2:24 We know that people want to have peace, but is there any hope for there to be complete and lasting peace here in this world, Brother Rob?
5:40 Why is it that despite all of the concerned efforts of world leaders, famous celebrities and various organizations, we are not able to have complete and lasting peace in the world?
7:35 Instead of there being complete and lasting peace on this earth, what are the things that will surely happen to the earth?
8:29 When will all these disasters happen or take place?
9:22 When does the end come for the people who live in the land, when there will be no more celebrations, but only confusion?
11:48 What is that great day of the Lord? How do the apostles speak of it?
13:10 How will the destruction of the ungodly men and wicked men take place on the Day of Judgment?
13:50 Is there something that will take place before the end does finally come?
19:35 Is there no chance for a man to have peace?
20:44 What is the peace that God has promised to bless His people with?
21:45 What will be experienced by the people who have been promised to have the peace of Christ?
23:40 What is this piece that the Lord Jesus Christ has promised?
24:33 What is this peace with God that the apostles are speaking of?
26:05 Is the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ, which brings about reconciliation with God, is that for all people?
28:38 Where are the people called to have peace with God? Where can they be found?
30:30 What is the name of the church that is the body of our Lord Jesus Christ?
32:13 How does the Bible introduce the members of the true Church Of Christ?
35:09 What lies ahead for the members of the true Church Of Christ? What is in their future based on the Bible?
37:19 What does it mean that the new heaven and new earth is the place where righteousness will be at home or prevail?
38:35 How do the apostles describe the new heaven and new earth which is where God’s people will dwell forever?
[Show open]
[Music Video]
Brother Johnny Martin: We all want peace in the world. People want it but will we have it? Why is there no peace in this world? Can we realistically expect to have complete and lasting peace in this world? That’s our topic today. I’m Johnny Martin, and welcome to the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Joining us this week is our Brother Rob Polancos in Washington, DC.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Rob Polancos
Washington, D.C.
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Rod Bruno in Toronto, Canada,
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Rod Bruno
Toronto, Canada
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: and Brother Mark Vasquez in Jacksonville, Florida,
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Mark Vasquez
Jacksonville, Florida
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Good day, Brothers. And thank you so much for joining our discussion today.
Brothers: Hello, Brother. Thank you, Brother, Johnny.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now dear friends, before we start our discussion, let’s consider this. What are your problems in life? What would you say are the biggest problems that the world faces? To get an idea of the living conditions of other people on Earth? Let’s watch this video:
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
New Episode: DO YOU WANT PEACE?
[Video starts]
[Source: youtube.com/VeloxCreativeCo]
This is NOT just a STORY
Nor a MOVIE SCENE
But, this is THE REALITY we LIVE IN
This is BITTER FACT you want to IGNORE
This is HAPPENING NOW
In the SAME PLANET you and I been LIVING IN
They already DYING while we talk about PEACE
WHY do we FIGHT each other?
Enough BULLETS ….more LOVE
[Video ends]
Brother Johnny Martin: Brothers upon seeing videos like the one we just watched, what are your thoughts and reactions? You know, what are the living conditions of people in the world that are in areas like the ones we saw?
Brother Rod Bruno: Well, of course we know Brother Johnny that there are people, even celebrities, world leaders and organizations that were established to rectify the problems that are rampant in the different societies of the world.
Brother Rob Polancos: Based on the video that we just watched of our Brother Johnny, when you look at the living conditions, it almost seems like it’s from a movie. It’s not real, but it’s very real. And it’s terrible the conditions that they live in. So when we, when you watch something like that, and you see that they’re living in places where there’s armed conflict, it’s very unfortunate, very unfortunate.
Brother Johnny Martin: Okay, Brothers, let’s begin with this question. And let’s get the answer from the Bible. We know that people want to have peace, but is there any hope for there to be complete and lasting peace here in this world, Brother Rob?
Brother Rob Polancos: We’ll actually read the answer here in Jeremiah will be reading chapter 6 and the verses 14 and this is what it says:
They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly Saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ When there is no peace.
[Jeremiah 6:14 New King James Version]
Brother Rob Polancos: So is there any hope for people in this world to have complete peace? No, there’s none. And the Bible made it clear, even though people might want it. Just like what the verse said here. ‘They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly saying peace, peace!’ They’re not going to have it. The Bible made it clear in this proclamation of Our Lord God, he said, ‘There is no peace.’ So this is what people want. But based on what we read in the Holy Scriptures, that’s also what eludes them.
