one is saying, “Listen to us because we also have something to say.” The unwillingness to recognize and accept that one generation will really be different from the other is causing this generation gap. Although God will cause the older generation to pass on something to the younger ones, He may also do something that’s totally different from what He has done in the past. To break this generation gap, we have to be willing to receive from people who are older and younger than us.

What has been the older generation’s greatest impact on your life?

Hannah: What I admire the most from the older generation is their perseverance and how they have continued in their walk with God despite all the challenges and difficulties they experienced. Sometimes I find it difficult to stand my ground and hold on to my faith because there are so many voices around me. In this day and age, technology gives different avenues for people to express their opinions, and it seems that people have a more liberal worldview. It can be difficult to be relevant when people view our convictions as something conservative or outdated. But looking at the generation ahead of me inspires me to keep the faith and stay in my journey with God. I’m reminded of the fact that God, who sustains them, is also with me and will give me victory in my own battles.

What are the practical things you intentionally do to bridge the gap between your generation and the next one?

Pastor Mye: One thing I do is acknowledge that I will not be able to keep up with everything about the next generation because they don’t seem to run out of energy. However, I know that I can still serve them. What I know I can give them, I can give wholeheartedly. I realize that they really need an “ate” that will be there to listen to them, so we would hang out or play board games. I made it a goal to know what they’re into, like the K-dramas they watch. We have to let them know that we are genuinely interested in getting to know them. We have to Intentionally spend time with them and prepare ourselves physically, emotionally, financially in order to understand their world. We have to express genuine love and compassion in a way that their generation would recognize.

How have you been intentionally passing on what you have learned from the older generation to the generation after yours?

Hannah: It started with the understanding and acceptance that they are different. There were a couple of times I felt like I couldn’t connect with them and I would shy away from them. But God reminded me that He is running after them. He wants them to know Him and experience His love. If I stay silent, who will reach out to them? God wants me to be part of what He is doing in the next generation. Just like what Ate Mye did for me, I try to be there for them. So even if the generations after my generation keep on changing, God’s heart for them will never change. He loves them and He would want us to reach out.

How do you present God’s truth, which is unchanging, in a landscape that is ever changing?

Pastor Mye: I think that every generation has an expression of brokenness. Understanding that degree and expression of brokenness will help us know how we can be relevant, how we can minister. It will also dispel any idea that one generation is better than the other. Each generation may express brokenness differently, but we all come from the same broken state. Understanding this will strengthen the compassion and desire to build genuine relationships with the younger generation. The same grace carries all of us through and enables us to share God’s constant, unchanging love.

God’s heart beats the same for all generations. That is why we are called to connect to the generation before us and reach out to the generation after us. He will use all generations to make His love known to the world.

Mye Nunag serves as a pastor in Victory U-Belt. She was 17 years old when she gave her life to Jesus. Hannah was 15 years old when she met Pastor Mye, who helped her follow Jesus and make disciples. She is a sophomore at the University of Santo Tomas and actively serves the church as a Victory group leader and volunteer. Together, they are fulfilling God’s plans and purposes in their generations.

Beyond the Series is a set of interviews on topics related to our sermon series.

Beyond the Series: A Better Place Than We Deserve

July 24, 2020

“We are always in a better place than we deserve.” — In this article, Dr. Nixon Ng talks about the book of Romans and how the truths from this book continue to make an impact on his life and humble him each day.

Why are we doing a book study on Romans called The Gospel Explained? How can we specifically put the truths from this book into practice?

The book of Romans is very relevant, especially in our time right now. It was written to a people whose situations were not different from ours. They were experiencing sporadic persecution, and there was so much uncertainty in their future. It was in the midst of those challenges and difficulties that Paul wrote the book of Romans. It was the deep theology in this book that undergirded the practical wisdom of the Christians at that time.

The good thing about the book of Romans is it answers the big questions in life: the question of the depravity of man—his boastfulness and self-righteousness. If we think about it, the difficulties and trials we experience actually bring out who we are. Fundamentally, our issue is self-righteousness. It is expressed in different ways in different generations, but the issue is still the same. We feel that we are better than others, just like the Jews back then who looked down on the Gentiles because they didn’t practice the same things they did. When people don’t think the way we do or don’t have the same political persuasion that we do, we tend to think that they are lesser than us. But why do we think that way, when everything that we are and everything that we have is only by the grace of God? Though we were sinners and undeserving, there’s a God who justified us and made us righteous. That’s what this book is about.

