How Samson Defeated? A Call For All Christians

The story about Samson and Delilah is very well known. Almost everyone especially the Bible readers are familiar with the story. We knew Samson’s power over lions and enemies. But we wonder why he was simply defeated with just a woman. A great man, anointed by God and undefeated by any other harmful situations lost his life by just a decision. Maybe, this story is just a story for other people, specifically the Christians but for me, Samson’s experience is a wake-up call to everyone who sometimes forgetting the truly will of God.

We all knew the origin of Samson (Judges 16). We also aware how his love over Delilah was started and especially we knew that Samson was killed after he decided to stay with an enemy. Everything about Samson is clear that his parents and God do not agree with the situation.

In our modern world, Samson is still existed in the person of many believers, who also been defeated by their own feelings. It is not literally happened the same with Samson but losing their faith and leaving the presence of God, while trying to satisfy their own heart desire is also a way that they are following Samson wrong decision. And sometimes in my life, I was also among the victim. If only I can bring back the time. I should be wise; anyhow that was a long life experience.

In the Bible, one should not walk with unbeliever, should not set among them how much more if we indeed live with them?, because bad company corrupts good characters(1 Corinthians 15:33). Like Samson, disobeying God’s word means suffering and even means of dying, can be physical or spiritual because you can compromise your faith with your feelings, through pre-marital sex and other immoralities in the face of Christian life.

But why Samson really in-love with Delilah? Delilah was a pretty woman, adorned with jewelries, lipstick and any other accessories that made her look desirable over Samson. This is also the trick with our spiritual enemies. Sometimes, he create relationship gap within the family so that siblings can crave love and comfort that in reality outside Christian community offered with open arms. But remember it was only good in the beginning. After you will be trapped by that person whom “perse” comforting you, he will leave you broken and helpless, in the same way that Samson’s power was gone when he was enjoyed Delilah’s caress and confess his power. We knew it.

There are many Christian men who also falling in-love with sexy women, but unbeliever to God. Better if they can bring the girls into God’s feet, but what if they will be the one to be carried outside? Can they gamble their faith? And be killed like Samson? However, we knew that Samson repented and he able to bring back his power through his grief prayer, asking God to restore his strength. At least, Samson able to revenge his enemies after all, to what the evil men have done against him. We already knew how.

In our lives, we do not want like Samson also. And this is what anyone should be aware about. We should always remember that a heart is deceitful. You will be tricked by your own feelings and fail God. And these can only be possible when we just focus our eyes to Jesus. Of course, temptation can’t be avoided, but with God’s help through our intend prayer, God will shield us from the wiles of our enemies.

Keep praying and without ceasing, so that we can surpass all the temptations, and most importantly we will not be defeated like Samson. Let’s be discerning enough about how Samson defeated in just a blink of an eye.

