The solution to man’s miseries

 

ABRAHAM H. MASLOW, an American psychologist, presented five levels in the hierarchy of human needs beginning from physiological needs, which include the most basic ones such as food, water, clothing, and shelter. He said that only when these basic needs are satisfied can man progress to higher levels such as safety, belongingness and love, esteem, and self-actualization.

Unfortunately, many people today cannot even fully satisfy their basic necessities, as many are not properly nourished, clothed, and housed. Their desolate condition is further exacerbated by the worsening condition of the economy to due to unemployment, political instability, and terrorism. Consequently, more people are added to those who live below the poverty line. As as their chances of improving their wretched condition diminishes, they become anxious and feel hopeless.

     “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap
nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not of more value than they?”

Do not worry
Fortunately, our Lord Jesus Christ comforts those who are in this kind of miserable situation. He said reassuring;

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what yo will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? (Mt. 6:25, New King James Version)

Why did our Lord Jesus say that we should not worry about the things we need in this life when, in fact, we really need all these things to survive? Our Lord explains further:

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil or spin; And yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

“For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For our heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” (Mt. 6:26-29, 32, Ibid.)

The Almighty God, our Creator, knows what we need to survive, In fact, God gave us everything–food, water, air, and other resources–just as He provided the birds and other animals with their food and shelter. Thus, according to Christ, we should not worry about what we will eat or what we will drink. However, this does not mean that we should no longer work to find all these things. In fact, God commanded us to work hard in order for us to eat (Gen 3:19). Christ is only telling us that worrying too much far all the things we need as do the Gentiles who are without God (Eph. 2:11012) will not do us good. Besides, being too anxious about material things is tantamount to underestimating the power of God in giving us what we need.

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness
Our Lord Jesus Christ clearly pointed out which man should seek first. he said:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Mt. 6:33, NKJV)

After having sought the kingdom of God and His righteousness, God will surely add to hi all the things he needs in this life. So, what man should put as priority is for him to be in the kingdom of God. Which is the kingdom referred to? It is the kingdom that God has given to the flock:

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom.” (Lk. 12:32, Today’s English Version)

Apostle Paul taught that the kingdom, which God has given to the flock, also refers to the kingdom of the Son into which man ought to be transferred for him to be redeemed by the blood of Christ. Apostle Paul wrote:

“Giving thanks to the Father,, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God’s holy people) in the Light.

“[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the  kingdom of the Son of His love,

“In whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins.” (Col. 1:12-14, Amplified Bible)

Significantly, the kingdom here on earth refers to the Church of Christ, which was purchased by the blood of Christ:

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation)

The Church of Christ was redeemed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. If one is a member of the Church of Christ, then he has sought the kingdom of God where there is redemption and forgiveness of sins.

The righteousness
On the other hand, which is the righteousness of God which man should also seek? The righteousness of God is the gospel, which is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith’.” (Rom. 1:16-17, NKJV)

The gospel is essential to the attainment of salvation. Thus, it is of utmost importance for man to hear the preaching of the gospel or the words of God through the duly appointed messenger, like Apostle Paul:

“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you–unless  you believed in vain.” (I Cor. 15:1-2, Ibid.)

In these last days, the gospel of God has been entrusted to the messenger whose work is likened to that of a bird of prey. he will bring God’s righteousness to people. The prophecy declares:

“Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.

“Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, who are far from righteousness: I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory.” (Is. 46:11-13, Ibid.)

This prophecy was fulfilled in Brother Felix Y. Manalo, the messenger of God in these last days who came from a country in the Far East–the Philippines. He began preaching the gospel; consequently, in fulfillment of the prophecy, the true Church of Christ emerged in the Philippines concurrent with the outbreak of the First World War on July 27, 1914, the time signaling the beginning of the period “ends of the earth” (Mt. 24:3, 6-8, 33).

And the promise
Having found the kingdom of the Son, which is the Church of Christ, and the righteousness of God, which is the gospel of salvation, members of this Church have the assurance that they will receive all the promises of God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it.” (Jn. 15:7, TEV)

This is indeed a great privilege. While opportunities for other people are so elusive, they are, however, within reach for members of the Church of Christ who are always obedient to His words or commands. In the face of many hardships and difficulties plaguing the world today, the righteous servants of God have nothing to worry because they can always ask the Father all their needs through prayer. God surely will not lack in everything they need:

“Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.

“And with all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs.” (Philip. 4:6, 19, Ibid.)

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By NOEL I. ILAN
Source: God’s Message Magazine
Presented by Melinda de los Santos
*For Free Bible Studies click here 🙂

The kind of religion many seek to join

“I can assure you that they are deeply devoted to God;
but their devotion is not based on true knowledge.”

 

A GROWING NUMBER of people would choose the religion most convenient to them and in harmony with their opinions and lifestyles. For instance, the traditional Sunday practice of gathering in a place of worship has been replaced by many with a television set and shouts of “Praise the Lord” in the comforts of their own home. Others would join religions that promise wealth and health to its members. And still others would do nothing but profess to have faith in and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

What is saddening, however, is that in people’s efforts to customize religion to fit their needs and opinions, they have opted those that are not based on the Holy Scriptures. This is not surprising because hundreds of years ago, Apostle Paul foretold of this attitude of people. He testified:

“The time will come when people will not listen to sound doctrine, but will follow their own desires and will collect for themselves more and more teachers who will tell them what they are itching to hear.” (II Tim. 4:3, Today’s English Version)

Nowadays, many embrace only those religions that fit into their personal beliefs and views about God without considering the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. Moreover, many preachers tailor their message to persuade people, even to the extent of compromising the truths written in the Bible.

The Bible also foretold of people who would use religion to disguise their true intention—that is to make money:

“So they come as though they are sincere and sit before you listening. But they have no intention of doing what I tell them to; they talk very sweetly about loving the Lord, but with their hearts they are loving their money.” (Ezek. 33:31, Living Bible)

Those who only use religion for their own benefit are those who refuse to submit themselves to God’s way of putting e=people right with Himself. These are those who have set up their own way or religion and have not returned to God through the way taught by the Almighty. Apostle Paul identified such in his epistle:

“I can assure you that they are deeply devoted to God; but their devotion is not based own true knowledge. They have not known the way in which God puts people right with himself, and instead, they have tried to set up their own way; and so they did not submit themselves to God’s way of putting people right.” (Rom. 10:2-3, TEV)

Regarding this kind of people, the Lord Jesus Christ testified:

“It is useless for you to worship me, when you teach rules made up by humans.” (Mt. 15:9, Contemporary English Version)

Hence, it is important for us to recognize the religion that is of God among those that are based on man-made teachings.

The true religion

The true religion or that which is truly of Christ and of God is the religion that follows the teachings of Christ, which He received from God. Jesus Christ testifies:

“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” (Jn. 12:26, New King James Version)

The true religion follows and upholds Christ’s teachings regarding the attainment of salvation is the necessity to enter through Him. This is what He says to anyone who wants to be saved:

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

“And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” (Jn. 10:9, 16, NKJV)

To be saved, one must join Christ’s flock. The flock being referred to is the Church of Christ:

“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.” (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation)

Therefore, the true religion is the one redeemed by Christ with His blood—the Church of Christ. Man must enter this Church, for him to render worship that is worthy to God and attain salvation on the day of Judgment.

 

By DEXTER T. MANGLICMOT
Presented by Melinda de los Santos
*For Free Bible Studies click here 🙂

Love of the brotherhood

 

 

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

                                                          —-John 13:34-35,
                                                              New King James Version

 

ONE OF THE QUALITIES of the Church of Christ that many expel from the outside admire is the closeness and the warmth of its members towards one another. People would often see that brethren in the Church are delighted to greet each other. When there are brethren (and even non-members) who fall victim to calamities, others would run to their aid at a moment’s notice. And even in instances when a member succumbs to other difficulties, fellow members are willing to come and lend their support.

