Managing Anxiety As Young Christian Adults

Have you ever wondered, “Where is all this anxiety coming from? How do I handle it all?” If so, tune in now—this episode of Vantage Point is for you!

Follow Vantage Point on Instagram for updates: https://www.instagram.com/vantagepoint.inc/

Vantage Point is brought to you by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ).

Visit https://incmedia.org for more!

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Vantage Point: MANAGING ANXIETY AS YOUNG CHRISTIAN ADULTS

[Show starts]

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MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL

Bro. Felmar Serreno

Brother Felmar Serreno: Hello everyone, welcome to Vantage Point where we have honest conversations about the challenges of today, what we face in life and see what the Bible says on how to deal with them.

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Vantage Point

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Despite so many changes
Let’s move forward together
This is

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Vantage Point

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Before our discussion, here’s a recap of things we’ve been through

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Source: NBC News

Breaking News: First U.S. Case of Deadly Mystery Virus Confirmed

Narrator: The first confirmed US case of the contagious coronavirus now in Washington State

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Source: Global News

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: We have, therefore, made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: We will be denying entry to Canada to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

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Source: The Washington Post

News Reporter #2: Seeing protesters overcome the police. The police are now running back into the Capitol building.

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Source: City News

News Reporter #3: Some truckers met with Tory leader Erin O’Toole, Friday. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in isolation.

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Source: DW News

Woman: No, mental health is not going good.

Woman #2: [In German] I have been sad a lot, I must say.

Woman #3: [In German] I’m lonely, yes, and often very sad. And I can’t really sleep very well anymore either.

Man: [In German]I know people who actually had suicidal thoughts.

Anne-Sophie Brandlin: It’s been over a year now that the world has been dealing with COVID-19 and its devastating ramifications.

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Source: BBC News

Man #2: I tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday.

Woman #4: I tested positive for coronavirus last week.

Man #2: Learning, it’s been an uphill struggle. There is no in-person contact hours.

Woman #5: These three and a half weeks I’ve been in my flat have felt about three years.

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Vantage Point

Brother Felmar Serreno: With me on the show is Natalie Fitzpatrick and JR Dongalen. Nat and JR, your reactions please on the video we just saw.

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Natalie Fitzpatrick

Natalie Fitzpatrick: It’s heartbreaking to think about how deeply so many lives have been affected throughout this pandemic. How many have lost a loved one, some more and others have suffered from severe illness…

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Topic: Managing Anxiety as Young Christian Adults

Natalie Fitzpatrick: … and feel this deepening stress or anxiety that comes with all the rising tensions that continue to go up around the whole world.

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CONTENT CREATOR

JR Dongalen

JR Dongalen: Nat is right. You know, it leaves you numb and overwhelmed hearing those numbers when you really stop to take it in. I mean, there have been moments where I’ve felt really overwhelmed. You know, it’s another devastating blow that the pandemic has caused in the world. And it’s, you know, a big reason why there’s the decline of our mental health or, you know, a rise in anxiety disorder.

According to data gathered from January to June 2019. Through the National Health Interview Survey in the United States.

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Source: cdc.gov/nchs

In 2019, 11% of adults were reporting symptoms of anxiety disorder. In January 2021, 41% of adults were reporting symptoms of anxiety disorder. The pandemic has impacted the mental health of Canadians, with youth experiencing the greatest declines.

Source: www.mentalhealthcommission.ca
“Young people are particularly vulnerable to the disruptions the pandemic has caused, and many are being left behind in education, economic opportunities, health and well-being during a crucial stage of their development.

JR Dongalen: They saw that 11% of adults were reporting symptoms of anxiety disorder, that number rose to 41% in January 2021. Statistics show that in Canada, the pandemic has impacted the mental health of Canadians with youth experiencing the greatest declines. Mental health commission.ca says that young people are particularly vulnerable to the disruptions that pandemic has caused, and many are being left behind in education, economic opportunities, health and well being during a crucial stage of their development.

Brother Felmar Serreno: Now let’s talk to someone who knows more about anxiety and mental health. We welcome to the show, Janelle Velo. Hi, Janelle, and welcome to Vantage Point. If you could, please tell us a little bit about yourself and the work that you do.

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Conscious Parenting Coach

Janelle Velo

Janelle Velo: Hi, Brother Felmar, Hi, Nat. Hi, Jr. Well, first of all, thank you so much for having me as a guest on Vantage Point. I’m so excited to be here and talking about this topic in particular.

A little bit about myself, I graduated from the University of British Columbia and then I went on to do post graduate studies under the mentorship of Dr. Shefali. She’s a world renowned psychologist, and I graduated in New York from her Coaching Institute. So now I work in private practice as a conscious coaching practitioner and I work with individuals, couples, families, all who are working through dealing with and healing from childhood and intergenerational trauma.

Brother Felmar Serreno: Well, thank you for joining us today, Janelle. And congratulations on your achievements and the work that you do and the service that you do, working with families on a regular basis.

Now, based on your experience, addressing anxieties and families working with youth. Tell us more about the rising anxiety in youth nowadays. Why is this happening?

Janelle Velo: Yeah, well, as we know, peer interaction social groups, this is all a big and critical part of adolescent development. And so with the isolation that’s had to happen during this whole pandemic, we’re seeing not only new anxiety arise in youth…

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Topic: Managing Anxiety as Young Christian Adults

Janelle Velo: …but also a triggering and exacerbating of pre-existing underlying emotional, mental health issues, not only with youth as individuals, but maybe in their family home environment that families were dealing with prior to COVID.

So if we look at anxiety, the root word is from the word “ango,” which means to constrict. And so anxiety is what happens when someone feels who they are, at their cor,e is not worthy and is not enough. And so they start to disconnect from their authentic self, they start to constrict and suppress their true voice. And then they start to try and become what they think the world wants them to become.

And so we see a lot of youth struggling with outside expectations and pressure coming from their home, from their families, from school, from society at large. And as you can imagine, this is very difficult. And this is a lot of pressure, it’s causing our youth to find it difficult to move forward with confidence and certainty.

I’ve worked with a lot of young people and without fail, they’ll always say two things to me, one, I don’t know who I am. And two, I don’t know what to do with my life. And so they have this, this fear, and they’re paralyzed, and they don’t know how to move forward and make decisions for themselves, because they’re so inundated with the loud voices and noises of the world around them.

Brother Felmar Serreno: So Janelle, if I may summarize, in simpler terms, if I may, based on your field of study, a lot of the anxiety that the youth are going through, is due to this need to meet expectations from parents, from society, and other institutions, and even needing validation from them. Well, what’s one piece of advice that you could give to anyone, especially the youth, who are listening in on our discussion today?

Janelle Velo: Yeah, to anybody who’s dealing with anxiety right now, what I want you to know is that you are not your anxiety, you are not broken. If anything, your anxiety speaks to the brokenness of this world. Anxiety is a very normal response to all of the abnormal events that are happening on a global scale right now in our world.

Brother Felmar Serreno: Natalie, if we can go to you in connection with what Janelle just shared with us about anxiety. Are you seeing this today? Like, based on your personal observation or discussions you’ve had with peers? Do you see this rising anxiety in the youth nowadays?

Natalie Fitzpatrick: Yeah, yeah, definitely. I think one of the big ones, especially, that I talked about a lot with my friends, during the pandemic, or at least when it first started was this huge feeling of cabin fever, you know, a lot of us got confined through lockdown. So we were stuck at home, whether that was by ourselves or with our families, for a much longer period of time than we were originally used to being with them.

So doing that, and being in that environment, whether you’re working from home studying from home, it just felt like there was so much more attention brought to our habits, or to our mood swings, or you know, not to mention our own flaws, like we get inside our heads about the littlest details. And I felt like that often led to things like feeling irritable, or, you know, suffocated at home. And I think that also probably led to a lot of feelings of anxiety amongst myself and even some of my friends,

Brother Felmar Serreno: Natalie, if you could share with us, what are some strategies that have worked for you, when it comes to dealing with anxiety?

Natalie Fitzpatrick: First off, I think in times when I feel most anxious, I find that breathing becomes a lot harder to just naturally take a breath without thinking about it. So my breath becomes faster, it becomes shallower. What I try to do to, I guess, combat that in a sense, is to take a break and just slow down my breath, you know, maybe let out a really deep sigh to get that stress off my shoulders.

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Topic: Managing Anxiety as Young Christian Adults

Natalie Fitzpatrick: But I think another thing that really also helps me relax and get my mind off of things that are bothering me is just being involved in activities, for example, with CFO of the Christian Family Organizations, being with brethren and other people, having that social environment. And just enjoying time together, that quality time, even doing online fitness activities, or being able to just play games together online, and seeing other people happy. I feel like that energy is sort of contagious. And I really feed off of that. And it helps with, you know, trying to stick through the tough times or whenever it does get a little bit rough. And it feels, in a sense, encouraging.

Janelle Velo: Yeah. And I just want to take a moment to pause there and say that what Natalie mentioned is so very important. Having a safe space where there are people who will accept you unconditionally, who will lend a supportive and helping ear to listen to you without judgment can be so helpful and such a wonderful resource.

JR Dongalen: What I’ve experienced myself, heard from friends and loved ones, you know, especially lately during the pandemic, you know, it stems a lot from, you know, the pandemic, obstructing a lot of future plans, like decreasing social activity, like I can’t go out and see friends, you know, missing out on awesome and fun events that, you know, we’d have on an annual basis. You know, there’s also the fear of getting sick, you know, I caught COVID, twice, actually, you know, losing someone also, you know, the social battles happening all over the world with discrimination, hate crimes, war, social media comparison. I mean, the list goes on and on—that itself leaves me speechless. Sometimes, you know, I mean, it’s been almost two years since they’ve shut down the world. And, you know, the fact that we had a global pandemic, like, we really have to, like sit here, soak that in and kind of reflect,

Brother Felmar Serreno: I wonder who amongst our viewers today, listening in on this discussion, are also feeling the adverse effects of the pandemic. True in several parts of the world, if not majority, restrictions are lifting. But many people are still dealing with the effects that the pandemic has brought into their life. Did you also have to deal with cabin fever?

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Topic: Managing Anxiety as Young Christian Adults

Brother Felmar Serreno: And now there are broken relationships amongst friends, or within the family and we don’t know how to fix it. Or do we feel discouraged, because like what JR mentioned earlier, those plans or goals that we’ve set, have been put on pause? Or is something else triggering our anxiety, and we don’t know what to do about it? If your answer is yes to any of those questions, then we invite you to take this advice now. It comes from the Bible. I’ll read for you what is stated in the book of James, chapter 1 and the verse is 5, this is what it says,

If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it.

[James 1:5 The Message]

Brother Felmar Serreno: So if you’re looking for answers to whatever may be triggering your anxiety, what should we do? According to the Bible, turn to God. So, don’t turn to alcohol, or gambling or a mere night out? No, we should turn to God. How can we turn to God? We’re taught, pray to the Father.

Now why is it that we should turn to God because He loves to help. The Bible says, Now when can we be sure that God will listen to our prayers, and that He will help us? Here’s another Bible verse. In the book of Psalms, the chapter is 28, the verses are 7 and 2,

The LORD is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.

[Psalm 28:7 & 2 New Living Translation]

Brother Felmar Serreno: So we can be sure that God will listen to our prayers, when we put our trust in Him. How can we be sure that God will help us? The Bible teaches, I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary. The Lord’s sanctuary being referred to here is the place of worship, where God’s chosen ones worship Him. So when we worship God, we pray to Him, and we trust in Him, what will God do for us? According to the Bible, God will be our strength, He will help us and He will fill our heart with joy. And that’s why we prioritize the worship service.

Now, JR, as a member of the Church Of Christ, and as a young person yourself, what would you say to a fellow brother or sister in the faith, who is striving to break free from their anxieties?

JR Dongalen: You know, I want to put it out there first. You know, whatever you’re experiencing, I hope that you put your faith in God to help you get through this mental, physical or spiritual rut that you’re in. I can’t speak for someone else’s experiences, I can’t say what the right or wrong thing is to do. Or, you know, whatever helped me in the past might help you now—those types of things.

The main thing I recommend is prayer. Other than that, try dedicating time to things that you love, you know, working out, you know, it’s that’s something that I was able to finally do when, you know, the mandates lifted a little bit and that’s helped me, you know, improve my mental health, you know, writing, drawing, playing video games, self-care. Allow yourself to unwind, you know, take your mind off the struggles of today with your favorite hobbies, you know, following up on our prayer with positive steps towards the things we love. You know, hopefully your anxieties and struggles will slowly fade.

Brother Felmar Serreno:

Well, thank you, Jr, Natalie and Janelle, for joining us in our discussion. We’ll see you all next time.

Natalie Fitzpatrick: Give us a thumbs up below if you liked this episode. And don’t forget to tag and follow us @vantagepoint.inc on Instagram for more content. Hit subscribe for future episodes. See you next time!

[Show ends]

Coping With Loss

How do you cope with the loss of a loved one, which is one of life’s unavoidable circumstances? Join the conversation on this episode of “Vantage Point”.

Follow Vantage Point on Instagram for updates: https://www.instagram.com/vantagepoint.inc/

Vantage Point is brought to you by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ). Visit https://incmedia.org for more!

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Vantage Point: Coping with Loss

[Show starts]

Brother Felmar Serreno: There are many questions that can bother a person when we lose a loved one. “Why did he have to die now?” “Will I ever get over this pain?” “She was so young, this can’t be fair.” Coping with loss is the topic of our discussion for today, please join us.

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Vantage Point

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Despite so many changes
Let’s move forward together
This is

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Vantage Point

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MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL

Bro. Felmar Serreno

Brother Felmar Serreno: Hi everyone, welcome to Vantage Point. Before we begin the show, we want to express our sincere condolences to anyone who may be grieving at this time, and we pray that this show can be of help to those who are coping with loss.

Natalie, have you ever experienced a death in the family that you’d be willing to talk about?

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Natalie Fitzpatrick

Natalie Fitzpatrick: Yes, I’ve lost relatives that were close, more so to my parents, specifically on my mom ’s side. My uncle actually contracted COVID-19 in January of 2021, and this was while he was living in California. So, within the week of him contracting COVID, he actually ended up in the ICU shortly after, and then later on passing away. But the last death within my family that I remember more vividly, personally, would be of my great grandmother.

I was only 4 or 5 years old so I have really, really sweet memories of her being this older lady that always spoiled me whenever we would visit.

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Vantage Point

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Topic
Coping With Loss

Natalie Fitzpatrick: But I still carry her memory with me everyday, and thinking of my friends who have had family or parents or siblings that have passed away unexpectedly or devastatingly, it’s the emotional repercussions that really stick with me, because I often think about, you know, “What if that was my family?” “What if down the road, that’s my mom or my dad, or my brother?” And it’s that, that really sticks with me, and makes me think about what the future holds.

Brother Felmar Serreno: JR, how about yourself?

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CONTENT CREATOR

JR Dongalen

JR Dongalen: During the pandemic as well, just like sister Nat, I had actually lost my aunt in the Philippines due to complications with COVID-19, and other underlying health conditions… I wasn’t really that close with her, but seeing my mom, and obviously their side of the family go through that devastation of finding out what happened.

