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Brother Bob Pellien: The Bible teaches of only one true Church and that it has the name “Church Of Christ,” is prophesied, and believes the Father alone is the true God.  You’re listening to the podcast version of God’s Message magazine, and today’s topic is “The True Church.” Brother Bob: With the proliferation of so many different religions and churches, many people are confused and do not know where to begin their search for the true Church. On the other hand, there are those who have just chosen to accept the popular belief that all religions are the same. But how could all religions be true when their doctrine  and beliefs are not only different but also in conflict? The Bible teaches of only one true Church and that it has the name “Church Of Christ,” is prophesied, and believes that the Father alone is the true God.  Importance of the name “Church Of Christ” Brother Bob: The apostles called the true Church the Church Of Christ: Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” [Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation] Brother Bob: Contrary to what many think, the name, as applied to Christ’s Church, is very essential, for no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved (Acts 4:8-12 The Message). Since it is only by the name of Christ can one be saved, so the name of Christ should not be removed from that of the Church He built (Matthew 16:18). The name of the Church should follow the name of Christ Who built and owns it. Moreover, as the Church is the body of Christ (Colossians 1:18), the name of the Church must follow the name of its head.  Others claim that “Church Of God’ can be read in other Bible translations such as the New King James Version— that it is the more accurate rendering of Acts 20:28. Such claim is wrong because the latter part of the verse states: “which he has purchased with his blood.” The rendering “church of God” means that it was God who died and shed blood on the cross. This contradicts other Bible verses that teach that God is immortal (I Timothy 1:17), is Spirit (John 4:24 Today’s English Version), has no flesh and bones (Luke 24:36-39), and therefore has no blood. It is the Lord Jesus Christ’s blood that washed the members of His Church of their sins (I Peter 1:18-19, Revelation 1:5). The importance of prophecy Brother Bob: Prophecy proves that the religion or church that has the light is the true one. Any religion without light is, of course, in darkness:  To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. [Isaiah 8:20 New King James Version] Brother Bob The testimony referred to is a biblical prophecy: … For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. [Revelation 19:10 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Are there prophecies about the Church Of Christ that emerged in the Philippines? In John 10:16, the Lord Jesus Christ prophesied  that He had other sheep. Christ called them His other sheep because they did not belong to the fold or flock at that time. These other sheep of Christ would come from the future: I have other sheep too. They are not in this flock here. I must lead them also. They will listen to my voice. In the future there will be one flock and one shepherd. [John 10:16 Easy-to-Read Version] Brother Bob: Christ would bring them also and they would be made one flock or one Church Of Christ (Acts 20:28 Lamsa). In a related prophecy, Christ’s other sheep is said to emerge from the Far East:  From the far east will I bring your offspring, and from the far west I will gather you. [Isaiah 43:5 Moffatt Translation] Brother Bob: The place of emergence of Christ’s other sheep in the Far East is a nation composed of islands of the sea: Therefore in the east give glory to the LORD; exalt the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea. From the ends of the earth we hear singing: “Glory to the Righteous One.” [Isaiah 24:15-16 New International Version] Brother Bob: In fulfillment, the place where Christ’s other sheep would emerge is the Philippines, a country in the Far East composed of thousands of islands: “The Philippines were Spain’s share of the first colonizing movement in the Far East…” (World History, Vol. 2 p. 445); and, “It cannot be without significance that the country which stands almost at the geographical center of the Far East, the Philippines, also be that in which Christianity has taken the deepest root.” (Asia and the Philippines, p. 169). Also as prophesied, the Church from the Far East would reach the Far West. This would happen when in the east or the Philippines people could see God’s brilliant deeds:  Till in the far west men have awe of the Eternal, and in the east they see his brilliant deeds; for his vengeance pours out like a pent-up stream, driven by a blast of wind. [Isaiah 59:19 Moffatt Translation] Brother Bob: When the Church Of Christ’s mission of salvation would have spread throughout the Philippines it would reach the Far West. This part of the prophecy was fulfilled when Brother Eraño G. Manalo officiated at the first worship service in Hawaii on July 27, 1968. This was followed by another gathering of brethren in San Francisco, California. These are the official beginnings of the Church Of Christ in the Far West. According to the 1976 World Almanac, Hawaii and California are part of the region of the United States called Far West (p. 88). The importance of knowing the Father alone as the only true God Brother Bob: Having the knowledge that the Father alone is the only true God is another proof of the true Christian Church (I Corinthians 8:6). Christ Himself revealed why knowledge of the identity of the true God is important: Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent. After Jesus had finished speaking to his disciples, he looked up toward heaven and prayed: Father, the time has come for you to bring glory to your Son, in order that he may bring glory to you. [John 17:3,1 Contemporary English Version] Brother Bob: Based on the statements of the Savior, knowing the only true God is essential to obtaining the eternal life. In other words, a wrong belief in God, or not knowing who the only true God is, prevents one from being saved. In His prayer, Christ used the pronoun “you” referring to the Father as the “one and only true God.” This discounts the doctrine of the Trinity. If the Trinity were true, then Christ should have used the pronoun “us” to include Him and the Holy Spirit. He never taught the trinity or even the concept of the trinity. The word “trinity” cannot be found in the Bible. The apostles also taught the Father alone as the only true God: All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God’s people. We have only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. There is one God who is the Father of all people. Not only is God above all others, but he works by using all of us, and he lives in all of us. [Ephesians 4:4-6 Contemporary English Version] Brother Bob: In the one body or one true Church, there is only one true faith, and in that true Christian faith, there is room for only “one God who is the Father.” The apostles did not teach that there is one God composed of three divine persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The teaching that the Father alone is the true God was also taught by the prophets: Don’t you know that we all have God as our Father? Didn’t the one God create each of us? … [Malachi 2:10 Contemporary English Version] Brother Bob: Therefore, the belief that the Father is the only true God is the teaching of Christ, the apostles, and the prophets. This is also the teaching upheld by the only one true Church today, the Church Of Christ that emerged in the Philippines on July 27, 1914 as the fulfillment of biblical prophecies. No other church called “Church Of Christ” teaches that the Father alone is the only true God. If a church teaches the trinity or a variation of it, it is not truly of Christ and of God.  Even by focusing only on these three main points—name, prophecy, and belief in the only one God, the Father—as the takeoff of one’s search, one can clearly see that the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) is the only true Church. For more articles like these, get your copy of God’s Message Magazine from a member of the Church Of Christ. You can also listen and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and the INC Media mobile app. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Bob Pellien. God bless.

The Family Whose Prayers Will Be Answered   Brother Bob Pellien: As the world faces increasing challenges, many seek help and advice from marriage and family counselors for the welfare of their families. The Bible teaches about Whom people should all the more seek to provide them with unlimited assistance and protection for their household.   You’re listening to the podcast version of God’s Message magazine, and today’s topic is “The Family Whose Prayers Will Be Answered.”   A family’s condition has a great relevance to the well-being, or ill-being, of its every individual member. Studies show that the modern family is besieged by several threats to its stability: the worsening poverty, deadly diseases, destructive calamities, rising criminality, terrorism, divorce, extramarital pregnancy, and negative peer pressure are among the factors that directly or indirectly threaten the family.   In the face of such menaces, there are those who seek help and advice from marriage and family counselors or assistance and protection from concerned agencies that advocate for the welfare of families.   However, the Bible teaches about whom people should all the more seek to provide them with unlimited assistance and protection for their household.   Whom to turn to for help   Brother Bob: If families today find themselves in a tight spot, it is not something that’s new. The Holy Scriptures attest that “people are born for trouble.” In such situations, people should “go to God and present [their] case to Him” (Job 5:7-8 New Living Translation). Thus, if there is someone a family should turn to for help, He is none other than the Almighty God. With Him, all things are possible (Luke 18:27).    However, to benefit from the Lord God’s promised help and protection, people should make sure that they are among His own people because it is to them whom He made a solemn promise that He “will not abandon” (I Samuel 12:22 Good New Bible). Apostle Peter identified who God’s chosen people are in the Christian era: they have been called “out of darkness into His marvelous light” (I Peter 2:9-10 New King James Version).   According to Apostle Paul, those who were called by God out of darkness were “conveyed…into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:12-14 New King James Version). The ones who have redemption because they were purchased by Christ with His blood are none other than the members of the Church Of Christ (Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation).    Here in the Christian era, the members of the Church Of Christ are the ones to whom God made a solemn promise not to abandon them. Families inside this Church can turn to the Lord God and expect for His help and protection because they are among His people. So those who want to benefit from God’s promises ought to become true Christians or faithful members of the true Church Of Christ.    What God can do   Brother Bob: The Bible attests to what the Lord can do for His people. “God saves the fatherless and the poor” and gives them hope (Job 5:15-16 Living Bible). “Time after time,” He saves His chosen ones from harm (Job 5:19 Good News Bible). Even when disasters come one after another, faithful servants of God have nothing to worry about since this is what He will do for them, thus:   From one disaster after another he delivers you; no matter what the calamity, the evil can’t touch you—In famine, he’ll keep you from starving..”  [Job 5:19-20 The Message]   Brother Bob: For this reason, what Christian families should rely on above all else are not human efforts in this world, but God’s promised help to His chosen ones. Apostle Paul taught the true Christians that in all their prayers, they can ask God for what they need (Philippians 4:6 Good News Bible)   That is why families in the Church devote themselves to praying to Him. Parents lead their children in upholding household prayers and encourage them to conduct personal devotional prayers as well. They completely place their trust in God, fully confident that He will listen to and grant their prayers and provide them the best protection there is:   The Lord says, “If a person trusts me, I will save him. I will protect my followers who worship my name. My followers will call to me for help, and I will answer them. I will be with them when they have trouble. I will rescue them and honor them’.”  [Psalm 91:14-15 Easy-to-Read Version]   God’s expectations   Brother Bob: Fervently praying to God and trusting in Him are important, but those are not all that He seeks in them. This is what the Holy Scriptures declare:    The LORD has made a solemn promise, and he will not abandon you, for he has decided to make you his own people. Obey the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Remember the great things he has done for you. [I Samuel 12:22, 24 Good News Bible]   Brother Bob: Christian parents should make sure that all the family members are obeying and serving God faithfully with all their heart. They always remember all the great things that He has done for His people, including their family, and remind them to their children.    Moreover, they, together with their offspring, love the Lord God with all their heart, soul, and strength. They never forget His commandments; instead, they teach them to their children in every opportunity—when they are at home or away, when they are resting or working (Deuteronomy 6:5-7 Good News Bible).   Thus, if every member of the household is dedicated to serving God and obeying His commandments, everything will be well for them:   All will go well with you if you honor the Lord your God, serve him, listen to him, and obey his commands, and if you and your king follow him.” [I Samuel 12:14 Good News Bible]   Brother Bob: All will go well for the parents and their children in God’s nation who always follow His commandments because His love eternally abides with them:   God’s love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said. [Psalm 103:17-18 The Message]   First place in one’s life   Brother Bob: Knowing that everything is possible with the Lord God and that He is willing to provide for His people, families in the Church Of Christ keep in mind what the Lord Jesus Christ teaches His disciples:    So don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing. Why be like the heathen? For they take pride in all these things and are deeply concerned about them. But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to. [Matthew 6:31-33 Living Bible]   Brother Bob: Chrisitan families need not worry about their necessities in life since the one true God, the Father in heaven, not only knows perfectly well what they need, but will also provide for them. Only, they should give God first place in their life and live as He wants them to.    Thus, parents in the Church Of Christ make sure that their entire household are active in their services to the Lord God. They take part in the Christian Family Organizations activities, help in the works of propagation, conduct the INC Family Hour, and most especially, always attend worship services. Faithful servants of God firmly believe that it is during the worship services when He all the more listens to their prayers:   I worship at your holy temple and praise you for your love and your faithfulness. You were true to your word and made yourself more famous than ever before. When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage. I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your own powerful arm you keep me safe. [Psalms 138: 2-3, 7 Contemporary English Version]   Brother Bob: Parents in God’s nation not only teach their children to regard highly the worship services to God. Likewise, they themselves lead their sons and daughters in worshiping the Lord God and bringing their offering to Him (Deuteronomy 12:11-12). Despite being surrounded by false religious beliefs and high-sounding philosophies, their unyielding resolve, especially that of the head of the household, is that their entire family will “worship and obey” the true God (Joshua 24:15 Contemporary English Version).   In this regard, children in the Church Of Christ are taught by Apostle Paul to obey their parents who teach them to live according to God’s words for them to receive His promise:    Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—”that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” [Ephesians 6:1-3 New International Version]   Brother Bob: More than material inheritance for their descendants, Christian parents make sure to bequeath to their children complete confidence in God and strong determination in holding fast the true faith. Such parents do so, for it is their firm belief that when the time comes that they leave behind their sons and daughters, they can rest assured that the Lord God will take care of their children (Psalms 27:10 New Life Version).    God’s grace for His people   Brother Bob: The Executive Minister of the Church Of Christ, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, exhorts all brethren to intensify their fervent prayers to God in the face of life’s worsening situation. He labors day and night to remind the Church members to completely trust in the Almighty Father. That is why he inspires them to put all their hope in the grace that will be theirs (I Peter 1:13 Easy-To-Read Version).   Through the constant guidance that Church members receive through the Church Administration, they are confident in what the Lord God declares with regards to His people:   So the LORD answers, “Can a woman forget her own

