2:51 Is it actually true that the Lord God regards all men and women as His children, since he created all of them?
5:00 What is the importance of being children of God?
8:39 Why will those whom God considers as his sons and daughters, be granted glorious bodies, like the one that the Lord Jesus Christ has right now?
10:41 What will God’s sons and daughters inherit from Him upon the return of the Lord Jesus Christ?
11:49 What is one of the precious and priceless things that God promised that His sons and daughters will indeed inherit at the appointed time?
13:12 How does the Bible further describe the new earth and new heaven which the children of God are promised to inherit upon the return of the Lord Jesus Christ?
18:46 Who is the one who can reveal who the true children of God are?
21:40 What is the name of the one who people should believe or have faith in order to be among the ones granted the right to become children of God?
23:27 Who is the Lord, by whose name those who believe in Christ are called?
24:19 How is the name of Christ called upon or ascribed to those who have accepted and believed in him?
26:05 Does the Catholic Church testify that the church established by the Lord Jesus Christ is called after Him as the Church Of Christ?
30:38 What do priests of the Catholic Church say, concerning the name of the church?
33:40 Is it God’s Word or command that people should believe or have faith in the name of Christ?
34: How important really is the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and thus we should have faith in it?
35:57 Why is it through the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we will be saved?
38:28 What’s the decision recorded in the Bible regarding those who refuse to believe in the name of Christ?
[Show Opens]
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INC International Edition
Brother Johnny Martin: Hi, I’m Johnny Martin and this is the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. God’s sons and daughters.
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Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Dear friends, there is a popular belief that all people are God’s children. This widespread belief is based on the fact that God created all people, because all people came from God and God is the Father of all. The natural conclusion that others make is that all people are God’s children. But is that true? Is it true that the Lord God acknowledges all people as His sons and daughters? Well, that’s our topic for today on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition.
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Topic: GOD’S SONS AND DAUGHTERS
Brother Johnny Martin: Joining us in this week’s discussion, our Brother Jojo Bayani in San Francisco, California,
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Jojo Bayani
San Francisco, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Greg Worthen in Miami, Florida,
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Greg Worthen
Miami, Florida
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: and Brother Ruben Bustos in Los Angeles, California.
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Ruben Bustos
Los Angeles, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Hi, Brothers.
Brothers: Hello, Brother. Hello, Brother.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now dear Brothers and dear viewers, before we go into our discussion about the children of God, let’s take a look at this video clip and see what others are saying about this subject.
[Video starts)
[Source: YouTube/Andres Vargas]
Are we all children of God? That’s a very interesting question. A very nice question, actually. I remember when I was a little kid. People used to tell me in school, even at church that we were all children of God, everyone that went to church that read the Bible that prayed was, there were children of God. And even today, I think in many churches, many places in Christian schools, they still teach that everyone is, is a child of God, if they go to church, and they read the Bible, if they pray or even if they just believe in God or Jesus.
[Video ends]
Brother Johnny Martin: Now Brothers and dear friends, we just watched a brief video clip where this young man is saying something that he heard and probably it’s really not just he who heard that kind of statement where all people supposedly are children of God, what are your reactions, Brothers?
Brother Greg Worthen: I think that’s something that’s instilled by parents into their children. And you know, if you just read the Bible, then that’s sufficient enough for you to come to know God and understand Him and count yourself amongst his children.
Brother Ruben Bustos: I think Brother Johnny the it’s widely accepted today, because it’s a very easy thing to accept. You know, no, it’s not difficult to think about it, there’s the obvious they say.
Brother Jojo Bayani: And to add to that, Brother Johnny, I think it just gives some people a sense of comfort or peace, knowing and thinking that they are all children of God, and that they all belong to our Almighty God.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Jojo, if we could stay with you please. Is it actually true that the Lord God regards all men and women as His children, since he created all of them? Although popular or accepted by many, is that an opinion that should be accepted and embraced?
