Second Interchurch Fellowship │Bastion of Truth Reformed Churches in the Philippines

Bastion of Truth Reformed Churches in the Philippines Holds Second Interchurch Fellowship

December 26, 2008 in Quezon City, Philippines

Amid the lingering global economic crisis the Lord graciously provided the means for the resource-limited Bastion of Truth Reformed Churches in the Philippines to meet for their second interchurch fellowship on December 26, 2008. The nearly postponed but much anticipated gathering was held in the La Mesa Eco Park, an oasis of natural scenery preserved within the busy metropolitan environs of Quezon City. The long holiday break declared by the government and enjoyed by most for carnal reasons was opportunity for the BTRC saints to see brethren from other local churches, enjoy fellowship with them and hear God’s encouraging Word delivered by the speakers. The BTRC of Batasan Hills hosted this year’s interchurch fellowship event, taking care of the venue and serving delightful meals and snacks from the contributions of local churches.

The theme for this fellowship event is “Separation unto the Gospel” reflecting BTRC’s steadfast commitment to the one and only saving truth of the Gospel applied to the manner they deal with teachings, practical situations and people who clash against the standard of this Gospel. The speakers expounded upon both the positive and negative viewpoint of the theme, that is, our being separated “unto” or being consecrated towards the truth of the Gospel as well as our separation “from” false gospels and other errors and evils. Pastor Christian Joy B. Alayon of BTRC Batasan spoke from the letter of 2 John verses 9 to 11 expounding the aspect of the theme, “Separation from False Gospels and Teachers”. Pastor Regino Capinig of BTRC Lipa City delivered God’s Word from the gospel of John 17:17 expounding the positive aspect of the theme, “Separation unto the Truth [of the Gospel]."

It may be worth mentioning that a part of the program was a united confession and an affirmation by the churches of Article 29 of the Belgic or Netherlands Confession which is among the BTRC’s official doctrinal standards. Article 29’s title is “Of the marks of the true Church, and wherein she differs from the false Church.” It was an edifying exercise since whereas the BTRCs are disdainfully dubbed “separatist” churches they are in fact churches separated unto the Gospel and separated from false churches however influential, popular and numerous those churches may be.

The two encouraging speeches were followed by a short question-and answer session where most of the questions centered on the struggles and stance of the brothers and sisters against the prevailing practices attached to the observance of Christmas (Remember that this fellowship event was held the day just after Christmas Day). The BTRCs do not observe Christmas so members feel the pressure of compromise in families and homes, schools and work places.

The formal part of the program was held only during the morning. It was pre-arranged that the afternoon be a free time for the attendees and their families to meander through the pleasant and relaxing sites of the park.

Feedbacks reveal that there were those who expected a group Bible discussion as was done during the first interchurch fellowship held in Lucban. This is a very positive attitude in our people which was admittedly overlooked and should be taken into account in anticipation of the next interchurch fellowship which will be held, the Lord willing, on summer of 2010 in Antipolo City and to be hosted by BTRC Antipolo.

It has been a brief but blessed gathering as the Sovereign God of Grace gathered once again His people who are in need of much encouragement and comfort, first from His Word and Spirit and then through the spiritual fellowship and unity of every saint made stronger through the visible presence of a fellow Gospel believer and defender.