Maintaining Good Health

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Living a healthy lifestyle, such as having regular physical exercise and a well-balanced diet, are important for our well-being. However, are these all it takes to be truly healthy? Learn what the Bible teaches on how we can stay healthy physically and most especially, spiritually.

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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

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Hurtful words spoken out of anger gravely affect our relationship with others, especially with our family. The Bible teaches how controlling our anger and using gentle words can help preserve peace and harmony in our relationships. Visit Pasugo: God’s Message Magazine to read more articles on how God’s words can guide your life.

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Do Not Use Harmful Words

[Show opens]

[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 closes]

To Be Cheerful In The Face Of Difficulties

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With the pandemic causing many complex problems to peoples’ lives, is there still reason to remain happy and hopeful? Learn how keeping a positive outlook in the midst of difficulties can benefit your life. Visit Pasugo: God’s Message Magazine to read more articles on how God’s words can guide your life.

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[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]

[Music ends]

No Reason For Despair

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When faced with desperate situations in life, should we feel hopeless and commit misdeeds to solve our problems? In this episode, find out how God can provide the hope we’re looking for in these difficult times. Visit Pasugo: God’s Message Magazine to read more articles on how God’s words can guide your life.

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[Show Opens]

Brother Felmar Serreno: Do desperate times really call for desperate measures? Hi, and welcome to the podcast version of God’s Message magazine, where today’s topic is “No Reason For Despair.”

The prevalence of hopelessness, and of people resorting to criminal acts, when they find themselves in dire straits, can be interpreted as lack of trust in God. Sadly, many think that believing in what God can do in times of difficulties is an idea that has become outmoded or has lost its usefulness.

“Desperate times call for desperate measures” is how some people justify their aberrant behavior, saying adverse circumstances forced them to commit their misdeed. Others, on the other hand, succumb to hopelessness, and misery. Approximately 280 million people suffer from depression, the World Health Organization says.

But despair has no place in the lives of God’s faithful servants. They believe that God who parted the Red Sea to deliver the ancient Israelites from the Egyptian army, made water gushing out of rocks, to quench their thirst, and performed other works of wonder is the same God whom they can rely on to make miracles in their lives. Apostle Paul says:

“God can do anything, you know— far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!”
[Ephesians 3:20 The Message]

Brother Felmar: Nothing is impossible with God. He can do anything in our wildest imagination, far more than we could ever request. His power has not diminished through the ages, for He neither faints, nor is weary. And that’s based on Isaiah chapter 40, verse 28. Though we may not see today the same kind of miracles He performed during the olden times, God’s omnipotence remains evident in the lives of His chosen ones today, the members of the Church Of Christ.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo [Church Of Christ] is God’s modern-day miracle. Facing seemingly insurmountable odds, this Church bucked the trend and made astonishing feats where others have lagged and failed. From its modest beginnings and preached by a man seen to be bereft of earthly virtues the Church has spread far and wide, with congregations in 159 countries and territories, and members from more than 147 races and ethnicities.

Some might point out that other religious organizations have also started small and grown extensively. But what make the Iglesia Ni Cristo [Church Of Christ] feats truly remarkable are the enormous odds stacked against it. It emerged in the Philippines at a time when Catholic beliefs were already widely entrenched within the archipelago, and Protestantism had deeply taken root. The surroundings were simply too hostile, and not conducive for the growth of the then budding church. Compounding the problem was the eruption of the Second World War and the subsequent foreign occupation of the Philippines.

The Church survived those testing times flourishing and growing by leaps and bounds despite the unfavorable setting. Such expansion remains unabated even now, when the so-called religious recession has afflicted majority of Christian-professing groups. While many churches are experiencing significant drop in their membership and clergy, the opposite is happening to the Iglesia Ni Cristo [Church Of Christ]. Multitudes of converts are being added continually. Hundreds of ministers are being ordained yearly. And scores of new houses of worship are built annually.

