“I am sending you grain, new wine and oil, enough to satisfy you fully;

TAPAT
never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations.” Joel 2:19

sa Promesa
Issue: 837 December 17, 2017 WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 29 Kislev 5778 ‫כ״ט ְּבכִ ְּסלֵ ו תשע״ח‬

Pastora Carmencita S. Nicolas

MIKETZ
“At the End”
Parshah:TorahReading Genesis 41:1-44:17
Haftarah (Sayings of Zechariah 2:17-4:7
the Prophets)
B’rit Chadashah Luke 4:16-31
(Gospel)

1st Reading: Genesis 37:1-11 Jacob lived in (vayeshev) Egypt, but 7 years of famine will follow them. Then all
Parsha: Ist Reading: Gen 41:1-14 Two full years had the abundance in Egypt will be forgotten, and the
passed from the time the Chief cupbearer had been famine will ravage the land. It will be so severe. The
reinstated. Pharoah had dreams: 1st dream; “Standing by reason that the dream is given in two forms is that the
the Nile, 7cows came up out of the river, sleek and fat matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do
and grazed among the reeds. After them were 7 other it soon”. “Now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise
cows, ugly and gaunt, came up out of the Nile, stood man and put him in-charge of the land of Egypt. Appoint
beside those on the riverbank.” 2nd dream, “7 heads of commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest
grain, healthy and good, growing in a single stalk. After of Egypt during the 7 years of abundance. Collect all the
them, 7 other heads of grain sprouted-thin and scorched food of these good years that are coming and store up
by the east wind. The thin heads of grain swallowed up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh to be kept in
the 7 healthy, full heads. Pharaoh was troubled and sent the cities for good. Hold this food in reserve for the
for all magicians & wise men of Egypt.” But no one could country to be used on the seven years of famine that will
interpret his dreams. The Chief cupbearer however, come upon, so that the country will not be ruined by it.”
remembered Joseph who in the prison interpreted his Pharaoh and all officials agreed.
dream and the baker’s dream and how it all came true. 3rd Reading: Gen 41:39-52 Pharaoh said to Joseph,
So, Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no
from the dungeon. one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge
2nd Reading: Gen 41:15-38 Upon knowing the king’s of my palace, and all my people will submit to your
dream and having been exhorted by the king that he is orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater
able to interpret dreams, Joseph replied to Pharoah, “But than you. I hereby put you in charge of the whole land
God would give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” (Giving of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his
credit to God for the gift of interpretation) “The dreams fingers and put it on Joseph’s finger, dressed him in
of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to robes of fine linen and a gold chain upon his neck and
Pharaoh what he is about to do. The 7 good cows are 7 had him ride in his chariot as second-in-command, men
years, and the 7 good heads of grain are 7 years; The 7 shouted before him, “Make way!” (a type of Christ) Thus,
lean, ugly cows that came up afterward are 7 years, And he was in charge of the land of Egypt. Without his word
so are the 7 worthless heads of grain scorched by the no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt. Pharaoh gave
east wind: They are 7 years of famine. Seven years of Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah (Heliopolis) and
great abundance are coming throughout the land of gave him Asenath daughter of Potifera, priest of On, to
be his wife. Joseph was 30 years old when he entered the again, had Simeon taken from them and bound before
service of Pharaoh king of Egypt, Ge 41:46. And as was their eyes. Then he gave orders to fill their bags with
revealed by God in the dream, so it came to pass. Joseph grain, to put each man’s silver back in his sack, and give
stored up huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the them provisions for their journey. At the place where
sea; it was so much that he stopped keeping records they stopped for the night, one opened his sack, and
because it was beyond measure. Before the years of found his silver in the mouth of his sack. they trembled
famine came, 2 sons were born to Joseph by Asenath, in fear saying, “What is this that God has done to us?”
Manasseh (because God has made me forget all my When they came to their father Jacob they told
troubles and all of my father’s household) his firstborn. everything that has transpired, vs29-34. When they
The second, he named Ephraim (because God made me emptied their sacks, their father and they saw each one’
fruitful in the land of my suffering). pouch of silver and they were frightened. Jacob said to
4th Reading: Gen 41:53-42:18 The seven years of them, “You have deprived me of my children. Joseph is
abundance came to an end (Miketz), and the seven years no more, Simeon is no more, now you want to take
of famine began. There was famine in all the lands but Benjamin. Everything is against me!” Reuben was ready
there was food in Egypt. When people began to feel the to trade his two sons if he would not bring Benjamin
famine, they went to Pharaoh and he told all Egyptians back. But Jacob did not allow Benjamin to go back with
to go to Joseph. When famine spread to the whole them. Gen 43: They went for a second journey to Egypt
