Young adults across Ottawa, Canada get together for a series of uplifting social events; more people are brought to the Church Of Christ in predominantly-Bhuddhist Sri Lanka.
Category: Video
Married Couples’ Faith Strengthened in Mountain States
Married couples get together in the Mountain States and are strengthened; an event in Northwest California is held to welcome individuals to the INC.
Requirements to Enter Heaven
There are so many different interpretations of how a person can enter heaven based on pop culture, movies or by personal opinions. But what does the Bible say on who will enter the kingdom of heaven and on what basis?
Show/Hide Transcript
Requirements to Enter Heaven
[Music]
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
INC INTERNATIONAL EDITION
[Show Opens]
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
BOB PELLIEN
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Bob Pellien: There is a very common perception that so long as one leads a, generally, so-called “good life” they will get into heaven. Being good and, for example, doing no harm to others many believe that, well, that’s enough to merit entrance into heaven or enough to be saved.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
TODAY’S TOPIC
Who Will Enter the Kingdom of Heaven?
Brother Bob: But the question, dear friends, do all good people go to heaven? You know, just that question itself seems to imply or say that there are good people in the first place, but who are good? What is considered good, it would be actually a basis of getting into heaven. I’m Bob Pellien and that’s what we’ll be discussing here today on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition.
Joining us in this week’s discussion is Brother Ruben Bustos there in Los Angeles.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
RUBEN BUSTOS
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Bob: Welcome to the program, Brother Ruben. We have also Brother Matt Talens there at our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.. We welcome you as well to the program Brother Matt.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
MATT TALENS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Bob: And we have Brother Andrew Fisher there in Australia.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
ANDREW FISHER
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Bob: Brothers, we welcome you all to this very important discussion. Thank you for being here.
So today, Brothers, we’re asking how the Bible introduces who truly is good, is righteous, and as such they’ll be worthy to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Many may have their own answers to that, but we’ll turn to the Scriptures for today of course. You know, some people would cite versions, verses rather, of the Holy Scriptures,for example the book of Matthew 7:12. They might cite this particular verse. Let me go ahead and read Matthew 7:12, it says this:
“Do for others what you want them to do for you: …
[Matthew 7:12 Good News Bible]
Brother Bob: Or possibly they would cite Luke 6:31 which says this:
Do for others just what you want them to do for you.
[Luke 6:31 Good News Bible]
Brother Bob: They would cite these verses, Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31, and they would say therefore then well that’s the basis of what many call the “golden rule”. What do those verses say? Well, it says what many believe would be rendering one worthy to enter the Holy Kingdom. They also would cite, for example, Matthew chapter 22 which makes mentions [of] the importance of loving one another. So people will say that, ‘Okay, Jesus said love one another. Do for others what you would want them to do for you,’ which they have tagged as the “golden rule.”
But we posed this question: “Is it enough, dear friends, to follow this so-called “golden rule”, or as others would want to say follow ten commandments that God gave to the Israelites, do these kinds of things and that will be enough to get into heaven?
Dear friends there’s even other religions of this world that have similar teachings. For example if we will cite an excerpt from Confucianism, I quote:
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
CONFUCIANISM
Analects 15:23
“Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you.”
Brother Bob: There’s a world religion known as Hinduism, which has a very similar teaching. Again, I quote:
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
HINDUISM
Mahabharata 5:1517
“This is the sum of duty: do not [do] unto others what would cause pain if done to you.”
Brother Bob: And there’s also Buddhism, also a very well-known religion in the world. It says:
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
BUDDHISM
Udanavarga 5:18
“Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.”
Brother Bob: So, dear friends, some may have accused Jesus of borrowing the idea of the “golden rule” from these kinds of eastern religions, but the texts for Confucianism, for Hinduism, for Buddhism mentioned in these quotes, they were all written about the time 500 or 400, between that 100 years period of time, 500 to 400 BC at the earliest. Jesus takes the “golden rule” or those quotes from Leviticus, the book of Leviticus in the old testament, written about 1450 BC. So, Jesus’s source for the “golden rule” long predates these other religions by about a thousand years. So who borrowed from whom, right?
But we’re here to discuss whether this way of thinking is safe, and if you really want to know details about the “golden rule”, relative to the teachings here in the Holy Bible, we have one whole program, one episode, here on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition about the “golden rule” and a deep study of all its principles etcetera. Please tune in to that episode.
But today we’re asking if this way of thinking is safe for entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. Well, we’ll just be treating others well, treating others good, some may say. Like, for example, not quarreling with our neighbor, or being a good helper of others, and that’s what will render us worthy to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Brothers, before we get started then, let’s take a look at this video clip of one woman’s opinion on what it takes to get to heaven. Let’s have a look before we discuss it.
Interviewer: What do I have to do to go to heaven?
Woman: I guess be a genuinely good person.
Interviewer: Are you a genuinely good person?
Woman: For the most part.
Interviewer: What about the other part?
Woman: Well, not so much. [laughs]
Interviewer: Have you ever lied and stolen?
Woman: Absolutely.
Interviewer: So, you’re a relying thief.
Woman: I was at one point, yes.
Interviewer: Have you used God’s name in vain?
Woman: Yes, I have.
Interviewer: Do you know what you’re doing when you do that?
Woman: Blasphemy.
Interviewer: Now, Jesus said if you look with the lust you commit adultery in the heart. Have you ever looked at someone with lust?
Woman: Yes.
Interviewer: So, by your own admission you’re a lying thief, a blasphemer, and an adulterer at
heart. That’s four of the ten commandments. So, if God judges you by the ten commandments on the Day of Judgment do you think you’d be innocent or guilty?
Woman: Innocent.
Interviewer: Why?
Woman: Because I’ve made peace with myself and the higher power.
Interviewer: How did you do that?
Woman: I believe in forgiveness.
Interviewer: That’s all you have to do, believe in forgiveness?
Woman: Pretty much.
Brother Bob: So, we all heard it. This particular woman said that what she believes it takes to be a
genuinely good person, and what would make her enter the Kingdom of Heaven and it’s what many people today believe. They believe the very same thing.
So we pose these questions then, Brothers: “Is this belief that many people are espousing, is it correct? Is it biblical? Some say that as long as that I believe, as long as a person is basically good in their measurement of good, they believe in God, don’t bother anyone or commit any major crime, that they will be saved. Is this biblical, Brothers, or not? Is their belief, those who think that way, are they correct? Brothers, let’s go to you first, Brother Andrew, let’s get to the answers to all these questions.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
ANDREW FISHER
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Andrew Fisher: Well, simply put, Brother Bob, the answer is no. But before we get into our discussion, we want to make it clear that these answers that we’re giving you aren’t based on our own opinions. We’re just getting answers from the Bible, so no one can be upset or angry with the answers that we’ll be discussing, because all of those answers will be coming straight from the Holy Bible.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
MATT TALENS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Matt Talens: That is true, Brother Andrew. Sometimes when we are told the truth it hurts, meaning maybe our feelings may be hurt because what we hear is not in accordance to what we want to hear or what we want to accept, that it is against our own idea of what is the truth.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
RUBEN BUSTOS
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Ruben Bustos: But, Brothers, everyone should understand that as we read from the Bible it is God’s words or the truth they are hearing. Now, these truths God wants us to hear, to know, and believe in to be saved or to get into heaven. Now, what does the Bible say about what God really wants for us so we could be saved and enter into His kingdom? Does God say that we just need to be nice to people or just to be a nice individual in general? Let’s listen to what the apostle Paul says in 1 Timothy, chapter 2, verses 3 through 4:
This is good and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth.
[1 Timothy 2:3-4 Good News Bible]
Brother Ruben: Now, yes God wants everyone to know the truth so that all could be saved when
Christ comes again, and knowing the truth also will deliver us from having wrong ideas or wrong beliefs.
Brother Matt: As to the question, “Is it right to believe that all are good?” Well, we have to turn to our Lord Jesus Christ for the answer. Allow me to read Luke, chapter 18 and the verse is 19, this is what it said:
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked Him. “No one is good except God alone.
[Luke 18:19 Good News Bible]
Brother Matt: My friends, if you’ve noticed our Lord Jesus Christ Himself said, “No one is good” except the Almighty God.
Brother Bob: And that’s the words of Jesus. So, Brother Andrew, why did he say that? Why did He say that no one is good? Many people would be saying, “No, this person is good, that person is good.” Why did Jesus say no one is good except God?
Brother Andrew: Well of course, Brother Bob, we do try to be good but the apostle Paul explains
here in the book of Romans, in chapter 3, verses 10 up to 12, it says this:
As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”
[Romans 3:10-12 New King James Version]
Brother Andrew: Dear viewers, and even to our Brothers in this discussion, we do try to be good and many people strive to be good. However the apostle Paul explained that there is none who
are righteous, not even one. There is none who do good. The Bible said, “No, not one.”
Brother Bob: Many might not accept that, Brother Andrew, so I want to repeat my question again: “Why is it so? Why is it said, there, that there are none that are good?” Many might simply not agree with that.
Brother Andrew: You know, we do strive to be good, and I want to reiterate that many people are
trying. But the apostle Paul explained because all have turned aside.
Brother Matt: And let’s turn to the Bible once again. What is the meaning of what apostle Paul said when he said that all have turned aside? Let us read Romans, 5 and 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 Matt: What is the meaning of what apostle Paul said a while ago that everyone had turned aside? Apostle Paul clarified that everyone has sinned. Therefore, no one is really good.
Brother Bob: What is sin then, Brothers? What is sin that everyone has done, making it such
that none can be measured as good or worthy to enter the kingdom of God?
Brother Ruben: You know, Brother Bob, if we read 1 John, chapter 3, verse 4, it mentions there that sin is the transgression or the breaking of God’s laws and commandments.
Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
[1 John 3:4 New King James Version]
Brother Ruben: It is for this reason the Bible says that no one is good, because everyone, except of course the Lord Jesus Christ, has committed sin. Our Lord Jesus Christ alone is the one who is without sin as apostle Peter states in 1 Peter, chapter 2, verses 21 through 22.
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
[1 Peter 2:21-22 New King James Version]
Brother Bob: But Brother Ruben, isn’t it possible, is it possible at all, is man even capable of being good, being holy by his own means, by his own intent, his own desire, on his own?
Brother Ruben: Brother Bob, no. Man is not capable of doing this.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
TODAY’S TOPIC
Who Will Enter the Kingdom of Heaven?
Brother Bob: Brother Ruben, again, many might disagree with that. They may even say that they know someone who is good. Haven’t you heard that before? People will say, “Oh, that guy is
really good. That person is really good.” Are they?
Brother Ruben: Well you know, Brother Bob, since we’re trying to find out the truth we need to refer to the teachings of God written in the Bible, as recorded in Jeremiah, chapter 13, verse 23, this is
what the Bible teaches to us. Please listen to this, dear viewers:
Can people change the color of their skin, or a leopard remove its spots? If they could, then you that do nothing but evil could learn to do what is right.
[Jeremiah 13:23 Good News Translation]
Brother Ruben: Now, just as a person cannot change the color of his skin or even a leopard its spots, a person who was accustomed to doing evil cannot become good or do good on his own.
Brother Matt: And the reason for this, Brothers and to our viewers, is that man on his own cannot do the good that he wants to. There is a conflict or enmity within Him that prevents Him from doing the good that he knows he should do. And how did apostle Paul elaborate on this? Allow me to read what is recorded in Romans, in chapter 7, the verses are 18 up to 20, this is what it said:
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what
is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
[Romans 7:18-20 New International Version 1984]
Brother Matt: Apostle Paul says a person may have the desire to do good, but the good he should
do, he does not do but rather the evil he keeps doing. Hence, he concludes that is why sin lives in a person.
Brother Andrew: And, Brother Matt, that truth that you just read from the apostle Paul also gives us a deeper understanding into what our Lord Jesus Christ taught about the weakness of mankind, and he taught that in the book of Matthew, chapter 26, here in verse 41, this is what the Lord Jesus Christ said:
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
[Matthew 26:41 New King James Version]
Brother Andrew: You know, beloved viewers and to our Brothers as well, we can see that our Lord Jesus Christ thought though we are willing, like to be willing to do what is good, as human beings we are weak.
Brother Bob: But what exactly, Brothers, what what exactly is the good being referred to that a person should do but he’s unable to do it on his own and as you read just there, Brother Andrew, is
unable to do the good that he should do because man is weak?
Brother Andrew: Well, the good being referred to, Brother Bob, are the laws and commandments of our Lord God that are written in the Bible. Because although as human beings we may be wanting to follow what God wants us to do, but because of our human weaknesses, we find ourselves unable to, and therefore we become unworthy in the sight of God and also unworthy to be with God in His kingdom. You know let’s remember, dear friends, this isn’t our own opinion that we’re studying here. In fact, what does the Bible teach is that which is good, that which we may want to do but are unable to do it? We can read that in the book of Romans, in chapter 7, and here in verse 12, this is what the apostle Paul also taught:
Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.
[Romans 7:12 New King James Version]
Brother Andrew: You know, that good that people are meant to be doing, but because of our human weaknesses we are unable to do, are indeed the commandments of our Lord God. This is what should be obeyed, this is what is holy and good according to the apostle Paul.
Brother Bob: But how is it, how will God’s words, which are good, how will it make a person good? How would God’s words, that are good, make a person good and worthy for entrance into heaven?
Brother Matt: Well, Brother Bob, the important point here is this: when we obey the commandments of our Almighty God, it has the power to sanctify us or to make a person holy.
Brother Bob: What do you mean there, Brother Matt? What proves that?
Brother Matt: Well, let’s read the answer of our Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in John 17 and
17, he said:
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
[John 17:17 New King James Version]
Brother Matt: According to our Lord Jesus Christ, the word of God will sanctify, or will cleanse, or will make holy, a person.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
BOB PELLIEN
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Bob: What then is necessary? Is it still necessary, then, for a person to do good and to be holy or that’s not important anymore? Does doing good or being holy have any relevance at all to a person’s entrance into heaven?
Brother Ruben: You know, Brother Bob, the obvious answer is yes. As the apostles teach us, without holiness, without obeying God’s commandments, well, no one will be able to see the Lord. Now, we can read this in the book of Hebrews, in chapter 12, and the verse is 14, this is what we could read:
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
[Hebrews 12:14 New International Version]
Brother Ruben: We should remember doing good, obeying God’s commandments, is what will make us holy and worthy before our Lord God and we’ll be able to see or be with Him in heaven. As the Bible teaches, it is only those who keep the commandments of God who will enter the Holy City or get into heaven and dwell with our Lord God. Now, why are we sure about this? We can read this in the book of Revelation, chapter 22, verse 14, the Bible gives us our answer. Please take note:
Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.
