Bloc Voting of INC, a MYTH?

Most non-INC members says that Bloc Voting of INC is just a MYTH. As for them, its votes are called "swing votes" or votes that can predict the winner for "close fights". The thing is, IS THIS TRUE?

By the way, i just want to clarify that there is no INC BLOC VOTING doctrine, but what we have is UNITY DOCTRINE, please always remember!

A jealous Catholic defender as always, in his blog entitled The Iglesia ni Cristo Bloc Voting is just a MYTH! it is stated:

How much do we know about the "Block-Voting" doctrine of the Iglesia ni Cristo® Unipersonal Corporation? How many adherents do the INC® has today that their supposed number could ensure a winner when their actual number is being held from the public?

How many elligible Iglesia® voters are going to the polls tomorrow to actually vote and how many would be following their doctrine of pagkakaisa? And how many would be defying their elders instead?

We do not know. Unless someone would be monitoring them within the polling stations who'd be turning against their own leader's choice.

Relying on rumors the Iglesia ni Cristo® is bragging an an estimated 5 million votes from its members. For me, that's presumptuous!

We all know that they don't have such a huge number. Or if they have, a solid vote from the INC® is impossible. Well, all we know is that the Iglesia ni Cristo® is playing its political trick again making us believe a myth that their number is powerful enough to determine who would win the elections.

Among the Philippine presidential candidates, the council of elders of the cult founded by Felix Manalo in 1914 finally decided to throw their support to Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III whose popularity is credited, not to the Iglesia ni Cristo® myth but thanks to his devout Catholic parents who are members of Christ's ONLY TRUE CHURCH.

Unlike the Iglesia ni Cristo®, Christ's true Church-- the Catholic Church do not endorse any candidate. Instead the choice is left to individuals according to the dictates of their consciences [Catholic Info]. The Catholic Church respects the individual freedom everyone has however what the Church can do is to ensure there's a peaceful and orderly elections.

The block-voting of the Iglesia ni Cristo® has sparked much controversy both in political and spiritual forums in the internet. Some would argue that this doctrine of the cult directly violates that of our Constitution which prohibits the meddling of spiritual leaders into the affairs of the government. For it's 95 years, the Iglesia ni Cristo® has contributed nothing to the development of the entire nation. Their housing projects are directed only to its members, something not to be proud of.

But why is the Iglesia ni Cristo®’s doctrine attracted so much attention to politicians? Why are they dictating its members like robots? Because they're politicians. And Iglesia ni Cristo® is never a religion but a disguising one. In other words, it's a cult more than a religion.

So how many member do the Iglesia ni Cristo® has today? No one knows. It's one of the Iglesia ni Cristo's many hidden SECRETS.

Significantly, we can refer to how much the ALAGAD PARTY LIST (an Iglesia ni Cristo Party List). From it's vote, we can estimate how many are its members. According to this blog, the actual votes the ALAGAD PARTY LIST got was ONLY 340,977 that is Three Hundred Forty Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy-Seven only. That means they've got just only that much. Although the Philippine Inquirer says their number reaches only 1.8 million according to National Statistic Office 2000 census.

"In the 2000 census, the National Statistics Office put the INC membership in the country at 1.8 million or around 2.3 percent of the total population [emphasis mine]."

How much? It's just 2.3 percent of the total population of the entire country. But here is the most damaging part. The late Erano Manalo admitted that fact! "...dinadaya ang numero.."[they (their Ministers) are cheating their numbers...](Watch YouTube)

Just don't get the credit Iglesia ni Cristo®. Before its central administration even throw their support to Noynoy he was already leading in poll surveys rivaling Villar and Erap (whom they supported in 1998 but now they junked him). Thanks to the support of strong business groups, democracy advocates, die-hard Cory-Ninoy fans and Catholic religious communities including priests who are indebted to his parents-- that helped him most likely to win -- not the Iglesia ni Cristo® myth.

