With a mission to guide everyone on a journey with God, Dr. Jonathan Casio, President of Adventist Hospital Davao, took the pulpit of Adams Center Adventist Church in Davao City to share his message with the world via various social media platforms on September 14 and 15. He presented Episodes 8 and 9 as part of the “Discover Your Way with God” Online Series launched by the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM), with all five missions and two institutions within its territory serving as launch pads for the 20-day series.
Episode 8: “The Secret of Growth Through Fellowship”
In a time when spiritual identity is often diluted by cultural trends and doctrinal compromise, may we seek a church that reflects God’s character, nurtures true fellowship, and brings light to every corner of the earth. The true church is not merely a gathering—it is a divine institution marked by obedience, testimony, and transformative fellowship, anchored in the commandments and the testimony of Jesus. As Revelation 14:12 declares, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
The question of what defines the true church remains vital. Dr. Casio illuminated this truth: Jesus established only one church, as affirmed in Ephesians 4:4–5, “There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” A defining trait of the true church is its unwavering obedience to God’s commandments. The Sabbath, the Ten Commandments, and the call to holy living are not burdens but blessings that shape its identity. Matthew 5:18 emphasizes, “Until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter… will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” Obedience, then, is not legalism—it is love in action.
Dr. Casio emphasized that the true church offers more than doctrine—it offers fellowship that reflects heaven. In this sacred community, believers are not just attendees but family. They pray, serve, and grow together. This fellowship is rooted in grace, accountability, and mutual encouragement. It is where burdens are shared, victories celebrated, and Christ glorified.
The true church is missional, not inward-looking. Matthew 5:14 reminds us, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” The Adventist Church embraces this calling globally through thousands of schools and universities, over 200 hospitals and clinics, and humanitarian efforts via ADRA in more than 100 countries.
True fellowship is spiritual, not just social. Acts 2:42 paints a vivid picture of the early church: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” In the Adventist community, this spirit lives on through worship, prayer, and service. Small groups, youth ministries, and family life programs foster deep connections that reflect Christ’s love—a sanctuary for healing, encouragement, and transformation.
Episode 9: Can the Majority Be Wrong?
As an ordained Adventist Pastor with degrees in Medicine and Hospital Administration, and experience as a mission health director and missionary to Africa, Dr. Casio opened the second day’s topic by addressing a long-standing debate: Why do most Christians worship on Sunday when the Bible consistently upholds Saturday—the seventh day—as the Sabbath?
From Genesis 2:2–3, where God sanctified the seventh day, to Exodus 20:8–11, and Luke 4:16, where Jesus observed the Sabbath, the biblical record is clear: Saturday was the day of rest and worship from creation, through Christ’s life, and into the prophetic future (Isaiah 66:22–23).
Even after Jesus’ resurrection, there is no biblical command changing the Sabbath to Sunday. His followers continued to honor the Sabbath (see Acts 13:14–15, 42–44; 16:13; 17:2; 18:4). Paul foresaw a shift, warning in Acts 20:29–30: “Fierce wolves will come in among you… and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things.”
Today, most Christians worship on Sunday. But who changed the Sabbath? Dr. Casio traced the shift to human tradition and ecclesiastical authority. In 321 A.D., Emperor Constantine declared Sunday a day of rest in honor of the sun god:
“On the venerable day of the Sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest…” — Codex Justinianus III.12.3
This was a civil law, not a biblical mandate. Later, the dominant church reinforced the change for political and religious convenience. The Council of Laodicea (363–364 A.D.) issued 60 canons, including Canon 29:
“Christians must not Judaize by resting on the Sabbath, but must work on that day, rather honoring the Lord’s Day.”
This council discouraged Sabbath observance and promoted Sunday worship. Dr. Casio presented many proofs that religious leaders changed the Sabbath without divine authority—and that this change, though widely accepted, does not override God’s law.
Can the majority be wrong? The answer is yes. Noah stood alone against a corrupt world. Elijah defied the prophets of Baal. Daniel refused to bow to Babylonian decrees. In each case, the minority upheld truth while the majority followed error. Truth is not determined by popularity, and God’s law is not subject to democratic vote.
These topics, though sensitive to many, are precious to those who seek salvation. Dr. Casio presented them with fire wrapped in love and respect—a demeanor shaped by humble struggles, professionalism, and a prayerful life.
The evening presentations were hosted by Ma’am Ivan Mae Flores, SePUM Media Production Head, and Ma’am Grace Hornales Ferrater, AHD’s Marketing Officer. The Conversations, hosted by Pr. Louwayne Van Magdadaro of the Davao City Filipino-Chinese Adventist Church, featured AHD chaplains Pr. Jimmy Sabandal, Pr. Handel Cabrera, and Pr. Cris Del Monte.
Beautiful music filled the venue and airwaves from the AHD Singers, AHD Lab Quartet, King Prestige Praise, the Casio Siblings’ Trio, Ma’am Honeylyn Casio, and Ma’am Abigail Sonsona—all glorifying God.
With urgency blended with gentleness, Dr. Casio and DYWG brought these topics to life, echoing the Spirit-filled messages of Mrs. Ellen G. White, who reminded:
“God has a work for His faithful servants to do. The attacks of the enemy must be met with the truth of His Word. Falsehood must be unmasked, its true character must be revealed, and the light of the law of Jehovah must shine forth into the moral darkness of the world. We are to present the claims of His Word. We shall not be held guiltless if we neglect this solemn duty. But while we stand in defense of the truth, let us not stand in defense of self, and make a great ado because we are called to bear reproach and misrepresentation. Let us not pity ourselves, but be very jealous for the law of the Most High." Evangelism 625.1