[Revelation 22:14 New King James Version]
Brother Ruben: Now, those who obey the Lord’s commands will enter His kingdom. Only them, not just anyone who is considered good by man’s standards of goodness but those who obey the
commandments of God.
Brother Bob: So before continuing, Brothers, let’s recap. Let’s take a look at a little bit of a summary of what we’ve got so far from the Scriptures in our discussion. No one is good, that’s what our Lord Jesus Christ said is no one is good. Why? Because everyone has committed sin, disobeyed the commandments and laws of God. But there’s good that must be done in order to get into heaven, and without doing good and being holy we will not see the Lord or get into heaven.
So, the obvious question then is, because some might be seeing some kind of a conflict here, how can we do the good that we should do, that that we should be doing, when we are weak, we are unable to do what God wants? Does all this render, and here’s the important question we need to pick up with Brothers, does all of this then render entering heaven impossible? That question and others we will seek the answers from the Holy Bible when the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition returns. Stay with us
[BREAK – music]
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
INC INTERNATIONAL EDITION
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
TODAY’S TOPIC
Who Will Enter the Kingdom of Heaven?
Brother Bob: Welcome back everyone to our program, the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. Now, as we continue with our discussion, earlier we learned the good that we should do in order to get into heaven are the commandments of God, but the problem is man is weak and by himself is unable to do the good that he should do. So, Brother Andrew, how can we do good when in fact we are weak?
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
ANDREW FISHER
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Andrew: You know, Brother Bob, though man may be weak, and of course God knows that, God created us, that’s why He also provided a way for us to achieve the good works that can gain us entrance into the holy kingdom. How did God do that? We can read the answer here in the book of Ephesians, chapter 2, and the verse is 10:
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
[Ephesians 2:10 New King James Version]
Brother Andrew: How is it that we can achieve the good that as human beings none of us were able to achieve? Well according to the apostle Paul, God intended that people be created in Christ Jesus, and what can we achieve if we are created in Christ Jesus? The apostle Paul explained, we are created in Christ Jesus to achieve those good works and walk in them.
Brother Bob: But why is it that God intends that people would be created in Christ and, by means of that, they could do the good works they need to do to enter into heaven, Brother Matt?
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
MATT TALENS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Matt: Well because, Brother Bob, our Almighty God’s purpose is for people to be adopted by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Brother Bob: Well, how does that happen?
Brother Matt: Well, let us read from that same book, this time in chapter 1, the verses are 5 and 7, this is what apostle Paul had mentioned:
For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [[because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]—In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor,
[Ephesians 1:5, 7 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition]
Brother Matt: So, our friends, our Almighty God has foreordained or planned ahead. Since the beginning, people would be adopted as His children through whom? Our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the purpose of our Almighty God or His intent for mankind.
Brother Bob: Yes, but how is a person adopted by Christ?
Brother Matt: Well, through His redemption or the forgiveness of sins, and through this redemption man has the hope of deliverance of salvation.
Brother Bob: So, Brothers, can a person obtain this kind of wonderful grace of God just by doing good things, kind deeds for our fellow men, because that’s what so many insist. They just insist that that’s it, that’s all they need. They don’t need to be adopted by Christ, created in Him, redeemed by Him and by His blood. Just do good things they say, Brother Matt.
Brother Matt: Well that’s a widespread belief, but the answer is no, Brother. The Bible says God’s grace of forgiveness is only through the shedding of blood.
Brother Andrew: You’re spot on, Brother Matt, and that’s exactly right, because you know the proof is even in the Holy Scriptures. You know, what did the apostle Paul teach about the shedding of the blood and if it’s necessary according to the Bible? This is what we can read in the book of Hebrews, in chapter 9, and in verse 22, this is what he taught:
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
[Hebrews 9:22 new International Version 2011]
Brother Andrew: So, who are those that can do good works, benefiting then from those good works, because they were redeemed by the blood shed by our Lord Jesus Christ?
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
RUBEN BUSTOS
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Ruben: Brother Bob, reading what the Bible says, it is the Church Of Christ. Apostle Paul teaches this in Acts, chapter 20, verse 28:
Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the Church Of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.
[Acts 20:28 George Lamsa Translation]
Brother Ruben: The teaching of the Bible is very clear, beloved friends. It is the Church Of Christ that was purchased or redeemed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. God then calls people to be created in our Lord Jesus Christ, as a member of His Church, so that they may do what is good
and live in obedience to the will and commandments of God, and hence be able to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Brother Bob: But why is it, why is it Brothers, that those who are inside the Church Of Christ are able to do good? I thought, as we read earlier, man is weak when it comes to doing good and in
fact unable to do what God wants.
Brother Andrew: You know, Brother Bob, people might look at members of the Church Of Christ like
us and say, you know, “You’re no different than I am. We’re all human beings. Physically, we have the same qualities and characteristics.” However, what makes us different in the Church Of Christ, we are given the strength to do what God wants.
Brother Bob: How is that, Brother Andrew? What makes that difference?
Brother Andrew: Well, the apostle Paul gave the explanation in the book of Philippians, chapter 4, and here in verse 13, I quote what he says:
for I can do everything God asked me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.
[Philippians 4:13 Living Bible]
Brother Andrew: You know, dear friends, how is it that members of the Church Of Christ are able to have the strength to accomplish that which is good or to do the will of our Lord God? Well, according to the apostle Paul, it is through the strength given by our Lord Jesus Christ, that help to do everything that our Lord God asks us to do. And you know why is that important for us to be able to do that? Remember, on our own we can’t do what is good. You know, that’s why being a member of the Church Of Christ is so vital, because that’s how we can obtain the strength and even the ability to do that which God wants from us.
Brother Ruben: Now, why will our Lord Jesus Christ, Brothers, give such strength and love to the Church? This is what the Bible teaches us [as] to the relationship of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Church. We can read the answer from Colossians, chapter 1, verse 18:
Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body…
[Colossians 1:18a New Living Translation 2015]
Brother Ruben: This is also why our Lord Jesus Christ shows His love and care for the Church and its members—the Church is His body.
Brother Matt: And the apostles also teach how our Lord Jesus Christ feeds or strengthens and nourishes the members of the Church Of Christ, because we are members of His body, and how does He do that? This is what is written in the book of Ephesians, in chapter 5, the verses are 28 up to 30:
Men ought to love their wives just as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself. (None of us ever hate our own bodies. Instead, we feed them, and take care of them, just as Christ does the church; for we are members of his body.)
[Ephesians 5:28-30 Good News Bible]
Brother Matt: Friends, we hope for all of you viewers to also become a part of the body of our Lord Jesus Christ. Why? Because, as what the Bible had mentioned, the members of the Church Of Christ will be the ones to receive this great blessing coming from our Lord Jesus Christ—the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. They are the ones who will be cared for by our Lord Jesus Christ as well.
Brother Bob: Some may not yet understand fully yet, Brothers, the importance of this. So, well what is the importance of being able to have the strength to do good works and obey the teachings and the commandments of God?
Brother Ruben: Well, Brother Bob, as the apostles teach, this is what we could read in the book
of Philippians, chapter 1, verse 11:
being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
[Philippians 1:11 New King James Version]
Brother Ruben: A person, then, will be able to bear the fruits of righteousness for the praise and glory of our Lord God. You know, friends, this is the reason God calls people to be a member of the Church Of Christ, so as to abound in good works or fruits of righteousness.
Brother Bob: Dear friends, everything that we’ve learned up to this point has been what the Bible has to say. The Bible has been answering the various questions that we’re posing to it. Everyone
needs to be a member of the Church Of Christ, herein being created in Christ. What will we be able to do? As we’ve read, that’s when we’ll be able to do what is good that God is seeking from us all, and this can be done because Christ first removes sin by virtue of His shed blood. Christ gives them the strength and ability to do what is good in the eyes of God, and the result then is we can bear fruits of righteousness. The things that we do in obedience to the Lord would be viewed as true and genuine righteousness, and that’s what renders praise and glory to God. Therefore, members of the Church Of Christ will enter the kingdom of heaven.
But here’s the thing, Brothers, here surely is what our viewers would want to ask next no doubt: “Do we have to be a member of the Church Of Christ, is that what you’re saying? We have to be a member of the Church Of Christ [to be] able to do such good? Can’t a person merely believe in Jesus, and therefore then he’s qualified to do what he perceives to be good, that God’s expecting, and he would then enter into the kingdom of heaven?
Dear friends, this, among other important questions like this, we will direct to the Holy Bible and get the answers from the Holy Bible when we return once again. Stay with us.
[BREAK – music]
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
INC INTERNATIONAL EDITION
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
BOB PELLIEN
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
TODAY’S TOPIC
Who Will Enter the Kingdom of Heaven?
Brother Bob: Welcome back as we continue with our discussion today concerning doing good
and having that good be worthy for entrance into the kingdom of heaven. Many would say, Brother Andrew, that “Hey, I can do good things even though I don’t enter inside the Church Of Christ. I’m in this religion or that religion, and I’m doing nice things and good things. So, I don’t need to join the Church Of Christ in order to have the good things that I do, and want to do, make me worthy for entrance into the kingdom of heaven.” It’s that way of thinking that some who are simply saying, “Can’t the good things that God wants us to do also be done from outside the Church Of Christ?” Brother Andrew, can it?
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
ANDREW FISHER
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Andrew: To be frank, Brother Bob, that’s false and again that’s not our own personal
conclusions. This is also based on the Bible, because what did our Lord Jesus Christ Himself teach if one is not part of His church, or outside His body or His church? Let’s read this in
the book of John, chapter 15, and here in verse 5, these are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ Himself:
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart
from me you can do nothing.
[John 15:5 New International Version 2011]
Brother Andrew: You know, dear friends, our Lord Jesus Christ is the one who said that apart
from Him a person can do nothing. Therefore, we cannot accomplish the good works if we are apart from our Lord Jesus Christ, which is why what did the Lord Jesus Christ instruct us to do? Well, He said, “Remain in me.” What does that mean, to remain in our Lord Jesus Christ? Well, like a branch has connection to a vine, we must also have that connection or union with our Lord Jesus Christ. Like what we studied earlier, the apostle Paul taught,Christ is the head and the Church is the body. Therefore, in order for us to accomplish the good works we need to be inside the Church Of Christ, parts of the body of Christ. And apart from the body of Christ, or outside the Church Of Christ, we can’t do those good good works. In fact, we can do nothing.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
MATT TALENS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Matt: And aside from that, our Lord Jesus Christ also said that in remaining in Him a person should also remain in His words.
Brother Bob: Well, Brother Matt, what does it mean to remain in His words?
Brother Matt: Well, let’s read. We have just read verse 5, allow me to read verse 7, and this is
what it said:
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
[John 15:7 New International Version 2011]
Brother Matt: My friends,what does it mean to remain in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ? It means to continue to obey them. One of the benefits of remaining in our Lord Jesus Christ, as a member of His body or a member of the Church Of Christ, and in obeying His words is a person can ask what they wish, and that is when we pray we will receive what we are praying for.
Brother Bob: And, dear friends, I think it’s easy to agree, who doesn’t need help in these troublesome times that we’re all living in nowadays? We need someone to turn to who can help us, we need someone who can provide the protection, can provide the safety that is so needed in this life nowadays.
Brother Ruben, what does our Lord Jesus Christ give as an instruction though to His people? What does He instruct them to do so they would be in that condition to receive His protection and be safe?
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
RUBEN BUSTOS
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Ruben: Well, Brother Bob, this is what our Lord Jesus Christ instructs all to do, in the book of John, chapter 7, rather chapter 10, verses 7 and 9:
So Jesus spoke again: “In very truth I tell you, … I am the door; anyone who comes into the fold through me will be safe. …
[John 10:7, 9 Revised English Bible]
Brother Ruben: Now, the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ is clear. He said, “I am the door.” Come in and you will be safe.
Brother Bob: But, Brother, which is that fold that Christ is referring to, that a person has to enter into if he wants, really, to be safe?
Brother Ruben: Well, Brother Bob, it is the Church Of Christ, which we can read in the book of Acts, chapter 20, verse 28:
Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the Church Of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.
[Acts 20:28 George Lamsa Translation]
Brother Ruben: The savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, gave the instruction that all who want to do good in the sight of God, to find His care and protection, to be safe now and more so on the day of judgment, must enter or become a member of His church, which in the Bible is called the Church Of Christ.
Brother Matt: But let us remember, my friends, the Bible does not teach that it is enough to join
the Church Of Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself taught that a person must remain in His words. And what does it mean to remain in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and what is the blessing that will come from doing so? Let us allow our Lord Jesus Christ to give us the answer once again. This time I will be reading from Matthew, in chapter 24, and the verse is 13, this is what He said:
But everyone who continues to believe and follow Me until the end of the world or until the end of their lives, will be saved.
[Matthew 24:13 Plain English Translation]
Brother Matt: My friends, our Lord Jesus Christ said, everyone who continues to believe, following Him, being obedient to His words what will be given them? They will be given salvation or they will be saved come the Day of Judgment. That is why we cannot separate ourselves from the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, which are also the good that comes from our Almighty God. But until when should we be faithful in upholding the commandments of God, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ as well? Until the end of the world or, as what our Lord Jesus also said, until the end of one’s life.
Brother Bob: Brothers, when it comes, though, to obeying the gospel and should people still…are we saying that we’re not supposed to do good, it’s totally irrelevant, not supposed to be good and help people? Should people still do good for their fellow men, like loving their neighbor as they love themselves, as Christ said in Matthew 22:39. I mentioned that in the opening to this particular episode. Or are all these good deeds no longer no longer needed? It can only be done if you are inside the Church Of Christ. It’s not important anymore.
Brother Andrew: Well, no Brother Bob. We should absolutely still strive to do good things, especially to our fellow men. And why is that? This is what the apostles taught, in the book of Galatians, in chapter 6, and in verse 10, we can read this:
So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.
