How God Leads His People

Full Episode Transcript

Brother Richie Juatco: There’s a growing belief among many, who identify as Christians, that God guides them directly. Through prayer and personal reflection, many believe they can receive His direction without needing to be connected to any particular individual. 

Now, given today’s unprecedented access to information and, unfortunately, the exposure of false preachers who have deceived, exploited, and misled others, it is actually understandable why many people are hesitant to place their trust in another human being.

Instead, they find it safer to believe that God will lead them personally and directly. But is that how God leads His people? Does God guide each person individually or does He do this through an appointed leader? 

Stay with us. This is what we’ll be studying today, here on The Message. 

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How God Leads His People

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The Message

Brother Richie Juatco:  Hi. Thanks for joining us. I’m Brother Richie Juatco. 

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Brother Mark Vasquez

Minister of the Gospel

Brother Richie Juatco

Minister of the Gospel

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How God Leads His People

Brother Mark Vasquez: And I’m Brother Mark Vazquez.

We know that people can read the Bible in countless translations, access biblical commentaries from around the world, and even study religious topics without ever leaving their homes. At the same time, we have witnessed the painful discoveries of corrupt religious leaders and self-proclaimed prophets who have manipulated people for money, power, or even personal gain. As a result, many have concluded that the safest approach is to rely on God alone in a manner that they personally choose.

Brother Richie: Now, we here inside the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ), we’re not against the mindset that we should place our complete trust in God for guidance and protection and not in man or human beings. 

Brother Mark: So, Brother Richie, when it comes to this, what is God’s instruction to His people in order to keep them protected and guided?

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What does God instruct His people to stay protected and guided?

Brother Richie: Let’s read the answer here in what’s recorded in Hebrews. We’ll read chapter 13, verse 17. It says here,

Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. 

[Hebrews 13:17 New International Version]

Brother Richie: So here, God gives a clear instruction through the Apostle Paul. What was God’s instruction? We read, “Obey your leaders.” Now, those that say, “I don’t follow man. I obey God.” We know that is actually a very good policy to have, and God is the One who is instructing His people to obey the leaders that He places to lead them.

Brother Mark: What else is God’s instruction regarding the leaders that He places? 

Brother Richie: He also says, “submit to their authority.” So, the authority that God’s appointed leaders have, it comes from God. 

Brother Mark: But, Brother Richie, what if someone decides that they won’t obey and they won’t submit to the leader that God placed? 

Brother Richie: Well, the Bible says that, “that that would be of no advantage to you.” So, God’s instruction to obey the leader is so that the people can receive God’s guidance. 

Brother Mark: What if people were to say, “Oh, this is new. This is different.” Is this really a new or a different concept? 

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How God Leads His People

Brother Richie: This is not new at all. In fact, we should understand that God always appoints leaders among His people that should be obeyed. This is the way God leads His own people.

Brother Mark: I think that’s a good question, then, that people can ask. Who then? Who is an example of someone that God placed to lead His people? 

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Who is an example of someone God appointed to lead His people?

Brother Richie: Well, we can find that example of the one that is placed. Actually, they are placed there by God. We’ll read an example of that here in the Book of Exodus, chapter 3, we’ll read 4. We’ll also read verse 10. It says this, 

So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!”… Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”

[Exodus 3:4 & 10 New King James Version]

Brother Richie: Here is a well-known example of how God appoints leaders to lead His people.

We read, “God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses, Moses!’” Now, what purpose did God have in calling Moses? Well, God said, “I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” So, God rescued and led His own people through Moses as His appointed leader. 

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How God Leads His People

Brother Mark: So, Brother Richie, since it’s the Lord God who is ultimately leading His people—and the Lord God is eternal, He doesn’t die—and He’s leading His people through His servant, Moses, who’s a man or a human being, what happens when the appointed leader dies or passes away? 

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What happens when the appointed leader passes away?

Brother Richie: That’s a really good question because, as you stated, God is the One ultimately leading His people and He’s using a man that He appoints. That’s very different. God is forever.

