That's in the Bible

Click to expand transcript   Who Was God Talking to in Genesis 1:26? Brother Bob Pellien: When God said, “Let Us make man in Our image,” who was He talking to at this time of creation? Does that point to a trinitarian or plural god that many believe in? [Show open] Brother Bob: The Bible. The basis of our faith in the Church Of Christ, which answers questions about proper worship, the right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation. That’s in the Bible! [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program, That’s in the Bible.  In one of our other programs produced in the Church Of Christ called Face the Truth, an episode received various comments for the argument that Jesus is God, and part of a trinity that makes up God. Included in those comments is this one from Miguel. He writes: [On-screen text graphics] Miguel Aguinaldo Genesis 1:26 And GOD said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness… (pure evidence of trinity) in old testament as well.  Brother Bob: Well we’d like to thank you, Miguel, for your comment and, well, this opportunity to clarify biblical teachings. So together, let’s learn what the Bible is actually teaching in that verse that you’re pointing to. Miguel, you allege that the verse Genesis 1:26, you’re saying that it serves as a basis for belief in a trinitarian concept of God. So, let’s frame that topic of discussion around these questions:  What is actually written in the verse mentioned there, Genesis 1:26?  Why did God say, “Let Us make man in Our image”? Who is God speaking to? Are those whom God is addressing, are they involved in the actual creation? Brother Bob: Well, let’s begin and find out first what is written in the verse mentioned, Genesis 1:26. Let’s turn to the pages of the Holy Bible. It says: Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” [Genesis 1:26 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, here we can clearly see that, well, it’s God Himself, first of all, that is speaking. And what is He discussing? He was speaking about the making or the creating of mankind. What did He have to say? He said, “Let Us make man in Our image.” Well, what did He mean? He said, “according to Our likeness.” What can we clearly notice? God is not alone in heaven. Proof? Well in the verse that we’ve just read, He said and used the pronoun, “Us” and “Our,” which refers, of course, to a plural number or more than one. How many more? The verse does not specify. It could be one more, it could be two more, it could be three more, or millions more.  Now we understand that those who believe in the trinity believe with all their heart that they know the specific number, although it’s not specified in the verse. And the number they’ve come up with is two. Not only that, they’ve even assigned exactly who those two actually are. They conclude that they are our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, believing that this verse, therefore, establishes proof of the trinity, or that God is composed of three parts. But that is not what is written in the verse. It’s not what’s written in the Bible. What would be the harm in agreeing with or believing those assumptions of Miguel and others? Well, it would contradict what Jesus Christ Himself taught in John 17:3 and 1, which we have shared many times in our programs, that is that the Father is the only true God. [On-screen text graphics] 1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Faither, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. [John 17:1,3 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So instead of assuming, or jumping to conclusions about what the Bible means there in Genesis 1:26, and then, of course, taking a huge risk of being wrong, let’s simply ask why did God say, “Let Us make man in Our image”? Who is God speaking to? Who else was in heaven at this time that God could have spoken to? Well, in Matthew 24:36, our Lord Jesus Christ, of course, provides us the answer, as He discussed the day of judgment. I quote: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. [Matthew 24:36 New International Version] Brother Bob: Who did He say regarding who is with God in heaven? Jesus mentioned that it’s the, “angels in heaven.” So in this reference then that Jesus made as to who is in heaven with God, therefore, could have been spoken to at the time of creation? Those that God was speaking to when discussing making or creating mankind were the angels that were actually there with Him in heaven. How many angels are there in heaven? The Bible also mentions in Hebrews 12:22 that there are countless multitudes of angels. [On-screen text graphics] But rather, you have come to Mount Zion, even to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless multitudes of angels in festal gathering,  [Hebrews 12:22 Amplified Bible] Brother Bob: What should we also notice in Christ’s teaching? Christ is admitting that there are things that the Father knows, which He does not. What in particular did Christ mention? When the Judgment Day would be. What did He say regarding the specific day or hour? [On-screen text graphics] “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. [Matthew 24:36 New International Version] Brother Bob: Well He said, “no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Why does the Father know? Because He is the all-knowing. He is the only true God. Now that we know who God was referring to when He said, “Let Us make man in Our image,” are those angels involved in the actual creation? God Himself answers our question, and He does so in Isaiah 44:24. Here’s what He said: “I am the LORD, your savior; I am the one who created you. I am the LORD, the Creator of all things. I alone stretched out the heavens; when I made the earth, no one helped me. [Isaiah 44:24 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: Dear friends, although God was speaking to the angels when making man, here He clarifies regarding who was involved in actually creating mankind. He said “I am the one who created you… I alone…,” and what else did He say? “No one helped me.” So we can see that when we learn what is actually written in the Bible, not only is there no biblical evidence of the trinity, but we can even find evidence against that belief that there’s three gods in one. We started this discussion with these main questions in mind. Let’s review them and what we have now learned from the teachings of the Holy Bible. Number one, we asked: What is written? What is actually written in the verse mentioned, Genesis 1:26? Can we read evidence of the trinity? And what did we learn? Nowhere in the verse is the trinity mentioned. There is no mention of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit all being together in one God. It’s not there. Why then did God say, “Let Us make man in Our image”? Who was God speaking to? We learned from the Bible that the One and only true God was speaking to the angels that were with Him in heaven. Are those God is addressing, are they involved in the creation? We learned from the Bible the angels were not involved in the creation of all things because God Himself, He’s the One who said He’s alone in creating all things. No one helped Him. Brother Bob: So, it’s very important, Miguel, it’s very important to all who are believing such. Be careful to not go beyond what is written in the Holy Bible. Those that believe that Genesis 1:26 is teaching the trinity, they are adding to what is actually recorded there in that verse, and adding is strictly prohibited by God. We do thank you for giving us this opportunity to use the Bible to provide clarification on this very important topic. Thank you, Miguel. We’d like you to continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ, and to do so: [On-screen text graphics] Visit incmedia.org Brother Bob: Please visit us online, browse the different topics or set up an appointment to meet with a Minister of the gospel inside the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ. And if you have any questions about the Bible and salvation, please email them to us: [On-screen text graphics] [email protected] [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time right here on That’s in the Bible! [Show close]

Click to expand transcript Voiceover: Next on That’s in the Bible! Patrick (Michigan, USA): Why is Easter in March? Nida (Phoenix, Arizona): What does Palm Sunday have to do with Easter? Brother Bob Pellien: The Bible’s response is simple and direct. Julie (Sydney, Australia): Hi, my name is Julie, and I’m from Sydney, Australia. And my question is “Should Christians really be celebrating Easter?” Brother Bob: How can we, in the true Church Of Christ participate in what comes from service to an ancient pagan goddess? [Show Open] Brother Bob: Hello, I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Thanks for joining us on this special episode of That’s in the Bible, where today we’ll answer people’s questions about the Easter holiday.  When is Easter weekend? Our first question for today comes from Patrick McDonald in Michigan. Let’s hear what Patrick asks about Easter. [Video begins]  Patrick: Why is Easter in March? [Video ends] Brother Bob: Thank you for your question, Patrick. You know, Easter is not always in the month of March. In fact, let’s take a moment to quote an excerpt from a book entitled My Catholic Faith written by Louis LaRavoire Morrow, and he writes—on behalf of the Catholic Church—their explanation about the choosing of the date of Easter. Here’s what’s cited in that book on page 81: [On-screen text graphics] [Source: My Catholic Faith, pg. 81] Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon of spring; the feast therefore is moveable, and can fall between March 22 and April 25. The Paschal season lasts till Trinity Sunday; till then joyous alleluia resounds. Brother Bob: So here, Patrick, the Catholic Church writes not only about the moveable date of the Easter, here in this book My Catholic Faith, they also write about a season that they have created that begins with Ash Wednesday, which is also a moveable season. But what is that season they call Lent? What’s it all about? They answer that in another of their books entitled The Visible Church. On page 184, they write: [On-screen text graphics] [Source: The Visible Church, pg. 184] Lent is a season of penance set apart by the Church in memory of the fast of our Lord in the desert,… The date of the beginning of Lent varies from year to year, according to the date of Easter. In Latin it is called Quadragesima (fortieth), from which are taken the Italian Quaresima and the French Carame. The English name is from Anglo-Saxon Lenten, which means Spring. Brother Bob: So there they speak of the season beginning with Ash Wednesday, which they call Lent. It’s a season of penance and that week [actually] leads up to Easter Sunday. They have Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter. And during that week they have what they call Holy Thursday. They have also Good Friday, they have Holy Saturday, which are special holidays inside the Catholic Church all pertaining to Easter. Easter and Palm Sunday Which brings us right into the next question, which is a question specifically about that Palm Sunday from Nida who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Let’s listen to her question. [Video begins] Nida: What does Palm Sunday have to do with Easter? [Video ends] Brother Bob: Thank you, Nida. Palm Sunday, one week prior to Easter, is what was made by the Catholic Church and they write about it also in this book entitled The Visible Church. Let’s turn to page 171 where they write: [On-screen text graphics] [Source: The Visible Church, pg. 171] It is likely that the use of palms in our churches began in early Middle Ages… The palm is a symbol of victory. Among pagan nations victorious armies decked themselves and their chariots with palm branches. The Jews used palms to express rejoicing especially on their great Feast of Tabernacles. Brother Bob: Palm Sunday, one week before Easter, is a Sunday which they use a lot of palms in their mass, and it has its roots in ancient pagan culture wherein their pagan armies would use palms as a symbol of victory with their armies. And maybe they would say, “Well, we would want to use that ancient pagan custom and attach it to Christ for a victory. Let’s call it a victory of Jesus and let’s also use that pagan cultural tradition. Let’s turn to Holy Scriptures for the Bible’s response to that way of thinking. In Titus chapter 1 verse 14: Not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. [Titus 1:14 New King James] Brother Bob: When the Jews of the first century incorporated those pagan practices and began to use them during the time of our Lord Jesus Christ—that being the use of palms—which is currently being used today, and Palm Sunday in the Roman Catholic Church, the Bible’s response is simple and direct. We should not implement, we should not use or give heed to such kind of Jewish fables and such and the commandments of men and not of course most especially the commandments and traditions of ancient pagan cultures. Palm Sunday is something that we should not participate in inside the true Church. Should Christians celebrate Easter?  Another question submitted by Julie from Sydney, Australia. Julie asks this: [Video begins] Julie: My question is should Christians really be celebrating Easter? [Video ends] Brother Bob: I think of all, that’s the most important question. Should we be celebrating it? Even if we will master all of its history, master all of the traditions attached to Easter, and understand all of their roots and origins, it follows [that] question that you ask. Should we participate in it? Should we incorporate that mindset that “well because it’s fun and because children enjoy it by having Easter eggs and chocolate Easter bunnies, and we have Palm Sunday, and we have Easter celebrations. Should true Christians of today participate? It’s important to understand the origins of the whole Easter [tradition]. The Catholic Church wrote inside their Encyclopaedic Dictionary on page 161 a very important piece of information that we have to consider when answering that question “Should we participate in it?” They wrote: [On-screen text graphics] [Source: The Catholic Encyclopaedic Dictionary, pg. 161]  EASTER (etymology uncertain: St. Bede derives it from Eastre, a forgotten dawn goddess). The English name for the Sunday of the Resurrection of Our Lord,… Meat, eggs, and other foods formerly forbidden in Lent are blessed and there are still numerous local customs, some of pagan origin. Brother Bob: In this Catholic Encyclopaedic Dictionary, they write about Easter, [mentioning] that it is derived from Eastre, a forgotten dawn goddess. Should we, whether it’s from Eastre or it’s from Ishtar, from Babylonian and ancient Egyptian times and if it has such kind of origin, how can we in the true Church Of Christ participate in what comes from service to an ancient pagan goddess? What does the instruction of God through the apostles have to say if there’s a tradition or if there’s something that is absent from the Bible (which Easter is absent from the Bible) if there is a holiday being practiced today called Easter with a season of Lent leading up to it having various practices of pagan origin? What are the instructions of the Lord for all who want to serve the Lord properly today? Apostle Paul wrote the following, I Corinthians chapter 10 and beginning in verse 20 it says: No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. [1 Corinthians 10:20 New International Version] Brother Bob: That’s a very powerful response of the Lord here, dear friends, through the apostles. “I do not want you to be participants with demons” and if in the eyes of the Lord participating in traditions and practices that have their origin and roots in service to ancient pagan goddesses—if he considers that a demonic practice, then as members of the Church Of Christ, we’ll follow that instruction of God through the Apostle Paul when he said, “I do not want you to be participants in that.” Here inside the Church Of Christ, we will not participate in the practices that are correlated with Easter traditions of today not found in the instructions of our Lord in the Holy Bible. In fact, there is another instance wherein Apostle Paul was addressing such things in his letter this time to the Ephesians. What did he write to them about these pagan traditions and pagan cultures? Should we allow them to be incorporated into Christian practices in service to the one true God? Here is what he wrote in his letter to the Ephesians. I quote 4:17: Therefore I say this—indeed, in union with the Lord I insist on it: do not live any longer as the pagans live, with their sterile ways of thinking. [Ephesians 4:17 Complete Jewish Bible] Brother Bob: Dear friends, the instruction is clear. Do not live in the ways of paganism. If these practices of Easter—being it with the rabbit, and the egg, and the Palm Sunday palms, and the various other elements and such holidays as Easter have their roots in paganism—God prohibits his people from participating.  Response of someone: “Hey, it’s no big deal. We’re just going along with the tradition for fun. We’re not connecting ourselves to its roots in paganism. We just want do it because it’s fun for the children,” they would say. Or “It’s just something that’s part of our lifestyle of today in service to the Lord.” If we will violate these principals of God and then try to call it a worship to Him, will He find it acceptable?  God’s answer was written in Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Here in chapter 2 in verse 22 as well as 23. He writes: These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. [Colossians 2:22-23 New International Version] Brother Bob: If we would put into practice that Lenten season, whether it’s to be fasting and self-abasement, allegedly, in service to the Lord in attempt to prepare for Easter, the Lord calls such regulations that are imposed by human traditions in such things is that, He said they will have no value. They teach that it will restrain a person from sin and it will give glory to God. It will cleanse them from their human iniquities. The Bible is clear. It has no value in such ways. Well, dear friends, members of the Church Of Christ, therefore, do not participate in the practices of the Easter and Lenten season. Instead, we give thanks to the Father for sending His Son to redeem us through his shed blood on the cross and we will worship Him with all our heart and soul in compliance with the laws and ways of worship given in the Holy Bible. That’s all we have time for today. Dear friends, what you have heard is just an introduction to the teachings of the Bible taught in the Church Of Christ. We invite you to learn more and join with us. And if you have questions you’d like answered on this show, email them to us and we’ll use the guidance of the Holy Scriptures to help you find your answer, the truth that’s in the Bible. Thanks for watching. I’m Brother Bob Pellien and we’ll see you again next time.

Click to expand transcript Is Tithing Applicable Today? [On-screen text graphics] Question: I know that Iglesia Ni Cristo members don’t give tithes to the Church or 10% of their income. However, many Protestant churches today are upholding that type of doctrine. Is tithing really still applicable in the Christian Era? Why or why not?  Ralph Joel Bayot Bacolod City, Philippines Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you so much, Ralph, for your question, and the opportunity to read to you the answer that’s here in the Holy Bible. Now, dear friends, as Ralph stated in his email—and it’s really true because many Protestant churches do, today, practice a Biblical doctrine called tithing, which by the way, is referring to the offerings to God—but his question specifically is whether or not that’s still applicable today. So before we get into the Bible’s answer to Ralph’s question, let’s just make sure that we properly define and understand the terms for everyone watching who might not yet fully understand what tithing is all about and who were really commanded by God to give tithes. Is that us? Is tithing still to be done by Christians today?  [On-screen text graphics] Question: What are tithes? Who were commanded by God to give tithes? Is tithing still to be done by Christians today? The truth about tithing in the Old Testament Brother Bob: So let’s get right to it, as I said, and what are tithes then as defined here in the Holy Bible? Well, we can read the answer recorded in the Scriptures here in Leviticus 20, chapter 27. We’re going to read verses 30, 32, as well as 34:  And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord…And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord…These are the commandments which the LORD commanded Moses for the children of Israel on Mount Sinai.  [Leviticus 27: 30, 32, 34 New International Version] Brother Bob: So dear friends, here, the Bible clearly explains that a tithe is the one-tenth, or the 10% of the harvest, the 10% of the livestock, or whatever source of livelihood that the children of Israel had during that time that was commanded to be offered to God.  [On-screen text graphics] Tithe 1/10 or 10% of the harvest, the livestock, whatever source of livelihood the children of Israel would offer to God. Brother Bob: This was God’s command to them, and, as we just read, through Moses. Because this is a command regarding the offering, God is very specific on how it should be performed.  Is there proof of this that He even makes very clear where, when, and how these tithes were to be done and performed? Yes. Let’s take a look at it. The first is where. Where was the nation of Israel instructed by God to bring their offerings or tithes? We can also read that answer in Deuteronomy chapter 12, verse 11, and it says that here like this: The Lord will choose a single place where he is to be worshiped, and there you must bring to him everything that I have commanded: your sacrifices that are to be burned and your other sacrifices, your tithes and your offerings, and those special gifts that you have promised to the Lord. [Deuteronomy 12:11 Today’s English Version] Brother Bob: So as we have just read here, dear friends, when it comes to the giving of offerings to God, like the tithes as was instructed to the nation of Israel, He instructed that it should be done in a single place that He chooses. He chose those to be brought to Him in the worship service offered to Him. This is what we have learned thus far. Let’s have a brief recap. First, who was commanded to offer? The Bible’s answer? God’s nation of Israel.  [On-screen text graphics] Who was commanded to offer? God’s nation of Israel Brother Bob: Number two, what was to be offered? The answer of the Bible? The result of their harvest or their herds.  [On-screen text graphics] What to offer? Result of harvest of herds Brother Bob: Number three, how much was to be offered? What was the answer of the Bible? The 10%, which the Bible called tithing.  [On-screen text graphics] How much to offer? 10% or tithes Brother Bob: How about when we asked where to offer? The answer of the Bible? In the place chosen to hold worship service.  [On-screen text graphics] Where to offer? In the place chosen to hold worship service Brother Bob: And how about the ‘’when’’ question? The answer of the Bible? During the worship service.  [On-screen text graphics] When to offer? During worship service Are Christians commanded to tithe today? Brother Bob: So now that we can better understand, first of all, what tithes are or the offerings that were commanded by God in the Old Testament to the nation of Israel, in order to answer Ralph’s question, however, he asks if tithes like that are still applicable in the Christian Era.  [On-screen text graphics] Is tithing still to be done by Christians today? Brother Bob: We need to learn, we need to understand what are God’s commands regarding these things in the New Testament all that God has instructed regarding offering now.  Well, let’s go ahead and open up the Bible once again. To begin responding, we turn to the writings of Apostle Paul,  II Corinthians 9:7, which reads this way:  So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. [2 Corinthians 9:7 New International Version] Brother Bob: Here we can see, dear friends, what God commands the Christians. He was specific. He specifies, first of all, who should give. What did He say? Each one should give. What else was the instruction? How much should each one give? What was the Bible’s answer? We just read it together. He said, “What he purposes in his heart.” So not 10% anymore. Now it’s what the person purposes in his heart. It’s from their heart.  What does the Bible say about offering? Brother Bob: And what else was answered in this verse? How one should feel when he does offer. What’s the expectation of God that we just read through the writings of Apostle Paul here? He’s looking for a cheerful giver.  What other instructions are given to Christians regarding their offerings? We can also read in I Corinthians. This time we read in I Corinthians, chapter 16, verse 2. This commandment of the Lord concerning offerings is given:  On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. [I Corinthians 16:2 New International Version] Brother Bob: In this verse, what is to be offered? What is it? Is it still the fruit of the land as we read in the early verse concerning tithing? Is it still a one-tenth of the herd of livestock? Is that what it is? What did we read in the Christian Era? Money was set aside in accordance with their income. How about the question [of] how it should be prepared? Apostle Paul also answered that. It should be set aside or budgeted weekly. How about God’s command on the place where one should give their share, give [the] offerings they have set aside for Him? That is answered in Hebrews. Hebrews chapter 13, verses 15 and 16, wherein this is instructed:  Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. [Hebrews 13:15-16 Revised Standard Version] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, it’s quite obvious that these verses are referring to worship service offered to God. Why are we sure? Well, it speaks of praising God. It speaks of acknowledging His name to the fruit of our lips, for example, praying and hymn singing of praises to the Lord. And we can see that God gave a commandment concerning offering. What did He say? Don’t neglect. Don’t forget to bring your share or sacrifice offering. And that’s what we do when we come before Him in worship as members of the Church Of Christ, as one purposes in their heart, they cheerfully bring their sacrifice offering, not a tithe that was commanded specifically 10% in the ancient times as God dealt with the nation of Israel. Unfortunately, if there are Protestant groups, be it Seventh Day Adventist or other groups that set aside a commandment to their people on how much they will offer, that’s wrong based on what the Bible teaches. So just as in the Old Testament, the command given to us today is to bring our offerings. Bring it in the place of worship. Bring it during the worship service. But the difference? It’s not a tithe. It’s a free will, voluntary, sacrifice, offering that one cheerfully brings as their offering to God. [On-screen text graphics] It’s NOT a tithe. It’s a free will, voluntary, sacrifice. It’s an offering that one cheerfully brings to God.  Brother Bob: So, dear friends, this is what we have learned about God’s command concerning offering in the New Testament. We’ve learned who was commanded to offer. What was the Bible’s answer? God’s nation in the Christian Era.  [On-screen text graphics] Who was commanded to offer? God’s nation in the Christian Era Brother Bob: We posed the question, “Where should our offerings be brought?” And the Bible answered again. It should be brought in the place chosen by God to hold worship service.  [On-screen text graphics] Where to offer? In the place chosen to hold worship service Brother Bob: We asked the question, “When should we offer?” And the Bible answered that too: during the worship service.  [On-screen text graphics] When to offer? During worship service Brother Bob: We asked the question, “What should be offered?” And the Bible again gave a response: the monetary offering set aside from our income.  [On-screen text graphics] What to offer? Money set aside from their income Brother Bob: We also asked the question, “Well, how much should we offer? Should it be a tithe? Should it be 10% as was commanded during the ancient nation of Israel’s time?” The Bible answered again: the amount is what is purposed in one’s own heart. [On-screen text graphics] How much to offer? Amount purposed in heart Brother Bob: So, dear friends, the command of God to the Israelites regarding the amount to offer, the amount of offering He is to receive, it’s different from His commandment that He gives in our time to the true Christians. The amount He commanded to Israel, that offering of the 10% or a tithe, that’s different than His instruction today. God’s command to the Christians is that we are to offer what is purposed in our heart.  [On-screen text graphics] God’s command to the Christians is to offer what is purposed in our heart. Brother Bob: Well, it could be 10% or it could be more than 10%. It is what is purposed in one’s own heart. Therefore, the answer to Ralph’s question regarding if tithing is still applicable today in the Christian Era is a resounding no. We have learned that God is very specific when it comes to offerings to Him. The tithing that others are enforcing today, where 10% is taken, some of them even take it out of a person’s bank account in order to make sure they give their tithe. That’s way outside of what God is commanding from His people today. Tithing cannot be enforced today because God did not command tithing for His people today.  [On-screen text graphics] Tithing cannot be enforced today Brother Bob: This is what we believe. This is what we do inside the Church Of Christ. Why? Because that’s in the Bible. Dear friends, when you’re ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church of Christ, please visit incmedia.org.  [On-screen text graphics] Learn more at incmedia.org Brother Bob: There, you’ll find various series of programs dedicated to answering your spiritual questions. You can also follow us on our Facebook pages: Iglesia Ni Cristo News and Updates and Iglesia Ni Cristo Media, where you can view more of our shows and see how the Church gets involved and interacts with the communities.  [On-screen text graphics] Follow us on Facebook:  /IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates  /IglesiaNiCristoMedia Brother Bob: You can find also a worship service and a house of prayer near to your home. Visit the iglesianicristo.net. There, you’ll find a directory of houses of worship.  [On-screen text graphic] Find a house of worship near you: IglesiaNiCristo.net/directory Brother Bob: Find the one that’s near to you and you can go there. Join with us. Meet the minister. Meet the brothers and sisters inside the Church Of Christ. Learn the basic fundamental teachings we embrace, here, inside the Church. Join us in worship. And if you have questions that you’d like even answered here on the show, please email them to [email protected].  [On-screen text graphic] Do you have any questions about the bible? [email protected]  Brother Bob: Thanks for joining us. We’ll see you again next time on That’s in the Bible!

Click to expand transcript [On-screen text] That’s in The Bible Live Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you for being here! Thank you for being here and being our studio audience today here in Burlingame studios. We appreciate it really, very much. [On-screen text] Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Welcome to everyone here. Welcome to everyone viewing us on the internet as well as on Direct TV channel 2068. Thank you all and welcome. As you know, on this show, That’s In The Bible, we explore the Bible’s teachings on all things relevant to salvation and eternal life. As it was mentioned earlier, questions do really pour in from all over the globe, and we always turn to the pages of the Holy Scriptures, and we get our answers directly from this book, from the Bible. Today we actually have three questions, but all of the three questions that we’ll be addressing, they have the same interwoven theme. Let’s take a look at the first two questions. [Video question] [On-screen text]  Idris Bashil London, England  Idris: Why God, as a Father, had to send His Son, Jesus to die for our sins, including mine? In the world today, nobody can be guilty for anybody’s sin. We all pay penalties for our sins. So why does Jesus have to die for my own sins if He’s innocent? [Video ends]  [Video question] [On-screen texts] Jon Seligmda San Diego, CA Jon: And my question is, If Jesus is not God, then Him dying on the cross—what significance is that? How does that save us from our sins? [Video ends]  Brother Bob: Those are very good questions, do you agree? Audience: Yes. Brother Bob: Our final question was written by Cathy Do. She’s from Hampton Park, Australia, and she had a very similar question. She wrote it in via e-mail and she simply asked the question that was very much like that. She asked, “Why was Jesus Christ crucified?” [On-screen text] Why was Jesus Christ crucified? Cathy Do Hampton Park, Australia Brother Bob: Well, thank you very much Idris. Thank you very much Jon. Thank you very much Cathy, and even all of the others that have reached out to us via email or letters with questions all along these same lines. The Biblical event where our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross, well that’s not a secret. That’s very well known almost to all people and of course especially those within so-called Christianity. But what’s unclear to many, which prompted these kinds of questions, is “why?” Why did that happen? Even though there might be some that they can site the verse in the Bible, for example 1 Corinthians 15:3, that says that Jesus died for our sins, it still leaves many perceiving it to be an [incomplete] answer. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, [1 Corinthians 15:3 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Many still beg for more of an explanation because they really want to understand fully. So, since many already know that Christ died on the cross, they have heard that He died for the forgiveness of sins. In order for us to really understand why, what’s that all about, there’s some important preliminary information that we got to receive first. For example, what’s “sin” in the first place and why is that so bad? What kind of consequences and results does committing sin actually bring? [On-screen text] Why did Jesus have to die? Brother Bob: So let’s answer those questions first and we’ll be taking the questions that they have addressed there and answering them in phases. First, what’s “sin” in the first place? Let’s begin turning to the pages of the Holy Scriptures and we do so at the outset of our study, reading 1 John 3:4. The definition of sin, if you will: Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God’s law, because sin is a breaking of the law. [1 John 3:4 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Very simple and direct Biblical answer, right? Sin, according to the Bible, is when one breaks God’s law. And when it comes to laws, we know that ignorance of the law is no excuse. That’s a very common saying as well. Therefore, since we all live under the law, it’s our responsibility to seek, a responsibility to learn, a responsibility to understand how to live within the confines of the law. What are the consequences if one sins or breaks the laws of God? How bad are the results of that? This is very important. I’m going to ask you to please remember this as our lesson unfolds. The consequence of sin? [Verse] 59:2 the Prophet Isaiah writes this: It is because of your sins that he doesn’t hear you. It is your sins that separate you from God when you try to worship him. [Isaiah 59:2 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: That’s so important, audience. Please remember that. We’re going to come back to that. If I will ask you during the course of our study, what happens because of sin? What’s the answer? He doesn’t hear you. It is because of your sins that he doesn’t hear you. It is your sins that separate you from God when you try to worship him. [Isaiah 59:2 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: There’s a consequence to sin. A separation from God. According to the Bible, there’s a dividing wall that’s now there. We’re separated from God. He no longer hears, He no longer listens. One then could be praying, one then could be worshiping, doing all kinds of things, but when that wall of separation is there, that’s it. A person is no longer acceptable to God and He said, “I won’t even hear.” But, of course, then one might think or say, “Hey, I’ll just pray. I’ll just ask God to forgive me.” But we can’t forget what we just learned here. He’s no longer listening to the prayers or listening to the worship. [Of] whom? Those that have committed sin, those who have violated His laws. So a sinner has no more relationship with the Creator because of sin that has divided and separated from God. Remember that because that’s an integral part of the unfolding of our answer to the questions that we have heard from those posing questions for our study today. So it was asked earlier, what’s so bad about committing sin? Why is it so serious? Why is it so tragic? Why is such a brutal response such that God will no longer even listen, we will be separated from Him? It is because of sin we’re separated, but it gets much worse than that. We know that when one breaks the law he’s got to pay for it, right? Agreed? Audience: Yes Brother Bob: You go to pay for it. When anyone breaks the law, what’s the payment? What’s the price to be paid according to the Holy Scriptures? We often read this verse because it’s so important, but let’s go ahead and do so once again in our study for today. [Romans] 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, … [Romans 6:23 New king James Version] Brother Bob: Read it with me audience. What does it say? Audience: Death. Brother Bob: The wage or price to be paid for sin is death. The Bible makes clear that the payment for committing sin, it’s not an insignificant payment. It’s death. Now one might be thinking like this for example, “Hey. Come on. That’s not so bad. I thought it was going to be much worse than that. I’m going to die anyway so I guess when I die my sins are all going to be finished. It’s all going to be paid for.” Not necessarily so because is death, the mere ending of our biological existence, is that the full payment for sin? The death that we all know is when a person stops breathing, right? Somebody says you’re going to die, everybody knows what that means. The wage or price for sin is death, but not just the ending of our breath. What death is the Bible calling the payment or the price to be paid for sins that we have committed, and how long is the payment? How long is this sentence of the punishment? We turn to the Bible once again. In the Book of Revelation 20:14,10: Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. [Revelations 20:14,10 New King James Version] Brother Bob: It’s not merely then just the ending of our biological existence, the ending for our breathing, but the Bible mentions a second death, and that’s a very serious event, that’s a second death in the lake of fire, and one would be tormented there. The sentence is eternal torment. That’s very tragic. That’s very serious. Breaking God’s law places a person into such a horrific predicament that we would find ourselves in because of sin. What we need is to find a way out of that, right? We got to change that. We got to find a way so that we don’t have to face the consequence. Because facing that consequence and avoiding that consequence has to become—and I think everybody here would agree—has to become the top priority of a person who has committed sin. Do you agree? What do you say? Audience: Yes. Brother Bob: That’s got to be top priority for sure. This is where one will see then and this is where the role of our Lord Jesus Christ starts to enter in and become so extremely important to understand. OK. So a recap of our initial segment of our study. [On-screen text] >> 1. Committing sin or breaking God’s law is no trivial thing. [On-screen text] >> 2. The moment one commits sin—knowingly or unknowingly—he or she is separated from God. Brother Bob: What happens to our relationship with God? It becomes what? It’s severed, it’s separated, severed, cut, or whatever word you want to use. It is no more. [On-screen text] >> 3. They must then pay the price, in the lake of fire forever and ever. Brother Bob: There’s a price to be paid for that and that price to be paid is a death, second death, eternal torment in what the Bible calls a lake of fire. This is serious stuff. This is very, very important. When people ask those questions that were posed and they asked, “Well why did Jesus die on the cross?” Because of what we have just discussed, it makes the answer to their question so vital. They’ve got to know it.  Let’s ask two more important questions before we learn and get to the real meat of the significance of what our Lord Jesus Christ did there on that cross. And to give a better perspective all about that subject, let’s ask another question, which is how many people are in that horrific predicament in the first place, having committed sin, been separated, from God and are on their journey to the lake of fire and eternal torment? How many people have committed sin? What do you think, studio audience? Some? Most? All? None? Audience: All. Brother Bob: Wow. You have certainty in your answer. You seem very, very sure. Are you really, really sure of your answer? Audience: Yes. Brother Bob: 3:23 in the book of Romans. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [Romans 3:23 New King James Version] Brother Bob: You’re correct. All have committed sin. It’s a Biblical truth everyone has sinned and whether or not we would not want to admit it, none of us raise our hand and say, “Hey, I’m perfect. I’m good enough already. I haven’t committed any sins.” We are all in the horrific predicament of needing to find a way out of that predicament and be saved from the punishment that is due to us because of our humanity, our human weakness and propensity to sin and violate the law, God’s law. So what’s our options? We can all pay for our sins. You can pay for our own sins, but that wouldn’t be wise. That would mean that we’re going to be cast into that lake of fire that we read about and be punished forever. So that’s not a good option to choose. Can someone else pay for our sins? Can you pay the sin of the one sitting next to you? Can I pay for your sin? Can you pay for my sin? There is a law regarding sinners. A law of God pertaining to those who have committed sin. What’s the law of God pertaining to sinners? I’m going to ask the audience to please remember this. We’re going to come back to this too. What’s the first one I said we’re going to come back to? Isaiah 59:2 right? What happens because of sin is, what? OK you go that one already. Separation. Now the law of God pertaining to sinners. Deuteronomy 24:16: “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin. [Deuteronomy 24:16 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So let’s remember this. Is it an option to get out of the horrific situation because of sin? Can we have someone else answer for our sin? What do you say? Audience: No. Brother Bob: No. God’s law states very, very clearly there, and I’m going to ask you to remember it. It’s very important. We’re going to come back to it at the very end. God’s law states clearly: a person shall be put to death for their own sin. Meaning God does not allow anyone to pay for the sin of somebody else. So when I ask, what is the law of God pertaining to sinners? What’s our answer? Everyone has to answer for their own sin. OK? Got it? We can understand the fairness of that, you agree it’s fair? Everyone’s got to answer for their own. Nobody can be punished for the sin of somebody else. That’s fair, right? We can easily agree with that. We can understand the fairness of that law. In fact, even laws of governments, a lot of laws of government that are patterned after that principle in order to be just, in order to be fair. Now there might be some, that when they hear these verses in the Scriptures that we’re reading, they would say, “Well if that’s God’s law, then how did the Lord Jesus pay for the sins of others?” You get the point? Seems like there’s some kind of conflict there, they would say. Did Jesus break God’s law? Is Jesus exempt from following God’s law, following God’s justice, God righteousness? Are we accusing Jesus of breaking that law? It was God’s law that said nobody can answer for the sin of somebody else. Are we accusing Jesus of violating the law? What do you think? Of course not. In 2 Corinthians chapter 5, I will read how this came to be. In 2 Corinthians, chapter 5, there’s a lot of important information contained here in verse 21: Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God. [2 Corinthians 5:21 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: I’m going to come back and ask you that again a couple of times, too. Was Jesus innocent or guilty of sin? Audience: Innocent. Brother Bob: Innocent. Very clearly and directly stated here. Christ was without sin. Forgive me if I pause again. We read Romans 6:23, right? For the wages of sin is death, … [Romans 6:23 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Jesus didn’t commit any sin, right? Should He die? Seems like He should not die, right? But did He die? That’s what brought about the question that all of us viewed from the videos, right? Why did He die? Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God. [2 Corinthians 5:21 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Dear friends, we asked earlier, did Christ break God’s law? He did not. He did not break it. We’re sure of it because what was the first sentence here? That’s why I paused and emphasized that. What was the first sentence? He committed no sin. Sin is a violation of the law. Christ did not break God’s law. It seems like we’ve got a conflict here if you’re really paying attention closely. Does Jesus not have to, is He exempted, does He [not have] follow God’s justice, God’s law, God’s righteousness? The truth is that Christ, of course, follows these laws and commands and righteousness of God. “But I thought that no one can die for the sin of somebody else? That’s God’s law.” But here, Apostle Paul said that God made Jesus share our sin in order that once we entered into union with Him, then we’d be able to share His righteousness. We need some more explanation about that, agreed? Yes. We got to understand that because that seems to create a conflict. Jesus didn’t commit any sin but He’s made to be sin, for us? Then He gets nailed and crucified on the cross for it. It seems there’s a violation of God’s law. So our question now is, “How did He do that?” How does he share our sin? How did Christ then pay for the sins of others, saving them from the horrific punishment that we read about together, and at the same time not violate or break God’s law? How did He do that? How did He fix that conflict? OK. Don’t forget that question. Therein is the real response to the questions these people have posed to us.  But for the fullest of understanding of the response we’re going to have to answer and give you some additional important information first. Key information that will help us understand the response. One of the keys in understanding what Christ did is knowing first the only way that God will pardon, the only way God will forgive someone who has sinned or has broken or violated His Law. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of people who believe that they’ll be forgiven for breaking the law by just praying to God. “OK, Lord. Please forgive me. Then presto, automatically I’ll be forgiven. Or maybe by doing good deeds, I’ll be forgiven. Having a deep strong faith, then I will be forgiven. Changing my way of life, then I’ll be forgiven for my sins. God will forgive me. God is very nice.” We have to remember, because of the sin that was committed, that’s why I told you to remember that, what happened because of sin? We’re separated from God. We read Isaiah 59:2. What did He say? “I’m not going to listen, I’m not going to accept their worship.” It is because of your sins that he doesn’t hear you. It is your sins that separate you from God when you try to worship him. [Isaiah 59:2 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: That’s a horrific condition so one can not just say, “I’ll just pray. I’ll just pray.” The major problem here is sin. It’s not something that can be ignored. It’s not something that can just be covered up. It’s not just something that can be erased by being a good deed doer. So how can one receive the forgiveness of sin? We have to understand these points first before we move on in the sequence of our study. For example Hebrews, the Bible responds in 22, 9:22 of Hebrews it says: Indeed, according to the Law almost everything is purified by blood, and sins are forgiven only if blood is poured out. [Hebrews 9:22 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Sins are forgiven only if blood is poured out. The Bible did not say, “Sins will be forgiven by being a good deed doer. Sins will be forgiven by being a nice guy. Sins will be forgiven by praying or doing this or doing that.” That may be nice things that true servants of God do, but those are not the things that bring about the forgiveness of sin. But what is? Shedding of blood. That’s the way, that’s the only way sins are forgiven. Nobody can change that. That’s the Biblical truth. It’s only if the blood is poured out. Pouring out of blood, of course, symbolizes a sacrifice that has been made. But it’s not just that anyone’s blood that can be poured out, and then presto, sins are forgiven. Whose blood? Whose blood only will bring about the forgiveness of sins? Let’s return again in the book of Hebrews chapter 9, this time verse 14: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? [Hebrews 9:14 New King James Version] Brother Bob: You can see it’s only the blood of Christ that can be used to pardon or forgive someone’s sins. No one else’s because everyone has committed their own sins. No one can answer for the sins of somebody else. We need to answer for our sin. If one is fortunate enough, then, to be redeemed or under the saving umbrella of the blood shed by our Lord Jesus Christ, then that Isaiah 59:2 element that we began our study with, gets changed, right? God will then accept that person’s worship. They’ve been forgiven, they’ve been cleansed as that verse showed clear there if you caught the very end of the verse 14. It’s not on the screen anymore. But so that they can serve the living God. That was the end of that verse. how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? [Hebrews 9:14 New King James Version] Brother Bob: There you go. They’ve been cleansed from their conscience from dead works or sin so they can do what again? Because of Isaiah 59:2 and was separated, but now that’s been cleansed. We can now do what? We can serve again. The horrific tragedy is fixed under the umbrella of the blood shed by our Lord Jesus Christ. Committing sin is no trivial thing, not a small thing. Receiving forgiveness is also a serious matter and one should not assume—it’s dangerous to assume—that one can just be forgiven by the whims of their own ways and in their own desires. In the Christian Era, forgiveness can only be brought about through the sacrifice or the pouring out of Christ’s blood. That’s what we read together. What specifically did Christs’ pouring out of His blood, do? Who did He shed His blood for? Who benefited from the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ? What did Christ pay for with His blood? Allow me to read from the book of Acts 20:28, the Bible says this: Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock, over which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ, which he has purchased with his blood. [Acts 20:28 LAMSA] Brother Bob: What does it say, audience? With what? With His blood. He purchased or redeemed with His blood. The Church, the Church Of Christ was purchased, the Church was paid for with His blood. Those inside the Church then, they’re horrific and tragic end has been fixed. They can now worship God. They can now pray to God. They can do good deeds that He will find acceptable to Him. They’re saved from their horrific life long sentence because God forgives them due to the blood of Christ. With that information, remember it because now let’s go back to our question that we left off with a while ago regarding, how did Jesus share our sins? How’s that? Did He die for our sins? Shed His blood to purchase and redeem the Church Of Christ? Because I thought we’d read Deuteronomy 24:16, which clearly said that nobody can do that. “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin. [Deuteronomy 24:16 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Nobody can pay for another’s sins. We all saw that on the screen. We just now learned that Christ paid for the sins of those in His church. He shed His blood to purchase. It’s the Church Of Christ. That’s paying for someone else’s sins, right? Isn’t it? It’s as clear as can be because the Church—it’s not a building with the steeple and some cement—that’s not the Church. That’s our house of worship. That’s the chapel. The Church is the people.  How did Jesus then die for the Church, answer for the sins, share the sin of the people, without violating that law of God? We don’t accuse Him of violating that. Christ did so by creating something with the Church so that the sins of those in His church would be considered as His own. Therefore, allowing Him to pay for the sins without violating God’s righteous law. This is so important. What did Christ create with His church to accomplish that? What did He do? What did He create with His church? Ephesians, in the book of Ephesians chapter 2, verse 15: having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, [Ephesians 2:15 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Forgive me I pause. The enmity. What’s the meaning of that word “enmity”? What word do we get from that word “enmity”? The state of being enemies. If two people are enemies, there’s enmity between them. They’re in a state of enmity. Mankind has been separated from God because of sin. We’re in a state of enmity with God. We are considered enemies of God because of our stubbornness in sin. But wait a minute, what did the Apostle Paul state here? having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, [Ephesians 2:15 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Peace was made. Christ created one new man with His church, thus establishing peace. That enmity was abolished, the ordinance abolished. The ordinance, second death, lake of fire, payment for sin, death, [they’re] abolished. Peace with God is established. Where? In the Church. Christ said He created in Himself from the two, one new man. God does not view Christ and the Church Of Christ now as separate. He views them now, together as just one. How is it? How is it that Christ and His Church make up just one new man? We read this verse often Colossians 1:18: And He is the head of the body, the church,… [Colossians 1:18 New King James Version] Brother Bob: The two are no longer two in the eyes of God. The one new man created by Christ is comprised of a head and a body. Christ being the head, and the Church being His body. These are terms that we can all easily understand, right? Because we all have a head, we all have a body, and if we’re ever caught by the authorities breaking the law with any part of our body, be it hands caught stealing, our feet caught trespassing, we’re going to go the authorities and say, “Excuse me officer, it’s my hands that were stealing that. Not me. It was my feet that was trespassing. Not me.” They’re connected. The head’s responsible for what the body does. It’s not separated. Here, what did the Lord do? He joined that head to the body, Christ being the head, the Church being the body, the Church being composed of people that commit what? Audience: Sin. Brother Bob: Who has committed sin? Some? Most? All? Audience: All. Brother Bob: All have committed sin. That’s why Christ is allowed, He’s the only one that’s allowed to pay for the sins of those who are inside His body. He’s answering for the sins of His very own body. Suppose someone would say, “I’m not interested in any of that. I’m expecting that Jesus is going to answer for my sins too because I believe in Him even though I’m outside of the body, the Church Of Christ.” What are they actually trying to make Jesus do? They’re trying to make Him violate the law of God, right? Jesus won’t do that. He will answer for the sins of His body only and that body is His Church, the Church Of Christ. If He were to pay for the sins of those who are outside of His body, then that would go against God’s law and He will not do that. He will not answer for the sin of somebody else. Somebody may wonder, “Why is forgiveness of sins and being saved only possible in the condition of being in the body of Christ, His church? Isn’t Jesus the Savior for all people? Doesn’t He have the authority over anyone and everyone?” That’s always what people say and it’s so nice to hear. But it’s not Biblical. People already know that Christ is the Savior. They might already know that He’s the Savior and they think that He has the authority over any and all. Let’s turn to Ephesians 5:23: For a husband has authority over his wife just as Christ has authority over the church; and Christ is himself the Savior of the church, his body. [Ephesians 5:23 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: What does it say? Audience: The Church. Brother Bob: “Anyone and everyone who just believes and is a good deed doer.” No, no. That’s not what it says. That’s what people preach, but that’s not what the Bible says. For a husband has authority over his wife just as Christ has authority over the church; and Christ is himself the Savior of the church, his body. [Ephesians 5:23 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Clearly, Christ has authority over the Church. Christ is the Savior of His church and, because we’ve learned in the other verses that we have read and we can also see in that verse we just read there, the Church is His body and that’s why this is the reason why Christ’s death, Him being crucified, Him dying so horrifically there on that cross is so significant. It was to give the people in His Church a way to have their sins forgiven. We can’t do it on our own. We can’t. if we’re going to do that on our own we’re going to answer in the lake of fire. That’s not the plan. He wants us to be saved so we make the salvation plan. What’s the Lord Jesus Christ’s condition for those who are outside because maybe somebody with be thinking, “Well, this is now kind of exclusive. This is some kind of closed salvation club, thus Church Of Christ. What about anyone who is outside the Church but they want to benefit from what Jesus has done?” To finish up the pronouncement of the Lord Jesus, this is so simple and clear to anyone who wants to be saved. What is it? I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved,… [John 10:9 New King James Version] Brother Bob: There’s a simple instruction. He referred to Himself as a door. Gave the instruction to enter in. If you want to be saved, the Lord Jesus says, “If anyone,” emphasize the word “anyone” in your mind. It’s not exclusive. It’s not discriminatory. It’s open for anyone who wants to be saved. If one says, “Yeah, I do want to be saved because I am a sinner and I don’t intend to experience the horrific punishment that is due me.” Then enter the body of Christ because they had answered for it. If you can’t command the head to answer for your sins. If you’re outside, because God made it very clear law, nobody can do that. Nobody can answer for the sin of somebody else. Christ brought it to the cross and nailed it there. Be part of this body. Be part of His Church and enter. We’re able to see very clearly that there’s no discrimination, then, entering the Church Of Christ. It’s an open invitation and that’s why members of the Church invited all of you in our audience today, those of you viewing us on the internet, viewing us on Direct TV, viewing us on channel 49 there in the Philippines. Although people who that Christ’s death is significant for anyone who just believes in Him, we have learned that His death is significant only for those who have followed His instruction to enter into His body, the Church, that He gave His life to redeem and purchase with His blood, that brought about the forgiveness of sins. This is what we believe. Why do we believe this truth, beloved brethren? Why do we believe this? Because that’s in the Bible. Audience: That’s in the Bible. Brother Bob: Precisely, because that’s in the Bible. We want to thank everyone for being here. We want to thank those, our friends, who have posed these questions that we have addressed today. Thank all of our guests who are watching us on all of our various media outlets. We want to thank our live studio audience for joining us. If and when you are ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, visit incmedia.org. [On-screen text] Learn more at incmedia.org Here you’re going to find various series of programs all dedicated to answering your spiritual questions. You can also follow us on our Facebook pages at Iglesia Ni Cristo News and Updates, as well as our Facebook page Iglesia Ni Cristo Media. [On-screen text] facebook.com/IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates facebook.com/IglesiaNiCristoMedia Brother Bob: There you can view more of our shows and see how the Church gets involved and interacts with the community. If you want to find a house of worship that is nearest to your home, please visit  iglesianicristo.net. [On-screen text] Find a house of worship near you: IglesiaNiCristo.net/directory Brother Bob: If you have any questions that you’d like answered on this show, please e-mail them to [email protected] and we’ll get to them in our future shows. [On-screen text] Send your videos to: [email protected] Email us your questions Brother Bob: Thank you all for joining us. We’ll see you again next time on That’s in the Bible. Audience: That’s in the Bible! Brother Bob: Thank you very much for joining us!

