Got problems? Turn to God!

Posted on November 14, 2022November 14, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Got problems? Turn to God!

He who can expect God to help him as he deals with worries and problems is the one who puts his trust in Him. So, if we want God to help us, we must put our trust in Him.

By JOHNNY J. MARTIN

GOT PROBLEMS? You are not alone. In recent years, how many millions of people have had to deal with troubles associated with job loss, home loss, natural calamities, wars, etc.? When faced with difficulties, many have turned to other people, like government leaders, for aid. But whom should we really rely on for help with whatever problems we face?

Depend on God
We can solely depend on our Lord God for help because He cares about us. Apostle Peter said:

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.”
(I Pet. 5:7 Contemporary English Version)

As we live in this world, there are times when we are worried about what will happen to us, especially nowadays with all the problems people face. Many have literally lost everything because of some calamities that struck them. It is thus comforting and encouraging to know that the Lord God truly cares about us.

However, he who can expect God to help him as he deals with worries and problems is the one who puts his trust in Him. So, if we want God to help us, we must put our trust in Him. King David said:

“Give yourself to the Lord; trust in him, and he will help you.” (Ps. 37:5 Good News Bible)

We should not hesitate to put our trust in God, because if He takes care of birds, flowers, or other living things He created, He will take care of us, for we are worth much more than them. Look at what our Lord Jesus Christ taught in Matthew 6:25–29:

“This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn’t life worth more than food? And isn’t the body worth more than clothes? Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren’t you worth much more than birds? Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it? And why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow: they do not work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that not even King Solomon with all his wealth had clothes as beautiful as one of these flowers.” (GNB)

Our Lord Jesus Christ shows here that man needs food and drink to stay alive and that he also needs clothes to put on his body. Although we need these things, He teaches us not to worry about them. He points out that life is more important than food and that the body is more important than clothing. Remember that we have our bodies and life because God created us and He can provide us with what we need to sustain our life in this world. Hence, our Lord Jesus Christ guides us to put our trust in the Lord God. We ought to be confident that God is Someone whom we can fully depend on.

What God can do
The extent of what God can do for us is revealed in Mark 10:27:

“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible’.” (New King James Version)

Our Lord Jesus Christ says that while there are things that are impossible for men, all things are possible with God. No matter how wise, rich, and successful a man may be in this life, there are still things that are impossible for him to accomplish. For example, he cannot completely eliminate problems in life or stop death from ever coming. But with God, all things are possible. The Holy Scriptures show us that “God can do anything” (Luke 1:37 New Century Version).

For us to benefit from what God can do for us, we need to approach Him in prayer and ask Him for His help and blessing. This is what our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to do:

“Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks will receive, and anyone who seeks will find, and the door will be opened to those who knock. Would any of you who are fathers give your son a stone when he asks for bread? Or would you give him a snake when he asks for a fish? As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matt. 7:7–11 GNB)

Our Lord Jesus Christ shows us something that all parents can relate to. He shows us that if our own children would ask us for bread, we would give them bread, not a stone, and that if they would ask for fish, we would give them fish, not a snake. If we, who are sinful know how to give good things to our children, more so will God give good things to those who ask Him. But, it is not enough to just know that God is surely capable of providing our needs. We should approach Him and ask Him for what we need. And our Lord Jesus Christ assured us that we would receive what we are asking for.

Thus, prayer should be an important part of one’s life. While people put time into getting an education or earning a living—which are good things to do—we should always make time to talk with our Lord God by means of our prayers to Him. Those who pray to God show that they put their trust in Him.

Whom God does not hear
However, it is important to understand that although it is good for one to spend time in prayer, there are those whose prayers will not be heard by God. Those are the prayers offered by sinners. Isaiah 59:2 says this:

“It is because of your sins that he doesn’t hear you. It is your sins that separate you from God when you try to worship him.” (GNB)

Sin is the breaking of the law of God (I John 3:4). Everyone has sinned against God (Rom. 3:23). And sin has damaging effects upon man. As the verse cited above reveals, sin has caused man to be separated from God, and has resulted in his losing the right to worship Him and not being heard in his prayers. Isaiah 64:7 shows us that God hides Himself from people because of their sins:

“No one turns to you in prayer; no one goes to you for help. You have hidden yourself from us and have abandoned us because of our sins.” (GNB)

Therefore, God is not the one to be blamed if our prayers are not heard. If our prayers go unheard it is not because God is failing us or is it because He is weak or unreliable. It is man who is at fault for our own sins caused God not to hear us.

Whom God will hear
One may ask, “How can I be sure that my prayers will be heard and answered by God, if I am guilty of sins?” We need to have our sins forgiven and the forgiveness of sins is through the blood of Christ. This is what Apostle Paul said:

“But by the free gift of God’s grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free. God offered him, so that by his blood he should become the means by which people’s sins are forgiven through their faith in him. God did this in order to demonstrate that he is righteous. In the past he was patient and overlooked people’s sins.” (Rom. 3:24–26 GNB)

If we want to have our sins be forgiven and our prayers be heard by God, then we should have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and we need to be redeemed by His blood. Notice what Apostle Paul says here about those who were redeemed by the blood of Christ:

“By his blood we are now put right with God; how much more, then, will we be saved by him from God’s anger! We were God’s enemies, but he made us his friends through the death of his Son. Now that we are God’s friends, how much more will we be saved by Christ’s life!” (Rom. 5:9–10 GNB)

The ones being referred to here by Apostle Paul as having been put right with God and forgiven of their sins through the blood of Christ are those who are inside the Church, which is Christ’s body. It is for this Church that Christ died. Here is what Apostle Paul said:

“For a husband has authority over his wife just as Christ has authority over the church; and Christ is himself the Savior of the church, his body … Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it.” (Eph. 5:23, 25 GNB)

The name of this Church is the Church Of Christ:

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.”
(Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation)

So, if we want to be sure that our prayers are being heard by God, then we should become members of the Church Of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo). Once we are inside this Church our sins shall be forgiven through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. God will now hear our prayers.

For those who are still outside the Church Of Christ, to have their prayers heard, they should heed the invitation of Christ to come into the fold or the Church:

“I am the door; anyone who comes into the fold through me will be safe …” (John 10:9 Revised English Bible)

This is why we, Church members, value our membership inside the Church Of Christ. Now that we are in this Church, we have benefited from the blood of Christ, which means that our sins have already been forgiven by our Lord God. And if our sins have now been pardoned, then we can be sure that God will hear our prayers. No matter what kind of problems we face or is thrown at us, we know that we can count on God to be there for us, to help us, and most of all to grant us salvation on the Day of Judgment.

This article was originally published in the Pasugo: God’s Message magazine.

