Is Praying Enough?
4:38 Is it really worth our while to spend time in prayer?
6:24 Was it only in the life of prophet Elijah, that the power of prayer was proven? Who else is a servant of God that we could read about in the Bible, who proved in his life, the power of prayer?
11:11 What about our time, is it no longer effective? Or who else held on to what prayer can do?
13:05 Why is it wrong to treat prayer as a last resort? Why is it wrong for people to do that?
16:05 What do the apostles advise us to do with regards to all of those needs and concerns?
24:26 When it comes to salvation, why are we sure that just uttering a simple prayer is not enough for one to be saved? By the way in the first place, why do all people need salvation?
25:47 What is the judgment that God has appointed to all who have committed sin against God?
26:00 Does it mean that one has fully paid for his sins the moment that he dies? Which death is the full payment for sin?
27:05 When is the appointed time that God will destroy the ungodly or those who have committed sins against God?
31:30 You know, when it comes to the Bible, the Holy Scriptures according to the Bible, will the Lord God value the prayers that are being made by people, the services that are being rendered by people who have committed sin against it?
33:39 Brother Jojo mentioned earlier how even if a sinner prays intently or earnestly to the Lord God, God will not hear Him because of the sins that he committed against God. Well, where can we see also in the Bible that that really is the case?
37:03 What is the only way for man to be forgiven of his sins and be safe? How can man have the forgiveness of his sins?
38:04 What other blessing has been received by those who redeem with the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ? What right and privilege has been granted to them?
39:19 According to the apostles, what will surely be received by those who have benefited from Christ’s redemption?
41:13 Is that enough for a person to actually be redeemed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ? What is the Bible a test as the one redeemed or purchased by the blood of Christ?
[Music Video starts]
[Source: youtube.com/watch?v=OcckzlCS3Ho]
Oh yeah we play we got to play just to make it day
Somebody’s sick. Somebody has some faith. But if I finally hit the knees and ask for help. For heaven’s sake. Somebody’s finally found someone who really cares. Somebody’s here.
[Video ends]
Brother Johnny Martin: Over the years popular artists have made catchy songs of different musical genres that talk about prayer. In this modern day and age, is it good for us to pray to God and is praying to God enough or all that a person needs to do to be saved? That is what we’ll find out today. I’m Johnny Martin, and welcome to the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Joining us this week, our Brother Greg Worthen, who is with us here in our Manila studio. Thank you, Brother Greg for joining us today. And Brother Jojo Bayani in San Francisco, California. Brother Ruben Bustos in Los Angeles, California. And Brother Glenn David in Sydney, Australia. Good day to you, Brothers. And thank you very much for taking the time to be a part of our discussion today.
Brothers: Thank you, Brother Johnny. Hello, Brother.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now today we’re talking about prayer and salvation. Dear friends in this high tech world, people live fast paced lives, our time and attention get occupied with so many things.
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TOPIC: IS PRAYING ENOUGH?
Brother Johnny Martin: People are so busy with going to school and work and with doing the hobbies that they enjoy. Sometimes, people feel like they don’t have enough time to do all the things that they need or want to do. And this results in others, not giving time to spiritual things like prayer. Now consider what others have to say about being busy in this video clip.
[Video starts]
[Source: YouTube]
Miguel Gandelman: To me busy has always meant too much. Some people want to be busy so that they can network.
Dianne Garcia: Some people want to be busy to feel popular, somebody want to be busy to feel accepted
Theo Martins: We see people that we admire, they’re really busy. And we want that same thing we desire to be busy too.
Dechel McKillian: And you get like so caught up in that and you feel like you’re supposed to be at a certain level at a certain time
Female: You feel a shame that you are at a certain age and you haven’t done something and then you can take that and blow it up. I think that we’ve taken it a little too far.
VO: Being busy is all about taking it too far. But the world is moving faster than ever, and we feel the need to keep up. We tell ourselves that there aren’t enough hours in the day. We just keep going hustling, grinding, working ourselves to the bone.
[ Video ends]
Brother Johnny Martin: Now Brothers, do you agree with what we heard in this video clip, that being busy is about taking it too far, that the world moves too fast, and people feel the need to keep up and that there are not enough hours in the day, Brother Greg?
