How Will I Know if God Accepts Me?

Do you find yourself asking “Why won’t God help me?” Feeling hopeless or alone can drive someone to seek help and comfort. How can you reach out to God?

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How Will I Know if God Accepts Me?

Voiceover: You might find yourself devoted to doing what you are really convinced and believe is the right thing, and trying your very best to be a good person. But, does it seem sometimes like God is not by your side? Does it feel like He isn’t accepting you? And when you pray, asking for help from God, does He answer? Unfortunately, this has left many asking the question: Why won’t God help me?

Let’s find the answer in the Bible.

[Show Open]

Brother Bob Pellien: Hello, everyone, welcome. Welcome to That’s in the Bible. The basis of the teachings here in the Church Of Christ is first and foremost, the Bible or the Holy Scriptures. So, we want to clarify that well, even if the Bible is asked and posed every imaginable question, but it does not answer just any and all questions. But regarding proper worship, regarding the right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation; those answers are definitely here in the Holy Bible.

Dear friends, as people continue to encounter deep heartbreak in life, some have begun to pose questions, as we’ve said, like “Why won’t God help me?” Many are feeling rejected by God or that He refuses to accept them. People believe that God should be hearing them and God should be responding to their prayers, helping them get through tough times in life. Because they’re in a church, they’re in a religion that’s offering up a kind or form of service to Him.

Others believe it doesn’t matter to God which religion the person belongs to, or how the service that they’re rendering to God is done. Why? Well, because they believe what matters is that one will just be dedicated to serving God in the religion of their own choice. Though, to understand why God may not be accepting or listening to you, despite how devoted you may be to serving Him, well, we’re going to turn here to the Holy Bible, for the responses for the answers.

There, we’ll study together:

If God isn’t helping you, does that make one’s worship of God useless?
Is there a proper way of following what God wants from all of us?
Who, then, will be accepted by God?

Let’s turn to the Holy Bible for the answers. What we’ll read is here in Matthew 15:9, it says:

And in vain they worshipped Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

[Matthew 15:9 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: So dear friends, in rendering worship to God, one must make sure that this basis for doing so is not the commandments or the teachings of men. Why? God does not want and will never accept any worship that is based on man-made doctrines. Even if a person deeply believes in certain teachings, if those teachings are wrong, if those teachings are based upon man-made doctrines, their service rendered, becomes vain, or useless. Therefore, anyone who is worshiping God must understand that God will not accept his worship, and it is done based on man’s own instruction, rather than God’s will. What else must be considered? What if you think that you already know and recognize God? And maybe we know a lot of people who think that way. “I know God, I recognize God, then there’s no need for me to really determine if the teachings believed in are true or not, or if the need to obey God’s pristine commandments…well, that’s not what’s important,” others might think. How does the Bible respond to anyone holding on to that way of thinking?

And the Bible’s response is recorded in I John 2:3-4:

If we obey God’s commands, then we are sure that we know him. If we say that we know him, but do not obey his commands, we are liars and there is no truth in us.

[I John 2:3-4 Good News Translation]

Brother Bob: So on the other hand then, dear friends, one who claims that by saying they know God, but does not obey Him, is called a liar. By whom? That’s written here in the Holy Scriptures, and of course, therefore cannot truly please God. Why not? Because the Bible said, “there’s no truth in [him].”

There are those who are very devoted [to] bowing down to statues and images. But God said, do not bow down to statues and images. Therefore, those who would render worship within the context of following commandments that are not from God, [they renders] their worship in vain. That’s just one example. So dear friends, that person then, like so many others, has fallen into the wrong way of recognizing and the wrong way of serving God. Why? Because he’s not submitted to the righteousness of God, which is right here. The Gospel, as is mentioned in Romans 1:16-17, the righteousness of God, that’s the gospel.

Well, what have they done, then? What have they done, instead of following the gospel instead of submitting to the righteousness of God? Let’s turn to the Bible’s answer once again, and we do so reading Romans 10:2-3:

I can assure you, that they are deeply devoted to God; but their devotion is not based on true knowledge. They have not known the way in which God puts people right with himself, and instead, they have tried to set up their own way; and so they did not submit themselves to God’s way of putting people right.

[Romans 10:2-3 Good News Translation]

Brother Bob: Therefore, any recognition or service that they render to God, it’s not based on his words recorded here in the Bible. But instead, based on the ideas or the interpretations of people, their opinions, their own idea of righteousness; that kind of worship, prayers offered by those who are worshiping God from that mindset become what? Worthless or vain in the sight of God.

So dear friends, if you’re going to worship God, no one can simply do it their own way. It must be done God’s way. How’s that? That’s by obeying His commandments. But you know, there are those who claim their basis of faith and their basis of serving God, well [what do they say]? “It’s rooted here in the Holy Bible and the word of God.” However, what did they do? They failed to comply with the policy or the rule of God regarding His commands. What’s that policy or rule? It’s recorded here in Deuteronomy 12:32, and it says this:

“Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.

[Deuteronomy 12:32 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: Therefore, dear friends, when a person is serving God, and what do they do, they add to it, or they take away from His commands—maybe by injecting their opinions or their interpretations or something like that—then they’re not observing carefully the rules, [the] commands of God. And then they render their worship and their service. But what happens to it? Their worship and services [become] unacceptable to God. But some ask this: “Can’t I just worship God anywhere I want, anywhere I choose?” We’ll tell you right at the outset, dear friends, the answer is what? No.

Why are we so sure about that? Because one of the commandments that God has given one of the commandments that He made, has to be observed by anyone and everyone who wishes to perform true and acceptable service to Him. And what’s that instruction? It concerns the specific place that the Lord has chosen, where His people should perform their services to Him. Where they could rightfully obey His commands and then that service would be acceptable to the Lord.

So we’ll read the response of God, dear friends, here in Deuteronomy chapter 12, verse 5, then we’ll also go directly reading as well, verses 13 and 14:

Out of the territory of all your tribes the Lord will choose the one place where the people are to come into His presence and worship him. You are not to offer your sacrifices wherever you choose; you must offer them only in the one place that the Lord will choose in the territory of one of your tribes. Only there are you to offer your sacrifices that are to be burned and do all the other things that I have commanded you.

[Deuteronomy 12:5, 13-14 Good News Bible]

Brother Bob: So dear friends, services performed by anyone that [is] not in the place chosen by God, well, they become unacceptable, worthless before His sight. It’s, therefore, necessary for one to examine first if his services to God are based on God’s commandments and if he’s offering those services in the one place chosen by God, where He promised to accept them.

What else must be considered, dear friends? Who has the right to serve God and be confident it is the right way to worship God? They are the ones who truly serve God, and have been appointed or chosen, given the right to do so, the privilege to perform true service to Him. But you know, many would hesitate to accept that very direct statement. But let’s turn to the Holy Bible and hear what the Apostle Paul has written regarding this. I Timothy 1:12, it says this:

I gave thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength for my work. I thank him for considering me worthy and appointing me to serve him,

[I Timothy 1:12 Good News Translation]

Brother Bob: Dear friends, he was appointed to serve; didn’t just decide and choose and do it any just way, no, he said there was a choosing there was an appointment to serve. What else proves that one cannot just offer their service to God and the Lord is going to find that acceptable without yet being appointed to do so first. Evidence of the Holy Scriptures is recorded also in the writings of Apostle Paul, this time in Colossians 1:12-14 It reads:

giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

[Colossians 1:12-14 New Kings James Version]

Brother Bob: Dear friends, we have to remember that ever since man committed sin, he’s lost that right to serve, lost the right to worship God. Man has been separated from God—in Isaiah 59:2 that’s stated very directly—when a man has been separated from God because of his iniquities, because of sin. So there’s a need to be forgiven for our sins. There’s a need to regain the right regain the privilege to serve God and be found with acceptable service. And as we just read, this is done how? Through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ shed on the cross. What happened? Redemption, they were redeemed by that shed blood. And as we’ve learned earlier,

we have to carefully follow God’s commandments regarding proper or true worship, no adding, no subtracting.

So according to God’s commandments, there’s only one place where we can find those who are qualified. One place to find those who are accepted by God. One place has been redeemed or purchased by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, therefore [given] the right to serve again.

So who then do the apostles testify? Who are they? Who [did] the apostles give testimony to as was who was redeemed, who was purchased with the blood of Christ? Is it just anyone who wants to serve God? Anyone who says they’re serving God? Anyone who wants to be heard, when they pray? Acts 20:28 tells us this, tells us who they are. 20:28 reads this way:

Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.

[Acts 20:28 George Lamsa Translation]

Brother Bob: Who did the apostles testify? They testify that it is none other than the Church Of Christ. What did they say about the Church Of Christ? It was redeemed or purchased with what with the blood of Christ, that’s the Church of Christ, then is that Kingdom of the Son, the Kingdom of the Son, where redemption is found. It’s where people can render true and acceptable worship the God.

Many may have worshiped God in their own way. Wondering why they still felt as though God wasn’t with them. God wasn’t helping them. God wasn’t accepting them wasn’t hearing their prayers.

Dear friends, today we have learned that worshiping God is useless if we do it our own way, instead of following the way God wants us to worship Him. To prove that we’ve truly acknowledged God, we have to obey Him. We’ve also learned that the way God wants us to obey Him is carefully not adding or subtracting from His commands. So when it comes to worshiping God, we must carefully observe that there is only one place where people can perform valid and acceptable service to God. Those that are qualified or those that have been appointed, chosen to serve Him, are therein.

So one must carefully make sure first, that he is among the ones appointed or chosen or elected by God by becoming a member, not just of any religion, but of the one that was redeemed, purchased with Christ’s blood. And the Bible clearly states that is none other than the Church Of Christ, which is why we always invite you continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ.

Visit us online, browse the different topics or set up an appointment to meet with a minister of the gospel here inside the Church Of Christ. If you have any questions about the Bible, or salvation, email them to us. I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time right here on That’s in the Bible. May you please [join us] in a concluding prayer.

