Dear friends and family,

I hope this letter finds you well and that you are enjoying the summer season. I have been great these past months seeing God’s faithfulness in my life, providing me perseverance at work and stepping into leadership at church supporting kids with disabilities and bible study. At this point I have found God calling me to a second short-term mission trip and hope to share with you some details.

I am excited to announce to you that this August I will be venturing with a team of eight others into El Salvador in Central America to share God’s Word. El Salvador is my parents’ country of origin and has gone through a violent civil war from 1980 to 1992, where gang culture arose thereafter. It brings me joy for the opportunity to be sent in order to meet ex-gang members who have given their lives to Christ recently. The second portion of the trip will outreach to children and families in a remote territory where people do not have the basic amenities that we are so blessed to have. It will be my pleasure to work as a group to develop relationships, pray with them, and help them grow in their Christian walk.

God has already taken me to see how mightily He is in control with my first trip to Lima, Peru last year where we met several churches helping one another bring God’s name known at all corners of the city and how he has cared for several dozen orphans in their hands. I know that this first trip to El Salvador will perpetuate a movement to the people from my family’s homeland. This country can find healing from its recent history by changed lives multiplying other changed lives through God’s love.

There are nine in total going, but our full team consists of those who are in partnership with us in prayer and financially. Please consider joining us by praying daily. Also, if the Lord leads you to contribute financially, each team member is responsible for raising $1,800 to cover the expenses.

If you would like to make a financial contribution to this team, a check may be made payable to McLean Bible Church (with the memo reading GI - El Salvador (Arlington)) and returned to me in the enclosed envelope by August 10, 2014. Or, if you’d prefer, you can make a donation online at www.mbcarlington.com/globaldonate.  Click on ’Donate Here’ and follow the instructions.  You may be asked to log in with a username and password, but you will not be added to any mailing lists or promotional materials. Select the ‘GI - El Salvador (Arlington)’ team and type my name when it asks for a team member.  If you choose to make an anonymous donation to the team you do not have to type a team member’s name, just type ‘General - anonymous’.  All contributions are tax deductible. If the team is successful in raising our financial goal, all excess funds will be applied to either the needs directly related to the ministry of this trip or to fund additional outreach efforts within Global Impact.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support!

God bless,

Sergio Emmanuel Merino

“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to all creation” – Mark 16:15

What's Next???

"What's next?" is the title of this blog. I'm doing something new on this one and just writing while listening to hymns...

Truth be told every man and women walks alone at least at some point in their life. The one true God sees all things, but maybe He's decided to let you walk on the path you have paved and not His. Maybe you have decided to build a castle of sand, but the walls will be taken down by the crashing waves if not overtaken by the sun that dries it up first. To the one that says "Yes I am with You and for You, let my heart declare forever," to that man or woman will He not only be with? Much more than that He will go ahead of you into the the trials of your life. When we have trails of second guessing who we are, how much we have wronged another, or trouble coming all around us, He will go first in our defense and make a way "out of noway." This is amazing grace, that "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."-Romans 5:8.

Have we as followers of Christ not realized it yet? That no trail or accusation can we not endure with Jesus as our defendant to those who trust and believe in Him. That with this trust and belief we come boldly to the throne in understanding that no man can walk uprightly without the love of the Father. If we have Jesus, then we have the Father. If we have Jesus, the Holy Spirit will live in us with the renewing of the mind through the Word He has spelled so clearly for those with the Spirit. From the words of Jesus, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the ones who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matt 7:7-8.

Should we be discouraged if the answer is Jesus? Take time to listen and know and you will come to find that Truth is not a thing, but a person. As light shines bringing forth what was hidden in darkness, so too is truth which brings out what was hidden in lies. God is revealed by His light and truth; and yet only one man claimed to be the Way. This world tries to cover the Father's Son with lies, but the light will not be overtaken by darkness.

Will you pray today to receive Him? Will you pray today to reaffirm your commitment to Him? Will you commit and devout yourself to good works to display how excellent your gift of salvation is and how amazing His love is? What's next.. . . .  for you?

Parable Series: Part 3 - The Lost Sheep

“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. - Matthew 18:12-14

So He spoke this parable to them, saying:
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. - Luke 15:3-7

Study Questions:

1. Who are the lost sheep?
2. Why did he seek for the lost sheep?
3. How did the sheep get back?
4. Did Jesus simply lead them back?
5. How much effort did the sheep have to make to return to the flock?

Following along with the Study Questions.

(1) I would say that the sheep are those chosen by God, but not limited to Jews. 'For many were invited/called, but few were chosen' - Matt22:14. One could argue that this verse is like John 10:16, which both indicate the Messiah coming to unite Judah's tribes, the Jewish nations. But it is more clever to read more of the Bible to see what it really means to be of 'his' kind. Read Romans 2 and John 10:26. The believers, the true sons of God are those who do the will of the Father.