What does it mean to be made righteous by God? Why is it important to understand this truth?

Justify is the verb form of righteousness. It means not just forgiven; it means as if we’ve never sinned.

We were justified because God did something. Though we are undeserving, Christ died on the cross for us—the propitiation was made through His blood. Jesus came and offered Himself as a sacrifice on our behalf. God’s wrath was never held back. It was fully vented but on Christ, not on us.

When we begin to understand that it was God who made a way for us to be justified—in spite of our weaknesses and frailties—we can’t look to Him and boast. We are put in a disposition of humility. It’s always by the grace of God that we are in a better place than we deserve. Knowing that God sent His Son to die for us to redeem us, propitiate our sins, and demonstrate His justice humbles us.

Understanding that it was God who justified us also frees us from condemnation. Sin has the power to destroy and condemn us; that’s why some of us feel hopeless and depressed. But knowing that God has made us righteous and paid for our sins frees us from those feelings. There is no place for sadness because God has already lifted us up. It brings us back to humility without condemnation and self-judgment.

How did the knowledge of your righteousness in Christ change the way you live? How does having a right relationship with God help us face difficult situations in life?

The knowledge of my righteousness in Christ has helped me become gracious with people, especially in their failings. When we talk about failure, I am at the top of the heap. I deserve nothing that I have and even merit to die—yet here I am. When I remember that, it helps me pastor others; it helps me help them. That’s the most fundamental change. Though I still fall into judging others, when I remember what God has done for me, it makes me see things differently. It takes away entitlement, and I’m left with nothing but gratitude that I’m in a better place. I don’t care where God puts me; I’m just glad that I can do His work and serve. It humbles me every day.

When God justified us, He didn’t just forgive us or take us out of sin; He also gave us purpose. Everything that happens to us now becomes purposeful. In Romans, we are reminded that we can rejoice in suffering because we have peace with God. Our suffering is no longer punitive but formative. Before, people were afraid of suffering because they thought it’s a punishment for sin. But now, we know that when we suffer, our character is formed. The word “suffer” in its original form means “to put pressure.” When there’s enough pressure on us, endurance is produced—endurance which produces character, and character which produces hope. After things are strengthened by God and we are tested, we can fulfill our purpose and rejoice in our future hope in Him.

Truly, there is nothing that we can boast about because God has done everything for us. As we continue to seek Him, may we always remember the truths from the book of Romans and walk in gratitude and humility.

Dr. Nixon Ng is the director of the Every Nation Leadership Institute and also serves as a pastor in Victory Pasay. He and his wife, Eva, have four children: Nikko, Elijah, Nikki, and Nathanya.

Beyond the Series is a set of interviews on topics related to our sermon series.

Beyond the Series: The Joys and Challenges of Fatherhood and Parenting

June 19, 2020

Being a father is a gift, a serious responsibility, and a rewarding experience. In this article, Bishop Manny Carlos talks about the joys, challenges, and life lessons that go along with fatherhood and parenting.

A Joy-Filled Responsibility

When I learned about my wife’s pregnancy with our eldest child, I felt a quiet sense of joy and gratefulness to God. I felt a profound sense of gratitude that God made us parents. Looking back, we were happy and content as husband and wife. But when each of our children came into our family, we could no longer imagine what it’s like without them. It’s a miracle that they came into our lives.

Children are gifts from God, and we have a responsibility to raise them up according to God’s ways. Sometimes, people get traumatized because of their experiences growing up, but being a parent is not something to be afraid of. It’s not going to be easy, but we don’t have to figure things out ourselves. Being part of a church community helps us learn from one another. There are so many people we can talk to who have children, and there are pastors and mentors who can help us along the way.

A Challenging Journey

Children are fragile. They’re dependent on us for so many things. In raising our kids, there are different stages that we have to navigate as parents.

The first stage (ages 0–6) involves bringing security to them by establishing authority in their lives. We need to set up boundaries to protect them. According to Ted Tripp in his book Shepherding a Child’s Heart, there are two things that are at work when we raise our children: the shaping influences and the Godward orientation. The first one is what we do as parents through how we nurture and discipline them. The second one, on the other hand, is something we can’t do. It’s only God who can work in the hearts of our children.

