"Ipaglaban mo nang puspusan ang pananampalataya. Panghawakan mong mabuti ang buhay na walang hanggan, dahil diyan ka tinawag ng Diyos nang ipahayag mo sa harap ng maraming saksi ang iyong pananalig kay Cristo." I Tim. 6:12
1. The basis of our faith is the BIBLE. This is where God's words are written. We do not follow any creeds. 2. We believe in only true God, the Father. We do not believe in Trinity. 3. We do not believe that Jesus is God. We believe he is a human, but not an ordinary human. He is worshiped as what God commanded. 4. We believe that membership in the Church is necessary for salvation. We do not believe that salvation can be attained only by faith alone. 5. We believe that baptism by means of immersion is necessary for salvation. The church does not baptize babies. 6. We believe that Jesus established only one church. We do not believe that all churches belongs to God. 7. We believe that the true Church founded by Jesus Christ in the 1st century is the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ). It is the name of his church. It is the Church that he will save. Everyone is needed to enter Christ's church in order to be saved. 8. We believe that the Church of Christ in the 1st century had fallen to apostasy. It became as it is now known, the Roman Catholic Church. 9. We believe that Bro. Felix Manalo is a messenger of God in these last days. He is the instrument on restoring the true Church that was apostatized. We do not recognize him to be the founder of the church. 10. We believe that the fulfillment on where and when the Church re-emerged, in the Philippines (a country in the far east), in 1914 (beginning of the first world war). 11. We believe that being a member of the church is not enough to be saved. One should lead a new life, and should obey all the teachings of God until the end. 12. We believe in the Day of Judgment which will take place in the second coming of Christ. We also believe in resurrection. 13. We believe in the second death which is the Lake of fire. 14. We believe that attending worship services are our obligation as well as giving offerings. 15. We do not practice tithing. We give our offerings on our heart's desire. 16. We believe that it is the will of God for us to love one another as true brothers and sisters. We treat each other equal. 17. We believe that unity is God's teaching that should be practiced and there should be no division in the church. We practice unity in voting in elections. 18. We believe in the separation of Church and State. One should respect and observe the rules of the government. 19. We always practice discipline and orderliness. 20. We believe that God is against eating blood as food, live-in relationships, inter-faith marriage, homosexual unions, same-sex marriage, divorce, annulment, legal separation, extra-marital affairs, excessive drinking of liquors, and taking of drugs. 21. We do not believe in Catholic Saints and we do not keep images or statues of them in our homes and chapels. 22. We do not believe that Mary is the mother of God. 23. We do not believe in purgatory and we do not pray for the dead. 24. We believe that a dead should not be cremated. 25. We do not believe in ghosts, Feng shuis, magics and superstitions. 26. We do not celebrate or observe Christmas, Halloween, All saints day, All souls day, Valentines day, Lenten Season and Fiestas that are associated on honoring saints/patrons. 27. It is not true that we are discouraged by the ministers to read the bible. We do not practice private interpretation of the bible. 28. We believe that ministers are the ones who have the authority to preach the gospel through the guidance of the holy spirit. We members do not preach.
29. Missionary work is one of our duty. 30. All members are expected that we know how to pray. We do not use rosary and we do not pray in repetition. We do not make the sign of the cross. 31. We believe that we should obey the Church administration and church officers. 32. The church supports use of family planning and artificial contraceptives.
TRUE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH:
1. Do not join labor unions, fraternities, and sororities. 2. Do not participate in dancing in bar, J.S prom and cotillion. 3. Avoid attending Christmas Parties, worship services in other religions and other assemblies that are not in accordance to church's teachings. 4. Do not imitate wrong doings. 5. Lead a new life and follow church teachings. 6. Actively participates in church activities.
7. Do not swear.
8. Do things properly and orderly when attending worship services. If you want to know more about church doctrines, you can visit the locale nearest you. You can freely ask our ministers and evangelical workers, they will be glad to answer your questions.
Hindi ko talaga maintindihan ang mga asar na asar at inggit na inggit sa INC sa di malamang kadahilanan. Hindi ko alam kung sila bay sincere sa sinasabi nilang opinyon o gumagawa lang talaga sila ng palusot para lang kontrahin ang Iglesia ni Cristo. BIBLE VERSION Sinasabi ng ilan (may alam na katoliko), bakit nyo ginagamit ang bibliya namin hindi naman sa inyo yan, sa amin yan, eh kung gumawa kaya kayo ng sarili nyong bibliya! (sariling version/translation) Sasabihin din ng ilan (ignoranteng katoliko), kaya tumutugma ang aral nyo sa bibliya kasi sarili nyong bibliya yan eh! Dapat ang gamitin nyo eh bibliya namin para patas! Ano ba talaga? Ano ba talaga ang mas okay para sa inyo, ang gumawa ang INC ng sariling bersyon ng bibliya o hindi? Pag gumawa naman ang INC ng sariling bersyon ng bibliya ang sasabihin nyo, eh sarili nyong bibliya yan eh, kaya gagawin nyo yan para umayon sa doktrina nyo... Kapag naman walang sariling bibliya ang sasabihin nyo naman, Eh di gumawa kayo ng sarili nyo bakit kayo nakikigamit?