Brother Rod Bruno: When people show their great desire for peace. We can consider what happened after World War I. What happened after World War I was that the League of Nations was established, although it had many aims, its major function was to create peace and maintain peace around the world. However, even though the League of Nations was created with one of its aims being to maintain world peace, what happened although this organization was established was World War II. So the absence of peace is really obvious here.
Brother Mark Vasquez: And Brother Rob right after World War II, what we can notice is that there was an established United Nations and the United Nations was the successor for the League of Nations. And the purpose of having the United Nations was to prevent World War III from happening. And through this, they facilitated laws and international security; those are things that they did through the United Nations. But one thing we could still notice is that even though they established the United Nations, there’s still no guaranteed peace in this world is
as much as people want to take matters into their own hands, even through the United Nations, peace is still not seen in the world today.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Rod, this is the question. Why is it that despite all of the concerned efforts of world leaders, famous celebrities and various organizations, we are not able to have complete and lasting peace in the world?
Brother Rod Bruno: Well, that’s the question of my Brother Johnny. And I’d like to read an answer from the Holy Bible, if I may here in the book of Isaiah, chapter 26, verse 21, where it says:
For behold, the LORD comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; The earth will also disclose her blood, And will no more cover her slain.
[Isaiah 26:21 New King James Version]
Brother Rod Bruno: Why is it that despite all of the concerted efforts of world leaders, famous celebrities, various organizations, we are not able to have peace in the world? We hear from the Holy Scriptures, the declaration of God through the prophet Isaiah, Behold, the Lord comes out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth, thus the absence of complete and lasting peace is not an accident, Brother Johnny, God has removed peace from the world.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
New Episode: DO YOU WANT PEACE?
Brother Rob Polancos: And when people hear that verse, Brother Rod, it’s natural for them to ask why? Why is it that our Lord God would remove peace from the world? The verse that you just read actually also answers that it says, ‘The Lord punishes the inhabitants of the earth, for their iniquity or their wickedness.’ Now what happens when our Lord God would punish the world because of the sin or the wickedness that the world does? The Bible said that the earth will also disclose her blood, and will no more cover her slain. So chaos, disorder, all of the different destruction that you’ll see and all over the world. The reason why that happens, it’s because that’s God strike people for the sins that they’ve committed.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Mark, let me go to you with this question, instead of there being complete and lasting peace on this earth, what are the things that will surely happen to the earth?
Brother Mark Vasquez: We can read that answer Brother Johnny, here in Ezekiel, we’ll read 7:5. And this is what the Bible says:
This is what the Sovereign LORD is saying: “One disaster after another is coming on you.
[Ezekiel 7:5 Good News Translation]
Brother Mark Vasquez: So instead of seeing peace in this world, what is it that we will see and notice what the Bible said, ‘one disaster after another is coming on you.’ This is truly a grim warning that the Lord has issued.
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, Brother Rob, when will all these disasters happen or take place?
Brother Rob Polancos: The Bible will answer that here in Ezekiel 7, we’ll be reading verses 6 down to 7, and this is what it says:
It’s all over. This is the end. You are finished. The end is coming for you people who live in the land. The time is near when there will be no more celebrations at the mountain shrines, only confusion.
[Ezekiel 7:6-7 Good News Translation]
Brother Rob Polancos: So when will this take place? The Bible made it clear that all of these unfortunate things, all of these events that we read here in the verse, will take place when the end is already near. The Bible said the end is coming for you people who live in the land. The time is near when there will be no more celebrations but only confusion.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now Brother Rod our viewers may be asking right now, but when is that time? When does the end come for the people who live in the land, when there will be no more celebrations, but only confusion?
Brother Rod Bruno: Well, once again, Brother Johnny, let us address the Bible to get the answer to that question. If I may read Zephaniah chapter one, verse 14 and 15 and also verse 18. We can find…
The great day of the LORD is near— very near and coming fast! That day will be bitter, for even the bravest soldiers will cry out in despair! It will be a day of fury, a day of trouble and distress, a day of ruin and destruction, a day of darkness and gloom, a black and cloudy day. On the day when the LORD shows his fury, not even all their silver and gold will save them. The whole earth will be destroyed by the fire of his anger. He will put an end—a sudden end—to everyone who lives on earth.