Click to expand transcript Who Can Preach the Gospel? [On-screen text graphic] Kristina Larsen: How can we tell if God is speaking to us through a pastor? Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you so much Kristina for that very insightful question. We say insightful because there might be some who have never been concerned with or even thought to wonder if their pastor, their priest, their bishop, their minister or whatever they call their preacher is actually preaching the true word of God to them. And of course on the flip side of that is the mentality, which is that well there doesn’t even need to be a preacher in order to hear the word of God.  Dear friends as we always do in this program and in every program produced by the Church Of Christ we will address these questions by reading the answers right here recorded in the Holy Bible. Kristina’s question of how can we tell if God is speaking to us through a pastor. [On-screen text graphic] Question: How can we tell if God is speaking to us through a pastor? Brother Bob: It’s actually perfectly aligned with the instruction to us from the apostles. And let’s read one of those in this recorded in 1 John chapter 4, verse 1: My dear friends, do not believe all who claim to have the Spirit, but test them to find out if the spirit they have comes from God. For many false prophets have gone out everywhere. [1 John 4:1 Good News Translation] False Preachers Brother Bob: According to what is written here, dear friends, we should not believe—were instructed not to believe just anyone who may be claiming to have the spirit or presents [themselves] as a messenger sent by God. Why? Because there are many false prophets according to the Apostle John, many false prophets who have gone out into the world. Therefore, Kristina you are on the right track or Kristina has the proper frame of mind to ask that question, how can I tell? How can we tell, dear friends, know even if the one is sent by God or not? [On-screen text graphic] Question: How can we tell if God is speaking to us through a pastor? Brother Bob: The Bible’s instruction was clear. He said test them to find out. So obviously the next question that we have to pose together is, what’s the test and how do we test those who would be presenting themselves as a preacher or a spokesperson of God, true preacher? [On-screen text graphic] Question: What’s the test? How do we test those who present themselves as a “preacher” or a “spokesperson” of God? Brother Bob: But before we delve into the Bible’s explanation of how to test the preacher to see if he’s really sent by God, let’s first understand, why is it so important to do that?  “How can they hear without a preacher?” Brother Bob: Why do we need to know that? Dear friends, because what would be the harm if one ended up listening to and following a preacher that is not sent by God? Maybe many would think that, “Well, they’re safe as long as they’re holding, as they’re reading from the Bible. That should be good enough.” But listen to the response of the Holy Scriptures, this time in the writings of Apostle Peter. Second Peter 3:16, he wrote: This is what he says in all his letters when he writes on the subject. There are some difficult things in his letters which ignorant and unstable people explain falsely, as they so with other passages of the Scriptures. So they bring on their own destruction. [2 Peter 3:16 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: So we can clearly see here, dear friends that there are people who are explaining the passages of the scriptures, but doing so falsely. And although all you know they might sound like they know what they are saying, what did the Bible call them? The Bible calls them ignorant and stated here that they are bringing on their own destruction. So consider this, if the false preacher is headed to destruction where do you think all those who listen, all those who follow him are also heading? Destruction too, of course. Exactly. [On-screen text graphic] It’s so vital to know if a preacher is truly from God. Brother Bob: That’s why it’s so vital to know if a preacher is truly sent by God. So dear friends, what is the benefit of actually hearing a genuine preacher of God? Again, we go to the Bible for the answer and this time is recorded in the book of Romans, Chapter 10, in fact verses 14 and 15. It says this: How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? . . . [Romans 10:14-15 New King James Version] Who can preach the gospel? Brother Bob: So the benefit of hearing a genuine preacher of God is actually learning then how to properly call upon God. Notice the sequence of events that was recorded in these verses in the Bible so that that could happen. First, one cannot properly call to God or have his or her prayers heard by Him if they don’t believe in the Biblical instructions that God established to be heard. [On-screen text graphic] One cannot properly call to God if he doesn’t believe in God’s biblical instructions. Brother Bob: Then next, there’s no way that one would be able to believe in those biblical instructions if in fact they have never been taught those instructions. [On-screen text graphic] One cannot believe in those biblical instructions if he has never been taught those commands. Brother Bob: And one would not correctly be taught God’s commands if they never encounter or hear a genuine preacher sent by God. [On-screen text graphic] One would not correctly be taught God’s commands if he never encounters or hears a genuine preacher from God. Brother Bob: Therefore, dear friends, finding a genuine preacher is the first step that one has to take in order to be able to call upon God. Again, that’s why it’s so vital to know if a preacher is truly from God or not. So we should take notice that a genuine preacher has the authority from God to preach. [On-screen text graphic] A genuine preacher has an authority from God to preach. Brother Bob: It’s not just their own proclamation, “I’m a preacher.” Why? Because God is the one who sends him. That’s what we just read. And if one is not sent by God he will not be able to correctly preach God’s words. That’s what the Bible says. And how so they preach unless they are sent?  Preaching the gospel: The difference between true and false preachers Brother Bob:So now that we know the value of a true preacher sent by God, let’s find out, [how] are we going to be able to tell if one is true or not true? Well what’s the test that only a true preacher, one who has the spirit and is truly sent by God? What is the test that only he can pass? Well, listen to what’s recorded here in the Holy Scriptures. The writings of the Prophet Isaiah 8:20 says: To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word. It is because there is no light in them. [Isaiah 8:20 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, the Bible clearly states that one has to speak according to the law and speak according to the testimony, in order to prove that there is light or truth in him. It’s the criteria that a preacher has to meet in order to prove or demonstrate that they are indeed sent by God to preach. So what is that law mentioned here? What’s the law and what is that testimony referred to here in the prophecy of Isaiah that will serve the evidence that a preacher is truly sent by God? Let’s take a look at those two criteria. Let’s find out first, what is that law that was mentioned there and how would a true preacher speak according to the law? [On-screen text graphic] Question: What is the law and how would a true preacher of God speak according to the law? Brother Bob: Jesus Christ, of course being an undisputed true preacher sent by God, well he’s the one who gives the answer and he does so here in John Chapter 7 verses 16, 17 and 18. I quote: Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is God or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory on the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. [John 7: 16-18 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Here, dear friends, Jesus Himself explains that we would be able to know who is true. How? Concerning that doctrine or God’s law. Jesus did not preach His own doctrine. [On-screen text graphic] Christ, being a true preacher from God, spoke only to God’s law and not His own. Brother Bob: Christ Himself, of course being a true preacher sent from God, spoke only according to God’s law and not His own. It’s already known that God’s laws and doctrines are written right here in the Holy Bible. A true preacher sent by God to preach God’s words will teach by reading God’s words written here in the Bible. Then if someone is preaching claiming that what they’re preaching is from the Bible, he must then read it to prove that he is speaking according to the law. If he cannot read what he is preaching then it’s a clear sign that he is not speaking from God, but instead is speaking from Himself. And of course then this would prove that he’s not sent by God to preach and would automatically then disqualify him from the test. In short he fails the test. There are many preachers that are well versed in the Bible even if they could memorize it you know, citing different biblical passages in their sermons. We have already learned very important truths. Number one: false preachers will also use the Bible but will explain it falsely. That’s why we read that from Apostle Peter. [On-screen text graphic] 1. False preachers will also use the Bible but will explain the meaning falsely. 2. Reading the Bible is not the only criteria of the test. Brother Bob: Number two: reading the Bible is not the only criteria of the test. Remember that one must speak according to the law and according to the testimony. That’s what we read in Isaiah 8:20. So let’s find out now what is the testimony that a true preacher of God will speak according to? And we can read here in the book of Revelation 19:10: And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” [Revelation 19:10 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, this is so important the testimony that a true preacher from God will speak according to the spirit of prophecy because God is the one who sends His messengers to preach. He is also the one, then, who validates them. How does he do that? Through biblical prophecy. A true preacher sent by God would be able to speak according to the particular prophecy about him, which would testify that he is indeed from God. So let’s take a look at this a little bit deeper. [On-screen text graphic] Question: Who are some examples of messengers sent by God to preach that spoke according to the biblical testimony of their authority? Three Biblical examples of messengers sent by God Brother Bob: Let’s look at some examples of messengers sent by God to preach that spoke according to the biblical testimony of their authority. Let’s take a look at three examples.  Lord Jesus Christ Let’s start with our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, one of God’s own prophecies regarding His son Jesus Christ. [On-screen text graphic] Jesus Christ Brother Bob: Well we all know is the greatest messenger of all. We can read that testimony recorded here in the writings of Prophet Isaiah 61, verse 1 and 2: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, [Isaiah 61:1-2 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, we should take notice in this verse that in this prophecy there is no mention of the messenger’s name. How would we know? How would we know whom then it’s referring to? Who then will explain and speak according to the testimony of the messenger mentioned here? It will be that particular messenger himself. How did Jesus do that? How did he speak according to this prophecy that testified of His authority being sent by God? Here it is. It’s recorded in Luke Chapter 4 verses 17 through 21: And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” [Luke 4:17-21 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Jesus Himself explained that He was in fact the one referred to in the prophecy. John the Baptist is another example of one sent by God to preach and he spoke according to biblical testimony concerning his authority. What was God’s prophecy regarding him? Let’s read that as well. It’s also recorded in the writings of the prophet Isaiah, Chapter 40, verse 3: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God. [Isaiah 40:3 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Notice again that the messenger’s name is not mentioned, the one referred to as crying in the wilderness.  John the Baptist It did not mention his specific name but how did John the Baptist speak according to this testimony concerning him? Him being sent by God? let’s read that. It’s recorded in the in the writings of apostle John, chapter 1 verses 19 through 23: Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”  He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,” ’as the prophet Isaiah said.” [John 1:19-23 New King James Version] Brother Bob: John the Baptist here, dear friends he explained, he himself is the one that explained that while he was in fact the one referred to in the prophecy of Isaiah. That prophecy gave testimony of him.  Apostle Paul Another example of this is Apostle Paul. We can read another prophecy. In this prophecy is a testimony of Apostle Paul’s authority. Let’s read one more testimony. This one again going back to the prophet Isaiah 49:6: Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” [Isaiah 49:6 New King James Version] Brother Bob: By now, dear friends, we should notice God’s policy. His policy when making a prophecy regarding a messenger he will send in the future. First of all, He does not include the name of the messenger. That’s one. It is the messenger himself that will speak according to the testimony. Did Apostle Paul make known that he was God’s messenger? In Acts 13:46 and 47 it says this. Let’s listen to the to the Apostle Paul here: Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” [Acts 13:46-47 New King James Version] Brother Bob: As we can see here, dear friends, in these Biblical examples the messenger of God sent to preach His words not only speaks according to the law of God or the true doctrine, but also reveals the prophecy validating that God Himself is the one that has really sent them. In this way we would always be able to know who is actually sent by God and who is just claiming to be because anyone can make the claim.  Some might think you know that, “Can a false preacher just make a claim like that? Well the Apostle Paul made the claim. John the Baptist made a claim. Jesus made the claim.” But they read the testimony. They read the prophecy concerning them, the Bible verse. They could say that anyone could just claim to be a messenger of God. How can we know, how could we do the test, apply the test? How to prove a preacher is the fulfillment of a Biblical prophecy [On-screen text graphic] Question: How can we tell if a particular preacher is actually the fulfillment of a biblical prophecy? Brother Bob: If a preacher is speaking to the testimony or a biblical prophecy is it really truly about them? It’s a very good question that’s posed there because the best one to answer that, first of all it can’t be said it has to be Jesus Himself because many people, in fact, did not even believe Him even after He revealed the prophecy that He was a messenger sent by God. Let’s take a look at what was recorded here in John Chapter 5:36: But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. [John 5:36 New King James Version] Brother Bob: It’s so important, dear friends, because Christ explains that it’s the work being done or accomplished. If it’s the same work that God gave in the prophecy, which proves then or bears witness that one is a messenger sent by God or that that one is fulfilling the prophecy, if they don’t do the work contained in the prophecy it can’t be speaking about them. Being able to fulfill the work stated in the biblical prophecy is something that a false preacher will never be able to do and that will reveal who is true, who is false. So as the apostle stated in the verse we read earlier, we should not believe just anyone who presents themselves as a preacher from God. [On-screen text graphic] We should not believe just anyone who presents themselves as preachers from God, but instead we need to test them first. Brother Bob: What was the instruction? He said test them first. Because if one cannot read in the Bible what is the authority for their preaching, if he cannot reveal the biblical prophecy that testifies of their authority as a messenger of God, if one has not accomplished the work stated in the prophecy, then that person, that preacher fails the test. And then he’s not sent by God should not be listened to. He is a false preacher. One has no right to preach God’s words unless God sends him to do so. But if we are fortunate enough to encounter a genuine preacher sent by God in connection with the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, we should pay very close attention to it to every word that is preached. Why? Because God will make His will known through him. This is what we should believe. This is what we believe also here inside the Church of Christ. Why? Because that’s in the Bible. Dear friends, when you’re ready to learn more about this and all the other fundamental teachings found here inside the Church of Christ please visit incmedia.org. [On-screen text graphic] learn more at incmedia.org Brother Bob: Because there you’ll find various series of programs dedicated to answering your spiritual questions. You can also follow our Facebook pages [On-screen text graphic] follow us on Facebook: /IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates /IglesiaNiCristoMedia Brother Bob:  Iglesia Ni Cristo news and updates. Also Iglesia Ni Cristo Media. There you can view more of our shows and see how the church gets involved also with the community. You can find out all about that incgiving.org. [On-screen text graphic] learn more at incgiving.org Brother Bob: To find a house of worship. Visit iglesianicristo.net. [On-screen text graphic] find a house of worship near you: IglesiaNiCristo.net/directory Brother Bob: If you have questions that you’d like answered here on this show [On-screen text graphic] Do you have questions about the Bible? Brother Bob: please email them to [email protected] [On-screen text graphic] [email protected] Brother Bob: From all of us here in That’s in the Bible team, thank you so much for joining us and we’ll see you again next time here on That’s in the Bible.  

[Video starts] Travis: Hi my name is Travis, from San Leandro, California and I just wanted to know if cremation is practiced by the people of God. [Video ends] Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you, Travis, for your question. Death is something that no one living in this world can avoid. It’s important to note first off that here—there’s no religious rituals that are performed for any member of the Church Of Christ who passes away. For example, there’s no prayers of the dead, there’s no religious ceremonies or services that members of the Church Of Christ take part in after losing a loved one. Why not? Well according to the Bible the dead will never again take part in anything that happens in this world. That’s mentioned in the Bible in Ecclesiastes chapter 9, verse 6: They will never again take part in anything that happens in this world [Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Nevertheless, the bereaved of the dead strive to give a proper or decent burial for their deceased loved ones, and well, this is understandable and of course very reasonable as well. But, Travis, everything that we do, all of our actions during this highly emotional moment in one’s life as to be—which by the way, is often influenced by cultural norms, whatever those actions may be, they have to be guided by God who is the One who, of course, then will be the One to comfort people in their time of loss by means of the power of the Holy Spirit. Should we cremate our deceased loved ones?                   What is cremation? Brother Bob: First, well, what does that even mean? Through cremation the remains of the deceased will be burned, and the ashes will be placed in an urn or sometimes dispersed over soil or water. [On-screen graphics]  cre-mate  past tense: cremated; past participle: cremated dispose of (dead person’s body) by burning it into ashes, typically after a funeral ceremony] What happened to people who died in the Bible? Brother Bob: Let’s take a look at how the people of God have set the example for us regarding this. We turn to the book of Genesis verses 1-4 we’ll also read verses 10 and 11 Good News Bible: Sarah lived to be 127 years old. She died in Hebron in the land of Canaan, and Abraham mourned her death. He left the place where his wife’s body was lying, went to the Hittites, and said, “I am a foreigner living here among you; sell me some land, so that I can bury my wife.” Ephron himself was sitting with the other Hittites at the meeting place at the city gate; he answered in the hearing of everyone there, “Listen sir; I will give you the whole field and the cave that is in it. Here in the presence of my own people, I will give it to you, so that you can bury your wife.  [Genesis 23:1-4, 10-11 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: So, Travis, dear friends, burial was clearly the practice of God’s people, for example, in this case of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Abraham, well he mourned her death and buried her body into the ground. There [are] so many more examples in the Bible that really show to us God’s people burying their loved ones into the ground. For example in the book of Genesis 50:26: They embalmed his body and put it in a coffin.  [Genesis 50:26 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: As well in the book of Joshua 24:32: Now they buried the bones of Joseph,  [Joshua 24:32 Amplified Bible] Brother Bob: In those verses the Bible speaks about the processes that Joseph’s family went through, so as to obey God’s expectations or commandment of burying those who had served the Lord God in ancient times. One of the most famous individuals mentioned in the Bible is Moses, of course. Everyone has heard of Moses. What did God himself do with Moses after he died? Did He burn him, cremate him, and sprinkle his ashes? Let’s turn to the book of Deuteronomy this time wherein the Bible gives a response to that, verses 5 and 6. Let’s take a look at what’s recorded there: So Moses, the LORD’s servant, died there in the land of Moab, as the Lord had said he would. The LORD buried him in a valley in Moab, opposite the town of Bethpeor, but to this day no one knows the exact place of his burial.  [Deuteronomy 34:5-6 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, clearly God himself even took the act of burying Moses to further emphasize how important burial really is. So it’s a normal practice of burying those who have passed away.  How about our Lord Jesus Christ, the savior, in the Christian Era of time?  Was there any example given in the Holy Scriptures or any information provided to us about Jesus himself regarding this topic? Here in the book of John chapter 19, verses 40, 41, and 42: The two men took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices according to Jewish custom of preparing a body for burial. There was a garden in the place where Jesus had been put to death, and in it was a new a new tomb where no one had ever been buried. Since it was the day before Sabbath and because the tomb was close by, they placed Jesus’ body there. [John 19:40-42 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: So dear friends, Travis, even our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the Son of God, was also buried after He passed away. So if God’s people are to be buried is there any record in the Bible which shows how God himself then feels about cremation, or the burning of bodies.  What does the Bible say about cremation? Brother Bob: Is there anything that the Bible shows us wherein God would not approve of that option? Let’s again turn to the Holy Scriptures in the book of Amos chapter 2, 1 and 2 it says: The LORD says, “The people of Moab have sinned again and again, and for this I will certainly punish them. They dishonored the bones of the king of Edom by burning them to ashes. I will send fire upon the land of Moab and burn down the fortresses of Kerioth. The people of Moab will die in the noise of battle while the soldiers are shouting and trumpets are sounding.  [Amos 2:1-2 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: So clearly God was angry with the people. Why was He angry with the people of Moab? Because of what they had done with the king of Edom. What did they do? They burned his bones. The Bible makes very clear that they had dishonored his bones by burning them to ashes.  Hinduism practices cremation  Brother Bob: So, dear friends, if God is truly angered by the burning of the deceased, how then did cremation come about in the first place? What religious custom is the burning of the dead or cremation connected to? If it’s not connected to God, and not connected to the Bible (and that is what God’s people are supposed to be doing), how did it come about? In the Britannica Encyclopedia of World Religions here on page 268: In HINDUISIM in India, cremation is the preferred form of disposing the dead. The placing of the body into the fire is regarded as a kind of final sacrificial offering, and the burning of the body is often understood to begin the process of REINCARNATION;” [Britannica Ency. Of World Religion p. 268 (2006)]  Brother Bob: Therein lies the truth: cremation is the practice of Hinduism because they believe it’s the start of the reincarnation process, which of course is not in the Bible, and it is not in accordance with God’s teachings.  Resurrection of the dead Brother Bob: But what can a true servant of God hope for if they pass away and are properly buried? Here in Psalms 49:15, the following is recorded: But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for he shall receive me. [Psalms 49:15 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Travis, dear friends, they will be redeemed, they will be resurrected from the grave, not from an urn or from ashes being sprinkled somewhere, but they will be resurrected from the grave to life, true life in the kingdom of heaven. We, inside the Church Of Christ, believe in these biblical teachings. We follow these instructions as well. Why, dear friends? Because that’s in the Bible.  Thank you, Travis, for your question, and if anyone viewing the program today has questions of your own, please send in your videos to us here at the email shown on the screen: [email protected].  [On-screen text graphic] Do you have questions about the Bible? Send us your videos to: [email protected] Brother Bob: Visit our site incmedia.org because there you’re going to find many shows similar to this one wherein the true teachings of our Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ are upheld by the true Church, the Church Of Christ, the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Thanks for watching. I’m Brother Bob Pellien. We’ll see you next time on That’s in the Bible.

Click to expand transcript Is God’s Love Conditional? Announcer: We’d like to introduce to you our host for that for That’s in the Bible Live, Brother Richie Juatco! Brother Richie: Hello Seattle! How’s everyone? How’s everyone today? Welcome to That’s in the Bible Live. We’re actually live here on location in beautiful Seattle, Washington. And we’re here at the INC Media Experience event or INCMX.  For those that don’t know what That’s in the Bible is, it’s a program where we take questions from people all around the world, wondering what is in the Bible and how it applies to our lives. Now, prior to this event, we actually sent out a camera crew to your beautiful city to find out if there was anyone in the city that had any questions that they’ve been wondering for some time. And they were hoping that they could find an answer from the Bible. So first of all, we would like to thank all those that asked questions to our camera crew, even those that reached out to us via email. But we wouldn’t especially like to thank Robert, Mark and Tyswanekwa, because the questions that they asked, we’re going to feature on our show today.  [On-screen graphic] Topic: Following The Rules Set By A Church Robert Nichols  Bothell, Washington Topic: Spiritual vs. Religious  Mark Sokup Topic: Conditions On Who To Love Tyswanekwa Crosby Federal Way, Washington Brother Richie: Now these are the questions that they asked. Robert, the topic of his question was following the set rules by a church. So he wanted to know did he have to follow those rules. Mark asked about spiritual versus religious, there might be some of us that have heard that or someone wondering the difference between that; and Tyswanekwa, she asked conditions on who to love. She wanted to know if there was anything in the Bible that made her have to love someone a certain way.  We’re going to use those three questions, to answer an overarching question, which is: Is God’s love unconditional? And we hear that all the time, right? We hear that “God’s love is unconditional. No matter how you choose to live your life, He’s going to love you just the same.” And it’s so nice to hear, it makes you feel good. But we want to know: what’s in the Bible? Is that according to the Bible?  What is a “condition”? So what we’re going to do is we’re going to find that out. But before that, let’s find out what “condition” is. What’s the definition of “condition” [and let’s find out if God has any for His love]. So [a condition] is something that must exist before something else can happen. Another word to say that is a “prerequisite” or a “requirement” or “rule” or “restriction.” So does God not have [conditions]? We’ll find out. Let’s go to Tyswanekwa’s question first. We can actually hear it from her:  [Video starts] So even when I was at my grandma’s church yesterday, they made this statement that God did not make man and man to be together, woman and woman to be together. But I believe God [doesn’t] make mistakes…It’s almost like you make Him less comforting, less inviting. So I’m grateful that I’ve decided to have my own relationship outside of church…but I don’t agree with making them feel bad…Where in the Bible does it tell us to be conditional lovers? Where does it tell us to only love someone “this” way or if they are like “this”? Tyswanekwa Crosby Federal Way, Washington [Video ends] Does the Bible give conditions on who to love? Brother Richie: So again, we’d like to thank Tyswanekwa for her question. And just so that we can see if we can know where she’s coming from. Let me see a raise of hands: who here wants someone to give them conditions on who to love? Is there anyone here that wants to be told who to love? So we can kind of see where she’s coming from, right? Because when it comes to love, if someone is going to give their love, he or she is going to come up with their own conditions that someone has to meet to give that love, right? Love can’t be forced, you can’t force someone to love someone else.  For example, this gentleman here, you can’t be forced to love this lovely lady, right? By the way, are you two married? You are, so you do love each other! You love each other because you had your own conditions to be met, and you met those conditions. And that’s how it is, right? It’s your love, it’s your life, it’s your choice.  And there are many people, they choose who to love without worrying about what is written in the Bible. So why are there some [that asked] that question from the Bible? Why is it that, not only Tyswanekwa, but many people, [want] to know what is in the Bible regarding that? Well, to many, the ideal situation is: choose who to love, and have God’s love upon you and upon the one that you love as well, right? Because that would actually be [a] great situation.  Who does God choose to love? So when it comes to God’s love…now we’re on the topic of God’s love. Does He have conditions? We all have conditions for our love. And many people say, “No, God’s different. He doesn’t have any conditions. Well, we don’t want to answer for God because His words are written in the Bible, we’ll just read His answer.  When it comes to God giving His love, what is it that [He] requires, if He does have any requirements. Let’s read what is written in the Bible, we’re going to read from what’s recorded here in Deuteronomy. We’ll read chapter 7. We’ll read it together here, we’ll put it on the screen. Here in verse 6 to 7, it says: You are a holy nation. The Lord your God has set you apart for himself. He has chosen you to be his special treasure. He chose you out of all the nations on the face of the earth to be his people. The Lord chose you because he loved you very much…  [Deuteronomy 7:6-7 New International Reader’s Version] Brother Richie: When it comes to God giving His love, how is it that the Bible describes that? Well, here we can read that He did give His love to the ancient nation of Israel. Now, what’s the proof that He loved them? Well, according to what we’ve read, it says He chose them to be His people. Some might say, “I don’t understand” or “aren’t we all God’s people? God created all of us.” And that’s true. God created every single one of us. But as we have learned, He doesn’t love everyone the same. What’s the proof? It says that He chose some to be His special treasure. He set them apart to be His people.  So, now when it comes to God giving His love, just like the rest of us, that’s His choice, right? It is His choice. He’s the one that comes up with the conditions that have to be met. And really God’s love…that’s what we want. Right? That is so important to have. If there’s anyone’s love that we’re going to work for, that we’re going to try to win over, it should be God’s.  Now, some might think, “Why? Well, what’s so great about having God’s love?” Well, if that’s the question, why is that such a wonderful situation to have God’s love in our life? Again, let’s go to what is recorded. We’ll read the situation that God makes for those that He does choose to love. We’re going to read from what is recorded here in the book of Psalm, Chapter 91, we’re going to read verses 14 to 15. It says:  “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  [Psalm 91:14-15 New International Version] What does it mean to love God? Brother Richie: According to the Bible, what kind of a situation is it if God chooses to love someone? That’s a wonderful situation. Our God Himself said that the one He loves, he’s going to protect, He’s going to deliver, He’s going to honor, He’s going to rescue those that love Him. If they call to Him, He’s going to answer them. If they’re in trouble, He’s going to be with them in trouble. Who here wants that situation? Who here wants God to be with them always? We all do. But just because we want it, does it mean we get it? Well, this particular servant, how come he got it? Well, God gave the answer. He answered and He said, “Because he loves me.”  So there was a condition met. Our God gave him the love and the protection that he needed. So, if someone thinks, “Well, I love God, too.” And we can all say that (we should say that) we all love God. But we know that love is much more than words. There’s a saying that we all know when it comes to talk, right? They say talk is…”talk is cheap.” Anyone can say that. The ladies that are here: If someone says they love you, is that all you need to believe it? No, even us as human beings, right? For us to believe someone that they love us, they’ve got to prove it. So when it comes to God’s love, does that have to be proven? Again, some might say, “No, God is different!” Well, wait a second, let’s use God’s words. If someone loves God, what does that mean? Let’s read His words. From what is written here in 1  John, we’re going to read chapter 5, verse 3. This is what it actually says:  For our love for God means that we obey his commands. And his commands are not too hard for us,  [1 John 5:3 Good News Translation] Brother Richie: What is the biblical definition of loving God? Well, according to what we have read, it says it means we obey His commands. So His commands are what we need.  Someone might think, “Well, what are God’s commands? I thought [there’s] only ten?” There [are the] first ten commandments that were written down. But God has a whole Bible of commandments. For our life, from the very first time we receive life to the time that we lose it. Our God gives us commandments, He gives us instructions, He shows us how to live our life the way that He intended. He shows us how to think when we’re in trouble. When we face certain challenges, He shows us how to surround ourselves with the right people. He is the one that is guiding us and instructing us. And if we follow all those commands we prove that we love Him.  Now in all the commands that God gives, so that we can show that we love Him, is there any command regarding whom we should love? Because that goes right into what Tyswanekwa was asking, you know. She said, “Well, show me in the Bible that I have to love someone this way, if they’re like this…” Does God have any commands regarding whom we should love? Let’s find out. We’ll read here from what’s recorded in 1 John, we’re going to read chapter 2, and the verses are 15 to 16: Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. Because everything that belongs to the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of one’s lifestyle—is not from the Father, but is from the world. [1 John 2:15-16 Holman Christian Standard Bible]  Brother Richie: Does our God give instructions regarding whom we should or shouldn’t love? Yes. What is it that we read? He said, “Do not love the world or the things [in] the world.” We have to understand there’s only two types of people: one who loves God, it means they’ve learned His commandments, they follow His commandments; and the second, the ones that don’t, they are of the world. What is it that God said? “Do not love the world or the things [in] the world.”  But I would like to ask, please answer this question: Despite God’s command, despite His instruction to us, do we still get to choose who to love? What’s your answer? We do. That’s our choice. Whatever we want, whoever we want, we can love. But can we say, “God will love me unconditionally, regardless of whom I choose to love.” Can we say that? No. We could say that, but that won’t be the truth.  So to summarize, the Bible’s answer to Tyswanekwa’s question, we can see that: [On-screen text] God chooses whom He loves based on His personal conditions We prove our love for God by obeying His commands We lose His love if we disregard His commands Brother Richie: God chooses whom He loves based on His personal conditions. We can understand that because that’s how we give our love. What else, we prove our love for God by obeying His commands. And we lose His love if we disregard His commands. That’s what we should believe in because that’s in the Bible. So that is our first question.  The difference between spiritual and religious Let’s go to our second question. And this is actually what Mark had to ask:  [Video starts] What’s the difference between being spiritual and religious? Mark Sokup [Video ends] Brother Richie: So again, we thank Mark for that question. And we know that this question is very interesting, because if you Google this question, “spiritual versus religious,” you know how many results you’re going to get? We did that just recently. And we can see, we had hundreds of millions of results. It was just in a fraction of a second, I believe it was 332 million posts of everyone answering, right? So it is a very interesting question. Well, let’s just go to the definition, let’s find out. So what’s his definition of “spiritual”? It says: [On-screen text] spiritual (adjective)  relating to deep feelings and beliefs, especially religious beliefs of or relating to the inner character of a person Brother Richie: It says “relating to deep feelings and beliefs, especially religious beliefs…of all relating to the inner character of a person.  [On-screen text] religious (adjective) living and worshiping according to the beliefs of a particular religion having a strong belief in a god or gods Brother Richie: Okay, how about “religious”? The definition of religious, we can see that it’s very close, it says, living and worshipping according to the beliefs of a particular religion; having a strong belief in a god or gods. So they actually have a commonality about beliefs about God: about having to be how to be with God, how to connect with God.  So why are people trying to differentiate between the two? Well, let’s see a show of hands. Has anyone here heard the term or the trend, “spiritual but not religious”? Is there anyone that has heard that? That term is when someone rejects organized religion as a primary means of enhancing their spiritual progress. And you know, we don’t blame a lot of people, we actually understand that. We understand why people are leaving organized religion, because most of the time when someone wants to connect with God, they’ll go to religions to find the truth, to find guidance. But unfortunately, many times what they find are lies, corruption in religion, and they find religious preachers saying, really whatever they want, or whatever other people want.  So there are those that opt to having a life with God [away from] those religions. They feel, “if these religions are just coming up with their own way of being with God, I’m better off going direct.” Therefore, the term: “spiritual, but not religious”.  [On-screen text] “According to the public religion research Institute, 33 percent of Seattle residents are religiously unaffiliated.” Source: Are We Losing our Religion? Searching for Spirituality in Seattle seattlemag.com Brother Richie: In fact, Mark’s not alone and asking that question. Just here in your own backyard here in Seattle, we can see that there are 33% of Seattle residents are religiously unaffiliated, this is according to seattlemag.com. But because it’s so diverse, religion is so diverse, it’s hard to break it up as [an] either/or, to lump religion all together, because we know they’re not all the same. Saying that religion is all the same, that’s already a mistake.  But to get away from getting in all the complexity, let’s just go straight to the point. You know, the question is: Which one should I be? How should I be with God? Right? If that is how someone wants to be [saying], “Okay, this is my life, right? What’s the best way to be with God to have him in my life? How is it that I can tailor fit what I have so far, and have God with me?” How can I be put right with God? So we can ask the Bible that. What does the Bible say about those [who] want to be with God, kind of on their own terms where they are in life. Let’s read from what’s recorded here in Romans, chapter 10. This is what God through Apostle Paul says very clearly about those that want to be with God. He says here:  I can assure you, they are deeply devoted to God; but their devotion is not based on true knowledge. They have not known the way in which God puts people right with himself, and instead, they have tried to set up their own way; and so they did not submit themselves to God’s way of putting people right.  [Romans 10:2-3 Good News Translation] Brother Richie: According to what we are learning from what is in the Bible, God has His own way of putting people right with Himself. So again, God’s the One that comes up with the way. He’s the one that comes up with the conditions, He’s the one that has His own terms on how to connect with Him. And the people that don’t know that way, the Bible says they’ve resorted to coming up with their own way. We can attest to that. We can see there are so many different people coming up with different ways. And although they might be very devoted in the way that they have selected, the Biblical truth is: it’s not based on true knowledge.  So instead of asking, the question “Should I be spiritual? Should I be religious?” The question we should ask is, “What’s God’s way? How is it that I can be with Him?” If we’re asking for God’s way, we can just come up with it on our own? Let’s go to His answer. What is it that God teaches, so that we can be with Him we can be amongst those considered, or at least He considers His people? Let’s read here. God does give this answer and reply here in Jeremiah 7, the verse is 23. He said: but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.  [Jeremiah 7:23 New International Version] Brother Richie: According to Him, to be with Him, to be part of His people, we have to obey all the commands He has for us. So we are learning, just as we learned earlier, actually, it’s being reinforced now that there is a way to have a connection with God. But in pursuit of that, we can’t disregard that He has commandments. He has prerequisites, He has conditions that have to be fulfilled first.  So again, another question to everyone. These commandments that are being mentioned in the Bible; are we forced to follow these commandments? No, I mean, someone can try but they can’t, right? But can we say God is going to connect with us our way? No, we can say that either. Because we have learned, we can even come up with our own way to be with God.  [On-screen text] Trying to come up with our own way won’t lead to God God has His own way of letting people connect with Him If we want God in our lives, we can’t avoid obeying His commands Brother Richie: So let’s summarize the Bible’s answer to Mark’s question, we can see that trying to come up with our own way, won’t lead to God. We’ve also learned that God has his own way of letting people connect with him. And if we want God in our lives, we can avoid obeying His commandments, that really is the truth. Why do we say that? Because that’s in the Bible.  Am I obligated to follow church rules? Brother Richie: Let’s go to our final question that we’re going to feature today. And this is from Robert, listen to what Robert asked: [Video] If I attend a church, am I morally obligated to adhere to the rules that they believe in their church or am I allowed to believe how I feel? Robert Nichols Bothell, Washington [Video ends] Brother Richie: You know, there’s probably a lot of people just like Robert. They want to belong to a church, they probably grew up in a church, but what they are hearing, what they know is being taught in the church that they’re in, they don’t think that it’s right. So they have this dilemma. What is it that they should do?  We commend Robert and all those that asked, we appreciate that question. Because if one doesn’t know, it’s never too late to find out what is actually written in the Bible. The question that he asked is “If I attend a church, do I  have to follow the rules and beliefs?” Well, to put it simply, the answer is “no.” But it can also be “yes.” Why is it that we say that?  We first have to find out which church is he referring to? Someone would think, “Why? Aren’t they all the same?” No, they’re not all the same. Although all of them say that they follow the Bible. But what is it that we could see? They’re different, they’re different in name, they’re different in belief, they’re different in doctrine, they’re different. So it is clear something is happening. How can everyone follow the Bible, but everyone come up with different ways? Someone might think, “It doesn’t matter. I don’t want to get all confused in that just as long as I’m worshipping. It doesn’t matter what church I do it in, right?” Well, that’s what we can ask. Because if we are worshipping so that God can accept us, let’s ask God that. Does He accept all worship that is being rendered to Him? Listen to what He teaches. We’re going to read here in Matthew, chapter 15, and the verse is 9. This is what God himself says:  Their worship of Me is worth nothing. They teach what men have made up.’” [Matthew 15:9 New Living Translation]  Brother Richie: Yes or no, please answer based on what we read. Does God accept all worship rendered to Him? What’s the answer? No. In fact, He’s the one that says that there is worship, it’s worth nothing. What kind of worship is that? We got to make sure that’s not our worship. It is a worship that what is being taught is what men have made up. What are teachings that men have made up? They’re any teachings that are not written in the Bible. Because if they’re not in the Bible, somebody made it up. And what God said [is] if someone made it up, well, then that’s worth nothing.  So if that’s the type of church that Robert was referring to, that “If I attend that church, you don’t have to follow the beliefs and the rules there?” The answer, it’s not only “No, you don’t have to follow that.” The answer is also “You shouldn’t be attending that church in the first place.” Now, if there are churches that God says, “that’s worth nothing,” well, which church should we be a part of? Because there’s a lot of churches, there are so many options of churches, it can get very confusing, but our Lord Jesus Christ, He gives this insight when it comes to this topic of churches. We’ll read from what He teaches. Here in Matthew 16, and the verse is 18. It says:  “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church,… [Matthew 16:18 New King James Version] Brother Richie: According to our Lord Jesus Christ, how many churches did He build? How do we know [only] one? Why are we so sure? What did He say? He said, “I will build My church,” right? That’s singular. Now this Church that He built, how does He regard it? He said, “That’s Mine. I will build My church.”  So of all the options of churches that one has, with more churches being built and being established, the only one that really matters is the Church that our Lord Jesus Christ built. Why? Because that’s the Church that the Bible is actually teaching [about]. Did Christ build a Church? Well, which Church is that? Now, if we just came up with the name on our own, we would be included in what God said, “That’s worth nothing.” Because we can’t do that, right? We can’t just make it up on our own. It has to come from the Bible, it has to come from God, our Lord Jesus Christ said, “That’s my Church.” What’s the name of His Church? What did the apostles call the Church built by our Lord Jesus Christ? We want to know that what is written, let’s read from what is recorded here in Acts 20, we’re going to read verse 28. It says:  Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.  [Acts 20:28 Lamsa] What’s the value of the Bible? Brother Richie: The Church written in the Bible, the Church that our Lord Jesus Christ said, “That’s my Church.” What is it called? Church Of Christ. Now, if the Biblical Church Of Christ is what Robert was talking about, he said, “If I attend that church or have to follow the rules and beliefs in that church?” The answer is “Yes.” Why? Because the true Church Of Christ will only teach what is written in the Bible.  Someone might think, “Why is that so important for me to know? Why do I need what is written in the Bible or the Holy Scriptures? What’s the value of the Holy Scriptures?” Let’s read that so that we know here in 2 Timothy, will read from chapter 3 will read verses 15, all the way to 17. It says:  and that from childhood, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.  [2 Timothy 3:15-17 New King James Version] Brother Richie: What’s the value of the words written in the Holy Scriptures? Well, we just enumerated it, right? The Bible says it’s “profitable for doctrine.” That’s why if there is a doctrine, a church or religion, the doctrine has to be written in the Bible. If it’s written somewhere else, that someone else made it, God said, “Well, that’s no use to Me.” The doctrine written in the Bible, that is God’s teachings on how we should live properly—instructions.  What else? If we’ve made something—have done something wrong? What is the value? [The Bible] says, “it’s for reproof and correction.” How many of us here have made mistakes in our life? It’s very hard [to] admit that, right? Because if you don’t, that’s a mistake. That’s not the truth. Right? So how do we fix it? How do we correct it? We follow the instructions that are in the Bible. What are those instructions for? It says they are instructions in righteousness. We want to be righteous, right? But we can’t come up with it on our own right? We don’t want to be self righteous. We want to be righteous in the eyes of God. So we follow His instructions.  Someone might say, you know, but I don’t think it’s enough. That’s why I think there’s something more that I need. Well, what does the Bible say? It says, it will make you thoroughly equipped for every good work. It’s all we need. There’s nothing more there’s nothing missing. In fact, even if we go up, what else is it profitable for it says “for salvation.” How many of us here want to be saved from the dangers that we see around us and the dangers that are coming? We all want that, right? But just because we want it doesn’t mean we get it? We need wisdom for it. Where are we going to get that? It comes from the Bible.  Now all of those instructions; are we forced to follow it? As we mentioned earlier, you can force us. You can try, but just like love, it has to come from us. So we know that these instructions, they’re just conditions. We’re the ones that choose if we’re going to follow or not. And just so that we’re clear, let’s go to the definition of “condition” again. [On-screen text] Condition (noun) something that must exist before something else can happen Brother Richie: Condition is something that must exist (so let’s say following, obeying), before something else can happen. What is this “something else that can happen”? What if someone says, “You know, okay, let me give it a shot. Let me learn what is actually written. And if I follow what is going to happen, what is the promise that God gives if someone needs His conditions and they follow His commands?”  Let’s read from what He promises. And these promises are even in ancient times, what is it that He says, we’re going to read from Deuteronomy 28, we’ll read 1 to 3. And we’ll also read 8, He said:  If you fully obey the Lord your God, and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth, all these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.  [Deuteronomy 28:1-3, 8 New International Version] Brother Richie: What’s going to happen? What promise does God make if one is going to follow His commands? That is a wonderful life. It says all these blessings will come upon us. It says that you’ll be “blessed in the city and blessed in the country.” Imagine wherever you go, the blessing is going to follow. He said anything you put your hands to do, God is going to bless. How many of us want that situation? We all do. But who gets it? Just someone that wants it?  If we can go back, [the Bible] says, “you will be blessed…All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you.” We want that. “If.” It’s a very small word, it’s only two letters. But if you say “if,” what does that mean? There’s a condition there. What’s the condition, if you obey the Lord your God. No one will force us to obey. But we cannot disregard God’s commands, and expect that He’s going to bless us.  So, what’s our takeaway from Robert’s question? We can see here: [On-screen text] Find out if the church you’re attending is the biblical Church Of Christ The biblical Church Of Christ will teach only what is in the Bible Following the rules actually written in the BIble will mean a life with God Brother Richie: Find out if the church you’re attending is the biblical Church Of Christ, because that’s the one that the Bible is teaching of. That’s what’s important. How are we going to know that? It says the biblical Church Of Christ will teach only what is in the Bible. So at least we have some way of assessing which one is the Biblical Church Of Christ. Follow the rules actually written in the Bible. Following them will mean a life with God. That is possible, having a life with God; having actual guidance, actually having Him help us. That is possible on the condition that we take into consideration He has set rules and conditions that have to be met.  You know, we know about relationships, we know that there is one that sets the conditions, and one that meets those conditions. If we look at the relationship of the Creator and the creations, which one sets the conditions and which one meets those unconditionally? Who sets the condition? The creations or the Creator? Creator, right? Who meets those conditions unconditionally? It’s the creations, right? That’s why when someone says, “No, God will love you unconditionally, just the way you are, you don’t have to do anything.” What they probably don’t realize, there are switching the roles of who is the Creator, and who are the creations.  There are many of you that are here. And we’re very happy that you’re here with us today. That, just like the three questions that we went over, maybe you want to be loved by God, you want to be spiritual, you want to be religious, you want to be part of the right Church. But maybe, just maybe there are some that have not yet considered that God has conditions that have to be met first. Where are we going to find that? Where are we going to find His conditions? Where are we going to find His commands that need to be followed? Well, that’s in the Bible. We understand this might be the very first time you’re hearing and seeing what is actually written in the Bible. Maybe there might be some that might be a bit confused. Because everything that they’ve been told from what is in the Bible, this might be a shock. But that’s the reason why we’re here. That’s the reason why we want to help, the only thing that we want to give you is actually what is in the Bible, it is your choice. It is how you want to decide what to do with it.  And you will notice, after the show, not only will I be available, all [my] other co-ministers that we have are always around, please don’t hesitate, come ask us. What is it that we’re going to do? We’re not going to answer on our own? Who are we? The only thing that we can do is help you find the answer that comes from the Bible. If the answer comes from the Bible, that is God answering your question. You know, there are many people just like you sitting where you are, that had questions, no one could answer. And it just stayed an empty question in their heart. But they were able to find the answer that actually comes from the Bible after searching for so many years. We would like to show you a video regarding them. Please take a look: [Video starts] Fred Reed: For a long time of my life, I had lots of questions. Sol Velasquez: So I kept looking through all the churches, all the religions and still my questions were not answered. And sooner or later I just left because I was disappointed. Voiceover: This might sound familiar to you. In fact, chances are you’ve walked out of your own religion for the very same reasons. Sol Velasquez: I didn’t go to church for so long because they were all the same. Voiceover:  It’s nothing to be ashamed of. We all want answers, real ones. Ones that are backed up with more than just someone’s story. But what would it mean to you if you actually got answers to your questions? Like really got the answers . Fred Reed: You don’t have to wonder or imagine, that type of deal, a lot of the hocus pocus stuff that goes on in some churches. Nicholas Victorio: I think once you get to a Bible study, and you hear the lessons, that’s the biggest hurdle. And once you get to a Bible lesson you want to learn more.  Voiceover: You see this place does exist. A place where questions about the Bible are answered, well by the Bible.  Nicholas Victorio:  Any question I had was answered.  They explained it to me using the Bible. And not using their own interpretation of it. So, coming from a Mormon church it wasn’t like that. When you ask questions you got different answers all the time. Fred Reed: And all of a sudden, there’s actually THE church that actually teaches what’s in the Bible. Voiceover: And the good thing is you don’t have to look for it anymore. You just have to take a few minutes to set up a time to sit down with one of the ministers of the Church Of Christ and ask your questions. Nicholas Victorio: Once I started hearing the gospel and the way we teach the Bible, it was a no-brainer for me to really know that this was the true Church. Voiceover: They did it. They found their answers, isn’t it time to find yours? Sol Velasquez: So I went to the Bible study and they treated me like part of the family. So okay I’ll sit in and I learned, I learned a lot during that Bible study. Fred Reed: I always gain something from every minister, not seeing anything like this in my entire life, where you can walk up to any one of them and they can answer any question you have but they’re not gonna give you their opinion. They’ll never give you their opinion. All they’ll do is reach over pull out the word of God and let’s see what it says right here in the word of God and they’ll find a scripture and yes it does answer the question. Nicholas Victorio: And the unity of Iglesia Ni Cristo is what I love. You truly see the same answer that you ask from one minister to the other. Seeing that we just use the Bible and we just believe what the Bible says, is truly the only truth I can believe in. Voiceover:  So ask yourself, what do you want to do next? What are the Bible questions you’ve waited so long to ask? And when you’re ready, we’ll be right here waiting for you. [Video ends] Brother Richie: We really hope this is not the last time that we’re going to see you. We’re really happy that you’re here with us. And we invite you to stay. Learn more about the Bible, the Church Of Christ offers group and one-on-one Bible studies. And we invite you to observe a worship service that we have here in the Seattle house of worship. Hopefully you can get this schedule, it’s out in some of the booths.  Here in Seattle, they have a weekday worship service on Thursday at 5:45am and 7:30pm. So before you go to work, if you want to observe a worship service first or after in the evening. On Saturday, they have a 7pm worship service. On Sunday, they have a 7am. If you speak the Filipino language that will be in Tagalog. Or at 10am they have one in English. Even the children have a Children’s Worship Service that they’re easily able to understand the lesson. That’s at 12pm.  And if you’re anywhere else in the Washington State area, there are different local congregations that you can attend and it will be the exact same lesson. It’s the same hymns. It’s the same verses wherever you are in this particular Church Of Christ. If you have a friend that is attending a worship service in Australia on the same weekend, you can call each other, you could talk about the exact same worship service. This is a congregation part of one whole Church. If you would like a question that you have answered on this particular show, email us either a written or a video question at [email protected]’re so happy that you came out with us. I’m Brother Richie Juatco. Thank you so much for joining us on That’s in the Bible Live.