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

God’s watchman who strives for the welfare of His people day and night

Posted on September 7, 2022September 7, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) while preaching God's words

God’s watchman who strives for the welfare of His people day and night

As a watchman appointed by God over His nation, the one who administers the Church plays a crucial role in leading the Lord’s work and bringing the true Christians towards perfection and salvation.

By RONNIE H. MUTYA

TRULY A LEADER placed by God, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister, has proven his heartfelt dedication to watching over the entire Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ).

September 7, 2022 marks the 13th year of his dynamic leadership and guardianship of the Church Of Christ. It is his earnest desire to see its members, who are the elect of God, continue fighting for their faith until the end.

How vital is Brother Eduardo Manalo’s God-given task of watching over His people in these last days? Why is it only fitting and proper for the members of the Church to abide by his administration as the Executive Minister?

A God-given task
To keep watch over His people and warn them of the impending dangers that may hinder them from gaining salvation, God places watchmen in His nation. During the time of ancient Israel, for instance, Prophet Ezekiel was among the watchmen appointed by God (Ezek. 3:17).

Such is also the case in the Church Of Christ in these last days. A prophecy about this Church says:

“On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put to the LORD in remembrance, take no rest.” (Isa. 62:6 English Standard Version)

“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch.” (Isa. 62:1 ESV)

The “Zion” being referred to symbolizes the Church redeemed with the blood of Jesus Christ (Heb. 12:22–24)—the Church Of Christ (Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation; Master Study Bible, p. 1840) during the time of the apostles.

However, Prophet Isaiah also prophesied about the “daughter of Zion” that would emerge in the time period called “ends of the earth” (Isa. 62:11–12 King James Version 2000). The fulfillment of the prophesied “daughter of Zion” is the Church Of Christ that emerged in the time when the end of the world is near. This period of time was signified by, among others, the outbreak of the First World War on July 27, 1914 (Matt. 24:3, 33; footnote, Matt. 24:6–8 Last Days Bible).

Entrusted, therefore, with the noble task of looking after the welfare of every Church member, God’s “watchmen … all the day and all the night they shall never be silent.” This is the reason the “watchmen” not only tirelessly teach the “righteousness” or the words of God but they also strive to make it bright in the lives of the chosen ones by faithfully upholding His teachings so that our salvation will be like a “burning torch.”

In the Christian era, who serves as the watchman entrusted by God with the task of proclaiming His words and bringing His servants to perfection to ensure salvation? Apostle Paul taught in Colossians 1:25, 28–29:

“I have become its minister, according to God’s administration that was given to me for you, to make God’s message fully known … We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me.” (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Just as what He did with the first-century Church, God has also placed a minister in the Church Of Christ in our time whom He has given the administration of the Church and the authority to preach His truths that must shine brightly in us until we become mature in faith. Today, it is Brother Eduardo Manalo who administers the Church, thus, the watchman who ensures our faith is perfect by teaching God’s words. Among the watchmen whom God also placed to lead the entire Church were Brother Felix Y. Manalo, God’s messenger in these last days, and Brother Eraño G. Manalo.

We, therefore, have the responsibility to always obey what the Executive Minister teaches to us in order to reach the condition that God wants us to be in when Christ returns (Phil. 2:12, 15).

Giving utmost respect
As instructed by the apostles, it is also our duty to abide by the administration appointed by God to administer the Church Of Christ:

“Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.” (II Thess. 5:12–13 New Living Translation)

As a watchman appointed by God over His nation, the one who administers the Church plays a crucial role in leading the Lord’s work and bringing the true Christians towards perfection and salvation. Thus, it is only proper to give our “great respect and wholehearted love” to him. We know and see how Brother Eduardo Manalo works hard to give the spiritual nourishment that we truly need, most especially in these times of great sorrows. Hence, we must recognize his labors by according him respect and love. As taught by Apostle Paul, this is how we can show and prove our love to the Executive Minister:

“Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.” (Heb. 13:17 NLT)

The salvation of our souls is at stake if we do not obey our spiritual leader. Apostle Paul cannot emphasize enough how vital the role of the spiritual leader is in ensuring that we are well-guarded from anything that may keep us from dwelling in the heavenly abode. Hence, obedience and submission to God’s teachings in the Bible taught to us by the Executive Minister is essential to receiving eternal life.

Safeguarding the faithful
Fully aware of the trials that we go through day by day, the Executive Minister safeguards our faith so that we will not be defeated by our enemy. To be able to do so, he exhorts us the same way as Apostle Peter urged the brethren then to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (I Pet. 5:8–9 NKJV).

The devil, who is our enemy, is redoubling his efforts in deceiving and destroying our true faith to hinder us from achieving our goal. Now more than ever, we must be sober and vigilant because “the devil … is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short” (Rev. 12:12 New International Version).

As the time of the fulfillment of our redemption or salvation is getting closer and closer, the time for the devil to carry out his evil schemes is getting shorter and shorter as well. In deceiving people, he uses instruments, among them are false preachers:

“At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” (Matt. 24:10–12 NIV)

That is why Brother Eduardo Manalo never ceases to remind us to prioritize our worship of God and our services to Him. For when we constantly obey God’s true teachings, we are protected from evil and become more certain of our salvation.

Placing our faith in God
To help us receive what we ultimately hope for, another biblical teaching that we often hear from the Executive Minister is this advice given by Apostle Peter:

“Cast every worry you have upon Him, because He cares for you. … And God, the giver of every spiritual blessing, who through your union with Christ has called you to His eternal glory, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself make you perfect, firm, and strong.” (I Pet. 5:7, 10 Williams New Testament)

Apostle Peter’s counsel to the Christians back then is still relevant nowadays because many people are overtaken by worry and anxiety due to the worsening situation of the world. Thankfully, we often receive encouragement from our Executive Minister, through God’s words, by reminding us to cast our worries upon God.

Remember how the love of God was manifested in us by calling us into the true Church Of Christ. Thus, we can always cast our worries upon God who is the “giver of every spiritual blessing.” There is no reason for us to get weak even when obstacles abound in our journey toward the Holy City because God truly cares for us and will help us overcome all of these. When we are beset with woe, He will certainly make us “perfect, firm, and strong.”

The untiring efforts and loving concern of Brother Eduardo Manalo for the entire Church only shows that he is indeed the God-appointed watchman who strives day and night to bring us all to salvation. Thus, the Church members all over the world remain one with him in striving to live in obedience and holiness as God’s elect whom He will grant life eternal.

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

God’s last work of salvation

Posted on July 25, 2022July 25, 2022 by pasugoeditor

God’s last work of salvation

God’s work of salvation continues. The Bible prophesies God’s work from a far country at the ends of the earth that will be led by His chosen servant. This would be the last religion on earth that belongs to Him.