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Vantage Point

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Topic
Coping With Loss

JR Dongalen: I’ve lost my grandparents in sudden moments, my grandmother on my mom’s side passed away when we were on vacation back in 2008, and my grandfather on my dad’s side passed suddenly years ago.

I’ve also had close friends pass, people that I’ve spent amazing memories and moments with, and those were just as hard. A friend of mine, we actually graduated highschool together, we were close friends from beginning all the way to the end of highschool, and when I found out later that he passed, that was very difficult.

Brother Felmar Serreno: People say there are generally 5 stages of grieving. We have denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. In your opinion JR, which is the hardest stage?

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Denial
Anger
Bargaining

Depression

Acceptance

Brother JR Dongalen: Probably acceptance, that’s the toughest part for me. Trying to come to terms with the situation and actually believing that this person is no longer around. In some ways, I’m in a constant internal battle between denial and acceptance, just going back and forth in this cycle. Even in the most heartbreaking situations in my life, I sometimes say to myself, “No way, this didn’t happen!”

Natalie Fitzpatrick: I’d say that like JR, acceptance is probably the most difficult for me too. I feel like denial naturally comes with that resistance to accept, because, like you said, it’s so hard to believe that somebody could suddenly be gone.

Brother Felmar Serreno: Now, while opinions may vary on which stage in the grieving process is hardest, there’s no denying that death can come to any one of us at any given moment. But maybe there are those who are wondering, “Well, why is there death in the first place?”

Brother Felmar Serreno: Let’s listen to what the Bible says here in the book of Hebrews, chapter 9, and the verse is 27:

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this, the judgment,

[Hebrews 9:27 New King James Version]

Brother Felmar Serreno: So why is there death? Because the LORD God made it so. Well, why did God appoint death to man?

Brother Felmar Serreno: This is revealed in Romans, chapter 5, and the verse is 12:

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 Felmar Serreno: So death, or the cessation of our breath is the consequence, or one of the consequences of sin. And as members of the Church Of Christ, we learned in our Bible studies on doctrines, that actually the full payment of sin will be meted out on Judgment Day.

Now, if any of our viewers would like to learn more about that specific topic, Judgment Day, we invite you to view another one of the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s (Church Of Christ) programs called INC International Edition. On a specific episode they discuss that topic.

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Topic

Coping With Loss

Brother Felmar Serreno: As for us today, the focus of our discussion is “Coping With Loss”, and what is it that we’ve learned so far based on the Bible? That death, as harsh as it may be, is a reality that we cannot avoid; it’s just a matter of time.

Natalie Fitzpatrick: Okay, but, what if someone was to challenge that?because of losing somebody that they love, they feel that God got the timing wrong,

Brother Felmar Serreno: Then, let’s ask the Bible this, Natalie. Are we in a position to question the decisions of our Maker?

Brother Felmar Serreno: The Bible answers here in the book of Isaiah, chapter 45, the verse is 9:

“Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘The potter has no hands’?

[Isaiah 45:9, New International Version]

Brother Felmar Serreno: So, based on the Holy Scriptures, no man or woman is in a position to question the decisions of our Maker, Who is the One True God, the Father Who is in heaven.

Why don’t we try looking at it this way: isn’t it that in our respective country, or state or province or town there are government officials. And for the sake of law and order, isn’t it that decisions are made; regulations are implemented by said officials. From traffic regulations, to public school policies, to laws regarding owning property, or starting up a business. And we do know how to respect those decisions that are made. Well then, all the more we should yield and surrender to the decisions that are made by our Maker: the Almighty God, the One Who created every one of us, as well as everything that is in heaven and on earth.

JR Dongalen: So, instead of questioning God’s decisions when it comes to life and death Brother Felmar, what should we do?

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Topic

Coping With Loss

Brother Felmar Serreno: I’m glad you asked that question, JR. And, this now is the last Bible verse that we’ll be reading for today. But, before we do, we hope that those who are grieving, would listen well. And we pray that this message would give us hope. It’s found here in the book of Lamentations, chapter 3, verses 28 to 33, and verses 25 to 26:

When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The “worst” is never the worst. Why? Because the Master won’t ever walk out and fail to return. If he works severely, he also works tenderly. His stockpiles of loyal love are immense. He takes no pleasure in making life hard, in throwing roadblocks in the way

[Lamentations 3:28-33 The Message]

God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God.

[Lamentations 3:25-26 The Message]

Brother Felmar Serreno: So when dealing with the loss of a loved one, which feels like, what the Bible said, “is heavy and hard to take”, what should we do? Get angry with God? Complain against Him? No. Instead, the Bible teaches us, “It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God.” So God is the One Who can help us to get through the sorrow.

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God is the One Who can help us to get through sorrow

Brother Felmar Serreno: How can servants of God approach Him for help? The Bible stated, “go off by yourself, enter the silence, bow in prayer.” In other words, we ought to calm down, clear our mind, gather our thoughts, so that we can pray properly to our Almighty God. And if we as members of the Church Of Christ do this sincerely, what can we expect? The Bible promises us, “God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks.”

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God proves to be good

to the man who passionately waits

to the woman who diligently seeks

Natalie Fitzpatrick: You know, Brother Felmar, hearing that, it reminds me of how important it is to have daily devotional prayers. Just to have that moment of silence, and to really calm down, like you said earlier. That it’s important to have that moment with God to be able to lay it all out when everything is heavy and hard to take.

Brother Felmar Serreno: And further to what you just mentioned, Natalie, many members of the Church Of Christ even make the extra effort to go to the chapel, or the house of worship to say their prayer there. Even when it isn’t a day of worship service. And this is open to all members of the Church Of Christ. At any time, we can coordinate with the respective minister so that they can open the house of worship for us, and we can also have a personal prayer there—to seek God’s comfort and peace, so that we can get through the trials we may be dealing with, like losing a loved one.

Brother Felmar Serreno: And this brings us to the end of our show for today, we thank everyone who joined us, and again thank you to Natalie and JR. We’ll see everyone next time!

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JR Dongalen: Give us a thumbs up below if you related to today’s episode on coping with loss. Follow us on instagram at @vantagepoint.inc for more content, and before you go, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button in the corner for future episodes.

¿Pueden los Cristianos vivir en este mundo pero no ser parte de él?

¿Las tendencias populares siempre tienen la razón? ¿Controlan su brújula moral? Descubra cómo la Biblia puede señalarle la dirección correcta y garantizarle lo mejor. [Are popular trends always right? Do they control your moral compass? Find out how the Bible can point you in the right direction and guarantee the best for you.]

Show/Hide Transcript

[Apertura del programa]

¿Pueden los Cristianos vivir en este mundo pero no ser parte de él?

Hermano Gilbert Zaraga: Hola, queridos amigos y bienvenidos a este episodio de El Mensaje.

Los verdaderos cristianos creen firmemente que la Segunda Venida de Cristo o el Día del Juicio llegará pronto. Los desastres, dificultades y enfermedades epidémicas en el presente son algunas de las señales que Cristo dio, que indican que el Día del Juicio está cerca como está escrito en Mateo 24:3, 6-8, 33.

Los verdaderos Cristianos deben asegurarse de que estén preparados y dignos de encontrarse con Cristo en ese día para recibir la salvación prometida.

¿De qué deben cuidarse los cristianos para alcanzar la salvación? La cultura que los rodea. ¿Qué es la cultura? Es el modo de vida de un grupo particular de personas— cómo hacen y consideran las cosas.

Desde la comida, el idioma, la música, la religión, las relaciones, los comportamientos, los hábitos sociales, incluso la ropa que usamos y cómo la usamos y lo que esa cultura cree que está bien y mal. A través de las tecnologías modernas, se han visto, experimentado y practicado muchas culturas diferentes a través de las formas diferentes de las redes sociales y las personas influyentes en las redes. ¿Qué significa esto para un verdadero cristiano, porque como creen que lo que se enseña en la Biblia es la verdad, también deben vivir entre otras culturas que van en contra de lo que enseña la Biblia?

Entonces, ahora en nuestro tiempo de fácil acceso a los dispositivos móviles, servicios de transmisión y medios disponibles de las 24 horas del día y los 7 días de la semana, ¿cuánto más impacta esto a la cultura en la vida de uno y de los desafíos para sostener la cultura cristiana enseñada por la Biblia?

Según para los apóstoles, estar bien ajustado a la cultura mundana pondrá en peligro la salvación de los verdaderos cristianos. Eso es lo que se dice en Romanos 12:2:

No se adapten tanto a su cultura que encajen en ella sin siquiera pensar. En cambio, fijen su atención en Dios. Serán cambiados de adentro hacia afuera. Reconozcan fácilmente lo que quiere de ustedes y respondan rápidamente. A diferencia de la cultura que les rodea, siempre arrastrándolos hacia abajo a su nivel de inmadurez, Dios saca lo mejor de ustedes, desarrolla una madurez bien formada en ustedes.

Romanos 12:2 The Message (traducido al español)

The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language, by Eugene H. Peterson. Colorado Springs, Colorado: NavPress Publishing Group, 2005

Hermano Gilbert: El Apóstol Pablo es consciente de que hay culturas y sociedades incluso antes que no encajan con la cultura cristiana, por lo tanto, advirtió a los verdaderos cristianos que no se deberían adaptar tan bien a la cultura que encajan en ella sin siquiera pensar. Dondequiera que vivamos, tengamos cuidado de la cultura que no encaja con la cultura cristiana. ¿Por qué? ¿Cómo de peligroso es la cultura de la sociedad? El Apóstol Pablo dijo: “… A diferencia de la cultura que les rodea, siempre arrastrándolos hacia abajo hasta su nivel de inmadurez,…”

Cuando nos permitimos ser influenciados por la cultura o la forma de vivir del mundo, arrastrará nuestros valores cristianos al nivel de inmadurez. Necesitamos alcanzar la madurez cristiana. Pero, ¿por qué nos arrastrará la cultura de la sociedad hacia abajo para no alcanzar la madurez?

¿Cómo describieron los apóstoles la cultura de la sociedad en los últimos días? En II Timoteo 3:1 The Passion Translation (traducido al español):

Pero deben ser conscientes de que en los últimos días la cultura de la sociedad se volverá extremadamente feroz y difícil para el pueblo de Dios.

II Timothy 3:1 The Passion Translation (traducido al español)

(The Passion Translation. Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc., 2017)

Tengan en cuenta lo que el Apóstol Pablo dijo con respecto a los últimos días. Dijo que la cultura de la sociedad se volverá extremadamente feroz y, como resultado, será difícil para el pueblo de Dios.

Comprendan, queridos amigos, que el término “últimos días” se refiere al tiempo en que la segunda venida del Señor Jesucristo está cerca. En Mateo 24:3, 6-8 y 33, los apóstoles preguntaron al Señor Jesucristo cuándo sería Su regreso. El Señor Jesucristo dio señales que, cuando se cumplan, significan que el fin o Su regreso está cerca. Cristo dijo que habría una guerra que sería rumoreada o sería de alcance mundial. Y el cumplimiento de esto es la 1ª Guerra Mundial que estalló el 27 de Julio de 1914.

Por lo tanto, nuestro tiempo es el llamado “últimos días,” el tiempo en que el regreso de Cristo está cerca. En este tiempo, el Apóstol Pablo advirtió al pueblo de Dios, “que en los últimos días la cultura de la sociedad se volverá extremadamente feroz y difícil para el pueblo de Dios.” Es imperativo que seamos conscientes y cuidadosos de la cultura de las diversas sociedades que la gente practica en este mundo.

¿Por qué la cultura de la sociedad se volverá extremadamente feroz y difícil para el pueblo de Dios? Leamos en II Timoteo 3:1 Translation for Translators traducido al español:

Deben darse cuenta de que durante los últimos días antes de que Cristo regrese, las personas malvadas dificultarán que los creyentes se comporten como deberían.

II Timoteo 3:1 Translation for Translators (traducido al español)

Hay una forma de vida o conducta que los creyentes deben sostener o seguir. Pero la influencia de las personas malvadas o de aquellos que viven pecaminosamente puede dificultar para los siervos de Dios a vivir como deberían.

¿Cuál será la actitud de la cultura de la gente antes de la segunda venida del Señor Jesucristo que los verdaderos cristianos deben tener cuidado? Ellos serán indiferentes a las cosas de Dios y se dedicarán a sus asuntos diarios como declaró el Señor Jesucristo en Lucas 17:26-30 The Living Bible traducido al español:

Cuando regrese, el mundo será tan indiferente a las cosas de Dios como la gente en los días de Noé. Comían, bebían y se casaban, todo como de costumbre hasta el día en que Noé entró en el arca y el diluvio vino y los destruyó a todos. Y el mundo será como era en los días de Lot: la gente se dedicaba a sus asuntos diarios: comer y beber, comprar y vender, cultivar y construir, hasta la mañana en que Lot dejó Sodoma. Entonces, fuego y azufre llovieron del cielo y los destruyeron a todos. Sí, la gente hará lo que suele hacer hasta la hora de mi regreso.

Lucas 17:26-30 The Living Bible (traducido al español)

(The Living Bible: Paraphrased. Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 1971)

¿Cómo vivió la gente en los días de Lot? “La gente se dedicaba a sus asuntos diarios: comer y beber, comprar y vender, cultivar y construir hasta la mañana en que Lot dejó Sodoma.” La gente “hará lo que suele hacer” hasta la hora del regreso del Señor Jesucristo. Cristo dijo que cuando Él regrese, el mundo será indiferente a las cosas de Dios. ¿Qué significa eso? La gente no considerará importante o necesario creer en Dios, adorar y servirle, y llevar una vida justa.

¿A quién se compara la gente en los últimos días? A la gente en los días que de Noé antes del gran diluvio. ¿Qué hacía la gente en los días de Noé, siendo indiferente a las cosas de Dios? Comía, bebía y se casaba, todo como de costumbre, hasta el día en que Noé entró en el arca. Por lo tanto, lo que la gente valorará no son las cosas espirituales. Abrazarán el materialismo y los placeres mundanos que están en contra de la voluntad de Dios. Lo mismo con la gente durante la época de Lot: la gente se ocupaba de sus asuntos diarios: comer y beber, comprar y vender, cultivar y construir, hasta la mañana en que Lot dejó Sodoma. Pero, ¿qué pasó con estas personas que fueron indiferentes a las cosas de Dios? Fueron destruidas. En nuestro tiempo, lo mismo sucederá con las personas que no valoran principalmente las cosas espirituales.

¿No es cierto que este es el camino que el mundo de hoy que está andando actualmente? ¿No escuchamos noticias sobre el creciente número de personas que abandonan su religión? ¿Acaso no hay personas que ya no creen en la Biblia y llevan un estilo de vida que está en contra de ella? No hace falta decir que la sociedad actual se está yendo por el desagüe. Los valores de la gente están cambiando rápidamente al materialismo y las riquezas y también los placeres mundanos.

Especialmente hoy en día, cuando vivimos en la era de la “digitalización,” cuando tenemos herramientas increíbles para la comunicación y la difusión de información a través de Internet y las redes sociales, tales cosas, lamentablemente, están siendo mal utilizadas donde las culturas y filosofías que van en contra de la Biblia están envenenando las mentes de las personas.

Con este catalizador para el cambio siendo mal utilizado por muchos, algunas sociedades y países incluso adoptan ciertas actividades y creencias que están en contra de las enseñanzas de Dios escritas en la Biblia. Las relaciones sexuales prematrimoniales y las relaciones sexuales extramatrimoniales se están convirtiendo en una nueva normalidad en lo que respecta a la socialización. Algunos países han legalizado el matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo, el divorcio y el aborto para satisfacer la demanda de las personas interesadas.