[Galatians 6:10 Good News Bible]
Brother Andrew: You know, dear viewers, the apostles exhort us that as often as we can, we should do good to everyone. You know, doing good to everyone is loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. We’re taught to be good neighbors. You know, that’s why even during these times when we live with sheltering in place, the social distancing, the protocols and advice given to us by the various authorities because of this pandemic, you know, we can still strive to do good and to help our neighbor and our fellow men. We do that by observing the guidelines and the health protocols in place in the various places. If we have elderly neighbors who might be in need, of course following the local health protocols, why not cook them a meal. Why not help them with their groceries.Why not help them out with everyday tasks that they may need assistance with.
And of course when we go out in public, we strive to be good neighbors by, for example, a simple thing like wearing a face mask, not just to protect ourselves but even to protect and show our care for our neighbor or our fellow men.
Brother Ruben: You know, Brothers, aside from this, the Church Administration of the Iglesia Ni Cristo or Church Of Christ, in times of calamity and distress, often hold Aid to Humanity projects to help those affected by the disaster. We also have neighborhood appreciation days held in the local congregations. There are teacher, police, fire department appreciation day, elders appreciation and in nursing homes, and much more to help our neighbors and fellow men, all of this in fulfillment of the gospel, the will of God, about doing good to others.
Brother Bob: So this, dear friends, is what we in the Church Of Christ are taught to do. Whatever happens in life, smooth sailing or rough times as we’re all going through right now, faithfulness and obedience to God’s will will always remain paramount in our priorities in our lives.
Brother Matt: And, Brothers, there’s something else that God assures those who will uphold faithfulness to our Lord Jesus Christ, and what is that? Allow me to read what is recorded in Revelation, in chapter 14, the verses are 12 up to 13, this is what it said:
This means that God desires each of us who’ve been made holy by Him to keep enduring in obedience to all of His commands and to keep believing in Christ! Then I heard a voice from heaven which said, “Write down this announcement: From now on, everyone who dies in oneness with the Lord Jesus is really happy!” And that statement was ‘affirmed with an amen’ by God’s spirit Himself who said, “Yes, it’s true! Their lives will be happy and they’ll rest calmly!” They won’t ever experience any more trouble because of following the Lord, and they’ll be given a reward because of all their good deeds.”
[Revelation 14:12-13 Plain English Translation]
Brother Matt: This is the assurance, the promise of our Almighty God, to those who will keep on enduring in their obedience to the commandments of our Almighty God and in upholding their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. That is why, for the members of the Church Of Christ, we make the necessary sacrifice to obey the commandments of our Almighty God, not only the things that we want to obey but every commandment that our Almighty God has given us through the Church Administration. And as our Almighty God said Himself, our lives will be happy. We will rest calmly. Why? Because we won’t experience troubles anymore. The reward for doing good deeds in obedience will follow us into the Holy City. Such are the ones who will get into heaven.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
ANDREW FISHER
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Andrew: That’s why we want to take this opportunity to invite all of our friends and our guests, who are tuning in to this program, to come and join us inside the Church Of Christ. You can join any of our worship services conducted in any of the local congregations near you. You may go
To incmedia.org and you can find the nearest congregation to wherever you may be.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
MATT TALENS
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Matt: And please continue to join us in our Bible-based discussions that will help guide and direct us in life to find God’s blessings always.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
TODAY’S TOPIC
Who Will Enter the Kingdom of Heaven?
Brother Bob: Dear friends, the words of God are truly valuable in our life,a light amidst the storms of life, a light that brings calm and safety. That’s why we continue to make the effort to bring to you the truth of God’s word, so that in obeying them from within the Church Of Christ, the Iglesia Ni Cristo, we’ll be blessed with eternal life.
Brother Ruben, when our friends viewing us in this program, when they decide to continue listening and want to join with us inside the Church Of Christ, so that the good works that they’re doing will be viewed by God as truly good, because they’re not rejecting the Lord’s instruction to enter into the sheepfold, into His body, into the church, so the good works that they’re doing in their life will be viewed as truly good—if they do this—what will they experience?
Brother Ruben: Well, Brother Bob, this is what the apostle Paul said in Romans, chapter 2, verses 6 through 7:
For God will repay every person according to his deeds. There are people who seek eternal life and are always diligent to do good, who live in a way that brings praise and honor to God. He’ll give eternal life to people like that.
[Romans 2:6-7 Plain English Translation]
Brother Ruben: Beloved friends, what is it that we will experience if we make the decision of continuing to listen and join with us inside the Church Of Christ and in doing what is truly good in the sight of God? Well, the apostle Paul made it very clear that we will gain eternal life because God will repay every person that does what is good in the sight of our Father in heaven.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
WHO WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?
BOB PELLIEN
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL
Brother Bob: Thank you, dear friends, for making the time to join us in our program today, and
please continue to join us as we take up your questions and turn to the Scriptures, always, for Bible answers. Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition.
You know we’d like to thank our three panelists, Brother Ruben Bustos in Los Angeles, California. Thank you, Brother, for your input to our discussion, as well as our Brother Matt Talents there in Washington, D.C.. Brother Matt, thank you as well for your wonderful input, and to you too, Brother Andrew Fisher there in Australia, the land down under. Thank you, all three of you Brothers, for
always giving us Bible-based answers so that as the apostle Peter said to the members of the Church, “You’ll be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are.” That’s 1 Peter 3:15.
Well, dear friends, that does it for us today here on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. We hope you will join us again next time. I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. As we come to the
end of our program, as always, we invite you to join us for a short prayer.
Brother Matt: Our loving and merciful Father in heaven, we humbly call before You. Thank You so much for guiding us in the study of Your holy words. Your words help us become sanctified before You, and this is also the reason, our Father, we humbly beg that You give unto us a heart that is filled with love toward your commandments, that we be humble enough to obey You completely, not only for Your honor and Your praise but also for our salvation.
Our Lord and our Savior, Jesus Christ, please bless each one of us with the strong faith that we need, that we be able to set aside what we know, what we desire, and submit to the will of our Almighty God, that we be able to copy You, our Lord, who has been truly obedient to the Father in heaven.
Father, as we come back unto You in prayer, we humbly ask that You heal those who are sick. Continue to provide us the long life and the strength that we need, because we truly would like to obey You until we rest, until we receive the salvation that You have promised. Father, above everyone, please bless the Church Administration. Please bless Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister of the Church, for the benefit of Your humble servants.
We humbly ask all these things through the name of our Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Brothers: Amen.
[Music]
[Show Closes]
Is It Time to Leave Your Church?
Does your church leave you lost, confused, or questioning your faith? See what happens when individuals leave their religion and give the Church Of Christ a chance.
If you’re looking for a new church or want a real way to connect with God, worship with us.
Show/Hide Transcript
Faye Taylor (Jacksonville, Florida): One thing that I can say about the Church Of Christ is that the things that you will learn, and how to deal with your everyday life are phenomenal. Because God comes through, it may not be when you want, it may not be what and how you feel it should be. But you will be taken care of.
Tawanda Cochrane (Lemoore, California): In the Church Of Christ, you actually feel the presence of God.
Peter Kaisara: I knew it because I felt peace in my heart. I felt that God actually showed me the true church.
Todd Brown (Bellmore, New York): And looking at my life ahead, having God’s promise and God’s guidance, I’m humbled to have it and I’m glad that I do.
Voiceover: When was the last time you walked out of your church feeling this way? Or lately, does it feel like you walk out more lost, confused, and wondering if you should even keep attending?
Tawanda (Former Baptist): When I was in the Baptist Church, I’m just waiting for the next person to go, “Hallelujah!” Then that’s like a distraction.
Marda Debnam: I didn’t know that I wasn’t worshiping properly. When I went to different services, whether it was Jehovah’s Witness, Methodist, other Baptist churches, it just didn’t feel right.
Todd: When I went through that period, I felt I didn’t need a church. It was because of my experience and interaction with churches. It wasn’t necessarily a rebelliousness or I was trying to turn away from God. It was just that, a lot of religions didn’t really practice what they preach or there would be hypocrisies in their way of living.
Voiceover: Maybe up to now you’ve ignored these feelings and perhaps you’ve attended the same type of church all your life. So you wouldn’t even know where else to go. All you do know is, you don’t want to give up on God.
You’re not alone. There is a way to serve God, the way the Bible wants you to.
Peter (Brisbane, Australia): So when I started studying the Bible in the Church Of Christ, it really shocked my system. And I said to myself, I was doing all these things the wrong way, worshiping God, praying to God.
Marda (Joined the INC in 1983): You realize the way you’re supposed to serve God and the way you’re supposed to follow, then you have that assurance of salvation, assuming that you follow all those commandments.
Todd: This Church is consistent—consistent in its belief, it’s consistent in its teachings.
Faye: My first experience at the Bible study, with the minister reading from the Bible, was authenticity. It wasn’t forced. He was reading straight from the Bible.
Tawanda (Joined the INC in 2018): At the Bible study lesson, the true Church, I listened to that and I was like, I need to be part of the true Church.
Voiceover: So what about you? If you’re looking for a church that offers more than just “hallelujahs” on Sundays or a church that doesn’t just fill a tradition you’ve always followed, or perhaps a church that isn’t just trying to entertain you but will actually guide you to your salvation.
Faye: For anybody that’s looking to come to a Bible study, just listen. And I can guarantee you, whatever you hear, you can relate it to somewhere in your life, and see the honesty and the truth in it.
Todd: The reason I would encourage people to give the Church Of Christ a chance and listen, is two-part:
- Your salvation depends on it and
- It doesn’t cost you anything
If you give something a chance, either you gain from it, or your life remains unchanged. So if there’s a gain to be had, why wouldn’t you pursue it?
Voiceover: If you’ve been looking for the church that serves God exactly the way the bible says you should, maybe it’s time to give the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) a chance. Join us for a worship service this week and discover if this is the church you’ve been looking for.
[On screen graphic]GET TO KNOW US
Join us for a worship service this week
incmedia.org/study-with-us
Preparing For the End Times
With chaos and violence happening one after another, many say these must be the signs of the end times. What does the Bible say we must do to get ready for the end of the world? And how prepared are you for the return of Jesus?
Show/Hide Transcript
Timecodes:
00:51 – What’s the meaning of all of these? Are they really signs that the end is near? Are we nearing the end of the world? If these are the signs that we’re nearing the end, or that we are in the last days, what should we do?
01:09 – How should we prepare for when that day does come? What will happen when the end actually does occur?
03:46 – First of all, are we – as we view all of these things taking place – is that teaching us and telling us that we truly are living in the last days?
04:03 – What is meant by that expression in the first place? The last days?
05:07 – So, but brothers, is it possible – for us and our viewers – is it possible to know when… when that time might be? Because even if we will say that Christ will return in the last days, they’re going to be asking, of course, when will that be? When are the last days? Or the time before Christ returns?
06:39 – He wasn’t giving the calendar date, but he was definitely answering the question, right?
07:13 – So, when Jesus responded to them, did he give a calendar date?
07:28 – … did he answer with a date?
08:51 – So, when are these going to be seen?
09:16 – What are these events, what are these signs that really prove that we really are living in that time frame called the last days, or the time when the end is near?
11:07 – The earthquakes, the disease epidemic, pandemics, and all of those things that basically you just read from the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, which shows us we’re really living in the last days, right?
14:30 – When will… What does the Bible have to say concerning, again, the “when” questioned? When these things would be happening, and what would be the kind of responses that people need to take?
15:25 – There’s a lot of depression, and a lot of panic and anxiety taking place. Mental health is a very, very vital and important issue in society nowadays, right brother Donald?
17:55 – Well, what exactly is the fulfillment of all these events that we have just read about there in those verses, brothers. What do they really mean? And what should be – what has to be our response as we witness all these things unfolding in the world around us?
19:07 – What are the fulfillments of these things that we’ve read from our Lord Jesus Christ, announcing the events that would herald the last days?
20:45 – And these things are happening – right, brothers? What else have the scholars had to say as regards to the fulfillment of these predictions of our Lord Jesus Christ?
21:10 – So, there’s already a calendar date now attached to the beginning of the last days?
24:39 – what are our viewers, what are all of us to do? What action needs to be taken?
25:10 – wouldn’t that be a horrible waste if one has that proven, and they absolutely know that to be true, but they don’t do anything about it? Or they don’t know what they’re supposed to be doing with that knowledge?
25:57 – And what is one reason why we should prepare?
26:22 – So, why did our Lord Jesus Christ say that he will return?
26:41 – He’s going to come at a time, brother Richie, when no one is expecting, so we’ve got to get ready for that, right?
28:03 – But even if we know, and have mastered the understanding of that, how are we to get ready? Isn’t that the next thing that we have to ask, dear friends?
28:09 – How do we ready ourselves, prepare ourselves for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ? What does Jesus, himself, teach that people must do, and must know? As we see, the signs of his return and the need to get ready for his return are all fulfilled?
29:46 – How can we prepare ourselves for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ? What are the actions that people need to take?
31:15 – And why is it that we should keep our mind sharp?
31:26 – Well, how can that be done, brothers? How can a person keep their mind sharp, and therefore be able to think clearly, think properly, especially when it comes to making decisions and preparing themselves for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
31:59 – How is it that we can have that characteristic? We can have a sharp mind, we’ll be smart about it, we’ll be wise?
32:28 – So, here, in order to have a sharp mind, in order to be wise, what is the first step?
33:28 – what should everyone learn how to do – let’s word it that way – learn how to do, so that they are ready for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ
33:40 – How can a person be ready for Christ’s return? With that kind of sharp mind and such, that brother Richie was referring to? That was able to avoid any deception, and being duped or deceived?
35:58 – Well, what did the prophet Isaiah have to say regarding the value and the importance of the worship service of the true people of God?
36:37 – What is it that Christ our Lord has taught people to do with great effort and being ready for his return in our time?
37:16 – What is the command that we can read from what our Lord Jesus Christ is telling us, that we really need to have extreme effort in doing?
36:49 – So, what is the law? What is the command that we are learning? That we need to use extreme effort in doing?
38:02 – How much effort should we use to go through the narrow gate?
38:10 – … if we do not, what will happen?
38:47 – Why is it so important that no one will make excuses for not entering that narrow gate? And, in fact, they will exert, with urgency, all extreme effort to do so? How important is it to enter that gate that you read about there, brother Richie?
39:09 – What will happen if one follows that instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ?
40:01 – Well, what is the guarantee? Why is it so important that one follows his instruction and goes through him?