Brother Greg Worthen: I think there’s some truth to that simply because of our technological age right now trying to keep pace with what has been invented for us to use. And so I like what one of the people said in the clip, you feel ashamed if you can’t keep up. And so there’s that drive to always keep pushing harder and harder and harder just to be able to keep up with society.
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Greg Worthen
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Glenn, how about you? How about for those who live there in Australia?
Brother Glenn David: I think if you were to go to the Sydney streets here, especially during a busy peak hour, people are always walking rushing to get to work from one place to another. It just shows that many people are so busy that they’re aiming for materialistic things in his life. And because of those things and financial difficulties. They don’t have time to spend time with their families, their children, and those things and things like prayer, which is very important. But especially here in Australia, people aren’t very religious. So prayer doesn’t really come into the picture.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Jojo how about for those who live there in the United States of America?
Brother Jojo Bayani: Well, Brother Johnny, that is the reality here as well. For the old and for the young, we see the young people, many of them busy when it comes to acquiring an education. It takes up pretty much all of their time. There doesn’t seem to be any time for anything else.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now friends are as busy as people are with their lives in this world. Is it really worth our while to spend time in prayer? Brother Greg, if we can begin with you please. What can prayer do in the life of the people of God?
Brother Greg Worthen: Well, prayer can be very effective, even for the sake of our life in this world. This is proven in the life of a servant of God as well as recorded here in James 5:17 to 18. We read:
Elijah was the same kind of person as we are. He prayed earnestly that there would be no rain, and no rain fell on the land for three and a half years. Once again he prayed, and the sky poured out its rain and the earth produced its crops.
[James 5:17-18 Good News Translation]
Brother Greg Worthen: So here we can see a person who was prayerful. Earnestly praying to God, and it had an effect on our lives. That would have an effect on our life in this world, because based on the verses we read, it is obvious that prayer can accomplish much in the lives of God’s people. Who was the servant of God being mentioned in the verses we read? As mentioned, is the prophet Elijah. Now how was prayer, or the power of prayer proven in the life of this servant of God? When Elijah prayed that there would be no rain, no rain fell on the land for three and a half years. And when he prayed again, for it to rain again, then the rain poured out. And of course, the earth produces its crops. So we can see that because he prayed, and the manner by which he prayed, praying earnestly to God, that God heard Him and God answered his prayers. Now, what does it mean to pray earnestly? One may be thinking, because they’re one might be thinking, well, if I concentrate real hard, and when I’m praying, is that praying earnestly? Well, praying earnestly means that one does it with their whole heart, their whole mind, their whole being. Therefore Elijah’s prayer was sincere. And that is why it took effect, and God gave him what he asked for.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Jojo if I could go to you please. Was it only in the life of prophet Elijah, that the power of prayer was proven? Who else is a servant of God that we could read about in the Bible, who proved in his life, the power of prayer?
Brother Jojo Bayani: Another excellent example of one who trusted in prayer is written here in Second Kings, chapter 20, verses 1 up through 5:
In those days, Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD. Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes. And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him: Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend the city for my sake, and for the sake of my servant David.
[II Kings 20:1-5 New International Version]
Brother Jojo Bayani: As we can tell from the verses that we have just read. Here’s another excellent example of one who benefited from praying to our Almighty God. Who was that? He was the king Hezekiah. As we know from biblical history, Hezekiah became one of the kings of Judah. And there came a time when he became ill. And so our Almighty God sent a prophet to Hezekiah. And what was the message that the prophet Isaiah gave on behalf of our Almighty God to Hezekiah? Isaiah said that Hezekiah, you will not recover, you will die from this illness. So get everything in order, get your family in order, because you’re going to die soon. We can see what kind of effect this had on King Hezekiah. Instead of blaming our Almighty God, instead of becoming depressed or becoming hopeless. What did he do? The Bible said he turned his face to the wall. And he began to pray to our Almighty God. His prayer was simple. He just simply begged our Almighty God– Remember the things that I tried to do. Remember all the good things that I tried to do before your sight. And so on his way out of the palace courts, Isaiah heard the message from our Almighty God. And what did God say to Hezekiah through Isaiah the prophet?” Go back to Hezekiah, go back to him and tell him I have heard your prayers.” And so what was the decision of our Almighty God, because Hezekiah said simply ask God in his prayer to heal him? Well, God healed him. It would have been something ordinary, perhaps Brother Johnny and our listeners, if he only recovered for, say, a few months, or even maybe a year or two. But no, our Almighty God healed him to the point where 15 more years were added to his life. It only shows us that no matter how severe a problem may be, even if it is a terminal illness, when one places his hope and trust in God, when one prays to God, all of these problems can be resolved.