ANG SUGO MOVIE Sinasabi ng ilan, bakit naman ang kinukuha nyong mga artista eh mga katoliko, eh movie nyo yan eh dapat puro Iglesia ni Cristo lang ang gaganap dyan!
Sasabihin din ng ilan, bakit hindi mga ka myembro nyo ang gumanap dyan? Kinakahiya nyo ba ang mga artistang Iglesia ni Cristo?
Ano ba talaga?
Ano ba talaga ang mas okay para sa inyo, ang mag hire ng mga artista ang Iglesia ni Cristo kahit hindi kamyembro o puro Iglesia ni Cristo lang ang gaganap?
Pag nag hire ng mga di-INC member naman para sa pelikula ang sasabihin niyo eh INC movie yon kaya dapat INC members din gaganap, ang sabi pa ng ilan, bakit ganyan, ang title eh "ANG SUGO" pero puro katoliko ang bida... Kapag naman puro myembro lang ang gaganap sasabihin nyo naman, sino naman kaya ang matyatyagang manood sa pelikula nyo, eh hindi naman ganun na mga kasikat ang artistang myembro nyo! PHILIPPINE ARENA Sinasabi ng ilan, dapat payagan nila for all concerts/religious assemblies ang arena na ito tutal ipinangalan ito sa bansa natin! Hindi ba isang kadamutan nyo kung hindi pwede ang catholic assemblies/ protestant assemblies dito? Eh kung si Lady Gaga, hindi nyo papayagan? Sasabihin din ng ilan, kung papayagan nila ang kahit sino na magperform at gumamit ng arena nila kahit ibang pananampalataya, hindi ba ito magiging AGAINST sa kanilang paniniwala? Di ba Iglesia ni Cristo ang may-ari nito? Bakit nila papayagan, tutal sila na mismo ang nagpapatakwil sa mga maling aral ng mga ito? Ano ba talaga? Ano ba talaga ang mas okay para sa inyo, ang payagan ang kahit sino na magperform at gumamit ng arena o PILI lamang ng Iglesia ni Cristo? Pag hindi pinayagan ang religious assemblies at concerts sasabihin nyo sakim kami dahil pinangalan sa bansa natin pero hindi naman pinapagamit sa lahat... Kapag naman pinayagan ang lahat, bukas sa lahat ang paggamit ng arena ang sasabihin nyo naman eh AGAINST ito sa paniniwala namin, na bakit daw namin ito pinapagamit sa mga ganoong events eh labag ito sa mga aral na itinuturo ng INC.
BLOC VOTING
Sinasabi ng ilan, kaya lang naman nananalo ang mga ibinoboto nyo dahil umaasa kayo sa survey, bukod sa pansariling survey na ginagawa nyo, sinusuportahan nyo yung mga popular at sa tingin nyong mananalo sa survey, kaya kalokohan yang bloc voting nyo!
Sasabihin din ng ilan, wala naman talaga kayong kaisahan sa pagboto, gawa gawa nyo lang yan! Tignan mo, mapa national o local elections may mga sinusuportahan ang Iglesia na hindi naman nananalo! 2.3% lang naman kayo ng populasyon ng Pilipinas kaya hanggang panaginip na lang kayo!
Ano ba talaga?
Naniniwala ba talaga kayong may kaisahan sa pagboto ang INC o hindi?
Pag nanalo ang mga sinuportahan ng INC ang sasabihin nyo, dahil binase lang ito sa resulta ng mga survey sa TV at sa sarili naming survey, sasabihin nyo pa na kesyo nagpapagamit kami sa mga pulitiko, na kesyo uto uto kami kasi sumusunod kami sa leader namin at kayo hindi, na kesyo may bayad yung suporta namin sa mga kandidato at marami pang iba... Kapag naman natalo ang sinuportahan ng INC ang sasabihin nyo wala naman talaga kaming kaisahan sa pagboto, imbento lang yon para lumakas ang political influence ng INC pero sa huli talo din ang mga kandidato at hindi lahat eh sumusunod sa kaisahan kaya talagang mahina ang kaisahan sa Iglesia...
BUILDING OF HOUSES OF WORSHIP
Sinasabi ng ilan, bakit kayo nagpapatayo ng milyon milyong pisong halaga ng mga kapilya nyo eh di ba nga malapit na ang araw ng paghuhukom, gugunawin din yan, sinasayang nyo lang ang pera ng mga myembro nyo, di bat mas mabuting ibigay nyo na lang yan sa mahihirap?