Preparing for the End Times
Brother Bob Pellien: So many are the unusual events happening since the beginning of 2020. Earthquakes around the world, and now are happening in places that were before we didn’t hear of earthquakes happening like that in those places. And they’re with great magnitudes. There’s simultaneous volcanic eruptions and firestorms and bush fires in different parts of the world. There’s extreme weather, and continued civil unrest. And between nations, armed conflicts. There’s the spread of various disease pandemics, there’s increased unemployment. Poverty and homelessness, and social unrest, and many are asking questions. [00:51] What’s the meaning of all of these? Are they really signs that the end is near? Are we nearing the end of the world? If these are the signs that we’re nearing the end, or that we are in the last days, what should we do?
[On-screen text graphic]
Topic: The Signs of the Last Days
Brother Bob: [01:09] How should we prepare for when that day does come? What will happen when the end actually does occur?
Brother Bob: Welcome to you all, dear friends!
[On-screen text graphics]
Topic: The Signs of the Last Days
Brother Bob: And we thank you for joining us in this episode of the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. And joining us in this week’s discussion is brother Donald Pinnock in Toronto, Canada. Welcome to you there, brother Donald!
[On-screen text graphics]
Donald Pinnock, Toronto, Canada, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Donald Pinnock: Thank you, brother Bob, it’s a joy to be with you once again.
Brother Bob: As well, for us. Brother Dexter Manglicmot! Brother Dexter, welcome as well, from Washington D.C. Welcome to our discussion!
[On-screen text graphics]
Dexter Manglicmot, Washington, DC, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Dexter Manglicmot: Thank you, brother Bob! And thank you for our viewers who are tuning in to this program.
Brother Bob: And nearby, there, in the San Francisco Bay area, brother Richie Juatco. Brother Richie, thank you for also joining us here in our discussion here today! Thank you.
[On-screen text graphics]
Richie Juatco, San Francisco, California, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Richie Juatco: Thank you, brother Bob. Thank you for having us.
Brother Bob: Brothers, our program today is a very timely discussion on a very relevant and important topic. The times that we are now living in are, well, everyone would easily agree, they’re truly out of the ordinary!
[On-screen text graphics]
Robert Pellien, INC Media Studios, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Bob: Simultaneous occurrence of these events that we’ve mentioned throughout the world. Even the increased poverty, the unemployment brought about by so many of the circumstances of the world, and the increase of homelessness, the crash of the stock markets throughout the world, and the economy worsening, and people unable to return to their [place of] employment. There’s a lot of armed conflicts, there’s a lot of social and civil unrest, and that’s not even yet mentioning some of the other things. Like, the brush fires, the wild fires, the continued intensifying of earthquakes, the flooding, the severe storms, and hurricanes, and typhoons, plagues of locusts and hornets! And added to this, and believably, the worst, of course, is the pandemic of COVID-19 or the coronavirus. So, we have a lot to talk about, and we have a lot to understand the relevance to the biblical timeline in which we are living in. So, let’s begin discussing these things, brothers. Let’s begin answering the question that was asked at the beginning of our program. [03:46] First of all, are we – as we view all of these things taking place – is that teaching us and telling us that we truly are living in the last days? And, by the way, brother Donald, let’s begin with you, there, in Toronto. [04:03] What is meant by that expression in the first place? The last days?
Brother Donald: Well, brother Bob, we’re not going to revert to, for example, the encyclopedia or dictionary for the meaning, because we need to find out the truth. And when it comes to the truth, according to our Lord Jesus Christ, in John 17, verse 17, he says about God, “your word is truth.” And we know that the words of God are written in the Bible, so, let’s consult the Bible, dear viewers, when it comes to the true meaning of the term “these last days”. We can read the following here, in II Timothy, the chapter is 3, and the verse is 1, and the Bible states the following:
[04:47]You need to realize that during the last days before Christ returns, …
[II Timothy 3:1 Translation for Translators]
Brother Donald: So please note this, when it comes to the phrase, these last days, it refers to a time just before our Lord Jesus Christ returns.
Brother Bob: So that phrase, the last days, that’s really a biblical term. [05:07] So, but brothers, is it possible – for us and our viewers – is it possible to know when… when that time might be? Because even if we say that Christ will return in the last days, they’re going to be asking, of course, when will that be? When are the last days? Or the time before Christ returns? Let’s go to you there in Washington D.C., brother Dexter.
Brother Dexter: Yes, brother Bob, and yes, dear viewers. We can know when that period of time is prior to Christ’s return. We can know this, because a very similar question like this was posed by the disciples to our Lord Jesus Christ. As we can read here in Matthew 24, and the verse is 3, this is what it says:
[05:57]Later as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, some of His followers went to speak to Him privately. “Tell us,” they inquired, “When will all these things happen? And what will happen to alert us that You are soon coming again, and that the end of the age is near?”
[Matthew 24:3 Last Days Bible]
Brother Dexter: What the followers of our Lord Jesus asked was, “what will happen to alert us that you are soon coming again,” and, “the end of the age,” or the end of the world, “is near?”
Brother Bob: [06:39] He wasn’t giving the calendar date, but he was definitely answering the question, right?
Brother Dexter: He was. And we can read – like what we read earlier – what he meant by the things we’ll know – we will know when these things will happen. We can expect to see signs or events that will tell us or alert us that the time is very near.
Brother Bob: Yeah, they didn’t answer the question: What’s the calendar date? What’s the date? They said, “Tell us when it’s going to be?” [07:13] So, when Jesus responded to them, did he give a calendar date? Let’s go to you there brother Richie.
Brother Richie: Yes, brother Bob…
Brother Bob: Because they’re asking a “when” question. They’re saying, you know, alert us. Tell us when this is going to be. So, was… [07:28] did he answer with a date?
Brother Richie: Well, brother Bob, if we just continue reading from that same book and chapter, we can see how our Lord Jesus Christ responded to their questions or their inquiries. We’ll read from what’s written in the same book and chapter, Matthew 24, but we’ll read verses 32 to 33. And this is how he responds, he says:
[07:52]Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches become tender and grow leaves, you know that summer is near. “In the same way, when you see all these things beginning to happen, realize that the end is near, right at the door.”
[Matthew 24:32 Last Days Bible]
Brother Richie: So, the way our Lord Jesus Christ responded, he actually taught a lesson. What is it that he taught? He said, when its branches – like, a fig tree – when its branches become tender and grow leaves, you know that the summer is near. So, what’s the lesson he’s teaching? He said, in the same way, when you see all these things beginning to happen, realize that the end is near, right at the door.
Brother Bob: So there will be certain things that would alert people that the end is near. There would be events that would be seen. [08:51] So, when are these going to be seen? Because then, when we see them, then we’re going to realize, well, it’s the time for the near arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ. And that time is when the very end is near. So, we’re living, therefore… because these signs are all being fulfilled, right? [09:16] What are these events, what are these signs that really prove that we really are living in that time frame called the last days, or the time when the end is near?
Brother Dexter: That’s a really good question, brother Bob, and it’s important for all of us to understand this. The signs that tell us, that alert us, that the day of our Lord is near. Well, our Lord Jesus Christ enumerates many of these events that would happen when the end is near. And this is recorded in Matthew 24, and the verses are 6 to 8, we’ll also read verse 21. This is what it says:
[09:58]And you will hear of wars and rumors of more wars, but don’t be alarmed. All of these events must take place, but they do not mean that the end has come. Because when the end is actually approaching, many nations will rise up and war against many other nations, and kingdoms against other kingdoms. And there will be famines, disease epidemics, and earthquakes in various places. But even these are only the beginning of the birth pangs. Because there will then be frightful persecution, calamity, and suffering – far greater than any other since the beginning of time until now. There will never again be anything like it.
[Matthew 24:6 Last Days Bible]
Brother Bob: I can’t help but notice there, brother Dexter, how those things enumerated there by our Lord Jesus Christ are so much of what we were describing at the opening of our program of what we’re all seeing in the news. [11:07] The earthquakes, the disease epidemic, pandemics, and all of those things that basically you just read from the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, which shows us we’re really living in the last days, right?
Brother Dexter: Yeah, that’s right. And I believe all of our viewers also noticed that. And Jesus mentioned, many nations will rise up in war against many other nations. Kingdoms against kingdoms. There was also a mention here, there will be famines, disease epidemics, earthquakes in various places, …
Brother Bob: Yup.
Brother Dexter: … calamities, and sufferings far greater than any other since the beginning of time until now.
Brother Bob: And these are the things we’re seeing happening. Right, brother Donald?
Brother Donald: Yes, brother Bob. I was just going to mention that when it comes to this proclamation of our Lord Jesus Christ, he virtually said the same thing, this time, recorded by Luke. And we can read that in Luke 21, and the verse is 11, and this is stated:
[12:07]There will be violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and [deadly and devastating] pestilences (plagues, epidemics); and there will be terrible sights and great signs from heaven.
[Luke 21:11 Amplified Bible 2015]
Brother Donald: And please notice, when it comes to this statement, or this pronouncement of our Lord Jesus Christ, he mentioned earthquakes again. So numerous and, again, when it comes to the intensity, and even in the religious where they are going to take place. There’ll also be famines that will affect whole continents, and that is why we can’t be surprised that we hear of refugees trying to flee their homeland using sometimes only flimsy vessels in an attempt to reach the shores of other countries in order to seek a bright future. Again, we hear of different kinds of illnesses and sicknesses, and especially when it comes to the impact thereof of such devastation around the world. In fact, brother Bob …
[On screen graphic]
[Souce: https://www.aljazeera.com]
The New York Times
U.S. Is Alone Among Peers In Failing to Contain Virus
Brother Donald: Since the beginning of this year, 2020, we’re all the living witnesses to all of these horrific events. When it comes to, again, these volcanic eruptions, these earthquakes of great magnitudes, When it comes to the vast number of people suffering from, or suffering from poverty, the lack of food in the world. And not just when it comes to, for example, the African continent, and parts of Asia, including India. But, even when it comes to developed countries, there are so many people who are starving, and they’re resorting to food banks. And, of course, the greatest peril right now, at this time, is none other than this global pandemic, this COVID-19. And when it comes to those who are affected, well, they can be found in all six inhabited continents all around the world.
Brother Bob: Absolutely. Of course, the COVID-19 is the most prominent among the discussions of the tragedies taking place in the world, but it’s certainly not the only one. All those other things that you mentioned there, brother Donald, are, certainly, events that are crippling the economies and lives and such in so many places around the world. So, brother Richie, let’s go to you again. [14:30] When will… What does the Bible have to say concerning, again, the “when” questioned? When these things would be happening, and what would be the kind of responses that people need to take?
Brother Richie: You know, brother Bob, as we’re going over the prophecies of the Bible, signs of the end being near. The Bible does also mention how people are going to respond when these signs actually occur. As brother Donald read, in Luke, chapter 21, if we just continue to verse 25, the Bible does say how people are going to feel, how they’re going to respond, and this is what it says – it says:
[15:12](b)…People in the nations on earth will be utterly confused, baffled, and panic-stricken.
[Luke 21:25 Amplified Bible 2015]
Brother Bob: And that’s really taking place. [15:25] There’s a lot of depression, and a lot of panic and anxiety taking place. Mental health is a very, very vital and important issue in society nowadays, right brother Donald?
Brother Donald: Well, you know these words of our Lord Jesus Christ, brother Bob, they’re so very, very true. Because when you look at the actual events that are unfolding in this world, well, you know, imagine, these were pronounced by the Lord our God through the prophets thousands of years ago, and then through the greatest prophet, our Lord Jesus Christ. People are, indeed, confused and baffled when it comes to just this one horrific event – this global pandemic. And that includes even medical professionals and scientists. They’re not sure, they’re stunned, when it comes to what to do in order to curb, let alone, when it comes to stopping the spread of this virus.
Brother Dexter: Yes, that’s true, brother Donald. And in many places, self-isolation, as well as quarantine are mandated to help curb the spread of this virus, but we could also see in many places, unfortunately, people are not taking it seriously, and it’s causing the virus to spread even more.
Brother Richie: Brothers, you know, we could even add this: because of people not able to go to work, right? Businesses are closed, communities and cities, they’re on virtual lockdown. People are panic stricken, as evidenced by their, they call it panic buying, right? Hoarding, or trying to get as much groceries as they can, emptying shelves. And we can see the necessity of PPE, right? It’s a term we’re learning now: Personal Protection Equipment, needed for medical professionals, they’re becoming scarce because other people are getting it for themselves.
Brother Bob: Yes, that’s true. There are a lot who are hoarding and such things as that. Well, brothers, you know, we’ve read the words of our Lord Jesus Christ here in the Holy Scriptures that tell us about these events that we’ve been discussing. They were mentioned in the scriptures that they would happen, and it would also be the heralding or the announcing – I think in the Bible or the verse that you read there, brother Donald – it was the “alerting” that we’re living in the time called “the last days,” or the time just before the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. [17:55] Well, what exactly is the fulfillment of all these events that we have just read about there in those verses, brothers. What do they really mean? And what should be – what has to be our response as we witness all these things unfolding in the world around us? Dear friends, stay with us, because the Bible will answer that and so much more, as we continue with our discussion on this important topic, right here, on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. We’ll be right back.
[Music]
Brother Bob: Welcome back, everyone, to the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition, as we continue with our very important discussion today.
[On-screen text graphics]
Topic: The Signs of the Last Days
Brother Bob: You know, we’ve been studying what the Bible here actually says concerning the signs of the last days.
[On-screen text graphics]
Rober Pellien, INC Media Studios, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Bob: And dear friends, what we’ve learned from our Lord Jesus Christ and the various events that he said would happen as the signs heralding or announcing that we are now living in the last days. So, dear brothers… let’s go to you, brother Richie, [19:07] what are the fulfillments of these things that we’ve read from our Lord Jesus Christ, announcing the events that would herald the last days?
[On-screen text graphics]
Richie Juatco, San Francisco, California, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Richie: Brothers, the fulfillment of those signs that we read earlier, in Matthew 24:6-8 of the Last Days Bible’s translation. If we go to the footnote of that translation, Bible scholars actually have an explanation of the fulfillment of those signs. This is what is recorded. I’ll go ahead and read the footnote:
[On screen graphic]
Matthew 24:6-8 footnote …
Jesus now tells His followers how they could discern when the world was actually entering the beginning of the birth pangs …
The approach of the end of the age would see several phenomena on the earth occurring at the same time.
Those phenomena, would be:
- Many nations rising up against many other nations
- 2. Kingdoms rising against kingdoms
- Famines
- Disease epidemics
- Earthquakes in various places.