As parents, we need to instill discipline not to hurt them but to make them realize that they can’t go beyond their boundaries. It brings security when they know that there’s a safe place and an unsafe place for them. Our goal as parents is to gradually give them freedom—to make them more independent of us and more dependent on God.

The second stage (ages 6–12) is called the learning phase. In this stage, the brain development of children is at its peak: their learning is accelerated, they’re very curious, and they ask a lot of questions. Every child has an innate desire to learn at this stage.

When my wife, Minnie, and I became parents, we wanted to be somewhat involved in the education of our children. We didn’t want to just put our children in school; we wanted to be their teachers. We wanted to make sure that they get the education they need, learn godly values, and develop a love for learning. The different stages in the lives of our children require us to emphasize certain things. If we fail to establish discipline and nurture their learning early on, it will be hard to catch up and make up for lost ground. We have to maximize our time with them.

By the time our children reach their teenage years, everything becomes different. In this stage, they don’t always want to be with us. They want to be more independent, assert themselves, and be with friends. We can’t simply tell them yes or no. We have to reason with them. And at this phase, I think what is more concerning is the influence of social media. It has crept up quickly on us, and though it has its benefits, it’s challenging to set the proper boundaries. A lot of young people now are addicted to games and social apps.

Later on, when our children become young adults and graduate, the nature of our relationship with them will also change. We have to start giving them responsibilities. Every stage of their growth entails new opportunities—for them to mature and develop—and new challenges that will affect our relationship with them and their relationship with God.

A Humbling Experience

When I became a parent, I learned that every child is unique, and I should be sensitive to that uniqueness. Children have different giftings, passions, and discipline issues. When they get older, it’s important that we interact and connect with them individually. We have to parent them, be a father to them, and be sensitive to their needs.

The physical and emotional presence of a father is also crucial in raising a family. My wife is a stay-at-home mom, and I am grateful for her sacrifice, but my presence at home as a father is also vital. Whenever I come home from work, I have to be emotionally present and engage my children in conversation.

As parents, giving words of encouragement and affirmation to our children is important. As it says in Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Now that a lot of young people are battling with depression, it’s important that we nurture our relationship with our children and help them discover their purpose in God. Part of parenting is helping them discern what God wants them to do with their lives.

Like what Pastor Steve Murrell always says, “Parenting never ends.” There is a part of us that will always worry about their future—no matter how old they are. We will always want to help them and make sure their paths are righteous. It is fulfilling and humbling at the same time because of the lessons that we learn along the way as parents. Though we may fail at times, it is important that we always look to God, our heavenly Father, and allow His grace to step in and fill the gap.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Bishop Manny Carlos is the chairman of Victory. He serves on the Bishops Council of Every Nation Philippines and preaches at Victory Katipunan. He has been married to Mini for 26 years, and they have four children: Jeremy (24), Daniel (22), Hannah (19), and Samuel (18).

Beyond the Series is a set of interviews on topics related to our sermon series. In our previous article, we also interviewed Bishop Manny’s wife, Minnie Carlos, about motherhood and parenting. Click here to read her interview.

Beyond the Series: What is the Holy Spirit teaching us in this crisis?

June 11, 2020

When we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, faith is built up in our lives. We get a sense of what God is doing and about to do. As we continue to face this crisis, let us take time to pause and reflect on what the Holy Spirit is teaching us in this season.

To know more about the Holy Spirit, here is our interview with Pastor Raymond de Guzman, our senior pastor in Victory Katipunan.

Who is the Holy Spirit?
I came to know the Lord in a deeper way through the Holy Spirit. On the day I got saved in 1988, I experienced God like never before. I felt the Holy Spirit strengthen and empower me.

The Holy Spirit is a Person, not a force or an influence. He is the third person in the Trinity. According to R.A. Torrey, “If we think of the Holy Spirit as merely a power or influence, our thought will be, ‘How can I get more of the Holy Spirit?’ But if we think of Him in a biblical way as a divine Person, our thought will rather be, ‘How can the Holy Spirit have more of me?’” That was one revelation I got on the day I got saved. The thought that the God of the universe lives in me—and is ready to use me—is simply humbling and overwhelming.

The Holy Spirit is a Helper; He was sent to be with us forever (John 14:16,17). It’s a comforting thought, especially to the disciples at that time who, for several years, walked with Jesus on earth. Before leaving, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to them, so that with Him, they can do greater works. In the same way, with the Holy Spirit, we can do even greater things.

