The Dangers of Changing Doctrine
- [03:07] – Should the teachings of a church matter?
- [07:24] – Who is it, though, that should influence our ideas, our thoughts, our beliefs, and our attitudes? Who should be the true influencer of our lives?
- [09:53] – Why should we diligently search for and find that church which truly follows the words of our Father in heaven?
- [12:09] – Why are there so many religions or churches that easily change their own doctrines or beliefs, though it would violate to go against God’s teachings written in the Holy Bible?
- [17:26] – What’s the warning of the Bible if someone would not give importance to God’s words?
- [19:05] – Would there be no negative after effects or results when it comes to rejecting the words of God as written in the Bible?
- [22:19] – What stand should we all have when it comes to these words of God?
- [24:11] – Should we ever lose heart or be sad when we follow God’s commands?
- [26:17] – What could be another reason to believe those that are following God and following His commandments are certain of receiving His blessings?
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Headlines Tonight
MORMON CHURCH ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL
Host: A statement from the LDS church expressed support for both protecting religious freedom and respecting LGBTQ rights under the law. As for the bill, quote “We believe this approach is the way forward.” Unquote.
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SEISMIC SHIFT
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Host: That’s stunning news from Pope Francis, coming yet in favor of same-sex civil unions for gay couples, signaling new direction for the Catholic church.
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Today’s Topic: “Dangers of Changing Doctrine”
Brother Bob Pellien: We’re seeing more and more churches making headlines like that, for taking what they call, “a new direction.” Why? They want to stay relevant, they would say, for this modern world. So today, we’re asking: Is it a big deal for churches to change their stance or worse yet, to actually change what the Bible teaches, so they could fit, so-called fit, into this modern era? How dangerous is it, dear friends, for them to change biblical doctrine? And what does it mean as well for those who belong to these churches?
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Bob Pellien
Minister of the Gospel
San Francisco, California
Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien, and that’s what we’ll discuss today here on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. And joining us in this week’s discussion is Brother Eric Waterman in Quezon City, Philippines.
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Eric Waterman
Minister of the Gospel
Quezon City, Philippines
Brother Bob: Brother Marvin Mangune in Los Angeles, California.
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Marvin Mangune
Minister of the Gospel
Los Angeles, California
Brother Bob: As well as Brother Donald Pinnock in Toronto, Canada.
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Donald Pinnock
Minister of the Gospel
Toronto, Canada
Brother Bob: Brothers, thank you for your time and thank you for joining us in this important discussion. You know, brothers, there’s various reasons that people are part of a church or a religion. You know, some are looking for a community or relationships. Maybe others because, well, their friends are going to that church or for others, maybe they saw on social media even famous persons or popular people that are attending a particular church, so well, they want to go there too. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the most liberal regions of the country, right? There are many so-called progressive churches who have, well, changed their values on gender issues, moral issues, and other ideologies in order to fit the modern trends, the modern world. So should the teachings, which the church that people are part of, matter? Should it matter at all if they do that? Is it a right that a church or any religion can be swayed by the ways or the thinking of the world today? I’d like to ask that question. Let’s go to you first, Brother Marvin. Is it dangerous? Is that okay?
Brother Marvin Mangune: You know, Brother Bob, that’s a good question. And before we answer from the Bible, here in Southern California, it’s also very similar. There are churches that are changing their stance on many issues because it’s supposedly even more mainstream. So going back to your question, should the teachings of a church matter? Let’s get that answer here from the Bible in 1 Corinthians 2 and the verse is 13. This is what it says:
We don’t have to rely on the world’s guesses and opinions. We didn’t learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we’re passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.
[1 Corinthians 2:13 The Message]
Brother Marvin: It’s not right to be negatively influenced by the world. The Bible says, “We don’t have to rely on the world’s guesses and opinions.” Yes, we have our own opinions, yet when it comes to doctrine or the teachings of God, it should not be based on the opinions or even the thinking of society or even the customs of this world. And shouldn’t our thinking, our opinions be in accordance to God’s words, which are written in the Bible or the Holy Scriptures?
Brother Donald Pinnock: That’s so correct. But on the other hand, there are some church leaders that have voiced out their opinion or confirmations of support for certain issues or movements. Though they may even claim that it’s not a doctrine that they believe in, or that they haven’t specifically changed their own teachings in the respective church.
