The OFFERINGS in the Church of Christ

Lets see the another ignorance of this bias Catholic Defender, where in his article entitled Our common knowledge about Felix Manalo, INC founder.

He said:

"Usually, about $200,000 cash and money orders are collected which represents a third

of the total thanksgivings. Manalo does not want to lose any monies from possible stickups.

"There is a very big shocker that affects many members. Because of the excessive thanksgiving increase

that members have given, they are required now to deposit the same amount next year plus corresponding increase. For example, if a member's total thanksgivings (deposits plus supplementary cash) is $5,000 this year, the member must deposit this same new amount next year plus additional... and etc."

He is just one of the thousands of nonmembers who's ignorance are evidently seen. But the fact that their myths and whatsoever are only their opinion, therefore only a propaganda to the church. Its very funny to know that those nonmembers always estimate the "income" as they say, of the INC are billions. And that those were only goes to the Manalo Clan and its ministers that brainwashes members, as they say. Im just wondering why, especially their church take donations, they have also foundations and organizations who's purpose is to help others. They have also expenses in their churches, and etc. But if the topic is the INC, its a diff. talk, they attack what is written in the bible. And they do not join where these offerings goes, they just think that the said people in the INC just have richness and sk money to its members. Very poor and unschooled thinking! Tsk. Tsk.

-->

FACT:

Members of the Church of Christ have offerings like this, we are not forced or dictated on how big we will give…

#1 Thursday and Sunday (worship services) offerings

#2 “Tanging handugan” (local or/and district) offerings [optional]

#3 Anniversary(July) or/and Yearly(December) thanksgiving offerings

The thing is, where do those offerings go? The primary purposes (above) were:

#1 For evangelical works like the television, radio and magazine expenses and etc.

#2 These are optional: (district offerings) helping other local congregation on their renovation/repainting and etc. of their house of worship. (local offerings) for the expenses of the house of worship like telephone, electric, water bills and etc.

#3 For the building and buying lands for houses of worship

THE WHOLE THING

(where the offerings goes/expenses):

HOUSE OF WORSHIP

Building houses of worship

(Lot + Constructors + house of worship itself)

Lots costs millions, the house of worship costs also millions, plus the constructors.

A single house of worship can be estimated from P30-70 million, depends how it is big.

REVIEW: pic. from resbak.com

See? Where does our offerings goes? Is it hidden by the ministers? or the church administration?? See the completed houses of worship last year 2009, increased and whopping 98 houses of worship, CONSTRUCTED and DEDICATED TO GOD in just only that year!

Maintenance of the houses of worship

(changing light bulbs, and etc.)

Like replacing/buying/fixing electric fans, light bulbs, chairs, tables, and etc.

Expenses in the house of worship

(electric bills, telephone bills and etc.)

Electric, telephone, water bills and etc.

Renovation of the houses of worship

(repainting, remodeling and etc.)

Repainting/remodeling/renovating house of worship costs thousands and thousands.

Forms

(paper works, and etc.)

Weekly forms, and etc. costs thousands for there are many paper works that should be submitted from church officers, ministers and etc.

MISSIONARY WORKS

Renting of venues

(evangelical missions, assemblies and etc.)

Assemblies, evangelical missions, socializing activities rent costs thousands for just one event.

Propagation of God’s words

(Television, radio, Magazine expenses and etc.)

Television and radio broadcasting I know costs millions, many knows it. And the Pasugo: God’s Message magazine prints and leaflets I think cost thousands and thousands even it is sold for P10.

Employees

(Crews on television, radio and etc.)

Salary for crews who works in television and radio networks of the INC.

“TULONG” not salary

(for the ministers, house of worship care takers and etc.)

Housing projects

(for the ministers, volunteer workers and etc.)

We should know that ministers spent their time evangelizing and etc. so, they have no time for jobs and businesses. And what I know is that they are encouraged not to go on business. Why? See how nonmembers accuse the INC that its ministers ask money to members or the offering of the members only goes and corrupt by the ministers. If the ministers have no jobs/businesses and have no “tulong” and housing projects from the church admin. How will they live? They have no home? How about their own expenses, like foods? Especially they have family to support, how about the tuition or for the schooling of their kids? Their own needs? House expenses? For transportation? (Especially they have weekly meetings I think on districts, they have to go elsewhere where the church admin. Told so, and many more) Do they have magic to create their own money? Analyze it and don’t give prejudgment!