The man does pass away. So, let’s stay with the example of Moses. What is it that God commanded Moses before he died or passed away? Let’s read the answer here in the Book of Numbers, chapter 27, we’ll read 18 and 23,

The LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a capable man, and place your hands on his head. As the Lord had commanded, Moses put his hands on Joshua’s head and proclaimed him as his successor.

[Numbers 27:18, 23 Good News Translation]

Brother Richie: So here, even before the death of God’s appointed leader, Moses, what did God instruct? We read, “The LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua… and place your hands on his head.” What was the purpose of this instruction? We Read, “Moses put his hands on Joshua’s head and proclaimed him as his successor.” So, the policy of God is evident that He will lead His people through those He places to lead them.

Brother Mark: So, it’s very clear. Here we can see that not only does God choose and appoint the initial leader, but He also chooses the successors that come even after. And why did God want to make it clear that Joshua is the one that He chose to succeed Moses? 

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Why did God want everyone to know that Joshua was the chosen successor?

Brother Richie: Well, let’s just continue to read. We’ll read here now in verse 20 of the same Book and chapter,

Give him some of your own authority, so that the whole community of Israel will obey him. [Numbers 27:20 Good News Translation]

Brother Richie: So, God’s instruction to Moses was to eliminate any confusion of who God will use to lead His people after the death of Moses. 

Brother Mark: But why did God have Moses proclaim Joshua as His successor? 

Brother Richie: Well, God is the One that said, “Give him some of your own authority.” So, while Moses was still alive, some of His authority, which came from God, would go to Joshua.

Brother Mark: Why is that God-given authority, why is that so important? 

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How God Leads His People

Brother Richie: Well, we did read, “so that the whole community of Israel will obey him.” Therefore, God wants His people to obey the leader He gives them, because they have an authority that comes from Him. Now, of course, Joshua, also being human, did not live forever. So, God later decided to give His people a king to lead them.

Brother Mark: The first king that God chose and appointed to lead His people was King Saul. Then after him, King David. So, what should we understand about the leaders that God uses to lead His people? 

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What should we understand about the leaders that God uses to lead His people?

Brother Richie: You know, to get the answer to that, let’s go to what’s written in the Book of Acts, chapter 13 and the verse is 22. This is what it says,

Later, God removed Saul and let David rule in his place. God said about him, “David the son of Jesse is the kind of person who pleases me most! He does everything I want him to do.”  

[Acts 13:22 Contemporary English Version]

Brother Richie: Here we see that God Himself is ultimately leading His people through those that He appoints to lead. Why are we so sure? Because we read, “Later, God removed Saul.” Now, since God is the One who placed Saul as king, God is also the one that removed him as king. 

Brother Mark: So, who is it then that God chose to rule instead of Saul? 

Brother Richie: Well, we read, “let David rule in his place.” Now, why did God appoint David as king? Well, God said about him, “David the son of Jesse is the kind of person who pleases me most!“ Now, why was David so pleasing to God? Well, God said, “He does everything I want him to do.”  So, those who God chooses to lead do what God wants. Thus, it is God who is leading His people. 

Brother Mark: So, who is it that God prepared to lead after King David? 

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Who did God prepare to lead after King David?

Brother Richie: Well, let’s read that here in the Book of 1 Chronicles. We’ll read 1 Chronicles, chapter 28. We’ll read verses 5, also 9, 

Of all my sons—and the Lord has given me many—he has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel….  “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 

[1 Chronicles 28:5, 9 New International Version]

Brother Richie: Here, we see who succeeded King David. Now, who ruled as king after David? Well, David said, “my son Solomon.” But, we should notice something here. Solomon did not become king and leader of God’s people merely because he is the son of the appointed leader. 

Brother Mark: What’s the proof it’s not just because he was the son of God’s leader? 

Brother Richie: Because we read, “Of all my sons—and the Lord has given me many.” So, David had multiple sons. But out of all his sons, why did Solomon become the next leader of God’s people? Well, David is the one that said, “the Lord… has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel.” And this is how it always is. God is the One who appoints the leaders to lead His people.