A CHALLENGE TO THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO® ADMINISTRATION!

Let's test their power instead. Its central administration should endorse one of its members to run for Presidency. Let's see if their block-voting could help him/her win. Then we can be sure that they have the the magic number to make a candidate win.

But so far, the Iglesia ni Cristo®'s doctrine of pagkakaisa in block-voting IS JUST A MYTH!

I will not answer this unintelligent post of this Catholic defender, ill just give evidences if the INC's unity in voting does exist. But before that, i will just clarify some issues.



How many INC members now in the world?

For you to know, just and only for you, ill give you my own estimation (This is not official). This will be a low estimation because i dont want others to think im just adding more numbers just to show we are many. This estimation is only for the baptized and registered members on each locales, young members (on CWS or PNK), bible students (dinoktrinahan) and undergoing probationary period (sinusubok) are not included.

By 2008, INC in the Philippines alone has 5,000 congregations and 600 abroad.

Philippines-> 5,000 x 1,000 (low estimate) = 5,000,000
Abroad-> 600 x 200 (low estimate) = 120, 000

Ive given you my realistic estimation, now, HAPPY?



Do all members of the INC participate in unity on voting?

Sad to say, but truth, no. For me, only 90-97% participates on what the INC administration decided. Because not all INC members are faithful, or should i say, not all INC members joined the church because they want to, but because of personal interests and so on. So, these people doesnt understand wholeheartedly and follow the doctrines of the church.


Are we dictated or commanded to vote what the INC administration decided?

This is the truth, NO. as what all of us, we do not follow our parents, or even leaders because we are dictated, but because we trust them that what they do is but for our own good. There is no situation you can see in the church that the ministers commands us to vote what the INC administration decided, or that they threaten us if we will not vote them we will be expelled.

THERE'S NO SUCH THING.

We joined the INC without forcing us to join, meaning to say, before we get baptized, it is expected that we first, wholeheartedly follow and that we fully understood the teachings of the INC. That's why there's first screening and last screening where candidates are asked by the ministers from the doctrines they received. If they failed the oral exam then they will not get baptized.

We recited a promise to God in the worship services just right after the baptism, that we will follow and so on. on the INC, meaning, it is not because of the ministers (that they command or dictate us) why we do follow unity in the INC, but it is because of each one of us, as we promised to God that we will follow and obey and so we understand the teachings in the INC, and one of those teachings is about the UNITY IN THE CHURCH.


Does all registered voters of the INC votes every election?

No. Because of situations like for example, i am registered in Palawan, but i am here in Manila for work, how can i vote then if i am not able to be there? Another situation is this, there are members of the INC as what i have said, not that faithful, for example, My personal choice is Gloria Arroyo, but the INC Admin. decided that we should go for Noynoy, and because it is contrary to what i wanted, i would just not vote in the election.

Same situation is this, not all INC members does believe in election, because some think the results of the election is not accurate or cheated that's why they lost their faith on the significance election, so they do not vote every election.

There are many more situations, and these do happens. I do not invent this because i know some people who do these.


Votes for endorsed politicians has an exchange of something?

People see that the INC do received money or exchange of something from the politicians in exchange of the votes. This is WRONG. But the alleged appointment of INC officials for me, ill tell you frankly, as i have observed is true, but not all.

Because non INC members accuse the church only because the appointed this and that of the government is an INC member, they say its because the church pushed their appointment from the President, i should say this is true but not all appointed officials and so on in the government.

I have read or heard the explanation about this i just dont remember where and how, but as i recall, INC members who wants to work on the government will apply for it to the executive minister, and these people will be hardly chosen and this will be submitted to the president as SUGGESTION. But the thing is, the president and other people see it as pushed appointment, that if the president will not approve it, the INC will not support the president anymore.

Another explanation as i recall is this, that the executive minister wanted to have INC officials on the government for the goodness of the country, because as people described the INC members as responsible, hard working and discipline, these people can contribute for the country as well as they can be a voice of the INC for social issues and so on.


