01.15.09 @0700pm; Thursday College Study:

This weeks study has been canceled.
A number of factors and reasons on why, but to simply put it, we (the teachers and students) were tired and needed a week off.

The prepared lesson will then be taught this coming Thursday (same time & place) and we'll be going through Philippians 3.

I hope and pray that everyone is doing well in their faith focus. I pray that you would be continually running the race following the Truth you know found in the Word of God.

Hope to see many of you this coming Thursday.

Till then,
God Bless!

-Riko-

01.08.09 College Study; Thursday @7:00pm

Its been a while since our last class.
We started our new 'Season' by reading the book of John and examined chapter 1.
The general theme for this study was getting 'Back to the Basics'.
The last study we had was more in Hermeneutics and encouraged people to examine the scripture. The lessons lasted for a month, leaving the class equipped and encouraged to be strong in their Walks & Testimony throughout Christmas season.

In the study, it was great to be reminded of the un-created LORD, and the centrality of the Bible to Jesus Christ. From the prophets of the Old Testament telling of the coming messiah to John the baptizer and the first disciples. It was amazing reading about the first disciples and how they reached out to their loved ones and friends urging them to follow the Messiah.

Excitement and Joy is what we are to be reminded of in this new year of financial troubles, political unrest, and wars. But our Excitement and Joy doesn't come from "New Years Resolutions", or from hope of a "New President", but from what we already received from God, his Son who took it upon himself to save us sinners.

Lest go 'Back to the Basics' and reminded ourselves on how much we already have in Christ, and how much we wish to share our salvation.

-Riko-

Youth Christmas Party 2008

I just received an E-Mail from Julio for our Youth Christmas Party at his place on Friday.
This is the Bare Bone information:

DATE: Friday, December 12th, 2008

TIME: 6:30PM to 9:30PM, I'll need some of you to come at 6PM to set-up, and some to stay until 10PM to clean-up.

PLACE: Jiron's Home - 1460 Greenwood Way, San Bruno, CA 94066


If anyone is interested, please call or email me.

Update on Job Hunt 2008

For those of you who don't know already. My position was terminated a few weeks ago. At a time of Economic unrest and companies pinching as much money so that they can save face on their stocks, its understandable. It was difficult times to say the least.
Within a week God placed me in a new job, in Union Square with enough hours to pay for the bills.
I praise God for this opportunity, things are more relaxed, and due to the more hours at my disposal I'm able to focus more on my ministries and bible studies.
Thanks everyone for keeping me in your prayers.

All in all, this has been a great example of God placing you where he wants you to be, it wasn't how well I did my interviews or how great of a resume i have, but how much God loves us so much that He gave His Son to die for Our Sins and Resurrecting Him. Salvation by Gods Grace through Faith in His Son is all we need, everything else He gives us is an add on.

A Sunday Evening Message by Allen Tomsovic

23, November 2008

Allen's Sunday Evening Service Message/Meditation was on Acts 17: 16 to Acts 18:5.

His message was about who really wins in a 'Spiritual Argument'. Spiritual Argument as in a Believer of our Faith (Grace through Faith in Christ) debating with a person who does not, using the Apostle Paul's experience in Athens.

One cannot 'Convince' someone to be 'Saved' and it is the duty of the Holy Spirit and not our skill. No one wins in a battle of words and from the example of the Apostle Paul, he repented and only focused on the gospel (Acts 18:5). It is the Gospel that saves and not fanciful words and speech.

The message was a great reminder that we should stick to the basics and allow God to move the people and not our cleverness.

"Modern Day Slave Trade" event at Berkley

Tuesday
18, November 2008
UC Berkley

Our joint college bible study groups (FBC SF, Vallejo and New Day) were invited to learn more about modern day slave trading and how slavery is still around in the world today.

The topics were broken down in 3 kinds of human trafficking. The first is bartering human beings for forced labor being payed minimally, beaten and treated as objects to own. The 2nd was Sex Slavery, trafficking women from lesser nations to greater ones promised fame fortune and hope only to be used as sexual objects, and Lastly underage militia, children forced to join the military.
There were 3 dramatic readings and videos concerning the topics as well as a performance from "Left on Mayfield".

It was a great evening, having around 3 youth groups (around 20 people deep) united by faith in Christ. I'm sure there will be more fellowship like this one in the future. Thank to the people that were involved and invite anyone who is interested for the next one.

The College Course

OK, its been a while since our last update.
for those who wanna know whats going on in our bible study classes, our topic of the past few studies are centered with the whole 'Presidential Elections'.
Its been a lot of discussions about what the Word of God says who we are, and what the Secular world tells us what we should be.

Keep us in your prayers, were still struggling on keeping each other accountable and focused in the midst of worldly influences of College, TV, and social issues. Please pray for the visitors that stop by and are shared the Gospel of Salvation. Its difficult balancing sharing Truth to the lost and Feeding the brothers and sisters and yet stay relevant.

God Bless guys and remember that the only way to be Strong through Trials is by Being in Christ (Meaning: Walking).

Love you and God Bless.