Brother Mark: So, what was the instruction of the Lord God to Solomon as the next appointed leader? 

Brother Mark: So, how was that acknowledgement made then? 

Brother Richie: Well, we read, “acknowledge the God of your father.” So, God should be acknowledged as the true leader of His people. 

Brother Mark: So, how can that acknowledgement be proven then? 

Brother Richie: We read, “serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind.” Now, when the leader God appoints serves and worships Him wholeheartedly and devotedly, then God’s people are blessed with an effective leader and a good example to follow. 

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How God Leads His People

Brother Richie: Now, of course, it should be understood that the greatest leader God has chosen to lead His people is His begotten son, Jesus Christ. Now, what was God’s instruction to His people when Christ was still here on earth, Brother Mark? 

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What was God’s instruction to His people when Christ was still here on earth?

Brother Mark: Let’s read that instruction of the Lord God to His people when the Lord Jesus Christ was the leader. Let’s read that together here in the Book of Matthew. We’ll read Matthew 17 and then we’ll read verse 5,

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” 

[Matthew 17:5 New International Version]

Brother Mark: In this verse, we can see how God introduced the Lord Jesus Christ. And what did God say about Him? Well, God said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 

Brother Richie: So, what was God’s instruction to His people regarding His son, our Lord Jesus Christ? 

Brother Mark: Well, He said here, “Listen to him!” Christ is the One to be obeyed and listened to because according to Christ Himself, His teaching is not His, but it comes from God who sent Him. God will always place someone on earth to teach and guide His people.

Brother Richie: That’s correct. And we know that currently Christ is not here on earth. Being a man or human being, He was crucified, died on the cross, raised back to life by God and eventually entered into heaven. But what did He do before leaving this earth so that God’s policy of having leaders to guide His people would continue to apply. What did He do, Brother Mark? 

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What did Christ do to ensure that God’s appointed leadership would continue?

Brother Mark: We can see that the policy of the Lord God continued even during the time of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s read that here together in the Book of Luke. We’ll read Luke, 24 and we’ll read verses 50 and also verse 51, 

Then he led them out of the city as far as Bethany, where he raised his hands and blessed them. As he was blessing them, he departed from them and was taken up into heaven

[Luke 24:50-51 Good News Translation]

Brother Mark: Those referenced in these verses are the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. And what did Christ do to them, giving them the authority to lead God’s people in the Christian era? Well, we read, “he led them out of the city as far as Bethany, where he raised his hands and blessed them.” And what happened as the Lord Jesus Christ was blessing them? Well, we read, “As he was blessing them, he departed from them and was taken up into heaven.” So after the Lord Jesus Christ was taken up into heaven, His apostles were the ones appointed and entrusted to care for and guide His Church or the Church Of Christ, which are God’s people in the Christian era. 

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How God Leads His People

Brother Richie: Since the apostles were the ones entrusted at that time to care for God’s people, Apostle Paul, how did Apostle Paul regard his duty, the authority, that was entrusted to him? 

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How did Apostle Paul view the authority entrusted to him?

Brother Mark: Let’s read how he regarded that authority that was given to him. We’ll read that together in the Book of Colossians. We’ll read Colossians, 1 and the verse is 25,

I have become its minister, according to God’s administration that was given to me for you, to make God’s message fully known, 

[Colossians 1:25 Holman Christian Standard Bible]

Brother Mark: When Apostle Paul was called into the Church Of Christ, what duty was given to him? He said, “I have become its minister.” And what was entrusted to him for the sake of the Church? He said, “God’s administration that was given to me for you.” And what was the main purpose that God placed the administration in the Church? Well we read, “to make God’s message fully known.” Therefore, through God’s administration in the Church, God continues to lead His people, because they continue to receive His message.

Brother Richie: That’s right. Now we know very well that the apostles, they’re not alive today. Now if they were, many people would have no problem obeying them and submitting to their God-given authority. But since they have long passed away, there are those who believe that God has suddenly changed His own policy of leading His people through those He places to lead them—but God’s policy still stands. In every period of time where God has faithful servants, He is leading them through His appointed leader.