[Zephaniah 1:14-15, 18 Good News Translation]
Brother Rod Bruno: When does the end come for the people who live in the land? And when is it that there will be no more celebrations, but only confusion? The Bible says and mentions that great day of the Lord that is near, very near and coming fast. How does the Prophet describe that great day of the Lord? He says that they will be bitter, for even the bravest soldiers will cry out in despair. It will be a day of fury, a day of trouble and distress, a day of ruin and destruction, a day of darkness and gloom, a cloudy and a black day.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Rod, why does the Prophet describe that great day of the Lord in such terms?
Brother Rod Bruno: Well, he wrote further concerning the day of the Lord, calling it or describing it as the day when the Lord shows his fury and the whole earth will be destroyed by the fire of His anger. He also says He will put an end to everyone who lives on earth. Will man’s earthly wealth be able to help him or by his deliverance on that day, according to the verse according to the Prophet? It says, No, the prophet wrote, not even all their silver and gold will save them.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Mark, what is that great day of the Lord? How do the apostles speak of it?
Brother Mark Vasquez: We can read what the Apostle said about the great day of the Lord here in Second Peter 3:7 and also 10.
But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist have been stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up.
[II Peter 3:7 and 10 Revised Standard Version]
Brother Mark Vasquez: How is it that the apostles spoke of this great day of the Lord? How did they refer to this day? The Bible said, this is the day of judgment. And who are the ones that should be fearful on this day? All the wicked ones. And why is it that the wicked ones should be fearful of this day? Well, the Bible said, this is the destruction of ungodly men.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Mark, how will the destruction of the ungodly men and wicked men take place on the Day of Judgment?
Brother Mark Vasquez: The apostles made it clear Brother Johnny. The Apostle said, The Day of the Lord will come like a thief. And then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise and the elements will be dissolved with fire and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up.
Brother Johnny Martin: However, Brother Rob, is there something that will take place before the end does finally come?
Brother Rob Polancos: Let’s allow the Bible to answer that question, Brother Johnny. We’re going to read what the Apostle Paul wrote in First Thessalonians 5:2 to 3:
For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night. When people are saying, “Peace and security,” then sudden disaster comes upon them, like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
[I Thessalonians 5:2-3 New American Bible Edition]
Brother Rob Polancos: Is there something that will take place before the end finally comes? There is. Apostle Paul said that people will be talking about peace and security before the day of judgment or before the day of our Lord. According to what the Apostle Paul wrote to the members of the church that Christ built, “You yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night when people are saying peace and security.”
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Rob Polancos
Washington, D.C.
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Rod Bruno: We know that although everyone is striving for peace and security, there will be no peace and security in the world. And while people are striving to establish peace and security in the world, what we learn will happen. The Apostle said when people are saying, Peace and Security, then a sudden disaster will come upon them and they will not escape the end of the world, or the day of judgment will come suddenly.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Rod Bruno
Toronto, Canada
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Mark Vasquez: Man, human beings we cannot hope for complete and lasting peace here in this world, no matter how hard we try to have it.
Brother Johnny Martin: So, dear friends, though men cannot expect there to be any complete and lasting peace here in this world. Well, does that mean that there is no way for man not to have peace? Does the Lord God make a promise about peace? That’s next on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. Don’t go away
[On screen graphic]
To learn more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), log onto www.iglesianicristo.net and www.incmedia.org.
[On-screen logo graphic]
INC International Edition
Brother Johnny Martin: Welcome back everyone to the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. We are talking about peace.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: The Bible has shown us that in this world, there is no complete and lasting peace. But does that mean that there is no chance whatsoever for man to have peace? Before we continue with our discussion let’s watch this video where the question of what is peace is answered.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
New Episode: DO YOU WANT PEACE?
[Video starts]
[Source: youtube.com/CharisCooper]
Narrator: Some people think peace is the absence of war. They don’t understand that fighting on the outside is an expression of war that goes on on the inside. Some people think if we were all educated, we would all be at peace. But there are more people educated now than there ever were. There are more universities now than ever where, peace is nowhere in sight. People think if poverty goes away there will be peace. More gold has been dug up now than it ever was. Has peace come? No. People think peace can be found in solitude on top of the mountain. People seek peace in other people. So, what is peace? Truth is peace resides within you.
[Video ends]
Brother Johnny Martin: Dear Brothers and dear friends, it was interesting to see in that video that we watched what others think about peace, how people can have it, where people can have it. Your reactions, Brothers please.