Click to expand transcript Is Jehovah the True Name of God? Brother Bob Pellien: Hello, and welcome everyone to this program That’s in the Bible. I’m Bob Pellien. [On-screen text] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: In our episode for today we’ll be responding to a question of a Mr. Randy Capilitan who asks—which is a very common question that we receive here—but Randy asks, “What is the true name of God? Is [Jehovah] the name of God? Is it necessary to call Jehova as His name?”  Different variations of this question have, like I said, often been received here [at] our program and asked. So today we’re going to use once again the Holy Bible as a basis to respond to Randy’s question and questions regarding the name of God that we’ve been receiving regularly concerning the different names of God.  How does Jesus want people to address God? How should we address God, dear friends? Does God even have a name? This is a very important question on our episode for today, and it’s especially important for those who want to properly worship God. So for us living in this day and age in the Christian Era, we follow the lead of our Lord Jesus Christ since He’s the begotten Son of God, He’s the one of course qualified to teach us how to approach God as His children. And Lord Jesus Christ does truly teach us this and let’s read His words. In the Book of Matthew 6:9:  In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven,… [Matthew 6:9 New King James Version]  Brother Bob: Dear friends, Jesus is teaching His disciples how to pray. He said “in this manner, pray.” And if we read all the subsequent verses following that, [it’s] all the different guidance that He gave them relative to proper prayer. What was the first that we just read? How to address God. What did He teach? He said, “Our Father in heaven.” So He taught His disciples (likewise, all of us), He taught us how to pray and how to address God. And He does so by showing us how to call upon God. And what He taught was to call Him (God) “Father.” We call God our Father.  Now, did Christ put into practice what He instructed His disciples concerning how to address God, when Jesus Himself prayed? Did He use a personal name of God when He addressed God? Let’s, let’s check in the Book of John 17:1:  Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, [John 17:1 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What did Jesus do when He prayed to God? He addressed God as “Father,” not any specific personal name. Now, how else can we call God? The apostles gave us some important additional insight on that. How did the apostles also call God in the Book of Acts 4:24:  So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,  [Act 4:24 New King James Version] Brother Bob: The apostles also prayed to God, and likewise addressed Him as “Lord.” So we’re also taught then to refer to our Creator as “Lord.” And that’s because He’s the One and Only true and Almighty, all-powerful God that we all came from. Therefore, He is our Father, and we should obey Him, because He is our Lord God.  Are there different names for God in the Bible? Brother Bob: Now, dear friends before we start reading additional biblical passages here regarding the name or names of God, a couple of things we should understand regarding the significance of a personal name. Now without getting into them, the specific meaning of any particular name, let’s just understand first: what’s the basic purpose of a personal name in the first place? Is it not to be able to identify one person from another? This is why there’s always a link between name and identity. And the truth is that names are a part of every culture, and they’re of great importance, both to the individual who receives the name or has been named, and to the societies that have given them a name. Why? Because it’s what helps distinguish one individual from another. That distinction is made by virtue of name.  OK, with all that having been said, because there is only one true God, with no one else to mistakenly identify as another god, there’s only one God. He does not have, nor does He need to have a personal name like the rest of us do. Again, why? There’s only one true God so there’s no need to distinguish Him from any other.  So in view of this, let’s study the different names or appellations, that the Bible does attribute to God and their meanings. For example, the Holy Scriptures [introduce] various names and appellations of the one true God throughout the history in the Holy Scriptures. For example, in Exodus 3:14, God addressed Himself to Moses. Did God address Himself to Moses with a personal name? What did He say? “I am who I am.”  And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” [Exodus 3:14 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Or in some other translations of the Bible, when God introduced Himself to Moses, He said, “I will be what I will be.” We can see how [the Bible] makes very clear here that there was no one else that could be referred to as God. There was no need for God to give a personal name. He just said, “I am who I am.” “I am who I will be.” That’s it. He is God. He is the Father. He is the Creator in Isaiah 42:5 and 8. He also called Himself as “Lord”:  Thus says God the Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it:…I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images. [Isaiah 42:5,8 New King James Version] Brother Bob: And also in the book of Exodus 34:14. He likewise used the name “Jealous”: (for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God), [Exodus 34:14 New King James Version] Brother Bob: In Amos 5:27 [and] Amos 4:13, He was also named “God of hosts”:  Therefore I will send you into captivity beyond Damascus,” Says the Lord, whose name is the God of hosts….For behold, He who forms mountains, And creates the wind, Who declares to man what [b]his thought is, And makes the morning darkness, Who treads the high places of the earth—The Lord God of hosts is His name. [Amos 5:27, 4:13 New King James Version] Brother Bob: In Isaiah 57:15. He is also named as “Holy”:  For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones. [Isaiah 57:15 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What can we see? We can see here that when it comes to the names of God, the Bible gives so many various names. It would be wrong to just hone in on any one of them and say, “That’s the ultimate.” No, there’s no such basis for that.  Where did the name “Jehovah” come from? Should we call God Jehovah? Brother Bob: We find it necessary for a moment here, dear friends, let’s pause and tackle the claim of some who say things like this: “Jehovah. That’s His one and only name, Jehovah.” And there’s another group popping up nowadays [and] they’re using the term“Yahuah.” And they’re insisting that’s the one and the only name of God and the only name that should be used in reference to God.  Since we already stated that God does not have a personal name like we do.  [On-screen text] God does NOT have a personal name Brother Bob: Why? Because there’s no other true God to distinguish Him from. Let’s learn how this term “Jehovah” came about, and how it has also came to be viewed in the way that it’s being viewed by others in the world nowadays.  Dear friends, if we reference Hebrew manuscripts; Hebrew of course being the language of the Old Testament, one of the names of God cannot be pronounced and it cannot be pronounced because it consists of four Hebrew consonants: Y, H, V, H.  [On-screen text] 4 Hebrew consonants: Y H V H Brother Bob: The Hebrew letters: Y, H, V, H, commonly referred to as the Tetragrammaton. So when the Scriptures were being read during that time and when one came across these four consonants (Which were not intended to be pronounced. They’re consonants.) What would be pronounced [instead] is one of the other names of God. For example, as we read earlier when God said, “I am who I am,” or “I will be what I will be,” or simply, “Lord.” [On-screen text] I am who I am – Exodus 3:14 NKJV I will be what I will be – Exodus 3:14 CJB Lord – Isaiah 42: 5, 8 NKJV Brother Bob: None of these are, of course, a personal name. Where and when did the name “Jehovah” come about? It was over 1,000 years after the Bible’s completion. It appears first and about 1520 A.D. when some thought these four consonants (which was, as I said earlier, not intended to be pronounced at all), they thought, “Well, it should be pronounced.” So you might wonder how did they pronounce a word or come to pronounce a word that has only four consonants and no vowels? Well, what did they do? They simply just used the vowels of another word. And we can read this in the New international Dictionary of New Testament Theology. Let’s take a look at what’s recorded here in Volume 2 pages 69 and 70:  [On-screen text] The form Jehovah arose out of a misunderstanding which in turn arose out of the reluctance of pious Jews to pronounce the divine name (c. 300 BC). Instead they uttered the word ‘adonay, my Lord. In the MT [Masoretic Text] the divine name was written with the consonants of YHVH and the vowels of ‘adonay, as a reminder to say the latter whenever the word was read. The divine name appears as yehowah in the MT…. The form Jehovah is thus a malformation giving what is virtually a transliteration of a word which is found in the text of the Heb. OT, but which was never actually used as a word. [New international Dictionary of New Testament Theology Vol. 2, pgs. 69-70] Brother Bob: And you know, dear friends, the same point was made in the reference of Harper’s Bible Dictionary, page 1,036. Let’s take a look at how they described what happened: [On-screen text] The hybrid word ‘Jehovah’ is a combination of the vowels of ‘Adonai’ with the consonants of the tetragrammaton; its appearance in the KJV was the result of the translators’ ignorance of the Hebrew language and customs. [Harper’s Bible Dictionary, p.1036] Brother Bob: “Jehovah,” as the supposed name of God, in which some believe is His only true name, [is] a mistaken form of the divine name of the Creator. To insist on using this term in reference to God is [to] propagate an error. It should be understood that God’s name cannot be played with. It’s important that God would be always addressed correctly. God’s name must not be taken in vain, used uselessly, for He had laid down a very important prohibition on those who would invoke His name. What was that prohibition? Well, let’s, let’s go ahead and read that in Exodus 20:7:  “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.  [Exodus 20:7 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Let’s simply follow the teaching. Follow the example of our Lord Jesus, our Savior, and address God as “Father.” This is what we should all believe. This is what we should all follow because that’s in the Bible.  Dear friends, when you’re ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, please visit us online, incmedia.org. Or visit any of our various social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter). To speak to a minister of the Gospel and worship with us, you can find a directory of our houses of worship online as well. And if you have any questions about the Bible, please email us for a chance to be featured on the show. I’m Bob Pellien. Thank you for joining us and we’ll see you again next time right here on That’s in the Bible.

Click to expand transcript [Show open] Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you very much everyone for joining us in our studio audience here for That’s in the Bible Live. We appreciate [you] joining us in our study, and we believe that we will spend this time together and it will be beneficial for everyone. On this show, That’s in the Bible, we explore the Bible’s teachings on just about any topic imaginable and questions come into us from places all over the globe. We always get the answers to all these questions directly from here–the Holy Scriptures, also known as? Audience: [Mixed answers] Brother Bob: The Bible, yes. You’re a very funny audience. I can tell this is going to be a very nice session. Our question for today, let’s take a look at it first. It proposes a very interesting question that we’ll address and talk about today. Let’s take a look at it. [Video begins] [On-screen text graphics] Why are there so many different Christian teachings and Churches? Feraidoon Hezoda Feraidoon Hezoda: So many church[es], but so many bibles. So many teach the people. Why don’t [they] teach the people one thing if one Bible [comes] from God? [Video ends] Brother Bob: Well we thank Mr. Hezoda for that really wonderful question. We’d like to thank him for his question and we hope to receive many more questions as we go along. It’s really not surprising from someone, or anyone, viewing Christianity from outside of it. They would be perplexed or even confused when they see all the different denominations, all the different churches, all the different religions, so a full spectrum of religious beliefs all under the umbrella of so-called Christianity. And that’s very confusing to many people. So, we’re very thankful for that question because it’s a really relevant question in the minds of many people nowadays.  A Bible-based Church where there’s only one God It’s our belief, inside the Church Of Christ, that there is only one true faith, one set of true doctrines, and one true service to God. Not many. We believe in that adamantly. Only one basis of faith, one sole basis of faith, and that, of course, is the Bible.  Although the Bible may be translated—it’s been said in an article not too long ago, it’s been actually translated into 1,854 different languages and dialects all over the world. It remains for us the absolute sole basis of our faith. Why do we believe that to be the sole basis of our faith? Why do we believe that there is only one faith that one must embrace when wanting to serve the one true God? Okay, let’s turn to the Holy Bible and begin researching the responses to the important question posed by Mr. Hezoda. In Ephesians chapter 4:4-6: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. [Ephesians 4:4-6 New International Version] Brother Bob: There are a lot of times in that verse where the word one, o-n-e, is used. I would like to ask the studio audience here this afternoon, reading the verses along with us on the screen, how many faiths are there based on what we just read? How many faiths, studio audience? Audience: One. Brother Bob: One faith. How many bodies, studio audience?  Audience: One. Brother Bob: How many Lords? Audience: One. Brother Bob: We believe there is only one true faith. Why? Because? Audience: That’s in the Bible. Brother Bob: We believe that there is only one true God because?  Audience: That’s in the Bible.  Brother Bob: We believe that there is only one body because?  Audience: That’s in the Bible. Brother Bob:  Because that’s in the Bible. What’s being referred to as that one body? We often read in Colossians 1:18, here in this program: “And he is the head of the body, the church;…” Brother Bob:  What is it? Audience: The church. Brother Bob:  The church. One faith, one body, one church according to the Holy Scriptures. And that’s what we believe. Again, once more, studio audience. Why? Because? Audience: That’s in the Bible. Brother Bob: Here’s the thing, if all of that is so clearly indicated in the Holy Scriptures, the Bible, why do things get all twisted up? Why do things become confusing and why do people become so perplexed as they view the religious scene of the world nowadays? What’s happened? What we read was not so complicated. That’s pretty direct. Do you agree? Audience: Yes. Brother Bob: What has transpired? Allow me to cite, this time, the writings of Apostle Peter. II Peter 3:16: Speaking of this as he does in all of his letters. There are some things in those [epistles of Paul] that are difficult to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist and misconstrue to their own utter destruction, just as [they distort and misinterpret] the rest of the Scriptures. [2 Peter 3:16 Amplified Bible] Beware of people trying to mislead you Brother Bob: Why is it all so perplexing for so many people who are trying to serve God and understand the truth? Answer of the Bible, what was it? Because there are preachers who are misinterpreting, there are preachers who are twisting, and there are preachers who are misconstruing things that they see and read. And, of course, therefore leading people away from the truth. And they do so because they are not understanding what they are reading. So, what was the warning? Verse 17 will explain. We will continue reading: Let me warn you therefore, beloved, that knowing these things beforehand, you should be on your guard,… [2 Peter 3:17 Amplified Bible] Brother Bob: Dear friends, that’s a very important warning from the Lord. That’s not from me or from the kind of individual that invited you to join our study here this afternoon. That’s the Lord Himself through the apostle Peter saying, let me warn you, you need to guard against something. What? Let’s continue: Let me warn you therefore, beloved, that knowing these things beforehand, you should be on your guard, lest you be carried away by the error of lawless and wicked [persons and] fall from your own [present] firm condition [your own steadfastness of mind]. [2 Peter 3:17 Amplified Bible] Brother Bob: What was the warning? The warning was that there could be those that would mislead you and try to carry you away from the spiritual condition you need to remain in. It happens because there are preachers who are teaching but not understanding what they are teaching. So what do they end up doing? They end up misinterpreting, as we all read it together, and twisting the message.  So, by show of hands, how many of you have seen preachers online, or turning on the television on a Sunday morning, and you could see them preaching the most confusing and perplexing ideological principles and trying to convince people to believe? How many of you have seen this confusion that we just read about being done by preachers in the world nowadays? A lot. That’s why the question from Mr. Hezoda is such a common question. Why [are there] so many religions? Why are [there] so many things being taught? And there’s the Bible’s answer. There are those who are twisting and teaching false things.  The question now we pose together is this: well if that is what is transpiring, why [are] there are so many people that are becoming so easily victimized and led by such individuals who have unscrupulous ideologies and unscrupulous intentions when they put and hold the Bible in their hand? Why are people allowing themselves to become victims? Okay, you’re with me on the question, right?  Follow along, as God inspired the apostle Paul to give an answer to that. In Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy. Here in II Timothy chapter 4, let’s read together verse 3: For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction,… [2 Timothy 4:3 Amplified Bible] Brother Bob: Allow me to pause. What was the prediction of the Lord, here, through the apostle? Prediction about people? What did he say? They’re not going to tolerate sound doctrine. They are not going to want sound biblical truth anymore. So what did He say would transpire? …but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, [2 Timothy 4:3 Amplified Bible] Brother Bob: Why do people become victims? Because they embrace this exact principle forewarned by the Lord through the apostle. They gather for themselves preachers who will tell them what they’re itching to hear, or preachers that will tell them what they believe is okay. Let’s just consider a very obvious example, and that’s the mantra of Protestantism. What’s Protestantism? What’s the mainstay of Protestantism? Faith alone. “Just believe. Just accept Jesus as your Lord and personal savior and that’s it. You will be saved.” A person will hear that. Consider the verse we just read together, right, people will gather preachers that will tell them what they’re itching to hear. “Faith alone? I just need to believe and I will be saved? That’s easy! I like it. I think i’ll go join that religion.” No longer discerning whether or not that principle is true or not.   So what have these preachers done, not in our measurement, but what have these preachers done in the eyes of God? It’s not for us to give answers to these questions. We just turn to the pages of the Holy Scriptures for the answers. This is [always] our way. Mark chapter 7, verse 6 and 7: Jesus answered them, “How right Isaiah was when he prophesied about you! You are hypocrites, just as he wrote: ’These people, says God, honor me with their words, but their heart is really far away from me. It is no use for them to worship me, because they teach human rules as though they were my laws!” [Mark 7:6-7 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: They may have tried to honor the Lord, but they failed. Why did they fail? Well, Mr. Hezoda noticed—Mr. Hezoda the one who asked the original question—and maybe there are others in the studio audience or on the online audience viewing our program, or on Direct TV channel 2068 who are also viewing our program. They are here who might have that same kind of question. But here inside the Church Of Christ, we adhere to a very, very important biblical principle, which has been missed by all of those preachers and have been noticed then by Mr. Hezoda and, like I said, so many others. It has caused so much perplexity and confusion in organizations all claiming to be under the umbrella of Christianity. They have missed an important biblical principle, which we’ve got to hold tight to. And we do, here inside the Church Of Christ.  Don’t go beyond what is written in the Bible What principle do I refer to? We are not allowed to go beyond what is written. Whose rule is that anyway? We turn again to the Holy Scriptures for a response. Apostle Paul wrote the following. I Corinthians, chapter 4, verse 6: Now, brothers and sisters, 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 be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other. [1 Corinthians 4:6 New International Version] Brother Bob: Beloved audience, whose rule is it? Is it our rule? We believe in this rule. Why? Because? Audience: That’s in the Bible.  Brother Bob: What was the rule? Don’t go beyond what is…? Audience: Written. Brother Bob: Don’t go beyond what is written. You can’t add to it. When we pose questions, you just have to turn to the Holy Scriptures and get the answer from God. He inspired, more or less, forty-two different chosen writers over a time span of so many years to compile these truths. So that when we pose questions, we won’t have to try to dream up our own opinionated answers. It’s there. Here inside the Church Of Christ, this is how we learn. This is the way that we are taught. It may not be the most entertaining format, but we are preserved from the opinions of any individual, and we are, therefore, tied to the truths of God recorded, here, in the Holy Scriptures. We always adhere to the instruction that we have just read together, “Don’t go beyond what is written.” Everything that we believe has to come from the Holy Scriptures.  So, I pose this question to the audience, once again. Did anyone know that that was the commandment of God before we just read it from the Bible and put it up on the screen, that you could not go beyond what was written? How many knew that rule of God before we just read it together? Raise your hand. More or less. About a half. So there’s the answer to Mr. Hazoda’s question: half did not even know that that was a rule. And because half and so many others and preachers and such in this world also do not yet know that rule, they just go and preach whatever they think. Their own idea of right and wrong, good and bad, and that confuses and perplexes people such as Mr. Hazoda and so many others to wonder why is Christianity all under the umbrella of Christianity all teaching so many different things? Well there you go. There’s the Bible’s answer. Because there are people out there teaching things that have been added to it or subtracted from it and confusing people.  So upon close examination you will see that many churches and religious groups and preachers, like what was mentioned by the individual who posed the question for today’s episode in that opening video, he’s noticing the preachers that are just not following that rule. Instead what’s being put forth, sad to say, are teachings inspired—and we heard that as we have read Mark chapter 7—teachings inspired by man’s own rules. Not God. And these falsehoods have been inserted in every Christian-professing religion since the very beginning. The very beginning of Christianity. Except for one. Except for one. The true Church Of Christ built by Jesus. And beloved guests, audience online and on Direct TV, today, here in this studio audience, and on the online studio audience as well, you have found that one true Church Of Christ established by Jesus that does adhere to the instruction to use the Bible as the sole basis of our faith. Do not add to it, do not subtract [from] it. You must continue therefore to study with us. For now, that’s all we have time for, but may it inspire you to continue learning more and continue studying with us here inside the Church Of Christ.  We want to thank, so much, our studio audience for joining us, taking the studio tour, and posing questions as many of you have done. There is no question that is too basic. There is no question that cannot be answered by the Bible when it comes to our lives, when it comes to our salvation. If you would like to know more about the basic fundamental teachings found inside the Church Of Christ please visit [On-screen graphic] Learn more at incmedia.org Brother Bob: And pause it because I want to ask you to memorize it in case you haven’t yet. Please visit incmedia.org. Okay say it without me. Visit? Audience: incmedia.org Brother Bob: There you will find many more of these episodes of That’s in the Bible, as well as episodes of The Message. You will find our doctrines and teachings in the Church Of Christ that are in Spanish, in French, in German, in Italian, etc. And there you will find the beliefs we embrace inside the Church Of Christ. These are the things that we believe because…? Audience: That’s in the Bible. Brother Bob: You can send your video questions just like the gentleman did there. Send your video questions to [On-screen graphic] [email protected] Email us your questions Brother Bob: If you would like to see your questions answered here, of course, on this program…? Audience: That’s in the Bible Brother Bob: You’re getting slower. We’re almost finished now. That’s okay. Thank you very much for joining us. We’ll see you again next time. [Show Close]  

[Show open] [Video starts] Chuck Horner: I’m Chuck Horner, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in South Hayward. My question is what must we do to be right with God to be saved? [Video ends] Brother Bob Pellien: Welcome everyone, and thank you particularly so much, Mr. Horner, for your question for today. And your question is a question that’s, well, it’s often heard from people who are really seeking to understand about God’s ways. The problem is that many people, however, have made the mistake of drawing their own conclusions, even their own strategies, let’s say, about how to put themselves right with God.  [On-screen text graphic] QUESTION: What must one do to be put right with God? Brother Bob: But as always, here in the Church Of Christ, and on this program, That’s in the Bible, the answer to your question will always come from this book—the Holy Scriptures. Can devotion alone lead to being saved? So what has the Apostle Paul, for example, said, Mr. Horner, about your question? Did he provide any warning or guidance to us? We turn to the book of Romans 10, verse 2 and 3. He gave this warning: I can assure you that they are deeply devoted to God; but their devotion is not based on true knowledge. They have not known the way in which God puts people right with Himself, and instead, they have tried to set up their own way; and so they did not submit themselves to God’s way of putting people right. [Romans 10:2-3 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: So Chuck, the answer to your question is not, therefore, just being devoted to God as so many people think. Chuck, what will be the danger if one would just choose their own way of putting themselves right with God? Their own strategy to do that? Here in Proverbs 14, and let’s listen together what’s recorded here in verse 12. It says this: There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. [Proverbs 14:12 New King James Version] What does the Bible say about the second death? Brother Bob: So clearly here, Chuck, the Bible teaches that although it may seem right to a person—their own strategy, their own idea, maybe just being devoted or whatever—but the Bible says what seems right to a person may in fact lead them to death. And it’s not only the death referred to here. It’s not only the ending of our biological life, it’s also the infliction of a second death—a death. And how does the Bible further describe that death? It’s mentioned in the book of Revelation chapter 20, verse 14 like this: Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [Revelation 20:14 New King James Version] Brother Bob: The Bible calls it a second death, a death in the lake of fire. So in fact, what if a person will decide to make the next step and say, “Well then I guess if it’s not my own strategy that I need to implement to make myself right with God, then what do I need to do?” Maybe they’ll conclude, “Well I just need to be worshipping God. As long as I’m worshipping God, then I’ll be right with God.” The Lord Jesus answers that question, Chuck, like this. In the book of Matthew 15, verse 9, he said it like this: And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ [Matthew 15:9 New King James Version] All have sinned Brother Bob: So although they may make their own conclusion like, “Well all I need to do is to be worshipping,” Jesus responds how? He said, well, their worship will be in vain. Why would it be in vain? If they’re still using doctrines or commandments of men as the basis of their worship that makes the worship vain or useless. So we must acknowledge that this vain worship is the result of man’s being separated from God in the first place. Separated from God due to what? The iniquities and sins, as was mentioned by the Prophet Isaiah in 59: 2. Because of sin, because of iniquity, man has become separated from God: But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. [Isaiah 59:2 New King James Version] Brother Bob: In fact, if we read Apostle Paul’s statement in Colossians 1: 21, what did he call people that have been separated from God because of sin? He referred to them as, “enemies:”  And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet know He has reconciled [Colossians 1:21 New King James Version] Brother Bob: And who has committed sin? Romans 5:12 makes mention all people have committed sin. People need to be reconciled to God, need to have themselves put right with God.  Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned- [Romans 5:12 New King James Version] Brother Bob: But it is not just by saying, “Well I’m going to worship, I’m going to be devoted, I’m going to do this, I’m going to do that.” If then, it’s not just following what we, ourselves, may think is the good way or think is the right way of serving God, putting ourselves right with God, maybe following some trending, religious ideology of the times. Then what must you mean all people do to achieve the needed reconciliation with God? Is it, like others would say, is it just proclaiming that we have faith in God, faith in Jesus, and then automatically we’ll be saved? Again we turn to the Holy Scriptures once more to the words of our Lord Jesus in the book of Matthew chapter 7, verse 21: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven. [Matthew 7:21 New King James Version] Joining the body of Christ Brother Bob: What’s to be done? We have got to do the will of the Father in heaven. What is the will of the Father in heaven that all must do in order to put themselves right with God? Again we turn to the Bible. Ephesians 1:9 and 10: Having made known to us, the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth- in Him. [Ephesians 1:9-10 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So Chuck, that’s the will of God that you, me and all people have to comply with. The will of God that all would be gathered together in one, in Christ. When the first century followers of Christ in the Apostles heard the Apostles teaching these things, how did they comply? How did they fulfill that will of God and thus make themselves right with God? Romans 12, verse 4, verse 5: 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. [Romans 12:4-5 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What did they do? They all joined together in one body with Christ as the head. They joined together. Although they were many, they joined as one in Christ. And they joined in that one body. All of them were so many. What was the one body into which they joined together? In Colossians 1: 18, the body was identified: And He is the head of the body, the Church [Colossians 1:18 New King James Version] Brother Bob: That body is the Church. Which Church is the body of Christ, according to the Bible? Here in Acts 20, verse 28, the name of the Church is made mentioned like this: Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ, which he has purchased with His blood. [Acts 20:28 Lamsa] Brother Bob: The Church? Church Of Christ. So then, Chuck, the Bible responds to your question, how do we put ourselves right with God? The Bible tells us how not to do it and the Bible tells us how to do it. [On-screen text graphic] Find a congregation near you: iglesianicristo.net/directory Brother Bob: And the Bible tells you, me, and all people who want to be saved to fulfill the will of God, which is to be part of the body of Christ, the Church He shed his blood for, the Church Of Christ, the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Chuck, that’s in the Bible. [On-screen text graphic] Do you have questions about the Bible? Send us your videos: [email protected] Brother Bob: There’s no question that is too basic, no question that cannot be answered by the Bible when it comes to our lives and of course, our salvation. And we’ll respond to them here on this program. If you’d like to learn more about these basic, fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, visit incmedia.org. There, you’re going to find various religious programming that will answer your spiritual questions. Thank you for joining us today and we’ll see you again next time on That’s in the Bible.

  Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you all very much! Welcome! Welcome! Welcome everyone to this program That’s in the Bible Live today.  I’m Brother Bob Pellien and we thank you all for joining us today, being our studio audience. We are very thankful, as well, to all those who will be watching this recorded broadcast later on in various Church mediums like Direct TV, incmedia.org, INCTV America, and several others.  Now those who have been tuning into our program on a regular basis, you know already that in this show, That’s in the Bible, we explore the Bible’s teaching on many topics. Topics relating to salvation and relating to proper service to God.  Today’s topic: [On-screen text graphics] What Does Celebrating Easter Say About You? Brother Bob: If you’re celebrating Easter, you’re probably one of three types of people. You may be like the first: you’re fully aware of everything about Easter, you’re aware of the origins of the Easter holiday, and, for you, it’s really nothing that you’re too concerned about.  [On-screen text graphics] 1 – You’re fully aware of the origins of this holiday and it’s really nothing that you’re too concerned about. Brother Bob: Or you might be the second type of person. Maybe it could be described like whether or not you know the origins, or you really know the history of Easter in the essence of this holiday for you, but it’s just fun, right?  [On-screen text graphics] 2 – Whether or not you know its origins or history, in essence the holiday is just a fun thing to participate in. Brother Bob: It’s nice to participate in the various traditions of Easter. Or you might be a third kind of person. You maybe don’t know much yet about Easter or the origins of the various Easter traditions, but you are interested to find out. [On-screen text graphics] 3 – You don’t know much about Easter or the origins of its traditions, but are interested to find out. Brother Bob: We challenge you. We ask you today to fit yourself into one of those personas as we go on in our study together. Our That’s in the Bible team went out right here in the San Francisco Bay trail. They gathered some video interviews of real people just talking about how they celebrate Easter. I’m very sure that many of the things that you’re about to hear may seem very familiar to you. Let’s take a moment and look. [Video Starts] [On-screen text graphics] Do you celebrate Easter? Interviewee 1: We celebrate Easter every year.  Interviewee 2: Personally, my husband and I don’t really celebrate it. Interviewee 3: I celebrate it at church and with my family. [On-screen text graphics] How do you celebrate Easter? Interviewee 4: I celebrate it with the family. That’s the most important thing. So friends and stuff like that little most important family. Interviewee 2: I don’t celebrate Easter by going to church, but I certainly do plan Easter egg hunts for my kids.  Interviewee 1: I not only celebrate Easter at church, but I also celebrate with my family.  Interviewee 4: You know, of course the Easter egg basket though traditional stuff, but some of us go to church. Some don’t. Then we just get together and just eat and have a good time and celebrate. Interviewee 3: Last year I did little goodie bags [that] said ‘Jesus is alive.’  Interviewee 5: Being Christian I go to church and put my family together. We pray. But of course, being here in Western country you have to do what kids like. So egg hunt for the kids! [On-screen text graphics] How do you prepare for Easter? Interviewee 1: Well before that is Lent, I believe, and you’re supposed to give up stuff for Lent. Interviewee 3: And as far as 40, the Lent thing, I grew up Catholic so I kind of used to do that but I didn’t really understand it.  Interviewee 1: I was going to give up sweets or something this year, but anyway, not really good at giving up anything.  Interviewee 2: We just try to say, “Hey, remember you celebrated Easter,” but not really opening up a Bible or something to explain to them what it is because we ourselves are not very educated in that area. Interviewee 3: My family does that. It kind of kicks off the 40 days before Easter, which is the day Jesus rose from the dead. [On-screen text graphics] What do you know about Easter?  Interviewee 2: So I don’t know. It’s just happy, fun, bunnies and stuff. Where I grew up from…grew up at and I’m not Christian so we were not educated with it.  Interviewee 3: I think it’s just mostly [a] time of just really reflecting on the reason why all this was happening and who Jesus was. Interviewee 2: We still try to educate them [on] what it what it is. It’s not all about candy, right? But we certainly try to make it fun. Interviewee 3: I’ve had funny stories like I’ve taught Sunday school on Easter, and we’ve asked the kids, like, “Where did the Easter eggs come from?” And one kid said, “Jesus laid them,” which is really funny, but, we had to tell them what the meaning was behind that. It’s just all symbolism, but what does it really mean? it just means new life that, you know, Jesus died so that we can live again with him. [Video Ends] Brother Bob: So there you go, a full spectrum of ideas and perceptions of about Easter and how to celebrate it, and things like that, right? Now whether or not you celebrate Easter for its religious aspect, as you heard a couple of them say, or you’re just into it because well, it’s family fun time.  As we saw, there’s a lot of ways to celebrate Easter being undertaken in the world nowadays. So what does celebrating Easter—back to our original question right? What does celebrating Easter, what does it really say about you?  Easter symbols, traditions, and practices Brother Bob: What we will do is briefly go over a few of the popular symbols, or let’s call them traditions, practices of this holiday called Easter. Let’s first start with the term itself—Easter. You might be surprised about the meaning of that term. According to the New Catholic Encyclopedia, let’s take a moment to read what is recorded here on on page 6:  Since Bede the Venerable (De ratione temporum 1:5) “the origin of the term for the feast of Christ’s Resurrection has been popularly considered to be from the Anglo-Saxon Eastre, a goddess of spring.  [New Catholic Encyclopedia Vol 5 Page 6] [On-screen text graphics] Pagan Fertility Goddess Ishtar (Babylonian) Ashtaroth (Hebrew) Astarte (Greek) Eastre (Anglo-Saxon) Easter (English) Brother Bob: Easter was also known to the Babylonians and others as Ishtar, Easter, and other similar names in ancient religions, all connected to what is now been Christian-ized into mainstream Christianity today. [On-screen text graphics] “Easter” – goddess of Fertility Rabbit – Symbol of Fertility Brother Bob: What’s another tradition of Easter? They said it on the video. Easter eggs.  Audience: Eggs. Brother Bob: And bunnies. Audience : Bunnies. Brother Bob: Easter eggs and Easter bunnies. By the way, just a little side biological note, bunnies don’t lay eggs. They’re mammals. But that’s another whole discussion.  Easter Bunny, Easter eggs, and the symbols all of those kinds of symbols, which are quite synonymous with the Easter holiday. In this Catholic Dictionary on page 169, what is noted here regarding those traditions like Easter eggs, Easter baskets, and things like that, it’s not of course into Holy Scripture. So, where then, what then, is it all about? Take note: [On-screen text graphics] Easter eggs may possibly be a “baptized” pagan custom, since they are an obvious symbol of fertility, and many places it is still the practice to paint the eggs and bring them to church and decorated baskets for a blessing before or after mass. Chocolate eggs and such like-fooleries are a degeneration of no significance.  [A Catholic Dictionary Page 169] Brother Bob: That is the official book of Roman Catholicism. These things are from what origin? The Bible? No, they are from pagan origins. But what’s paganism in the first place? What’s the big deal? That’s what a lot of people say. “Pagan. So what?” Can we say so what? What do we need to understand about paganism? What is a pagan? Here’s one definition. You can see it on the screen from dictionary.cambridge.org. The Cambridge Dictionary says: [On-screen text graphics] paganism noun a religion that worships many gods, especially a religion that existed before the main world religions Brother Bob: Easter bunny, Easter egg, the Easter goddess of fertility from the Babylonian goddess of fertility, Easter, Ishtar, those are ancient pagan gods and goddesses that come not from the Bible.  What does it say, then? I pose this question to everyone: what does it say about anyone who is okay with that? In the New Encyclopedia Britannica and on page 605, what do they have to say about some of these origins of various Easter traditions? I quote: [On-screen text graphics] As at Christmas, so also at Easter, popular customs reflect many ancient pagan survivals-in this instance, connected with Spring fertility rites, such as the symbols of the Easter egg, and the Easter hare or rabbit.  [New Encyclopedia Britannica MACROPEDIA, 15th Edition, Vol 4 Page 605] Brother Bob: So the Easter egg [and] the Easter rabbit are symbols of spring fertility rites used in ancient pagan worship to ancient goddesses of fertility, not anything that has to do with Jesus and His death and resurrection whatsoever.  Lent Brother Bob: Everyone has heard about Lent, and, a couple of those that we interviewed outside here on the trail, as you saw [in] the video, they spoke about the 40 days of Lent. We all know that it’s the 40 days of fasting done in the Catholic Church in preparation for Easter. In the Catholic Encyclopedia on page 69. This important statement was made:   [On-screen text graphics] No distinct traces of the quadragesimal observance are discernible until the fourth century. The decrees of the Council of Nicea in 325 contain the earliest mention of Lent.  [The Catholic Encyclopedia Vol 1 Page 69] Brother Bob: A popular 40 day period prior to Easter is called what, studio audience? Audience: Lent?  Brother Bob: How many days is it?  Audience: 40. Brother Bob: 40. It was invented in the Bible. It was instructed to be done in the Bible. True or false? Audience: False. Brother Bob: Where did it come from, then? Lent is not a biblical instruction. It was made up, as you saw me read from the Catholic book. The Catholic Church invented it—brought it into use. What century? Fourth century. And what year? 325 AD at the Council of Nicea.  And to learn more about these and in greater depth thorough detail, we would like to recommend checking out incmedia.org/easter. You can learn more about the history of Lent, many things about Lent, more things about the Easter traditions themselves, the Holy Week, stations of the Cross and all that leading up to Easter and the various celebrated practices and traditions of each one of them relative to what the Bible actually says about them.  Everyone should become very well educated about all the history of those things, but here right now, knowing—that was just some highlights, right? Knowing where Easter truly came from and where the traditions really came from, out of the three types of people, then, which type of person are you? Are you persona number one? You knew these things already, but to you, “No big deal. I like chocolate.” [On-screen text graphics] 1 – You’re fully aware of the origins of this holiday and it’s really nothing that you’re too concerned about. Brother Bob: Or maybe your persona number two.  [On-screen text graphics] 2 – Whether or not you know its origins or history, in essence the holiday is just a fun thing to participate in. Brother Bob: You didn’t know these things before. You didn’t know that it was rooted in a history of service to Ishtar, Babylonian goddess of fertility. Her symbols were the egg and the rabbit. “I didn’t know that.” But even after learning it here now, it’s not really too concerning of an issue. It’s not really going to “pull at your heartstrings”, as the saying goes. Or you are person number three? [On-screen text graphics] 3 – You don’t know much about Easter or the origins of its traditions, but are interested to find out. Brother Bob: Now that you know that its practices are not from the Bible, but instead from ancient worship to pagan gods, you are very concerned about that, and you would like to know what is actually written in the Holy Scriptures so as to properly commemorate the death and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Are you one, two or three type of a person? If you are a person number one or two, you are definitely entitled to your way of thinking. That is your right and we respect everyone. But if you are the third type of person, we share with you now, today, what the Bible actually teaches to protect us, and to keep us from straying away from God, our Creator.  Today, we turn to the Bible, inside the Church Of Christ. We are guided by the Bible only to know what is right and wrong, good and bad for us to do and to know what is acceptable to God when it comes to our service to Him. The Bible is the sole basis of our faith.  What does the Bible say about Easter? Brother Bob: So having said all that, let’s take a look together right now at the things the Bible actually does say, or more importantly does not say about Easter.  Most Christian-professing religions consider this to be the most sacred of seasons. Easter, for many, is the one holiday of the year they strive to be religious. What did they do? Well, they probably gather up the families for a special meal, they participate in various traditions, like we heard from the interviews that we did, and from the history and we all know the Easter baskets and all those kinds of things.  As we look at the following Bible verses I asked you then to consider evaluating your own self. Should we all go hide easter eggs? Should we? Should we color the egg? Should we make chocolate Easter bunnies? I can’t believe I’m saying something against chocolate again. Here I go. Do all those things and say maybe “It’s fun. It’s enjoyable. The kids are happy. What’s wrong with that?” The children may like it. And isn’t it true, those of us who are parents, isn’t it nice to see your children happy? What parent doesn’t want that?  But what does the LORD Himself say about adopting these practices, which, by the way, as we’ve been saying, have their origins in paganism which remember is the worship to ancient gods and goddesses. What does the Lord say about that?  [On-screen text graphics] paganism noun a religion that worships many gods, especially a religion that existed before the main world religions Brother Bob: It doesn’t have anything to do with worship to God nor in remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. So what then is the instruction of the LORD exactly? All right, let’s get to it. Jeremiah the prophet, Chapter 10, verse 2: Thus says the Lord, “Do not learn the way of the [pagan] nations, …  [Jeremiah 10:2 Amplified BIble] Brother Bob: That’s a very clear directive, “Do not learn the way of the pagan nations…” But not only have people learned them, they have learned them and incorporated them into their culture, incorporated them into their practices. And they call it service to the LORD in remembrance of Christ. No, no, no pagan ways are from the Catholic Church. People are practicing them with all kinds of enthusiasm. But what is it that the LORD said? You saw it on the screen.  Thus says the Lord, “Do not learn the way of the [pagan] nations, …  [Jeremiah 10:2 Amplified Bible] Brother Bob: Don’t do it. And as we’re discussing many may want to respond to say that, “Those details about pagan roots and all that, that’s not important, right?” You know, “It’s okay if we ignore—let’s not just pay attention to the roots of those practices, their origins, as long as we have good intentions and we’re trying to do it in our service to the LORD, right?” That would be the mindset of a lot of people.  Are there any biblical principles or expectations of God that we can read here in the Holy Scriptures that have to be considered when answering that question?  [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: Let’s just say right out absolutely, yes. And here’s one of them. Exodus chapter 20:  “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,…  [Exodus 20:3-5 New International Version] Brother Bob: God gave a very clear and definitive answer, did He not? He said, “Don’t have any other gods, don’t make any image of them, and don’t bow down. I’m a jealous God.” That’s not safe then to do that, because God said he would be jealous. Why? Because they’re replacing Him with [a] pagan goddess. They’re replacing God. And of course, you would be saddened by being replaced by another, which, what’s the very meaning of the word “jealousy”? Being sad because you have been replaced by another.  “But wait!”, you may say, you know, “You mean to say that the practices of Easter wouldn’t constitute the replacement of God, would it?” Yes! Clearly that would not be okay with the Lord.  What then is essential and a real element of Easter that one should consider before you will entertain the idea of applying Easter practices and then say, “It’s my intent to give honor to God. It’s my intent to give honor to His son, our Lord Jesus Christ”? The celebration is an obvious service to another God, in that God’s name was Easter name for the goddess Easter.  [On-screen text graphics] Pagan Fertility Goddess Ishtar (Babylonian) Ashtaroth (Hebrew) Astarte (Greek) Eastre (Anglo-Saxon) Easter (English) Brother Bob: And that’s not in the Bible. Dear friends, that’s what is called idolatry, worship to false gods or goddesses. And that’s what God does not allow, of course.  What then, I pose this question, what does it say about you if you don’t care about that? Do you care about what God cares about? God will not tolerate, then, any service to other gods or other goddesses like Easter, the Babylonian goddess. That’s very clear. But many still believe that all of this is truly harmless. It’s truly harmless.  Isn’t it possible to just say traditions like the Easter Bunny, it’s just for fun. It’s just for the children and it’s really harmless. Can we say that? These things may not be in the Bible. Many would say, “I know it’s not biblical, but surely the LORD would accept them as a service to Him. It’s not as a worship to Him, right?”  We can’t answer that, but God Himself gives a profound answer about that and it was mentioned and recorded here. I quote Matthew. I quote the Bible once again, Matthew chapter 15, verse 9:  And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’“  [Matthew 15:9 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What did it say about their worship? It’s vain, it’s useless. But can’t we just overlook the pagan origins of these things and just let it be enjoyed? Why dig into the roots and details about all these things and read God’s responses in the Holy Scriptures? [On-screen text graphics] What if Easter is just for fun and not a form of worship? Brother Bob: “What if my personal celebration of Easter is just for fun and what if I don’t even mean it as a form of worship?” I know. That question continues to be asked by a lot of people, but here’s the thing, we can’t just ignore warnings. Consider that. I’m going to repeat it. We cannot just ignore warnings given to us in the Holy Scriptures. “Warning? What warning?” Let’s let’s take a look at an example. This is mentioned here by Apostle Paul in Colossians chapter 2, verse 8. “Beware.” What’s the meaning of that word, by the way, “Beware”—it’s already announcing what? Danger, right? “Beware! Watch out!”—  Beware, lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. [Colossians 2:8 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What was the warning? The warning was about traditions that are not rooted in Christ. The traditions of Easter are not rooted in Christ, they are rooted in paganism. So the Bible is giving a warning about that, we can’t just ignore the warning.  If there’s danger and you proceed to the danger, whose fault is it then if you get hurt, right? Since Christ did not give any instructions about Easter practices, we’re not going along with the whims of traditions, especially since traditions came from pagan service to false gods.  But, this is important also, this isn’t to say that all family traditions are bad. There is a specific kind of tradition that we are instructed to avoid above any other. What is that? That’s called a prohibited tradition. Jesus Himself spoke of it in these terms. I’d like to read from the book of Matthew chapter 15 verse 3: Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?”  [Matthew 15:3 New International Version] Brother Bob: What kind of a tradition is bad? A tradition that goes against the commands of God. Christians are cautioned not to observe sinful traditions that break God’s laws, break God’s commandments.  Some of you may say your families wouldn’t understand you if you choose not to observe a holiday with them like that. What if your excuse would be that, “Well, my family celebrates Easter and they gather up together, and the children are given Easter eggs and Easter baskets. And there’s chocolate bunnies for everybody. And it’s just a big family happy gathering. And they’re not going to understand if I will say, ‘I’m not going to join in the normal family Easter traditions.’ And in fact, they will get angry with me. They might even ostracize me from the family.”  The apostles give any important advice to anyone that may find themselves in that kind of a situation, that kind of a circumstance. Well, yes, absolutely. I’ll read that from the writings of Apostle Paul to the Colossians 2:16: “So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths.” [Colossians 2:16 New Living Translation] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, if [you’re] joining us in our program, be it in our studio audience or anyone watching and incmedia.org, or any of the other outlets wherein this program shall be broadcast, if you are joining us and you find yourself in that very situation, based upon what we have read, we give this: stand your ground. And never allow yourself to be drawn into services, to false gods or goddesses like Easter in order to conduct practices of any kind to pagan gods and goddesses. Why? It’s kind of like the same question again in another format, right? Why?  Why is it so bad to participate in pagan religious practices?  Brother Bob: Does the Bible say anything more about these things? I want something very specific. There’s a very powerful pronouncement in the Holy Scriptures as to why. I have to say this slow, I want you to catch it, okay? Why it is so very dangerous for anyone to participate in any of them, any popular pagan practices. Consider what I now read, also the writings of Apostle Paul, 1st Corinthians chapter 10, verse 20: No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.  [1 Corinthians 10:20 New International Version] Brother Bob: That’s the Bible. Obviously, therefore, we can have no part in that at all. If we truly want to serve God, here inside the Church Of Christ, we will have no part in those things.  How about you? How about you? Another guiding, divine principle by which Christians should base their service to God, and, let’s say even their way of life, there’s a principle that has to be understood very well. 1 Corinthians 4:6. Let’s take a look at this and this is in the format of an instruction to us all: 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.” … [1 Corinthians 4:6 New International Version] Brother Bob: What’s an important principle? Don’t go beyond what’s written. Don’t invent things and pretend to call it service to the Lord.  That’s a very direct instruction we receive there, which we take very seriously here inside the Church Of Christ. What would be an example of going—listen to the question. What would be an example of going beyond what is written?  [On-screen text graphics] EASTER TRADITIONS & PRACTICES goes beyond what is written in the Bible Brother Bob: Easter traditions. Easter practices. Therefore your decision right now, today must be to adhere to the truth that comes from the word of God. When you choose to do that, what must you also leave behind? A command of the Lord I quote Titus 1:14: Don’t pay any attention to any of those senseless Jewish stories and human commands. These are made up by people who won’t obey the truth.  [Titus 1:14 Contemporary English Version] Brother Bob: What’s the instruction? Don’t pay any attention to those things that are made up by people who refuse to embrace the truth. Don’t pay any attention. That’s not our advice to you. That’s not our counsel. That’s not our words. That’s the word of God in the Holy Scriptures. He said, “Don’t pay any attention to that.”  So, dear friends, will you obey the truth? If there are religious practices such as Easter that do not come from God, be careful, don’t follow those practices. They oppose the will of God.  Before we finish up here in just a moment, let’s ask another question or two. How are we instructed to live our lives? There’s an important—I’ve been seeing Bible principles, but if we could call this a Bible principle as well or an instruction regarding our life. What is it? Ephesians 4:17 reads this way:  Therefore I say this – indeed, in union with the Lord I insist on it: do not live any longer as the pagans live, with their sterile ways of thinking.  [Ephesians 4:17 Complete Jewish Bible] Brother Bob: Is that complicated? Is it hard to understand? The LORD said how to live our life. If up to this moment we have been living it and allowing ourselves to embrace pagan practices and cultural anomalies in service to their ancient pagan gods, God said, “Don’t do that.” And we learned that a lot of them are being taught and embraced within Catholicism. We read the Catholic Dictionary, Catholic Encyclopedia, a couple different of the Catholic Encyclopedia quotes. Do they deny that their teachings and practices came from paganism? Let’s be fair, if we’re going to quote these things and speak of that, let’s give them the chance to admit or deny or respond. Think that’s fair? What do you say?  Audience: Yes. Brother Bob: That’s very fair, right? Let’s take a look at another reading from the book written by a Catholic priest. This is their official response and the book is entitled The Externals of the Catholic Church. Let’s take a look at it. Let’s take a look at it together—Externals of the Catholic Church page 156: It is interesting to note how often our Church has availed herself of practices which were in common use among pagans, … Thus it is true, in a certain sense, that some Catholic rites and ceremonies are reproduction of those pagan creeds; but they are the taking of what was best from paganism, the keeping of symbolically practices which express the religious instinct that is common to all races and times.  [Externals of the Catholic Church – Page 156, By John F Sullivan] Brother Bob: Do they admit or deny? They admit it. They know it. The Catholic Church admits that their practices originate from paganism and their excuse for using unbiblical practices, “Well, we got their best. We got the best from paganism.” Not a good reason, not a good reason at all.  For those who will say, “Well, they celebrate Easter to remember the life and death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Catholic Church also claims that in some of their writings. Did Christ, however, prescribe that we would commemorate his death, His resurrection by chocolate Easter bunnies and Easter egg hunts? You can’t read that anywhere in the Bible. What can you read in the Bible from 1 Corinthians chapter 11?  To finish up what actually is to be done to remember the crucifixion, the death, followed by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ—11:24 and 25: and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is my body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”  [1 Corinthians 11:24-25 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What can we all see here? “Do this in remembrance of me.” Take from the cup. Take of that one bread. It’s my body, it’s my blood, do this. This is what’s to be done in the remembrance of that sacrifice, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, not Easter bunnies, as good as chocolate is. That’s not the way. The pagans, they were ignorant of God’s teachings through Christ. So the Christians were therefore warned not to live as pagans.  As Christians, we are bound to obey what we learned from our Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in Scripture, wherein we are not ignorant of these things. Now, neither are you. With this knowledge, what seemed before maybe like a harmless holiday, is actually, now you understand it, is deeply rooted in false religious beliefs and celebrating it would have dire consequences to your spiritual health.  So we’ve come full circle.  Who are you?  [On-screen text graphics] 1 – You’re fully aware of the origins of this holiday and it’s really nothing that you’re too concerned about. 2 – Whether or not you know its origins or history, in essence the holiday is just a fun thing to participate in. 3 – You don’t know much about easter or the origins of its traditions, but are interested to find out. Brother Bob: What does celebrating Easter and the traditions, what does it say about you? It says you are either number one, number two, or number three. We hope you are a number three, and that we’ll see you again soon just as engaged, just as eager to learn as you are right now.  Thank you for joining us in this episode of That’s in the Bible live. We’ll hope that you will visit incmedia.org and iglesianicristo.net when you are ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ.  [On-screen text graphics] Learn more at incmedia.org Brother Bob: We’ll also help guide you to the nearest House of Worship near to your residence, where you can meet ministers and undergo important series of Bible study lessons.  [On-screen text graphics] Find a house of worship near you: IglesiaNiCristo.net/directory Brother Bob: We also have Facebook pages and there you can view more of our shows and content and see how the Church also gets involved with the community there.  [On-screen text graphics] Follow us on Facebook: /IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates /IglesiaNiCristoMedia Brother Bob: You can go to incgiving.org.  [On-screen text graphics] Learn more at incgiving.org Brother Bob: You can even volunteer along with us to partner up with our community outreach programs and outlets to have an impact in the world around us. If you have other questions about the Bible, we have a team of ministers always standing by to provide answers. Those answers will always come from the Holy Bible. If you’d like, you can also email us at [email protected].  [On-screen text graphics] [email protected] EMAIL US YOUR QUESTIONS Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien and we’ll see you again next time on That’s in the Bible. Thank you all very much! [/expand]

Should We Observe The Sabbath? [On-screen text graphic] I’ve read that the Bible indicates that the Sabbath is on Saturday. Why then is the Sabbath celebrated on a Sunday instead of Saturday, even though the Lord told us to keep the Sabbath? Sulamithe Zurich, Switzerland Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you so much, Sulamithe, for your question, and it’s so nice to receive a question all the way from Zurich, Switzerland. I think this is the first time that we’ve had a question from Switzerland and we’re very thankful and we welcome you all from Switzerland. Regarding your question concerning the Sabbath, there are so many questions that come up about the Sabbath and a lot of those questions are just like yours.  [On-screen text graphic] Sabbath Brother Bob: The questions are also asked by many preachers and people who have just not yet fully understood the topic about the Sabbath. So we’ll turn to the Holy Scriptures and ask these important questions that you’ve raised. To begin with, Sulamithe, your question already assumes that we should all be adhering to the Sabbath and the Sabbath rules in our era of time, albeit on a Saturday, Sunday, or any day at all for that matter. The very first thing we need to address is do we need to define who God commanded, really, to first observe the Sabbath in the first place?  [On-screen text graphic] Question: Should we be celebrating the Sabbath? Brother Bob: The second part of the question is, until when? Well we have to determine that first before we can claim whether or not we should even be celebrating that ourselves and then determine, as your question posed to be done on a Saturday or a Sunday.  [On-screen text graphic] Question: Should we even be celebrating it? What Does the Bible Say About the Sabbath Day? Brother Bob: What does the Bible say about the Sabbath?  [On-screen text graphic] What does the Bible say about the Sabbath? Brother Bob: Let’s begin turning to the pages of the Holy Scriptures. Malachi in chapter 4, verse 4: “Earnestly remember the Law of Moses My servant, the statutes and the ordinances which I commanded him on [Mount] Horeb [to give] to all Israel. [Malachi 4:4 Amplified Bible] Brother Bob: So dear friends the Sabbath was definitely a commandment of God—was one of the Ten Commandments that God gave to Moses. No question about that.  Who Should Observe the Sabbath? Brother Bob: But to be observed by whom?  The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. [Exodus 31:16 New International Version] Brother Bob: Answer of the Bible: to be observed by the people of ancient Israel. Why? As a symbol of the Lord’s covenant with them. It was also an observance commanded by God to commemorate something else. What’s that? Let’s turn to Deutoronomy 5:15: Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day. [Deutoronomy 5:15 New International Version] Brother Bob: So dear friends, God commanded the Israelites to celebrate the Sabbath and to commemorate how God delivered them out of Egypt.  [On-screen text graphic] God commanded the Israelites to celebrate the Sabbath Brother Bob: Are you an Israelite that was enslaved in Egypt? Because the instruction was very clear: to remember that he brought them out of their enslavement in Egypt. If you were there, if you were a slave in Egypt, you should be celebrating the Sabbath. If not, well, then not.  God Commands to Stop Observing the Sabbath Brother Bob: In fact can we even pinpoint in the Bible specifically where God actually gave the instruction to stop it, where he took away or retracted the commandment?  [On-screen text graphic] God gave the instruction to stop the Sabbath Brother Bob: In Hosea 2:11, the Bible answer this way: “I will put an end to all her festivities—her annual and monthly festivals and her Sabbath celebrations—all her religious meetings.” [Hosea 2:11 Today’s English Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, that was God himself speaking very clear saying they got to put a stop to it. The Prophet Jeremiah also gave testimony further to God’s decision to put an end to the observance of the Sabbath. What did he have to say? The prophet Jeremiah in the book of Lamentations, chapter 2 verse 6: “He smashed to pieces the Temple where we worshipped him; He has put an end to holy days and Sabbaths. King and priest alike have felt the force of his anger.” [Lamentations 2:6 Today’s English Version] Brother Bob: So dear friends, what does this show? Well it shows that after the Israelites turned away from God, their observance of the Sabbath had become actually abominable in the sight of God.  [On-screen text graphic] The Sabbath became abominable to God Brother Bob: The Sabbath ended completely and the Sabbath was never again commanded to be observed after the time of the Israelites. God put a total and complete end to that commandment.  Does the Sabbath apply today? Should Christians keep the Sabbath? Brother Bob: Inasmuch as we’re living much later, was there any guidance from Jesus and His disciples concerning the Sabbath in this, what is known as the Christian era of time, and thus would be followed by the Church?  [On-screen text graphic] Question: Is there a Sabbath in the Christian time? Brother Bob: There is. The Lord Jesus himself stated that it’s lawful to do good on the Sabbath.  How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. [Matthew 12:12 New International Version] Brother Bob: He was criticized harshly for that. He healed sick people on the Sabbath day and so many other things. When the Pharisees saw him doing this on the day that, well the Jews had considered a sacred day, they accused him of not even being from God. But we all know that our Lord Jesus Christ did not commit any sin when he did not observe the Sabbath. Why not? He knew there was no more Sabbath. He knew it. The Christians in the Gentile world, likewise, they too did not celebrate the Sabbath. Let’s take a look at the evidence for that. Here in Colossians chapter 2, verse 16, we’ll also read verse 23: “Let no one criticize you in matters of food or drink or for not observing festivals, new moons or the Sabbath. “These doctrines may seem to be profound because they speak of religious observance and humility and of disregarding the body. In fact, they are useless as soon as the flesh rebels.” [Colossians 2:16, 23 Christian Community Bible] [On-screen text graphic] Apostle Paul considered the Sabbath useless Brother Bob: So dear friends, here Apostle Paul regarded the observance of the Sabbath as useless, a useless doctrine. Those who observe the Sabbath, despite having known the true God and been in the true faith, are turning back and are being again enslaved by weak and miserable principles by observing special days, special months, special seasons, special years, or Sabbaths. We have learned the instruction for the Sabbath [has] nothing to do with what day Christ was risen from the grave as you, Sulumithe, posed in your question. Maybe some other preachers may be teaching that or suggesting that in their service.  Was the Saturday Sabbath Changed to Sunday? Was the Sabbath observance changed from Saturday to Sunday?  [On-screen text graphic] Was the Sabbath changed from Saturday to Sunday?  Brother Bob: Simply, no, because the real question is whether a Christian should even be observing the Jewish Sabbath to honor God’s covenant with His ancient nation. A covenant which they ended up breaking anyway. When that covenant was broken, so too was God’s instruction to observe it’s remembrance. It was God himself who put an end to the observing of the Sabbath. [On-screen text graphic] It was God Himself who put and end to the Sabbath Brother Bob: Sulumith, from Zurich Switzerland, and everyone of us joining us in this program, that’s in the Bible. Thank you so much for your question about the Sabbath and we hope that you will also send more questions to this program.  [On-screen text graphic] Do you have questions about the Bible? Send us your videos to: [email protected] Brother Bob: There’s no question, in fact, that is too basic, no question that cannot be answered by the Bible when it comes to our lives, when it comes to our salvation. If you’d like to know more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, please visit incmedia.org.  [On-screen text graphic] incmedia.org Brother Bob: There you’ll find a variety of programs, just like this one, dedicated to answering your spiritual questions. Thanks for joining us. I’m Bob Pellien. We’ll see you next time on That’s in the Bible.