By MANDY A. NEPOMUCENO

THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO (Church Of Christ) will celebrate its 108th anniversary on July 27, 2022. Church members are taught that the myriad triumphs that the Church continues to reap are the fulfillment of God's promises to His Messenger in the last days, Brother Felix Manalo, and to his mission. And those victories came despite the many challenges and the efforts of its detractors to derail its work. Its detractors never stop working through their schemes to make the faithful doubt their divine election and separate them from the Church. Meanwhile, this Church—the Church Of Christ, which emerged in the Philippines in 1914—will never stray away because it is God’s final work of salvation.

The Lord God chose the ancient Israel then and made them to be His own people (II Sam. 7:24). Among the many nations that existed before in their time, only Israel belonged to God (II Kings 5:15). But they turned away from Him (Dan. 9:11). When the Lord Jesus Christ was sent by God on earth, He built the Church of Christ in the first century (Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation). Among the many people then, they were the only ones who belonged to God and were given the right to serve give praise to Him (I Pet. 2:9). But they departed from the faith (I Tim 4:1).

However, God’s work of salvation still continues. The Bible prophesies God’s work from a far country at the ends of the earth that will be led by His chosen servant (Isa. 46:11; 43:5–6). This would be the last religion on earth that belongs to Him.

The ends of the earth
For His last work of salvation, the Lord God prophesied about His sons and daughters whom He would bring from the east:

“Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, And gather you from the west; I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth.” (Isa. 43:5–6 New King James Version)*

The east where they would come from is also described in the Bible verses mentioned as “afar;” and so, another translation of the same Bible verses renders it as “far east” (Moffatt Translation). It is no coincidence then that the Philippines, a country in the Far East, is the place where the Iglesia Ni Cristo started.

The prophecy specified not only the place of emergence of God’s children but also the time when He would bring them or start the mission: the prophecy states, “from the ends of the earth.”

The “ends of the earth” is not the end of the world, but the period preceding the latter. “Ends of the earth” is also rendered as “ends of the world” (Job 22:24 nkjv; Dhouay-Rheims). The said expression, which appears in I Corinthians 10:11 of King James Version, is rendered in other translations as the “time when the end is about to come” (Good News Bible) or, as the apostles usually referred to it, the “last days” (Living Bible). The Lord Jesus Christ called the time aptly as “at the doors” (Matt. 24:33 nkjv) to describe that the time is near the end.

Christ foretold the visible signs that people would see when the “ends of the earth” has come or when the end is near:

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matt. 24:6–8 NKJV)

Christ prophesied a war different from any that had happened before it—it would be rumored or the news about it would spread. The Lord Jesus Christ also forewarned of another war that will follow where “nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” That means there would be a war that would involve not only two opposing nations but many nations of the world. The wars would also be followed by widespread famines, pestilences, and earthquakes.

What would also make these prophesied wars distinct is the modern weapons of war that would be used. In a related prophecy, in Jeremiah 4:13 and 19, it states, thus:

“Behold, he shall come up like clouds, And his chariots like a whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are plundered! … O my soul, my soul! I am pained in my very heart! My heart makes a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, Because you have heard, O my soul, The sound of the trumpet, The alarm of war.” (NKJV)*

Wars are not unusual, nor famines in the past. There were pestilences or disease epidemics recorded at various times in history. Earthquakes are common occurrences. However, Bible scholars testify that Christ prophesied a “specific time during which all of these phenomena would be in evidence at the same time;” and “the first such time in world history occurred during the years of World War I (1914-1918) and immediately following” (Matt 24:6–8 Last Days Bible, footnote).

Meanwhile, historians note that “the First World War was unlike any war in the past,” because “this was the first war in three dimensions.” Airplanes were first used as a war instrument, and they served as “winged warriors” who bombed cities from the air, and as scouts, “a kind of aerial ‘cavalry,’” (World History, Vol. II, pp. 478-479) akin to the prophetical pronouncements, “horses swifter than eagles.”

Also, during World War I, the tank was invented, a “land battleship—an armored automobile which could move on rough ground because it was built like a tractor” (World History, Vol. II, pp. 478-479), or as the prophecy describes, “chariots like whirlwind.” Another World War broke out in September 1, 1939, as the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:6–8.

When the First World War broke out on July 27, 1914, that signaled that the time of the world is at the “ends of the earth” or that the end of the world was near. On the same date, the Church Of Christ was registered with the government in the Philippines. Such is not a mere coincidence, but prophecies being fulfilled.

The time of harvest
What comes after the final work of salvation? This is what is revealed in another prophecy in the Bible, thus:

“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.’ Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.” (Rev. 14:13–15 nkjv)

This is a prophecy about the work of the third angel, who is also God’s last messenger. The culmination of his work is the time of harvest, as the prophecy states: “The time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” The time of harvest is “the end of the age” (Matt. 13:39 nkjv). The end of the age is the end of the world, or the day when God will mete out His judgment to all. Indeed, God’s last work of salvation is man’s last opportunity, for after it comes the end.

The Church Of Christ, whose members are the fruits of the labors of God’s last messenger, Brother Felix Manalo, is God’s last work of salvation. What comes after is the end of the world.

The prophecy also states, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” Those who are “in the Lord” have “no condemnation,” after all, as the apostles taught:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Rom. 8:1 NKJV)

Those who are in the Lord Jesus Christ are not those who merely declare that they are in Him, nor who merely profess their faith and knowledge in Him. Rather, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself claims them as His own. In Matthew 16:18, He pronounced that He built His Church, His own:

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.” (Revised Standard Version)

Christ called it His Church. His apostles followed His lead and called His Church by His Name—the Church Of Christ:

“And He appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets; some to be evangelists, others preachers or teachers. The common object of their labor was to bring the Christians maturity, to prepare them for Christian service and the building up of the Church of Christ.” (Eph. 4:12 Norlie’s Simplified New Testament)

The Church Of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo) that emerged in the Philippines is the continuation of the Church built by Christ when He was on earth. Those who joined the Church Of Christ today are included in God’s last work of salvation. And even though death may come to them first before the world ends, their hope will not perish—when they follow the lead of the faithful disciples of Christ, who completed their race:

“My life is coming to an end, and it is now time for me to be poured out as a sacrifice to God. I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. The prize that shows I have God’s approval is now waiting for me. The Lord, who is a fair judge, will give me that prize on that day. He will give it not only to me but also to everyone who is eagerly waiting for him to come again.” (II Tim. 4:6–8 Names of God Bible).