The reason for all these is love, plain and simple. The members of the Church are taught to love one another. Apostle Peter wrote: “Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind” (I Pet. 3:8, Revised Standard Version). Apostle Paul even specified the quality of love for one another: “Now that by your obedience to the truth you have purified yourselves and have come to have a sincere love for your fellow believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart” (I Pet. 1:22, Today’s English Version).

The love that Jesus Christ has for us
must also be the kind of love we should
accord towards one another.

 

Sincere love must be possessed and expressed by the members of the Church to their fellow brethren and must be done wholeheartedly. Apostle Peter went on further to say:

“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’.” (I Pet. 4:7-8, New King James Version)

Take note of how profound the kind of love that we must have for one another–fervent love. Thus, the members of the Church of Christ must exert great effort not only to have this fervent and sincere love for the brotherhood but also to preserve this in their heart as well.

What love of the brotherhood proves
We must also remember that love for God entails the love for the brethren. Apostle John explained: “And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother” (I John 4:21, New International Version).
How does a person demonstrate that he truly loves his brother? The Holy Scriptures gives us this guide:

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love off God be in him?” (I John 3:16-17, Ibid.)

The love that Jesus Christ has for us must also the kind of love we should accord towards one another. He gave the following commandment to us:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this you all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35, NKJV)

True disciples of Jesus manifest their love for one another, proving that they truly love God.

Thus, members of the Church of Christ demonstrate their love for God not only by worshiping Him and praising His name abut also by helping their fellow brethren in times of need. We know this is truly pleasing to the Almighty God and to the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Do not repay evil with evil”
What if members of the Church have misunderstandings and disputes? As any other human beings, we feel a variety of emotions, ranging from happy to sad, from anger to pity, etc. Concerning anger, this is what we are taught and must observe in order to maintain the love for one another: “If your become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day” (Eph. 4:26, TEV).

Being angry at times for a reason is human nature. However, we are commanded that if we become angry, we must not allow it to lead us to sin What is one way by which our anger might lead us to sin? If, because of it, the love of the brotherhood is ruined That is why the Apostle James warned, “Grudge  not one against another, brethren lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door: (James 5:9, King James Version).

Should some misunderstandings occur, we ought not to bear grudges against brethren, for we would endanger ourselves to condemnation. Even if others do us wrong, as true Christians we must never take revenge. That is why Apostle Peter taught: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (I Pet. 3:9, NIV).

The Holy Scriptures is clear on this; those who bear grudges will be judged. But those who show genuine love instead of vengeance are assured of inheriting God’s promised blessings. This is explained in I John 4:17:

“In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.” (NIV)

One of the greatest examples recorded in the Bible of one who was wronged yet showed no grudge, was Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob. Joseph was thrown by his envious brothers into a pit and later sold for some amount of silver to Midianite traders who brought him to Egypt and in turn sold him as a slave. But despite the cruel acts his own brothers committed against him, he had no thought of retaliation even when Joseph became successful and powerful in Egypt. The book of Genesis recorded what transpired:

“when Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, ‘Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil that we did to him’. Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, ‘Behold, we are your servants’. Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not  be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones’. And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” (Gen. 50:15, 18-21, NKJV)

Maintaining a harmonious relationship
The harmonious relationship among brethren can be seriously affected by wrongful acts, provoking hem to be angry with one another. The Apostle Paul even chastised the brethren in Corinth for such things: “No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren!” (I Cor. 6:8, Ibid.)

Some may not think of themselves as frauds or cheaters but in fact are becoming such by being guilty of what the book of Psalms states: “The wicked borrows and does not repay, …” (Ps. 37:21, Ibid.).

Is this not cheating? Does it not ruin the love of the brotherhood if one borrows from brethren and never repays? Thus, the Scriptures warn: “But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; The future of the wicked shall be cut off” (Ps. 37:38, Ibid.).

To avoid ruining the love of brotherhood Apostle Paul advised: “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Rom. 13:8, Ibid.).

Should we and our family ever lack material needs, instead of borrowing from others, we should be reminded of Apostle Peter’s exhortation: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (I Pet. 5:6-7, Ibid.).

As His children in these last days, we have the Almighty Father who is willing to help us in times of need. When we love one another, we can be assured that God will also be there for us. As the apostles exhorted:

“May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow more and more and become as great as our love for you. In this way he will strengthen you, and you will be perfect and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all who belong to him.” (I Thess. 3:12-13, TEV)

Hence, loving our brothers and sisters in the faith simply assures us of great blessings, in this earthly life and in the life to come, for in this way we manifest that we truly belong to our Father in heaven.

 

 

by ERWIN J. GORGONIO
Source: God’s Message Magazine
Presented by Melinda de los Santos
*For Free Bible Studies click here 🙂

Is Jesus Christ the True God and Creator?

When Jesus and his disciples were near the town of Caesarea Philippi … Jesus asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter spoke up, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” –Mathew 16:13-16

TRUE BELIEVERS OF JESUS since the first century have shared with Apostle Peter his affirmation of faith. Church history witnesses to the fact that many of them, particularly the early Christians, suffered intense persecutions and even death for upholding the conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Sadly, nowadays there seems to be a collaborative effort on the part of skeptics to portray a radically different Jesus.

With the persistent attempts to modify the Bible’s portrayal of Jesus, is is not surprising that many Christian-professing seek to preserve the real portrait of Jesus by placing emphasis on His unique attributes. Unfortunately, they went beyond the teachings of the Bible to the point of attributing to Jesus qualities that were not attributed to Him by His apostles and the early Christians. In effect, they failed in their attempt to preserve the real portrait of Jesus in the Holy Scriptures.

Jesus the Creator?
Majority of Christian-professsing churches attribute to Christ either the role of Creator or co-Creator. They consider this belief as a “necessary truth” to justify their claim that Jesus is the true God. They present verses from the Bible as their bases. One of these verses comes from the Gospel according to Apostle John:

“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (John 13:1:3, New King James Version)

Since Christ is the subject of this verse, proponents of the Christ-is-God doctrine claim that this is, beyond reasonable doubt, a direct reference to Christ’s role as the creator of the world. Hence, they believe that our Lord Jesus Christ has prior existence. They cite the very account of the creation of man to support their belief:

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness’ …” (Gen. 1:26, Ibid.)

Through the pronouns “us” and “our” refer to any number more than one, yet proponents of the Trinity doctrine are quick to limit “us” and “our” to three–the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. According to them, the doctrine defines the role of Jesus as co-creator with the Father.

Comparing spiritual things with spiritual
The Bible is not composed of a single verse. So one must not immediately accept a belief no matter how popular it may seem just because someone cited a verse from the Bible to support it. Instead, they should follow the sound advice f Apostle Paul to compare spiritual things with spiritual (I Cor. 2:13). The doctrine about Jesus’ alleged role as co-creator with the Father should be examined in the light of this biblical principle set forth by Apostle Paul. Noteworthy is the fact that the writers of the Bible never coined the word “co-creator.” The Bible does not support the belief that God had a co-creator. In Isaiah 44:24, God declares:

“… I am the LORD, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself” (NKJV, emphasis ours)

The God who spoke in Genesis 1:26 is the same God speaking in this verse. The prefix “co-” from the term “co-creator” is defined as “together” or “associate” as opposed to the term “alone” which means “unaccompanied” or “unaided.” Moreover, the expressions used in Isaiah 44:24 were “all alone” and “by Myself,” which leave no room for the belief that God had a co-creator.

