The Bible says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). That means it doesn’t matter if it was yesterday, or five minutes ago—if you’ve repented, you are forgiven. Period. Don’t let guilt cling to you longer than God does.

So whether it’s two times, three times, or thirty times—it’s still not who you are. What defines you is Christ.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

—2 Corinthians 5:17

We’re sending a group of Americans to the Philippines this December — from the 12th to the 19th — to visit our orphans. Details are at Orphans.PH.

If you’re getting this newsletter, it’s because you’re part of our church family — whether you’ve been here a long time or just tuned in recently. And that means you’re invited.

We have 14 orphanages in the Philippines, home to over 600 children, and our American friends are going for three reasons:

1. Matthew 25 in action.
2. To encourage our local volunteers.
3. To see what locals can’t always see.

First 20 people to sign up get a spot. We may open more. Go to Orphans.PH to register.

Jeremiah watched as the potter worked a lump of clay into something good. Useful, even. It took time. You could tell the potter cared. But just when it seemed finished, the pot buckled, sagged in on itself. A lesser man might’ve tossed the clay aside, blamed it for not holding shape. But not this man. He didn’t flinch. He simply gathered what collapsed and pressed it back together—not to recreate the same design, but to form something entirely new.

"Yet You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand."

— Isaiah 64:8

“I’m not hurting anybody. It’s just me.”

But the Bible doesn’t draw that line. Not between public sins and private ones. All of it belongs to God. Your body. Your thoughts. Your money. Your choices. Even the ones you think begin and end with you.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

— Proverbs 4:23

Who in your life is sharpening you? Who makes you want to pray more, walk straighter, live deeper? Is there someone you should be leaning into more, someone who challenges you toward your best self—but you've kept them at arm’s length because you're too busy?

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

—Proverbs 27:17

Praise isn’t only the right way to approach the King; it’s the surest way to draw close to Him. The Bible says He is enthroned on the praises of His people—where Jesus is praised, He shows up.

“... you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

— Psalm 16:11