1. A PUBLICATION OF THE VINE’S CHURCH OF NEW JERSEY
T HE M ESSENGER
V OLUME 1, I SSUE 1 M ARCH , 2010
T HROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE
By: Ana Marie Regaliza-Datuin references, we may be able to separate the chaff
from the grain and act in accordance with what
It is that time of the year again when Christians Jesus in His teachings truly commands us to do.
all over the world take a sit back to commemo- SPECIAL MESSAG E :
rate the season of Lent, one of the two most Origin of Lent
important periods in the Christian liturgical We are happy to present the maiden
According to research done by religious issue of The Messenger, a quarterly
year. As a believer, either we take part in this
religious tradition with due diligence
scholars, Lent was first addressed during the publication of The Vine’s Church. It
and sincerity or, we simply go legalization of Christianity in A.D. is our hope that through this newslet-
through the motions without putting 313. This was fortified by the church ter we will be able to reach out to
our heart and soul into it, or we at Rome during the Council of Nicea more people in spreading the gospel of
simply ignore it or are critical about in A.D. 325 when the Council of salvation through the Lord Jesus
Bishops settled on the calculation of Christ
it.
Easter celebration. It was universally
Since the reason for the observance We would like to thank everyone who
observed until the Protestant Refor-
of Lent lies in the very core of the got involved in the publication of this
mation in 1517 when the Christian maiden issue. Special thanks to the
Christian faith, it deems justifiably
church was divided into splintered following:
right that every person who claims
groups because of doctrinal differ-
to be a Christian worthy of his salt
ought to give this century-old tradition a scru- ences. Some of the more radical reformers, Ryan Villanueva—logo design
tiny. Perhaps in knowing its history and biblical like the Baptists, Pentecostals, shun the VCR Photography Ministry —for
Continued on Page 3 the beautiful photos
Mariel Carlos & Chris Somera—for
sharing their love story
F IGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH Malou Rena—for the Bible Trivia
Enrique Carlos—contributing
The Vine's Church in Raritan recently Church, Vambudo classes, which are offered writer
hosted the second Vambudo inter- free to interested participants, meet every Albert Mabilangan—for the Micro-
Saturday afternoon, 5:00 p.m. at the Third soft Office Publisher software
branch Full Contact Competition at the
social hall of the Reformed Church in Rari- Reformed Church in Raritan, New Jersey.
Anyone who is interested in contribut-
tan, New Jersey. The event was partici- Currently, there are some 30 active mem- ing to the next issue is welcome to
pated in by young men and women from bers. contact Pastor Rowel del Mundo.
New Jersey and New York and attended by VAMBUDO was initiated in the Philip-
local city council members. pines by TOUGHGUYS INTERNA-
VAMBUDO, a mixed martial event that TIONAL, an accredited non-profit organi-
stands for Vast (VA), M (Multi), Budo for zation collaborating with NGO's and the
fighting system, is aimed at reaching out to government alike in the prevention of vio-
the youth offering them a productive sports lence and drug addiction in schools and
activity that promotes sound mind, body, local communities. According to its foun-
and spirit. It also instills good moral values, der, Sensei Rev. Vincent V. Vicencio, a
discipline and leadership skills to its partici- Christian pastor and a 5th Degree Black
pants. A growing ministry of The Vine’s Belt, Tough Guys International ―is not just
Continued on page 4

2. P AGE 2 T HE M ESSENGER
F ROM THE DESK OF PASTOR ROWEL DEL MUNDO
In order to begin our study in Some reasons why atheist denies God
Bible doctrine we ought to be-
gin with God.  They deny the existence of God not because they cannot
find Him, but because they are afraid to face the responsibility
of being accountable to Him after death.
 We are constantly being chal-
lenged by the atheist, skeptics and  It is one of the devils tool to put man into sleep without
hecklers to prove that there is accepting salvation.
God. If there is no God, I can live and die as I please.