Brother Jojo Bayani: Well, as we always do, Brother Johnny, in this program, we turn to the Bible for the answers. Allow me to read that from the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 32 and the verse is 5:
They have corrupted themselves; They are not his children, Because of their blemish: A perverse and crooked generation.
[Deuteronomy 32:5 New King James Version]
Brother Jojo Bayani: So although people may think and as I’ve said before, it gives them comfort and peace of mind, to think that they all belong to our Almighty God. That’s not the teaching of the Bible. In fact, it’s not our personal opinion that we’re sharing with the audience. It’s always the words of God that are written in the Bible. What is it that the Bible tells us with regard to the situation of the people of this world, the Bible says that they have corrupted themselves. And because of the corruption or the sin that people have committed against our Almighty God, the Bible tells us that they are not His children. In fact, they are a perverse and a crooked generation.
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Topic: GOD’S SONS AND DAUGHTERS
Brother Jojo Bayani: So we shouldn’t automatically think that everyone belongs to God simply because God is the Creator of all of mankind. In fact, God is the Creator of all things that are living. There are people that the Bible says that are not his children. They do not belong to Him. God does not recognize them as His people.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Greg, what if somebody says something like this? Well, what does it matter whether or not someone is acknowledged by God as being His children? What if a person says, ‘Well, I don’t really care whether or not God acknowledges me as being one of His sons or daughters.’ Well, is that the right way to think? You know, what is the importance of being children of God?
Brother Greg Worthen: All of those things, Brother Johnny, we can answer as we go back to the Bible again, and get the answer from the apostles here in First John 3:1-2:
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
[I John 3:1-2 New King James Version]
Brother Greg Worthen: The apostles easily and clearly answer the thoughts of many, whether or not it’s important, or not to be a son or daughter of God, or whether or not they would want to be considered as, as a son or daughter of God. Yes, it’s important that we are recognized as sons or daughters of God or children of God. Why? Because it’s an expression of God’s love toward man. It’s not automatic to Him. This love that God would give must be bestowed by God upon us. Nor should it be considered as a small or trivial thing, if God would bestow His love upon us by recognizing us as His children. The answer is no, because what we can expect in the future that awaits a son or daughter of God, is the fact that when He is revealed as children of God, we would be like Him and see Him as He is. So, of course, people should care. And it should matter to them whether or not God would recognize them as His son or His daughter, or His children. Why? Because, as mentioned, of course, when He appears, then we would be like that one. We would be like him when he appears.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Ruben, if I could go to you now for a moment, please. You know, that’s a very interesting passage, a Brother Greg read now, who is the one being referred to when the verse says ‘when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.’ Who will the children of God be like at the appointed time?
Brother Ruben Bustos: Well, to get the answer, Brother Johnny, we need to read from the book of Philippians chapter three, verses 20 to 21. Apostle Paul states the following:
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
[Philippians 3:20-21 New King James Version]
Brother Ruben Bustos: The apostles wrote in the verse that Brother Greg read earlier when he said, ‘when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is,’ the apostles were referring to none other than our Lord, Jesus Christ. Now, what will our Lord Jesus Christ do upon his return? The apostle Paul mentions to us that he will transform our lowly body, that it may be conformed to His glorious body.
Brother Johnny Martin: So according to what we have just read, beloved friends, the children of our Lord God will have a glorious body, just like our Lord Jesus Christ upon his return. Brother Jojo, why will those whom God considers as his sons and daughters, be granted glorious bodies, like the one that the Lord Jesus Christ has right now?