country, Joseph opened the storehouses and sold grain when they have eaten all, and the famine was still severe.
to the Egyptians for the famine was so severe. And all the Jacob once again said, “Go back and buy us a little more
countries came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph. Jacob food.” Judah said, “The man warned us solemnly that we
learned about this and sent his sons to go to Egypt and will not see his face again unless our brother is with us.
buy grain. Ten of them went to Egypt. Joseph was Send the boy with us and we will go at once, so that we
governor of the land, the one who sold grain to all. and you and our children will not die. I myself will
Joseph’s brothers arrived and bowed down to him with guarantee his safety; You can hold me personally
their faces to the ground. Joseph recognized them, but responsible for him. If I do no bring him back to you and
pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. set him here before you all my life, vs8-10.” Israel finally
“Where do you come from?”, he asked. They replied, agreed, he sent gifts to the man (a little balm, , honey,
“From the land of Canaan, to buy food, sons of just one some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and
man who lived in Canaan.” They told Joseph that they are almonds. He told them to take double the amount of
12 sons, the youngest is now with their father and the silver and return the silver that was put back in your sacks
one is no more.” They reiterated that they came only to for it might have been a mistake.
buy food, that they were honest, not spies. Joseph told Take your brother and go back to the man at once. And
them this is how they will be tested. “As surely as he blessed them, v14.
Pharaoh lives you will not leave this place unless your 6th Reading: Gen 43:16-29 When Joseph saw Benjamin
youngest brother come here. Send one of you to get your with them, Joseph told the steward of the house to take
brother; the rest will be kept in prison, so that your word them to his house, slaughter an animal and prepare
will be tested to see that you are telling the truth. If you dinner; they are to eat with him at noon. They were
are not, then as surely as Pharaoh lives you are spies!” frightened for they thought that they were brought to
On the third day, Joseph said to them, “Do this and you the man’s house because of the silver that was put back
will live, for I fear God: in their sacks. They thought that he intends to attack,
5th Reading: Gen 42:19-43:15 “If you are honest men, overpower or seize them. So, they pleaded to Joseph’s
let one of your brothers (Simeon) stay here in prison, steward saying, “Please sir, we came down here the first
while the rest of you go take grain back to your starving time to buy food.” And related how they found the silver
households. But you must bring your youngest brother in their sacks and that they have brought them back with
to me, so that your words maybe verified, and you will them and brought additional silver to buy food. They
not die.” So, they proceeded to go. They realized that confessed that they do not know who put them there.
they are being punished and this distress has come upon Joseph’s steward said, “It’s alright, Your God, the God of
them for what they have done to their brother Joseph. your father, has given you treasures in your sacks. I
They were reminded of Reuben’s word not to sin against received your silver” Then he brought out Simeon. He
the boy, but they did not listen. And now they have to took the men to Joseph’s house, gave them water to
give an accounting for his blood. They did not realize that wash their feet, provided fodder for their donkeys.
Joseph could understand them, since he was using an When Joseph came, they presented their gifts and
interpreter. He turned away and wept, but turned back bowed down before him to the ground. He asked them
how they were, and how is their father. “Is he still of Israel). But, the Lord who have chosen Jerusalem
living?” They replied, “Your servant our father is still alive rebuked him. Satan’s accusations were accurate. But
and well.” And they bowed low to pay him honor. As he God has punished Judah through great trials but rescued
looked about and saw Benjamin, his own mother’s son. the nation before its complete destruction like a burning
He asked them if he were their youngest brother. He stick snatched from the fire, v2. Joshua stood in filthy
said, “God be gracious to you my son.” clothes (sins). Yet God revealed his mercy, that he chose
7th Reading: Gen 43:30-44:17 Deeply moved he to save his people in spite of their sins. Satan greatly
hurried out and looked for a place to weep. Then he misunderstands the breadth of God’s mercy and
washed his face, came out and controlling himself, said, forgiveness toward his believers. The angel said to those
“Serve the food.” They served him by himself, the who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy
brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away
him by themselves, because Egyptians could not eat with your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.” “Put a clean
Hebrews (detestable to the Egyptians). They sat turban on his head (helmet of salvation) and clothed him
according to age from the firstborn to the youngest; and (w/pure linen of Christ’s righteousness)”. The angel of
they looked at each other in astonishment. When the Lord’s charge: ‘If you walk in my ways and keep my
