The Church Administration: Helping Christians believe in, trust in, and rely on God

Posted on September 7, 2023September 7, 2023 by pasugoeditor

The Church Administration: Helping Christians believe in, trust in, and rely on God

Like the apostles whom God appointed to administer the first-century Church Of Christ, the Church Administration in these last days desires to help the members of the Church believe in, trust in, and rely on God, and receive salvation.

By GLADY C. GADDI

THE ULTIMATE GOAL of the present Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, is the same as that of the ones who administered the Church Of Christ before him—to help its members believe in, trust in, and rely on God (Jer. 17:7 Amplified Bible) and, thus, receive salvation.

The Church Administration in these last days has this desire similar to that of Apostle Paul who was appointed by God to administer the first-century Church in the Gentile lands. The apostle pronounced:

“Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (II Tim. 2:10 New King James Version)

Administering the Church in the Gentile lands
When the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, He entrusted His flock to His apostles. Apostle Paul, moved by love and concern for the Church, taught the helpers in administering the Church to carefully tend the flock 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.

“And from Miletus he sent and called the elders of the church of Ephesus.” (Acts 20:28, 17 Lamsa Translation)

Apostle Paul met with the elders and made sure that those present would also love, care for, and feed the flock or the Church Of Christ. While performing his duties, he encountered severe persecutions and hardships. Nevertheless, in fulfilling his ministry, he was willing to give even his life so he could finish the race and complete the task given to him by Christ (I Thess. 2:18; Acts 20:35, 24 New International Version).

The Church Administration in these last days
The present Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo Manalo, is making every effort possible to ensure that God’s elect in these last days will attain salvation. Everything is being put in order so that the labors and sacrifices of the members of the Church will not be in vain—they are assured of the promised reward of the Savior on His Second Advent. Why does the Church Administration deeply want to put in order everything in the Church? Apostle Paul enlightens us, thus:

“For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.” (I Thess. 3:5 NIV)

Apostle Paul wanted to make sure that those who already had the true faith would not be tempted and deceived by the tempter or the devil, but be saved on Judgment Day.

This is also the deep concern of the Church Administration in our time. They do not want those who already know the truth be misled by the devil. That is why he is also taking great measures for God’s chosen people to remain firmly grounded in their faith.

The Church Administration exhorts the true Christians today, thus:

“Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward. You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises. For, as the scripture says, ‘Just a little while longer, and he who is coming will come; he will not delay. My righteous people, however, will believe and live; but if any of them turns back, I will not be pleased with them.’ We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved.” (Heb. 10:35–39 Good News Bible)

Members of the Church who obey this commandment wholeheartedly do not turn their backs on God and are assured of the promised salvation.

Obedience is a must
Members of the Church Of Christ understand that they are not on the losing end if they fully obey the teachings of God taught to them by the Church Administration and follow all the rules which are being implemented in the Church (Acts 16:4–5 GNB). That is why it is only right to obey and submit to the Administration placed by God in the Church (Heb.13:17). When the Executive Minister makes a decision for the sake of the Church, its members listen and follow him, because salvation awaits those who are obedient.

What about those who are stubborn and hardheaded—those who refuse to listen and do not obey the Church Administration? What awaits them? Our Lord Jesus Christ says:

“And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” (Matt. 10:14–15 NKJV)

Those who reject the one entrusted to administer the Church will end up in perdition. Members of the Church remain united with the Church Administration even if this entails making sacrifices or self-denial. What reward awaits those who have sacrificed and persevered for the sake of the faith and kingdom of God? The Lord Jesus Christ answers:

“Then Peter said, ‘See we have left all and followed You.’ So He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.’” (Luke 18:28–30 NKJV)

Great blessings await those who obey even if it means leaving everything and everyone. Not only will they be blessed here on earth, but most especially, they will be counted worthy to live in the kingdom of God or the Holy City just as He promised:

“Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.” (II Thess. 1:4–5 NIV)

This is the Church Administration’s role—to help every member of the Church Of Christ believe in, trust in, and rely on God to attain salvation.

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

‘Ask … and you shall have it’

Posted on August 25, 2023August 25, 2023 by pasugoeditor

‘Ask … and you shall have it’

Members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) seek relief and comfort in the words of the Lord Jesus Christ. For He, being the throne of grace, can and will provide them with all their needs.

By ARNEL M. ARMENIA

COVID-19 BROUGHT DEATH and suffering not just in one country but the world over. We can never forget the days when we woke up and were greeted with news about hundreds, if not thousands, of people who succumbed to the disease. More heartbreaking were the testimonies of those who lost their loved ones—a spouse, a son or a daughter, a friend—in the battle against the deadly disease. Images of hospitals filled to capacity with those who contracted the virus, of hallways lined up with filled body bags, of expansive public spaces used as temporary morgues, and of frontliners repeatedly appealing to people to stay at home will be with us for the rest of our lives.

Add to the all-too-real dread of falling victim or losing someone to the disease, parents had to deal with the backlash of work stoppage and the difficulty of providing for their family’s needs. We can only imagine how stressful life has suddenly become after the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, health professionals warned about the danger of despondency and depression.

Instead of surrendering to or wallowing in despair, members of the
Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) seek relief and comfort in the words of the Lord Jesus Christ. For He, being the throne of grace, can and will provide them with all their needs (Heb. 4:16).

Christ’s guarantee
A man unlike all others for speaking the truth He heard from God (John 8:40), the Lord Jesus Christ gives assurances that are all true and can be truly relied upon. His words are the wellspring of genuine hope, most especially during these difficult and dark times. In John 15:7 He said, thus:

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it.” (Good News Bible)

Coming from the Savior, this guarantee is exactly what people need especially nowadays. Blessed then are those who remain in Him and in His words. They have the guarantee from the Lord Jesus Christ that they will receive anything that they ask from Him.

Christ described the ones who are in Him as His branches, He being the vine (John 15:5, 1). In the words of Apostle Paul, they are the members of the body of Christ, who is the head (Rom. 12:5; Col. 1:18). They are none other than the members of the Church Of Christ (Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation).

