Reflection – Central Philippine Union Coference

Humbly Come Together in the Mind of Christ

We marvel at the “Pentecost power” described in Acts 2: the tongues of fire, thousands converted in a day, and miracles that impacted the Roman Empire. However, before this, it is important to consider how it began in Acts 1. The early church’s transformation did not begin with strategy or powerful evangelistic series, but with…

Meet Jesus When He Surprises Us

The concept of a “thief in the night” is often associated with fear or loss. Yet, when the Bible uses this imagery to describe the return of Jesus, it isn’t a warning of harm, but a loud call to watchfulness. In a world full of distractions yet rich in breakthroughs, the promise of the Second…

Align with Kingdom Priorities

In our busy lives, we often feel pressured by urgency, managing lists of reports, tests, and deadlines. Acts 1:6–8 shows that struggling to prioritize is not new. Even the disciples, in the presence of the risen Jesus, focused on less important matters. The disciples asked, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom…

Knowing Jesus as Our Living Savior

In quiet moments when we think about our faith, we often wonder: Why does my faith sometimes become a plateau? We do the usual things, we go to church, but the excitement we once had for Christ seems to fade. The answer, as we see in the lives of the first disciples, is found in…

Who is Jesus to You?

If we are asked this question, “Who is Jesus to You?” what would be our answer? People around the world give many different answers based on what they have heard, what they have seen in surveys, or what they have read in books. Some also see Him as just an idea, a person from history,…

That Very First Step Towards the Wrong Direction

Life is often measured by its milestones—the grand achievements and the final destinations. However, the real direction of life is rarely decided at the finish line. Instead, it is decided at the beginning. As we go through our personal, professional, and spiritual journeys, we must come to terms with the fact that the most critical moment…

Do You Still Need Answers?

Life entails a series of endless questions we want answered. We move through our days asking, “How will I pay this?” Or “Why did this happen?” and eventually, we arrive at the “tormenting questions”—the ones that keep us awake until dawn. In today’s world, where information and technology have advanced significantly, we have become addicted…

Are We Fanatics or Disciples?

In Judges chapter 6, we find Israel dominated by the Midianites. During this time of oppression, God called Gideon to deliver His people. God’s first instruction to Gideon was to destroy the altar of Baal in his father’s house and replace it with an altar to the Living God. Gideon obeyed at night, accompanied by…

How Can a Church Be Accessible to People with Special Needs?

As a church, our ministry encompasses people of all genders, statuses, and classes. We aim to overcome barriers and expand the mission far and wide, but we might lack a focus on people with special needs. We hold outreach programs for them, but are they enough? From the Bible’s perspective, King David demonstrated what true…

Five Principles for Growing as a Literature Evangelist

Pastor Stephen Salainti, the vice president for leadership of the Southern Asia Pacific Division, was a keynote speaker at the Literature Evangelists Congress held at the Adventist Academy Cebu International Church in Bulacao, Talisay City. This three-day event took place from August 14 to 16, 2025, featuring the theme “Called to be Faithful: Jesus is…