There is only one Creator
The early chosen people of God learned from Him that He alone created the world–that He alone created the world–that He is without a co-creator. The profession of faith of God’s early nation was as follows:

“You alone are the LORD, Creator of the heavens and all the stars, Creator of the earth and those who live on it, Creator of the ocean and all its creatures. You are the source of life …” (Neh. 9:6, Contemporary English Version)

The essential truth is further proven by the actual account of the creation of man as recorded in Genesis 1:26-27:

“Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to our likeness’ … So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (NKJV)

God created man in His (singular) own image. In the image of God, He (singular) created them. The actual account of man’s creation attests to the fact that God did not have a co-creator. He created man all by Himself. Why then did God say, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness?” If God the Father was not talking to the “other persons of the Trinity,” to whom was He talking then? A plain comparison with the terms used in the same book of Genesis guides us to the fact that God was talking to the cherubim or angels in heaven:

“Then the LORD God said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of Us‘ … and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden. …” (Gen. 3:22, 24, Ibid., emphasis ours)

This is not the only instance in which God used the pronoun “us” to refer to Him and His angels. In Isaiah 6:8, 1-2, we find God asking in the presence of seraphim or angels, “Who will go for us?”

It is indeed to the angels that God said “Let Us make man in Our image, according rot Our likeness” since they were already in existence before the creation of the world and of man. It does not mean, however, that they are God’s co-creators, for God, being Almighty, does not need one. Hence, the belief that Christ is God’s co-creator is bereft of biblical foundation. Even the very belief that Christ pre-existed runs counter to the teachings of the Bible. Apostle Pau provides us a definite stands as to the beginning of Jesus’ existence:

“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.” (Gal. 4:4, NKJV)

The beginning of Jesus’ existence was when He was born of a woman or Mary (Matt. 1:18, 20). The fact that Jesus was conceived and born is a strong proof against the belief that Christ is a creator. It proves that Christ is a part of God’s creation. In fact, Apostle Paul refers to Jesus as the “first-born of all creation” (Col. 1:145, New American Standard Bible). The expression “firstborn of all creation” does not imply pre-existence especially when it is compared to Apostle Peter’s teaching:

“He (Christ) indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” (I Pet. 1:20, NKJV, emphasis ours)

In other words, even before the world was created, there was already God’s plan that He eventually promised through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures concerning the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:2-3).

Created through and for Christ
Other people ask, “If Christ did not have a prior existence and He did not create us, why then did Apostle John say that ‘All things were made through Him and without Him nothing was made that was made?'” In Colossians 1:16, Apostle Paul writes:

“For through him God created everything in heaven and on earth, … God created the whole universe through him and for him.” (Today’s English Version)

God created the whole universe through Christ and for Christ. The clear distinction between God the creator and Christ through whom God created the whole universe can be seen here. God created the whole universe through Christ in the sense that through Christ in the sense that through Christ, man will be reconciled to God. This is proven in the context of the verse cited above:

“And through him to reconcile to Himself all things … by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation …” (Col. 1:20-22, New International Version)

It is through Christ, through His blood, that all who were once enemies of God will be reconciled to Him. Furthermore, God appointed Christ to be the mediator between God and men as proven in I Timothy 2:5:

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)

Notice the distinction between God and Christ, between the One to whom Christ will mediate men and Christ who is the one Mediator between God and men. Moreover, Apostle Paul teaches that the one mediator to God is the Man (not God) Christ Jesus.

God created the whole universe for Christ in order that man will be holy and without blame as taught by Apostle Paul in Ephesians 1:4, 7:

“God chose us to belong to Christ before the world was created. He hose us to be holy and without blame in his eyes … We have been set free because of what Christ has done. Through his blood our sins have been forgiven. We have been set free because God’s grace is so rich.” (New International Revised Version)

God chose us to belong to Christ “to be holy and without blame.” Though man sinned and was condemned to suffer the eternal punishment (Rom. 6:23; Rev. 20:14), nevertheless, eh can be counted holy and without blame through the blood of Christ. Only through the blood of Christ shall man’s sins be forgiven (Heb. 9:14).

God, in His infinite wisdom, knew that man would eventually sin and fall short of His glory (Rom. 3:23). It would have then become meaningless for God to create man only to punish him in the end, knowing that man would fall to sin. So before creating man, He had already foreordained a Redeemer and a Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ, so that despite man’s sins, he may still have the chance to receive the grace of salvation. Without Christ and without the shedding of His blood, there is no forgiveness (Heb. 9:22). Without forgiveness, there is no salvation (John 8:24). Without any hope for salvation, man will only end up in destruction. In other words, without Him who will both redeem man from his sins and mediate him to God, the creation of man would only be rendered useless. And if the creation of man would only be rendered useless, the world that God created for man would also be rendered useless. Thus, “Without Him [Christ] nothing was made that was made.”

John 1:3, therefore, is about the redemptive and mediative roles that Christ fulfilled as foreordained by God even before the creation of the world. It teaches neither that Christ is the true God nor that Christ is the creator of the world and of man. In truth, the belief that Christ is the true God and creator is diametrically opposed to the fundamental teaching of the Bible. In His intercessory prayer, the Lord Jesus said to the Father:

“And eternal life means to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, whom you sent.” (John 17:3, TEV)

When asked with the same question that Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Christians must speak up and say, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. You are the greatest of all those sent by God. You are our Lord, Savior and only Mediator to the Father” (Acts 2:36; Acts 5:31; I Tim. 2:5).`

By FRANKLIN T. BUNAG
Source: God’s Message Magazine
Presented by Melinda de los Santos
*For Free Bible Studies click here 🙂

The Knowledge That All Must Seek

 

THERE IS NO WAY to overemphasize the importance of knowledge to e are our life. Knowledge is power, so the saying goes, which is why many people aspire for it. And throughout history, it is the unrelenting pursuit of knowledge that has brought progress to man. A great portion of knowledge an wisdom has been transmitted in various institutions of learning. Some have been discovered through efforts and experimentation of persistent people. Although much of the knowledge discovered and acquired by man has contributed greatly to his welfare and progress, not all kinds of knowledge are beneficial to man. There are some that result in the destruction of lives and properties.

On the other hand, there is this kind of knowledge that is far more important and beneficial than any worldly knowledge. This is what we should seek and aspire for However, this knowledge cannot be learned in school and one’s intelligence is not a guarantee to enable him to know and understand it. Apostle Paul enlightens us:

“And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Jesus Christ [that is, through the learning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. Every scripture is God-breathed–Given by His inspiration–and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience,  and for training in righteousness [that is, in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action].” (II Tim. 3:15-16, Amplified Bible)

Knowledge of the sacred writings or the Holy Scriptures can give us the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus. This makes such knowledge different and unique from any worldly knowledge man has and can acquire. Although the knowledge that is learned and acquired from educational institutions may bring progress and make life easier for man, this cannot lead him to the salvation of his soul. But this does not mean that anybody can gain right knowledge and understanding of what the Bible teaches concerning God and salvation. The Bible is not like any ordinary book that can be easily understood by anyone who knows how to read. Apostle Paul teaches in I Corinthians 2:6-7:

“However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, or the rulers of this age, who care coming to nothing. But we speak of the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages of our glory.” (New King James Version)

Right understanding of God’s wisdom cannot be gained by just reading the Bible for this is hidden in mystery as has been ordained by God.

Unraveling the mystery
Although God’s wisdom and knowledge contained in the Holy Scripture is hidden in mystery, this can be unraveled and understood for the welfare of man’s soul. For us to understand and benefit from this, the Apostle Paul gives us this guide in I Corinthians 2:11-12:

“For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” (Ibid.)

Apostle Paul has made it clear that no one knows the things of God except His Spirit. Thus, only those who have received the Spirit of God can understand and explain His wisdom and knowledge which He has hidden in mystery. Only they can unravel and reveal to us the mystery of our Lord God for our own benefit. And indeed, there are people who have been given and have received the Spirit of God and, thus, have understood and are able to explain the words of God, although it is hidden in mystery. Foremost among them is our Lord Jesus Christ:

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to  heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed.”  (Luke 4:18, Ibid.)