Transportation expenses

(ministers and etc.)

Church admin. sends ministers overseas, around the country and outside the country to be trained and for religious purposes. It costs thousands and thousands, imagine how many ministers and evangelical workers does INC have. Is those transportation expenses free of charge if you are an INC member? HUH?

District offices

(employees and etc.)

It also have employees, how about their labor, is it free?

CHARITIES

Expenses

(Lingap sa mamamayan, and etc.)

For those members and NONMEMBERS who are in need, giving free dental services, check ups, medicines and relief goods.

RESSETLEMENTS

Lands

(for the members who’s become a victim of natural calamities, religious persecution and etc.)

Like the bagong buhay resettlement project for the victims of Mt. Pinatubo, the hacienda luicita and etc. Lands costs millions and millions.

CIVIL PROJECTS

Expenses

(in building schools and hospitals and etc.)

Like the New Era university/highschool/elementary with branches across the country, for the members and NONMEMBERS whose the church admin. Is concern for, especially to have people education. It costs millions and millions building those civil projects.

INFRASTRACTURES

Building Projects

(museums, district offices, and etc.)

It costs millions especially when buying property for district offices outside the Phil.

And Many More…

These are just SOME and what I know, the common things which our offerings go.

BUT THE QUESTION IS:

WHY DO CHURCH OF CHRIST MEMBERS GIVE OFFERINGS? IS IT FROM THE BIBLE? OR JUST INVENTED BY THE CHURCH ADMINISTRATION?

-->

For the bible states:

“Each one should give, then, as he has decided,not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly” II Cor. 9:7

While speaking to the early Christians, Apostle Paul stressed in the form of a command the important truth about the GIVING OF OFFERINGS to God. First, he said “EACH ONE SHOULD GIVE”; secondly, the giver ought to decide what to give with no regret; and then concluded that “GOD LOVES THE ONES WHO GIVES GLADLY”. To show that the commandment to offer that he wrote about was not based upon his opinion only, Apostle Paul said on I Cor. 14:37:

“If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.”

Apostle Paul said that giving an offering or sharing what one has is “WELL PLEASING” in God’s sight. This is stated:

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Heb. 13:15-16

MANY CRITICS AND DETRACTORS OF THE CHURCH may find it DIFFICULT to UNDERSTAND WHY its members still give OFFERINGS at this time of DIFFICULTY and want; nevertheless, God’s people are known for their generosity in giving their offerings, as they FULLY UNDERSTAND that it is GOOD and PLEASING in the sight of the LORD.

Why offerings please God

But God does not need anything like MONEY. So where do the offerings go? Apostle Paul said:

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. … For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,” II Cor. 9:7, 12-13

Through the offerings that each member gives, the Church is able to send ministers and evangelical workers to different parts of the world to attend to the spiritual needs of every member. And many more (see above).

FACT:

It also should be know that members offerings were VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS. We are not dictated or no fix amount we are following. Myths, accusations, allegations of nonmembers to this are all but a big LIE. Those contributions by each members were used properly and can be evidently seen that’s why no MEMBER does complain about these, the only one who COMPLAIN about these offerings were the NONMEMBERS! In all of the expenses in the church, we should know that the only money used were the voluntary contributions of the members, the church administration does not accept MONEY from the POLITICIANS (as what others accused), or want a BIG DONATION from a member (like what others does in building their chapels, a member will give a hundred thousand or will go on a contest on tv and the money will give to chapel), or does have tithing (THE INC HAVE NO DOCTRINE LIKE THIS) or from the profit of its business (INC have no other business and itself is not a business!) and etc. in building houses of worship, and etc… It is all about the offering/ contribution of the church members. The OFFERING for us is an OBLIGATION, it is not like just a DONATION, like when you see a beggar, you will just give a peso, or an excess to your money. NO, that’s not what the bible says, and so nonmembers cannot blame us for giving importance to it for we OBEY and KNOW what is written in the scriptures. That even though they malign what we do, like saying INC is just a business and that the money of the members were just go on the Manalo Family or to the Ministers.