On local government, local officials do support and help the INC for exchange of the votes, is this true?

This is also what the media and non INC members always say, but for me, this is half true. Half true because if the local officials like Mayor and so on help the INC in exchange of votes, it doesnt mean they will be voted by the INC. There is a process, if government officials wants help from the INC (votes) they need to pass requirements/forms to the district office, not on locales.

As what a member said, there such a thing in their province, that there is no candidate for election wants help from the INC, so INC members did not vote on that area.

For others to know, it is prohibited to members and ministers to have any connection with the candidates for election. This is certified. There is a thing happened in the province of a member, that ministers received motorcycles from a candidate and they were reported by the members and they were suspended/expelled from their duties as ministers.

It is prohibited even to receive things from candidates even though they are not helped by the ministers, because the decision is always from the district office and not from the locale ministers.


What are the standards of the INC whom to vote during elections?

I dont know the official standards or requirements of what the church admin. is looking for a political candidate, but i know the general idea about it.

"The INC administration choose candidates that will not persecute or hurdle or do against and so on in the INC. period."

And i think it as fair, because as a voter for example, why would you vote a political candidate that will bring you worse? or will persecute you, or will do bad things to you?

An example is when Bro. Felix Manalo dont want to endorse Elpidio Quirino, Quirino supporters even offer Bro. Felix money but turned it down. It is also happened that INC members are killed and beaten up by civil guards just because they do not vote for Quirino. Bro. Felix chose Avelino on that time even he lose on Quirino.

Because in that time Elpidio Quirino is leading in the polls and so on but it is not a reason for the church to vote him, its always on the background of a particular candidate.


Does the purpose of endorsing candidates of the INC for them to win?

As what ive said earlier, it always depends of the background of the political candidate. Its been testified that in local elections, not all endorsed by the INC won, also on national elections. The thing the INC admin. purposed is not for the endorsed candidates to win, but to perform UNITY among the church.

Another thing, the INC do not claim anything, as you can see it never give any official number of adherents and do not claim how much votes it can bring to the endorsed candidate!





Lets back to the topic...

As what ive said, i will not answer his jealousy, i will just show you evidences if the INC members do participate in UNITY of the INC...