Our Lord Jesus Christ was sent by God. He received the Spirit of God or the Holy Spirit, hence, He was able to understand and preach the Gospel, which He is during His ministry here on earth. Thus, the messenger of God, inasmuch as He has the Spirit of God, can understand and preach the Gospel. He is the one who can explain the mystery of God’s knowledge and wisdom. No wonder the inspired preaching of our Lord Jesus Christ elicited awe and amazement from the people, particularly the Jews. John 7:15-16 narrates the following:

“The Jews were amazed and asked, ‘How did this man get such learning without having studied?’ Jesus answered, ‘My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me’.” (New International Version)

The Lord Jesus did not learn or get His knowledge of God’s words from the learning institutions of this world. So although He did not undergo formal education from any school, He was able to preach and explain God’s words by virtue of His commissioning. The same could be said of the other messengers of God, for instance the apostles. Inasmuch as they learned from our Lord Jesus Christ and they, too, received the Holy Spirit from God (John 20:21-22), their preaching also elicited like response and reactions from those who heard him preach. Recorded in the book of Acts is this:

“They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: ‘By what power or what name did you do this?’ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: ‘Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is “the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.” Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved’. When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:7-13, NIV)

Not based on man’s understanding
Knowledge of God’s words that gives one understanding for salvation is not based upon man’s own wisdom as proven in the aforementioned cases. It is not gained through persistent studies and having doctoral degrees from theological schools. As Apostle Paul state, “Always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (II Tim. 3:7, NKJV). One’s educational attainment, however high it is, does not guarantee that a person can already understand God’s teachings and can preach the pure gospel. “And how shall they preach unless they are  sent?” Apostle Paul asks rhetorically (Rom. 10:15, Ibid.).Therefore, one needs to be a messenger o f God to be able to preach His words. This does not mean, however, that no one among the messengers of God was schooled or educated. This is proven by Apostle Paul, no doubt a messenger of God, when he said of himself in Acts 22:3: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today” (New American Standard Bible).

Apostle Paul was educated and learned, having had formal education but he did not preach based on human wisdom. He did not use his worldly education as basis of his authority to preach and in converting people to Christ. In Galatians 1:11-12, he said:

“But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (NKJV)

Apostle Paul testified that the gospel he preached was not according to man but he received it from God through the revelation of Jesus Christ. His authority to preach was given to him by our Lord God. And being one of the true messengers of God, he was able to preach and explain His words that would lead man to salvation. Thus, for man to gain knowledge and understanding concerning God and to receive salvation from whom should he seek such knowledge? In the book of Malachi 2:7, the Bible teaches this:

“It is the duty of priests [Jewish Priesthood] to teach the true knowledge of God. People should go to them to learn my will, because they are the messengers of the LORD Almighty.” (Today’s English Version)

If man wants to gain true knowledge about God and to learn His will that he must follow in order for him to attain salvation, he must seek such knowledge from the messenger of our Lord God. Listening to the preaching of God’s messenger is very important, for it is from the messenger that one can gain the true and right knowledge concerning God. Such knowledge, if he accepts and believes, can assure him of eternal life.

The knowledge to eternal life
What then is the true knowledge concerning God taught by His messengers that will lead man to eternal life or salvation? Cited earlier was Malachi 2:7 and verse 10 of that same chapter says the following:

“Have we not all one Father? Dod not one God create us? Why do we profane the covenant of our fathers by breaking faith with one another?” (Mal. 2:10, NIV)

The Prophet Malachi, one of God’s messengers, taught clearly that the Father is the one God who created us. This is the true knowledge concerning God taught since the time of His early messengers, a teaching that has endured up to the time of the Christian Era as testified to by Apostle Paul, another messenger of God: “Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live” (I Cor. 8:6, Ibid.).

And why did Apostle Paul say that “for us,” referring to the Christians, to whom he wrote this epistle, “there is but one God, the Father?” Because for others, this is not the knowledge that they have known about God: “But not everyone knows this” (I Cor. 8:7, Ibid.), Apostle Paul said further. That’s why there are those who teach that, aside from the Father, who is the true God, there is also God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. But this teaching is unbiblical. The Bible, the book that contains God’s revealed knowledge and wisdom, teaches clearly that the Father alone is the true God. This is the knowledge concerning God taught by His messengers and learned by the true Christians. This is also the same knowledge about God that the Lord Jesus Christ, the greatest of God’s messengers, taught:

“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, an said: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, … And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent’.” (John 17:1,3, NKJV)

In teaching that the Father alone is the true God, Christ did not teach that He Himself and the Holy Spirit are Gods. And how important is it to possess such knowledge about God? Christ emphasized that this is the knowledge that will lead to eternal life. This is the knowledge that all people must seek and know, which only the genuine messengers of God have been able to teach throughout history.

By RUBEN D. AROMIN
Source: God’s Message Magazine

Presented by Melinda de los Santos
*For Free Bible Studies click here 🙂

 

Clearly Imminent Danger

WHEN WE THINK of a natural calamity that literally sends people trembling in fear, most likely, earthquake comes to mind. Precisely, for not only have we many times felt actual shaking of the earth but we have also borne witness to the extent of devastation following a great temblor.

Ironically, despite directives and reminders from geologists, seismologists, and many disaster coordinating agencies, people have always been caught unprepared. Earthquakes are so unpredictable that no humanly possible system ever has ably warned people to flee the dreadful disaster. When an earthquake strikes, whether in the dead of the night or under the glare of the blistering sun, victims are equally helpless as they are under its mercy.

Today, more than ever, earthquakes hit places at a rate so fast that not everyone is able to keep track of them all. Men of science can only go as far as giving general explanation on how they occur. “By an erupting under-the-sea-volcano,” some would say. “Due to the movement of the earth plates,” other scientists would explain. Thus giving rise to the so-called volcanic and tectonic origins of earthquakes.

But what does the recent frequent occurrences of earthquakes in the world mean? Why do they happen? What do they portend? Where are these earthquakes and other disasters leading mankind? What danger imminently looms ahead?

God’s warning
How do members of the Church of Christ consider all the dreadful disasters happening in the world today? Do these disasters come as a surprise to them? Moreover, should God’s servants bewail, like the rest of mankind, the world’s current deplorable condition? The book of Psalms states:

“You have warned those who have reverence for you, so that they may escape destruction.” (Ps. 60:4, Today’s English Version)

We, the members of the Church of Christ in these last days, believe that God is sending a warning. God is warning those who have reverence for Him so “they might escape destruction.” God wants His people to be saved from His judgment, hence, His warning:

“You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger.” (Ps. 60:2-3, New International Version)

Earthquakes! The earth is shaking. It is quaking. God Himself has caused the land to quake, thus:

“Thou hast made the land to quake, thou hast rent it open; repair its breaches, for it totters.” (Ps. 60:2, Revised Standard Version)

Being saved from the ultimate curse
Totally ignoring the resulting havoc, many people regard earthquakes as merely ordinary natural events due to their frequency of occurrence. But for God’s servants, it is His warning for them to escape the ultimate curse that He shall bring upon this world, thus:

“The earth will crack and shatter and split open. The earth itself will stagger like a drunk, sway like a hut in a storm. The world is weighed down by its sins; it will collapse and never rise again.” (Isa. 24:19-20, TEV)

God has issued a warning; “The earth will crack and shatter and split open.” And before this inevitable destruction God said, “The earth itself will stagger like a drunk, sway like a hut in a storm. The world is weighed down by its sins; it will collapse and never rise again.” Therefore, God has consigned this world to total destruction and to a horrendous end. This is why He gives us (His people) a warning so we will be spared from the world’s impending destruction.

Redemption is drawing near
What further proves that the earthquakes of great magnitudes and intensities signal the nearing end of the world?

“‘Teacher’, they asked, ‘when will these things happen? And what will the sign that they are about to take place?'” (Luke 21:7, NIV)

When His disciples asked our Lord Jesus Christ concerning the signs indicating when the end of the world is near, His response was:

“There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:11, Ibid.)

Isn’t this similar to what was mentioned by the prophet Isaiah that when we see earthquakes of great intensity occurring, it means that God is giving us a warning? Christ’s Second Coming, which is also the end of the world, is truly imminent which is why God is warning those who have reverence for Him and the elect.