Brother Jojo Bayani: Well, let’s turn to the Bible once again, Brother Johnny here in the book of Romans, chapter 8, verse 17:
And if children, then heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
[Romans 8:17 New King James Version]
Brother Jojo Bayani: And so why is it that those who are considered as children of God, those who belong to God, are given glorious bodies like the kind of body that our Lord Jesus Christ now possesses? The simple answer of the Bible is the children of God, they are His heirs. In fact, the Bible said that they are heirs of God and also joint heirs with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Brother Jojo Bayani: The wonderful thing about belonging to God, about becoming a child of God, whether you’ll be a son or daughter of our Almighty God is there is a promise– if we suffer with Him, if we suffer along the way as true Christians will suffer in their lives. Sometimes the problems are extremely heavy. Sometimes the problems are even so hard that a Christian might think that it is too much for him or her to bear. The Bible says if we suffer with Christ, we will also be glorified together as heirs of God and joint heirs with our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Topic: GOD’S SONS AND DAUGHTERS
Brother Johnny Martin: Now Brother Greg, inheritance was being spoken of here in the verses that were written a moment ago, my Brother Jojo. Well, what is the inheritance that awaits all of God’s through children? What will God’s sons and daughters inherit from Him upon the return of the Lord Jesus Christ?
Brother Greg Worthen: Well, it is an eternal inheritance that the children of God would receive. And this is proven again by the Bible, as we read here in Hebrews 9 and 15.
And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
[Hebrews 9:15 New King James Version]
Brother Greg Worthen: So the inheritance that is to be given to those called to be children of God is an eternal inheritance. It’s not merely a material inheritance, it’s not a large sum of money or wealth or inheritance that would come from this world. Rather, it is a promise that God will give to those whom He has called, and those whom he recognizes as His children.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Ruben, let’s delve deeper on this subject. What is one of the precious and priceless things that God promised that His sons and daughters will indeed inherit at the appointed time?
Brother Ruben Bustos: Well, to get the answer, Brother Johnny, we need to read what is recorded here in the book of Second Peter, chapter three, verse 13:
Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
[II Peter 3:13 New King James Version]
Brother Ruben Bustos: The precious and the priceless. Inheritance that our Father promises children is none other than the new heaven and the new earth. Now we should notice that there was something that is very important there, Brother Johnny that dwells in the new heaven and new earth, that is none other than righteousness.
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Ruben Bustos
Los Angeles, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Ruben Bustos: If we compare what God has promised to his children, to what is happening in the world today, all we can say is that there is no contest. The reason we say this is because in this life or in this world, we see nothing but wickedness, we can see that people mistreat one another, they treat their fellow man terribly, they are very cruel to others as well. And we can see that there is widespread injustice happening in various parts of the globe. So we are sure that this world is not what our Father promised to his children, but rather he promised none other than the new heavens and the new earth, where righteousness will dwell.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Jojo, how does the Bible further describe the new earth and new heaven which the children of God are promised to inherit upon the return of the Lord Jesus Christ?
Brother Jojo Bayani: Let’s read the answer here Brother Johnny from the book of Revelation Chapter 21, verses 1 up to 4:
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and 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, and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
[Revelation 21:1-4 New King James Version]
Brother Jojo Bayani: And so the Bible describes here, the eternal inheritance, and where’s that to be had in what the Bible calls as the new heaven and the new earth? How is life going to be different there from the life that people live here in this world, the life that we’re living right now? The Bible says that there, there will no longer be tears that will be shed by those who will inherit this promise of salvation, or everlasting life. And why will there be no more tears that will be shed, once that promise, or that inheritance has been given? For the Bible also says that the quality of life there is vastly different. First of all, there will be no more death according to the Bible. And so the promise or the inheritance is eternal. But what is the quality of life where eternal life is to be had? The Bible says, no more sorrow, no more crying, no more pain.
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Topic: GOD’S SONS AND DAUGHTERS
Brother Jojo Bayani: In fact, the former things the Bible says, will all pass away. So all of the things that make people sad, and give them grief, all of the sufferings and pain, all of the anguish that a person that belongs to God and considered as one of his children may experience here, once that person reaches that goal, that reward of everlasting life, the Bible says, from that day, on from that moment on, once you stepped foot inside the gates of the holy city, or the New Jerusalem, the former things will pass away. No more of the bad things, no more of the harsh things will ever be experienced again.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Greg, when it comes to everlasting life, or eternal life, the kind of life that God promised for His children who will be there in that new heaven and the new earth. What is yet another verse of the Bible that we could share with our viewers right now that really shows this is promised to the children of God?