Brother Mark: So what is it that all of us should understand about the leaders that God places, that He appoints, to lead His people? 

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How God Leads His People

Brother Richie: Well first of all, the one that God appoints to lead His people, they’re not going to teach anything different from His own words that are written in the Bible. And we should understand that God Himself will appoint the one He calls to lead His people. So because of this, Brother Mark, who is it that God has called—appointed—to make His message known and lead His people now, today, in these last days? 

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Who has God called to make His message known and lead His people today?

Brother Mark: Well let’s read that answer together through a prophecy that’s written in the Holy Scriptures. We’ll read in the Book of Isaiah. We’ll read 43:5 until verse 8,

Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, And gather you from the west; I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth— Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.” Bring out the blind people who have eyes, And the deaf who have ears.

[Isaiah 43:5-8 New King James Version]

Brother Mark: This prophecy is regarding the one that God called or appointed to lead His people in the final or in the last days of the world.

Brother Richie: Now, Brother Mark, what was God’s instruction to His appointed leader? 

Brother Mark: God said here, “Bring out the blind people who have eyes, And the deaf who have ears.” So those people are in the dark, not hearing the truth of God’s message. 

Brother Richie: So who are these people that the verse is referring to? 

Brother Mark: Well, it says here in these verses, “Everyone who is called by My name.” And how will God consider those people that should be brought out of darkness? He said, “Bring My sons… And My daughters.” So God considers them as His children. 

Brother Richie: How are we able to identify these people that God considers His children? Where are they from? 

Brother Mark: The Bible allows us to identify them. It says here, “from afar… from the ends of the earth.” So these people can be identified by both the location on earth and also the time period. 

Brother Richie: So, Brother Mark, who is really, actually, leading these people that are going to be led out of the dark? 

Brother Mark: Well, it says here in these verses, God Himself said here, “I will bring your descendants from the east, And gather you from the west.” So God Himself is the One bringing or leading His people that will come from the one leader that He chose. 

Brother Richie: Now, since this is a great task or mission that God is going to do through this one person that He is appointing to lead, how is that possible? How can this one leader be successful in leading God’s people out of darkness and bringing them God’s message? 

Brother Mark: Well, the Lord God Himself said here, “Fear not, for I am with you.” As has been proven to us, God always sends messengers or leaders on earth to lead His people. In our time, it’s no different. The one that God called and appointed to preach His teachings about the biblical Church Of Christ is Brother Felix Y. Manalo. He was the first Executive Minister of the Church in these last days and was entrusted with God’s Administration.

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How God Leads His People

Brother Richie: That’s right. And when Brother Felix Y. Manalo was laid to rest, God placed Brother Eraño G. Manalo to succeed him. And when he passed away, God placed Brother Eduardo V. Manalo as the Executive Minister of the Church. 

[Video source: Blessed Moments – Guiding the Youth of the New Generation]

Brother Richie: God continues to lead His own people through those He chooses to lead. Through the Church Administration God placed, God’s message is made fully known just like the one we are studying now. Hopefully now we better understand the reason God instructed in the first verse that we read earlier, “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority.” 

Brother Mark: So, Brother Richie, aside from the authority that God gives to the Church Administration, what’s God’s instruction to His people regarding those that He places to lead inside of the Church Of Christ? 

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What does God instruct His people regarding those He places to lead the Church Of Christ?

Brother Richie: Let’s get our answer from what’s recorded in 1 Thessalonians, 5, and the verse is 12 to 13,

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who labor among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them most highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 

[1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 New English Translation]

Brother Richie: Those being addressed in these verses are the members of the Church Of Christ. What is being asked of them? We read, “we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who labor among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you.” So those presiding over and admonishing the Church are those God gave His administration to.

Brother Mark: So what should the brethren and all members of the Church Of Christ, what is it that we should do then? 

Brother Richie: We should acknowledge that they are in that position because God is the One that appointed them and placed them in that position. 

Brother Mark: Brother Richie, what else is God requiring His people regarding His appointed leaders? 