Brother Bob Pellien: What makes a good son or daughter? All of us, young and old, are children—sons and daughters—to our respective parents. It is but proper that each of us strives to give joy to our parents while they are still around to savor it.  You’re listening to the podcast version of God’s Message magazine, and today’s topic is “Making Our Parents Proud.” For every achievement, good deed, or adorable trait that a parent sees in his child, he cannot help but exclaim with all pride, “That’s my son!” or “That’s my daughter!” Joy is written all over the faces of proud fathers and mothers, as they behold the wonder that is their child. It’s such a great feeling to be in the shoes of a proud parent. And even greater is the feeling of a child who sees that sparkle of joy and pride in the eyes of his parents.  Not all children may become parents someday. But all of us, young and old, are children—sons and daughters—to our respective parents. It is but proper that each of us strives to give joy to our parents, while they are still around to savor it.  So, what makes a good son or daughter? Let us take into account these biblical instructions:   Be respectful   ‘Respect your father and mother’ is the first commandment that has a promise added: ‘so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land.’ [Ephesians 6:2-3 Good News Bible]   Brother Bob: One’s respect for his parents, or the lack of it, is often manifested in the way he speaks to them. It goes without saying that a man who bad mouths his father or mother and talks back boorishly at them is a disrespectful child.  More than speaking politely to our parents, however, let us honor them by valuing their teachings and advice , respecting their decisions, and not doing things that will cause them shame or even displease them. Being a grownup is never a valid reason for one to cut off his ties with his parents and have nothing to do with them anymore. Others may think it is old-fashioned for an adult to seek parental consent when getting married, but doing so is undeniably being polite, to say the least.   On the other hand, one who despises his parents is worthy of nothing but condemnation (Matthew 15:4; Revelation 21:8).   Be obedient   Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents always, for that is what pleases God. [Colossians 3:20 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: When a Christian youth obeys the good things that his father and mother tell him to do, he pleases not only his parents but also, and more importantly, the Lord God.  Young members of the Church Of Christ should understand that being a true Christian involves more than just being active in going to worship services regularly. It is part of their duty as Christians to obey their “parents in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:1 New King James Version) or parents who teach them God’s will.  So, let us not take our parents’ counsel and corrections the wrong way. Instead, let us keep in our hearts and minds God’s commandments that they pass on to us and be guided by them (Proverbs 3:3,1). In whatever you do, may it concern your studies, or dealings with other people, always make sure that you break none of God’s righteous laws and statutes. After all, to serve God and to obey His commandments is the whole duty of every human being, sons and daughters alike (Ecclesiastes 12:13).    Be responsible   He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. [Proverbs 10:5 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Every sensible parent wants to see his children grow up to become successful and responsible individuals. It means a lot for parents to know that their son or daughter will not roam around begging for food when the time comes that they will live on their own or raise their own family. To do their part in preparing for their future, children should learn to value—not waste—the things their parents provide them with. They should study hard while they have the opportunity so that they can land a stable job someday. Responsible sons and daughters also take care of their parents, especially during their twilight years. They do this not only to return the favor to their parents, but also to follow God’s will (I Timothy 5:4).   Be upright   My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. [Proverbs 3:1,7 New King James Version] Brother Bob: If there is anything that can greatly grieve a parent’s heart, it is seeing his child’s life ruined because of drugs, bad companions, or any other wickedness. For this not to happen to any Christian youth, they should understand that, free as they are to do everything their hearts desire, still they will be judged by God for what they do (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10). Youths ought to have reverence for God, for this will prevent them from falling into sin or any misdemeanor. They should also choose well the companions they associate themselves with and make sure that in enjoying their youth, they will not break any of God’s commandments but find joy in obeying them: I find pleasure in obeying your commands, because I love them. I respect and love your commandments; I will meditate on your instructions.  [Psalm 119:47-48 Good News Bible]   Be prayerful   O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord from my childhood. O Lord, you are my refuge; never let me be disgraced. [Psalm 71:5,1 New Living Translation] Brother Bob: Much as they want to, parents cannot always be around to make things easy for their children. They, too, are human beings who can only do so much for their family as well as for themselves.  In view of this, children of Iglesia Ni Cristo households should know whom to turn to for help during times of trouble. We should make praying to God an important part of our lives, for it is He who, above all, can give us what we need, wherever we are and whatever situation we are in.  Christian parents will surely be appeased to know that their sons and daughters put their trust and confidence in God above all. On the day they will bid this world goodbye, they can rest assured that their children will be left in good hands, for God will take care of them (Psalm 27:10).    How have you treated your parents?   Brother Bob: None of us are perfect, but we all have the chance to reform our wrong ways and become the good and loving sons and daughters that we ought to be to our parents and, above all, to God. If we do so, God will never forget us, His children. These are the tender words of our Almighty Father:  So the Lord answers, “Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you.” [Isaiah 49:15 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: May all of us, sons and daughters in the Church Of Christ, do everything we can to show our parents how much we love them while they are still with us. Let us accord them the honor and respect that they so truly deserve. Remember that whenever we bring joy to our parents by being good sons and daughters to them, we also give glory to the one true God, our Father Who created us and called us to be His own.  For more articles like these, get your copy of God’s Message Magazine from a member of the Church Of Christ. You can also listen and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and on the INC Media mobile app. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Bob Pellien. God bless.  

Brother Bob Pellien: Why is life so challenging? Why are there heartbreak, depression, and disappointments? Please know, you’re not alone during these dark moments in life. God wants to help you. But, do you ask for His help? You’re listening, the podcast version of God’s Message magazine. And today’s topic is “Facing Life’s Woes.”  Brother Bob: Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members or not, people experience problems in life. This fact has led some into the erroneous thinking that since members of the Church Of Christ also encounter problems, then there really is no point in joining or remaining in the Church. While it is true that even Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members are not immune to the problems that plague this present life, it doesn’t mean that there is no benefit in joining the Church. The truth is, membership in the Church Of Christ is the key to correctly deal with life’s woes. And above all, end them. Through the apostles, God reminds us that we should not consider it strange if we suffer painful trials. Thus,  Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  [1 Peter 4:12 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: We’re reminded as such because man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward (Job 5:7). Thus, troubles in all their myriad forms are a part of life. Hence, we should not be puzzled when they come our way. Instead, the best that we can do is to brace and prepare ourselves for the troubles that we will surely experience. In preparing ourselves for the troubles in life, it is vital that we do not forget God’s warning that the world will collapse and never rise again, as cited in Isaiah 24:20.  Brother Bob: Thus, we should consider in our preparation, the truth, that no matter what man does, this world is irreversibly headed to its destruction. This will take place on the great day of the Lord when neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them because he will make a sudden end of all who live on the earth (Zephaniah 1:14-15, 18).  Therefore, man ought to prepare himself not just for the present woes, but above all the sure punishment on the Day of Judgment. No amount of money, no degree of earthly influence, and no bunch of worldly achievements can make one immune from the troubles in this life, and more so from the destruction that awaits this world.  Brother Bob: Clearly then, it is unwise to just prepare for the troubles in this life brought about by calamities, poverty and violence. For example, neglecting to find a way to be spared from destruction come the end of the world. Through the Bible, God tells us that there is hope. Thus, The time is coming when they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not be afraid, city of Zion! Do not let your hands hang limp! The LORD your God is with you; his power gives you victory. The LORD will take delight in you, and in his love he will give you new life. He will sing and be joyful over you, as joyful as people at a festival.” The LORD says, “I have ended the threat of doom and taken away your disgrace.  [Zephaniah 3:16-18 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Zion is the last hope for mankind because it is to Zion that God promised victory and a new life. Hence, man must seek and enter Zion. Outside of Zion, there is no hope. Zion symbolically refers to the Church composed of all those registered in heaven and of the redeemed as recorded in Hebrews 12:23, Living Bible. Let us take note that it refers to a single church and not a federation or collection of varied churches. This is the Church Of Christ. Thus,  Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers to feed the church of Christ, which he has purchased with his blood.  [Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation] Brother Bob: Thus, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) is the last and only hope for mankind not because it is the Savior or the Redeemer, but because it is that which Christ has redeemed and will save and to which God promised victory over death, grief, and pain, and hence the glorious eternal life in the Holy City (Revelation 21:1-4). People then who are truly intent on being saved from punishment on the Day of Judgment, ought to join and remain in the Church Of Christ, despite problems and sufferings. The suffering that members of the Church Of Christ experience has a purpose. Thus,  Be glad about this, even though it may now be necessary for you to be sad for a while because of the many kinds of trials you suffer. Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed.  [1 Peter 1:6-7 Good News Translation]  Brother Bob: Clearly, God allows his chosen people to experience suffering for them to prove that their faith is genuine. As we say, trials will show our true colors. Only when we have proven our faith genuine and true will we be considered worthy to receive praise and honor and glory, salvation on the day of Christ’s return. In order to prove that our faith is pure, we need to be patient in order to do the will of God and receive what He promises. (Hebrews 10:36) Brother Bob: Thus, patience is a must for a member of the Church Of Christ. We need to practice patience, especially in the midst of trials. When it seems that the easy way out is to break God’s will. When what is being offered to us by the cohorts of Satan is sweet and tempting. Let us be reminded that when we are patient, then we can do the will of God and receive His promises. Even if problems are so difficult and overwhelming.  Brother Bob: Members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo will not stop believing that God is working for their welfare. We should never let go of this conviction. We should never give doubt a chance to destroy our faith. We have to keep in mind the truth, that is, in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28).  Brother Bob: However, not all sufferings come as trials. There are troubles that come our way because of our sins and God’s anger over our transgressions. In such a case, we must do what God’s servants of old did, thus, We have sinned against the LORD, so now we must endure his anger for a while… [Micah 7:9 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: We should endure His anger and wait for His salvation. Hence, if anyone is suffering because of his disobedience, they should not become petulant and complain. Instead, he must acknowledge his misdeeds, repent, and wait for the grace of God. Whatever problems we encountered in life, let us remain true members of the Church Of Christ. When we feel as if we could no longer go on, we only have to remember and hold on to the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus,  I am telling you the truth: you will cry and weep, but the world will be glad; you will be sad, but your sadness will turn into gladness. That is how it is with you: now you are sad, but I will see you again, and your hearts will be filled with gladness, the kind of gladness that no one can take away from you.  [John 16:20, 22 Good News Translation]  Brother Bob: To find more articles like these, get your copy of God’s message magazine, from a member of the Church Of Christ. You can also find the podcast version on incmedia.org/podcasts, or on iTunes or Google Play under INC podcasts. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Bob Pellien. God bless. 