 The Bible is not a textbook
The Argument from Cause (Cosmological) coming from
that attempts to prove the existence of God.
the Greek word KOSMOS “mainam na pagkakaayos”
 The Bible opens with a positive fact that God does
exist. It did not occur to any writer of the Bible to prove
this fact.
 The world is here, it must have come from somewhere.
Somebody must have caused it to come.
The Bible plainly states that it is a fool who denies the
existence of God.  Here is a book, someone must have written it. No printing
press can of itself produce a book.
Proof from the Scripture  Meaning to say, the universe, or the world is here someone
started it. If all pieces of the watch were put inside the can and
Psalm 14:1 shake for a million years, it will not accidentally put it together.
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1 The fool [a] says in his heart, "There is no God."
Hebrews 3:4
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; 4For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of
there is no one who does good. everything.
Psalm 19:1 The Argument from Design (Teleological) coming from
For the director of music. A psalm of David. the Greek word TELOS, which means proper and correct
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
design
the skies proclaim the work of his hands A watch not only exists but it has a designer. It was planned for
a specific purpose. It is not design for mosquito to live in. It
Romans 1:20 was accurately design to tell time.
20For since the creation of the world God's invisible
qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have The color of the birds and animals and their defense are not
been clearly seen, being understood from what has accidental. They are a result of a plan of a superior planning
been made, so that men are without excuse mind of the originator.
The Moral Argument (Anthropological) coming
In addition to the above-mentioned arguments in the from the Greek word Arthropods that mean MAN
scripture, we may also consider seven other powerful
proofs. Man has an intellectual and moral nature showing that
the creator must not merely an inanimate force but a
Proof of Conscience living, intelligent moral being.
All creation knows that there are out there some being
who controls everything. Genesis 1:26
26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our
Romans 2:15 likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the
15since they show that the requirements of the law are
birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, [a]
written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even
fending them.) Genesis 1:27
27 So God created man in his own image
Acts 17:23 in the image of God he created him;
23For as I walked around and looked carefully at your
male and female he created them
Continued on Page 8

3. V OLUME 1, I SSUE 1 P AGE 3
T HROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE (C ONT ’ D FROM P AGE 1)
observance of lent, while the less conservative Lutherans, early Christians.
Methodists, Presbyterians, Anglicans and Episcopalians, and
Acts 12:4, “And when he [King Herod] had apprehended him
do practice the tradition with some modifications. Today,
[Peter], he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quater-
several years after this historic period in the Christian world,
nions of soldiers to keep him; intending after EASTER to bring him
arguments regarding the practice of
forth to the people.
The term Lent originated from the Latin
Although there have been references by some
term guadragesima, translated in Greek
Christian scholars to the use of Easter in this
as , ―tessarakoste.‖ This was used by the
passage as the same as Passover, some say that it
Christian churches to mean ―fortieth day‖
could not have been so since Peter was appre-
before Easter. This nomenclature is pre-
hended during the days of unleavened bread
served in various languages such as
(Acts 12:3) when Passover was over by then.
―Charisma‖ for Spanish and Quaresma for
And because of this sequence of events, some
Portuguese. As time went by, as the ser-
scholars argue that the word "Easter" in Acts
mons began to use English instead of Latin,
12:4 does NOT then refer to Easter as we
the English word lent was adopted. The
know it, nor does it refer to the Passover as
word initially meant spring (as in German
suggested by other bible versions. Bede ―the
language Lenz and Dutch lente) and de-
Venerable,‖ a Christian scholar, who has writ-
rives from the Germanic root for ―long‖
ten several books on Christianity, went further
because in the spring the days were length-
by suggesting that Easter has pagan origins. In
ened.
his book De Ratione Temporum, Bede wrote
The observance of an annual period of 40 days of fasting and that Easter was named after Eostre, the goddess of fertility.
