For they are no longer two, but one

Posted on November 23, 2022November 23, 2022 by pasugoeditor

For they are no longer two, but one

We must not be misled by false beliefs concerning marriage. We must know whom the Bible identifies as truly married according to the will of God.

By NICANOR P. TIOSEN

THE MANY CHANGES in society and the various problems in life have resulted in the shifting outlook of many people regarding marriage. One need not be a keen observer to know that a lot of people today are making a mockery of this holy institution. Statistics shows high incidences of divorce or separation among married couples who find it convenient to dissolve their union and spare themselves (or so they think) of living a turbulent life for some perceived “irreconcilable differences”.

The utter disregard of many of the marital bond can also be seen in the growing incidence of infidelity or unfaithfulness among husbands and wives and their failure to keep their vow of love to each other. Nowadays, it is also a common practice for a man and a woman to live together as if they were husband and wife without the benefit of marriage. “What for? What is important is that you get along well with each other!” many argue.

As if the foregoing scenarios were not enough, there are countries today that allow same-sex marriages. Hence, it is no longer unusual to see two men or two women making a travesty of God’s purpose in creating man and woman as a man marries another man and a woman marrying one belonging to her own gender. That this is seen among celebrities truly aggravates the situation—sending wrong signals to the general public.

We, members of the Church Of Christ, God’s people in these last days, must not in any way be influenced or misled by these false beliefs concerning marriage. Thus, it is but proper and appropriate to know whom the Bible identifies as truly married according to the will of God, and in turn share this knowledge with loved ones who are not yet members of the Church.

Whom God has truly joined together
Who are truly married? Our Lord Jesus Christ answers:

“… Haven’t you read the scripture that says that in the beginning the Creator made people male and female? And God said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife, and the two will become one.’ So they are no longer two, but one. Man must not separate, then, what God has joined together.” (Matt. 19:4–6 Good News Bible)

God joins together as husband and wife individuals coming from opposite sexes, that is, a man and a woman. Not a man and another man, or a woman and another woman! The Bible clearly disapproves same-sex marriages. Moreover, our Lord Jesus Christ is against a man and a woman living together without being united by God in marriage. Our Lord Jesus Christ, therefore, is strongly opposed to premarital and extra-marital affairs. Precisely, for such relationships run counter to or are a grave violation of God’s will.

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A life-long commitment
How does God join together a man and a woman? Until when shall their union be? How long shall they be bound together as husband and wife? The learned Apostle Paul answers:

“For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband.” (Rom. 7:2 New King James Version)

As divinely designed, Paul teaches clearly that only death can separate the couple who are bound by God’s laws. “Till death do us part!” goes their solemn vow. And the two ought to recognize the authority of God’s law over each other’s whims and wishes, thus:

“The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.” (I Cor. 7:4 NKJV)

Again, this is for as long as each of them lives (Rom. 7:2 NKJV).

No to divorce
True Christians or members of the true Church Of Christ understand fully well that so long as a legislation does not run counter to a divine mandate, they are duty bound to obey them, thus:

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.”
(I Pet. 2:13–14 New International Version)

Otherwise, God’s will prevails, as when our Lord Jesus Christ resolved the issue on divorce, thus:

“Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?’ ‘Haven’t you read,’ he replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator “made them male and female,” and said, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”’ ‘Why then,’ they asked, ‘did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?’ Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.’” (Matt. 19:3–8 NIV)

To close the issue, Christ declared with finality:

“And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” (Matt. 19:9 NKJV)

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The adulterer’s lot
Adultery is not to be dismissed lightly. Addressing the Christians at Corinth, Apostle Paul strongly wrote:

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” (I Cor. 6:9–10 NKJV)

Sad to say, but there are instances when even after all avenues have been exhaustively explored by a couple, they still end up in separation. Still, Apostle Paul admonishes the wife and the husband, thus:

“But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.” (I Cor. 7:11 NKJV)

The reward of the obedient
A lawyer may successfully argue his way and win a divorce case, but the biblical truth remains:

“Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the Lord.” (Ps. 128:1–4 NKJV)

This reiterates what the Psalmist sang, thus:

“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; They walk in His ways. … Then I would not be ashamed, When I look into all Your commandments.” (Ps. 119:1–3, 6 NKJV)

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

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

A blessing from God for the edification of the Church

Posted on October 30, 2022October 30, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), as he teaches God's words in an International Conference of Ministers and Ministerial Workers which he officiated.