Brother Ruben Bustos: You know, Brothers, it’s always worth our while, as the servants of our Lord God, to conduct sincere prayers to our Father in heaven, because that is a good biblical example that shows that God is ready to listen to and answer the prayers of His people.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Ruben, if I could stay with you, please, what if somebody says this: Well, the examples you cited to show the power of prayer, in the life of God, servants are from the time of the prophets, not from our time, which is the Christian era. That was a long, long time ago, maybe prayer is not so effective in our time? So Brother Ruben, what about our time, is it no longer effective? Or who else held on to what prayer can do?
Brother Ruben Bustos: Well, let’s read from the Bible Brother Johnny, here in the book of Hebrews, chapter 5, verses 7 through 8. This is what the Bible teaches us. It says this:
who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.
[Hebrews 5:7-8 New King James Version]
Brother Ruben Bustos: A good example from the Bible is none other than our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. If we look at the attributes of our Lord Jesus Christ, well, we know that he has many, for example, he was made as Lord, he was made a savior by our father, he was placed above all things that were created by our Lord God. But in spite of all of these attributes that our Lord Jesus Christ possessed, well, he still relied or trusted on the power of prayer. You know, if we would only notice, beloved friends and beloved brothers, that throughout the history of the people of our Lord God written in the Bible, they all had received more than what they had expected, because of their prayers to the Almighty. Now, if we look at some people, nowadays, a few, they have this gross mistake that they commit. What is that? Well, they think that prayer is only their last recourse. Meaning to say that, well, that’s the last thing that I will do after all of these things I have tried already. Well, that is wrong. As servants of our Lord God, we should make sure that we trust in the power of prayer at all times.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Glenn, why is it wrong to treat prayer as a last resort? Why is it wrong for people to do that?
Brother Glenn David: Well, God has a teaching for us here and it is written here in Proverbs chapter 3, 5 to 7.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the LORD and refuse to do wrong.
[Proverb 3:5-7 Good News Translation]
Brother Glenn David: So according to God Himself, we should put our hope and trust in God in everything that we do with all our heart. Never to rely on what we think that we know. So if we have dreams or goals or aspirations in this life, we should always ask for His guidance. Always ask for his counsel. And God provides to us everything that we need, if only we put our hope and trust in what He can do for us. And we should never rely on what we think we know because we are limited in our understanding of our knowledge.
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TOPIC: IS PRAYING ENOUGH?
Brother Glenn David: But on the other hand, the Almighty God is that, He is Almighty, He is the Creator of all things. He knows what is best for each one of us. That is why it is wrong for us to always relegate God last when it comes to our needs. When it comes to challenges in this life. When it comes to God, we should always make him the first option and never the last resort. That’s why we always put our hope and trust in God through the power of prayer.
Brother Greg Worthen: And that’s why the advice in the scripture you read Brother is that men should never think of himself as being wiser than he is. And should never rely on what he thinks he knows. Why? Because no matter how wise or intelligent someone may be, he still does not know all things and in fact does make mistakes and errors in his life. Which is why there are many people who have different levels of life, whether they’re rich and famous, or, or average or middle class, that have regrets about life because of the mistakes they’ve made in the wrong choices that they’ve made in life.
Brother Jojo Bayani: On the other hand, if I may add, when one does the exact opposite, when one does not place one’s hope, in one’s ability or one’s wisdom, but instead places that hope and trust in our Almighty God, then people will not make regrettable decisions, because our Almighty God will guide them, and His plans for them will actually be realized. It is therefore good to follow the teachings of our Almighty God, and to place one’s hope and trust in Him by asking him for what they need, by means of their prayers.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, you know, Brother Greg, you know, people no matter where they are in the world: Philippines, United States, wherever they are in the world, we all have needs. People have needs, people have concerns. So what do the apostles advise us to do with regards to all of those needs and concerns?
Brother Greg Worthen: Well, the answer is simple. We just have to pray to God. And this is what the apostles clarified here. Philippians 4, 6 and 19, Apostle Paul taught:
Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And with all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs.