However, being in Christ is not enough. For them to receive what they ask from the Lord Jesus Christ, they must abide in His words (John 15:7) or obey His teachings. To obey Christ’s teachings is to obey God’s commandments because “the words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father …” (John 14:10 New International Version 2011). It is for this reason that members of the Church Of Christ are taught to obey or keep God’s commandments:

“And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” (I John 3:22 New King James Version)

Truly then, obedience to God’s commandments especially in the midst of life’s difficulties not only assures Christ’s disciples that their right to pray to the Lord will remain but, most of all, they can expect His answer. Such is the advantage of being an obedient member of the true Church Of Christ.

What Christ taught
One of the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ that members of the Church Of Christ strive to obey despite the present circumstances is worshiping the Father:

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” (John 4:23 nkjv)

Not all who serve and worship God and not all forms of service and worship are accepted by Him. It is the true worshipers whom He seeks to render worship to Him. Since “God is Spirit … those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24 nkjv). This is the true and acceptable worship of God. The Bible is clear as to who alone can render service acceptable to God, thus:

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
(Heb. 9:14 nkjv)

Only those cleansed by the blood of Christ received the right to serve God. They are the members of the Church Of Christ (Acts 20:28 Lamsa).

Knowing that their service is being sought by no less than the Father, members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), continue to hold worship services even now that circumstances prevent large gatherings. Heeding the instructions of the Executive Minister, Brother
Eduardo V. Manalo, that worship services be held temporarily in every home, the brethren worship God in the manner prescribed by the Bible—with hymn singing, prayer, offerings, and receiving of God’s words or message (I Cor. 14:26, 15; Heb. 13:16; John 4:23). Being able to worship the Father, rest assured, when they call to Him in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, they will be listened to and granted their requests
(John 15:16).

A promise fulfilled every time
There is no doubt in the hearts of the members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) that the Lord Jesus Christ will stand by His promise that those who abide in Him and in His words will receive what they ask for. They keep their hope and conviction alive because every time they gather together, He fulfills yet another promise:

“For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them.” (Matt. 18:20 gnb)

Make no mistake. Members of the Church Of Christ feel life’s hardships as others do. However, all their worries dissipate like smoke blown away by a strong gust of wind when they remind themselves of Christ’s guarantee: “Ask … and you shall have it.”

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

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

Why Iglesia Ni Cristo members recount God’s blessings on the Church’s anniversary

Posted on July 21, 2023July 21, 2023 by pasugoeditor

Why Iglesia Ni Cristo members recount God’s blessings on the Church’s anniversary

When we recount the victories that God has blessed the Church with, we do so not for self-gratification but for the glorification of God.

By MARLEX C. CANTOR

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS in the Church Of Christ are held with heartfelt thanksgiving to God for all the successes and achievements He has been blessing it with. On top of all other commemorative activities, the members all over the world gather together in a thanksgiving worship service to proclaim His praises and bring with them their thank-offerings to glorify Him.

In commemorating the 109th anniversary of the Church this year, we recount the many triumphs of the Church in its various fields of endeavor for the year that has passed. We share our joy not just with our brethren but also with people of other faiths. In this age of social media, the brethren’s happiness over such blessings reverberates throughout cyberspace for millions of netizens to see, hear, and read about.

Expectedly, detractors of the Church disapprove of this. Some accuse us of being self-serving when we explicitly express the wonderful accomplishments of the Church, and many go as far as undermining the Church’s triumphant contributions to society. Such criticisms, though, do not hamper the grateful spirit of the brethren, for while others may think of it wrongly, the truth remains:

“It is a good and delightful thing to give thanks to the Lord, To sing praises to Your name, O Most High.” (Ps. 92:1 Amplified Bible 2015)

Not for self, but for God
When we recount the victories that God has blessed the Church with, we do so not for self-gratification but for the glorification of God Who made them possible:

“For You, O Lord, have made me glad by Your works; At the works of Your hands I joyfully sing. How great are Your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep [beyond man’s understanding].” (Ps. 92:4–5 AMP2015)

Indeed, so deep are God’s thoughts and ways that they are beyond man’s understanding, which is why there will always be those who will look at His blessings to His people with envy and disdain. For, “A senseless man [in his crude and uncultivated state] knows nothing, Nor does a [self-righteous] fool understand this” (Ps. 92:6 AMP2015). We cannot avoid encountering such haters and detractors—“My eye has looked on my foes; My ears hear of the evildoers who rise up against me” (Ps. 92:11 AMP2015)—but we face them with confidence in our hope in God’s promise to the people He counts righteous in His sight—“The righteous will flourish like the date palm [long-lived, upright and useful]; They will grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic and stable]” (Ps. 92:12 AMP2015). The ones whom God counts as righteous are those sanctified and put right with Him by our Lord Jesus Christ—the members of the Church Of Christ which the Savior redeemed with His blood (I Cor. 6:11 Good News Bible; Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation).

Instead of minding the criticisms and the rumors that our detractors spread, we carry on and all the more glorify God because He has filled His nation in these last days. It is not about us, really. It is about God Who is the true Upholder and Defender of this work begun by His Messenger and continued by the Executive Ministers who have succeeded him in leading this Church. The increasing number of houses of worship built, local congregations and ecclesiastical districts established, men ordained in the ministry, and the other growth statistics of the Church are all but a testimony to God’s mercy and lovingkindness to His elect, His chosen people. “[They are living memorials] to declare that the Lord is upright and faithful [to His promises]; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him” (Ps. 92:15 AMP2015).

The specific promises
We commemorate the Church’s establishment on July 27, 1914 not merely to count the age of its existence in our time but more profoundly to remember the fulfillment of God’s prophecy in the Bible that testify to our divine calling and election.

In Isaiah 41:9–14, God spoke of His chosen people who would come from the “ends of the earth”—a time reference for the pre-Judgment Day era that would start with World War I. The prophesied place of origin of God’s elect from the end times is stated in the phrase “called from farthest corners [of the earth]”, which in related verses point to “distant east” or “far east” (Isa. 43:5 GNB; Moffatt Translation). Thus, it happened that 109 years ago, the Iglesia Ni Cristo emerged and was registered in the Philippines (an archipelago in the Far East) on July 27, 1914 (concurrent with the outbreak of World War I).