Brother Bob: They may say that, Brother Donald. True. But they would surely also say that, well, they need to modernize, they need to keep up, they need to be forward-thinking, right? The way supposedly moving forward with their adjustments to standards. Well, because that’s what society or that’s what culture today in the trends of today are doing. Moving forward, they would say. That’s how they would respond.
Brother Donald: Well, Brother Bob, what you mentioned is so, so true. Because even here in Canada, specifically here in Toronto, I’d like to quote something from an article online. It’s entitled, “‘Gone by 2040’: Why Some Religions Are Declining In Canada Faster Than Ever.” And we can just read the first part here, it states:
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Gone by 2040’: Why Some Religions Are Declining In Canada Faster Than Ever – National
A tiny crowd huddles around a black Weber grill, emitting brief puffs of smoke as a crackling fire battles the elements.
“Come, gather around the holy barbecue,” Reverend Jason Meyers jokes.
It’s a modern scene amid very modern challenges facing religious institutions in Canada.
Religiosity in Canada is at an all-time low, with recently released data from Statistics Canada showing only 68 percent of Canadians 15 or older now report having a religious affiliation.
Brother Donald: So we can see they’re trying all kinds of gimmicks, all kinds of means and ways in order to attract adherents. They’re trying to combat the steady decline that is being seen when it comes to Christian religion per se here in Canada.
Brother Bob: But you know, Brother Donald, it really sounds like they’re just trying to be more modern, trying to be a kind of progressive Christianity. Some more signs that they’re moving towards being a progressive church is that, well, if they don’t agree with what God or what God’s teachings are recorded here in the Holy Bible, well, their way of thinking is, well, maybe we can just not highlight those particular parts. We can ignore those parts that might not fit in modern times because we don’t want to be confrontational about it, right? And then they would simply allow those verses in the Bible to maybe be reinterpreted to line up with their own feelings, their own beliefs about life and about the trends of our time. Would that be alright, Brother Eric, for a religious group to do that?
Brother Eric Waterman: Well, Brother Bob, we see many people in the world today valuing their own opinion. But, Brother Bob, who is it, though, that should influence our ideas, our thoughts, our beliefs, and our attitudes? Who should be the true influencer of our lives? But before we go to that answer from the Bible, Brother Bob, here in the Philippines we see so many churches that are trying to be current or trying to be with the times. We could look at this video today that some in the Catholic church are just dancing and trying to show the crowd that they’re enjoying themselves. But let’s go back to the question, who should be the influencer of our lives? Well, let’s go to the Bible because the Bible is the sole basis of our faith. The answer’s given here in Isaiah 48:12, 17-18. This is recorded:
The Lord says, “Listen to me, Israel, the people I have called! I am God, the first, the last, the only God!
[Isaiah 48:12 Good News Bible]
The holy God of Israel, the Lord who saves you, says: “I am the Lord your God, the one who wants to teach you for your own good and direct you in the way you should go. “If only you had listened to my commands! Then blessing would have flowed for you like a stream that never goes dry. Victory would have come to you like the waves that roll on the shore.
[Isaiah 48:17-18 Good News Bible]
Brother Eric: So Brother Bob, what we see here is the Bible teaching us that God should be the One that influences every aspect of our life. Why is that? So that blessings would flow into our lives.
Brother Bob: Absolutely. You know, so Brother Eric, the teaching is to let God be the influencer in our life, wherein as it seems many of these religious organizations are allowing the trends of our time to influence their, not only their life, but their service and their religious service to God.
Brother Eric: So what we’ve read, Brother Bob, is that God should be the influencer of our life. Not the trends of society. Why? The verse said earlier, “Listen to me.”
Brother Donald: So based on what you read, Brother Eric, if we were to seek a church, it should be the one that follows the tenets or the teachings of the Lord our God. But why should we diligently search for and find that church which truly follows the words of our Father in heaven?
Brother Eric: Very good question, Brother Donald. Because we read earlier from the Bible what God wants to teach us is for our own good.
Brother Bob: And that’s important. I think everybody can agree to that. So, but, the viewers will surely want to know, brothers, is this. What good is it to us to be in that church which follows, you know, what’s going to be the value for our viewers if they’re going to look for, find that, enter in, serve God within the teachings and not allow themselves to be swayed by their own feelings and their own opinions? What are our viewers going to gain by that, Brother Eric?
Brother Eric: Well, Brother Bob, again, the Bible, which is the sole basis of our faith that guides in the decisions of our life, it said earlier, “Blessings would have flowed for you like a stream that never goes dry. Victory would have come to you like the waves that roll on the shore.”
