by Deacon Angela Flores

This may be hard to hear, but it needs to be said.

Online gambling is not just a “personal issue” or a form of entertainment. It is quietly destroying lives, tearing families apart, and pulling people into deep cycles of debt, addiction, and despair.

The harsh truth? These platforms are not built for your gain. They are designed for profit. Every click, spin, and bet is programmed to keep you playing and playing… and losing.

As a church, as a community, and as people of faith, we cannot ignore this any longer.

What’s Really at Risk?

Financial Destruction

• What starts with “piso-piso lang” often ends with thousands lost.
• People resort to borrowing, pawning valuables, or worse, stealing, just to keep playing.
• Savings meant for education, emergencies, and retirement vanish overnight.

Mental and Spiritual Toll

• Gambling addiction is real. It leads to anxiety, guilt, shame, and even depression.
• People begin to lose not just money, but also their peace, purpose, and self-worth.
• Spiritually, it creates distance from God and leads to choices that hurt ourselves and others.

Broken Relationships

• Trust is broken. Families suffer emotionally and spiritually.
• Spouses, parents, and children are left dealing with secrecy, dishonesty, and neglect.
• Many relationships don’t recover.

Exposure Among Youth

• Online gambling is available 24/7, even to minors.
• What should be years of learning, growing, and dreaming are wasted chasing instant wins and false hope.

The Road to Sin and Crime

• When desperation sets in, many turn to illegal means just to keep gambling.
• Scams, theft, fraud, violence, can come from a single bad habit left unchecked.

As a family, how can you help?

• Be present, not judgmental.
  Let them feel heard, not shamed.
• Have open conversations.
  Ask with care, not accusation.
• Encourage accountability.
  Offer to help manage finances or limit access to gambling apps.
• Pray with and for them.
  Invite them back to the One who restores broken lives.
• Lead by example.
  Show faith, patience, and forgiveness in action.

Healing starts at home. Families are often the first line of hope, and with Christ at the center, no one is too far gone to be restored.

As a Church, What Can We Do?

• Speak up. This is not just a private matter, but rather it’s a community concern.
• Be vigilant. Let’s protect our youth, check in on our families, and guide those who may be silently struggling.
• Offer help, not judgment. People trapped in addiction often feel ashamed and alone. Let’s be a safe place for them to return to.

Gambling doesn’t just rob us of money. It robs us of peace, dignity, and purpose.

Addiction is not just a habit; it’s a spiritual battle. But Christ came not to condemn, but to heal, restore, and set us free.

If you’re struggling, know this:

You are not too far gone.
You are not alone.
You are loved by a Savior who died to break every chain, including addiction.

Let’s turn away from what steals life and turn to the One who gives life abundantly.

Let’s stand together as a church that upholds not just truth, but love, compassion, and restoration. It’s never too late to seek help or to offer it.

May this be a wake-up call to our society and a reminder that healing and hope are found not in luck or winnings, but in the loving grace of Jesus Christ.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out.

The post The Odds Are Against You appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

We are grateful for the all-out support for our neighbors who were affected by the recent Typhoon Carina. Your generosity has been overwhelming! God is good!

We are now closing all donations in cash and in kind for this cause.

We have sent all the relief goods you have provided to the communities around the CBCP Talayan Church this afternoon and are facilitating the distribution of monetary relief.

Thank you for your generosity and let us continue to pray for the recovery of our country, especially those who are most affected by this crisis.

To God be the glory!

The post Give Hope Carina appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

This is a time for church members to evaluate and give feedback regarding any issues about the candidates. 

Meet the candidates

Selection and qualification

Under our new church by-laws, elders and deacons will no longer be elected by our congregation but appointed through the recommendation of the Pastoral Committee, Board of Elders and Church Leadership.

The selection and qualifications of the Elders and Deacons are modeled after the instructions of the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 3:8-13

“In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.  They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect,  not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.”

For any objections

1. Objections to any of the candidates should be submitted in WRITTEN FORM – stating facts and reasons why he or she is not qualified to serve as an Elder or Deacon. Please submit written objections to our Senior Pastor – Rev. Jeremiah Cheung at jeremiah.cheung@cbcp.org.
2. These will be carefully reviewed by the church Pastoral Committee and Board of Elders. Should they find the objections valid, the candidate in question will be disqualified from serving as an Elder or Deacon.