[Philippians 4:6 and 19 Good News Translation]
Brother Greg Worthen: So their friends, when different problems and difficulties come into the lives of God’s true servants, we should not worry, because we have God on our side. Instead of worrying, what are we taught to do? We ought to pray and ask God for what we need? And what did God assure us if we obey this command? He stated through the apostle Paul, that He will supply all our deeds through our Lord Jesus Christ. So for the true servants of God, who put all their trust in Him, worries do not overcome them or even overwhelm them. Instead, they’re the ones overcoming the worries by means of prayer.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Greg Worthen
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Jojo Bayani: In fact, prayer is so important that this is what the apostles advise us to do with regard to that matter:
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;…
[Colossians 4:2 New King James Version]
Brother Jojo Bayani: The apostles advise us to continue when it comes to our prayers. So prayer is not only done once or twice, it is done or should be done on a regular basis. And how should we pray continually to our Almighty God? The Bible says: Do it earnestly. Do it sincerely. Do it genuinely with all of one’s heart, all of one’s mind and all of one’s soul. And so no matter how busy or how hectic one’s schedule may be, even if he has his plate full every single day of his life, one should always give that special time to pray to our Almighty God.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Jojo Bayani
San Francisco, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Jojo Bayani: When we pray to our Almighty God, we’re able to communicate with Him, we’re able to officially make known our requests and petitions to Him. It is a good thing to include prayer, in our daily schedule, in our daily life. In fact, prayer should be the priority in each day of our lives.
Brother Ruben Bustos: That’s why here inside the Church Of Christ or the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Administration has taught us and guided us and encouraged us to conduct what is called the INC or Iglesia Ni Cristo family, hour now beloved friends, the Iglesia Ni Cristo family hour is the time we’re in parents and their children, within their family, spend time with one another wherein they would be able to talk with one another. They’re able to maybe mention some problems or mention some of the things that are bothering them in their life. And that is the time that they would probably formulate or talk about a solution. But above all, that is the time that we are encouraged to conduct our family prayer before our Father in heaven.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Ruben Bustos
Los Angeles, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brothers, here’s a question I’d like to ask everybody. So would you agree that when it comes to prayer, praying to the Lord God, members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ, really look forward to praying?
Brother Greg Worthen: Yes, I think it’s such an integral part of our lives. It’s, you know, if you if a part of our life is you know, we have our schedules throughout the day we wake up at this time and this time where we got to be here this time, but members of the true Church Of Christ they they set aside a time to have that communication with God before they do anything else. That way they’re properly guided and they can bring to God whatever worries they have or might have worried throughout that day, so that God would be the one to properly guide and advise them.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Glenn, how about you, Brother?
Brother Glenn David: Yes, that’s right, Brother Johnny members of the Church Of Christ are very prayerful. It’s part of our system already. In as much as we breathe, eat, or sleep we members of the Church Of Christ have always been taught since we joined the Church to always be prayerful. And that’s why whenever we go through those challenges of life, even in our house of worship, there are many brethren who go to the house of worship to have their devotional prayer, whether it’s in the morning, middle of the day or evening, early in the morning, they’re always there because they put their hope and trust in God. And they fully believe in that we believe in that, because that was taught to us and we fully believe that God will give in to us what we need and what we need, and as well, the guidance we need whatever we plan in this life.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Glenn David
Sydney, Australia
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, you know, dear friends, the question now is what about when it comes to salvation, is it enough for a person to just pray in order to receive eternal life on Judgement Day? Well, that’s what’s up next on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition, don’t go away.
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Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
[On screen graphic]
To learn more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), log onto iglesianicristo.net
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
TOPIC: IS PRAYING ENOUGH?
Brother Johnny Martin: Welcome back, everyone to the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. So far, in our city of the words of God within the Bible, we have seen that prayer is an essential part in the life of God’s servants.
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TOPIC: IS PRAYING ENOUGH?
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Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: They have the prayer habit, and prayer is powerful. But what about when it comes to salvation, Is it enough to just pray to be safe? Check out this video posted online:
[Video starts]
{Source: youtube.com/watch?c=43ncE0QS11Q]
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Are you saved?
Do you want a relationship with God?
If you would like to begin a relationship
with God or to recommit your life to Him
then begin by praying the following prayer.
Dear Father in heaven I confess to you
that I’m a sinner and need forgiveness.
Based upon your word, the Bible,
I believe that you sent your Song Jesus
to die on a cross for the atonement of my sins.
and I believe that He arose from the grave
and is alive and coming back again!