Almighty Father, dear God, we thank you for allowing us to hear from Your holy words, the guidance that is needed each and every day of our life. Father, we pray, most especially for all our guests and visitors joining us in our study, may they understand the importance of continuing their studies with us. May they understand the value of worshiping You properly guided by Your rules, policies, laws, commandments and instructions, so that we may serve You, O God, acceptable in Your holy sight. May You inspire everyone to unite under Your laws and commandments here inside the Church Of Christ. Please forgive whatever shortcomings You may see in us. Always bless this program, and all the programming inside Your holy Church, most especially when we assemble in the houses of worship, and we sing and pray and worship You Lord with all our heart. May You find us worthy, always and acceptable in Your holy sight. We pray for this always, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Difference Between INC and Catholic Church

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How can you tell the difference between Church Of Christ and Roman Catholic beliefs and practices? Does the Church Of Christ practice pagan rituals?

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[Show open]

Brother Phillip: Hello, I’m Brother Phillip Velasquez and thank you for joining us again on another episode of That’s in the Bible, where your questions are answered straight from the Bible. Today we have a number of questions asked by Geoffrey Laganga from good ol’ London and this is what he asks…

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Question: What makes the Church Of Christ different from the Catholic Church?

Geoffrey

London, England

What makes the Church Of Christ different from the Catholic Church?

Brother Phillip: What makes the Church Of Christ different from the Catholic Church? Well, there are many differences. The most obvious, though, is the name: “Church of Christ” and the “Roman Catholic Church.”

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Church Of Christ, Iglesia Ni Cristo, Kirche Christi, whatever language

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That’s in the Bible

Brother Phillip: The Church Of Christ, or Iglesia Ni Cristo, Kirche Christi, whatever language you say it in is the Church that is in the Bible. While the name “Roman Catholic Church,” isn’t. We can read here “the Church Of Christ” here in Acts 20 and 28:

Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.

[Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation]

Brother Phillip: We can also read it here in Ephesians 4 and 12. This is what Apostle Paul teaches:

The common object of their labor was to bring the Christians maturity, to prepare them for Christian service, and the building up of the Church of Christ.

[Ephesians 4:12 Norlie’s Translation]

Is there a difference in doctrine between the Church Of Christ and Catholic Church?

Brother Phillip: But Geoffrey, the differences extend beyond the name, differences can be found in the doctrines taught and upheld. Why?

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The basis of doctrines are different

Brother Phillip: Because the basis of doctrines are different for the two religions. According to a Catholic writer recognized by the Vatican, what is the basis of the Catholic Church in regard to the doctrines and teachings they uphold? Let’s read a book entitled [The] Spirit of Catholicism and this is written by Karl Adam:

“Without Scripture,” says Mohler, “the true form of the sayings of Jesus would have been withheld from us. Yet the Catholic does not derive his faith in Jesus from the Scriptures.”

[The Spirit of Catholicism by Karl Adam, pg.50]

Brother Phillip: Dear friends, the Catholic Church, by their own admission, did not get their faith from our Lord Jesus Christ and from His gospel. Hence, we shouldn’t be surprised to find out that many of the Catholic teachings or practices are not based on Scripture or on the Bible. So what do they base their doctrine on, then?

Let’s read what John Walsh, another Catholic writer recognized by the Vatican says in his book entitled, This is Catholicism. Here [on] page 181, 182, to 183. This is what it says:

Does the Catholic Church derive all her doctrines solely from the Bible? No. While most of the Church’s teachings are contained in the Bible, some others are not…From what source does the Church obtain these other teachings? They are derived from the past pronouncements of the Church herself…This includes not only the works of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, the letters and decisions of her popes, the minutes of her councils, the treatises of her principal theologians, and biblical commentators, of her saints and mystics, but also the writings of hundreds of obscure bishops and forgotten priests.

[This is Catholicism by John Walsh, pg.181,182,183]

Brother Phillip: And we can read here in the footnote:

These evidences of the Church’s past teaching are collectively termed tradition.

[This is Catholicism by John Walsh, pg.181,182,183]

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What does the Catholic Church base many of her doctrines upon? Tradition. Minutes of Councils. Doctors of the Church. Hundreds of obscure bishops. Forgotten priests.

Brother Phillip: On what does the Catholic Church base many of her doctrines upon? Tradition, according to what we just read. Teachings derived from minutes of councils, doctors of the church and even, according to their own admission, writings, and hundreds of obscure bishops, and forgotten priests. What else does the Catholic Church base their doctrines and teachings on? Here in The Spirit of Catholicism by Karl Adam, here [on] page 166, is what we can read:

She does not hesitate even to take over pagan ritual and pagan symbols, whenever such things can be Christianized and reformed.

[The Spirit of Catholicism by Karl Adam, pg.166]

Brother Phillip: Throughout history, the Catholic Church’s doctrines have evolved or changed, as they incorporate tradition in their teachings and even rituals taken from pagan religions in their efforts to convert these people into Catholicism. What’s an example of a popular Catholic teaching or practice that’s based on tradition? Let’s read an official Catholic book, The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 13, here in pages 184 to 185:

In the Western Church, ‘The Rosary,’ says the Roman Breviary, ‘is a certain form of prayer wherein we say fifteen decades or tens of Hail Mary, with an Our Father between each ten…when the Albigensian heresy was devastating the country of Toulouse, St. Dominic earnestly besought the help of Our Lady and was instructed by her, ‘so tradition asserts,’ to preach the Rosary among the people as an antidote to heresy and sin.

[The Catholic Encyclopedia Vol. 13, pgs.184-185]

Brother Phillip: As we’ve read, the practice of praying the rosary in the Catholic Church is based only on tradition, and is written nowhere in the Bible. What’s another example of a Catholic teaching or practice that was taken from other pagan religions and adopted as her own? The use of candles in praying for the deceased. From where did it originate? Let’s read the same book [The] Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 3, this time, [on] page 246. This is what we’re told:

…we need not shrink from admitting that candles like incense and lustral water, were commonly employed in pagan worship and in the rites paid to the dead but the Church from a very early period took them into her service, just as she adopted many other things indifferent in themselves, which seemed proper to enhance the splendor of religious ceremonial.

[The Catholic Encyclopedia Vol. 3, pg.246]

Brother Phillip: So we can see dear friends, even the teaching of using candles to pray for the deceased originated from pagan worship, which the Catholic Church incorporated into her own services. There are many other instances where Catholic doctrine is based upon ancient pagan practices.

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How about the Church Of Christ?

Brother Phillip: How about the Church Of Christ? What is its basis for its doctrines upheld? Well, it’s just this: the Bible.

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The Bible. The sole basis of faith of the Church Of Christ.

The Holy Scripture is the sole basis of the faith of the Church Of Christ. “Why,” you ask? Let’s read here in Deuteronomy 12:32. This is God’s strict instruction, 12:32:

Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it not take away from it.

[Deuteronomy 12:32 New King James Version]

Brother Phillip: So, it’s God’s strict instruction that we must not alter or modify by adding to or subtracting from any of His commandments for any reason. What’s the characteristic of God’s Word written in the Holy Scriptures, that is why it should be the sole basis of our faith? We can read here in John 17:17:

Sanctify them by Your truth Your word is truth.

[John 17:17 New King James Version]

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Our teachings based solely upon the words of God written in the Bible which is truth.

Brother Phillip: Our teachings are based solely upon the words of God written in the Bible, which is, which is Truth. And we do our best to share this truth with others, because our Lord Jesus Christ instructed this. And that’s written in Mark 16:15 and 16. Here are the specific commands of our Lord Jesus Christ:

And he said to them, “Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to the whole human race. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned

[Mark 16:15-16 Today’s English Version]

Brother Phillip: As a matter of fact, the Church of Christ goes to great lengths to share this knowledge of truth to our fellow men.

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Ministers sent to preach the truth

Brother Phillip: Ministers are sent throughout the world preaching these truths. We’re very active in works of propagation.

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Iglesia Ni Cristo Evangelical Missions

Brother Phillip: We set up Iglesia Ni Cristo Evangelical Missions in every corner of the globe, where thousands are invited to hear the truth.

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Chapels throughout the world

Brother Phillip: Our chapels throughout the world are open for anyone seeking the truth.

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Incmedia.org

Where truth meets you

Brother Phillip: Even the show you’re watching right now, along with other programs on this website—which are also broadcast on TV stations in a growing number of countries—all of this is for the noble intention in spreading the true knowledge of God for man’s salvation. This is a massive undertaking, no doubt. And you can imagine the massive resources used for this holy work.

Although the members do give voluntary contributions in the worship services,

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The giving of offerings in the Church Of Christ has Biblical basis

Brother Phillip: . . . the giving of offerings that we observe in the Church of Christ has a Biblical basis, as written in 2 Corinthians 9:7:

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II Corinthians 9:7

New International Version

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Brother Phillip: …and they are being used for holy endeavors, such as to help in the propagation, or spreading the true teachings of God, and for the administering of our services to Him. And this is what we can read in the Bible, in 2 Corinthians 9:12 to 13:

For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confessions to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,

[2 Corinthians 9:12-13 New King James Version]

Brother Phillip: We do hope, Geoffrey, that your questions were answered today. That all came from the Holy Scriptures, the Bible. Well, that’s all we have time for for this episode. We thank you for joining us. We’ll be back soon. But in the meantime, why not share this episode with someone you know.

We also encourage you to email us with your questions. Remember one of the instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ, written in Matthew 7:7:

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you

[Matthew 7:7 New International Version]

Now that’s in the Bible. Thanks for watching. I’m Brother Phillip Velasquez and we’ll see you next time.

What is Exorcism?

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Do evil or bad spirits really exist? What are exorcisms and can just anyone perform these miracles? Are all people who perform miracles sent by God?

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Jose Ramirez: My name is Jose Mendoza Ramirez and my doubt is that if exorcists really exist—sometimes they come to swindle us.

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Jose Ramirez

San Miguel el Grande

Oaxaca, Mexico

[Video ends]

Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you very much, Jose for that comment or question. As we can notice from Jose’s video submission, he’s wondering, or maybe it’s more accurate to say doubting, if there are really people who can perform what he calls exorcisms, because he feels that, well, there [are] people who are just swindling others and being deceptive for the purpose of dishonest gain. So, today, dear friends, we’re going to ask, well, two important questions based on what Mr. Jose has said. First of all, what is exorcism?

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QUESTION: What is exorcism and are there those who can really perform them?

Brother Bob: And are there those who can really, truly perform them? And then secondly, if one does perform such a miraculous work is that the evidence that that person is really sent from God?

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QUESTION: Does performing miracles prove that a person is from God and therefore we should follow what he or she says?