Also specified in the same prophecy in Isaiah 41 are the promises of God to this Church. Among these promises is God’s declaration, “I have chosen you and have not cast you off”—similar to Isaiah 62:11–12 stating with finality that this is God’s unforsaken nation and it will not apostatize as did the first-century Church. Moreover, God made a promise to strengthen, help, and uphold this Church with His victorious right hand—a promise that is being kept to this very day, which explains why the Church continues to flourish in all aspects of its religious life despite all the hurdles, odds, and obstacles.

Humbled and awed by God’s wondrous works for the Church, the faithful worldwide echo what the Psalmist once proclaimed:

“The LORD will fulfill that which concerns me. Your loving kindness, LORD, endures forever. Don’t forsake the works of your own hands. … I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth; for you have exalted your Name and your Word above all.” (Ps. 138:8, 2 World Messianic Bible)

Thankfully re-affirming our stand
In commemorating its anniversary, as the Church Of Christ sincerely thanks God for the victories He has been granting it through our Lord Jesus Christ, the members once again affirm their stand to remain solid in the faith, in keeping with the timeless reminder of the apostles not to let anyone “move you off the foundation of your faith” but to “always excel in the work you do for the Lord” because “the hard work you do for the Lord is not pointless” (I Cor. 15:57–58 Names Of God Version).

To remain unmoved and unshaken in our faith, each Church member ought to heed the constant call for unity which administrators of the Church, such as Apostle Paul, exhort all the brethren to do:

“Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention. Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others. Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility].” (Phil. 2:2–5 Amplified Bible)

Tests and trials in life will still worsen, but none of those will ruin the faith of the true members of the Church Of Christ in these last days. Instead of pushing them away from God, such troubles will only draw them closer to Him who made this truthful promise to them:

“When my people in their need look for water, when their throats are dry with thirst, then I, the Lord, will answer their prayer; I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them. I will make rivers flow among barren hills and springs of water run in the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water and the dry land into flowing springs.” (Isa. 41:17–18 GNB)

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

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

Do you really know your friend?

Posted on July 14, 2023July 14, 2023 by pasugoeditor

Do you really know your friend

In one’s passion for companionship and friendship, what guidance does God give to His people when choosing the type of person to spend time with and include in the circle of their acquaintances?

By ROBERT F. PELLIEN

WHAT MAKES A TRUE FRIEND? What distinguishes such from a mere acquaintance? Why is having true friends something worthwhile? Is it very important to have a friend? Turning to the pages of the Holy Scriptures, we learn the value of friendship thus:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up.” (Eccles. 4:9–10 New International Version)

Indeed, as God’s word shows us, friendship is truly a good thing. At various times in our life, when crisis or personal tragedy comes, having a friend beside us can lift our spirits up. A true friend can be counted on to join with us in works for the good of the friendly relationship. A friend will come to our aid when we are in a bind and provide helpful advice and assistance in whatever way he can. The Bible even mentions that in times of danger, having a friend by our side is beneficial. Let’s take a look at what the Holy Scripture shows us about friends in times of trouble:

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Eccles. 4:12 NIV)

True friendship
Clearly then, in the eyes of our Creator, friendship is a good thing. In fact, as you can see from the verse we have just quoted, a friend is a good thing to have and it is even better to have friends! Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ also talked about a characteristic of true friendship to his people:

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 NIV)

Here, Jesus speaks how a true friend can express what he feels. According to Jesus, one way someone can express his friendship is through his willingness to give up something valuable to him for the one he regards as a true friend. However, it is also so important for us to understand that it is possible that a friend can put us in danger. Some may see this as a contradiction. But it is not. Why? Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Corinthians:

“In my many travels I have been in danger from floods and from robbers, in danger from fellow Jews and from Gentiles; there have been dangers in the cities, dangers in the wilds, dangers on the high seas, and dangers from false friends.” (II Cor. 11:26 Good News Bible)

Apostle Paul was one who experienced many moments of danger when he truly needed a friend. As we could see, he found out that there were those with him that he could not count on. He talked to members of the Church in Corinth about dangers, and included so-called friends who turned out to be what he described as “false friends.” They may have presented themselves as true friends, but, in reality they were not.

Is there a way for us also to determine whether or not some of the acquaintances we may have in our own lives are actually false friends? Apostle Paul went on to say the following:

“Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for ‘bad company corrupts good character’.” (I Cor. 15:33 New Living Translation)

Beware of false friends
False friends or acquaintances can fool some people. They can be very deceptive. That is why the apostle gave such warning that we should not be fooled by them. He also mentioned the result if we would not be careful, saying that even our good character could be corrupted. It is easy then to see that not all friends are good. Disaster can strike us if we are not very careful in choosing our friends and those whom we spend time with. What are some of the destructive habits that false friends may try to lead us according to the Bible?

“Listen, my son, be wise and give serious thought to the way you live. Don’t associate with people who drink too much wine or stuff themselves with food. Drunkards and gluttons will be reduced to poverty. If all you do is eat and sleep, you will soon be wearing rags.” (Prov. 23:19–21 GNB)

No one wants to be reduced to poverty. But, that is what will happen if we choose as friends people who drink, overeat, and are lazy. These so-called friends will lead us to self-destruction. These kinds of friends will not encourage us to do what is good for us. What they are, in fact, will be the kind of influence they will try to wield. King Solomon described their actions like this:

“Son, don’t go with people like that. Stay away from them. They can’t wait to do something bad. They’re always ready to kill.” (Prov 1:15–16 GNB)

After giving advice about staying away from such false friends, he also described them. They are the type of people that are always eager to lead us toward something bad, even violence. But who are such kind of people hurting the most?