Doctrinal Stand

I. The Inspiration of the Bible
We believe the Holy Scriptures, composed of the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, to be verbally inspired Word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and God-­breathed Psalm 19:7-11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Luke 24:13-28; John 16:12-16; Psalm 12:6-7; Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 138:2.
II. The Trinity
We believe in the Triune God-God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit-coequal and coeternal. Each has His individual identity and separate responsibilities for the purposes of redemption, yet perfectly united as three Persons in One. 1 John 5:1-8; John 16:7-18; Matthew 28:19; Genesis 1:26.
III. The Deity and Virgin Birth of Christ
We believe in Deity of Jesus Christ. He is the only begotten, virgin born Son of God, the second Person in the Blessed Trinity, God the Son, God manifest in the flesh. 1 Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-14; John 14:9; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; John 10:36.
IV. The Blood Atonement
We believe in the substitutionary atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. He, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man, and all must be born again or be forever lost. Hebrews 2:9; John 6:44-69; John 3: 118; Romans 3:25; Revelation 1:5; Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 1:18-19. The Lord's atonement was not limited with respect to whom God's salvation is offered, i.e., His shed blood is sufficient for all sin and, therefore, "who so ever will" may believe and be saved to the uttermost. 1 John 2:2; Hebrews 7:22-25; Revelation 22:17. Also, the text "with His stripes we are healed" speaks of God's remedy for the sin-sick soul through the suffering and substitutionary sacrifice of the Lamb of God, and is not referring to the healing of the body as proposed by false charismatic teaching. Isaiah 53:4-6.
V. The Resurrection
We believe in the physical resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. He ascended bodily into the heavens and is now at the right hand of God as our Mediator, Priest, and Advocate. Acts 3:12-26; John 20; Hebrews 9:24; 1 Corinthians 15:12-28; 1 John 2:1.
VI. The Second Coming
We believe in the Rapture-the personal, premillennial, pretribulational and imminent return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ "in the air." This has been the "Blessed Hope" of every born-again believer in the Church Age. At that time He will receive to Himself the resurrected bodies of those who have "died in Christ" and also all those who are presently alive and "in Christ." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:6-10; 1 Corinthians 15:50-55; Acts 1:11; Titus 2:13. He will then come "with His saints" seven years thereafter to execute judgment upon the ungodly nations before the inauguration of His earthly millennial reign at His second coming to the earth. Jude 14,15; Matthew 25:31-46. The Lord will cast the anti-christ and the false prophet into the lake of fire, send Satan into the abyss and establish His earthly kingdom. The Lord Jesus Christ will reign one thousand years, thus literally fulfilling the covenant promises made to a believing remnant of Israel through the Patriarchs of the Old Testament. Isaiah 11:1-16; Revelation 19:19-20; 20:1-6. After the earthly reign of one thousand years, He will bring all the unsaved dead to the judgment of the Great White Throne and all who stand before that Throne will be cast into the lake of fire forever. Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 7:21-23. Satan will also be cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:10.
VII. The Personality of Satan
We believe in the personality of Satan, "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world." He is actively opposing the cause of Christ on every hand and is the arch enemy of every true believer. His warfare incorporates the deception of mixing error and truth as well as that which is flagrantly vile and evil. 2 Corinthians 11:1-15; 2 Peter 5:8-9; Revelation 12:9-10; Matthew 4:2-11; Isaiah 14:12-17; John 8:24. He marshals a host of fallen angels that can also serve to deceive the unsuspecting by "transforming themselves into...apostles of Christ [and] ministers of righteousness..." (2 Corinthians 11:315). These false spirits can influence the unfaithful servant to say helpful and even true things and can also themselves energize ones to do the miraculous. Therefore, every experience and teaching must be examined in light of the Word of God to determine its true source. Isaiah 8:20; 1 John 4:1.
VIII. Heaven and Hell
We believe that Heaven is a real place of eternal blessedness prepared by God for those whose garments have been "made white" through faith in the shed "blood of the Lamb." Hell is a real place of eternal suffering for those whose names are not written in the "book of life." There is no intermediate state in which the unsaved can atone for his own sins. John 14:1-6; Revelation 7:13-17; 20:11-15; 21:22-27; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Luke 16:19-31.
IX. Creation and Man's Fall
We believe God created all things in a time frame of six literal, twenty-four hour days. We believe evolution in any form, and this necessarily includes so called "theistic evolution" and the "gap theory" to be contradictory to the clear teaching of Scripture. We believe in the universality and exceeding sinfulness of sin. In Adam all have sinned and, therefore, are guilty before God by nature as well as by deed. Man was created by a direct act of God and subsequently fell into sin in the Garden of Eden. Romans 5:12-21 Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 3:10-26; 6:23; Psalm 51:5 Genesis 1-3.
X. Justification by Faith
We believe that man is justified on the single ground of faith in the shed blood and bodily resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 Ephesians 2:8-9. The all-sufficient and completed work of Redemption accomplished through His death and resurrection is fully appropriated at the moment in time by those who receive by faith the free gift of salvation offered in the one true Gospel. The adding of works, baptism, sacraments, or any other condition placed upon man in order to obtain God's gift of salvation by faith alone in the finished work of Christ results in "another gospel" that is under God's curse. Galatians 1:6-10; Romans 1:16 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; John 5:24; Ephesians 5:8.
XI. Eternal Security
We believe in the eternal security of all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. Once a lost sinner has be come a "new creature in Christ," he can never lose that new relationship in the family of God which is based upon Christ's imputed righteousness and not his own. The life that God imparts to the believing sinner is not "eternal life" if it can be terminated. 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; John 10:25-29. Sin in the life of the believer affects his fellowship with the Father not sonship. All who are truly born of the Spirit and who continue in sin will be dealt with by the chastening hand of God. 1 John 1:5-10; Hebrews 12:6-13 1 Corinthians 3:11-15. All who are in Christ are sealed unto the day of redemption and will be glorified. We are to "work out" our salvation not "work for" our salvation; Philippians 2:12. Texts used to supposedly teach one can lose his salvation are speaking of loss of reward, not the loss of salvation or the right to be called a child of God. 1 Corinthians 3:8-15; 2 John 8; Revelation 3:11; Romans 8:29-30; 1 Timothy 1:12; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30.
XII. The Holy Spirit and Body of Christ
We believe all regenerated people are baptized into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit the moment they receive Christ as their Saviour. 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1Corinthians 10:32; Ephesians 2:13-18. The Holy Spirit indwells all who have been born again from above. Also, the baptism of the Spirit is not a separate event apart from the reception of the gift of the Holy Spirit upon believing on Christ unto salvation. Acts 15:6-11; Galatians 3:2,14; Romans 10:1317; Romans 8:9. The Church which is Christ's Body consists of all those who, in the present dispensation, truly believe and accept Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. Romans 8:14-27; James 1:18; John 1:12; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Matthew 16:16-16.
XIII. Separation
We believe that all Christians are first to be separated wholly unto the Lord, and as a necessary result, they must be: 1) Separated from worldly and sinful practices. They are to be holy, even as He is holy, and this desired behavior will always be diametrically opposed to the course of this present age. 1 Peter 1: 13-16; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15-17. 2) Separated from apostasy and unbelief. A believer must not be "unequally yoked together with unbelievers," thereby being identified with unbelief by association, whether in ministry, worship, or by joint religious activities. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:19-22; 3:1-5; Amos 3:3. 3) Separated from disobedient brethren and doctrinal compromise with respect to all ministry and service. A believer is identified with the doctrinal positions and practices of those he is in fellowship with, both before God and man. Separation from those who are not walking according to truth deters the leavening effect of compromise, and gives a faithful warning to the erring brother. Romans 16: 17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6,14-15; 2 John 10-11; Galatians 2:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:33.
XIV. The Local Church and Its Mission
We believe God has ordained the ministry of local, independent, indigenous assemblies of believers to accomplish His work in this dispensation extending from Pentecost to the Translation of Christ's Body at His appearing. The church's membership is to be composed of regenerated, baptized believers. The two ordinances of the local church are believer's baptism by immersion, and the memorial of the Lord's supper until He returns. The church is to be missionary and evangelistic in spreading the Gospel into all the world. It is not the mission of the church to "bring in the Kingdom," work for political or economic justice, major on social improvement, or "Christianize" society. It is to strive together for the faith of the Gospel, proclaim and maintain purity of doctrine and practice, and worship and serve the Lord in "spirit and truth." Acts 2:41-47; 20:17-32; Matthew 28:16-20; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34.
XV. Good Works
We believe that all followers of the Lord Jesus Christ should maintain good works, a "good work" being that which is done in obedience to the will of God as revealed in the Word of God. Works will determine the reward or loss of reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ before which every Christian will stand. Every believer must realize his responsibility before God to "maintain good works," i.e., walk in the light of the Word of God. The Bible is the believer's absolute Standard of faith and practice, his perfect Counsel. The Word provides him with "all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3-4). The Bible, not any form of psychological counseling or therapy, is the answer. Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:11-14; 3:1-11; 2 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 1:18-29; 3:8-15; 2 Corinthians 5:9-11