[The Last Days Bible: The New Testament, God’s New Agreement with Mankind, Prophecy Edition Matthew]
Brother Bob: And we have, for sure, seen those things. That’s what we’ve been discussing – right, brothers? So, our Lord Jesus Christ then, in Matthew 24:6 through 8, well, there he enumerated 5 different events that would occur. And there are many nations rising up against each other, other nations, kingdoms against kingdoms, famines, disease epidemics, and earthquakes in various places. [20:45] And these things are happening – right, brothers? What else have the scholars had to say as regards to the fulfillment of these predictions of our Lord Jesus Christ?
Brother Richie: Yes, brother Bob. These scholars now, 13 of them in all, came together – that made this translation – and this is what they continued to say about the fulfillment. It says:
[21:11][On screen graphic]
Wars between nations, or even between kingdoms, is and has been a common occurrence. History has recorded famines at various times. There have been times of great disease epidemics.
There have been earthquakes in the past, but increasingly so in the present day. Jesus tells His disciples, however, to be awaiting a specific time during which all of these phenomena would be in evidence at the same time.
The first such time in world history occurred during the years of World War I (1914-1918) and immediately following.
[The Last Days Bible: The New Testament, God’s New Agreement with Mankind, Prophecy Edition Matthew]
Brother Richie: So, we can see the beginning of these events happening all at the same time, which we know are the signs that our Lord Jesus Christ gave us at the beginning of World War I, which we know broke out on July 27, 1914.
Brother Bob: [21:10] So, there’s already a calendar date now attached to the beginning of the last days?
Brother Richie: Yes, brother Bob.
[On-screen text graphics]
Donald Pinnock, Toronto, Canada, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Donald: And, if I can add, brother Bob and brother Richie, these same Bible scholars had come to this conclusion in the same translation of the Bible, but in their footnote for Luke 21:11, that we read earlier, and they state this:
[22:35][On screen graphic]
Luke 21 footnote …
… But, there seems to be little doubt that the present day is the time of the end.
[The Last Days Bible: The New Testament, God’s New Agreement with Mankind, Prophecy Edition Matthew]
[On-screen text graphics]
Dexter Manglicmot, Washington, DC, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Dexter: But they are not alone, dear friends and beloved brethren. When it comes to this conclusion, another Bible scholar writing about the fulfillment of the events in Matthew 24, said the following:
[On screen graphic]
“Now we are ready to ask: Has there ever been a war, started by two nations, which grew into a worldwide war by the kingdoms of the world, followed by unprecedented famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places (perhaps simultaneously)? I am of the opinion that we can discern such.
Though reluctant to be dogmatic on the subject, I believe there is one event that fulfills all four parts of this prophecy.
That terrible event has been labeled by historians as World War I, which took place between 1914 and 1918.”
[Tim LaHaye, The Beginning of the End, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, Copyright ©1972 by Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, 60187], pp. 35-36
Brother Dexter: The same author came to the conclusion regarding the fulfillment of these events that 1914, with the outbreak of the first world war, ushered in the beginning of the end. This is what he says:
[24:00][On screen graphic]
“… it is reasonable to conclude that 1914 ushered in the beginning of the end.”
[Tim LaHaye, The Beginning of the End, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, Copyright ©1972 by Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, 60187], pp. 39
Brother Bob: So then, brother Dexter, brother Donald, brother Richie… If our Lord Jesus Christ, then, has told us that these are the signs of his inevitable and soon – very soon – return, we are living then, for sure, in what the Bible called “the last days” before he actually returns. But even if we know that, and it’s absolutely proven by these scriptures and that fulfillment that we can see happening all around, [24:39] what are our viewers, what are all of us to do? What action needs to be taken?
Brother Donald: You know, brother Bob, if I can just interject here, what you just mentioned, that is so very, very paramount when it comes to importance. We are actually living in the last days. We’re living at a time just before the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of the chaos –
Brother Bob: Yeah, but brother Donald, [25:10] wouldn’t that be a horrible waste if one has that proven, and they absolutely know that to be true, but they don’t do anything about it? Or they don’t know what they’re supposed to be doing with that knowledge?
Brother Donald: Yes, brother Bob, and that is so very, very true. And that’s why man needs to take heed to this pronouncement of our Lord Jesus Christ that we can read here, in Matthew, the chapter is 24, and the verse is 44, and he states the following:
[25:39]Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
[Matthew 24:44 New King James Version]
Brother Donald: So, please note this, when it comes to our Lord Jesus Christ, our Lord Jesus Christ says that we should be ready, or we should prepare ourselves. [25:57] And what is one reason why we should prepare? Because the Son of Man or our Lord Jesus Christ will come at an hour we do not expect. Yes, we know that we are living at a time when the end is near, but when exactly the end will be, we do not know, and that is why our Lord Jesus Christ says, we should prepare.
Brother Bob: So, that’s the action item, dear friends, get ready. [26:22] So, why did our Lord Jesus Christ say that he will return? Because what you read there, brother Donald, is that he’s going to come back at a time when no one is expecting it. He will return at an hour, which no one is going to be expecting. In other words, there is not going to be a countdown “ten, nine, and he’s coming, eight, seven…” nothing like that! [26:41] He’s going to come at a time, brother Richie, when no one is expecting, so we’ve got to get ready for that, right?
Brother Richie: That’s correct, brother Bob. And the reason why our Lord Jesus Christ is teaching us, telling us to get ready, right? It’s going to come, he’s going to come at an hour that we do not expect. It’s because he, himself, does not know the exact day and hour. Now, why do we say this? Because that’s what he taught. We can read what he taught, here, in Mark 13:32, he says this:
[27:15]But no one knows the exact time when I will return. The angels in heaven also do not know. Even I do not know. Only my Father knows.
[Mark 13:32 Translation for Translators]
Brother Richie: So, our Lord Jesus Christ, he’s making it clear, that exact day and hour, even he doesn’t know, the angels don’t know, we don’t know – it’s only our Lord God, our Father in Heaven [that knows]. So, that is why he is saying get ready, prepare for his return.
Brother Bob: So, dear friends, it’s good if we’ve learned from the scriptures that we are living in the last days. It is good if we have learned from the scriptures that we are required to get ready for the soon arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ. [28:03] But even if we know, and have mastered the understanding of that, how are we to get ready? Isn’t that the next thing that we have to ask, dear friends? [28:09] How do we ready ourselves, prepare ourselves for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ? What does Jesus, himself, teach that people must do, and must know? As we see, the signs of his return and the need to get ready for his return are all fulfilled? This is what we will find the answer to, among so many more questions yet to be posed, as the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition continues.
[Music]
Brother Bob: Welcome back, dear friends to our program! The Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition.
[On-screen text graphics]
Rober Pellien, INC Media Studios, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Bob: Again, with us, in our biblical discussion, is brother Donald Pinnock in Toronto, thanks for sticking with us, brother Donald. Brother Dexter Manglicmot in Washington D.C., as well as brother Richie Juatco.
[On-screen text graphics]
Rober Pellien, INC Media Studios, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Bob: Brothers, thank you for staying with us in our very important discussion today on the last days, and the signs concerning the end times. So, let’s go to you first, brother Donald. Our Lord Jesus said that people should prepare – and you read that – and ready themselves for his second advent or his return because, well, no one knows the exact time and hour of his return. So, he said, get ready for it. So, how do we do that? [29:46] How can we prepare ourselves for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ? What are the actions that people need to take?
[On-screen text graphics]
Donald Pinnock, Toronto, Canada, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Donald: Dear viewers, when it comes to what’s called disaster preparedness, there are government officials that will give directives that people should follow. But when it comes to the impending disaster, which is the Day of Judgment, which is also the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, we can’t just listen to anybody, but rather, we should listen and be prepared to follow what our Lord Jesus Christ, himself, says, in order to prepare ourselves. And we can read the following here, in Mark, the chapter is 13, and the verse are 3 to 6:
Peter, James, John and Andrew came privately to Jesus as he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, and asked, “When is all this destruction going to happen? And how will we know it is about to happen? What signs will let us know? Jesus answered: “Keep your minds sharp so that no one deceives you. There will be many who will come using my name or claiming to be from me, or even claiming to be ‘the One:’ and vast numbers of people who haven’t kept their minds sharp and who don’t think for themselves will be duped.
[Mark 13:3-6 The Remedy New Testament]
Brother Donald: So, please notice, beloved friends, our Lord Jesus Christ says that we should keep our mind sharp. [31:15] And why is it that we should keep our mind sharp? So that we will not be duped or deceived, but rather, we will be able to think clearly.
Brother Bob: [31:26] Well, how can that be done, brothers? How can a person keep their mind sharp, and therefore be able to think clearly, think properly, especially when it comes to making decisions and preparing themselves for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
[On-screen text graphics]
Richie Juatco, San Francisco, California, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Richie: Brother Bob, that’s a really good question, since that is the characteristic that is necessary. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, have a sharp mind, all right, so that we can prepare. [31:59] How is it that we can have that characteristic? We can have a sharp mind, we’ll be smart about it, we’ll be wise? Well, we can read the answer that comes from Proverbs, the chapter is 1, and the verse is 7, and here it says:
[32:15]
How does a man become wise? The first step is to trust and reverence the Lord! Only fools refuse to be taught.
[Proverbs 1:7 The Living Bible]
Brother Richie: [32:28] So, here, in order to have a sharp mind, in order to be wise, what is the first step? According to what we’ve read, it is to trust and have reverence in the Lord. We know those who trust and have reverence in the Lord, they allow themselves to be taught by the Lord. Those people will have a sharp mind. They’re the ones that they’ll know what time they’re living in, and not only that, they’ll know what needs to be done, so that they can prepare themselves for Christ’s return. Now, for those who won’t allow themselves to be taught by the Lord, well, according to the biblical truth, they are those that are foolish. They are the ones that will be duped or deceived.
Brother Bob: So, it behooves anyone that wants to avoid being deceived or being duped, they need to maintain that sharp, wise mind. Well, what should everyone learn, so they’ll be taught to do… what should they… [33:28] what should everyone learn how to do – let’s word it that way – learn how to do, so that they are ready for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ? This is now a request for the actions to be taken, brother Dexter. [33:40] How can a person be ready for Christ’s return? With that kind of sharp mind and such, that brother Richie was referring to? That was able to avoid any deception, and being duped or deceived?
[On-screen text graphics]
Dexter Manglicmot, Washington, DC, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Dexter: A very important question to be answered, brother Bob, and, like what you said, after we learn it, we have to put into action what we are supposed to do – when we learn it, then we have to do it. Well, the Bible’s answer can be read in Psalms 18, and the verse is 21. This is what the Bible teaches:
I have followed [obeyed; kept; guarded] the ways of the LORD; I have not done evil by turning away from my God.
[Psalms 18:21 The Expanded Bible]
Brother Dexter: Dear friends, everyone needs to learn to follow, but not only follow, we have to obey and keep the ways of the Lord. You know, it would be wrong to refuse to gain new knowledge that would benefit a person in this life. It would be more wrong to refuse to learn God’s way. And if one has learned them, it would also be wrong to turn away from them, or not obey or follow them.
Brother Bob: Yeah, that’s a very common error of many, isn’t it, brother Dexter? That… ok, they… maybe, maybe they have that sharp mind, maybe they have done everything in their own personal capacity to avoid being deceived or whatever. And they’ve heard, but then they’re unwilling to follow it and obey – it will do them, therefore, no good. That’s why inside the worship services in the Church Of Christ, the worship service lessons that we hear are so important to us. Because it’s there, in the worship service, where the ways of the Lord, his instructions and direction for our life, his commandments are taught. And we could learn them. And then, we can obey them, and they will be the light for our journey in this life, and we’ll be able to be ready for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. [35:58] Well, what did the prophet Isaiah have to say regarding the value and the importance of the worship service of the true people of God? Let me be the one to read from the Scriptures this time, brothers. I want to read Isaiah, chapter 2, verse 3, wherein it says this:
Many people will come and say, “Let’s go to the mountain of the LORD God of Jacob and worship in his temple.” The LORD will teach us his Law from Jerusalmen, and we will obey him.
[Isaiah 2:3 Contemporary English Version]
Brother Bob: [36:37] What is it that Christ our Lord has taught people to do with great effort and being ready for his return in our time? Because this was the instruction of God to His people in the nation of Israel. The prophet Isaiah said, they went to the house of worship and they went there for a purpose – to be taught, and to learn what they needed to do. Is that the same for all our viewers joining us in our broadcast today, brother Richie?
Brother Richie: You know, brother Bob, what we need to have extreme effort in doing – you said [that’s] to follow the command, right? [37:16] What is the command that we can read from what our Lord Jesus Christ is telling us, that we really need to have extreme effort in doing? We’ll read from Luke 13, the verse is 24. It says this:
You must use extreme effort.” Jesus replied, “in order to gain entrance through the narrow gate. Because I tell you, many will try to enter, but will not succeed.”
[Luke 13:24 The Last Days Bible]
Brother Richie: [36:49] So, what is the law? What is the command that we are learning? That we need to use extreme effort in doing? The Bible says, to gain entrance through the narrow gate. [38:02] How much effort should we use to go through the narrow gate? He says, you must use extreme effort, because [38:10] if we do not, what will happen? Just like what we read, it says, then we will not succeed.
Brother Donald: You know what’s so saddening but, in truth, it’s a stark reality when it comes to so many people? Call it a human flaw, however, many people, when it comes to what should be done with urgency, well, they make excuses. They give various reasons, and because of this, they’re not able to do what should have been done for their benefit or for their safety.
Brother Bob: What can we say, brothers, about why… [38:47] Why is it so important that no one will make excuses for not entering that narrow gate? And, in fact, they will exert, with urgency, all extreme effort to do so? How important is it to enter that gate that you read about there, brother Richie?
Brother Richie: You know, brother Bob, let me read why it’s so important. [39:09] What will happen if one follows that instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ? So, here’s another instruction of his. I’m going to read from John 10:9 [and] 16. He says:
I am the Door. Anyone who goes … through Me will be saved from the punishment of sin.
I have other sheep which are not from this sheep-pen. I must bring them also. They will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock with one shepherd.