En nuestro tiempo, la cultura popular promueve el materialismo, el comportamiento destructivo y los placeres mundanos. Dicha cultura está siendo promovida por las plataformas de las redes sociales, no porque sea por el bien de la sociedad sino por el beneficio de sus bolsillos. Las personas, especialmente los jóvenes que se convirtieron en cautivos de tal cultura, terminan siendo personas de bajos valores que no solo manifiestan violencia, crimen y similares, sino que también llevan a la ansiedad y la depresión.

Los contenidos sexuales que se encuentran en las plataformas de las redes sociales, que además son alarmantemente accesibles para cualquiera, envenenan la mente de las personas, especialmente de los jóvenes, que los llevan a realizar actos que profanan la santidad del matrimonio instituido por el Señor Dios.

Lo que hemos citado es solo un mero vistazo de la condición de colapso de la cultura de este mundo; hay muchas más. No solo estamos luchando con la crisis económica y de salud hoy en día, sino que también estamos luchando con una grave crisis moral.

Por lo tanto, debemos ser muy cautelosos con lo que vemos y escuchamos en línea. No debemos dejarnos influenciar por las malas prácticas en nuestro entorno y cultura a las que estamos expuestos. No debemos permitirnos “volvernos indiferentes a las cosas de Dios.” Debemos alcanzar la madurez cristiana. Y esto es lo que se está haciendo en la Iglesia De Cristo. Vamos a ver.

[segmento de vídeo]

Presentador 1: La pandemia avanza implacable. No se puede bajar la guardia.

Doctor: Tenemos que tener los ojos y los oídos abiertos.

Presentador 1: El país y el mundo entero están en alerta ante Omicron. El máximo contacto.

Presentadora 2: La espiral inflacionaria que estamos viendo ahora comenzó con los efectos económicos de la pandemia y luego se disparó con la guerra en Ucrania. Las proyecciones sugieren que para fines de este año en América Latina, el costo de vida aumentaría en promedio un 10% en comparación con el año anterior.

Narradora: Este es el mundo de 2022. En algunas partes, el mundo todavía está en medio de la pandemia de COVID-19. En otras partes, parece que el mundo ha avanzado, pero ¿a qué?

JR Dinogan: (en inglés) Así que estos últimos dos años, han estado sucediendo muchas cosas, ¿verdad? No solo la pandemia, sino también las tentaciones y distracciones a las que se enfrentan.

Narradora: “Ellos” son los jóvenes del mundo: los más susceptibles a cualquier influencia popular para distraer del caos que nos rodea.

Presentadora 3: En otros temas. Ponga atención y esté muy alerta. Circula nuevo reto viral en redes sociales, supuestamente practicado en un colegio de Toluca, allá en el estado de México. En él se observa cómo cae una joven que es distraída por otras dos de sus compañeras, quienes jalan sus pies con una sudadera o con una cuerda o con lo que se pueda y se dejen.

Ronald Mendoza: (en francés) Cuando estamos en las redes sociales, tendemos a compararnos con los demás y hoy en día hay tendencias actuales que a menudo no están en línea con los valores cristianos que se nos enseñan.

JR: El contenido que ven en línea ahora, definitivamente es más severo, en términos de influencia y presión de grupo,

Caroline Van Acker: Las personas de mi generación lidian de manera diferente con el estrés y las ansiedades. Algunos jóvenes intentan cosas malas e equivocadas para ayudarlos con su estrés y ansiedad.

Narradora: Pero para los miembros de la Iglesia de Cristo, se continúan brindando oportunidades para defender la verdadera cultura cristiana al mantenerse ocupados en su fe.

Narradora: Para las artes, eventos como INCinema inspiraron a equipos de cineastas de todo el mundo a crear cortometrajes que promuevan los valores cristianos.

Narradora: Exposiciones musicales como “Songs of Faith, Love and Hope” e INC Music Videos han llevado el talento a escenarios de todos los continentes. Mientras que la Hermandad Cristiana Internacional continuó sus esfuerzos para inspirar a los estudiantes universitarios a ser embajadores de su fe en sus entornos académicos.

Narradora: Las reuniones especiales y las veladas formales para las organizaciones Binhi y Kadiwa y Buklod o los miembros solteros o casados, continúan siendo esperados mientras defienden los valores cristianos cuando se trata de relaciones y matrimonio.

Narradora: Todos encabezados por las Organizaciones Familiares Cristianas, las actividades y eventos se llevaron a cabo en línea, o en persona si es posible, para mantener a nuestros jóvenes enfocados y basados en la realidad.

JD Sison: Digamos que hay como un nuevo desafío. Es posible que te presionen o incluso si no quieres hacerlo, es posible que lo hagas. Mientras que en la Iglesia pensamos más en ello primero y nos aseguramos de que esté dentro de la Biblia y de lo que enseña.

Narradora: Y este es el objetivo de las organizaciones juveniles dentro de la Iglesia De Cristo—ser el punto de recordatorio, de quiénes somos en nuestra fe, independientemente de los tiempos e independientemente de las acciones de nuestros compañeros.

JD: Muchos de ellos se están desahogando en las redes sociales. Pero yo, puedo continuar con mi deber, hablando a través de las diferentes actividades y simplemente socializando a través de esas actividades y conociendo mejor a mis compañeros Binhi.

Narradora: La celebración de eventos virtuales a través de la tecnología de videoconferencia sigue siendo un salvavidas para los jóvenes.

Caroline: (en alemán) Manteniéndose activo en las actividades del CFO, es una forma divertida de fortalecer tu fe y fortalecer el amor de la hermandad.

Narradora: Estas actividades son un recurso para continuar los estilos de vida llenos de fe que se están creando en los hogares de cada miembro de la Iglesia De Cristo.

Leslie Esguerra: Hay muchas influencias externas en este momento que pueden hacer que nuestros hijos cuestionen ciertas cosas. Pero creo que una buena crianza, una crianza sólida, liderar con el ejemplo, ser parte de la vida de sus hijos, es integral para criar a nuestros hijos a la manera cristiana en la cultura cristiana.

Narradora: Ya sea una actividad diseñada para los niños más pequeños, o aquellos que se dirigen a la universidad, las oportunidades de tutoría dentro de las Organizaciones Familiares Cristianas no pasaron desapercibidas incluso hasta ahora.

Hno. Joel San Pedro:: El peligro en muchos hoy, especialmente entre los jóvenes, cuando siguen escuchando afuera, “siguen tu corazón, siguen tu corazón,” el mismo Señor Jesucristo advirtió que del corazón sale todo tipo de inmoralidad malvada, si el corazón no está guardado, si el corazón no está lleno de las palabras de Dios. Lo más importante es que seguimos siendo verdaderos cristianos, miembros del cuerpo de Cristo, con las palabras de Dios, gobernando nuestra mente, nuestro corazón y nuestras acciones, o en otras palabras, somos cristianos, ya sea que estemos en línea o fuera de línea.

Narradora: Las actividades de la Organización Familiar Cristiana parecen divertidas en la superficie, y realmente lo son, pero también son herramientas, no solo de la Administración de la Iglesia, sino de los padres, y para cada persona que desea abundar en su fe.

Caroline: En la Iglesia, aprendimos desde nuestra infancia, que las palabras de Dios son las que deben guiarnos en nuestra vida, y no las cosas de este mundo.

Narradora: La Iglesia De Cristo sigue siendo un lugar de creciente esperanza y confianza en su fe, debido a las palabras de Dios que reciben y creen que les enseña que la mejor cultura es la cultura cristiana.

[termina del segmento]

La Administración de la Iglesia, con la ayuda de los ministros y oficiales de la Iglesia, hacen todo lo posible para llevar a los miembros de la Iglesia a la madurez, como se declara en Efesios 4:11-12:

Y designó a algunos para ser apóstoles, otros para ser profetas; algunos para ser evangelistas, otros predicadores o maestros. El objetivo común de su trabajo fue llevar a los cristianos a la madurez, prepararlos para el servicio cristiano y la edificación de la Iglesia de Cristo.

Efesios 4:11-12 Norlie’s Simplified New Testament (traducido al español)

(Norlie’s Simplified New Testament by Olaf M. Norlie. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1961)

El Señor Dios es quien designó deberes o responsabilidades en la Iglesia De Cristo. ¿A quién se refería el Apóstol Pablo, cuando dijo que Dios “designó a algunos para ser apóstoles, otros para ser profetas; algunos para ser evangelistas, otros predicadores o maestros” cuyo “objetivo común de su trabajo fue llevar a los cristianos a la madurez, prepararlos para el servicio cristiano y la edificación de la Iglesia De Cristo”? En Colosenses 1:25, también enseñó acerca de la administración de Dios que fue dada… para dar a conocer plenamente el mensaje de Dios.

Por lo tanto, Dios puso a la Administración de la Iglesia dentro de la Iglesia De Cristo para enseñar Sus palabras para que los miembros puedan ser guiados a la madurez espiritual y la salvación y para que las personas que aún no son miembros de la Iglesia escuchen la verdad y se unan a la Iglesia De Cristo.

Solo en la Iglesia De Cristo se puede sostener la verdadera cultura cristiana porque es aquí donde podemos encontrar a aquellos a quienes Dios ha confiado el entendimiento de la verdad de Sus palabras. Por lo tanto, seguimos exhortándolos, queridos amigos, a unirse a la Iglesia De Cristo donde encontrará la verdad y les llevará el camino de la verdadera madurez cristiana que llevará a la salvación.

Para que no seamos influenciados por la cultura mundana que nos rodea, sino que sigamos siendo verdaderos cristianos y estemos seguros de la salvación, debemos vivir en obediencia a la fe como se declara en I Timoteo 1:19 Last Days Bible traducido al español:

¡Continúen viviendo en obediencia a la fe! Al hacerlo, siempre tendrán la conciencia tranquila.

I Timoteo 1:19 Last Days Bible (traducido al español)

Si la convicción de la gente de sostener la cultura mundana es fuerte, debemos ser más fuertes que ellos. Debemos permanecer firmes e inquebrantables. Este mundo en el que vivimos es un campo de batalla donde luchamos por la cultura cristiana y la salvación. Debemos pelear la buena batalla al vivir la fe cristiana como se establece en I Timoteo 6:12 y 11 Last Days Bible traducido al español:

Continúen peleando la buena batalla que se debe pelear al vivir la fe cristiana. Tengan mucho cuidado, con una ferviente intensidad, de continuar aferrándose a la vida eterna, porque es Dios quién los ha llamado …

Pero tú, hombre de Dios, debes darles constantemente la espalda a estas cosas y huir de ellas. Más bien, busca constantemente todo lo que es correcto y honroso, la santidad, fe, amor, gentileza, y el tipo de paciencia que te hace aguantar.

I Timoteo 6:12 y 11 Last Days Bible (traducido al español)

Debemos dar prioridad y pelear la buena batalla al vivir la fe cristiana, especialmente este tiempo de severas dificultades y maldad. Cualquier cosa que crecimos haciendo y estamos creyendo que es contraria a las enseñanzas bíblicas enseñadas por Cristo, debemos deshacernos de ella y dejar de practicarla o seguirla ahora que somos miembros de la Iglesia De Cristo.

Y a nuestros queridos amigos, ahora que han escuchado esta verdad, tengan la firme convicción de luchar por la verdadera fe uniéndose a la Iglesia De Cristo. Cumplan lo que el Apóstol Pablo exhorta a los verdaderos cristianos a hacer para llegar a la madurez y estar seguros de la salvación cuando Cristo regrese aquí en Romanos 12:1 The Message (traducido al español):

Entonces, esto es lo que quiero que hagan, que Dios les ayude: afronten su vida cotidiana y habitual: dormir, comer, ir al trabajo, y caminar y pónganlo ante Dios como una ofrenda. Abrazar lo que Dios hace por ustedes es lo mejor que pueden hacer por Él.

Romans 12:1 The Message (traducido al español)

Que sigamos la instrucción de la Biblia: afronten su vida cotidiana y habitual… y pónganlo ante Dios como una ofrenda. Dediquemos nuestra vida y todo nuestro ser al servicio de Dios. Asegurémonos siempre de que en todo lo que hagamos, nunca desobedezcamos la voluntad de Dios.

Gracias por acompañarnos en este episodio de El Mensaje.

Para conocer más sobre la Iglesia, también los seguimos invitando a visitarnos en incmedia.org. También para ver nuestros canales de YouTube, Iglesia Ni Cristo Evangelical Mission, INC News And Updates, INCTV e INCRadio. Visiten también nuestras paginas oficiales iglesianicristo.net, incmedia.org y pasugo.com.ph. Si tienen preguntas, pueden enviarlas por correo electrónico a info@incmedia.org.

Gracias por estar con nosotros. Soy el Hermano Gilbert Zaraga.

ENGLISH:

Can Christians live in this world but not be of it?

Brother Gilbert Zaraga: Hello, dear friends and welcome to this episode of El Mensaje.

True Christians firmly believe that Christ’s Second Advent, or Judgment Day, will be coming soon. The disasters, hardships, and disease epidemics at present are among the signs that Christ gave, indicating that Judgment Day is near, as stated in Matthew 24:3, 6-8, 33 (The Last Days Bible).

True Christians must ensure that they are prepared and worthy to meet Christ on that day to receive the promised salvation.

What must Christians be careful of in order to reach salvation? The culture around them. What is culture? It is the way of life of a particular group of people—how they do and consider things.

From food, language, music, religion, relationships, behaviors, social habits, even the clothes we wear and how we wear it and what that culture believes to be right and wrong. Through modern technologies, many different cultures have been seen, experienced and practiced through the different forms of social media and media influencers. What does this mean for a true Christian because as they believe what is taught in the Bible is the truth, they also must live among other cultures that go against what is taught in the Bible?

So, now in our time of easy access through mobile devices, streaming services and media available 24/7, how much more does this impact culture in one’s life and the challenges in upholding the Christian culture taught by the Bible?

According to the Apostles, being well-adjusted to worldly culture will jeopardize the salvation of true Christians. That is what is stated in Romans 12:2 (The Message):

Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Romans 12:2 The Message

Brother Gilbert: Apostle Paul is aware that there are cultures and societies even before that do not fit with Christian culture, hence, he warned the true Christians that they should not become so well-adjusted to their culture that they fit into it without even thinking. Wherever we live, let us be aware of the culture that does not fit with the Christian culture. Why? What is dangerous about the culture of society? Apostle Paul said, “… Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, …” When we allow ourselves to be influenced by the culture or way of living of the world, it will drag down our Christian values to the level of immaturity. We need to reach Christian maturity. But why will the culture of society drag us down so as not to reach maturity?

How did the Apostles describe the culture of society in the final or last days? In II Timothy 3:1 (The Passion Translation):

But you need to be aware that in the final days the culture of society will become extremely fierce and difficult for the people of God.