If no objections will be received

The new Deacons during our On-site Bilingual Worship Service on January 1, 2025.

While the new Elder will be appointed during our On-site Bilingual Worship Service on January 8, 2025.

The post Candidacy Period For The New Elder and Deacons 2024 appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

In response to the onslaught of Typhoon Paeng, Christian Bible Church of the Philippines is calling for cash donations to help affected communities.

How to give:

1) Transfer funds to the church’s bank accounts:

• We encourage you to use Online Bank Transfers via:
• Your Local Bank’s Online Apps / Systems
• GCash App
• PayMaya (can be loaded via credit card)

BANCO DE ORO

Christian Bible Church of the Phils, Inc.

Account# 00-381-012-9253

Grace Park – 9th Avenue Branch

China Banking Corporation (CBC)

Christian Bible Church of the Philippines, Inc.

Savings Account# 1424-0000-1684

Scout Borromeo Branch

METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST COMPANY (Metrobank)

Christian Bible Church of the Philippines, Inc.

Savings Account # 065-3-065-13777-2

Quezon Ave cor Cordillera St. Branch

2) Indicate “For Victims of Typhoon Paeng” in the deposit remarks / message for the recipient section.

3) *Important*: Send proof of transaction (picture / screenshot of deposit slip) to any of the following:

• Viber/Telegram: 09173072227
• Email: donations@cbcp.org

4) Optional: Fill-up the Giving Form at cbcp.org/givingform to help us account for your donations to the fund drive.

Note: You can double check the bank account numbers anytime by visiting cbcp.org/give

Thank you for your support. They desperately need your help.

The post Give Hope – Paeng: Call for Donations appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

Meet the five candidate

Selection and qualification

The selection and qualifications of the Elders are modeled after the instructions of the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 3:2-7:

“Now the overseer (Elder) is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.”

For any objections

Objections to any of the candidates should be submitted in written form; stating facts and reasons why he is not qualified to serve as an Elder.

These will be carefully reviewed by the church Pastoral Committee and should the Committee find the objections valid, the candidate in question will be disqualified from serving as an Elder.

If no objections will be received

These five candidates will be ordained as Elders during our Online Worship Services on January 2, 2022. 

The post Candidacy period for our first batch of elders is until December 25, 2021 appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

With the help of 13 Life Groups and 11 Journey Groups, this pilot project was able to: 

1)  Support three existing community pantries in Sct. Madriñan, Sct. Borromeo, and Samar Avenue

2) Distribute care packages and Bibles in two condominium complexes at Panay Avenue and South Triangle

3) Support four families in the “Adopt-a-Student” Project of the CBCP Community Ministries

4) Send 710 packs of Bibles and alcohol spray bottles to participants of CBCP’s workplace and neighborhood ministry projects

We praise and thank God for everyone who prayed, participated, and partnered with the church in this pilot project. Recipients of the care packages expressed their heartfelt thanks for the timely assistance. Someone even shared a request to have virtual Bible study sessions.

We hope that God will continue to use our church to be a channel of His love and blessings to more people! If you are interested in partnering, volunteering, or helping the Community Ministries Division of CBCP create more projects like the “Love Your Neighbor” campaign, email community@cbcp.org.

Matthew 22:39  “Love your neighbor as yourself”

Hebrews 13:16  “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

The post Community Pantries and Care Packages from the “Love Your Neighbor” Campaign appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

As part of the work to implement the 2021 CBCP Amended Bylaws, the Leadership team responds to key questions and concerns raised by the church members.

1. What are the leadership roles and who will have decision-making authority in our new bylaws?

There are two leadership roles – (1) Deacons and Deaconesses and (2) Elders – each with their specific roles, qualifications, and responsibilities. 

Deacons and deaconesses will mainly oversee ministries, shepherd the flock, and aid in the general spiritual care of the church. Qualifications include: age 25 to 70 years old, male or female, and must have served in the Church for at least five (5) years. Deacons and deaconesses shall serve for a term of three (3) years, can serve for two (2) terms, after which has to take a mandatory one (1) year sabbatical rest. (See Article VI for more info.)