Members of the Church Of Christ have proven true in their life what Apostle Paul taught: God can do beyond what His people could ever imagine or request. The uninterrupted triumphs of the Iglesia Ni Cristo [Church Of Christ] in its 107-year journey are nothing less than miraculous, and bespeak God’s infinite power and glory as He fulfilled His promises to the Church in these last days. And that’s based on what is written in Isaiah, chapter 41, verses 9 to 16; Isaiah chapter 43, verses 5 to 6; Isaiah [chapter] 46 [verses] 11 to 13 and Isaiah chapter 62, verses 11 to 12. It is He, the omnipotent God, who made the impossible, possible, the unachievable, achievable.

This is what gives comfort and inspiration to God’s chosen servants. In the face of life’s pains and sorrows, they find no reason for despair. Apostle Paul explains why:

“Because I have the strength to meet and overcome every difficulty and circumstance, thru the power that Christ gives me.”
[Philippians 4:13 The Last Days Bible]

Brother Felmar: Hence, true Christians in desperate times cling tightly to God. When life gets tough, and burdens become too heavy to bear, they turn to their Creator:

“My response is to get down on my knees before the Father …”

[Ephesians 3:14 The Message]

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 stops]

[Show ends]

Are You Living Your Life To The Fullest?

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Is life only meaningful when one has riches, influence, or fame? How can we make our brief existence worthwhile and meaningful? Learn what the Bible teaches about how we can make the most of our time, and truly live our lives to the fullest.

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[Show opens]

Brother Felmar Serreno: Is life only meaningful when one has riches, influence, or fame? And thus, meaningless when one doesn’t have such things? Hi, and welcome to the podcast of God’ Message Magazine, where today’s topic is “Are You Living Your Life To The Fullest?”

A person’s net worth, in financial jargon, is defined as his total assets minus liabilities. Nowadays, that is usually how an individual’s value is assessed: in monetary terms. Interestingly, a similar standard is used by the society-at-large in gauging one’s success in life: how much wealth he has amassed, his level of education, or the fame and influence he enjoys.

Those who have acquired a considerable amount of those things are generally regarded as having lived their lives to the fullest, or whose earthly existence had been truly productive and worthwhile. Conversely, those lacking such mundane accomplishments are largely viewed as miserable and their life a failure.

But should one’s accomplishment in life and worth as a person be measured through the prism of a materialistic world? If a person, let’s say, has been poor all his life with scant or no education at all, does that make his earthly existence downright empty and meaningless? And does his lack of worldly qualities diminish his worth in the eyes of the Creator?

When can we truly say that one has lived his life to the fullest?

A man of notable accomplishments

Brother Felmar: Consider this account of someone who, in worldly standards, achieved such in his lifetime:

“I accomplished great things. I built myself houses and planted vineyards. … I also piled up silver and gold from the royal treasuries of the lands I ruled. … Yes, I was great, greater than anyone else who had ever lived in Jerusalem, and my wisdom never failed me.”

[Ecclesiastes 2:4, 8-9 Good News Bible]

Brother Felmar: These words are attributed to King Solomon, during whose reign in Israel reached its golden age—a period of relative peace and prosperity. He testified how he accomplished great things: he piled up riches and gained wisdom and power. In the eyes of many, he was an embodiment of a very successful individual, someone who had lived his life to the fullest. As such, he must have been very content and happy. Well, was he?

This is what King Solomon admitted, thus:

“So I came to regret that I had worked so hard. 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?”

[Ecclesiastes 2:20-22 Good News Bible]

Brother Felmar: Despite all his earthly accomplishments, Solomon lamented that all his toils had been useless or in vain. Why did he say that? What did Solomon realize as the ultimate meaning and purpose of life? He declared, thus:

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, including every secret thing, whether it be good or evil.”

[Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 21st Century King James Version]

Brother Felmar: After making a mental inventory of all his accomplishments and later realizing that all were in vain, King Solomon concluded that the whole duty of man—that is, the very purpose of his existence—is to fear God and obey His commandments. This is because in the end, God will hold every man accountable and bring him into judgment based on the works he had done—whether good or evil.

A world that leans toward materialism

Brother Felmar: This truth, sadly, is what many people have overlooked. The world has become so money-oriented that a person’s worth is usually measured in terms of how much savings he has in the bank, the type of car she drives, how big their house is, which university he’s attending, and so on—that attainment of these things is what makes a person truly successful and accomplished.

But as the Bible teaches, all human endeavors and achievements would prove meaningless and in vain if one fails to satisfy the very reason for his being: to possess reverent fear of God and to keep all His commandments.