A blessing from God for the edification of the Church

It is vital for the edification of the Church that all members be united with the Administration placed by God. For, being so means that they are “united with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”

By ALEJANDRO R. SINO CRUZ JR.

MEMBERS OF THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO (Church Of Christ) firmly believe that the Almighty Father appointed a minister to whom He gave the authority to preach His message and to administer the Church towards spiritual maturity and, thus, salvation (Col. 1:25, 28–29). Thus they are continually thankful to the Lord God for placing an Executive Minister in the Church in the person of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo to shepherd the now global flock. Indeed, they consider him a blessing from God as they truly feel his love and concern for them, untiringly caring for the Church by, among others, constantly teaching them the will of God.

That is why, on Brother Eduardo Manalo’s upcoming birthday, Church members all over the world express their heartfelt greetings and well-wishes. They fervently pray to God that He continue to protect and help their beloved leader and allow the immense spiritual power to flow through him for the benefit of the entire Church.

God’s purpose for placing an Administration
Apostle Paul declared the divine purpose of the Administration placed by God in the Church, thus:

“For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed.” (II Cor. 10:8 New King James Version)

The apostles were entrusted with the authority to administer the Church in the first century. According to Apostle Paul, the Lord God gave the Church an Administration for its “edification and not for [its] destruction.” Hence, every task carried out and every decision made by the Church Administration in accordance with the pure gospel and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:28) is always for the edification of the Church, in general, and every member, in particular.

For this, the Church Administration, through the leadership of Brother Eduardo Manalo, launches multifarious activities in which the Church members enthusiastically take part for their spiritual growth. All of these are for the purpose of edifying their faith to ensure their salvation.

Why Church members should be edified
It is vital that each member of the Church receive spiritual nourishment and care because, according to Apostle Paul, the edification of the body of Christ or the Church is “for the perfecting of the saints” (Eph. 4:12 King James Version). The saints being referred to are those who are inside the Church Of Christ, which was redeemed and cleansed or sanctified with the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation; Heb. 9:14, 22 NKJV). According to the Bible, those who are edified are the ones who will reach Christian maturity, will be presented perfect before God and before Christ, and, thus, will be worthy of salvation.

That is why, the Church Administration is making every effort to edify the Church and help the members reach spiritual maturity and perfection. Apostle Paul explained that Church members who are fully edified and are heading towards spiritual perfection are no longer like “children,” which the Bible describes as those who are easily carried away by “the teaching of deceitful people” (Eph. 4:14 Good News Bible) or by false teachings.

Thus, they will no longer be deceived or swayed to do anything that go against God’s teachings. There may be those who persecute them and spread lies against the Church but they do not get affected or carried away. Instead, they are able to stand their ground in upholding God’s teachings taught by the Church Administration.

That is the reason the Executive Minister, with the ministers and ministerial workers as his helpers, always exhorts all the brethren to firmly hold on to and constantly obey God’s words that they received toward the perfection of their faith.

During pastoral visitations of the Executive Minister to local congregations, members from other parts of the world are also able to listen to his preaching of God’s words through videostreaming.

The Executive Minister as he leads the Anniversary Thanksgiving Worship Service and dedication of the Luzon Avenue Congregation's new house of worship.

Brethren from Long Island City Congregation, New York Ecclesiastical District listen to God's words taught by the Executive Minister through livestreaming.

New ministers are added to the Church as the Executive Minister periodically conducts ordinations, further strengthening the ministerial workforce that assist him in attending to the spiritual needs of the brethren.