Click to expand transcript The Biblical Teachings About Mary Brother Felmar Serreno: There’s no arguing that Mary, the mother of the Lord Jesus, was a special woman. The Bible records her being called “blessed among women.” But does the Bible also call Mary ‘sinless,’ a ‘mediatrix’ or ‘the mother of God?’ Hello listener, and welcome back to this podcast version of God’s Message magazine. Our topic today is, “The Biblical Teachings About Mary.” Mary, the mother of Jesus, holds a special place in the hearts of most Catholics. Over the course of the Catholic Church’s history, she has gotten increasing attention. Mary’s role in the faith of her devotees is evident. For them, prayers to her are said especially before statues that are supposed representations of Mary, which are common in their cathedrals and chapels, and even in their homes. The teachings of the Marian devotion, long been preached and practiced by Catholics, is considered by them as “authentic doctrinal teaching.” But are they biblical? What does Catholic tradition teach about the Mary whom they worship? Are those beliefs in accordance with the teachings of the Bible about Mary, the mother of Jesus?  Before we continue, we reiterate that in conducting these discussions, it’s never the intention of the Church Of Christ to hurt anyone’s feelings or to attack anybody. Rather, these studies are motivated by our interest for the truth. And in the interest of truth, on this episode we will be comparing teachings from several Catholic books to what is written in the Bible. Here on the podcast, I’ll be mentioning the title and author of each Catholic book. For further details on each book’s publication date, imprimatur, nihil obstat and other details, we have provided that information at the end of the transcript of this episode on our website incmedia.org. Sinless, mediatrix, co-redeemer? Brother Felmar: Catholic authorities teach that Mary did not sin in her lifetime. Here’s a quote from “Glories and Virtues of Mary,” a book by a priest named James Alberione: “The Virgin Mary was immune from every sin. It is a dogma of faith that she was free from original sin. During her life she never fell into either mortal or venial sin. As for actual sin, the Council of Trent says that without special privileges, no one can avoid all venial sins during a lifetime; notwithstanding this, the [Catholic] Church maintains that the Blessed Virgin was exempt from any such sins.”2 This teaching contradicts what the Bible says that all people committed sin (Romans 3:23, 5:12) and that the only One Who did not is our Lord Jesus Christ (I Peter 2:21-22). There is no biblical basis to the Catholic dogma that Mary was free and immune from sin.  This is also the case with Catholic authorities’ calling Mary the “mediatrix”. From this book entitled “What The Church Teaches” which was written by J.D. Conway, a Monsignor in the Catholic Church, he wrote: “We do call Mary the Mediatrix of all Graces. It is a title which stresses the intimacy of her association with her Son in that work which she brought Him into the world to accomplish: the redemption and sanctification of our souls. Some Pope someday may declare it a doctrine of the church that Mary is mediatrix, in this sense.”3 While this may be the teaching in the Catholic Church, however, nowhere in the Bible is Mary given such a title or responsibility. Catholics also believe that devotion to Mary is necessary for salvation. Here’s another quote from “Glories and Virtues of Mary”: “The intercession of saints is most helpful; devotion to the Blessed Virgin is morally necessary for our eternal salvation. Jesus Christ is Mediator by right, Mary is mediatrix by grace.”2 Because of this, Catholic authorities call Mary “co-redeemer” to Jesus and that she also intercedes for sinners. In a book written by a Friar in the Catholic Church, Donald F. Miller, entitled “How To Explain What You Believe as a Catholic” it says here: “OUR CO-REDEEMER. The reasons for giving this title to Mary are these: The very fact that she was chosen to be with Him, from the beginning to work with Him, to suffer with Him, to pray with Him, makes it clear that Christ intended her as co-operator in the work of Redemption, which we express by the title ‘co-redeemer.’ All these things, taken separately or together, show that though He did not need to do so, God actually did choose Mary to help Him redeem mankind. … on earth she worked with Christ for the salvation and happiness of men, so she is doing now, by interceding for sinners…”4 But again, the beliefs that Mary is a “mediatrix” and that she goes “interceding for sinners” are not found in the Bible. Worse, they are against the teachings of the apostles that there is only one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (I Timothy 2:5). It is also wrong to believe that Mary is “co-redeemer” with Jesus and thus “necessary for salvation.” Apostle Peter clearly taught that only in the name of Christ can one be saved:  Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. [Acts 4:10-12 New King James Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: Christ is the only Redeemer and God-appointed Savior—there is no one else besides Him, by Whom one can receive salvation.  Mary, the mother of God? Brother Felmar: The Catholic devotion to Mary has come so far as to her being called the “mother of God” and being compared to Christ and to God. Here’s a quote from “Fundamentals of Mariology” a Catholic book by theologian Juniper B. Carol: “By the very fact that she is the Mother of God, Our Lady is raised to a rank high above that of any other creature. … This dignity of hers is unquestionably ‘the greatest after God,’ as Pope Pius XI states. … Just as there cannot be anything better and greater than God, so there cannot be anything better or greater than His Mother.”5 This Catholic belief further implies that Mary is equal to Christ or perhaps, even greater. Here’s another quote from “Glories and Virtues of Mary”: “St. Bernardine of Siena declares that all obey Mary’s commands, even God; by this he means to say that God grants her prayers as if they were commands. The Mother has the same power as the Son. Mary was made omnipotent by Jesus.”2 Now, how blasphemous is it to think that Mary is equal to or even greater than Christ? The Bible teaches this: For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all. [I Corinthians 15:27-28 New King James Version] Brother Felmar: There is no other human being equal to or greater than Christ, and Christ, on the other hand, is subject to the only one true God, who is the Father (John 17:1,3). Aside from God, there is no other God: To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal and compare Me, that we should be alike?… Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. [Isaiah 46:5,9 New King James Version] Brother Felmar: Hence, the belief that Mary has equal power to or greater than that of both the Father and the Son is a false belief.  Some may insist otherwise because they recognize Mary as the “mother of God” since they adhere to the Christ-is-God belief. However, over the centuries, the title “mother of God” given to Mary has created much debate and confusion, even to Catholic authorities themselves. A prayer written in Mater Mea Fiducia Me (My Mother, My Hope), page 54, states this: “Yes, oh Mary, you are: ‘Virgin Mother, daughter of thy Son.”6 Also, quoting again from Glories and Virtues of Mary, on page 143, look at what’s written here: “As the true Mother of God, Mary entered into a special relationship with the Blessed Trinity, for reason of which she is daughter, spouse and Mother of God.”2 Questioning Mary’s relationship to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, according to Catholic authorities, will point to further confusion, thus, leading preachers to embarrassment7–as expressed in the Catholic book “The Restless Christian” which was written by Kilian McDonnell. No wonder there is such confusion in the Catholic teachings about the Marian devotion because these are not found in the Bible, as Catholic authorities themselves admit. In another Catholic book entitled, “The Book of Mary” by Henri Daniel-Rops, it says here: “One point is established and it is one admittedly by every historian of the Primitive Church: in early Christian worship the place accorded to Mary is quite small. … She did not, in any sense, occupy the place she holds today. Up until at least the fourth century, there seems to have been no actual Marian liturgy, and it would be quite true to say that her memory was kept on no more than one or two feasts.” Mary according to the Bible Brother Felmar: Mary should be regarded as what the Bible says who she is. The Bible contains the truth about who she is and her role in Christ’s life. Luke the evangelist wrote this about Mary: Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, To a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” [Luke 1:26-28 New King James Version] Brother Felmar: Mary was chosen by God to bear His Son, thus, was blessed by God, having found favor with Him:  Then t

Enjoying God’s Gifts   Brother Bob Pellien: Even though stress and disappointments are part of life, there are several ways to find peace and happiness. The Bible tells us all the things that God created just for us to be happy. You’re listening to the podcast version of God’s Message Magazine. Today’s topic is “Enjoying God’s Gifts”.   Brother Bob Pellien: Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is a slow death to be gloomy all the time (Proverbs 17:22 Good News Bible).   This biblical passage must serve as a reminder for the problematic and the burdened soul. It surely will not help if we bury ourselves in sorrow. In fact, doing so will only make things worse as it can harm our health and shorten our life.   Scientific studies prove that “stress can indeed cause heart disease, certain ulcers” (Stress and Health Magazine, p. 152-155) “and cerebral stroke”, all of which can eventually lead to death.    So, instead of having a pessimistic view of life because of so many problems, let us cheer up and be happy. It would be helpful to recount the wonderful deeds intended for all of us by the Almighty One Who gave us this life.    God’s gifts to mankind   Brother Bob: From the very beginning, God had manifested His desire to bring joy and happiness to the human beings He created. The Bible enumerates the things God created for the enjoyment of all mankind:    #1 Food. God created earth as man’s home and filled it with all of natures’ bounty. He designed our environment in such a way that we can find food to satisfy our hunger and thus be happy.   #2 Work. God’s desire for man’s happiness did not end when He sent the first human couple out of paradise. He commanded man to work for his needs, thus giving him the opportunity to savor the joy of harnessing the fruits of his labor.   Your work will provide for your needs; you will be happy and prosperous. [Psalm 128:2 Good News Bible]   Brother Bob: #3 Friendship. Another way by which man can afford happiness is through the company of friends whom he can rely on to listen to him and give sound advice when needed. The Bible acknowledges that the pleasure we gain from such friendship is also in accordance with God’s plan:   Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel. [Proverbs 27:9 New International Version]   Brother Bob: #4 Knowledge. God made us different from the rest of the living creatures in that we possess the ability to think rationally. When this uniqueness is served through the pursuit of knowledge, pleasure can be attained:   You will become wise, and your knowledge will give you pleasure. [Proverbs 2:10 Good News Bible]   Brother Bob: #5 Marriage. Still for happiness of the human being whom God created, He established the sacred institution called marriage:   So be happy with your wife and find your joy with the girl you married. [Proverbs 5:18 Good News Bible]   Brother Bob: God willed that a man and a woman find pleasure in each other’s company through marriage. Together they can build their own family and have children to stand by them as they grow old. So, more than just sexual satisfaction, marriage offers emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual assurance of having a family and a caring partner for life.    From these wonderful graces of God, we should understand that He truly longs for our happiness just as we do. So, let us enjoy life. Let us avail of these gifts that God has prepared for us.     How not to abuse happiness   Brother Bob: However, we should be careful not to abuse the pleasure drawn from food, work, knowledge, friends, and marriage. Inasmuch as all these gifts come from God, He tells us the proper way of using or dealing with them. Thus, we should follow the rules He gave, which are also found in the Bible. They may be summed up as follows: Don’t indulge in too much eating or gluttony.    Brother Bob: Concerning food, the Bible says:   Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor. [Proverbs 23:20-21 New International Version]   Brother Bob: Our body can only take enough food to sustain our health. Indulging in too much eating should be avoided as this would result in awful consequences.  Do not be filled with greed.   Brother Bob: It is true that hard work has its happy rewards, but to be filled with greed for money and for material success ends in many sorrows:   For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [I Timothy 6:10 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: Because of greed, others are pushed to cheat, bribe and betray their fellowmen, rob or kidnap them for ransom sometimes even to the extent of hurting them either physically or emotionally. Some may not resort to these desperate measures but are so fixed on acquiring riches that they have no more time left to worship and serve the true God. In both cases, man’s opportunity of working to earn a living is being abused. Thus, true happiness cannot be achieved. Don’t go with bad companions.    Brother Bob: Finding happiness in friends also has its limitations. Apostle Paul admonished:   Do not be fooled. “Bad companions ruin good character.” [I Corinthians 15:33 Good News Bible]   Brother Bob: We should be careful in choosing the people with whom we go. Companions who would influence us to carry out evil deeds with them are not the kind of friends that the Bible says will give us pleasantness. God’s advice is that we should “not walk in the way with them” and “keep [our} feet off their path” (Proverbs 1:15 New King James Version). Do not dishonor marriage.    To be a true source of joy, marriage “should be honored by all” (Hebrews 13:4 New International Version). Thus, we should not make a mockery of God’s sacred union by having the wrong motives (as in the so-called “marriage of convenience”) or false notions about it, like treating marriage as something disposable and infidelity to one’s spouse permissible. God emphatically says:   “I hate divorce,” says the Lord God of Israel. “I hate it when one of you does such a cruel thing to his wife. Make sure that you do not break your promise to be faithful to your wife.” [Malachi 2:16 Good News Bible] Don’t let knowledge mislead you.   Brother Bob: Like everything else, knowledge is also something we should deal with in moderation. There is nothing wrong with being knowledgeable, but one should be careful in handling his intelligence not to become puffed up with pride (I Corinthians 8:1 Good News Bible) and be misled to deny God’s power and existence:   You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, “No one sees me.” Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, “I am, and there is none besides me.” [Isaiah 47:10 New International Version]   Brother Bob: Such is the mindset of the morning star or anointed cherubim who was cast out from heaven, thrown to earth, and became the devil or Satan (Ezekiel 28:14; Isaiah 14:12; Revelation 12:9). Hence, anyone who is similarly led astray by earthly knowledge not only misuses the gift but also makes enemies with its Giver. There is no true happiness in it.    Indeed, God made food, work, friends, knowledge, and marriage available for our delight and happiness. But we can draw meaningful joy from these things only if we acknowledge them as God’s gifts and obey His governing rules. If we abuse the pleasures derived from these gifts and go beyond the limitations set forth by God, they will cease to bring us true joy and will become a root of sorrows instead.    Seeking happiness in God   Brother Bob: Hence, beyond the physical, material, social, emotional, and intellectual satisfaction, what kind of happiness should we further seek and aspire for?    How precious, O God, is your constant love! We find protection under the shadow of your wings. We feast on the abundant food you provide; you let us drink from the river of your goodness. You are the source of all life, and because of your light we see the light. Continue to love those who know you and to do good to those who are righteous.  [Psalm 36:7-10 Good News Bible]   Brother Bob: King David mentions the incomparable joy of being under God’s loving care and protection. Those who have the Almighty One on their side are certain that they will never lack in anything. Indeed, God’s goodness transcends all the pleasures that food or work or friends or anything else can provide us.    How can we achieve this happiness? David tells us what we must do to find the happiness that is in God:    Trust in the Lord and do good; live in the land and be safe. Seek your happiness in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desire. Give yourself to the Lord; trust in him, and he will help you; he will make your righteousness shine like the noonday sun. [Psalm 37:4-6 Good News Bible]   Brother Bob: To find our happiness in God we should put our trust in Him. But trust in God is not only a matter of words but of works. According to the Scriptures, to prove our trust in Him, we should do what is good.    That which is good are the laws or commandments of God (Romans 7:12). Foremost of these is Christ’s admonition that we join the fold or flock (John 10:9 Revised English Bible), which is the Church Of Christ (Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation). It is this Church for which Christ died and shed His blood and that which He will save from God’s anger or punishment on Judgement Day. (Romans 5:8-9, Zephaniah 1:18).   Thus members of the true church will survive whatever problem or difficulty may come their way. Unlike other people in this world, they do not wallow in misery for they have the most valid reason to be joyful, the assurance of God’s salvation.    And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; we