Brother Greg Worthen: Well, we can read it again from the writings of the apostles, as they taught it, and first John 2:25. And we read:
And this is the promise that He has promised us– eternal life.
[I John 2:25 New King James Version]
Brother Greg Worthen: So in the new heaven and new earth, in the holy city, the New Jerusalem. If people want to receive the eternal life that the apostles have mentioned, for those who are children of God, if, if we want to have the body of our Lord Jesus Christ, we want to have that blissful, eternal existence in the holy city where as mentioned, there are no problems. There are no trials, no afflictions, there’s no more debt, there’s no more tears of sorrow, then we have to be counted amongst those whom God has called to be His sons, and daughters.
Brother Johnny Martin: So dear viewers, it really is a good thing for us to be counted by God as His children. We should want to be among the sons and daughters of God.
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To learn more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), log onto iglesianicristo.net and incemedia.org
Brother Johnny Martin: However, this is our question, who are the ones whom God recognizes as his sons and daughters in these last days? Well, that’s what we’ll be talking about next. As the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition continues. Stay with us.
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INC International Edition
Brother Johnny Martin: Welcome back, everyone to the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. Today, we’re talking about who the true children of God are in our time.
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Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: You know, there are thousands of sects and denominations that present themselves as being Christian, and whose members likely consider themselves as being the sons and daughters of God. Anybody could easily say that he or she is a child of God, it really is not hard to utter those words.
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Topic: GOD’S SONS AND DAUGHTERS
Brother Johnny Martin: However, before we believe in anyone’s claim about being one of God’s children, what should we understand? Who is the one Brother Ruben, if I could begin with you in this section of our discussion, who is the one who can reveal who the true children of God are?
Brother Ruben Bustos: If we read the book of Isaiah, chapter 45, verse 11, the Bible introduces who that is:
Thus says the Lord, The Holy One of Israel, and his Maker “Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; And concerning the work of My hands, you command Me.
[Isaiah 45:11 New King James Version]
Brother Ruben Bustos: Now, who was the one that will reveal to us who the children of God are? It is none other than God himself, our Father in heaven.
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Ruben Bustos
Los Angeles, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Ruben Bustos: In fact, our father mentions in the verse we have read, he said, ask me of things concerning my sons. Now, why is it very important for us to ask our Father in heaven, who his children are, so that we would not make any mistakes? So that we would not make an assumption? Because if we make an assumption that would lead only to one’s opinion, or it would lead maybe to a mistake. We know we want to find out the truth, who the children of God are.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, Brother Jojo, since God’s pronouncements are written in the Bible. Let’s ask this question, according to the Bible, the Word of God, who are the true children of God, whom does the word Word of God introduce as being his sons and daughters?
Brother Jojo Bayani: Brother Johnny. And the important answer to that question can be found here in the book of John, here in chapter 1, and the verse is 12, and let us read:
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
[John 1:12 New King James Version]
Brother Jojo Bayani: There’s something important that we must point out to our viewers, with regard to belonging to God, with regard to being children of our Almighty God.
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Jojo Bayani
San Francisco, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Jojo Bayani: One cannot simply claim that one is a child of God, I’m a son of God, I am a daughter of God. No, it doesn’t work that way. How is it that one can be recognized as belonging to God as his sons and his daughters? According to what we have read from the Holy Scriptures, to them, he gave the right to become children of God. And so that is a right that has to be given to someone. One simply cannot claim that one belongs to God, that right must be given to that person. Who are the people that have received this blessing? The Bible said they are the ones who have received and believed in the man being referred to in this verse as him. They are the ones who believe in His name, they are the ones who receive that right given to them by this person, this man referred to as him.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Greg, who is that man being referred to? What is the name of the one who people should believe or have faith in in order to be among the ones granted the right to become children of God?