more from resbak.com

The Religious Myth Vote exposed


It should be clear to everyone by now that, except perhaps for the Iglesia ni Cristo, there is no such thing as a “religious vote” in the Philippines.
After the lessons learned in this year’s election perhaps national candidates would be less assiduous in trying to court the support of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ religious sect.
All the presidential candidates tried to get the endorsement of Quiboloy. Some of them went to see him more than once.
Quiboloy, it seems, expects to be paid homage to by the candidates. He expressed strong disappointment when organized Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino and Sen. Manny Villar did not show up for the presidential forum that his sect organized.
The national candidates cannot be blamed for trying their hardest to get the support of Quiboloy. His group claims a membership of six million. If half of that are voters and half of the sect’s voting members follow Quiboloy’s exhortation on whom to vote for, then an endorsed candidate can count on at least 1.5 million votes.
But apparently the six million membership claim is exaggerated and/or the members of the sect are not swayed by Quiboloy’s political endorsement.
The effect of his endorsement of Lakas-Kampi CMD presidential candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro is not apparent in the votes Gibo actually got. In the tally of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting as of 4:24 p.m. On May 12 for 88.78 percent of clustered precincts, Teodoro has registered a total of 3.6 million votes. It’s hard to believe that a significant portion of that vote is from Quiboloy’s group.
The Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai which claims a membership bigger than Quiboloy’s was not a factor in this election. El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde did not openly endorse any presidential candidate although he was clearly favoring Villar. Many are convinced now that even if Velarde openly endorsed Villar it would have had little effect on Villar’s vote.
El Shaddai also interviewed and endorsed local candidates but except for the fact that such endorsement made the candidate feel good, there is little measurable effect of the El Shaddai endorsement as far as the votes are concerned.
Perhaps the way to measure how large the El Shaddai vote really is to look at the votes of the party list group Buhay Hayaan Yumabong (Buhay) whose political poster carry the picture of no less than Velarde himself. Velarde is the fifth nominee of Buhay but he has already said that he will replace the party list group’s first nominee and sit in the House of Representatives himself.
In the Comelec count with votes from 88.95 percent of clustered precincts already in, Buhay already has 1.1 million votes. The final Buhay votes are expected to be in the vicinity of 1.3 million and that probably represents all of the El Shaddai votes.
Of course, national candidates should not expect to get a sizable portion of that El Shaddai vote if they’re endorsed by Velarde. The members of El Shaddai have proven in this election and in the past election that they do not have the voting discipline of the members of the INC.
Another religious group that’s active in politics is the Jesus is Lord church. No less than the leader of JIL Bro. Eddie Villanueva ran for President in this election so the best measure of his political clout would be the actual votes that he got.
In the PPCRV count from 88.78 percent of clustered precincts, Villanueva has already obtained 1,012,921 votes. The number already represents not only the votes of JIL members but the votes of other evangelical groups which strongly endorsed his candidacy.
To think that JIL has claimed an attendance of 1.2 million in the May 1 prayer rally cum miting de avance of Villanueva’s Bangon Pilipinas party.
Villanueva’s endorsement of other candidates apparently also has little effect. While he has already garnered more than a million votes, his running mate former SEC Commissioner Perfecto “Jun” Yasay, in the same PPCRV count, has only 327,169.
The senatorial candidates running with Villanueva are also faring poorly and getting votes much less than the JIL leader.
Like Velarde’s El Shaddai, Villanueva’s JIL also has a party closely identified with it. This is the Citizen’s Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) which first nominee is Villanueva’s son Rep. Joel Villanueva.
In the Comelec count of almost 90 percent of the clustered precincts, CIBAC has 603,100 votes and if you add 10 percent to this, CIBAC will probably get 660,000 in the final count. This is probably the actual voting strength of JIL but again like El Shaddai endorsed national candidate cannot bank that they will get majority of this vote.
The bishops of the dominant Catholic Church have also been proven to be useless political endorsers.
Six members of the Philippine Catholic Church hierarchy —Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa, Bishop Joseph Nacua of Ilagan, Bishop Antonio Tobias of Novaliches, Bishop Antonio Palang of San Jose de Mindoro, Bishop Antonio Navarra of Bacolod and retired Bishop Teodoro Bacani—have come out to openly endorse the presidential bid of JC de los Reyes of Ang Kapatiran party.
In the latest Comelec count from 88.95 percent of clustered precincts, de los Reyes was ninth of the nine presidential candidates with only 34,833 votes. The five active bishops head dioceses with more than three million votes and all de los Reyes was able to get is a mere fraction of this number. Either the bishops didn’t campaign for de los Reyes or their flock do not heed them at all when it comes to partisan politics.
This is not to say that the Catholic Church did not play a key and crucial role in this election. It did, through the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) which was the Comelec’s citizen arm in the last election.
It is not an exaggeration to say that the PPCRV played a key role in the success of the last election by providing some 500,000 volunteers to help in the voters’ education campaign, render assistance in the actual elections and conduct a count based on the copy of the returns that they are officially entitled to get.
Among the religious groups, it is only the Iglesia ni Cristo which has proven that it can provide the swing votes in close contests whether for national or local positions.
The contest for the presidency would probably have been closer if the INC endorsed former President Joseph Estrada instead of Senator Noynoy Aquino.
There are only guesstimates on the actual INC vote. Some say it is as low as one million but others say it could be as high as three million. Let’s assume the INC vote is two million. From the trend in the present count, Aquino will probably lead Estrada by 5 million votes. If you subtract two million from Aquino and add two million to Estrada then it could have been a much closer fight and Estrada would have enjoyed the bandwagon effect which could get thousands more votes.
The INC factor was probably most felt in the senatorial race. Of the 12 candidates endorsed by the INC, 11 are in the Magic 12. Of the winning senatorial candidates, only returning candidate—Sen. Serge Osmeña —was not endorsed by INC. The only INC-endorsed candidate outside the Magic 12 is Rep. Ruffy Biazon who in the latest count is in number 14 and apparently has no chance of making it.
Of course not all the candidates endorsed by the INC for local positions won. Re-elected Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim won by a landslide against INC-endorsed candidate former Mayor Lito Atienza.
Winning Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla won without the INC support. Remulla of course would have wanted the INC support. With that, his lead of 50,000 would surely have been bigger.
For sure Lim, Remulla and the other candidates will continue to woo the INC next time they run. It looks as though the INC vote is the only religious vote that can be counted on in Philippine politics.
source: Manila Standard Today