Brother Bob: And of course then should therefore be followed and believed and everything that they will teach and say? Let’s start by defining exactly what is exorcism? Exorcism from the dictionary, well, it’s the act of casting out or expelling an evil spirit or demon from someone.

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-Exorcism

[ek-sawr-siz-uh m, -ser-]

(noun) the act or process of exorcising.

(verb) exorcised, exorcising.

1. to seek to expel (an evil spirit) by

Adjuration or religious or solemn ceremonies:

To exorcise a demon.

Source: Dictionary.com

Brother Bob: The dictionary calls it or considers it to be a noun, they act or even process of exorcising, as a verb exorcised, exorcising, to seek to expel an evil spirit, by adjuration or religious or solemn ceremonies: to exorcise a demon.

Who performs exorcisms? Do bad spirits really exist?

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QUESTION: Are there really those that can perform exorcism or cast out evil spirits or demons?

Brother Bob: So according to the Bible, are there really those that can perform exorcism, or what the Bible describes as the casting out of evil spirits or the casting out of demons? Let’s go to the Bible to start receiving some biblical guidance and answers. So it may be that the term exorcism is not found in the Bible, but what is found in the Bible? Matthew, chapter 8, verse 16, I quote:

When evening came, people brought to Jesus many who had demons in them. Jesus drove out the evil spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.

[Matthew 8:16 Good News Translation]

Brother Bob: So we can read here in the Bible, dear friends, where Jesus—

He did have the ability or the power, the authority to perform what Jose called exorcism or the casting out of evil spirits.

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QUESTION: Is he the only one that had that ability according to the Bible?

Brother Bob: Is He the only one though that had that ability or had that authority according to the Bible? Well, let’s continue. The Bible also teaches us the following in Matthew chapter 10, verse 1:

Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and every sickness.

[Matthew 10:1 Good News Translation]

Brother Bob: So evidently, according to the Bible, exorcism did take place or the casting out of demons did happen. And the Bible mentions those, for example, our Lord Jesus Christ, and in this verse His apostles were given that authority to drive out evil spirits. They were able to perform that miraculous work. There’s no question of course, that our Lord Jesus Christ even his Apostles, and others enumerated in the Bible, just like them are in fact instruments of God.

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Our Lord Jesus Christ , the Apostles and others enumerated in the Bible like them are instruments of God.

Brother Bob: There’s no question that they are specifically because they’re specifically described that way in the Bible that they were given that authority from God. And as instruments sent by God, messengers of God, we should follow them, we should obey what they teach. Why? Because what they teach are God’s teachings. They are God’s messengers and they bring God’s message.

Can anyone do an exorcism?

Brother Bob: Well, but does it mean though, that just anyone who was able to perform miracle—and this is this is the point that Mr. Jose is posing. This is what he’s noticing. This is what he was commenting about because he saw some that were performing miracles or some that were claiming to have all these wonderful things and then they were deceiving and swindling the people. So does it mean that anyone who performs miracles, this is our question, Mr. Jose.

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Question: Does it mean that anyone who is able to perform miracles or exorcism is then a messenger of God, which in turn should be followed and obeyed? Is that the only proof necessary?

Brother Bob: Anyone performing miracles and casting out demons, can it be said that they are therefore a messenger of God, in turn to be followed and obeyed? Is the casting out of demons or other kinds of miracles or healings and such, is that the only proof that is necessary to determine that one is truly an instrument of God? Let’s listen together, dear friends, to the answer of our Lord Jesus Christ. To those who feel that they’re with Him, well, because well maybe they’re able to cast out demons, maybe they’re performing different kinds of wondrous works, here’s the response of Jesus to them. It’s recorded here and in Matthew chapter 7, verses 22 and 23. He said this:

Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied In Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many many wonders in your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

[Matthew 7:22-23 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: So here, dear friends, according to what is written, Jesus Himself, well, He cleared up any misconception that if one is able to perform exorcisms, as Mr. Jose calls them, or the casting out of demons, or any other miracle, for that matter, even if one uses the name of Christ, the idea of many as a well is that then that automatically proves or presents the evidence that they must be God’s messengers. But we can see from what Jesus said here, that’s simply not true. Christ, who was of course the greatest messenger of God and He’s the one who knows those who truly God has sent, because he’s the only mediator between God and men in the first place, He said of some who performed the casting out of demons and performed the grand healings and other kinds of miracles, what did he say to them? He said:

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“I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practices lawlessness!”

Brother Bob: But you know, some might be wondering how [can] one who’s not sent by God is able to perform such kind of wonders and miracles and healings and casting out of demons and all these things?

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QUESTION: How is it then that one not sent by God is able to perform such wonders?

Brother Bob: If he’s not doing God’s work, then, well, whose work is he doing? Let’s turn to the writings of the Scriptures once again for the Bible’s answer. We turn 2 Thessalonians 2, verses 9 and 10, which says this:

The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

[2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: Here, dear friends, what we can see, what we’re learning here is that Satan can use miracles.

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Satan can use miracles or wonders as deceptions.

Not all miracles are from God

Brother Bob: Satan does use miracles, uses wonders in his attempt to deceive. This means that Jose, you know, Mr. Jose presented those doubts and skepticism, it actually has some validity. Why? Because the devil himself uses these powers to swindle people, to deceive people, according to what we just read here from Apostle Paul. So, if these miracles, signs, or wonders are used by the devil to deceive people, one might ask, “why does God allow these things to take place?”

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Question: “Why does God allow these things to take place?

Brother Bob: Listen again to the answer of the Holy Bible, here in Deuteronomy, chapter 13. Let’s Let’s read together, verses 1, 2, and 3:

“Prophets or interpreters of dreams may promise a miracle or a wonder, in order to lead you to worship and serve gods that you have not worshiped before. Even if what they promised comes true, do not pay any attention to them. The Lord your God is using them to test you, to see if you love the Lord, with all your heart.

[Deuteronomy 13:1-3 Good News Translation]

Brother Bob: So, dear friends, according to the Bible here, if any one of us would witness somebody performing what appears to be a miracle, a miraculous event takes place, or it’s a grand wonder, they should not automatically listen, automatically perceive that that someone to be followed because they’re from God. No. We already learned earlier that the devil could use these powers to deceive people. And here now we learned that, well, why does God allow that to happen? In order to test His people. Why? To see if they really love Him with all their hearts and they’ll cling to this. If that were the case then how would any one of us go about passing God’s test?

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QUESTION: How would one go about passing God’s test?

Brother Bob: If God does not want us to pay attention or just be so easily duped by Satan’s deceivers, it wants us to pay attention and not follow just anyone who might claim to come from God, even if they perform miracles, even if they perform various kinds of wonders, then who should we follow? We find the answer in the very next verse of the Bible, Deuteronomy 13. This time we’ll read verse 4 wherein it says this:

It is the Lord your God, you must follow and him, you must revere. Keep his commands and obey Him; serve him and hold fast to him.

[Deuteronomy 13:4 New International Version]

Brother Bob: So, dear friends, the answer is very clear. In order to pass God’s test, one must follow God by obeying His commands. And as we can clearly – and we already know, that His commands are what’s written here in the Holy Bible. And so this is the reason why performing miracles or wonders like exorcism, casting out of demons, it’s not the basis we can use to determine if someone is really from God.

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Performing miracles or wonders like exorcism is not a basis we should use to determine if someone is from God.

Brother Bob: Why not? Because even if one is able to perform such miracles, it could easily be God’s enemy, the devil, trying to trick us into going against God’s words. We should understand that well, those sent by God, they will speak God’s words.

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Those sent by God will speak God’s words.

Brother Bob: They will teach God’s teachings and God’s commands written here in the Bible. Therefore, that’s what we should always follow. That’s what we should always use as a foundation of our faith. This is what we should firmly believe in because that’s in the Bible.

Brother Bob: Friends, when you are ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, please visit

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[Music starts]

Brother Bob: Because there you’re going to find various series of programs all dedicated to answering your spiritual questions. You can also follow us on our Facebook pages:

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facebook.com/IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates

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facebook.com/IglesiaNiCristoMedia

Brother Bob: To view more of our shows and see how the Church gets involved in and interacts with all of the communities where our congregations are, you can visit those houses of worship to find the house of worship that is nearest to you.

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iglesianicristo.net/directory

Brother Bob: If you have a question that you’d like answered here on this show…

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Do you have questions about the Bible?

Brother Bob: Please email them to

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Send your videos to: answers@media.org.

Brother Bob: Thank you for joining us today. We’ll see you again next time on That’s in the Bible!

Why You Should NOT Make the Sign of the Cross

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Not all Christian religions use the sign of the cross, so why make the gesture? What is the meaning of it and is making the sign of the cross Biblical?

“Show/Hide

[Show open]

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EMAIL QUESTION: Why doesn’t the Church Of Christ use the sign of the cross?

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Brother Bob Pellien, Minister of the Gospel

Brother Bob: Thank you very much, Ms. Ivy Armenton for your email question. Thank you for that. Before we turn to the Holy Scriptures for the Bible’s response, of course, to your question, for the sake of our viewers and even many other Christian-professing religions that—well, they may not yet know for sure what’s really meant by that whole “sign of the cross”. Let’s take a look at a couple of video clips here that show, first of all, how this is being done inside the Roman Catholic Church, and then together, let’s take a check of what the Bible actually has to say in response to all of that. Let’s take a look.

[Video]

Source: https://www.youtube.com/CatholicChicago

Priest: In the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Congregation: Amen.

Narrator: We begin with what is, perhaps, our earliest personal religious memory and practice: the sign of the cross. We invoke the name of the triune God: Father, son, and holy spirit. The God we have come to meet and the God whose life we share.

[Video]

Source: https://www.youtube.com/DominicanAllSaints

Narrator: As often as we make the sign of the cross, repeating at the same time these words:

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An indulgence of 100 days is granted for making the sign of the cross and saying the words.

An indulgence of 300 days for making the sign of the cross, with holy water.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost

Brother Bob: So, Ivy, it’s clearly a sign that the members of the Catholic Church have made for themselves, and well, we can see it everywhere in their religion. We can see the cross on their worship buildings, we can see the cross on the rosaries that they always use. We can see the cross in so many places and it has become such a prevalent visual symbol and everyone is convinced that that is a good symbol.

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QUESTION: What have they themselves said about the importance of that sign they have given to their people?