Dear God please forgive me of my sins
and cleanse me now from all unrighteousness.
I accept the death of your Son Jesus Christ
on the cross as the full payment for my sins.
I ask that your Holy Spirit would now come into my life
and make me a new person.
Enable me dear God to know and to do your will
and create in me a right relationship with you
right now and forevermore.
Thank you Lord Jesus
Amen
If you just prayed that prayer
and meant it in your heart
then God heard you.
(See Romans 10:9-10)
Congratulations!
You are saved!
[Video ends]
Brother Johnny Martin: Okay, Brothers, what would you like to say to people who happen to watch this particular video?
Brother Greg Worthen: I think it fits into the mindset of people nowadays that everything has to be done at a fast pace. So when it comes even to being saved, well, we can fit that into our calendar, we can fit that into the schedule, because all I have to do is just say this prayer, and I’m already set. So I think it just fits into the psyche and into the mindset of people nowadays, they want a quick fix to this problem. Okay, my problem is being saved, I need to get saved because there’s a problem forthcoming, and I can just pray and I’ll be done with it.
Brother Johnny Martin: Okay, how about Brother Jojo?
Brother Jojo Bayani: Brother Johnny, although we agree that prayer is essential, very important in our lives. We don’t agree with the notion that all you have to do is pray. And by just saying a simple prayer, one can already be forgiven of one’s sins and be saved. We do not agree with that notion or that mentality.
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Jojo Bayani
San Francisco, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Glenn David: Also Brother Johnny, when it comes to the forgiveness of sins, that video implies that all we have to do is pray to be forgiven of our sins. But does that mean to say that, once we pray that we can commit sin and sin again, commit sin again and then pray, be forgiven of that sin and commit sin and sin again? They don’t know the true redemption that they need to undergo in order to be saved on the Day of Judgment.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Glenn David
Sydney, Australia
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, Brother Ruben, let me go to you now with this question as far as the subject of salvation is concerned, yes, we understand the Bible shows us prayer is important. Prayer is a part of the life of the servants of God. But when it comes to salvation, why are we sure that just uttering a simple prayer is not enough for one to be saved? By the way in the first place, why do all people need salvation?
Brother Ruben Bustos: Well, we could read the answer Brother Johnny here in the book of Romans, chapter 3 verses 19 and 23. This is what the apostle Paul writes, please listen to this, he says this:
Now we know that everything in the Law applies to those who live under the Law, in order to stop all human excuses and bring the whole world under God’s judgment everyone has sinned and is far away from God’s saving presence.
[Romans 3:19 and 23 Good News Translation]
Brother Ruben Bustos: Now, the reason why man needs salvation is because all men have committed sin in the sight of our Lord God. We all know that when we say all men, the exclusion is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ, but everyone committed sin before God. And what happened to man is, he fell under the judgment of Our Lord God because of his transgression.
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Ruben Bustos
Los Angeles, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Glenn, let’s talk a little bit more about this judgment, what is the judgment that God has appointed to all who have committed sin against God?
Brother Glenn David: The apostle Paul gives us the answer in Romans 6:23:
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
[Romans 6:23 New King James Version]
Brother Glenn David: So that judgment that the Lord God has appointed for those who have committed sin is death. Just like what the Apostle Paul says here, ‘for the wages of sin is death.’
Brother Johnny Martin: Now let me say with your Brother Glenn, does it mean that one has fully paid for his sins the moment that he dies? Which death is the full payment for sin?
Brother Glenn David: The full payment of sin is written here in Revelation chapter 20, verse 14, Brother Johnny, it says:
Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
[Revelation 20:14 New King James Version]
Brother Glenn David: So that death in this life, the first death, the cessation of breath, is not the full payment of sin. It is just a partial payment of the sins that man has committed, because the full payment of sin is the second death. Which is in the lake of fire. A fire which burns with brimstone and where people will be tortured day and night forever and ever. So man not only has to face death in this life, because of sin, but above all death in the next life, or the second death in the lake of fire for those who will not be saved.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Greg, when is the appointed time that God will destroy the ungodly or those who have committed sins against God?
Brother Greg Worthen: Well, that is what is known as the day of judgment. And this is clarified by the apostle Peter in his letter, Second Peter 3:7-10. We read:
But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist have been stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up.