On the other hand, Elders will take on long-term administrative and strategic responsibilities that have thus far been shouldered by pastors, deacons, and other church workers. They will also be responsible for governance, policymaking, and making strategic plans and decisions for the church, alongside shepherding, teaching, and exhorting members of the church body. Qualifications include: age 40 to 70 years old, male, and must have served in the Church as a Deacon for at least two (2) terms for a total of six (6) years. Ordained elders shall not have a fixed term and shall continue to serve unless retired, resigned, or removed.

For the decision-making authority, we will now have a Board of Overseers instead of a Church Council. The Board of Overseers will be composed of the Senior Pastor and a subset of elders. This group shall be vested with the full authority to make decisions on behalf of the church, including the selection of future church leaders and the passing of future amendments to the bylaws. They will also have the authority to appoint Officers of the Board (e.g. secretary, treasurer) to support necessary functions for the church.

2. With the new bylaws approved, does that mean we will automatically have a Board of Overseers? 

As defined by our previous (2014) bylaws, the church has two Overseers – Rev. Jeremiah Cheung and Ptr. Genesis Tan. 

With the approval of our new bylaws, both Rev. Jeremiah Cheung and Ptr. Genesis Tan will now prayerfully commence the selection process for the first batch of Elders to appoint them into office by January 2022. After the elders are appointed, the first Board of Overseers will be determined and begin performing their duties as prescribed in the new bylaws. After that comes the appointment of new Deacons and Deaconesses. 

3. What is the step-by-step process of appointing Deacons and Elders?

The Board of Overseers will select potential elders and deacons based on the qualifications prescribed in the bylaws (Section 5.5, 6.1, and 6.2). The process for appointing elders is in Section 5.4. Before the appointment, Elder and Deacon nominees’ names will be announced to the church congregation and posted on the church bulletin for three weeks. During that time, any member may send a written communication to the Senior Pastor for any concerns on the nominee. 

4. How do we ensure accountability for our leaders given that the congregation will now have minimal voting privileges as stated in Section 4.3?   

CBCP aims to appoint godly servant-leaders who are true disciples of Jesus Christ to lead the church. Biblical and practical qualifications are reflected in our new bylaws to help implement this (See 5.5, 6.1, 6.2, 7.1).

Furthermore, CBCP intends to promote transparency by formalizing the practice of accepting written communication from members about concerns on any leader’s character and behavior for corresponding actions and investigations to be made. CBCP will accept written reports before the leader’s appointment and throughout his / her years of service. 

Should any elder, deacon, or deaconess be deemed unfit to lead, the bylaws also include disciplinary and removal processes (see Section 5.7, 6.5, 7.5). While measures are in place, CBCP recognizes that a perfect system does not exist. Ultimately, CBCP believes that God is in control of His church and will be active in testing our leaders and exposing faults. As a disciple-making church, we aim to uphold accountability beyond our structures and into our culture. By being faithful to the mission of making disciples, we believe that CBCP will be able to raise godly leaders who are mature and equipped disciples of Jesus Christ.

5. How will the character and quality of service of appointed leaders be evaluated? 

While there is no evaluation process specified in the 2021 Amended Bylaws, leadership recognizes the idea as a constructive measure to further develop and include in our ways of working.

CBCP intends to follow the Scripture’s prescribed method of evaluation that says the primary evaluation of leaders is based on character more than skill. Should there be a character issue with one of our leaders, written reports and concerns submitted by members will be accepted and addressed.

In case of problems in performance after the appointment, the leader will be reassessed and reassigned based on his / her gifting. When a deacon / deaconess finds that they are unsuitable for their position, they can be transferred to another position in ministry.

6. What is the reason for limiting eldership to men? 

First of all, the church believes that men and women are capable of serving in the same capacity. We believe that both Adam and Eve received the same empowerment to govern and cultivate (Gen.1:28). And because of this, the church welcomes women to serve as deaconesses and pastors.

However, when it comes to eldership, the church is following the key Biblical design and role given to men. Just as the man is the head of his household, men are also given the role and responsibility to lead God’s house as well (See passages cited in Section 5.5). The desire of the church is that it should be continuously raising godly men fit for the elder’s office.

Do you have questions?

The CBCP leadership welcomes questions and invites interested members to request a session to discuss the new bylaws. These sessions can be requested by sending an email to bylaws@cbcp.org.