The Holy Spirit is a Counselor—which means He will come alongside every believer. His Spirit is with us, just like how Jesus was with His disciples when He was doing ministry on earth 2,000 years ago. The Spirit that empowered the ministry of Moses and Elijah during their time is the same Spirit that is with us today.

How do we know if the Holy Spirit is in us?
We know that He is in us because we know what our condition was like before. We were spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1,4) and unable to receive the things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14). We were in what Paul calls the “mind of the flesh,” which is not able to submit to God or please God (Romans 8:7,8). When that is reversed and we become spiritually alive, that’s when we know that He is in us.

When God reveals His word to us, it is inspired by the Spirit. One way that we know that the Holy Spirit is in us is if we have faith in His word and believe that Jesus is the Christ (1 John 5:1).

A few years back, we had a tree in our backyard, and it was without leaves or fruits; it looked like a dying tree. But one day, its leaves came out and it bore fruit. That’s how we found out what kind of tree it was. In the same way, we know that we have the Holy Spirit if we possess its fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22,23).

In the first outpouring of the Spirit, people spoke in other tongues, preached the gospel, prophesied, and performed miracles. Another way that we know that the Holy Spirit is in us is when the gifts are manifested in our lives (1 Corinthians 12:7–11).

What is the Holy Spirit teaching us this season?
Because of the pandemic, most of us are weakening in our faith; we get discouraged and anxious. But if we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, our faith is built up. We have a direct line to God through the Spirit. Even if everything seems uncertain, God will reveal to us through His Spirit what He wants us to do in this season.

It is one thing, however, to know what God is revealing to us and another thing to obey what He is telling us to do. Just like in the book of Acts, before they were filled with the Holy Spirit, they were in prayer: united, extending forgiveness, and preparing their hearts before God. They were in the right posture to receive and obey all that God was telling them to do. I think it is very important for us as Christians in this hour to hear and obey what the Spirit of the Lord is saying to us. There is a divine imprint that he is putting in our hearts in this season.

I’m in faith that the harvest God will bring is great; that’s why He’s preparing us. He’s making us more patient—allowing endurance to be developed in us—because when there’s endurance, character is formed. He’s preparing us for the next great thing that He’s about to do in and through us.

We easily get discouraged when our minds are set on what is happening. But when our minds are set on what the Spirit desires and is about to do, we are filled with life, encouragement, and hope. This pause is given to us by God for a reason. He is setting new rhythms and new priorities in us. This pandemic may be unprecedented but so is the number of people who, I believe, will soon come to Him. It will overwhelm us.

Pastor Raymond de Guzman is our senior pastor in Victory Katipunan. He is married to Malou and has two children: Daniel and Allison.

Beyond the Series: Musings on Motherhood and Parenting

May 8, 2020

Motherhood is a long road that continues even when the children are old and have their own families. As we celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday, here are some valuable insights on motherhood and parenting from Minnie Carlos, the wife of Bishop Manny Carlos. She is a mother of four children: Jeremy (24), Daniel (22), Hannah (19), and Samuel (18).

LASTING MEMORIES

Though I only had a few memories with my mother, each memory has remained precious to me. When I was very young, my parents separated. Even if my mother and I weren’t together for many years, she would always make an effort to visit us and write long letters to me and my siblings.

When I got married and started to have my own family, I decided to visit my mother in the province. I went there with my husband, Manny, and my firstborn son, Jeremy. It was something I had been wanting to do for years. It was a priceless trip that brought my mother so much joy.

My mother was soft-spoken, kind, gentle, nurturing, and gifted in music. She imparted many good things to me about motherhood. I believe my journey as a mother began with her good example. When she passed away a few years ago, I realized how much of a great influence she had been to me and my children. I miss her, and I will always be thankful for the time we had together.

THE CALL TO STEWARDSHIP

For me, being a mother means taking on an important role. It means responding to a call entrusted by God. As a mother, I understand that I am co-laboring with God in raising my children; He is first and foremost a Father to them before I am their parent. They are ultimately His children. God calls me to show and represent the love and commitment that He has for them.