Sasabihin naman ng ilan kapag hindi na nila napapansing nagpapatayo ng kapilya ang INC, asan na ang pera ng mga miyembro nyo? nako, nilimas na ng mga manalo at mga ministro nyo, ayaw nyo pang umalis diyan hinuhuthutan lang naman kayo ng pera ng mga yan, pinapayaman nyo lang ang mga manalo eh! Ano ba talaga? Gagastos ba ang INC para sa mga ito para sa kapurihan ng Diyos, o hindi? Pag nagpapatayo ang INC ng mga kapilya at ibat ibang proyekto dapat ipamigay na lang sa mahihirap ang pera dahil kasama rin naman itong magugunaw pagdating ng paghuhukom... Pag naman mapapansin nyong hindi na nagtatayo ang INC ng mga ganito ang sasabihin nyo bunubulsa na ng mga ministro at ng mga "Manalo" ang mga pera namin... MEMBERS' OBEDIENCE Sinasabi ng ilan, bakit ba ninyo sinusunod ang pamamahala nyo? Wala ba kayong sariling utak? Bakit masyado kayong panatiko na kapag sinabihan kayo ng ganito eh susundin nyo agad? Halatang halata naman na binibrainwash lang kayo ng mga ministro nyo eh, eto naman kayo, uto-uto!
Sasabihin naman ng ilan kapag hindi na ganoon ang pagiging masunurin ng mga miyembro, oh, akala ko ba may pagkakaisa kayo? Bakit hindi nyo sundin ang namamahala sa inyo, di bat nakasulat yun sa bibliya? Isa lang ang ibig sabihin niyan, hindi kayo sa Diyos dahil hindi kayo marunong sumunod!
Ano ba talaga?
Susunod ba ang mga myembro sa mga kinikilala naming Diyos ang nagbigay ng tungkulin o hindi?
Pag sinunod namin sila ang sasabihin nyo na BRAINWASH kami, kapag naman hindi kami sumunod sasabihin nyong hindi kami naturuan ng aral dahil mismong myembro ayaw sumunod sa leader o sa mga ministro namin.
DOCTRINES AND PRACTICES Sinasabi ng ilan kapag napansin nila na may pagkakatulad ang doktrina ng INC sa ibang relihiyon, ano ba yan, mga wala kayong originality! Kinopya nyo lang ang mga aral nyo sa ibang relihiyon eh, gaya gaya lang kayo nanghiram lang kayo ng aral sa iba nakakahiya naman ang sugo nyo! Sasabihin naman ng ilan kapag napansin nila ang ilang doktrina sa INC na unique, walang katulad sa ibang relihiyon... Kaya walang kaperaha ang ilan sa doktrina nyo kasi pansarili at maling pag intindi yan ng mga ministro nyo! Inimbento lang yan ng pamamahala nyo eh, tulad ng bloc voting... Kulto talaga kayo dahil hindi kayo sumunod sa mga doktrinang Kristiyano! Ano ba talaga? Kailangan bang maging unique ang doktrina ng INC o kailangan may kapareha sa ibang relihiyon? Kapag may kaparehang doktrina sa ibang relihiyon ang sasabihin nyo nangopya lang kami, pag kakaiba naman ang doktrina sasabihin nyo inimbento lang, wala na sa bibliya di pa makakristyano...
Im glad that i found a copy of list of the bible study lessons (sorry if i post this, there's nothing to worry about, its official). Here it is:
1. Sa biblia nakasulat ang mga salita ng Dyos. (The words of God are written in the Bible)
2. Ang tunay na dyos na dapat kilalanin at sambahin ayon sa inituturo sa biblia ay ang Ama na lumalang ng lahat ng bagay. (The true god that should be recognize and worship that is from the bible is the Father who created all things.)