Members of the Church Of Christ are always exhorted to maintain such resolve—fight the good fight, complete the race, keep the faith. In the end, what awaits them is the prize that shows they have God’s approval, for the Lord God is a fair judge. What lies ahead before them while they continue their journey in this world may be even more difficult; but even in the darkest moments of their lives they will never give up their divine election in the Church.

New challenges will confront the Church while it soldiers on to another year, however, whatever they may be, Church members echo the conviction of the servants of God before:

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Rom. 8:18 NKJV)

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

Thanksgiving to God:
a vow we will never break

Posted on July 18, 2022July 18, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Thanksgiving to God: a vow we will never break

Church Of Christ members continue to give thanks to God despite everything that they encounter in life, for it is their vow or solemn promise which honors Him.

CONFLICTS BETWEEN nations, volcanic eruptions, violent earthquakes, wildfires, and destructive storms are but some of the events that devastated many lives this year. What made things worse is the global health crisis that caused infections to tens of millions of people and death to more than a million. Further aggravating the situation, the pandemic brought about the downward trend in the economies of many nations—not sparing even the wealthiest countries—which caused a spike in hunger and poverty rates worldwide. In the midst of these, many people have become disheartened, with some even resorting to suicide, thinking it was the best measure to end their miseries.

The servants of God—because they still sojourn in this world—also experience problems and difficulties. In one of his letters, Apostle Paul said:

“After we came to Macedonia, we didn’t have any chance to rest. We were faced with all kinds of problems. We were troubled by enemies and troubled by fears.” (II Cor. 7:5 Contemporary English Version)

Indeed, like the early Christians, members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) today endure troubles and hardships in this life. But through the help of God, they are able to overcome them. They never weaken in the midst of trials. Instead, they gladly face these, for they firmly believe that through trials, they prove that their faith is genuine (I Pet. 1:6-7 Good News Bible). As the trials they face get heavier, they cling to God all the more—and from Him, they receive the strength and the protection that they need.

Church Of Christ members continue to give thanks to God despite everything that they encounter in life. They do this for, like the early servants of God, it is their vow or solemn promise which honors Him:

“Offer to God thanksgiving, And pay your vows to the Most High.” (Ps. 50:14 New King James Version)

“Giving thanks is the sacrifice that honors me, and I will surely save all who obey me.” (Ps. 50:23 Good News Bible)

Also, being true servants of God, Church Of Christ members understand that one of the important parts of the vow to God that they must fulfill is the giving of thank-offerings. The Bible teaches, thus:

“So bring your thank offerings {to share with the other worshipers} and come to be with God. You made promises to God Most High, so give him the things you promised.” (Ps. 50:14 Easy-to-Read Version 2001)

Even during the time of the apostles, Church Of Christ members dedicatedly fulfill this part of their vow to God, regardless of the severity of the trials they face. A good example of dedication is like what the brethren in Macedonia did. Concerning this, Apostle Paul testified:

“Now, friends, I want to report on the surprising and generous ways in which God is working in the churches in Macedonia province. Fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts. I was there and saw it for myself. They gave offerings of whatever they could—far more than they could afford!” (II Cor. 8:1-3 The Message)

Similarly, despite the effects in the economy brought by the current global health crisis, Church Of Christ members make sure that they are not hindered from giving their thank-offerings, in fulfillment of their vow to God.

Church Of Christ members recognize that, however difficult the situation they find themselves in, the truth remains that they belong to Christ. They realize that their being among the people who belong to Christ is truly a great privilege, for what awaits them is an inheritance greater than any other. For that reason, they never fail to give thanks to God:

“… giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 1:12-14 NKJV)

Members of the Church Of Christ are the ones redeemed with the precious blood of Christ (Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation). Because of this redemption, they received the right to serve the Lord God (Heb. 9:14) and offer Him true worship (Rom. 12:1). And, they will receive God’s promised inheritance in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 25:31-34).

With this certainty of belonging to Christ and being God’s people in these last days, Church Of Christ members uphold the same conviction as that of the early people of God:

“I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart.” (Ps. 34:1-2 Living Bible)

This year that is about to end may have brought untold hardships, problems, and troubles along the way but for God’s people, these will never hinder them from giving thanks to Him. In truth, they were able to surmount all these because of His help and protection. That is why they have the firm conviction that in the years ahead, God will again sufficiently provide for them His chosen ones:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. … And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7, 19 NKJV)

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

Preparing for the worst disaster

Posted on July 11, 2022July 11, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Preparing for the worst disaster

As people strive to prepare for disasters that abound in this world, there is yet one catastrophic event that is the worst of all.

By ALEJANDRO R. SINO CRUZ JR.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS. It has been of utmost importance now more than ever. With all the severe calamities and disasters that are happening around the world, authorities devise safety measures with the aim of helping people avoid, as much as possible, harm and destruction. Agencies of all sorts are trying their best to inform and prepare the general public about the imminent dangers disasters, whether natural or man-made, will bring. Citing news from various parts of the globe, we can find calamities of horrific magnitude that led to loss of lives, leaving many homeless, and destruction of properties and infrastructures.

There are reports of floods, tornadoes, typhoons, and hurricanes causing widespread devastation. Earthquakes and volcanic explosions cause enormous damage to communities. Wildfires adversely affect the lives of people living nearby. As a matter of fact, lists of catastrophes have been bringing pain, distress, and despair to the lives of multitudes of people. Making things worse, there are man-made tragedies that also plague our society nowadays. Incidents of terrorist attacks, major accidents, and widespread killings abound, not only in places prone to danger and social unrest, but also in places that were once considered peaceful and safe to live in. Deadly diseases, several of which still have no cure, are also terrifying threats to people’s lives. Epidemics break out now and then in different places.

In the face of these perilous circumstances, people are trying their best to be fully prepared, so that in the event that any of these cataclysms hits their places, they may, at the most, be saved from utter destruction.

The most dreadful disaster
As people strive to be ready against disasters that abound in this world, there is yet one catastrophic event that is the worst of all. This is what people should all the more be prepared for. The Bible mentions of a day that the Lord God had appointed to take place:

“Because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained …” (Acts 17:31 New King James Version)

The day being referred to by this biblical pronouncement is none other than Judgment Day. Apostle Peter described how dreadful that day would be in II Peter 3:7, 10:

“But the heavens and the earth which now exist are kept in store, by the same word, reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” (NKJV)

So, if everything will be consumed by fire—“the earth and the works that are in it” and even the “heavens … and the elements will melt with fervent heat”—this only means that this is the worst disaster which is yet to come. If people exhaust every means to prepare for calamities, then all the more they should make the most important preparation for the inevitable day of Judgment.