Why members forbidden to marry nonmembers?

Many wonders why the INC members are forbidden to marry nonmembers, and if someone violate this, may result to expulsion.

The question is, IS IT BIBLICAL?

It is also called interfaith marriage, where a couple with different religions are married. But in the INC, it is not acceptable, again, is against with the interfaith marriage biblical or unbiblical?

Where the Holy Scriptures is concerned, there is nothing "scary" about this proscription, for it is the Lord God who enjoined such a decree upon His people. As early as when the ancient Israelites, God's first nation, were about to inhabit the promised land of Canaan, God, through His prophet Moses, had already pronounced this law prohibiting His people to intermarry with the nations that occupied Canaan before them:

"The LORD your God will bring you into the land that you are going to occupy, and he will drive many nations out of it. As you advance, he will drive out seven nations larger and more powerful than you: the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites ... Do not marry any of them, and do not let your children marry any of them, because then they would lead your children away from the LORD to worship other gods ..." Deut. 7:1, 3-4

Notice how explicitly God forbade His people who had the true faith to intermarry with the nations who had false religions, worshiping and sacrificing to pagan gods (Exod. 34:16, 14-15).

Several hundred years after the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, this commandment of God was re-emphasized through His prophets Ezra (Ezra 9:1-2; 10:10-12) and Nehemiah who led the rebuilding of the fallen wall of Jerusalem:

"At that time I also discovered that many of the Jewish men had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. ... I told them, 'It was foreign women that made King Solomon sin. Here was a man who was greater than any of the kings of other nations. God loved him and made him king over all of Israel, and yet he fell into this sin. Are we then to follow your example and disobey our God by marrying foreign women?'" Neh. 13:23,26-27,

The sin being referred to by Nehemiah that King Solomon was led into by his marriage to foreign women is worshiping and building altars for pagan gods (I Kings 11:4-9).

Therefore, God's decree to the ancient Israelites not to marry with people outside His nation firmly stood throughout history. God's people who came from the Babylonian captivity were also prohibited to marry those from pagan nations, for the same reason that He forbade their forefathers to intermarry with the original inhabitants of Canaan—that they would not fall into following false gods and hence remain as His own chosen people.

In the Christian Era, the Bible teaches that the chosen people of God are the members of the true Church of Christ (I Pet. 2:9-10; Col. 1:12-14; Acts 20:28, Lamsa Translation). And the Holy Scriptures is as explicit in pronouncing that Church of Christ members, too, should not marry those who do not have their faith:

"Do not unite in marriage with unbelievers, for what fellowship has righteousness with iniquity? Or what mingling has light with darkness? Or what accord has Christ with Satan? Or what portion has a believer with an unbeliever?" II Cor. 6:14-15

Unbelievers are those who do not have the true faith and hence do not belong to the true Church of Christ, notwithstanding whether they are potentially good partners or not. It is God, through the apostles, who forbids the true Christians to marry someone from other faiths for the same reason that He issued such a law to His first nation—so that they will not be separated from God but re¬main as His chosen people:

"And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people'. Therefore 'Come out from among them And be separate,' says the Lord. 'Do not touch what is unclean And I will receive you'." II Cor. 6:16-17

As it is the Lord God Himself who founded and instituted marriage (Gen. 1:27-28), above anyone, He knows what makes up a good marriage for His people.