Brother Richie: Well, we also read, “esteem them most highly in love because of their work.” Now, it is God’s will and desire that His people love the leaders He uses to guide them. Now, because of this biblical instruction, the members of the Church Of Christ truly do love the Church Administration. We witness the work being done for our spiritual well-being, and we thank God for using them to guide us. 

Brother Mark: So what else is it that, as God’s people now, what else should we do regarding the Administration inside of the Church?

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What other instruction does God give regarding the Church Administration?

Brother Richie: Let’s read another verse. Here in 2 Thessalonians, the answer is in 3, verse 1 to 2,

Finally, dear brothers, as I come to the end of this letter, I ask you to pray for us. Pray first that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and triumph wherever it goes, winning converts everywhere as it did when it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be saved out of the clutches of evil men, for not everyone loves the Lord.

[2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 The Living Bible]

Brother Richie: The one speaking here is Apostle Paul, who was entrusted with the administration of the Church in the Gentile lands. What is it that he asked the members of the Church? He said, “I ask you to pray for us.” This is the reason the members of the Church Of Christ in the first century, and the members of the Church Of Christ today, always pray for the Church Administration.Brother Mark: It’s clear. This is a biblical teaching that we should pray for the ones leading us. 

Brother Richie: That’s right.

Brother Mark: But when we pray, Brother Richie, what should our prayer contain when we pray for the ones that God placed to lead us? 

Brother Richie: Well, we did read, “Pray first that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and triumph wherever it goes, winning converts everywhere as it did when it came to you.”  So, the Church continues to pray that the Administration be effective in spreading the gospel, helping others learn the truth of what is actually written in the Bible. 

Brother Mark: And that’s good that we hear that th   ere are many that pray this way.

Brother Richie: That’s right. 

Brother Mark: But what else should we also pray for when we pray for the Administration? 

Brother Richie: Well, we also read, it says, “Pray, too, that we will be saved out of the clutches of evil men.” Now, why is that necessary? Well, we read, “for not everyone loves the Lord.” The Church continues to pray that God keep the Administration safe and protect them from the enemies of our faith. 

We really are truly thankful to God for answering the prayers of His people in always utilizing the Church Administration to care for and lead His people in these last days. And we pray that His true teachings may reach many more people in order to give them the opportunity to answer His call and join us in the true faith.

Brother Mark: For those not yet of the same faith, but keeping an open mind, we invite and encourage you to come visit a congregation near you. Or if you want, ask us a question now by clicking the link in the description and inquire how to listen to the basic teachings of the Bible. 

Brother Richie: Now, if you’re already going through those lessons or wherever you are in your spiritual journey, make sure that your journey does not stop here. 

Keep watching and growing with us and stay constantly tuned in to The Message. 

On behalf of all of us here at The Message, we are very grateful for you joining us in this episode. But before we conclude, please join us for a short prayer.

Brother Richie: Our Heavenly Father, Our God, we are very grateful for the mercies and the guidance that You show to us. You have taught us the way that You lead Your people. It is very clear, dear Father, that You are the one leading Your people through those that You choose and appoint to lead them. We are grateful because it is through the Church Administration that we are able to understand this message of Yours. And for this, we praise You, our God. We truly do honor and worship Your most Holy Name.

And just as You instruct, just as Your people did before, we pray for our leaders. We do ask that You always be with the Church Administration. Be with the one that You have entrusted Your administration to. Be with our Executive Minister. Please continue to use him, because it is through him that Your message is made fully known to us. We even pray that You protect our leaders.

Guide them from any evil or wicked-minded people. And please continue to give success to Your nation by always leading us properly through Your words preached to us through the Church Administration. 

We believe, our Father, that You are the one that will send Your truth out to those You will call inside the Church. Please allow this to reach those that are looking for You. Please show mercy to them, dear Father, that many more people will be converted to the truth and be able to join Your nation in these last days, which is the true Church Of Christ. 

We believe You hear our prayer. We believe that You continue to bless us all. We especially continue to pray for our leaders. All of this we ask and pray for through the name of Your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen. 

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