“But men like that are setting a trap for themselves, a trap in which they will die.” (Prov. 1:18 GNB)

Choose your friends
It is normal for young people to have a desire to fit in, and be accepted by their peer group. And as we have learned in the initial verses we quoted, the normal youthful tendency toward the pursuit of companionship, independence, and the building of a circle of friends wherein one spends much of his time is not something that God is against, or that He prohibits. However, as we have also seen, He clearly warns about being careful in the choices one makes concerning friendship. In one’s passion for companionship and friendship, what guidance does God give to His people when choosing the type of person to spend time with and include in the circle of our acquaintances?

“Avoid the passions of youth, and strive for righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who with a pure heart call out to the Lord for help.” (II Tim 2:22 GNB)

The Bible teaches us to strive for righteousness and to be in the company of people who call out to the Lord for help, that we may have a life filled with faith, love, and peace. Such companions, who strive to live a holy life will surely never lead us toward danger but will be around to help us in time of great need. There is an example recorded in the Bible of a true servant of God who spoke of the criteria he used when choosing one who he would consider in his circle of friends. The writings of King David recorded:

“I am a friend of all who serve you, of all who obey your laws.” (Ps. 119:63 GNB)

He was eager to be a friend of those who serve God and of those who wanted to obey God’s laws. Is that also how we choose our friends? If we want to know the best way to be a friend to others, the Bible also teaches us:

“I have not kept the news of salvation to myself; I have always spoken of your faithfulness and help. In the assembly of all your people I have not been silent about your loyalty and constant love.” (Ps. 40:10 GNB)

Members of the Church Of Christ therefore extend their invitation to everyone they meet at school, at work, and in all their journeys in this life to become a true servant of God, here inside the true Church Of Christ, which is a great act of friendship one can extend to another.

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

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

Scriptural testimonies prove that Brother Felix Y. Manalo is a Messenger of God

Posted on May 9, 2023May 10, 2023 by pasugoeditor

Scriptural testimonies prove that Brother Felix Y. Manalo is a Messenger of God

Brother Felix Manalo differs greatly from the self-appointed preachers in these end times. His being a messenger of God is not without biblical basis. The veracity of these testimonies does prove that he was indeed God-sent.

By MARLEX C. CANTOR

MANY OF TODAY’S GENERATION of Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members may not have met Brother Felix Y. Manalo in person as he was laid to rest six decades ago. Nevertheless, we firmly believe that he is God’s Messenger in these last days. We recognize him as the instrument God used to preach the true Church Of Christ through whom we have been brought to the true service of God and have gained the firm hope for salvation on Judgment Day.

Of course, those who deny this truth would question our faith and belief in God’s messenger. They could not accept that God had sent a messenger in our time. This teaching comes to them as a new doctrine—something they think that we only made up for ourselves.

But those who have ample knowledge of the Bible can never deny that the sending of messengers is a work of God (John 6:29). No one can claim for himself the honor of being sent by God, for such calling is from Him. One has to be called or chosen by God to earn His approval. Otherwise, he would only be commending himself, and those who do so are “without understanding”—hence, they do not speak God’s truth and are unworthy of belief and acceptance. (Heb. 5:4; II Cor. 10:12, 18 English Standard Version)

It is on that regard that Brother Felix Manalo differs greatly from the self-appointed preachers in these end times. His being a messenger of God is not without biblical basis. The veracity of these testimonies does prove that he was indeed God-sent.

Prophecy as testimony
Others think that to be sent by God is to be spoken to by Him face to face, in the same way that Moses (Exod. 3:11) and other prophets of yore were appointed by God. However, such direct approach is not the only way by which God calls His messengers whom He assigns to start a divine mission. Another is by means of prophecy.

Examples of those whose calling from God is attested to by prophecy are John the Baptist, Apostle Paul, and no less than our Lord Jesus Christ, the greatest of God’s Messengers. Although John’s name was not specifically mentioned beforehand in the Scriptures, to him was fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah regarding the voice in the wilderness who would prepare the way of the Lord. (Isa. 40:3; Mark 1:2-4). The same is true with Apostle Paul. He derived his authority to preach from the prophetic pronouncement about the servant whom God would give as a light to the Gentiles (Isa. 49:6; Acts 13:46-47).

As for our Lord Jesus Christ, not only did He cite the Old Testament prophecy attesting to His being God-sent, He Himself read the scripture that testifies to His divine authority:

“So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.’ Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:16-21 New King James Version)

In the same note, Brother Felix Manalo’s authority as a true messenger of God is validated strongly grounded on biblical prophecies. Like his predecessors, his name is not specified in the prophecies but they undeniably point to him because the signs were all fulfilled in him and in the work that he accomplished.

Date of commencement
One of the prophecies attesting that Brother Felix Manalo is God’s Messenger is Isaiah 41:9-14. We are sure about this because the time element was specified. The prophesied servant would emerge in the period known as “ends of the earth” (Isa. 41:9).

“Ends of the earth” sounds like but is entirely different from “end of the earth.” Both are expressions of time, but, while the latter refers to the time when the world will meet its end, which is on the day of Judgment (Matt. 24:3), the former pertains to the time when the end is near or at its doors (Matt. 24:33). Our Lord Jesus Christ gave signs that, when seen happening, will signify that the end is near or that the time “ends of the earth” has already begun to unfold:

“So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 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. 24:33, 6-8)

Among the signs that portend the unfolding of the period “ends of the earth” is the war that would be rumored or widely talked about. In fulfillment, this war is World War I of 1914:

“Jesus now tells His followers how they could discern when the world was actually entering into the beginning of the birth pangs that would bring about the rebirth of Israel and ultimately the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth. The approach of the end of the age would see several phenomena on the earth occurring at the same time. Those phenomena, would be: 1. Many nations rising up against many other nations 2. Kingdoms rising against kingdoms 3. Famines 4. Disease epidemics 5. Earthquakes in various places. In Mark 13 the word troubles is used by our Lord instead of disease epidemics. ... Wars between nations, or even between kingdoms, is and has been a common occurrence. History has recorded famines at various times. There have been times of great disease epidemics. There have been earthquakes in the past, but increasingly so in the present day. Jesus tells His disciples, however, to be awaiting 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 I (1914-1918) and immediately following ...” (Matt. 24:6-8a footnote, Last Days Bible)

It is during this period when the prophesied messenger in Isaiah 41:9 would emerge. And so it was that Brother Felix Manalo registered the Iglesia Ni Cristo with the Philippine government on July 27, 1914—the exact same date when World War I broke out:

“The first great campaign on the southeastern battle grounds of the Great War began on July 27, 1914, when the Austrian troops undertook their first invasion of Serbia.” (The Story of the Great War, Vol. 3, p. 923)

Place of origin
There can be no mistaking that Brother Felix Manalo is the messenger being prophesied in Isaiah 41:9-16 and other related prophecies because the place of origin was also specified. Isaiah 46:11 mentions that the “man who executes God’s counsel” whose work is to bring God’s righteousness near to people for them to be saved would come from “the east”, from “a far country” or, as rendered in Isaiah 43:5, from the “Far East” (Moffatt Translation).