What have they themselves said, in fact, about the importance of that sign that they have branded or let’s say they have given upon their people?

In a book they have written entitled Externals of the Catholic Church, page 218, let’s take a look at what they have written about the cross:

“The ordinary method of making the sign of the cross is that which every Catholic learns in early childhood – the putting of the right hand to the forehead…”

[Externals of the Catholic Church, p. 218]

Brother Bob: So, dear friends, what they’ve written in their book then, is that it’s a sign to only be used with the right hand—the right hand to the forehead. To use the left hand, that would be incorrect. That would not be the proper procedure. Right hand to the forehead is the method they teach. In fact, what else do they have to say in their religion about that sign on the forehead and the right hand?

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QUESTION: What else do they say about the sign on the forehead and right hand?

In another book, this one entitled 1000 Questions and Answers on Catholicism, on page 240, this is stated:

“What is the significance of the sign of the cross? The sign of the cross is an inseparable symbol of the Catholic faith.”

[1000 Questions and Answers on Catholicism by Philip O’Reilly, p. 240]

Brother Bob: So they claim that that symbol, the right hand to the forehead, is an inseparable symbol. It’s what identifies them as a Roman Catholic. It’s their symbol. It’s their sign. It’s what they have given upon the forehead of all their members.

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Why doesn’t the Church Of Christ use the sign of the cross?

Well, dear friends. Ivy. What more have they said about their symbol, the sign of the cross? Here’s what they had to say in another one of their books. This one is entitled My Catholic Faith, written by authoritative writer of the Catholic Church, the Bishop Louis La Ravoire Morrow. Page 392 in his book. This is very interesting, what he wrote:

“We usually begin and end our prayers with the sign of the cross.”

[My Catholic Faith by Louis La Ravoire Morrow, p. 392]

So first off, we can notice it’s how it’s they begin all their prayers; it’s how they end all their prayers. So it’s very important to them. Let’s continue:

“Nothing in the Church is begun, carried out, or completed, without the sign of the cross. It is used in innumerable blessings and ceremonials of the Church. At Mass alone it is used fifty one times.”

[My Catholic Faith by Louis La Ravoire Morrow, p. 392]

So we can also see here how important it is to them. In fact, they use it fifty-one times in the Mass. Beginning prayers, end prayers, fifty-one times. It is used in their ceremonies, they said. It’s very important to them. What else have they said? What does it show when the members of the Catholic Church are always using this sign. What does it demonstrate? Let’s continue. Same page:

“The sign of the cross is the most common way of confessing our faith. By it we can know Catholics from non-Catholics. It is believed that it had its origin in apostolic times.”

[My Catholic Faith by Louis La Ravoire Morrow, p. 392]

So, Ivy, it shows that it is a sign found—it is a sign made inside the Catholic Church. For what purpose? To brand, to identify a Catholic from a non-Catholic. To identify themselves, among the other reasons, some of which were also mentioned here.

So, let’s turn to the Holy Scriptures and pose some questions about the sign that they have presented, the sign of the cross. Let’s turn to the Scriptures and hear the response from the Bible about all of this. What does the Bible have to say about the sign of the cross?

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What does the Bible have to say about the sign of the cross?

–the sign made with the right hand to the forehead. They said, it’s a good sign. They said, it will bring God’s blessings into the one who receives that sign—or makes the sign of the cross, it will bring God’s blessing in their life. They said. Is that what the Bible says about that sign, the right hand to the forehead? Let’s take a look. We turn to the book of Revelation, chapter 13—first of all, where we can ask this question: does the Bible make any mention of that sign at all in the first place? Absolutely yes. 13:16:

He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads,

[Revelation 13:16 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: That’s clearly a sign that is recorded in the Bible. A sign: from the right hand or the forehead. In the Catholic Church, it’s the right hand and the forehead. It’s both—that they make the symbol using the right hand, and the first place it goes is to the forehead. The Bible makes mention of such kind of a symbol like that, such kind of a sign. And, well, what we read, it’s a good sign, they said.

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QUESTION: What awaits those people who possess, or brand themselves with the sign of the cross on the forehead and the right hand?

What awaits the people who possess or brand themselves with the sign of the cross on the forehead, or on the right hand, or both for that matter. Is it a good sign? Should we all be making that sign of the cross? Is the cross—by the way, dear friends, isn’t it that the cross was the instrument that was used to murder our Lord Jesus Christ?

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The cross was used to murder our Lord Jesus!

They had capital punishment back then, and they used the cross to punish our Savior Jesus Christ. We’re going to honor that? We’re going to venerate that? We’re going to worship that? Bow down and say prayers to things of the cross? Brand ourselves on the forehead like what they do on Ash Wednesday every year?

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What does the Bible have to say about the sign of the cross?

They have that sign of the cross placed in ashes right there on the forehead, saying, “I’m a Catholic, I’m a sign of the cross maker, I’m branded with that cross.” That’s the instrument that was used to murder our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But, even considering all of that, we have to base our correct understanding and our correct faith and correct instructions from our Creator upon what’s recorded here in the Bible, of course. So let’s turn to the pages of the Holy Scriptures asking this question: Is it a good sign, yes or no?

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QUESTION: Is the cross a good sign?

We turn back again to the answer of the Bible. Revelation 14:9, 10 and 11:

“Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worship the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

[Revelation 14:9-11 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: Dear friends, is it a good sign? Should we all be identifying ourselves as a member of the Roman Catholic Church by placing that symbol on our forehead? Using our right hand to make that sign of the cross that identifies a person as Catholic? What did we just read? It is the sign and symbol of Catholicism. It is the symbol of those that are to be tormented in the lake of fire forever.

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The cross is the symbol of those to be tormented in the lake of fire forever!

The Bible described their torment: day and night without end. If that’s what a person sees for their future—if that’s what a person wants for their future, then that sign, given by the Pope to all Catholics—then that’s a good sign for them. Because that’s a sign that you’ll be tormented. If you do not want to be tormented, and who in their right mind would want to be tormented, right? It’s the sign of those to be tormented. It’s not a good sign, dear friends. It’s not a sign—don’t brand yourself with that sign: the sign of the cross. That is not assigned from God. That is a sign identifying one having been deceived by the deceiver, and he is branding them to be tormented in the lake of fire.

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Brother Bob Pellien, Minister of the Gospel

Brother Bob: Dear friends, when you’re ready to learn more about this and so many other important fundamental truths here in the Holy Scriptures—the teachings found, taught here inside the Church Of Christ, please visit incmedia.org.

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incmedia.org

There you’re going to find various series of programs, similar to this—all of them are dedicated to answering your spiritual questions. And you can also view our programs on the Iglesia Ni Cristo Media Facebook page,

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facebook.com/IglesiaNiCristoMedia

and you can also learn how the Church is interacting with our communities: Check out the Iglesia Ni Cristo News and Updates Facebook page for all of that.

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facebook.com/IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates

And any time you would like to send us a video question, please email them to answers@incmedia.org.

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Send your videos to: answers@incmedia.org

Brother Bob: So to you, Ms. Ivy Armenton, thank you for your question, and to all of you, thank you for joining us in our study for today. We’ll see you again next time here on That’s in the Bible.

[music]

[SHOW CLOSE]

What Happens to Us When We Die?

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Death is inevitable. What happens to your spirit, soul, and body after taking your last breath? Why can’t living people communicate with the dead?

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Brother Bob Pellien: Hello everyone and thank you for joining with us here on this episode of That’s In The Bible. I’m Bob Pellien. Our question that we received for today came to us via email from Tom Nguyen in Garden Grove, California. He asks, “What happens to us after death?”

Brother Bob: Well, that’s a nice question because especially right now as so many are losing the COVID battle leaving behind grieving loved ones. There are many people who are wondering well, what happens after death and, you know, there’s an endless number of answers that many religions of this world are very willing to provide. But, before we really know what happens to a person when he dies, dear friends, it’s essential to know that a person actually is composed of three parts. And what are these three parts, and what happens to each individual part when we die? Well, that’s where we begin. The answer to that first question is recorded here in I Thessalonians chapter 5:23 wherein it says this:

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[1 Thessalonians 5:23 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: So, dear friends, a person is composed of three parts: a body, a soul, and a spirit. So to know what happens to a person when he dies, we need to know first: what happens to the soul, what happens to the spirit, what happens to the body?

What happens to the soul when a person dies?

Brother Bob: Where does the soul go immediately after death? What happens to the soul immediately after death? Well, if we go to Ezekiel, a prophet wherein he wrote the following in Ezekiel, it’s recorded in chapter 18, verse 4:

“Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die.

[Ezekiel 18:4 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: So, dear friends, the Bible mentions here what will happen to the soul. Clearly, it dies. No matter what other religious organizations will tell you what will happen to the soul immediately after a person dies, the Bible’s answer is definitive. The soul dies. Wait, whose soul dies? Well, the one mentioned here is the soul of the sinner. The soul of the sinner dies. Well, who’s the sinner? In the Bible—we’ve read in many of our lessons in the past—Romans 5:12 makes it very clear that all people commit sin. Nobody could stand up and say, well, I’m perfect [and] never committed sin. No, it was only Jesus that was without sin. All people sin, therefore, all [peoples’ souls die].

What happens to the spirit and body when a person dies?

Brother Bob: How about the spirit? That was one of the three elements of a person, right? How about the body? What about these two components? First, let’s go to Ecclesiastes chapter 12, and let’s take a look here, together, in verse 7. What happens to the body? What happens to the spirit? In verse 7, it says:

Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it.

[Ecclesiastes 12:7 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: The Bible’s very clear. The spirit returns to God. And the body returns to the dust from where it came. And, as we read previously, the soul dies. So, that’s what happens to the three parts. But the question of Tom is also like, “What about the consciousness?” OK, because we know what happens to the soul, we know what happens to the body, we know what happens to the spirit. But then, what people really want to know is what about their consciousness after one dies and goes to the grave?

What happens to your thoughts when you die?

Brother Bob: The body returns to dust, spirit returns to God, what about my thoughts? Will I no longer have thoughts? Is there something that a person who has already died and has been buried already, is there something that they could benefit from, or is there something that they could participate in that is still being done here on Earth by those who are alive? Can they still have contact? Should they still expect to be communicating with the living?