Ministerial workers take their oath before God, as witnessed by the Executive Minister, prior to their ordination as new ministers who would care for the brethren.

Through the leadership of Brother Eduardo Manalo, the Church intensifies the construction and renovation of houses of worship where members gather during worship services to receive the nourishment of their soul toward spiritual growth.

The newly constructed house of worship of the Luzon Avenue Congregation, Central Ecclesiastical District which was dedicated to God on July 22, 2022 during the Anniversary Thanksgiving Worship Service led by Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister of the Church Of Christ

The newly renovated house of worship of the Winnipeg South Congregation, Manitoba Ecclesiastical District which was rededicated to God during the Anniversary Thanksgiving Worship Service led by the Executive Minister via livestreaming on July 22, 2022

Ministers and ministerial workers around the world are regularly gathered to receive instructions, reminders, and guidance from the Church’s Overall Administrator on properly taking care of the global flock.

Ministers and ministerial workers gathered in the Eraño G. Manalo Hall of the EVM Convention Center receive Bible-based instructions and guidance from the Executive Minister during an International Conference of Ministers and Ministerial Workers.

Through videostreaming, ministers and ministerial workers assigned in various ecclesiastical districts continue to receive biblical instructions being taught by the Executive Minister during the International Conference of Ministers and Ministerial Workers.

Brother Eduardo Manalo encourages the brethren to hold Church duties, especially the young male brethren to study in the INC School For Ministers.

Some of the 3,000 Church members from Quezon Ecclesiastical District who took their oath as Church officers during a Special Gathering held at the Dalahican Congregation's house of worship and streamed live to multiple remote sites in the district.

To more efficiently supervise the growing number of members, the Church Administration established more ecclesiastical districts and local congregations.

Brethren from the newly inaugurated Local Congregation of Great North, Ecclesiastical District of Southeastern Africa after their Inaugural Worship Service held on September 25, 2022.

Caring for the brethren affected by calamities, Brother Eduardo Manalo instructs the district and local congregation leaderships to extend them immediate assistance.

Residents affected by Typhoon Noru (local name: "Karding") in the Philippines immediately receives care packages thru the Church Of Christ's Lingap sa Mamamayan (Care for Humanity) program

Church members also have a part
As the Church Administration makes every effort to edify the Church to be certain of receiving salvation, every member should also strive to fulfill his or her duty:

“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Rom. 14:19 NKJV)

Church members are taught to pursue the things that edify one another. Thus, each of them should also do his or her part for the edification of the Church. Apostle Paul identified one of the things that every member should strive to fulfill because it is for the edification of the Church. This is what he taught:

“Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

“From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” (Eph. 4:13, 16 NKJV)

Thus, it is vital for the edification of the Church that all members be united with the Administration placed by God. For, being so means that they are “united with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ”:

“We give you word of all we have seen and everything which has come to our ears, so that you may be united with us; and we are united with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (I John 1:3 Bible in Basic English)

What members should avoid
All members should shun division among them. Christ underscored the harm that division brings to His Church: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall” (Luke 11:17 New International Version). The Church Of Christ is also called “the household of God” (Eph. 2:22 Phillips New Testament in Modern English).

Thus, anyone who tries to cause division or strife within the Church commits a sin against God. Such a person is destroying the household of God. Apostle Paul relayed what God will do to him who tries to destroy the Church Of Christ, which is also “God’s temple:”

“If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.” (I Cor. 3:17 NIV)

The apostles conveyed this warning because God does not want any member of His Church—who has already the sure hope of salvation—to end up in punishment. God’s temple or the Church is sacred. And its unity is sacred, as well.

Bringing joy to the leader
Inasmuch as the Church members want to bring joy to their beloved leader, the apostles taught what true Christians should do, thus:

“That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” (Phil. 2:15–16 NKJV)

Church members should become “blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.” That is why, even if wickedness abounds in their surroundings, true Christians “shine as lights in the world” by “holding fast the word of life” or leading a life in accordance to God’s teachings.