Let it be clear though that to seek material prosperity, knowledge, or power per se is not forbidden by God. In fact, He is never against people acquiring those things, inasmuch as it is also a manifestation of His blessings. Nonetheless, man should not focus only on the procurement of earthly things to the point that he fails to fulfill his duty to the One to Whom he owes everything.

However, some say that although they do recognize that it is their obligation to serve and obey God, nonetheless for now, they want to concentrate first on making their lives comfortable so they would have all the time and resources they need to serve God later on. In other words, in their order of priority, serving God takes a back seat. What they focus on more are the material things that they think make living more comfortable and easy.

But should we put off fulfilling our duty to the Lord God? The Bible tells us this:

“Remember your Creator while you are young, before the bad times come—before the years come when you say, ‘I have wasted my life.’ Remember your Creator while you are young, before the time comes when the sun and the moon and the stars become dark to you—before problems come again and again one storm after another. At that time your arms will lose their strength. Your legs will become weak and bent. Your teeth will fall out, and you will not be able to chew your food. Your eyes will not see clearly.”

[Ecclesiastes 12:1-3 Easy-To-Read Version]

Brother Felmar: We are exhorted to remember our Creator while we are young, that is, while we still have our life and strength. In order of priorities in life, then, this should be on the top of the list. And we should do this with a sense of urgency. Reality dictates that, sooner or later, nature will take its toll: we will get old and frail, the strength of our body will fade away, and our health will deteriorate. Thus, we should remember our Creator now that we still have the chance.

Man’s fundamental obligation

Brother Felmar: What does it mean to “remember” our Creator? The Bible elaborates, thus:

“Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”

[Psalms 100:2-3 New King James Version]

Brother Felmar: It is man’s inherent duty to know or recognize his Maker. But how does he prove it? Apostle John provided the answer, thus:

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

[I John 2:3-4 New King James Version]

Brother Felmar: Knowledge or recognition of God is demonstrated by obeying His commandments. Someone can say a gazillion times that he knows God but if he fails or refuses to obey His laws, such a person is nothing but a liar.

In the eyes of our Creator, this is how our true “worth” is measured: not by how much material possessions we have, but by how faithful we are in keeping His commands. A person may be lowly in the eyes of society, his existence may be regarded as trivial and inconsequential but if he devotes his whole life in serving the Lord God and in obeying His commandments, then he is most precious in the eyes of his Maker because he was able to satisfy the reason for his being by fulfilling the “original purpose of his creation”, that’s found in Ecclesiastes 12:13 in the Amplified Bible and that is, to have reverent fear of his God and obey His commands.

Do not envy the wicked

Brother Felmar: Perhaps there are those who feel dismayed and frustrated that their hope of an ideal life—a life of comfort, prosperity and security—has remained elusive. Others may even evaluate themselves and their lives as utter disappointment for failing to reach the so-called pinnacle of success, that is, the attainment of fame, fortune and power.

But should they feel that way? Should they consider their lives spent in vain simply because they did not acquire those worldly traits? Should we, in any way, feel envious of people who may have accumulated earthly possessions, and yet have lived in reckless abandon and failed to fulfill their duty to the Creator? The Scriptures enlighten us on this:

“Wait on the LORD, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it. I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a native green tree. Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; Indeed I sought him, and he could not be found. Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; For the future of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; The future of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble.”

[Psalms 37:34-39 New King James Version]

Brother Felmar: The Bible made it clear that though a person may acquire great power and yet has lived in wickedness, that person will be cut off and destroyed on the appointed day. Thus, the joy of the wicked is but fleeting or short-lived.

On the other hand, the righteous and blameless man—the Bible declares—has a bright future awaiting him: he shall receive salvation from the Lord and inherit the land, that is, the Holy City which God has prepared for those who will be saved on the Day of Judgment.

Are we living our life to the fullest? Do we make the most of every day, every hour, every minute of our lives? Let us remember our Maker now that we still have our life and our strength. Let us learn and understand His teachings and commandments and strive to live by them.

This way, we may have not gained much in this life in terms of material wealth, earthly wisdom, or power, yet we can say with confidence that our lives had been truly productive, and that our brief existence here on earth was indeed worthwhile. That is, we have lived our life to the fullest.