[John 10:9 and 16 New Life Version]
Brother Richie: So, we see our Lord Jesus Christ – as he instructed earlier – that one needs to have extreme effort in entering that narrow gate, right? And so, that gate… that gateway or doorway or that door… What is that? Now, he’s explaining, that’s him. What did he say? He said, I am the door. [40:01] Well, what is the guarantee? Why is it so important that one follows his instruction and goes through him? He said, anyone who goes in through me will be saved from the punishment of sin. That’s why it’s so important, and that’s why – as we heard earlier – there should be no excuse why one can’t follow this instruction, because the importance and value of it is that one can be saved from the punishment of sin. Now, our Lord Jesus Christ says, anyone who goes in through me …” What is he referring to? What should they go into? Just as what we read, also, he said, there will be one flock. So, that one flock, one should do everything that they can to enter into, through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Brother Dexter: That’s right, brother Richie. And the flock referred to here, dear friends, that one must enter to be saved from the punishment of sin, is the Church Of Christ. And that’s not just us saying it here in the panel. This is what is written in the Holy Scriptures. This is recorded in Acts 20, and the verse is 28 of the Lamsa Translation of the Bible. This is what it says:
[41:11]
Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.
[Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation]
Brother Dexter: Dear friends, membership in the Church Of Christ is the command of our Lord Jesus Christ as the Savior. Becoming a member of the Church Of Christ is, indeed, the path commanded by our Lord in being ready for him, for his return, in order to be saved from the punishment of sin. That’s why, when we see all of these things happening around us, it is a call for us to prepare ourselves as well. And one way to do so is by being a member of the flock of our Lord Jesus Christ – the Church Of Christ.
Brother Bob: Therefore, dear friends, the Iglesia Ni Cristo or the Church Of Christ believes in the second advent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We believe we are living in the last days, or the time just before his return. And this is so evident by all of these events that have happened and continue to happen at present. These are but warnings given by Christ, as written in the Bible for us to awaken ourselves to do what is right. What’s right? Obey the will of God, obey His instruction, and one of which is to become a member of the Church Of Christ, because it’s the only true Church, and the one to be saved by our Lord when he comes. That is why we invite you! We invite everyone to make the time to go to the nearest local congregation of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. And, of course, after the COVID-19 subsides, and the government restrictions are lifted, join with us in the house of worship for our worship services, and for our Bible studies conducted there! In the meantime, learn more about the Church Of Christ and what we believe by going to our official website: incmedia.org …
[On screen text graphic]
To learn more about the Iglesia Ni cristo (Church Of Christ), log onto www.iglesianicristo.net and www.incmedia.org
Brother Bob: … where you can learn so many things about the Church Of Christ, and what we believe, and how we conduct our proper and true services to the Almighty God. Well, dear friends, we’d like to thank you, brothers…
[On-screen text graphics]
Donald Pinnock, Toronto, Canada, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Bob: Brother Donald Pinnock there in Toronto. Brother Donald, thank you for your important and valuable insight and input to our discussion.
[On-screen text graphics]
Dexter Manglicmot, Washington, DC, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Bob: To you, as well, brother Dexter, there in Washington D.C. Thank you as well for your deep understanding of this topic and the input that you have provided.
[On-screen text graphics]
Richie Juatco, San Francisco, California, Minister of the Gospel
Brother Bob: And brother Richie, there in nearby San Francisco. Thank you, all three of you, brothers! Thank you for giving us Bible-based answers, so – as the Apostle Peter said to the members of the Church – you will be ready to speak up and tell anyone why you are living the way you are. That’s 1 Peter 3:15. Well, that does it for us, here, on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. We hope that you will all join us again, next time! I’m brother Bob Pellien, and thanks for watching!
[On-screen text graphics]
INCTV
All Rights Reserved 2020
Bautismo en Montevideo, Uruguay
La pandemia de coronavirus no pudo detener el crecimiento de la Iglesia de Cristo en América Latina, ya que el primer miembro de la Iglesia en Uruguay se bautiza después de esperar casi dos años. [The coronavirus pandemic has not been able to stop the growth of the Church Of Christ in Latin America, as the first member is baptized in Uruguay after waiting for two years.]
Show/Hide Transcript
[gráfico en pantalla]
Iglesia De Cristo Mundo
Angélica Fisher: En el mundo de hoy, la nueva normalidad nos ha obligado a ajustar nuestras perspectivas y prioridades en la vida.
La tranquilidad se ha convertido en un factor importante y el camino para llegar allí a menudo requiere dedicación y paciencia.
Conozca a Misael de Montevideo, Uruguay, cuyo viaje para renovar su visión de la vida hacia algo completamente nuevo valió la pena la espera.
Misael Balcedo: Yo nací aquí en Montevideo, en la capital del Uruguay.
Angélica: Ubicado entre Argentina y Brasil, Uruguay se encuentra en la costa sureste de América del Sur. Es conocido por su clima templado, sus abundantes playas y su gente. Es un lugar que mayormente vive del ganado y del turismo.
Misael: Uruguay es un país muy amable, muy lindo. Por ejemplo, tiene grandes costas hacia el Océano Atlántico y el Río de la Plata, que se extienden aproximadamente por unos 600 kilómetros.
Misael: Hemos nacido en esta ciudad tan costera y desde niño, continuamente, siempre siendo y estando en las playas.
Desde pequeño, nací en una familia que ha asistido a la religión pentecostal. De hecho, soy la 4.ª generación dentro de mi familia.
Anteriormente, era de la religión pentecostal. Posterior a ésta, fui bautista, y por muchos años desde mi niñez.
Angélica: Misael creció como pentecostal y bautista, pero encontró un nuevo camino más adelante en la vida con una forma diferente de servir a Dios.
Una amiga le había enviado un enlace a un video que cambiaría su vida para lo mejor.
Misael: Para mí, era algo muy nuevo, porque en esta zona del mundo, jamás habíamos escuchado acerca de la Iglesia De Cristo. En este video, estaba el Hermano Juan Fisher predicando acerca de las enseñanzas de la Biblia y nunca había visto de un punto de vista por el cual el Hermano Juan Fisher estaba explicando acerca de la fe de la Iglesia De Cristo en el video.
Misael: Eso inmediatamente captó mi atención.
He visto muchas diferencias acerca de las previas a religiones en comparación con la Iglesia De Cristo, una de las cuales ha sido muy profunda para mi entender. Es acerca de, por ejemplo, la edad, la naturaleza de nuestro Señor Dios y de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.
Fue que un video llevó al otro y al otro y el otro…podía ver era que toda respuesta a la pregunta era traída de la Biblia; toda pregunta que se realizaba, y la respuesta era sacada de la Biblia. Eso ha calado muy hondo.
Angélica: En el fondo de su corazón, Misael anhelaba convertirse en miembro de la Iglesia De Cristo, pero la pandemia del coronavirus le impedía seguir su objetivo.
Misael: Yo conocí a la Iglesia De Cristo en diciembre del año 2019. Luego de las 28 elecciones y la asistencia los servicios de adoración, me he preparado para recibir el santo bautismo en septiembre del año 2020, pero debido a que las fronteras estaban cerradas en muchos países incluso en la República Oriental del Uruguay, tuve que esperar un año y dos meses para poder alcanzar ese gran día.
Angélica: Las circunstancias le impedían ser bautizado, pero la fe de Misael continuó creciendo, también lo hizo su perseverancia—y la conexión con los miembros de la Iglesia creció de una manera especial.
Misael: Incluso antes de ser bautizado fue invitado a participar en diferentes actividades de la Iglesia. Mayormente en aspectos de música. Para mí esto fue una gran bendición porque es un don que Dios me ha dado y el poder compartirlo con mis hermanos.
Durante todo este periodo de tiempo, he estado pidiéndole a nuestro Señor Dios y a nuestro Señor Jesucristo que tenga misericordia y que pueda con rapidez alcanzar el día de mi bautismo que tanto anhelaba.
Angélica: Finalmente, después de casi dos años, la espera de Misael terminó.
Misael: Cuando tuve la noticia de qué iba a suceder el bautismo aquí en el país y ya ha sido una gran intersección de ánimo saber que se podía lograr en el mes de Noviembre, las fronteras ya que se abrieron en el mes de Noviembre.
[Música de fondo] “El gran día llegó, gracias al Señor Dios, respondió mi oración. Ahora soy del redil, porque Él me llamó, a su Iglesia me unió.”
Cuánto a mi familia, ha sido un gran shock para ellos dado que desde la niñez, me habían criado dentro de su religión. Pasando el tiempo me pudieron ver en mi la real seriedad que tome en el asunto y lo importante que había sido la decisión tomada de poder seguir en la Iglesia De Cristo y eso ha sido un gran testimonio para por ejemplo mi padre, mi madre y mi hermana.
Los he invitado constantemente a estudios bíblicos, a misiones evangélicas e incluso para el día de mi bautismo. Fue un gran gozo para mí poder tenerlos allí porque han visto y anotado el cambio en mi vida pese a esa gran influencia.
Misael: Yo estoy muy feliz de esta gran oportunidad que el señor Dios me ha dado en la Iglesia De Cristo y que la Iglesia De Cristo haya descansado en mi país es muy bendecido porque el Señor Dios me ha dado la oportunidad de ser el primer miembro aquí de la Iglesia De Cristo en Uruguay en ser bautizado y anhelo de qué mi familia mis amigos y todas las personas aquí de Uruguay cuando sea la voluntad de Dios, puedan conocer la fe verdadera en la que creemos dentro de la verdadera Iglesia.
Angélica: La historia de Misael se suma al creciente coro de personas que encuentran la paz y se vuelven a conectar con Dios dentro de la Iglesia De Cristo.
[música de fondo]
Misael:…Y tanto tiempo esperé, y me ayudó a ser fiel.
Muchas gracias al Padre le doy
Por llevar tan grande bendición
Y a su Hijo el gran Salvador
Porque el Santo Bautismo alcancé.
[gráfico en pantalla]
Aprende más
incmedia.org/estudia-con-nosotros
Iglesia De Cristo Mundo
__
English
[on-screen graphic]
Iglesia De Cristo Mundo
Angelica Fisher: In today’s world, the new normal has forced us to adjust our outlooks and priorities in life.
Peace of mind has become a major factor and the road to get there often requires dedication and patience.
Meet Misael from Montevideo, Uruguay, whose journey to renewing his outlook in life to something completely new was worth the wait.
Misael Balcedo: I was born here in Montevideo, in the capital of Uruguay.
Angelica: Nestled between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay sits on the southeastern coast of South America. It’s known for its mild climate, plentiful beaches and its people. It is a place that lives mainly from livestock and tourism.
Misael: Uruguay is a very friendly country, very beautiful. For example, it has great coasts towards the Atlantic Ocean and the Río de la Plata, which extend for approximately 600 kilometers.
Misael: We were born in this coastal city and since childhood, continuously, always being on the beaches. Since I was little, I was born into a family that has attended the Pentecostal religion. In fact, I am the 4th generation within my family.
Previously, I was part of the Pentecostal religion. After that, I was a Baptist for many years from my childhood.
Angelica: Misael grew up Pentecostal and Baptist, but found a new path later in life with a different way to serve God.
A friend had sent him a link to a video that would change his life for the better.
Misael: For me, it was something very new, because in this part of the world, we’d never heard of the Church Of Christ. In this video, Brother Juan Fisher was preaching about the teachings of the Bible, and I had never seen a point of view by which Brother Juan Fisher was explaining about the faith of the Church Of Christ in the video.
Misael: That immediately caught my attention.
I have seen many differences between the religions previous compared to the Church Of Christ, one of which has been very profound to my understanding. It’s about, for example, the age, the nature of our Lord God and of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was that one video led to the other and the other and the other… I could see that every answer to the question was taken from the Bible. Every question that was asked and the answer was taken from the Bible. It has penetrated very deeply.
Angelica Fisher: Deep in his heart, Misael longed to become a member of the Church Of Christ, but the coronavirus pandemic would keep him from pursuing his goal.
Misael Balcedo: I got to know the Church Of Christ in December 2019. After the 28 lessons and attendance in the worship services, I prepared myself to receive the holy baptism in September 2020, but due to the borders being closed in many countries, including the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, I had to wait a year and two months to be able to reach that great day.
Angelica Fisher: Circumstances were preventing him from being baptized, but Misael’s faith continued to grow; so did his perseverance—and the connection with the members of the Church Of Christ grew in a special way.
Misael Balcedo: Even before being baptized I was invited to participate in different activities of the Church. Mostly in aspects of music, for me this was a great blessing because it is a gift that God has given to me and to be able to share it with my brothers.
During all that period of time, I have been asking our Lord God and to our Lord Jesus Christ to have mercy and that I could quickly reach the day of my baptism which I was longing for.
Angelica Fisher: Finally, after nearly two years, Misael’s wait was over.
Misael Balcedo: When I got the news that the baptism would happen here in the country, it was a big exchange of joy to know that it could be done in the month of November, and the borders opened up that same month of November.
[Background music] “The great day has come, giving thanks to Lord God,
He answered my call.
Now I am of the fold,
because He called me,
to His church He brought me.”
Misael: As for my family, it has been a great shock to them, since from childhood, they have raised me within their religion. As time went on, they saw in me the real seriousness that I had in the matter, and how important the decision was to continue in the Church Of Christ, and that’s why it’s been a grand testimony, for example, for my father, my mother, and my sister.
I have constantly been inviting them to Bible studies, evangelical missions and even to the very day of my baptism. It was a great joy for me having them there because they have seen and noticed the change in my life due to this great influence.
Misael Balcedo: I am very happy for the great opportunity that the Lord God has given me in the Church Of Christ and that the Church Of Christ has reached my country. I feel blessed because the Lord God has given me the opportunity to be the first member of the Church Of Christ here in Uruguay and to be baptized and I long for
my family, my friends and all the people here from Uruguay, when God wills, can get to know the true faith in which we believe in, in the true Church.
Angelica Fisher: Misael’s story adds to the growing chorus of people finding peace and reconnecting with God inside the Church Of Christ.
[background music]
Misael: … And I waited for so long, and He helped me be faithful.
To the Father I give my many thanks
For carrying this grand blessing
And to His Son the great Savior
Because the Holy Baptism I reached.”
[on-screen graphic]
Learn more
incmedia.org/estudia-con-nosotros
Iglesia De Cristo Mundo
Praying to God for Help
In today’s world, people are drowning in problems — mounting bills, the pandemic, job loss — the list goes on and on. People don’t know who to turn to for help. Many are skeptical if praying to God can even help. Does God listen to prayers? Who will He help in times of need?