It is no secret that Brother Felix Manalo is a Filipino. It is also a fact that his homeland, the Philippines, is in the Far East—almost in its geographical center at that (Asia and the Philippines, p. 169). Surely, then, it could not be just coincidence that the prophesied messenger’s place of origin and the date of commencement of his mission were both fulfilled in Brother Felix Manalo.

But, if these were not yet enough proof of his being sent by God, digging a little deeper would take us to understanding that even the nature of his mission was prophesied in the Bible.

Nature of mission
Isaiah 46:11 describes the messenger from the Far East as a “bird of prey”. This is because the work of salvation involves “snatching others from the fire” (Jude 1:23). Precisely so, since God’s messenger from the far east and from the ends of the earth would have to bring people out of the “South” and the “North” which are holding them back:

“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 NKJV)

In fulfillment, Brother Felix Manalo’s preaching function did involve “snatching” or “bringing out” people from two main religions—Catholicism and Protestantism, which were represented by South and North, respectively:

“Others have suggested in broader terms that Protestantism was the form of Christianity suited to the temper of the northern peoples, Catholicism to that of the southern. Plausibility is lent to the thesis because, in the final stabilization, northern Europe was largely Protestant and southern largely Catholic.” (New Encylopaedia Britannica Macropaedia, 15th Edition, Vol. 15, p. 547)

There may be other countries in the Far East and other preachers who emerged in the World War I era, but there is no one else from such particular place and time whose mission entailed bringing people out specifically from those two mainstream religions—no one except Brother Felix Manalo.

Messenger for Christ
What are presented herein are only some of the scriptural testimonies proving that Brother Felix Manalo was sent by God as His messenger in these last days to preach the true Church Of Christ so that people would be gathered in it and be assured of salvation. By believing ever so firmly in his election or calling as a messenger of God, we members of the Church Of Christ never intend to replace Christ for him. Rather, it is clear to us that the role Brother Felix Manalo fulfilled is no different from that of the apostles, that is, to speak on Christ’s behalf the genuine words of God so that man will heed His call and be saved through the sacrificial death of our dear Savior Jesus. As Apostle Paul said:

“God was in Christ. He brought the world back to himself. He forgave them for the wrong things they had done. And he gave us the message that will bring people back to himself. So we are messengers for Christ. God is using us to call people. So we are standing here for Christ and begging people, “Come back to God!’” (II Cor. 5:18-19 Bible in Worldwide English, emphasis added)

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

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

God’s elect and the promised eternal life

Posted on March 7, 2023March 7, 2023 by pasugoeditor

God’s elect and the promised eternal life

God regards the fruit of the work of the messenger from the Far East as His sons and daughters. This priceless recognition from God Himself cannot be impostured or faked.

By NICANOR P. TIOSEN

TODAY, MORE THAN ever, the world teems with religions of all sorts. So-called Christendom abounds with churches and movements that claim to have deep faith in Christ.

However, claiming to be in the truth and actually being in the truth are two different matters. Any claim must be biblically substantiated and vouched; otherwise, it cannot be relied upon. The fact is, only one among the various claimants could be the true one.

Truth and salvation
What made the first-century believers sure of their faith? On what was such assurance anchored? John, the beloved apostle of the Lord, speaks, thus:

“And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.” (I John 3:19 King James Version)

In certain terms, Apostle John assured the hearts of the Christians of old that they were of the truth. But, of course, people today could easily say: “We, too, are in the truth!” in fact, no preacher or adherent of an organized religion would say the opposite—that his church is laden with lies. But why were the members of the first-century Church Of Christ certain of the truth? From whom did they hear what they taught? In verse 3 of the second chapter of the epistle to the Hebrews, this is explained, thus:

“The Lord himself first announced this salvation, and those who heard him proved to us that it is true.” (Good News Bible)

The apostles testified that the Lord Jesus Christ was the one who announced the truth about salvation. The Lord Himself assured the Christians of the promised salvation.

Salvation and the Church Of Christ
What is the truth about salvation as taught by Christ? Who, according to Christ, shall be saved? In John 10:7 and 9, this is stated, thus:

“So Jesus spoke again: ‘In very truth I tell you, I am the door of the sheepfold.

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

Our Lord Jesus Christ declared that he who comes into the fold will be safe. This is the truth regarding salvation. But, which is the fold or flock that people must join? Acts 20:28 records, 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.” (Lamsa Translation)

The flock which man must join is the Church Of Christ. It is the beneficiary of the shed blood of Christ. Therefore, it is the Church Of Christ (or Iglesia Ni Cristo in Filipino) that Christ will save. This is the truth that the apostles heard from the Savior and that which they in turn taught the early Christians.

And it is well to note that the apostles did not have to worry about other churches then, as the true Church Of Christ then could easily be recognized.

Deep secret truth revealed
What manner of truth was preached by the apostles concerning the relationship of Christ and His Church? In Ephesians 5:32, Apostle Paul taught, thus:

“There is a deep secret truth revealed in this scripture, which I understand as applying to Christ and the church.” (GNB)

The verse speaks about a deep secret truth revealed in the Scripture which portrayed the relationship of a man and his wife (Eph. 5:31). it is a biblical truth that the husband-wife union is divinely sanctioned and that this truth is not only confined to married couples. As Apostle Paul concluded, this applies to Christ and His Church! As the husband and wife are no longer two but one, Christ and His Church are likewise divinely united. As such, to reject the Church Of Christ would mean to reject Christ.

