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By ROLAND A. AGUIRRE
DESPITE THE DELUGE of disastrous developments across the globe, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) observes its 112th anniversary—triumphant as ever. This is but a clear testament of the fulfillment of God’s promise to His people in these last days: “… I work and who can hinder it?” (Isa. 43:13 Revised Standard Version). That God did not renege on His promises is the conviction of Church members throughout the world, truly believing that He upheld His nation and His messenger in these last days: “… I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10 New King James Version).
Thus, we have all the reasons to rejoice and glorify God for the accelerated growth and sustained success of the Church Of Christ in these last days amid trying times.
Today, the Church, a century and 12 years since its establishment, has succeeded in spreading its mission to different parts of the globe, reaching 169 countries and territories in 6 continents, with membership that now includes 152 different nationalities and ethnic origins.
Since the establishment of its first congregations outside the Philippines more than five decades ago—marking the beginning of its global expansion—the Church Of Christ has gone a long way in evangelizing the world. The sending of successful missions of the Church in the Far West was foretold by God in Isaiah 43:5: “… from the far west I will gather you” (Moffatt Translation). As a fulfillment, from a single local congregation in Ewa, Hawaii which was established on July 27, 1968, hundreds of local congregations, extensions, and group worship services have been established in the West—and henceforth, in almost all habitable corners of the world.
Moreover, thousands of new converts to the true faith are continuously being added to the Church. Also, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) School For Ministers (INC-SFM), the Church’s school for training future ministers has, on May 9, 2026, added to the Church’s ministerial force 1,301 new graduates who were sent to various local congregations in the Philippines and abroad.
Unhindered by the worsening global economic crisis, the Church has built and continues to build houses of worship and other edifices in many parts of the world where the ever growing number of faithful congregates to worship God. These sacred edifices— which are palpable manifestations of the Church’s sustained growth and progress—have become distinct landmarks in the cities and towns where they are situated.
From July 27, 2025 up to this writing, the Church was able to build and renovate more houses of worship for various local congregations, not only in the Philippines but even abroad. These include the house of worship for the congregations of Cordova, Cebu City; Bangued, Abra; Mindanao Avenue, Central; Acacia, Palawan; Panglao, Bohol; Sta. Ana, Cagayan East; and the 1,000-seater edifice for Metro Manila Hills, Rodriguez, dedicated to God in a worship service led by Brother Eduardo Manalo, the Executive Minister, on December 19, 2025. This year, the new houses of worship dedicated to God include those for Capalangan, Pampanga East; Narra, Palawan South; San Rafael, Albay; and Lubang, under Batangas District, to name a few.
Also noteworthy is the continuous effort of the Church Administration to buy properties that can serve as places of worship for brethren as well as office spaces for various Church departments. Just from January to July this year, the Church was able to acquire properties in Australia, New Zealand, and also in the United States, specifically in the states of Virginia and Nevada.
To help more people, especially the marginalized members of the society, the Church reaches out to them through the Lingap sa Mamamayan (Care for Humanity), an integrated socio-civic mission that has been, from the time of Brother Eraño G. Manalo, extending help to the impoverished, particularly the victims of calamities and natural disasters, regardless of religious affiliation. Furthermore, to serve the health and medical needs of the brethren, the Church established the New Era General Hospital which also admits nonmembers. But even prior to the hospital’s establishment, the Church was already supporting the family planning programs of the government as early as the 1960s through its puericulture center.
The continuing blood donation campaigns, tree planting activities, and clean-up drives demonstrate further the Church’s environmental and societal concerns not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well.
Under the leadership of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Church has successfully continued to soar in its sacred endeavors, with the present Executive Minister making important decisions for the Church’s benefit and future.
From time to time, he has reached out to the entire Church membership through the biblical lessons or homilies he prepared which are taught in the worship services to minister to the spiritual needs of the members. And by utilizing high-tech information communication technology such as videoconferencing, he reminds Church officers, ministerial workers, and ministers of the need to be more devoted to their divine duties.
Despite the challenges of overseeing a global Church, Brother Eduardo Manalo has embarked on pastoral visitations that have spanned the archipelago, reaching out to brethren from all walks of life. Add to this the weekly Balikbayan Day held every Tuesday at the Iglesia Ni Cristo Central Office’s Bulwagan (Function Hall) wherein he meets visiting brethren from abroad to hear their concerns and inspire them to continue on with their active service to God. And last June 26, 2026, he officiated at the Local Congregation of Muntinlupa in Metro Manila South District, Philippines, to impart to the brethren there a message of hope and comfort. Such is the solicitous concern of the Church Administration for the spiritual welfare of the brethren around the world that all means possible are being done to ensure that the Church remains steadfast in its faith and trust in God.
Brother Eduardo Manalo, upon taking the mantle of Executive Minister in 2009, continues to lead God’s nation to a new era of triumphs, accomplishments and stability; and more importantly, he oversees the Church to achieve its ultimate victory—our salvation come Judgment Day.
Thus, it is not enough to merely believe in Christ for a person to be saved. Contrary to the wrong belief that just accepting Christ as personal savior is enough to be guaranteed eternal life, it is necessary for one who believes in Christ to fulfill what He teaches. Who have responded to the voice of the Savior and have followed Him and are recognized by Christ as His sheep? They are the ones who have entered the fold through Him:
“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. …” (John 10:7, 9 reb)
Therefore, those who truly have followed Christ have entered the sheepfold or flock through Him. Which does the Bible refer to as Christ’s flock? The apostles taught:
“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation)
The members of the true Church Of Christ are the ones whom Christ considers as His sheep that truly know and follow Him. They are the ones who truly believe in Christ because they have obeyed what He commands. Therefore, they will be the ones to attain the true peace and comfort in the Holy City. That is why Christ teaches that in order to enter the kingdom of heaven, obedience to God’s teachings is absolutely necessary (Matt. 7:21).
Even if many consider themselves to have attained a good life here on earth, it must be remembered that this world is but temporary. There is a life far better than this life, i.e. a life of everlasting peace and comfort. Do you want to have and enjoy that life? We need to strive to obey Christ’s command of entering the Church Of Christ. This should be number one on our list of priorities for us to be deemed worthy of receiving the most valuable thing—eternal life. ❑
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