Was Thomas Wrong in John 20:28? Brother Bob Pellien: Thomas, often referred to as “Doubting Thomas,” took one look at the resurrected Jesus and said “My Lord and My God”, and that’s recorded in John 20:28. Dear friends, was he wrong, or was he right?  [Show open] Brother Bob: The Bible, the basis of our faith in the Church Of Christ, which answers questions about proper worship, the right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation. That’s in the Bible! [On-screen text graphic] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program That’s in the Bible. We received a comment on YouTube from a viewer making the argument that Jesus is God, specifically referencing that verse John 20:28. Here’s his comment: “You forgot what St. Thomas said, ‘My Lord and my God.’ Did anyone complain, or stop, or correct St. Thomas? Even our Savior didn’t correct or deny what St. Thomas said. But rather, the Lord said, ‘You believe because you saw Me. Blessed are those who did not see and yet believe.’” That came from Jonathan. Well, thank you, Jonathan, for your comment and the opportunity here today to clear this up for you. Let’s frame our topic of discussion around these sub-questions: Why did Apostle Thomas say to Jesus, “My Lord and My God”?  Was Apostle Thomas the only one who made this assumption? Is it true that Jesus Christ did not correct Apostle Thomas and the other apostles? What did Jesus Christ teach to Thomas and to all His disciples regarding the difference between God and Himself?  Well, the verse that Jonathan referenced is recorded in the writings of the Apostle John, as I mentioned, in John 20:28. Let’s go ahead and take a look at the verse. You’ll be able to see it there on the screen. John 20:28 reads this way.  And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” [John 20:28 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, why did Thomas react this way? Why did he say such a thing to Jesus after seeing Him? You have to remember, they had all witnessed, they knew, Jesus had been crucified. They saw Him die there on the cross. Yet, here He was standing there, right in front of them. It’s important at this point that we read the verses prior to Thomas’s reaction, which is at the core of our discussion, right? Let’s do that, back up to verse 24, same chapter: One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (called the Twin), was not with them when Jesus came. [John 20:24 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: So, let’s pause here for a second, dear friends. Wait a minute. We can see here that Jesus had already appeared to some of His disciples, prior to this moment. But what else can we notice? Thomas was not among them at the time. So, when Thomas finally saw Jesus after His resurrection it was already the second time that Jesus had shown Himself to them. Considering that, let’s continue verse 25: So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the scars of the nails in his hands and put my finger on those scars and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” [John 20:25 Good News Bible]  Brother Bob: So, we can see the mindset, or the way of thinking, that Thomas had and is recorded here in this verse. Thomas did not believe that Christ was resurrected back to life. What happened when Christ appeared again to the disciples, this time with Thomas, present? Let’s continue, verse 26 and 27.  A week later the disciples were together again indoors, and Thomas was with them. The doors were locked, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands; then reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop your doubting, and believe!” [John 20:26-27 Good News Bible]  Brother Bob: So, after Jesus showed the doubting Thomas He was really there, or truly resurrected from the dead, what then was the reaction of Thomas? In verse 20:28: Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” [John 20:28 Good News Bible]  Brother Bob: So, dear friends, after learning the context, or the full situation, we can understand the startled reaction of Thomas. In this verse we just read, Thomas is not preaching that Jesus Christ is God, as if that is what Christ had taught him. But rather, he said it from his shocking amazement that Jesus is there, standing in front of them alive again.  But the vital question here, dear viewers, is simply this: Was Thomas even correct in saying that, “My Lord and my God” when referring to Jesus? He was not. Why are we certain? First of all, was Thomas the only one who made such a wrong conclusion when they saw the resurrected Jesus? No. What’s the proof? Let’s turn to the Book of Luke, chapter 24, verse 33, where here the Apostle Luke, he wrote about the same incident from his vantage point. He wrote in 24:33 the following: So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, [Luke 24:33 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Let’s pause again. Here, we can see that in this gathering where Jesus showed Himself to His disciples, all the other apostles were present. Now, did the other disciples react any differently from Thomas? Let’s continue in verse 36 and 37: Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. [Luke 24:36-37 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Friends, according to the Bible here, the writings of Apostle Luke, it was not only Apostle Thomas that was startled but the others as well. The Bible said that “they were terrified and frightened.” What did they suppose they were seeing? As we read here, they supposed that they had seen a spirit.  We can see that the other disciples had the same kind of reaction as Apostle Thomas. Why can we firmly say that they had the same reaction? Because Jesus already had taught His disciples about the nature of the true God, and that was recorded back in John 4:24, where He taught them that God is Spirit.  The mere fact, this is important dear friends, the mere fact that they think that Christ is a spirit, God is a spirit, so they jumped to that sort of equivalency, they jumped to the conclusion, therefore, Christ is God. And that’s incorrect. It was the same big mistake that Apostle Thomas made by calling Jesus God. The commenter on YouTube said Jesus Christ didn’t correct Thomas. But is that true? Did Jesus correct Thomas and, in fact, correct all the disciples from thinking that He is God or a spirit? What we need only to do is to continue reading the answers and clarifications from the Holy Bible. Verse 38 and 39, same chapter, Luke 24: And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?  Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” [Luke 24:38-39 New King James Version]  Brother Bob: Jesus points out here, dear friends, the doubt that was in their hearts. What did he ask them? He asked them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?”  But the argument of some people is, for example Jonathan and his comment on YouTube that began our discussion, their comment is that Christ did not correct them, because they cannot read in the very next verse that Christ issued an immediate correction there. So, they jumped to the conclusion that, therefore, Jesus accepted the statement of Thomas.  We would like to make very clear, right here, that Jesus, in fact, did correct Thomas, and the rest of the disciples for that matter, who made the wrong assumption of Him. Although the correction was not recorded in the writings of Apostle John, Apostle Luke recorded the same event, and shows us Christ’s response to all those who made such wrong assumptions about Him.  Again, how did Jesus correct Thomas, and the others, when they jumped to the wrong conclusion that Jesus was a spirit or therefore God? Did Jesus allow them to think that way, or did He correct them? What did He say? As we read, He said, “Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit,” and as He clarified, God is a spirit, “a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” He corrected Thomas, He corrected the other disciples. How did he do that? He made the clear distinction between Himself and God, who is a spirit. Having already taught them that God is spirit, Christ proved that’s not what He is by telling the apostles, he said come on, handle me, touch me, you’ll see.  Christ made it, therefore, very clear, right there and then, the difference between Himself and God. We repeat, He showed His disciples that a spirit, or God, does not have flesh and bones, “as you see I have,” said Jesus. And what further did Jesus mean when He said that He, Himself, He has flesh and bones? He answers that here in John, chapter eight, recorded here in John 8:40, let’s quote the words of our Lord Jesus:  But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. [John 8:40 New King James Version]  Brother Bob: When He said He has flesh and bones, when He said that to His disciples, He was teaching them what? He was teaching that He is a man, and not God. Did He ever teach His disciples that, in fact, He is their God? Absolutely not. In fact, He taught them He is a man. In fact, if we go back to that verse where Thomas says, “My Lord and My God,” that’s John, chapter 20, verse 28. But in that same Book of John, in fact, same chapter 20, let’s just back up a couple of verses. And listen, dear friends, listen closely to the words of Jesus as He clarifies who their God is. I quote, John 20:17, it says: Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ” [John 20:17 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Christ clarifies here distinctly, dear friends, His God is the Father, which is the same God as His disciples. He said, “My Father and your Father, and My God, and Your God.” We started this discussion with four main questions. Let’s go back and review those questions and what we have learned from these Bible verses we have read together: Why did Apostle Thomas say to Jesus, “My Lord and My God”?  Answer: He mistakenly called Jesus that in his shocking amazement that Jesus is alive again. He was wrong, and he was not teaching. The conversation was about Christ’s resurrection from the dead, not anything about Christ being God.  Was Apostle Thomas the only one who had that wrong assumption? No. Other disciples of Christ had similar reactions, in fact. They were terrified, they were frightened to see Him alive again, and thought that He was a spirit, and mistook Him for God who they knew to be a spirit.  Is it true that Jesus Christ did not correct Apostle Thomas and the other apostles? Christ did correct Thomas, and He did correct the other apostles, and even pointed out they were doubting His teachings that He and God were different.  What did Jesus Christ teach regarding the difference between God and Himself?  We read, Christ made clear distinction that God is a Spirit, which means God does not have flesh and bones as Jesus does, said Christ.  We hope this answers the curiosity of those who believe in the Trinity, or that Jesus is God, or they misunderstand John 20:28 and Apostle Thomas. The true disciples of Christ back then, and even now, believe that Christ is not God. He is very different from God, and He lovingly corrected his followers who made that mistake.  We know there are verses that people use to try to prove that Jesus is God, but there is no properly translated verse of the Bible that will ever teach that Jesus is God. The trinity is a false doctrine. We serve the true God here inside the Church Of Christ, because That’s in the Bible.  We’d like you to continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ. To do so, [On-screen text graphic] Visit  incmedia.org Brother Bob: please visit us online, browse the different topics, or set up an appointment to meet with the minister of the gospel. And if you have any questions about the Bible or salvation, please email them to us. [On-screen text graphic] [email protected] Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time on That’s in the Bible! [Show close]

Brother Bob Pellien: Hello, and welcome, everyone! [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: I’m Brother Bob Pellien and thanks for joining us today in this episode of That’s in the Bible. Today we’re going to be addressing what you may have seen on social media recently. There’s quite a debate brewing. A lot of elementary schools are removing Halloween, and the parents are in quite an uproar about it saying things like, “Well, schools are just taking away the fun for the children. It’s a nice candy day for the kids.” Dear friends, there would not be such a debate if in fact everyone really understood the symbolism of Halloween, the origin, the history, and what it is all about. That’s precisely what was written into our program by Dianey. She wrote and she asked us this question, “Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start?”  [On-screen text graphics] Question: Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start? Dianey Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start? Brother Bob: Well, Dianey, we’re not going to turn to the Holy Scriptures to find the origins of Halloween.  [On-screen text graphics] We’re NOT going to turn to the HOLY SCRIPTURES to find the ORIGINS of HALLOWEEN Brother Bob: Why, you may ask? This is the program That’s in the Bible. Well it’s because that’s actually not in the Bible.  [On-screen text graphics] HALLOWEEN’S NOT in the BIBLE Brother Bob: In fact, it has its origins in ancient pagan cultures, otherwise known as non Christians who are worshipping multiple gods.  [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: So dear friends, before you place any of ourselves on either side of that ongoing debate, we need to educate ourselves. So together, let’s take a look into Halloween’s history. Where did Halloween come from?  [On-screen text graphics] Where did Halloween come from? Brother Bob: In a book entitled Catholic Customs & Traditions, which is a popular guide written by Greg Dues. Here on page 196 this is what’s written: There are several possibilities for the origin of the tradition of giving treats as part of trick or treating…The more probable origin lies in the pagan New Year celebration among the Celts. It was thought that the ghosts who roamed freely that night would be satisfied with a banquet table laid out in homes. For a while after Christianity arrived in Celtic lands, there was an attempt to transfer this custom to the eve of All Souls Day (November 2). Masked children would go from door to door to pray for the departed loved ones in return for a treat. [Catholic Customs & Traditions: A Popular Guide, pg. 196] Brother Bob: So here, dear friends, we could see then, and Dianey, thank you for your question, the origin of Halloween and some of its customs in trick or treating and such, the origin of Halloween is not in the Bible at all, but rather it has its roots in ancient pagan cultures.  [On-screen text graphics] The ORIGIN of HALLOWEEN is NOT in the BIBLE at all  What is the history of Halloween? Brother Bob: What is this Halloween holiday all about? Let’s delve into a little bit further so you know which side of that debate you should put yourself on. If we look further into the history of Halloween, for example, if we turn to the very popular Encyclopedia Britannica, Volume II, page 15, right here it says the following about Halloween: HALLOWEEN (in Medieval times “All Hallows”) kept on October 31, the eve of All Saints’ Day, was the Celtic festival at the end of summer named Samhain. It was connected with…the practice of divinations and its association with the dead, whose souls were supposed to revisit their homes on this day. [Encyclopedia Britannica, Volume II, pg. 15] Brother Bob: So, once again, it did not have and does not have a biblical origin. But as we just read there, history tells us it instead has its origin in ancient pagan cultures, and refers back to particularly a Celtic festival at New Year’s time, the end of summer at the end of the year, called Samhain, and it was connected with divination. [On-screen text graphics] Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start? Brother Bob: Now, the dead souls at that time—and this is an important thing—because the dead souls were supposed to return to their homes during that festival. [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel What every Christian should know about Halloween Brother Bob: Does the Bible have anything to say about these practices of Halloween, the divination, ghosts returning to the homes, the trick or treat and all the various things like that? All right then, let’s go to the Holy Bible. We turn to Leviticus 19:26 wherein it says the following: “‘Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it. “‘Do not practice divination or sorcery.  [Leviticus 19:26 New International Version] So the Bible does have a response regarding these things. It says first of all, “Don’t do that.” This is what every Christian should know about Halloween. The Bible specifically prohibits such things. [On-screen text graphics] Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start? What about Trick or Treating? Brother Bob: And what about the pagan practice to prepare a banquet table for the dead returning to their home, which contributed to the current customs of receiving treats when you go to the homes and yell, “Trick or treat!” Trick or treating is an important and popular part of the Halloween festivities. Dear friends, the Bible also addresses that and does so here in the book of Job chapter 7:  As the cloud disappears and vanishes away, So he who goes down to the grave does not come up. He shall never return to his house, Nor shall his place know him anymore. [Job 7:9-10 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So dear friends, the Bible makes it very clear [that] there’s no returning to the home anymore as a ghost or as a skeleton or such things like that, the kind of costumes that parents put their children in, ghosts and skeletons and all that things is part of the traditions of this history we’re discussing here.  [On-screen text graphics] Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start? Brother Bob: And they do so to get treats from the banquet table on that particular night. So, Dianey, we again, thank you for your question. Understand, the Bible clearly teaches against such things. So that is why Christians shouldn’t celebrate Halloween.  [On-screen text graphics] Christian should NOT celebrate HALLOWEEN. Brother Bob: But let’s continue with both sides of the debate because some will say, “Well, even though it has those kind of pagan cultural origins, it’s just a fun thing for children to do. Why take it out of the schools?” They say, “Why not encourage the children to participate? It’s just fun. It’s an old tradition.” They say, “Kids love it.” We get it. We understand that side of the debate.  [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: But look, here’s what the what the Scriptures and has to say. It was Apostle Paul’s a letter to Timothy where he addressed it in these terms. Let’s take a look here at 1 Timothy chapter 4, it says in verse 7 the following:  But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. [I Timothy 4:7 New King James Version] Halloween and the Devil Brother Bob: So the biblical instruction is very explicit, dear friends. It says to reject such kind of fables and exercise, instead, godliness. There’s another element of Halloween that I suppose many do not know, and that element of Halloween was described [also] in the Encyclopedia Britannica. Let’s take let’s take a look at it. It’s recorded in Volume II  also on page 15:  The autumnal festival acquired sinister significance, with ghosts, witches, hobgoblins, fairies and demons of all kinds…It was the only day in which the help of the devil was invoked for such purposes. [Encyclopedia Britannica, Volume II, Pg. 15] Brother Bob: Imagine that, dear friends? Imagine Halloween was the day [on] which they were able to invoke or ask, and that was the practice, to ask the assistance of none other than the devil himself. Obviously we here inside the Church Of Christ use these reasons for not celebrating Halloween. How could we?  [On-screen text graphics] Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start? Brother Bob: But then, maybe there would be those who would want to say, “Well look, we’re not thinking of it’s pagan origins and we’re certainly not going to invoke the help of the devil, of course. So we’re just doing this because it’s cute to see the children wearing costumes of the devil, costumes of ghosts, and costumes of all these different things and the children enjoy going to Halloween parties and they get all kinds of candy for their kids.”  [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel What does the Bible say about pagan practices? Brother Bob: So is there any biblical guidance that God would want us to know and understand as we listen to the ongoing debate at schools whether or not Halloween should be something Christians should participate in? Dear friends, we turn again to the Holy Bible and this time it’s Apostle Paul’s letter. He wrote the following to the Ephesians. Ephesians 4:17 which reads this way: Here then is my word to you, and I urge it on  you in the Lord’s name: give up living as pagans do with their futile notions. [Ephesians 4:17 Revised English Bible] Brother Bob: Does the Bible give any instruction? Does the Bible give any guidance? What’s the instruction? Absolutely it gives us instruction. And what was it? He said, “Give up all those things that have to do with pagan origin.” [On-screen text graphics] GIVE UP all those things that have to do with PAGAN ORIGIN Brother Bob: That’s the instruction, dear friends. So if we’re going to consider the ongoing debate, which side should we be on? Here inside the Church Of Christ, we’ll be on the side of doing it the Lord’s way and give up those Halloween practices that go against the teachings of God.  [On-screen text graphics] Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start? Brother Bob: Why are so many people choosing pagan cultures and incorporating their traditions into the holidays of current times? There’s something that they have missed, and what they have missed was mentioned by Apostle Paul in  the format of a warning. What was the warning of the Apostle Paul given in the Holy Scriptures? Here’s what he said. He said it in his letter to the Colossians 2:8 is where it’s recorded. Don’t let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high- sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ. [Colossians 2:8 New Living Translation] Brother Bob: So, the Bible is very clear. It clearly issued the warning not to let anyone lead you astray with human traditions, human ideologies and philosophies that they have themselves simply invented or incorporated from pagan cultures.  [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: There was a direct instruction as well, also from Apostle Paul, when he spoke in a similar way to the to the Galatians. Not only was his advice,” Don’t let someone lead you astray.” That’s what people miss. They missed the point that they’re being led astray by those things. But he went on to say to the Galatians in Galatians 1:8: But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.  [Galatians 1:8-9 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So dear friends, even if others will say or try to convince us,  “It’s just for fun.” And if they will say, ”No one thinks of it as pagan practice.” [On-screen text graphics] Why shouldn’t we celebrate Halloween, and how did it start? Brother Bob: Truth of the matter is, it doesn’t erase where this holiday came from. Simply put, celebrating Halloween means to embrace something that is not Christian. To conclude, therefore, on that point I would like to read one more Bible verse. Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 15:1-2: Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. [I Corinthians 15:1-2 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Halloween, dear friends, may seem harmless on the surface. But after gaining this knowledge, we urge you to make an informed decision regarding whether or not it’s something you want to participate in, you want your children to participate in. Apostle Paul said to hold on to what was preached if we want to be saved. [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: Here in the Church Of Christ, we use the Bible only as the basis of our beliefs. We stand by it, no matter what people around us may say, or do, or believe about us.  Dianey, we are so very thankful for your question. And when you’re ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, please visit us online or visit any of our various social media accounts.  [On-screen text graphics] Learn more at incmedia.org [On-screen text graphics] Follow us on Facebook: /IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates /IglesiaNiCristoMedia Brother Bob: To speak to a Minister of the Gospel or to join us in worship, you can find a directory of our houses of worship online, also.  [On-screen text graphics] Find a house of worship near you: IglesiaNiCristo.net/directory Brother Bob: If you have any questions about the Bible, please email us for a chance that your question would be featured on the show.  [On-screen text graphics] [email protected] EMAIL US YOUR QUESTIONS Brother Bob: Well, dear friends, I’m brother Bob Pellien, and we want to thank you once again for joining us! We’ll see you again next time on That’s in the Bible.

Does God Accept Me? Voiceover: You might find yourself devoted to doing what you are really convinced and believe is the right thing, and trying your very best to be a good person. But, does it seem sometimes like God is not by your side? Does it feel like He isn’t accepting you? And when you pray, asking for help from God, does He answer? Unfortunately, this has left many asking the question: Why won’t God help me?  Let’s find the answer in the Bible.  [Show Open] Brother Bob Pellien: Hello, everyone, welcome. Welcome to That’s in the Bible. The basis of the teachings here in the Church Of Christ is first and foremost, the Bible or the Holy Scriptures. So, we want to clarify that well, even if the Bible is asked and posed every imaginable question, but it does not answer just any and all questions. But regarding proper worship, regarding the right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation; those answers are definitely here in the Holy Bible.  Dear friends, as people continue to encounter deep heartbreak in life, some have begun to pose questions, as we’ve said, like “Why won’t God help me?” Many are feeling rejected by God or that He refuses to accept them. People believe that God should be hearing them and God should be responding to their prayers, helping them get through tough times in life. Because they’re in a church, they’re in a religion that’s offering up a kind or form of service to Him.  Others believe it doesn’t matter to God which religion the person belongs to, or how the service that they’re rendering to God is done. Why? Well, because they believe what matters is that one will just be dedicated to serving God in the religion of their own choice. Though, to understand why God may not be accepting or listening to you, despite how devoted you may be to serving Him, well, we’re going to turn here to the Holy Bible, for the responses for the answers.  There, we’ll study together: If God isn’t helping you, does that make one’s worship of God useless?  Is there a proper way of following what God wants from all of us?  Who, then, will be accepted by God?  Let’s turn to the Holy Bible for the answers. What we’ll read is here in Matthew 15:9, it says:  And in vain they worshipped Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” [Matthew 15:9 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So dear friends, in rendering worship to God, one must make sure that this basis for doing so is not the commandments or the teachings of men. Why? God does not want and will never accept any worship that is based on man-made doctrines. Even if a person deeply believes in certain teachings, if those teachings are wrong, if those teachings are based upon man-made doctrines, their service rendered, becomes vain, or useless. Therefore, anyone who is worshiping God must understand that God will not accept his worship, and it is done based on man’s own instruction, rather than God’s will. What else must be considered? What if you think that you already know and recognize God? And maybe we know a lot of people who think that way. “I know God, I recognize God, then there’s no need for me to really determine if the teachings believed in are true or not, or if the need to obey God’s pristine commandments…well, that’s not what’s important,” others might think. How does the Bible respond to anyone holding on to that way of thinking?  And the Bible’s response is recorded in I John 2:3-4:  If we obey God’s commands, then we are sure that we know him. If we say that we know him, but do not obey his commands, we are liars and there is no truth in us. [I John 2:3-4 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: So on the other hand then, dear friends, one who claims that by saying they know God, but does not obey Him, is called a liar. By whom? That’s written here in the Holy Scriptures, and of course, therefore cannot truly please God. Why not? Because the Bible said, “there’s no truth in [him].”  There are those who are very devoted [to] bowing down to statues and images. But God said, do not bow down to statues and images. Therefore, those who would render worship within the context of following commandments that are not from God, [they renders] their worship in vain. That’s just one example. So dear friends, that person then, like so many others, has fallen into the wrong way of recognizing and the wrong way of serving God. Why? Because he’s not submitted to the righteousness of God, which is right here. The Gospel, as is mentioned in Romans 1:16-17, the righteousness of God, that’s the gospel.  Well, what have they done, then? What have they done, instead of following the gospel instead of submitting to the righteousness of God? Let’s turn to the Bible’s answer once again, and we do so reading Romans 10:2-3: I can assure you, that they are deeply devoted to God; but their devotion is not based on true knowledge. They have not known the way in which God puts people right with himself, and instead, they have tried to set up their own way; and so they did not submit themselves to God’s way of putting people right.  [Romans 10:2-3 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Therefore, any recognition or service that they render to God, it’s not based on his words recorded here in the Bible. But instead, based on the ideas or the interpretations of people, their opinions, their own idea of righteousness; that kind of worship, prayers offered by those who are worshiping God from that mindset become what? Worthless or vain in the sight of God.  So dear friends, if you’re going to worship God, no one can simply do it their own way. It must be done God’s way. How’s that? That’s by obeying His commandments. But you know, there are those who claim their basis of faith and their basis of serving God, well [what do they say]? “It’s rooted here in the Holy Bible and the word of God.” However, what did they do? They failed to comply with the policy or the rule of God regarding His commands. What’s that policy or rule? It’s recorded here in Deuteronomy 12:32, and it says this:  “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.  [Deuteronomy 12:32 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Therefore, dear friends, when a person is serving God, and what do they do, they add to it, or they take away from His commands—maybe by injecting their opinions or their interpretations or something like that—then they’re not observing carefully the rules, [the] commands of God. And then they render their worship and their service. But what happens to it? Their worship and services [become] unacceptable to God. But some ask this: “Can’t I just worship God anywhere I want, anywhere I choose?” We’ll tell you right at the outset, dear friends, the answer is what? No. Why are we so sure about that? Because one of the commandments that God has given one of the commandments that He made, has to be observed by anyone and everyone who wishes to perform true and acceptable service to Him. And what’s that instruction? It concerns the specific place that the Lord has chosen, where His people should perform their services to Him. Where they could rightfully obey His commands and then that service would be acceptable to the Lord.  So we’ll read the response of God, dear friends, here in Deuteronomy chapter 12, verse 5, then we’ll also go directly reading as well, verses 13 and 14: Out of the territory of all your tribes the Lord will choose the one place where the people are to come into His presence and worship him. You are not to offer your sacrifices wherever you choose; you must offer them only in the one place that the Lord will choose in the territory of one of your tribes. Only there are you to offer your sacrifices that are to be burned and do all the other things that I have commanded you.  [Deuteronomy 12:5, 13-14 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: So dear friends, services performed by anyone that [is] not in the place chosen by God, well, they become unacceptable, worthless before His sight. It’s, therefore, necessary for one to examine first if his services to God are based on God’s commandments and if he’s offering those services in the one place chosen by God, where He promised to accept them.  What else must be considered, dear friends? Who has the right to serve God and be confident it is the right way to worship God? They are the ones who truly serve God, and have been appointed or chosen, given the right to do so, the privilege to perform true service to Him. But you know, many would hesitate to accept that very direct statement. But let’s turn to the Holy Bible and hear what the Apostle Paul has written regarding this. I Timothy 1:12, it says this: I gave thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength for my work. I thank him for considering me worthy and appointing me to serve him,  [I Timothy 1:12 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Dear friends, he was appointed to serve; didn’t just decide and choose and do it any just way, no, he said there was a choosing there was an appointment to serve. What else proves that one cannot just offer their service to God and the Lord is going to find that acceptable without yet being appointed to do so first. Evidence of the Holy Scriptures is recorded also in the writings of Apostle Paul, this time in Colossians 1:12-14 It reads: giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. [Colossians 1:12-14 New Kings James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, we have to remember that ever since man committed sin, he’s lost that right to serve, lost the right to worship God. Man has been separated from God—in Isaiah 59:2 that’s stated very directly—when a man has been separated from God because of his iniquities, because of sin. So there’s a need to be forgiven for our sins. There’s a need to regain the right regain the privilege to serve God and be found with acceptable service. And as we just read, this is done how? Through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ shed on the cross. What happened? Redemption, they were redeemed by that shed blood. And as we’ve learned earlier, we have to carefully follow God’s commandments regarding proper or true worship, no adding, no subtracting.  So according to God’s commandments, there’s only one place where we can find those who are qualified. One place to find those who are accepted by God. One place has been redeemed or purchased by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, therefore [given] the right to serve again.  So who then do the apostles testify? Who are they? Who [did] the apostles give testimony to as was who was redeemed, who was purchased with the blood of Christ? Is it just anyone who wants to serve God? Anyone who says they’re serving God? Anyone who wants to be heard, when they pray? Acts 20:28 tells us this, tells us who they are. 20:28 reads this way:  Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood. [Acts 20:28 George Lamsa Translation] Brother Bob: Who did the apostles testify? They testify that it is none other than the Church Of Christ. What did they say about the Church Of Christ? It was redeemed or purchased with what with the blood of Christ, that’s the Church of Christ, then is that Kingdom of the Son, the Kingdom of the Son, where redemption is found. It’s where people can render true and acceptable worship the God.  Many may have worshiped God in their own way. Wondering why they still felt as though God wasn’t with them. God wasn’t helping them. God wasn’t accepting them wasn’t hearing their prayers.  Dear friends, today we have learned that worshiping God is useless if we do it our own way, instead of following the way God wants us to worship Him. To prove that we’ve truly acknowledged God, we have to obey Him. We’ve also learned that the way God wants us to obey Him is carefully not adding or subtracting from His commands. So when it comes to worshiping God, we must carefully observe that there is only one place where people can perform valid and acceptable service to God. Those that are qualified or those that have been appointed, chosen to serve Him, are therein. So one must carefully make sure first, that he is among the ones appointed or chosen or elected by God by becoming a member, not just of any religion, but of the one that was redeemed, purchased with Christ’s blood. And the Bible clearly states that is none other than the Church Of Christ, which is why we always invite you continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ.  Visit us online, browse the different topics or set up an appointment to meet with a minister of the gospel here inside the Church Of Christ. If you have any questions about the Bible, or salvation, email them to us. I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time right here on That’s in the Bible. May you please [join us] in a concluding prayer.  Almighty Father, dear God, we thank you for allowing us to hear from Your holy words, the guidance that is needed each and every day of our life. Father, we pray, most especially for all our guests and visitors joining us in our study, may they understand the importance of continuing their studies with us. May they understand the value of worshiping You properly guided by Your rules, policies, laws, commandments and instructions, so that we may serve You, O God, acceptable in Your holy sight. May You inspire everyone to unite under Your laws and commandments here inside the Church Of Christ. Please forgive whatever shortcomings You may see in us. Always bless this program, and all the programming inside Your holy Church, most especially when we assemble in the houses of worship, and we sing and pray and worship You Lord with all our heart. May You find us worthy, always and acceptable in Your holy sight. We pray for this always, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.  

Brother Bob: I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Thank you for joining us on this podcast episode of That’s in the Bible. Our next set of questions comes from two individuals. And in fact, there are many who often ask questions like this. Let’s hear the first one from Ryan Foster from San Diego, California. His question is this: [Video question] Ryan Foster: My question is, who’s to say the Bible isn’t fictional? [Video ends] What is the identifying characteristic of the word of God? Brother Bob: And we have a lot of very similar questions. Let’s post up another one that comes from Magda Staunch from the faraway land of New Zealand. Here’s her question: “You get all your answers from the Bible. How do you know that it is the right book? What about the Quran and other religious books?”  Brother Bob: Well, it’s true that there’s a lot of world renowned religions that use so many different books and claim those books to be the foundation of their faith because they are from God via the Quran of the Islam religion or be at the Catechism of Catholicism or other religious world renowned books that people use as the foundation of their faith. If all of those books were piled up in front of us on a table, and there they are all claiming to be the word of God in order to find which one truly is, one has to know the identifying characteristic of the word of God. For example, if a person was given the assignment to find an automobile, but they don’t know what an automobile looks like, they don’t know how big it is, what it sounds like, what material it’s made of, they might go out on the street and get run over by an automobile and wouldn’t know yet that they have found an automobile because they need to know it’s identifying characteristics. The same with the word of God. So what did Jesus mention regarding the identifying characteristic of the word of God in the book of John 17:17 he said: Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. [John 17:17 New King James Version] How is truth measured? Brother Bob: Identifying characteristic: truth. That’s where many would probably want to inject and say, “Well what is true? Your definition of truth? My definition of truth? Or what is truth? Is truth measurable by what a yardstick?” How can truth be measured and verified? Let’s consider what was quoted by the prophet Isaiah. In Isaiah chapter 46, verse 11, it says: Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. [Isaiah 46:11 New King James Version]  Brother Bob: How is truth measurable? Not by a yardstick or some kind of measuring instrument like that. Truth is verifiable by its fulfillment. Like here, the prophet Isaiah quoting God saying, “What I have spoken, I will bring it to pass.” Very different than the word of men; we can say, “We will do this tomorrow, we will do that tomorrow or next week.” We don’t even know if we’ll be alive tomorrow or next week, it may not be within our human capacity to fulfill what we say. And therefore what we say, could not be verified as truth until it actually happens. The fulfillment is the evidence, the tangible verification that what was spoken is truth.  So now we have that characteristic, the identifiable characteristic of the word of God. It’s truth. Of all the books there piled in front of us, one of them has to emerge and prove itself to really be true. True and proven so by the fulfillment of what is recorded therein. And we can cite so many, many [pieces of evidence] of that—what’s recorded here in the Bible. We are the mere eyewitnesses to their fulfillment; therefore proving what’s contained here is true. Truth is the word of God.  What is a truth fulfilled in the Bible? But let’s just take a couple of brief examples, like the character of people in the particular timeframe that we all live in nowadays.There was a prophecy stated in the writings of Apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy, 2 Timothy 3, beginning in verse 1: But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! [2 Timothy 3:1-5 New King James Version] Brother Bob: There’s a prophetic statement of Apostle Paul regarding the nature of people. And we are all the living eyewitnesses that clearly describe the nature of people nowadays. If we took time to read for example, Daniel chapter 12 verse 4 [it mentions] our technological advancements because of the increase [of] the knowledge of mankind fulfilled in our time.  Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke all throughout chapter 24 of Matthew, regarding events like World War I, World War II and other events which we can clearly see fulfilled, all of which prove the Bible is true, the Bible is the word of God. All the other books may be nice reading, might discuss how to interact with people, love your neighbor, all such things, but do not pass the “truth test.” Only the Bible passes the truth test. Only the Bible therefore, is worthy of our trust as the word of God. Thanks for listening. I’m brother Bob Pellien, and we hope you join us next time on That’s in the Bible. Please feel free to email your questions to [email protected]. For more programming of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ and to find a local congregation near you, please visit incmedia.org.  

Why Use a Different Bible Translation? Brother Bob Pellien: I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Thank you for joining us on this podcast episode of That’s in the Bible! Let’s go straight to our first question for today, which comes to us via email from Odessa in San Diego, California. Her question is: “Why does the Church Of Christ use different versions of the Bible to answer questions?” Why are there different versions of the Bible Brother Bob: Odessa, thank you very much for your question. The Church Of Christ uses not any one particular Bible, for example our own translation and say, “We’ll just use this version.” We will use any and many different translations and it’s important to know they’re translations because the original writings that God inspired His chosen writers were written in Hebrew, the Old Testament is in Hebrew and the New Testament primarily in Greek with some sprinkles of Aramaic. And those translators over the years, there have been many who have translated from those original languages. And as long as the translator did not deviate from what was originally written in Hebrew, what was originally written in Greek and the manuscripts that we have from those original Hebrew and Greek writings, well then, that is truly Bible. Bible translation comparison Brother Bob: If ever there are translations that are slightly different from one another, did God give any instruction to use so one can be sure what their receiving is accurate and pure? He gave this instruction recorded by Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians, chapter 2. Now let’s listen together to what’s recorded here in verse 13 of that chapter: These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. [I Corinthians 2:13 New King James Version] Brother Bob: The rule of God, Odessa, is that spiritual things must be compared with spiritual things. What then is recorded here are spiritual truths and to know it for sure that what is recorded there is accurate, the instruction is to compare these spiritual things with spiritual things. Because what if one does not accept these spiritual truths? 1 Corinthians 2:12 gives this insight: Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. [I Corinthians 2:12 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What’s one thing we must not do when comparing the spiritual truths with spiritual truths? We must not accept the things of this world—man’s wisdom, man’s opinions, man’s ideas. We have to follow the instruction that God has given, because how would the world receive these spiritual truths from God? Verse 14: But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. [I Corinthians 2:14 New King James Version] Brother Bob: That’s why many would consider the spiritual truths in the Holy Scriptures as just foolishness, but even the Church of Christ we will use that law of God comparing spiritual things with spiritual things. We read often for example, Acts 20:28 on this program and other programs of the Church Of Christ. Wherein it, it [mentions] that Christ, the name of the Church, Church Of Christ was purchased with His blood. If we read other translations, it will say Church of God, purchased with His blood, Church of the Lord, purchased with His blood. Different versions of the Bible explained and how to compare spiritual truths Brother Bob: What then are we to do? Applying what we just read, the instruction of the Lord? Compare spiritual things, spiritual truths, with spiritual truths. God is spirit. Christ is the one that had flesh and bones and blood. So we are very sure then to use the translations of the Bible that will say Church of Christ, which He purchased with His blood because it’s Christ that had blood. Comparing the spiritual things with spiritual things, there will never be a conflict. There will never be any confusion. So applying that rule which we do in the Church of Christ, Odessa, we will always come to the knowledge of the truth. Thanks for listening. I’m Brother Bob Pellien. And we hope you join us again next time on That’s in the Bible. Please feel free to email your questions to [email protected] For more programming of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ, to find a local congregation near you, please visit incmedia.org.

[Show open] [On-screen text graphics] What is the Bible’s stance on war? Can killing people to protect your country be justified? Kyma Morera London, UK [Video starts] Tom: My name is Tom from Bremerton, Washington. What does the Bible say about military personnel who kill for their country? [Video ends] What does the Bible say about murder? Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you very much Kyma, Tom, and all the others who have emailed in and asked very similar questions regarding this particular topic about military service. You know, dear friends, we’re really sure that there’s a lot of people in the military or the armed services, or maybe even have friends and family members that are in the military. And you know, they are also God fearing people. People who have these same questions as you in their mind.  And dear friends for those who might not see the conflict or maybe are wondering why so many are asking these questions about the military, let’s start off by asking first—what is God’s command in the Bible regarding killing or taking another’s life? So let’s get right to it. The Bible clearly states here in Exodus 20, verse 13, the following:  “You shall not murder. [Exodus 20:13 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So here Dear friends, God gives a very simple, very short, yet nevertheless very direct answer. We can see that God prohibits anyone from committing murder or taking the life of another.  What does the Bible say about killing in war to fight for your country? Brother Bob: Which brings all the questions regarding being in the military, of course or the armed forces. Why? Well, we know because if one is in the military, they’re prepared, of course to defend the nation in times of war. And if war occurs, unfortunately, killing may very well be involved. Therefore, is serving as a soldier for your country, is it against the teachings of the Bible?  The direct answer to that question is no. But what’s the proof that God is really not against that? Let’s continue our study. We can read the Biblical evidence here, dear friends wherein God is distinguishing the difference between committing murder and serving in the military for one’s  state or nation. What does He say? Let’s turn to the book of Joshua chapter 4, verse 12 and 13. Wherein it says this: And the men of Reuben, the men of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh crossed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses had spoken to them. [Joshua 4:12 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Well, let’s pause for a second, dear friends because we’d like to point out here briefly that Reuben, Gad, Manasseh—were Israelites. And Israel was God’s nation before these people. They were God’s people. It was God’s nation. Let’s continue: About forty thousand prepared for war crossed over before the Lord for battle, to the plains of Jericho. [Joshua 4:13 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So you can read in these verses God’s people before, they did not only compose a religious organization, but [also], they were a nation. They were a nation with a military; they were soldiers. Therefore, we are sure, serving as a soldier for one’s country—[is] not against the Bible. Obviously fighting in battle to serve your nation and just committing murder—they are not the same thing, they’re different.  You know, there are instances in the Bible where God’s nation went to battle with numerous armies and sometimes against many armies all at once. And they had God’s protection, God’s guidance.  Many of you may still remember one well known servant of God, a shepherd named David. What did he do? He defeated and killed the giant Philistine warrior, Goliath. But you know dear friends there are those who pose the argument, “Well, this is a completely different era of time from those events of David killing the soldier Goliath or God using His nation against others in time past.” Can a Christian serve in the military today? Brother Bob: In the New Testament times dear friends, that we are living in today, is there a different instruction from God regarding soldiers? Has it been changed? Has it been updated in any way? Let’s also ask this: Is serving in the armed forces in the New Testament time forbidden by God? Let’s again turn to the Holy Bible for answers to these questions. And here we can read the instruction of God to some soldiers in the New Testament times. God’s will was made known through His servant, John the Baptist; and that conversation is recorded here in Luke 3:14. Let’s take a look:  Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.”  [Luke 3:14 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, we can notice the instructions here given to the soldiers. Soldiers who were asking what they needed to do to be worthy of forgiveness. John the Baptist said, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” We can also notice here what he did not say. He did not say, “Stop being a soldier.” If being a soldier is prohibited in the New Testament he would have answered, “Quit being a soldier. It is against God’s law.” But that’s not what he said. Therefore, although there might be people that strongly believe that being a soldier or joining the military is against the Bible, we can clearly see that there is no such prohibition given by God.  Is it okay for us to hate each other? Brother Bob: But then the rebuttal of some to that Biblical truth, sometimes goes a little bit like this, “So you’re saying that it’s okay for us to hate each other. It’s okay for us to kill anyone that we consider an enemy of the state?” We want to make clear, that’s not what we’re saying nor is that what we read here in these verses of the Holy Bible. In fact what’s the Lord Jesus Christ’s instruction to His disciples regarding their enemies? We can read here in Matthew 5:44 this from the words of our Lord Jesus:  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, [Matthew 5:44 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, according to Christ we, we’re the disciples, we’re the followers, we’re not given the liberties to hate our enemy and all the more be the ones to take revenge, all the more be the ones to kill them. That’s not our place. It’s not for us, the followers, to do that. We’re the disciples. So what was God’s instruction in Romans 12:19 the Bible says this: Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.  [Romans 12:19 New King James] Brother Bob: But dear friends, how will God repay those who have done wrong? Because He said very clearly, “Vengeance is Mine,” said the Lord. Is it God Himself that will come down and implement His wrath or will He send or use instruments to implement the vengeance or the punishment? Again, we turn to the Bible and we can read the Bible’s answer likewise in the book of Romans, and what we can read here is chapter 13 verses 1 through 4: Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist who will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. [Romans 13:1-4 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, the Bible is clear and teaches that governing authorities are appointed by none other than God Himself. And those appointed to rule, as the Bible mentioned, they will be a terror for evil doers. The appointed authorities bear the sword that God uses to avenge and to execute His wrath. Therefore we’re not to take it upon ourselves and decide to end someone else’s life. This is the reason why serving as a soldier in the military and just simply committing murder, it’s not the same thing.  Although God clearly states in the Bible, is strict prohibition of committing murder; this does not mean He forbids his people to enter the military or the armed forces.  Fighting for one’s country is not the same as simply murdering someone. The governing authorities, they’ve been appointed by God to lead and therefore should be granted the respect and the loyalty of those under their jurisdiction. We follow our nation’s leaders up to the point that they are aligned with what God commands. If there’s a contradiction between the two, true Christians follow God and not man. These are the teachings and the commands that we should believe in and follow. Why? Because that’s in the Bible.  Brother Bob: So dear friends, when you’re ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, please visit incmedia.org.  There you’ll find various series of programs dedicated to answering your spiritual questions.  You know you can also follow our Facebook pages, IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates and IglesiaNiCristoMedia.  And to view more of our shows and see how the Church gets involved in the community visit incgiving.org. Where you will also find various volunteer opportunities.  And to find a house of worship near you, visit iglesianicristo.net. Dear friends if you have questions that you’d like answered on the show, please email them to [email protected]. Well, thank you all for joining with us today and we’ll see you again next time on That in the Bible.  