Brother Greg Worthen: Well, Apostle John also clarifies Him to be none other than our Lord Jesus Christ, as he wrote here, in first John 5:1:
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.
[I John 5:1 New King James Version]
Brother Greg Worthen: So the one who man should profess faith in, the one who mentioned believe in so as to be given the right and privilege to be a son or daughter of God is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Greg Worthen
Miami, Florida
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, Brother Ruben, how does the Bible describe the ones who truly believe or have faith in the name of Jesus Christ? Is it enough to simply say that one believes in him in order to be counted among the people who are now recognized by God as his sons and daughters?
Brother Ruben Bustos: Well, to answer your question, Brother Johnny, the answer is no. But the Bible does introduce to us how we could identify those who truly have faith or believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. We could find the answer here in the book of Acts, chapter 15, verse 17:
So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.’
[Acts 15:17 New King James Version]
Brother Ruben Bustos: Hence those who truly believe or have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, do not simply just profess it, or claim it. The Bible mentions that we could identify them, because they are called by the name of the Lord.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Ruben, if I could see with you please. Who is the Lord, by whose name those who believe in Christ are called?
Brother Ruben Bustos: Here in the book of Acts, chapter two, verse 36, the apostles further mentioned to us who that Lord is
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord, and Christ.”
[Acts 2:36 New King James Version]
Brother Ruben Bustos: Hence, the Lord being mentioned here, His name will be called to those who truly have faith in Him is none other than our Lord, Jesus Christ.
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Topic: GOD’S SONS AND DAUGHTERS
Brother Ruben Bustos: So just expressing that one has faith or one believes in our Lord Jesus Christ does not qualify him to be a child of our Father in heaven. The Bible teaches tous in what we have read here, that those who truly believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, those who have faith in him are called by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Jojo, how is the name of Christ called upon or ascribed to those who have accepted and believed in him?
Brother Jojo Bayani: We can read that here 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 George M. Lamsa]
Brother Jojo Bayani: How is it that the name of Christ is called upon those who belong to God called upon those who are children of our Almighty God? Well, the name Christ is called upon with regard to the name of the true Church, and what is the name of the true Church, according to the Bible, the Bible calls it the Church of Christ. And so blessed and fortunate are the ones whom God has chosen to be a part of that church, the one true church that belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ and that happens to be the church of Christ.
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Jojo Bayani
San Francisco, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Jojo Bayani: And so it’s very important for us to understand that having faith in that name, the name of our Lord Jesus Christ is extremely important, because that name Christ called with regard to those who belong to our Almighty God, that is what they’re called by. The name of Christ, the name of the Savior, the name of the one who purchased them by means of His blood. And so the name Church Of Christ is extremely relevant, extremely important for everyone to understand.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now Brother Greg, what about other religious organizations? For example, the Catholic Church? Does the Catholic Church testify that the church established by the Lord Jesus Christ is called after Him as the Church Of Christ?
Brother Greg Worthen: But I think it’s so important that we answer that as well. But of course not on our own assumption, we’re going to go to a Catholic authority in a book entitled Religion: Doctrine and Practice written by Francis B. Cassily, a Catholic priest to get the answer to our question, and he states the following on pages 442 to 443.
[Religion: Doctrine and Practice, by Francis B. Cassoly, Pages 442 to 443]
“Did Jesus Christ establish a Church? Yes, from all history, both secular and profane, as well as from the Bible considered as a human document, we learn that Jesus Christ established a Church, which from the earliest times has been called after Him, the Christian Church or the Church of Christ.”