Back to the topic…

The usefulness of the offerings can be seen in the beauty and elegance of the house of the Lord built for his glory. Where can one intimately commune with God and aptly make supplications when feeling down or weary? Where can one praise and glorify the name of God as he mandated? The book of Haggai stated:

“Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the LORD.” Hag. 1:8

Hence, for God/s people, a fine way to please and glorify him is to build beautiful and magnificent houses of worship. Thus, the offerings of the church members go to an immensely valuable endeavor that glorifies god.

Given in earnest

Considering the fact that giving contributions is for God’s glory, members should prepare beforehand their contributions. They SHOULD SET ASIDE a certain PORTION of their earnings for their offering (I Cor. 16:2). They should not give just what is in excess or what is left of their income.

Offering to God should be done reverently, for a delicate matter such as this cannot be done too lightly, as indicated in this teaching of the bible:

“Now for the house of my God I have prepared with all my might: gold for things to be made of gold, silver for things of silver, bronze for things of bronze, iron for things of iron, wood for things of wood, onyx stones, stones to be set, glistening stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and marble slabs in abundance. Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver:” I Chr. 29:2-3

BECAUSE OF HIS AFFECTION OF THE HOUSE OF God, King David of Israel prepared the best for it. He offered wholeheartedly to God. The fact of the matter is that the source and owner of everything is God:

““O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand, and is all Your own.” I Chr. 29:16

No giver is a loser

It is an outstanding faith of God’s people that no giver is a loser.

Actually, they understand that all things come from God and they are just giving back a part of what is already his:

“Therefore David blessed the LORD before all the assembly; and David said: “ Blessed are You, LORD God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, And You are exalted as head over all.Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all. “Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name. 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. 29:10-14

FACT:

That’s why we have “PASALAMAT”(Thanksgiving) Yearly(December), where more big amounts where offered. Why? Like the verse mentioned above, it is to BRING or GIVE BACK what he GAVE TO US. So, don’t be surprised if we offered big amounts also because that what’s we saved(church check, the green cards) for a year. We just gives back what God gave us, like he saved us for all the danger, he gives us what we wanted and etc. But is GOD WANTS MONEY? Does God glorified because of Money? Answer? NO! so, what glorifies God? It is the works, the result of the offerings of the members. Like building houses of worship, evangelizing people all over the world (as god wanted) and etc. All of these works is to glorify God! (Not for the ministers or the Manalo family become rich!) How can these happen if there are no offerings in the church to be used? Is it magic, the solution? Haha NO!

A continuing duty of God’s people

Any house on earth—and the house of worship is no exemption—is subject to gradual deterioration and values depreciation. In view of this, foreseen eventuality, only prevention and maintenance can remedy this unwanted situation:

“Now it happened after this that Joash set his heart on repairing the house of the LORD. Then he gathered the priests and the Levites, and said to them, “Go out to the cities of Judah, and gather from all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that you do it quickly.” However the Levites did not do it quickly.” II Chr. 24:4-5

The INC houses of worship in various countries are well maintained edifices. These are well furnished and equipped with valuable facilities and articles being used for worship. Hence, members of the church bring offerings to fill these needs at any given time just like what the early servants of God did for the temple (II Chr. 24:8-12, 14).

Do not be offended

Servants of God should examine themselves when their livelihood is a failure and their life is in misery beyond expectation. This is because THOSE WHO ARE OFFENDED with the DUTY to help by means of giving OFFERING will incur the curse of the lord. Their hard days and nights work will only bring a little and they will continue to live and suffer a life of misery and want:

“You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, Earns wages to put into a bag with holes.” Hag. 1:6

Diligence, therefore, will not pay off if one is under the curse of the Lord. God is capable of putting a man’s life into trouble as he indignantly points out the condition of his house, thus, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” Hag. 1:4

Blessed are those who honor God with their possessions

God’s capability in PROVIDING NEEDS of his PEOPLE is UNLIMITED. However, he will not just dole out these blessings to his servants without satisfying his requirements: “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.” Prov. 3:9-10

Though confronted by the grim realities of poverty and want, God’s people will live a life of satisfaction and have nothing to worry about.