What happens to your thoughts when you die, dear friends? These are the kind of questions that many are asking relative and connected to the question that Tom posed. So let’s continue here in Ecclesiastes, we turn to chapter 9, and let’s read verse 5 and verse 6, where the Bible gives the clear answer:

For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; Nevermore will they have a share In anything done under the sun.

[Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: Tom, dear friends, the Bible is, once again, so very clear. They will never have a part in anything that is done under the sun. Any novenas, or masses that are said for them, they have no part in that. The Bible is very clear. Any communication with them, they have no part, that’s not it. People have all these different kinds of ceremonies for the dead and rituals for the dead. [But the] Bible is clear. The Bible does not instruct for those things to be done. Why not? Because those who have died have no more share, or no more part in anything that is done under the sun. “Do you mean to say then, that’s the end of it all? There’s nothing more?”

What will happen to the dead in Christ when Christ returns?

Brother Bob: What will happen to the dead when Christ returns? Well, the Bible continues to provide important information about these things, so we turn to I Thessalonians 4:16-17:

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

[1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: Dear friends, what happens to those who have died in Christ, according to the Holy Bible? Although they may have been in the grave, even if they were there for a long period of time, the Bible makes it very clear: they will be brought out of that grave. When? When the Lord descends from heaven. And at that time, there will be a [separation] of what the Bible calls the sheep and the goats.

Separating the sheep from the goats

Brother Bob: Our Lord Jesus spoke of this as well in the book of Matthew. Let’s include that in our reading for today as well. In the book of Matthew chapter 25. We’ll read verse 33, 34, as well as 41:

And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:… “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:

[Matthew 25:33-34,41 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: So here, dear friends, Jesus spoke of it in these terms when He said at that moment, the sheep would be separated from the goats. On the left would be what He called the goats that would be cast aside into eternal destruction. And then those on the right? Well, He referred to them as His sheep. They would enter the kingdom that would be prepared for them by the Father in heaven. And what will be the basis of that judgment? That judgement that would determine whether or not we would be those goats on the left or the sheep on the right? What will determine that? Revelation chapter 20, let’s listen together to what is recorded here in verse 12, wherein this is recorded:

And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.

[Revelation 20:12 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: So the Bible does mention, then, of the basis of that judgment. It will be what’s recorded in the books that will be read on that upcoming Day of Judgment. Be sure that the works recorded in that book on the Day of Judgment— that will be read on the Day of Judgment—will include that you are in Christ. The works that have brought you to be in Christ. Do you want to know how you can be sure that you are in Christ? Will it be just our own declaration? Just saying so? No.

Brother Bob: When you’re ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, visit us online or visit any of our various social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram). And to speak to a minister of the gospel and worship with us, you can find a directory of our houses of worship online as well. If you have any questions about the Bible, email then to us for a chance to be featured here on the show. I’m Bob Pellien. Thank you for joining us and we’ll see you again next time right here on That’s in the Bible.

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

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Is Halloween in the Bible? Is the origin of Halloween Pagan or Christian? Is it possible to just celebrate the holiday and go trick-or-treating for fun?

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Brother Bob Pellien: Hello, and welcome, everyone!

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Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel

Brother Bob: I’m Brother Bob Pellien and thanks for joining us today in this episode of That’s in the Bible. Today we’re going to be addressing what you may have seen on social media recently. There’s quite a debate brewing. A lot of elementary schools are removing Halloween, and the parents are in quite an uproar about it saying things like, “Well, schools are just taking away the fun for the children. It’s a nice candy day for the kids.” Dear friends, there would not be such a debate if in fact everyone really understood the symbolism of Halloween, the origin, the history, and what it is all about. That’s precisely what was written into our program by Dianey. She wrote and she asked us this question, “Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start?”

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Question: Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start?

Dianey

Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start?

Brother Bob: Well, Dianey, we’re not going to turn to the Holy Scriptures to find the origins of Halloween.

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We’re NOT going to turn to the HOLY SCRIPTURES to find the ORIGINS of HALLOWEEN

Brother Bob: Why, you may ask? This is the program That’s in the Bible. Well it’s because that’s actually not in the Bible.

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HALLOWEEN’S NOT in the BIBLE

Brother Bob: In fact, it has its origins in ancient pagan cultures, otherwise known as non Christians who are worshipping multiple gods.

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Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel

Brother Bob: So dear friends, before you place any of ourselves on either side of that ongoing debate, we need to educate ourselves. So together, let’s take a look into Halloween’s history. Where did Halloween come from?

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Where did Halloween come from?

Brother Bob: In a book entitled Catholic Customs & Traditions, which is a popular guide written by Greg Dues. Here on page 196 this is what’s written:

There are several possibilities for the origin of the tradition of giving treats

as part of trick or treating…The more probable origin lies in the pagan New

Year celebration among the Celts. It was thought that the ghosts who

roamed freely that night would be satisfied with a banquet table laid out in

homes. For a while after Christianity arrived in Celtic lands, there was an

attempt to transfer this custom to the eve of All Souls Day (November 2).

Masked children would go from door to door to pray for the departed loved

ones in return for a treat.

[Catholic Customs & Traditions: A Popular Guide, pg. 196]

Brother Bob: So here, dear friends, we could see then, and Dianey, thank you for your question, the origin of Halloween and some of its customs in trick or treating and such, the origin of Halloween is not in the Bible at all, but rather it has its roots in ancient pagan cultures.

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The ORIGIN of HALLOWEEN is NOT in the BIBLE at all

What is the history of Halloween?

Brother Bob: What is this Halloween holiday all about? Let’s delve into a little bit further so you know which side of that debate you should put yourself on. If we look further into the history of Halloween, for example, if we turn to the very popular Encyclopedia Britannica, Volume II, page 15, right here it says the following about Halloween:

HALLOWEEN (in Medieval times “All Hallows”) kept on October 31, the

eve of All Saints’ Day, was the Celtic festival at the end of summer named

Samhain. It was connected with…the practice of divinations and its

association with the dead, whose souls were supposed to revisit their

homes on this day.

[Encyclopedia Britannica, Volume II, pg. 15]

Brother Bob: So, once again, it did not have and does not have a biblical origin. But as we just read there, history tells us it instead has its origin in ancient pagan cultures, and refers back to particularly a Celtic festival at New Year’s time, the end of summer at the end of the year, called Samhain, and it was connected with divination.

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Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start?

Brother Bob: Now, the dead souls at that time—and this is an important thing—because the dead souls were supposed to return to their homes during that festival.

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Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel

What every Christian should know about Halloween

Brother Bob: Does the Bible have anything to say about these practices of Halloween, the divination, ghosts returning to the homes, the trick or treat and all the various things like that? All right then, let’s go to the Holy Bible. We turn to Leviticus 19:26 wherein it says the following:

“‘Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it. “‘Do not practice divination or sorcery.

[Leviticus 19:26 New International Version]

So the Bible does have a response regarding these things. It says first of all, “Don’t do that.” This is what every Christian should know about Halloween. The Bible specifically prohibits such things.

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Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start?

What about Trick or Treating?

Brother Bob: And what about the pagan practice to prepare a banquet table for the dead returning to their home, which contributed to the current customs of receiving treats when you go to the homes and yell, “Trick or treat!” Trick or treating is an important and popular part of the Halloween festivities. Dear friends, the Bible also addresses that and does so here in the book of Job chapter 7:

As the cloud disappears and vanishes away, So he who goes down

to the grave does not come up. He shall never return to his house,

Nor shall his place know him anymore.

[Job 7:9-10 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: So dear friends, the Bible makes it very clear [that] there’s no returning to the home anymore as a ghost or as a skeleton or such things like that, the kind of costumes that parents put their children in, ghosts and skeletons and all that things is part of the traditions of this history we’re discussing here.

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Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start?

Brother Bob: And they do so to get treats from the banquet table on that particular night. So, Dianey, we again, thank you for your question. Understand, the Bible clearly teaches against such things. So that is why Christians shouldn’t celebrate Halloween.

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Christian should NOT celebrate HALLOWEEN.

Brother Bob: But let’s continue with both sides of the debate because some will say, “Well, even though it has those kind of pagan cultural origins, it’s just a fun thing for children to do. Why take it out of the schools?” They say, “Why not encourage the children to participate? It’s just fun. It’s an old tradition.” They say, “Kids love it.” We get it. We understand that side of the debate.

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Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel

Brother Bob: But look, here’s what the what the Scriptures and has to say. It was Apostle Paul’s a letter to Timothy where he addressed it in these terms. Let’s take a look here at 1 Timothy chapter 4, it says in verse 7 the following:

But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself

toward godliness.

[I Timothy 4:7 New King James Version]

Halloween and the Devil

Brother Bob: So the biblical instruction is very explicit, dear friends. It says to reject such kind of fables and exercise, instead, godliness. There’s another element of Halloween that I suppose many do not know, and that element of Halloween was described [also] in the Encyclopedia Britannica. Let’s take let’s take a look at it. It’s recorded in Volume II also on page 15:

The autumnal festival acquired sinister significance, with ghosts, witches,

hobgoblins, fairies and demons of all kinds…It was the only day in which

the help of the devil was invoked for such purposes.

[Encyclopedia Britannica, Volume II, Pg. 15]

Brother Bob: Imagine that, dear friends? Imagine Halloween was the day [on] which they were able to invoke or ask, and that was the practice, to ask the assistance of none other than the devil himself. Obviously we here inside the Church Of Christ use these reasons for not celebrating Halloween. How could we?

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Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start?

Brother Bob: But then, maybe there would be those who would want to say, “Well look, we’re not thinking of it’s pagan origins and we’re certainly not going to invoke the help of the devil, of course. So we’re just doing this because it’s cute to see the children wearing costumes of the devil, costumes of ghosts, and costumes of all these different things and the children enjoy going to Halloween parties and they get all kinds of candy for their kids.”

[On-screen text graphics]

Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel

What does the Bible say about pagan practices?

Brother Bob: So is there any biblical guidance that God would want us to know and understand as we listen to the ongoing debate at schools whether or not Halloween should be something Christians should participate in? Dear friends, we turn again to the Holy Bible and this time it’s Apostle Paul’s letter. He wrote the following to the Ephesians. Ephesians 4:17 which reads this way:

Here then is my word to you, and I urge it on you in the Lord’s name: give up living as pagans do with their futile notions.

[Ephesians 4:17 Revised English Bible]

Brother Bob: Does the Bible give any instruction? Does the Bible give any guidance? What’s the instruction? Absolutely it gives us instruction. And what was it? He said, “Give up all those things that have to do with pagan origin.”