[Show open] Next on That’s in the Bible. [Video starts] Chuck: Is this God the only God,  or is everybody right with all of their own gods?  [Video ends] Brother Bob Pellien: We believe here in the Church Of Christ, to know and understand the true God, we must turn to the pages of the Holy Scriptures. [Video starts] Idris:  I don’t understand the concept of God being three. The God [the] Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  [Video ends] Brother Bob: This is from Melissa Hatfield in Seattle, Washington. Why is Jesus Christ important? [Show open]    Brother Bob: Hello, I’m Brother Bob Pellien,  and thanks for joining us in this episode of That’s in the Bible. Let’s go directly to our first question, which comes today from Chuck Swift from San Diego, California. Let’s hear what Chuck asks: [Video starts] Chuck Swift: Is this God the only God, or is everybody right with all of their own gods?  [Video ends] One God or many? Brother Bob: Thank you for your question, Chuck. And you’re very correct in such that there’s a lot of people who are coming up with their own ideas and perceptions and understandings of God. We believe here in the Church Of Christ, to know and understand the true God, we must turn to the pages of the Holy Scriptures. So let’s do that directly. In the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 4. Let’s see if the Bible [mentions] many gods we can all just pick and choose whatever God we want or come up with our own understanding. How many true gods does the Bible discuss? Deuteronomy, chapter 4, verse 35, reads this way: To you it was shown, that you might know that the Lord is God; there is no other besides him. [Deuteronomy 4:35 English Standard Version] Brother Bob: The Bible clearly [mentions] here that there is but one God and there is no other. There could be an innumerable number of people coming up with their own understanding of God and in fact, even preaching and teaching about different gods and perceptions of God and who God truly is. But the Bible is clear. There is one God. So dear friends, here in 1 Corinthians, chapter 8, verse 6, the Apostle Paul wrote the following which is a very important statement regarding this topic in verse 6, he said: yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. [I Corinthians 8:6 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Here was the Apostle Paul addressing the first century Church, telling them for us. Who [is] “us”? The Church, the true servants of the Almighty God, that for us, there is only one God and then He told us who that one God is, and that is the Father. Chuck, in your question you clearly [mentioned] that there are so many others who have other perceptions of God and other gods. You know the concept of “many,” is that it “doesn’t really matter as long as you believe in the existence of God.” It matters. Why? The Holy Scriptures teaches us the following this time in the letter of Apostle Paul, to the Ephesians. Wherein he wrote the following in chapter 4, verse 6: one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. [Ephesians 4:6 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Because God is only one, and because God is the Father, and because the one God the one Father is one God and Father of all. It’s not for anyone to just pick and choose and say, “No, excuse me, I’ve got another God.” There is only one, there’s no other options, there’s no other other choices. But a lot of people have come up with other perceptions of who that one true God is, which leads us into our next question from Idris Bashil, from London, England. He sent us this question: [Video starts] Idris: I don’t understand the concept of God being three. The God [the] Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  [Video ends] How is God 3 in 1? Brother Bob: Thank you. That, too, is a wonderful question because it is not the only you that I have difficulty understanding what oftentimes mainstream Christianity terms as the Trinity that being: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, and the three of them together, compose one God. A triune entity. There was a Catholic priest to try to explain this. And let’s just take a moment to cite his explanation for a moment. It’s recorded in a book entitled Father Smith Instructs Jackson, written by the priest of the Catholic Church named John Francis Noll. He writes on page 29 the following: [On-screen graphic – Father Smith Instructs Jackson, pg. 29 Most Rev. John Francis Noll , D.D. LL.D.]  It means that in the One God there are three Divine Persons, called respectively God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Brother Bob: Well, that’s mainstream Christianity, the Catholic Church being from which we have quoted there, but so many of the Protestant organizations, independent Christian organizations as well, teach and believe the same that God is composed of three entities: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Here inside the Church Of Christ, we believe in the one true God, the Father. From what origin do we receive that important understanding that the Father is the one true God? It comes from Jesus Himself, the Son of God. What did Jesus say? Let’s read His words. It’s recorded in John, chapter 17, where in Jesus pronounced very categorically the following: Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. [John 17:1,3 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What’s the important pronouncement here of Jesus? He made a pronouncement concerning two things that had direct relevance to the attainment of eternal life. He said, “Father that they may know You the only true God and Jesus whom You have sent.” They’ll have eternal life if they know that the Father is the only true God and that they know that Jesus is the one who has been sent by the Father.  If, then, one comes up with another perception of God and teaches that and says “No, no, no, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit together, the three of them make up the one God.” That’s a different god. And the gentleman who posed the question to our program for today, seemed very confused about when he views the religions in this world who are teaching these other perceptions of God. And it’s not surprising that you’re a bit confused, because when they teach a Trinitarian god, they’re teaching something that is very categorically different than what Jesus just taught, as we all read there together.  Who is Jesus to God? Brother Bob: Who does the Bible teach Jesus to be? In fact, the it was, again, the Apostle Paul, we turned to this time, when he stated the following in 1 Timothy, chapter 2, verse 5: For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,  [2:5 New King James Version] Brother Bob: It clearly taught who Jesus is a man Who’s mediating between God and mankind. He is the Mediator. And how about the Holy Spirit? It was also our Lord Jesus Christ who described and tells us about the Holy Spirit. And He does so in these terms recorded in John, chapter 14, He was quoted here in verse 26: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. [John 14:26 King James Version] Brother Bob: Here Jesus taught to us the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, whom the Father will send to comfort to give strength to all who may be weary and tired and need the inner strength of the Spirit of the Lord, the Lord the Father above will send that Spirit to comfort and to strengthen and to help us. The true God is the Father, Jesus is the one mediating us unto the Father, and the Holy Spirit is the one sent by the Father to comfort and strengthen us: these are the biblical truths we embrace inside the Church.  What is the importance of Jesus Christ? Brother Bob: Let’s hear our last question for today. This is from Melissa Hatfield in Seattle, Washington. She submitted to us this written question, she wrote:  “Why is Jesus Christ important?” And it’s a very important question that Melissa writes, because when we teach that Jesus is different than God, there are those who sometimes conclude that, “I guess that means the Church Of Christ is just belittling Jesus and throwing Him away as if He’s of no value anymore,” when in fact, nothing could be farther from the truth for what does the Bible teach to us about the value and importance of Jesus, the Son of God? Let’s begin in the Book of Acts, chapter 5, verse 31, tells us this important quality about Christ: Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. [Acts 5:31 New King James Version] Brother Bob: He was given to be Savior for mankind. And as I’ve read a moment ago, nevertheless, I’ll spend the moment to read it again. He’s not just an ordinary person like us, we’re not taking Him down, throwing Him into the mud, so to say, no. 1 Timothy, 2, 5,  also attributes this quality to Jesus: For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,  [1 Timothy 2:5 New King James Version] Brother Bob: He’s our Mediator and the only Mediator between God and mankind. So He’s our Savior, He’s our Mediator. In fact, what else? Does the Bible attribute to this our Savior Jesus Christ in the Book of Acts, chapter 2, verse 36: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” [Acts 2:36 New King James Version] Brother Bob: He was also made Lord. Jesus is so very important, Melissa. He’s our Lord. He’s our Savior. He’s our Mediator, Son of God, and in fact when it comes to His relationship to the church, does He have any importance? Colossians, chapter 1, verse 18. The first part of that verse reads this way: And He is the head of the body, the church,… [Colossians 1:18 New King James Version] Brother Bob: When it comes to His relationship then with the Church does He also have some significance, relevance, importance? Absolutely. The Bible [mentions] that He is in fact, the head of the Church. And the Church is in fact, the very body of our Lord Jesus Christ.  So when we teach that Jesus is different than God, we’re not taking Him from some high position and throwing Him away, rejecting Christ. No, we embrace Him in all such ways that the Scriptures attribute to Him and the Bible attributes to Him, as being the Savior, as being our Mediator, as being our Lord, being the head of the Church and so much more. He has great relevance, Melissa, and He is of deep importance to all of us here inside the Church Of Christ. But He’s different from God, and not part of a triune God, but rather the Son of God.  Well, dear friends, that’s all we have time for today. But if you, too, will have questions that you’d like us to answer here on the program, email your questions to us. And we’ll always use the guidance of the Holy Scriptures to help you find your answer, the truth, That’s in the Bible. Well, thanks for watching. I’m Brother Bob Pellien and we’ll see you again next time. [Show close]

Brother Bob Pellien: I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Thank you for joining us on this podcast episode of That’s In The Bible.  Our next question comes from Sherwin Fowler from Buena Park, California. He asks via email the following, “Are all sins equal to God? Because [in] the Catholic Church, when you confess your sins, you have to pray longer to repent for your sins.” Sherwin, your experience in the Catholic Church is not unique. Millions of members in the Catholic Church are being taught that there’s different levels of sin. There’s venial sin, there’s mortal sin, there’s original sin, different levels and different kinds of sin, each of which gets a different kind of punishment, which they call penance [wherein] the priest will issue various repetitive prayers. Say for example, ten “Hail Mary’s” and twenty “Our Father’s,” which are memorized prayers that they would be instructed to recite [as] a payment for their sins. It’s important to know, Sherwin, what a sin is.  What is sin? Does the Bible introduce sin in three different levels? 1 John 3:4 describes sin. In fact, it gives the definition of sin. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. [1 John 3:4 King James Version] Brother Bob: There’s no mention here of three different kinds of sins. There [isn’t] going to be a small sin, a medium sized sin, and a big sin, and each of them are going to have a different level of penance that one will have to perform with repetitive prayers. How else or what else does the Bible have to say about sin, Sherwin? In Romans 6:23 the Bible [mentions] the following:  For the wages of sin is death,… [Romans 6:23 New International Version] Brother Bob: It did not say the wages of mortal sin or only the biggest most serious kind of sin. Sin is sin. Sin is a transgression of the law and it will be paid for by death. The Bible makes mention of a second death in the lake of fire.  What is the improper way to pray for forgiveness of sins? Are we instructed by the LORD to be reconciled by means of repetitious prayer? That we’re going to just repeat and repeat ten “Hail Mary’s,” twenty “Our Father’s,” three “Act of Contritions,” or whatever the priest will prescribe as our so-called penance and that’s going to remove that payment of sin? Jesus answers in Matthew chapter 6. It’s the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, Sherwin, that we should always embrace and follow. Here’s what He had to say about that in verse 7:  And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. [Matthew 6:7 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Jesus gave this instruction, “when you pray, do not use vain repetitions.” In fact He made mention that those who do that are the heathens and they’re doing it because they think they’re going to be heard for the [repeated] prayers that they offer. Sherwin, sin is sin. There are no levels of sin and repetitive prayer is not the way to be forgiven [of] sins. Sins are forgiven by the blood shed by Our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross for the Church. He gave his life for the Church Of Christ. Thanks for listening. I’m Brother Bob Pellien and we hope you join us next time on That’s In The Bible. Please feel free to email your questions to [email protected]. For more programming of Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ, and to find a local congregation near you, please visit incmedia.org. 

[Show open] Brother Bob Pellien: Good day to everyone! Thank you very much for a nice warm welcome. We welcome everyone here in the studio audience as well as all those who are joining us on the internet—maybe watching it by means of incmedia.org on your smartphones, through the Facebook pages that we have, or also maybe on channel 49 INCTV in the Philippines. Thank you all so very much for joining us in this episode of…? Audience: That’s in the Bible! Brother Bob: You know, dear friends, anyone that’s following the Iglesia Ni Cristo social media outlets, and we do have a few, you are by now very well aware of the intensified efforts of the Church Of Christ, led by the Church Administration, in eradicating poverty all over the world. There’s been a lot of efforts that have been exerted by the Church Of Christ, most especially in the continent of Africa. In order to reach that goal of, well, like I said, eradicating poverty all over the world, Lord willing. The questions that we’ll be addressing in our taping for today of this broadcast of the program That’s in the Bible are questions that come from ordinary citizens that the That’s In The Bible team that went to Africa were able to meet. Some of the ordinary citizens of Africa. And they posed a lot of questions. Like I said, we’re going to address a couple of them here in our broadcast for today.  We were happy to receive some questions because as the continent of Africa learns about the Church Of Christ, it has begun to prompt some questions. We will continue to reach out to our fellow men there and everywhere. The That’s in the Bible team, as I mentioned, recently visited and received the following specific questions to this program. And we’ll be tackling them together, for today. Our first question comes from John, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Let’s take a look at the question that John posed for today. [Video begins] John: And the question I have is, who is Jesus? Who is God? [Video ends] Are God and Jesus the Same Person?  Brother Bob: “Who is Jesus? Who is God?” These are questions that usually stem from what some would call a confusing, nevertheless, a very common concept that in fact God and Jesus are one and the same. But how does the Bible respond to that? John has asked and the Bible, the Bible gives a response. First of all, we cite from the book of Matthew, chapter 3, verse 17: And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Here, dear friends, God is the one who introduced Jesus. God introduced Jesus as His Son. That’s according to the Father Himself. So John asked, “Well, who is Jesus?” God answers by saying, “That’s My Son.” Never has any correct translation of the Bible ever said that Christ is, in fact, God the Son. What can be read very clearly from the Bible is the fact that Christ is the Son of God. God the Son and Son of God are two very, very, different things and they must not be interchanged. Aside from being the Son of God, John’s question was, “Who is Jesus?” So there’s so many verses that we could cite. How else was Jesus introduced in the Holy Scriptures? For example, if we were to read Acts, chapter 2, verse 36, the Bible says and shows that Jesus was made Lord:  “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” [Acts 2:36 New King James Version] Brother Bob: In the book of Acts as well chapter 5, verse 31, it mentions that Jesus was also made as Savior: Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. [Acts 5:31 New King James Version] Brother Bob: In 1 Timothy chapter 2, verse 5, the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy that Jesus was the Mediator between God and man: For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, [1 Timothy 2:5 New King James Version] Brother Bob: All these attributes are given to our Lord Jesus Christ. So when we say “Who is Jesus?” The Bible does not answer it by saying He is God. And I’d like to cite another statement of Apostle Paul, here in Ephesians 1:22. The Bible says:  And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, [Ephesians 1:22 New King James Version] Is Jesus just a man? Brother Bob: So, dear friends, here the Bible clearly teaches us that Jesus was placed above all things to the Church. This is the Jesus of the Bible. Any other Jesus would be a different Jesus than the Jesus of the Bible. But here’s the question that some pose when they read that verse: “If Jesus is just a man—as we cited from I Timothy 2:5 just a moment ago—if Jesus is a man (we didn’t read that he was just a man), then why is He also worshipped? In Ephesians 1:22, He was placed above all things. So doesn’t that make Him God?”  First off, no one heard us read or say that Jesus is ‘just a man.’ We cited 1 Timothy 2:5, but it didn’t say that He’s ‘just a man’ or ‘just an ordinary man,’ like all of us. Instead, what you did hear from the Holy Scriptures was the various qualities or distinctive, unique qualities that the Bible gives or attributes to Jesus, which proves that He is not just an ordinary man. And regarding the point [made], “He is worshipped, so therefore He must be God.” Yes, we do worship Jesus. But why? Is it because He is God? Answer of the Bible, Philippians chapter 2, verses 9, 10 and 11, answers this way: Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [Philippians 2:9-11 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, based on what we have just read, do we have a reason to worship Jesus even though He’s not God? Absolutely, yes, we worship Him not because He is God but because, as we just read together, God commanded Him to be worshipped. We worship Jesus. Yes. Why? Because …  Audience: That’s in the Bible! If God put Jesus above everything, is Jesus God? Brother Bob: That’s in the Bible! Remember obeying the commandments of God, as we just read also, that’s what gives glory to God. God, as we read, highly exalted Jesus, gave Him a name above every other name, and gave the instruction that people at every knee should bow. Bowing is a form of worship. And that’s the commandment and instruction of God to us all. So we have to obey and follow that because that’s what will give glory to God the Father. Sometimes though, people reason out and say for example, “If He’s above everything, that’s got to make Him God. It’s got to make Him God, because only God is above, is placed above everything else.” What do you think, studio audience? Does that seem like a reasonable conclusion to draw? [Audience nods]  Audience: Yes.  Brother Bob: Seems, seems reasonable. I turn, however, here, 1 Corinthians—Apostle Paul, this is the Good News Bible—I turn to 1 Corinthians 15. Let’s take a look here at verse 27 and 28. How does the Bible respond to that? For the scripture says, “God put all things under his feet.” It is clear, of course, that the words “all things” do not include God himself, who puts all things under Christ. But when all things have been placed under Christ’s rule, then he himself, the Son, will place himself under God, who placed all things under him; and God will rule completely over all. [1 Corinthians 15:27-28 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Who is over all? God. Jesus is over all, with one exemption. Who’s that? Audience: God. What is God’s state of existence? Brother Bob: God. Still, Christ is under or subject to God. As God has placed all things under Christ, Christ will still be, is still subject, subjected to God.  And you know, despite all the great attributes of Christ, the Bible also made very clear—in fact, Jesus Himself made very clear, and we’ll cite a quote directly from Jesus Himself—He made clear His nature, or let’s say His state of existence. Concerning this topic, there’s no one clearer to go to than the Lord Jesus Himself. So we turn to John chapter 8 and ask Him, “What Lord, what then is Your state of existence?” Jesus answers in 8:40 in the book of John: But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God… [John 8:40 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Who spoke this? Jesus. And we know God’s nature is that of a Spirit. And that’s recorded—we often read John 4:24, in this program: “God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” [John 4:24 New King James Version]  Brother Bob: God is a spirit. What did Jesus just say about Himself? He clearly introduced Himself as a man. He said, I’m a man here to tell you the truth which I heard from God. Christ never said that He Himself is the true God. If He were the true God, He would have introduced Himself as such. According to His own apostles, since Jesus taught them that He was a man, when the apostles started teaching that to the Church, did they change it? How did they teach the Church or what did they teach the Church about Jesus concerning His state of existence? In Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy here, in 1 Timothy chapter 2, verse 5: For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, [1 Timothy 2:5 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What the apostles teach, when it came to teaching it to the Church, they didn’t change what Jesus said. Jesus said, I’m a man here to tell you the truth. When the apostles taught that, they didn’t change it. They made [it] very clear that Jesus is a man mediating between whom? God and mankind. If Jesus is God, and He’s the Mediator between God and mankind, and Jesus the Mediator is also God, mediating between God and man, how many Gods, then, would that be? That would be, would be two Gods. How many true Gods are there? Audience: One. Brother Bob: Only one. Albeit, Jesus is not just an ordinary man like us, albeit a very, very special man that God performed miracles through. So that by the way, was also mentioned by Apostle Peter in Acts 2:22. But a man nevertheless. “My fellow Israelites, listen to these words: Jesus from Nazareth was a very special man. God clearly showed this to you. He proved it by the miracles, wonders, and miraculous signs he did through Jesus. You all saw these things, so you know this is true. [Acts 2:22 Easy-to-Read Version] Who is God? Brother Bob: John [from South Africa] also asked in his question—what was the second part, not only who was Jesus, he also wanted to know who is…? Yes, “Who is God?” John also asked, “Who is God?” And it was none other than Jesus Himself who answers John’s question and answers, who the true God is. Let’s take a look at John 17, where Jesus’s words are cited: Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eye to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,… “And this is eternal life, that they may know You,  [John 17:1, 3 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Allow me to pause, studio audience, who’s praying here? Who’s the speaker written, quoted here by Apostle John, who’s speaking? Audience: Jesus. Brother Bob: Who’s He speaking to?  Audience: The Father.  Brother Bob: You can see it on the screen, right? Who’s He addressing?  Audience: The Father.  Brother Bob: Now, while He’s praying to the Father, what important truth did He reveal? Let’s go ahead to verse 3: And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.  [John 17:3 The New King James Version] Brother Bob: Did Jesus make known who the true God is? Absolutely. He introduced the Father as the only true God. So John there in South Africa, to answer both your questions, the first, “Who is Jesus?” He is Savior. He’s the head of the Church. He’s worshipped because God commanded Him to be worshipped. So many attributes were given to Jesus but not Godhood.  “Who is God?” was John’s second question. Jesus answered that too. The Father—and He even used the word “only” to eradicate any confusion—He said the Father’s the only true God. The Bible makes very clear the differentiation between God and Christ then. This is what the Bible is…irrefutable proof of Their distinctness, irrefutable proof of Christ’s true nature as that of a man. Let’s move to the second part of John’s question in Africa. Let’s take a look at it on the screen. Does Jesus have a family somewhere? [Video begins] John: From people I know, they say he has a family, somewhere around the world. So that is what is confusing me now. [Video ends] Brother Bob: The second part of John’s question is, well, I’ve heard that Jesus has a family. How many from the studio audience has heard that Jesus has a family? Brother Bob: You heard that maybe from some very popular movie scripts. It’s been very popular Hollywood movies, a lot of books and discourses made about Jesus marrying Mary Magdalene, [them] having children, and that family lineage continues and there are people seeking to find that. That whole ideology or like I said was popularized by Hollywood in some very popular movies.  But here’s the thing. It’s not in the Bible. It’s just not there. But what is here is a very important principle that we must not forget. Before we [would] just believe in a movie script, or any magazine article that we would pick up and read about these things. Before we believe in that, turn to a principal or an instruction of God, written here through the apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians, 4, verse 6:  Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. [1 Corinthians 4:6 New King James Version] Bother Bob: What’s the principle? Don’t even think beyond what is written. So if it’s not written that Jesus got married to Mary Magdalene, they had children, there’s a lineage, we should be chasing around the world trying to find who’s the DNA connected and all such things like that. That’s all absent from the Scriptures. So the instruction or principle of God must be followed, which says, once again, you saw it on the screen, don’t even what?  Audience: Think.  Brother Bob: Think. Don’t even think that, much less use that as the basis. Those things were just entertainment. But it must never be embraced as the basis for one’s faith. We can’t dwell on those things. What we will dwell on is what is written, and that is the distinction that the Bible gives between God and Jesus and, as we have learned, They are not the same person or the same being. Why do we believe that? Because … Audience: That’s In The Bible! Brother Bob: Thank you, studio audience. And thank you, John, for your questions from Africa. When you are ready to learn more about how you, too, can be inside the Church Of Christ, how you, too, can be ready for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you’re ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, we encourage you, visit incmedia.org. There you’re going to find the various series of programs dedicated to answering all of your spiritual questions. There at incmedia.org you will also find a directory of all the local congregations of the Church Of Christ around the world. You can find the one that is nearest to your home. You can go there, pose these and so many more questions to the ministers that are there waiting for you. They will lead you in Bible studies. Just like we have begun, we’ve only scratched the surface with a couple of questions that came to us from Africa.  Go there, incmedia.org, look up the local congregation there, the address that’s nearest to your home. Go there, join with us in serving and worshiping God. You can also email us your video questions to [email protected]. Visit our Facebook pages. Join us, here inside the Church Of Christ. We want to thank our studio audience today for joining us in our study. We want to thank everyone for who might be watching us on the internet or channel 49 INCTV or anywhere else you are tuning in from, thank you for joining us in this taping. I hope you have enjoyed the moments we have shared together but more than that, I hope you have learned the truths that we embrace and why do we embrace these truths? Because … Audience: That’s in the Bible! Brother Bob: Thank you very much, studio audience. Thank you very much. Thank you all. We’ll see you next time!

Brother Bob Pellien: I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Thank you for joining us on this podcast episode of That’s in the Bible. Our next question came in via e-mail from Chris Panama in San Diego, California. He asks, “If there is a God, then why do humans suffer?” Well all who are suffering surely have asked that question and do ask that question, “Why? Why are we suffering?” Some [ask] the question like this, “Why does God allow suffering?” Well, in fact, not only does God allow suffering, here in the writings of the prophet Isaiah, the Bible records this important truth. Verse 4, 5, and 6, states: The earth mourns and fades away, the world languishes and fades away; the haughty people of the earth languish. The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore, the curse has devoured the earth, and those who dwell in it are desolate. Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men are left. [Isaiah 24:4-6 New King James Version] All have sinned Brother Bob: Yes, it’s true. There is much human suffering and the Bible makes clear the reasons why. Man has chosen to change the ordinances of God, defile His laws and His commandments, and no one can exempt themself, because Romans 5:12 makes very clear the all encompassing nature of human sin in these terms. 5:12 reads this way: Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned– [Romans 5:12 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, all have committed sin and God made clear [that] because of man’s insistence upon sin, the world—He considered it defiled, cursed it, and thus human suffering continues to plague humanity.  How to be forgiven of sins Brother Bob: However, Apostle Paul also made very clear in Romans chapter 3. Let’s turn to the book of Romans 3:25. This important statement was made. There’s a chance for humanity, the Bible says: God gave him as his sacrifice to pay for sins. So he forgives the sins of those who have faith in his blood. God did all of that to prove that he is fair. [Romans 3:25 New International Reader’s Version] Brother Bob: Yes it may be so, dear friends, that humanity is suffering and there’s a world filled with woes. But God is fair. God is love. God is compassionate and merciful, and to ensure that mankind had a chance to be forgiven for the sins, which brought the curse and the suffering upon this world, He gave His son to bring about the forgiveness of man’s sins, but that forgiveness had a direct connection to the blood to be shed by our Lord Jesus Christ. Why? Is there no other way for man to be forgiven for the sins and have the curse of suffering removed from their life? Is there another way? I’d like to read the book of Hebrews for the Bible’s answer to that in chapter 9, verse 22, wherein the following is stated. In fact the law requires that nearly everything be made “clean” with blood. Without the spilling of blood, no one can be forgiven. [Hebrews 9:22 New International Reader’s Version] Brother Bob: Is there then an essential connection between the blood spilled by our Lord Jesus Christ and being forgiven? The Bible’s answer is explicitly yes. Without the shedding of that blood there cannot be any forgiveness. One therefore must make sure there under the umbrella of the saving power, the forgiving power, of the blood of Christ. Many would say, “well that’s for anyone and anybody.” But the Bible is also very clear. For whom was the blood shed by our Lord Jesus Christ for? Was that the redeem to purchase, bring about the forgiveness of everyone who just simply proclaims it on their own? In the book of Acts 20:28, the Bible makes clear. Acts 20:28 reads. Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood. [Acts 20:28 LAMSA] Brother Bob: The church was redeemed or purchased by the blood of Christ. And what’s the name of that church? That’s the Church Of Christ. If then one wants to be removed from the onslaught of human suffering, they have no choice but to be in that one safe haven, the place where God has promised the forgiveness of sin, the place where He has promised His love, His compassion, and ultimately eternal life in the Holy City, and that blood of Christ was shed to redeem or purchase The Church Of Christ. We invite everyone, therefore, to be here with us, inside the Church Of Christ, to be forgiven for sin, and a chance to live forever in the Holy City, the kingdom of our Father above. Thanks for listening. I’m Brother Bob Pellien and we hope you join us next time on That’s in the Bible. Please feel free to email your questions to [email protected]. For more programming of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ, and to find a local congregation near you, please visit incmedia.org.

That’s In the Bible – How Do I Know I’m a True Christian? Brother Bob Pellien: If you believe you are a Christian, you likely accept the biblical truth that Christ built a Church. It’s simple enough, but it gets complicated because many preachers today teach that the true Church is made up of everyone who truly believes in Christ, regardless of what denomination or church they belong to. But that’s wrong. The true Church is only one organization. Why are we sure? Let’s find the answer in the Holy Bible. Brother Bob: Hello everyone! Welcome once again to this program, That’s in the Bible. The basis of the teachings here inside the Church Of Christ is, first and foremost, the Bible—the Holy Scriptures. Now, we want to clarify, as we always do, that the Bible questions we address on this program are regarding proper worship, the right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation—those answers are most definitely found right here, in the Holy Bible. So, we’ll be turning today to the Bible to answer these following questions: First, why is it important for me, you, everyone, to be baptized into the true Church? And secondly, what if one would say, “Well, I’m already part of a particular Christian church or denomination, aren’t I then a believer?” And next, “How can I differentiate between the Church Of Christ and the various Protestant churches?” Let’s start with the first question: Why is it important for me to be baptized into the Church? Let’s go directly to the Holy Bible and begin receiving our answers. And to do so, we turn to the book of Acts 2:41, where it says: Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. [Acts 2:41, New King James Version] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, the Bible clearly says here that those who believed and were baptized “were added to them.” What does the term “them” refer to? Those that they were “added to,” those that underwent the true baptism. Well, let’s turn here to chapter 2:47 in the book of Acts. It says this:  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. [Acts 2:47, King James Version] Brother Bob: So, the term “them” in the verse that we read refers to the Church—and of course, the true Church. So why is it important for you to be baptized into the true Church? Because—being part of the true Church is important. Why? Because that’s where the believers were baptized into. They were baptized into “them,” baptized into the Church. Maybe someone might say, “Well, I’m already part of a different denomination. I’m part of a different Christian-professing church or denomination, doesn’t that make me then also a believer?” Well, consider the Bible’s answer to those who may think like that. So, for the Bible’s answer, we turn to 1 Corinthians 12. We’ll read verse 13, then we’ll read verse 12:  By one Spirit all of us—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—were baptized to form one body, and that one Spirit was poured out for all of us to drink…As the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts of the body, many as they are, form one body, so is Christ. [1 Corinthians 12:13, 12 Beck] Brother Bob: So the true Church is, dear friends, it’s very clearly described as singular—“one body”—and the members all make up parts and form that one body. Not many bodies. How many bodies did we read? Only one. One body, one true Church. Are we sure that there’s only one? How does the Bible further clarify that the body, or the true Church, is but one? Romans 12:4-5:  We have many parts in the one body, and all these parts have different functions. In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one body. [Romans 12:4-5 Good News Bible] So dear friends, the body, it’s just one. Like a human body, there’s a lot of different parts to it, but yet all its members, all its parts compose or make up just one. In this case each of these parts serve their own function. They are united and one. What outstanding quality can be found therefore in the true Church that functions like this as described here? Well, 1 Corinthians—let’s go back to the writings of Apostle Paul, he describes here in chapter 12:25 of 1 Corinthians. It says:  And so there is no division in the body, but all its different parts have the same concern for one another. [1 Corinthians 12:15 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: Dear friends, members of the church, although yes, they may have different functions, but they still work together cohesively as one body not split up and not denominationalized. No. And to answer then the question that we posed together earlier, which went like this: Are you really a true believer if you are part of a different, “detached,” let’s say, Christian professing religion, religious organization, church or denomination? No, you’re not. No matter what you may say, the Bible is very clear. The true Church is not made up of different denominations. It’s not—the body is not all divided up with different names and all sorts of things like that. No, it’s a single organization, a single body. What are many? The members are many, but the organization, the body, is but just one. Well, what then about all these various denominations? How can we differentiate between the true Church Of Christ recorded here in the Bible and the multitude, the many Protestant churches prevalent all over the world? They have:  “20,800 denominations in the world, supplemented by more than 15,000 distinct parachurch agencies, we have ‘something for everyone,’ the carnival midway of Christianity. But the competition among these carnival booths is anything but amusing.” [Moody Monthly, September 1984] That quote is from a 1984 periodical named the Moody Monthly. What did I just quote? That there was already 20,800 Protestant denominations, and that was already back in 1984. We’re reading that particular periodical, because they’re saying, almost sarcastically, that we have all of this different “carnival midway” of denominations. But, what we can notice is, clearly, they have no unity, no single body, just division, strife, different names, different everything, beliefs. What must we learn from seeing that? What should we understand? Beloved friends, again, we pose the question. We turn now to the Holy Scriptures. James, chapter 3, where he provides an answer. In verses 14, 15 and 16. What does he have to say about these denominations and these divisions and such that man has created for himself. The Bible answers: But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. [James 3:14-16 King James Version] Brother Bob: Division, strife and confusion: Where do they come from? The Bible said that’s devilish. That’s from the devil then. Not from God. There’s no division in the true church. Why not? How does the Bible describe here, dear friends, the true church of Christ? Is the true church of Christ described having divisions and denominations and different beliefs and different faiths and different forms of baptisms and all those kinds of things? Let’s check together. You can read along on the screen. I’m reading Ephesians 4:4, 5, 6. Let’s include reading verses 12 and 13: There is one body and one Spirit, just as there is one hope to which God has called you. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; there is one God and Father of all people, who is Lord of all, works through all, and is in all. …He did this to prepare all God’s people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ. And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the Son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ’s full stature. [Ephesians 4:4-6, 12-13 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: Dear friends, the difference then between the true Church Of Christ, the biblical Church Of Christ, and the various Protestant denominations and other organizations that are different than the one true body of Christ, the singular organization described here in the Bible, is that Protestantism is full of division, so much so that the different denominations even end up competing with one another. The Church Of Christ, the biblical true Church Of Christ, the church found in the Bible is the one single organized body.  So, dear friends, in conclusion, let’s summarize the questions that we posed. The first: Why is it important for me to be baptized into the true church? Well, as we learned, being part of the true church is so important because that’s where true believers are baptized into the church. And then we asked, in response to the mindset of some who say “I’m already part of a certain Christian church or denomination, so that makes me a believer too. Right?” What did we learn? No, you are not. The true church is not made up of different denominations and different churches with different names and different faiths and different baptisms and different worship service. All such things, it’s not divided up and everybody just do what you want. No, it’s a single organization, a single body that is made up of many members. Join with us and be part of that.  And then we asked “Well, how can I differentiate between the Church Of Christ and these different Protestant denominations and organizations?” Well, we even quoted the Protestant Church is made up of over—and this was a quote from quite a while ago. We quoted that one because it’s they themselves who are pinpointing and describing their own situation. The church, they said, is made up of over 20,000 denominations. What else did they say? It’s full of division but the Church Of Christ, the true church founded in the Bible is not like that. Again, I repeat, it’s one single organized body. Dear friends, we’d like you to continue learning about all of these things—it’s so important. Learn with us here in the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church of Christ. Visit us online, browse the different topics or set up an appointment to meet with a minister of the Gospel. If you have any questions about the Bible or salvation, you can email them to us. I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time right here on That’s in the Bible.

Announcer: Next, on That’s in the Bible!  Brother Bob Pellien: Jordan wrote to us this question:  [On-screen text] If there is really one true church, then why are there so many different religions in the world?  (Jordan, San Diego, CA)Brother Bob: In fact, all of us are one race, the human race.  [On-screen text]  What’s important is that we are all united and in Christ. [Show open]  [On-screen text]  Brother Bob Pellien  Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: Hello! I’m Brother Bob Pellien, and thanks for joining us on this episode of That’s in the Bible! Our first question today comes from Julyne in Los Angeles, California. She wrote down this question: [On-screen text] If God loves all man, then why does He have chosen ones to serve Him?  Julyne Los Angeles, CA Brother Bob: Julyne, thank you for your question. And you know, Julyne, you’re right. God so loved the world. In fact, in this very famous quote of our Lord Jesus Christ in John 3:16. He described how He proved His love, which was by giving His only son as a sacrifice.  [On-screen text graphics] For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. [John 3:16 Good News Translation] What does it mean to be set apart and chosen? Brother Bob: And you’re also right in saying that He has chosen ones. And as you also said, those chosen ones were chosen to serve Him. But you know, Julyne, there’s another reason stated in the Bible, which is recorded by the writings of Apostle Peter in I Peter 2:9-10. It says: But you are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession. You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. At one time you were not a people, but now you are God’s people. In the past you had never received mercy, but now you have received God’s mercy. [I Peter 2:9-10 New Century Version]  Brother Bob: So, here, Julyne, God shows us yet another reason why He has His chosen, set-apart people. He’s expecting us to lead others out of darkness, and into the light of truth. How are we to do that? By telling others about the wonderful acts of God. And you know, Julyne, here’s how our Lord Jesus Christ described that responsibility—the responsibility of God’s chosen—to be fruitful, to bear fruit. It was worded this way, and quoted in the Book of John, chapter 15. This is the description given there by none other than the Savior Himself:  You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures. And so the Father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name. [John 15:16 Today’s English Version]  Brother Bob: So here, Jesus described the reason—or one of the additional reasons—for God choosing, Jesus used the term “appointing”—and the purpose was to bear fruit. In fact, to use such terminology as bearing much fruit. And you know, Julyne, regarding that issue of God’s choosing (or in the words of Jesus, “appointing”) people to be fruitful. It’s important to note what the world has done, and the kind of response that God has to it. That’s recorded here in Psalms 4:2-3. It says:  How long will you people insult me? How long will you love what is worthless and go after what is false? Remember that the LORD has chosen the righteous for his own, and he hears me when I call to him. [Psalms 4:2-3 Today’s English Version] Brother Bob: Another thing, then, to consider is that the choosing of God was after man’s rebellion. In fact, here described as insults and embracing what is false. And God then chose the righteous to be His very own. The Biblical doctrine concerning God’s choosing righteous for His own is so vitally important.  Does God love everyone? Brother Bob: We have another question from Nolan in Avon, Connecticut. Let’s hear what Nolan has asked: [Video begins] What’s God’s idea of unconditional love and does it apply to us or to a specific race of people today?  Nolan Avon, Connecticut [Video ends] Brother Bob: Terminology is important also, Nolan, when it comes to your question because, in fact, all of us are of one race—the human race. And although there may be varying ethnicities and nationalities, [all] people are of the human race. And yes, the Bible does record so much about God’s love. God loves all people so much and has proven it. Here is the greatest way God has proven His love for mankind—in the Book of Romans, chapter 5. It’s described—the love of God is described like this, or proven. Let’s say that it’s proven in this way. Verses 8 and 9:  But God has shown us how much he loves us—it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! By his blood we are now put right with God; how much more, then, will we be saved by him from God’s anger! [Romans 5:8-9 Today’s English Version]  Brother Bob: And this is the love of God that He gave His son; sacrificed His son as evidence of that love. This is a conditional love, meaning that Is it for a particular race or ethnicity? Is this a love that is extended, but with partiality? [On-screen text]  Is it for a particular race or ethnicity?  Is this a love that is extended but with partiality?  Brother Bob: So here’s what Apostle Paul wrote [in] Romans 2:11:  For God shows no partiality. [Romans 2:11 English Standard Version]  Brother Bob: Very direct answer of the Holy Scriptures. So, Nolan, the Bible shows that God judges all people by the same set of rules, the same set of laws. And in fact, He further categorically stated that fact in a 2:11 of another rendition of the Scriptures here in the Good News Bible, 2:11 is worded like this: For God judges everyone by the same standard.  [Romans 2:11 Today’s English Version]  Brother Bob: So that there’s no [difference], or partiality. God judges everyone, not by their race or such things as that. God loves His creation of mankind.  And what people sometimes pose, Nolan, very similar to your question is, they really want to hone in on race, thinking that God is somehow discriminating between people? Oh, no. Very clearly from these verses that’s not the case. Is there any indication categorically that race has nothing to do with God’s earnest desire to save people? Galatians 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus what is important to the Lord and is that we are all one in Christ Jesus. [Galatians 3:28 English Standard Version]  Brother Bob: What is important to the Lord then is that we are all in Christ Jesus.  [On-screen text]  Once we are in Christ our roots or ethnicity are no longer important  Brother Bob: Once we are in Christ it is no longer important what ethnicity we may have; our roots within.  [On-screen text] What’s important is that we are all united in Christ  Brother Bob: What’s important is that we are all united and in Christ. If then, one is outside of Christ, outside of His body, outside of His Church, one needs to enter into it, [to] receive the love of God, which is unconditional for those who are in Christ.  Is there one true Church or many? Brother Bob: Our last question is from Jordan in San Diego, California. Jordan wrote to us this question: [On-screen text] If there is really one true Church, then why are there so many different religions in the world? Brother Bob: Jordan, you are right. Let’s ask, with you, this question:  [On-screen text]  How many churches did the Bible say Jesus built? Brother Bob: How many churches does the Bible say Jesus built? Did He say, like Jordan, that Jesus built just one, or did He build all of these different religions that are so prevalent in the world nowadays? Let’s take a look at the words of Jesus, Himself. Here in Matthew 16:18, the Bible says:   So I tell you, you are Peter. On this rock I will build my church, and the power of death will not be able to defeat it.  [Matthew 16:18 New Century Version] Brother Bob: Here, Jordan, the Bible makes clear, in the word, quoting the words of Jesus directly, that ”On this rock I will build my church,…” He did not say, upon this rock I’m going to build a whole bunch of churches; everyone, just pick one, maybe the nearest one near to your house, whatever is convenient, whatever happens to tickle your own fancy, what you like! Well, no! He said very clearly, “I will build my church.” Singular in nature. Why? We’ve cited several times on this broadcast Colossians 1:18:  He is the head of his body, the church;…  [Colossians 1:18a Today’s English Version]  Brother Bob: Because the Church is the very own body of Christ, and he’s the head of it. The head does not have many different bodies, therefore, many different churches. No, the Bible describes it as being one in all things. So, yes, Jordan, you’re correct. The Church built by Jesus is just one. And it has very specific and unique attributes. In Ephesians, chapter 4, the singularity of the Church was further emphasized here, in Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. We’ll read verses 4, 5 and 6, where he described it like this:  There is one body and one Spirit, just as there is one hope to which God has called you. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; there is one God and Father of all people, who is Lord of all, works through all and is in all.  [Ephesians 4:4-6 Today’s English Version]  Brother Bob: So, Jordan, the Bible is clear in its teaching that Jesus built only one Church, and the singularity of the Church was described here.  Brother Bob: That it has one faith, it has one baptism, it is singular in all its elements. And you know, Jordan, you also [mentioned] that, well, you notice that in this world nowadays, there’s not the only one church, when in fact, there’s a multitude of religions out there. And you asked where did they come from? They have their origin in a very common mistake made by so many people. And here’s how Apostle Paul described that mistake, which is at the core of many false religions in the world. In Romans 10, let’s read together [verse] 2 and 3: I can assure you that they are deeply devoted to God; but their devotion is not based on true knowledge. They have not known the way in which God puts people right with himself, and instead, they have tried to set up their own way; and so they did not submit themselves to God’s way of putting people right.   [Romans 10: 2-3 Today’s English Version]  Brother Bob: Jordan, what was God’s way? He had His son, sent His son, who built one true Church. They didn’t want that way, so what did the Apostle Paul write here about what they did? They made their own way, a different way of putting people right. A different way I’m trying to get people near to God, and saved on the upcoming day of Judgment. They made their own way, their own religion. But, Jesus built just one: His, the Church Of Christ. Be with us here inside the Church Of Christ.  Well, that’s all we have time for today. What you’ve heard is just an introduction to the teachings of the Bible taught here in the Church Of Christ. And we invite you to learn more and join us!  [On-screen text]  [email protected] Brother Bob: And if you have questions you’d like answered on this show, email them to us, and we’ll use the guidance of the Holy Scriptures to help you find your answer, the truth, because that’s in the Bible! Thanks for watching. I’m Brother Bob Pellien, and we’ll see you next time.

Good Scientist And A Good Christian?   Brother Bob: I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Thank you for joining us on this podcast episode of That’s In The Bible.   Our question for today comes from Ivan Escobar from Los Angeles, California. Let’s hear what his question is all about.   Ivan: Just because I study science, does it make me a bad person?   Brother Bob: Ivan, the word science simply means knowledge. Obviously, one who pursues knowledge pursues the understanding of even scientific knowledge, science. No one would ever consider them, and no one ever should consider them bad. Certainly, the Bible, the Holy Scriptures, and therefore God, does not also consider anyone who studies science and scientific issues bad. In fact, if we turn to the Holy Scriptures, in the book of Daniel, chapter 1, verse 4. The word “science” is even mentioned here by the Prophet Daniel in a very positive light, thus giving evidence that knowledge, science per se, is in itself not a bad thing. Verse 4 reads this way:   Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. [Daniel 1:4 King James Version]   Brother Bob: The Bible makes mentions of science. The Bible makes mentions of knowledge and does not put knowledge nor the pursuit of knowledge or science in a bad light. There’s no evil or malice, per se, in science. In fact, if apostle Paul spoke of it in these terms in I Timothy, chapter 6, in verse 20. When is it however that science could be the pursuit of something that’s not good or not beneficial for a person? In I Timothy 6:20, it says:   O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— [I Timothy 6:20 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: It could be something, Ivan, that is not good or not beneficial and that is science or knowledge that is false. If one would pursue and embrace knowledge or science that is false, what could be the result or consequence of that? It was the same apostle who wrote to the Colossians in chapter 2, verse 8, the following:   Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. [Colossians 2:8 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: They will cheat you, you’ll be deceived, you’ll be victimized by the presentation of false knowledge or false science. What therefore is something that is necessary information that is needed? Philippians chapter 1, verse 9:   I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment. [Philippians 1:9 Good News Translation]   Brother Bob: True science, true knowledge, Ivan, is something that is beneficial. It is very much, however, in contrast to what is false knowledge or false science. Science in itself can be good as long as its conclusions are true, correct, and accurate, and not in opposition with the truths of God contained in the Holy Scriptures. When science is true it always aligns itself with biblical teachings of God and does not run in contradiction. You are not bad if you embrace scientific truth because that will always be aligned with what’s contained in the Holy Bible.   Thanks for listening. I’m Brother Bob Pellien and we hope you join us next time on That’s in the Bible. Please feel free to email your questions to [email protected]. For more programming of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church of Christ, and to find a local congregation near you, please visit incmedia.org.  

[Video: Question from Robbie of San Diego, California] Robbie: Hello, my name is Robbie from San Diego and my question is what would you do if you love someone and you’re planning to marry them, but you two are different religions but you’re both Christian, just different denominations and you’re contemplating three options? Would you change your church to that person’s, try to convince that person to go to your church or you try to raise your family between the two?  [SHOW OPEN] Brother Bob: Does the Bible give any insight to the consequences of having such kind of divided household? Absolutely. We turn to the Holy Bible in Matthew. Matthew, chapter 12, and here’s what it says there. There’s definitely going to be consequences, Robbie. And it goes like this in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ… [On-screen text graphic] SHOULD A PERSON MARRY AND BUILD A FAMILY WITH SOMEONE WHO IS OF A DIFFERENT RELIGION? 25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. [Matthew 12:25 New King James Version] Brother Bob: If then, Robbie, you or anyone, wants to ensure that your household, your family, will stand strong and firm and will not be divided and ultimately, ruined, Jesus made it very clear. There cannot be any division. But what if the two elements of the household, husband and wife, would have different beliefs? What must the household have concerning belief? Again, we just pose the questions together and we turn to the Holy Scriptures. Ephesians 4:4-6 reads this way… 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. [Ephesians 4:4-6 New King James Version] Brother Bob: There can be only one faith. If the household, the family, wants to stand strong and firm and have a wonderful future blessed by God, they all have to be inside the one true faith. Because what’s the instruction of the Lord through the Apostle Paul, dear friends? If one will, as mentioned by Robbie in his question, that what if they love someone who’s not a part of the one true faith that one is embracing? What if, inside the one true church, they fall in love with someone who is not part of that one faith that was just described in those verses? Answer of the Bible again, we’ll read it in the LAMSA rendition of the Holy Scriptures. 2 Corinthians, chapter 6 is worded this way in verses 14-18… 14 Do not unite in marriage with un-believers. For what fellowship has righteousness with iniquity? Or what mingling has light with darkness? 15 Or what accord has Christ with Satan? Or what portion has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 Or what harmony has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As it is said: “I will dwell in them and walk in them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”  17 Wherefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. And touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you.” [2 Corinthians 6:14-17 LAMSA Translation] Brother Bob: What’s the instruction of the Lord, dear friends? “Come out from among them and be separate.” Do not make marriages with them. The household that is divided cannot stand; it will end up being ruined. And you know, dear friends, this is that instruction is…it’s not something new. Let’s consider, for example, in the book of Deuteronomy, a law of God since the very earliest times, I quote in Deuteronomy 7:3-4… 3 Do not marry any of them, and do not let your children marry any of them, 4 because then they would lead your children away from the Lord to worship other gods. If that happens, the Lord will be angry with you and destroy you at once. [Deuteronomy 7:3-4 Good News] Brother Bob: So Robbie, be together in one faith, here inside the one true Church Of Christ and God’s blessings will be with you and your household. Thanks for watching. I’m Brother Bob Pellien and we’ll see you next time.