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. - Matt 12:50

So therefore the we must open our mind to see that the sheep is not merely the Jewish nation, but all those chosen by God who would accept the Word in their hearts.

(2) The sheepherder went to look for this lost sheep because it is of great value to him. The sheep is also alone, defenseless against prey, like wolves. The sheepherder, much like Jesus, our priestly king has been given unto us to fight for us against all that comes upon us. One of the messages here pertains to our eternal security once we have truly given ourselves to God.

Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. -

John 10:25-29

Jesus therefore is sworn to protect and preserve our very fate. He seeks after us and is relentless in calling out to us. Are we listening? Do we recognize his voice when he speaks to us in dreams, visions, prophecy, etc? Is your life too busy for God, focused more on your social life, gambling, tv, games, going out, etc? I tell you the truth, the Christian walk is not for many or the strong, but the meek and weak, for those who realize they are will be given much strength in Christ to do battle. When you put away your idols and put on your armor and know the Word which is your sword, you will live as you truly should, for Christ.

Footnote: Note that Christ left the 99 sheep, why would he leave them unattended? I think we can see that in the midst of other believers, we too can be strengthened and our hope magnified in his return. Therefore, when you feel you have been abandoned by God, do not stray yourself from believers. Dwell with them, for you will surely be cheerfully waiting for His steadfast return. If you do stray and you are not completely dried up or hardened, you will see that God is pursuing you.

(3-5) In some Bible versions, the shepherd appears coming back home with the sheep over his shoulders. This is showing that if you let Jesus, He will carry you home. Our God does more than just draw us closer by His Word, but He in fact carries us along to understand and to come back home. The sheep appears to have done nothing, but let the shepherd carry him home. Just like I said on the previous message, a comment, you only have to LET GOD, BE GOD. Let Him be the one you depend on and call on, then you will see mighty things around you and in you grow.

Final Comments: See how the verses differ only slightly at the end. The Father wishes none should perish in the first and that it is much more joyous when one sinner repents than 99 who don't. God cares about everyone, including YOU!! He doesn't want you to be filled with yourself and think you don't need to repent. He wants you to see Him and how He loves you, but He cannot force this on you, because it wouldn't be true. Few of us will run towards real love when we see it. Jesus did not come for the righteous, he came for sinners who needed him. We must realize our sin, realize his bountiful work and love for us. We need to see how much we need him, much more then we say we need the things of this world. Just like on the Sermon on the Mound, 'Blessed are those poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' Matt 5:3. Strip yourselves of all things of this world, be poor in spirit so that their is a place for the Spirit to move in you and transform you. God's economy is not of this world, but in heaven. It is not of flesh, but of the spirit.

Parable Series: Part 2 - The Householder

^{Matt 13:52}

-He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old."

-Todo *maestro de la ley que ha sido instruido acerca del reino de los cielos es como el dueño de una casa, que de lo que tiene guardado saca tesoros nuevos y viejos.

When I read this I see that teacher is really saying scribes. In the Jewish society scribes were diligent readers of the Old Testament, which is equally the inspired Word of God as the New Testament. After a time they lost the ability of reading the allegorical meaning of the Word and focused on the literal meanings. This caused hundreds of rules in the application of daily living and ceremonies, as opposed to seeing what God is doing spiritually. Again, life and being a Christian is not about what you do, its about what God is doing IN you. Not your net worth or physical health, but your spiritual health and God's economy (spiritual edification) through a true relationship with Christ. The Spirit of God yearns to be called and used, but these scribes failed to use the Spirit to discern the things of God.

John 3:8-12 - "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked. "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things?I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?

Here we see proof that when Jesus broke the things of God in broken up, edible (earthly) pieces, that they could still not understand. We must be diligent in prayer and reading to really receive the meanings of the Word of God. Teaching is a ministry from God, who is gladly waiting to give you this responsibility, but we must first be seek Him and use the Spirit to sanctify our thoughts and heart.

1. Phil 3:20 - Eagerly await the Saviour; pray to Jesus and read His Word.
2. Gal 5:5 - Use the Spirit to build your hope and faith for the one await for, He will surely bless you in your diligence with wisdom and hope.
3. 1 Cor14:12 - Over the spiritual gifts from the Spirit for self, seek the ones that build you and the church. (Please read the chapter to understand the full context)

In your diligence you will be like the best librarian ever, but about heavenly things and register truth from the Bible. You'll be able to dissect the Word like a surgeon, through the Spirit. The Bible is a 'storeroom' of knowledge we are free to learn and use in our life. See past the literal and really let the Spirit of God speak and apply the Word to your heart. Remember the Old treasures are equally as applicable as the New, but keep reading to get the full perspective of what God was doing through the ages.