Brother Marvin: That’s right, Brother Eric. And what people need to realize and believe is that great blessings really come from following God’s teachings. Our own opinion or ideas may also have value, but when it comes to faith, wouldn’t it be best if God was influencing us? Even though it may not always align with our personal thoughts or feelings, we should allow God to lead and direct us in serving Him. Come to think of it though, why is it that there are people, if a teaching in the Bible doesn’t fall in line with their ideas or feelings, that they would reassess that belief or even that teaching and they would open that teaching for even their own interpretation?
Brother Bob: Yes, but many would say what’s wrong with that? Right? They would say they’re just trying to make it all more fun for the people, they’re making it all, you know, updated to our times, making it more enjoyable for the people. What would be the response to that one, Brother Donald?
Brother Donald: Well, Brother Bob, why are there so many religions or churches that easily change their own doctrines or beliefs, though it would violate or go against God’s teachings written in the Holy Bible? That’s really an interesting question and in fact, the Bible answers us here in Romans 10 and the verses are 2 to 3:
I can say this about them [For I testify about them that…]: They really try to follow God [have a zeal for God], but they do not know the right way [their zeal is misguided/uninformed/undiscerning; not according to knowledge]. Because they did not know [or ignored] the way that God makes people right with him [righteousness of God], they tried to make themselves right in their own way [sought to establish their own righteousness]. So they did not accept God’s way of making people right [submit to God’s righteousness].
[Romans 10:2-3 The Expanded Bible]
Brother Donald: So it’s easy for some churches to change their own doctrines or teachings even though those doctrines that they’re practicing, they go against the words of the Lord our God because the Bible says they do not know the right way. They try to make themselves right in their own way, meaning to say they sought to establish their own righteousness.
Brother Bob: But how did they try to do that?
Brother Donald: Well the Apostle Paul said their zeal is misguided, it’s uninformed, undiscerning, not according to knowledge. Simply put, they kind of just did their own thing. If there was a doctrine or teaching they wanted to change, it’ll be okay for them even if, when it comes to what they’re doing, it is not based on God’s knowledge. They didn’t even think: Is this God’s will or not? They didn’t even ask themselves that question. They didn’t even wonder, will the Lord our God be pleased if I do this or I do that?
Brother Eric: But Brother Donald, maybe they were thinking that they would be unpopular or maybe people wouldn’t join our religion if they kept a hard line or followed strictly what was in the Bible. Or maybe, perhaps, they might think that people would not stay in their particular religion or church, or if we don’t adjust our doctrine, so that it would satisfy them. They might be thinking we have to support their movement or else we might be canceled.
Brother Marvin: Right, and Brother Eric, you know, with such a church that is easily swayed by the culture around us or one’s own ideas and not by the words of God, would that benefit anyone? No, it wouldn’t. The Bible said earlier they did not accept God’s way of making people right, nor submit to God’s righteousness. Thus, they would not be able to know the way to be made right with God or the way to receive salvation.
Brother Bob: So, brothers, it seems quite clear by what you’re reading from those verses that it would not be good for anyone if they don’t know the way to return to God. So what then on behalf of all of our viewers, what must a person do? Well, clearly, examination is required. Everyone has to examine their church, right? They have to examine their religion. They have to examine the faith they embrace. Is it a church that teaches God’s righteousness that will bring us… are they in the church, the religion, teaching God’s righteousness, so that they will be brought and made right with God? Or not? Boils down to that, right? Dear friends, when we return, we’re going to pick that up. We’ll continue to find out what does the Bible actually give, then, as instructions in how important are these words of God amidst all of the things and trends of our time? Stay with us right here on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition.
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INC International Edition
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Today’s Topic: “Dangers of Changing Doctrine”
Brother Bob: Welcome back to the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. Today, we’re talking about the dangers of changing doctrine. Earlier in our program, we learned that the teachings that we should believe or have faith in shouldn’t be based on the world’s opinions or trends or guesses or feelings, but rather we should listen to God by His words written here in the Holy Bible. But, brothers, here’s the thing. Some may say well, maybe, maybe it can’t be that bad or what’s the worst that could happen if I have a belief or I’m in a religion that has a doctrine that I would follow that’s, well, it’s not based on the words of God in the Bible? No big deal, others would say. I just want to be modern. Brothers, many out there feel that there would be no negative effects of that, but is that true?