More Important Than Wealth and Wisdom   Brother Bob Pellien: Money and intelligence can take you far, but even that has limitations. If you want to unlock amazing opportunities, the Bible tells us to look to God. You’re listening to the podcast version of God’s Message Magazine, and today’s topic is: More Important Than Wealth and Wisdom.   [Music ends]   Brother Bob: It is true that the basic necessities of life such as food, clothing and shelter are essential to man’s survival in this world. As such, a person must devote a good amount of his time trying to earn enough money to provide these things for himself and for his family, if he has any.   What is unfortunate, however, many people have come to depend only on themselves or on their loved ones for their life’s essentials. This dependence has oftentimes led to disappointments. Who, then, can man depend and count on to always be there for him to provide his every need? Who must man seek for his life and survival? The prophet Jeremiah wrote:    The Lord says, wise men should not boast of their wisdom, nor strong men of their strength, nor rich men of their wealth. If anyone wants to boast, he should boast that he knows and understands me, because my love is constant, and I do what is just and right. These are the things that please me. I, the LORD, have spoken. [Jeremiah 9:23-24 Today’s English Version]   Brother Bob: Man should primarily depend on the Lord God, rather than on his own wisdom, wealth or abilities, which are all impermanent and limited. As God himself pointed out, only His love is constant, and only He can do what is right for us, which includes giving us the solutions to whatever problems we have. What further proves that man’s own efforts are not enough to solve all these problems? The wise King Solomon pointed this out,    You work for something with all your wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and then you have to leave it all to someone who hasn’t had to work for it. It is useless, and it isn’t right! You work and worry your way through life, and what do you have to show for it? As long as you live, everything you do brings nothing but worry and heartache. Even at night your mind can’t rest. It is all useless.  [Ecclesiastes 2:21-23 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Many people in this world have experienced this to be true. Many wealthy individuals, for instance, have invested a great deal of their time in acquiring education and training in order to become affluent and successful only to die and leave their riches behind to heirs, who may have had little or nothing at all to do with what they had achieved.    Moreover, a good number of rich people live very stressful lives and experience financial worries which in turn have caused not a few restless nights. Furthermore, man’s knowledge has failed to discover solutions to the biggest problems facing society. For instance, in spite of the tremendous increase of man’s understanding in various fields, the problems of widespread poverty, unemployment, and a general lack of peace still prevail in many places in the world. Man’s wisdom has not even found a cure for the common cold, much less a way to prevent a person from eventually succumbing to death.    Why is this life filled with so many uncertainties in the first place? Why has this world become such an imperfect one, and beset with troubles and confusions? God Himself proclaimed:   Listen, earth! As punishment for all their schemes I am bringing ruin on these people, because they have rejected my teaching and have not obeyed my words. [Jeremiah 6:19 Good News Translation]   Brother Bob: People have only themselves to blame for the misfortunes that have befallen this world. Since the beginning of time, man has rejected God’s teachings and disobeyed His words. Many give very little regard or importance to God, as His servant Job pointed out,   The wicked tell God to leave them alone; they don’t want to know his will for their lives. They think there is no need to serve God nor any advantage in praying to him. [Job 21:14-15 Good News Translation]   Brother Bob: Isn’t this exactly the kind of attitude many people in the world today have? People spend a great deal of time trying to become rich and successful. Yet they would spend little or no time at all in serving God or in praying to Him. Others even feel that it is counterproductive or it would be disadvantageous for them to spend their precious hours serving God and following His commands. On the other hand, there are those who say that they want to serve God, but they do so in an improper manner. As Apostle Paul foretold,   The time will come when people will not listen to sound doctrine, but will follow their own desires and will collect for themselves more and more teachers who will tell them what they are itching to hear. They will turn away from listening to the truth and give their attention to legends. [II Timothy 4:3-4 Good News Translation]   Brother Bob: Thus, in as much as it is important to serve God, people must do it in accordance with sound doctrine. It is God’s will rather than one’s own desires that must be followed. Hence, in order for man to benefit fully from His grace and blessings, he must follow the road God chooses, do what He commands and obediently follow His will (Job 23:10-12).    And as the Bible teaches, a person will never stand to lose for dedicating his time to serving God, for he will receive the greatest reward.   This calls for endurance on the part of God’s people, those who obey God’s commandments and are faithful to Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Happy are those who from now on die in the service of the Lord!” “Yes indeed!” answers to the Spirit. “They will enjoy rest from their hard work, because the results of their service go with them.”  [Revelation 14:12-13 Good News Translation]   Brother Bob: Thus, if a person desires to serve God and receive His guidance and blessings in this life and in the life to come, then his service of God must be based solely on the Almighty’s will and commandments. God’s will for man to follow is explicitly stated in the Holy Scriptures, that is,  for all men to be gathered together in Christ (Ephesians 1:9-10) by means of becoming members of Christ’s body, which is the Church (Romans 12:4-5; Colossians 1:18). The Church which the apostles referred to, is the Church Of Christ as recorded in Acts 20:28,   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 George Lamsa Translation]   Brother Bob: To be in the Church Of Christ is to be cleansed of one’s sins, since the Church Of Christ is the only Church that was purchased or redeemed by Christ’s blood and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22).    Thus, man must not only place his faith in God and entrust his life to Him. Significantly, he must also make sure that he belongs to the true Church Of Christ. It is here where man is assured of happiness, and is given hope to overcome all of life’s woes and troubles. Most importantly, by joining the Church Of Christ, man is in compliance with God’s will and ensures himself of the Lord’s everlasting guidance and eternal love: here, now, and thereafter.    To find more articles like these, get your copy of God’s Message magazine, from a member of the Church of Christ. You can also find the podcast version on incmedia.org/podcasts or on iTunes or Google Play under INC Podcasts. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Bob Pellien. God bless.   [Show closes]

Numbers Don’t Make A Religion True   Brother Felmar Serreno: A common appeal in advertising and politics, the fallacy called argumentum ad populum (argument to the people) argues that something must be true and acceptable because many or most people believe or like it. But does a religion’s being composed of the majority translate to its being true and of God? If many believe so, is it necessarily so? You’re listening to the podcast version of God’s Message magazine, where our topic today is “Numbers Don’t Make A Religion True.”   Even in choosing a religion, this “appeal to popularity” seems to deceptively work as many feel guilty if they go against the majority, but feel confident and secured by joining forces with large numbers of other so-called “believers.”   This is precisely the reason some refuse to join the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) knowing that it is not the religion of the majority. “If indeed there is only one true religion,” they say, “it could not be the Iglesia Ni Cristo because its members are comparatively few.”   Fallacious indeed   Brother Felmar Serreno: The truth of a belief does not depend on the preponderance in number of people who hold it. No rule of thought grants infallibility to the majority. In fact, numerous people have been wrong about many things: that our planet is flat and motionless, that the Earth is the center of the universe, and that the Sun and other planets revolve around it, to name a few.    Even in Ethics, the fact that the majority of people support a certain act, say divorce, does not prove that it is morally right. Correct reasoning clearly states that a belief’s widespread acceptance is not counted as its binding justification.    Biblical proofs   Brother Felmar Serreno: The Bible disproves the assumption that the religion where a great number of people belong is necessarily of God. The Holy Book recorded that during the time of Noah, the whole of mankind, except just for eight persons, was annihilated by the great deluge (II Peter 2:5). Noah’s ark, which was purposely designed by God for man’s salvation, was ignored nonetheless by the huge majority of Noah’s time. Relatedly, Sodom and Gomorrah were leveled to the ground by fire and brimstone and only Lot and his two daughters were saved (Genesis 19:16, 29; II Peter 2:6-7).    Also refuting the belief that predominance in terms of membership makes a particular religion true is the universality of Satan’s deception (Revelation 12:9). Those who will be condemned to eternal punishment, according to the Bible, are “as numerous as the sands of the sea” (Revelation 20:8 New Revised Standard Version).    The determinant   Brother Felmar Serreno: The true Church—God’s chosen people in the Christian era—does not need to be composed of the majority for it to be saved on the last day. Of ancient Israel, which was the first nation of God, the Bible says:    The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples.  [Deuteronomy 7:7 New King James Version]   Brother Felmar Serreno: There were millions of people who lived during biblical times, but only a few were chosen or elected according to God’s will. The right to serve God and to attain salvation, therefore, is not determined by the size of a religious organization, but by election or the setting apart by our Lord God (Psalm 4:3).   About those elected by God in the Christian era, the Bible pronounces:   But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us. Therefore, since we are now justified (acquitted, made righteous, and brought into right relationship with God) by Christ’s blood, how much more [certain is it that] we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God.  [Romans 5:8-9 Amplified Bible]   Brother Felmar Serreno: The true religion in the Christian era, therefore, is that which is the beneficiary of Christ’s death—having been justified or purchased by Christ with His blood:    Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood. [Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation]   Brother Felmar Serreno: Since not all religions were redeemed with Christ’s blood, not all churches are true. Purchased with Christ’s blood, it is the Church Of Christ which is, as we read from the Bible earlier, “acquitted, made righteous, and brought into right relationship with God.”   Salvation depends not on the choice of the majority but on one’s positive response to God’s specific commands. Though God wishes to save all men (I Timothy 2:3-4), He requires man to do his crucial part in responding to the divine call—becoming a member of Christ’s body, the Church Of Christ (John 10:9; I Corinthians 12:27; Acts 20:28 Lamsa).   For more articles like these, get your copy of God’s Message Magazine from a member of the Church Of Christ. You can also listen and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and the INC Media mobile app. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Felmar Serreno. God bless.  

Children Deserve Parental Love and Concern   [Music starts]   Brother Bob Pellien: With broken families on the rise, families today need to work harder to stay together. We’ll find out what the Bible’s advice is. You’re listening to the podcast version of God’s Message magazine, and today’s topic is “Children Deserve Parental Love and Concern.”    [Music ends]    Brother Bob Pellien: Poverty greatly contributes to the sorry lot of millions of youth and children in many parts of the world, but the utter lack of parental support and concern for children only worsens their condition. Even in their impoverished lot, poor parents who really care for their young can still offer their children a bright future. Of course, with lots of sacrifices on their part.    But a rich one who simply doesn’t care would do nothing good for his children. The failure of parents to provide sufficient food, shelter, and clothing to their offsprings clearly violates God’s command. Apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy says:   If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his own family, he has disowned the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.  [I Timothy 5:8 Revised Standard Version]   Brother Bob Pellien: More blatant transgressions, however, are committed when parents abuse and enslave their children by forcing them to work at a very young age instead of sending them to school for their education. This directly contravenes an exhortation of Apostle Paul to Christian parents. He wrote to the Corinthians:   For children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.  [II Corinthians 12:14 Amplified Bible]   Brother Bob Pellien: Parents should work for their children’s welfare and future, and not vice versa. They should provide a conducive place where their children can grow and develop their talents and potentials at a time when the world is becoming a dangerous place for children. This situation has been brought about by environmental despoliation, drugs, violent crimes, and armed conflicts. Consequently, this planet has become a difficult place to live in.    A case in point that shows how this earth has become a difficult place for children, is the much publicized fratricidal conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina that showed  how children are the worst victims in a bloody war. Thousands of them have been killed, maimed, or wounded in that ethnic struggle. For the survivors, the psychological trauma of their shell shocked lives would be more difficult to erase. The children of Sarajevo, Banja Luka, & Trebišnjica will forever be traumatized by that brutal conflict.    Their struggle, however, cannot be isolated from the terrible experiences of the starved and brutalized children of Somalia, Sudan, Rwanda, and Burundi, or those even in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia of the former Soviet Union, all of which are encountering violent political upheavals. Media reports have also publicized the hideous massacres of street children by police-connected death squads in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Indeed, they are all kindred in experience.    In the more developed societies such as the United States and Western Europe, crime, violence, and drug abuse are the main dangers to the children and youth. More than 3 million crimes a year are committed in or near 85,000 U.S. public schools. What’s even more terrifying is the fact that the nature of these crimes has grown more violent in recent years, and both the perpetrators and victims are getting younger and younger (US News World Report, November 8, 1993).  It is very obvious from these collected facts and figures that the children and youth around the world are in dire straits. In the third world, many of them are starved, malnourished, abused, exploited and victimized by war. Their poverty-bound parents are oftentimes helpless in doing anything for their welfare. In some cases, they are even instruments in putting their children to slavery and prostitution.    On the other hand, in the highly developed and very urbanized economies, children are also neglected by separated or divorced parents. There are those who are too focused on their careers. Some are even viciously preyed upon by crimes and the drug menace or bombarded with sex and violence on TV, films, and the printed media.    This unhealthy situation of children and youth in most societies is almost always blamed on extreme poverty and intensified discrimination—whether racial, sexual, or religious. Governments and policy makers are also criticized for their failure to legislate measures to improve the lot of children and youth.    But the analysis given in a special report on campus violence published by the US News World Report, speaks of a more numbing truth. It added that anger, discontent, and violence of the young people in America, is due to the fraying of the fabric of the family. The report enumerated proof of this thesis. Broken homes and two-income families leave an estimated 1 in 5 students home alone after school. The statistics translate into more neglected, abused, and troubled kids. Fully 70% of juvenile court cases involve children from single-parent families.    Obviously, the breakup of families and the failure of parents to support, protect, and guide their children properly are the most serious causes of youth-related social ills. The parents’ dereliction of responsibilities towards their children either by their default and giving material  support or by being amiss and providing emotional and spiritual guidance, is the major reason why contemporary juvenile-related problems are increasing in number. Many parents have failed to provide love, guidance, and the proper direction to their children. Their families have failed to grant sanctuary to the fear-stricken youth of today’s stress-ridden societies.     The parents who are concerned in saving the lives and the future of their beloved children can derive inspiring wisdom from the Bible on how to achieve this most urgent task. To accomplish this, parents must have the proper mindset and attitude towards each other and their offsprings. Spouses should love each other and their children as Apostle Paul admonished the young Christian mothers in his epistle to Titus:   that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, [Titus 2:4 New King James Version]   Brother Bob Pellien: Parental love must be expressed not only in words but must also be proven in deeds. This is first and foremost proven when parents provide for all the primordial needs of their children: from physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual. They should allot quality time and effort to be with their kids and they should be available, especially when their offspring need their advice in times of crises and difficulties. They should do everything and anything possible to preserve the unity and the solidarity of the family. Remember, the first casualty of a broken home is the child. Affection to children, however, must be exercised properly and fairly. If there are many offspring in the family, parents must be wise and tactful in relating to them. They must avoid playing favorites. Love should be equally dispensed to all the kids.    Sometimes, parents commit the error of lavishing too much love on their children to the point of spoiling them and giving in to all their wishes, even if such are unreasonable. They even refrain from punishing and disciplining their children when they commit a misdemeanor. This is false parental love. The Bible teaches that true parental love requires correction and even punishment of children who have gone astray. King Solomon wrote in the Book of Proverbs:   He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.  [Proverbs 13:24 New King James Version]   Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.  [Proverbs 22:15 New King James Version]   Brother Bob Pellien: Disciplining a child with a rod of reproof or warning is an act of love, but doing nothing about his miscreant behavior is tantamount to hating him. Why is correcting an errant child a proof of the parents’ love for him? What can correction and discipline do to the child? Again, the Bible has the answer:    The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, And deliver his soul from hell. [Proverbs 29:15; 23:13-14 New King James Version]   Brother Bob Pellien: Of course, the right to discipline a child might be abused by some misguided parents. Punishing the child must not be unreasonably frequent nor excessive. It must not be done out of a sadistic rage or just to hurt the child. To do so is evil and may cause irreparable damage to the child. Punishment should be imposed only when it is really justified, and as a last recourse. Instead of employing too much physical punishment which might even provoke the children to rebel against their parents, Apostle Paul advised:   And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the LORD. [Ephesians 6:4 New Revised Standard Version]   Brother Bob Pellien: Parental instruction and guidance through correction and discipline is a very important facet of responsible parenting. The teaching of Christian values and religious upbringing are priority subjects that parents ought to impart to their children. Parents must always be prepared to teach, counsel, or advise their children. When they listen to and obey willingly their elders’ instructions, they must be amply rewarded and encouraged. When out of naughtiness they sometimes refuse to comply, they must be counseled or rebuked. And when they show a pattern for recalcitrant behavior, they must be disciplined. But the best means by which parents can instill