Brother Greg Worthen: So do other authorities, like those in the Catholic Church recognize that Jesus did indeed build or establish a church? The answer is ‘yes.’ From both the secular and profane, as most importantly, from the Holy Scriptures or from the Bible, the Catholic priests testifies that Jesus Christ did indeed establish a church. And so how did this Catholic priest identify the church that Christ established or built? It is called after him as the Christian Church or the Church of Christ. Now, of course, we would accept what this Catholic authority is saying not because he’s a Catholic authority, but because as mentioned, in his testimony, that one basis of his testimony was from the Bible. And where in the Bible can we read that Jesus Christ indeed, established His Church will read that in Matthew 16:18, as taught here by the Lord:
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
[Matthew 16:18 New King James Version]
Brother Greg Worthen: Jesus Christ is very clear that He did build His church, a church that he recognized as His, it is ‘my church.’ And so as mentioned and read by Brother Jojo earlier, it is called after him Acts of the Apostles 20:28 Lamsa translation, as none other than the Church Of Christ.
Brother Johnny Martin: Dear Brothers and dear friends, when people are a part of the church that was founded by our Lord Jesus Christ, the church owned by our Lord Jesus Christ, the church called after Him, the Church Of Christ, or in the Filipino language, Iglesia Ni Cristo. What happens to the people who are members of that church? They have now become the true children of the Almighty God. They become the true sons and daughters of God. And what is in store for them are the great blessings promised by God which we can read about here in the Holy Bible. However, dear friends, we just noticed what was testified to here by this particular Catholic priest in the book that was read from by our Brother Greg, showing that the true church is called the Church of Christ.
[On screen graphic]
To learn more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), log onto iglesianicristo.net and incmedia.org
Brother Johnny Martin: But wait a minute, it’s obvious that that’s not the name of the religion where he serves or serves as a priest. Their religion is called or known as the Catholic Church. Now, what do Catholic priests say concerning the name of the church? That’s what we’ll talk about next as the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition continues. Again, please stay tuned.
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INC International Edition
Brother Johnny Martin: Welcome back everyone to the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. We have been talking about the ones whom God regards as His children, and have learned from the Bible that the ones whom God acknowledges, as his sons and daughters are the people who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ, have faith in His name, and are included in the church he built, namely, the Church Of Christ or in Filipino, Iglesia Ni Cristo.
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Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
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Topic: GOD’S SONS AND DAUGHTERS
Brother Johnny Martin: However, that’s not the name of the church that many of us were born into, and raised up in. That church is known as the Catholic Church. It’s a different name. But what do priests of the Catholic Church say, concerning the name of the church? Brother Ruben, what is their answer to that?
Brother Ruben Bustos: Well, to get the answer we need to read from a Catholic book entitled Ang Iglesia Ni Kristo at Iba’t Ibang Sektang Protestante which can be translated into English as the Church of Christ and different Protestant sects. Now, it should be noted that this book was written by a Catholic priest by the name of Juan Trinidad. It has a Nihil Obstat of Leopoldo Arcaira and the Reimprimatur by Jose Jovellanos. We can read what is mentioned on page 25, which is translated into English. Please listen.
[Ang Iglesia Ni Kristo at Iba’t Ibang Sektang Protestante, Juan Trinidad, Nihil Obstat by Leopoldo Arcaira , Reimprimatur by Jose Jovellanos, Page 25]
The name Catholic Apostolic Roman Church did not come from Christ. But as the English saying goes, a rose by any other name will be sweet still. The issue that should be debated on is not the name, but the truth.
Brother Ruben Bustos: Now, when this Catholic book, originally written in the Filipino language, the Catholic priests admit that the name Catholic Apostolic Roman Church is not from our Lord Jesus Christ. It can be concluded then if it is not from our Lord Jesus Christ. It is not biblical, they’re found in the Holy Scriptures. But we should notice that this author or this Catholic priest argues that the church or rather the name of the church is not important. In fact, he even quoted William Shakespeare, he said, ‘A rose by any other name will still be sweet.’ Now, this Catholic priest says that, well, the name is not important. But what is important, what should be debated on is none other than the truth.