Brother Mark Vasquez: Brother Johnny you could see in that video that it portrayed what people actually do in real life. They have signs that say peace and not war. So some people think what peace is, is no war at all.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Mark Vasquez
Jacksonville, Florida
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Rod Bruno: There’s also the mentioning, if there were more educated people, peace would be more eminent. But the truth is that there haven’t been more educated people in the world ever before as there are now more institutions for education. But though there are intelligent people, educated people, people who have power leaders, all talking piece, yet piece, like the scripture says escapes us.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Rod Bruno
Toronto, Canada
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Rob Polancos: And also Brother Johnny, if you notice in the video, there are people that think that if they resolve poverty, that’s when you achieve peace. They think that that’s the issue that needs to be fixed. But what they don’t understand is although there’s been more gold dug up in this time than there ever was before, we still don’t see peace in the world today.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Rob Polancos
Washington, D.C.
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, Brother Rod, let me go with you with this question, please. Is there no chance for a man to have peace?
Brother Rod Bruno: Well, that’s probably the most important question that we should ask Brother Johnny, is there no chance for peace? If we go back to the verses that we have already read, it seems like man’s chance for peace is hopeless, but when there is God there is hope. May I read to you Psalms chapter 29, verse 11, from the Holy Scriptures which says:
The LORD will give strength to His people;
The LORD will bless His people with peace.
[Psalms 29:11 New King James Version]
Brother Rod Bruno: Is there no more chance for man to have peace? No, there is a chance for man to have peace. There is the hope of having peace because God says He will give peace. But he will not just give peace to anyone. He says he will give peace to his people. But there is peace for the people of God.
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, Brother Mark, what is the peace that God has promised to bless His people with? You know, does that peace mean that there will be no more chaos or disorder in the world?
Brother Mark Vasquez: Let’s read what our Lord Jesus Christ said in John 14:27:
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
[John 14:27 New King James Version]
Brother Mark Vasquez: What is this peace that the Lord God and Heaven gives to us? Well, this is the peace through the Lord Jesus Christ. And how is it that we will receive this peace of the Lord Jesus Christ? Well, the Lord Jesus Christ said, ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you.’ So the Lord Jesus Christ will give us peace, but not the way how the world imagines it to be?
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, Brother Rob, what will be experienced by the people who have been promised to have the peace of Christ?
Brother Rob Polancos: We’re gonna allow our Lord Jesus Christ to answer that question, Brother Johnny, by reading what he said, here in John 16 and the verse is 33:
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
[John 16:33 New King James Version]
Brother Rob Polancos: So what is it that the people that our Lord Jesus Christ promised peace to, what will they experience? Our Lord Jesus Christ said, ‘in me, you may have peace, in the world you will have tribulation.’ So the people that our Lord Jesus Christ promised peace to, they’re not going to find that peace here in the world where we live.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
New Episode: DO YOU WANT PEACE?
Brother Rob Polancos: Our Lord Jesus Christ made it clear that they’re going to experience tribulation, hardship, problems, unrest, but how should we handle it? How are we going to deal with all of those things that we experienced in the world today? Our Lord Jesus Christ gave us advice and he said, ‘Be of good cheer. I have overcome the word.’ In another translation of the Bible, it says, ‘Be of good cheer. Take courage, be confident, certain, undaunted, for I have overcome the world.’ That’s how we should handle the situation of the world today. Even though there is no peace, it doesn’t mean that we should be brought down by the issues or by the problems and hardships that we see.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Rod for clarification, what is this piece that the Lord Jesus Christ has promised? What is that?
Brother Rod Bruno: What is this piece that our Lord Jesus Christ promised?
We can find the answer to that question, Brother Johnny, in the book of Romans chapter 5 and the verse is 1:
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
[Romans 5:1 New King James Version]
Brother Rod Bruno: What is this peace that Christ has promised? The apostles answer, ‘we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Thus the peace that Christ promises to peace with God, which man can have only through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Brother Johnny Martin: However, Brother Mark, what is of this peace with God that the apostles are speaking of?