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GIVE UP all those things that have to do with PAGAN ORIGIN

Brother Bob: That’s the instruction, dear friends. So if we’re going to consider the ongoing debate, which side should we be on? Here inside the Church Of Christ, we’ll be on the side of doing it the Lord’s way and give up those Halloween practices that go against the teachings of God.

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Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start?

Brother Bob: Why are so many people choosing pagan cultures and incorporating their traditions into the holidays of current times? There’s something that they have missed, and what they have missed was mentioned by Apostle Paul in the format of a warning. What was the warning of the Apostle Paul given in the Holy Scriptures? Here’s what he said. He said it in his letter to the Colossians 2:8 is where it’s recorded.

Don’t let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-

sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ.

[Colossians 2:8 New Living Translation]

Brother Bob: So, the Bible is very clear. It clearly issued the warning not to let anyone lead you astray with human traditions, human ideologies and philosophies that they have themselves simply invented or incorporated from pagan cultures.

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Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel

Brother Bob: There was a direct instruction as well, also from Apostle Paul, when he spoke in a similar way to the to the Galatians. Not only was his advice,” Don’t let someone lead you astray.” That’s what people miss. They missed the point that they’re being led astray by those things. But he went on to say to the Galatians in Galatians 1:8:

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to

you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

[Galatians 1:8-9 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: So dear friends, even if others will say or try to convince us, “It’s just for fun.” And if they will say, ”No one thinks of it as pagan practice.”

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Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start?

Brother Bob: Truth of the matter is, it doesn’t erase where this holiday came from. Simply put, celebrating Halloween means to embrace something that is not Christian. To conclude, therefore, on that point I would like to read one more Bible verse. Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 15:1-2:

Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

[I Corinthians 15:1-2 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: Halloween, dear friends, may seem harmless on the surface. But after gaining this knowledge, we urge you to make an informed decision regarding whether or not it’s something you want to participate in, you want your children to participate in. Apostle Paul said to hold on to what was preached if we want to be saved.

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Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel

Brother Bob: Here in the Church Of Christ, we use the Bible only as the basis of our beliefs. We stand by it, no matter what people around us may say, or do, or believe about us.

Dianey, we are so very thankful for your question. And when you’re ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, please visit us online or visit any of our various social media accounts.

[On-screen text graphics]

Learn more at incmedia.org

[On-screen text graphics]

Follow us on Facebook:

/IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates

/IglesiaNiCristoMedia

Brother Bob: To speak to a Minister of the Gospel or to join us in worship, you can find a directory of our houses of worship online, also.

[On-screen text graphics]

Find a house of worship near you: IglesiaNiCristo.net/directory

Brother Bob: If you have any questions about the Bible, please email us for a chance that your question would be featured on the show.

[On-screen text graphics]

answers@incmedia.org

EMAIL US YOUR QUESTIONS

Brother Bob: Well, dear friends, I’m brother Bob Pellien, and we want to thank you once again for joining us! We’ll see you again next time on That’s in the Bible.

Is Changing Religion a Sin?

What does the Bible say about changing religion? When is it ok to question your own religion and if Apostle Paul converted to a different one, can you?

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I am a Catholic and I’m confused regarding the matter of changing religion. I was told that it is a sin to leave one’s religion for another. Is it really against the law of God to change one’s religion?

Jeffrey Lou Naral

Philippines

Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you so much Jeffrey for your question.

[On-screen text graphics]

Brother Bob Pellien

Minister of the Gospel

Brother Bob: We understand that just thinking about this question—it really reveals a dilemma that you and not only you, even many others, find themselves in that dilemma. It’s like on one hand they’ve grown up maybe in a particular religion. However, they find themselves no longer wanting to associate themselves with that religion. They feel pressure then, from their family, but on the other hand they want to live life in accordance to God’s laws written in the Holy Bible. So what is one to do? Since the question you posed Jeffrey was, “Is it really against the law of God to change one’s religion?” Well, it’s the law then of God that should be the basis of making the right decision.

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It’s the law of God that should be the basis in making the right decision

Brother Bob: Not just surrendering to family pressures, surrendering to peer pressure, any other kind of pressure for that matter, nor to one’s own personal preference—or what you or anyone feels is comfortable. Let’s understand first, why is it that we should not just use what seems to be right in deciding on a religion; seems to be what’s convenient, what’s comfortable, what seems right.

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Question: Why should we not just use our feelings when deciding on a religion?

Brother Bob: Let’s read God’s law for the answer to that opening question. And we turn to Proverbs 16:25; wherein it says this:

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

[Proverbs 16:25 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: As we have read here, it’s a biblical truth that what may seem right can actually be very, very wrong. It can be, in fact, so wrong that it will lead to death instead of salvation.

All religions are the same…or are they?

Brother Bob: And since well, Jeffrey this is the case one cannot avoid having then the responsibility to examine thoroughly their religion. Why so? Examining religion is necessary because, well, they’re not all the same. And therefore cannot possibly all be correct or all be true.

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Examining religion is necessary because not all religions are the same and therefore cannot possibly all be correct or true

Brother Bob: Now the quick answer to your question is well, ”Is it really against the law of God to change one’s religion?” Well that all depends on the religion that one is in and the religion one is planning to change to or join. If after examining one’s religion you discover that you’re not in the true religion, but in fact are in a false religion, well then changing out of that false religion would not be a sin, but rather a must. One must get out of a false religion and enter into the true one, of course. Well, that’s the simple direct answer. But so how, first of all, then does one examine their religion?

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Question: How does a person examine their religion?

Brother Bob: Compare it with God’s law written here in the Holy Scriptures—the Bible. For example, what is one of God’s laws that He gives to His people in the true religion? It is one of the things that [have] to be examined, Jeffrey, which we can read of course here in the Holy Scriptures. Let’s do that precisely recorded it is in Exodus 20:3-5:

“You shall have no other gods before Me, “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

[Exodus 20:3-5 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: Because God’s law states clearly that His people shall not bow down or serve any carved images whatsoever. Therefore, anyone who hears this Biblical verse, and if you Jeffrey or anyone else viewing this program, if you are in a religion that has images that are bowed down to, prayed to, served; you’ll be able to realize, then that your religion is not the true religion according to the Bible. Therefore to change out of that false religion, it’s not a sin. In fact, the sin would be committed, if you would stay in that false religion especially if you have already heard God’s law about that.

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A sin is committed when one stays in a false religion, especially after hearing God’s law

Finding the right religion

Brother Bob: Is there a biblical example of one who made such a change in religion, and what is the true religion that one should change into? Apostle Paul is the example. Apostle Paul—here we can see, what was the religion that he grew up in?

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What was Apostle Paul’s religion?

Brother Bob: We can read the answer recorded here in Galatians chapter 1. Let’s read in verses 13 and 14. Here’s what it says there:

You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I went after the Christians mercilessly, hunting them down and doing my best to get rid of them all. I was one of the most religious Jews of my own age in the whole country and tried as hard as I possibly could to follow all the old, traditional rules of my religion.

[Galatians 1:13-14 Living Bible]

Brother Bob: Here we can clearly see dear friends that well, Apostle Paul did not start his life as a Christian at all, but rather, he began his early years in the Jewish religion. In fact not only was he so devoted to his religion, but he opposed other religions like Christianity and he hunted them down and tried to get rid of all Christians—those who followed our Lord Jesus Christ. Did he remain in the Jewish religion? Did he say things maybe like, “Well you know I was born in this religion. My mother was born in this religion. My grandmother was born in religion. This is the family religion, this is the tradition; this is our family tradition. I have to remain in this religion because of that.” Did he think like that? Did he talk like that? Well, we can read here in 1 Timothy, chapter 1 verse 12; something that that Apostle Paul wrote. In it he said:

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.

[1 Timothy 1:12 New International Version]

Brother Bob: Here dear friends, we can notice we must notice something. We can see that Apostle Paul not only changed his religion, but he was even thanking Jesus Christ for considering him worthy of appointing him to serve in that true religion, giving him the strength that he needed in order to be part of the true religion. But it said he was appointed. He was thanking the Lord for appointing him into the service.

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Apostle Paul was appointed to be a minister in the true Church Of Christ

Brother Bob: Where is it that he was appointed to serve in, in the first place? in 1st Corinthians 12:28. Also written by Apostle Paul was this:

And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

[1 Corinthians 12:28 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: As an apostle, he was appointed in the Church. Now although there are various churches today that, well, they all believe that they are the church of the Bible; it’s obvious that they are not the one and the same.

Is there a true church?

Brother Bob: Each has different names, different set of beliefs, different basis of faith, and each will claim that they have the Spirit of God, all trying to convince people to join with them. But what does the Bible warn us about, advise us to do in order to not fall into false religion in the first place?

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Question: What is the Bible’s advice for us to not fall into false religions?

Brother Bob: Here’s what’s recorded by Apostle John, this time 1 John chapter and what’s recorded here in verse 1, reads like this:

Dear friends, don’t believe everyone who claims to have the Spirit of God. Test them all to find out if they really do come from God. Many false prophets have already gone out into the world,

[1 John 4:1 Contemporary English Version]

Brother Bob: It’s clear here, dear friends, that we should not just believe anyone and everyone who claims that they have the Spirit of God.

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We should not just believe anyone and everyone claiming to have the spirit of God

Brother Bob: We have received an instruction, as we have learned also earlier, that even though there are those who believe with all their heart, they may have full conviction that they have found the right way to serve God, but it could actually be the way to death instead of salvation.

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It could be the way to death instead of salvation

Brother Bob: Now here we’re learning the instruction that there’s, well, because there’s a lot of false prophets that have gone out into the world so the instruction was very clear, just like we were speaking earlier, we have to examine the religion that we’re in. Here, the Apostle John said, “Test them. Examine them.” Why? Find out if the spirit they have is truly from God. Find out if they are in the truth.

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Find out if the spirit they have is truly from God

What Church has the true religion?

Brother Bob: So as we have been doing so far and always, we have to use God’s law, written here in the Holy Scriptures to identify the true Church, which would be therefore the true religion. What Church is the true religion that Apostle Paul was appointed into, which he preached all about in the first century and wrote so much about in his letters?

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Question: Which church was the religion that Apostle Paul was appointed into?