3. Hindi totoong pare-parehong sa dyos ang lahat ng mga Iglesia. (It is not true that all churches belongs to God)
4. Utos ni Cristo na ang sinumang ibig maligtas ay dapat na maging Iglesia ni Cristo. (It is Christ's commandment that whoever wants to attain salvation should join Christ's Church or the Church of Christ)
5. Ang dahilan kung bakit ang kinagisnan natiy Iglesia Katolika at hindi Iglesia ni Cristo. (The reason why we grow up with Catholic Church and not the Church of Christ)
6. Ang mga aral ng Dyos na tinalikuran ng Iglesia Katolika. (The Commandments of god that the Catholic Church turned away)
7. Si Cristo ang nagtayo ng Iglesia ni Cristo sa Pilipinas. (Christ is the founder of the Church of Christ in the Philippines)
8. Si kapatid na Felix Manalo ang sugo ng dyos sa mga huling araw. (Bro. Felix Manalo is god's last messenger)
9. Ang dahilan ng pag uusig sa mga Iglesia ni Cristo at ang kapalaran ng maninindigan. (The reason why the members are persecuted and the fate of whoever will stand in faith)
10. Ang marapat na pag-anib sa Iglesia ni Cristo. (The proper way of joining the Church of Christ)
11. Ang mga katangian ni Kristo at ang kanyang tunay na kalikasan. (True nature of Christ)
12. Ang pagkakaiba ng Dyos at ni Kristo at ang mga patotoo ng biblia na hindi si kristo ang tunay na dyos. (Distinctions of God and Christ, and the proofs in the bible that Christ is not the "true god")
13. Mga maling paggamit at mga maling salin ng talata ng biblia ang batayan ng mga nagtuturong si Cristo ang tunay na dyos. (Wrong usage and wrong translation of verses in the bible is the basis of those who preach that Christ is God)
14. Pananagutan ng mga kaanib sa Iglesia ni Cristo ang pagbabagong buhay. (Church members are responsible to have a renewed life)
15. Pananagutan sa Dyos ng mga Iglesia ni Cristo ang pagdalo sa bawat araw ng pagsamba sa Iglesia. (It is a responsibility of every church member to God to attend in worship services to the church)
16. Ang Dyos ang may utos ng pag-aabuloy, pagpapasalamat at paghahandog. (Offerings and thanksgiving are commandments of God)
17. Utos ng Dyos ang pag-iibigang magkakapatid. (Love one another is God's command)
18. Ang Dyos ang nagbabawal ng pagkain ng dugo at ng pag-aasawa sa hindi kapananampalataya. (Prohibition of eating of blood and interfaith marriage are God's commandments)
19. Dapat pabautismo upang maging alagad ni Cristo. (One should be baptized to be a disciple of Christ)
20. Dapat magmisyon ang bawat isang Iglesia ni Cristo at matuto ng pananalangin. (Every church member should do missionary works and should learn how to pray)
21. Dapat na nakatala ang bawat isang Iglesia ni Cristo at nasasakop ng Pamamahala.
22. Aral ng Dyos ang pagkakaisa ng Iglesia ni Cristo. (Unity in the church is God's command)
23. Sa araw ng paghuhukom magaganap ang pagkabuhay na mag uli ng mga patay at ang pagmamana ng mga Iglesia ni Cristo. (In the day of Judgment will happen about the resurrection of the dead and the inheritance of the members to God's promises)
24. Dapat magdaan sa pagsubok upang malaman kung talagang tunay at tapat ang pananampalataya. (One should experience trials/tests to know if they have a real and true faith)
25. Mga pangkalahatang tagubilin (overall instructions)
And in the paper form, below this is written:
Pinatutunayan ko na aking lubos na nauunawaan at buong pusong sinasampalatayanan at susundin ang lahat ng mga aral ng Dyos na aking narinig sa panahon ng pagdodoktrina. (I certify that i really understand and wholeheartedly accept/have faith with and will obey all commandments of God that i heard in the time of bible studies)
With the signature of the Bible student, meaning he/she AGREES with the statement above.
So, if youre interested knowing more about such things, dont hesitate to come in the locale nearest you, i know many may misunderstand the above lessons that's why it is important that you can attend bible studies in our locales. And to the brethren, this will be a reminder for us about the lessons being taught to us, and before we get baptized, we signed the statement saying that we really understand and accept and will obey the commandments of God, in addition to that, we also recited a promise in the time of instruction of the minister to the candidates just before baptism, and we promised it to GOD, not to the "Manalo" and even to church...
Here it is:
IGLESIA NI CRISTO CHURCH OF CHRIST District of _____________
MEMBERSHIP OATH
I,___________________________________residing at _____________________________________declare the following:
That I voluntarily accept membership in the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) motivated by faith and a pure conscience and no other purpose but to love our Lord God, our Lord Jesus Christ, and His Holy Church;
That I was taught and understand fully all the fundamental doctrines of the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ); That I faithfully received all these doctrines without any doubt whatsoever; That being a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ),
I promise with all sincerity that I will submit myself to all these doctrines and discipline of the Church, and that I will fulfill all my duties and obligations; That I will accept any disciplinary action taken against me if I will be found guilty of transgressing any of these doctrines.
SO HELP ME GOD.
In view of this, I affixed my signature on the _____(date) of ________ (month), in the year ______ in the locale of _________________________.
If you want to join the Church of Christ, there is a process, this church is not an easy-to-join church, first you should be doctrinated with 25 lessons, abroad, i think it is 28 lessons. After that, you will be in a probationary period, where you need to attend worship services a number of times required for you to be a candidate for baptism. There is also called first screening, after you finished the bible study lessons and last screening after you finished the probationary period (It was an oral exam if you really understand the lessons taught).