For that reason, Brother Eduardo Manalo announced the current theme of the activities of the Church: “God’s Elect Strive to Live in Holiness.” If Church members uphold such kind of life until the end, God’s Messenger—the first Executive Minister of the Church Of Christ in these last days—as well as those who administered the Church after him, will have reason to “rejoice” on the Second Advent of Christ for they have not labored in vain.

Apostle Paul also taught true Christians how they can complete the joy of their leader—“by being of the same mind” as their leader’s, “having the same love [toward one another],” “intent on one purpose” or to be united in purpose, “and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel,” which is “the good news regarding salvation” (Phil. 2:2–3 Amplified Bible)

Brother Eduardo Manalo calls on all Church members around the world to intensify their participation in all activities in the Church. This is because he wants all the brethren to reach spiritual perfection and be sure of receiving salvation, especially now that it is truly very near.

Thus, members of the Church Of Christ the world all over express their deepest gratitude to the Almighty Father for blessing the Executive Minister with another year in his life. They highly value the labors of their beloved leader in caring for their spiritual welfare. They prove it by remaining firmly united with him and selflessly submitting themselves to his administration, for they faithfully believe that the Lord God placed him for the welfare of their salvation.

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

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

Letting Him have our worries and cares

Posted on October 17, 2022October 17, 2022 by pasugoeditor

‘Letting Him have our worries and cares’

What could help us not to be seriously disturbed by unhealthy worrying?

By JENSEN DG. MAÑEBOG

LIKENED TO A ROCKING CHAIR, worry, oftentimes, keeps people moving but never getting anywhere. Because many tend to worry even about things that are not really significant, worry is also said to be “the advanced interest paid on troubles that seldom come.”

Indeed, worrying is not in any way beneficial, for as our Lord Jesus Christ rhetorically asks, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matt. 6:27 New International Version).

Unfortunately, worry grips and overpowers many of us. Worrying about anything usually puts us under stress. And the more we worry, the greater the stress builds up inside us, and this, as medical experts testify, can lead to emotional as well as physical breakdown. Therefore, not only does the tandem of worry and stress never add a single hour to one’s life, but worse, it even negatively affects our health, diminishes our strength, and shortens our life span.

Causes of stress
Some of the things that gobble us up in the “worry and stress mess” are changes, criticisms, and concerns.

Unavoidable changes in relationships, manners of doing things, familiar environments, and lifestyles—such as those caused by the loss of loved ones, money reversals, and needed resettlements—can bring about worry and stress.

So do negative criticisms that add insult to our insecurities and tear down our sense of self-worth. A blast of destructive criticisms leaves us bruised and troubled and makes us feel unwanted. Stress thus results from our effort to rebuild our self-esteem.

Now, to these add concerns—our basic needs, the deteriorating status of our health, the status of our careers, unrealized dreams, troubles and frustrations—and the ability of our body and mind to absorb pressures is tested further.

When two or more of these things overlap—that we have too much to do in too little time, too much responsibility to take with our inadequate resources and strength; when we deal with overloaded schedules, conflicting appointments, and overbearing deadlines—our inability to take more is sometimes expressed in the breakdown of health, leading to increased blood pressure, headache, ulcer, or other minor diseases. These, in turn, would become a major ailment, if the stress is not relieved.

Responding to stress—the Christian way
So how should we, Christians, respond to stress and things that may cause us to worry? What should we think and do to somehow cope with life’s strains and not fall apart? Among other things, what could help us not to be seriously disturbed by unhealthy worrying?

One of the things that can serve as an antidote to stress and worry is our recognition of our true worth as members of the Church Of Christ. Fully understanding the important truth that it is we who have a solid relationship with Christ, being parts of His body (Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:32, 23), can help us deal with worries when changes threaten to disrupt our life. For even with a new set of people around us, new environment in which to reside, and new tasks to perform in this life, the fact remains that we are the “branches” connected to the “vine,” which is Christ (John 15:5), having the privilege to ask and receive from the Father in His (Christ’s) name (John 15:16).