[Music stops]

[Show ends]

How To Rise Above Life’s Tragedies

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When many tragedies and disasters come into our lives, how must we cope? What should we always remember when facing the obstacles we never thought we would go through? Learn what the Bible says about how we can overcome life’s difficulties through God’s promised help. Visit Pasugo: God’s Message Magazine to read more articles on how God’s words can guide your life

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How To Rise Above Life’s Tragedies

[Show opens]

[Music starts]

Brother Felmar Serreno: When problems hit us where it hurts the most, how must we cope? You’re listening to the podcast version of God’s Message Magazine. Today’s topic is “How To Rise Above Life’s Tragedies”.

[Music stops}

Brother Felmar: Have you noticed how unusual the tragedies and disasters of late have been coming one after another? On top of the debilitating pandemic and the worldwide crises it has spawned, high-magnitude earthquakes continue to occur in greater frequency. The increasing incidence of wildfires that destroy hard-earned properties, fierce storms that cause severe flooding, and hunger and poverty that drive people to despair is a harsh reality that more and more are experiencing first-hand.

No place in this world can there be no problem. And no one is exempt from life’s problems that seem to become more devastating and insurmountable as time progresses. We all find ourselves in uncertain situations that test the limits of our inner strength and confidence.

When problems hit us where it hurts the most, how must we cope? What should we always remember in the face of the obstacles we never thought we would go through?

Our hope is greater than our troubles

God is our hope. Life’s tragedies can be unimaginably difficult, but the help that comes from God is far greater than any unusual disaster. This is what the Bible says to the members of the Church Of Christ:

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

[Ephesians 3:20 The Message]

Brother Felmar: What God can do is far beyond the sphere of our limited knowledge, capacity, and imagination. His power is infinite and wondrous. No problem cannot be solved through God’s help.

Not only do we have God to rely on; we also have His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to give us “the strength to meet and overcome every difficulty and circumstance.” That’s in Philippians chapter 4, verse 13 in the Last Days Bible. So, rather than panic or cringe in fear, let us take courage in believing that God can and will help us even in ways no one could guess or expect.

Experience has proven how wondrous God’s promised help can be. Thankfully recounting how God rescued the Israelites from their fierce enemies, the Psalmist said,

If the LORD had not been on our side when our enemies attacked us, then they would have swallowed us alive in their furious anger against us.

[Psalm 124:2-3 Good News Bible]

Brother Felmar: Enemies are not just people who pose threats to our faith; even situations or circumstances that may ruin our membership in the true Church Of Christ can be menacing and overwhelming. But as what His early servants experienced, “the LORD [God] … has not let our enemies destroy us. We have escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap,” for, indeed, “our help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Again, in the Book of Psalms chapter 124, verses 6 down to 8 in the Good News Bible.

That was also the experience of the faithful Christians in the first century led by the apostles. Through all the persecutions, distresses, and difficulties they suffered, they found God’s grace sufficient, His lovingkindness more than enough, and His mercy always available regardless of the situation. And with the power of Christ that dwelt in them, they overcame their weaknesses and emerged strong—”truly able, truly powerful, and truly drawing from God’s strength.” We can find that in II Corinthians chapter 12, verses 9 to 10 in the Amplified Bible 2015.

Learning from our overwhelming burdens

Brother Felmar: When Apostle Paul confidently asserted on behalf of his fellow Christians then that they were glad and well-pleased with sufferings, it was not as if the trials they faced were light and easy. In fact, during the apostle’s missionary journey to Asia, what he and the brethren went through completely overwhelmed them. “The burden was more than we could bear,” said Apostle Paul, stressing that they even told themselves, “this was the end.”

Nevertheless, because God saved them from imminent death, the apostle realized that such overwhelming experience taught them a valuable lesson: to trust not in themselves but in God. And that’s based on II Corinthians chapter 1, verses 8 down to 10 in the Phillips’ Modern New Testament.