After you get baptized, that is just the BEGINNING of your new life and youre expected to follow all what you have learned, being a member i think is the most difficult time of your life, its all a sacrifice, because even in the time of Christ, his disciples are not do-what-you-want system. It is FOLLOWING god's commandments, so if youre a true christian, you should walk into it, and you do not have the thinking of "i am like a prisoner, i dont have freedom to do what i like".
If that's your view in life, then dont expect salvation from God, think always about YOUR PURPOSE here on earth, or why humans are CREATED FOR!
-->So many anti-INC, nonmembers, and also media attacks the INC and always having diff. negative opinions, comments and also some other accusations to the unity of the INC especially in terms of voting.
WHY DO THEY SAY THOSE?
SIMPLE ANSWER. They do not know about the UNITY what god commands in the TRUE CHURCH OF CHRIST. And most important, they were blinded by their OWN THOUGHTS about the practice in the INC.
No.1 “INC supports candidates who will also support them.”
Nonmembers always have this kind of idea, that the INC supports candidates for the exchange of something… One I can give example is about the INC holiday and the so called road renaming to Bro. Erano Manalo. Every thing or step what the politicians done to INC, still the very first thing they will think is that they want the vote of the INC for the coming election. (em I right?^_^) All I can say that they were so childish! Tsk. Tsk. They are not maturing! I am sure why they say it is because of ENVY, in what the INC achieves. They were threatened because nowadays it is being recognized that the attention of the government is on the INC and that their church were ignored and so making INC on the spotlight. Yes. Perfect! And PERIOD! Especially the most who make this a BIG DEAL are the Catholics. Especially Catholic defenders, who make articles on their blogs, sites and whatsoever kind of propaganda materials to oppose to the government on what they have decided. That, it is not a good thing to make a special holiday for the Iglesia ni Cristo and that they should not rename road to Bro. Erano Manalo. Huuuh, so many opinions and comments… WHY? Simple word that best describe. Again, because of the word ENVY. Clearly they want to debunk the INC, Tsk. Tsk. An evil thing. FIRST OF ALL, the INC DOESN’T CARE to that Holiday and that road renaming! Because we do not requested it from the government, and the government itself who decided it, not US. A BIG QUESTION FOR YOU, WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL INC GET FROM THOSE? Money? Power? Fame? What??? We know what CHURCH who wants it; even they already HAVE it ever since the SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD! Haha (History Book please!)
No. 2“INC always meddling in politics, that they choose their candidate and performs their solid vote.”
Mmmm. QUESTION: IN WHAT WAY the INC meddles in politics in the first place? Is it because it has its practice to vote IN ONE and that they are endorsing candidates means about meddling in politics? Tsk. Tsk. Poor mentality! The very FACT is, what church really meddles in politics??? One of thousands example, the passing of reproductive health bill… haha mmmmmmm… (People worldwide know what church really meddles in their respective government, it is evident and no one can ever deny it!)
No. 3 “INC members are just puppets of their church administration; they were dictated and forced. They takes away the freedom of their members instead of voting in their own conscience.”
Really? This was the kind of mind of many nonmembers because they cannot understand well, they were blinded what maybe church authorities statements about voting in OWN CONSCIENCE. First of all, no individual members of the INC have been DICTATED or FORCED to JOIN THE CHURCH. Converts baptized in the church through RECEIVING DOCTRINES and BIBLE LESSONS. THEREFORE, If they wholeheartedly believe on it and understands it, they will be BAPTIZE. In the CASE of the UNITY in the CHURCH, this called “BLOCK VOTING” is a right of suffrage. Meaning, members HAVE THE TRUST to the Church administration whether whom to VOTE. BECAUSE THE CHURCH HAVE THE DOCTRINES THAT IS WRITTEN IN THE BIBLE THAT IS, BE UNITED! (in all ASPECT) Second, IT WAS THE MEMBERS who will write the name and put in the ballot boxes therefore, it is not contrary to the LAW. Meaning, it is IN THE MEMBERS if they will FOLLOW AND OBEY DOCTRINES IN THE CHURCH AND COOPERATE TO THE CHURCH ADMINISTRATION, period! Furthermore, members were not DICTATED or FORCED whom to vote because it is in THEM or it is their DECISION if they will follow one of the teachings in the bible. It is like this; they were not forced and dictated to do good because it is IN THEM if they will do good/god’s will or to be bad/evil.
In addition, there are advantages to this practice, HOW? Ok, may I ask you:
WHO CAN BE INFLUENCED BY THE POLITICIANS WHOM TO VOTE? a regular voter or voter who participates in the called “BLOCK VOTING”?