Brother Mark Vasquez: Oh, Brothers, let’s read that answer here in the Bible. We’ll read it in Colossians 1:21 and we’ll also read 22:
And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—
[Colossians 1:21-22 New King James Version]
Brother Mark Vasquez: What is the peace that the apostle speaks of? Oh, this is being reconciled with the Lord God in heaven. And why is it that we should be reconciled with God? And why is this the true peace? Well, because Brothers like we read in this verse, because of our sins, because of our wickedness, we became enemies of God, we were separated from Him. So the true peace is to no longer be enemies, but instead be reconciled. And how is it that we would be reconciled? Well, the Bible made it clear it says he has reconciled in the body of his flesh through death. So through the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, we were reconciled to our Almighty God, and this is the true piece.
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, dear friends at this point, others may say that they then have peace with God in this troubled world, because they believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and His death. They believe that they have benefited from the death of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. Now, Brother Rob, is the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ, which brings about reconciliation with God, is that for all people?
Brother Rob Polancos: We’re going to allow the Apostle Paul to answer that question, Brother Johnny, we’re going to read it here in Ephesians chapter 2 and the verse is 15:
having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,
[Ephesians 2:15 New King James Version]
Brother Rob Polancos: What you said earlier, Brother Johnny, it’s a nice thought. If someone were to say that, well, I’ve benefited too from the death of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s nice to hear. But according to what we read in the Bible, that’s not the case. If we were to ask, the Bible is the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ for everyone? Does everyone benefit from that? The answer is clear. It’s not. Not everyone benefits from that. The reason why the Apostle Paul made it clear in this verse is that although our Lord Jesus Christ did die, because of the sins of many, the Bible said that our Lord Jesus Christ created in himself one new man from the two, thus making peace.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
New Episode: DO YOU WANT PEACE?
Brother Rob Polancos: So if someone wants to have that peace, if they want to benefit from the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, they need to be a part of the one new man. That’s the only way that a person can achieve true peace.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Rod, the Apostle said in the verse that was just read, that the one new man was created from the two. What are the two that make up the one new man Where there is peace with God?
Brother Rod Bruno: Another great question, Brother Johnny, because if a person wants to have peace with God, they have to be part of that one new man. And the answer is not far. If we look to the holy scriptures here in the book of Colossians, chapter 1, verse 18:
And he is the head of the body, the church,
[Colossians 1:18 New King James Version]
Brother Rod Bruno: What are the two that make up the one new man where there is peace with God? It is our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the head and his body, which clearly states is the Church. So the Church being the body of Christ, and Christ being, of course the head, two make up one new man, in the sight of God, and therefore men can have peace, if they are in the one new man, created by Christ within himself.
Brother Johnny Martin: So Brother Mark, where are the people called to have peace with God? Where can they be found?
Brother Mark Vasquez: Let’s read where they can be found in Colossians 3 we’ll read in 15:
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
[Colossians 3:15 New King James Version]]
Brother Mark Vasquez: Where do those people call to have peace with the Lord God? The Bible said, ‘Let the peace of God rule in your hearts to which also you were called in one body.’ So it’s not just enough to claim I have peace with God, I have peace with the Lord Jesus Christ, I have a relationship with them. That’s not enough Brothers. What our friends should realize is to have true peace. One should be in the body, and like our Brother, just read that body is the Church.
Brother Rod Bruno: And so when people are in the Church, Brother Mark, they are blessed indeed, for they now have peace with none other than Then our Almighty God, even while we dwell in this troubled world. So no matter what amount of suffering that they go through in life, they can be assured that they have peace with the one true God.
Brother Johnny Martin: So, Brother Rob, we have seen from the verses of the Bible that in the Church, that is the body of our Lord Jesus Christ, people can have peace with God, people can have reconciliation with the one true God. Now here’s the question: What is the name of the church that is the body of our Lord Jesus Christ?
Brother Rob Polancos: Apostle Paul will answer that question, Brother Johnny. We’re going to be reading it here in Acts 20, verse 28, of the Lamsa Translation, this is what the Bible says:
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 M. Lamsa]
Brother Rob Polancos: The question that you asked earlier, Brother Johnny, it’s a very good question– which is the body or which is the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ? Because a lot of people will say that, maybe the Church they already belong to, that’s the one that will give them true peace. That’s the one that they need to be members of. But Apostle Paul explained it clearly here in this verse, that the one purchased by the blood of Christ is the Church Of Christ. Now for our viewers that are watching, we’re hoping that they would understand or follow along with the lesson that’s being taught over this topic, because the ones who achieve true peace with our Lord God with our Lord Jesus Christ, are the ones who became a part of the body of Christ, or those who became members of the Church Of Christ.