Many members of the Church Of Christ today also have similar experiences. They went through ordeals that they never thought they could overcome, but they were able to—because of God’s help. So, they never regret those moments for it taught them to further trust in God in the same way the first-century Christians believed,

It was God who preserved us from imminent death, and it is he who still preserves us. Further, we trust him to keep us safe in the future,

[II Corinthians 1:10 Phillips’ Modern New Testament]

What it means to trust in God

Trust in God cannot be faked. God knows who truly trusts in Him. They are the ones who fear, revere, and worship Him, based on Psalm chapter 31, verse 19 in the Amplified Bible.

To fear God is to hate evil. That’s based on Proverbs chapter 8, verse 13 . The God-fearing Christians, therefore, renew their lives completely. They don’t lead sinful lives.

To revere God is to be obedient to His will, for those who are reverent before Him live in responsive obedience. That’s in Philippians 2:12 in The Message. They don’t pick and choose which commands to obey. They follow all of God’s teachings uncompromisingly.

To worship God, His servants gather themselves together to sing hymns, offer prayers, give offerings, and hear His words inside the temple or house of worship. That’s based on I Corinthians chapter 14, verse 26 and verse 15; Hebrews 13:15-16; Psalm chapter 5, verse 7 and Isaiah chapter 2, verse 3. Those who trust God do not forsake such meetings for worship. That’s based on Hebrews chapter 10, verse 25.

Therefore, those who trust in God renew their lives completely, keep on obeying His commands responsively, and fulfill their duty to worship Him constantly. In so doing, they have the assurance that God’s help will always be available for them, especially when they need it most.

God is waiting for us to ask for His help

When terrifying things happen, it would be a terrible thing for us not to approach God and ask for help. The Lord God expects His people to call to Him:

I’ve made myself available to those who haven’t bothered to ask. I’m here, ready to be found by those who haven’t bothered to look. I kept saying “I’m here, I’m right here” to a nation that ignored me. I reached out day after day to a people who turned their backs on me, People who make wrong turns, who insist on doing things their own way.

[Isaiah 65:1, 2 The Message]

So let us not ignore God or turn our backs on Him. Doing so will not help us get through our troubles but will only make things worse. No matter how severe our hardships are, we must keep on worshiping God, obeying His commands, and renewing our lives. For when we prove that we fully trust and take refuge in Him, we will be able to rise above any unusual tragedy in life through His help:

My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, … God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

[Ephesians 3:14 and 20 The Message]

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[Show ends]

A Life Well Spent

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How do we live our lives meaningfully? Some say we should make use of our full potential and do good to others, but what about our spiritual well-being? Learn what the Bible says about making the most of the time we have.

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A Life Well Spent

[Show opens]

[Music starts]

Brother Felmar Serreno: You’re listening to the podcast version of God’s Message Magazine. Today’s topic: “A Life Well Spent”.

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Brother Felmar: The world is in a state of flux. The only thing constant, people say, is change. At a time when a person feels totally in control of his life, something happens that alters his direction. A change occurs at an instant. What he considers predictable becomes unpredictable after all, and he has no recourse but to adjust to these unexpected circumstances and situations.

As the cliché goes: “Life is a journey”. Indeed, as we go on in life, many things happen that turn out to be very different from what we had expected. We do plan, but the possibility of facing events beyond our control comes along the way.

Financial analysts project economic growths, only to be disappointed by a sudden slump that leads to an uncontrollable decline in the economy. A businessman may map out his business with optimism for the next few years, but doesn’t get the revenues he had expected, probably due to inflation, unavailability of raw materials or other reasons. We sometimes are unable to make it to our appointments because of a flat tire or heavy traffic. We promise our children to treat them out, only to be sidelined by flu.

Use Time Wisely

Given that things are very uncertain, we should therefore make wise use of our time. The apostles, thus, advise us to “make every minute count” That’s in Ephesians 5:16 in the Contemporary English Version.

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Brother Felmar: Just imagine: considering that a person needs to sleep an average of eight hours a day. That means that by the time he is 60, he would have already spent 20 years of his life in slumber. More or less, we only have two-thirds of our lifetime to spend productively. Hence, there is no gainsaying to ask ourselves, “How do we spend our lives here on earth?” and “How do we make use of our time?” We only have one life to live here. If we spend most of our time doing nothing good, indeed, a bleak future awaits us.

If we really care for our time here on earth, we will not waste the life we have been given. The Scriptures says that there is a time for everything under the sun:

For everything there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth.