WHO CAN BE PAID BY THE POLITICIANS WHOM TO VOTE? a regular voter or voter who participates in the called “BLOCK VOTING”?
WHO CAN DO CHEATINGS IN THE ELECTION WANTED BY THE POLITICIANS? a regular voter or voter who participates in the called “BLOCK VOTING”?
See? All these questions were answered, just recall the election happened in the past years! (The news in the television, radio and newspapers.) WHO DONE THESE? Is it the INC members or the NONMEMBERS? Tsk. Tsk.
No. 4 “INC is shown by its numerous chapels all over the land that were built after elections.”
A truth OR MYTH? Well, Ask yourself again, WHAT CHURCH REALLY ACCEPTS MONEY in all kinds? For EXAMPLE, came from CASINOS, GAMBLINGS and etc., came from Politicians? To “SUPPORT AND CONTINUE” their church “ACTIVITIES AND CHARITIES”? Tsk. Tsk. FYI: The construction of chapels in the INC CAME FROM THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE MEMBERS WORLDWIDE, and the results WERE EVIDENTLY SEEN! Even election is coming and comes to end, INC still constructing Hoses of worship not with the HELP or “DONATION” of the POLITICIANS who’s BEING voted/supported by the INC! Because the fact that the INC DOES NOT IN ANY WAY ACCEPTS MONEY FROM THEM!!
No. 5 “INC does not perform the Church-State separation.”
Nonmembers as we see again, accuse the INC that it does violate the law that is the Church-state separation. BUT, FYI: The INC’s principle is that both Church and State SHOULD BE SEPARATED AND THAT BOTH PARTIES SHOULD NOT MEDDLE IN EACH OTHERS AFFAIRS AND FUNCTIONS! In fact, for this reason the Church has never supported any attempt by some politicians to legislate the teaching of religion in public schools! In the same manner, the church abhorred the practice of some CATHOLIC prelates who siphon off public funds to support their “religious” activities.
THE CHURCH HAS TO MAKE A CHOICE IN ORDER TO PRESERVE UNITY (as god’s people) and at the same time, to fulfill the members right and responsibility of SUFFRAGE (as citizens). It is to make her choice to be ABLE TO CAST A UNIFIED VOTE AS ONE BODY (Col. 1:18; Rom. 12:4-5) and also TO FULFILL BIBLICAL PRECEPT THAT CHRISTIANS SHOULD MAINTAIN ONE MIND AND ONE JUDGMENT (I Cor. 1:10) The principle of Church-State separation was given its earliest definition when our Lord Jesus Christ said: “Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Mk. 12:17) Therefore, the MEMBERS DO “GIVE BACK TO CAESAR WHAT BELONGS TO CAESAR” WHEN THEY PRACTICE THEIR RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE AS RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS (Voting is mandated by Law in a constitutional democracy.) And the same members do give “TO GOD WHAT BELONGS TO GOD” BY DOING GOD WANTS, THAT IS, TO MAINTAIN UNITY IN THE ENTIRE CHURCH WHICH TRANSLATES INTO VOTING AS ONE BODY.
No. 6 “INC lied in the numbers of their adherents that it only draws some 340,000+ last election voted for a party list group but claims to have millions of members.”
The Article Alagad ng Iglesia Ni Cristo is just one of those anti-INC articles that the authors were just having their "CONCLUSIONS" and "GUESSING" factor that they are trying to prove their own lies.
Think of this:
This was just a PORTION of the INC members around the world. This picture was taken in the church’s 95th anniversary. There were 14 venue in the Philippines and this was just ONE of the Venue.
So, this is the question on the alleged counted vote for the said party list who, as what they say, supported by the INC. QUESTION: ARE ALL INC MEMBER ADULTS (who are 18 and above) WERE ALL A REGISTERED VOTER ON THAT TIME? Because they say there are only 340,000+ who voted for that party list group, that the “Pasugo” (as what they say) CLAIMING millions of adherents. TRY TO THINK OF IT, BEFORE GIVING AN ACCUSATION!
No.7 "Other people say that the INC have millions of member but in the past elections, there were candidates that were supported by them did not win."
Yes. this was just one of the many questions used also to attack the block voting of the INC. They say: "how could the INC have many followers if the candidates supported by them did not win? " and etc. and etc. another attack is that, "INC had many mis-steps or wrong moves whom to vote in past elections".