Teamwork And Its Worth  Brother Felmar Serreno: While there is no “I” in team, some say there is an “m-e.” On the other hand, many believe there is strength in numbers. But, are numbers enough? Join us today in this episode of the podcast version of God’s Message magazine, as we take a look at “Teamwork and Its Worth.” Teamwork is essential in organizations, big and small—from business corporations and government institutions to society’s basic unit, the family, and at its core, marriage. Its coinage and use in the study of labor and management is placed in the early years of the 20th century, thus, teamwork is actually a fairly new term. Nevertheless, the concept of teamwork has been in existence and practice long before, as can be gleaned in historical and even biblical accounts.  Many experts and thought leaders have formulated their principles and ideas about teamwork in various settings. Emphasis has been laid on the value of team building in companies and agencies in both the private and public sectors. Instilling “team spirit” in the workforce is an ideal that leaders of organizations put into practice.  The Bible, proven useful for the instruction and motivation of people to reach their fullest potential, contains teachings about unity and brotherhood, which may also provide a framework for effective teamwork as applied in various settings.  No ‘I’ in teamwork  Brother Felmar: A basic rule in teamworking is to acknowledge that while one person working alone may produce the desired outcome, two and more people working together as one can certainly yield greater results. The Bible likewise teaches: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. … Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. [Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 New International Version 2011]  Brother Felmar: Indeed, an endeavor becomes easier and promises better returns when a team of two or more are working together harmoniously and synergistically rather than just one individual working solo. Amid things like challenges and threats, having a well-functioning team behind you helps ensure success, for in case one falls, the others can help him up. A team can be likened to a cord—the more strands it has, the more it cannot be quickly broken.  Together, Everyone Achieves More  Brother Felmar: There is strength in numbers only when everyone works together, not against one another. In searching for the best model of teamwork and unity, one need not look far as there is much to learn from the human body itself. A single body is made up of many different parts, each having its own function or purpose—feet for walking, hands for working, eyes for seeing, ears for hearing, etc. (I Corinthians 12:12, 15-17 Good News Bible).  Every part matters to the welfare of the whole body, for it is when “each part of the body is joined to the others by the ligaments and as each part functions properly / works as it should, a person’s body grows stronger” (Ephesians 4:16 Translation for Translators).  Likewise, for a team of people to achieve good results, the team members should fulfill their respective tasks, each of them working effectively as he or she should. One’s function may seem small compared to another’s but when put together, contributes to a great output.  One for all, all for one Brother Felmar: A key aspect of successful teamwork is cooperation. But there can be no cooperation in a team if its members are more focused on the “me” rather than the “we” and refuse to acknowledge that each one’s contribution to the team’s output is as valuable as anyone else’s. It will do them well to heed the biblical advice to:    do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others [Philippians 2:3-4 New International Version 2011]  Brother Felmar: Working as a team also entails that the strong should bear the failings of the weak and help them become stronger (Romans 15:1-2 New International Version; Easy-to-Read Version). This doesn’t mean that the negligence of some is tolerated. But, while the disorderly needs to be admonished, they also need to be dealt with patience, encouragement , and support (I Thessalonians 5:14 World English Bible). One team, one goal Brother Felmar: Teamwork requires cohesiveness. What firmly binds a team together is having a common goal or purpose. While a good distribution of tasks among team players makes the work easier, having unity of purpose in working altogether proves highly rewarding not only for the team as a whole but also for each individual worker. This was highlighted in Apostle Paul’s illustration of how a team of two farmers—”the one who plants and the one who waters”—benefits from their cooperative work: Apostle Paul pointed out that it is when they “work together with the same purpose, both will be rewarded for their own hard work” (1 Corinthians 3:8 New Living Translation).  Having one purpose is equivalent to having one mind. Thus, in calling for unity, it should be stressed that there should be no schism, division or discord, or lack of adaptation of the members to each other; rather, each should have the mutual interest in or concern for one another (I Corinthians 1:10 King James Version; Amplified Bible).  In unity there is strength Brother Felmar: Unity is good and pleasant, especially among brethren (Psalms 133:1). A good team, then, is that whose members treat one another as family. For a family to stand strong, it needs the proper guidance and proper direction of a worthy leader, for just as with “lack of guidance a nation falls” (Proverbs 11:14 New International Version), so also “a house divided against itself will fall” (Luke 11:17 New International Version). Thus, in teaching His disciples about unity, the Lord Jesus Christ uses the metaphor of a vine and its branches. Only by being firmly joined to the vine can the branches bear fruit or produce good results (John 15:2, 5). So is a team without a worthy leader guiding it is bound to end in failure.  The more wise counsel Brother Felmar: Even a dream team will need all the advice they can get to ensure success, for “the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances” (Proverbs 11:14 The Message). Many studies have been made and various approaches have been developed in the pursuit of teamwork, whether for the workplace or home, or anywhere else. But, above all that human knowledge can offer, the best counsel that should be consulted by teams and individuals alike are the words of God in the Bible. For,  All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed. [II Timothy 3:16-17 Good News Bible] Brother Felmar: For more articles like these, get your copy of God’s Message Magazine from a member of the Church Of Christ. You can also listen and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and on the INC Media mobile app. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Felmar Serreno. God bless.

Making The Right Decision [Music starts] Brother Bob Pellien: We all want to make the best decision, right? God wants us to make the right decisions too. In fact, He wants you to make the best decisions so that He can reward you. That’s how awesome God is… But how do we make these decisions?  You’re listening to the podcast version of God’s Message magazine. Today’s topic is Making The Right Decision. [Music ends] Brother Bob Pellien: We all make decisions. We decide about mundane concerns such as the clothes we wear, the movies we watch, the food we eat, as well as decisions that have greater impact on our future such as what school to go to, what career to pursue, whether to start a family or stay single. It’s important to think things through before making any decision in life because the decisions we make now will influence how our lives will be tomorrow.  Apostle Paul declared this basic truth of life long time ago, and it remains just as true today: Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. [Galatians 6:7 New Revised Standard Version]  Brother Bob Pellien: So, the concept of reaping what one sows or having to face the consequences of an action or decision is thus rooted in the Holy Scriptures. But a deeper understanding of this basic truth will make us more careful in the way we live, and more meticulous in making decisions.  The decisions we make in life not only affect our future, but most importantly, it determines the way we will be treated by God.  I, the LORD, search the minds and test the hearts of men. I treat each one according to the way he lives, according to what he does. [Jeremiah 17:10 Today’s English Version] Brother Bob Pellien: One must be careful in the way he lives because God Himself will repay him according to his actions. God, through Christ, will judge our actions and the way we have lived when He returns on Judgement Day.  For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by Him. Each one will receive what he deserves, according to everything he has done, good or bad, in his bodily life.  [II Corinthians 5:10 Today’s English Version] Brother Bob Pellien: Thus, a person will reap or receive what he deserves based on whether he did good or evil during his lifetime. Hence, it is of great importance that we be careful of the decisions we make. Man indeed has freedom of choice and he can decide whether to do good or do evil. But, what we should remember is that we must be ready to face the consequences of our actions and reap the harvest of the decisions we make in our life. The Bible teaches what the wicked will harvest: I have seen people plow fields of evil and plant wickedness like seed; now, they harvest wickedness and evil.   [Job 4:8 Good News Translation] Brother Bob Pellien: According to the Scriptures, the wicked will harvest to wickedness. Furthermore, they will reap disaster. If you plant the seeds of injustice, disaster will spring up, and your oppression of others will end.  [Proverbs 22:8 Good News Translation] Brother Bob Pellien: Wicked people may enjoy the fruits of their wrongdoing for a while, but the Lord guarantees that even in this life their wickedness will pay them back and eventually kill them. That’s why the wicked never have peace of mind. Instead, they’re always on the lookout for their enemies who plot evil against them. The punishment for the wicked, however, is not only reserved for the present life. The Bible teaches that the wicked will answer for their sins on the day of judgment: But the heavens and the earth which now exist are kept in store by the same word reserved for fire and to the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.  [II Peter 3:7, 10 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien: Hence, let us always consider the consequences of our choices. God, however, does not want us to receive His punishment and curse; He invites us to do good in order to reap the blessing He has reserved for the righteous.  I said, “Plow new grounds for yourselves. Plant righteousness and reap the blessings that your devotion to me will produce. It is time for you to turn to me, your LORD, and I will come and pour out blessings upon you. [Hosea 10:12 Today’s English Version] Brother Bob Pellien: The Lord is ready and willing to give us His blessings. The condition that must be met, however, is that one must plant righteousness and be devoted to the Lord. If one turns to the Lord, He promises “I will come and pour out blessings upon you.” Among the deeds of righteousness as taught by the Holy Scriptures are giving to the needy (Proverbs 19:17); loving your neighbor, even our enemies (Proverbs 25:21,22); and helping the weak (Acts 20:35). If we do these things in accordance to God’s will, we will surely receive favor from our fellow man and, more importantly, blessing from the Father in heaven.   The person who sows righteousness in this life, however, is not only storing up blessing for this life, but most of all, for the life to come.  The man who reaps the harvest is being paid and gathers the crops for eternal life. So, the man who plants and the man who reaps will be glad together. [John 4:36 Today’s English Version] Brother Bob Pellien: The way to store up for eternal life is by being rich in good works: Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. [I Timothy 6: 18-19 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien: The quality of life reserved for the righteous children of God is one that is free from tears, pains, sorrows, and death (Revelation 21:4). The reward for upright and righteous living is incomparable with anything this world offers. Which life should we choose to live? A life of righteousness or a life of wickedness? Let us use our freedom of choice wisely. Remember that the way we live in this world determines whether we are to receive eternal life in the Holy City or to be condemned. The Bible teaches: “you reap whatever you sow.” (Galatians 6:7 NRSV). To find more articles like these, get your copy of God’s Message Magazine from a member of the Church Of Christ. You can also find the podcast version on incmedia.org. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Bob Pellien. God bless.  [Music ends] [Show closes]