abstinence preceding the festival of the Passover is not found He also explains Easter's association with rabbits and eggs.
mentioned anywhere in both the Old and the New Testa-
Lenten Practices
ment, yet today this tradition is widely practiced by most
Christians. The period of 40 days, however, has several ref- Different Christian groups have different ways of celebrat-
erences in the bible, which could be the reason why early ing the Lenten season. For Catholics Lent is the 40-day
Christians made this part of the whole religious ritual. Some period (Sundays excluded) prior to Easter, which the
of these verses are found in the following chapters: church observes as a penitential season. It begins on Ash
Wednesday and concludes with the Passion tide, the two-
It rained 40 days and nights: Gen 7:4, 12.
week period during which the church's liturgy follows
Joseph mourned the death of his father Jacob for a period of Christ's activity closely through the final stages of his life on
40 days: Gen 49:33 - Gen 50:3. earth. These two weeks are called Passion Week and Holy
Moses on Sinai for 40 days: Exo 24:18, 34:28, Deu 9:9-11. Week.
Moses pleads for Israel 40 days on Sinai: Deu 9:18-25,
In some countries, pre Lenten festival called Mardi Gras or
10:10.
Carnival have also flourished and later on became part of
Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days: Matt 4:2, Mark
their countries’ cultural tradition. The most famous of
1:13, Luke 4:2.
these festivals is in Rio de Janeiro. Others are held in Ven-
Jesus was seen for 40 days after His crucifixion: Acts 1:3.
ice, Cologne and in New Orleans, where it is termed
Mardi Gras.
Origin of Easter
Carnival, which means ―removal of meat‖ in Latin, while
Easter, as we all know it, is the highlight of the Lenten sea- Mardi Gras is the French translation for ―Fat Tuesday‖ or
son. It is considered the most significant religious event in Shrove Tuesday in ethnic English tradition. Both the carni-
the Christian liturgical year as it celebrates the death and val and Mardi Gras are held before the people go on fasting
resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, just like Lent, al- as a means to repent of their sins. It is supposed to be a
though it is mentioned once in Acts 12:4 , Easter is not time when people indulge in food, wine, and music before
documented anywhere in the bible as an event practiced by plunging into a period of fasting. Today, some local
Continued on Page 9

4. P AGE 4 T HE M ESSENGER
F IGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH (C ONT ’ D FROM P AGE 1)
an organization but an organism since we live what skills, from a mixture of martial arts traditions and non-traditions,
we teach. The organization now has 29 local The rules allow the use of striking, throwing or take downs and
branches and 5 international branches. grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground. The
roots of mixed martial arts can be traced back throughout Europe
Sensei Rev. Rowel Del Mundo, a 3rd Degree Black and Japan during the early 1900s. The sport re-emerged in 1993
belt, who is one of the founding members of Tough with the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championships. The
Guys International, Inc. and the lead instructor of following are the results of the recently concluded Toughguys 24th
VAMBUDO in the USA, has seen the positive im- Interbranch competition:
pact of VAMBUDO on some troubled youths in the
Philippines. As head pastor of The Vine’s Church in Jake Crespo (NJ)- champion, close combat heavyweight
Raritan, Sensei del Mundo, guided by the biblical Justin Festejo (NY) – champion, close combat middleweight
teaching in 1 Cor. 6:19, which talks about how our Jonathan (NY) – champion, close combat Lightweight
body as living temple of God must me glorified, Ryan Villanueva- champion, lightweight Kickboxing
believes that the program’s success in the Philip- Paul Del Mundo (NJ) -2nd runner-up
pines can be duplicated here in the US especially Vinnie (NY) – champion, heavyweight, kickboxing
among the youth. Assisting Rev. Del Mundo in pro- Donne Berberabe (NJ) – Kids full-contact champion
moting VAMBUDO in the US particularly in New Pauline Del Mundo (NJ) – Ladies full-contact champion
York is Sempai Rev. Ronald Ramirez, also a Black Michelle Villanueva (NJ) – 2nd runner-up
Belt in the discipline. Paul Del Mundo (NJ) – Lightweight full-contact champion
Mike (NJ) – 2nd runner-up
Considered to be under the category of Mixed Mar- Melvin Roque (NJ) – Middleweight full-contact champion
tial Arts, Vambudo is a full contact combat sport Jomar Garnade (NY) – 2nd runner-up
that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques and Cathy Samonte (NJ)-Toughguys Spirit award
More Photos on Page 8

5. T HE M ESSENGER P AGE 5
W HEN L OVE B ECKONS
By: Ana Marie Regaliza Datuin The two, however, shares a common love for travelling.