If I am to be the kind of mother God wants me to be, I need to know the truth about God and how he relates to us—His children. My relationship with God is going to be a reflection of my relationship with my children. God loves us unconditionally, provides for all our needs, protects us from harm, cares about us deeply, disciplines us with love, and has a unique plan and purpose for each one of us. Knowing God’s heart for us, His people, enables me to raise my children in a way that will please Him and bring honor to His name.

MUCH IS TAUGHT AND CAUGHT

Coming from a broken home, I was eager to learn about what the Bible said about marriage and parenting. I always looked forward to attending parenting seminars and reading books that would equip me as a parent. While I learned the basic principles from these materials, I also learned much from observing good role models and mentors who were successful at parenting. I watched how they related to their children in the different stages of their children’s lives. It has been a privilege for me to have people in my life to look up to—couples we can talk to who can give godly counsel and advice. To this day, I’m grateful that Manny and I have people who walk with us as we navigate this journey of parenting.

In my own experience as a mother, I learned that it is always important to pray for my children and point them to God. I should teach them to love His word and hear His voice. I also learned that when I lift them up in prayer and declare God’s word over their lives, my prayers become powerful and effective.

A LEGACY OF FAITH AND OBEDIENCE

I hope for my children to remember me as a woman who loves and fears God—whose life pleases Him and brings honor to His name. I want to be a good example to them, not just as a mother, but as a Christian who has taught and encouraged them to grow in their walk with God.

For me, these passages summarize what God is admonishing us to do as parents:

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:5–9

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. Proverbs 22:15

We should teach God’s word and commands to our children, train them in life, impart values that are Christ-centered, and discipline them with the end goal of restoring them to their relationship with God—and with us.

If we want to raise our children effectively, we have to be intentional in our parenting. Having good children does not happen by chance, as some would believe. It takes a lot of hard work to raise children who will follow God. When God tells us to do something, whether in our parenting or in our own personal lives, we should always respond in obedience. Parenting is a big responsibility which can be daunting, but God has given us clear guidelines on how to do it—and each of those guidelines, if followed, comes with a promise. One important promise from God is that those who honor their father and mother will live long in the land. This promise is for us, for our children, and for the generations after.

Mothers play a big role in our journey of knowing God and following Him. Their love and sacrifice give us a glimpse of His unconditional and unfailing love for us. Today and every day, let us honor them and celebrate their lives. Happy Mother’s Day!

Minnie Carlos is the wife of Bishop Manny Carlos. They have been married for 25 years. They are blessed with four children: Jeremy, Daniel, Hannah, and Samuel.

Beyond the Series is a set of interviews on topics related to our sermon series.

Beyond the Series: Transformed by Grace

February 11, 2020

God’s grace invites us into God’s family and enables us to live differently. It changes us from the inside out.

I was 14 years old when I received the gospel. I grew from a very insecure high-school boy into a purposeful young man in college because of God’s grace. Many years later, that grace carried me to where I am today to fulfill the calling that God has placed in my heart.

God’s grace transforms and dramatically changes our lives. When we begin to recognize who Jesus is and begin to trust in Him, a transformation begins.

Before I met Christ, I seemed very kind and cooperative, but all of that was actually driven by insecurity. And that’s the first thing that God dealt in my heart. He assured me that I am His child: He approves of me, and He is pleased with me. His grace made me realize that I do not have to work for the approval of other people nor fear failure. A lot of people today, even those who are very successful, struggle with these things because these are issues of identity that only God can heal. Nothing and no one in this world can make us secure nor heal our hearts.

When we begin to understand that we do not need to perform in order to gain approval or be liked by people, we start to stand up for what is right. And we also learn to forgive. When we do not understand God’s grace, it would be hard for us to forgive other people or ourselves. But God’s grace is able to forgive and heal us from our past, no matter how painful or big our sins are. His grace also enables us to love unconditionally. We don’t easily judge people, and we become more loving and accepting of everyone around us.

God’s transformational grace allowed me to pursue Him in a deeper way and have a greater sense of purpose. I began to take on life with new vigor after I received Christ. I went to college with extra inspiration and by His grace, strived to live a life that’s pleasing to Him. I approached relationships with loyalty knowing how loyal God has been to me in spite of my flaws. He brought me to that road of intensive transformation.

Now, I have a family of my own, but, I’m still very amazed at how much God has changed my life. And His grace didn’t stop with me. It transformed not just my heart but even the lives of those around me—my family and friends. It is my prayer that their lives will also be used by God to affect those around them.