THE ANSWER: first of all, THE INC DOESNT CARE IF WHAT WE SUPPORTED DID NOT WIN THE ELECTION. what is IMPORTANT to us is not for the POLITICIANS WE HAVE SUPPORTED IS TO WIN, because the thing is, WE DO THE UNITY WHAT GOD WANTS, WE DO GOD'S WILL, and WE DO OUR PART FROM BEING HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE... FYI: we do "VOTING AS ONE" only because that was one of the TEACHINGS WRITTEN IN THE BIBLE. IF... again, IF it was only a PRACTICE that was CREATED/FORMULATED by the Church Administration, i think the INC would not let this to continue, WHY? an example: Try to type "iglesia ni cristo block voting" in your search engine then press enter. Read and see every people's COMMENTS and OPINIONS about it, and you will discover 100% that almost of your read sites/blogs and whatsoever from nonmembers were all NEGATIVE and DESTRUCTIVE to the INC's teaching as voting as ONE! In short, people are all AGAINST to this, for they are accusing the church for they do not DEEPLY UNDERSTAND THE INC'S PURPOSE FOR HAVING ITS "block voting!"Another, ASK YOURSELF, why does MEMBERS of the Church doesnt complain for they also have a principle and stand about voting in OWN CONSCIENCE? huh? that most of the converts of the church were CATHOLICS and from other faith who are also AGAINST in this "block voting"?? SIMPLE ANSWER: They are not having complaints not because they were DICTATED OR FORCED to do it but because theyhave learn and UNDERSTAND (by receiving bible lessons) its IMPORTANCE, that voting as ONE, for the members were the components of the BODY (CHURCH), and that our lord Jesus Christ is the HEAD OF THE BODY (CHURCH), and compare/describe it to a ONE NEW MAN. For there was only ONE BRAIN/MIND our self, and our body parts doesnt fight or argue to each other. And so, the memebers were only FOLLOWING the TEACHINGS of god through Jesus Christ (Head) and the instrument for it to be done is through the CHurch Administration...
No. 8 "Politicians greets INC when there are (for ex. anniversary of the church, birthday of leaders and etc.) to have the INC vote!"
Hmm? Do politicians do these especially for the near election?
I dont think so.
How about other like Pres. Bush and Vice Pres. Dick Cheney (who greet the INC in its 90th anniversary), Pres. Bush and Prime Mins. Stephen Harper of Canada (95th anniversary). DO YOU THINK THEY GREETED THE INC BECAUSE THEY WANT THE VOTE FROM US?? Tsk. Tsk.
Reality:
INC in outside the philippines were just a very small portion of the population affiliated with the Church of Christ. So, WHY DO THEY WANT THE VOTE OF THE INC? Especially why not to the religions who have many members like Evangelicals, LDS, Catholic Church, Jehova's witnesses, seventh day adventist and etc??
Or this were just another MISCONCEPTION and an attack to the CHURCH OF CHRIST???
Tsk. Tsk.
No. 9 “That of the bloc voting of the INC is even not shown in the bible, which teaching is only from the church administration.”
Really? Hmmm. Let us see, SO THIS IS IT! WHY DOES THE INC PERFORMS BLOCK VOTING?
In the BIBLE, it is written that the TRUE CHURCH OF CHRIST that is OF GOD, must come up in unity!…
That it would carry out in perfect harmony and in the spirit of true Christian brotherhood, it is stated:
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm133:1
The Apostles appealed for unity in the letters addressed to the Christians in their time, it is stated:
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” I Cor. 1:10
MEANING OF VOTE:
-Expression of judgment (Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary)
It is said in I Cor. 1: 10,
but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
Jesus Christ prayer:
“Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.” I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. John 17:11, 23
Members share with one faith, recognize only one God, the Father in heaven and do things in a united fashion, it is stated:
“here is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in youall.” Eph. 4:4-6
Apostle Paul said:
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 15:5-6
God almighty is glorified who possess that spirit of humility and selflessness because these would enable them to translate the unity of the Church in concrete reality, Apostle Paul wrote the ff:
“then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” Philip. 2:2-3,12
Apostle Paul vividly described the nature of the Church as an organization, being composed of individual members working in perfect unity.
“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” Rom. 12: 4-5
For God of love and peace will remain with the Church:
“Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” II Cor. 13:11
NOTE: There were many bible passages that are written were not in this, these are just few of those. That proves that the Church should come up with UNITY!
FYI to all: at the first place, BLOCK VOTING OF THE INC is just ONE of MANY OTHER KINDS OF PRACTICING UNITY IN THE CHURCH. Attack the INC IF… again, IF THE ONLY KIND OF UNITY IN THE INC IS SAID ONLY IN TERMS OF BLOCK VOTING! Understood?!! But you cannot prove it! Why? EVIDENTLY THE CHURCH WAS SEEN UNITED IN ALL ASPECT!!
Another,
QUESTION: IS IT OUR FAULT IF WE WERE TO OBEY GOD’s COMMANMENTS?
This was the "Ten Commandments" in the Iglesia ni Cristo or to the members of the Church of Christ to take good care of salvation.