Both are adventurous and love trying out new things.
Perhaps one of the most interesting testimonies one can hear from
Being part of the church’s VCNJ’s youth group inevitably
The Vine’s Church of New Jersey is the love story of Mariel Luvi
Carlos and Christopher Somera. It is a romantic relationship that
played a big role in the positive growth of their relation-
has all the elements of a typical boy and girl love affair, only this one ship. According to Yeng and Toffee, being active mem-
has a little twist to it. Theirs was borne and nurtured by a common bers in the ministry helped them both keep their focus on
love for God, who directed their paths to where they are right now. God. Two years into the relationship, while constantly
praying and consulting the bible for God’s will, the mes-
As the great poet Khalil Gibran once said sage became clear to them that being to-
“Think not you can direct the course of love, gether is part of God’s plan for their lives.
for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your
course. Yeng and Toffee as they are fondly The couple shares here some practical rules
called by family and friends met 13 years ago at they live by in keeping their relationship
the IBC's (now VCNJ) Christmas Cantata. As healthy.
fate would have it, their families were seated at
the same table. It was not a case of love at first Don’t rush... wait for God's perfect timing
sight according to Yeng since she was only 11 Focus on knowing yourself first
and Toffee was 10 back then. But as the years Take time to get to know the other person
went by, they began talking to each other, first, before entering into a relationship
learned more about each other, and later be- Don't keep breaking up and getting back
came best friends and eventually - a couple together
Protect your relationship, keep your fights
When asked what attracted them to each other,
Yeng, who now works as Ophthalmic Techni- private
cian, is quick to say that Toffee is the most Respect one another
selfless and passionate person she has ever met. Make sure God is always first and center
―He goes out of his way for anyone and he’s of your relationship and lives
also very smart and driven‖, said Yeng. Mean- Pray for each other, pray together, read the
while, Toffee, who works as a Project Engineer bible together, do devotions together.
at NBC, was enthralled by Mariel’s beautiful eyes. For him, Mariel
is the most beautiful person he has ever known. He was attracted On June 26th, Yeng and Toffee are moving on to the
too by Mariel’s nurturing, kind, sweet and caring character. next chapter of their love story. They will be exchanging
their marriage vows before God, with families and friends
Just like any typical normal romantic relationships, Yeng and Toffee as witnesses. The ceremony which will be held at The
had their own share of misunderstandings too. But because they are Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida will be officiated by
committed to keep their relationship strong, they learned to com- Pastor Rowel del Mundo.
promise and made sacrifices for each other here and there. In no
time, they started liking what the other person does and enjoyed
doing these things together.
Those who accept Christ as Savior have
As individuals, Yeng and accepted God's plan (John 14:6). From then
Toffee have similarities and
on, it's a step-by-step following of God's best
differences in personalities.
Toffee is the quiet, easy for us, praying for His will to be done
going and a little laid back (Matthew 6:10), and avoiding the sidetrack of
type of a person. Yeng, on sin (Psalm 32:1-11; 119:59; Hebrews 12:1-
the other hand, is outgoing 2).reads, "The Lord says, I will guide you
and vocal about her opin- along the best pathway for your life. I will
ions. advise you and watch over you."