There are disclaimers or footnotes for these verses, in order for us to get a better understanding from those who actually translated the Bible from those original languages into different languages of today. The translators reveal that there’s no mention of the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit being God, or a three in one Trinitarian being. It is simply not part of the Bible, and therefore should be rejected by all who want to serve the true God and be saved on the Day of Judgment. The true God is the Father alone.  Watch time: 16:18 • That’s in the Bible • Hosted by Brother Bob Pellien  Scripture references: 1 John 5:7 1 John 5:7-8 In This Episode: [2:50] Is Jesus mentioned in 1 John Ch 5 Verse 7?  [4:13] Greek Manuscripts  [5:45] What was the translators’ concern? [8:25] How did this phrase get inserted into the Bible?  [12:03] What is the correct translation? Full Episode Transcript Click to expand transcript Brother Bob Pellien: The Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit mentioned in I John 5:7, dear friends, is that the proof so many are looking for that the Trinity is real? [SHOW OPEN] The Bible, the basis of our faith in the Church Of Christ, which answers questions about proper worship, the right relationship with God, and, most importantly, salvation—That’s in the Bible. Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program That’s in the Bible. Dear friends, in one of our other programs, produced here in the Church Of Christ, called Face The Truth, an episode once again received various comments for the argument that Jesus is part of a Trinitarian God. One of those was, once again, Miguel Aguinaldo. Here’s what Miguel wrote: [On-screen text graphic] This is pure evidence of the trinity always existing because it says GOD said, meaning GOD spoke… but he said, “Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness: so who is he talking about when he said “US”? Well in 1 John 5:7 it says “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the father, the word (Jesus), and the holy ghost: and these three are one.” –Miguel Aguindaldo Brother Bob: Thank you, Miguel,  for your comments and for, once again, the opportunity to clarify biblical teachings. Now, in your comment, there are actually two different verses that you’re claiming as pure evidence of the Trinity. The first, quote: “Let Us make man in Our image,” well that’s referring to Genesis 1:26, which by the way we have recently discussed, in great depth, in a previous episode of this program. So, for dear friends, those of you watching that have not yet seen that episode, well we suggest you go and check it out on incmedia.org. But for today, we’ll concentrate on Miguel’s second part of his comment wherein it’s referring to I John 5:7. So, let’s learn what the Bible actually teaches in that verse.  What we’ll do once again, let’s frame our topic of discussion around these three questions: [On-screen text graphic] Is the trinity mentioned in I John 5:7? What was the concern of the translators? What is the correct translation from the original Greek manuscripts? [2:50] Is Jesus mentioned in 1 John Ch 5 Verse 7?  Brother Bob: So, to begin, is the Trinity, or even Jesus Himself, mentioned in I John 5:7? Does this biblical verse present or give evidence of the Trinity at all? Let’s read what’s recorded in I John 5:7, and we’re going to go ahead and include verse eight as well: For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. -I John 5:7 New King James Version Brother Bob: Miguel, and others too, make the conclusion that the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, which are said to be one in this translation of I John 5:7 and 8, are one Trinitarian God. But that’s not what the verse said. What it did say was that they bore witness and that they agreed.  [4:13] Greek Manuscripts  Additionally, what we can read in the footnote of that translation is very, very important. In the footnote, the translators of I John 5:7 and 8, cited this: [On-screen text graphic] 1 John 5:7 NU, M omit the words from in heaven (v.7) through on earth (v.8). Only 4 or 5 very late mss. contain these words in Greek. [1 John 5:7-8 New King James Version – Footnote] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, Bible scholars who took part in this translation, the New King James Version, based it on two ancient manuscripts, which are designated by the abbreviations  NU and M, which are noted at the beginning of this footnote. Those manuscripts do not include, however, the words between “in heaven” and “on earth,” as seen in the New King James Version. What’s the full extent of the words the footnote is stating to omit or remove, to understand the verses as recorded in those manuscripts? What would those words be? The words “in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one, and there are three that bear witness on earth:” Dear friends, why is there a disclaimer made by the Bible scholars to remove these words or to omit them? As they explained, only 4 or 5 very late manuscripts contain these words in Greek. That was the footnote from the New King James Version of the Bible.  [5:45] What was the translators’ concern? What was the concern of the translators of other versions of the Bible as well? In fact, if we go to the New International Version of the Bible, it also has a footnote. It also has an explanation for I John 5:7 and 8. The Bible scholars here wrote the following: [On-screen text graphic] FOOTNOTE Late manuscripts of the Vulgate testify in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one. And there are three that testify on earth: the (not found in any Greek manuscript before the sixteenth century) [1 John 5:7-8 New International Version – footnote] Brother Bob: We can see the reason why those words are of concern. It clarifies that those words were not found in any Greek manuscript before the 16th century. Therefore, it was about 1500 years after the Bible was already complete that these words were added.   How do some biblical scholars, in textual criticism, describe this particular verse? I would like to take a moment to read an important quote from a book entitled “An Examination of the Alleged Discrepancies of the Bible” written by John W. Haley. Here,  from page 62 it says this:   [On-screen text graphic] 1 John [chapter 5] v.7 is a spurious passage. It is found in no Greek manuscript before the fifteenth or sixteenth century, and in no early version.” [An Examination of the Alleged Discrepancies of the Bible, by John W. Haley, page 62] Brother Bob: Dear friends, the verse in question was described here as a spurious passage. By the way, what does spurious mean? Well, if we look to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, it’s defined as falsified, or erroneously, attributed origin forged of a deceitful nature or quality.  [On-screen text graphic] Spurious adjective 3 a: falsified or erroneously attributed origin: FORGED    b: of a deceitful nature or quality [Merriam Webster Dictionary] [8:25] How did this phrase get inserted into the Bible?  Brother Bob: So, dear friends, if the words then “the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that testify on earth:”—if that’s not found in the original text of the Bible, how did it find its way into some of these modern Bible translations? What should we understand? The majority of modern translations of the New Testament, they’re based on a translation by the Bible scholar named Desiderius Erasmus. What did Erasmus experience when translating the New Testament from the original Greek? Well, this is something that’s written in the book entitled “The Epistles of John.” On page 129, let’s take a look. I quote: [On-screen text graphic] When Erasmus published his first printed edition of the Greek New Testament (1516) he was attacked for omitting the ‘three heavenly witnesses; but he replied reasonably enough that he found them in no Greek manuscript.  Rather incautiously he added that, if a Greek manuscript could be produced which contained the passage, he would include it. In due course such a Greek manuscript was produced – by no means an ancient one, for it was written about 1520!…  so in his next edition (the third edition, 1522) he included it, adding a footnote in which he complained that the manuscript had been written with the express purpose of putting him on the spot.  From Erasmus’s third edition the passage was translated into German (by Luther) and into English (by Tyndale); it was taken over into the early printed editions of the Greek New Testament, and hence appears in the Authorized Version [King James Version].” [The Epistles John by F. F. Bruce, Grand Rapids Michigan, U.S.A..: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1970]  Brother Bob: So, according to this written account of history, when Erasmus published his first printed edition of the Greek New Testament, and that was in 1516, the year 1516, he omitted the words mentioning the three heavenly witnesses, and he was attacked for it.  Why did he omit them in the first place? As we read there, he replied to them reasonably enough, ‘he found them in no Greek manuscript.” What did he propose to those attacking him? He said, “if a Greek manuscript could be produced which contained the passage, he would include it.” What then took place? “In due course, such a Greek manuscript was produced – by no means an ancient one, for it was written about 1520!…” the year 1520. So, the perpetrators of the Trinitarian doctrine, they succeeded in doing what? Inserting or adding words into the King James Bible version that were not in the original manuscripts, which is a clear violation of God’s prohibition to add to his words. Their attempt to include a mention of the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, which Miguel even inserted the word Jesus in there and put his parentheses there and insertion, they’re not contained in the verse. When they add that and insert such, it is deceptive. [12:03] What is the correct translation? If only later Greek manuscripts include those additional phrases, then what’s the correct translation from the original Greek manuscripts? Let’s go back to the New International, the NIV, the New International Version of the Bible. Let’s go and let’s read I John 5:7 as it’s recorded here, including verse 8: For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. -I John 5:7-8 New International Version Brother Bob: And, additionally, the Revised Standard Version has this verse written in a way, well, it’s much more aligned to the original Greek text, and it states in I John 5:7 and 8 the following: And the Spirit is the witness, because the Spirit is the truth. There are three witnesses, the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree. -1 John 5:7-8 Revised Standard Version Brother Bob:  Dear friends, this is why there are disclaimers or footnotes for these verses, in order for us to get a better understanding from those who actually translated the Bible from those original languages into different languages of today. Here, we can see, there’s no mention of the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit being God, or a three in one Trinitarian being. It is simply not part of the Bible, and therefore should be rejected by all who want to serve the true God and be saved on the Day of Judgment. The true God is the Father alone, as we have often read here in our past studies together, from John 17, verses 1 and 3.  So, we started this discussion with these main questions in mind. Let’s review what we have learned from the Bible: What is written in the verse mentioned, I John 5:7? There’s no mention of a trinity of beings as God. The verse simply mentions that there are three who bear witness or testify, and they are in agreement. What was the concern of the translators?What was their concern? Well, there was no evidence of the Father, the Word, and the Spirit included in any early manuscripts of that verse, as stated also by Erasmus. What then is the correct translation from the original Greek manuscripts? A correct translation of I John 5:7 is any translation that does not contain the 16th century addition, or insertion, of the Trinity. Because, according to biblical scholars’ own research, it’s not the original text of the Bible verse. Well, we hope this has answered your curiosity regarding I John 5:7 and including verse 8 and how some mistakenly use it as an alleged evidence of the Trinity.  We’d like and hope you will continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ, that brings to you this program. To do so, visit us online and browse the different topics. [On-screen text graphic] Visit incmedia.org Brother Bob: Or, set up an appointment to meet with a minister of the gospel here in the Church Of Christ, and if you have any questions about the Bible or salvation, please don’t hesitate to email them to us… [On-screen text graphic] [email protected] Brother Bob: …and we’ll try to get to them here on the program if we can. I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time, right here, on That’s in the Bible. Related Questions Are there three that bear record in heaven?  What is the evidence of the Trinity in the Bible? Is God three in one?  Bible Verses Referenced in Video And the Spirit is the witness, because the Spirit is the truth. There are three witnesses, the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree. -1 John 5:7-8 Revised Standard Version For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. -I John 5:7-8 New International Version For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. -I John 5:7 New King James Version Key Takeaways What is written in the verse mentioned, I John 5:7? There’s no mention of a trinity of beings as God. The verse simply mentions that there are three who bear witness or testify, and they are in agreement. The 3 mentioned in the Bible are the Spirit, the water, and the blood (not the Father, the Word, and the Spirit). What was the concern of the translators? What was their concern? Well, there was no evidence of the Father, the Word, and the Spirit included in any early manuscripts of that verse, as stated also by Erasmus.  What then is the correct translation from the original Greek manuscripts? A correct translation of I John 5:7 is any translation that does not contain the 16th century addition, or insertion, of the Trinity. Because, according to biblical scholars’ own research, it’s not the original text of the Bible verse.    Want to learn more about what the Bible truly teaches? What you’ve heard is just an introduction to the teachings written in the Bible and taught inside the Church Of Christ. The Iglesia Ni Cristo bases all its doctrines on the Holy Scriptures, not on human tradition.   Find a congregation near you • Request a free Bible study • Ask a question for this show   Have a question you’d like answered on That’s in the Bible? Submit your question and we’ll use the guidance of the Holy Scriptures to help you find the answer—the truth that’s in the Bible.

[Video starts] Hai: Premarital sex is so common today. Should that still be a stigma to society? [Video ends]  Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you so much Hai, for your question. [On-screen text graphic] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: You’re really right and statistics back you up. What do they show concerning premarital sex? You can see here a couple of facts or statistics about that: [On-screen text graphics] By 2010s, 73% of people had 2 or more sexual partners before marriage. Source: ifstudies.org Brother Bob: By year 2010s and therein, there was 73% of people [were] reporting that they had had 2 or more sexual partners prior to marriage. [On-screen text graphics] By 2012, 58% of Americans felt premarital sex wasn’t wrong at all. Source: reason.com Brother Bob: By 2012 58% of Americans felt that premarital sex is not wrong at all. [On-screen text graphic] By the age of 44 – 99% of respondents in a survey had had sex, 95% had done so before marriage. Source: guttmacher.org Brother Bob: Those surveyed up to the age of 44, imagine this statistic, 99% of respondents in that survey that had had sex, 95% had done so before marriage. 95%. Well, as these numbers clearly show us, and as you stated, Hai, it is truly a common thing. But then you included in your question that, well, since it is so common, should it still be a stigma or be perceived as something shameful in society? Maybe Hai, as you have posed your question, as many others believe, it should be more tolerated. It should not be viewed as something that is bad or evil or wrong. Well, what are the things that we have to understand about premarital sex?  What is Premarital Sex? Brother Bob: Firstly, premarital sex is engaging in sexual acts without the sanction of holy matrimony. We have to understand that sex is a privilege that God granted to married people only. It’s not a right which every individual has. So this prerogative then was given by God. Let’s go back to the first couple Adam and Eve and let’s take a look. What was the instruction that God gave to the first couple, the first man and woman. Genesis 1:26, let’s say verse 27 rather and 28, it reads this way: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. [Genesis 1:27-28 New King James Version] Brother Bob: We should note here, dear friends, that God blessed the first man and first woman He created before—we should note the sequence, the chronological order there—He blessed them before He instructed them to go be fruitful and multiply.  [On-screen text graphic] God blessed the first man and woman before He instructed them to multiply. Brother Bob: First came the blessing. Sex then is something that is rightfully reserved for couples [that are] bound by that blessing of God, holy matrimony, or marriage. What the Bible says about fornication and adultery Brother Bob: Adultery and fornication then are two forms of sexual misconduct which are both reprehensible and detestable before God. Adultery refers to voluntary sexual intercourse by a married person with anyone other than that one’s own spouse. Those who commit adultery will surely be judged by God. In fact, we can read that here in Hebrews 13:4 wherein the Bible says this: Marriage is to be honored by all, and husbands and wives must be faithful to each other. God will judge those who are immoral and those who commit adultery. [Hebrews 13:4 Today’s English Version] Brother Bob: Fornication on the other hand, dear friends, is sexual relations by mutual agreement between two unmarried persons. Nevertheless, all adultery, all fornication is forbidden by God.  [On-screen text graphic] All adultery and fornication is forbidden by God. Is premarital sex a sin? Brother Bob: So what then do the Apostles teach to us about premarital sex? What are specific instructions? Apostle Paul, for example, gives important advice to all young people regarding these issues. Let’s take a look at what he had to say about sexual immorality and fleeing from it and the temptations of it. 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verses 18 and 19 reads this way: Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; [1 Corinthians 6:18-19 New International Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Thus the body is meant for the Lord and not for sexual immorality. [On-screen text graphic] The body is meant for the Lord and not for sexual immorality. Brother Bob: If we continue in that chapter, Apostle Paul went on giving this advice in verse 13: …The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. [1 Corinthians 6:13 New International Version] Brother Bob: So this is clearly God’s guidance to young people. What then, dear friends, if a person will refuse to leave or stand their ground strong and simply surrender to sexual immorality and the immoral ways which are truly the norms of the world around us nowadays? Suppose one will say “Ah, never mind that, oh that’s just outdated, that’s old-fashioned.” You know the Bible gives us this in verses 9 and 10. Should we be one who would just take it lightly and easily surrender to all the whims of the flesh, 9 and 10? Same chapter, 1 Corinthians 6: Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. [1 Corinthians 6:9-10 New International Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, it would place one’s eternal life in jeopardy.  Can society decide if premarital sex is immoral? Brother Bob: The thing that Hai noted when he posed his question was that some will probably consider that these things are– that these laws of God and these commandments, they’re all outdated. Maybe someone would say “Well, you know since it’s done by the majority.” Let’s emphasize that word, majority, and the statistics that we read earlier really attested to that, the majority would consider it just a normal thing and go along with the tide of the times we’re in, the majority of young people will say, “Doesn’t that make it no longer shameful? Doesn’t the sheer numbers prove that it must be OK then?” Let’s take a look at God’s response to that. [On-screen text graphic] Who decides what’s right and wrong? Brother Bob: Can the majority decide what is right and wrong or does God decide? Exodus 23, let’s take a look: Do not follow the majority when the do wrong or when they give testimony that perverts justice. Exodus 23:2 Good News Translation Brother Bob: Dear friends, we cannot then agree to– we cannot find acceptable what the majority is doing if what the majority is doing opposes God’s will for us. For members of the Church Of Christ, we choose God even if we will stand alone in the midst of a majority that is doing what is wrong, and the current state of morality in the world nowadays is surely wrong compared to the truths of God. So in conclusion, let’s also consider what the Lord God said to us through the Apostle John in 1 John chapter 2, dear friends, dear young members of the Church, dear fellow men watching us in this program, together let’s listen to the Lord how he inspired the following writing of Apostle John. 1 John chapter 2, beginning in verse 14, we’ll continue through 17: I write to you, my children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who has existed from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you are strong; the words of God lives in you, and you have defeated the Evil One. Do not love the world or anything that belongs to the world. If you love the world, you do not love the Father. Everything that belongs to the world- what the sinful self desires, what people see and want, and everything in this world that people are so proud of- none of this comes from the Father; it all comes from the world. The world and everything in it that people desire is passing away; but those who do the will of God live forever. [1 John 2:14-17 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: May that be you, receiving the eternal life that God promises to those that choose Him rather than the ways of the majority in the world around us. Thank you Mr. Hai for your question and as we have read, we have read how strong young people are and how you can stand strong and how everyone has been warned against sinful self desires. So at the end of the day we hope that everyone finds the strength to fight the many temptations that surround us and be among those who do the will of God come what may and thus earn a chance to live forever. Why? Because that’s in the Bible.  Thanks for joining us today, and when you are ready to learn even more about the fundamental teachings that are found here inside the Church Of Christ, please visit incmedia.org.  [On-screen text graphic] incmedia.org Brother Bob: There you’ll find various series of programming. They’re all dedicated to answering your spiritual questions. [On-screen text graphic] Email: [email protected] Brother Bob: Any time you would like to send us a video question of your own, email that question to us here at [email protected]. Thank you for joining us, we’ll see you again next time on That’s in the Bible.

Born Again   [SHOW OPENS]   Brother Bob: Hello and thank you for joining us on this podcast episode of That’s in the Bible. I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Let’s go to our first question that was sent in by Curtis Childs from San Diego, California. Here’s the question of Curtis:   Curtis: My name is Curtis, and I’m here to ask the question concerning Christianity. And I would like to know, do you have to be born again to become a Christian? That’s my question.   Brother Bob: That’s a very nice question, and it’s contained even in a conversation between our Lord Jesus Christ and Nicodemus back in the first century. They discussed about being born again. And to answer the question of Curtis, let’s go directly to that conversation and see what our Lord Jesus Christ said to Nicodemus about that issue. It’s recorded in John, chapter 3, beginning in verse 3. He said:   Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” [John 3:3 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: So right away, Curtis, we can see from the words of our Lord Jesus here that being born again has direct relevance to one’s attainment of being a Christian, being a true servant of God, and entering the kingdom of God. Jesus made very clear, “unless you’re born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God.” Now did Nicodemus understand it when Jesus said to him that you need to be born again? Did he understand it to be putting a placard on the name of your chapel, naming the religion ‘Born Again’, and having that kind of a title, if you’re born again, then you’ll enter the kingdom of God? How did Nicodemus understand these words of Jesus? Let’s continue. Verse 4, 5 and 6:   Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born again when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [John 3:4-6 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: Did Nicodemus understand? Nicodemus didn’t get it. He was actually thinking it very literally and said, “What, do I need to be born again literally? Return to my mother’s womb, and be again born?” So Jesus made the clarification. How? What did he say? He said, well, in verse 6, “that which is born of flesh is flesh, that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” You need to be born again, therefore, by being born of the Spirit. John 4:24 tells us that God is Spirit; to be born of the Spirit, is to be born of God.    Well, how is it that one can be born of God? Therefore, born of the Spirit? Therefore, born again, and worthy to enter the kingdom of God? Apostle Peter gives response this way. 1 Peter, chapter 1, verse 23, and also verse 22:   having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,    Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, [1 Peter 1:23, 22 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: Apostle Peter used the term also to be born again; chose to be born of God, to be born of the Spirit. How are we born of the Spirit? We are to be born of the word of God. When we then listen to the word of God, and become born again by means of the words of God that we have listened to and heard, is it then just a declaration? “I’m a born again Christian?” Romans, chapter 6, the Bible’s answer is contained here in verse 4. It says:   Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. [Romans 6:4 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: We hear the word of God; we’re born then of God, born of the Spirit, born again. Who are they to enter the kingdom of God? And we are baptized, baptized into the death of Christ, and then we walk in a newness of life. Those who have undergone that process are baptized into what? The answer of the Bible – 1 Corinthians, chapter 12, verse 13 makes mention what we are baptized into. Verse 13 reads this way:   For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – [1 Corinthians 12:13 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: We’re all baptized into one body. Those then who are born again, are born of the word of God; they’re taught the truth, they’re baptized into one body. As we’ve read before, Colossians 1:18, that body is identified in the Bible as the Church. Acts 20:28 tells us that is the Church Of Christ. Born again, then, is not the name or title of a religion – it is the process whereby one becomes a member of the true Church Of Christ.    Make sure to list and subscribe to this podcast of That’s in the Bible and turn on your notifications for new episodes. Please feel free to email your questions about the Bible, about salvation, at [email protected]. I’m Brother Bob Pellien and I hope you join us next time for more programming of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, or Church Of Christ. To watch episodes of That’s in the Bible go to incmedia.org. Thanks again for listening, and God bless. 

True Religion    Brother Bob: Hello and thank you for joining us on this podcast episode of That’s in the Bible. I’m Brother Bob Pellien. This time from Sasha Blackman from Garden Grove, California. Here’s her question:    There are a lot of religions out there. How can you justify which one is true and which one is false?   Brother Bob: The reason that there are so many different religions out there, and there needs to be proper discernment of what is true and what is false, is because the fulfillment of what was prophesied by the Prophet Ezekiel a long, long time ago. Here in Ezekiel, chapter 22, verse 28, it says this:    “Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord had not spoken. [Ezekiel 22:28 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: The reason is because there are many saying the Lord said this, the Lord said that, when in fact, the Lord didn’t say it. What then needs to be done by any true seeker of the truth? 1 John, chapter 4. What they need to do is to follow this instruction. It’s clearly stated here in chapter 4, verse 1. Here’s what it says there:    BELOVED, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. [1 John 4:1 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: The instruction is very direct. Put them to the test, don’t just believe, test them to see whether or not they’re from God. What’s the criteria? Because maybe someone will say, “Well, hey, I’m not a theologian. How do I know how to test someone who’s preaching there, so that I could know that that’s really from God?” God is the one who gives the criteria that we should use to evaluate, use to put them to the test. What’s that criteria? The answer of the Bible. I go to the writings of the Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah chapter 8, and what I’ll read is verse 20 where it says this:   To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. [Isaiah 8:20 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: The criteria then to use to determine whether or not there is light in them is two basic criteria. He said first, to the law and secondly, to the testimony. Let’s take the second one first. What testimony is being referred to there that should be used as a criteria to determine whether or not there is light or truth in them? Revelation chapter 19, verse 10:    And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. [Revelation 19:10 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: What’s that one criteria? The testimony. Whose testimony? The Bible said it’s the testimony of Jesus. What’s the testimony of Jesus? Prophecy. They first and foremost, therefore, must be able to present the biblical prophecy concerning their authority to stand there and preach. Without that biblical testimony, that prophetic statement of the Lord Jesus, then they cannot profess to have that authority or right. Second criteria was also mentioned by our Lord Jesus Christ in John, chapter 7, verse 16 and 17:    Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. ”If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. [John 7:16-17 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: The second criteria was the law, the doctrine. If they do not speak the doctrine that comes from God contained here in the word of God, then they cannot be from God, and are not preaching the truth. Those two elements or criteria must therefore be put to the test. Here inside the Church Of Christ, the test is passed. Prophecies are presented regularly on this television station in the various programs of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ. The testimony of Jesus, the prophecies concerning the emergence of this Church, the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ, and the doctrines and teachings, the law we embrace here, all founded upon the truths contained in the Holy Bible. That’s what a person needs to do to find the true Church Of Christ.   Make sure to list and subscribe to this podcast of That’s in the Bible and turn on your notifications for new episodes. Please feel free to email your questions about the Bible, about salvation, at [email protected]. I’m Brother Bob Pellien and I hope you join us next time for more programming of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, or Church Of Christ. To watch episodes of That’s in the Bible go to incmedia.org. Thanks again for listening, and God bless.   

Is the “Image of God” Proof Jesus is God? Brother Bob Pellien: Can Philippians 2:5-6 be used to prove that Jesus is God when it mentions there that Jesus is in the “form of God”? What is the “image of God” that Jesus reflects? [Show open] Brother Bob: The Bible, the basis of our faith in the Church Of Christ, which answers questions about proper worship, the right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation. That’s in the Bible! [On-screen text graphic] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob Pellien: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to this program, That’s In The Bible.  In one of our other programs produced here in the Church Of Christ called Face the Truth, received a comment and presented their argument that, in fact, Jesus is God. It went like this:  [On-screen text graphics] Who is the God in their MIDST? JESUS IS GOD (Philippians 2:5-6)  Daniel Bulus  Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you Daniel Bulus for your comment and the opportunity today to clarify if the verses you have mentioned, Philippians 2:5-6, or any other biblical verse for that matter, does teach that Jesus Christ is God at all or can be used as biblical evidence of the second person of the so-called trinity. Well, let’s frame our topic of discussion around 3 important questions presented: How is Jesus Christ described in Philippians 2:5-6? Is being in the form or image of God, does that mean the same as being God? Can this verse be used as proof that Jesus Christ is God?  Brother Bob Pellien: Well, let’s start off by simply reading what is actually contained in the verses in question, that again being Philippians 2:5-6:  Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,  who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,  [Philippians 2:5-6 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien: How, dear friends, is Jesus Christ described here in Philippians 2:5-6? Here, the Bible describes Christ Jesus as “being in the form of God”. We need to point out just how important it is to learn and find out what is actually written in the Bible because if not, one could easily be misled.  So the comment posted in YouTube was “JESUS IS GOD” yet the verse does not say “Jesus is God,” did it? Rather, it said that Christ Jesus is “in the form of God.” So, what does the Bible teach us? What is the Bible actually saying to us when it teaches that Christ Jesus is in the form of God? Well, we don’t want nor can we give our own meaning, our own explanation to that, so let’s just continue to get our answers from here, the Holy Bible. So we turn to 2 Corinthians this time, also the writings of Apostle Paul, 4:4, wherein his response is this:  whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. [2 Corinthians 4:4 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien: So here, dear friends, Apostle Paul described Christ as being in the form of God, as mentioned in Philippians chapter 2 here, as someone who is the “image of God”. We need to ask: Is being in the form or image of God, does that mean the same as being God? Does this point to God and Jesus as being the same being? Not at all! That’s two very different things. In fact being in the image of God actually proves that Christ Jesus is a man and not God Himself. But wait. How is that? Why is that the case? Why is being in the image of God, how does that prove that one is not God but rather, a man? Because the Bible says the following, in Genesis 1:27, it reads this way: So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. [Genesis 1:27 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien: Here, dear friends, the Bible clearly teaches that God created man in His own image. Therefore, if someone is described as being in the form or image of God, we are so sure that’s not proof of being God but rather in fact, instead, evidence of being man. Why? If all of us as created human beings were created in the image of God, knowing that we were all created in the image of God as humans, dear friends, nobody is trying to say we, all of us, as images of God, are in fact God too. So why would they say that about Jesus, when the Apostle Paul wrote there that Jesus is in the form or the  image of God?  Now you might be wondering, since we all have our unique identities and no two human beings are exactly alike, how is it then that we are created in the form or the image of God? Is this a visual or a physical image, physical form? Again, we get our answer turning to the Holy Bible, and we do so this time turning to the Book of Deuteronomy 4:15, where the following is recorded:  “Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form when the Lord spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, [Deuteronomy 4:15 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien: So dear friends, this verse clearly shows that the Lord God has no visual or physical form or image. When Moses spoke to God, God reminded him  [On screen text graphics] “for you saw no form when the Lord spoke to you”.  Dear friends, since this is the case, that God has no physical form or image, in fact He’s invisible or He’s a spirit, what does it mean then that we were created in the image of God? For that, we again turn to the Holy Bible, again the writings this time of Apostle Paul once more, Ephesians 4:24 wherein it records:  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. [Ephesians 4:24 New International Version] Brother Bob Pellien: And even in other translations of this verse it’s stated there that we were  [On screen text graphics] “created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness” [Ephesians 4:24 Amplified Bible]  Brother Bob Pellien: So dear friends, the form or image that we were created to be in is “true righteousness and holiness.” This is God’s purpose in creating people and this is how we should strive of course, then, to live our lives. Why is it that if we live our life righteous or holy, then we fulfill God’s purpose of creating us to be like Him or to be in His image? Why is that? The explanation comes from Apostle Peter. He clearly responds to that important point here in 1 Peter 1:15-16, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,  because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” [1 Peter 1:15-16 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien: Dear friends, our Creator is holy and He created us to be in the image of holiness which is why God instructs very clearly here. He said, “Be holy, for I am holy.” So, the lives that we are expected to live should therefore reflect God’s holiness.  True holiness however is not just anyone’s own perception of what holiness should be. How then can one become holy and therefore be in the image of God? Becoming holy is accomplished by following God’s words, God’s laws. Why? Because His words have the power to sanctify to make one holy. [On-screen text graphics] Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. [John 17:17] Brother Bob Pellien: His words have the power to cleanse—John 17:17.  [On-screen text graphics] Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God’s law, because sin is a breaking of the law. [1 John 3:4 Good News Translation] Brother Bob Pellien: Living unholy or sinning is breaking God’s law, and that’s recorded in 1 John 3:4. So, God created us with the intention of living holy lives—that’s the purpose. But here’s the question, dear friends. How many people have actually been able to meet that expectation? Let’s read from the Bible once again, this time in the writings of Apostle Paul to the Romans in 3:23, he wrote:  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [Romans 3:23 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien: The reason mankind has not yet fully become the image of God, is because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. But there is one exception. Who’s the only one to achieve living in the image of God? This time, Apostle Peter tells us that in 1 Peter 2:21-22, For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; [1 Peter 2:21-22 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien: Dear friends, the only one able to reach the expectation of God to live in His image, to reflect His image, is Christ Jesus. How did He do this? The answer of the Bible that we just read. The Bible clarified that He did that by committing no sin. Perfect. Therefore, Christ Jesus was able to be in the form or image of God, but is not God Himself.  So, can Philippians 2:5-6 then be used as a proof that Jesus Christ is God? No. Why? Jesus being in the image of God is not proof, or biblical evidence that Jesus is God. No.  We started this discussion with these 3 main questions in mind. Let’s review what we have learned from the Scriptures we have read together. We asked:  How is Jesus Christ described in Philippians 2:5-6?  The answer we received from the Bible: Christ is described as being in the form or image of God. It does not say, however, that Jesus is God.   Is being in the form or image of God, does that mean the same as being God?  No, not at all. God made, in fact, all mankind to be in His image. The Bible teaches that we were created, all human beings were created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Can Philippians 2:5-6 be used as proof that Jesus Christ is God?  No. Anyone trying to use these verses as proof that Christ is God does not understand what is actually contained in the verses. This is also the reason why we produce this content to help correct any misunderstanding or misuse of what is actually written in the Bible. Well, dear friends, we’d like you to continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ, and to do so, please visit us online and browse the different topics and view our programming. Set up an appointment to meet with a minister of the gospel here in the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ). Because if you have any questions about the Bible or salvation, you need to receive the answers.  [On-screen text graphic] [email protected] Brother Bob Pellien: You can also email questions to us here. I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time, right here, on That’s in the Bible!

Staying Positive    Brother Bob: Hello and thank you for joining us on this podcast episode of That’s in the Bible. I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Our next question comes from Shanelle Woods from Inglewood, California. Let’s listen together to the question of Shanelle.   Shanelle: Hi, my name is Shanelle, and I’m from Inglewood, California. My question is what are some ways that you can stay positive when you’re surrounded by stress and chaos in your daily life?   Brother Bob: Well, Shanelle, you’re not alone. That’s one thing very much for sure. So many are feeling just like that – very stressed, very perplexed by all the troublesome circumstances that surround so many in life nowadays.   How do we stay positive? Let’s listen to the teachings of God regarding that. There’s a wonderful pronouncement of hope contained here in Hebrews, chapter 6. The word of our Creator is recorded here, beginning in verse 18:   that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, [Hebrews 6:18-19 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: Shanelle, there may be many who, just like you, are encountering all kinds of turmoil in life. What the Bible teaches to us, the answer that our Creator presents, is an answer of hope that our soul would be anchored on the hope of the promises that the Lord gives to His people. Look, consider what’s mentioned here. We’ll even enter the presence under the veil within the very core of our existence. The hope that God will send into our life will be able to reach within and lift us up, giving to us that positive spirit, that positive response coming from Him – the encouragement, and the hope that all people need. If Shanelle and those just like Shanelle will place their full trust and confidence in the Lord, what will they feel? What will they experience? I quote from the book of Psalms the answer once again from the Holy Scriptures. I quote Psalm 91, beginning in verse 1:   Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty can say to him, You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust. He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. He will cover you with his wings: you will be safe in his care: his faithfulness will protect and defend you. You need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day or the plagues that strike in the dark or the evils that kill in daylight. A thousand may fall dead beside you, ten thousand all around you but you will not be harmed. You have made the Lord your defender, the most High your protector, and so no disaster will strike you, no violence will come near your home. God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands to keep you from hurting your feet on the stones. You will trample down lions and snakes, fierce lions and poisonous snakes. God says, “I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as Lord. [Psalms 91:1-14 Today’s English Version]   Brother Bob: That is the promise of the Lord to any and all who will place their full and complete trust in Him. Make sure to list and subscribe to this podcast of That’s in the Bible and turn on your notifications for new episodes. Please feel free to email your questions about the Bible, about salvation, at [email protected]. I’m Brother Bob Pellien and I hope you join us next time for more programming of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, or Church Of Christ. To watch episodes of That’s in the Bible go to incmedia.org. Thanks again for listening, and God bless. 

Click to expand transcript That’s in the Bible – “I and My Father Are One” in John 10:30 Brother Bob Pellien: Is Jesus God, when Jesus said He was “one” with God in John 10:30? And did He mean He was God, or part of God?  [Show open] Brother Bob: The Bible, the basis of our faith in the Church Of Christ, which answers questions about proper worship, the right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation. That’s in the Bible! [On-screen logo graphic] That’s in the Bible [On-screen text graphic] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob:  I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program That’s in the Bible. We received a comment from a viewer on YouTube who viewed one of our programs. It was regarding their belief in the Trinity and specifically pointed to John 10:30 as proof.  She said: Wrong teaching. John 10:30, the disciples said, “Show us the Father.” Jesus said, “How long will I be with you? I’m in the Father, and the Father is in me. We are one.” Be careful of false teachings and doctrines that sound right. Ruth Amy   Brother Bob: Now that was from Ruth Amy. First, dear friends, thank you very much, Ruth Amy, for your engagement with our content and your interest in the topic of Jesus and God. To clarify, it looks like Ruth Amy is actually mentioning three different verses.  [On-screen text graphic] John 10:30 John 14:7-9 John 17:21-23 Brother Bob: The first is John 10:30, then John 14, verses 7 through 9, as well as John 17, verses 21 through 23. All of these verses are used by Trinitarians, those who believe that Jesus is also God, to justify their beliefs.  For today’s study, we’re going to take a look at the first verse she brought up, John 10:30 and then we’ll discuss the others in future programs. So, to start off, let’s read together the verse that Ruth Amy was pointing to, as we mentioned, John 10:30. And it says, let’s open up the Holy Bible, John 10:30 reads simply this way: I and My Father are one.” [John 10:30 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Very simple, short, very direct. Ruth Amy and others believe that Jesus, because of that verse, is therefore teaching that He is God the Father. To frame our study together today of John 10:30, let’s address three important questions.  Does John 10:30 teach that Jesus and the Father are “one” as God? Does John 10:30 teach that Jesus and the Father are “one” and the same being? If Jesus and the Father are not one God in John 10:30 then what did Jesus mean when he said he and the Father are “one”? Brother Bob: There are many people that mistakenly add meaning to this verse based upon, well, their own understanding rather than what the Bible actually is teaching us. For example, some will say that Jesus was teaching in John 10:30, that He and the Father are one and the same being. You know, others would teach that Jesus is teaching there in that verse, John 10:30, that He and the Father are one and the same as God, and then often make the jump to use such conclusions as a basis to uphold a Trinitarian concept of God.  So today, dear friends, let us allow the Holy Bible to explain itself. Let’s read it again. Does John 10:30 teach that Jesus and the Father are “one” as God? Let’s, again, take a very good close look at John, chapter 10, Verse 30. It says: I and My Father are one.” [John 10:30 New King James Version] Brother Bob: The verse simply, dear friends, it does not say that Jesus and the Father are one God. And here’s the thing, adding the word God, after the words of Jesus, would violate the Lord’s instruction recorded in Deuteronomy 12:32, which tells us not to add to it or take away from it. Regarding of course the teachings in the Holy Bible, don’t add to it, don’t subtract from it.  [On-screen Bible verse graphic Deuteronomy 12:32 New King James Version]  “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it. Brother Bob: Further, does being “one” establish that Jesus and the Father are “one and the same being”? Oh no, no. And why are we so sure?  Because John, chapter 17, verses 21-23, once again we quote from the Lord the following: that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 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 17:21-23 New King James Version] Brother Bob: This is the prayer of Jesus about His disciples. The disciples are the “they” being referred to. And what is important to notice here, dear friends? They are also described here as being “one” with Jesus and “one” with the Father.  If every time a disciple was identified as being “one” with Jesus and “one” with the Father, if every time was given the same treatment as Trinitarians are giving to Jesus when He said that He is “one” with the Father in John 10:30, then that would make all the disciples gods. If we will follow that way of thinking, which you know, of course, we can easily agree how wrong that would be.  So, dear viewers, what some false preachers say is that Jesus was teaching that He and the Father have one and the same state of being. So, what’s the proof then that they are not of the same state of being? Well, we can also turn to the Holy Bible for answers to that question as well. And we do so, turning to John, chapter four, verse 24: God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” [John 4:24 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So, the state of being of God is made clear—He is a spirit. And we can continue with the statement of our Lord Jesus Christ recorded in John, chapter 8, verse 40. What about Jesus?  But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God… [John 8:40 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So, the Bible teaches what? The state of being of Jesus is that of a man. The Bible teaches, the state of being of God is Spirit. So, dear friends, they are clearly different from each other, distinct, and thus not one in state of being, either.  So, if Jesus and the Father are not one God, in John 10:30, and they’re not one referring to state of being in John 10:30, then what did Jesus mean when He said He and the Father are one?  Dear friends, it’s important to know what was the discussion all about that Jesus was having with His disciples at the time, when He said in John 10:30 He and the Father are one. What was he teaching them? We only need to look at the previous verses in that same book of John, chapter 10. Instead of reading only 10:30, let’s go back and read John 10:27, 28, 29, and 30, which read this way: My own sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one shall snatch them from my care. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s care. My Father and I are one.’   [John 10:27-30 New English Bible] Brother Bob: So clearly here, dear friends, the discussion was about what? Caring for the sheep. Jesus was caring for the sheep. The Father was also caring for the sheep. The discussion was about the caretaking of the sheep, members of the flock, the church, not about godhood. Were they taking care of the sheep together because they’re the same being, or were they taking care of the sheep together because they had the same purpose or intention?  Let’s read the same verse, John, chapter 10, verse 30, but let’s look at the verse as it was translated by some other Bible scholars. First, let’s go to the Lamsa translation of the Bible, and we’ll read the same verse, John, chapter 10, verse 30, as it was translated there. I quote: I and my Father are of one accord. [John 10:30 Lamsa]  Brother Bob: And in The Message translation of the Bible, John, chapter 10, verse 30 reads this way: I and the Father are one heart and mind.” [John 10:30 The Message] Brother Bob: And in yet another, The Simple English Bible, the same verse John, chapter 10, verse 30: My Father and I are united.  [John 10:30 Simple English Bible]  Brother Bob: So clearly, there’s plenty of Bible scholars who understood the Greek text and understood “one”—not as a number of beings but that they were united in heart and mind and of one accord.  You want more evidence? Okay. Where else can we see this important point in black and white, shared here in the Holy Bible? Let’s take a look at an important statement of Apostle Paul this time. It’s recorded in 1st Corinthians, chapter three. We’ll read verse eight, and we’ll read verse six: Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.   I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. [1 Corinthians 3: 8, 6 New King James Version]  Brother Bob: So clearly here, dear friends, what’s stated is that Apostle Paul planted and Apollos watered, and they were one. In what way was Apostle Paul and Apollos one? Was Apostle Paul saying that he and Apollos were one in the same being, or one in the same person? No, of course not. In fact, take a look at the same citation in another translation of the Holy Bible, the New International Version. 1st Corinthians, chapter 3, verse 8 says: The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. [1 Corinthians 3: 8 New International Version] Brother Bob: So yes, Apostle Paul and Apollos were one, but not one in the same person. They were one in purpose, just as Jesus and the Father are one, not as one person, but one or [the] same in purposeful care for the sheep, as we also read John 10:27 through 30.  In fact, dear friends, is there any other instance that can be considered, recorded here in the Bible, that would further enlighten us and help us understand regarding the meaning of being “one?” We can all remember the wedding vows of Matthew, chapter 19, in verse six, for example.  We all know the wedding vows made there where the two shall become one. No one would ever teach that [the] couple being wed become one in the same person, or they are no longer two individuals. No. Everyone knows that as they become “one”, their lives together become one or of one accord.  We started this discussion with these main questions in mind. So let’s review what we have learned from the Bible about them.  Does John 10:30 teach that Jesus and the Father are “one” as God?   No, the Bible simply does not state that in the verse.  Does John 10:30 teach that Jesus and the Father are “one” and the same being, or one in state of being?   No. We also read from the Bible, God is a spirit. Jesus is a man.  If Jesus and the Father are not one God in John 10:30 then what did Jesus mean when he said he and the Father are “one?”  We learned from the Bible, they are one, or united, in one purpose, in one accord in taking care of the sheep.  Brother Bob: So to conclude, dear friends, clearly the Bible teaches the differences between Jesus and God the Father. If you are in a religious group that is teaching you a Trinity concept of God, or that God the Father, Jesus the Savior, and the Holy Spirit are all one as God, then you must leave those wrong beliefs behind and join with us here, serving the true God, and the true Jesus, inside the true Church—the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ.  Brother Bob: We’d like you to invite you to continue learning more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ. Do so by visiting us here online. [On-screen text graphic] Visit  incmedia.org Brother Bob: Browse the different topics, or set up an appointment to meet with us, meet with a minister of the gospel. If you have any questions about the Bible, salvation, please email them to us. [On-screen text graphic] [email protected] Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time, right here, on That’s in the Bible! [Show close]

[On-screen text graphics] I am a Catholic and I’m confused regarding the matter of changing religion. I was told that it is a sin to leave one’s religion for another. Is it really against the law of God to change one’s religion?  Jeffrey Lou Naral Philippines  Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you so much Jeffrey for your question.  [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: We understand that just thinking about this question—it really reveals a dilemma that you and not only you, even many others, find themselves in that dilemma. It’s like on one hand they’ve grown up maybe in a particular religion. However, they find themselves no longer wanting to associate themselves with that religion. They feel pressure then, from their family, but on the other hand they want to live life in accordance to God’s laws written in the Holy Bible. So what is one to do? Since the question you posed Jeffrey was, “Is it really against the law of God to change one’s religion?” Well, it’s the law then of God that should be the basis of making the right decision.  [On-screen text graphics] It’s the law of God that should be the basis in making the right decision Brother Bob: Not just surrendering to family pressures, surrendering to peer pressure, any other kind of pressure for that matter, nor to one’s own personal preference—or what you or anyone feels is comfortable. Let’s understand first, why is it that we should not just use what seems to be right in deciding on a religion; seems to be what’s convenient, what’s comfortable, what seems right.  [On-screen text graphics] Question: Why should we not just use our feelings when deciding on a religion? Brother Bob: Let’s read God’s law for the answer to that opening question. And we turn to Proverbs 16:25; wherein it says this:  There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. [Proverbs 16:25 New King James Version] Brother Bob: As we have read here, it’s a biblical truth that what may seem right can actually be very, very wrong. It can be, in fact, so wrong that it will lead to death instead of salvation.  All religions are the same…or are they? Brother Bob: And since well, Jeffrey this is the case one cannot avoid having then the responsibility to examine thoroughly their religion. Why so? Examining religion is necessary because, well, they’re not all the same. And therefore cannot possibly all be correct or all be true.  [On-screen text graphics] Examining religion is necessary because not all religions are the same and therefore cannot possibly all be correct or true Brother Bob: Now the quick answer to your question is well, ”Is it really against the law of God to change one’s religion?” Well that all depends on the religion that one is in and the religion one is planning to change to or join. If after examining one’s religion you discover that you’re not in the true religion, but in fact are in a false religion, well then changing out of that false religion would not be a sin, but rather a must. One must get out of a false religion and enter into the true one, of course. Well, that’s the simple direct answer. But so how, first of all, then does one examine their religion?  [On-screen text graphics] Question: How does a person examine their religion? Brother Bob: Compare it with God’s law written here in the Holy Scriptures—the Bible.  For example, what is one of God’s laws that He gives to His people in the true religion? It is one of the things that [have] to be examined, Jeffrey, which we can read of course here in the Holy Scriptures. Let’s do that precisely recorded it is in Exodus 20:3-5: “You shall have no other gods before Me, “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, [Exodus 20:3-5 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Because God’s law states clearly that His people shall not bow down or serve any carved images whatsoever. Therefore, anyone who hears this Biblical verse, and if you Jeffrey or anyone else viewing this program, if you are in a religion that has images that are bowed down to, prayed to, served; you’ll be able to realize, then that your religion is not the true religion according to the Bible. Therefore to change out of that false religion, it’s not a sin. In fact, the sin would be committed, if you would stay in that false religion especially if you have already heard God’s law about that. [On-screen text graphics] A sin is committed when one stays in a false religion, especially after hearing God’s law Finding the right religion Brother Bob: Is there a biblical example of one who made such a change in religion, and what is the true religion that one should change into? Apostle Paul is the example. Apostle Paul—here we can see, what was the religion that he grew up in?  [On-screen text graphics] What was Apostle Paul’s religion? Brother Bob: We can read the answer recorded here in Galatians chapter 1. Let’s read in verses 13 and 14. Here’s what it says there: You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I went after the Christians mercilessly, hunting them down and doing my best to get rid of them all. I was one of the most religious Jews of my own age in the whole country and tried as hard as I possibly could to follow all the old, traditional rules of my religion. [Galatians 1:13-14 Living Bible] Brother Bob: Here we can clearly see dear friends that well, Apostle Paul did not start his life as a Christian at all, but rather, he began his early years in the Jewish religion. In fact not only was he so devoted to his religion, but he opposed other religions like Christianity and he hunted them down and tried to get rid of all Christians—those who followed our Lord Jesus Christ. Did he remain in the Jewish religion? Did he say things maybe like, “Well you know I was born in this religion. My mother was born in this religion. My grandmother was born in religion. This is the family religion, this is the tradition; this is our family tradition. I have to remain in this religion because of that.” Did he think like that? Did he talk like that? Well, we can read here in 1 Timothy, chapter 1 verse  12; something that that Apostle Paul wrote. In it he said: I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. [1 Timothy 1:12 New International Version] Brother Bob: Here dear friends, we can notice we must notice something. We can see that Apostle Paul not only changed his religion, but he was even thanking Jesus Christ for considering him worthy of appointing him to serve in that true religion, giving him the strength that he needed in order to be part of the true religion. But it said he was appointed. He was thanking the Lord for appointing him into the service. [On-screen text graphics] Apostle Paul was appointed to be a minister in the true Church Of Christ Brother Bob: Where is it that he was appointed to serve in, in the first place? in 1st Corinthians 12:28. Also written by Apostle Paul was this:  And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. [1 Corinthians 12:28 New King James Version] Brother Bob: As an apostle, he was appointed in the Church. Now although there are various churches today that, well, they all believe that they are the church of the Bible; it’s obvious that they are not the one and the same.  Is there a true church? Brother Bob: Each has different names, different set of beliefs, different basis of faith, and each will claim that they have the Spirit of God, all trying to convince people to join with them. But what does the Bible warn us about, advise us to do in order to not fall into false religion in the first place? [On-screen text graphics] Question: What is the Bible’s advice for us to not fall into false religions? Brother Bob: Here’s what’s recorded by Apostle John, this time 1 John chapter and what’s recorded here in verse 1, reads like this:  Dear friends, don’t believe everyone who claims to have the Spirit of God. Test them all to find out if they really do come from God. Many false prophets have already gone out into the world,  [1 John 4:1 Contemporary English Version] Brother Bob: It’s clear here, dear friends, that we should not just believe anyone and everyone who claims that they have the Spirit of God.  [On-screen text graphics] We should not just believe anyone and everyone claiming to have the spirit of God Brother Bob: We have received an instruction, as we have learned also earlier, that even though there are those who believe with all their heart, they may have full conviction that they have found the right way to serve God, but it could actually be the way to death instead of salvation.  [On-screen text graphics] It could be the way to death instead of salvation Brother Bob: Now here we’re learning the instruction that there’s, well, because there’s a lot of false prophets that have gone out into the world so the instruction was very clear, just like we were speaking earlier, we have to examine the religion that we’re in. Here, the Apostle John said, “Test them. Examine them.” Why? Find out if the spirit they have is truly from God. Find out if they are in the truth.  [On-screen text graphics] Find out if the spirit they have is truly from God What Church has the true religion? Brother Bob: So as we have been doing so far and always, we have to use God’s law, written here in the Holy Scriptures to identify the true Church, which would be therefore the true religion. What Church is the true religion that Apostle Paul was appointed into, which he preached all about in the first century and wrote so much about in his letters?  [On-screen text graphics] Question: Which church was the religion that Apostle Paul was appointed into? Brother Bob: Ephesians chapter 4. Apostle Paul went on to identify it. In chapter 4 verses 11, and 12, he said,  And He appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets; some to be evangelists, others preachers or teachers. The common object of their labor was to bring the Christians maturity, to prepare them for Christian service and the building up of the Church Of Christ, [Ephisians 4:11-12 New Testament] Brother Bob: According to the law of God written in the Bible, Apostle Paul preached all about; it is the Church Of Christ that is the true Church. The Church Of Christ that is the true religion. So Jeffrey and all those who may have asked questions very similar to Jeffrey’s question, if one is then already inside the Church Of Christ taught by the Bible then leaving the true Church to join a false religion of course then would be considered a sin. Likewise if one learned that their current religion is not in accordance with God’s law then remaining in that religion, which is equivalent then of course to ignoring God’s laws, would also be a sin. Therefore leaving one’s religion, if in fact it is a religion not according to God’s law, to join the Biblical true Church Of Christ just as what Apostle Paul did, as we read earlier, it’s not against the law of God, but rather it is in accordance with God’s law.  [On-screen text graphics] Leaving one’s religion (one not according to God’s law) to join the true Church Of Christ is not a sin but a commandment of God Brother Bob: It’s following His commands. This is what we should believe because that’s in the Bible.  Dear friends when you are ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ, please visit incmedia.org/a> because there you’re going to find various series of programs like this, all dedicated to answering your spiritual questions and uplifting your spiritual life.   [On-screen text graphics] Learn more at incmedia.org Brother Bob: You can also follow our Facebook pages at IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates as well as IglesiaNiCristoMedia.  [On-screen text graphics] –  Follow us on Facebook: /IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates  /IglesiaNiCristoMedia] Brother Bob: To view more of our shows and see how the Church gets involved with the community, you can learn about that by going to incgiving.org. [On-screen text graphics] Learn more at incgiving.org Brother Bob:  To find a house of worship that’s nearest to your place visit iglesianicristo.net. [On-screen text graphics] Find a house of worship near you: iglesianicristo.net/directory Brother Bob: If you have questions that you would like answered here on this show, email them to [email protected]. [On-screen text graphics] [email protected] Brother Bob: Thank you, Jeffery, for your question, and thank you to all of you joining in this program. We’ll see you again next time on That’s in the Bible. [/expand]

If God is All Powerful, Why Does Evil Exist Bob Pellien: In today’s world, we have all seen evil all around us. No one is immune from witnessing tragedy anymore. But do you, dear friends, find yourselves wondering, “If God is all powerful, why does evil even exist?”  [Show open]  The Bible. The basis of our faith in the Church Of Christ which answers questions about proper worship, the right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation – That’s in the Bible! Bob Pellien: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program, That’s in the Bible. We received an email question from Tom in Garden Grove, California. Tom asked:  Why is there evil if all of us were created good in the beginning? Bob Pellien: First of all, thank you Tom for your question. And to help us fully answer Tom’s question, let’s frame our topic of discussion around three sub-questions.  1: What does it mean that people were created good?  2: Why then is evil widespread?  3: Why doesn’t God stop evil from occurring in the first place?  Tom, you’re correct in believing that we were created good. What does it mean, though, that people were created good? Let’s begin discussing and reading responses from the scriptures on this topic and we go first to Ecclesiastes 7:29, where the following is recorded in the Holy Bible:  Here is what I have figured out: God made humanity for good, but we humans go out and scheme our way into trouble.  [Ecclesiastes 7:29 The Voice]    Bob Pellien: Here, dear friends, the Bible clarifies that “God made humanity for good.” Now does this mean that everyone today is good? Well, just look around and what do we see? That’s not true. Some might phrase it even “in a perfect world,” that would be the case, right? But what’s the biblical explanation as to why, in fact, that’s not the case? Well, the Bible said, “we humans go out and scheme our way into trouble.”     Bob Pellien: So, because God made us all for good, what exactly is that good that we were made for? Well, we can read, once again, in the Holy Scriptures. This time, we turn to the New Testament writings of Apostle Paul in Romans 7:12.   So then, the Law itself is holy, and the commandment is holy, right, and good.  [Romans 7:12 Good New Translation] Bob Pellien: Dear friends, although many people nowadays think that good is merely a relative feeling, that we could be comparatively good next to other people, or that, maybe, we’re nice, we’re kind, we’re generous, or all the other “good” attributes that society has defined today. But the biblical truth is that good that we were made for is God’s laws, His commandments. You might ask then, “well, how would God’s commands be for our good?” Again we get the answer from what is written here in the Holy Scriptures, and we turn this time to the writings of one of the ancient prophets of Israel, Jeremiah 7:23, wherein he wrote: This is what I told them: ‘Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Only do as I say, and all will be well!’  [Jeremiah 7:23 New Living Translation] Bob Pellien: So, dear friends, now what we’re learning here is that it is only when we obey God’s commandments or do precisely as He says, that His laws and commands– it will do us good and all will be well in our lives. Therefore to answer the question, “Why does evil exist?”: It exists because there are people in this world who have decided not to obey God. Dear friends, it has to be understood well–should be understood well– that well, although God created us for good, He does not force us to be good. He does not force us to obey His words. God gives us the ability, or let’s say, the freedom, to make our own decisions on how we want to live. He gives us what’s come to be known as free will.    Bob Pellien: So, if a person decides not to follow God’s laws, refuses to obey Him and instead lives by the standards of the world around, will he or she ever be better off?  We turn to the Holy Bible again, this time, Ephesians 2:2:    Yes, in the past your lives were full of those sins. You lived the way the world lives, following the ruler of the evil powers over the earth. That same spirit is now working in those who refuse to obey God.  [Ephesians 2:2 Easy-to-Read Version]   Bob Pellien: So the answer is a clear no. They will not be better off. Why are we so sure? Well, because we read here, because the biblical truth is that those who refuse to obey God have now chosen to give themselves over to whom?  To what the Bible calls “the ruler of the evil powers over the earth.”  Therefore, evil is widespread in the world because there are people choosing the ruler of evil instead of the God of good. I repeat: because people are choosing the ruler of evil instead of the God of good. And this happens when they insist on living the way the world lives. Dear friends, as we read, who is the ruler of evil powers over the earth? Who is that that we read about here? Let’s read Ephesians, chapter 2 again but we’ll read it this time in a different rendition of the Bible that gives us additional information. In Ephesians 2:2, here in the New Life Version of the Bible, reads this way:    You followed the sinful ways of the world and obeyed the leader of the power of darkness. He is the devil who is now working in the people who do not obey God.  [Ephesians 2:2 New Life Version]   Bob Pellien: Here, dear friends, the Bible is teaching very clearly that it is none other than the devil that is “now working.” Where is the devil working? The Bible says he’s working “in the people who do not obey God.” Notice just as God does not force anyone to obey Him, the devil cannot force anyone to disobey God, but rather merely tempts and encourages, entices disobedience to the Creator. And if one then falls victim to that enticement and disobeys God, dear friends, aren’t they then obeying the will of the devil since that’s what the devil strives to accomplish in the first place?   But then, someone might be thinking “Well okay but why doesn’t God just stop all these bad things and all this evil from happening?” and “If God is all-powerful, can’t He prevent Satan from tempting people into disobedience?” Well since we have learned many times in our other episodes of this program and in other of our religious programming here in the Church Of Christ, God is all-powerful. By the way, that’s even mentioned in Genesis 35:11.  There should be no question whether God has enough power to do anything and everything. All things are possible with God. He could, at any time, just eliminate evil yet He’s not doing that. Let’s focus on why He allows trials and tests to happen. Why does God allow tests and temptation to come to us? This is what we can read in the writings, this time of apostle Peter. He wrote in chapter 1, verses 6-7:  Be glad about this, even though it may now be necessary for you to be sad for a while because of the many kinds of trials you suffer. Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed. [1 Peter 1:6-7 Good News Translation]  Bob Pellien: Dear friends, according to apostle Peter here, God allows the tests [and] the trials. Why? Because they have a purpose. But what is their purpose? The Bible stated here, “Their purpose” [is what?] is to prove that your faith is genuine.” Since we already learned that God gives us the free will to decide if we will obey Him or not and He doesn’t force us to follow Him as if we’re mindless robots. No. So the testing of our loyalty, our faith is necessary.  What’s an example given to help us understand the reason God allows us to undergo such tests?  The example given here by the apostle Peter, he said “Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested.” In what way is gold tested? The Bible says here that “gold… is tested.” How? It is brought through the “fire.” What would be the result if we obey God’s laws despite the fiery trials and tests of temptation encountered in the midst of this evil world? What’s the reward if, in fact, dear friends, we pass the test? The Bible teaches, we just read there, “Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Because we are living in a world with temptations from all evil powers, what is one of the many commands that God gives us for our own good? The answer is again recorded here in the Holy Bible, this time in the writings of apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:15-16. The Bible answers this:  So be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise. Live wisely. I mean, that you should use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times. [Ephesians 5:15-16 New Century Version]  Bob Pellien: Dear friends, God instructs us to be not only careful, “very careful how you live.” How should we live? He said, “Do not live like [foolish people]..live wisely.” What should we do to prove that we are living wisely? He said, “Use every chance you have for doing good.” Remember doing good, as we learned earlier, is obeying God’s laws, obeying His commandments. Why should we all the more decide to follow God’s teachings? Because the Bible clarifies “these are evil times.”  And it’s easy to agree with that, wouldn’t you say dear friends? We look around us today, these are indeed evil times, right?  So in review, we began our discussion with three, what we call “three sub-questions,” right? We broke down Tom’s question even further.   1.     What does it mean that people were created good?    The answer of the Bible: God made us for the purpose of obeying His laws and instructions so that everything would go well in our lives. That’s good.    2.     Why then is evil so widespread?    We learned evil happens when people decide to not obey God which results in them obeying the enemy of God, of which, of course, is Satan.   3. Why doesn’t God stop evil from occurring in the first place?   Answer of the Bible: God allows us to encounter trials and temptations to test our obedience and to find out who is genuinely faithful to Him. He didn’t create us as robots but instead He wants us to choose to follow Him.   If you want to do that and you choose to know more about God’s laws that He wishes us to obey so that we can fulfill His intention of creating us for good, we invite you to continue learning, then, more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo the Church Of Christ. How do we do that? We invite you to visit us online and browse the different topics and set up an appointment to meet with a minister of the gospel. And if you still have any questions about the Bible or salvation, please email them to us. We thank you for viewing our program. I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time, right here, on That’s in the Bible!

