Why Being a "Baptist" is Not a Big Deal for Me!

Why Being a "Baptist" is Not a Big Deal to Me!

I assume you will ask a question "Why"? I grew up attending the Sunday School and Worships in four (4) different Baptist churches. I was influenced, taught by, indoctrinated, and shaped by Convention Baptist, Fundamental Baptist, Independent Baptist, and Bible Baptist from Sunday School, until I was a teenager. I got saved in a very conservative Baptist Church in Malabon. I was called by the Lord in a Baptist Church. I got married in a Baptist Church with 2 Baptist Officiating ministers. And I finished my Seminary Education in a very Fundamental and conservative school- the International Baptist Theological College. We have a very sound Baptist doctrines and Baptist Polity. I pastored and planted Baptist churches in the Philippines and the USA. At the time of this writing, I am an active member of the Southern Baptist in Michigan, United States of America.

Apparently, my roots, my foundation, and my Biblical stands were shaped by "Baptists". All my life as a Christian, and a minister of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; I worship, I teach, I preach in Baptist congregations. But I don't make a BIG deal of being a "Baptist ". I'm more proud of being identified with the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm more proud to be called Christian, Born Again believer, Disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, or Servant of God, and son of God. (Acts 11:26, 26:28, I Peter 4:16, John 3:1- 7, 1:12, Matthew 12:49). I would rather be called a die- hard Christian than a die- hard Baptist.

How many of the "Baptist Fanatic" worshippers will sit in a Baptist church pews, sing some songs from a "Baptist Hymnal" with Hymns mostly written, composed or arranged by either Lutheran, Methodist, Wesleyan, and sadly either unbelievers, worldly entertainers, or compromisers. I'm sure your pastor led you to sing with him your favorite hymn such as "Ode to Joy". I may have a little idea of what's in your mind. You are asking a question of "What the heck is "Ode to Joy" anyways? It is a classical music, an Anthem in Europe, and you are singing it on some Sundays or Wednesdays when your song leader asked you to turn your so called "Baptist Hymnal" to page #1, "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee". Yes, you were singing a Hymnal that was actually  Classical Music, and was a Modern or Contemporary Music during their times.

And then after a long ad lib from your song leader being proud to be a "Baptist", he will ask you to join him to another hymn just the next page from the song that you just enjoyed singing. Now turn to page #2 and let's sing a song from a dissenter, Calvinist, and Unitarian songwriter. "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing". Check out who Robert Robinson is on Google and you will know more about him.

Let's not go any farther from the pages we just have had... now turn to page #11 of your hymnal and check out who Andrae Crouch is on Google. I love Andrae's music, and I love his compositions, and what he was doing for our Lord. But to a Legalistic, Super High Standard Baptist pastor; you may not even let him stand in your pulpit if he was a member of your church when you found out everything about him with regards to his career outside of church; yet you love singing his songs in your church. Check his songs on Google. 

Being a "Baptist" to me is no difference being a member of any religious groups in the whole world. My dad was a Baptist all his life, but nothing has changed in him- not until he came to know the Lord Jesus Christ in a very personal way. Nothing has changed in my life growing up a Baptist until I met the Lord Jesus Christ in a personal way. That was when I became a Born Again Christian. Don't make a BIG DEAL on being a "Baptist" because it's not your identity. Your identity is with Christ; therefore you're called- "Christian" and "Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ" or "Born Again".

You may have used (John 3:16; 3:1- 7; 1:12, and II Corinthians 5:17). Did it ever mention the word "Baptist" for your salvation? You can put a crown over your head with a "Baptist" narrative, doctrines, and standards on it, but if The Lord Jesus Christ is not in your heart, there is no difference between your Baptist religion with other religions across your church building. Be happy you're a Baptist, but be proud you were bought with a price- by the Lamb of God, and you're a Christian. (I Corinthians 6:19- 20; 7:17- 23) Am I a "Baptist Bride"? Check Out Next time!

Ely Roque Sagansay 

Minister/Author 

Taylor, Michigan

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day:

Hannah was the First woman in the Holy Bible who acquired the first "PDF" (Prayerful, Determined, and Faith)- and Faithful unto the end. She was very prayerful. She Prayed to have a son and God gave him Samuel the prophet. She was Determined to get what she desired, in spite of persecution, opposition, and mockings from the enemy; she was persistent, and God gave it to her. Her Faith was geared to the Rock of Ages. Do you have Hannah's "PDF"?