6. V OLUME 1, I SSUE 1 P AGE 6
C ALENDAR OF E VENTS
T HE VINE ’ S C HURCH IN R ARITAN T HE V INE ’ S C HURCH IN W ANAQUE
March 27, 2010 The Tough Guys competition. March 28, 2010 Mission Sunday
Beneficiary: Ptr. Paul Montano
An evangelistic project of the
youth ministry.
April 4, 2010 Movie Presentation ―Facing the
April 4, 2010 Easter Movie Presentation: Fac- Giants‖
ing the Giants May 9, 2010 Mother’s Day Banquet
May 5, 2010 Mother's Day Sunday Special June 12, 2010 VCNJ Anniversary and Inde-
May 31, 2010 Memorial Day Sunday Special pendence Day Celebration
Joint Fellowship with BCI in East
June 21, 2010 Father's Day Sunday Special Randolph
July 05, 2010 Pistang Pinoy – Summer Special June 10, 2010 Father’s Day’s Celebration
Activity
June 25, 2010 Mission Sunday
August, 2010 Church Outing – Date and details
to be announced Beneficiary: Teknotropeo
September, 2010 Back to School Program led by August 14, 2010 Church Outing
the Youth Ministry
October 9, 2010 Sports activities sponsored by the September 10, 2010 Back to School Night – Joint
MSBFA (Metropolitan Southern Effort with VCR
Baptist Filipino Association) Mis- November 19, 2010 Thanksgiving ―Awards Night‖
sion Month; Pastor Appreciation
Nov. 7, 2010 7th Anniversary Sunday Special December 4, 2010 Mission Sunday
Beneficiary: Benguet Church
Dec. 4, 2010 Christmas Special (A stage presen-
tation of Christian Songs, Dance, VCNJ Community Outreach
Play and Vambudo Martial Arts)
Wanaque Convalescent Center
W EEKLY SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
Wednesday Ladies Bible Study
Monday Bible Study at Ate Nora's place
Wednesday Men Bible Study
Tuesday Ladies Bible Study
Wednesday Youth Bible Study
Thursday Men/Young Couples Bible Study Last Wed. of the
Joint Prayer meeting
Friday Youth Bible Study at the church Month
Every other Wednes-
Saturday Praise & Worship practice Bass & Guitar Lesson
day
Toughguys International "Vambudo" Friday Young Pro & Icy Hot Bible Study
Sunday Worship Service Sunday Worship Service

7. P AGE 7 T HE M ESSENGER
C APTURING THE B EAUTY OF L IFE AND L IVING
Ansel Adams, a Each member of the team has a different creative angle, but
widely renowned all members share a love of photography and a heart of
“No one after lighting a lamp American pho- service. Leading the group is Janice Maduan-Magracia, who
covers it with a jar or puts it tographer and back in the Philippines was an accountant by profession at
under a bed, but puts it on a environmentalist the Megacity Ministries, Inc. and a photographer by avoca-
stand, so that those who enter once said, ―Some tion. As a full time church worker of Community Baptist
may see the light (Luke 8:16) photographers Church, Janice used her skills in photography to capture
take reality...and the various activities of her former church and mentored
impose the domi- several members of the youth group. Janice was all set to
nation of their own thought and spirit. Others come before
reality more tenderly and a photograph to them is an in-
strument of love and revelation.‖ With their dedication to
serve the church through their God given talents in pho-
tography, it can be said that the same truth can be said of
every member of The Vine’s Church Photography Minis-
try. Each one may have his and her own perspectives about
photography, but it cannot be denied that they are one in
believing that photography is an expression of their collec-
tive love for God and the church.