The post Questions and Answers About the 2021 CBCP Amended Bylaws appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

On October 23-24, 2021, more than 270 members of the Christian Bible Church of the Philippines (CBCP) met virtually in two separate online meetings to collectively pass a set of proposed amendments for the church’s bylaws. 

The amendments passed with 231 (85 percent) yes votes, while a total of 39 individuals voted no and one chose to abstain. Under the church’s current rules, a simple majority vote – defined as fifty percent plus one (50 percent + 1) – by the members present is required to affirm the proposed amendments. 

The following weekend (Oct 30-31), Rev. Jeremiah Cheung announced the results of the plebiscite during the online worship services. He thanked CBCP members for praying, taking part in the amendment process, and voicing suggestions and concerns that led to a meaningful and productive dialogue during the special general membership meetings. 

Implementation and next steps

A number of key points and suggestions were raised by attendees during the meetings. The CBCP Bylaws Amendment Core Organizing Team, headed by Rev. Jeremiah Cheung and Deacon Cris Gamboa, are reviewing each one as part of the work to implement the new bylaws.

As next steps:

• The CBCP leadership invites members to request a session to discuss the new bylaws. These sessions can be requested by sending an email to bylaws@cbcp.org. 
• The newly approved bylaws are accessible to the public for viewing. Read the 2021 CBCP Amended Bylaws.
• Review a recap of the Questions and Answers about the 2021 CBCP Amended Bylaws.
• Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as the new bylaws are being implemented.

Breakdown of votes for the two Special General Membership Meetings are as follows: 

• First Meeting. October 23, 2021, 2:00 PM Special General Membership Meeting for Chinese-speaking CBCP Members – Yes: 65 votes, No: 0 vote.  
• Second Meeting. October 24, 2021, 2:00 PM Special General Membership Meeting for English-speaking CBCP Members – Yes: 166 votes, No: 39 votes, Abstain: 1 vote.

The post 2021 CBCP Bylaws Amendment Passes by Simple Majority Vote appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

In response to the onslaught of Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses in 2020, the Christian Bible Church of the Philippines launched a fund drive for cash donations to help communities affected by the back-to-back typhoons.

The CBCP community raised a total of Php 842,180.00 through the Give Hope Fund Drive that ran from November 14 to 30, 2020.

The funds have been distributed to the following churches and organizations:

• 180k – CAMACOP Bicol
• 150k – CCOWEF Care Caravan efforts in Bicol, Cagayan, & Tuguegarao
• 100k – CAMACOP Northeastern Luzon
• 100k – I am Redeemer and Master Evangelical Church Marikina
• 100k – Jesus the Center Fellowship of the Philippine Island, Inc. (a church in Catanduanes)
• 50k – International Care Ministries
• 50k – Marikina Christian Fellowship

The remaining balance of P112,180.00 has been earmarked for future relief efforts by the CBCP Emergency Fund Committee (composed of some Church Council members and Ptr. Allan Rillera, Outreach Pastor).

Words of Gratitude

CAMACOP NORTH EASTERN LUZON

“In behalf of Northeastern Luzon District of Camacop. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our donor, the CBCP for extending P100k for relief operation. These purchased goods will be delivered tomorrow in Cabagan, Isabela for 200 families affected by the recent flood. To God be the Glory.” (Ptr. James H. Labrador, District Ministry Supervisor)

JESUS THE CENTER FELLOWSHIP OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLAND, INC.

“Please know that our brethren in Catanduanes are praising the Lord for using you and your group in meeting the needs of these people. May the Lord bless you abundantly that you will always remember you can never out give God. Please know that as their youth pastors will be distributing the goods, there will be also sharing of the gospel in these hard hit areas. You are our co-laborer in the vineyard of the Lord.” (Trixie A.)

MARIKINA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

“Maraming maraming salamat po sa lahat ng tumulong po sa relief efforts para sa ating community sa Sitio Olandes, Brgy. IVC, Marikina City via MCF-Olandes.” (Ptr. Ron Fortaleza)

Check out MCF’s video report on Facebook. 