II Timothy 3:1 The Passion Translation

Brother Gilbert: May you notice what Apostle Paul said regarding the last days. He said that the culture of society will become extremely fierce and as a result, this will be difficult for the people of God. Understand, dear friends, that the term “last days” refers to the time when the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is near. In Matthew 24:3, 6-8, & 33, the Apostles asked the Lord Jesus Christ when His return will take place. The Lord Jesus Christ gave signs that, when these are fulfilled, signify that the end or His return is near. Christ said that there would be a war that would be rumored or would be worldwide in scope. And the fulfillment of this is World War 1 which broke out on July 27, 1914. Hence, our time is the so-called “last days,” the time when Christ’s return is near. In this time, the Apostle Paul warned the people of God, “that in the final days the culture of society will become extremely fierce and difficult for the people of God.” It is imperative that we be aware and be careful of the culture of various societies that people practice in this world. Why will the culture of society become extremely fierce and difficult for the people of God? Let us read II Timothy 3:1 (Translation for Translators):

You need to realize that during the last days before Christ returns, evil people will make it difficult for believers to behave as they should.

II Timothy 3:1 Translation for Translators

Brother Gilbert: There is a way of life or conduct that believers should uphold or follow. But the influence of evil people or those who live sinfully can make it difficult for God’s servants to live as they should. What will be the cultural attitude of people before the second advent of Christ that true Christians must be careful of? They will be indifferent to the things of God and going about their daily business as stated by Christ in Luke 17:26-30 (The Living Bible):

“When I return the world will be as indifferent to the things of God as the people were in Noah’s day. They ate and drank and married—everything just as usual right up to the day when Noah went into the ark and the flood came and destroyed them all. “And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot: people went about their daily business—eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building—until the morning Lot left Sodom. Then fire and brimstone rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. Yes, it will be ‘business as usual’ right up to the hour of my return.

Luke 17:26-30 The Living Bible

Brother Gilbert: How did the people live in the days of Lot? “People went about their daily business—eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building—until the morning Lot left Sodom.” People’s life will be “business as usual” right up to the hour of Christ’s return.

Christ said that when He returns, the world will be indifferent to the things of God. What does that mean? People will not consider it important or necessary to believe in God, worship and serve Him, and lead a righteous life. To whom are the people in the last days likened? To the people in Noah’s day before the great flood. What did the people in Noah’s day do while being indifferent to the things of God? “They ate and drank and married—everything just as usual, right up to the day when Noah entered the ark.” Hence, what people will value are not spiritual things. They will embrace materialism and worldly pleasures that are against the will of the Lord God. Same with the people during the time of Lot—people went about their daily business—eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building—until the morning Lot left Sodom. But what happened to these people who were indifferent to the things of God? They were destroyed. In our time, the same will happen to the people who do not value primarily spiritual things.

Isn’t it true that this is the path the world today is currently trending? Don’t we hear of news about the increasing number of people who leave their religion? Aren’t there people who do not believe in the Bible anymore and uphold a lifestyle that is against it? It goes without saying that society today is clearly going down the drain. People’s values are being swiftly shifted to materialism and worldly riches and pleasures. Especially today, when we are living in the age of “digitalization” when we have amazing tools for communication and information dissemination through the internet and social media, such things, sadly, are being misused where cultures and philosophies which go against the Bible are poisoning people’s minds.

With this catalyst for change being misused by many, some societies and countries even adopt certain activities and beliefs that are against the teachings of God written in the Bible. Premarital sexual relations and extramarital sexual relations are becoming a new normal when it comes to socialization. Some countries legalized same-sex marriage, divorce, and abortion to cater the demand of people concerned. In our time, popular culture promotes materialism, destructive behavior, and worldly pleasures. Such culture is being promoted by media platforms, not because it will be for the good of society but for the benefit of their pockets. People, especially the youth who became captives of such culture end up as being people of poor values which not only manifest violence, crime, and the like, but also lead them to anxiety and depression. Sexual content found in media platforms, that are also alarmingly accessible to anyone, poisons the mind of people, especially the youth, that lead them in doing acts that desecrate the sanctity of marriage instituted by the Lord God. What we have cited is just a mere glimpse of the collapsing condition of the culture of this world—there are many more. Not only are we dealing with the economic and health crisis today, but we are also dealing with a severe moral crisis. Hence, we should be very cautious about what we see and hear online. We must not be influenced by the wrong practices in our environment and culture that we are exposed to. We must not allow ourselves to “become indifferent with the things of God.” We must reach Christian maturity.

And this is what is being done in the Church Of Christ. Let’s take a look.

News Anchor 1: The pandemic is relentless. Keeping our guard down is not allowed.

Doctor: We have to keep our ears and eyes open.

News Anchor 1: The country and the whole world is on alert for Omicron. The maximum contact.

News Anchor 2: The inflationary spiral we are seeing now began with the economic effects of the pandemic and then skyrocketed with the war in Ukraine. Projections suggest that by the end of this year in Latin America, the cost of living would rise on average by 10% compared to the previous year.

Narrator: This is the world of 2022. In some parts, the world is still in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. In other parts, it seems the world has moved on, but to what?

JR Dinogan: These past two years, a lot has been happening, right? Not only the pandemic, but also the temptations and distractions they face.

Narrator: “They” being the young people of the world: those most susceptible to any popular influence to distract from the chaos around us.

News Anchor 3: On other topics. Pay attention and be very alert. A new viral challenge circulates on social networks, supposedly practiced in a school in Toluca, there in the state of Mexico. In it you can see how a young woman falls who is distracted by two other of her companions, who pull their feet with a sweatshirt or with a rope or with whatever they can and leave.

Ronald Mendoza: When we are on social media, we tend to compare ourselves with others and today there are current trends that are often not in line with the Christian values we are taught.

JR: The content that they see online now, it definitely is more severe, in terms of influence, and peer pressure.

Caroline Van Acker: (in German) People of my generation cope differently with stress and anxieties—some young people trying wrong and bad things to help them with their stress and anxiety.

Narrator: But For members of the Church Of Christ, opportunities continue to be provided in upholding the true Christian culture by keeping busy in their faith. For the arts—events like INCinema inspired teams of filmmakers around the world to create short films that promote Christian values. Musical exhibitions such as the “Songs of Faith, Love and Hope” and INC Music Videos have brought talent to stages across the continents. While the Christian Brotherhood International continued its efforts to inspire college students to be ambassadors of their faith in their academic environments. Special gatherings and formal evenings for the Binhi and KADIWA and Buklod Organizations, or members who are single or married, continue to be looked forward to while upholding Christian values when it comes to relationships and marriage. All spearheaded by the Christian Family Organizations, activities and events were held either online, or in-person if possible, to keep our young people focused and grounded in reality.

JD Sison: So let’s say that there’s like a new challenge. You might be pressured or like even if you don’t want to do it, you might just do it. Whereas in the Church we just more—we think about it first and we just make sure that it’s within the Bible and what it teaches.

Narrator: And this is the goal of the youth organizations inside the Church, to be the point of reminder, of who we are in our faith, regardless of the times, and regardless of the actions of our peers.

JD: A lot of them are venting on social media. But me, I can just continue on with my duty, talking through the different activities and just socializing through those activities and getting to know my fellow Binhis better.

Narrator: Holding virtual events through video conference technology continues to be a lifeline for young people.

Caroline: (in German) By staying active in cfo activities. It’s a fun way to strengthen your faith and to strengthen the love of the brotherhood.

Narrator: These activities are a resource to continue the faith-filled lifestyles being created in the homes of every Church Of Christ member.

Leslie Esguerra: There are a lot of outside influences right now that can make our kids question certain things. But I think good parenting, solid parenting, leading by example, being a part of your children’s lives, is integral in bringing up our children in the Christian way in the Christian culture.

Narrator: Whether an activity designed for the youngest of children, or those headed to university, the mentorship opportunities within the Christian Family Organizations did not go unappreciated even until now.

Brother Joel San Pedro: The danger in many today, especially among the youth, when they keep hearing outside, ‘Follow your heart, follow your heart,” the Lord Jesus Christ himself warned that out of the heart comes all kinds of evil immorality, if the heart is not guarded, if the heart is not filled with God’s words.

Most important thing, we remain true Christians, members of the Body of Christ, with God’s words, ruling our mind, our heart and our actions, or in other words, we are Christians, whether we are online or offline.

Narrator: Activities of the Christian Family Organization look fun on the surface, and they truly are, but they are also tools – not only of the Church Administration, but of parents, and for each person who wishes to abound in their faith.

Caroline: I’m convinced that KADIWA members of the church of christ are less affected by negative experiences on social media, this because of their strong faith that we possess. In the church, we learned starting in our childhood, that the words of God are the ones that should lead us in our life, and not the things of this world.

Narrator: The Church Of Christ continues to be a place of growing hope and confidence in their faith due to the words of God they receive and believe in that teaches them the best culture is the Christian culture.

[end video segment]

Brother Gilbert: The Church Administration with the help of the ministers and Church officers do their best to bring the members of the Church to maturity as stated in Ephesians 4:11-12 (Norlie’s Simplified New Testament):

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.

Ephesians 4:11-12 Norlie’s Simplified New Testament

Brother Gilbert: The Lord God is the one who appointed offices or duties in the Church Of Christ. Whom was Apostle Paul referring to when he said that God “appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets; some to be evangelists, others preachers or teachers” whose objective was “to bring the Christians maturity, to prepare them for Christian service and the building up of the Church of Christ”? In Colossians 1:25 (Holman Christian Bible,) he also taught about “God’s administration that was given … to make God’s message fully known.” Therefore, God placed the Church Administration inside the Church Of Christ to teach His words so that the members may be led to spiritual maturity and salvation and for people who are not yet members of the Church to hear the truth and to join the Church Of Christ.

Only in the Church Of Christ can one uphold true Christian culture because it is here where we can find those whom God has entrusted the understanding of the truth of His words. Hence, we continue to exhort you, dear friends, to join the Church Of Christ where one will find the truth and tread the path to true Christian maturity that will lead to salvation. In order for us not to be influenced by the worldly culture around us but remain true Christians and be sure of salvation, we must live in obedience to the faith as stated in I Timothy 1:19 (Last Days Bible):

Continue to live in obedience to the faith! By doing so, you will always have a clear conscience.

I Timothy 1:19 Last Days Bible

Brother Gilbert: If the conviction of people in upholding worldly culture is strong, we should be stronger than them. We must stand firm and unshaken. This world we are living in is a battlefield where we are fighting for Christian culture and salvation. We must fight the good fight in living the Christian faith as stated in I Timothy 6:12 & 11 (Last Days Bible):

Continue to fight the good fight that must be fought in living the Christian faith. Take real care, with eager intensity, to maintain a firm grip on eternal life, because it is God who has called you into it …

But as for you, man of God, you must constantly turn your back on these things and run from them. Instead, constantly go after all that is right and honorable, after godliness, faith, love, gentleness, and the kind of patience that causes you to continue to hang in there.

I Timothy 6:12 & 11 Last Days Bible

Brother Gilbert: We must give priority to and fight the good fight in living the Christian faith, especially at this time of severe hardship and evil. Whatever we grew up doing and believing that is contrary to the biblical teachings taught by Christ, we must rid ourselves of it and no longer practice or follow it now that we are members of the Church Of Christ.

And to our dear friends, now that you have heard this truth, may you have the firm conviction to fight for the true faith by joining the Church Of Christ. May you fulfill what Apostle Paul exhorts the true Christians to do to reach maturity and be certain of salvation when Christ returns here in Romans 12:1 (The Message):

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.

Romans 12:1 The Message

Brother Gilbert: May we follow the instruction of the Bible: “Take your everyday… life … and place it before God as an offering.” Let us dedicate our life and whole being to serving God. Let us always make sure that whatever we do, we never disobey God’s will.

Thank you for joining us in this episode of El Mensaje.

To know more about the Church, we also continue to invite you to visit us at incmedia.org. Also to log on to our YouTube channels, Iglesia Ni Cristo Evangelical Mission, INC News And Updates, INCTV, and INCRadio. Also visit our official websites iglesianicristo.net, incmedia.org, and pasugo.com.ph. If you have questions, you may email them to info@incmedia.org.

Thank you for joining us. I’m Brother Gilbert Zaraga.

Finding Hope in God’s Words

What do you do when you have no hope? The Bible can help us to focus on moving forward, no matter the struggles life may throw at us and hope seems lost.

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Finding Hope in God’s Words

Host: “Don’t worry, be happy” is a mantra, or frequently-repeated slogan, that people are often encouraged to live by. But not worrying–especially when faced with a barrage of seemingly endless problems, may sometimes seem to be easier said than done. Now, for some, the overwhelming sadness brought about by their troubles might even lead them into depression, and to committing acts that are harmful to themselves or to others.

[On-screen text graphics]

Finding Hope in God’s Words

What are some of the reasons that others become depressed? And what should be our response to problems so that these will not lead us to making the wrong choices? Well, that is what we will be learning today on The Message.

[Show intro]

[On-screen text graphics]

Brother Joe Velasquez

Minister of the Gospel

Brother Joe Velasquez: Hello, I’m Brother Joe Velasquez, and with me here in our studios in the San Francisco Bay Area is Brother Richie Juatco. Hi, Brother Richie!

[On-screen text graphics]

Brother Richie Juatco

Minister of the Gospel

Brother Richie Juatco: Hi, Brother Joe! You know, depression may not be a headline grabber, but the facts speak for themselves. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 280 million people worldwide have depression. It’s a leading cause of disability and contributes to the global burden of disease.

Brother Joe: And you know, Brother Richie, it should be noted that depression isn’t the same as just being sad. At its worst, depression, brought about by the troubles that one faces, can even lead to suicide. Now, why is that so? What often becomes the state of mind of those who are dealing with many troubles?

Brother Richie: Brother Joe, to answer that question, we’re going to turn to what’s recorded in Psalm 55, and we’ll read from verse 3. It says this:

I am panic-stricken at the hostile shouts, at the shrill clamor of the wicked, for they heap trouble on me and revile me in their fury.

[Psalm 55:3 Revised English Bible]

Brother Richie: You know, when a person just like what we read here has many troubles in life, even heaps of troubles, it may lead them to be panic-stricken. Now, what exactly is panic-stricken? If we go to the dictionary in Merriam-Webster, it says “too frightened to think or act normally.” So when one is—like what the Bible says—panic-stricken, they may not be thinking rationally. In such a state of mind, they may also do things [that] rational people would not normally consider doing, and that would include doing things that might be harmful even to themselves.

Brother Joe: Now, that’s true, Brother Richie. In fact, there are those who make wrong decisions that don’t solve their problems but really only make them worse. Others might turn to vices in an attempt to escape the reality of their situation, even becoming addicted to alcohol or drugs. Others may fall in with bad companions, and others, sadly, even go so far as to take their own lives. Now, what may others be feeling when they’re facing problems which may lead to them becoming panic-stricken? And what is the best way for anyone to respond when they feel overwhelmed by their problems?

Brother Richie: Brother Joe, we’ll read now II Corinthians 4:8-9. Here it says:

We are pushed hard from all sides. But we are not beaten down. We are bewildered. But that doesn’t make us lose hope. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.

[2 Corinthians 4:8-9 The Living Bible]

Brother Richie: So what’s the right way to handle problems? We should handle it this way, the way that the apostles handled it. Why is it that it’s so important that we’re learning this? Because dear friends, perhaps there might be some watching this that might be feeling at this moment the same way—that you might have all these problems, you might feel that you’re also being pushed hard from all sides.

Is there any hope for depression?