The signs of its coming
An essential part of disaster-preparedness programs is the forecasting and warning that concerned agencies broadcast to inform the public of imminent danger. However, they could only warn people of natural calamities, not the impending day of Judgment. But the Savior Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ, during His ministry here on earth, had already warned about the coming of the day of great destruction. He mentioned the signs that people will see when the end of the age or the Day of Judgment, which is also His Second Coming, is “near” and “at the doors” (Matt. 24:3, 33 NKJV). Christ even specified the signs when He said that people “will hear of wars and rumors of wars” and “nation will rise against nation” as well as “kingdom against kingdom,” and that “there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places” (Matt. 24:6-8 NKJV).

It is a common knowledge that wars have been going on since the time of ancient civilizations. Likewise, throughout the course of history, there are many recorded cases of famines, earthquakes, pestilences or disease epidemics in various places. However, when the Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples about the events that will signal the coming of Judgment Day, He referred to “a specific time during which all of these phenomena would be in evidence at the same time. The first such time in world history occurred during the years of World War 1 (1914-1918)” (footnote, Matt. 24:6-8 Last Days Bible). Thus, the world now is in the time period “the last days” or the time when Judgment Day is near, at the doors.

There is no time to waste in preparing for the coming of Judgment Day since that day “is near—very near and coming fast!” (Zeph. 1:14 Good News Bible). On that day, the destruction will be so great that “the whole earth will be destroyed by the fire” and not even all “silver and gold” will be able to save the people from being destroyed (Zeph. 1:18 GNB). Hence, even wealth and riches cannot save the people of the world from the looming desolation.

People must prepare
People might ask, “How then can we prepare for that most dreaded day and when will it come?” Many have tried to predict when the day of Judgment will happen but to no avail. This is because “no one knows … when that day and hour will come” except the Father in heaven (Matt. 24:36 GNB). For this reason, the Savior Himself issued forewarnings, declaring what people should do. Christ exhorts all people to “always be ready” because His Second Advent will occur at a time when people are “not expecting Him” (Matt. 24:44 GNB).

If wealth and riches cannot save the people of this world from the fiery destruction, then how can they be ready for it? Apostle Peter further clarified that people should “do [their] best … to be at peace with him” (II Pet. 3:14 GNB). And those who are found to be at peace with the Lord God are the ones who “were called in one body” (Col. 3:15 NKJV).

Being called in one body
Although Judgment day is such a terrifying day to reckon with, the Bible clearly offers a solution for people to be saved. The apostles taught that people should do their best to be found at peace, that is to be called in one body. In Colossians 1:18, Apostle Paul taught that the body being referred to is the body of Christ, the Church (NKJV). He further specified the name of the Church that is the body of the Lord Jesus Christ:

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood” (Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation).

No wonder the Church Of Christ that emerged in the Philippines in these last days has intensified its efforts in all of its endeavors, especially in the field of propagating God’s words to as many people as possible so they may also be called to enter the Church Of Christ. The day of Judgment is very near and coming fast. There is no preventing it. So, people should waste no time in doing their best to ready themselves.

However, it is very important to note that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself also taught how to complete the preparations to ensure salvation on Judgment Day. He made certain to the members of the Church Of Christ during the first century—that also applies to the members of the Church Of Christ in these last days—who among His disciples will be saved on Judgment Day: “But he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matt. 24:13 NKJV).

Therefore, those who are prepared for the worst disaster and are sure to be saved from the eternal destruction that it will bring are those who became members of the Church Of Christ who remain until the end, whether the end of the world or the end of their life, whichever will come first.

This article was originally published in the Pasugo: God’s Message magazine, June 2016 issue.

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

An invitation to a joyful gathering

Posted on June 21, 2022June 21, 2022 by pasugoeditor

An invitation to a joyful gathering

To make it to the joyful gathering in heaven, people should join the Church that is "composed of all those registered in heaven."

By SIEGFRED T. GOLLAYAN

IN THIS WORLD, there are many problems and difficulties that bring us sorrow and distress. There are also times when we fail in what we do, bringing us more pain. However, our Lord Jesus Christ mentioned that even though we are now sad and troubled, He will soon see us again and our hearts will be filled with gladness that no one can take away from us:

“That is how it is with you: now you are sad, but I will see you again, and your hearts will be filled with gladness, the kind of gladness that no one can take away from you.” (John 16:22 Good News Bible)

Because no less than our Savior is the One Who made this promise, it is what we should long for. We should not allow anything or anyone to hinder us from receiving that gladness or joy (New King James Version) that our Lord Jesus Christ promised.

The place of gathering
As to where that gladness or joy is, which each of us must strive to reach, the Bible enlightens us, thus:

“But you have come right up into Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to the gathering of countless happy angels; and to the church, composed of all those registered in heaven; and to God who is Judge of all; and to the spirits of the redeemed in heaven, already made perfect; and to Jesus himself, who has brought us his wonderful new agreement; and to the sprinkled blood, which graciously forgives instead of crying out for vengeance as the blood of Abel did.” (Heb. 12:22-24 The Living Bible)

The place where we will have the gladness or joy Christ promised is in heaven. There in the city of the living God or the heavenly Jerusalem, a joyful gathering will take place. For people to be counted among those who will make it to that gathering, they should become members of the Church that is “composed of all those registered in heaven.”

Hence, to say that joining the Church is no longer needed is a grave mistake, an unbiblical teaching. It is not true that it is enough to merely profess faith in Christ to enter the kingdom of heaven. The Bible assures that those who will make it to the happy gathering in heaven are the members of the Church. But, it is not just any church that one should join to receive such great reward; rather, it is the Church that is “composed of all those registered in heaven.” And one of the qualities of that Church is that it is where “the redeemed” are.

The Church that was redeemed or purchased by Christ with His blood is the Church Of Christ:

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.”
(Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation)

Thus, the joyful gathering in heaven is reserved for the members of the Church Of Christ. In order for one, therefore, to make it to that joyful gathering, he must become a member of the Church Of Christ.

A joyful gathering
Why the gathering that will take place in heaven is a joyful one is clear from the description of the Bible thus:

“Pay close attention now: I’m creating new heavens and a new earth. All the earlier troubles, chaos, and pain are things of the past, to be forgotten. Look ahead with joy. Anticipate what I’m creating: I’ll create Jerusalem as sheer joy, create my people as pure delight. I’ll take joy in Jerusalem, take delight in my people: No more sounds of weeping in the city, no cries of anguish.” (Isa. 65:17-19 The Message)

Sheer joy and pure delight will be felt in the new heaven and new earth or in the New Jerusalem, which is also the Holy City (Rev. 21:1-4). In that place, all the earlier troubles, chaos, and pain are things of the past and to be forgotten. In the Holy City, there are no more sounds of weeping and cries of anguish. A glorious life awaits us there.

