For more videos, visit INC News and Updates
Author: pasugoeditor
On why the Church Of Christ takes part in socio-civic activities
On why the Church Of Christ takes part in socio-civic activities
As long as there are people who are in need, we will continue to fulfill our Christian responsibility by engaging in socio-civic activities.
By EDWIL D. ZABALA
THE ADMINISTRATION of the Church Of Christ is at the forefront of the Church’s socio-civic activities. The Executive Minister also untiringly exhorts members to treat social concern as a God-given duty. To this end, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo sets the example by treating others with love and compassion as well as by providing aid to those who are in need. The Church Administration leads and enjoins members in the firm faith that the Lord God will bless all His servants who help those who are in need.
God’s commandment: “… You shall love your neighbor as yourself …” (Matt. 19:19 New King James Version), as pointed out by our Lord Jesus Christ, clearly places social concern within the realm of Christian responsibility.
Such love is expressed not just through words but also through action:
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:10 NKJV)
Apostle Paul’s exhortation, “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share …” (I Tim. 6:18 NKJV), proves that Christians are to engage in such works with enthusiasm.
This is why social concern is a duty of Church Of Christ members. It is a proof of obedience to the Lord God’s command, as taught by Peter, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we love our fellowmen and have compassion for them:
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.”
(I Pet. 3:8 NKJV)
Such was shown by the members of the Church during the time of the apostles when they sent help to those who lacked food due to a great famine:
“Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” (Acts 11:28–30 NKJV)
Though spread far and wide, these early Christians were united in action. The same unity is evident in the members of the Church Of Christ today who send what relief they can, through the Church Administration, to those who are in need.
That such socio-civic activities should be done in a timely manner is also in keeping with the will of God:
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbour, ‘Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,’ When you have it with you.” (Prov. 3:27–28 nkjv)
Christian kindness becomes even more vital since, with the nearing Judgment Day, we are told to:
“Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days.”
(II Tim. 3:1 Good News Bible)
“Countries will fight each other; kingdoms will attack one another. There will be famines and earthquakes everywhere. All these things are like the first pains of childbirth.” (Matt. 24:7–8 gnb), said the Lord Jesus Christ, to describe some of what would take place in these last days.
There is no question that there are many kind people who are trying to ease the pain of those who suffer.
We, members of the Church Of Christ, though just ordinary citizens, also strive to do our part by being kind to those who are in need. We firmly believe that we are blessed when we do this:
“It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed are those who are kind to the needy.” (Prov. 14:21 Today’s New International Version)
During these hard times, when we all the more need to be blessed by God, the Bible assures us that God’s servants who are kind to those who are in need and the poor will be blessed:
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” (Prov. 14:31 tniv)
Those who honor the Lord God will receive His blessing that brings true joy:
“If you want to be happy, be kind to the poor; it is a sin to despise anyone.” (Prov. 14:21 gnb)
So, for as long as there are poor and people who are in need in the land, we, members of the Church Of Christ, led by the Church’s Administration, will continue to fulfil our Christian responsibility by engaging in socio-civic activities. We firmly believe that to love and to be compassionate to others by providing help when it is in our power to do so will bring blessings and happiness to us as well.
This article was originally published in the Pasugo: God’s Message magazine.
For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph
Ordination of New Ministers and 38th Commencement Exercises of Iglesia Ni Cristo School for Ministers
For more videos, visit INC News and Updates
Cebu City District installs more secretariat officers
Cebu City District installs more secretariat officers
By CAYNIE RACUYA and MARK ANDRO MILAN
Date Posted: September 19, 2022
The leadership of the Ecclesiastical District of Cebu City, Cebu, in the Philippines, has recently installed additional officers to serve and help in the secretariat of their respective local congregations.
They were sworn in on September 4, 2022 during a special gathering of all congregation secretariat officers in the district, which was held at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Tisa.
The Church’s General Secretary, Brother Rene J. Panoncillo, officiated at the sacred occasion. Preaching a Bible-based lesson, he reminded the attendees that their role in every Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) congregation’s record keeping is of great relevance and of great help to its administration. He exhorted them, thus, to be deeply devoted to the duty God gifted them as they could fully trust Him to help and guide them.
After the homily, the new secretariat officers from the 41 local congregations, 7 extensions, and 15 group worship services (GWS) of the district took their oath of office.
“With the increasing membership in the Church Of Christ comes the need for more Church officers, especially now that the propagation of God’s words by the entire Church has become all the more intensified,” said Brother Ramil Tolentino, assistant district supervising minister. “This special gathering and oathtaking are but the initial steps to guide the newly appointed secretaries as they unite with the aim of the Church Administration in keeping, reporting, and preserving Church records.” — With reports from INC News Section
LA County District activity warms hearts of LAPD Mission Division officers
LA County District activity warms hearts of LAPD Mission Division officers
By EVA BASALLAJE and RONNIE H. MUTYA
Date Posted: September 16, 2022
“We’ve seen the worst of humanity,” but [through the Police Appreciation Activity], “we got to see the best of humanity and we know that we are appreciated with acts of kindness like this,” Joseph Carter, senior lead officer and a 15-year veteran in the LAPD, enthused.