[II Peter 3:7 Revised Standard Version]
Brother Greg Worthen: So the appointed time Brother Johnny and dear friends, the appointed time when God will destroy the wicked is the Day of Judgment, which is also the end of the world or the second advent of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a terrifying destruction that will fall upon the ungodly or all sinners. So since everyone has committed sin, everyone needs to be saved from the fiery destruction that the Lord God has appointed for the wicked or ungodly men, on the day of judgment and from eternal punishment, which as mentioned earlier, is also referred to as the second death.
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, you know, Brother Greg, friends, people might think, well, even though I’m a sinner, while I still serve God, I worship God. Yeah, I pray to God, I’m doing all of those things. However, friends, will God accept such a person? Is praying enough to be saved? That difficult question is what we’ll tackle next, as the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition continues. Stay with us.
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INC International Edition
Brother Johnny Martin: Welcome back, everyone to the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. We’ve been talking about prayer and salvation. So far, we’ve learned from the Bible, that all people have sinned against the Lord God or violated His teachings, which resulted in there being condemned to suffer death, not only the first death, or cessation of breath, but also the second death in the lake of fire, which is the full payment for sin.
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Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
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TOPIC: IS PRAYING ENOUGH?
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, a person might think, well, even though I’m a sinner, I serve God. I worship God, I pray to God. However, will God accept such a person? Will praying to God be enough to be saved? Let’s watch this video:
[Video starts]
[Source: youtube.com/warch?v=lokE_M.19.lgs]
Welcome to the prayer for salvation. This is simply a video I’ve put together where I’d like to pray for anyone within the sound of my voice. All I ask you to do is to agree with me as we seek our Father God. Choosing to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is the most important decision you will ever make. Remember, it’s not about how you feel after you pray. When the Bible says it, that settles it. And God promises to save you when you ask. By His grace. God has already done everything to provide salvation for you, regardless of your past. Your part is to simply believe and receive. So the very moment you commit your life to Jesus Christ, the truth of His Word instantly comes to pass in your spirit. And when you’re born again, there’s a brand new you. Pray out loud after me… Jesus, I confess that you are my Lord and Savior. I believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead. By faith in your word I receive salvation now. Thank you for saving me. I am now reborn. I am a Christian, a child of Almighty God. I am saved. Thank you, Jesus.
[Video ends]
Brother Johnny Martin: Okay, Brothers now that we’ve watched that, what are your reactions Brother Ruben?
Brother Ruben Bustos: You know, Brother Johnny, that is another example of how people would put out of context, the words of God written in the Holy Scriptures.
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Ruben Bustos
Los Angeles, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Ruben Bustos: They would cite a biblical passage, and they will give it wrong interpretation or wrong meaning. But inside the Church Of Christ, we accept the teachings of the Holy Scriptures, the verses of the Holy Scriptures, because they are the truth. What we do not accept are these wrong interpretations, wrong conclusions of others regarding the words of God written in the Bible.
Brother Johnny Martin: So you know Brother Jojo, if I could go to you please. You know, when it comes to the Bible, the Holy Scriptures according to the Bible, will the Lord God value the prayers that are being made by people, the services that are being rendered by people who have committed sin against it?
Brother Jojo Bayani: Brother Johnny, the answer to your question can be read here from the Bible, of course, in the book of Isaiah, chapter 59, verse 2:
It is because of your sins that he doesn’t hear you. It is your sins that separate you from God when you try to worship him.
[Isaiah 59:2 Good News Translation]
Brother Jojo Bayani: So according to the Bible, Brother Johnny and beloved viewers, when it comes to those whom God considers as sinners, the Bible tells us that because of their sins, God doesn’t hear them.
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Jojo Bayani
San Francisco, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Jojo Bayani: So even when they pray, even if they pray intently or earnestly, God simply does not hear their prayers. Because of man’s sins. The Bible also says that he has become separated from our Almighty God. So no matter what a person does, since God’s face is hidden from him, and since God does not hear or listen, then all of the services rendered to our Almighty God by those whom He considers as sinners will be useless or in vain.
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TOPIC: IS PRAYING ENOUGH?