portions were served, Benjamin’s portion was five times requirements, then you will govern my house and have
over anyone else. So, they feasted and drank freely with charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among
them. Gen 44 Joseph instructs his steward to fill all their these standing here. V8 “‘Listen, O high priest Jeshua (a
sacks with as much food as they can carry, put each type of Christ) and your associates seated before you,
man’s silver in the mouth of every sack. Then put my cup, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to
the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one’s sack, bring my servant, the Branch (Jesus). See, the stone
along with the silver for his grain. As morning dawned, (foundation stone is Jesus, the rock that followed them
the men were sent home. They have not gone far from in the wilderness that gave them water) I have set in
the city when Joseph instructed his steward to go after front of Jeshua! There are 7 eyes on that one stone (The
them accused them of repaying him evil for good for seven spirits of the Lord, Isa 11:1,2), and I will engrave an
having stolen his cup used for divination. When he inscription on it,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will
caught up with them, he repeated the words of Joseph remove the sin of this land in a single day. V10 In that day
to them. And they protested, v7-8. “Why would we steal each of you will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine
silver or gold from your master’s house? So, they and fig tree,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” Zech 4:1-7
bargained, “If any of your servants is found to have it, he Then the angel who talked with Zechariah returned and
will die; and the rest of us will become my lord’s slaves.” wakened him. He asked him, What do you see?
The steward agreed, “Whoever is found to have it will Zechariah answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with
become my slave; the rest of you will be free from a bowl at the top and seven lights on it, with seven
blame.” They lowered their sacks, the steward channels to the lights. Also, there are 2 olive trees by it,
proceeded to search beginning with the oldest and one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.” I
ending (miketz) with the youngest. Lo and behold, the asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these,
cup was in Benjamin’s sack. His brothers tore their my Lord?” “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:
clothes and loaded their donkeys and returned to the ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the
city. Joseph was still in the house when Judah and his Lord Almighty. “What are you, O mighty mountain?
brothers came in, they threw themselves to the ground Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then
before him. Joseph said to them, “What is this you have he will bring out the capstone (Jesus-the Chief corner
done? Don’t you know that a man like me can find things stone) to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!”
out by divination?” Judah replied, “What can we say? B’rit Chadashah: Lk 4:16-31 Jesus came to the village
How can we prove our innocence? God has uncovered of Nazareth where he spent his boyhood. He went to the
your servant’s guilt. We are now my Lord’s slave- we synagogue, stood up to read the Scripture and the scroll
ourselves and the one who was found to have the cup.” of Isaiah was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and
But Joseph said, “Only the man who was found to have read in the place where it says: “The Spirit of the Lord is
the cup will become my slave. The rest of you, go back to upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News
your father in peace.” to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will
Haftarah: Zech 3:1-4:7: Zech 3:1-10 Jeshua was be released, that the blind will see, that the
Israel’s high priest when the remnant returned to downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors, and
Jerusalem and began rebuilding the walls (Haggai 1:1,12; that the time of the Lord’s favor have come, Isa 61:1,2.”
2:4). 3:1-3 Satan accuse Joshua (representing the nation He rolled the scroll, handed it to the attendant and sat
down. Everyone in the synagogue stared at him. Then he Syrian, rather than the many lepers in Israel who needed
said, “This Scripture has come true today before your help.” Jesus remarks angered the people of Nazareth
very eyes!” because he was saying that God sometimes chose to
All who were there spoke well of him and were amazed reach Gentiles rather than Jews. Jesus implied that his
by the gracious words that fell from his lips. However, hearers were as unbelieving as the citizens of the
they asked, “How can this be? Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” northern kingdom of Israel in the days of Elijah and
vs24 Jesus said, “the truth is, no prophet is accepted in Elisha, a time notorious for its great wickedness. They
his own hometown. Vs 25-26 There are many widows in mobbed him, took him to the edge of the hill on which
Israel who needed help in Elijah’s time, when there was the city is built. They intended to push him over the cliff,
no rain for 31/2 years and hunger stalked the land yet but he slipped away through the crowd and left them.
Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead
to a widow of Zarephath-a foreigner in the land of Sidon.
Or think of the Prophet Elisha, who healed Naaman, a ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