Show/Hide Transcript
Time codes
1:55 – Everyone needs help to solve life’s problems but we shouldn’t be surprised at the troubles we experience today, because these were forewarned by the Bible
6:47 – Where or to whom should we go to for help? People have a wrong belief that God isn’t on the job.
8:30 – learn to be prayerful and trust in God
10:15 – if we learn to trust in God and please Him, this is what will happen in our lives
12:39 – Is it true that there’s nowhere to go and no one can help us with our problems? God will help us, but we have to ensure we are pleasing to Him.
15:40 – Is it enough to only trust that God will be there for us and there is no responsibility on our part? We must serve and praise God
20:23 – Who among those who worship and pray to Him will God help and answer?
23:20 – Who are God’s people that He will hear and answer, and how can you be sure you’re included as part of His people?
27:07 – Why does everyone have to be a member of the Church Of Christ in order to be redeemed?
30:25 – Why do Church Of Christ members continue to give high importance to the worship services?
Praying to God for Help
[Show Opens]
Brother Bob Pellien: Every day, people are experiencing a variety of problems and difficulties: their finances, paying their bills, trying to make ends meet, being sick and not knowing what to do to get treated because (of) the expenses that might be incurred, the needs of the family, and even the children’s education, going to school, are among the many and increasing problems being faced.
Friends, added to this is when people look for the necessary help to overcome these problems that they’re facing each and every day, no one seems to be able to help. What’s a person to do? At times, many feel helpless and, sad to say, even hopeless. But there is hope.
[On-screen text Graphics]
Topic
Our Help Comes From The Lord
Brother Bob: But from where can we expect to get the help that is needed?
I’m Brother Bob Pellien and that’s what we’ll be discussing here today on The Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition.
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC: OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Robert Pellien
INC Media Studios
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Bob: And joining us in our program and discussion for today is Brother Noel Simon there in Los Angeles. Welcome to the program, welcome to the discussion, Brother Noel.
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC: OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Noel Simon
Los Angeles, USA
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Noel Simon: Good day, Brother Bob. Hello to everyone viewing this program.
Brother Bob: Also joining us and contributing to our discussion is Brother Phil Velasquez there in the United Kingdom, across the pond as they say there Brother Phil. Welcome to the program.
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC: OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Phillip Velasquez
United Kingdom
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Phillip Velasquez: Thank you very much, Brother Bob. Thanks for having me.
Brother Bob: And also joining us in our program is Brother Joven Sepillo Jr. in Washington, D.C.. Brother Joven, we welcome you as well to our discussion on this important topic, very relevant to our times. Welcome to the discussion, Brother Joven, and thank you.
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC: OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Joven Sepillo Jr.
Washington, DC
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Joven Sepillo Jr.: Thank you so much, Brother Bob. Thanks for having me.
(1:55)
Brother Bob: Brothers, our topic today is, it’s just so important, as I said already, and it’s so relevant to our times. You know it doesn’t matter who a person may be. We all have to face life problems and find help to solve them. But here’s the thing, the problem is, and it’s not just a small problem for most, it’s a big problem for many, wherever they will turn to, maybe to friends, to family, or maybe even to government agencies, these may not be able to provide the kind of help that is needed to solve the current problems of our time. Especially if one turns to family or maybe they turn to friends because, well, they too are faced with the same day-to-day problems and they too may need help to find assistance that they need as well.
So, many are surprised by the many troubles of life today. Let’s go to you first, Brother Phil, there in the U.K.. Many are surprised at what they’re experiencing nowadays.
Brother Phil: That’s right, Brother Bob. That’s what we see, that’s how many people face their problems. But should these overwhelming problems, that many are swamped with these days, should they be surprising in our lives? And the answer is, “no.”
Brother Bob: Why not? Why should they not be surprised, Brother Phil? Because, you know-
Brother Phil: Because all of… Sorry, Brother.
Brother Bob: -because the intensity, no I was just going to say, the intensity of these tragedies, the intensity of these crises, and the so many varying kinds of problems are being experienced by everyone. So, why do you say that they shouldn’t be surprised?
Brother Phil: Well, you’re correct, Brother Bob, with what you said. The frequency and intensity of all of these things that are happening in the world, that causes people problems, really is bringing much grief to many people. But the reason why we shouldn’t be surprised is because these things were forewarned in the Holy Scriptures.
Brother Noel: That’s right, Brother Phil and Brother Bob and our viewers. In fact, it was forewarned, by our Lord Jesus Christ, as one of the signs that the end or His Second Advent is nearing. We can read that in Matthew, 24:21:
“Because there will then be frightful persecution, calamity, and suffering—
far greater than any other since the beginning of time until now. There will never again be anything like it.”
[Matthew 24:21 Last Days Bible]
Brother Noel: Dear viewers, what we have read is the pronouncement of our Lord Christ. It was part of His answer to the question of His disciples as to what are the signs of His Second Advent and of the end of the world.
Brother Bob: So you speak of signs there, Brother Noel. What are, you mean to say then that there are other signs, right? What are those other signs?
Brother Noel: Yes, Brother Bob. There are other signs that our Lord Christ Jesus forewarned about. The first of the signs are recorded in Matthew 24:33, 6 to 8:
So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!
[Matthew 24:33 New King James Version]And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.
[Matthew 24:6-8 New King James Version]
Brother Noel: In the verses that we read, our Lord Christ Jesus gave signs so that His disciples would know when His Second Advent is near, or when the end of the world is near. What were some of those signs? The first sign was wars and rumors of wars, or news of wars, which in fulfillment was the First World War that began on July 27, 1914. And like what we read earlier in Matthew 24:21, there are even more signs given by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Brother Bob: And what were those signs again, Brother Noel?
Brother Noel: Well, Christ stated that there will be frightful persecutions, calamity and suffering.
Brother Joven: Well, that is actually true, Brother Noel. Indeed in our time, there are frightful calamities happening worldwide. The number of earthquakes, volcanic activities, typhoons, flooding, bush and wildfires, disease, epidemics, and also pandemics, all of these bring a toll on people’s lives. They not only affect the personal life of many people, through loss of life, property, but even jobs, and these really bring hardships, not only to the economy but even to the individual lives of many people.
(6:47)
Brother Bob: So then, Brothers, with all of these different things that we are discussing taking place, it’s not only taxing on a government but even the local communities. The local communities are in a state of despair, you know? You know, where then, what is it that a person, what can a person do to find the help that they need? If they can’t go to their local communities, if they can’t go to the governments, if they can’t go to their friends, where are they going to be able to find the help they need to recover from the problems they’re encountering each and every day in these troubled times? Let’s go back to you there, Brother Phil.
Brother Phil: Yes, Brother Bob, and that’s the problem you see. There are those that when they are faced with problems and difficulties, and there’s no one that they can turn to or run to, there’s a wrong belief that arises.
Brother Bob: A wrong belief? That sounds serious.
Brother Phil: It really is serious, Brother Bob, and this wrong belief shouldn’t come upon anyone.
Brother Bob: And, of course, a wrong belief would be dangerous even, right?
Brother Phil: Yes, Brother. Absolutely, Brother. And, you know, Apostle Peter tell us in 1 Peter, 4 and 12, what that wrong belief is that none of us should have:
Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job.
[1 Peter 4:12 The Message]
Brother Phil: Many have come to the conclusion that “God isn’t on the job,” as what’s written in the Bible, or God won’t help, God doesn’t care about them. But as Apostle Peter explained to us, he said, when life gets really difficult, we should not jump to that conclusion that God isn’t on the job.
(8:30)
Brother Joven: That’s actually correct, Brother Phil. Some might have that kind of feeling that when they look around and find no one they can turn to, they fall into despair and sadness because there’s no one to help. But like the early servants of our Almighty God, we need to become prayerful and also to trust in the Lord our God.
Brother Bob: Yes, Brother Joven, that seems obviously true. But for the sake of all our viewers, what does the Bible specifically teach to us as the value of that, or what are they going to gain if they will learn the importance of that?
Brother Joven: Well, Brother Bob, we can read the answer here in the Book of Psalms, chapter 142:4,1 down to 3:
When I look beside me, I see that there is no one to help me, no one to protect me. No one cares for me. I call to the LORD for help; I plead with him. I bring him all my complaints; I tell him all my troubles. When I am ready to give up, he knows what I should do. In the path where I walk, my enemies have hidden a trap for me.
[Psalm 142:4, 1-3 Good News Bible]
Brother Joven: So we need to always trust in our Almighty God. He’s always on the job, meaning to say He is always present, He is always there, and He is more than ready and willing to help us.
Brother Noel: That’s so good to know, and that is what we should all believe in. And let’s reiterate—we need to put our trust in the Almighty God. When we are feeling like we are feeling like we want to give up and there’s no hope, it is God who knows what we need to do and the path we need to walk on.
(10:15)
Brother Bob: Brothers, for those joining us in our discussion, viewing our program with us today, if they will learn how to place their full trust in God what exactly can they expect? What will happen in their life?
Brother Noel: Well if those who trust in the Almighty God, they can expect that when they do what the Lord God wants, the Lord God will always be with them. In fact for those who learn how to please God, this is what can be expected as written in Psalm 37:23 and 24:
The LORD guides us in the way we should go and protects those who please him. If they fall, they will not stay down, because the LORD will help them up.
[Psalms 37:23-24 Good News Bible]
Brother Bob: Dear friends, considering these important words of God in the Scriptures, we should never feel that, no matter what we are encountering or whatever’s happening around us in this life, that we’re in a hopeless, helpless situation. As we just heard from the Holy Bible, the Lord is so willing to guide us in the way we should go, the decisions that we would make, the direction that we should take. And He is willing to do so for those that live their life with the intention to please Him.
Therefore, if we need some help, we need some guidance from God in the midst of these uncertain and trouble filled times that we live in, we’ve got to make sure that our life is being led to please Him. Dear friends, what can we do so that we’re sure to be pleasing God, and therefore receive the help and guidance that we need from Him? That’s what we’ll continue our discussion after this short break. Stay with us.
[Break]
[On-screen text Graphics]
INC INTERNATIONAL EDITION
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC
OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Brother Bob: Welcome back, everyone. As we continue now with our discussion, before the break we were discussing about, you know, all of the problems that are coming into people’s lives nowadays, and it’s intense for so many.
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC: OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Robert Pellien
INC Media Studios
Minister of the Gospel
(12:39)
Brother Bob: And it seems as if for so many that they have no one that can help, and there’s nowhere to go. Brother Phil, is that really the case?
Brother Phil: No, Brother Bob. That is not, that is not true. You know, although people may not find help from friends and family, in spite of their desire to help, but you know, people’s capabilities are only limited.
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC: OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Phillip Velasquez
United Kingdom
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Phil: And even our leaders in government disappoint us. There is a place to go to. It’s where we can find all the help and assistance that we need, and that is with our Almighty God.
Brother Bob: And that’s really so, so true. But what is it that everyone must not forget, Brother Phil?
Brother Phil: Yes, Brother Bob. I mean, as we read earlier on, our Almighty God will help and protect us. You know, He will give us all the guidance we need, but we have to make sure that we are pleasing to Him, that we do the things that glorify Him, that make Him happy.
Brother Bob: That’s when He will protect, and that’s when He will help with all of the kinds of crises that people are experiencing nowadays. So, where is it then that people must go? How is it that they can avail themselves of the kind of help that is available, Brother Joven?
Brother Joven: Well, Brother Bob, we need only to look as far as what the Bible, the word of our Almighty God, teaches. We’ll read it here in the Book of Psalms, chapter 121:1 down to 3:
I look to the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let you fall; your protector is always awake.
[Psalm 121:1-3 Good News Bible]
Brother Joven: So as we can see, our Almighty God, or our Lord God is almighty. There’s nothing impossible for Him to do.
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC: OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Joven Sepillo Jr.
Washington, DC
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Joven: That’s why the true servant of the Lord God looks to Him for help in times of need. And the uniqueness, the trait of the Lord our God—He’s our protector. He’s always awake. He’s always there, especially during times of need.
Brother Noel: And if we continue reading also in Psalm 121,-
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC: OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Noel Simon
Los Angeles, USA
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Noel: -we can see what the Lord God can do for us. Let us read in verses 7 and 8:
The LORD will protect you from all danger; he will keep you safe. He will protect you as you come and go now and forever.
[Psalm 121:7-8 Good News Bible]
Brother Noel: Very clear, what the Bible says. The Lord God will protect us. The Lord God will keep us safe. So what we need to do is to believe in what the Bible says. It is necessary that we have faith and trust in what the Lord God can do for us.
(15:40)
Brother Bob: But I think, Brother Noel, it’s important that, you know, all people have to be careful though. Because is it just that, just to believe that God is the one to run to for the help? And we just believe, and we just trust that God would provide all of the help, and protect us in these troublesome times that we all live in? Just believe that, and that’s it? There’s no other responsibility that a person has? Is that what you’re saying, Brothers?
Brother Phil: Absolutely not, Brother Bob. In fact, the servant of our Almighty God who truly believes and trusts in Him, he does something to prove it. He worships our Almighty God and goes to the temple or the place of worship to seek our God and to seek His help. And this is what we can read here in Psalm 138:7 and then we go to verse 2 to 3:
I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your own powerful arm you keep me safe. I worship at your holy temple and praise you for your love and your faithfulness. You were true to your word and made yourself more famous than ever before. When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage.
[Psalm 138:7, 2-3 Contemporary English Version]
Brother Phil: It is very important, according to what we read, that a person worships and praises our Almighty God in His temple. It is where our Almighty God will prove how true He is to His words and to His promises by answering the prayers of those who seek Him and worship Him.
Brother Bob: So it’s they, then, Brother Phil, they are the ones that are pleasing to God. They are the ones, then, that He will deliver when they call out to Him for help and guidance in these troubled times. They are the ones that He will protect. Right, Brother Noel?
Brother Noel: That’s true, Brother Bob. And so, no one should ever think of turning away from God and stop worshiping Him. If there are those who have not yet tried worshiping Him or have not yet found or felt how God can truly help us, we should believe what the Bible says about those who worship the Almighty God.
Brother Bob: So, Brother Noel, what then actually does the Bible specifically say about that?
Brother Noel: We’ll read here in Psalm, 34, the verse is 9:
“Worship GOD if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.”
[Psalm 34:9 The Message]
Brother Noel: Who doesn’t want to experience that? Worship opens doors to all of God’s goodness.