THATS – Is the Bible Fact or Fiction Brother Bob Pellien: The Bible is undeniably a unique book. But should we appreciate it just as a beautiful work of literary fiction, like it’s just another book? What sets the Bible apart from other books, and is the Bible fact or fiction? [On-screen text graphics] Is the Bible Fact or Fiction? Brother Bob Pellien: The Bible is the basis of our teachings in the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ which answers questions about proper worship, the right relationship with God, and most importantly salvation – That’s in the Bible! [Show intro graphics] [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel  Brother Bob Pellien: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program, That’s in the Bible. We received a question from Kim in San Diego about the Bible itself, here’s what she asks:  [Video starts] [On-screen text graphics] Kim | San Diego California Kim: My question is why have so many people taken so much interest in the Bible and belief, when it’s just another book? [Video ends] Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you Kim for your question. To help Kim out and answer her question, we need to first address the assumption that some have, which is that the Bible is “just another book”. After that, we’ll be able to answer more specifically Kim’s question:  “Why have so many people taken so much interest in the Bible?” Let’s frame our discussion around these topics then:  [On-screen text graphics]  Is the Bible “just another book”? If not, what sets the Bible apart from other books?  What’s the value in learning and following what the Bible teaches? Brother Bob Pellien: Dear friends, what should we understand about the Bible or the Holy Scriptures? For proper understanding, let’s read what is actually written 2 Timothy 3:15-17, it says: and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.  [2 Timothy 3:15-17 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien:  So according to what is written here, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,”—all scripture that we use as a basis of our faith from the Bible is Scripture written under the inspiration of God. We can already see that this is different from any other book. Man has his own inspiration, for example, to write down his own words, but the Bible or Holy Scriptures does not contain man’s words but rather God’s words. It was not written with the intention to be mere literature, or be created by authors for, let’s say, the sake of entertainment or for cultural purposes—no. Therefore, it’s not “just another book.”  How were God’s inspired words written down to make up the Holy Scriptures or as we now know it as the Holy Bible? We can learn how this was done by also opening up the ancient writings of the ancient prophets, for example, in Jeremiah 30:2, I quote what’s recorded there: “Thus speaks the Lord God of Israel, saying: ‘Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you. [Jeremiah 30:2 New King James Version]   Brother Bob Pellien: Dear friends, in this verse, God Himself is the One addressing one of His servants. What did God instruct him to do? He said, “Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you.” What is His servant supposed to write? Just anything he wanted? No. God said, “all the words that I have spoken to you.”  So, we can see that God is the One who chose who He will inspire to write down His words. He will also tell the writer all the words that should be written. And God’s written words are for His servants. So, the servant God is addressing then, in this verse that we just read—by the way, that was the Prophet Jeremiah—which is why there is a book in the Bible that is called Jeremiah.  But collectively, all God-inspired scriptures are in the Holy Scriptures or the Holy Bible. This further explains the intended use for the Bible, right? And what sets the Bible apart from other books. The Bible is by no means just an ordinary book. It is not.  What exactly, then, makes the Bible, makes God’s words so valuable or unique? What makes it unique—because one may say, “Well, there’s a lot of books that contain words like these”— 2 Samuel 7:28 provides this important insight:  “And now, O Lord God, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant. [2 Samuel 7:28 New King James Version]   Brother Bob Pellien: The uniqueness of God’s words? God’s “words are true.” That’s what makes them so valuable. We all want the truth or what is true, right? So all should value God’s words. But everyone may have their own perception of truth. Is the Bible self-fulfilling by claiming itself as true without providing opportunity for evidence-based confirmation?  Well, what exactly does that mean that God’s “words are true,”? Let’s check. Let’s let the Bible prove itself, and let’s ask then—is the Bible fact or fiction? Let’s turn to the writings this time of the Prophet Isaiah, and let’s go to Isaiah 46:9-10. This important statement is recorded there:  Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all my pleasure,’ [Isaiah 46:9-10 New King James Version]   Brother Bob Pellien: So, based on what is written here then, dear friends, one of the proofs that God’s words are true is that His words declare “things that are not yet done.” God’s words have fulfillment, they tell us what will happen, they are the truth because they happen, because they come true.  God’s words are very different from man’s words due to the fact that God is very different from man. Even though man—people—they may want to be true to their word, right? His own human limitations, however, may keep him from doing so. This is the reason many things that a person says, a person promises, or declares, do not come true. On the other hand God is Almighty— [On-screen text graphics] Genesis 35:11 NKJV Luke 1:37 ASV Brother Bob Pellien: and that’s mentioned in Genesis 35:11. His words are not void of power, also referred to in Luke 1:37. So, if God says something, it will happen. It will happen because God Himself will make it happen.  [On-screen text graphics] Isaiah 46:11 NKJV Brother Bob Pellien: That’s also taught in Isaiah 46:11. So, the point here dear friends, to prove if the Bible really is God’s words. We’ve got to use, then, that criteria. We’ve got to find out: Are there things written here, thousands of years ago, declaring or announcing what will happen at some point in the future, and then those events actually happened?  Because if that’s the case, then that would be the evidence, that would be the proof that would show us, that would prove and we would know that these cannot be man’s words but rather God’s words. These cannot be man’s words, if proven then to be God’s words. Because what’s recorded in this book, the Bible, is the truth. Well, let’s check it, then.  What is one of the things that was declared in the Bible a long, long time ago, that would happen? Let’s turn to it. There are so many examples we could cite, we’ll cite this one, Matthew 24:6-8: You are going to hear the noise of battles close by and the news of battles far away; but do not be troubled. Such things must happen, but they do not mean that the end has come. Countries will fight each other; kingdoms will attack one another. There will be famines and earthquakes everywhere. All these things are like the first pains of childbirth. [Matthew 24:6-8 Good News Bible] Brother Bob Pellien: So dear friends, in the first century, it was already written that people would “hear the noise of battles close by and the news of battles far away.” So, around the world, people would hear and know of this war. Although there are numerous wars all throughout ancient history, there was not yet a type of war that all would know about that war at the same time. Communication was not that fast back then.  But notice that this global war had another war that followed after it. The Bible states even in other translations of these same verses, “See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end  is not yet.” Why? What type of war would follow? It says “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” So there would then be another worldwide war or global war that was declared to happen.  What else was declared to happen around the time of these wars? The Bible said, “… there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows.” We have to look then, our part dear friends, is to look at our recent history, and what would we see? We’d learn if these types of wars actually took place. They did. We know the two wars that were worldwide in scope. History refers to them as World War I and World War II. And World War I broke out on July 27, 1914. Are we the only ones that are realizing this fulfilled prophecy, about this war, these famines, earthquakes, and pestilences? We’re not the only ones. In fact,  let’s read what some Bible scholars had published regarding these biblical prophecies spoken such a long time ago, which we see fulfilled in our recent history. We’re going to read now the footnote of those same verses, Matthew 24:6-8. This is the scholarly-researched historical context provided by publishers of Matthew 24:6-8 in the Last Days Bible. These Bible scholars noticed this and wrote the following: Jesus now tells His followers how they could discern when the world was actually entering into the beginning of the birth pangs…The approach of the end of the age would see several phenomena on the earth occurring at the same time. Those phenomena would be: 1. Many nations rising up against many other nations 2. Kingdoms rising against kingdoms 3. Famines 4. Disease epidemics 5. Earthquakes in various places. In Mark 13 the word troubles is used by our Lord instead of disease epidemics…Wars between nations, or even between kingdoms, is and has been a common occurrence. History has recorded famines at various times. There have been times of great disease epidemics. There have been earthquakes in the past, but increasingly so in the present day. Jesus tells His disciples, however, to be awaiting a specific time during which all of these phenomena would be in evidence at the same time. The first such time in world history occurred during the years of World War I (1914…                                                                       (Matthew 24:6-8 footnote, Last Days Bible) Brother Bob Pellien: So dear friends, we should understand because these declarations or prophecies that were written here in the Holy Scriptures, they actually happened. And these scholarly writers attest to it. These cannot be man’s words then, recorded in the Bible. These are God’s words, proven how? —God’s words are true. The Bible proves it so as it tells us what will happen. This is the reason why people should not only be interested in the Bible as a mere literary account of ancient peoples, but should follow its instructions because it is proven to be true. And there are so many, many more examples written in the Scriptures which we see with our own eyes being fulfilled all around us all the time.  So, what’s the value in learning and knowing and following the Bible? What would happen, dear friends, if we do this? Let’s go back to the first verses that we read in 2 Timothy 3, let’s go back to, we read verse 15 through 17:  and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. [2 Timothy 3:15-17 New King James Version]   Brother Bob Pellien: So, the value of God’s words written here in the Holy Scriptures is that it “is profitable for doctrine,” So if we want a real relationship with God we should follow His doctrine here in the Bible. What else, dear friends, is the benefit of God’s words? It should be used “for reproof, for correction,” We’ve all made mistakes in our lives, so to correct what we’ve done wrong we need to follow biblical instruction. Why is it that if we follow the Bible’s instructions we will be able to live the right way?  Because the Bible is “for instruction in righteousness.” What is the most important reason people should be interested in the Holy Scriptures? Because as we also read there, it is “able to make us wise for salvation.” According to the Bible, is there anything else that  we need to base our faith on? Maybe another book or various books that others have written? God’s words make clear, the Bible is so “the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” There is nothing lacking in the Bible in order to be wise for salvation.  We began our discussion with three questions, and let’s review the responses of the Bible to those questions: Is the Bible “just another book”?: We’ve learned, no, it wasn’t created for any other purpose but to be God’s inspired words.  So, what sets the Bible apart from other books?: The events foretold, or predicted to come true in the future—well, they actually did come true. And this proves it’s not merely a thousands-year-old book of fiction.  What’s the value in learning and following the Bible?: It’s the book that contains the instructions that will equip us for salvation.  This is the reason why the sole basis of faith here in the Church Of Christ is the Bible. We faithfully follow this teaching because That’s in the Bible. We’d like you to continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ, please visit online and browse the different topics or set up an appointment to meet with a minister of the gospel. If you have any questions about the Bible or salvation, please email them to us. I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time on That’s in the Bible! 

[Show open] [Video starts] Jose Ramirez: My name is Jose Mendoza Ramirez and my doubt is that if exorcists really exist—sometimes they come to swindle us. [On-screen text graphics] Jose Ramirez San Miguel el Grande Oaxaca, Mexico [Video ends] Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you very much, Jose for that comment or question. As we can notice from Jose’s video submission, he’s wondering, or maybe it’s more accurate to say doubting, if there are really people who can perform what he calls exorcisms, because he feels that, well, there [are] people who are just swindling others and being deceptive for the purpose of dishonest gain. So, today, dear friends, we’re going to ask, well, two important questions based on what Mr. Jose has said. First of all, what is exorcism?  [On-screen text graphics] QUESTION: What is exorcism and are there those who can really perform them? Brother Bob: And are there those who can really, truly perform them?  And then secondly, if one does perform such a miraculous work is that the evidence that that person is really sent from God? [On-screen text graphics] QUESTION: Does performing miracles prove that a person is from God and therefore we should follow what he or she says? Brother Bob: And of course then should therefore be followed and believed and everything that they will teach and say? Let’s start by defining exactly what is exorcism? Exorcism from the dictionary, well, it’s the act of casting out or expelling an evil spirit or demon from someone.  [On-screen text graphics] -Exorcism [ek-sawr-siz-uh m, -ser-] (noun) the act or process of exorcising. (verb) exorcised, exorcising. 1. to seek to expel (an evil spirit) by  Adjuration or religious or solemn ceremonies: To exorcise a demon. Source: Dictionary.com Brother Bob: The dictionary calls it or considers it to be a noun, they act or even process of exorcising, as a verb exorcised, exorcising, to seek to expel an evil spirit, by adjuration or religious or solemn ceremonies: to exorcise a demon.   Who performs exorcisms? Do bad spirits really exist? [On-screen text graphics] QUESTION: Are there really those that can perform exorcism or cast out evil spirits or demons? Brother Bob: So according to the Bible, are there really those that can perform exorcism, or what the Bible describes as the casting out of evil spirits or the casting out of demons?  Let’s go to the Bible to start receiving some biblical guidance and answers. So it may be that the term exorcism is not found in the Bible, but what is found in the Bible? Matthew, chapter 8, verse 16, I quote:  When evening came, people brought to Jesus many who had demons in them. Jesus drove out the evil spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. [Matthew 8:16 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: So we can read here in the Bible, dear friends, where Jesus— He did have the ability or the power, the authority to perform what Jose called exorcism or the casting out of evil spirits. [On-screen text graphics] QUESTION: Is he the only one that had that ability according to the Bible? Brother Bob: Is He the only one though that had that ability or had that authority according to the Bible? Well, let’s continue. The Bible also teaches us the following in Matthew chapter 10, verse 1: Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and every sickness. [Matthew 10:1 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: So evidently, according to the Bible, exorcism did take place or the casting out of demons did happen. And the Bible mentions those, for example, our Lord Jesus Christ, and in this verse His apostles were given that authority to drive out evil spirits. They were able to perform that miraculous work. There’s no question of course, that our Lord Jesus Christ even his Apostles, and others enumerated in the Bible, just like them are in fact instruments of God.  [On-screen text graphics] Our Lord Jesus Christ , the Apostles and others enumerated in the Bible like them are instruments of God. Brother Bob: There’s no question that they are specifically because they’re specifically described that way in the Bible that they were given that authority from God. And as instruments sent by God, messengers of God, we should follow them, we should obey what they teach. Why? Because what they teach are God’s teachings. They are God’s messengers and they bring God’s message.  Can anyone do an exorcism? Brother Bob: Well, but does it mean though, that just anyone who was able to perform miracle—and this is this is the point that Mr. Jose is posing. This is what he’s noticing. This is what he was commenting about because he saw some that were performing miracles or some that were claiming to have all these wonderful things and then they were deceiving and swindling the people. So does it mean that anyone who performs miracles, this is our question, Mr. Jose.   [On-screen text graphics] Question: Does it mean that anyone who is able to perform miracles or exorcism is then a messenger of God, which in turn should be followed and obeyed? Is that the only proof necessary? Brother Bob: Anyone performing miracles and casting out demons, can it be said that they are therefore a messenger of God, in turn to be followed and obeyed? Is the casting out of demons or other kinds of miracles or healings and such, is that the only proof that is necessary to determine that one is truly an instrument of God? Let’s listen together, dear friends, to the answer of our Lord Jesus Christ. To those who feel that they’re with Him, well, because well maybe they’re able to cast out demons, maybe they’re performing different kinds of wondrous works, here’s the response of Jesus to them. It’s recorded here and in Matthew chapter 7, verses 22 and 23. He said this: Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied In Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many many wonders in your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ [Matthew 7:22-23 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So here, dear friends, according to what is written, Jesus Himself, well, He cleared up any misconception that if one is able to perform exorcisms, as Mr. Jose calls them, or the casting out of demons, or any other miracle, for that matter, even if one uses the name of Christ, the idea of many as a well is that then that automatically proves or presents the evidence that they must be God’s messengers.  But we can see from what Jesus said here, that’s simply not true. Christ, who was of course the greatest messenger of God and He’s the one who knows those who truly God has sent, because he’s the only mediator between God and men in the first place, He said of some who performed the casting out of demons and performed the grand healings and other kinds of miracles, what did he say to them? He said:  [On-screen text graphics] “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practices lawlessness!” Brother Bob:  But you know, some might be wondering how [can] one who’s not sent by God is able to perform such kind of wonders and miracles and healings and casting out of demons and all these things? [On-screen text graphics] QUESTION:  How is it then that one not sent by God is able to perform such wonders? Brother Bob: If he’s not doing God’s work, then, well, whose work is he doing? Let’s turn to the writings of the Scriptures once again for the Bible’s answer. We turn 2 Thessalonians 2, verses 9 and 10, which says this:  The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. [2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Here, dear friends, what we can see, what we’re learning here is that Satan can use miracles.  [On-screen text graphics] Satan can use miracles or wonders as deceptions. Not all miracles are from God Brother Bob: Satan does use miracles, uses wonders in his attempt to deceive. This means that Jose, you know, Mr. Jose presented those doubts and skepticism, it actually has some validity. Why? Because the devil himself uses these powers to swindle people, to deceive people, according to what we just read here from Apostle Paul. So, if these miracles, signs, or wonders are used by the devil to deceive people, one might ask, “why does God allow these things to take place?” [On-screen text graphics] Question: “Why does God allow these things to take place? Brother Bob: Listen again to the answer of the Holy Bible, here in Deuteronomy, chapter 13. Let’s Let’s read together, verses 1, 2, and 3: “Prophets or interpreters of dreams may promise a miracle or a wonder, in order to lead you to worship and serve gods that you have not worshiped before. Even if what they promised comes true, do not pay any attention to them. The Lord your God is using them to test you, to see if you love the Lord, with all your heart. [Deuteronomy 13:1-3 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, according to the Bible here, if any one of us would witness somebody performing what appears to be a miracle, a miraculous event takes place, or it’s a grand wonder, they should not automatically listen, automatically perceive that that someone to be followed because they’re from God. No. We already learned earlier that the devil could use these powers to deceive people. And here now we learned that, well, why does God allow that to happen? In order to test His people. Why? To see if they really love Him with all their hearts and they’ll cling to this. If that were the case then how would any one of us go about passing God’s test? [On-screen text graphics] QUESTION: How would one go about passing God’s test? Brother Bob: If God does not want us to pay attention or just be so easily duped by Satan’s deceivers, it wants us to pay attention and not follow just anyone who might claim to come from God, even if they perform miracles, even if they perform various kinds of wonders, then who should we follow? We find the answer in the very next verse of the Bible, Deuteronomy 13. This time we’ll read verse 4 wherein it says this: It is the Lord your God, you must follow and him, you must revere. Keep his commands and obey Him; serve him and hold fast to him. [Deuteronomy 13:4 New International Version] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, the answer is very clear. In order to pass God’s test, one must follow God by obeying His commands. And as we can clearly – and we already know, that His commands are what’s written here in the Holy Bible. And so this is the reason why performing miracles or wonders like exorcism, casting out of demons, it’s not the basis we can use to determine if someone is really from God.  [On-screen text graphics]  Performing miracles or wonders like exorcism is not a basis we should use to determine if someone is from God. Brother Bob: Why not? Because even if one is able to perform such miracles, it could easily be God’s enemy, the devil, trying to trick us into going against God’s words. We should understand that well, those sent by God, they will speak God’s words.  [On-screen text graphics] Those sent by God will speak God’s words. Brother Bob: They will teach God’s teachings and God’s commands written here in the Bible. Therefore, that’s what we should always follow. That’s what we should always use as a foundation of our faith. This is what we should firmly believe in because that’s in the Bible. Brother Bob: Friends, when you are ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, please visit [On-screen text graphics] incmedia.org [Music starts] Brother Bob: Because there you’re going to find various series of programs all dedicated to answering your spiritual questions. You can also follow us on our Facebook pages: [On-screen text graphics] facebook.com/IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates  [On-screen text graphics] facebook.com/IglesiaNiCristoMedia  Brother Bob: To view more of our shows and see how the Church gets involved in and interacts with all of the communities where our congregations are, you can visit those houses of worship to find the house of worship that is nearest to you. [On-screen text graphics] iglesianicristo.net/directory Brother Bob:  If you have a question that you’d like answered here on this show… [On-screen text graphics] Do you have questions about the Bible? Brother Bob: Please email them to  [On-screen text graphics] Send your videos to: [email protected].   Brother Bob: Thank you for joining us today. We’ll see you again next time on That’s in the Bible! 

[On-Screen text graphic] That’s in the Bible! LIVE   Brother Bob Pellien: Welcome everyone to a live studio taping of That’s in the Bible! The Bible is always the basis of our teachings here in the Church Of Christ, because the Bible answers questions about proper worship, questions about the right relationship with God and most importantly, salvation – That’s in the Bible!   It has been said that man is a religious being. Recorded history of the earliest known civilizations bear witness to man’s relentless attempt to return to His creator. Since ancient times, mankind has sought ways to win back God’s favor which well, they lost when sin was committed by who? Yes, the first couple whose names, Adam and Eve, in the garden of Eden. This transgression committed by that first couple has caused well, the fall of mankind from the Lord’s graces, eviction eventually of course, his eviction from paradise. He therefore gave up, mankind therefore gave up their right to serve the Almighty.    The history of religion is a thrilling account of man’s unending quest to be reconciled with God, his maker; and his innate desire to search for his God, return to his God, and respond to the impulse to worship Him. We have that, an impulse to worship Him. It’s man’s natural response to an invitation from our ever compassionate benefactor.   Throughout history, how has mankind often responded to his need to serve God, and what’s important for us to learn together, right now, today in this study? The question that we pose together now is: how can we truly return to God? Our study together now is the study of man’s worship and if in fact people are truly worshiping the Creator or, this is important, or something else? Even unknowingly.   We received lots of questions about this concept about whether the different worship are all truly acceptable to God. Is there truly a devotion, a worship that is misguided and not acceptable to God? What is it that God wants all people to do? He wants me to do it, He wants everyone to do this. What is it? Let’s begin opening the Holy Scriptures. We turn to the writings of the prophet Malachi, chapter 3, verse 7.   [On-screen text graphic] Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees  and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty. [Malachi 3:7 New International Version]   Brother Bob: So people are right! They’re right and correct in their earnest effort to return to God, it’s what He’s expecting. However, what’s the problem then? Well many have tried to return to God traveling the wrong path. Of course if you take the wrong path you’re not going to get to where you’re hoping your destination to be – the wrong path, instead of taking what Jesus called the “narrow doorway.” Jesus of course, being the son of God, he spoke in the book of Matthew, chapter 7, verse 13 and 14, he spoke of a “narrow gate.” What else did he say about that narrow gate? He said few find it, that narrow path that leads to life.   How did Apostle Paul describe what is the mistake that has been embraced by far too many? And we’re glad that you’re here tonight because we want to share this with you so that the same mistakes would not be made. Apostle Paul in fact wrote it to the Romans and we’ll turn there to Romans, chapter 10, verses 2 and 3.   [On-screen text graphic] I can assure you that they are deeply devoted to God; but their devotion is not based on true knowledge. They have not known the way in which God puts people right with himself, and instead, they have tried to set up their own way; and so they did not submit themselves to God’s way of putting people right. [Romans 10:2-3 Good News Bible]   Brother Bob: People seek God, yes. They seek God with zeal, with devotion. Their passion is without question, their passion is not the problem. The problem is, as we just heard from Apostle Paul, that their devotion is not based on true knowledge. That is, they have not known God’s righteousness, they have not known the way He puts people right with Himself.    So, what do they do? They end up submitting themselves to another way, they choose for themselves a different way. They decided to set up their own way, hence their attempts to return to God are doomed at the outset. They will fail. They will fail! But we don’t want that for anyone and God does not want that either so we have to know the mistakes that have been made throughout history. What is one of the futile and unsuccessful ways, whereby man has sought reconciliation with his creator? In the first century Apostle Paul wrote to our brethren in the city of Rome, in Romans chapter 1, let’s read it here. Romans chapter 1, verse 21 to 23.   [On-screen text graphic] for though they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools; and they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling a mortal human being or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles. [Romans 1:21-23 New Revised Standard Version]   Brother Bob: What did they do? One of the futile efforts of man’s pursuit of reconciling with God was instead made futile because they exchanged, they made their own way, they have exchanged God for something else, the Creator for a creation. They began serving the creation instead of the Creator of the creation meaning what? Take a look at a few important examples from history.   It’s common knowledge that the ancient Greeks and even the ancient Romans to whom Apostle Paul was sent into those Gentile lands to preach back in the first century. They worshiped a pantheon of gods. They built temples that were dedicated to these gods and goddesses, carved out images of them and offered sacrifices before them and what remains of the glory and the grandeur of the said cradles of western civilization? Well we have their architecture, we have sculpture, we have literature. Visiting tourists today can see the ruins of the temples built for the Roman goddess of the hunt, Diana. Or the Greek parthenon for the goddess Athena. Greek and Roman literature contains rich tales about their gods and goddesses, even the demi-gods.    The Catholic Church also bows down to statues and images of the Apostles, Mary, and others. Apostle Paul sharply denounced this practice as he lamented that though as we just read, what did he say? He said, “they knew God! But they did not honor Him as God,” that’s what we read. But in what way did these people fail the immortal God as God and exchange it for what God created instead. He said they exchanged His glory, for what? Remember these are not my words, I have to point that out okay, because we’re going to come back to this in a second.   He said, instead they were serving images resembling what? “Mortal human beings, birds, or four-footed animals, or reptiles.” So together we pose this question: how grievous a mistake, let’s call it what it is, how grievous a sin has been committed by that? Apostle Paul, again we’re just posing the questions he’s the one answering here; Apostle Paul gave his response this way in the book of Romans chapter 1, verse 25. He went on to explain to them this:   [On-screen text graphic] They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator–who is forever praised. Amen. [Romans 1:25 NIV New International Version]   Brother Bob: According to Apostle Paul, how’d he describe their mistake? He said instead of worshiping the Creator, unfortunately many opted to worship things, like I said a while ago, that were created. Who is the true God, the true Creator, who the Apostle Paul and the first century Christians recognized and worshiped? In his first letter to the Corinthians, our brethren in the city of Corinth, Apostle Paul answers that this way, because we have to know who’s the true God, right? There were all kinds of Greek temples being built and service to all these different Greek and Roman gods, and the Samarian gods, and Egyptian gods, Babylonian gods, and all these so-called gods so Apostle Paul addressed it directly, how? I Corinthians chapter 8, verse 5, verse 6. He said:   [On-screen text graphic] Even if there are so-called “gods,” whether in heaven or on earth, and even though there are many of these “gods” and “lords,” yet there is for us only one God, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and for whom we live; and there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and through whom we live. [1 Corinthians 8:5-6 Good News Translation]   Brother Bob: According to the Apostle, who is the true God, the early Christians acknowledged how many gods? Only one. Only one is to us, there is but one God, the Father. They acknowledged only one God, the Father in Heaven and he said He is the one who created all things and He is a spirit, in state of being, that is he has no flesh and bones. He is invisible and therefore, should be worshiped in spirit and in truth. We say that as it is written in:   [On-screen text graphic] John 4:23-24 Luke 24:38-39 I Timothy 1:17   Brother Bob: So to worship him, to worship in any other way is to fail to honor Him as God. To serve any other except Him alone is to serve man-made gods, is to serve idols, and we can learn that from Exodus, chapter 20, verse 3 to 5, where God prohibited that.    [On-screen text graphic] Exodus 20:3-5 Acts 17:29   Brother Bob: So then to think that He has a physical form or an image that could be molded, even if that’s molded out of gold or molded out of silver, Acts 17:29 would refer to that as blasphemy against God. Pagan worship and idolatry, however, do not originate in ancient Greece, nor in Ancient Rome. Long before the birth of western societies, the cradles of civilizations in the east, the Sumerian, the Babylonians I mentioned a while ago, the Egyptian, the Chinese had already been worshiping innumerable gods. Every city, every village, and even in the midst of every human endeavor, had some inspiring and disciplinary divinity.   The worship of the sun (that’s S-U-N okay? Not S-O-N right?). The worship of the moon and the stars known as cosmic gods, it’s common to almost all ancient civilizations. The Sumerian pantheon included, among others, Anu, the sky god, Sin, the moon god, Shamash, the sun, (again S-U-N okay?) the sun god, and Enlil the storm god. In ancient Egypt the moon was also a deity, but in their official theology the greatest of the gods was the sun. It was worshiped as the supreme deity known as Ra or Re.   Are these so-called sky gods, cosmic gods of the universe, as they were known, that have been served by others throughout history. The question is, are they the Creator, worthy of our worship? Or has the entire sky or universe, which by the way is also called the firmament, have they been created by the true Creator? God the Father. Okay, so which is it? Allow me to turn to the book of Psalms. Here in Psalms 19, verses 1 through 4.   [On-screen text graphic] The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, [Psalms 19:1-4 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: So the Bible teaches us that God is the Creator of the firmament, Creator of the heavens, Creator of the universe. Firmament is just another word for that. The stars and all that you see when you look up at the sky, He’s the Creator of it! So, and this is important and it’s kind of what prompted this particular topic for tonight. It is not correct for so many to say, especially on social media nowadays right, it’s very popular to say things like, “The universe has helped me! The universe has treated me good! The universe has done this, the universe has done that!” Giving attributes to the created universe, rather than to the Creator, which is God the Father.   Is it something new that people have begun to exchange the true Creator, the true God which is the Father, Who is spirit in nature, with other things which in fact the true God has created? Should we be surprised that people are doing that nowadays? Let’s take a look at a book entitled The Story of Civilization One: Our Oriental Heritage, written by the author, Will Durant on page 198 and 199. Let’s take a quote from his book.   [On-screen text graphic] “…the Egyptians worshiped not merely the source, but almost every form of life. Many plants were sacred to them:… more popular were the animal gods; they were so numerous that they filled the Egyptian pantheon like a chattering menagerie. In one nome or another, in one period or another, Egyptians worshiped the bull, the crocodile, the hawk, the cow, the goose, the goat, the ram, the cat, the dog, the chicken, the swallow, the jackal, the serpent, and allowed some of these creatures to roam in the temples with the same freedom that is accorded to the sacred cow in India today.” [Excerpt from The Story of Civilization One: Our Oriental Heritage, written by: Will Durant; page 198-199]   Brother Bob:  So nature worship dates back to the dawn of civilization. The Semites, the Egyptians, and the Babylonians they all worshiped as their supreme deities, heavenly bodies, as well as plant and animal life, things that were only created, that’s the point, things that were created by the supreme being, God our Father. So we pose together tonight this question: How does God feel about this practice? Will he say, “That’s okay! No problem!”? What can we learn how God feels by taking a look at what He said through the writings in the Holy Scriptures, Deuteronomy chapter 4, I’d like to read to you what’s recorded in verses 15 through 19. And think of the question as we read this, is it okay with God, that he’s been traded out for the universe, traded out for astrology, traded out for all of these various other gods and goddesses? In verses 15 through 19 it says this:    [On-screen text graphic] You saw no form of any kind the day the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire. Therefore watch yourselves very carefully, so that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman, or like any animal on earth or any bird that flies in the air, or like any creature that moves along the ground or any fish in the waters below. And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. [Deuteronomy 4:15-19 New International Version]   Brother Bob: God clearly issued a warning here, what was His warning? It was about the making of what? Making of any kind of idol or so-called god right? We could see how He felt about that.   India! India is the birthplace of three major religions, what are they? Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. They’re not to be outdone. In the book entitled Major Religions of the World, the author Marcus Bach said the following on page 26, let’s take a look:   [On-screen text graphic] Anyone who travels in India will be struck by the multiplicity of Hindu gods. There are literally thousands of gods. There are gods within gods, families of gods, and the wives and children of gods. Here is Krishna, an embodiment or incarnation of Vishnu. Here too is Indra, God of the firmament; Varuna, the all seeing God; Agni, God of fire; Soma, personification of the juice of the soma plant. Hinduism honors Ganesa, the elephant God, and Hanuman, the monkey God. It loves and respects Sarasvati, goddess of learning and Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, and Parvati, who is the wife of the god Siva. Hinduism has gods and goddesses galore. [Major Religions of the World, Marcus Bach, page 26]   Brother Bob: The Christian Church, after the death of the apostles, was not spared from this prevalent, well we don’t hesitate to say, even deplorable practice. At first there was strong resistance from the faithful disciples of Christ against idolatry like this. The apostles were at the forefront of this opposition to image worship. What did Apostle Paul, I’m going to read to you an example here, an experience of Apostle Paul and Barnabas as they traveled in their preaching and healing. They healed someone and the people began treating them as if they were gods.    Did Apostle Paul and Barnabus, did they agree to it? Or did they correct them? It was in the city of Lystra. In Acts chapter 14, verse 15. Let’s just take notice here dear friends, did they say, “Okay good, you want to treat us as gods?” Did they accept that? Here’s what they taught to them.   [On-screen text graphic] “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. [Acts 14:15 New International Version]   Brother Bob: Did Paul and Barnabus accept that kind of treatment? They did not. He corrected them immediately! He said, “We’re people just like you!” We’re here to tell you about the true God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, and all these things were here to tell you about Him! They corrected the mistaken belief of those and the people of the city of Lystra. But here’s the thing, by then, the seeds of deception were already sown by false prophets and after the death of the apostles and the Christian Church was thereafter, led into what history calls, an apostasy. Historian Will Durant had this to say in his book entitled, The Story of Civilization 4: The Age of Faith, page 425 and 426. Let’s take a look at it together:    [On-screen text graphic] The early church had frowned upon images and relics of paganism, and had looked with horror upon Pagan sculptures purporting to represent the gods. But the triumph of Christianity under Constantine, and the influence of Greek surroundings, traditions, and statuary in Constantinople and the Hellenistic East had softened this opposition. As the number of worshiped saints multiplied a need arose for identifying and remembering them; pictures of them and of Mary were produced in great number; and in the case of Christ not only His imagined form but his cross became objects of reverence–even, for simple minds, magic talismans. A natural freedom of fancy among the people turned the holy relics, pictures, and statues into objects of adoration; people prostrated themselves before them, kissed them, burned candles and incense before them, crowned them with flowers, and sought miracles from their occult influence.” [The Story of Civilization 4: The Age of Faith, Will Durant, page 425-426]   Brother Bob: So what happened to the true Church founded by Christ? It succumbed to the pressure from its pagan surroundings and eventually grew to become the Roman Catholic Church, embracing idolatry during the time of Constantine the Great. And this practice continues up to our time period in Catholic masses and rituals a number of objects of worship and adoration are being used which include as mentioned: the cross, holy relics, pictures, and statues of their so-called Saints. The Catholic faithful venerate graven images of these Saints, as is forced upon them by their religious authorities. What do they admit though? This is recorded in the Catechism of Christian Doctrine, I repeat the question, it’s not we who are saying it. What do they openly admit, themselves? Catechism of Christian Doctrine, the Catholic church writes:   [On-screen text graphic] What is a Saint? A saint in the strict sense of the word, is one who is in heaven, and has been presented by the church for the public worship of the faithful… [Catechism of Christian Doctrine, page 94-95)   Brother Bob: Consider that, what we just read there. It is…   [On-screen text graphic] presented by the church for the public worship of the faithful… Is the worship of the Saints confined to their persons? The worship of the saints is not confined to their persons, but it extends also to their relics and images. … Ought we to worship holy images? We should have, particularly in our churches, images of our Lord, as also of the blessed virgin and the Saints. [Catechism of Christian Doctrine, page 94-95)   Brother Bob: This is their admission, so in conclusion, it is indeed really and truly unfortunate that a great majority of the people in the world today practice idolatry and pagan worship. They choose to set up their own way of returning to God. Instead of serving and worshiping the only one true God, they have chosen to channel their devotion to things that He has created and the images allegedly representing them. And do you know that by doing that, there have been grave consequences? This is something that if you carry it with you from our study together, I hope you will get this. What are the consequences? Apostle Paul wrote about it in Romans chapter 1, verse 18, as well as 28 to 31. Again this is not our words, these are the words of our Lord, written by Apostle Paul. Romans chapter 1, verse 18.   [On-screen text graphic] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth… And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind and to things that should not be done. They were filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, craftiness, they are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, rebellious towards parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. [Romans 1:18, 28-31 New Revised Standard Version]    Brother Bob: These are not my words, these are the writings of Apostle Paul. Is he not describing the world that we see around us right now? What important thing did he say? He said these things came about, why? Because people have exchanged the true God and the truth about God for a lie. What’s the truth about God? He is a spirit, the Father is the only true God. What is the lie? To change that to anything else; call it the universe, call it astronomy, call it statues of the Apostles, statues of so-called saints, call it the gods of the pantheon of ancient Greek and Roman gods and goddesses. Whatever mankind has exchanged for the true God, has caused…you look in the news and you see all these things that are happening out there. Why? God is so angry because man refuses to serve Him and has chosen to trade Him out.    The evil that abounds in the world today is brought about due to man’s stubbornness. What is God looking for from us, okay? Once we realize now that He’s been traded out and people are serving money, they’re serving all kinds of other things, they’re hesitant to even use the word God, they want to trade it out for the universe or something. What does He want from us? What really is God looking for? I’ll cite this time in 1 Timothy chapter 2, verse 4 and 5. The Bible answers this:   [On-screen text graphic] who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, [1 Timothy 2:4-5 New King James Version]   Brother Bob: What does God want? He wants people to know the true God, He wants people to know the truth. He wants you to know that Jesus is the mediator to the Father. Dear friends, join us here inside the true Church Of Christ where we serve only the true God, the Father in heaven and we serve Him in spirit and in truth. But I know you may have a lot of questions, to learn how we do this, return. Return to more Bible studies just like this. We always post up the verses, you can read the Bible verse yourself.   [On-screen text graphic] Visit incmedia.org   Brother Bob: Log into incmedia.org, where you’ll find all the things that we believe in here in the Church Of Christ and so much more for the benefits of your family and children. And if you have specific questions, you can ask the one who invited you here tonight.   [On-screen text graphic] Email us [email protected]   Brother Bob: You can email us, we promise we will answer you. Email us at [email protected]. I’m Bob Pellien, thanks for your time with us today on That’s in the Bible.   [On-screen text graphic] That’s in the Bible! INC MEDIA SERVICES © All Rights Reserved 2022  

What Does the Bible Say About Sorcerers?  [SHOW OPEN] [Video begins] Myrna: My name is Myrna Dacosta from Kilburn, London. My question is what does the Bible say about sorcerers? [Video ends] Brother Philip Velasquez: Thank you, Ms. Myrna, for your question. Now, sorcery is the use of spells or black magic, speaking to spirits, and divination. According to Deuteronomy 18:9-12, sorcery and similar works is an abomination or disgusting in the sight of Our Almighty God.  [On-screen text graphics] Sorcery and similar works is an abomination or disgusting in the sight of God Brother Philip: We can read this here as I mentioned earlier, Deuteronomy 18:9-12: “When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you.” [Deuteronomy 18:9-12 New King James Version] Brother Philip: God hates sorcery, and any works like it because they are evil in His sight. [On-screen text graphics] Sorcery is evil in God’s sight Brother Philip: This we can read here in 2 Chronicles 33:6: “… he practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger.” [2 Chronicles 33:6 New King James Version] Brother Philip: And because of how evil it is, God is angry at those who perform such acts.  [On-screen text graphics] Question: What is God’s judgment upon those who involve themselves in such practices?  Brother Philip: This is what we can read in Malachi 3:5. It says here: And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness Against sorcerers, … [Malachi 3:5 New King James Version] Brother Philip: And what is this judgment? We can read here in Revelation 21:8: But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” [Revelation 21:8 New King James Version] Brother Philip: Those who practice sorcery and the like, such as witchcraft, claiming to consult with spirits of the dead, or fortune-telling, will not be saved come the Day of Judgment. Why is it so evil in the sight of Our Almighty God to practice such things, or even seek help from those who would perform them?  [On-screen text graphics] Question: Why is it so evil in God’s sight to practice such things or even seek help from those who perform them? Brother Philip: Prophet Isaiah tells us here in Isaiah 8:19-20: And when they say to you, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. [Isaiah 8:19-20 New King James Version] Brother Philip: The Almighty God’s people must go to Him for help and for advice.  [On-screen text graphics] We must put our hope and trust in what God can do for us.  Brother Philip: We don’t run to or put our trust in that which is not the law and testimony. But what if what they said and foretold came true? What if what they did through their rituals, symbols, incantations would benefit us? For example, the power of healing. Does it mean that they are from God? Should we put our trust in them and then follow them? Let’s get the answer from Deuteronomy 13, 1 to 4: “If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’ – which you have not known – ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. [Deuteronomy 13:1-4 New King James Version] Brother Philip: Even if what they say would come to pass or even benefit us, God said we shouldn’t listen to or follow them. Don’t forget, dear friends, the devil, too, has [the] power to perform what seems to be miracles and wonders, but that’s not what it’s all about. It’s all about remaining loyal to our Almighty God, and remaining and trusting in Him. It’s a test, as the Bible teaches, and we can pass His tests by remaining obedient to His commandments.  [On-screen text graphic] We can pass His tests by remaining obedient to His commandments. Brother Philip: Even when times get tough, we have to stick to what is right. Even when there is an easier way out, we stick with our Almighty God. If we have to endure, if we have to suffer, we don’t give in to what is wrong. That’s what being a Christian is all about, isn’t it?  What is God’s promise to those who are loyal to Him, who place their complete trust only in Him? We get the answer, Psalm 125:1: Those who trust in the Lord Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever. [Psalm 125:1 New King James Version] Brother Philip: According to the Holy Scriptures, those who trust in our Almighty God will abide forever. They are the ones who will inherit the everlasting life in His glorious kingdom. Now, that is something that no one else can give. Now, since we’re on the topic, we got a question from James Parker in London, and he asked: [On-screen text graphic] “How about video games based on magic and sorcery? Are we as Christians prohibited to play?” James Parker London, United Kingdom Brother Philip: This is what our Almighty God says to His servants in the Church Of Christ in 1 John 2:12-14:  I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one. [1 John 2:12-14 New King James Version] Brother Philip: We as members of the Church Of Christ already know the commandments of our Almighty God. We know what is true and false, what is fact and fiction, real and virtual. Many stories that entertain [us] today are based on fantasy that takes us away to other worlds, that exercise our imaginations. That is fiction. It’s not real, and we know that. That’s why reading stories, watching movies, and playing video games, based on fantasy, magic, and superpowers isn’t wrong.  So, in conclusion, we keep in our hearts and our minds the words of our Almighty God that we have been taught inside the Church Of Christ. Remember the difference between what is right and wrong, but more importantly, we follow what is right in the way we live and conduct ourselves. This proves that we put our full trust in what our Almighty God can do in our lives. [On-screen text graphic] Do you have questions about the Bible?  Send us your videos to: [email protected] Philip: Thanks for your questions. If you’d like to know more about the fundamental teachings found inside the Church Of Christ, please visit incmedia.org. There you’ll find various series of programs dedicated to answering your spiritual questions. Thank you for joining us, and we’ll see you again the next time.