However, although a horrible end awaits this world, the elect looks forward to it with much anticipation and eagerness. Why? Christ said:

“At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:27-28, Ibid.)

Salvation to last forever
There is no reason for the chosen ones, the members of the Church of Christ, God’s people in these last days, to be afraid of therefore. It is true that the day of Judgment is a day of wrath, but it is also a day of salvation–the day when the promised eternal life shall be given. Salvation which is forever is drawing near. Of this, the book of God attests, thus:

“Lift us your eyes to the heavens, And look on the earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, The earth will grow old like a garment, And those who dwell in it will die in like manner; But My salvation will be forever, And My righteousness will not be abolished.” (Isa. 51:6, New King James Version)

God’s pronouncement is firm: “the heavens will vanish like a smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies, But My salvation will last forever” (Isa. 51:6, NIV). Clearly, God’s promise of salvation, which He intends for His people, is stronger than the heavens and the earth which shall pass away.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the greatest of God’s messengers, assured His servants of the promised salvation, thus:

“Because I have come down from heaven to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me. And it is the will of   him who sent me that I should not lose any of all those he has given me, but I should raise them all to life on the last day.” (John 6:38-39, TEV)

Whom Christ promised to raise to life
But whom did our Lord Jesus promise to raise to life on the last day? In Matthew 17:18, Christ said:

“And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it.” (Ibid.)

Referring to the Church which He built, Christ declared: “not even death will ever be able to overcome it.” Hence, if death shall not be able to overcome the church built by Christ, members of His church will surely be raised on the last day as Christ Himself promised. They may experience physical death and be laid in their graves when their time is up, but shall not remain in their earthly resting place, for they will be raised to life to receive the eternal life. Salvation awaits them as also attested to by the apostles, thus:

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s judgment.” (Rom. 5:8-9, New Living Translation)

Apostle Paul declared that those who “have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ” will certainly be saved from God’s judgment. Man needs to be forgiven of his sins, otherwise he suffers God’s punishment in the lake of fire. But forgiveness of sins and salvation come with redemption. And that which was redeemed or purchased by the blood of Christ is the Church of Christ (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation).

Holding on firmly to the hope
Inasmuch as God’s promise to His people is true and firm, He expects them, as the apostles advised the early Christians, to hold on firmly to their hope and to be dedicated in their hope and to be dedicated in their obligations to Him, thus:
“Let us hold on firmly to the hope to profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise. … Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.” (Heb. 10:23, 25, TEV)

The dreadful disasters happening in the world today signify that the day of the Lord’s coming is very, very near indeed. It behooves us then for members of the Church of Christ to brave all the hardships by firmly holding on to their hope as they can trust in God’s promise. Why must the elect brave the hardship while awaiting the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ? What assurance do those who stand firm in their hope have? In Romans 8:35 and 37-39, Apostle Paul wrote, thus:

“Who, then, can separate us from the Love of Christ? Can trouble do it, or hardship or persecution or hunger or poverty or danger or death? … No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels or other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above or the world below–there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Ibid.)

Patient only at the start
One needs diligence for him to be able to reach the goal, though, for God resents those who are patient only at the start, thus:

“I know what you have done; I know how hard you have worked and how patient you have been. … You are patient, you have suffered for my sake, and you have not given up. But this is what I have against you: you do not love me now as you did at first.” (Rev. 2:2, 3-4, Ibid.)

May this call the attention of those who became remiss in their duties to God for whatever reasons. We cannot risk earning God’s displeasure. We cannot afford to grow cold in the faith and give up our membership in the true Church of Christ, hence, we ought to heed Christ’s admonition, thus:

“So wake up, and strengthen what you still have before it dies completely. For I find that what you have done is not yet perfect in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you were taught and what you heard; obey it and turn from your sins. If you do not wake up, I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not even know the time when I will come.” (Rev. 3:2-3, Ibid.)

Seeking the Lord’s help
As the end of the world draws near, there is no abating the spate of disasters that will endanger even the lives of God’s people. This is not at all surprising. It reminds us of what King David, God’s servant of old, during his time said when he had near-encounters or had brushed with death, thus:

“The danger of death was all around me; the waves of destruction rolled over me. The danger of death was around me, and the grave set its trap for me. … Then the earth trembled and shook; the foundations of the mountains rocked and quivered, because God was angry.” (Ps. 18:4-5, 7, Ibid.)

With the onslaught of natural calamities as well as man-made disasters in different parts of the world today, this earth is no longer safe to live in. More so as these disasters forebode an impending end for the human race. But faced with this clearly imminent danger, must God’s people in these last days lose hope? Ought they be discouraged? On the contrary, they should be able to bravely proclaim like King David, thus:

“In my trouble I called to the LORD; I called to my God for help. In his temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help.” (Ps. 18:6, Ibid.)

God’s promise
Bleak may the future be for many of the world’s inhabitants, but God’s servants have no cause for worry. God is angry with mankind because of their transgressions, which is why He is going to put an end to this world. But because of His love, He has afforded man a chance. He sounded off a fair warning, that the latter should heed. God’s judgment for the sinner is irreversible, but His promise to His people will likewise stand:

“God says, ‘I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as LORD. When they call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them … I will reward them with long life; I will save them’.” (Ps. 91:14-16, Ibid.)

By NICANOR P. TIOSEN
Source: God’s Message Magazine

Presented by Melinda de los Santos
*For Free Bible Studies click here 🙂

Of Life’s Vicissitudes and God’s Promises

TALKING ABOUT VICISSITUDES, not only does the sea’s ever changing surface but life’s unpredictable nature come to mind as well. As defined, they are the unpredictable changes or variations that keep occurring in life, fortune, etc.–hence, shifting circumstances. They are life’s ups and downs, so to speak.

No one living in this world is spared from experiencing both light and trying times. The poor and the affluent have their own alternating share of contentment and worries. Observably, though, the worries come in droves for both. And when they start coming one after another, there is no telling how fear grips the heart. But ought we to sit on a chilling problem and let fear take its toll on us?

From whom inward peace emanates
Come to think of it, when we always think about the things that cause us to worry, the more that we shall have no peace or quietness within us, thus:

“For sighing comes to me instead of food, my groans pour out like water. What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.” (Job 3:24-26, New International Version)

Mulling over one’s miseries won’t drive them away. Sighing and moaning won’t stop water-laden clouds from bursting and pouring out in torrents. Worrying would only aggravate the situation–robbing us of peace, quietness, and the much-needed rest.

God does not want His people to continually suffer inner turmoil. Rather, He wants us to have inward peace as what the Psalmist declares: “Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on Him” (Ps. 62:5, Contemporary English Version). Indeed, we ought to look toward God for the peace that we so desire for He knows what’s best for us,. He knows what the future has in store for us.

There is hope for the future
When the Israelites, God’s people of old, were taken into captivity at the height of the Babylonian supremacy, they had a truly dark existence. They could only mourn and week, But God in all His mercy comforted them through the prophet Jeremiah, thus:

“This is  what the LORD says: ‘Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded’, declares the LORD. ‘They will return from the land of the enemy . So there is hope for your future’, declares the LORD. ‘Your children will return to their own land’.” (Jer. 31;16-17, NIV)

From the message of God to the Israelites comes a lesson in perspective. The horizon may be dim and prospects truly bleak, but even in the tightest of situation, God is able to squeeze His people out. Indeed, there is always hope for the future, through God’s help.

Will bring much praise, glory, and honor
For the Christians trials are not to be feared. Tests are a welcome treat. Apostle Peter said:

“These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold–an your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus ‘christ is revealed to the whole world.” (I Pet. 1:7, New Living Translation)

By analogy, Apostle Peter showed how one’s faith is tested to be strong and pure. Gold, a prized metal, is rid of its impurities by subjecting it first to the fire. And one’s faith is far more precious to God than mere gold! Members of the true Church of Christ are truly blessed for remaining strong in the faith. The fiery trials that they triumphantly hurdle will bring them much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

An opportunity for joy
“Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” (James 1:2-4, Ibid.)