Brother Joven: I actually agree, Brother Noel. And the truth is, our Almighty God stockpiles blessings and help for those who come to worship Him. That’s we can read in the Book of Psalms, chapter 31, and the verse is 19:
What a stack of blessing you have piled up for those who worship you, Ready and waiting for all who run to you to escape an unkind world.
[Psalm 31:19 The Message]
Brother Joven: So dear friends, God is ready and, not only ready but, waiting for all who run to Him to escape this unkind or evil world.
Brother Bob: Therefore, dear friends, to all who may be experiencing the intensity of life’s problems nowadays, God is ready to help. He’s there, he’s ready to help, and to take care of those who will just make that decision to run to Him and make Him the one whom they trust, make Him the one who they place their faith and trust in, trust in all that He can do to help.
But, dear friends, here’s the important question. Who is it, though, that when they are offering their worship to God, they are praying to Him, that He will hear? Who is it among those who offer their intended service to Him that’s going to find the help and the deliverance from the many problems and troubles in life, and especially be assured of being saved on the Day of Judgment? Will that be you? Will it include you? That’s what we’ll find out, as our discussion continues when we return after this short break. Stay with us.
[Break]
[On-screen text Graphics]
INC INTERNATIONAL EDITION
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC
OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Brother Bob: Welcome back, everyone, to this program, The Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition(???inaudible). We’re continuing now with our important discussion and study, based on the words of God here in the Holy Scriptures.
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC: OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Robert Pellien
INC Media Studios
Minister of the Gospel
(20:23)
Brother Bob: And thus far, you know, we’ve learned that our help that we may need in this life nowadays, it’s filled with so many crises, it has to come from God. And He promises this to those that will worship Him. But, dear friends, our question now is this: “Who is it, that when they worship and when they pray, that God will hear, He will answer, and He will provide the help that is needed?” Who is that? Is that just anyone and everyone, Brother Phil?
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC: OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Phillip Velasquez
United Kingdom
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Phil: Brother Bob, when it comes to those who will receive the assistance, the help from our Almighty God, there are many qualities that they should have. And one of them is to tell our Almighty God their problems, their worries and their needs that they have life in this life through prayer, and that’s very important for the true servants of our Almighty God. And what is it that our Almighty God is not only able to, but also willing to do with those requests? Well, we can find out the answer here in Philippians 4:6 and 19. This is what Apostle Paul teaches us here:
So never allow yourselves to get uptight and anxiously concerned about anything. But in every situation, you must earnestly continue to plead with God in prayer about your problem and the needs you have. And be sure to thank Him for the way He will work everything out, for His great interest in you, and for His many blessings of both the past and present. “And because of your generosity, my God will supply all your needs, from His glorious riches, which are available to you thru Christ Jesus.
[Philippians 4:6 and 19 Last Days Bible]
Brother Phil: So, Brother Bob, your question, a partial answer to your question earlier on is the quality that God’s true people need, in order for them to receive the help and assistance from our Almighty God, is they need to be prayerful. They need to be able to call upon God when they receive bad news. They need to be able to set devotional prayers. Why? It’s because this is the way we manifest and prove our faith and trust in our Almighty God and in what He can do for us.
In our prayers, we can tell God, all of our needs and all of the problems we have, we can pour out our hearts to Him. And what is it that we can be sure of? He will answer the prayers of His people. Why? The Bible says here because of His great interest and His love for us. God can, not only is He able but, He is also willing to supply all of our needs.
(23:20)
Brother Bob: So clearly, Brother Phil, prayer is the key, okay. But it brings, we can’t leave this question yet, because there may be many of our viewers who will be thinking that, “All I need then to do is to throw out a prayer,” and then they just expect God to just respond. Because the important key question here is, “Who are those that when they pray they can expect to be heard, they can expect to be answered, and they will feel, and they will experience God swooping into, in their life, and lifting them up and providing the help, the comfort, and guidance that are needed by all, as we keep saying, in these trouble-filled times?
You said a couple times there, Brother Phil, “for His people.” So, Brother Noel, who are His people? What is Brother Phil saying there when he said God is going to answer the prayers and help those of His people? How can our viewers be part of that?
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC: OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Noel Simon
Los Angeles, USA
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Noel: Dear viewers, please take note, we won’t give our own opinion or answer. What we will do is go to the Bible, which would be the answer from the Almighty God Himself. This is what is written in Psalm 4:3:
Mark this well: The Lord has set apart the redeemed for himself. Therefore, he will listen to me and answer when I call to him.
[Psalm 4:3 The Living Bible]
Brother Noel: In the verse that we read, this one is so sure the Lord God will answer him when he calls. Why is he so sure that God will answer him? The Bible tells us, “The Lord has set apart the redeemed for Himself.” So those that are redeemed, they know that the Lord God, they have that hope and trust the Lord God will answer their prayers.
Brother Bob: So to be a recipient of God’s blessings and help when they pray, and the answers of their prayers, they need to be among the redeemed, those set apart for Himself by none other than God Himself. So that when a person, then, from amidst the redeemed calls upon God, asks to heal, or protect from this COVID, or protect from these bushfires and wildfires, and all these other things, and earthquake calamities and such, God will answer their prayers—because they are amidst His redeemed people. Right, Brother Joven?
[On-screen text Graphics]
Joven Sepillo Jr.
Washington, DC
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Joven: That’s correct, Brother Bob, and the ones who were redeemed were actually introduced by the apostles. And this is what we can read in the book of Acts, chapter 20, and the verse is 28:
Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.
[Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation]
Brother Joven: So the Bible is so clear, dear Brothers and beloved friends. Those who were redeemed, according to the Bible, are the members of the Church Of Christ. Now, to be a member of the Church Of Christ is to be among those who are set apart by our Almighty God, and to be redeemed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. They’ll be redeemed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that is also what we can read from the Bible. They are among those who can call upon God, and not only (do) they have the right to call upon our Almighty God, but most especially they have that right to be answered in their prayers as well.
(27:07)
Brother Bob: Brother, Phil, why is it that everyone needs to be a member of the Church Of Christ in order to be redeemed? Why does a person need to be a member of the Church? What’s the importance of that? That’s the question we often hear, is that, what’s the importance of being redeemed? And what (does) this have to do with worshiping God, praying, being answered, being helped by God, especially now in these most trying and troublesome times.
Brother Phil: That’s a great question, Brother Bob, because a lot of people do not understand how important the Church Of Christ is. They don’t understand the importance of being redeemed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and this is what the Bible tells us here in Hebrews 9:14. How important is it to be redeemed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ? How important is it to become a member of the Church Of Christ? It says here in Hebrews 9:14:
So surely the blood of Christ can do much, much more. Christ offered Himself through the eternal Spirit as a perfect sacrifice to God. His blood will make us fully clean from the evil things we have done. His blood will make us pure even in our hearts. We are made pure so that we can worship (serve) the living God.
[Hebrews 9:14 Easy-To-Read-Version]
Brother Phil: Why is it so important that one becomes a member of the Church Of Christ? We read earlier on, the Church Of Christ was redeemed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, meaning Jesus Christ died for His Church. And what did that do for the people who belong to the Church Of Christ? The Bible says here that they were made fully clean from the evil things they did. They were forgiven of their sins. This is what redemption did for those people.
And because their sins were forgiven, they were redeemed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, look what the Bible says—they were given the right to worship our Almighty God. When these people worship God, God accepts their worship. When they pray to our Almighty God, God hears their prayer. That’s why it’s so important to become a member of the Church Of Christ, to receive all of these blessings.
Brother Noel: In fact, the Bible gives great hope for those who render the true worship to the Almighty God in the true Church Of Christ. In Psalm 145:18 to 19:
The LORD is close to every person who calls to him for help. The LORD is close to every person who truly worships him. The LORD does what his followers want. The LORD listens to his followers. He answers their prayers and saves them.
[Psalm 145:18-19 Easy-To-Read-Version]
Brother Noel: So for those who truly worship the Almighty God, or are true worshipers, the Lord will do what His followers want. He answers their prayers, and He will save them.
(30:25)
Brother Bob: What a wonderful God we have inside the Church Of Christ, isn’t it, Brothers. Is salvation, however, you know dear friends, it’s not only from the worries, and the troubles, and the needs that we all encounter in this life but, above all of that, we are saved from His wrath on the upcoming Day of Judgment.
You know, you may notice that in the life of members of the Church Of Christ, worshiping God, well, that’s our highest priority. Regardless of what may be happening around us in this life, you know, whatever the crisis may be, or whatever the tragedies may be, around us in this world, we’re never going to abandon our worship service. We’re going to give it, still, its due and high importance in our life.
And sometimes, others wonder, “Why are we like that?” Brother Joven, why are members of the Church prioritizing that worship, and the spiritual life we have as members of the Church? Why are we placing it in such high regard?
Brother Joven: Well, Brother Bob, this is the reason why members of the Church Of Christ, we have such kind of conviction, no matter what the situation of our life may be. This is what we can read in the book of Ephesians, chapter 3, 21 and 20. This is what we can read:
Todos los que pertencecemos a la iglesia de Cristo, debemos alabarlo por siempre. … Dios tiene poder para hacer mucho más de lo que le pedimos. ¡Ni siquiera podemos imaginar lo que Dios puede hacer para ayudarnos con su poder!
[Ephesians 3:20 Traducción en lenguaje actual (Translated in English)]
All who belong to the church of Christ, we should praise Him forever. God has the power to do much more than we ask. We can’t even imagine what God can do to help us with His power!
[Ephesians 3:20 Traducción en lenguaje actual (Translated in English)]
Brother Joven: So, Brothers and dear friends, Church Of Christ members will always praise and worship our Almighty God. We will continue to worship God forever. Because in the worship service, above all other places, God will hear and answer our prayers. God has the power to do much more than we can ask of Him, but His power and blessing, given to the worship service, it suffices us to face each day, all trials, all problems in life. For this reason, we, as members of the Church Of Christ, we will never cease, we will never stop, in worshiping our Almighty God.
Brother Bob: So dear friends, we want to take this last moment with you to invite you to visit the nearest local congregation of the Church Of Christ in your area, and join with us in our worship services. Meet with the ministers, and members of the Church there will be genuinely glad to assist you with any of your inquiries about the Church Of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo).
And if you’re living in a region where they are still, you know, lockdown situations because of the pandemic, varying degrees of lockdown, well, you can join our video streaming worship services, our video streaming Bible studies, and the various virtual activities.
It will all be for your spiritual and family enhancement, family life. You may also learn more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) by visiting our official website: www.incmedia.org or our various Facebook and social media platforms.
[On-screen text Graphics]
To learn more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), log onto
www.iglesianicristo.net and www.incmedia.org
Brother Bob: Well, we’d like to thank Brother Noel Simon down there in Los Angeles.
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC: OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Noel Simon
Los Angeles, USA
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Bob: I say down there because we’re up here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Brother Phil Velasquez there in the United Kingdom, thank you Brothers for joining us.
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC: OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Phillip Velasquez
United Kingdom
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Bob: And in Washington, D.C., Brother Joven Sepillo Jr.. Brother Joven, thank you as well.
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC: OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Joven Sepillo Jr.
Washington, DC
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Bob: I thank all three of you for your contributions to our discussion. And we’d like to thank you as well for providing the Bible based answers, so that as the apostle Peter said to the members of the Church, you will be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you are living the way you are. That’s 1 Peter 3:15.
Well, that does it for us here on The Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition for today.
[On-screen text Graphics]
TOPIC: OUR HELP COMES FROM THE LORD
Robert Pellien
INC Media Studios
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Bob: We hope that you will join us again next time. I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching.
[Show Closes]
INC Volunteers Help Tornado-stricken Residents
INC volunteers help residents affected by destruction left by tornadoes in Kentucky; after a 107-day lockdown, a long-awaited sporting event brings people together in New Zealand.
INC Rededicates Jacksonville House of Worship
The first INC Chapel outside the Philippines built from the ground up is renovated and dedicated to God in Jacksonville, Florida; the true faith reaches more people in the district of Ottawa, Canada.
Coastal Clean Up In New Jersey
Pollution can affect the beauty of our coasts and can harm delicate parts of the environment. See how some volunteers joined a beach clean up in New Jersey to pick up litter along Bradley Beach.
Show/Hide Transcript
Coastal Clean Up In New Jersey
Ted Pascual: One of the things that a lot of people like to go to the beach for is, you know, to enjoy the water and to enjoy the view, to enjoy the sunrise or sunset.
Lois Paula: Ted and his son Jonah appreciate the beauty of the coast whenever they come to visit Bradley Beach, but also understand that something as simple as litter and trash can really affect the experience.
Ted Pascual: When you go to a beach that’s full of trash or garbage, you know that, that takes away from that beauty from that nice scenery.
Lois Paula: And the effects of litter goes beyond the landscape’s beauty.
Jonah Pascual: So if nobody cleans the coast, then a lot of that trash could even go into the ocean, which affects the wildlife, the fish eating the plastic and dying or like even if it gets off far enough to the turtles and other sea animals.
Lois Paula: And while in the past, the community has frequently cared for the coast, the pandemic has hindered regular volunteers.
Gemma Peralta: I’ve been here in New Jersey for 40 years. Before, I’ve seen a lot of group[s] helping in cleaning up the beach or any parking space, parks. But after the pandemic, it seems like I haven’t seen one yet.
Lois Paula: It’s for this reason that Ted, Johna, and Gemma join other INC Giving volunteers to do their part during this coastal cleanup project.
Brother Lowell Nucum: And so it’s important to maintain the cleanliness of the beach and to be able to do that it does take community service projects like this to clean any trash and debris that has been left on the beach.
Lois Paula: The motivation for these INC Giving Lois volunteers is the faith that they all share.
Gemma: It’s always good to give back to the community, especially as a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, we are always taught to do good to help the neighbors. So this is very important.
Ted Pascual: It’s by faith that that we’re, we’re encouraged to do these things.
Lois Paula: Further inspiring the INC Giving volunteers is the hope of sharing this same faith with others.
Brother Lowell Nucum: It is definitely a way for us to share our faith. Not only that, because, you know, this activity shows our concern for our community, then it all the more compels people to learn more about why we do what we do inside the Church Of Christ.
Jonah Pascual: I feel happy that my dad encourages me to go to these activities to help the communities and I hope even other families can be encouraged by seeing me and my dad attending to help clean up at activities.
[show close]