The Church of Christ thus firmly believes that God's prohibition on "interfaith marriage" is certainly for the welfare and benefit of His children.

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.

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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?

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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

Distinguishing God from Christ

God who created all things has no beginning; He is from everlasting to everlasting.

“Before the mountains were born and before you created the earth and the world, you are God. You have always been, and you will always be.” Ps. 90:2

VS. 

Jesus Christ Came from God.

“Jesus said to them, "If God were really your Father, you would love me, because I came from God and now I am here. I did not come by my own authority; God sent me.” Jn. 8:42

___________________________________________________________

God is immortal.

“To the King that rules forever, who will never die, who cannot be seen, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” I tim. 1:17

VS. 

Jesus died on the cross.

“When Jesus tasted the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and died. But when the soldiers came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.” Jn. 19:30, 33

___________________________________________________________

The almighty God neither grows tired nor weary.

“Surely you know. Surely you have heard. The Lord is the God who lives forever, who created all the world. He does not become tired or need to rest. No one can understand how great his wisdom is.” Is. 40: 28

VS. 

Jesus Christ wearied or grew tired.

“Jacob's well was there. Jesus was tired from his long trip, so he sat down beside the well. It was about twelve o'clock noon.” Jn. 4:6

____________________________________________________________

God is spirit, without flesh and bones.

“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”Jn. 4:24 “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have a living body as you see I have."” Lk. 24:39

VS. 

Jesus Christ is a man having flesh

“Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have a living body as you see I have.” Lk. 24:39 “I am a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God, but you are trying to kill me. Abraham did nothing like that.” Jn. 8:40

___________________________________________________________

God knows no other God besides himself.

“Don't be afraid! Don't worry! I have always told you what will happen.You are my witnesses. There is no other God but me. I know of no other Rock; I am the only One."” Is. 44:8

VS. 

Jesus Christ called upon the father and acknowledged him as the only true god.

“At three o'clock Jesus cried in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani." This means, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"” Mk. 15:34  

“After Jesus said these things, he looked toward heaven and prayed, "Father, the time has come. Give glory to your Son so that the Son can give glory to you. And this is eternal life: that people know you, the only true God, and that they know Jesus Christ, the One you sent.” Jn. 17:1, 3

_________________________________________________________

God is above all, He is subject to no one.

“There is one God and Father of everything. He rules everything and is everywhere and is in everything.” Eph. 4:6

VS.

Jesus Christ, the son of god, is subject to God the father.

“After everything has been put under the Son, then he will put himself under God, who had put all things under him. Then God will be the complete ruler over everything. But I want you to understand this: The head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God.” I Cor. 15:28, 11:3

Who is the ravenous bird in Isaiah 46:11?

Various are the ways and means employed by the enemies of tryth in order to hinder people from accepting the commission of Bro. Felix Manalo as God’s last messenger. We sincerely believe that Bro. Felix Manalo is the fulfillment of the prophecy mentioned in Isaiah 46:11.

Lately, our critics have found, allegedly, a prima facie evidence to prove that Cyrus is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s concerning the ravenous bird. The evidence, they aver, is Isaiah 46:11 itself. They cite The living bible thus: ”I will call the swift bird of prey from the east—that man Cyrus from far away.”

At first glance, it seems that our critics are justified in believing that Cyrus is the ravenous bird mentioned by the Prophet Isaiah. Our readers must take note of the fact that our detractors conveniently used Isaiah 46:11 of the living bible which was translated in a paraphrase style.