#Boklit

Mi Daily Devotion

Baptist is my religion, Christianity is my Identification, born again is my personal spiritual experienced to justification, heaven is my destination, the Holy Bible is my inspiration, and the Lord Jesus Christ is the One Who gave me redemption. #Boklit

Practical Ways to Write, Exercise, and at the Same Time be on a Diet

Practical Ways to Write, Exercise, and at the Same Time be on a Diet

   This Pandemic will either 'break you' or 'make you'. You can be on 'lockdown' or 'quarantine', and make the best out of it, or you can waste your time watching all the movies you want. For sure, you may want to get something out of it by reading good books, which is one of your best options. But if you want to write; here are some of the practical ideas I use while working on my manuscript. I assume this could be of help to you too.

   Since the start of #WuhanChinaCoronaVirus19 (#WCCV#19), I have been working on my manuscript for my next project, and at the same time, working with four (4) writers, helping them with their projects, not to mention I am regularly postings on Social Media; either Devotional, Quote of the Day, Random News, and some Political side track. It requires a lot of time working on my laptop, sitting, and typing. It's no difference with "Couch Potato", except with purpose and right perspective.

   Here are some ways how I balanced my life while I'm working on my manuscript or my client's manuscript.

   This may help you if you will do the same: First, I don't sit next to my library or to the books and references I intend to use. I have my library in our bedroom, in our family room, in our basement, and believe it or not, in our garage. I can imagine you're laughing at me already. But it's okay. Why? Because I need to stretch, and have a little exercise after spending sometime in my chair.

   I don't want to be slumbered, therefore as I walk down to our basement if I'm working in our bedroom; I stretch out, or I will either think of some new ideas, or just empty my mind to refresh. It means, you can always have a good exercise while you're stuck at home or if you're working on your manuscript. Stay away from your references, and only visit your library if you need some excerpts.

   I don't bring food to where I set up to work at home; except for nuts, raisins, and bananas, to keep me awake and not starve. Coffee or chocolate is advised. Water is always great. Remember, it is always in moderation.

   I love classical music, so Andre Rieu music, Mozart, and Beethoven with "Alexa" is a perfect match. I always listen to music when writing. When I was writing "Boklit", I played music from the 60's and the 70's; such as songs from "Bread" "Bee Gees" "Abba" or the "Carpenters", because my minds will take me back to my life when I was a kid, and a teenager. It was easier for me to geared my thoughts from my past when I hear the songs I used to hear in good times, and in bad times during m Joyy younger years.

   I take a few breaks and walk around the house while reading from the internet, and make myself angry by listening to the political news updates, or posting and answering emails and inbox messages. At least all of those really kept me awake.

   I only eat my regular meals when I think my tummy cannot handle the starving it feels already. But before I go back to work, I slowly walk around the house, praying, thinking, or reading. Or I will eat before the scheduled Webinar that I need to listen- that way while I'm on break from writing I could  loosen up.

   Your manuscript is your legacy that your children and grandchildren will someday be proud of, but be sure to keep your balance. Your time, your health, and your brain is priceless; therefore work wisely and with prudence.

   I hope you will learn from this, and it is my desire to see you succeed, and at the same time in good health, and stay in shape.

Stay Home, and Stay Safe,
Ely Roque Sagansay
Minister/Author
Taylor, Michigan

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day
#Boklit
Some people started good and right; but end up a failure, undignified, a loser, broken, or miserable. It is not how great you started and keep along with great success, its how you finish the race. (2 Timothy 4:6-8 KJV)
"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. [7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

Six (6) Months of #WCCV19 Versus More Than 2,000 Years of the Good News

Six (6) Months of #WCCV19 Versus More Than 2,000 Years of the Good News

If you don't know there is #WuhanChinaCoronaVirus19 (#WCCV19), I assumed you live in the remote place such as Amazon Rainforest. My point; it just took 6 Months for China to spread the Virus in the whole world. In 6 Months- "CoronaVirus" is the most search, the subject in Mass Media, and the most discussed issue in almost every corner of our own world. And this is the bad news, deadliest, damaging, and sick and wicked!