Apostle James, the overall administrator of the first-century Church of Christ, couldn’t have said it better. A positive look at trouble couldn’t have been more enunciated. The fledgling Church was struggling for survival through fierce persecution and the faith of the brethren was being put to a test. Apostle James admonished the Christians to let troubles be an opportunity for joy. The test to one’s faith provides endurance an opportunity to grow and develop, molding the brethren to be strong in character and ready for anything.

Pitting one’s self against the harsh realities of life early on and emerging unscathed is reflective of strength of character, the strength to maintain one’s faith.

A time to rejoice
Easier said than done, but for God’s faithful, running into problems and trials is a time for rejoicing, thus:

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us–they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” (Rom. 5:3-5, Ibid.)

Like Apostle James, Apostle Paul talked about running into problems and trials as good for the brethren as they help them to learn to endure. He averred that endurance develops strength of character, thus affording the Christians, the members of the Church of Christ, confident expectation of salvation.

‘Cheer up … I have overcome the world’
Apostle Peter, James, and Paul merely learned what they shared with the brethren through our Lord Jesus Christ. During His ministry on earth, Christ cheered up His servants, thus:

“I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, Living Bible)

Our Lord Jesus Christ knew too well t=what His disciples would go through as He Himself was not spared. He was very much aware of life’s trials and sorrows that were to be encountered on earth. But, He steadied the disciples’ resolve with the inspiring words, “I have overcome the world.” Moreover, before leaving, Christ bade His disciples, thus:

“I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled and afraid.” (John 14:27, Ibid.)

Our Lord Jesus Christ lived at a time when the Roman empire was at its peak and the world (the whole span or extent of the empire) was enjoying some amount of relative peace–pax romana. It was a fragile kind of peace, for ensuing centuries saw turbulent times.

The worst trial brings great reward
Then as now, life’s vicissitudes abound. A condition of constant flux or alternation, leaning heavily on the negative or the worst, does happen. Nonetheless, the admonition of the author of the letter to the Hebrew Christians rang clear:

“Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you!” (Heb. :35, NLT)

No matter what, God’s people are exhorted to have confidence in Him. They ought to remember always the great reward awaiting those who trust in what He can do and survive the worst of trials.

So much is at stake. Members of the Church of Christ cannot risk throwing away the great fortune and blessing–the demonstration of God’s love for them, thus:

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (Rom. 5:8-9, New King James Version)

The Church of Christ is set to receive the great reward as it was redeemed by Christ (Acts 20:38, Lamsa Translation).

Being purchased by the blood of Christ is equivalent to being redeemed, saved, and hence, receiving the reward. The prophet Isaiah had long announced this, thus:

“Indeed the LORD has proclaimed To the end of the world: ‘Say to the daughter of Zion, “Surely your salvation is coming; Behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him”‘ And they shall call them The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD; And you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.” (Isa. 62:11-12, NKJV)

God’s offer
Benevolent and kind, God wants to see His children being able to hurdle all of life’s difficulties. Through the psalmist, God desires them to experience His loving care, thus:

“The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. … Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD’.” (PS. 32:8, 10, NLT)

Parents are expected to walk with their children through life. Conscientious parents truly want their children to succeed. They give them sound advice, solicitously watch over them and guide and lead them through turns and bends. Paradoxically, there is a limit to what parents, even those with the noblest of intentions, can do. None among them can say with finality: I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. But, the Father Almighty can, and will. His unfailing love surrounds those who trust Him.

The condition set
That the Almighty Father is kind, tolerant, and patient is beyond doubt. He has proven this since time immemorial. However, man, the recipient of God’s kindness, tolerance, and patience has laid them to waste by his transgression of God’s commandments. However, God does not at once mete out punishment for the sinners. Instead, He gives them time to reflect and to turn from their sins, thus:

“Don’t you realize how kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Or don’t you care? Can’t you see how kind He has been in giving you time to turn from your sin?” (Rom. 2:4, Ibid.)

If this is not the epitome of kindness, what is? The sad truth is, many people just don’t care to realize how God is long-suffering toward us that we may be put right with Him. There is no question about it; He could easily snuff out our life. But, generous as He is, He affords everyone a chance.

‘I would not forget you’
Bible history attests to man’s ingratitude. God’s centuries of cuddling Israel went unappreciated or even unrecognized, thus:

“Yet Jerusalem says, ‘The LORD has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us’. Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!” (Isa.49:14-15, Ibid.)

This ought to quell any rising accusation against God–that He deserts or forgets His children. “Never!” is God’s resounding answer. Even if it were possible for a mother to forget her nursing child or to feel no love for a child she has borne [nowadays there are indeed mothers who abandon their biological children], God stands pat: “I would not forget you!”

‘Call to me when trouble comes’
The world is too much to bear. There are times when even God’s people are too perplexed to even think of a solution to their problems, God says: “Call to me when trouble comes; I will save you, and you will praise me” (Ps. 50:15, Today’s English Version). ♥

 

 

by Nicanor P. Tiosen
Source: God’s Message Magazine
Presented by Melinda de los Santos
*For Free Bible Studies click here 🙂

Clothing Oneself with Humility

THE WORD “HUMILITY” may evoke visions of being on center stage yet remaining modest amid praise and honor, of someone saying “I was wrong” or “I need help,” of not expecting royal treatment even if one is occupying a prominent position, or of putting others’ interest first before one’s own.
We fondly remember great men and women for their acts of humility, admirably reaching down to others from the pedestal of power, opulence, and influence. Indeed, everyone loves a humble person.

A valuable quality in man
To become worthy before Him, god requires man to, among other qualities, walk humbly with him:
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic. 6:8, New King James Version)
To walk humbly with God is to “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God” (I Pet. 5:6, Ibid.). Thus, humility before God is to recognize His sovereignty. A humble person is not self-centered. In all humility, he brings to God all the honor and praise, for to God alone belong all the glories:
“To you alone, O LORD, to you alone, and not to us, must glory be given because of your constant love and faithfulness.” (Ps. 115:1, Today’s English Version)
Hence, living in life’s luxuries and having all the trappings of a powerful person should not make a servant of God vain, boastful, and egotistical. We should realize that all things, including power and wisdom, come from God.
And when man’s life seems to fall apart because of troubles and tragedies, he should all the more turn to God in deep humility for His guidance and help. Humbling experiences in whatever form should make man realize his feebleness and powerlessness—and his need for the Almighty God.

Putting on humility and meekness  
Apostle Paul emphasizes that the elect of God should, first and foremost, put on or clothe themselves with meekness and humility:
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.” (Col. 3:12, NKJV)
The elect being referred to are those whom God said, “This is my people” (Zech. 13:9 Ibid.). In the Christian Era, they are the chosen ones who have been called into one body and given the privilege to worship and pray Christ and to the Lord God (Col. 3:15; John 15:6). The body referred to by Apostle Paul is the church headed by Christ (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation).
As the elect or chosen people of God, Church of Christ members should foster humility and meekness. Not only should we be humble and meek towards our fellowmen but most especially toward the Lord God.
But who are truly humble and meek? How are humility and meekness expressed by God’s people?
The Bible sets the standards in knowing who truly humble and meek:
“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:21-22, NKJV)
Those who disobey or oppose the teachings of God cannot be considered meek and humble. The meek, as Apostle James said, are “doers of the word,” meaning, they live by the words of God—faithfully obeying them.
Thus the servants of God must not let material possessions, power, or success in life hinder them from humbly obeying His will. Even if they reach the pinnacle of power and become figures of influence and affluence, the people of God should never lose sight of the true essence of humility and meekness—the willingness to obey His commandments.
In addition, clothing oneself with humility can also be expressed by submitting to the authority of the Church elders. Apostle Paul exhorts the Christians, thus:
“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble’.” (I Pet. 5:5, Ibid.)
The elders referred to are those who have been placed to shepherd and oversee the flock of God (I Pet. 5:1-2, Ibid.).
Indeed, true servants of God are duty-bound to submit to the authority of the Administration placed by Him to edify and oversee the Church of Christ (Col. 1:25; Heb. 13:17). The Church Administration does all—teaching, guiding, and advising the members—in order that they become worthy of attaining salvation. Thus, it is incumbent upon them to wholeheartedly and modestly submit to the Church Administration, even if they are being admonished, reprimanded, and disciplined for having committed mistakes and having fallen into sin. They should accept the Church Administration’s corrections with a humble attitude, knowing fully well that such are for their own benefit.
Moreover, the Psalmist made it clear that the humble citizens of God’s nation are those who trust in Him and are contented in His ways:
“My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.” (Ps. 131:1-3, New International Version)
We should be careful not to become proud or haughty. Pride and arrogance leads to discontentment, which, in turn, makes one restless and wanting for more attention and praise. Conversely, when one is humble he is content with what he has, quietly trusting in God who is the basis of his contentment.