Brother Ruben Bustos: Now, to reiterate, Brothers, we have to understand that there are prayers that God does not listen to. It is quite obvious from what the Bible mentions to us that God will not answer the prayers of those who were separated from Him because of their sins. Our viewers have to understand that this is one of the evil consequences of man’s sin in the sight of our Lord God. When man commits sin, his relationship to our Lord God has been cut off or it has been severed before our father.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Ruben, if I could say what you please. Brother Jojo mentioned earlier how even if a sinner prays intently or earnestly to the Lord God, God will not hear Him because of the sins that he committed against God. Well, where can we see also in the Bible that that really is the case?
Brother Ruben Bustos: Well, we could find the answer Brother here in the book of Proverbs chapter 1, and the verses 28. The Bible says this:
Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
[Proverbs 1:28 New King James Version]
Brother Ruben Bustos: Now God’s decision, Brothers and beloved viewers is quite straightforward. Our Lord God mentions in the verse that we have read, He will not answer and he will not be found by those who have been separated from him because of their sins. That’s why what is it that a person must first do so that his prayers will be answered by God, his sins would be forgiven, his services would be accepted, and ultimately, he would be saved on the second advent of our Lord Jesus Christ? Well he needs to make sure first that his sins are forgiven. The reason behind this is because this is why man has been separated from our Lord God, because of the sin that man has committed before him and that’s the reason why God God sentenced man to die, which is the wages of sin.
Brother Glenn David: And if I may also point out here, it also states here in Proverbs 28:9:
If you do not obey the law, God will find your prayers too hateful to hear.
[Proverb 28:9 Good News Translation]
Brother Glenn David: So it’s very clear what the Bible says here, that if we do not follow or obey the laws of God, or if we commit sin, God will find their prayers too hateful to hear. In other words, he will not accept their prayers, especially those who do not follow His laws, or commit sins in their life.
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Glenn David
Sydney, Australia
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Greg Worthen: And that should really settle the matter on this issue, Brother Johnny, and to our dear viewers, that, yes, we may earnestly pray to God, one may earnestly pray to God he really wants or she really wants to be forgiven. But again, if we haven’t accounted for our sin, then all of the prayers mean nothing, even if a person would be prayerful or diligent in his or her prayers, but his sin is still not forgiven. His prayers and services to God then remain unacceptable before our Lord God.
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Greg Worthen
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Greg Worthen: What a person should do then to ensure that God would listen to his prayers is that to ensure that he would be forgiven of his sins.
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, you know, Brother Greg, the question now is, how can a person be sure that his sins will be forgiven by the Lord or God? Dear viewers, what is the only way for men to be forgiven of his sins and be saved?
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To learn more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), log onto iglesianicristo.net
Brother Johnny Martin: That important answer from the Bible is coming next on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. Don’t go away.
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INC International Edition
Brother Johnny Martin: Welcome back everyone to the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. We’ve been talking about salvation and prayer.
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Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: The Bible has shown us that because of sin, man is separated from God. And God does not accept His worship services and prayers, so that God would accept man’s worship and services and listen to his prayers. Man needs his sins to be forgiven. But the question is, how? What is the only way for man to be forgiven of his sins and be safe? How can man have the forgiveness of his sins?
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TOPIC: IS PRAYING ENOUGH?
Brother Greg Worthen: Well, that’s clearly taught here in the Bible again, Hebrews 9:22. This is written:
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
[Hebrews 9:22 New International Version]
Brother Greg Worthen: So the only way for man to be forgiven of his sins and be saved is through the shedding of the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, why are we sure that there is no other way for men to be forgiven of sin except through their redemption by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ? Because the Bible testified without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. So only those who have been redeemed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, will be saved from death, which is the wages of sin.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Jojo, what other blessing has been received by those who redeem with the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ? What right and privilege has been granted to them?
Brother Jojo Bayani: Brother Johnny, the answer to your question is written here, in Hebrews chapter 9, verse 14:
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Jojo Bayani
San Francisco, California
Minister of the Gospel
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
[Hebrews 9:14 New International Version]
Brother Jojo Bayani: What other great blessing is in store for those who have been redeemed by the means of Christ’s blood or by means of being forgiven through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ? The Bible tells us in this verse that since one has been cleansed, since one in essence has been forgiven, he receives, furthermore, a wonderful blessing. And what is that blessing? It is the right and what is that? Right, it is the right to serve the living God. So not only is one forgiven by means of the blood of Christ, also by means of His blood one receives the true right and privilege to serve and worship the true God.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Ruben, according to the apostles, what will surely be received by those who have benefited from Christ’s redemption?
