02:45 Hopefully these things that we are talking about sparked conversations around you with the people you trust most, so that we would all grow in our leadership and our walk with God.

03:03 This episode, as we continue with our previous discussion, we will talk about Marami Akong Struggles Ngayon… May Makakatulong Ba?

03:23 We discussed some of your questions in our last episode, we answered some of your questions — Bugbog din ako, paano ako makaka-minister sa iba? Hopefully our topic encouraged you to come to God. You can check our previous episode here: Episode 38: Marami Akong Struggles Ngayon… Paano Ako Makaka-Reach Out sa Iba? 

04:03 This pandemic not only shook our relationship with God, but also our relationship with the church community. 

04:39 

JV: What is one thing you most appreciate about the church community this season?

Dean: Something that I appreciate the most from others this season ay yung may nagpapadala kung minsan ng pagkain… Just reminding you na naalala ka nila…

JV: Recently, sobrang na-appreciate ko yung ‘pag may mga tao na ako naman ang kinu-kumusta…

06:43 

JV: This season, one of the things that we are struggling with is our relationship with one another…

07:36 

Dean: This pandemic has really led to great ups and downs in our lives. Isa na dun ‘yung na-isolate na nga tayo ng pandemic tapos minsan gusto pa nating i-isolate yung sarili natin… The Christian life is not designed to be lived alone…

08:40 

JV: As Christians, we are really designed to be in a relationship — with Christ and with fellow believers for us to continue to grow…

07:36 

Dean: I have a verse here that we can walk through together and see the increases (benefits) of being part of the church community. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

Two are better than one,

    because they have a good return for their labor:

Ecclesiastes 4:9 NIV

Increased Productivity. Facing life is definitely harder when you face it alone… When Jesus sent His disciples, He sent them in pairs. They (disciples) knew they had to hang on to Jesus and hang on to one another…

12:01 

JV:

If either of them falls down,

    one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls

    and has no one to help them up.

Ecclesiastes 4:10 NIV

Increased Protection. There are a lot of unguarded moments this season. We need people who would remind us not to give in to those unguarded moments… We need people who can provide you a safe environment, people who know you and your struggles…

13:29 

Dean:

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

    But how can one keep warm alone?

Ecclesiastes 4:11 NIV

Increased Passion. When we talk about passion, it’s like burning coal… ‘Pag di mo na pinaypayan ‘yun, di na yun magbabaga, lalong-lalo na ‘pag inalis mo yung isang charcoal from the bunch that’s on fire, mawawala talaga unti-unti ‘yung baga. ‘Yun yung nangyayari sa ‘tin. Dahil nga na-isolate tayo ng pandemic from one another, it has really affected our relationship with the people we trust most… Unti-unting nawawala ‘yung baga sa puso natin… But because of other people, I hope that you find a sense of support. These people who are passionate with Jesus will help you become passionate for Him as well…

16:58 

JV:

Though one may be overpowered,

    two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV

This emphasizes unity. With all that’s happening around us, a lot of ideologies and opinions, it seems like the world’s point of view is so powerful…

Increased Power. To have confidence in the Gospel that we preach… The best power that you have is the Word of God. It is also important that the community of believers is with you in believing that the Gospel still has the power to change our situation and everything around us.

19:15 

Dean: When you mentioned an increase in power, what quickened in my heart is prayer… Even Jesus asked His disciples to pray for Him when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane… Life doesn’t have to end in isolation all the time. There has to come a point where you have to welcome people in your life… So that they will speak power in your life through prayer… Increased power is having the power of prayer in us. We are not alone in believing God, we have other people believing with us.

21:34

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some,

but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV

The ENC Leadership Podcast is hosted by Dean Pasaba and JV Puno.

Processing Questions: 

1. What is something you appreciate most about the church community, especially this season?
2. Among the four benefits discussed about being part of the church community, where do you think you are being challenged this season? How can you fight for your relationships with other believers despite our difficult situation?