God’s grace isn’t just about personal transformation; it’s about being personal witnesses of His grace. When God transforms our hearts, we become salt and light to those around us. And when we allow Him to use us, we get to advance His kingdom and help transform a portion of the world that sets off a series of things that affect other people and place a greater sense of purpose in their lives.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Pastor Jon Naron serves as the director of Victory Provincial Churches, overseeing over 100 churches beyond Metro Manila, and is a member of the Every Nation Philippines Executive Team. Prior to that, he served as the senior pastor of Victory Imus. He is married to Let and has four children: Gabrielle, Kristianna, Albert, and Allyana.

Beyond the Series is a set of interviews with Victory pastors on topics related to our sermon series.

Beyond the Series: Living Out the Gospel

August 30, 2019

Pastor Rico Ricafort of Victory Ortigas shares how we can live out the gospel and bring hope and healing to others.

How has the gospel ministered to you and transformed your life?

The gospel has transformed my life in every possible way. It gave me hope, purpose, and joy. It affected all of my relationships: the way I treat my family, my parents, my loved ones, my colleagues. It made me realize that I can live a life that is pleasing to God because I don’t have to struggle anymore to gain His favor. I already have His favor. I already have His grace.

The things I used to struggle with no longer had a hold on me. I was able to overcome them and walk in victory through God’s grace. Experiencing His grace changes the way we live; it empowers us and gives us a fresh start. The Bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). His grace enables us to live a life of victory over sin, over our past, and over our weaknesses.

And when God forgives us, He doesn’t just cleanse us and give us the power to overcome sin; He also empowers us to advance His kingdom. When I received Jesus into my life, my entire family did as well. Being a Christian affects not just our lives but even the lives of the people around us.

How can we effectively communicate the gospel today? How can we bring hope and healing to others?

I think the best way to communicate the gospel is to live it out. We shouldn’t just preach the gospel; we should also show other people what it means to live for Christ. Proclamation and demonstration go hand in hand. Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). The grace that we have received is the same grace that we can extend to others.

Wherever we are, we can bring hope and healing to the people around us—especially those who are sick and running out of hope—by sharing how God has brought hope and healing into our lives. There’s a lot of negativity and pessimism out there, but we can always be an encouraging voice. We can always be the voice of faith that will remind people that God is for us, not against us. By encouraging others, we get a chance to point people to God, our true source of hope.

If we look at God’s eternal plan for us, we will realize that whatever we’re going through right now is just temporary; suffering is temporary. Even Jesus went through suffering, but because of the joy that was set before Him (Hebrews 12:2), He endured the cross. We should be encouraged knowing that the grace that helped Him endure and overcome suffering is the same grace that He will give to us so we can overcome our hardships.

Our lives can be beautiful testimonies of God’s love and grace. Let us live out the gospel and extend the same love and grace to others.

Pastor Rico serves as the senior pastor of Victory Ortigas. He and his wife, Kitty, have been married for 13 years. They have three children: Alba, Maja, and Catya.

Beyond the Series is a set of interviews with Victory pastors on topics related to our sermon series.

Beyond the Series: A Journey with the Gospel

May 15, 2019

In this video, Bishop Ferdie Cabiling narrates his journey with God and encourages us to preach the gospel and make disciples.

Bishop Ferdie is the director of Victory in Metro Manila. He oversees the leadership and growth of our church as a member of the Bishops’ Council of Victory.

He was an eighteen-year-old student at Adamson University when he heard the gospel and decided to follow Jesus. At a young age, he also helped people share their testimony and preach the good news to others.

He and his wife Judy have two children, Elle and Philip, and have been married for over twenty-five years. His wife serves in the church by making disciples and empowering leaders, especially women. His daughter, Elle, is now a full-time campus missionary who reaches out to students in Katipunan.

This video was initially part of Pastor Gilbert Foliente’s first-quarter report for 2019.

Beyond the Series: Embracing the Message of Christ

April 17, 2019

Why is Holy Week important? In this article, Pastor Noel Ojerio shares how we can embrace the message of Holy Week as we take time to reflect on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Why is Holy Week important to Christians?

Let’s define first what the Holy Week means. The Holy Week is the last week of Lent, which is a season where we observe the life, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The story of Jesus is not man-made. It is factual, and it has had a great impact in the course of our history.