The 'Good News'- the Lord Jesus Christ came down on earth to keep us out of Eternal Death and punishment, but it did not spread as fast as the #WCCV19.  Its sad, but true. Why is that? Reasons: Men are more concerned of immediate than what's after death. We love our religion and tradition than the Lord Jesus Christ and His holy Word. We don't want to get rid of our sinful, selfish, prideful lifestyle.  We are self righteous and 'our conscience is seard with hot iron'.

(1 Timothy 4:2 KJV)

"Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;" we are fools and evil. (Romans 1:16- 32)

On the part of the believers: We were slumbered in teaching, preaching, and witnessing to the lost world. Christians are busy attacking each other in terms of form of worships, Bible Translations, Church Music, Dress Codes, and other non sense. Pastors, check your church budget- you may have spent more money in your carpets and bathrooms than Evangelism and Missions.

The Lord Jesus Christ has risen from the dead, we have the empty tomb, and yet many churches are dead and empty as well. And I am not talking due to #WCCV19, but before the outbreak of the Pandemic. I wish this Pandemic will make us (Christians) to give us time to search our hearts where we failed as churches.

Your church buildings could mean nothing especially if there will be closed downs, and persecutions. The lost souls, Missions, Evangelism, and the Salvation of the lost world still matters the most, especially in Times Like These...

My suggestions: Pray as a church like you've never before. Plan to Prioritize the Salvation of the lost souls; in your worships, in Church gatherings and activities, in your Camps, Retreats, and Seasonal events. Always focus in Preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15:1- 7). And don't get satisfied with the results of 'the turned out', but if someone made a decision of faith. I say this not just for the sake of saying and writing this, but for the sake of those who will die and be in eternal damnation. (John 3:1- 7; 15- 17, 36)

Check your Perspectives and Purpose in your church Mission and Vision. God  bless us all! Let's work together to make our Lord and Savior known to the unknown. Stay Safe, Stay Home, and Stay Healthy.

#Boklit 

For Our Risen Lord,

Ely Roque Sagansay 

Minister/Author 

Taylor, Michigan

Hey Joe! You Failed!

Hey Joe! You Failed!

(Let's Scrutinize Joe…)

The 10 "F's" Why Joe Biden Can't be President of the United States of America:

1- Fraud- Do I have to elaborate the millions his family acquired while in power? Ask his brother and Biden's son Hunter, they have the answers. (www.foxnews.com/politics/bidens-brother-facing-fraud-allegations-used-family-ties-to-advance-business-interests-report)

www.foxnews.com/politics/hunter-bidens-controversies-explained 

2- Forgetfulness- Joe can't remember the places he is in, and the dates where he was, and what he does. He forgot he was running for President. www.tennesseestar.com/2019/08/26/joe-biden-forgets-which-state-he-is-in-during-new-hampshire-campaign-stop/ 

3- Fightings- He is a brawler. Check on the guys at his Town Hall Meetings with few numbers of followers in attendance. Do you remember the Auto worker in Detroit that he insulted in front of his staff and cameras? (www.skynews.com.au) www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0xy5uJKrjo 

4- Failure- He was a failure as a Senator for a long time and as Vice President. Can you tell me what 'significant' accomplishment/s Joe did for the country when he was a Senator, since in his late twenties, and Vice President for 8 long years? ABC News (Interview) - Joe Biden: Everything you need to know about the 2020 presidential candidate. "One of Biden's significant achievements during his time at the helm of the Judiciary Committee was appointing California Sen. Dianne Feinstein to the dais. She was the first woman on the committee." By the way, Biden voted on "War in Iraq", and later apologized for his action. 

5- Female- He likes to chansing with the opposite sex. Not good Joe, get that hands off! www.youtube.com/watch?v=T18_OJKtC-Y (http://on.msnbc.com/SubscribeTomsnbc 

6- Family- Joe is not for Traditional Marriage and you may want to ask Joe how his son Hunter Values Family and relationships. 

7- Fitness- Joe is too old, and he is not physically, mentally, and spiritually fit to be President of the greatest country in the world.

8- Friends of China- and not of the American people. Remember when the CoronaVirus just started to hit the American soil? Well, Joe criticize @DonaldTrump for closing the borders, and started the Travel ban to China- he called the @POTUS racist, and Xenophobic. 

9- Fighting for the Illegal Immigrants, but not for Taxpayers? He is for Open Borders. 

10- Funds for Planned Parenthood. Sad, but Joe would rather have the babies killed in abortion Clinics than helping the homeless. 

Ely Roque Sagansay Minister/Author

Taylor, Michigan