TIE-UP (MIKETZ) “At the end”

Parsha Haftarah B’rit Chadashah
At the end of his prison term, At the end of the Babylonian At the end of the week (Shabbat) Jesus went as
exile, usual to the synagogue
Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s 2 Zechariah sees a vision of the Jesus reads the Torah Portion,
dreams (one and the same). angel showing him Jeshua 1. A prophecy from Isaiah 61:1,2. The Spirit
God reveals to Pharaoh what standing before the angel of of the Lord….
He is about to do; the Lord. 2. Pronounces, v21 “The Scripture has
1. The Cleansing for the become true before your very eyes!”
1. Seven years of abundance high priest
2. Seven years of famine 2. A lampstand and two
olive trees, Rev.11:
Joseph’s wilderness experience Zechariah’s visions reveal what Jesus revelation of Himself
prepared Joseph for a purpose: God is going to do. Brought forth the fulfillment of Jesus’ words,

“But the truth is, no prophet is accepted in his

1) He became the king’s 1)Satan accuses Jeshua own hometown.” (Lk 4:24)
Counsel 2)The Lord rebukes Satan and -unbelief in Jesus, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” (Lk
2) He was appointed to be In rejects his accusation. Though 4:22)
charge of the whole palace/the accurate, the Lord chose to The reason why Elijah, Elisha were not sent to
land of Egypt (a type of a show mercy and forgiveness, to them despite the numerous people who needed
believer who hears and obey) save his people. their miracles.
3) God put him in a position of 3)God punished Judah through At Jesus remarks made;
authority that will enable him the fire of great trials- But -people were furious, v28
to help people in need and his rescued the nation before its -they jumped on him, v29
very own family. complete destruction, v2). -they mobbed him
4) Famine in the land paved the 4)Hope for His Chosen Nation -they took him to the edge (Miketz-end) of the
way for: And Believers of Jesus hill with the intent to push him over the cliff.
• reconciliation and -Jeshua represents the nation of -But he slipped away through the crowd and left
restoration of the Israel/the priests of the them.
relationship of Joseph Lord/Christians Application:
to his brothers. -Jeshua (Greek name that (Don’t be surprised if your Christian faith are not
• Consolidation of the 12 means (he saves). So, Jeshua is easily understood or accepted by those who
tribes of Israel. a type of Christ. know you well)
5) (MIKETZ) at the end of our 1) Christ is the Branch and stone
theme this week, we see with 7 eyes, Zech 3:8; Isaiah
another round of test for the 11:1,2; Rev 3:1.
sons of Jacob to complete their
 family in Egypt that God intends 2) He has the authority to
to make into his chosen nation command his believers to send
Israel (United Israel) people to….
2a) “Take off filthy garments
(sins)” and He will replace it
with rich garment (the pure
garment of righteousness, 1
Jn 1:9; Ephe 4:24)
2b) Put clean Turban (Helmet of
Salvation)
3) If one hears and obey;
a) The Lord gives authority
over God’s Temple
/courtyard; Matt 28:18
b) Walk in and out of the
Lord’s presence along with
these others standing here
(Referring to Jews and
Gentile believers of Jesus
Christ)