When we observe the Holy Week, we acknowledge the reality of Jesus’ life and ministry. More than just knowing the facts, we should take this chance to embrace the message it brings: Jesus Christ invites everyone to receive Him as their Lord and Savior.

To receive the gospel is to believe that Jesus Christ lived the life we should have lived and died the death we should have died. He took our place. He rose from the dead three days after, offering the gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins to anyone who repents and believes in Him.

As such, the Holy Week is a great opportunity for every Christian to minister the gospel to the world. Whenever Christ is made known or is even the object of holidays like Christmas, we should take advantage of the opportunity to share the good news.

What are some practical ways to honor God during the Holy Week?

Aside from strengthening our faith through reflection and meditation, we can also use the message of the Holy Week to reach out to our friends and family members. We can take time to gather them and help them understand the reason we observe the Holy Week—the gospel. We should not miss the point by treating this as just a vacation season. More than anything, the Holy Week is an opportunity for us to reflect on the life of Christ and the good news He brings to us.

May we all have a fresh appreciation of the gospel of Jesus Christ as we reflect on His life and sacrifice this Holy Week and continue to live in the salvation that He freely gives.

Pastor Noel Ojerio serves as the senior pastor of Victory in Caloocan. He has been married to Mary June for 26 years. They have five children—Nina, Nikka, Nikki, Natalie, and Noel.

Beyond the Series is a set of interviews with Victory pastors on topics related to our sermon series.

Beyond the Series: Grace to Sacrifice

March 20, 2019

Following Jesus requires denying ourselves and taking up our cross. In this article, Pastors CJ and Mye Nunag share their thoughts on how to embrace a life of obedience and sacrifice.

Was there a point in your life where you had to make a big sacrifice to follow God?

PASTOR CJ: Life, generally—in light of following Jesus—is comprised of making sacrifices. But these are not sacrifices caused by sin or disobedience. It’s just that, at some point, there are preferences that we have to let go of for the sake of following Christ.

Years ago, I shifted vocations to follow Jesus. Initially, the plan was for me to become a medical doctor. Everything had already been laid out, including the resources, but I decided to give that up when I was called to serve the Lord and do full-time ministry.

Even until now, there are still sacrifices that I make every day in order to follow Christ. (Like when God prompts me to give more, even after I have been faithful in giving.) But obviously, all of these pale in comparison to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. All of these are nothing compared to what He has done for us.

PASTOR MYE: Sometimes, we feel like we are making sacrifices because we are giving up the things that we want, but in reality, we are simply embracing what God wants for us.

There was a time in the past wherein, just like CJ, I thought I had it all figured out. I was supposed to go to law school when God started calling me to a different path.

Even before I became a Christian, I had always wanted to be part of a change in our nation. I thought the best way to do that was to help create laws for the betterment of our country. So I thought I could work in a government office as a lawyer. However, even if it was a noble desire, it wasn’t what God wanted me to do—He wanted me to do full-time ministry. I could have been successful pursuing that career, but I couldn’t have lived with the fact that I was not at the center of God’s will.

How do you continue to respond in faith when troubles come?

PASTOR CJ: We find the grace to sacrifice because our Savior sacrificed for us first. Most of the time, it doesn’t feel like we’re making sacrifices anymore, because God is giving us so much grace to do it.

PASTOR MYE: Personally, knowing that God has gone ahead of me as I go through whatever situation gives me the strength to face it. I know I just have to move forward, trust Him, and hold on to His grace as I go to where He wants me to be. There will always be challenges when we follow Christ, but knowing that I’m at the center of His will keeps me grounded in faith.

PASTOR CJ: Responding in faith is really about moving forward and learning how to trust God despite difficult situations. So when there are things that I don’t understand, I take time to reflect and talk to people, confirm with scripture if possible, then take the next step even if things are still a bit vague. I take time to slow down if necessary, but I still continue moving forward.

PASTOR MYE: I guess, the more we move in faith and have a revelation of who God is, the more we become willing to sacrifice. We realize that there’s nothing we cannot lay down before His feet. There’s nothing we can’t give up for Him.

Indeed, there’s nothing better than following Christ and being at the center of His will. In the end, it is always worth it to live a life of obedience and faith.

Pastor CJ and Pastor Mye serve in our church in U-Belt. They have been married for fifteen years and have two children—Samuel and Elle.

Beyond the Series is a set of interviews with Victory pastors on topics related to our sermon series.