Carlos’ Christian philosophy is best summed up in Acts 20-28 of the Lamsa Bible:
“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.”
He hopes his fellow faithful can take from the verse their purpose of worshiping at Iglesia Ni Cristo.
“It teaches us that the Lord Jesus Christ, he purchased the Church of Christ with his blood, and it is the blood of Jesus Christ that will bring the forgiveness of our sins.”
Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) is headquartered in the Phillipines. It will celebrate its 102nd anniversary this July.
Carlos grew up in Long Beach, California, and joined the ministry in 1995. His pastoral work has led him to stints at churches everywhere from San Francisco to Charleston, South Carolina.
The foundation of Iglesia Ni Cristo is a belief in the Bible and the fulfillment of its prophecies, he said.
“We believe there is only one true God, and that is the Father in heaven,” he said. “His son is the savior of the church.”
Followers also believe in living righteously and in spreading their faith, he continued.
The denomination’s new Lubbock branch is located at 1409 23rd St., in a mostly residential area just south of downtown. The building once housed the Central Lubbock Church of Christ, but Iglesia Ni Cristo purchased it about two or three years ago.
Renovations started in August. The project also involves outreach programs such as medical and dental help, said Lois Riturban, a San Diego-based church spokeswoman.
“Almost $600,000 went into renovations for the property and its surrounding areas, in hopes it’ll help bring some light to the neighborhood,” she told A-J Media via email.
Worship services are 8 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. Sundays. A grand-opening celebration is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, complete with a Bible study, musical program, food and other activities.