Brother Richie: There are some that might feel confused, bewildered as if you’re getting knocked down. You may be deep in depression because you might feel that there’s no solution to what is troubling you. But is there any hope for those who are experiencing depression? There is.

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Finding Hope in God’s Words

The Bible teaches us that the problems we face shouldn’t make us lose hope. How can we identify those who have a positive outlook on life and are hopeful even in the midst of trouble? We read, they “get up again and keep going.”

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Brother Joe Velasquez

Minister of the Gospel

Brother Joe: You know, all of us have our own individual burdens that we carry. Maybe others are dealing with financial hardship because of a loss of a job or income. Others may be coping with grief because of the loss of a loved one. And there are those who might even be in poor health or diagnosed with a terminal illness. Still, others may be getting bullied or struggling with school life. And there may even be those among you dear viewers who have been victims of great injustice. So you might be thinking that staying hopeful in your situation and always making the right decisions is unrealistic. But what does God want to teach us to do so that we won’t make the wrong choices in dealing with our problems?

Brother Richie: Since we want to know what God is teaching us, Brother Joe, we turn again to His words written in the Bible. We’ll read Deuteronomy 30:15 and 19. He says this.

See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity.

[Deuteronomy 30:15 New Revised Standard Version]

Now I call the sky and the earth to be witnesses that I am offering you this choice. Will you choose for the Lord to make you prosperous and give you a long life? Or will he put you under a curse and kill you? Choose life!

[Deuteronomy 30:19 Contemporary English Version]

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Brother Richie Juatco

Minister of the Gospel

Brother Richie: We can see that our God, here, He does give us this choice and we are all filled with different choices and decisions that we should make. Now we understand not all decisions have the same weight. There are some that are of lesser impact to us, like deciding what color, tie or shoes to wear. And by the way, very good choice on the tie you’re wearing today, Brother Joe!

Brother Joe: Thank you, Brother Richie!

Brother Richie: But also there are heavier decisions in our life that might be life decisions, literally life and death. When such situations arise, what is it that God is instructing us to do? We read from the Bible, God said, “Choose life!”

Brother Joe: You know, that’s very important, Brother Richie, because choosing life goes hand in hand with choosing prosperity and blessings from God. That’s in contrast to making choices that would lead to death, adversity, and even God’s curse. So it’s only normal for all people to want prosperity in God’s blessings, especially if they’re experiencing problems that might bring them depression. So how do we choose life?

Brother Richie: Well, since we read 15, we ended at 19, let’s just continue to verse 20–Deuteronomy 30:20–to find out how to choose life. It says here:

Love the Lord your God, obey him and be loyal to him. This will be your way of life, and it will mean a long life for you in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

[Deuteronomy 30:20 God’s Word]

Brother Richie: How is it that we choose life according to what we’ve read, it says, obey God. How should we obey Him? It says, “be loyal to him.” What would we prove if we do that? It proves that we love Him. A good result from handling our problems the right way. It will give us hope because as we read, it will give us long life. The longest life is eternal life, which is there in the Holy City.

[On-screen text graphics]

Finding Hope in God’s Words

Brother Joe: And dear friends, the burdens you carry in your heart may have you feeling down, but these should never be a reason for anyone to do anything that would be harmful to themselves. We know that obedience to God’s commandments offers us a ray of hope, especially if we feel like our life is overshadowed by troubles. Obeying God is how we show that we choose life and God’s blessings. But what is a commandment of God that must be obeyed by everyone to prove that they are indeed choosing life?

Brother Richie: So, we said choosing life is obeying God’s command. So, what is one of the commands you asked that we should do? Let’s read here in I Corinthians 6:20, it says here:

You were God’s expensive purchase, paid for with tears of blood, so by all means, then, use your body to bring glory to God!

[I Corinthians 6:20 The Passion Translation]

Brother Richie: What is a commandment that we should follow so it shows we are choosing life? We use our body to bring glory to God! That’s choosing life because, of course, we cannot use our bodies to bring glory to God if we’re dead.

Brother Joe: You know, that’s right, Brother Richie. And since those who can still fulfill this commandment of God are those who are still alive, still capable of using their bodies, what do the apostles teach us to do with our body?

Brother Richie: We can read what God teaches us, through the apostles, here, in I Thessalonians 5:23:

I pray that God, who gives peace, will make you completely holy. And may your spirit, soul and body be kept healthy and faultless until our Lord Jesus Christ returns.

[1 Thessalonians 5:23 Contemporary English Version]

Brother Richie: The Bible teaches us that we should keep our body–together with our soul and spirit, as we read earlier–healthy. One who keeps their body healthy doesn’t do anything which would bring harm to their body and health. Like, for example, abusing drugs or alcohol or inflicting harm on their body. Or even worse, taking their own life or even attempting suicide. Now, why is it that we say that? Because others are asking, is suicide a sin? Well, the Bible teaches us in I John 3:4 that sin is a transgression of God’s law.

Now, since keeping ourselves healthy, what we just read, is in accordance with God’s law, then taking one’s life is a violation of God’s law. And thus, yes, it is a sin against God. Those who choose to end their life will only make problems worse, for they would fall under God’s curse. They would not be able to reverse that, and they would fail to enter the Holy City promised by God.

What do you do when you have no hope?

Brother Joe: And dear friends, it might be that there are many who are feeling hopeless and think that life has nothing more to offer them. Indeed, according to the World Health Organization, there are more than 700,000 people who die every year due to suicide. But surrendering to depression and losing the will to live is not the solution to our problems.

Now, we know that others might be saying that they are not engaging in any self-destructive behaviors or entertaining any thoughts of doing harm to themselves, but they are, however, filled with depression. Dear friends, is depression a sin? And what should give us inspiration to carry on, even though we are facing many problems in this life?

Brother Richie: Brother Joe, we do know that we’re all facing problems. Inspiration that we need is what we can read here, in II Corinthians 4:18. What is the instruction of the Bible even if we have a lot of problems? It says this:

So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

[II Corinthians 4:18 The Living Bible]

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Finding Hope in God’s Words

Brother Richie: The instruction of the Bible that gives us inspiration, actually says, don’t look at what you can see right now. What is it that we can see right now? It says, “the troubles all around us.” So what are we supposed to look at? It says, “look forward to the joys.” Why should we look there? It says, because that “will last forever.” The troubles we face, we understand, they’re not just going to disappear. They might continue tomorrow and beyond. But what we should not do is dwell on our problems. We don’t expect the bills to just disappear, right, we know that. But the Bible teaches us we shouldn’t just focus on that, the troubles all around us. What we should do, instead, according to the Bible, is we should focus our minds on what is ahead. What is ahead? The joys in heaven. Why is it that we should focus on that? As we mentioned, that is what’s going to last forever. How about the problems we’re experiencing now? It says, “The troubles will soon be over.”

Brother Joe: And you know, Brother Richie, this is what should give us inspiration to go on, even though at times it may seem that the problems keep coming one after another. You know, these temporary troubles in this life, they do have an end, dear viewers. And the sadness that we feel in this life because of them we know will be replaced with eternal joy in the kingdom of heaven.

Perhaps what’s causing others to feel depressed is, well, they’re thinking there’s no one who they can turn to, who will understand their problems and really be able to help them. Now, why is that the best time for us to approach God in prayer? Can prayer help with depression? And what should we ask from God so that we can overcome all our troubles and problems in this life? You know, we can read here in the teaching of the Holy Bible and Psalm 57:1-3. The answer that all of us should listen to, and this is what stated:

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful, because I come to you for safety. In the shadow of your wings I find protection until the raging storms are over. I call to God, the Most High, to God, who supplies my every need. He will answer from heaven and save me; he will defeat my oppressors. God will show me His constant love and faithfulness.

[Psalm 57:1-3 Good News Translation]

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Brother Joe Velasquez

Minister of the Gospel

Brother Joe: Dear viewers, when nothing seems to be going right, [and] you find yourself sinking into depression, well, we know that prayer is of great benefit in not only finding comfort and peace of mind, but in receiving that genuine and lasting help that only God can provide.

And what will God do for His obedient servants who call upon Him and put their trust in Him by means of their prayers? Well, we know that He will protect them and save them. “What if we’re experiencing severe hardship?” Others may say. Well, dear viewers, the Bible teaches that God can supply our every need. So what then should we ask from God for us to be able to overcome our troubles? We should ask Him to be merciful to us, to show us His constant love. And what can we be certain of if we will do so? Well, according to the Bible, He will answer our prayers.

[On-screen text graphics]

Brother Richie Juatco

Minister of the Gospel

Brother Richie: For our fellow brethren inside the Church Of Christ who might be experiencing depression, or who might know someone who is, let us draw inspiration from the teachings of the Bible, that our troubles in this life, it won’t last forever; there is an eternal joy in heaven awaiting God’s servants who remain loyal and obedient to Him.

[On-screen text graphics]

Visit: www.incmedia.org

And for our dear friends who are still learning about the Church, and want to learn more about God’s teachings which do give us hope and inspiration amidst the problems of this life, we invite you to continue your studies with us in this program and through our diverse content on incmedia.org and on streaming platforms.

Brother Joe: On behalf of all of us here at The Message, we would like to thank you for joining us today in our study of God’s words. We hope that you will continue to watch this and the other programs of the Iglesia Ni Cristo or Church Of Christ. Before we go, please do join us for a short prayer.

Dear God, most merciful and loving Father in heaven, we thank You from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to receive Your message today. May Your teachings continue to serve as a source of our strength, inspiration, and hope, so that even though we face many problems and difficulties in life, we will find joy always in obedience to Your teachings and Your commands.

It may be that some of our viewers are encountering great suffering in this life—frustration, sadness and loneliness. We know that You are our only hope, Dear God. May You help us, so that we may overcome all of these things, we will be guided by Your will in making the right choices in our life, for us to receive your blessings as we journey in this world, and most importantly for us to be confident and certain of receiving the spiritual blessings You have reserved for all of us.

Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon You, may You bring our humble supplications unto our Father. Kindly ask Him to extend His compassion to all of us, especially to those who are in dire need of His help, those who may be experiencing depression, who may even have entertained thoughts of harming themselves, so that they will be able to receive the renewed strength that comes from Him to go on in their journey in this life.

O, Father in Heaven, may You continue to maintain our firm connection with Administration You have placed in Your holy Church. Guide and inspire them with Your Holy Spirit, so we may all be brought to the right way of serving your holy Name. It’s our confidence, O God, that You have heard our prayers, and that You will always be with us as we continue on in our journey in this life, for we ask and receive all of these things all through the name of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Something Was Missing in My Life

Searching for a connection to God, Emani had biblical questions no one could seem to answer. In college, an old friend helps her find her way to the truth.

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I Knew Something Was Missing in My Life

Emani Thornton: In elementary school I used to go to the library and pick out Bibles and just read them on my own. Inside the Baptist churches, they will usually tell you a scripture and then give you a story that will go along with it, a personal story that doesn’t really connect or resonate with my life. I mean, I know I [was] just six but I tried to find meaning in it myself because I couldn’t understand what preachers were talking about.

[Show open]

My name is Emani Thornton. I’m 24 years old. I was born in Lexington, Kentucky. I was raised by a single mother. I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with my mom because she worked. Because of that, I guess I would be known as a latchkey kid. It was my responsibility to take care of my brother, bring him home from school, cook us meals, make sure our homework [was] done.

Missing A Connection

We didn’t really go to church. My mom, though, she was born African American Methodist. So that was definitely influenced in our household. But nothing really that stuck. I would ask my mom to take me to church every other Sunday. I kept going back so much when I was younger. And to someone else, it may sound like, “Oh she was really into it.” No, I couldn’t really find the answers that I was looking for. It just felt like I was being told a story. Nothing felt genuine and more of all, I didn’t feel a connection to God.

Even while I was going from church to church, I used to go to the library and pick out Bibles and just read them on my own. Inside the Baptist churches, they will usually tell you a scripture and then give you a story that will go along with it, a personal story, that doesn’t really connect or resonate with my life. I [tried] to find meaning in it myself, because I couldn’t understand what preachers were talking about. I would ask what a verse meant. And I would just keep getting another story about everyday life. Nothing that was really biblical.

Even at a young age, I could feel that I was missing something in my spirit. And I knew I was missing a connection to God. And I was searching already for a way to reconnect.

Reconnecting

I met my friend, JL, in 8th grade Civics class. There was a project coming up and the teacher paired us together. And we just instantly hit it off. We actually went to separate high schools and saw each other again in college where we reconnected. He introduced me to a lot of his friends who were from [the] Church. And I thought they were really cool. And ultimately, after a while, he invited me to an evangelical mission, where I just got to listen.

At that time, I would have considered myself agnostic. I know God was out there. And I didn’t want to be considered Christian by the standards of the people who were around me because I didn’t agree with them. I didn’t want to be associated with a church that didn’t truly praise God the way that He was meant to be praised.

The Answer I Needed

Inside the Church Of Christ nothing was answered with a personal anecdote. If there was ever a question it was read in the next verse. So I don’t think I ever asked a question because it was always answered right away.

When I learned about the Apostasy, and how that separated a lot of people from the true Church, that gave me the answer I was looking for of what I felt that there was a disconnect in my life.

The Closest I Felt To God

Being a part of the Church Of Christ was something that I was meant to do. I started out in Virginia Beach, and my baptism was going to be in Maryland. That was probably the closest that I felt to God during my entire journey and during my entire search.

The Church Of Christ offered love [and] support. I just found a meaning to my life. It wasn’t until I found the Church Of Christ where I felt like, my life has a direction and a purpose. And it’s to serve God.

I hold a lot of responsibilities in the Church. It continues to push me to work harder. And honestly, it gives me a lot of happiness and fulfillment. I just hope that I can continue to make my God proud because when I am successful, I make it known that it wasn’t me, I always return the glory to Him. I never boast about anything that I do. I just hope it inspires people to open up their heart and to let God work through that like He has for me.

[Show close]

Thanking My College Counselor

Podcast: Play in new window

Our ‘Thank You Series’ continues, and in this episode, Jan says thank you to her college counselor who believed in her and changed the course of her life nearly 20 years ago.

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Thanking My College Counselor

Aliw Pablo: Hi, Jan.

Jan Valerio: Hello.

Aliw Pablo: Can you believe it? You finally made it on the Making Changes podcast.

Jan Valerio: I know. (singing) Some people wait a lifetime for moments like this.

Aliw Pablo: I didn’t know there was a singing contest on the podcast.

Jan Valerio: That’s why they won’t ever let me man a podcast. But now that I have the chance I’m going to sing.

Aliw Pablo: This is Jan, a senior producer here at INC Media. And today, she’s gonna thank someone who she hasn’t seen in nearly 20 years.

Aliw Pablo: Yes, do whatever you like. So tell us who are we talking to today?

Jan Valerio: Today we’re talking to Sheldon TaKwata, who I like to call Mr. T. He was my college guidance counselor. And he was the one who helped me dream myself out of Kalihi. A small town in Hawaii. I never thought I was gonna leave the islands.

Aliw Pablo: From INC Media Audio, this is Making Changes, a podcast about the changes we go through and the life lessons we learn along the way…always with God by our side. I’m your host, Aliw Garcia Pablo. Welcome to season2! Whether you’re listening to this while driving, working out or walking the dog, we’re so glad you’re choosing to spend your time with us! So we’re starting this season with a “Thank you Series” – it’s basically surprise phone calls or video calls to people who have made a positive change in someone’s life, and it’s a chance to say thank you.