Ironically, though, many people fail to recognize this truth. A lot of people in fact disregard the Church Of Christ. Nonetheless, this is not surprising for such attitude is only reflective of people who are neither of Christ nor of God. They do not recognize the value of the Church which was purchased with Christ’s blood as willed by God.

In the first century, the early Christians upheld the value and the truth about the Church Of Christ; in these last days, members of the
Iglesia Ni Cristo do the same.

The strength of election
Why are the members of the Church Of Christ in these last days sure of being God’s people? On what is the strength of their election based? Even before the onset of the Christian era, God had already proclaimed about this through His prophets, thus:

“Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.” (Isa. 46:11 Revised Standard Version)

What God has spoken, He will bring to pass. What He has purposed, He will do. God prophesied about a bird of prey from the east who is actually a man from a far country, hence, the man who is prophesied as a bird of prey shall come from only one direction—the far east. How was this prophecy fulfilled? This was fulfilled when, from the Philippines, a country in the Far East, Brother Felix Y. Manalo started God’s mission in 1914. Through the instrumentality of this messenger, the Iglesia Ni Cristo or Church Of Christ reemerged on earth as prophesied by God.

Why did God give His assurance to do and bring to pass what He has spoken and purposed? What does He want people to know? In the epistle to the Hebrews this is written, thus:

“Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and all in their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desires to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us.” (Heb. 6:16–18 RSV)

It is impossible that God should prove false, the Bible says. That is why interposed His promise with an oath to show more convincingly the unchangeable character of His purpose. Indeed, what God had purposed, He brought to pass. The Church Of Christ emerged at God’s appointed time and place.

Now, how does God regard the members of the Church Of Christ in these last days? How does God consider the fruit of the preaching function of the duly commissioned messenger from the far east? From another prophecy in the Bible, this is documented, thus:

“Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth.” (Isa. 43:5–6 KJV)

God regards the fruit of the work of the messenger from the far east as His sons and daughters. This priceless recognition from God Himself cannot be impostured or faked.

Heirs to the promise
How valuable is it to be counted as God’s sons and daughters? What is in store for God’s children? Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome, thus:

“It is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Rom. 8:16–17 rsv)

God’s children are heirs to His promises. They are fellow heirs with Christ. Hence, since the members of the Church Of Christ in these last days are recognized by God as His sons and daughters, then they, too, are heirs to God’s promises.

What shall God’s chosen people inherit? In the opening statement of Paul’s letter to Titus, a co-worker in the first-century Church, the following is recorded, thus:

“From Paul, servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, marked as such by the faith of God’s chosen people and the knowledge of the truth enshrined in our religion with its hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised long ages ago.”
(Titus 1:1–2 REB)

The chosen shall inherit the promised eternal life. They shall enjoy the bliss of eternity that God, who does not lie, promised long ages ago. Where shall they enjoy eternal life and what kind or manner of life shall it be? While in exile at the isle of Patmos, Apostle John, moved by the Spirit, wrote what he saw in a vision, thus:

“I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had vanished, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice proclaiming from the throne: ‘Now God has his dwelling with mankind! He will dwell among them and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There shall be an end to death, and to mourning and crying and pain, for the old order has passed away!’” (Rev. 21:1–4 REB)

Fortunate indeed are the members of the Church Of Christ who are God’s elect of chosen people in these last days, for they shall dwell forever in the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, where death is no more!

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

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

God’s faithful love never ends

Posted on January 2, 2023January 3, 2023 by pasugoeditor

God’s faithful love never ends

Amid the hardships, God's people have the hope of overcoming whatever situation they may be in. For God's love for His people never ends and is indeed beyond compare.

By FELGEM EDWARD J. ELEVADO

PEOPLE HAVE BEEN hoping that the Covid-19 pandemic would soon come to an end but are only met with disappointment, as other variants and subvariants of the virus surfaced and the disease continues spreading. Making things worse are the escalating tensions and armed conflicts between nations, as well as violence and social unrest in many countries. The rising prices of oil, food, and other commodities further aggravate the severe poverty suffered by hundreds of millions the world over. Add to these the devastating calamities claiming countless lives and destroyed billion dollars’ worth of livelihood.

Indeed, that we are living in interesting times is an understatement; and such worrisome events have pushed many people into hopelessness.

As the world’s end looms

But for the members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), it is not surprising that we are living in extraordinary times. This is because they have been taught that the Holy Scriptures already foretold long ago about what the world’s condition would be as its end looms:

“This is what the Sovereign Lord is saying: ‘One disaster after another is coming on you. It’s all over. This is the end. You are finished. The end is coming for you people who live in the land. The time is near when there will be no more celebrations at the mountain shrines, only confusion. … There is fighting in the streets, and sickness and hunger in the houses. Anyone who is out in the country will die in the fighting, and anyone in the city will be a victim of sickness and hunger. … Everything is in confusion—the land is full of murders and the cities are full of violence. … Despair is coming. You will look for peace and never find it. One disaster will follow another, and a steady stream of bad news will pour in. You will beg the prophets to reveal what they foresee. The priests will have nothing to teach the people, and the elders will have no advice to give’.” (Ezek. 7:5–7, 25–26 Good News Bible)

Indeed, the condition of the world is not getting any better. It will only worsen and will continue worsening until the end of the world or the Day of Judgment comes.