For he is a chosen vessel Brother Felmar Serreno: When a CEO is looking for someone to promote, the individual is usually determined based on their credentials and exceptional qualities. This is also true in sports, academics, and other fields. There is always some kind of standard by which people measure others. But how do you determine if someone is a genuine messenger of God? Is there a standard for that? Does it even matter? Hi, and welcome to the podcast version of God’s Message Magazine. Our episode today is: “For he is a chosen vessel.” Brother Felmar: Man’s daily undertakings involve choosing and deciding. His need for choosing wisely is so evident that, in the modern era, he has formulated a rubric based on vast fields of knowledge to avoid making wrong decisions. Big corporations are thorough in choosing employees. As they say in corporate management, ‘employees are assets of the company’; thus, profiling every applicant is a must, to be certain that he fits the job. Such is the reason man is baffled upon hearing news that is non-normative to his matrix. One of these is the belief of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) about Brother Felix Y. Manalo as God’s messenger in these last days. People ask, how can a man from a developing country with no degree be fit for such a high calling?  God’s standard  Brother Felmar Serreno: The Lord God stated,  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways… [Isaiah 55:8 New International Version]  Man might set scholarly standards or put greater value in societal stature but God clarifies that His standards are different from man’s. In fact, in prophecy, the messenger he chose is likened to a worm, meaning people would reproach and despise him (Isaiah 41:14; Psalm 22:6). This is the reason Church Of Christ members are not surprised if others question the divine authority given by God to Brother Felix Manalo. What then is the basis of God in choosing those whom He sends? The Lord looks at the heart:  So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, ‘Surely the LORD’s anointed is before Him.’ But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance but the LORD looks at the heart.’ … Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.  [I Samuel 16:6-7, 13 New King James Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: When God commanded Samuel to choose a king for Israel, He stressed not to look on the physical qualities or stature that is often seen as important by man. He clarified that His standard is beyond what man can perceive: He can see through one’s heart or intention. Others might say that they do not question these standards, but how can they be sure that Brother Felix Manalo is the one commissioned by God to be His messenger? Elected by the Most High Brother Felmar Serreno: Why do members of the Church Of Christ recognize Brother Felix Manalo as God’s messenger? They firmly believe that he is the fulfillment of the chosen servant in the following prophecy: Who has performed and done it, Calling the generations from the beginning? ‘I, the LORD, am the first; And with the last I am He. … You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions, And said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away. [Isaiah 41:4,9 New King James Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: One cannot merely claim that he is a messenger of God because such calling and election should be based on God’s prophecy written in the Bible. Why are we sure that Brother Felix Manalo is the fulfillment of the prophecy we quoted? It is because the prophesied messenger would be “from the ends of the earth.” Our Lord Jesus Christ clarified that the time “ends of the earth” would be marked by a war that would involve nations (Matthew 24:6-8). The fulfillment of this prophecy is World War I which broke out on July 27, 1914. On the same date, the Church Of Christ was registered with the government in the Philippines. Is the place of origin of the prophesied messenger also mentioned in the Bible? Indeed, God stated,  From the far east will I bring your offspring, and from the far west I will gather you  [Isaiah 43:5 Moffatt Translation] Brother Felmar Serreno: Which country is the fulfillment of this prophecy? The Philippines, where the Church Of Christ in these last days emerged. Is the Philippines in the Far East? Arthur Boak, et al. state that, “The Philippines were Spain’s share of the first colonizing movement in the Far East.” (World History, Vol. 2, p. 445). For these reasons, members of the Church Of Christ are united in faith that Brother Felix Manalo is the messenger sent by God in these last days. His authority is not from any man but from God Himself. A God-given task Brother Felmar Serreno: The Lord Jesus explained the important task of a messenger when He sent Apostle Paul to the Gentiles saying,  … Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel [Acts 9:15 New King James Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: Such is the importance of God’s messenger that Christ declared that those who receive the messenger whom He sent also receive Him and the Father (John 13:20). Apostle Paul, having been sent by God, is a chosen vessel. Thus, one must realize the nobility and sacredness of a messenger’s duty, for he is the bearer of God’s name and for such reason, the doctrine that he will teach is not his, but the wisdom of God (John 7:16). Now, is this true even in God’s commissioning in these last days? How would Brother Felix Manalo victoriously carry out the work entrusted to him by God according to prophecy? Our Lord God made it clear in His promise for His chosen servant:  Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand [Isaiah 41:10 New King James Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: The righteousness that God promised His Messenger in these last days is the gospel or His words written in the Bible (Romans 1:16-17). This is why when Brother Felix Manalo was still alive, he was quoted to have always reminded people not to believe in his words but to have faith in God’s words written in the Bible. Learning from the messenger, members of the Church Of Christ faithfully follow all the commandments of God written in the Bible that he taught, for such is God’s will for all His people. Our divine responsibility Brother Felmar Serreno: Aside from following the pristine gospel preached by the messenger, God’s strict instruction to those who hear the preaching of the messenger is: do not oppose them: All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. [Isaiah 41:11-12 New International Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: Those who go against God’s elect are in a perilous path. They will perish and be no more. No one wants to suffer this misfortune. So, people should desire the blessings brought about by God’s commissioning of His messenger. One can benefit from God’s commissioning in these last days by being united with those who are sent to preach the gospel. When Brother Felix Manalo passed away, God entrusted this divine task to the Administration placed inside the Church (Colossians 1:25; I John 1:3). The obligation of the Church to the Administration placed by God is to love and appreciate them: Brothers and sisters, we ask you to show your appreciation for those leaders who work among you and instruct you. We ask you to love them and think very highly of them because of the work they are doing. Live in peace with each other. [I Thessalonians 5:12-13 God’s Word] Brother Felmar Serreno: To love the leaders placed by God inside the Church is not a new thing. He expects His people to think highly of them and appreciate the works that they are doing. This is why the love and respect of true Church Of Christ members for their leaders has never changed since the time of Brother Felix Y. Manalo, to the administration of Brother Eraño G. Manalo, and up to the present leadership of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. It is the Lord our God who expects His servants to be solidly united with those whom He chose to be vessels of His words. For more articles like these, get your copy of God’s Message Magazine from a member of the Church Of Christ. You can listen and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and the INC Media mobile app. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Felmar Serreno. God bless.

Watch Out For Greed   Brother Felmar Serreno: Hi there, and thank you for joining us again on this podcast version of God’s Message magazine. Shoutout to all our avid listeners, our friends, and our brothers and sisters around the world. Thank you for constantly listening and even promoting this podcast. As for our topic today, it’s “Watch Out For Greed.”    It is natural for people to try and better their condition in life. The usual and socially accepted process is to acquire a good education that leads to a lucrative career. This, as perceived, will lead to financial stability, material possessions, and other perks that come with being well-off in life.    However, too many people, even after achieving what others would deem as a successful stature, still desire for more and more, and are willing to do anything to realize their ambitions, be it through fraud, corruption, scams, and even the taking of other people’s life. What have such people fallen to is greed, which, as defined by the dictionary, on merriam-webster.com, is a selfish and excessive desire for more of something than is needed.   The evil of being greedy   Brother Felmar Serreno: To be greedy does not only refer to an excessive desire to consume food (which is also called gluttony), but it also refers to a desperate craving, for riches, power, fame, or pleasure, no matter how, no matter the cost. All because of the misguided belief that the more a person has, the more complete his life would be. But is it true that a person’s worth is measured by what he has attained materially? This statement of Christ answers that question:    And he went on to say to them all, “Watch out and guard yourselves from every kind of greed; because a person’s true life is not made up of the things he owns, no matter how rich he may be.” [Luke 12:15 Good News Bible]   Brother Felmar Serreno: It is a great mistake then to think that, the more a person owns, the more his life is complete. To clamor for more than what one essentially needs is a manifestation of greed. And the danger of being greedy is that it can cause him to forget about God, thus:    The wicked are proud of their evil desires; the greedy curse and reject the LORD. The wicked do not care about the LORD; in their pride they think that God doesn’t matter. [Psalm 10:3-4 Good News Bible]   Brother Felmar Serreno: The greedy reject God. They assume that all they have achieved is because of their own intellect and effort. And that through their wealth, and the power that usually comes with it, they assume to have an answer for every predicament or problem. They have placed their trust in what they have accomplished due to greed, and not in God.    The greedy according to the Bible   Brother Felmar Serreno: Now many people may deny that they are greedy, but how does the Bible identify those who are? Who are those who feel compelled to accumulate and hoard as much as they can? The Bible says this:   Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness And his chambers by injustice, Who uses his neighbor’s service without wages And gives him nothing for his work, Yet your eyes and your heart are for nothing but your covetousness, For shedding innocent blood, And practicing oppression and violence. [Jeremiah 22:13, 17 New King James Version]   Brother Felmar Serreno: So, an employer who holds back the honestly-earned wages of an employee is practicing greed. So, too, is one who hires a service, but then is not willing to pay for it. Others who have an insatiable appetite for wealth and power also practice extortion, or taking unwarranted advantage of others through business transactions as stated in Ezekiel 22:12 in the New International Version:    In you men accept bribes to shed blood; you take usury and excessive interest and make unjust gain from your neighbors by extortion. And you have forgotten me, declares the Sovereign LORD. [Ezekiel 22:12 New International Version]   Brother Felmar Serreno: Such individuals have no scruples and couldn’t care less of their victims’ plight. Their focus is on how to gain as much as possible. On a grander scale, there are those who embezzle large sums of money from corporations, and others even from the elderly or working-class people, leaving behind those whose lives have been ruined due to oftentimes losing their life’s savings.    How else can the avaricious be identified? Isaiah 1:23 Good News Bible teaches this:   Your leaders are rebels and friends of thieves; they are always accepting gifts and bribes. They never defend orphans in court or listen when widows present their case. [Isaiah 1:23 Good News Bible]   Brother Felmar Serreno: So those holding lofty positions in the government or society, who accept bribes or payoffs, are not only greedy, but also are acting wickedly, unworthy of the trust of the citizenry that had placed them in office.    Voracity or greed can even be found among some who claim to be religious or God-fearing, as declared by the Lord God through the Prophet Ezekiel:   So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. [Ezekiel 33:31 New King James Version]   Brother Felmar Serreno: This is evident in those who adhere to the health and wealth gospel or prosperity gospel, which others define as “a belief among some Christians that God rewards those who live faithful lives with material wealth” (lexico.com).   Tragically, this has led not just a few people to consider serving God as a means to become prosperous, others treating religion as just another business venture. Their service and worship of God is just in the form of lip-service, because what they ultimately seek is material gain.   Giving God ‘first place’ in one’s life   Brother Felmar Serreno: Church Of Christ members are often reminded that they should be very careful how they live their life, and most especially that they should be serving God for the proper reasons. Their list of priorities in life should be very clear and adhered to; always God first. If so, everything else in their life will fall into place. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself reminds His true followers, thus:   So don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing. Why be like the heathen? For they take pride in all these things and are deeply concerned about them. But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to. [Matthew 6:31-33 Living Bible]   Brother Felmar Serreno: It is good for a Church Of Christ member to be diligent in his livelihood and to have goals for himself and his household. But it is greediness on the part of that same Church Of Christ member if he devotes all his time and energy in the quest for a better life, and ends up forsaking his spiritual obligations to God. On the other hand, a member of the Church who does give God first place in his life by being devoted to worshiping and serving Him, will be blessed by God with his basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter, which of course he will still have to work for through honest means.    But why should members of the Church Of Christ live their lives in accordance with God’s teachings, including not to be greedy for material wealth? Aren’t they losing out on what the world has to offer by expending their life in busying themselves in doing righteous deeds? No, they are not. Apostle Paul proved this:    Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they make take hold of the life that is truly life. [I Timothy 6:18-19 New International Version]   The rich before God’s sight   Brother Felmar Serreno: Now, some people have an insatiable appetite to amass as much material wealth as possible, with the hope of achieving early retirement, and enjoying what remains of their life in security and peace. If that is all that matters to them, such people may be rich in the sight of their fellow men but poor in the eyes of God and thus will not be saved, as clarified by the Lord Jesus Christ:   Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” [Luke 12:16-21 New King James Version]   Brother Felmar Serreno: But members of the Church Of Christ, who are rich in good works (even if they had to make sacrifices in doing so) are investing in “the life that is truly life” which is everlasting. So how do God’s people strive to live as they make their way through this world? With contentment:   Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” [Hebrews 13:5 New International Version]   God will supply all our needs    Brother Felmar Serreno: Church Of Christ members are reminded to live within (and not beyond) their means. Yes, they also aim and strive to achieve their ambitions to improve their condition in life, yet, as long as they have what they need to live decently, and most importantly to continue their service and worship to God, they should be content.    They are always admonished not to exchange the unequaled treasure of salvation and eternal life

On Having A Close Relationship With God Brother Felmar Serreno: In one’s hour of need, a person usually seeks the helping hand of those close to them—their family, friends, and acquaintances. But just like the rest of us, not only do they have limited abilities, but they also have their own troubles. However, if one has a close relationship with God and turns to Him for help, he or she will have everything that they need—and more. Hi friends and welcome back to this podcast version of God’s Message magazine, and our topic for today: On Having a Close Relationship with God.  There is no one whom we need more in life than the Lord God. The Bible describes the people who have a relationship with God as His children and His chosen people (That’s based on the book of John 1:12 and I Peter 2:9-10). When God’s children are troubled, He will give them the soundest advice; when they are weak, God will strengthen them (Psalm 73:24-26, 28). When God’s people are confronted by the snares of death and ungodliness, He will deliver them (II Samuel 22:5-7). And so, dear friends,, it is very important to be counted among God’s children, His elect, to have a relationship with Him. King David is one fine example. Though he had wealth and power at his disposal, he still depended on God. When he was beset with adversities and prayed for help, the Lord did not fail him. I quote for you this:  He sent from above, He took me, He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me; For they were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, But the LORD was my support. He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. End quote. [That was from II Samuel 22:17-20 New King James Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: God listened to David’s prayer because he was among the Lord’s chosen ones—the people who were set apart by God for Himself (That’s based on the book of Psalm 4:3).  So, not all people have a relationship with God. The Bible is clear when it says, quote: The LORD is far from the wicked …  End quote [That was Proverbs 15:29 New King James Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: An act that God finds very wicked is departing from Him (II Samuel 22:22). How does one depart or turn away from God? By transgressing His laws and refusing to listen to His teachings (Daniel 9:11). Hence, sin alienates people from God. Worse, it turns them into God’s enemies (Colossians 1:21), who are bound to suffer His fierce wrath on Judgment Day (Hebrews 10:27).  If people find themselves in such a predicament, the Bible teaches them to search out and examine their ways and turn back to the Lord (Lamentations 3:39-40). They must turn to God by seeking the good way and walking in it (Jeremiah 6:16). Jesus Christ is the good way; no one can come to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). How can people come to the Father through Jesus Christ, the good way? Is it enough just to believe? The Lord Jesus has this to say, I quote: 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.’  End quote [That was from the book of John 10:7, 9 Revised English Bible] Brother Felmar Serreno: So if anyone wants to walk in the good way, he needs to come through Christ by joining the flock, the Church Of Christ (That’s based on John 10:16 and Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation). When a person joins the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), he is counted among those purchased and redeemed through the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28 Lamsa). Such a person is cleansed from his sins and brought near and reconciled with God (Hebrews 9:14, 22; Ephesians 2:13, 16). Such a person is counted among God’s children and God’s people. And thus, has a relationship with God (That’s based on Romans 8:16-17; Romans 16:16; I Peter 2:9-10 and I Peter 1:18-19)..  Friends, it is important to maintain such relationship with God, especially now that hardships and unusual events and calamities abound. Now, more than ever, God’s people need to be close to Him. For this to happen, they ought to live righteously. They should always keep His commands. They must stay away from anything unclean—after all, they have already been cleansed from their sins. They must do their level best to fight the good fight for the faith, complete the race that God has set before them, and keep the true faith (II Timothy 4:6-8 Names of God Bible).  If they do this, they will be rewarded by God, as II Samuel 22:21-22 states, I quote:  The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD, And have not wickedly departed from my God.  End quote.  Brother Felmar Serreno: For more articles like these, get your copy of God’s Message Magazine from a member of the Church Of Christ. You can also listen and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and the INC Media mobile app. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Felmar Serreno. God bless.