God himself challenged his ancient people, the Israelites, by BRINGING THEIR OFFERINGS AND SEE FOR THEMSELVES HIS ABILITY TO DELIVER AND FULFILL HIS PROMISE:

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.” Mal. 3:10

The greatest of all blessings

NOBODY CAN BUY A TICKET TO HEAVEN as nobody can buy his own IMMORTALITY. However, Apostle Paul inspiringly teaches that the generosity and willingness to share can earn God’s servants a good foundation for the time that is to come so that they may lay hold on a life of immortality:

“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” I tim. 6:18-19

Church News: June 2010

GEMNET and NET 25 jubilant with RP’s use of ISDB-T

“I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

Quoting the line from Robert Frost’s famous poem, the choice of Japan’s digital TV standard for the Philippines is a case of ‘a road less traveled’ for the two major networks that fully support the adoption of the Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting technology (ISDB-T) in the country.

The Global Electronic Media Network (GEMNet), media arm of the Iglesia Ni Cristo and NET 25, the TV station of Eagle Broadcasting Corporation, stood their ground to support and promote the Japanese standard for its technical superiority at a time when other TV networks in the country favored DVB-T, the European standard and ATSC, the American standard.

Upon receiving the news of the issuance of a draft order by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) declaring the use of the Japanese system, GEMNET and NET 25 expressed jubilation.

“Outside Japan, the Philippines is the very first country in Asia to implement Japanese standard in digital TV. Hence, it is also historic that the country picks an Asian technology that is known worldwide for its flexibility and superiority,” GEMNET In-Charge of Digital TV Project, Engr. Caesar F. Villadiego said.

Villadiego led a team to monitor Japanese technology developments at the annual International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition (InterBEE) and regularly meets government representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication (MIC) in Tokyo, Japan. He also presented the results of GEMNET’s independent technical comparative study of two digital TV standards to MIC in 2008.

Having commissioned GEMNET as its technology partner, NET 25 will largely benefit from the wide headstart that it has created in digital TV broadcasting. In fact, this is a five-year advantage compared to the digital switch in 2015 imposed by the government.

NET 25 is the first free TV to use HD systems in the production of programs. This continues without let-up as the first HD Studio in the country built by NET 25 is now operational. Some of these programs are aired live via ISDB-T test broadcast on Channel 49.

“With ISDB-T, NET 25 made history with its digital imprint in the first automated Philippine elections through its Full HD and digital TV coverage. From data gathering and production to post-production, NET 25 is fully digital,” NET 25 Chief Marketing Officer, Caesar R. Vallejos said.

Aiming for an aggressive global expansion, GEMNET and NET 25 will embark on a stronger digital TV partnership to be more competitive and relevant in the industry. In the end, it will be the viewing public who will benefit from the digital technology in broadcasting with interactivity features and robust, life-like images.

For GEMNET and NET 25, ISDB-T ushers a new era in television.

Summit of Faith 2010

San Bruno, California -- For Sister Joann of San Pablo, California, faith is a little word that opens countless opportunities.

Because faith is so important in the lives of members of the Church of Christ, over a thousand of the youth members (also known as Kadiwas and Binhis), along with their parents, flooded the second annual Summit of Faith in Northern California. It was held on February 6, 2010 at the Cappuchino High School Auditorium in San Bruno. It’s an event filled with God’s words through music, real life stories of other young members and a sermon by District Minister, Bro. Robert Pellien. Brethren came excited for an activity that was sure to charge up their faith, their love for their membership and most of all, their love for God.

Sister Roxanna Evangelista was eager to bring her children to the activity.

“I know that this will make their faith even stronger than it already is,” said Sister Roxanna, “And it’ll also make them feel good about themselves and about their faith.”

Sister Roxanna is only one of the many parents in the Church of Christ who realize they need to build up their children’s faith in God, especially while they are young.

Brother Ulysses Umali, one of the youth who attended, remembers how he learned to value his faith at a young age.