We invite you dear readers to join the Church Of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo). We invite you to join its members in the joyful gathering in heaven.

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

A life well spent

Posted on June 13, 2022June 14, 2022 by pasugoeditor

A life well spent

By SIEGFRED T. GOLLAYAN

THE WORLD IS in a state of flux—the only thing constant, people say, is change. At a time when a person feels totally in control of his life, something happens that alters his direction, a change occurs at an instant. What he considers predictable becomes unpredictable after all and he has no recourse but to adjust to these unexpected circumstances and situations.

As the cliché goes: “Life is a journey.” Indeed, as we go on in life, many things happen that turn out to be very different from what we had expected. We do plan, but the possibility of facing events beyond our control comes along the way. Financial analysts project economic growths only to be disappointed by a sudden slump that leads to an uncontrollable decline in the economy. A businessman may map out his business with optimism for the next few years but doesn’t get the revenues he had expected, probably due to inflation, unavailability of raw materials, or other reasons. We sometimes are unable to make it to our appointments because of a flat tire or heavy traffic. We promise our children to treat them out only to be sidelined by flu.

Use time wisely
Given that things are very uncertain, we should therefore make wise use of our time. The apostles, thus, advise us to “make every minute count” (Eph. 5:16 Contemporary English Version).

Just imagine: considering that a person needs to sleep an average of eight hours a day, that means that by the time he is 60, he would have already spent 20 years of his life in slumber. More or less, we only have two-thirds of our lifetime to spend productively. Hence, there is no gainsaying to ask ourselves, “How do we spend our lives here on earth?” and “How do we make use of our time?” We only have one life to live here. If we spend most of our time doing nothing good, indeed, a bleak future awaits us.

If we really care for our time here on earth, we will not waste the life we have been given. The Scriptures says that there is a time for everything under the sun:

“For everything there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth.” (Eccles. 3:1 New English Translation)

Let us live our lives meaningfully. Let us work doing the best we can, make use of our full potentials, and treat important matters with a sense of urgency. If we do this, we help make living in this world less burdensome, even just in our own little way. Besides, the Bible instructs us, thus:

“Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days.” (Eph. 5:16 New Living Translation)

Hence, let us not skip the opportunity to do good to others—nothing fabulous, but many occasions to make life a bit more pleasant for others—a simple text or instant message to someone you love; giving a seat to an old lady aboard a bus; greeting the security guard; congratulating your secretary for a job well done; caring for our families well; and being of service to our community are some ways.

Spend life well
Most of all, for us to spend our life well, we should understand our very reason for being:

“After all this, there is only one thing to say: Have reverence for God, and obey his commands, because this is all that we were created for.” (Eccles. 12:13 Today’s English Version)

Above all our everyday endeavors is what God wants us to do. If we are able to obey Him, like what the Lord Jesus did, we could also say to the Father: “I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to” (John 17:4 Living Bible).

Because of this, let us hasten to do what God bids us and do not let the life He gave us be spent in sluggishness. According to the Lord Jesus:

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matt. 6:33 NLT)

Hence, a life well spent is doing all that we can to surrender ourselves to the will of God—not only by living righteously, but first of all by seeking the kingdom in which man will have redemption and forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ (Col. 1:12-14 New King James Version). That kingdom is the Church Of Christ:

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation)

If we consider that there will never be enough time for us to do all that we can do and be all that we can be, we will always live life to its fullest, with our spiritual well-being as the top priority. It is because of this that we advise you to join the Church Of Christ—now that there is still time.

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

God’s impartiality and His will to save the Church

Posted on June 7, 2022July 4, 2022 by pasugoeditor

God’s impartiality and His will to save the Church

Being a just God, He wants all men to be saved (I Tim. 2:3–4). At the same time though, He Himself set certain just conditions that man ought to fulfill in order to attain salvation.

By JENSEN DG. MAÑEBOG

PARTIALITY is “a lack of fairness that you show when you support one person, group, or opinion more than any others” (Macmillan English Dictionary, 2002). It is mostly synonymous or semantically related to favoritism, bias, prejudice, partisanship, discrimination, and unfairness. When defined as “unfair support of one person or one group against another” (Longman Dictionary), partiality is seen as negative regardless of where it happens.

Whether in the home, at the workplace, and elsewhere, partiality brings about jealousy, affects people’s motivation, incites disrespect, and breaks a team or group and even families apart. So, to avoid these things, leaders of organizations and groups, and even parents, are advised to treat everyone fairly and to do their very best not to play favorites.

God as impartial
Being just and righteous, our Lord God is the perfect example of fairness. “For there is no partiality with God” (Rom. 2:11 New American Standard Bible), Apostle Paul stated. Whatever one does, the Father cannot be swayed to be unfair, “For the Lord your God … shows no partiality and accepts no bribes” (Deut. 10:17 New International Version). Unlike some people who favor the wealthy and almost automatically side with those in high social status, God “doesn’t care how great a person may be, and he pays no more attention to the rich than to the poor” (Job 34:19 New Living Translation 2015).

This truth about God was pronounced by Apostle Peter to Cornelius and his relatives and close friends in Caesarea. Summoned to the centurion’s house to deliver God’s will, Apostle Peter “opened his mouth and said: ‘Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him’” (Acts 10:34–35 English Standard Version).

That pronouncement of Apostle Peter is nonetheless interpreted by some to mean that God, being impartial, requires only two things from people to be accepted as His servants and be saved: (1) fearing Him and (2) doing what is right. And so, they conclude that the Church Of Christ’s doctrine about the necessity to enter this Church in order to be saved is contrary to biblical precepts. For them, the belief that it is only the Church Of Christ members whom the Lord will save on Judgment Day runs counter to the good nature of God being impartial.

But is it true that membership in the Church Of Christ is dispensable to salvation? Is the doctrine concerning the salvation for the Church Of Christ members really at odds with God’s impartiality?

Salvation and the Church
No doctrine of the Church Of Christ is ever contrary to biblical teachings as it upholds nothing but the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. The indispensability of joining this Church to gain salvation, for instance, is not its invention but is clearly taught by the Bible itself:

“For a husband has authority over his wife just as Christ has authority over the church; and Christ is himself the Savior of the church, his body.” (Eph. 5:23 Good News Bible)

“Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47 King James Version)

In granting salvation to the Church referred to, God is in no way unfair or partial. Being a just God, He indeed wants all men to be saved (I Tim. 2:3–4). At the same time though, He Himself set certain just conditions that man ought to fulfill in order to attain salvation. Primary among these is to obey His will that all be gathered in His Son (Eph. 1:9–10), by becoming a part of Christ’s body (Rom. 12:4–5) or becoming members of His Church (Col. 1:18).