OUR FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER CHURCHES: YOUNG PEOPLE JOINT FELLOWSHIP

One of the most exciting activities in young people’s life is meeting with other young people from churches in Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Pasil and Portland. At first we are very shy but gradually we started to overcome the awkward feelings for God’s glory. We play games with them, smiling at them and sometimes tell jokes to them. These activities are held every first Sunday of the month. Before each activity, we are busy practicing songs and preparing ourselves for the event.

At first I don’t understand why it is necessary for us to meet once a month. But one thing I am sure about is that we fellowship in order to strengthen our fellowship with God by being with our fellow believers. Further more, this is to give some young people a chance to know someone who can be a prospect for a possibility. Why are you frowning? Really, I am kinda sure with that. Having a lover is not a sin. It is the will of God as long as it is founded on love and God’s blessing. Let say, “ a clean relationship." Just make it sure that your love life is under the control of God and nothing is wrong with that. Wow! God bless us all.

Meet Us, Who We Are? : The Christ’s Young Ambassadors

We have names and we are sincerely fellowshipping our fellow Christians. As God says, “love one another.” We gonna say hellos with a sincere heart. Meet us and know who we are. We are simple and down to earth. We maybe look hard to approach, but try, we can be as friendly as you are. We have love and compassion to all individuals.Christian. Young man, good looking (charr). God gave him a good work. Approachable and is, a vice president in youth ministry among five churches. He is our guitarist during youth joint fellowship special number.