“The beginning of this year has been really hard,” said Brother Ulysses, “My grandfather passed away and he was the one who always used to bring me to church when I was younger.”His grandfather may be gone now, but Brother Ulysses’ faith continues to grow.

As the youth socialized in the hallways, they chatted about what they were expecting from this year’s summit. They defined what faith means to them on a “mural of faith” located near the main entrance. They shared stories about the different trials they face in the world today. The economy has been bad on them and their parents. As they grow, they’re becoming more aware of the imperfections and disasters that surround them. Earthquakes, violence, daunting social issues and calamities plaster the news. On top of that, they still have to deal with the basic growing pains of growing up, like peer pressure.

But when Sister Shayna Avery gets pressured by kids at school she knows exactly what to do.

“You know, going to school, your friends try to make you do things that aren’t Christian like,” says Sister Shayna, “and you always have to choose - do you want the world or do you want God? And it’s always been God for me.”

The youth gathered to be around those who know what it means to be young and Christian today. Sister Renezen Benedicto, Kadiwa District President, feels it’s important for the youth to know they’re not alone.

“When you are young, you think that no one understands, like how hard it is for me, how hard it is to go to school and you know [how it is] to be peer-pressured” says Sister Renezen, “but we wanted them to know that we do understand… but you know as members of the Church of Christ, even though we’re not going to be immune by the problems and from all of those things, we all have something far greater to hold on to.”

Sister Sarah Antonio holds onto her faith. “My faith is a God given strength that holds me up when I’m down and keeps me together when I’m falling apart,” says Sister Sarah, “It’s the love He gives me that is always by my side.”

Being around other youth was good medicine and an even better vaccine against the many problems and obstacles they face. But the best medicine was hearing the words of God through a lesson that spoke directly to the current issues that young people have to deal with today. Through the lesson, they learned trials are nothing new, but at each one, they can count on God to be there, as long as they follow Him.

Sister Jaede from Reno, Nevada will be taking a valuable lesson home. “I know in this world I can’t always ask for everything,” says Sister Jaede, “but in God I can find everything I need no matter what. So putting Him as a priority is a big benefit in my life and my faith.”

Besides listening to the words of God, the youth also enjoyed musical performances.

“Here I am and I’m a mess,” quotes Brother Gil Castro, and continues to explain the lyrics to the song he performed, “Everyone can relate to that. At some point in your life, things just don’t go right but God always makes things clear and helps you find the answers to your problems.”

Not only did they listen to music with Christian message, but the youth watched real life stories of other Church of Christ youth who’ve had to make difficult choices and face even tougher problems. The stories played an important part in Brother Timothy’s impression of this year’s Summit of Faith.

“Now that I’ve gone to Summit of Faith,” Brother Timothy said, “the brethren’s interviews even some that were really sad, it reminded me of how important my faith is.”

They later wrote about the state of their own faith; how they’d like it to grow, and how they want it to change them.

Tyler and Debbie from Tracy, California said, “I thought of everything I wanted to improve and I wrote everything down. I feel like I want to better myself and reach the highest perfection of my faith that I possibly can and serve God til my last days.”

There are so many things and so many people the youth can choose, but at this year’s Summit of Faith they learned what it means to choose God as their best friend. And they learned what matters most.

“My faith is what is important in life, not material things,” says Brother Christian from Fremont, California, and continued by saying “all this stuff here on earth is nothing, our real treasure is in heaven.”

For sister Anna Bilbes, from Mountain View, California, choosing God and faith are the best decisions the youth can make. “It’s okay to love God with all our hearts,” says Sister Anna, “it’s okay to dedicate everything to Him, it’s okay because we all do it together and God is glorified and that’s what we want.”

Brother Christian and many others can’t wait for more activities for the youth. “The more we gather, the stronger we are,” said Brother Christian.

As for Sister Tracy from Fairfield, California, she wants to pass on the strength and knowledge she’s received today to others. “I want to share my faith now more than ever.”

From: Gemnet.tv

Catholic Defenders: Cheaters?