What are paraphrases, by the way? “To paraphrase is to say something in different words than the author used. It is a restatement of an author’s thoughts, using different words than he did.” (Preface, The living Bible) Take note to that, Is there any danger in this style of translation? “There are dangers in paraphrases, as well as values. For whenever the author’s exact words are not translated from the original languages, there is a possibility that the translator, however honest, may be giving the English reader something that the original writer did not mean to say.”

If there is danger whenever the author’s exact words are not translated from the original language, thus giving the readers something the original writer did not mean to say, how much more when the translator inserted something that the original author did not say.

Most of the translations and versions of the bible do not contain the name Cyrus as far as Isaiah 46:11 is concerned. The conclusion is inevitable—the name Cyrus was inserted by the translator of The living bible. Such an actuation is extremely dangerous.

We are not against from The living bible or any translations or versions of the bible per se, but we reject and do not use any verse erroneously translated.
Is our rejection of Cyrus as the alleged fulfillment of Isaiah 46:11 merely based on our refusal to accept Isaiah 46:11 of the living bible because it was erroneously translated? What differentiate the Ravenous bird from Cyrus?

THE RAVENOUS BIRD

The ravenous bird will execute God’s counsel… Is. 46:11
God’s counsel is to bring his righteousness and salvation to those who are stouthearted and far from righteousness… Is. 46:11-13
The ravenous bird will snatch people out of the fire… Jude 1:23
This is God’s counsel… Is. 46:13
The name of the ravenous bird, a man, is not mentioned… Is. 46:11

CYRUS

Cyrus shall perform all of God’s pleasure… Is. 44:28
God’s pleasure is that Jerusalem be built and the temple’s foundation be laid. Cyrus, king of Persia did this… Ezra 1:1-11
Cyrus is to subdue nations before him… Is. 45:1
The kingdoms of the earth were given to Cyrus… Ezra 1:3
Cyrus’ name is mentioned in the prophecy… Is. 44:28, 45:1


These are merely some of the differences between the ravenous bird and Cyrus. The conclusion is inevitable: Cyrus is not the ravenous bird mentioned in Isaiah 46:11. Who then is the fulfillment? We sincerely believe Bro. Felix Manalo is the fulfillment of the said prophecy. We will therefore proceed to unravel the prophecy and to show its fulfillment.

Let us quote Isaiah 46:11-13, King james Version:

“Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.”
“Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:”
“I will bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and salvation shall not tarry; and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.”

Who are the stouthearted or hard –hearted and are far from righteousness? Certainly not Israel although they were hard-hearted for them belonged to covenants, giving of the law, the right to serve God, and the promises (Rom. 9:4). For the benefit of Israel, Cyrus’ spirit was moved by God to build him a house at Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-11). Who then, are not only stouthearted but are also far from righteousness? The gentiles: “You were not born Jewish. You are the people the Jews call "uncircumcised."Those who call you "uncircumcised" call themselves "circumcised." (Their circumcision is only something they themselves do on their bodies.) Remember that in the past you were without Christ. You were not citizens of Israel, and you had no part in the agreements with the promise that God made to his people. You had no hope, and you did not know God.” Eph. 2:11-12

The Ravenous bird from the east is actually a man from a far country. He is, therefore, from the far east. This is supported by a related prophecy in Isaiah 43:5-6 wherein it is stated that God’s chosen messenger and his seed are from the far east:

“Don't be afraid, because I am with you. I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.I will tell the north: Give my people to me. I will tell the south: Don't keep my people in prison. Bring my sons from far away and my daughters from faraway places.”

Students of history will readily admit that Cyrus is from Persia (presently called Iran) a country geographically located in the middle east, (webster’s new world dictionary of the American language) another proof that Cyrus is not the Ravenous bird prophesied by Isaiah 46:11.