Brother Ruben Bustos: We can read the answer Brother Johnny here in the book of Romans, chapter 4, chapter 5, verses 8 through 9, we could read this:
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, Classic Edition]
Brother Ruben Bustos: That’s why those who have been justified or made worthy through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, well, it is certainly not doubtful, we have to emphasize that, that they shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of our Father in heaven.
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Ruben Bustos
Los Angeles, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Ruben Bustos: In other words, they will be saved when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. That’s why even now, they are assured of receiving the blessing of salvation because of the redemption received through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. That’s why anyone that is not included amongst those who were purchased, who were redeemed are justified by our Lord Jesus Christ through His blood, while they will not be saved when Christ comes again.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Glenn, here’s the question. What if somebody says, ‘Well, I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, I acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ, I recognize Him as my Lord and personal Savior, I believe in his blood which brings redemption. And I’ve prayed to the Lord God.’ Well, is that enough for a person to actually be redeemed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ? What is the Bible a test as the one redeemed or purchased by the blood of Christ?
Brother Glenn David: Well, the answer was written by the Apostle Paul once again in Acts 20:28, in the Lamsa translation:
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 was purchased with His blood.
[Acts 20:28 George M. Lamsa]
Brother Glenn David: So the Church Of Christ was redeemed or purchased by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Glenn David
Sydney, Australia
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Glenn David: Therefore, we need to become members of the true Church Of Christ, in order to be saved or to be redeemed. Why? Because we have to remember that the Church is not the one that will be saving, but rather it is what will be saved by our Lord Jesus Christ, because the Church as the body of Christ was redeemed and cleansed by His blood. And as the head of the Church, it is his responsibility to save his body, the Church or the Church Of Christ, which he died for, are redeemed with His blood.
Brother Greg Worthen: We can see then Brother Johnny, and dear friends that it is really good to pray to God and, and to be prayerful to him. It is also good to be sincere in rendering one’s services, and worship and to hope for salvation. But according to the Bible, it’s not opinionated, it’s not a man-made teaching. The ones who do those things, who will be heard, accepted and saved, are the ones inside the Church Of Christ or in Filipino, the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
Brother Jojo Bayani: And that’s why we became members of the Church Of Christ, knowing this truth that has been taught to us by the Bible or the Holy Scriptures. We invite all of you, our beloved viewers, to find out more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ, on television, on the radio, even on the internet, and you are more than welcome to join us anytime in one of our houses of worship nearest to you.
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, we’d like to thank our Brother Greg Worthen, here in Manila. Thank you Brother Greg, Brother Jojo Bayani in San Francisco, California. Brother Ruben Bustos in Los Angeles, California, and Brother Glenn David in Sydney, Australia, for giving us Bible-based answers so that as the Apostle Peter said, to the members of the Church, you’ll be ready to speak up until anyone who asks while you’re living the way you are, which we could read in first Peter 3:15.
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, that does it for us here on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. Thank you very much for joining us, and we hope to see you again next time. But before we go, please join us for a short prayer.
Brother Jojo Bayani: Our most loving and merciful Father. We humbly pray to you on this day. We offer unto you our many, many thanks. For once again, you have given us this wonderful opportunity to share our faith, to be your instruments in spreading the gospel of your son, to as many people as will view this program. We hope dear Father that once they view this program, you will touch them with your Holy Spirit. You will inspire them to have the desire to get to know more about the truth, commandments and your precepts, which are taught inside the Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ. We learned a valuable lesson in this program. And so we intently pray unto you right now. We beg you please call the people of this world as many as possible dear father. We pray that you call inside the Church, our loved ones and friends, the people that we go to work with, the people that our children go to school with. We ask that you give us the ability to invite them not only to TV and radio programs, such as this one, but also in our worship services held in the local congregations throughout the world. So that many more people will have the opportunity to listen to your teachings and to be saved on the Day of Judgment. Our Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ is Lord, we also pray to you this day. Lord, we beg you, Lord, continue to mediate all of our requests to our father, especially our request, that the people of this world will have the opportunity to also become a member of the true Church Of Christ. So that on your second advent, you will receive the promise of salvation and everlasting life. Father, we pray to you once more Father, we beg that you allow everything that we do be in the same intent and purpose as the Church Administration. We beg all of these things in the name of our Lord and of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen. Amen.
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