The debate was held on August 5, 2006. The Iglesia ni Cristo was represented by Brother Ramil Parba while the Roman Catholic Church was represented by Mr. Talibong. Usually, in formal debates the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines is represented by one of the members of the Catholic Defender.

What happened is that during the show down, Mr. Talibong argued that he can read a verse that clearly said that Christ build the Holy Apostolic Roman Catholic Church. The verse is Matthew 16:18 in the Confraternity Bible. The only problem is that the Catholic Defenders changed the page where the Matt. 16:18 was printed with the page they wrote by themselves.

The original text of the Matt 16:18 of the Confraternity Version goes:

“…. I will build my church…”

What the Catholic Defenders did was changed that part to: “… I will build my Holy Apostolic Catholic Roman Church…”

And just like what Brother Parba cried, it’s really a deception!

From: millionairescamp.blogspot.com

This is a debate between an INC minister and a Catholic Defender. See who's cheated, very ashaming to the church. We know that there is no phrase in the bible that states about "Holy Apostolic Catholic Roman Church" or even just "Catholic Church" in any kind of bible translation. See how they go on a formal debate, they are loosers! Poor...

Im not surprised, because even the Catholic Defenders here in the internet cannot answers directly from the bible. I have challenged at least two popular catholic bloggers here, Fr. Abe and Sir Cenon Bibe jr. They cannot answer my simple question, and its only turning to non sense throwing of accusations...


See here.
Tumbukin Natin
The Splendor of the Church

I hope they change their dirty tactics,

here in the internet and even in formal debates!

Calling all Catholic Defenders out there!

The Human Jesus

Is Jesus the true God? or a God?

Who says that? I mean, Who formulated that?

What is the true beliefs of the 1st century Christians to Jesus Christ?

That he is a god, or a human?

Do the Lord Jesus Christ say that he is God? or that TRINITY exists?

What kind of God is that? with 3 persons?

It is like trimurti, isnt it?^_^

How can we say that he is a god if there's no even just one bible verse that says about the trinity?

Or that Jesus is a god and also a human?

Or that God said that his son Jesus Christ is also God?

Or that Jesus claimed to be God?
How can we answer all of this questions?
Its simple...
Click on the links.


Who is God?
Who is Jesus Christ?

Authoritative testimonies on TRINITY
Who said that Jesus is God?



Because... The Bible says,

"This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God,
and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” john 17:3

“yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. However not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.” I cor. 8:6-7

See? There is only ONE TRUE GOD, the FATHER. And we should not be surprised that some people doesnt know about this! As they more believe to statues, or IDOLS... Having feasts for them, eating foods that is being offered to those idols! Tsk. Tsk.

Eli Soriano's founded "church"

My Question was, is Eli's founded, a "church" or "organization"?

Why not checking out its latest name?

Ok, let us examine, this organization was known "Members church of god international"...

From the name itself we can see that it is not a church, but an organization!

But wait, let say, their church was "church of god" that it is always been defended by Eli himself, written in the bible, the true name of the church, as they claim... Then, is that called "Members church of god international" was the first title of Eli's founded "church"??

The answer??

NO!!

Because..... Its history goes like these:


From Teofilo Ora

On May 1922, former members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Teofilo Ora, Januario Ponce and Basilio Santiago gather some members of the Iglesia ni Cristo formally separating from the church. Several months later, they name the Church

Iglesia ng Diyos kay Kristo Hesus
(English Translation: Church of God in Christ Jesus)

That same year, Nicholas Perez became a member and preacher of this group at Maragondon, Cavite. In 1928, Nicholas Perez became its General Evangelist and soon sought the leadership of the group but was denied by Teofilo Ora. Some other members of the Teofilo Ora led church left and established their own churches. Ponciano Bungay established the Iglesia Ni Cristo sa Ibabaw ng Bato in 1932 while Basilio Santiago established the Church of God in Christ Jesus in 1949 and Salvador Payawal established the Kabanal-banalang Iglesia Ng Diyos.


From Nicholas Perez
In 1931, Nicholas Perez with Avelino Santiago left and started their group called

Iglesia ng Diyos kay Kristo Hesus
(English Translation: Church of God in Christ Jesus, Pillar and Support of The Truth).