Brother Bob: Ephesians chapter 4. Apostle Paul went on to identify it. In chapter 4 verses 11, and 12, he said,

And He appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets; some to be evangelists, others preachers or teachers. The common object of their labor was to bring the Christians maturity, to prepare them for Christian service and the building up of the Church Of Christ,

[Ephisians 4:11-12 New Testament]

Brother Bob: According to the law of God written in the Bible, Apostle Paul preached all about; it is the Church Of Christ that is the true Church. The Church Of Christ that is the true religion. So Jeffrey and all those who may have asked questions very similar to Jeffrey’s question, if one is then already inside the Church Of Christ taught by the Bible then leaving the true Church to join a false religion of course then would be considered a sin. Likewise if one learned that their current religion is not in accordance with God’s law then remaining in that religion, which is equivalent then of course to ignoring God’s laws, would also be a sin. Therefore leaving one’s religion, if in fact it is a religion not according to God’s law, to join the Biblical true Church Of Christ just as what Apostle Paul did, as we read earlier, it’s not against the law of God, but rather it is in accordance with God’s law.

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Leaving one’s religion (one not according to God’s law) to join the true Church Of Christ is not a sin but a commandment of God

Brother Bob: It’s following His commands. This is what we should believe because that’s in the Bible.

Dear friends when you are ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ, please visit incmedia.org because there you’re going to find various series of programs like this, all dedicated to answering your spiritual questions and uplifting your spiritual life.

[On-screen text graphics]

Learn more at incmedia.org

Brother Bob: You can also follow our Facebook pages at IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates as well as IglesiaNiCristoMedia.

[On-screen text graphics] –

Follow us on Facebook:

/IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates

/IglesiaNiCristoMedia]

Brother Bob: To view more of our shows and see how the Church gets involved with the community, you can learn about that by going to incgiving.org.

[On-screen text graphics]

Learn more at incgiving.org

Brother Bob: To find a house of worship that’s nearest to your place visit iglesianicristo.net.

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Find a house of worship near you: iglesianicristo.net/directory

Brother Bob: If you have questions that you would like answered here on this show, email them to answers@incmedia.org.

[On-screen text graphics]

answers@incmedia.org

Brother Bob: Thank you, Jeffery, for your question, and thank you to all of you joining in this program. We’ll see you again next time on That’s in the Bible.

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How to Get Right with God to be Saved

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All have sinned. Many want to know how to get right with God. Can mere devotion lead you to salvation, or do you need to join the body of Christ?

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How to Get Right with God to be Saved

[Show open]

[Video starts]

Chuck Horner: I’m Chuck Horner, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in South Hayward. My question is what must we do to be right with God to be saved?

[Video ends]

Brother Bob Pellien: Welcome everyone, and thank you particularly so much, Mr. Horner, for your question for today. And your question is a question that’s, well, it’s often heard from people who are really seeking to understand about God’s ways. The problem is that many people, however, have made the mistake of drawing their own conclusions, even their own strategies, let’s say, about how to put themselves right with God.

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QUESTION: What must one do to be put right with God?

Brother Bob: But as always, here in the Church Of Christ, and on this program, That’s in the Bible, the answer to your question will always come from this book—the Holy Scriptures.

Can devotion alone lead to being saved?

So what has the Apostle Paul, for example, said, Mr. Horner, about your question? Did he provide any warning or guidance to us? We turn to the book of Romans 10, verse 2 and 3. He gave this warning:

I can assure you that they are deeply devoted to God; but their devotion is not based on true knowledge. They have not known the way in which God puts people right with Himself, and instead, they have tried to set up their own way; and so they did not submit themselves to God’s way of putting people right.

[Romans 10:2-3 Good News Translation]

Brother Bob: So Chuck, the answer to your question is not, therefore, just being devoted to God as so many people think. Chuck, what will be the danger if one would just choose their own way of putting themselves right with God? Their own strategy to do that? Here in Proverbs 14, and let’s listen together what’s recorded here in verse 12. It says this:

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

[Proverbs 14:12 New King James Version]

What does the Bible say about the second death?

Brother Bob: So clearly here, Chuck, the Bible teaches that although it may seem right to a person—their own strategy, their own idea, maybe just being devoted or whatever—but the Bible says what seems right to a person may in fact lead them to death. And it’s not only the death referred to here. It’s not only the ending of our biological life, it’s also the infliction of a second death—a death. And how does the Bible further describe that death? It’s mentioned in the book of Revelation chapter 20, verse 14 like this:

Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

[Revelation 20:14 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: The Bible calls it a second death, a death in the lake of fire. So in fact, what if a person will decide to make the next step and say, “Well then I guess if it’s not my own strategy that I need to implement to make myself right with God, then what do I need to do?” Maybe they’ll conclude, “Well I just need to be worshipping God. As long as I’m worshipping God, then I’ll be right with God.” The Lord Jesus answers that question, Chuck, like this. In the book of Matthew 15, verse 9, he said it like this:

And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

[Matthew 15:9 New King James Version]

All have sinned

Brother Bob: So although they may make their own conclusion like, “Well all I need to do is to be worshipping,” Jesus responds how? He said, well, their worship will be in vain. Why would it be in vain? If they’re still using doctrines or commandments of men as the basis of their worship that makes the worship vain or useless. So we must acknowledge that this vain worship is the result of man’s being separated from God in the first place. Separated from God due to what? The iniquities and sins, as was mentioned by the Prophet Isaiah in 59: 2. Because of sin, because of iniquity, man has become separated from God:

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.

[Isaiah 59:2 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: In fact, if we read Apostle Paul’s statement in Colossians 1: 21, what did he call people that have been separated from God because of sin? He referred to them as, “enemies:”

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet know He has reconciled

[Colossians 1:21 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: And who has committed sin? Romans 5:12 makes mention all people have committed sin. People need to be reconciled to God, need to have themselves put right with God.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned-

[Romans 5:12 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: But it is not just by saying, “Well I’m going to worship, I’m going to be devoted, I’m going to do this, I’m going to do that.” If then, it’s not just following what we, ourselves, may think is the good way or think is the right way of serving God, putting ourselves right with God, maybe following some trending, religious ideology of the times. Then what must you mean all people do to achieve the needed reconciliation with God? Is it, like others would say, is it just proclaiming that we have faith in God, faith in Jesus, and then automatically we’ll be saved? Again we turn to the Holy Scriptures once more to the words of our Lord Jesus in the book of Matthew chapter 7, verse 21:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven.

[Matthew 7:21 New King James Version]

Joining the body of Christ

Brother Bob: What’s to be done? We have got to do the will of the Father in heaven. What is the will of the Father in heaven that all must do in order to put themselves right with God? Again we turn to the Bible. Ephesians 1:9 and 10:

Having made known to us, the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth- in Him.

[Ephesians 1:9-10 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: So Chuck, that’s the will of God that you, me and all people have to comply with. The will of God that all would be gathered together in one, in Christ. When the first century followers of Christ in the Apostles heard the Apostles teaching these things, how did they comply? How did they fulfill that will of God and thus make themselves right with God? Romans 12, verse 4, verse 5:

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

[Romans 12:4-5 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: What did they do? They all joined together in one body with Christ as the head. They joined together. Although they were many, they joined as one in Christ. And they joined in that one body. All of them were so many. What was the one body into which they joined together? In Colossians 1: 18, the body was identified:

And He is the head of the body, the Church

[Colossians 1:18 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: That body is the Church. Which Church is the body of Christ, according to the Bible? Here in Acts 20, verse 28, the name of the Church is made mentioned like this:

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]

Brother Bob: The Church? Church Of Christ. So then, Chuck, the Bible responds to your question, how do we put ourselves right with God? The Bible tells us how not to do it and the Bible tells us how to do it.

[On-screen text graphic]

Find a congregation near you:

iglesianicristo.net/directory

Brother Bob: And the Bible tells you, me, and all people who want to be saved to fulfill the will of God, which is to be part of the body of Christ, the Church He shed his blood for, the Church Of Christ, the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Chuck, that’s in the Bible.

[On-screen text graphic]

Do you have questions about the Bible?

Send us your videos: answers@incmedia.org

Brother Bob: There’s no question that is too basic, no question that cannot be answered by the Bible when it comes to our lives and of course, our salvation. And we’ll respond to them here on this program.

If you’d like to learn more about these basic, fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, visit incmedia.org. There, you’re going to find various religious programming that will answer your spiritual questions. Thank you for joining us today and we’ll see you again next time on That’s in the Bible.

What Does the Bible Say About Eating Blood?

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Is the act of eating blood in the Bible? What does the shedding of blood have to do with sins and forgiveness? What about the shedding of Christ’s blood?

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[Show Open]

Brother Philip Velasquez: Hello, I’m Brother Philip Velasquez and thanks for joining us on this episode of That’s in the Bible.

Today, we’ll be answering questions about the eating of blood. We’ve had a few viewers who wrote in with similar questions. The first one came from Nelly Magno, from Watsonville, in California, and she asks, “Why do Iglesia Ni Cristo members not eat blood?” Another similar question [was] written in by Nilo Artista from Vallejo, California, “Why does the Iglesia Ni Cristo not allow members to eat blood? And Darlene from Houston, Texas, she asks, “Why can’t members of the Church Of Christ eat blood?” Thank you, Nelly, Nilo, and Darlene for those questions.

Life is in the blood

So, is the prohibition of eating blood a new teaching, just invented or made up by certain individuals in the Church Of Christ, or is it in the Bible? Well, let’s find out. Here in Genesis 9:3-4, we go to the first book in the Holy Scriptures and this is God’s command regarding that. 9, 3 to 4:

Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.

[Genesis 9:3-4 New King James Version]

Brother Philip: Dear friends, is the prohibition to eat blood written in the Holy Scriptures? Yes, it is clearly stipulated in the Bible. We all know that it is God who created all things, each with a specific purpose. So, when it comes to food, it is He who decides what is and what’s not. After the great deluge or the great flood, He specified to man, in this instance to Noah and his descendants, what was created to be food. And as we’ve read, blood is not among them. It’s actually a strict prohibition, and so blood is not food. Did this same prohibition apply to the Israelites? We can read in Leviticus 17:12. This is what’s written in the Holy Scriptures. Leviticus 17:12:

Therefore I said to the children of Israel, ‘No one among you shall eat blood, nor shall any stranger who dwells among you eat blood.