And today it’s Jan’s turn, who was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and we’re calling her community college counselor Mr. Sheldon Tawata, also from Hawaii.

Aliw Pablo :Are you nervous about seeing him? When was the last time you saw him?

Jan Valerio: I know last time I saw him was when I left Kapiolani Community College. But yeah, he helped me to reach my goals. Having the opportunity to say thank you to him. It’s actually kind of exciting.

Aliw Pablo: So in one sentence, How did Mr. T change your life, you think?

Jan Valerio: How did he change my life? He changed my life in a way where there were I could see opportunities. I really started taking school seriously after I met him.

Aliw Pablo: Okay, well, I think it’s time let’s, let’s go ahead and see if Mr. T is online.

Jan Valerio: Okay, I hope he remembers me. It’s been a long time.

Aliw Pablo: All right. Let’s see if Mr. T is on. Thanks, Jan.

Jan Valerio: Thank you. Thank you for making this happen, Making Changes podcast.

Aliw Pablo: Hi, Sheldon. How are you? Thank you so much, Sheldon, for agreeing to do this, you know?

Sheldon Tawata: No, it’s my pleasure. Oh my gosh.

Aliw Pablo: Yeah. Were you surprised though, that you get a random call about a former student from years and years ago?

Sheldon Tawata: You know what you told me the year? I couldn’t believe it was that long ago but it still, seems like yesterday, we’re sitting in an office together trying to figure out her leaving Oahu. Which is mind blowing still. think as you probably know, any youth leaving Hawaii, that’s a huge, huge step, but huge.

Aliw Pablo: Yeah. Jan refers to coming to California as coming to America. Because, you know, the mainland for her is America. You know, moving to… Yeah, it’s a big step. It’s a big step. Well, without further ado, here’s your former student, Jan Valerio. Jan, come say hi.

Jan Valerio: Good morning, Mr. T!

Sheldon Tawata: Oh, my God!

Jan Valerio: This guy is the man.

Sheldon Tawata: So leading up to this day, you know how images come up in your mind? You think, Okay, this student did this, or this student did that. And I don’t know why this image stuck in my mind. And this could be true Jan form. But she probably won’t remember this. But when she was at KCC she would have her scooter on campus.

Jan Valerio: Yes.

Sheldon Tawata: And go from one class to the next. I thought, too. Is she that lazy? And just joking?

Jan Valerio: No, that’s true.

Sheldon Tawata: But I thought there was no one, no one on campus that did that. And so when I saw that, I thought, That’s Jan, you know, didn’t really,

Sheldon Tawata: That’s the true Jan form. Like she is who she is she is going to do what she’s going to do. She doesn’t care what other people think. That’s Jan.

Jan Valerio: Yes, Mr. T, yes, I did have a scooter. I can’t believe you remember that?

Jan Valerio: I barely remember that. But now that you bring it up, I’m like, Yes, I did scooter on campus all the time. So I wanted to thank you, Mr. T. for being part of this podcast when Aliw said that the theme of the podcast was a Thank You series. You were the first person that popped into my head.

Sheldon Tawata: Oh, my goodness.

Jan Valerio: Because I’m being honest with you. Every time I find myself, in a spot where I’m like, man, you know, I’m in a good spot in my life. I love what I do. I always think back to how Mr. T believed in me, because I have to, I don’t remember, if I told you who I was in high school, I wasn’t a good student, I did the minimum. And when you’re doing the minimum, the teachers I grew up with, they would say things like, “you know, if you don’t have good grades, you can’t go to college.” “If you don’t have good grades, you can’t go to even a vocational school, you can’t do this, you can’t get a good job.” So in my head, I was always thinking, there’s no opportunities for me because I, I wasn’t motivated. My outlook was small. So the only thing people were telling me was like, go to community college. But my grades and my confidence were so low that I was thinking, what if a community college doesn’t even accept me? Until one day during the summer before transitioning to KCC (Kapiolani Community College.) There was a little dream in my heart, like I had bought a camera. And I was starting to film things and putting things together. I was like, this is interesting, maybe, maybe there’s something for me here in broadcasting, or I knew I had to do broadcasting or film. And then I remember walking around campus, (Audio fades)

ALIW VO: It all began with a flyer that Jan saw on one of the campus bulletin boards that had a happy face on it that made her go see a counselor. That’s how she first Mr. Sheldon Tawata who encouraged her to check out SF or San Francisco State University to pursue a major in Broadcast Journalism.

JAN: And you said, “Have you heard of SF State? I said, “No, but that sounds fancy.” And then you said, and then you said, “I actually came from there.” And I looked at you with bright eyes. And I was like, Oh, this guy came from the mainland, he knows he has experience he can teach me. So you’re giving me this whole two year plan for me all these classes to take. And then at the end, it was kind of overwhelming for me, This was the first time you even looked at me. And you’re like, Jan, this requires some hard work. I looked at you and I said, “Okay, you think I can do this?” And then you said, “Can, Jan, can.” And then I said, this is the first time anyone has ever told me, “can,” because in high school, they said “can’t.” But after talking to you, and you said, “Can” I was like, maybe, maybe there’s hope here. And then I walked out of that of your office thinking. Maybe it’s just today I feel motivated. But then you emailed me and you said, Hey, how’s it going? Come to me once a week, so we can make sure you’re on the right plan. So I started coming in once a week.

ALIW VO: And from there, what began as once a week counseling session, became 3x a week for Jan. Everytime Jan had challenges with her classes and felt like giving up, Mr T would tell her “just stick to it, Jan” and he even found a tutor for her for classes that she was struggling with. And when it came to financial aid assistance, he helped her fill out all the required paperwork and even told her what to expect once she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Jan: “…where you’re going to live Jan?” And I said, “I don’t know.” And you said, “I used to live in Westlake it’s foggy there. But it’s okay. And it’s close to SFC, you can take the BART.” I was like, “What is BART?” They don’t have Aloha the bus? And then you said, “No, I may have BART it’s like a train” and I said, “I’ll take that train, mister?” You’re like, “yes.” Like you never sounded annoyed. You’re so encouraging. And then you just, you just helped me. And it’s, what…20 years later, I always think back to how blessed I’ve been in being able to have this career. I work in nonprofit. We work for Christian media. And it’s been such a blast – this journey, doing the job that I love being able to have the college degree to help in this type of meaningful work. So I’m thankful to you. And I actually this is very full circle for me, Mr. T, because Aliw is actually the one who introduced me to this type of work. So she was the one who planted the seed in my heart, and you’re the one who helped me execute it. And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that you went to SF State, I feel like it was all aligned, and God made it happen this way. And to think I never thought that I was going to leave the islands. I never thought I was going to leave Kalihi. But God had other plans. And He allowed me to cross paths with Aliw and you. So I’m thankful actually, to both of you.

Sheldon Tawata: You know, what’s amazing about that story is I always, I don’t know, maybe this is the reason why I’m on high blood pressure medicine because every time I meet with students, I want to make sure that they are doing the best for themselves. And the thing for me, even as a parent, you want to intervene, you want to dare I say control, because you just want to make sure that folks are living a healthy and fruitful life. And so to be on the sidelines, I gotta tell you, super stressful. And so when you mentioned “Hey Mr. T I think I want to go to the mainland.” I was like, “Okay, let’s go.” But my palms are sweaty, and my blood pressure’s high. But in my but I think like with all of us, there’s this degree of faith, right? You just have to just kind of believe. But the fact that you’re in this place right now makes me so unbelievably happy. Because the thing that I feel people don’t know what they have inside themselves is resiliency. And that goes a long way. And so Jan, if you think if you can think back to the moment, not the moment you bought your… Well, let’s think back to that point. Think back to the moment you bought your plane ticket. Was it a one way ticket or two-way? Was it a round trip or one way?

Jan Valerio: It was one way.

Sheldon Tawata: What did that feel like?

Jan Valerio: Honestly, I was scared. Because like I said, like you even mentioned, this is a new place. This is why I’m leaving everything I know. And do they even speak my language too? Will they understand Pidgin? Will I learn English? But…

Jan Valerio: But yeah, like, buying that plane ticket was scary because it is a leap of faith. But I kept thinking, you know, God brought me to this point. Mr. T believed in me. But you know, there was a time where I was here after six months, and it was foggy an d I was like, “Ha, I’m gonna go home. I know more money for my financial aid is running out.” But I’m gonna come home as a loser. Nah. I don’t like come home as a loser. You know, I’m gonna stick it out. I’m gonna stick it out.

Sheldon: So at your six month point, like what made you push through?

What really pushed me to stay. I was able to get a tuition waiver for SF State that allowed me to pay my tuition. I went to the registrar’s office to see how much it would cost because my family was having financial difficulties at the time too. I’m waiting for some crazy amount. And they the lady at the registrar’s office said $3, and I was like, what?” $3! I said these four full time classes. And she was like, yeah, $3 and Mr. T, I kid you not, I had $5 in my pocket. And I gave it to her. I didn’t question her or anything. I went home…

Sheldon Tawata: And you got change back then.

Jan Valerio: I got change back. When I went home, I checked my status online. And it said that I got a tuition waiver, which is something I don’t remember signing up for how I got to this day, but I do know that it was through my prayers, because I kept praying and I said, you know, God, should I stay or should I go, and this was a clear sign for me to stay. And so, being at this point right now, I’m like, after that I was like, I just gotta keep going. I just gotta keep going. Because the signs were clear, like having you helped me. And then once I was here in SF, having that tuition waiver, it was like, all signs point to “yes.”

Sheldon Tawata: Oh my gosh. So as you probably know, I’m still working with youth. So this past August, I think I will make 20 or 21 years at KCC.But in the mean, there’s what’s neat about my job, everyone has a story to tell and what makes being in my profession such a gift is that I get to hear everyone’s story. But what always fills me is when they talk about it. s word up again, as resiliency when I hear their story of how they’ve overcome all these challenges and just kind of push through. It’s just simply amazing. It’s just I can on a deeper level understand because I too, similarly, I went to Roosevelt High School, I wasn’t supposed to graduate. I was told to go rake leaves instead of go to class. I was told I’m better off just hanging out in the vice principal’s office versus the classroom. I understand what it feels like to be told you can’t do this. Understand that attention is sometimes taken away from you because you don’t shine like the others. But to me, I just have this heart felt natural connection for those who have to fend for themselves, who have to dig for resources, because it’s almost a survival thing. And to watch them struggle, which is very uncomfortable for me. But to then see them succeed is like the best gift ever. And so, knowing that, when…

Jan Valerio: You say it’s a gift for you, it’s also like a gift that keeps on giving. And like, like, it’s been years, but I still remember you. And every time I think of you, I’ve always I always think you have been such a great blessing in my life. And it’s, I’m always an advocate when younger people are like I’m lost or whatever. I’m like, talk to your college counselor. Talk to your guidance counselor. But yeah, talk to someone, talk to someone. It helps.

Jan Valerio: Yes, yes. Thank you, Mr. T.

Sheldon Tawata: It’s my pleasure. And oh, my goodness, this couldn’t have been a better day… better year. You know, this is just amazing.

Sheldon Tawata: Thank you. Again, I can’t thank you both enough for this opportunity to be here.

Aliw Pablo: Well, I’m just going to jump in. I know Jan’s really modest and she’s not going to tell you these things, but coming from Kalihi, Jan has traveled the world just to find stories to tell. We’ve gone to South Africa, we’ve done documentaries there. We’ve gone all over Asia. We’ve gone we’ve gone to Australia, and maybe after this Jan was shared with you, but coming from Kalihi, a girl who doesn’t really speak English. She’s actually our producer. She’s our senior producer for one of our shows called Faith Speaks and it’s basically a TED talks for young people. And, you know, she helps write and coach them, helps do their story arcs and mold their stories and so, yeah, she’s really come a long way. And what she’s been able to contribute to the world, to us here at INC Media and to the people whose stories she’s told you know, that’s the impact from you, making time, sitting down with her a couple times a week, and making sure she worked hard and got the sand out of her hair. And just went to work. But what I wanted to ask Mr. T, see, I’m gonna call you, Mr. T now, is that OK?

Sheldon Tawata: That’s totally fine.

Aliw Pablo: Okay…you mentioned that you’ve been doing this now for over 20 years? What is it that keeps you mentoring and helping students like Jan, and those who are lost and helping, carry them, and telling them, “look can, can, can,” you know, and just giving those three letters makes such a huge difference?

Sheldon Tawata: You know, I truly feel that we have this, we have this huge bank of change agents. And some people know it, some people don’t know it. But I feel like every person I meet, they have the ability to make this place, make this world a whole lot better in whatever, whatever contributions they make, be it in media, sport, whatever. And I think when I see that spark happen, like in Jan’s case, when she just kind of saw the potential that’s out there, that, to me, is the motivation. And to see that as my job, I mean, if you can imagine my job is to see people grow into the person that they want to be. And I think that’s what keeps me going. And, Jan, I know, were you and your sister the first in your family to go to college? Did your parents go?

Jan Valerio: Yes, we’re the first. My sister went to college, and my mom was like, “are you gonna go to college? Are you gonna make something of yourself?” And I was like, “I don’t know.” But yeah, it was a big deal.

Sheldon Tawata: Yes, even though I still meet with youth today, where that conversation at the dinner table doesn’t happen, like, what do you, what do you see yourself five years from now? Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? I think the conversation is more, how I am going to pay the bill tomorrow. And so to hear that, I mean, it crushes your heart. But when you see those that just work hard. They embrace reality, and then they try to make that shift. Yeah, that’s what keeps me going.

Aliw Pablo: And also, to your point that the conversations happening at the dinner table isn’t so much about college, but rather, how are we going to pay the bills? In fact, there’s studies right, that show that less and less kids after, during because of the pandemic, or going to college, because of the financial strains that pandemic has brought to families. How different or how much more challenging is it today to work with students because of how much of the world has changed also, higher rates of depression and things like that, mental health compared to almost 20 years ago, during Jan’s class?

Sheldon Tawata: Certain things are just totally changing. It’s becoming okay, now, how do I redefine everything? Now I, because I don’t know what the future truly looks like. And so to me, conversations I had with Jan are very different now because it’s more, how are you able to reshape the next, the next move or how you better reshape what your next plan is going to be? Folks always had the ability. But now more than ever, you have the ability to be even a huge change agent because you can rewrite the script now.And so knowing your tools that you have, whatever passion that you have, how can you make it your own now because again, you can write your own script, And to see them struggle with that it’s still stressful. But to see them come up with possible solutions is also exciting. I mean, I only saw Jan, up until like, maybe her third year of college. And after that, it’s like I had to let her go, I had to let her kind of venture, I gotta let her fly. And then it’s like, Okay, I hope she’s gonna be okay. And so that’s hundreds of students like that. It’s like, okay, I have to let them go. And then just see how they do. But I always tell them, I’m always on the sidelines for you. And if you ever need to come back to reconnect, to just be a soundboard, I’m more than happy to just kind of hear your story. But that part of even now watching them take flight, in light of everything that’s happening in this world– but also kind of a joy to see what they’re going to do.

Aliw Pablo: As a counselor, what would be your advice to students who may be listening to this, but maybe they don’t have a guidance counselor to help them. But what would be your advice for the first step in them wanting to create a change to start their future?