Furthermore, inevitable changes would not be that fearsome for us if we believe that “all things work together for good to [us] who love God, to [us] who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28 New King James Version). Stress, therefore, can be dissolved by true optimism—that no matter what happens, God reigns, and He cares for His people, and that for us, the best is yet to come.

The same is true of criticisms. Our ultimate worth is not based upon our ability to play ball games like a star player, pass a test with an “A,” or accomplish a task in the workplace better than others, but upon the fact that we are God’s children (Rom. 8:14-16; 16:16). This means that even if we do not make the most crucial free throw in basketball history and thus receive the loudest boos, the ones who truly love us, and especially our most caring Father, will still be there for us.

We may not be the top choice to play for a team, or even totally fail to make the cut, but the fact remains that we, true Christians, have been chosen by no less than the Father, as the Bible proves that “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4 NKJV) to serve Him. Hence, while our divine election as the children of the Almighty Father definitely encourages us to bring out the best in us in our earthly endeavors by doing with all our might whatever our hands find to do (Eccles. 9:10 NIV), it nonetheless reminds us that, come what may, we remain to be truly successful, for it is we whom God considers as His “chosen ones, holy and beloved” (Col. 3:12).

By always taking these into account, our self-worth will never be truly wounded, for with or without other people wanting us, God certainly cares for us (I Pet. 5:7). Our true value is based not on other’s criticism or approval, but on the fact that though we, members of the Church Of Christ, were helpless and sinners and thus worthy of condemnation, Christ died for us and purchased us with His own precious blood (Rom. 5:6, 8; Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation).

Christ’s counsel
As regards the various concerns in life that cause stress, Christ Himself counsels us what we should think and do so as not to be anxious about them:

“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 body worth more than clothes? Look at the birds flying around: 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. It is God who clothes the wild grass—grass that is here today and gone tomorrow, burned up in the oven. Won’t he be all the more sure to clothe you? What little faith you have! ‘So do not start worrying: “Where will my food come from? Or my drink? Or my clothes?” (These are the things the pagans are always concerned about.) Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things’.” (Matt. 6:25-33 Good News Bible)

Christ invites us to live life rightly by living out our real reason for being—“be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things.”

“Being concerned above everything else with the kingdom of God” does not mean, of course, that we should not be concerned at all with our present life. In fact, the Bible itself admonishes us to use our hands for honest work (Eph. 4:28) or work to earn a living (II Thess. 3:12).

Nonetheless, the Savior instructs us to give a precedence to the matters that concern the spiritual—“seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33 NKJV). In other words, God can make us anything good we want to be, but we have to surrender everything first to His hands, placing His will—that is, obeying His commands—on top of our priorities.

The apostles’ advice
Hence, for us who have submitted to God’s will to enter His nation in these last days, the Apostle Paul has this advice on what we should do when we are in need, instead of worrying:

“Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.” (Phil. 4:6 GNB)

Therefore, by accomplishing God’s purpose for our lives through faithful obedience to His will (Eccles. 12:13), not only do we allow Him to shape our life, but also we “Let him have all [our] worries and cares,” inasmuch as “he is always thinking about [us] and watching everything that concerns [us]” (I Pet. 5:7 Living Bible).

This article was originally published in the Pasugo: God’s Message magazine, January 2009 issue.

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

More precious than material wealth

Posted on October 3, 2022October 5, 2022 by pasugoeditor

More precious than material wealth

Man should not prioritize material needs over the need to heed the call of the Lord Jesus Christ.

By ARNEL M. ARMENIA

THE MENTALITY that money makes the world go round is wrong and deadly! Precisely, for when one thinks money is all that matters, he would strive so much to gain riches to the extent that he would engage even in illegal, immoral, or inhumane activities. As some put it, there are those who are willing to sell everything, including their souls, just to become rich.

God does not want His children to cultivate such a mindset. The Bible teaches us why.