1)Thou shall not let your Love for God be weary. (Rev.2:3-5)(Huwag manlalamig ang pag-ibig sa diyos.) 2)Thou shall not Forsake the assembling of ourselves Together. (Heb.10:25-27)(Huwag pababayaan ang mga pagsamba.) 3)Thou shall not Draw Back of Being a Chosen One of God. (Heb.10:37-39)(Huwag umurong sa pagka-Iglesia ni Cristo.) 4)Thou shall not lose faith. (John 3:18)(Huwag mawawalan ng pananampalataya.) 5)Thou shall not live in works of Flesh or Sin. (I Cor.6:9-10, Gal.5:19-21)(Huwag mabuhay sa laman o sa likong pamumuhay.) 6)Thou shall not violate the Love for your Brethens. (1 John:3:14-15)(Huwag sisirain ang pag-iibigang magkakapatid.) 7)Thou shall not neglect the house of worship or leave it in despair. (Hag.1:3-11)(Huwag pababayaang wasak ang sambahan.) 8)Thou shall not neglect our mission to bear fruit. (John 15:2,6)(Huwag kaligtaan ang gawang pagbubunga.) 9)Thou shall not remiss in the performance of your duties as a Church Worker/member/Evangelical Church worker. (Jer.48:10)(Huwag ipagwalang-bahala ang pagtupad sa mga tungkulin.) 10) Thou shall not neither rebel nor contend with the Church Administration. (II tim. 3:8)(Huwag lalaban sa Pamamahala.)
NOTE: There were more commandments were being stated in the bible that is always being reminded by the Church administration for the every church member to attain the salvation. These were just of those important commandments that should be applied by church members to take good care of the salvation. This ten commandments were not just formulated and whatsoever but is truly written in the bible.
Catholics claimed that the Roman Catholic church is the ORIGINAL CHURCH, the CHURCH that were built by our Lord Jesus Christ. They say that the Catholic church is the church from the time of jesus christ and of apostles, or lets say from the FIRST CENTURY.
But the question is, Is the Catholic Church the same as the church in the first century? I mean, the teachings, doctrines and itself are all ORIGINAL?
Let us examine...
Some of the Catholic Traditions, practices, teachings, dogmas and whatever they called it, lets take a closer look...
Date created/Teachings/Creator/Source
A.D 325 >Easter >Council of Nicea >The story of the church p. 50
A.D 373 >Christmas >Artenon >The new Schaff-herzog encyclopedia p. 47
A.D 220 >term Trinity >Tertullian > Systematic Theology p. 304
A.D 593 >Purgatory >Gregory I >Roman Catholicism pp. 8-9
A.D 1090 >Rosary >Peter the Hermit >Roman Catholicism pp. 8-9
A.D 1215 >Transubstantiation >Pope Inocent III >Roman Catholicism pp. 8-9
A.D 1215 >The auricular Confession of sins to a priest >Lateran Council >Roman Catholicism pp. 8-9
A.D 1251 >The Scrapular >Simon stock, an english monk >Roman Catholicism pp. 8-9
A.D 1870 >Papal Infallability >Vatican Council >Roman Catholicism pp. 8-9
A.D 1854 >Immaculate Concepcion >Pope Pius IX >Roman Catholicism pp. 8-9
A.D 1950 >Assumption of Mary >Pope Pius XII >Roman Catholicism pp. 8-9
A.D 995 >Canonization of the dead >Pope John XV >Roman Catholicism pp. 8-9
And etc...
So, How can they claim that it was still the original church that was established by Christ IF its doctrines, and teachings are invented, added and so on?
Does the Roman Catholic Church violated commandments of God? (Simple answer. Yes.)
The bible says:
"Be sure to do everything I have commanded you. Do not add anything to it, and do not take anything away from it." Deut. 12:32
"For truly I tell you, until the sky and earth pass away and perish, not one smallest letter nor one little hookwill pass from the Law until all things are accomplished.Whoever then breaks or does away with or relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but he who practices them and teaches others to do so shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Mt. 5:18-19
"Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over against another." I Cor. 4:6
"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." Rev. 22:18-19
But wait, can we say that the teachings of the Catholic Church were teachings of God that are WRITTEN IN THE BIBLE??? (Who can prove it?) Tsk.Tsk.
Doctrines of the CC are not of God, but of Man... Those are called MAN-MADE teachings!And also teachings that are UNBIBLICAL. So, if they follow those teachings in worshiping God, the question is, do they give GLORY to HIM?
Lets find it out by looking it in the bible...
"It is useless for you to worship me, when you teach rules made up by humans." Mt. 15:9
Simple answer. NO!
It is but the truth! And detractors again may wonder... But Jesus Christ promised that the gates of hades WILL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST HIS CHURCH?