Vayigash "and He drew near" Dec.17,2017 SUPERBOOK OUTREACH 2:00-4:00 PM

Gen.44:18-47:27; HAVDALLAH 1ST WORSHIP SERVICE 6:00-9:00 PM
Ezek.37:15-28;
John 5:1-47; PRAISE & WORSHIP TEAM 9:00-10:00 PM
Vayechi "and He lived"; Dec.24,2017/6 Tevet 5778; TRAINING
Gen.47:28-50:26;
1 Kings 2:1-12; GNWOM San Juan
Luke 4:31-5:11;
December 17, 2017 Last Sunday Service for 2017
Shemot "names"; Dec.31,2017/ 13 tevet 5778;
Prayer Tower May be Used Coordinate with Admi
Exo.1:1-6:1;
January 3, 2018 Start of Office work/Ministry
Isa.27:6-28:13;29:22-23;
Luke 5:12-39 January 5, 2018 1st Erev Shabbat for 2018
January 6, 2018 1st Havdalah for 2018
SUNDAY ACTIVITIES January 7, 2018 1st Sunday Service for 2018
MEN’S BREAKFAST FELLOWSHIP 8:00-10:00 AM
APOI Activities
2ND WORSHIP SERVICE 10:00-12:00 NN January 22, 2017 BIBLE WEEK
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL 10:30-11:30 PM Activity: Motorcade 3-5 cars per church, 21
barangays , 17 revo
YOUTH DESCIPLESHIP TRAINING 12:30-1:30 PM
January 26, 2018 UNITY SERVICE PRAYER at TFI
TUESDAY at 6pm.
Theme: Ptr Francis Suggestion:
PRAYER INTERCESSION 2:00-4:00 PM
“ The Voice of the One Calling in the Wilderness”
FRIDAY Matthew 24/Book of Joel
EREV SHABBAT/ TORAH READING 6:00-9:00 PM

SATURDAY Welcome Back Sis. Carol from

Israel and its Capital, Jerusalem!!
OUTLINE TEACHING: Shared by Jhet/Francis de Guzman
Twelve Days Of Christmas
Each of the 12 Days represented an important
Summary: The sermon is based on the song "The doctrine, or passages a Scripture that they were to
Twelve Days of Christmas" and give the meaning for learn.
each of the Gifts. 12 days actually come after Christmas; from
Deut. 6:4-9 Christmas Day to Epiphany. Or when it is believed
Intro. One of the responsibly of parents is to teach the wise men came. 3 Kings Day.
their children about the Lord. Lets look at them one by one, starting with 12.
-It is also part of the great commission.
Matthew 29:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching
them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even There is some question as to the truth of this story.
unto the end of the world. Amen. I. On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to
-In England it became illegal for some groups me… Twelve Drummers Drumming
(especially Catholics) to teach about God or the The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed:
Bible. (1558-1829) 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of
heaven and earth.
So a song was written to help children remember that 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
things they needed to learn to be obedient Christians 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and good members of the Church. and born of the virgin Mary.
The song was "The12 Days of Christmas" 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified,
Many believe it to be a silly song of things given to died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the
“my true love” grave].
However, the “True love” in the song is actually 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into
speaking of God and His love. heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
Over the years a few of the items and the order was 6) He will come again to judge the living and the
changed. dead.
7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic
Church,
9) The communion of saints,
10) The forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of V. On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to
the body, me...Eight Maids A-milking
12) and life everlasting. The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in
spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who
hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful,
6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who
are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. (Matthew
5:3-10)

II. On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave

to me...Eleven Pipers Piping
The eleven Faithful Apostles:
1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John,
5)Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas,
9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11)
Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16).
The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas
Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the Romans.
III. On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave
to me...Ten Lords A-leaping
The Ten Commandments: (Exodus 20:1-17)

VI. On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to

me...Seven Swans A-swimming
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2)
ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6)
administration, and 7) showing mercy. (Romans
12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)

IV. On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to

me...Nine Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law..
(Galatians 5:22-23)

VII. On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave

to me...Six Geese A-laying
The six days of creation that confesses God as
Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).
 X. On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to
me...Three French Hens
1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)

VIII. On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave

to me... Five Gold Rings
NOTE: The last six were actually birds. XI. On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave
The original song identified these as ring-necked to me...Two Turtle Doves
pheasants. The Old and New Testaments, which together bear
The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as witness to God’s self-revelation in history and the
the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the
3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, world.
which gives the history of humanity’s sinful failure
and God’s response of grace in the creation of a
people to be a light to the world.

XII. On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave

to me...A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son
IX. On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to
of God,
me...Four Calling Birds
In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a
These were actually Colly birds, a black bird
mother partridge feigns injury or even death in order
common to England.
to protect her young.
The Four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke,
It ends with the Gospel.
and 4) John, which proclaim the Good News of
The death and resurrection of Jesus.
God’s reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus
After all. Isn’t that what CHRISTtmas is all about.
Christ.