Sheldon Tawata: Talk to Jan and own a scooter. Nah, just joking. That seems to be the secret. But, I think it would be…talk to someone, it may not have to be a, like a college counselor or guidance counselor or whatever, but someone you trust, someone that, you know, won’t pass judgment. And having that space where you can lay out all your ideas on the table, and just have a dialogue. I think that’s where it starts. Because then you’re then in a place where you are, again, free of judgment, and you’re just kind of flowing with your thoughts. And then I think that’s a start.

Aliw Pablo: Would you say that God put Mr. T in your life for a reason? When you look at the path that God has laid out for you, how much of it was divine guidance, you think?

Jan Valerio: Oh, definitely. I prayed a lot about my future. And I remember the moment I was inspired to do the work that I wanted to do. I started praying and that’s when I met Mr. T. And I believe God sent him there. He was a blessing in my life. God put him there.

Aliw Pablo: Well, this was so awesome. I want to thank you both. And you know, Mr. T, when she spoke about you, she just had such, you know, like, a glimmer in her eyes and so you should have seen her eyes when I said, hey, guess what he called back. He’s got to be on this show. So you know, you said she’s made your day, she’s made your year. I think for Jan, it’s even more so, huh, Jan? This is your dream. This was your dream, number one to be on the podcast. And number two, to get Mr. T on.

Jan Valerio: Mr. T, I always work behind the camera behind the scenes. I think they think I’m a liability or something when I’m on so, now I’m on!

Aliw Pablo: You can attest to that of all people right, Mr. T?.

Jan Valerio: And I’m so excited to share this platform to be able to thank you because you’re not I know when I left. I said thank you. I emailed you when I left. I said thank you. Maybe five years afterwards, I emailed you again. And I was like, thank you. But I think I will never we’ll never stop being thankful for what you’ve done for me. Like I said before, in high school. There were a lot of can’ts. You were the only one who said “can.”

Sheldon Tawata: Thank you so much, Jan. This is very special. Thank you. Thank you.

Jan: Thank you Making Changes for making this happen!

Aliw Pablo: Special Thanks to Mr T and Jan, for being part of our thank you series. Gosh, this episode just goes to show what a difference one person can make in changing someone’s life.

So if you have a “Mr T” that you’d like to thank for making a change in your life, send us a message on our Making Changes instagram account. We’d love to hear from you and maybe even have you both on the show!

If you enjoyed what you heard today, please share it with a friend and we’d greatly appreciate it if you can leave a review on whatever platform you’re listening from. Be sure to subscribe to Making Changes to stay up to date with new episodes. For more inspiring content or to learn more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo Church of Christ, log on to incmedia.org or download the INC Media app.

Thanks for listening. And may your change uplift you.

Were Homosexuals Made in God’s Image Too?

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What does “God’s image” refer to? Were we all made in God’s image, including homosexuals? Did God make us perfect? You asked, the Bible answers.

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Were Homosexuals Made in God’s Image Too?

Brother Bob Pellien: As Christians, we believe that we were all made in God’s image, but some ask us, “Does that also include homosexuals? Were they also made in God’s image?”

Hello, everyone. Welcome to That’s In The Bible where the basis of the teachings here in the Church Of Christ is first and foremost, the Bible, the Holy Scriptures. And we want to clarify, as we regularly do, that the Bible does not answer just any and all questions, but regarding proper worship, right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation. Those answers are most definitely here in the Holy Bible.

[On-screen logo graphic]

That’s in the Bible!

Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program, That’s In The Bible.

[On-screen text graphics]

Brother Bob Pellien

Minister of the Gospel

Brother Bob: On a recent episode, we addressed some questions about homosexuality, and gender identity, as well as same sex marriage. Today, we’ll be answering a viewer’s question about the nature of people, continuing though in the context of our community members who are homosexual. Patrick emailed and asked, “In Genesis, doesn’t God say He ‘made man in our likeness?’ What does that mean?” That’s from Patrick in Calgary.

Well, we thank you very much, Patrick, for your question. And what it means to be created in God’s likeness, well, it’s important for all of us to understand. Understanding this will also answer similar questions that we received like: “Were homosexuals made in God’s image too?” Remember, God is perfect. Therefore, does this mean God made us perfect as we are, since we’re in and created in His image? So, in today’s discussion, we’ll be learning more about being created in God’s image from these points of question like: “In what way were we created in God’s image?” And, “Did God make us perfect?” And, “What are the consequences of not upholding the image we were created in?”

So, dear friends, what does God advise to those, well, when they want to fulfill being created in God’s image, and they believe they were born without the ability to do so?

Let’s address these questions. In order to answer the first question regarding creation, let’s go to the verse being referenced by Patrick in his question, and that’s recorded here in the first book of the Bible, the Book of Genesis, chapter 1, and we’ll read here, you can follow along on the screen, verse 27:

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
[Genesis 1:27 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: Here, dear friends, we can read that, well, as God’s creations we were made in the image of God. Yes. It should be clear, however, that the image being mentioned, it’s not the physical image. We’re sure of that. Why? Because well, for example, according to I Timothy 1:17, God is invisible. In John 4:24, God is referred to there as a spirit, and that proves He has no flesh and bones, as in Luke 24:39 that spirit does not have flesh and bones.

It’s clear then and in the image of God being referred to, it’s not then the physical human form. It’s not our body, it’s not our genetics, it’s not our functions, or our features. So in what way, then, are we all created in the image of God? And for that answer, we turn to the writings of Apostle Peter in I Peter 1:15, and 16, it says:

but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

[I Peter 1:15-16 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: So here, dear friends, we see in what way we were created in God’s image. We were created to be holy. We were created to reflect holiness. God himself said, “Be holy, for I am holy.” Would this mean that we’re automatically holy, that the personality, the characteristics, the essence of being, all that we know of ourselves, is automatically holy? Some might think, “Since I’m like this,” like you know referring to various tendencies or traits in themselves, including homosexuality, “therefore, I’m supposed to be like this.”

Is that how we should understand these biblical verses, dear friends? God made us perfect, no need to do anything, no need to learn God’s teachings. How can we follow God’s instructions to be holy? What can we use to reflect holiness? How can we become holy and reflect in the likeness of God? We can read the answer here in the book of John, chapter 17. Let’s quote the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, here in verse 17:

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

[John 17:17 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: So, dear friends, it’s God’s word, His truth, His instructions, commandments, His laws, is what can make a person holy. How so? Why so? Because it can sanctify someone. God’s laws, His commandments, they are what is good. That’s also mentioned in Romans 7:12, which is why when one follows them, he is sanctified. What’s the meaning of sanctified? To be purified, to be made clean in God’s eyes, or to be made holy, and therefore reflect the image of God, His image of holiness.

This is the precise reason, dear friends, that the only thing that we, here inside the Church Of Christ, base our faith upon and share to all of you is what is actually written here in the Holy Bible. Because following God’s law is what we were created to do. We were created to reflect the holiness of God, so that we can be and live in the image of God or in His image of holiness.

Now, we realize that it can be confusing when, especially leaders of different religions, while supposedly leading people to follow the Bible, say things that contradict the Bible. For example, when the Pope tells a gay man, “God made you like this.”

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“Pope Francis tells gay man: ‘God made you like this’”

The Guardian

Sunday, May 20, 2018

theguardian.com

Brother Bob: In an earlier program, we studied the biblical truths regarding God’s prohibition against same-sex relationships. So anyone who tells a person who is currently living a lifestyle contrary to God’s words, and they would say something like, “God made you this way, so it’s therefore okay,” is obviously not speaking on God’s behalf, not speaking God’s words, but rather from their own opinions and how they have been influenced to believe in their own life, contrary to the word of God.

Many studies, even debates, have already been done and much research has been published, all in an effort to find a biological or an environmental cause of homosexuality. Scientists have studied, for example, the human anatomy and even neuroanatomy to find out if the cause of homosexuality is biological. But up to now, they still have not found any conclusive proof that it is. The reality is that, up to now, no scientific evidence has been shown that homosexuality is inherited or that an individual is, in fact, born homosexual. So, what does the Bible say about people being created in God’s image, with the instruction to be holy as God is holy, but who have chosen to live a life outside of God’s law? The answer I quote from the Holy Bible once again. Ecclesiastes 7:29 reads this way:

Lo, this is the only reason for it that I have found: God made man upright, but they [men and women] have sought out many devices [for evil].

[Ecclesiastes 7:29 Amplified Bible]

Brother Bob: Dear friends, is there any one of our viewers right now living a life against God’s law? What you have to accept—it’s not the Creator’s fault. The Bible clearly says that God made us upright. He made us the right way. He made us able to be holy with every ability to follow his law. That is the image of God that we were created in, to live a life of holiness and obedience to His law. So why, then, are there those who are not remaining upright? As we just read here, the Bible said because people “have sought out many devices [for evil].”

So, the people living a life against God’s law: No, God did not make you that way. No. God gives us the choice of how to be and how to live. And, dear friends, what are the consequences if we do not live by or, we choose to live, breaking the laws of God? Listen once again to the answer of God. First John chapter three, verse four says:

Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God’s law, because sin is a breaking of the law.

[I John 3:4 Good News Bible]

Brother Bob: The biblical definition of sin, dear friends, is the breaking of God’s law. This is why we cannot accept that there are people born homosexuals, created by God to be on the path of a homosexual lifestyle, or that it is an innate character trait. Because if that were true, it would contradict God’s own teachings written in the Bible. God did not create us to break His law or to be lacking in the ability to abide by it. Remember, dear friends, the Bible says, “God made man upright.” In fact, in other translations of the Bible, it says that God made people good or uncorrupted. Although some would have us believe that there’s nothing wrong with always following one’s own passions and desires, we have to be aware that it is very wrong to do so, if the passion or the desire is what God regards as evil or wrong.

Those that find themselves proudly identifying as homosexuals, how does the Bible describe this kind of passion being that it is outside of God’s law? Well let’s, again, let God answer. These responses are not coming from us. We’re just reading them here in the Holy Scripture. So, for example, in the book of Romans, chapter 1, we’ll read first verse 28, and we’ll also read verse 25, 26, and 27:

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchange the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

[Romans 1:28, 25-27 New King James Version]

Brother Bob: Dear friends, it is the Bible that describes people, women with women, men with men, and described it as going against the nature God created for them. The Bible describes their acts, even calls it shameful, and the kind of passion that they have was called what? To quote the word of God, a “vile passion.” Therefore, living this way, it would not be living in the image of God.

Is there anyone here in this program, joining us in this program today, that wants to live in the image of God but has homosexual inclinations or desires? What is the advice of the Bible? What guidance can be found in the Holy Scriptures, because God also holds out an invitation for those who hope to live within God’s laws but feel like these desires are out of their control, or these desires are too much for them to deny. Do you feel like you were born that way? There’s an important reminder of our Creator, spoken of by the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians, chapter 10, verse 13. Let’s hear this wonderful pronouncement of our Lord God:

But remember this—the wrong desires that come into your life aren’t anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation’s power so that you can bear up patiently against it.

[I Corinthians 10:13 The Living Bible]

Brother Bob: The Bible reminds us that we “can trust God to keep that temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. That’s His promise. That’s the love of God. Again, we can see that love of our Creator here, right? He will not place us in a situation where we’re not able to live in His image, or to reflect His image of holiness, to reflect the obedience that will sanctify and purify us. He won’t make that too difficult for us. He will help us. He will help you if you’re feeling those passions, and you know that you need to change them. God is here. It is true that we as human beings, well you know, we have weaknesses right? Which is why it is necessary to follow God’s guidance, follow His laws on our path to holiness.

What should we remember if we ever feel alone in battling the desires to commit sin? Remember what we just read, dear friends. I quote, “remember this—the wrong desires that come into your life aren’t anything new and different.” So, you’re not the first one to have encountered this problem. How then can a person who realizes that he’s not living in the true image of God, which is being holy and upright, and they adjust his or her lifestyle to the way God intended? The answer is also recorded here in the Bible. We turn to the writings of Apostle Paul in Ephesians, chapter 4, verse 21 through 24, he said:

You certainly heard about him, and as his followers you were taught the truth that is in Jesus. So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.

[Ephesians 4:21-24 Good News Bible]

Brother Bob: The Bible mentions, dear friends, the first step to renewing our life is to be taught the truth, and it’s only by hearing and learning the truth, which we learned earlier when we read John 17:17 is God’s words that will sanctify, God’s words, that one would then realize the error of their ways.

Does merely realizing it, though, or admitting the error of one’s ways mean that we’re now living in the image of God.? No, of course not. Not yet. So what’s the next step? What do we do now if, “I know that I need to change, I know I need to do something different, I need help?” The next step, what did the Apostle Paul instruct? “Get rid of your old self.” “Which self is that old self that I need to get rid of?” one may ask. Well, the Bible said, it’s the one that “made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires.”

So what is needed then, dear friends, to truly get rid of our old self one may ask? Well it says, “Your hearts and minds must be made completely new.” So our idea, our own mind, our own opinion, our own idea of what we call right and wrong, can change, must change. How would a person be able to prove this change in their life? The Bible also said you have to “put on the new self.” What is this new self referring to? The kind of person “created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in true life that is upright and holy.”

God gave us clear instructions on how to pursue the holiness that He created us for. We started this discussion with a few main questions that we hope everyone understands now, as they have been answered by God.

Brother Bob: Yes, we were all created in God’s image. Yes. But that image was not the physical nature but was the image of holiness, it was our capacity to live upright and to follow God’s commands. God did not create us cookie-cutter perfect specimens of utmost obedience. No. We have weaknesses, failures that are our own responsibility to correct. Thankfully, we have His laws. We have His commands, the guidance He provides to follow, so He’s there with us helping us attain that holiness, that upright stature of being in His likeness that he asks us, asks from us. This is the way of life we were intended to live in the first place, a life in the image of God.

We have learned today the starting process to truly live in God’s image. And that is what we have to do, because That’s in the Bible.

You know, dear friends, there are many similar topics regarding sexuality and self expression that we’ve been covering and discussing here on the program That’s In The Bible. Some of these have included: How many genders did God create? and Does god support same sex marriage?

Continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ. Visit us. Visit us online as well and browse the different topics.

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Brother Bob: Set up an appointment if you’d like to meet with a minister of the gospel. If you have any questions about the Bible, about salvation, please email them to us.

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Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time, right here, on That’s In The Bible.

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I’m Confident in My Decisions Because of God

When Louise can’t figure out what path to take or what decision to make, she leans on God and every time she trusts in Him, He clears the path for her.

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FAITH SPEAKS

STORIES WITH PURPOSE

I’M CONFIDENT IN MY DECISIONS BECAUSE OF GOD

LOUISE AGUARIN-ALVARO

Louise Aguarin-Alvaro: My friends would describe me as outgoing, decisive, and confident. My parents would say I’m a smart girl. I’m a scientist. But I cannot cook. Seriously, with God’s help I’ve researched cancer and worked on cutting edge technology to develop medicines, but I struggle with cooking adobo.

And It’s because of struggles, like not being able to cook, I tend to second guess myself… Am I making the right career moves? Was I clear in that meeting? Did I lock the front door? I have my moments of self-doubt…

I remember just days before I moved from San Francisco to Philadelphia for my graduate program, I got nervous. What if it was going to be a mistake? What if I don’t make any friends? And the biggest what if, What if I’m not smart enough and I fail?