Late last year when the church was busy with several ac-
tivities, Janice Maduan, now Janice Maduan Magracia,
Marjorie Datuin, Albert Mabilangan and Rico Mangalindan
found themselves busy covering every activity of the
church. After the holidays were over, it became clear to
everyone that there is a purpose to what they have been
doing. The group, joined in by additional members, de-
cided to sit down and discuss a plan on how to use their
professionalize her photography skills in the Philippines
God given talents to serve God. On January of this year,
when a different calling was laid out to her. On October
the VCR Photography Ministry was born. It had a success-
2009, Janice was married to Frederick Magracia. It did not
ful launch when they provided free photo sessions for
take long for Janice to realize that aside from meeting the
member of both the North Jersey and Raritan Churches on
man God has appointed for her, she was also destined to be
Valentine's Day. One of the other main projects of the
used by God in sharing her experience in photography with
ministry for this year is a church directory.
other members who have the same passion as she has. Sup-
porting Janice in the ministry are the following:
•Albert Mabilangan
•Marjorie Datuin
•Melvin Roque
•Rico Mangalindan
•Marcel Bautista
•Frederick Magracia
•Kathy Samonte
The VCR Photography ministry is also open in accommodat-
ing other churches’ activities for a minimal fee to raise funds
for the ministry’s future projects.

8. P AGE 8 T HE M ESSENGER
Y OUNG P RO ’ S C ORNER
By: Enrique Carlos verses. He was good. So he asks Jesus (paraphrased) ―Jesus,
check out my wallet. Look at my Sunday school certifi-
When I was 7 and new to the U.S., I quickly learned cates. See how many times I’ve been to church? What else
that the terms bad, wicked, insane, and crazy were do I do to get to heaven?‖
classified as good, while ―good‖ meant satisfactory and tolerable.
‖Whoa, that skateboard trick was wicked cool!‖ which means Jesus looks at him and says, ―Give up your gear. Sell it, and then
good job. In Filipino culture, Tupperware or a Chinese soup follow me‖. Gulp. The young man leaves because he had great
container on your bathroom floor is good to have, wealth. He was a good church boy. He
but not good when your non-Filipino friend asks knew what to say. Saying and doing the right
you why it’s there. You find the answer to that things - that’s all good, but in reality, it’s not
one. Ephesians 2:8-9, it says a requirement.
At home, talking back to parents is considered
―For it is by grace you have In Ephesians 2:8-9, it says ―For it is by grace
rebellious. However, outside the home, there was been saved, through faith - you have been saved, through faith - and this
a growing tolerance for that and this not from not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -
behavior. Do I follow tradi- yourselves, it is the gift of not by works, so that no one can boast.‖ That
tional Filipino trends or God - not by works, so means our level of good can never be enough
blend in with the norm? that no one can boast.‖ to earn God’s love. No matter what we do,
How do you maintain good it will never be enough.
when everyone has different Good news though. God loves us, so much
expectations of good? When that he allowed someone to take our penalty
is it really good enough? in attempts of being good. No need to jump
Whether or not you are a religious per- through magical hoops. No religious systems to pass. He freely
son, you’ve come across this issue. Your gives salvation to us through Jesus’ death on a cross, not to brag
employer, family, church sermons and friends expect good from about it, but so we say, ―Good is not enough - We need the help
of someone better because it’s tough.‖
M ORE PHOTOS FROM THE VAMBUDO COMPETITION

9. V OLUME 1, I SSUE 1 P AGE 9
T HROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE (CON’T FROM PAGE 3
churches who choose not to participate in the excesses of when we ―neglect the more important matters of the law –
this tradition, observe Mardi Gras with a simpler gathering justice, mercy, and faithfulness.‖
in church with a pancake breakfast or other meals.