[Leviticus 17:12 New King James Version]

Brother Philip: Is this prohibition also for the Israelites? Was it also enforced during the time of the Israelites? Yes. The Bible says here God is addressing the Israelites, and He says, “No one among you shall eat blood.” Some may say that the law was only enforced during the time of Israel and prior to that, but not anymore in the Christian era. So, let’s ask the question: does this also apply to the Christian Era? Yes. It actually continues up until today, and we can read that here in Acts 21:25:

But as for the Gentiles who have become believers, we have sent them a letter telling them we decided that they must not eat any food that has been offered to idols, or any blood, or any animal that has been strangled, and that they must keep themselves from sexual immorality.

[Acts 21:25 Good News Translation]

Does the law apply today? Are today’s Christians eating blood?

Brother Philip: So, does this prohibition continue up until today, the Christian Era? The answer is yes. So, even until today, this prohibition that our Almighty God created a long time ago stands until today. We have to take note, my dear friends, even animals whose blood was not taken out should not be eaten, and that’s why strangled animals were prohibited too. So, we know now that the Bible prohibits us from eating blood. Now we need to understand for what reason. Why is the eating of blood prohibited? We can find the answer here in Leviticus 17 and verse 11, and the Bible says:

The life of every living thing is in the blood, and that is why the LORD has commanded that all blood be poured out on the altar to take away the people’s sins. Blood, which is life, takes away sins.

[Leviticus 17:11 Good New Bible]

Brother Philip: What must we take note of, dear friends? Our Almighty God created blood to give life, not to fill our stomachs when we’re hungry or quench our thirst. It also redeems man from his sins. That’s why the Israelites would pour out the blood upon the altar for the forgiveness of their sins.

Shedding blood for forgiveness

Brother Philip: So, how does this relate to our time today? Let’s read what the Bible says about the shedding of animal blood for the forgiveness of the Israelites’ sins. Here in Hebrews 10 and 1, the answer is clearly written for us here:

For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.

[Hebrews 10:1 New King James Version]

Brother Philip: So, what the Israelites did before with the shedding of animal blood for the forgiveness of sins, what does this have to do in our time today? The Bible says what the Israelites did, for the forgiveness of their sins, was just a foreshadow of something greater to come. And what was that? Here in the same book, Hebrews, this time chapter 9, 13 to 14. This is what’s written:

For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse our conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

[Hebrews 9:13-14 New King James Version]

Brother Philip: So, what was being foreshadowed by this Israelite ritual of shedding animal blood? The shedding of Christ’s blood, for the forgiveness of His followers’ sins. It was this that put an end to the Israelite practice. So, as you can see, dear friends, the purpose for which blood is intended is sacred and holy. It’s not food. What’s the warning of our Almighty God to those who refuse to follow this prohibition? Some may say this is what I was brought up practicing. This is something that I enjoy doing in spite of it being a prohibition of God written in the Holy Scriptures. Well, let’s find out the words of our Almighty God himself. Here in Leviticus 17:10:

And whatever man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among you, who eats any blood, I will set My face against that person who eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people.

[Leviticus 17:10 New King James Version]

Brother Philip: This is the reason, dear friends, why the eating of blood is strictly forbidden inside the Church Of Christ. That’s all we have time for today. What you’ve heard is just an introduction to the teachings written in the Bible, taught inside the Church Of Christ. And we invite you to learn more and join us. Find your closest local congregation. Go to our website incmedia.org. But if you have any questions you’d like answered on this show. You can email us and we’ll use the guidance of the Holy Scriptures to help you find the answer, the truth, that’s in the Bible. Thanks for watching. I’m Brother Philip Velasquez and we’ll see you next time.

Is Killing in War a Sin?

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The Bible has very strict instructions concerning murder. But what about killing in war? Can a Christian serve in the military and fight for their country?

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What is the Bible’s stance on war? Can killing people to protect your country be justified?

Kyma Morera

London, UK

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Tom: My name is Tom from Bremerton, Washington. What does the Bible say about military personnel who kill for their country?

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What does the Bible say about murder?

Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you very much Kyma, Tom, and all the others who have emailed in and asked very similar questions regarding this particular topic about military service. You know, dear friends, we’re really sure that there’s a lot of people in the military or the armed services, or maybe even have friends and family members that are in the military. And you know, they are also God fearing people. People who have these same questions as you in their mind.

And dear friends for those who might not see the conflict or maybe are wondering why so many are asking these questions about the military, let’s start off by asking first—what is God’s command in the Bible regarding killing or taking another’s life? So let’s get right to it. The Bible clearly states here in Exodus 20, verse 13, the following:

“You shall not murder.

[Exodus 20:13 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: So here Dear friends, God gives a very simple, very short, yet nevertheless very direct answer. We can see that God prohibits anyone from committing murder or taking the life of another.

What does the Bible say about killing in war to fight for your country?

Brother Bob: Which brings all the questions regarding being in the military, of course or the armed forces. Why? Well, we know because if one is in the military, they’re prepared, of course to defend the nation in times of war. And if war occurs, unfortunately, killing may very well be involved. Therefore, is serving as a soldier for your country, is it against the teachings of the Bible?

The direct answer to that question is no. But what’s the proof that God is really not against that? Let’s continue our study. We can read the Biblical evidence here, dear friends wherein God is distinguishing the difference between committing murder and serving in the military for one’s state or nation. What does He say? Let’s turn to the book of Joshua chapter 4, verse 12 and 13. Wherein it says this:

And the men of Reuben, the men of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh crossed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses had spoken to them.

[Joshua 4:12 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: Well, let’s pause for a second, dear friends because we’d like to point out here briefly that Reuben, Gad, Manasseh—were Israelites. And Israel was God’s nation before these people. They were God’s people. It was God’s nation. Let’s continue:

About forty thousand prepared for war crossed over before the Lord for battle, to the plains of Jericho.

[Joshua 4:13 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: So you can read in these verses God’s people before, they did not only compose a religious organization, but [also], they were a nation. They were a nation with a military; they were soldiers. Therefore, we are sure, serving as a soldier for one’s country—[is] not against the Bible. Obviously fighting in battle to serve your nation and just committing murder—they are not the same thing, they’re different.

You know, there are instances in the Bible where God’s nation went to battle with numerous armies and sometimes against many armies all at once. And they had God’s protection, God’s guidance.

Many of you may still remember one well known servant of God, a shepherd named David. What did he do? He defeated and killed the giant Philistine warrior, Goliath. But you know dear friends there are those who pose the argument, “Well, this is a completely different era of time from those events of David killing the soldier Goliath or God using His nation against others in time past.”

Can a Christian serve in the military today?

Brother Bob: In the New Testament times dear friends, that we are living in today, is there a different instruction from God regarding soldiers? Has it been changed? Has it been updated in any way? Let’s also ask this: Is serving in the armed forces in the New Testament time forbidden by God? Let’s again turn to the Holy Bible for answers to these questions. And here we can read the instruction of God to some soldiers in the New Testament times. God’s will was made known through His servant, John the Baptist; and that conversation is recorded here in Luke 3:14. Let’s take a look:

Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.”

[Luke 3:14 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: Dear friends, we can notice the instructions here given to the soldiers. Soldiers who were asking what they needed to do to be worthy of forgiveness. John the Baptist said, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” We can also notice here what he did not say. He did not say, “Stop being a soldier.” If being a soldier is prohibited in the New Testament he would have answered, “Quit being a soldier. It is against God’s law.” But that’s not what he said. Therefore, although there might be people that strongly believe that being a soldier or joining the military is against the Bible, we can clearly see that there is no such prohibition given by God.

Is it okay for us to hate each other?

Brother Bob: But then the rebuttal of some to that Biblical truth, sometimes goes a little bit like this, “So you’re saying that it’s okay for us to hate each other. It’s okay for us to kill anyone that we consider an enemy of the state?” We want to make clear, that’s not what we’re saying nor is that what we read here in these verses of the Holy Bible. In fact what’s the Lord Jesus Christ’s instruction to His disciples regarding their enemies? We can read here in Matthew 5:44 this from the words of our Lord Jesus:

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

[Matthew 5:44 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: Dear friends, according to Christ we, we’re the disciples, we’re the followers, we’re not given the liberties to hate our enemy and all the more be the ones to take revenge, all the more be the ones to kill them. That’s not our place. It’s not for us, the followers, to do that. We’re the disciples. So what was God’s instruction in Romans 12:19 the Bible says this:

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

[Romans 12:19 New King James]

Brother Bob: But dear friends, how will God repay those who have done wrong? Because He said very clearly, “Vengeance is Mine,” said the Lord. Is it God Himself that will come down and implement His wrath or will He send or use instruments to implement the vengeance or the punishment? Again, we turn to the Bible and we can read the Bible’s answer likewise in the book of Romans, and what we can read here is chapter 13 verses 1 through 4:

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist who will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

[Romans 13:1-4 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: Dear friends, the Bible is clear and teaches that governing authorities are appointed by none other than God Himself. And those appointed to rule, as the Bible mentioned, they will be a terror for evil doers. The appointed authorities bear the sword that God uses to avenge and to execute His wrath. Therefore we’re not to take it upon ourselves and decide to end someone else’s life. This is the reason why serving as a soldier in the military and just simply committing murder, it’s not the same thing.

Although God clearly states in the Bible, is strict prohibition of committing murder; this does not mean He forbids his people to enter the military or the armed forces.

Fighting for one’s country is not the same as simply murdering someone. The governing authorities, they’ve been appointed by God to lead and therefore should be granted the respect and the loyalty of those under their jurisdiction. We follow our nation’s leaders up to the point that they are aligned with what God commands. If there’s a contradiction between the two, true Christians follow God and not man. These are the teachings and the commands that we should believe in and follow. Why? Because that’s in the Bible.

Brother Bob: So dear friends, when you’re ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, please visit incmedia.org.

There you’ll find various series of programs dedicated to answering your spiritual questions.

You know you can also follow our Facebook pages, IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates and IglesiaNiCristoMedia.

And to view more of our shows and see how the Church gets involved in the community visit incgiving.org. Where you will also find various volunteer opportunities.

And to find a house of worship near you, visit iglesianicristo.net. Dear friends if you have questions that you’d like answered on the show, please email them to answers@incmedia.org. Well, thank you all for joining with us today and we’ll see you again next time on That in the Bible.

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