Uselessness of material riches
It is no less than God’s Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who tells us to temper our labor for our needs or our cares in this life, thus:

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.” (Luke 21:34–35 New King James Version)

Clearly, we should be concerned about that Day—the Day of Judgment—more than our needs in this life. Thus, if one works hard for his or her needs in this life, all the more that he or she should labor to be saved on the Day of Judgment!

Truth is, material riches are useless even in preventing the cessation of breath or death. This is made clear in the parable that Jesus spoke, thus:

“Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: ‘The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, “What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?” So he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry’. But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God’.” (Luke 12:16–21 NKJV)

Thus, although it has its uses, material wealth is worthless on the Day of Judgment and even on the day of our death. This we should never forget!

One must not forget that material wealth has its limits. So, what one should work even harder to do is to become worthy of salvation. He should not prioritize material needs over the need to heed the call of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Far more important than material needs
The call of the Lord Jesus Christ is very clear, thus:

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:31–33 New International Version)

Yes, we need food, water, clothing, shelter, and we really have to labor for them. However, Christ commands us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. The kingdom which all of us should find first is 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). This is none other than the Church Of Christ, thus:

“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)

Therefore, to become a member of the Church Of Christ or the
Iglesia Ni Cristo should be man’s first priority. Rightly so because the “redemption of a man’s life is his riches” (Prov. 13:7–8 Jubilee). Without life’s redemption, which is through Christ’s blood alone, man, no matter how rich, has nothing!

The need of all men
Why do all people need the Church Of Christ? For it is the answer to the two gravest problems that have been appointed by God for all men—death and judgment:

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Heb. 9:27 NKJV)

As it is true that death comes to men regardless of their station in life, so will all men face God’s judgment. If money cannot buy man’s way out of the grave, so will his riches be useless in sparing him from God’s just punishment, thus:

“Neither their silver nor their gold Shall be able to deliver them In the day of the Lord’s wrath; But the whole land shall be devoured By the fire of His jealousy, For He will make speedy riddance Of all those who dwell in the land.” (Zeph. 1:18 nkjv)

It is exactly for this reason that the Lord Jesus Christ cautions against valuing material things above all things. There is something far more important than all the riches this world can offer: salvation! For us to receive salvation, Christ revealed the way, thus:

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

All men, therefore, need and must come into the fold or flock—the Church Of Christ—through our Lord Jesus Christ. Only by obeying or heeding this call will man, even without any material riches, secure freedom from death and be saved on the day of Judgment.

Be a modern-day Moses
Although Iglesia Ni Cristo members also work to earn a living, they understand that it is far more important for them to be found by God “rich in faith” and so “possess the kingdom which he promised” (James 2:5 Good News Bible).

More-precious-than-material-wealth_Breaker-1

Like Moses who consciously and willingly gave up his royal status in Egypt for the sake of his election in the nation of Israel, God’s first nation, all members of the Church Of Christ ought to choose their divine calling—with all the sacrifices it entails—over what this world can offer:

“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” (Heb. 11:24–26 NKJV)

Truly, being poor in the sight of men is immaterial in one’s bid for salvation. Salvation is not dependent on how much money one has. Having received God’s mercy by being called to the Church Of Christ, we ought to strive to become and remain rich in faith for it is to such people that God promised the most precious of all blessings, thus:

“The Spirit took control of me, and the angel carried me to the top of a very high mountain. He showed me Jerusalem, the Holy City, coming down out of heaven from God. … Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth disappeared, and the sea vanished. And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband. I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: ‘Now God’s home is with mankind! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared’.” (Rev. 21:10, 1–4 GNB)

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

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

On why the Church Of Christ takes part in socio-civic activities

Posted on September 20, 2022September 20, 2022 by pasugoeditor

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

God’s promise of peace

Posted on August 23, 2022August 23, 2022 by pasugoeditor

God’s promise of peace

Those who can wait with hope in God’s promise to dwell in the new heaven and new earth are those who are found in the peace which Christ gives.