2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Random Thoughts 9/25/10

I have been tested, you tell me wait. I have been bruised and scorned upon, and you tell me wait longer. I have been picked apart and you tell me wait still. I will be glad on all my days, because the shining pearl that is to be mine comes towards me the days I wait still . . .

He sido probado y usted me dice espere. He sido magullado y despreciado y usted me dice espere un poco más. He sido odiado y puesto aparte, aun usted me dice espérame todavía más. Estaré contento en todos mis días, porque la perla brillante que es de ser mío viene hacia mí los días cuales yo espero todavía. .

Post 2 of 2: Faith and Grace

Introduction:
In Post 1 of 2: Religion vs Faith touched mainly on Religion, but now I would like to take some time to be more thorough on the subject of Faith and consequently I must talk about Saving Grace, which is intertwine. Recall in what was previously quoted, "Observance of these rules and rituals is not what makes a person right with God. Rather, these rules and rituals that we observe are the RESULT of the relationship with God, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone as the Savior." Here we see it is by grace alone we are saved and there is nothing by which our hand we can be saved. So why does it state "through faith"? This was confusing to me and I am hoping the following is a good explanation. "⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

Going back religion, the Christian may seem to be doing religious things, but this only comes through having a relationship with God do these things reflect (His godly nature) in you (because He is in you). Christians can only accept what is offered, salvation through faith, but salvation itself is not the outcome of our hands.

Faith is therefore a passive action, because it in itself does not save. Faith is belief in Christ Jesus and everything He has done already for us on the cross, as previously stated. Now, faith is expressed and is given evidence by doing godly works as proof, like following the law out of ones own heart. This can only be done as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 12:1-3. Therefore, we must renew our minds by meditating on his word (verse 12:2) and acknowledging him in all our ways. This leads us to see we have a struggle with the flesh, but we are victorious by the reliance of the Spirit.

1. "⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6
2. " ¹Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual^a]">[a] act of worship. ²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ³For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." - Romans 12:1-3

Now we can talk about Saving Grace. Grace is a gift from God, namely salvation and this gift is salvation, which is made available to us by God's atoning work on that cross where our King laid. Because it is a gift, we know we did not earn it nor merit it, it simply was and is given because He first loved us. We must put our faith on this and the results (fruits) are sure to follow.

Hopefully, I wasn't as scattered brain as I think I am reading this, but I hope it is something you can chew on and really be enlightened and encouraged to read on, for God's love and wisdom is limitless. I wrote this on the fly and pray it is along the lines of the Bible. Later everyone!

Part 1 of 2: Religion vs Faith

Introduction:
I am attempting to answer the difference between religion and faith based upon my study on the Bible as an interlude into faith versus (saving) grace. This is in response to a conversation I had with a friend and wanted to have it written out. I by no means think that this is an extensive study, please feel free to do your study and dig deeper into the foundation; the Truth revealed in Jesus Christ.

Religion - The Common Definition
Religion by many people I have spoken to has been defined as actions, which I can agree that it is more of an action than something passive. Unfortunately, most continue to explain or consider it as an organized system of how to live or be. Essentially the two components people say rules and rituals. We can note this with the Islam belief having a standard of 5 pillars to live by or Jewish people who consider the make up of their faith is by the hundreds of rules to observe. True religion is based on a relationship with God. Most religions if not all I have read about, consider that humans are separated by God and that we need reconciliation to Him. False religion seeks this by observing rules and rituals to get this reconciliation. True religion understands that only God can rectify the separation between us.

Religion - The Christian Perspective
"True religion does have rules and rituals, but there is a crucial difference. In true religion, the rules and rituals are observed out of gratitude for the salvation God has provided – NOT in an effort to obtain that salvation. True religion, which is Biblical Christianity, has rules to obey (do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not lie, etc.) and rituals to observe (water baptism by immersion and the Lord’s Supper / Communion). Observance of these rules and rituals is not what makes a person right with God. Rather, these rules and rituals are the RESULT of the relationship with God, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone as the Savior. False religion is doing things (rules and rituals) in order to try to earn God’s favor. True religion is receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and thereby having a right relationship with God – and then doing things (rules and rituals) out of love for God and desire to grow closer to Him." - http://www.gotquestions.org/true-religion.html

Faith - Short Answer
-Webster Dictionary: Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting solely and implicitly on his authority and veracity; reliance on testimony.
-Bible Dictionary: ^"1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ²This is what the ancients were commended for." Continue reading all of Hebrews 11