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, Brother Jojo should people accept or be persuaded by what this Catholic priest insinuates that the name by which the church is called, is not important, and that what matters is the truth? What is the truth, Brother Jojo?
Brother Jojo Bayani: Well, let’s turn to our Lord Jesus Christ for the answer. Here from the book of John chapter 17. And also verse 17. He said,
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
[John 17:17 New King James Version]
Brother Jojo Bayani: So here’s my question to you, Brother Johnny and to all of our viewers: The name of Christ isn’t that one of the most important truths that are taught by the Bible? And what about the name of the church? The church that belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ? Is that not one of the truths taught by the Bible that the true church is called Church Of Christ?
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Jojo Bayani
San Francisco, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Jojo Bayani: So we cannot go by insinuation from any priest or from anyone for that matter. We have to stick to what the Bible teaches us.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now Brother Greg, is it God’s Word or command that people should believe or have faith in the name of Christ?
Brother Greg Worthen: It is a command of God. And we can read that again through the writings of the apostles in the Bible. First, John 3:23. We read:
And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
[I John 3:23 New King James Version]
Brother Greg Worthen: So it is a commandment that we need to believe and the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is commanded in God’s truth in the Holy Scriptures.
Brother Johnny Martin: Brother Ruben when it comes to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, obviously, the Bible teaches us about the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Well, how important really is the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and thus we should have faith in it?
Brother Ruben Bustos:Well, we can read the answer Brother Johnny here in the book of Acts, chapter 4, verses 10 and 12. This is what the apostles mentioned:
let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
[Acts 4:10 and 12 New King James Version]
Brother Ruben Bustos: The Bible clearly teaches us the importance of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The apostles made it very clear that it is the only name given by our LORD God among men, by which a person can be saved. Now knowing this truth that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ is indeed very important, then why is it that one would say that, Well, it should not be debated upon the name, but rather than the truth? We should notice that the name and the truth go hand in hand, because that name is found in the truth recorded in The Holy Scriptures. But if we look at the Catholic Church, we look at the name Catholic or the term Catholic, we read it, we read the Bible from cover to cover, we could not find that name there. So how can that name Catholic be able to lead a person to be saved on the Day of Judgment?
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, Brother Jojo, why is it through the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we will be saved?
Brother Jojo Bayani: Brother Johnny, and for our dear viewers, the name of Christ is one of the most important things that man should clearly understand. Let us read from the book of First John here in the Bible, chapter 2 and the verse is 12:
I write to your dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.
[I John 2:12 New International Version]
Brother Jojo Bayani: And so the name of Christ, the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, is the only name by which one can be forgiven of one’s sins. In essence, the name of Christ is the only name by which a person can receive that promise of salvation. And so how is that name Christ called upon the church that he built? Well, we know that to be the Church Of Christ, as taught by the Bible.
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Jojo Bayani
San Francisco, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Jojo Bayani: And so one has to belong to the true Church Of Christ, in order to be forgiven of one’s sins in order to be saved on the Day of Judgment. Now, mind you, one cannot acquire the forgiveness of one’s sins by means of any other name, by means of belonging to another religion, other than the one true religion, which is the Church of Christ. So we simply say, based on the teachings of the Holy Scriptures, that one cannot be forgiven of one’s sins if someone says, belongs to a different religions, other than the true one, say, the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church.
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, aside from the forgiveness of sins, Brother Greg, what else will people receive if they believe in the name of Christ?
Brother Greg Worthen: Of course, the ultimate prize is that which is recorded here again, by the teachings of the apostles, first John 5:13. And the apostles teach:
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
[I John 5:13 New King James Version]
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Greg Worthen
Miami, Florida
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Greg Worthen: Very clearly. Those who believe in the name of Christ, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, are those who have eternal life.
Brother Johnny Martin: Now, on the other hand, Brother Ruben, what’s the decision recorded in the Bible regarding those who refuse to believe in the name of Christ?