By GLADY C. GADDI

LIFE IN THIS WORLD is replete with difficulties, failures, sorrows, and turmoil. Although man does not stop thinking, planning, and doing things that he believes will solve his problems, in the end, he still cannot find real solutions for him to be at peace. Anxiety, confusion, and uncertainty still occupy his mind because of his many problems in his life.

Why is living in this world so difficult? What does the Bible say regarding life in this world?

Will there be peace in this world?
It has long been foretold in the Bible that when man seeks peace in this world, he will not find it:

“Destruction comes; They will seek peace, but there shall be none.” (Ezek. 7:25 New King James Version)

Man cannot expect to find lasting peace in this world. Instead, what is in this world is destruction. And this is inevitable as God Himself was the One who decreed this (Ezek. 7:23–25, 21).

The absence or lack of peace will all the more be manifest now that the end is near, thus:

^“The word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, this is what the Sovereign Lord says to the land of Israel: The end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land. The end is now upon you and I will unleash my anger against you. I will judge you according to your conduct and repay you for all your detestable practices. … Doom has come upon you—you who dwell in the land. The time has come, the day is near; there is panic, not joy, upon the mountains. … Outside is the sword, inside are plague and famine; those in the country will die by the sword, and those in the city will be devoured by famine and plague.”
(Ezek. 7:1–3, 7, 15 New International Version)

There is no place where one can hide from God’s anger because it has come upon the four corners of the land or on the whole world. Why is God’s anger against people so grave? According to God, “I will unleash My anger against you. I will judge you … for all your detestable practices.” And this is exactly what is seen at present—criminality and lawlessness, immorality, vices, among others.

The place where peace reigns
Although there is no peace in this world, God promises to give peace to a particular group of people:

“The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.” (Ps. 29:11 NKJV)

Thus, if man wants peace, he must seek first and be among God’s people. The peace from God will be enjoyed by His people in the land He promised to them where His righteousness is done or fulfilled:

“Everywhere in the land righteousness and justice will be done. Because everyone will do what is right, there will be peace and security forever.” (Isa. 32:16–17 Good News Bible)

In that land promised by God, there will be peace and security forever. That is the new earth with a new heaven, that is, the Holy City, the home of righteousness:

“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”
(II Pet. 3:13 NIV)

In the Holy City, God’s people will live with Him forever. There will be no more death and no more grief, for all the things that cause crying or pain will disappear there. People will not experience them anymore for all of them will pass away (Rev. 21:1–4).

The ones promised with peace
The blessed ones, God’s people, who received the promise to dwell in the land that is the home of righteousness were identified by the Apostle Peter, thus:

“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”
(II Pet. 3:13 NIV)

“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.”
(II Pet. 3:14 NKJV)

Those who can wait with hope in God’s promise to dwell in the new heaven and new earth are those who are found in peace. The peace being referred to in the verses is the peace that Christ gives:

“The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful.” (Col. 3:15 GNB)

The “one body” where such peace can only be found is the body of Christ, which is the Church (Col. 1:18). The apostles attest that it is the members of this Church who have peace with God through the blood of Christ:

“and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” (Col. 1:20–22 NIV)

Christ reconciled man to God to be at peace with his Creator. Because of the sins he committed, man was alienated or separated from God and became His enemy (Isa. 59:2). That is why it necessary for man to be reconciled with God and have peace with Him. According to Apostle Paul, “He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death … by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.” Therefore, only in the Church that benefited from the shedding of Christ’s blood can man find peace.

The apostles teach us what benefited from the death of Christ because it was purchased with His blood:

“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)

The members of the Church Of Christ are God’s people and they have His stamp of ownership (Eph. 1:13–14 gnb). Hence, the members of the Church Of Christ are the true blessed ones because they are no longer alienated from God and they are not His enemies anymore. Instead, they are at peace with God.

For others, the terrible things that are happening in this world today may be terrifying and troubling; however, those in the Church Of Christ have nothing to fear. They are God’s people and that gives them peace and strong resolve, for while they are still in this world, God will not abandon them. And when the appointed time comes, Christ will bring them to God so they can experience the true peace, which they can never experience in this world.

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

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