Paragons of humility
The Bible is replete with sterling examples who put on or clothed themselves with humility. These true servants of God, among many others, exemplified true humility amid diverse conditions and circumstances. They are to be emulated for their examples that speak volumes of what humility is all about.• King David manifested his humility before God when he and the nation of Israel were able to fulfill the duty of giving abundant offerings for the construction of the temple. In fact, it is not only obedience to God’s commandments that showed David’s humility but also his deep sentiment after giving their offerings in abundance: “But who am I, and who are my people, That we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, And of Your own we have given You” (I Chr. 29:14, NKJV)
• Apostle Paul was deeply humble, though he was the most learned among the apostles. Because he persecuted the early believers, he felt he was” … the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle …” (I Cor. 15:9, NIV). And although he worked hard and accomplished much as an apostle, he knew that God was the true source of his accomplishments, thus, acknowledging God’s power and grace. He did not take credit for what God had done (I Cor. 15:10, Ibid.).
• Our Lord Jesus Christ is the best example of humility. The Bible testifies, “… He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death …” (Phil. 2:5, 8, NKJV). Even if it meant His death, He obeyed the will of God, humbly giving up His own will. His statement in the face of death powerfully expressed His humility and obedience: “… O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matt. 26:39, Ibid).

The fortune of the humble
God is truly pleased if His faithful servants—in the best of times and in the worst of times—remain humble and obedient to Him. And if ever they deny themselves and make sacrifices in being humble and meek, they are never at the losing end. Our Lord Christ Himself assures their great fortune:
“’Humble men are very fortunate!’ he told them, ‘for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them’” (Matt. 5:3, Living Bible)
Above all, the Lord God promises to uphold and to save the meek of the earth (Ps. 147:6, 76:8-9, American Standard Version). On the other hand, the fate of the proud and arrogant is grim because God opposes them. Apostle James attests, thus:
“… ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’.” (James 4:6, NIV)

By Roland A. Aguirre
(Source: God’s Message Magazine)

Presented by Melinda de los Santos
*For Free Bible Studies click here 🙂

A New Life’s Resolution: Change Your Mind

THE ENTIRE CHURCH keeps offering praises and thanks to the Lord God for fulfilling His wonderful promises to the Church. We are witnesses to how God has been with this mission, from the help and strength He gave the one man he sent to start this work in these last days to the millions who make up the Church of Christ today.

The same history of growth and expansion can be seen in the number of congregations of the Church. One example, among so many throughout the world, is the local congregation of Panginay, Bulacan, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this year. While in the beginning the congregation was small and ridiculed, it not only has flourished, with thousands regularly offering worship in their beautiful house of worship, but it is also surrounded today by several large congregations that all branched out of it.

When we look at the world around us, we see a dramatic contrast. We see a picture of rapid decline. The economy of nearly every country is sinking, with crime and civil strife on the rise, and many are crying out for change.

To bring about real change in the human condition and people’s lives, Apostle Paul wrote of a fundamental transformation that God had planned since the beginning for the good of all people. By following God’s plan for change, an individual is transformed into a “new being.” This change comes about when one is “joined to Christ” (II Cor. 5:17, Today’s English Version). For the person joined to Christ, the old, with all its bad habits and past mistakes, has been put away.

To explain how people can be joined to Christ, Apostle Paul likened the union to a man and woman who become one before God when they are joined in holy matrimony. God prohibits the dissolution of the couple’s union whom He joined together and made one. He established such an inseparable connection between Christ and His Church (Eph. 5:31-32).

To further illustrate this union, Apostle Paul also compared the one Church to a body. A single body is connected only to a single head. In this case the one head is Christ and the one body joined to Him is the one Church that He will save (Eph. 5:23). A body is named after its head. Thus, the one true Church, which is the one body of Christ, carries the name of Christ.     

Therefore, the true change that God wants all people to undergo begins by our first joining the Church of Christ, which Christ the Savior redeemed by dying on the cross (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation). It is only by joining the Church headed by Christ that a person can be joined to Christ, transformed, and made truly new. Such a change is not possible if a person simply professes Jesus as Lord or claims Him as Savior but does not become a part of the Savior’s body.

Newness in all you do
Becoming a true member of Christ’s body or Church is not by simply joining the organization. It means undergoing a fundamental change as well, in the way we think and live: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with fresh newness in all you do and think …” (Rom. 12:2, Living Bible).

The apostles, as administrators taking care of the early Church, described the behavior and customs of his world which true Christians should not copy. They include sexual promiscuity, indulging in “sinful desires, (getting) drunk, … wild parties, and … the forbidden worship of false gods.” When believers reform their lives, “unbelievers insult you now because they are surprised that you no longer join them” (I Pet. 4:3-4, God’s Word).”
The apostles also reminded the members of the Church of Christ that if they allow themselves to be overcome by any of these human, fleshly desires, they would then make themselves God’s enemies (Rom. 8:7). Instead of a life that lasts forever free of worries, their temporary life in this world would be meaningless and filled with trouble and heartache; and, in the end, a fiery punishment awaits (Heb. 10:27; Rev. 14:10-11).

Newness in all you think
In living a changed and transformed life, true Christians face the challenge of dwelling in a world surrounded by evil. Turn on the television, surf the Internet, or simply glance at a roadside billboard and you will be bombarded by visuals encouraging promiscuity and sinful desire. In the face of all theses, a mature Christian is not swayed.
As true members of the Church of Christ, we understand that we have not been put in this world to indulge in all its temporary pleasures. True and everlasting happiness awaits us on Christ’s return. He is coming soon to take us to our true home. Meanwhile, dangers surround us in this world in the form of troubles, heartaches, and temptations, all of which could prevent us from entering His holy kingdom.

Hence, instead of viewing this world as a playground, we should understand that this is the battleground wherein we “fight the good fight of faith” (I Tim. 6:12, New King James Version). Here we must flee from evil desires and pursue righteousness and holiness through the way we live our lives and serve faithfully our God (I Tim. 6:11). Having this perspective is part of the change our holy God wants us to undergo for our own good.
The Almighty Father wants the members of Christ’s body to grow to spiritual maturity and be just like the Head to whom we are joined, His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus. The Son is Himself now with the Father in the eternal kingdom because He always made the right choices. If our past mistakes were because of our wrong choices that came from a wrong way of thinking, the key to a Christian way of life and a happy future is to change one’s mind or attitude to a Christian way of thinking This is the reason for Apostle Paul’s guideline for all true Christians: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:5, NKJV).

Since the Lord Jesus Christ remained humble and obedient even to the point of accepting death on the cross, then all the members of His body should arm themselves with the same spirit (Phil. 2:8, Ibid). We should be like Him in His way of seeking always the will of the Heavenly Father who sent Him (John 5:30). This means never justifying any shortcoming or transgression of God’s laws because of personal difficulties or hardships in life One of the most inspiring examples Christ gave to guide us is His prayer on the evening when He was about to be arrested and tortured to death: “Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matt. 26:38-39, New International Version).