Demonstrating impartiality, our Lord God does give everyone equal chance to attain salvation. The Lord Jesus Christ, the One appointed by God to be our Savior (Acts 5:31), has this invitation for anyone who wishes to be saved:

“I am the door; anyone who comes into the fold through me will be safe. …” (John 10:9 Revised English Bible)

Take note that “anyone”—regardless of race, nationality, citizenship, ethnicity, language, socio-economic status, gender, and professional and personal background—is invited by the Savior to enter into the fold, because doing such ultimately means being “safe.” The fold or flock referred to is none other than the Church Of Christ:

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation)

The Bible teaches that all people, except the Lord Jesus Christ, have sinned (Rom. 5:12; I Pet. 2:21–22) and are thus condemned to die
(Rom. 6:23) ultimately in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:14). To be saved from that punishment, one needs to be redeemed with Christ’s blood
(Heb. 9:14, 22). The Savior thus invites everyone to enter the Church Of Christ because it is that which He redeemed with His precious blood.

In view of this biblical doctrine concerning salvation, it is, therefore, only fair and impartial on God’s part not to count among His true servants and heirs of His kingdom those who refuse to heed Christ’s benevolent invitation.

Doing right and fearing God
Apostle Peter’s statement that goes “anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:35 ESV) is not in any way contrary, but instead even complementary, to the teaching that membership in the true Church is so needed in rightfully serving God. In fact, one of the “right” things which everyone must do to be acceptable to God, as explained, is to enter—not to reject—the Church Of Christ.

The “fear” of the Lord mentioned by Apostle Peter is likewise manifested through obedience to the commandments or will of God (Ps. 111:10), one of which, as earlier pointed out, is to be a part of Christ’s body or Church. As a matter of fact, the Scriptures testify that the reverent fear of God is lived by the members of the Church Of Christ:

“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.” (Acts 9:31 NIV)

Like Cornelius and his household, may more people today be also willing to listen to the true gospel, believe, and be baptized (Acts 10:1–48) into that same Church to which the apostles belonged—the Church Of Christ (I Cor. 12:13; Col. 1:18; Acts 20:28 Lamsa).

Turning down this Bible-based means to salvation is outright wrong, and “For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality” (Col. 3:25 New American Standard Bible 1995).

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

Being with God is being a Church Of Christ member

Posted on June 1, 2022June 1, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Being with God is being a Church Of Christ member

It is only by having God in their lives that people will enjoy His blessings. Indeed, it is exceedingly important to have God with us.

By ERAÑO G. QUINITIO

BY AND LARGE, people would certainly say yes if asked if they want our Lord God’s blessings, more so now that they go through problems, sorrows, and troubles take place either simultaneously or successively.

Certainly, it is only by having God in their lives that they will enjoy His blessings. This is not mere opinion but based on God’s truth written in the Bible. Indeed, it is exceedingly important to have God with us.

The evil of not having God
Apostle Paul described the evil of not having God in people’s lives, thus:

“Remember that in those days you were living utterly apart from Christ; you were enemies of God’s children, and he had promised you no help. You were lost, without God, without hope.” (Eph. 2:12 Living Bible)

To be without God is to live without hope of His promised help. Hence, people in such condition will certainly not benefit from God’s blessings. Worse, they are considered His enemies. Apostle Paul identified them as the people “living utterly apart from Christ.” They do not have any relationship with Him. And so, they cannot “confidently expect to go to heaven” (Eph. 2:12 Translation for Translators) or be saved because they do not belong to the people whom God have chosen—the ones to whom He has given the right to serve Him—and with whom God made a covenant or agreement. Hence, there is “nothing good to hope for” if people are not counted among those God has chosen (Eph. 2:12 EasyEnglish Bible).

In just one body
On a positive note, Apostle Paul described how good it is to be among God’s chosen people. He said of them: “God loves you” and “you were all called together in one body [the church as the body of Christ] to have peace” (Col. 3:12, 15 Expanded Bible).

God’s chosen people are called together in one body or organization, not many—they are not scattered or divided into different sects or denominations. That one body is our Lord Jesus Christ’s Church. There is no other church wherein people must be gathered to be counted among God’s chosen people and to be recipients of His blessings except the Church that is the body of Christ. People in this Church are loved by God. They have peace with Him and the confidence of being saved. The body of Christ, which He called “my church” (Matt. 16:18 Today’s New International Version) is what the apostles called the Church Of Christ (Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation).

People really need to be in the Church Of Christ—the flock in which Christ commands them to come or enter to be saved (John 10:9, 16; Acts 20:28 Lamsa). Refusal to join it means turning down the opportunity to receive God’s blessings and the promised salvation.

For this reason, Church Of Christ members have further intensified their efforts in the work of sharing their faith, patiently convincing their fellowmen to believe that it is not enough to be in just any religion of their own liking to be recognized, be blessed, and be saved by God—they have to be in the true Church Of Christ.

The true Church Of Christ
For their part, members of the Church Of Christ will never separate from the Church because they have been assured of receiving salvation and entrance to heaven, as Apostle Paul states, thus:

“But you have come into the reality (of which the symbols only pointed to), to Mount Zion, the New Jerusalem—the heavenly city of the living God—and you are part of that city. You have come to join millions upon millions of angels rejoicing in God’s presence, into the heavenly sanctuary—the true church of Christ—whose identities are stored in heaven …” (Heb. 12:22–23 Remedy New Testament)

The verses mention about Mount Zion which is also called the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city of the living God. He Himself is there as well as the millions upon millions of angels and the heavenly sanctuary or the true Church Of Christ. Hence, the Bible itself proves that the Church Of Christ will go to heaven.

Inspired by the great reward it brings—salvation and eternal life—Church members heed God’s instruction not to “throw away [their] confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens” (Heb. 10:35–36 New Living Translation). Church Of Christ members have more confidence knowing that what God lays in store for them is not just a source of living but, most importantly, salvation.

Although life here on earth is filled with troubles, sorrows, trials, and problems, God’s servants firmly believe that all these will be things of the past—to be replaced with pure joy which no one can take away from them. Hence, they believe that reaching the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, will put an end to all their problems especially the grave ones. That is why they heed the call of the apostles not to throw away their confident trust in the Lord no matter what happens. As they focus their attention on the great reward brought by their divine election, they patiently endure, striving to overcome sufferings just so they can obey God’s will—dedicating themselves to attending the worship service, helping in the work of propagation, and renewing their life, to name a few.