Don’t Be Put Off By Failures   Brother Felmar Serreno: From missed business opportunities to failed exams to poor life choices, failures—if we allow them—can take a heavy toll on our mindset and our future. So, for today, in this podcast version of God’s Message Magazine, our topic is: Don’t Be Put Off By Failures.   The way to success is not an easy trek. Obstacles and setbacks are to be expected. Riding a bike, as they say, is not always downhill—there are also uphill trails.   Indeed, we sometimes fail in what we do. And the sad thing about it is that we can’t go back in time to change the course of events. We are left to face the consequences of our mistakes whether or not you are brave enough to do so.    There are those who, when they do something wrong and fall short of what is expected of them, shy away from new challenges. They end up sulking rather than tapping their potentials, thereby missing many opportunities for personal growth and betterment. Meanwhile, some allow their past failures to drag them down until, one day, they find themselves pinned down, unable to get up from the slump. They could only wish that things would change for the better.    Although the fact remains that we can never turn back the hands of time, we can still do the best we can to make amends for the wrongs we have done. But first, we have to accept that we are susceptible to making mistakes. Let me quote for you what the Bible says here:   There is no one on earth who does what is right all the time and never makes a mistake. [Ecclesiastes 7:20 Good News Bible]   Brother Felmar Serreno: Even great people of yore had fallen short and had failed at certain instances in their lifetime. David had done wrong when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and murdered her husband, Uriah (II Samuel 11:1-27); Moses failed to show a good example to Israel when he displayed lack of confidence in God by striking the rock at Meribah twice with Aaron’s staff instead of obeying God’s command to speak to the stone for water to come out to quench the thirst of the Israelites (Numbers 20:1-13); Samson made a grave mistake when he married and had relationship with non-Israelites that eventually led him to violate his Nazirite restrictions (Judges 14:1-3; 16:1-22); and even God’s servant Job admitted that he, too, had committed error (Job 19:4).   However, like those mentioned, we should not be put off by failures. Going back to David he paid dearly with the life of his child for the sins he committed. But instead of rebelling against God, David repented and accepted God’s punishment (II Samuel 12:1-15)—and David, he ended up being recognized as one of the greatest of the warrior kings of Israel. For Moses, Moses moved on from his mistake and continued to lead God’s nation—he presided over them until his death before they entered the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 32:45-52; 34:1-12). As for Samson, he repented and silently cried for God’s mercy—sacrificing his own life, Samson was able to slay his enemies and the enemies of Israel, the Philistines (Judges 16:23-31). And when it came to Job, well Job never turned from God despite the hardships that he suffered—he then received favor from God, who doubled his wealth and blessed him with children once again (Job 42:1-6, 10-17).   Instead of constantly blaming ourselves, we should realize that what happened then should serve as a learning experience for us. As such, we can avoid making the same mistakes again, make better decisions in the future, and lead better lives. By doing so, we have squeezed out something positive from our failures. The Bible reminds us, thus:   Once again give them this message from the Lord: ‘When a person falls, he jumps up again; when he is on the wrong road and discovers his mistake, he goes back to the fork where he made the wrong turn.’ [Jeremiah 8:4 Living Bible]   Brother Felmar Serreno: As we move on, there will still be obstacles along the way. So why not find out the vital lessons embedded in our past experiences and use them to do things correctly the next time around. Let us not perpetuate wrongdoings but instead do what is right and carry on. Apostle Paul explains that “… we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans” (Romans 8:28 Living Bible).   Above all, let us entrust to God all our plans and undertakings, for He holds the key to our success (Psalms 16:3). By placing our trust in Him, we can be confident to bounce back from our mistakes. According to God’s purpose, let us remember that “all things work together for the good” (Romans 8:28 God’s Word).    For more articles like these, get your copy of God’s Message Magazine from a member of the Church Of Christ. You can listen and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and the INC Media mobile app. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Felmar Serreno. God bless.  

Against The Flow Brother Felmar Serreno: Moral decay can be found almost everywhere on the planet and on the worldwide web. Many people do not mind it. Others even popularize it. If this is the trend nowadays, then it must be right—but, is it? Hi, and welcome to the podcast version of God’s Message magazine, where today’s topic is: Against The Flow.   We are living at the times the Bible describes not only as perilous and difficult for the Christians to live (II Timothy 3:1) but also the end times when man’s knowledge shall increase (Daniel 12:4). Today is also the age of moral decline—modernity has brought with it for many people a newfound sense that switched their focus from God to their own selves. They have chosen to repudiate the moral framework that God gave, and, in exchange, are now preoccupied with the prevailing values of this world: wealth, image, pleasure, and power. With these as their priorities, those people choose to believe that ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and ‘good’ and ‘evil’ are mere personality lifestyle choices of those who believe such.  At such a time and amid that kind of culture, man has to make a choice that will determine his direction and destination. While the world flows as it does today, how should one meet this challenge of the times?  Moral decay: fact or myth? Brother Felmar Serreno: Others argue that there is no moral decay but only change in morals, or even worse, they see this as progress under the false nomenclature of being free or liberal. On the other hand, the Bible has foretold that this is how it will be in our time as a warning to Christians. Let me quote for you what the Holy Scriptures says here: For people will love only themselves and their money; they will be proud and boastful, sneering at God, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful to them, and thoroughly bad. They will be hardheaded and never give in to others; they will be constant liars and troublemakers and will think nothing of immorality. They will be rough and cruel, and sneer at those who try to be good. They will betray their friends; they will be hotheaded, puffed up with pride, and prefer good times to worshiping God. They will go to church, yes, but they won’t really believe anything they hear. Don’t be taken in by people like that. [II Timothy 3:2-5 Living Bible] Brother Felmar Serreno: “Puffed up with pride” of the worldly knowledge they gained, these people “will think nothing of immorality” as we heard from the Scriptures. The apostles also tell us that in our time “people will love only themselves” and that they will be “sneering at God.”  From the time of the apostles up to ours, things have worsened at an ever-increasing pace. Illegal drug trafficking has become prevalent. The institution of marriage has degenerated to the point where homosexuality, lesbianism, same-sex marriage, promiscuity, and the like are “the new normal.” A large percent of marriage ends in divorce, and more babies (the ones that escape abortion) are born to unwed mothers. Lying and cheating are so commonplace, and cases of suicide are now arguably at an all time high.  Sexuality, marriage, and even human life are essentially desacralized. It is undeniable that the world is now in a state of moral decay.  Why not just go with the flow Brother Felmar Serreno: Apostle Paul advised in the previous verse we quoted: “Don’t be taken in by people like that” (II Timothy 3:5 Living Bible). By Apostle Paul’s exhortation, one should realize that man cannot live with complete disregard of God’s will and expect not to suffer the consequences. The Lord God decreed the destruction of those who are ungodly on the Day of Judgment (II Peter 3:7). Their terrifying end is underlined by the destruction by fire of the world and everything in it (II Peter 3:10). It is then only right and beneficial not to be preoccupied with the things that are of this world, like what most people do, since the world and everything in it are passing away:  Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. [I John 2:15-17 New King James Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: Between two choices, the Bible teaches that one should always choose the love of God, the Father, over the things of this world. “He who does the will of God abides forever,” and so the right decision for one to take is to be preoccupied with understanding and following what God wants, rather than anything that the world can offer; lest he falls into the world’s enticements—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—and eventually pass away together with them and be at the losing end.  One who chooses the love of God over the things in this world shows it in his life, and not only speaks about it. He who loves God obeys His commands (I John 5:3) and does His will (Matthew 7:21). Since it is God’s will to gather together all in Christ (Ephesians 1:9-10), people ought to be gathered in Him by becoming members of the one body that has Christ as its head, which is none other than the Church Of Christ (Romans 12:4-5, Colossians 1:18; Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation). One should then realize that amid the moral decay in this world, God calls him not to go with the flow but join the Church Of Christ and live as true Christians should.  How true Christians live Brother Felmar Serreno: Living in this world now is truly a daunting challenge. Apostle Paul even declared that “in the last days it is going to be very difficult to be a Christian” (II Timothy 3:1 Living Bible). However, he also taught how a true Christian, one whom God considers as His child, should live:  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.  [Philippians 2:15 New King James Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: According to Apostle Paul, true Christians should “shine as lights in the world.” They can be such by being “blameless” and “without fault,” and uncontaminated as they live “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.” The world is crooked, yet true Christians lead an upright life. Wickedness abound, yet they counter it with righteousness.  Thus, when one becomes a member of the Church Of Christ, he should not conform to this world; rather, one should be transformed by means of renewing their mind (Romans 12:2). Isn’t it the mind that controls a person’s actions? Renewing one’s mind means not having the same mindset as the people of this world but having the mind of Christ (I Peter 4:1). A true Christian then is not dictated in his decisions and actions by his own indulgences nor by the wishes of the people around him, but by what he learned from Christ inside His Church.  Rather than going with the flow, true Christians or God’s children remain uninfluenced by the evil ways of this world. Their conviction in the face of temptation and various sins is to remember the teachings of God they have been receiving. They do not let different temptations, wickedness, and immoral acts overcome them; instead they refuse all of these and live with self-control (Titus 2:12 English Standard Version). Their guiding principle in life is to stand their ground on obeying God’s commands.  Going to a worthy destination Brother Felmar Serreno: As a true Christian understands why he is led to a different path from the path most people in this world take, he also sees clearly the truth in what Apostle Peter stated:  Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” [I Peter 2:11-12 New King James Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: True Christians know that they are only sojourners and pilgrims in this world. This puts things in a proper perspective. A true Christian may be in this world, but he is not of this world. And so, he conducts himself honorably in the midst of the evil in this world and stands his ground on doing good works. He abstains from doing different kinds of sin—these he considers as sideshow distractions that must be ignored (Proverbs 4:25 The Message). What he does is worshiping and serving God actively. A true Christian never forgets his destination and reward, which is great beyond compare—his citizenship in heaven: For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. [Philippians 3:20-21 New King James Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: There is a Holy City that God reserves for His servants who are loyal to Him, and their life there will be glorious. And so, they do not feel discouraged and lose hope while they are still in this world that continues to worsen. Instead, they always  pray to God that He may help them uphold their services to Him until they receive the fulfillment of His promises. The worst of times may be now, but the real best of times for the true Christians is only about to come. For more articles like these, get your copy of God’s Message Magazine from a member of the Church Of Christ. You can listen and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and the INC Media mobile app. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Felmar Serreno. God bless.