[Ecclesiastes 3:1 New English Translation]

Let us live our lives meaningfully. Let us work doing the best we can. Make use of our full potentials and treat important matters with a sense of urgency. If we do this, we help make living in this world less burdensome, even just in our own little way. Besides, the Bible instructs us, thus,

Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. [Ephesians 5:16 in the New Living Translation]

Brother Felmar: Hence, let us not skip the opportunity to do good to others—nothing fabulous, but many occasions to make life a bit more pleasant for others—a simple text or instant message to someone you love; giving a seat to the elderly aboard a bus; greeting the security guard; congratulating your secretary for a job well done; caring for our families well; and being of service to our community, are some ways.

Spend Life Well

Most of all, for us to spend our life well, we should understand our very reason for being.

After all this, there is only one thing to say: Have reverence for God, and obey His commands, because this is all that we were created for. [Ecclesiastes 12:13 Today’s English Version]

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Brother Felmar: Above all our everyday endeavours is what God wants us to do. If we are able to obey Him, like what the Lord Jesus did. We could also say to the Father, “I brought glory to You here on earth by doing everything you told me to”. That’s in John 17:4 in the Living Bible.

Because of this, let us hasten to do what God bids us and do not let the life He gave us to be spent in sluggishness. According to the Lord Jesus,

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

[Matthew 6:33 New Living Translation]

Hence, a life well spent is doing all that we can to surrender ourselves to the will of God. Not only by living righteously, but first of all, by seeking the kingdom in which man will have redemption and forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ. That is based on Colossians 1:12-14 in the New King James Version. That kingdom is 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]

If we consider that there will never be enough time to do all that we can do and be all that we can be, we will always live life to its fullest with our spiritual well-being as the top priority. It is because of this that we advise all people to join the Church Of Christ—now that there is still time.

[Music starts]

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. Thank you for listening. I’m Felmar Serreno. God bless.

[Music ends]

[Show closes]

Trust In God At All Times

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In a world full of uncertainty, many turn to superstitious beliefs for good fortune. Others turn to astrology and horoscopes for guidance on how to live their lives. However, can man truly trust these things to bring about the good life he hopes for? According to the Bible, what must man place his trust in? In this podcast version of God’s Message Magazine, find out what we can gain by placing our trust in God.

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Trust In God At All Times

[Show opens]

[Music starts]

Brother Felmar Serreno: You’re listening to the podcast version of God’s Message magazine. Today’s topic: “Trust In God At All Times”.

[Music ends]

Brother Felmar: No one in his right frame of mind wants to live a miserable life. Every sensible person aspires to have a good fortune. In his quest for that good life he so desires, man ought not to trust in his own wisdom (Proverbs 3:7 Easy-to-Read Version). For “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death”. (Proverbs 14:12 New King James Version). Nor should he put confidence in other men (Psalm 118:8), in riches (Proverbs 11:28), or in violence (Psalm 62:10).

Rather, man must place his complete trust in the Lord God (Proverbs 3:5-6). God declares:

I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.

[Jeremiah 29:11 Good News Bible]

Trusting in God wholeheartedly is what King David exemplified and advocated:

I depend on God alone. I put my hope in Him. He alone protects and saves me; he is my defender and I shall never be defeated. My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my strong protector; he is my shelter. Trust in God at all times, my people. Tell him all your troubles, for he is our refuge.

[Psalm 62:5-8 Good News Bible]

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Brother Felmar: Sadly, many are taking matters into their own hands, instead of placing their confidence in God. What is baffling is how people—alas, even those who claim to be religious and profess to believe in God—turn to astrology, tarot cards, lucky charms and amulets, palmistry, crystal balls, and superstitious beliefs for guidance on how to achieve success and a good fortune.

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Brother Felmar: Feng shui, an ancient Chinese belief that the way a house is built or the way that objects are arranged affects one’s success, health, and happiness, from dictionary.cambridge.org. This has gained a huge number of followers who wish good luck by ensuring that their house faces the “right” direction and their furniture are arranged “correctly”.

Then, there are those who regularly consult their horoscope—a description of what is going to happen to a person based on the position of the stars and planets and the time of his birth—for guidance. Others keep lucky charms or amulets—objects that are believed to protect against evil, disease, or unhappiness. Still, others espouse superstition, like avoiding things that portent “bad luck” such as walking under a ladder, saying ‘knock on wood’ to stave off misfortune.