Every Christian is expected to “imitate Christ” as Apostle Paul did (I Cor. 11:1, NKJV). He did all he could to reach forward to greater maturity in becoming more “Christ-like” for the sake of winning the prize of the life above (Phil. 3:12-14). Apostle Paul understood the reason for God calling him into the body of Christ. The divine calling meant a life of service, obedience and submission to God’s sacred ways, all inspired by faith and love, before he could attain the true life everlasting with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Father’s holy kingdom.

The kind of life that God seeks from all Christians is that they conduct themselves “whatever happens … in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” The parts of a healthy person’s body are never divided against the other parts. Instead, each part works together with the other parts, with each ready to sacrifice for the sake of the whole. In turn, all the members of the body should work together, “contending aw one man for the faith of the gospel,” until the day when the Head of the Church returns to bring salvation (Phil. 1:27-28, NIV).

In the Church of Christ, the members have the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ to transform us. True believers, who have Christ rule as their Head, don’t live according to the patterns and customs of this world that lead us to do the mistakes of our past. If the past way of making choices has brought no peace and distanced us from God, we are ready to change our minds. Now, we follow the pattern God’s Son has given. We should be always eager to learn; and the more we can learn, the more we can change and grow.

If the Savior sees that His teachings have shaped the members of His Church to have His humble attitude of love and obedience, He Himself will keep us “safe from the time of trouble” which has come upon all the people on earth. Only once we have made these changes can we live with true joy, peace, and hope and stand ready to meet the Savior Jesus Christ when He returns (Rev. 3:10, TEV). ♥

By JOEL V. SAN PEDRO
(Based on the worship service lesson taught by Brother Eduardo V. Manalo at the Local Congregation of Panginay, Bulacan, Philippines, Saturday, May 15, 2010)

Presented by Melinda de los Santos
*For Free Bible Studies click here 🙂

We Must Abound in Love

LOVE IS VIEWED BY MANY as a feeling that naturally develops in man—something that one cannot avoid. And no matter how complex it may be, everyone has a unique way of expressing and explaining it.

Experts have provided various explanations on the behavioral and physiological patterns involved in this human attribute, but no matter what their explanation is, the true essence of love continues to mystify every human being that God created.

Christian love
The Bible portrays love in a variety of forms. There is love of God, of one’s family, and of fellow human beings. God is the first One to show His love for man when He gave him the breath of life and the senses to behold and enjoy the beauty of His creation. It is His great love that sustains the need of man. When man committed sin and became His enemy, God proved His love when He gave His only Begotten Son so that man may be given hope to receive the promised salvation.

The Lord Jesus Christ, who is the manifestation of God’s love for man, on many occasions, exhorted the Christians that they should love one another just as He loved them so as to prove that they are His disciples (John 13:34, New King James Version). It is also in this spirit that the Apostle Paul lauded the Christians on how they dealt with one another. Apostle Paul wrote: “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other” (II Thess. 1:3, Ibid.).

Among the things that the apostles were thankful to God for in administering the early Christians was the fact that the brethren abounded in their love for each other, which was a very important part of their spiritual growth. How to achieve this in our time which is filled with troubles and difficulties is truly a big challenge. In fact our Lord Jesus Christ stated that many people would not measure up to this expectation: “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matt. 24:12, Ibid.)

Undeniably, lawlessness is rampant. The world, teems with people who have no regard for what is good for others or their welfare. They are only after satisfying their selfish needs and their greed leads them to become lovers of themselves. This is what Apostle Paul forewarned: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to their parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (II Tim. 3:1-4, Ibid.).

When someone becomes a lover of himself, he won’t be able to genuinely love God and his fellow men. Conceit is one single word that describes it. This is the root of many evils and lawlessness which make this world an increasingly unsafe, depressing, and frightening place to live especially to people who are most vulnerable.

Love’s great importance
There are people who find it easy to love than to hate just as they find it easy to do what is right than to do what is wrong. This may be argued by people with a pessimistic view of life knowing that lawlessness, chaos, turmoil, and other unpleasant things happen every single moment. But even if this world may be subject to doom and evil, we should not allow good to be overcome by evil. The only way for us to fight evil though is to have love in our hearts so that we can be triumphant in our battle.

We may not succeed in making the whole world be filled with love like what it should be, but we can still be victorious if, on an individual basis, we do what is good, learn to love first and not the other way around. Apostle Paul showed the importance of love, thus: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. If I speak in the tongue of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing” (I Cor. 13:13, 1-3, New International Version).

Love, indeed, is the greatest of all things for without it, everything and all one does shall be worthless. God’s choice of us to be His people is for us to do everything motivated by love: “…Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Eph. 1:4, NKJV).

Even if we put forth all our efforts in serving God, if we do it not out of love, it is meaningless. Likewise, in our faith in Christ Jesus, love is also what really matters: “For when we are in union with Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor the lack of it makes any difference at all; what matters is faith that works through love” (Gal. 5:6, Today’s English Version).

What should motivate man to commit himself to action is not just faith but most of all love. Thus, those who teach that faith alone is enough in order for man to be saved are committing a serious and grave error. Faith must be coupled with works motivated by love.

Serving God abounding with love
Love is not imposed on anyone, rather, it is being earned as a result of his acts or expressions through tangible or intangible things. Many well-known people, dead or alive, have been greatly loved for their great and benevolent deeds. Shouldn’t we then love all the more God who since time immemorial has been showing His great and immeasurable love for us? The Apostle John stated the following: “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him” (I John 4:16, NKJV).

The kind of love, which God has accorded us is not just lip service—He proved it by giving us hope through our Lord Jesus Christ as an atoning sacrifice for our sins: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (I John 4:10 NIV).

The death of our Lord Jesus Christ has benefitted the people redeemed by His precious blood—the members of the Church Of Christ (Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation). From being destined to suffer God’s judgment on account of sin, they have been put right with Him through the sacrificial death of Christ (Rom 5:8-9). This is indeed great love beyond measure—described by Apostle John as “complete love”: “In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him (I John 4:17, NIV).

It is only right that we recognize and value the love and great concern that God has shown us. We must love God too. To love Him means to obey His commandments (I John 5:3). Even in these difficult and perilous times, we should remain obedient to God because love knows no barriers.

Cultivating our love
If one allows himself to be hindered by anything from following what God commands, he could not really say that his love is true. Even his love for God is being negated by his refusal to love his brother or sister in the faith. Apostle John teaches: “If someone says he loves God, but hates his brother, he is a liar. For he cannot love God, whom he has not seen, if he does not love his brother, whom he has seen. No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in union with us, and his love is made perfect in us. The command that Christ has given us I this: whoever loves God must love his brother also” (I John 4:20, 12, 21, TEV).

He who loves his brethren in the Church loves God. Anyone who says he loves God but hates his brother or sister in the Church is a liar. Thus, one thing that we need to continuously cultivate and nurture in ourselves is our love for our brothers and sisters in the Church. Apostle Paul exhorts, thus: “We who are strong in the faith ought to help the weak to carry their burdens. We should not please ourselves. Instead, we should all please our brothers for their own good, in order to build them up in the faith. For Christ did not please himself. Instead, as the scripture says, ‘The insults which are hurled at you have fallen on me’” (Rom 15:1-3, Ibid.).

This is the true essence of Christian love—doing what is good for one’s brother or sister. Nothing can be better than doing what is needed to edify them in the faith. If love is ever present and prevails among the true servants of God and they abound in it, surely there will be no chaos and strife. Above all, this will make them complete or perfect: “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection’” (Col. 3:14, NKJV). ♥

By NOEL I. ILAN

 

Presented by Melinda de los Santos
*For Free Bible Studies click here 🙂