When I doubt myself, I look in the mirror and I say to myself “You’re Louise, You is smart, You is Kind, You is important!” But on a serious note, when I doubt myself, I pray and I ask God to help me to make the right decisions.

Do you know how I know I make the right decisions?

God gives me signs—He sends the right people at the right time to help me find solutions.

Before my cross country move, in the middle of my anxiety, and after I prayed, two of my friends approached me and mentioned that they knew people in Philadelphia. They each connected me with them. Immediately after my plane landed in Philly, I was greeted by two people I had never met before, Grace Basi and Ahmad Waleed. We toured Center City, I had my first cheese steak, which by the way was not from Pat’s or Gino’s. I quickly learned that locals do not get their cheesesteak from Pat’s or Gino’s, and they explained the public transit system to me. The gesture, totally unexpected. I could feel their care, and this kindness now that I look back at it. It was God’s way of assuring me that I was going to be okay. And when I first worshiped in that local congregation, the ministerial worker Brother Jeffrey Domingo, and his entire family were already expecting me! It was like I had already found a place and a family there.

God made a way to show me that my decision to move was right. I only planned to spend a couple years in Philadelphia… I ended up spending 6! After graduating from Drexel University, I found opportunity after opportunity, kept a long distance relationship with my now husband (PJ), and was still able to perform my various duties.

Speaking of PJ, I was so confident about him. I mean he checked all my boxes:

He was a Church officer, super active in the KADIWA, very smart and handsome. Okay that last one was a plus, I was mainly concerned about the first three boxes. At any rate, I knew I had met my match. However there was one thing I was not so sure about…

PJ decided to join the military and at that stage in our relationship, we were already engaged. I had a ring on my finger! I was scared because my immediate thought was- how are we going to attend Worship Services? I don’t want to be hours away from the closest place of worship. How was I going to sing in the choir? I was having trouble envisioning what kind of future we would have together, so we prayed about it. We asked God that his assignment not be in the middle of nowhere and that we not be too far away from a chapel. And guess what? God gave us exactly what we asked for. PJ’s first military assignment was at the Pentagon and our first home together, just ten minutes away from the Temple Hills chapel. God made a way!

You see, things have a way of working out, but it’s not because of me, it’s all because of God. I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but God always makes a way as long as I do my part. That’s why I’m constantly praying and building my relationship with Him.

We recently had an awesome Worship Service led by the Executive Minister and the topic was about how nothing is impossible with God. The example mentioned was of Gideon and how he and his small army were able to defeat a large force. All because Gideon trusted, had faith, and did exactly what God wanted him to do. So I always try to emulate Gideon’s trust and obedience.

When I look back on some of the big moments of my life, some of these that I’ve shared with you tonight. You know moving to a big city, landing my first job, getting married, there seems to be this pattern…When I have to make a decision, sometimes I’ll get scared and doubt myself but when I pray and have faith, God makes a way. You’re probably thinking, “You shouldn’t even doubt yourself in the first place!”, right? But it reminds me I need to rely on God and I love relying on God because he has provided me with the best possible outcome. Imagine if I made all my decisions without consulting God? I’d probably be miserable. God is all knowing, He is almighty, and He is AMAZING! That’s why even if sometimes I doubt myself, I never doubt in Him, because God always makes a way. Thank you.

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It’s OK That I Don’t Have It Figured Out Yet

While college life can be stressful and confusing, Alexis learns that it’s ok when things don’t work out because God still provides her with opportunities.

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FAITH SPEAKS

STORIES WITH PURPOSE

IT’S OK THAT I DON’T HAVE IT FIGURED OUT

ALEXIS NACMAN

Alexis Nacman: I have a confession to make. I don’t necessarily have a “structured plan” for my future. I know, I know. It’s surprising right? I look put together. Like someone who MUST have everything planned out to the minute. Well, I don’t. But before you assume that I’m taking the “see where life takes me, go with the flow” route. I have a plan, it just might not be what you have in mind. But I’m getting way too ahead of myself, so let me start with my introduction.

My name is Alexis Nacman and I’m from Washington, D.C. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation Science from George Mason University. This degree is the stepping stone to becoming a Physical Therapist.

But here’s the thing. I’m not really sure if becoming a PT is what I want to do anymore. How did I get here? Well, it started with a visit to my grandma’s house. During my first semester of college, I went home to Virginia Beach for a family get-together. My grandma or my “Mama” is what I call her, was relaxing and eating dinner with us when suddenly her leg froze up. I sat there watching her, frantically wondering what to do. I could hear my mama scream and cry. I wanted to cry too because I couldn’t do anything.

After seeing how concerned I reacted, my mother suggested I look into studying physical therapy. Plus, my dad always encouraged me to be a doctor so I was like, “Okay, this could be me. I’d be helping people like my mama and I’d make my parents proud! Why not?” Honesty hour: Up until this point, I had followed the path I thought I was expected to. I went to college because it’s the next step after high school, but I didn’t really know what I wanted to go to college for. All I knew is that I HAD to go and I HAD to decide on a major by my first year, or else I’d waste money on tuition and be a failure. No pressure right? So, of course, I prayed for my future plans constantly,

But here’s the thing, as much as this worried me on the inside, I never let anyone, not even my parents, know that I didn’t have it all figured out yet. I tell myself, “Fake it til you make it!” I didn’t want anyone to worry about me. So when my mom suggested physical therapy, I figured this was the direction God wanted for me. I was going to get into PT school!

But I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Science classes were never my thing. I remember in high school I had to take chemistry, I was frantic. My grade just kept going down, I’d call my older sister on the phone all upset saying, “Ate, (*sobs*) no matter how hard I try, I just don’t get it. I don’t know what to do anymore. So believe me when I say, I was absolutely thrilled to be sitting in my first physics class in college. College physics lectures were so fast-paced. My game plan was to listen as much as I could and then study and review the material and figure it out on my own time. But the professor would just fly through the slides before I could even take in anything she would say. So when I’d sit down and read the slides on my own I had no idea what I was doing.

That didn’t work too well for me. I even tried study groups, tutoring, and office hours, but I was still hopeless. It was like high school chemistry class all over again, but worse. This time, instead of crying on the phone to my older sister, I was crying all alone in my dorm room. Overwhelmed with stress and anxiety, I did what any overachiever does, I compared myself to the others in the class, the successful ones in the class. What did they do or have that I didn’t? Was it because they had all the time in the world to study?

Those were the moments when I found myself thinking, “Is this career even for me?” If I can’t even make it through undergrad, how am I going to make it through actual PT school? I was really hard on myself. I’d question my worth and my capability to be successful. Those questions would then spiral into negative thoughts that would make me feel depressed. There’d be mornings I’d wake up in my dorm room, staring at the ceiling, no motivation, no desire to get out of bed. I had contemplated dropping the class all together. Is this really worth the struggle?

But you know what? When I think back on it now, my biggest fear wasn’t the class, it was being seen as a failure. I wanted to make my family proud. I wanted to be a good example to my younger siblings. I wanted them to look at me and be inspired to work hard on their own future, you know typical older sibling stuff. It wasn’t these thoughts alone that would cloud my mind during such low moments though. I was also overwhelmed with learning how to live alone, far away from my family for the first time. And when you move away from home for the first time, you end up spending a lot of time in your mind and you start to feel vulnerable, it can be a lot. But I now know that those are the moments where I learn the most. Spoiler alert: these lessons weren’t in the classroom.

Lesson #1: It’s okay for things not to go my way. The world isn’t going to end because life didn’t match up to my expectations. The semester I took physics, I ended with a C-. I was disappointed, however, I was relieved that it was over, even if it meant that I had to retake the class and graduate in five years instead of four years. It wasn’t what I planned but It wasn’t the end of the world. Okay…

Lesson #2. God has a plan for His people and it’s always better than what we pictured. We just have to trust God completely. What really kept me going through these struggles were the worship services. It was like God would talk to me directly at each worship service. I clung to those lessons that spoke of God’s plan for His people; that everything that happens happens because He knows what’s best for us. I was thankful to receive these reminders in the worship services and during our CBI or Christian Brotherhood International meetings.

Okay, now learning these lessons didn’t stop me from having a few more rough semesters. But after realizing that my opportunities for success didn’t end because of one grade, one class, one more year in school, I found myself responding to situations differently. I experienced what it meant to trust God completely. I didn’t question myself anymore. Instead, I’d find a moment of silence and ask God for his help and guidance- remembering that these negative thoughts and feelings are temporary.

Also in case, you’re wondering. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in four and a half years, made my parents proud, and I have a job that I love. So remember what I said before about this career not really something I can see myself doing for the rest of my life? I still feel that way. But these days, my plan is simple: continue to gain knowledge, work hard, and place my complete trust in God no matter what.

Sure I still get sad sometimes but I no longer feel like my worth depends on my career choice or how “successful” I appear to others. I am successful because I trust God with my plans. My prayers these days are also now very specific. I tell God explicitly all the things that go through my mind. I tell him all the things I worry about, all the things I’m insecure about, and more. My heart, my mind, my entire being have been blessed for this. But my life isn’t picture perfect. Whose is? But I find peace through my faith in God.

So for all of you who find yourselves putting extra pressure on yourself to “succeed.” (I SEE YOU OUT THERE) The best thing I could tell you is to just never give up trying your best and know you’re not alone. God is right there ready to guide your plans and will never fail you. Thank you.

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God’s Plans Are Better Than My 10-Year Plan

After creating a thoughtful 10-year plan for herself, things don’t go as planned. Genesis Acosta learns how to trust in God and finds His plans are better.

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FAITH SPEAKS

STORIES WITH PURPOSE

GOD’S PLANS ARE BETTER THAN MY 10-YEAR PLAN

GENESIS ACOSTA

Genesis Acosta: “Where do you see yourself in ten years?” That’s a loaded question. When I was sixteen, I had a friend who made a detailed and elegant looking 10-year plan. I asked her what’s that? And she said, “It’s a plan for my life in the next ten years, what, do you not have one?” No, I didn’t have one. But it got me thinking, I couldn’t really make one. See, being a daughter of a minister in the Church Of Christ meant that my dad could get sent anywhere at any time and my whole life would change. So, even if I wanted to make a 10-year plan, it’s not like my plans could go as I wanted.

So, I went home that night and I made one anyway. Here’s how it went: I was sixteen. Over the next two years, I could move at any time but hopefully not. So, graduate high school, then start college, graduate college, start working, get married, have a kid, have another kid, then at 26, have another kid and/or start my master’s degree. That was my 10 year plan.

I told my parents my plan and I knew what they were thinking: we don’t get to choose when and where we go next. But they didn’t want to crush my hopes so they said, “We’ll see but for now just pray that all goes well and to accept whatever God wills.” Okay so I prayed. I prayed for that.

The next year, I was seventeen. I made it to senior year without having to move schools. My prayers were being heard. So, in those early months of 12th grade, I applied to at least 10 colleges. Come January, I was excited to get acceptance letters! I was thinking “In a few months I’ll graduate high school, start college, and pray that I may stay behind when it’s time to move.”

In just a matter of days, all of that changed when my parents said, “we’re moving.” “But it’s my senior year! We’re moving?” I don’t know why I was surprised, this is the life of a minister’s family in the Church Of Christ and It wasn’t our first relocation and wasn’t going to be our last.

My parents reminded me that we don’t get to choose when and where God will send us to next….so, just pray. For what? What do I pray for, because I did pray and all of this was happening, and it felt like bad timing? They told me I can pray for anything and everything, but without God’s guidance, it’s all meaningless. So I should pray that whatever is next, God places His will in my heart. So I prayed. Praying was the easy part. The hard part was letting go of what I wanted to fully trust and accept whatever God wills.

That prayer was answered when we finally got word of where we were moving to — a local congregation just thirty minutes away from my target school, at the University of California, Davis! It’s where I really wanted to go anyway! I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t pray to get sent near that school. God knew what was in my heart, but it wasn’t until I let go of my own will, and accepted and trusted God’s will, that this blessing came. This was my first lesson in knowing that God’s plan is the best plan, and in God’s time is the best time.

Over the next few years, I let go of my ideal 10-year plan. I prayed that even if I don’t know what’s next, that I have God’s guidance. We moved around to different local congregations. I continued my duties or took on new ones. I went on to work many different jobs, I attended six different college campuses, and then I received my bachelor’s degree.

So, I ended up accomplishing almost everything in my 10-year plan but instead of kids, I got my master’s degree within a year, I got a condo, and I got married. Once again, note to self: God’s plan is the best plan. In God’s time is the best time.

After all that, I didn’t think about making another 10-year plan but I knew some of the things I wanted next in life, like being a great partner as a wife to my husband, being good in my career, keeping up with Church duties… Basically, I wanted to be an exemplary role model to my one-day, some-day children.

But adulting is so hard. It didn’t feel right complaining and struggling despite being so blessed with getting everything that I prayed for. Not to mention being so blessed in a world that just keeps getting darker with all the things going on. It’s no wonder many think this world is too hectic and crazy to bring a child into. So I started to think that way… until I got pregnant.

The night before my first sonogram, in my usual personal devotional prayer, I took time to ask for a healthy heartbeat to appear because I knew there are chances of complications like how my own mom had two miscarriages. So I prayed and pleaded for a healthy heart beat … and … maybe two for twins if it isn’t against God’s will. So the next day when the doctor said “hmmm that’s a surprise” I thought “oh no, surprise could be a bad thing…” I waited for more words to come out of the doctor’s mouth. She turned the screen and said, “Look, there are two of them!” Gasp, I yelped for joy! But Oliver, my husband, dropped his jaw. The doctor said, “Good thing you brought him because he’s not believing any of this. Are twins unexpected?” I replied, “well, sort of—I kinda prayed for it last night.” And Oliver said “You did what?!?! Who prays for that?” We were not exactly in the best financial position for this curveball. The doctor responded saying, “Well keep praying because someone upstairs is listening.”

Oh, and pray we did. During those sleepless nights with the twins, I would often remind myself, “God’s plan is the best plan. In God’s time is the best time. God’s plan is the best plan. In God’s time is the best time.”, especially during those newborn nights when I’d ask Oliver to take over, or come home early from work, and he’d say “Uh ah honey you prayed for this, you stick it out!” So I prayed because I felt like I just could not do it on my own. Soon, shutdowns due to the pandemic happened and Oliver was home more. We also spent time with family in different states while we were able to work remotely, saving us both thousands in childcare costs. And the best part, the twins brought us joy at a time that the whole world was overcome with so much sadness. Once again, say it with me! “God’s plan is the best plan and in God’s time is the best time.”

Now, I still face many challenges and continue to pray for God’s guidance. I’ve just learned that even if I get what I pray for, it doesn’t mean problems go away, but it does mean God can provide a way to make things work out if I put my trust in Him. I’ve had so many prayers answered especially in those times when I really didn’t know what would be next in life. And that’s just it, we will never know exactly what’s next. That feeling was scary as a young person and feels even scarier now as I’m a parent to young persons whose future I cannot control.

So, whether you’re young, or not… ask yourselves, “Where do you see yourself

in ten years?” I hope you will say, “In God’s will.”, because when you live in God’s will, you put your full trust in Him… and trust that whatever happens, God’s plan is the best plan and in God’s time is the best time. Thank you.

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