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Marvin Mangune
Minister of the Gospel
Los Angeles, California
Brother Marvin: Well, Brother Bob and dear viewers, what’s the warning of the Bible if someone would not give importance to God’s words? Are there really no consequences to not following what God wants us to do? Are there no negative outcomes if we live in a life that is contrary to what the Bible teaches? Are there no repercussions to believing what we just want to believe, even if it’s against what God wants? Brothers, this is what we could read here in Proverbs 5 and the verses are 12 to 13. This is what we could read:
Saying, “Oh, why didn’t I do what they told me? Why did I reject a disciplined life? Why didn’t I listen to my mentors, or take my teachers seriously?
[Proverbs 5:12-13 The Message]
Brother Marvin: We can feel how much regret or disappointment this person was experiencing, but why? Because when he was being taught, when he was being told the right way, when he was being instructed, he rejected it. He didn’t listen or take it even seriously. Shouldn’t we then listen to God’s teachings which are written in the Bible? Shouldn’t we give serious thought to what God is commanding us? If we were to ignore God’s teachings, maybe add or subtract from them or even just do what we desire despite it being opposed to the Bible, it would be a disadvantage to us. We would only be filled with regret and even be filled with frustrations.
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Donald Pinnock
Minister of the Gospel
Toronto, Canada
Brother Donald: That’s so true, brother. In fact, we have to ask the question: Would there be no negative after effects or results when it comes to rejecting the words of God as written in the Bible? Please take note, dear viewers, of what is written here in Zechariah, the chapter is 7 and the verses are 13 and 11 to 12:
So the Lord All-Powerful said, “I called to them, and they did not answer. So now, if they call to me, I will not answer.
[Zechariah 7:13 Easy-to-Read Version]
But those people refused to listen. They refused to do what he wanted. They closed their ears so they could not hear what God said. They were very stubborn and would not obey the law. The Lord All-Powerful used his Spirit and sent messages to his people through the prophets. But the people would not listen, so the Lord All-Powerful became very angry.
[Zechariah 7:11-12 Easy-to-Read Version]
Brother Donald: There really is a negative result when it comes to ignoring the words of the Lord our God or even adjusting or changing them just because as we studied earlier when it comes to emerging trends in a desperate attempt when it comes to finding adherence, and in truth, when we think about it, dear friends, in their attempt to adjust to trends or fads, does it not show that they cannot be the true church? In the verse that we read in this instance, there were people who refused to listen to what the Lord our God was saying. And we heard the consequence, is it not? Because they refused to give value to the words of God, God Himself said, “So now if they call to Me, I would not answer.” And dear friends, when is it that invariably a person may cry out unto God? Is it not in times of need? Is it not in times of trouble? Well for those who refuse to give due importance to the teachings of the Lord our God, the pristine teachings that are not being distorted or twisted, even though they may cry out to God in times of need, God says they will not answer. So it really is a serious matter not to give due value when it comes to the true words of God because God in turn will not answer such a person’s prayer. But please also note this, there is another repercussion for not listening to what the Lord our God says. The Bible says the people would not listen, so the Lord All-Powerful became very angry. No one can afford to have the Almighty God as their enemy. Having a human enemy is already a problem, how much more when it comes to the Creator? And that is not our opinion, beloved friends, but what the Bible teaches. If one refuses to give again importance to the words of God, they’re not careful when it comes to abiding by His teachings, they would be tempted to change or to twist those teachings, well, they would incur the anger or wrath of the Lord our God. It would truly negatively affect not only their life, but most especially their hope for salvation.
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Bob Pellien
Minister of the Gospel
San Francisco, California
Brother Bob: What stand should we all have, too, when it comes to these words of God? What is our stand? Here, let’s go to you, Brother Marvin. What should be our stand?
Brother Marvin: Brother Bob and friends, you know, this was the conviction of the early Christians here in Galatians 6:9:
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
[Galatians 6:9 New Living Translation (1996)]
Brother Marvin: Apostle Paul said, “let’s not get tired of doing what is good.” The Bible didn’t say change it when you get tired of it or when you feel like it, or perhaps ignore other commandments of God when it’s not to your liking. Or don’t believe in it if your emotions are telling you otherwise. No. We must not get tired of following the teachings of God.
Brother Bob: Well said, brother. Brother, some may not see yet, though, how important that is, that we don’t get tired of obeying the commands of God written here in the Holy Scriptures. They just may not see it.