By the name will the seed from the far East, the object of God’s counsel to be performed by the Ravenous bird, be called? They will be called by the name by God for his glory (Isa. 43: 5-7). The name Christ is for God’s glory (Acts 2:36; Philip. 2:9-11) How is the name Christ called upon the beneficiaries of God’s counsel, that is, his righteousness and salvation? They are called Church of Christ (Acts 20:28, Lamsa). The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation and God’s righteousness is revealed therein. The ravenous bird , therefore, is a preacher of the gospel and not a subduer of nations as Cyrus was, another glaring proof that Cyrus is not that Ravenous bird.

The time element involved in the prophecy concerning the ravenous bird and his seed from the far east, recognized by God as his sons and daughters, is ends of the earth. The end of the earth is Christ’s second coming (Mt. 24:3). So, when is the ends of the earth? “In the same way, when you see all these things happening, you will know that the time is near, ready to come.” Mt. 24:33 Which are the things to be seen heralding that the end of the earth is near, things that will happen during the ends of the earth?

“You will hear about wars and stories of wars that are coming, but don't be afraid. These things must happen before the end comes. Nations will fight against other nations; kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. There will be times when there is no food for people to eat, and there will be earthquakes in different places. These things are like the first pains when something new is about to be born.” Mt. 24:6-8

And all these referring to the First World war that started on July 27, 1914 is the time where the Church of Christ registered on the Philippine government.

Who is God?

“I will not execute My fierce anger; I will not destroy Ephraim again For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, And I will not come in wrath” Hos. 11:9

Bible verses that describe God

THE CREATOR 
 - "Do we not all have one father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously each against his brother so as to profane the covenant of our fathers? Malachi 2:10 

 - “Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Ps. 100:2-3 

-“Thus says the LORD who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you, 'Do not fear, O Jacob My servant; and you Jeshurun whom I have chosen.” Isa. 44:2 

- “For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, Nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him.” Isa. 64:4 

- “But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.” Isa. 64:8 

- “For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it and did not create it a waste place, but formed it to be inhabited),"I am the LORD, and there is none else.” Isa. 45:18 

-“Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You.”john 17:1 

[and etc.] 


The only true God, the father 
 - “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 

- “Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'hear, o Israel ! the lord our god is one lord; and you shall love the lord your god with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ “Mark 12:29-30 

- “He will cry to Me, 'You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation.' “ ps. 89:26 

- “Before the mountains were born Or You gave birth to the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” Ps. 90:2 

[and etc…] 


There is no other God  
 - “I am the LORD, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God I will gird you, though you have not known Me; That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun That there is no one besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other,” Isa. 45:5-6 

- “Know therefore today, and take it to your heart, that the LORD, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.” Deut. 4:39 

- “For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God.” Ps. 86:10 

- “For this reason You are great, O Lord GOD; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.” II Sam. 7:22 

- “Do not tremble and do not be afraid; Have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are My witnesses Is there any God besides Me, Or is there any other Rock? I know of none.'" Isa. 44:8 

- “It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed, And there was no strange god among you; So you are My witnesses," declares the LORD, "And I am God.“ Isa. 43:12 

- “Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me,” Isa. 46:9 

- “You are My witnesses," declares the LORD," And My servant whom I have chosen, So that you may know and believe Me And understand that I am He Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me.” Isa. 43:10 

-“Declare and set forth your case; Indeed, let them consult together Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me.” Isa. 45:21 

[and etc…] 


Almighty and above all 
 - “Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless.” Gen. 17:1 

- “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 

- “one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” Eph. 4:6 

- “God also said to him, “I am God Almighty; Be fruitful and multiply; A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, And kings shall come forth from you. Gen. 35:11 

[and etc…] 


State being 
 - “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." john 4:24
 
- “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” I tim. 1:17 

- “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Rom. 1:20 

[and etc…] 


GOD DOES NOT CHANGE 
-“For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” mal. 3:6

 - “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” james 1:17

[and etc…]