‘Where will my help really come from?’
Knowing that life’s problems, sorrows, and troubles come whether simultaneously or successively, members of the Church Of Christ turn to the only One Who can help them—the Almighty God. Psalms 121:1–3 state, thus:

“I look up to the hills, but where will my help really come from? My help will come from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. He will not let you fall. Your Protector will not fall asleep.” (Easy-to-Read Version)

God’s true servants firmly believe that the Creator of heaven and earth will not let them fall. He is always there to help them with their needs. They receive the much-needed help when they “look up to the hills,” referring to the hills surrounding Zion where the temple was (Ps. 121:1–3 EXB)—the place where God’s chosen servants conduct their worship. Hence, the worship service is the best time for God’s chosen to ask Him for help. When they ask for God’s help, especially in the worship service, He will not fail them. God will remove the disappointments from their lives. That is why they do not forsake their worship services.

So, when Church members have problems, they conduct devotional prayers in the place of worship. They know that God will all the more listen to them in that place which He has consecrated for His Name and glory to dwell.

Although to live in this world is becoming more difficult nowadays because of the many things to endure—problems, trials, and poverty which remains unsolved no matter what people do—nevertheless, true Iglesia Ni Cristo members who expect God’s help will never lose hope (Ps. 119:81–83, 114). That is the conviction of God’s servants. They may have problems that make them feel weak, but they do not lose their hope in God’s help, for He has promised it.

At times, God allows His people to go through trials so they can prove that they are worthy of receiving His blessings. Though they encounter heavy problems and get afflicted with illnesses, they remain obedient to God’s commandments and cling to His promise that He will not fail them. He is helping them go through those things. They might have been heavily burdened in life, but they beg the Father in heaven to make them strong through His power they feel most especially during the worship service. He is their refuge and shield and His promises are their only source of hope. When they kneel and pray to God to ask for His help, they beg Him to reach out to them. They implore Him not to allow even one member of their family to be excluded from being saved on Judgment Day.

This article was originally published in the Pasugo: God’s Message magazine, February 2020 Issue.

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

Why does God send messengers?

Posted on May 23, 2022May 23, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Why does God send messengers?

Many biblical passages show that for each dispensation of time, God sends messengers. What is His purpose in doing so?

By ROMMEL V. SAN PEDRO

UPON HEARING THAT the Church Of Christ recognizes that Brother Felix Y. Manalo is God’s Messenger in these last days, the initial reaction of people sometimes is skepticism. A reason for this is because of their being unaware that the Bible teaches the importance of a messenger.

The importance of a messenger
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught the importance of a messenger, when He said that “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent” (John 6:29 New King James Version). Since sending His messengers is God’s work, and since God never does anything useless, then this work of sending messengers is extremely important. And since God sends messengers, He, of course, expects and desires people to believe them. Many biblical passages show that for each dispensation of time, God sends messengers. Any church or religion that neither has God’s messenger nor recognizes God’s commissioning of messengers cannot be true. Although others may agree that messengers are important, some assume that anyone with the desire can become one. But “no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was” (Heb. 5:4 NKJV).

God’s noble purpose in sending messengers
According to the Bible, God sent messengers during the time of ancient Israel because “He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place” (II Chr. 36:15 NKJV). God repeatedly sent messengers so that people would not be condemned, a manifestation of compassion and love. This divine purpose continued during the Christian time period:

“I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” (Acts 26:17-18 NKJV)

God sent Apostle Paul to the Gentiles “to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light,” because those who remain in darkness or under satan’s power will not be saved. Those removed from darkness through the work of God’s messenger are brought to God, receive the forgiveness of sins, and are counted among those who will inherit God’s great promises. Those who enter the Church Of Christ as taught by the messenger of God receive forgiveness because Christ purchased the Church with His blood (Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation).

How God’s messengers were treated
It should not be surprising if Brother Felix Manalo is rejected as God’s messenger because of the pattern of making “… fun of God’s messengers, ignoring his words and laughing at his prophets, until at last the LORD’s anger against his people was so great that there was no escape” (II Chr. 36:15-16 Good News Bible). This persecution and maligning was to prevent people from listening. The technical term for this is an ad hominem attack, which is an attack against someone’s character. The Prophet Jeremiah’s character was attacked in this way, when the persecutors transpired to “attack him with the tongue” (Jer. 18:18). The same type of tactic was used against Brother Felix Manalo. The real culprit behind these attacks, satan, “takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved” (Luke 8:12 NKJV). The devil, not wanting them to be saved, lies. One lie, that people can return to God and serve Him even without His messenger, is contradicted by what happens without a teaching priest:

“For a long time Israel has been without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without law.” (II Chr. 15:3 NKJV, emphasis ours)

They had lost their right to serve God because He refuses to accept worship not based on His law. The necessity of the teaching priests, as God’s messengers is shown by the command of what to do when people had a question about God’s law:

“For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, And people should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.” (Mal. 2:7 NKJV)

The teaching priests were the messengers, entrusted with the preaching of God’s words. God commanded people to seek His laws only from the mouth of His messengers and not just from anyone.

God’s Messenger in these last days
After the apostasy and before the world’s end, God commissioned Brother Felix Manalo and the ministers of the Church Of Christ to preach the true gospel:

“Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, ‘Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads’.” (Rev. 7:2-3 NKJV)

Both the angel from the east and his companions in the prophecy would be entrusted with the mission to seal. Angel from the Greek anggelos or angelos means messenger and can refer to either a spirit or man as long as that individual is God-sent. John the Baptist, a man, was an angel:

“But what went you out to see? a prophet? yea I tell you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.” (Matt. 11:9-10 Douay-Rheims, 1899 American Edition)

Heavenly angels in contrast, who are sent on short missions to deliver a special message, do not preach the gospel.

The angel in Revelation 7:2-3 is human because his mission is to seal those who become servants of God. Sealing is the preaching of the gospel guided by the Holy Spirit:

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” (Eph. 1:13-14 New International Version)

The seal is the Holy Spirit while sealing is the preaching of the gospel that is coupled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Those sealed with the Holy Spirit believed in the gospel preached by the true messenger of our Lord God. The fulfillment of the East in Revelation 7:2-3 is the Philippines. The true Church Of Christ reemerged in the Far East, in the islands of the sea, also a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. With the blessings of God, the Church Of Christ has now spread to many parts of the world. Through the preaching of the ministers and ministerial workers of the Church Of Christ, people can now learn God’s laws, and return to Him. This is the last work of God for salvation in these last days, which no one can stop because God promised:

“Yes, from the time of the first existence of day and from this day forth I am He; and there is no one who can deliver out of My hand. I will work, and who can hinder or reverse it?” (Isa. 43:13 Amplified Bible)

This article was originally published in the Pasugo: God’s Message Magazine, September 2014 Issue.

For more articles, visit www.pasugo.com.ph

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