Luz: Very fashionable woman, not to mention pretty. She is approachable too and willing to accept with a charming face. I cannot tell much but you can ask her more. She is responsible and supportive. Always saying, “yes to go.” She’s our secretary.

Meet Marny: We called her Korean beauty, but she don’t know a single Korean language. Well, Japanese she does, he he he. She is charming and very fun on playing guitar. (trying hard, at least she practice) She loves singing for Christ. She is very active and able to show her best for our Lord, during our first family camp we attended. Wow! Everyone was surprised. Go Marn.

Here is Lyn. She only attended the church sometimes because of her job. But God knew her so much and how much she wanted to attend the service. We pray God will find a way for Lyn. She’s a good volleyball player. Not to mention, a volleyball varsity in her high school, and been competed in some national interschool volleyball competition. Spike Sister Lyn.

Aj: This is him. Our young man who always smile a lot. Often make jokes but we don’t know, which part we have to laugh. (peace AJ). He is currently studying in his nursing course. We can always on him for a special task. Study hard brod.

And Cecil. Wow! what a smile. Gorgeous Cecil, sister of AJ. Our nurse in profession. She is very supportive in our CYA activities. Very radical person and always stand her belief. She can sing and also she has a bubbly personality. Cecil, what’s your comment?

Pauline Jane: A charming young lady. Shy type but she can interact with her through her own ways. What a surprise, she even execute the body spell game in Lapu-Lapu youth fellowship. But with God, nothing is impossible. Keep on.

Edeza: Hi! She is a teacher. An adviser to CYA. She is approachable and teaches the youth some songs. Game master, and had many surprises. We are very careful to her because her game is mostly surprising, and definitely can amaze you. Like the Banana game.

Cha-Cha: Give me a smile sis! You can count on her friendship. Lighthearted woman and charming. Reserve but can still have her LOL (laugh out loud) You can just ask, who’s that? She is nice and pretty.

Gelyn: Cha’s sister. Silent type young lady, but friendly. She always have a good smile when you look at her. Hello Sis!

Richard/ Jopit: He is sensitive, but with strong conviction. Stand what he believe is right. Artistic.

Pops: A bubbly young woman. Sensitive but vocal with things she is curious about. She is our secretary. Keep smiling! What’s your comment?

DonDon: Our guitarist. Song leader. He is friendly (walay libog man) Always saying, “that’s okay, Go!” Hello brother, how are you? Comment please

Lida: A simple and approachable young woman. She is very supportive and kind. She is good in cooking. Good job Nids. And thanks for always having a good heart to everyone.

Do you know us now, or want more? Well, we have lots of rooms here for friendship. Let’s connect and feel free to e-mail us through our blog or you may comment about us. Thanks and God bless you all.

Our Shepherd: Pastor Arman Borja

John 21: 15-17: When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me and more than these? “Yes, Lord,” he said. “You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” ……

Even when Jesus was still with His disciples, he asked Peter to feed his sheep. We are the sheep of God and He knew that we needed to be fed by His words. Pastors are also like Peter. They will feed us and guide us using the words of God. And we are lucky to have Pastor Arman Borja as our pastor or shepherd. He is supportive to us, and has so much concern to all his members. He is a working pastor. He teaches us new songs for God and he also has a father figure to the young people. God bless you Pastor Arman and family.

Our Beginning: Foundation of Christ’s Young Ambassadors (CYA)

God founded us even before we came to this world. We came from different families and provinces, yet He led us to come together in Christian Church in Cebu – Mandaue City. How we met? This would be an exciting event that can thrill you somehow.

Back in 2007, we first met at the church in Consolacion, venue at Family Circle Building. We just had short hellos, then after the service we go home. Nothing else we done for the youth that normally churches had. It was a kind of lonely that time. Besides, the venue of our worship service is not yet permanent. ( I hope this time, this would be our place now, God will provide anyway) Then after at the Family Circle service, we moved to Nikki Garden Hotel, Family Park where rain or shine we continue our worship to our Lord. And then finally, here is Silver Swan Soy Sauce Company, which offers their place for the work. This was where the church also decided to organize the young members.

One night in our Wednesday Bible Study, our member ate Ning and her daughter Cecil suggested to call all young people, and that was it by Sunday afternoon in September 2007, all young people gathered, voted and organized. We called our department as Christ’s Young Ambassadors (CYA) with the goal to spread the words of God through evangelism. And now met us who we are.