The Bible warns man against placing his trust in astrologers, charms, and fortune-tellers.

Keep all your magic spells and charms; you have used them since you were young. Perhaps they will be of some help to you; perhaps you can frighten your enemies. You are powerless in spite of the advice you get. Let your astrologers come forward and save you—those people who study the stars, map out the zones of the heavens and tell you from month to month what is going to happen to you. They will be like bits of straw, and a fire will burn them up! They will not even be able to save themselves—the flames will be too hot for them, not a cozy fire to warm themselves by.

[Isaiah 47:12-14 Good News Bible]

Brother Felmar: Instead of relying on these unbiblical beliefs and practices, man should trust in God by means of prayer. But merely believing in praying to God is not enough to be heard by Him. Man must ensure that he is counted among God’s servants whom He has set apart:

But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to Him.

[Psalm 4:3 New King James Version]

Brother Felmar: Man needs to be chosen first by God to be heard by Him, because his relationship with his Creator has been severed since he fell into sin (Isaiah 59:2) and became His enemy (Colossians 1:21). Man can regain his right to call to God by being cleansed or redeemed with Christ’s blood (Hebrews 9:14, 22). The ones purchased with Christ’s precious blood is the Church Of Christ. We can find that in Acts 20:28 in the Lamsa translation.

Thus, man needs to be in the true Church—the Church Of Christ—to enjoy the privilege of praying to God and being heard by Him. In the face of life’s myriad problems, Church Of Christ members must trust in and pray to the Lord at all times.

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 Felmar Serreno. God bless.

[Music ends]

[Show closes]

Why Did God Create Us?

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We are here for a reason and God created us for a specific purpose. Get clarification on what God’s plan is in creating man through the words of the Bible

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[Music starts]

Brother Bob Pellien: Do you ever think about what your purpose in life is? Or why did God create us? What is God’s plan for us? Well, with the help of the Bible, we’ll find out what God’s plan is for us all. You’re listening to the podcast version of God’s Message Magazine, and today’s topic is “God’s Plan In Creating Man.”

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It is a widely acknowledged religious belief that God created all men. But some people, the atheists and the agnostics so called deny and doubt respectively, that God created them. Despite this negative attitude towards the Creator, the truth remains, God created mankind. Unfortunately, a lot of people are not aware of God’s plan in creating man and not even interested to know about it. So what is God’s purpose in creating man? Ephesians 1:4 states:

Even as [in his love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before him in love.

[Ephesians 1:4 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: According to Apostle Paul, God has chosen man, even before the foundation of the world to be holy, and without blame before Him in love. Why does God expect love from mankind? Because he had already created one who was perfect, the anointed cherub, who lifted up his heart or exalted himself by wanting to be God, and covet God’s place and power, instead of being dependent on him. That’s in Ezekiel 28: 14-17. Isiah also records in chapter 14 verses 13 and 14. What then did God do so that man would depend on Him for His love to be manifested? Matthew 26:41 states:

Stay awake and pray that you won’t be tested. You want to do what is right, but you are weak.

{Matthew 26:41 Contemporary English Version]

Brother Bob: God made men weak. What then became a man as a result of his being weak?

For God has made all men prisoners of disobedience, so as to have mercy upon them all.

{Romans 11:32 Goodspeed Translation}

Brother Bob: All people have disobeyed God, and that’s why he treats them as prisoners. But he does this so that he can have mercy on all of them. That’s Romans 11:32 CEV rendition of the Holy Scriptures. The proof that all men, except for our Lord Jesus Christ became prisoners of disobedience is that all men sinned. I Peter 2:21 and 22. What punishment would be, will be meted out to whoever commits sin, because of his weak nature? Romans 6:23 states, thus:

For the wages of sin is death.

[Romans 6:23 ASV]

Brother Bob: The death awaits those who commit sin. Is it only the cessation of our breath, which will complete God’s punishment? Revelation 20:14 gives us the answer I “Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” The second death in the lake of fire is the fullness of God’s punishment. Therefore, man by himself is hopeless, and helpless. What did God do? Because men were created weak and are prone to commit sin, and consequently suffer eternal damnation in the lake of fire. Romans 5: 8-9 states:

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.