On August 20, 2022, the Ecclesiastical District of Los Angeles (LA) County, California hosted a ‘Police Appreciation Day’ for the officers of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Mission Division assigned at the Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills, California.
Expressing their appreciation and recognition to the police officers’ services in maintaining peace and order in the community, the brethren handed out gift baskets filled with assorted food treats.
Moreover, “Thank You” cards creatively made by the members of the Children’s Worship Service (CWS)—one card reads “You get this ticket for being awesome”—tugged at the hearts of the police officers, bringing them joy and smiles.
“Some of the simple gestures such as like these gift baskets from the Church will go a long way. They show us that we know we’re loved by the community and our hard work is appreciated. Having these items will definitely help,” said Carter.
“It’s very heartfelt and heartwarming. To the Church Of Christ, thank you for your generosity… and all the beautiful cards and the friendly smiles,” expressed Sergeant Alexander Tan who is assigned to the Mission Division Patrol.
Emphasizing the aim of the event, Brother Dean Ancheta, North Hollywood Congregation’s resident minister, enthused, “If the law enforcement officers are doing all they can to serve the community, we also strive our best to do all of these outreach programs to them because, as what is recorded in the Bible, we should grab every opportunity to do good to our fellowmen.”
The LA County District is one of the four ecclesiastical districts in California, USA. It comprises 16 local congregations. At present, it is under the leadership of Brother Joji S. Crisostomo, the district supervising minister.
Australia West District boosts propagation efforts in Solomon Islands
Australia West District boosts propagation efforts in Solomon Islands
By RONNIE H. MUTYA and MARCK ANGELO R. DELOS REYES
Date Posted: September 14, 2022
The leadership of the Ecclesiastical District of Australia West has undertaken efforts to intensify the propagation of the faith in Solomon Islands, an archipelagic state located about 1,400 kilometers east of Papua New Guinea (PNG).
“Our mission to propagate the gospel in Solomon Islands is part of the intensive campaign that was launched by the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo,” said the district supervising minister, Brother Romeo E. Beltran. “So, we continue to encourage the brethren to continue doing their part in this holy endeavor, in order to intensify the works of sharing the true faith.”
On August 20 and 22, 2022, the brethren from the Lae City GWS in Papua New Guinea (PNG) brought guests to a missionary center of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) in Honiara, Solomon Islands to attend the evangelical missions organized under the direct supervision of the district leadership.
A few days before the evangelical missions, on August 18, a deputation of brethren, led by Brother Edmark Velasco, resident ministerial worker of Lae City GWS, flew in from PNG to Honiara, the capital city of Solomon Islands. Upon arrival, they distributed Pasugo: God’s Message magazines to the residents and invited them to the upcoming evangelistic event in their area.
On the said evangelical missions, the preaching of God’s words by Brother Beltran reached the islanders assembled in the missionary center through livestreaming. Also connected was the place of worship of the Lae City GWS where more guests gathered.
Meanwhile, on August 25, more guests listened to God’s words and also received care packages in an outreach-evangelical mission held at the office building of AIM Global in Capital Parks, Creek Area, Honiara City.
“Conducting this outreach-evangelical mission here in Solomon Islands brought joy to the guests. They were thankful for the expression of kindness extended by the Church Of Christ,” enthused Brother Velasco. During the propagational part of the activity, he preached about the true Church and its importance in gaining one’s salvation when the appointed day comes.
During the outreach segment of the activity, care packages, which includes basic necessities such as canned goods, several kilograms of rice, and hygiene items, were handed to the guests.
As a result of the series of propagational activities, a number of Honiara residents are attending Bible studies on the basic teachings of the Bible upheld by the Church Of Christ.
“We have Church Of Christ members who found employment in Honiara and, with their help and support, we were able to conduct these propagational activities,” said Brother Velasco. “Through the guidance of our beloved Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, we will continue to intensify the works of propagation in this part of Oceania. It is our hope that, with God’s help, a local congregation will be established there.”— With reports from INC News Section, Quiza Quiñola, Bunny Quiñola, and Jonee Quiñola
Oregon, U.S.A. | Turning Point
For more videos, visit INCTV
Ing Dapat A Menibatan Keng Guinu
For more videos, visit Iglesia Ni Cristo EVangelical Mission
Choisir une Vie Heureuse et Positive dans un Monde Troublé et Négatif
For more videos, visit Iglesia Ni Cristo EVangelical Mission
The Message of Apostle Paul’s Conversion
For more videos, visit Iglesia Ni Cristo EVangelical Mission