God’s promise to His people

Amid the hardships, God’s people have the hope of overcoming whatever situation they may be in. For, God will not abandon them and He will give them strength and peace:

“For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people.” (I Sam. 12:22 New King James Version)

“The Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” (Ps. 29:11 Amplified Bible)

God’s chosen people are the ones called out of darkness as the apostles attested, thus:

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” (I Pet. 2:9–10 nkjv)

From the darkness, they were brought into His marvelous light and to the kingdom of the Son, where redemption or the forgiveness of sins is found (Col. 1:12–14). The one 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 Spirt has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation)

Hence, those who belong to the Church Of Christ, God’s chosen nation, are the ones who have the hope of receiving the strength from God and the peace that they need. The Church Of Christ that was preached by God’s Messenger in these last days, Brother Felix Y. Manalo, is indeed of God, for it was prophesied:

“Behold, the LORD has proclaimed unto the ends of the earth, Say you to the daughter of Zion, Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and you shall be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.” (Isa. 62:11–12 King James Version 2000)

The phrase “ends of the earth” refers to the period of time when the Second Advent of Christ is near. It is signified by the events prophesied by Christ, the first of which is the First World War that began in 1914 (footnote, Matt. 24:6–8 Last Days Bible). “Zion” refers to “the true church of Christ” (Heb. 12:22–23 The Remedy New Testament), specifically that of the first century.

The fulfillment of the prophesied “daughter of Zion” is the Church Of Christ that emerged in 1914 in the Philippines, a country in the Far East (Isa. 43:5–6). Therefore, the Church Of Christ or Iglesia Ni Cristo is the one that God recognized as His chosen nation in our time. It is the “holy people of God” which He will never forsake. This promise He also declared to another prophecy which is about His Messenger in the last days and to the result of his work, which is none other than the Church Of Christ today:

“You whom I [the Lord] have taken from the ends of the earth and have called from the corners of it, and said to you, You are My servant—I have chosen you and not cast you off [even though you are exiled]. Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.” (Isa. 41:9–10 amp)

Manifestation of His love

The fulfillment of God’s promises to His Messenger and to the Church Of Christ in its entirety is truly evident and continues manifesting. Today, under the leadership of the current Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Church Of Christ continuously reaps triumphs in all of its endeavors. These victories are a manifestation of His love for His people.

At present, with the Church members’ active participation in the work of propagating the true faith, the Church Of Christ has set foot in 162 countries and territories, with members from 149 nationalities and ethnicity. More and more people the world over, even those who are in far-flung places, are baptized and converted to the Church Of Christ, and more local congregations and ecclesiastical districts are established.

While the Church membership continues growing, many brethren have also heeded the call of the Church Administration to help in taking care of the spiritual welfare of the Church members by holding offices in the Church. Also, more ministers and ministerial workers, who help the Church Administration in overseeing the Church members, are added to the Church. In this year alone, 260 were ordained as ministers and 549 ministerial students finished their studies and took oath as ministerial workers. Thousands more are currently studying in the Iglesia Ni Cristo School For Ministers.

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With their earnest desire to share their faith to more people the world over, members of the Church Of Christ use all possible means such as giving copies of Pasugo: God's Message magazine.

As a result of the Church Of Christ members' active participation in the works of propagation, people of various nationalities come to the knowledge of God's words and receive the true baptism.

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To ensure that the brethren, from the parents to the children, remain edified in their faith, Church officers, such as Children's Worship Service teachers, are constantly being added.

Aside from worship services, special gatherings are also held to further guide Church officers and edify their faith towards the fulfillment of their God-given duties.

To cater to the spiritual needs of the ever-growing number of members and congregations, the Church Of Christ does not cease in building more houses of worship, as well as other edifices, despite the economic difficulties the world is facing at present. From 2009 up to present, the Church Of Christ has constructed more than 3,000 houses of worship, more than 452 of which in these pandemic times alone. Most notable of these are the house of worship of the Local Congregations of Luzon Avenue in Quezon City, Philippines that can accommodate 2,020 worshipers, the 1,200-seater chapel of the Local Congregation of Abucay in the Ecclesiastical District of Bataan, and the houses of worship of the local congregations of Winnipeg South in Canada; National City in San Diego, California; and Great North in Lusaka, Zambia. Another magnificent edifice built by the Church is the EVM Convention Center and inaugurated on March 15, 2022 situated along Central Avenue, Quezon City.

The newly built 1,200-seater house of worship of Abucay Congregation, Bataan Ecclesiastical District, which was dedicated to God in a worship service officiated by the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, on September 30, 2022.

The newly renovated chapel of National City Congregation in San Diego County, California which was rededicated to God in the worship service led by the Executive Minister on September 30, 2022 via livestreaming.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo faithful firmly believe that these achievements are indeed God’s handiwork: “That they may see and know, And consider and understand together, That the hand of the Lord has done this, And the Holy One of Israel has created it” (Isa. 41:20 NKJV).

Not only is God’s love manifested in the Church in its entirety, but it is also felt by the members of the Church Of Christ individually. Although they, too, as all people do, experience hardships, they have the hope of receiving God’s promised help, especially when they are in dire need. God’s faithful people will not be disappointed when they call on Him for help, for the Almighty has promised:

“When my people in their need look for water, when their throats are dry with thirst, then I, the Lord, will answer their prayer; I the God of Israel, will never abandon them.” (Isa. 41:17 GNB)

Above everything else, members of the Church Of Christ, through God’s help, are able to remain steadfast in their divine election—their membership in the true Church—and zealous in their services to Him amid extraordinary times. Their being able to remain in the true Church Of Christ is indeed a manifestation of God’s love, that such makes them certain of being saved on the Day of Judgment:

“But God has shown us how much he loves us—it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! By his blood we are now put right with God; how much more, then, will we be saved by him from God’s anger!” (Rom. 5:8–9 GNB)

What we will never forget

God’s love for His people the entire Church, in general, and its members, in particular, is indeed beyond compare. And so, before the year ends, as what they have been doing ever since, members of the Church Of Christ do not forget to express their sincerest gratitude to God through their Thanksgiving worship services, bringing with them their thank-offerings, for His never-ending love:

“Bring your praise as an offering and your thanks as a sacrifice as you sing your story of miracles with a joyful song.