According to Eliseo Soriano, Nicholas Perez was already preaching this Church way back in 1928 at Pulilan, Bulacan but according to INC sources, Nicholas Perez was still with the Iglesia ng Diyos kay Kristo Hesus founded by Ora. It was not until December 10, 1936 that the Church of Nicholas Perez, Iglesia ng Diyos kay Cristo Hesus was officially registered in the Bureau of Commerce and Industry. In 1954, Avelino Santiago, Nicholas Perez’ co-founder of Iglesia ng Diyos kay Cristo Hesus Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan left the group and established his own church, Iglesia ng Diyos na Buhay kay Kristo Hesus.


To Eliseo Soriano
After the death of Nicholas Perez, a woman named Levita Gugulan was appointed to lead the Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan as the Church Presiding Minister. Eliseo Soriano was a signatory on July 11, 1975 to the appointment of Gugulan. A month after, he again signed a memorandum stating that anyone who opposes their Church administration will be suspended and expelled. On January 2, 1976, Eliseo Soriano was then appointed by Levita Gugulan as one of their church’s Board of Directors. There were fifteen members of the Board. On February 21, 1976, he was expelled together with sixteen other members for inciting rebellion inside the church and teaching doctrines contrary to their beliefs. Soriano maintains that he was not expelled but voluntarily left his church as he firmly believes that a woman should not lead the church according to the bible.

#1
On March 30, 1977, two years after the death of Perez, Eliseo Soriano and followers registered his own group and called it the

Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus
(English Translation: Church of God in Christ Jesus)

#2
It seemed to Gugulan that Soriano had simply substituted the word “Suhay” to “Saligan”. Gugulan’s church then filed a lawsuit against Soriano on July 16, 1979 for using a similar church name. While the case was in progress he managed to register another church name,

Ang mga Kaanib sa Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Saligan ng Katotohanan sa Bansang Pilipinas, Incorporated (English Translation: The Members of The Church of God in Christ Jesus, Pillar and Ground of the Truth, Philippines, Incorporated)

on January 20, 1980.


#3
In 1993, Levita Gugulan’s successor Maximino Nieto found out that the name Soriano registered in 1980 is almost identical to his church. Soriano, aware of the possibility of being sued, registered the church name

Bayan ng Katotohanan Incorporated
(English Translation: City of Truth Incorporated)

in December 1993 before Nieto’s group was able to file another complaint against him.


#4
Nieto subsequently filed a complaint against Soriano's group in 1994 but while the case was still in progress, Soriano registered another name, the

Iglesia ni YHWH at ni YHWSA HMSYH, Inc.
(English Translation: Church of YHWH and of YHWSA HMSYH, Inc.).

#5
On January 13, 2004 Soriano registered and used the name,

Members Church of God International

From: Wikipedia



From Teofilo Ora, "Iglesia ng Diyos kay Kristo Jesus" to Eli Soriano, "Members church of god international"... I now then conclude that from its roots, its like Protestantism of Martin Luther. See it again, they were all divided as they focus on their personal interest in making their own "RELIGION". What's that interest?

Simple. Money and Richness!

That's why i pity to those people whom they lead and blinded by their own understandings into the bible. But, it is not the end, they can still examine the true teachings from the BIBLE. Not an adulterated one by authorities of their church, adding doctrines that is out of the bible...

Have you seen this self proclaimed "wise man"? Where is he??
Do he finally face the charges against him in his home country? (Philippines!)
Or still hiding in other country and say that he is only going to an EVANGELICAL WORKS?

Dont be fooled that he can answer all of your questions, his tactics are revealed, analyze first his answers if its all correct. Not because he is brave and always wanted a debate. Save your soul from this kind of preacher!

So, is the title "Members church of god international" a church, or a simple organization whose interests were to ask money from its members? Tsk. Tsk.

Converts: A kind of solution behind persecutions

The author mentioned this:

“Before attending the worship service, I would leave the house wearing casual clothes, but would change into proper attire inside my car.”