Brother Johnny Martin: So Brother Rod, how does the Bible introduce the members of the true Church Of Christ?
Brother Rod Bruno: This is important because if we go back to an earlier verse we read, God gives peace to His people. So if it’s true that the Church of Christ is the manner by which man may have peace, does that mean the Church Of Christ is recognized as the people of God? Allow me to read to you here in the book of Colossians, chapter 3, verse 12, where it states:
You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So that you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
[Colpssians 3:12 Good News Translation]
Brother Rod Bruno: How does the Bible introduce the true members of the Church Of Christ? The verse said, clearly, Brother Johnny, ‘you are the people of God, speaking of those who belong to the Church, he loved you and chose you for his own.’ So God recognizes the members of the Church Of Christ as being his people. He loves them and he chose them for his own
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Rod Bruno
Toronto, Canada
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Mark Vasquez: Brothers, if I may, I would like to have our viewers and our friends who are joining us in our discussion to notice that the true people of God are those who are members of the Church Of Christ. So if anyone wants to be considered someone who belongs to the Lord God, if we want to be considered part of those people of God, we should be members of the church. So if you’re not yet a member of the Church Of Christ, you should start taking steps towards becoming a member of the Church of Christ.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Mark Vasquez
Jacksonville, Florida
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Rob Polancos: And for those who are already members of the Church Of Christ, those blessings that we receive as members of the Church, we need to try our best to take care of it. If we want to remain among God’s chosen people, if we want to be the ones whom our Lord God loves, we have to take care of our membership, we have to strive to remain as members of the Church Of Christ. Those blessings that were enumerated to us. It’s something that we should be proud of. It’s only right to be a proud member of the Church Of Christ and remain in this calling that we have.
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Rob Polancos
Washington, D.C.
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: So dear viewers, this is the question that we’re going to be looking at, in the next thing. What lies ahead for the members of the Church Of Christ? Shall we remain here in this world where there is an absence of complete and lasting peace? That’s up next on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. Stay with us?
[On screen graphic]
To learn more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), log onto www.iglesianicristo.net and www.incmedia.org.
[On-screen logo graphic]
INC International Edition
Brother Johnny Martin: Welcome back, everyone to the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. So far, in our study of the words of God reported in the Bible we have learned that although there is no real and lasting peace here in this world, we can have peace meaning, peace With the Lord God, when we are inside the true Church Of Christ. Now our question is this, what lies ahead for the members of the true Church Of Christ? What is in their future based on the Bible? shall they remain here in this world where there is an absence of peace, Brother Mark?
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
[On-Screen Text Graphics]
New Episode: DO YOU WANT PEACE?
Brother Mark Vasquez: Brother Johnny, that’s a great question. Let’s read the Bible for the answer. We’ll read Second Peter 3:13:
But we wait for what God has promised: new heavens and the new earth, where righteousness will be at home.
[II Peter 3:13 Good News Translation]
Brother Mark Vasquez: Brother Johnny, to go back to your wonderful question. Will members of the Church or those who belong to God? Will they remain here in this world which has no peace? The answer is no. How, why do we know that? We will not stay here in this world or those members of the Church Of Christ will not stay here in this world.
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Mark Vasquez
Jacksonville, Florida
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Mark Vasquez: The Bible said, we wait for what God has promised new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will be at home. This is what is in store for those who are members of the Church Of Christ.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Rob, what about there in the new heaven and new earth? Will there be any wars or armed conflicts there?
Brother Rob Polancos: Let’s read what it says here in Isaiah chapter 2 and the verses 4:
He will settle disputes among great nations. They will hammer their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nations will never again go to war, never prepare for battle again.
[Isaiah 2:4 Good News Bible]
Brother Rob Polancos: Will there be any more wars and armed conflicts in the new heaven and new earth? No, all those things are done. The Bible made it clear that nations will never again go to war. Never prepare for battle again. So in the new heaven and the new earth, there’s no armed conflicts. There’s no war, there’s nothing, no battle to prepare for. In the new heaven and new earth. It’s peaceful. There’s no need for those things anymore.
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Rob Polancos
Washington, D.C.
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: However, Brother Rod what does it mean that the new heaven and new earth is the place where righteousness will be at home or prevail?
Brother Rod Bruno: Well, if we look at Isaiah chapter 32, verse 16 to 18. This is what we can find. Brother Johnny, and our viewers:
Everywhere in the land righteousness and justice will be done. Because everyone will do what is right. There will be peace and security forever. God’s people will be free from worries in their homes, peaceful and safe.