“Let everyone give all their praise and thanks to the Lord! Here’s why—he’s better than anyone could ever imagine. Yes, he’s always loving and kind, and his faithful love never ends.” (Ps. 107:22, 1 The Passion Translation)

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

The true wealth

Posted on December 12, 2022December 12, 2022 by pasugoeditor

The true wealth

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

By MARLEX C. CANTOR

WEALTH IN TERMS of material possessions is the common object of the hard work and perseverance of numerous people. Many think that having lots of money and plenty of properties will guarantee them security and happiness in life. Becoming rich is so important to many that they are willing to do just about anything to achieve this ambition. They use all their energies to succeed in work, even if it means leaving little or no time for their family and for God. Some even resort to gambling, swindling, and practicing corruption all for the sake of gaining wealth.

The riches of this world
The irony many fail to see is that after everything has been done and the desired level of prosperity attained, the wealth that they strove so hard to gain will all but amount to nothing:

“For riches do not last for ever; and does a crown endure to all generations?” (Prov. 27:24 Revised Standard Version)

The wealth this world offers is temporal, coterminous with the world where it is found. When this earth ends, every penny, every ounce of gold, and every pound of man’s precious treasures will be no more:

“The possessions of his house will be carried away, dragged off in the day of God’s wrath.” (Job 20:28 RSV)

We don’t have to wait for the day of God’s judgment, however, to witness the futility of worldly riches. Over the centuries, prosperous people have died without fully enjoying the properties they had amassed for themselves. When death comes, the rich cannot enjoy the fruits of their labor anymore. Others will benefit from them instead (Eccles. 6:2). This is the very lesson taught in the Lord’s parable concerning the rich fool
(Luke 12:13-21). Apostle Paul wrote Christ’s message:

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” (I Tim. 6:7 New International Version)

While money and earthly possessions are important, they are not the end-all of man’s existence. What people should strive harder to achieve, therefore, is that which transcends the boundaries of material satisfaction.

Enduring wealth
Unknown to many, there are riches that are far greater than all the world’s treasures. The Book of Proverbs mentions of an “enduring wealth and prosperity” (Prov. 8:18). Apostle Paul likewise talks about riches found in the Lord Jesus Christ and preached by God’s messengers (Eph. 3:8).

The greatness of the riches the Bible speaks of is that they are enduring or lasting, unlike the riches of this world that are only temporary. People should therefore work even harder to achieve the enduring wealth at all costs.

But which is the riches found in Christ that endures or lasts? The Bible teaches:

“There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches. The ransom of man’s life is his riches, but the poor does not hear rebuke.” (Prov. 13:7-8 New King James Version)

The ransom or the redemption of one’s life is the greatest wealth a person can ever have. By being redeemed, one is spared from the curse of the law under which sinners are placed (Gal. 3:13; Rom. 6:23). That curse is the death in the lake of fire on Judgment Day (Rev. 20:14) which no one—not even the richest man on earth—can escape from:

“Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord’s wrath. In the fire of his jealousy the whole world will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end of all who live in the earth.” (Zeph. 1:18 NIV)

No matter how much pleasure people derive from their riches, the fact holds that such wealth cannot save them on the day of God’s wrath
(Prov. 11:4).

Through Christ’s blood
The value of redemption is further manifested by the way it was carried out. No less than the precious blood of Christ was shed to redeem the sins of the fortunate ones:

“In him we have the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Eph. 1:7 NIV)

Through redemption, man’s sins are forgiven, the curse of the law is removed, and eventually, salvation is attained. Those redeemed by the blood of Christ are the ones who have received such riches brought forth by God’s grace. So, if one toils just to be materially rich, all the more should he seek to avail himself of Christ’s redemption. It is the true wealth that lasts.

Redemption, however, is not achieved by merely professing belief or faith in Christ. The Bible specifically identifies who the redeemed ones are;

“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)

To be redeemed is to join the Church Of Christ or the Iglesia Ni Cristo, for it is the one purchased by the blood of the Lord Jesus. Hence, those who refuse to join the true Church are missing the chance to become rich in the truest sense of the word.

Even if a member of the Church Of Christ is poor by human standards, he is considered rich in the sight of God (James 2:5). As God’s chosen, he is given the right to inherit the promised kingdom.

On the other hand, a wealthy person who has not been redeemed because he did not join the Church Of Christ is not truly rich in the sight of God and will not benefit from the redemptive death of the Lord Jesus Christ.

A matter of priority
It is imperative then to examine our priorities. If we value only the things of this world, then we are actually bringing ourselves to God’s punishment on the Day of Judgment. But if we value the true wealth taught in the Bible above the riches of this world, we won’t allow our ambitions to hinder our quest for the eternal kingdom.

Knowing this, servants of God sacrifice worldly opportunities for the greater reward, that which is in Christ. Moses had this kind of conviction. He chose to give up his royal privileges in exchange for his calling as a deliverer of God’s people:

“It was faith that made Moses, when he had grown up, refuse to be called the son of the king’s daughter. He preferred to suffer with God’s people rather than to enjoy sin for a little while. He reckoned that to suffer scorn for the Messiah was worth far more than all the treasures of Egypt, for he kept his eyes on the future reward.” (Heb. 11:24-26 Good News Bible)

Moses could have opted to live the life of a prince by just staying in the rich and powerful nation of Egypt. But he didn’t. He left to find the land God prepared for His people even if it meant stepping down to the level of a slave. Between the treasures of Egypt and the future reward promised by God, Moses preferred the latter to the former, the eternal to the mundane.

God is not asking His people to blindly throw away all their material possessions and ambitions, as an ascetic would do. The point is, during crucial moments when a person’s earthly desires confront his quest for God’s true riches, he should choose God’s riches.

The way to God’s true wealth is not an easy path. One must avail himself of Christ’s redemption, enter His Church, and remain a faithful servant until the end. Along the road, trials would come and sacrifices have to be made to test one’s order of priorities. For true members of the Church Of Christ, giving less of themselves to material wealth and offering more for the sake of attaining the true wealth in Christ is not a difficult task:

“But all those things that I might count as profit I now reckon as loss for Christ’s sake. Not only those things, I reckon everything as complete loss for the sake of what is so much more valuable, the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have thrown everything away; I consider it all as mere garbage, so that I may gain Christ and be completely united with him.” (Philip. 3:7-9 GNB)

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

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

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)

For-they-are-no-longer-two-but-one_Breaker1

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