If we find ourselves guilty of what Jesus calls a ―hypocrite‖
Biblical References on either side of the spectrum, on this Lenten season we
While majority of Christians today observe Lent and cele- may perhaps just forget about rationalizing whether it is
brate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ on Easter right or wrong to observe Lent and celebrate Easter, but
Sunday, many are also skeptical about instead listen and take heed to Paul's admoni-
the observance of this tradition. In an tion in Romans 14:13-22 when he said:
attempt to better understand the con-
flicts, let us look at some of the biblical Therefore let us stop passing judg-
13
scriptures that are commonly used as ment on one another. Instead, make
references by Christians in their argu- up your mind not to put any stumbling
ments.
block or obstacle in your brother's
Mark 7:1-9 Jesus said "Isaiah was right way. 14As one who is in the Lord Jesus,
when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as I am fully convinced that no food is
it is written: 'These people honor me with
their lips, but their hearts are far from me. unclean in itself. But if anyone re-
They worship me in vain; their teachings are gards something as unclean, then for
but rules taught by men. You have let go of him it is unclean. 15If your brother is
the commands of God and are holding on to distressed because of what you eat,
the traditions of men. And he said to them: you are no longer acting in love. Do
"You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in
order to observe your own traditions!” not by your eating destroy your brother for whom
Christ died. 16Do not allow what you consider good
Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philoso-
to be spoken of as evil. 17For the kingdom of God is
phy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments
of the world, AND NOT AFTER CHRIST.” not a matter of eating and drinking, but of right-
eousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18be-
Matthew 23:24 (Jesus talking to the crowds and his disciples
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! cause anyone who serves Christ in this way is
You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you pleasing to God and approved by men. 19Let us
have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, therefore make every effort to do what leads to
mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, with- peace and to mutual edification. 20Do not destroy
out neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat the work of God for the sake of food. All food is
but swallow a camel.
clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything
Reflection that causes someone else to stumble. 21It is better
As we ponder upon all these information about Lent and not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything
Easter and on the biblical scriptures where Jesus Christ else that will cause your brother to fall. 22So what-
Himself told the crowds, disciples and the teachers of His
ever you believe about these things keep between
time, it behooves us to examine our own hearts to see if we
too may be guilty of being one of the ―hypocrites‖ in Mark yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not
7:6, when we go through the motions of practicing our condemn himself by what he approves.
religious traditions but are hearts are far from Him. Or are
we one of the ―hypocrites‖ referred to in Matthew 23:24

10. T HE V INE ’ S How well do you Know your bible?
C HURCH
OF NJ Books Description
1—Genesis A. Book of pathology—of the treatment of
No 1 W. Somerset St. the body of Christ
2—Joshua
Raritan, NJ 08869 B. Book of biology—the force that binds
Phone: 201-757-2545 3—Proverbs Christians together
4—Isaiah C. Book of physiology—a careful study of
the nature of the body of Christ
ANSWER KEYS TO BIBLE QUIZ.
5—Matthew D. The Master key to scripture
6—Mark E. The gospel of the King
F. The gospel of the Son of Man
8—H 15—J 6—Luke G. The gospel of the Servant
8—John H. The Gospel of the Son of God
7—F
14—I I. Book on How to build a church
6—G 9—Romans J. The end—and a new beginning, signs of
13 —O 10—Ephesians the times
5—E K. The beginning
4—M
12—B 11—Philippians L. The book of wisdom. What life is all
11—A 12—Colossians about
3—L M. Exactly in the middle of the bible, often
10—C 13—I & II Thessalonians called a ―miniature bible‖
2—N
14—I Timothy N. A guidebook to victory
1—K 9—D O. Books of good mental health. How to
15—Revelation treat depression
F ROM THE DESK . . .(C ONT ’ D FROM PAGE 2)
The Life Argument
Life comes from life and the original life must have come from a being that possesses eternal life, which is life, existed before
physical life was created. Where can such life be found?
Psalm 36:9
9
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
John 11:25
25
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies
John 10:28
28
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
The Argument From Congruity
The acceptance of the existence of God as a creator of the world is like a magic key that fits all the facts of the scripture, reve-
lation, knowledge, and science.
Hebrews 11:6
6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he
rewards those who earnestly seek him.