[Isaiah chapter 32:16 to 18 Good News Translation]
Brother Rod Bruno: So what does it mean that the new heaven and the new earth is a place where righteousness will be and prevail? The Bible said everywhere in the land, righteousness and justice will be done. God’s people will be free from worries, which is not the case while we live in this very often troubled world. But in the kingdom of heaven, the New Earth and the new heavens, we will be free from worries. And there, our homes will be peaceful and safe, which is what we all cherish and yearn for Brother Johnny.
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Rod Bruno
Toronto, Canada
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Mark, how do the apostles describe the new heaven and new earth which is where God’s people will dwell forever?
Brother Mark Vasquez: Let’s read that together in Revelation we’ll read 1 until verse 4:
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven in the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
[Revelation 21:1-4 New King James Version]
Brother Mark Vasquez: How is it that the apostles describe the new heavens and the new earth? The apostles said, ‘God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There shall be no more death nor saw rule are crying, there shall be no more pain for the former things have passed away.’ Isn’t this the true peace, the continuous and lasting peace. If all of us want this kind of peace, where there’s no more sadness, then one needs to be a member of the Church Of Christ, because only members of the Church Of Christ can have this piece there in the new heaven that God is preparing for us.
Brother Rob Polancos: And motivated by a sincere desire to help people understand this, the need for the Church Of Christ. Our Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo is the one leading all of the officers and members of the Church Of Christ in an intensive propagation of the words of God. He’s the one that wants every member to take part in propagating this truth, that peace can be found only in the Church Of Christ.
Brother Rod Bruno: The Bible has shown us the truth that there is really no lasting peace here in the world that we live in, no matter how hard people look for, no matter how hard they try to establish it. But that there is, however, peace with God, and that being through our Lord Jesus Christ, or that there is no more condemnation for those who are or who have peace with God by virtue of being in the Church Of Christ. The Bible has also shown us that those who are inside the Church will have the true and everlasting peace in the holy city.
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Rod Bruno
Toronto, Canada
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Mark Vasquez: Peace with God which is through the Lord Jesus Christ, by entering in Him becoming a member of the Church Of Christ is very important for all of us. So to our dear friends and viewers who are joining us in our discussion today, what we should do is, take more steps to learn more about the Church Of Christ. And don’t only learn more about the Church Of Christ. Please join us in our worship services. Join us on our Bible studies on doctrine. Make plans to join the Church Of Christ, because this is the way for us to have the true peace from the Lord God.
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Mark Vasquez
Jacksonville, Florida
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Will Brothers and dear friends, that’s all the time we have for this week. We would like to thank Brother Rob Polanco in Washington, DC, Brother Rod Bruno in Toronto, Canada, and Brother Mark Vasquez in Jacksonville, Florida, for giving us Bible-based answers. So that as the Apostle Peter said, that the members of the Church, you will be ready to speak up until anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, which we could read in First Peter 3:15.
Brother Johnny Martin:Well, dear friends, that does it for us here on the Iglesia Nii Cristo International Edition. We hope you’ll join us again next time. I’m Johnny Martin, and thank you so much for watching. And as we come to the end of the program, we invite you to join us for a short prayer.
Brother Rob Polancos: Our loving and merciful Father in heaven, we offer our heartfelt thanks to you, dear God, yes, because you reminded us of how blessed we are to be members of the Church Of Christ. We thank you also dear father, for allowing us to have this opportunity to share our faith so that more people would know the truth about the Church Of Christ, and would be called to receive the True peace in this life. We humbly beg that you would bless our viewers of this program, dear father, our friends and loved ones who are not yet called inside the church. Can you please move their hearts to their father, so that they would also join us in the Church Of Christ and receive the promised salvation. Our Lord Jesus Christ, we humbly call to you in prayer, dear Lord, and we thank you for always meditating on our behalf. Please take this prayer to our Father in heaven, and help us dear lord to become courageous in sharing our faith so that we can proclaim the truth regarding salvation. Loving Father, we also pray for our Executive Minister, please guide and bless Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. And may all of us as members of the Church Of Christ, be of good help in spreading this gospel, so that we can further the victories in all the works of the Church. We know dear God, that you have heard our prayers, that you have blessed all of us, even our viewers, we ask for everything in the name of Your Son, our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
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