[Romans 5: 8-9 AMPC]

Brother Bob: Therefore, since we are now justified, acquitted, made righteous and brought into the 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? God gave Christ and made him the manifestation of His love to us. He will, that Christ died for us so we can be justified through his blood. How can men be justified by the blood of Christ? In Romans 6:5, this is written, “For since we have become one with him in dying as he did. In the same way. We shall be one with him by being raised to life as he was.” If we shared Jesus’s death. By being baptized we will be raised to life with him.

Man ought to become one with Christ in His death, to be justified. What procedure is prescribed by God for man who wishes salvation to become part of Christ? Ephesians 2:10 declares,

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus [born anew] that we may do those good works, which God predestined, (planned beforehand) for us, taking paths which he prepared ahead of time, that we should walk in them, [living the good life which she rearranged and made ready for us to live.]

[Ephesians 2:10 AMPC]

Brother Bob: According to God’s own way men must be created in Christ. That is what he had ordained. This is his plan in creating man. How can man be created in Christ?

By abolishing in his flesh, the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two of us making peace.

[Ephesians 2:15 New International Version]

Brother Bob: So the one new man is composed of Christ being the head, and the body, the church, Colossians 1:18 states, “And he is the head of the body, the church.” So the church is the Church Of Christ. Romans 16:16 Membership therein means then being part of Christ’s body. That’s How Men can be created in Christ. Therefore, it is God’s purpose for men to be in the Church Of Christ. This is in fact the manifestation of His love to mankind. This is the scheme by which men can be saved from the punishment of all sinners. Thus, we shouldn’t blame God for His having created men weak and fallible. We cannot even accuse Him of being unjust because He already provided us Christ and His Church as the scheme of salvation and the remedy for frailty.

So, if one refuses the Church Of Christ, and to become holy, would be impossible for him. Rejection of the church is totally against God’s plan of creating men. What is Christ’s invitation to everyone who wishes salvation?

I am the door. If any man enters in by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and will find pasture.

[John 10:9 Conservative Version]

Brother Bob: Man should heed Christ’s call. Enter in by him. What happens when one enters in through Christ? Again:

Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body and [individually] you are members of it, each part separately and distinct [each with his own place, and function]

[1 Corinthians 12:27 Amplified Bible]

Brother Bob: One enters Christ by becoming a member of his body. The body referred to is the church, the Church Of Christ. Colossians 118:20-28. Therefore the Church Of Christ is indispensable for the attainment of salvation. Why should all men strive to become members of the Church Of Christ? What evil consequence should befall those who refuse to join the Church Of Christ?

The words of Jesus, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me and I in him, that same brings forth much fruit for without me, you can do nothing.

[John 15:5 The Good News Bible]

Brother Bob: Christ said that unless man abides in him and Christ abides in men, men can do nothing. What is it that men cannot do outside the Church Of Christ?

Remain in me and I will remain in you no branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

{John 15:4 NASB}

Brother Bob: If one is not in Christ or does not abide in Christ or in his church, he cannot bear fruit. What fruit can anyone not bear if he does not abide in Christ, or is not in Christ’s body or Church Of Christ?

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

{Philippians 1:11. King James Version]

Brother Bob: So the fruit that one cannot bear, if he’s not in the Church Of Christ is the fruit of righteousness or holiness. This one cannot be holy and eventually cannot be saved from the horrible end on the Day of Judgment unless he is in the Church Of Christ. This is the evil of not being in the Church Of Christ. It is therefore imperative that for men to become holy and attain salvation, he must be a member of the Church Of Christ. Because it is in this church where men can be sanctified, which is God’s plan in creating man. So let us bind ourselves and begin to walk in the right path God offers us to make this plan a reality and become members of the Church Of Christ. Only then, can we be sure that our faith will not be eternal damnation in the lake of fire. But life everlasting in the kingdom of God.

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!

The Life Everyone Ought To Choose

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What kind of life do you want to live? Have you explored new adventures to figure it out? While there’s nothing wrong with exploring foreign countries or going outside of your comfort zone, It shouldn’t be the purpose we live for…We should live to serve God, But how? Keep listening.

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