Brother Ruben Bustos: Well, this is God’s decision recorded here in the book of John chapter 3, verse 18.
He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
[John 3:18 New King James Version]
Brother Ruben Bustos: Hence, the sad reality if one does not believe in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, is that he is condemned already by our Father in heaven. Hence, it is not true at all that the name of the church is not important.
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Ruben Bustos
Los Angeles, California
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Ruben Bustos: That’s why the argument posed by the Catholic priest earlier when he said that a rose by any other name will be sweet still is untenable or it is very weak. We should not notice that if a church is not called by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, then salvation is not in that church. Even if a person were to say that he believes in our Lord Jesus Christ, or he has faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, but he’s not inside that true church, then that is not very true. We have to remember our beloved friends, there is no other name by which people can be saved only in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Brother Johnny Martin: Therefore, dear friends, the Bible has shown us today that for us to be counted among the children of God, who are promised salvation and eternal life on the Day of Judgment, it’s vital that we become and remain members of the true Church of Christ.
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Johnny Martin
Quezon City, Philippines
Minister of the Gospel
Brother Johnny Martin: It’s not enough to simply leave or get out of a false religion or church, it’s essential to join and stay in the true religion or the true Church of Christ in order to be God’s children. And it is such a tremendous blessing to be God’s sons and daughters. And we would like to help you dear friends, to be included among those whom God acknowledges today, as his sons and daughters. Thus we strive to bring our countrymen to the true Church Of Christ, we invite our fellow men to our evangelical missions and worship services. We encourage others to listen to our programs broadcast over the radio and television, and that can also be viewed online so that all people could have the chance, the opportunity to become God’s children in the true Church, to render the true service to God, and to receive salvation on Judgement Day.
Brother Johnny Martin: We’d like to thank Brother Ruben Bustos in Los Angeles, California, Brother Greg Worthen in Miami, Florida, and Brother Jojo Bayani in San Francisco, California for giving us 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 asked why you’re living the way you are, which we can read in First Peter 3:15.
Brother Johnny Martin: Well, dear friends, that does it for us here on the Iglesia Ni Cristo International Edition. We hope to see you again next time. I’m Johnny Martin. And thank you very much for watching. As we come to the end of the program, we invite you to join us in a short prayer.
Brother Jojo Bayani: Our heavenly Father. We’re extremely grateful to you on this day. For you have once again allowed us to share our faith to our loved ones, our friends, and even so many other people in this world by means of this program. Thank you for allowing once more your truths to be shared and to be taught to our fellow men. We hope and pray that our fellow men will not have their feelings hurt by means of the message that they receive. And that all of them will understand our pure and noble intent. We must preach your truths taught and found and written in the Bible in order for us to properly serve and worship you. One of the most important truths is what we were able to share with our countrymen this day. And that is one needs to be a part of the one true church that belongs to Christ, the church that is called by the Bible as the Church Of Christ in order for us to avail of your many blessings. We want our fellow men starting with our loved ones and friends to have the opportunity to be enlightened by your teachings, so that they too may be forgiven of their sins, so that they too, will be able to look forward to the future of receiving your salvation and the promise of everlasting life. Help us and the rest of our brethren inside the Iglesia Ni Cristo. To be more mindful of sharing our faith by inviting our friends and loved ones and acquaintances to our worship services and even our Bible studies in so doing, many more people in this world will have the opportunity to understand your words. Our Lord and our Savior Jesus we also come to you by means of this prayer. And we ask you, Lord, continue to help your disciples, especially in spreading your gospel to our fellowmen. And as always, we beg, mediate all of our prayers to the Father so that the Father will always listen to and answer our pleadings. Father, before we conclude this prayer, we ask that you please bless the administration of the Church Of Christ, then we ask that you bless the overall administrator so that he can continue to lead us in the most righteous and proper manner of serving you and in sharing our faith with our fellow man. We ask all of these things in the name of our Lord and of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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