This scene was from, I think happened in the past and still happening in these times. Even before an interested listener who wants to join the Church of Christ or new members encounters persecution especially from their loved ones, goes a solution like this for them to go attend worship services of the INC. They make a way for them to continue their membership in the church even though the people around them (family, relatives, friends and etc.) hinder and persecute in doing what they want in achieving salvation…

I salute those who discovered the truth that they fight and stand for it, in their membership or in joining the true Church of Christ.

the author (center) with her family

I found peace with God

Veronica Ortega

I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on Jan. 8, 1960. I grew up in the Kalihi Valley of Oahu with my Portuguese mother, my Hawaiian Portuguese father, an older brother, and a younger sister.

Before I joined the Church of Christ, I was a devout Catholic. I served as a lector assisting the priest. I was a religious education teacher for pre-schoolers and kindergartens and I was even a Eucharistic minister for the sick. Yet, in spite of all my activeness, I felt an emptiness inside and still found myself longing for true and meaningful relationship with God.

Then, in 1992, I was introduced to Sister Esteher de la cruz, a member of the Church of Christ. She frequently invited me to bible studies, but I always refused. She was, however, persistent and she showed me some verses in the bible that were inspiring.

My eyes began to open, particularly with the verses that warned against worshiping idols. It dawned on me that the Catholic church uses idols, images, and statues in its services. From there, I began to wonder whether or not the Catholic Church was indeed the true church.

I decided to search for the truth, and with the guidance of Sister Esther, I continued my bible lessons with the Church of Christ and attended worship services. During this time, however, I suddenly encountered persecutions from my father, who is a devout Catholic.

Before attending the worship service, I would leave the house wearing casual clothes, but would change into proper attire inside my car. When my father discovered what I was doing, he asked me to move out. Yet, even that did not stop me from attending the worship services and finishing my lessons in biblical doctrines. Finally, in October 1993, I was baptized in the local congregation of Waipahu and at last, I found peace with God!

Several years later, a deaconess from the local congregation of Honolulu, inspired me to become an officer in the Church of Christ. I felt God calling me to become a deaconess. I was also hoping that God would call my husband to become a deacon. He accepted and we both performed as deacon and deaconess in the local congregation of New Era. We have two children and live a happy and meaningful life. We are currently registered in the local congregation of Seattle, Washington in the ecclesiastical district of Pacific Northwest.

In May 2005, I had the opportunity to travel with my family to the Philippines. While visiting a town in Ilocos Norte, I got to know some of the villagers. Because of my desire to share my faith wherever I am, I spoke to a minister from the nearby local congregation of Lanao, Bangui and we were able to hold a Bible study in that area. Even though Im no longer there, I hope and pray for the success of that work.

Although my father is still a devout Catholic, he has stopped persecuting me after seeing the positive changes of my life. Now, he even encourages me to bring my sister, who is not a member, to Church of Christ activities so she can too have positive experiences. It is my goal someday to bring all my loved ones into the fold and bear more fruits. I am thankful to our Almighty God for showing me the way to the Church of Christ.

Pasugo March 2007

To all Ang Dating Daan members

To all ADD members, coming from the EX-ADD members inviting you to examine the true CHURCH OF CHRIST. But first are you not wondering IF the Ang Dating Daan is a religion or not?

So, if not, as i know it is only a program in the television, why is it the members call themselves and even the nonmembers calls you "ANG DATING DAAN members?" instead of "Members church of god INTERNATIONAL?"

That most people call the organization founded by Mr. Soriano Ang Dating Daan instead of Church of God version of Soriano? Oh, im sorry, Church of God? ^_^ 

It is because he HIMSELF explain it by saying Ang Dating Daan is a RELIGION!

Okay. So, a PREACHER who is very brave when answering questions always having contradictions? It is like 1 question, 3 different answers in different events? hmmm??





See? So ashaming! For i will conclude that there is no unity among the doctrines in the church he founded for his personal interests!

Lets back to the topic,

This is the video inviting all the ADD members or should i say MCGI to be in the true teachings written in the bible, a true CHURCH, not just like an ordinary organization in earth like the Church of Mr. Soriano... Again, Dont be blinded on his words that may convince you that he is a messenger of God only because he can answer many questions! You should also examine if he's answer is CORRECT... Not just accepting his answers even he did not really make it into a point!