The Blessed Household [Music starts] Brother Felmar Serreno: Chances are you’re part of a family. You might even be on the journey to starting your own family. Maybe you’re wondering, “what does it take to keep a family stable, happy, and peaceful?” Hello, and welcome to the podcast version of God’s Message Magazine, where we hope you’ll join us for today’s topic: The Blessed Household. [Music stops] Brother Felmar Serreno: What many people usually consider as a fortunate or favored household is one which abounds in material possessions or is financially stable, such that its members can buy whatever they want. In short, they believe that material wealth defines how blessed such a family is.  For members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo or Church Of Christ, however, being truly fortunate or privileged is not measured by material things. What they consider as their true wealth are the spiritual blessings from the Lord God—their membership in the Church, their right and privilege to worship Him, and their living hope for the salvation He promised. More than material comfort, they value the peace and security that reign in their household because of God’s fellowship with them as they continue in their steadfast faith and zeal in their services to him. But why are they certain that what they have outweigh any material riches?  Reverently fears God Brother Felmar Serreno: The household that has the promise of God’s blessings reverently fears the Lord God. The Bible teaches, thus:  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. [Psalms 128: 1-2 New King James Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: Those who fear the Lord deeply revere Him. Instead of staying away from Him, they yearn to be closer to Him and they do stay away from what He hates. They walk in His ways by leading a life according to His teachings. Thus, the members of the family who have reverent fear of the Lord God are obedient to His commands and devoted to their duties to Him.  Such a family does not stand to lose. The Bible depicts them as blessed and happy, and all will be well with them. With God’s blessings, protection, and help, all its members will be in good health and will be able to realize their good dreams and aspirations. A Church Of Christ family fully understands that obedience to God is the key to such blessings. Religious instruction begins at home Brother Felmar Serreno: Because obedience to God’s commands is essential to receiving His blessings, the whole family should give much importance to listening to and learning His teachings. Church Of Christ members are thus exhorted to be active in attending the worship service, during which God’s words are learned (Deuteronomy 31:12-13). For the children’s sake, religious instruction should begin at home. According to the Bible, teaching God’s words to the children is a responsibility not only of the Church but also of the parents: And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” [Deuteronomy 6:6-7 New King James Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: Parents who understand this truth and the benefit of fulfilling it set aside time to be with their children and never get tired of teaching them God’s commands that they have learned from the Administration placed by God in the Church Of Christ. They understand that while sending their children to school to acquire proper education is of great value, it cannot truly guarantee their children of good fortune that God promises to His servants. Above any knowledge perceived as precious by most, what they teach their children is the true religion and true faith. The apostles instructed, thus: Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction. [Ephesians 6:4 Good News Bible]  Brother Felmar Serreno: Parents in the Church Of Christ have been exhorted to teach their children carefully as they grow up. They should help their children understand the message of the Lord, train them to have a steadfast faith in Him, and help them uphold His teachings. On the part of the children, the apostles reminded them: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise—that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. [Ephesians 6:1-3 New International Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: Children should obey their parents in the Lord—parents who teach and uphold God’s commands. They should never disrespect their parents; rather, they should always honor them in thought, in word, and in deed. Children should not insist on whatever they want. What is right is for them to follow the teachings of God taught to them by their parents in the Lord. The Bible informs us of the blessings reserved for families who fulfill what God requires of them: My child, don’t forget what I teach you. Always remember what I tell you to do. My teaching will give you a long and prosperous life. Never let go of loyalty and faithfulness. Tie them around your neck; write them on your heart. If you do this, both God and people will be pleased with you. [Proverbs 3:1-4 Good News Bible] Blessed even to the next generations Brother Felmar Serreno: God wants that the blessings and protection He had given to His people will also be enjoyed by the generations to come. So, He instructs them that His teachings and the goodness and wonderful things He has done for them be taught and handed down to their children and to their grandchildren (Deuteronomy 4:9).  As God commands the leaders of his nation to assemble His people in His presence to hear His words, the parents have the responsibility to teach to their children what they have heard from such gatherings (Deuteronomy 4:10), that is, during the congregational worship services in our time. Doing so is one of the ways of molding children to put their trust and faith in God:  So the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. [Psalms 78:6-7 New International Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: While it is true that parents have the responsibility to provide their children their basic needs—food, shelter, clothing—they still have a sacred responsibility to mold their children to put their trust in God, to be obedient to all His commandments, and to remain active members of the Church until the end. These are the most important treasures that parents can bequeath to their children.  To provide an environment and avenue for the Iglesia Ni Cristo family to put into practice the teachings of God, the Church Administration, through the leadership of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, has launched projects and activities for the Christian Family Organizations (Buklod, KADIWA, Binhi, Children’s Worship Service, among others). Each family member should then be active in participating in the endeavors of their respective organizations.  The Iglesia Ni Cristo is God’s nation in these last days (Isaiah 43:5-6 Moffatt Translation, Isaiah 41:9-10). God wants every family in His nation to have a stable future, but most of all, to have a strong conviction and faith in Him. He has promised them life full of His blessings. He will comfort them in times of distress. Their homes shall have prosperity, peace, and happiness with God in their midst.  Hence, if ever the family encounters difficulties and problems, they should be united in presenting their case to Him, such as what God’s servants before did: If I were you, I would turn to God and present my case to him. … Time after time he will save you from harm; when famine comes, he will keep you alive, and in war protect you from death. … Then you will live at peace in your tent; when you look at your sheep, you will find them safe.” [Job 5:8, 19-20, 24 Good News Bible] Brother Felmar Serreno: Iglesia Ni Cristo families can always turn to God and present their case through prayers (Philippians 4:6). God will always be there to help and protect them. God Himself keeps His promise that even in times of famine or war, He will keep them alive and will protect them from death.  And if God remains with them, their tent or home (Job 5:24 New Living Translation) will be safe from any harm and they will live at peace. Although they may not be materially rich or influential, or they might not have what they want on a whim; still, they have peace and harmony in their life. Most of all, God Himself gave them the guarantee of receiving the promised salvation, and this they consider their true wealth, more valuable than anything in this world. For more articles like these, get your copy of God’s Message Magazine from a member of the Church Of Christ. You can listen and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and the INC Media mobile app. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Felmar Serreno. God bless.

  Maintaining Good Health [Show opens] [Music starts]  Brother Felmar Serreno: Things like regular physical exercise and a well-balanced diet are good for us, but is this all it takes to be truly healthy? Hi there, you’re listening to the podcast version of God’s Message Magazine, where today’s topic is: Maintaining Good Health. [Music fades] Brother Felmar Serreno: The current pandemic has driven home the reality that the human body is so susceptible to being afflicted with any of a multitude of possible illnesses. Hundreds of millions of people have contracted the coronavirus, and even though many have recovered, sadly, it has also claimed millions of lives.   Even though it is improbable to make one’s way through life without contracting some kind of illness or experiencing health issues, we should strive to protect our whole being as best as possible, as admonished by the Bible:  May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Thessalonians 5:23 New Revised Standard Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: One’s spirit, soul, and body should be kept sound or healthy as we await the Second Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ. Physically, a person must avoid everything that may harm his well-being, such as smoking, abusing alcohol and/or drugs, sleep deprivation, unhealthy diet, and the like.  With greater benefit Brother Felmar Serreno: Physical exercise is crucial in maintaining good health, but what is more beneficial is spiritual exercise: Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future. [1 Timothy 4:8 Good News Bible] Brother Felmar Serreno: An essential step in practicing spiritual exercise is recognizing that, no matter the effort one may exert in an attempt to preserve his life, longevity remains in the hands of God: I, and I alone, am God; no other god is real. I kill and I give life, I wound and I heal, and no one can oppose what I do. [Deuteronomy 32:39 Good News Bible] Brother Felmar Serreno: This is why one should place his hope and trust in God, to gift him with a long or healthy life. If ever any servant of God does become sick, Apostle James taught what he should do: Is there anyone who is sick? He should send for the church elders, who will pray for him and rub olive oil on him in the name of the Lord. This prayer made in faith will heal the sick person; the Lord will restore him to health, and the sins he has committed will be forgiven. [James 5:14-15 Good News Bible] Brother Felmar Serreno: Servants of God recognize Him as the greatest healer of all. That is, whenever Church members are sick, they pray to Him, and have the ministers or deacons or deaconesses anoint them with oil. It does not make it wrong, however, to consult with a doctor when one becomes sick: Jesus heard them and answered, ‘People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick.’ [Matthew 9:12 Good News Bible] Brother Felmar Serreno: But one should not make the mistake committed by a servant of God in the past who did not approach Him, but instead consulted only the physicians: And in the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady was severe; yet in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but the physicians.  [II Chronicles 16:12 New King James Version] Obeying God’s words Brother Felmar Serreno: Apart from physical exercise, what does God teach His children to all the more do in order to maintain good health?  My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. [Proverbs 4:20-23 New King James Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: The words of God give health and strength to our physical body and mind. If we fully abide by His commandments, then we will have peace of mind. But if we transgress His teachings, we will not find true contentment; we will experience troubles and worries. Having stress and anxieties all the time does not do a person any good. Such a person will be prone to various illnesses and will not find peace and wellness within himself. With God’s mercy, and our compliance to His commands, we can live a decent quality of life now, and look forward to eternal life at the appointed time.  For more articles like these, get your copy of God’s Message Magazine from a member of the Church Of Christ. You can listen and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and the INC Media mobile app. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Felmar Serreno. God bless.    

  Do Not Use Harmful Words [Show open] [Music starts]  Brother Felmar Serreno: Are there times where your temper gets the best of you? Is poor anger management affecting your relationship with your spouse, family, or friends? If your answer is yes, then stay with us, on this podcast version of God’s Message Magazine, where today’s topic is: Do Not Use Harmful Words.  [Music ends] Brother Felmar Serreno: While it is natural for a person to get angry if someone does him wrong, the apostles advise us, thus: If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. [Ephesians 4:26 Today’s English Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: If we don’t remove anger from our hearts and instead let it fester there, this will lead to hate. God considers anyone who hates his brother or sister in the faith a murderer (I John 3:15 New King James Version). Therefore, it is evil to hold grudges.  According to the Bible, “A wise man controls his temper” (Proverbs 14:29 Living Bible). Nothing good will result from being hot-tempered. Instead, let us prove that we have understanding—especially of God’s commands—by controlling our temper and being careful with our words. This is very important because the Bible says: Gentle words cause life and health; griping brings discouragement. [Proverbs 15:4 Living Bible] Brother Felmar Serreno: Using gentle words or being tactful is truly important to preserve peace and harmony, especially in the family. Let us follow the advice of the apostles: Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you [Ephesians 4:29 Today’s English Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: In the same way, we will be able to keep among family members, as well as among fellow Christians, love and compassion for one another.  [Music starts] Brother Felmar Serreno: For more articles like these, get your copy of God’s Message Magazine from a member of the Church Of Christ. You can also listen and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and the INC Media mobile app. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Felmar Serreno. God bless. [Music ends] [Show close]

[Music starts] Brother Felmar Serreno: Is there any reason to be positive when the current pandemic has caused a myriad of adversities and misfortune in peoples’ lives?  Welcome to the podcast version of God’s Message Magazine, where today’s topic is: To Be Cheerful In The Face Of Difficulties. The COVID-19 pandemic has produced a lot of negative emotions in people. For others, the sheer idea of contracting such a terminal disease and the thought of suffering and dying alone, since they would have to be isolated from their loved ones, can be so scary that it causes them to have paranoid delusions—mistreating and being rude to the people around them, even those who have contracted the disease and our “frontliners.” While some feel so hopeless and depressed about the current situation that they think of taking their own lives.  With the pandemic causing many complex problems to peoples’ lives, should we dwell on negative emotions? Is there no sense cheering up? On being cheerful Brother Felmar Serreno: Being deeply worried and depressed in times of crisis is not good for one’s health. The Bible teaches: “A cheerful heart makes you healthy. But a broken spirit dries you up.” [Proverbs 17:22 New International Reader’s Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: Indeed, taking a cheerful stance even in the most depressing times has great benefits to a person’s well-being. Research attests that being cheerful improves heart health, allows one to combat stress effectively, boosts the immune system, promotes an overall healthier lifestyle, reduces pain, and increases life longevity. We can find that on positivepsychology.com.  On the other hand, having a “broken spirit” or wallowing in misery dries up  a person or shortens his life (Matthew 6:27). So let us heed the Lord’s timeless advice, “do not worry” (Matthew 6:31) And although it is natural to feel down at times, we should not let sorrow prevail. To be cheerful in the face of difficulties is to remain friendly, approachable, and be a pleasant companion, for “a merry heart makes a cheerful countenance” (Proverbs 15:13 New King James Version). In taking care of oneself Brother Felmar Serreno: Out of too much worrying due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are people who, as reported on the news, treat with discrimination and disgust those who have recovered from the disease and our frontliners.  That is wrong. While taking precautions is essential, especially now that there is a pandemic, we must also keep in mind the Bible’s teaching: “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”  [Ephesians 4:31-32 New King James Version] Brother Felmar Serreno: Even when taking care of themselves, those whom God forgave through Christ—the members of the Church Of Christ—are taught to be kind and tenderhearted to others. They should be “hospitable to one another” (I Peter 4:9). And if others need their help, they must “do good” (Proverbs 3:27 Good News Bible) or help them. In doing so, they will not only be able to ease others’ troubles, they will also be able to fulfill God’s will.  To be truly safe Brother Felmar Serreno: Human beings have limitations. Aside from taking all safety precautions, what we need the most in order to be truly safe and protected during these uncertain times is God’s help. Thus, it is well for us to learn from His early servants whom He helped:  “That is what Hezekiah did in all Judah. He did what was good and right. And he obeyed the Lord his God. He tried to obey God in everything that he did for God’s house. He tried to obey God’s Law and God’s rules. In everything that he did for his God he tried to give pleasure to God. So very good things happened to him.”  [II Chronicles 31:20-21 EasyEnglish Bible] Brother Felmar Serreno: Hezekiah was a king during the time of ancient Israel, God’s nation back then. The Bible attests that he did what was good and right because he obeyed God and His commands. Because God was pleased with him, “So very good things happened to him.” The Lord God saved him from his enemies. And although he fell terminally ill, God cured him, adding fifteen years to his life (II Kings 20:5-6). So, to be truly safe during these uncertain times, taking precautions should include obeying God’s commands and indeed it should be the top priority. More than anything or anyone else, we need God in our lives for He is the greatest healer that His faithful servants can rely on.  This is the reason members of the Church Of Christ never stop fulfilling the Lord God’s commands, even during this time of uncertainty. Primarily, they obeyed God’s will that all be gathered into Christ through becoming members of the Church Of Christ (Ephesians 1:9-10; I Corinthians 12:27, 12). They do not allow themselves to fall into sin and do the things that are against God’s will.  They make sure that they constantly renew their life, continue to worship God, give voluntary offerings, participate in the works of propagation, love the brotherhood, and submit to the authority of the Church Administration. They do not allow themselves to be overcome by worries. Instead, they place their hope and trust in the Lord God. They are consistent in their obedience to Him for they have the same conviction as that of God’s early servants:  “But the salvation of the [consistently] righteous is of the Lord; He is their Refuge and secure Stronghold in the time of trouble.” [Psalm 37:39 Amplified Bible] Brother Felmar Serreno: To be truly safe during this time of a pandemic, we need God’s help the most. So, as we strive to keep ourselves safe, may we all do our best, not only in feeling positive and cheerful, but also and most especially in consistently fulfilling God’s will for us to receive His help and protection and, most of all, the salvation of our souls.  [Music starts]  For more articles like these, get your copy of God’s Message Magazine from a member of the Church Of Christ. You can listen and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and the INC Media mobile app. Thank you for listening. I’m Brother Felmar Serreno. God bless. [Music ends]