Brother Marvin: Well, Brother Bob, the Bible also says, “Don’t get discouraged and give up.” Thus, by following what God teaches us, it will fill us with hope and even confidence. But what else? What else will we receive if we hold onto our faith based on the Bible? The Bible says that, “we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.”
Brother Bob: Does it mean though, brothers, that even if we stand our ground in following the pristine gospel that we’re not going to go through troubles or that there will be no more worries and at times, we’re going to have sacrifices for the sake of the words of God still, right?
Brother Donald: It does mean that, Brother Bob. But should we ever lose heart or be sad when we follow God’s commands? Let’s bear in mind the answer of the Bible here in Psalms 37 and the verses are 3 to 7:
Trust the LORD, and do good things. Live in the land, and practice being faithful. Be happy with the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Entrust your ways to the LORD. Trust him, and he will act on your behalf. He will make your righteousness shine like a light, your just cause like the noonday sun. Surrender yourself to the LORD, and wait patiently for him. …
[Psalm 37:3-7 GOD’S WORD Translation]
Brother Donald: Therefore, we should never lose heart or be sad when we have to make sacrifices in standing our ground following the truth, and of course, the words of God are truth. The Bible says do good things, be happy with the Lord, trust the Lord, and he will act on your behalf.
Brother Bob: What a wonderful promise, right? So you’re saying then, brother, that, well, there would be no reason then to feel discouraged or hopeless, right?
Brother Donald: Brother Bob, what should we do so that we can hope and we can really receive the answer to our prayers, we can receive that promise of our Lord God? The Bible says practice being faithful, entrust your ways to the Lord. He will make your righteousness shine like a light. So even if out there many nowadays are trying to push for an inclusive church, meaning a church that will just tolerate whatever their members are so desiring when it comes to their way of living, even if it is against the teachings of God, well, we are going to stand our ground. We are going to remain faithful to God’s words, which are recorded in the Holy Bible, and not just based on one’s mere opinions or feelings or any online influences. In doing so by staying true and faithful unto the Lord our God, we can hope for His blessings.
Brother Eric: Brother Donald and brothers, some of our viewers might be thinking what could be another reason to believe those that are following God and following His commandments are certain of receiving His blessings?
Brother Marvin: Brother Eric, consider the answer of the Bible here in Psalms 139:13 and 16:
You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother’s womb.
[Psalm 139:13 Good News Bible]
you saw me before I was born. The days allotted to me had all been recorded in your book, before any of them ever began.
[Psalm 139:16 Good News Bible]
Brother Marvin: God’s servant said to Him, “You created every part of me.” God created all of us and if we follow Him, surely He will also bless us.
Brother Donald: And dear viewers, even if there would be those who try to be an influencer in our life or maybe when it comes to society, trying to pressure us, we should understand that God created each and every one of them. The point being because of that, they would never know more than what God knows. There’s also a danger that some people or so-called influencers would only lead us astray or away from the Lord our God. So we shouldn’t just listen to anyone when it comes to God’s words or just any church, but rather we should make sure that we find the church that fully abides by the teachings of the Lord our God.
Brother Bob: Well, we’d like to conclude by thanking Brother Eric Waterman in Quezon City, Philippines, Brother Marvin Mangune in Los Angeles, California, as well as Brother Donald Pinnock in Toronto, Canada. Brothers, we’d like to thank you for providing to us Bible-based answers, so that as Apostle Peter said to the members of the Church, “You will be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you are living the way you are.” That’s 1 Peter 3:15. Well, that does it for us here today on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. We hope that you will join us again next time.
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Bob Pellien
Minister of the Gospel
San Francisco, California
Brother Bob: I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. But before we come to the end of our program, we would like to invite you to join us for a short closing prayer.
Brother Donald: Our merciful, our loving Father in heaven. With joy in our hearts, we once again call upon thy Holy name to express our gratitude for guiding us and being with us in this episode of our program. We especially ask of You to bless our viewers, those who are seeking the truth, that they could be released from the deceit and also the opinions and hearsays of others, and rather place their wholehearted hope and trust in You by abiding completely by Your teachings written in the Holy Bible. May they be moved to attend our Bible studies and our worship services in the Church Of Christ. Here, dear Lord, they may be able to receive Your pristine truth, that will release them from falsehood and help them to be on the path that leads to salvation and eternal life. It is our faith, dear God, that You’ve heard our simple prayer. And Your many blessings are being poured out to the viewers of this episode of the program because we ask for everything in the previous name of thy Son, our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ. Amen.
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