CAMACOP BICOL

“Hindi niyo po kami kilala, hindi rin namin kayo kilala, pero ang alam po namin, kayo po ay mga lingkod ng Diyos at aming pong kapatid sa pananampalataya sa Panginoon…Salamat po na dahil ibinigay sainyo ng Panginoon ang regalo na magbukas ng mga palad para po sa mga lingkod ng Diyos na nangangailangan lalo na po sa gawain ng ating Panginoon. Ang Diyos po ang ating pong pinararangalan, dinadakila, at pinasasalamatan sa pamamagitan po ng inyong mga buhay. Maraming maraming salamat.” (Rev. Jose Villamina, Goa Alliance Christian Fellowship)

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Panginoon, sapagkat bagamat mayroong pandemic at dumaan ang sunud-sunod na bagyo dito sa amin…ang Diyos ay ‘di nagpapabaya; nandoon ang  Kanyang pag-ingat at pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng Kanyang mga anak… Naniniwala po ako na kung ang mga anak ng Diyos ay magtutulungan, marami ang magagawa para sa paglilingkod sa Panginoon.” (Ptr. Efren Sabordo Espanto, Ocampo Alliance Fellowship)

“Kami po ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa ministry po ng CBCP lalong-lalo na sa pag-abot sa mga pastor na apektado ng mga nakaraang malakas na bagyo.” (Ptr. Datang, Legaspi City Alliance Church)

“Lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat, bagamat hindi niyo kami kilala, bukas po ang puso ninyo saamin… Masaya po kaming lahat sa kabutihan ng Panginoon na galing sa inyo. Pagpalain kayo ng Panginoon. Salamat po. Salamat sa CBCP. God bless you.” (Church Pastor in Buhi, Camarines Sur)

“Sa buong congregation ng CBCP, marami pong salamat sa inyong lahat. Sa kabila ng kalamidad, hindi sumagi sa aming isipan na kayo ang gagamitin ng Panginoon upang matulungan ang ating mga manggagawa na apektado ng bagyo. Ang amin pong panalagin, nawa’y patuloy po kayong pagpalain ng Panginoon upang marami pa po kayong matulungan katulad sa ginawa niyo saamin.“ (CAMACOP Bicol District Ministry Supervisor)

To God be the glory!

The post Give Hope: Fundraising Report appeared first on Christian Bible Church of the Philippines.

Last updated: June 18, 2020 (Episode 2 added to all playlists)

Our circumstances may have changed but our mission as a disciple-making church remains the same: we will continue finding ways to Know God, Love People and Make Disciples while navigating this shift in our church life brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

As we navigate this shift, let us:

1. Pray relentlessly

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

Join us in our:

• Churchwide Online Prayer Meeting (Fridays, 8 pm)*
• Emerge Youth Saturday HOHOL (Saturdays, 8 pm)*
• Daily Prayer Rally with CCF x Unite714

* Send us a query through our online contact form if you’d like to join one of these private online meetings.

2. Keep the rhythm of work and rest

“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it, you shall not do any work . . . ” Deuteronomy 5:13-14

We live in an unusual time, so it’s important to maintain a healthy balance of work and rest. Let us work for the Lord diligently despite the quarantine, but let us also get adequate and proper rest despite the crisis.

3. Share God’s Word

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16

We may be quarantined in our homes, but God’s Word will never be held in chains. Let us immerse ourselves in God’s word, God’s love, and God’s truth and let Him overflow into our personal relationships and circles of influences.

Make the most of our:

• Online Messages
• KiDS Ministry’s “Sunday at Home” Activities
• Weekly blogposts from our Pastors

4. Care for our Community

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16

• #FIGHTCOVID – Provide material support to our frontliners, partner mission organizations, and to vulnerable communities.
• Check-up on each other as a church family

5. Keep discipling one another!

“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing, and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.” – Colossians 1:28

• Discipleship begins in the home – Take this time to strengthen family relationships and spiritual habits inside the home.
• Explore online alternatives for your Life Groups, Journey Groups, and other Fellowships.

Church, may we continue to seek God and look to Him for strength, wisdom, and faithfulness as we heed the call to be an effective disciple-making church.

Stay connected with the church on social media! Like and follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Join our CBCP Viber Community to receive regular updates. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified of new messages and Subscribe to our email newsletter.

Chinese Edition

Tagalog Edition

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