Which Influencers Do You Follow? Brother Bob Pellien: Do you ever give thought about who you listen to and are influenced by? Which social media and spiritual influencers are impacting your life? Who is your spiritual influencer? The Bible is the basis of our teachings in the Church Of Christ. To answer questions about proper worship, right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation – That’s in the Bible!   [Show open]  Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Welcome to the program, That’s in the Bible. Today, we’ll take a look at mainstream spiritual influencers and how many people allow themselves to be influenced by others and, too often, in a negative way. There are many internet personalities that are very well known in their respective fields, for example, like acting or sports and politics and so many others. And they express opinions and provide advice to anyone who will listen to them about morals and social issues. There are also many people, people online, especially, claiming to be advisers and spiritual influencers who present themselves as definers of spirituality. There are many people who regularly listen to them and tend to support their content and the beliefs presented, which is exactly why such individuals are called influencers in the first place, right? Do you allow such internet influencers to shape your moral standards, influence your attitude, outlook in life, your beliefs, values, and most especially, your faith in God? Whose influence will benefit you most and influence you in a positive way? Today, we’ll study this topic by tackling the following questions: [On-screen text graphics]  Should we allow any random popular people to influence us? How can we protect ourselves from being influenced by negative influencers?  Who should we allow ourselves to be influenced by to secure our best future?  Brother Bob: So, dear friends, should it be our friends or even random popular people on the internet that we listen to and allow to influence us? Here in the Church Of Christ, we always turn to the Bible for answers to questions like these, and let’s do that now. We turn [to] 1 Corinthians, chapter 2, verse 13 reads this way: We don’t have to rely on the world’s guesses and opinions. We didn’t learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we’re passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.  [1 Corinthians 2:13 The Message]  Brother Bob: So, dear friends, even though a certain influencer may seem to be intelligent and what he or she is saying may seem to be right, good, or may even coincide with an emotion that you may feel, it may not be something, however, that we should immediately conform to or even support by interacting or engaging with their content. Why not? The Bible said, “We don’t have to rely on the world’s guesses and opinions.”  Wouldn’t it be better to first check if their opinion on any particular issue is worth believing? Shouldn’t you verify it? For us, members of the Church Of Christ, we will always compare any popular opinions to what is written in the Holy Bible. Don’t such sports personalities, actors, as well as intelligent people or the so-called spiritual influencers online, are they not able to provide us the guidance to attain high positions in life, some may say, or wealth and even personal success? Can’t they do that? We turn to the Bible for guidance on this as well. And that’s recorded in the Book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 9. Let’s listen together, read together. You can see it on the screen there. Verse 11: I realized another thing, that in this world fast runners do not always win the races, and the brave do not always win the battles. The wise do not always earn a living, intelligent people do not always get rich, and capable people do not always rise to high positions. Bad luck happens to everyone. [Ecclesiastes 9:11 Good News Translation]  Brother Bob: Here, dear friends, we can clearly see that although a person, well, they may attain great accolades from people in this world, right? And they may truly emerge as an influencer in the life of others, it does not mean that because they are popular themselves or that they can do many things, that they will or can lead another to attain anything positive and good in their life, according to the Bible. There may be positive influencers online, yes, but all of them must be tested and checked based upon the words of our Creator. Why? To ensure they’re not detrimental to us, right? Or in any way leading us away from the true faith that we receive through the teachings of God in the Holy Bible. [On-screen text graphics]  Should we allow any random popular people to influence us? Brother Bob: So, no matter how knowledgeable influencers are on specific issues, we should always remember that since they are human beings created by God, just like the rest of us, there is a limit to what they know and a limit to what they can do. So, they also should submit themselves to the will of God who created all of us, right? [On-screen text graphics]  How can we protect ourselves from being influenced by negative influencers?  Brother Bob: So, how can we protect ourselves, then, from being influenced by the world’s popular influencers? What is it that we need in life for protection? Again, we posed the question and turn to the Holy Bible. The writings of the Prophet Isaiah this time. Let’s read here in chapter 48, we’ll read verse 12, we’ll also read verse 17 and 18: The Lord says, “Listen to me, Israel, the people I have called! I am God, the first, the last, the only God! [Isaiah 48:12 Good News Translation] The holy God of Israel, the Lord who saves you, says: “I am the Lord your God, the one who wants to teach you for your own good and direct you in the way you should go. “If only you had listened to my commands! Then blessings would have flowed for you like a stream that never goes dry. Victory would have come to you like the waves that roll on the shore. [Isaiah 48:17-18 Good News Translation]  Brother Bob: So how can we protect ourselves from being influenced by those who may not have a good intent for our future, or even if they do have the best intentions, but they do not have the ability to truly give any beneficial advice? Dear friends, we have to listen to the one who, as we just read here, the one who wants to teach us for our own good and really has the ability to do so. So that blessings and success should flow in our lives as described there. Who is that? Based on what we just read here in the Holy Bible, of course, that is none other than God Himself. What did He say? As I quoted there, He said, “I am the Lord your God,” … “who wants to teach you for your own good,” said God. So, if we want good things to come in our life, do you dear friends, do you want good things to come in your life? I do! If we want such and we want success to flow as we face all kinds of challenges that come around us in this world nowadays, we must listen to the one who will guide and direct us on how to properly navigate through all these different troubles in life. People who may be powerful influencers in social media and in online forums, or even the so-called spiritual influencers, they’re creating a lot of online religious content on Tik-Tok, Instagram, YouTube and other platforms. Why should they not be the ones to provide us the guidance for the sake of a bright future, or to attain high positions in life such as wealth and success? Why not? Because the Bible is our guide. God and His words are our guide. [On-screen text graphics]  Who should we allow ourselves to be influenced by to secure our best future?  Brother Bob: Should the Bible be your primary source of influence to feed your spirituality? What’s another reason that we should allow God and allow His words written here in the Holy Bible to influence us for the good of our future, rather than individuals or human beings that we may come across or that we may meet in our journey, be it online or in our daily interactions in life? This time, we turn to the apostles. Let’s go to Apostle James, chapter four, we’ll read verse 12, 14 and 16: God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can save and destroy. Who do you think you are, to judge someone else? [James 4:12 Good News Translation]  You don’t even know what your life tomorrow will be! You are like a puff of smoke, which appears for a moment and then disappears. [James 4:14 Good News Translation]  But now you are proud, and you boast; all such boasting is wrong. [James 4:16 Good News Translation]  Brother Bob: So, dear friends, considering what we’ve just read here, if people do not know what will happen tomorrow, why then would we listen to them and make them our influencer? What is the mistake made by people who influence others as if they’re the ones who know everything? Apostle James taught here that it’s such a boastful way of thinking. And what did he call it? He said it’s wrong. So instead, what we should believe in and allow to influence us are the teachings of God written in the Holy Bible that were taught to us by His Messenger, and continuously are being taught to us by the current Church Administration. That is what we listen to. That is what we should allow to influence our lives, so as to be sure there will be a positive outcome and a successful and happy future in store for you, for everyone who’s listening to this broadcast. So, we started this discussion with a few main questions that we hope are clearly understood now and answered by the Holy Bible. We should not place all our trust in online or other influencers who have limitations, make mistakes, and thus may lead us astray from what is really good for us. We can protect ourselves from negative influencers. How? By making sure that anyone we would listen to, anyone that we would value when they give advice and counsel, they are within the people of God and are using the Holy Bible as their basis. So, let God therefore be our influencer. Why? He has no limitations. He knows all that is good for us and intends to show it to us and provide such for His children. And this is what we believe, because That’s in the Bible!  [On-screen text graphics]  Visit incmedia.org  Brother Bob: We’d like you to continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ. Please visit online and browse the different topics or set up an appointment to meet with a Minister of the Gospel. And if you have any questions about the Bible or salvation, please email them to us. [On-screen text graphics]  [email protected]  Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time, right here, on That’s in the Bible! 

What Does the Bible Say About Friends and Enemies? [Show open] Brother Bob Pellien: Friends, there are good and true friendships that help us uphold our Christian brotherhood. But do we have to be friends, or even friendly, with everyone? Even frenemies, or people who don’t really seem like true friends?   Hello, everyone! The Bible is the basis of our teachings in the Church Of Christ, which answers questions about proper worship, for example, [the] right relationship with God, and, most importantly, salvation because — That’s in the Bible!  [On-screen logo graphic] That’s in the Bible! Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program: That’s in the Bible!  [On-screen text graphic] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: Today’s topic, the questions that we’ve received regarding friendship and brotherhood, can be summarized into this question: Can Christians be Frenemies? [On-screen text graphic] Can Christians be Frenemies? Brother Bob: To properly answer the question, we need to understand the terms being used here, right? Now we know what Christians are: those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ, or His true disciples. But what is a “frenemy”? For that definition, let’s refer to Dictionary.com as our resource. It says a Frenemy is, “A person or group that is friendly toward another because the relationship brings benefits, but harbors feelings of resentment or rivalry.” You know, we can see here from the definition that “frenemy” seems to be a word which combines friend and enemy, right? Friendly toward one another, but underneath there’s harboring of feelings of resentment. Some may argue that if someone has resentful feelings toward another, then simply maintaining friendliness towards that person, well, that then is the right way to solve the resentment, the conflict. But since we’re specifically referring to Christians, and how we should feel about and interact with one another, then the Bible is our resource.  So, we will discuss here today: What is a true friend and what type of friendship does Christ instruct His disciples to have? And how should problems – problems that can lead to resentment – how should they be handled? And then we’ll conclude with can Christians be frenemies? [On-screen text graphic] What is a true friend? What type of friendship does Christ instruct His disciples to have? How should problems that can lead to resentment be handled? Can Christians be Frenemies? Brother Bob: So according to the Bible, dear friends, what is a true friend? And you know, what is the value of having true friends in our lives? Well, we turn to the Holy Bible, as I said, and we turn to the book of Proverbs. Proverbs, chapter 17, verse 17, where it says: A friend loves at all times. He is there to help when trouble comes. [Proverbs 17:17 New International Reader’s Version] Brother Bob: So the value of having a true friend is that he or she, well, they’re going to be there to help. When? When trouble comes. True friends do this. Why? To show their love. What’s one of the ways a true friend helps? Let’s continue here in the book of Proverbs. This time we’ll turn to chapter 27, verse nine: Perfume and incense bring joy to your heart. And a friend is sweeter when he gives you honest advice. [Proverbs 27:9 New International Reader’s Version] Brother Bob: One of the best ways that a real friend can help is by doing what? Giving or providing honest advice. Genuine friends tell us the truth and not merely what one wants to hear. So surrounding ourselves with friends like this, of course, it’s really important. But are all friends, are all persons who simply act friendly, good to have in our lives? You know, the Bible goes on to teach us in the writings of Apostle Paul, this time we turn to I Corinthians, chapter 15, verses 33 and 34. Are all friends good to have in our lives, so-called friends I guess we should say? I Corinthians 15 reads this way: But don’t be deceived by what the world promotes! The reality is that unhealthy friends and associates corrupt good character. Be sensible, do what’s right and healthy because it is right and healthy, … [I Corinthians 15:33-34 The Remedy New Testament] Brother Bob: The Bible mentions here that there is such a thing as unhealthy friends and associates. What would happen if a person surrounded himself with these kinds of friends? Well, it states that those types of friends would corrupt good character. So what’s the good advice given to navigate those decisions on who to spend time with?  He said, “don’t be deceived by what the world promotes! Be sensible, do what’s right.”  How do I know if someone is an unhealthy friend? What is good and right? Remember, dear friends, that was already defined in Romans 7:12: So then, the Law itself is holy, and the commandment is holy, right, and good. [Romans 7:12 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: God’s laws are what are good and right. So we had a viewer, in fact, who emailed to the program and asked specifically about such unhealthy or bad friends. Jason from San Diego, asked it this way, “Why do people pretend to be your friends when in reality they’re not?” [On-screen text graphic] Jason Kim | San Diego, California Why do people pretend to be your friends when in reality they’re not? Brother Bob: This is exactly what the Bible is talking about here. Those are the unhealthy friends that can corrupt, that can present as friendly, yet can corrupt your character.  Now, when it comes to the type of friendship that Christians should have, how should Christians or true members of the Church Of Christ interact and feel towards each other? What does Christ instruct His disciples? Let’s read in John 13, 34 and 35:  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” [John 13:34-35 New King James Version] Brother Bob: The Lord Jesus Christ gives an important commandment to follow, and it identifies or presents the mark that we are truly His disciples. What is it? He said, “that you love one another.” Therefore, as Christians, we are not just to be nice enough to each other, right? But rather, Jesus was very clear. He said, “have love” for each other. And how much should Christians love one another? Jesus also clarified that when He said, “as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” Therefore, [it] needs to be real, honest, genuine love, the kind of love that would make us willing to sacrifice for each other. This is a level of love and a level of friendship that is uncommon today, you know, in this world. What would loving each other in this way that Jesus spoke about here, what would it prove? As we read, the Lord Jesus explained, He said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Why is Christ requiring this, requiring His disciples or true Christians to love one another, not just be friendly, but to love one another? What is the relationship to each other, also according to our Lord Jesus Christ? We turn this time to Matthew 23:8. Jesus said this: But you are not to be called “Rabbi,” because you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. [Matthew 23:8 Christian Standard Bible] Brother Bob: What do they have in common, making them brothers and sisters? Well, Jesus went on to add in the following verse, in verse nine, what they have in common: Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. [Matthew 23:9 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So here we can see the unique relationship Christians have with each other. Here, the Lord Jesus said to His disciples that, “you are all brothers and sisters.” Now, we can understand why Christ’s commands love to prevail among His followers because they’re brothers and sisters or part of a brotherhood in the Church. But in what way are followers of Christ brothers and sisters to each other? Why did He use that term? Because real Christians, or members of the true Church Of Christ, have only one spiritual Father. As He said, “He who is in heaven.” They are brothers and sisters in the faith, and therefore commanded to love one another, brothers and sisters. Now, we have established that since real Christians should always maintain their love for one another, it’s because they’re brothers and sisters. But do we know that every type of relationship experiences some type of disputes, right, or some type of misunderstandings creep in now and again. So how then should we deal with frenemies before, in fact, it gets to the point of resentment or even animosity? How do we resolve problems and conflicts that can lead to such resentment? Again, we turn to the Holy Bible for an answer, and we read from the book of Matthew, chapter 18, verse 15, wherein it says the following: “If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back. [Matthew 18:15 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Here, the Lord Jesus Christ’s instruction to any disciple who, well, may feel like he’s been wronged or sinned against by a fellow Christian, is to “go to him.” And what? “Show him his fault.” Notice it’s not the sinner that Christ is instructing. We point this out because many feel like they’ve been wronged, then they’ll just wait to be approached. In the meantime, feel resentment, stalking maybe, even their friend’s social media accounts, waiting for even that small sign that their friend was apologetic.  But we can see the wisdom in Christ’s instruction because many times a person who offends another, they’re not even aware that an offense was made. But the one who was offended, well, they’re fully aware, right? So what’s the purpose one should have when approaching a fellow Christian who has done some wrong or caused some offense against you? Christ said, “go to him, show him his fault.” So that the offended is being instructed to approach his brother to talk things over and try to resolve the problem. Notice also the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ regarding how to talk things over. He said, “do it privately, just between yourselves.” Again, we can also see how Christ is guiding His followers how to properly contain misunderstandings in order to solve them and to not allow them to spread, worsen, right? Unlike some who unfortunately, purposely, broadcast their conflicts and discuss the problem with everybody, everybody except the party involved. And they do it sometimes on social media, which is, that’s the opposite of privacy, right? So if conflicts are handled by following these biblical instructions, what would be the outcome between two faithful Christians? Christ said, “If he listens to you, you have won your brother back.” More often than not, good, open communication can help solve misunderstanding. But is that the only thing needed to resolve a conflict or a problem between Christians in order to avoid the resentment leading to animosity, in order to avoid awkward interactions, where your status as friends and even the status of the brotherhood is in question? What’s necessary to fully resolve a conflict and restore the love between brothers and sisters in the faith? I’d like to quote an important instruction, this time in the writings of Apostle Paul. In Ephesians, chapter four, verse 32, it says: And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. [Ephesians 4:32 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So, as Christians, we’re instructed to be kind and tenderhearted to one another. If problems arise that can cause, well, resentment, open communication has been applied as instructed, what then is necessary to restore love and peace? As we read, there needs to be forgiveness. If one complains that, well, “It’s not my fault,” then he should do the forgiving. If the other one says, “I didn’t do anything wrong,” then he, too, should then forgive because the instruction was very clear—forgive one another.  So both should perform the act of forgiving, and what was the biblical example of how to forgive each other? Well the Bible stated, “even as God in Christ forgave you.” So let’s remember that we all have committed sin against God and, well, [we’re] constantly asking Him for forgiveness, right? When God forgives, He does not hold us prisoner of our mistakes and resent us, especially if we genuinely change. This is how we’re instructed to forgive one another—fully, completely. Reviewing, then, the questions that we started our discretion with: “What is a true friend?” It is someone who loves us and would sacrifice for us. “What type of friendship does Christ instruct His disciples to have?” It is a friendship that’s based on the fact that we are brothers, sisters, under our Father in heaven. “How should problems that can lead to resentment be handled?” We learned that we should go to our friend before they become a frenemy, and speak to them privately to resolve the issue. So now we can answer the question also: “Can Christians be frenemies?” The answer is no. Instead of being frenemies, or merely pretending to be friendly with each other, properly resolve conflicts. How? By following Christ’s instructions and restoring genuine, brotherly love. Why? Because that’s in the Bible. We’d like you to continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ.  [On-screen text graphic] Visit incmedia.org Brother Bob: So please visit us online and browse the different topics, or set up an appointment to meet with a minister of the Gospel. And if you have any questions about the Bible, salvation, please email them to us.  [On-screen text graphic] [email protected] [On-screen text graphic] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching! See you next time right here on That’s in the Bible! [Show close][/expand]

Felix Y. Manalo in Isaiah 46:11 [On-screen text graphics] My pastor told me that the one prophesied in Isaiah 46:11 is not Felix Manalo, but Cyrus. Why don’t you believe that Cyrus is the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 46:11?  Russelly Brookner of Seattle, WA [On-screen text graphics]  Brother Bob Pellien  Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: We’re very thankful to you, Russelly Brookner from Seattle, Washington, for that question, also for the opportunity to give you a different point of view from that of your pastor. Prophecy in Isaiah 46:11 Brother Bob: You know, since we’re discussing a particular prophecy and what it’s referring to, let’s examine the prophecy, and learn what are the conditions that one has to meet in order to be the fulfillment of that prophecy. The particular prophecy in question for today is recorded in Isaiah 46:11. And let’s read that verse, and even continue down all the way through verse 13. Here’s where it’s recorded, here’s what it says: Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. “Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, Who are far from righteousness: I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory. [Isaiah 46:11-13 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, we should notice three conditions that the Bible gives in order to describe this particular servant of God. Place of origin was the first. What was it? A far country in the east or Far East. The second, the task that was given to accomplish. What was it? To execute God’s counsel by bringing His righteousness near to people. [On-screen text graphics]  Place of origin: a far country in the east or Far East Task given to accomplish: execute God’s counsel by bringing His righteousness near to people  Brother Bob: God’s righteousness, as we have learned from other lessons, Romans 1:16 and 17, is the gospel. So, his role: to preach the gospel. And the third, people that God will send this servant to. Who were they? They are those who are far from righteousness, or far away from the true gospel. [On-screen text graphics]  People that God will send this servant to: those who are far from righteousness Brother Bob: So, we pose the question: Does Cyrus meet those Biblical conditions? Could Cyrus be the fulfillment of that prophecy, being the one referred to there? [On-screen text graphics]  QUESTION: Does Cyrus meet these biblical conditions proving to be the one referred to?  Brother Bob: He can’t! Why not? What’s the proof? Let’s go over clearly what the Bible teaches about Cyrus. For example, in terms of the place of origin, where is Cyrus from? [On-screen text graphics]  QUESTION: Where is Cyrus from? Brother Bob: The Bible teaches this in Ezra, chapter 1, verse 1, wherein it says this: Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, [Ezra 1:1 New King James Version]  Brother Bob: Let’s pause there. We [already have] our answer. According to what we have read, Cyrus was from what place? Persia. [On-screen text graphics] Cyrus was a Persian Brother Bob: In fact, he was the king of Persia, and Persia is not a far country in the east, as the prophecy describes. Persia is in the near east. Let’s take a look at another element of the prophecy, in terms of the task or the assignment, that God gave to Cyrus to accomplish. Was Cyrus to preach the gospel? Was it his assignment to preach the gospel, or to bring God’s righteousness near again to people? [On-screen text graphics]  QUESTION: Was Cyrus a preacher of the gospel to bring God’s righteousness to people?  Brother Bob: Let’s find out! Isaiah 44, verse 28, reads this way: Who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, “You shall be built,” And to the temple, “Your foundation shall be laid.” ’ [Isaiah 44:28 New King James Version]  Brother Bob: Dear friends, the Bible teaches the assignment of Cyrus, teaches that Cyrus was sent by God to restore Jerusalem and to restore the temple, not to preach the gospel to those that were far from the gospel, or far from righteousness as Isaiah 46:11-13 described. That was not the assignment given to Cyrus. Cyrus cannot, therefore, be the fulfillment of that prophecy. How about the people that God sent Cyrus to? [On-screen text graphics] QUESTION: How about the people God sent Cyrus to?  Brother Bob: Were those people far from righteousness, as the prophecy in Isaiah 46 indicated? Well, we have already learned that God sent Cyrus to restore Jerusalem and the temple, which was for God’s nation of Israel. What was the condition of Israel? Were they far from God’s words? Far from His righteousness? Far from His teaching? Far from His law, that they needed to be brought near to it again by Cyrus? We can read the answer to that in Romans. In the book of Romans, chapter 9. Let’s listen together to what’s recorded here in verse 4, [it’s described] like this: the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. [Romans 9:4 New International Version]  Brother Bob: Dear friends, the Bible makes [it] clear here that Israel [was] not far from God’s righteousness, or far from God’s law. In fact, they were the ones that already had the law. Therefore, we can safely conclude that the messenger being mentioned in the prophecy written in Isaiah 46:11 is definitely not Cyrus. [On-screen text graphics]  The messenger being mentioned in the prophecy written in Isaiah 46:11 is definitely not Cyrus  Brother Bob: It’s impossible. Why? He does not fit that prophecy. He is from the wrong place [and] he did not do what the prophecy indicated. Why should we believe this? Because this is not merely an option that we feel, an opinion that we feel, but this is the truth, because that’s in the Bible. Who is the bird of prey from the east? Brother Bob: So, dear friends, if Cyrus is definitely not the messenger prophesied in Isaiah 46:11, then who is the one who fulfills the conditions described in the prophecy of Isaiah 46:11 and many more Biblical prophecies? It is none other than Brother Felix Y. Manalo. Remember the three conditions that we learned about earlier, from the prophecy that the Bible gives to describe this particular servant of God? First, place of origin. What did we read? [A] far country in the east or Far East. What was the second? The task or the assignment given to accomplish. What was it? To execute God’s counsel, or His words, by bringing His righteousness—God’s righteousness. [On-screen text graphics]  Place of origin: a far country in the east or Far East  Task given to accomplish: execute God’s counsel by bringing His righteousness near to people  Brother Bob: God’s righteousness is the gospel. Romans 1:16 and 17. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” [Romans 1:16-17 New King James Version]  Brother Bob: [Brother Felix Y. Manalo’s] assignment [was] to bring that gospel, bring God’s righteousness near, again, to God’s people. Number three, the people God will send a servant to was [an] important part of the prophecy. Who were they? Those who are far from righteousness, or far from the true gospel. [On-screen text graphics]  People God will send this servant to: those who are far from righteousness Brother Bob: Brother Felix Manalo was from the Philippine Islands, which is the Far East, a far country in the east. He was also a preacher of the pure gospel, never teaching personal opinions, but rather, always reading the Bible’s answers to questions. He was sent to people, who, until actually hearing what he preached from the Bible, were not even aware of how far away from the truth they really were. [On-screen text graphics]  Brother Felix Y. Manalo:  from the Far East (Philippine Islands)  preacher of the pure gospel  sent to those who are far from righteousness  Brother Bob: That’s the reason why members of the Church Of Christ, from which this program is produced, believe it cannot be Cyrus. It’s not Cyrus, but instead, Brother Felix Manalo. He brought the true gospel near to people—brought those who were far from it, in false religions, brought them back to the true gospel, in fulfillment of the prophecy. He is the fulfillment of what is recorded here in the Bible. When you’re ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, visit us at incmedia.org. [On-screen text graphics] incmedia.org  Brother Bob: Why? There, you are going to find various series of programs all dedicated to answering your spiritual questions. You can also follow our Facebook pages at Iglesia Ni Cristo News and Updates, as well as Iglesia Ni Cristo Media. [On-screen text graphics]  facebook.com/IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates [On-screen text graphics]  facebook.com/IglesiaNiCristoMedia  Brother Bob: There, you can view more of our shows. If you want to see how, for example, how the Church gets involved with our communities, you can go to incgiving.org. [On-screen text graphics]  incgiving.org  Brother Bob: If you want to find a house of worship that is nearest to you, so you can join us and our worship services, visit the iglesianicristo.net. [On-screen text graphics] iglesianicristo.net/directory Brother Bob: And if you have questions you’d like addressed here on the show, please email them to us at [email protected]. [On-screen text graphics] Do you have questions about the Bible? Send your videos to: [email protected]  Brother Bob: Thank you all for joining us. We’ll see you again next time on That’s in the Bible!  

Were Homosexuals Made in God’s Image Too? Brother Bob Pellien: As Christians, we believe that we were all made in God’s image, but some ask us, “Does that also include homosexuals? Were they also made in God’s image?” Hello, everyone. Welcome to That’s In The Bible where the basis of the teachings here in the Church Of Christ is first and foremost, the Bible, the Holy Scriptures. And we want to clarify, as we regularly do, that the Bible does not answer just any and all questions, but regarding proper worship, right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation. Those answers are most definitely here in the Holy Bible. [On-screen logo graphic] That’s in the Bible! Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program, That’s In The Bible. [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: On a recent episode, we addressed some questions about homosexuality, and gender identity, as well as same sex marriage. Today, we’ll be answering a viewer’s question about the nature of people, continuing though in the context of our community members who are homosexual. Patrick emailed and asked, “In Genesis, doesn’t God say He ‘made man in our likeness?’ What does that mean?” That’s from Patrick in Calgary. Well, we thank you very much, Patrick, for your question. And what it means to be created in God’s likeness, well, it’s important for all of us to understand. Understanding this will also answer similar questions that we received like: “Were homosexuals made in God’s image too?” Remember, God is perfect. Therefore, does this mean God made us perfect as we are, since we’re in and created in His image? So, in today’s discussion, we’ll be learning more about being created in God’s image from these points of question like: “In what way were we created in God’s image?” And, “Did God make us perfect?” And, “What are the consequences of not upholding the image we were created in?” So, dear friends, what does God advise to those, well, when they want to fulfill being created in God’s image, and they believe they were born without the ability to do so? Let’s address these questions. In order to answer the first question regarding creation, let’s go to the verse being referenced by Patrick in his question, and that’s recorded here in the first book of the Bible, the Book of Genesis, chapter 1, and we’ll read here, you can follow along on the screen, verse 27: So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. [Genesis 1:27 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Here, dear friends, we can read that, well, as God’s creations we were made in the image of God. Yes. It should be clear, however, that the image being mentioned, it’s not the physical image. We’re sure of that. Why? Because well, for example, according to I Timothy 1:17, God is invisible. In John 4:24, God is referred to there as a spirit, and that proves He has no flesh and bones, as in Luke 24:39 that spirit does not have flesh and bones. It’s clear then and in the image of God being referred to, it’s not then the physical human form. It’s not our body, it’s not our genetics, it’s not our functions, or our features. So in what way, then, are we all created in the image of God? And for that answer, we turn to the writings of Apostle Peter in I Peter 1:15, and 16, it says: but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” [I Peter 1:15-16 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So here, dear friends, we see in what way we were created in God’s image. We were created to be holy. We were created to reflect holiness. God himself said, “Be holy, for I am holy.” Would this mean that we’re automatically holy, that the personality, the characteristics, the essence of being, all that we know of ourselves, is automatically holy? Some might think, “Since I’m like this,” like you know referring to various tendencies or traits in themselves, including homosexuality, “therefore, I’m supposed to be like this.” Is that how we should understand these biblical verses, dear friends? God made us perfect, no need to do anything, no need to learn God’s teachings. How can we follow God’s instructions to be holy? What can we use to reflect holiness? How can we become holy and reflect in the likeness of God? We can read the answer here in the book of John, chapter 17. Let’s quote the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, here in verse 17: Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. [John 17:17 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, it’s God’s word, His truth, His instructions, commandments, His laws, is what can make a person holy. How so? Why so? Because it can sanctify someone. God’s laws, His commandments, they are what is good. That’s also mentioned in Romans 7:12, which is why when one follows them, he is sanctified. What’s the meaning of sanctified? To be purified, to be made clean in God’s eyes, or to be made holy, and therefore reflect the image of God, His image of holiness. This is the precise reason, dear friends, that the only thing that we, here inside the Church Of Christ, base our faith upon and share to all of you is what is actually written here in the Holy Bible. Because following God’s law is what we were created to do. We were created to reflect the holiness of God, so that we can be and live in the image of God or in His image of holiness. Now, we realize that it can be confusing when, especially leaders of different religions, while supposedly leading people to follow the Bible, say things that contradict the Bible. For example, when the Pope tells a gay man, “God made you like this.” [On-screen text graphics] “Pope Francis tells gay man: ‘God made you like this’” The Guardian Sunday, May 20, 2018 theguardian.com Brother Bob: In an earlier program, we studied the biblical truths regarding God’s prohibition against same-sex relationships. So anyone who tells a person who is currently living a lifestyle contrary to God’s words, and they would say something like, “God made you this way, so it’s therefore okay,” is obviously not speaking on God’s behalf, not speaking God’s words, but rather from their own opinions and how they have been influenced to believe in their own life, contrary to the word of God. Many studies, even debates, have already been done and much research has been published, all in an effort to find a biological or an environmental cause of homosexuality. Scientists have studied, for example, the human anatomy and even neuroanatomy to find out if the cause of homosexuality is biological. But up to now, they still have not found any conclusive proof that it is. The reality is that, up to now, no scientific evidence has been shown that homosexuality is inherited or that an individual is, in fact, born homosexual. So, what does the Bible say about people being created in God’s image, with the instruction to be holy as God is holy, but who have chosen to live a life outside of God’s law? The answer I quote from the Holy Bible once again. Ecclesiastes 7:29 reads this way: Lo, this is the only reason for it that I have found: God made man upright, but they [men and women] have sought out many devices [for evil]. [Ecclesiastes 7:29 Amplified Bible] Brother Bob: Dear friends, is there any one of our viewers right now living a life against God’s law? What you have to accept—it’s not the Creator’s fault. The Bible clearly says that God made us upright. He made us the right way. He made us able to be holy with every ability to follow his law. That is the image of God that we were created in, to live a life of holiness and obedience to His law. So why, then, are there those who are not remaining upright? As we just read here, the Bible said because people “have sought out many devices [for evil].” So, the people living a life against God’s law: No, God did not make you that way. No. God gives us the choice of how to be and how to live. And, dear friends, what are the consequences if we do not live by or, we choose to live, breaking the laws of God? Listen once again to the answer of God. First John chapter three, verse four says: Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God’s law, because sin is a breaking of the law. [I John 3:4 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: The biblical definition of sin, dear friends, is the breaking of God’s law. This is why we cannot accept that there are people born homosexuals, created by God to be on the path of a homosexual lifestyle, or that it is an innate character trait. Because if that were true, it would contradict God’s own teachings written in the Bible. God did not create us to break His law or to be lacking in the ability to abide by it. Remember, dear friends, the Bible says, “God made man upright.” In fact, in other translations of the Bible, it says that God made people good or uncorrupted. Although some would have us believe that there’s nothing wrong with always following one’s own passions and desires, we have to be aware that it is very wrong to do so, if the passion or the desire is what God regards as evil or wrong. Those that find themselves proudly identifying as homosexuals, how does the Bible describe this kind of passion being that it is outside of God’s law? Well let’s, again, let God answer. These responses are not coming from us. We’re just reading them here in the Holy Scripture. So, for example, in the book of Romans, chapter 1, we’ll read first verse 28, and we’ll also read verse 25, 26, and 27: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchange the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. [Romans 1:28, 25-27 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, it is the Bible that describes people, women with women, men with men, and described it as going against the nature God created for them. The Bible describes their acts, even calls it shameful, and the kind of passion that they have was called what? To quote the word of God, a “vile passion.” Therefore, living this way, it would not be living in the image of God. Is there anyone here in this program, joining us in this program today, that wants to live in the image of God but has homosexual inclinations or desires? What is the advice of the Bible? What guidance can be found in the Holy Scriptures, because God also holds out an invitation for those who hope to live within God’s laws but feel like these desires are out of their control, or these desires are too much for them to deny. Do you feel like you were born that way? There’s an important reminder of our Creator, spoken of by the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians, chapter 10, verse 13. Let’s hear this wonderful pronouncement of our Lord God: But remember this—the wrong desires that come into your life aren’t anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation’s power so that you can bear up patiently against it. [I Corinthians 10:13 The Living Bible] Brother Bob: The Bible reminds us that we “can trust God to keep that temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. That’s His promise. That’s the love of God. Again, we can see that love of our Creator here, right? He will not place us in a situation where we’re not able to live in His image, or to reflect His image of holiness, to reflect the obedience that will sanctify and purify us. He won’t make that too difficult for us. He will help us. He will help you if you’re feeling those passions, and you know that you need to change them. God is here. It is true that we as human beings, well you know, we have weaknesses right? Which is why it is necessary to follow God’s guidance, follow His laws on our path to holiness. What should we remember if we ever feel alone in battling the desires to commit sin? Remember what we just read, dear friends. I quote, “remember this—the wrong desires that come into your life aren’t anything new and different.” So, you’re not the first one to have encountered this problem. How then can a person who realizes that he’s not living in the true image of God, which is being holy and upright, and they adjust his or her lifestyle to the way God intended? The answer is also recorded here in the Bible. We turn to the writings of Apostle Paul in Ephesians, chapter 4, verse 21 through 24, he said: You certainly heard about him, and as his followers you were taught the truth that is in Jesus. So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. [Ephesians 4:21-24 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: The Bible mentions, dear friends, the first step to renewing our life is to be taught the truth, and it’s only by hearing and learning the truth, which we learned earlier when we read John 17:17 is God’s words that will sanctify, God’s words, that one would then realize the error of their ways. Does merely realizing it, though, or admitting the error of one’s ways mean that we’re now living in the image of God.? No, of course not. Not yet. So what’s the next step? What do we do now if, “I know that I need to change, I know I need to do something different, I need help?” The next step, what did the Apostle Paul instruct? “Get rid of your old self.” “Which self is that old self that I need to get rid of?” one may ask. Well, the Bible said, it’s the one that “made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires.” So what is needed then, dear friends, to truly get rid of our old self one may ask? Well it says, “Your hearts and minds must be made completely new.” So our idea, our own mind, our own opinion, our own idea of what we call right and wrong, can change, must change. How would a person be able to prove this change in their life? The Bible also said you have to “put on the new self.” What is this new self referring to? The kind of person “created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in true life that is upright and holy.” God gave us clear instructions on how to pursue the holiness that He created us for. We started this discussion with a few main questions that we hope everyone understands now, as they have been answered by God. Brother Bob: Yes, we were all created in God’s image. Yes. But that image was not the physical nature but was the image of holiness, it was our capacity to live upright and to follow God’s commands. God did not create us cookie-cutter perfect specimens of utmost obedience. No. We have weaknesses, failures that are our own responsibility to correct. Thankfully, we have His laws. We have His commands, the guidance He provides to follow, so He’s there with us helping us attain that holiness, that upright stature of being in His likeness that he asks us, asks from us. This is the way of life we were intended to live in the first place, a life in the image of God. We have learned today the starting process to truly live in God’s image. And that is what we have to do, because  That’s in the Bible. You know, dear friends, there are many similar topics regarding sexuality and self expression that we’ve been covering and discussing here on the program That’s In The Bible. Some of these have included: How many genders did God create? and Does god support same sex marriage? Continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ. Visit us. Visit us online as well and browse the different topics. [On-screen text graphics] Visit incmedia.org Brother Bob: Set up an appointment if you’d like to meet with a minister of the gospel. If you have any questions about the Bible, about salvation, please email them to us. [On-screen text graphics] [email protected] Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time, right here, on That’s In The Bible. [On-screen logo graphic] That’s in the Bible! [On screen graphic] INC Media Services © All Rights Reserved 2022 [Show closes]

Does God Support Gay Marriage? [Show opens] Brother Bob Pellien: Can one believe in the Bible or be a true Christian and at the same time believe in, or promote on our social media accounts, same-sex marriage? Does God support same-sex marriage?  Hello, everyone, and welcome to this program! The basis of the teachings here, in the Church Of Christ, is and will always be the Bible or the Holy Scriptures.  Now, we want to clarify though that the Bible does not answer just any and all questions, but regarding proper worship, regarding [the] right relationship with God, and most importantly regarding salvation—those answers, most definitely, are here in the Holy Bible.  [On-screen logo graphic] That’s in the Bible! [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob Pellien: I’m Bob Pellien and welcome to That’s in the Bible! On a recent episode of this program, we addressed the question, “How many genders does God recognize?” or “How many genders did God actually create?”, which the biblical answer is, as we learned then, was two: and they’re male and female.  Now, we move on to another question on a similar topic that was emailed to the program by Annie. Annie asks us this: “What does the Bible say about gay marriage?”  [On-screen text graphics] Annie | San Diego, California, USA What does the Bible say about gay marriage? Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you, Annie for that question. [On-screen text graphics] Can two people of the same sex or gender be married in God’s sight? Does God support same-sex marriage? Brother Bob Pellien: So, can two people of the same sex or gender be married in God’s sight? Can one believe in the Bible and be a true Christian and at the same time believe in or promote, like I said a while ago, promote on their social media accounts same-sex marriage? Like. Share. Does God support same-sex marriage?  Again, before we start reading the answer, we would like to clarify ahead [that] we do value and recognize the human rights of every individual. We as Christians also, we do not tolerate that any person is oppressed or discriminated against by others. And, we do not promote hatred against anyone. With that said, to answer the question regarding same-sex marriage, we turn as always to the Holy Bible to understand what is marriage and what marriage is not. And we do that by turning to the book of Genesis, chapter 1, verse 27 and 28, and it reads this way: So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”  [Genesis 1:27-28 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien: So, dear friends, here we can see that marriage was established by none other than the Creator Himself. It’s important to understand that there is no culture, there’s no country, nor government, nor any person or group of people that came up with or established marriage. Marriage, it’s not simply a legal institution. It’s an institution established by God. So, it is a religious union or a spiritual union. Why? Because the two, they cannot be joined as one in God’s sight unless they first seek the blessing, the blessing from Him, since God’s the One who established marriage.  Dear friends, this union, like all of God’s other institutions, has very clear rules and guidelines that cannot be altered or adjusted by anyone. The Bible is very clear that the two God joins together is male and the female, or a man and a woman.  And after blessing them, or marrying the first couple, what was His instruction to them? He gave the instruction to go forth and multiply, fill the earth.  Consider: that cannot be done by those who enter into that marital union as same-sex partners, obviously. Even with the help of modern medical science, a child created for these same-sex couples is not a product of their union with each other. Which is why, therefore, we are very sure that same-sex marriage is not what God has established. Now to be fair, many may argue that, well, because this is a new day and age, a whole new era–the Christian era, and the complexities of modern life, current culture should be taken into account, there should be a change in attitude. “Jesus is love,” they would say. Others simply avoid taking a stand at all for fear of offending others and say, for example, “Who am I to judge others?” And there are even some who say, “Christ never discriminated. He taught love.”  Dear friends, being that we are living in the Christian era, the Lord Jesus Christ is Whom we should follow and listen to, which is the true definition of a Christian anyway. And because we should not be judging others, and that’s true really, who are we to judge, right, we should simply respect and follow the judgments of the ultimate Judge–God our Creator.  [On-screen text graphics] What does the Bible teach regarding marriage? Brother Bob Pellien: According to Jesus, what does the Bible actually teach regarding marriage? Has God’s original establishment of marriage, that we read a moment ago in the book of Genesis from the Old Testament, has that changed according to His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ? Let’s read what Jesus actually says on that matter, in Matthew, 19, verses 4 through 6. He said: And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?  So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”  [Matthew 19:4-6 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien: Dear friends, we can see how there is nothing vague or confusing about Christ’s teaching regarding marriage. Our Lord Jesus Christ shows how God’s policy stands to this day: marriage is between man and woman. In fact, Christ even quoted word-for-word what is written earlier, as we read earlier, in the Holy Scriptures so as to avoid any misinterpretation. True Christians follow Christ’s teachings, so they can be right with their Creator—the only Judge, as we also mentioned earlier.  It’s understandable, though, that there are countries now that are changing their laws to recognize same-sex marriages. But, it should also be understood that same-sex marriages will only be recognized by man’s laws, not God’s, because God’s law written here in the Holy Bible does not change based upon ever-changing cultural tolerances.  Maybe some however are thinking, or maybe even are a bit conflicted thinking that, “I thought Christ preached a message of love and understanding. How is this possible if He does not allow same-sex marriages?” Dear friends, to clarify how Christ’s stand and policy on marriage is in fact really a message of love; how could that be? Well, I Corinthians, chapter 6, verses 9 and 10 read this way: Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.  [I Corinthians 6:9-10 New International Version] Brother Bob Pellien: Why should this be considered a message of love? The message of love makes it clear what will happen if one does right or does wrong. We can see here that it is wrong to engage in same-sex or homosexual relationships, just as it is wrong to steal, or to slander, or to swindle others. It is a warning, a loving warning, to help people be saved from what will happen if left to their own desires. The biblical truth is that those who do these acts “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Making this perfectly clear is a great manifestation of the deep love of Christ. He doesn’t want anyone to be punished by God.   Christ’s love for all people is the reason He taught the truth. The modern, pop cultural concept that Christ’s love approves of and encompasses any and all relationships between consenting adults—it’s NOT in the Bible. This is also the reason why we are here, why all of us here inside the Church Of Christ, continually share what is actually written here in the Bible. Why? So that just as we have read, we would “not be deceived” but we could still inherit the Kingdom of God. We are fully aware that there might be some who, as they watch this episode, we know there may be some to be hurt, get angry even, and refuse to believe what they’re hearing and seeing in the Bible. We also know that there are many more people who are not even interested in what’s in the Bible and would rather base their beliefs on their own sources, such as personal philosophies and ideologies, or internet influencers. Why is it not surprising that there are people who refuse to believe God’s words written in the Bible? It really is not surprising, and here’s why. We turn to the book of Psalms, 107, verse 11, because it says this:  Because they rebelled against the words of God, And despised the counsel of the Most High,  [Psalms 107:11 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien: Dear friends, the Bible makes mention here of the people even before who despised God’s words, decided to rebel against them. Are you one of those people today in our time?  So, what we are seeing today is, it’s nothing new. It’s just that society’s legal definition of marriage is one point of rebellion for some.  Now that we’ve learned God’s laws regarding marriage, that He established it, it’s He who blessed the first couple, a man and a woman, male/female to be joined together, well, what about those that have tendencies or desires to go against that set order? Dear friends, if there’s anyone watching at this moment who might have these tendencies, these feelings, the question now is: would you automatically be punished eternally for having these tendencies, having these feelings, feeling this way? We find the answer again here in the Holy Bible, and this time we turn to the book of James, chapter 1, verse 14 and 15: But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death.  [James 1:14-15 Amplified Bible]  Brother Bob Pellien: First of all, we have to clarify that not all desires or passions are evil. But notice: if the desire is drawing one away from God and tempted, entices one to break His commandments, then that is an evil desire. What we can notice in this verse, that we’ve just read here, is that every person is tempted but not all are tempted in the same way. Some may be tempted in other kinds of vices, in stealing, drinking, or gambling, or they easily get angry or maybe are easily led to laziness, immorality, or lust for same-sex relationships, whatever it may be.   What does the Bible say, however? Only those whose desires are allowed to conceive will it give birth to sin and bring forth death. Everyone is tempted, yes. But we can see also that merely having an evil desire, a passion, or let’s say the tendency, it does not—we have to emphasize that, dear friends—it does not automatically mean that you will not enter heaven or will be punished eternally.  It was made clear that when the evil desire of a person manifests itself by committing sin, or taking action on those evil desires, that is when a person falls into God’s judgment already established. Which is why, as we read earlier, the wrongdoer not the tempted, I repeat, the wrongdoer not the merely tempted, the ”wrongdoer will not inherit the kingdom of God.”  Even though many people today are very concerned with making sure they live their lives politically correct, we inside the Church Of Christ are primarily concerned that we live our lives biblically correct or in accordance with God’s will. This is, again, the reason why learning these biblical truths is truly God’s love for us. People say Jesus is love. He is! He warned us. That is love. We hope, through this teaching today that comes from the Lord here in the Holy Scriptures, we have all received that love.  But there are many similar topics yet, similar topics regarding sexuality and self expression that we’ll be covering regularly here on upcoming episodes of That’s in the Bible. And some of these topics include: Gender identity, Being created in God’s image. [On-screen text graphics] Gender identity Being created in God’s image Brother Bob Pellien: We’d like you to continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ).  [On-screen text graphics] Visit Incmedia.org Brother Bob Pellien: Please visit us online and browse the different topics, or set up an appointment to meet with a minister of the gospel. If you have any questions about the Bible, about salvation, please email them to us.  [On-screen text graphics] [email protected] Brother Bob Pellien: I’m Bob Pellien.  [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob Pellien: Thanks for watching. See you next time, as we continue this discussion, right here on That’s in the Bible! [On-screen logo graphic] That’s in the Bible  INC MEDIA SERVICES © All Rights Reserved 2022 [Show closes]

  Brother Bob Pellien: Everyday people are working hard, working to make ends meet and sacrificing to provide for their families, laboring without end. Do our efforts in life have any importance if we all die in the end? Let’s find the answer, here, in the Holy Bible.  [Show open]  Bob Pellien: Hello everyone and welcome to That’s in the Bible! And the basis of the teachings here in the Church Of Christ is always the Bible, the Holy Scriptures. Now we want to clarify, as we do regularly, that the Bible does not answer just any and all questions, but regarding proper worship, the right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation – those answers are most definitely in the Bible.  Dear friends, today we’re answering a question from John Mota. He writes: [On-screen text graphics] Why do people strive to succeed in this life? They strive so hard in school and after school, they go to maybe other schools, or they try really hard to get a really stable career just in the end to die, when in the end it’s just death. So why do we all do that in our life just to meet death?  Brother Bob: Well, it seems to imply that working so hard just to provide, and such, is useless. It doesn’t have any value, it does not have any importance, and because we’re just going to end up dying anyway?  For us, however, inside the Church Of Christ, we would not embrace that particular observation or, let’s say, that particular way of thinking. Why not? Because we believe in an important promise of the Lord. And to understand this promise, let’s focus today on a few topics based on John’s question. We’ll be turning, of course, here, to the Bible, to answer the following:  [On-screen text graphics]  Will all of my efforts be forgotten after I die?  Why does it matter what I do in this life?  What kind of work should I be doing?  Will all my efforts be forgotten after I die?  Brother Bob: … is the question, dear friends, as promised.  Let’s turn to the Holy Scriptures and hear what the Lord has in response to these questions. Revelation, chapter 14, verse 13 begins answering this way: Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” [Revelation 14:13 New International Version]  Brother Bob: So, those who are laboring, dear friends, those who are sacrificing so much, they do not just die, and that’s the end of it. No. The Bible mentions very clearly here. They will rest from their labors, and there’s a record of their deeds that will follow them.  Brother Bob: How does the Bible further describe the record of their deeds that will go with them or will follow them? Let’s continue going to the Bible for answers to these important questions. And we’ll turn to the book of Revelation, chapter 20, verse 12 and 13 which reads this way: And I saw the dead, small and great standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.  [Revelation 20:12-13 New King James Version]  Brother Bob: So dear friends, the Bible is very clear. Everyone is judged according to their works. So, will one’s efforts end after you die? Clearly no. You will rest, says the Bible. And your deeds, the things, the actions of what you have done, the works you have accomplished, will follow you. You will be judged by these deeds. We will be judged, all of us, by our works. If the deeds recorded there in those books mentioned here in the Bible, [are] pleasing and acceptable to the Lord, and we are then worthy of salvation or eternal life to be with Him there in His Kingdom, well if that’s the case, this brings us to our next question: Why does it matter what I do in this life? How important are the things done in this life? In the book of 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4, verse 16 and 17: For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.  [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 New King James Version]  Brother Bob: So, dear friends, if our deeds are found acceptable to the Lord, we will be worthy to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Do you know what one’s life will be like there in the Kingdom of Heaven? The Bible also describes it. How? In the book of Revelation, chapter 21, verses 1, and let’s continue all the way to verse 4. It reads:  Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”  [Revelation 21:1-4 New King James Version]  Brother Bob: Dear friends, if you are worthy to enter that Kingdom of Heaven, there’s a perfect life waiting for you. A life without pain, a life without grief, a life without crying, a life without suffering. Does it mean that what we do in this life doesn’t matter? The opposite – it does matter what we do in this life! How are we sure? If your deeds are acceptable to God, then you will be worthy to go to this place – the Kingdom of Heaven. There is work in this life that has value, has importance, but not all work. Some work may, of course, fulfill certain responsibilities in life. Yes. But what work has the greatest value of all? And that brings us to our next topic:  [On-screen text graphics]  What kind of work should I be doing?  Brother Bob: The Bible responds this way. Again, going back to the writings of Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:58:  So then, my dear friends, stand firm and steady. Keep busy always in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord’s service is ever useless.  [1 Corinthians 15:58 Good News Translation]  Brother Bob: So, dear friends, there is labor, there is work for the Lord that is expected to be done, and that’s not useless. That’s not without importance or value. And some examples as we’ve also studied on this program: John, chapter 10, verse 9, the Lord’s instruction to enter into Him. Colossians 1:18: in His body which is the Church. Worship faithfully. Love the brotherhood. Invite our fellow men to join with us serving the Lord. Protect ourselves from the evils of the world around us. There is a lot of important works that the Lord instructs us to do as His loyal and faithful servants. There is important work that has to be done in this life to ensure one’s right to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  Let’s summarize. In conclusion, let’s review, dear friends, what we have just read from the Scriptures together. Our question was: [On-screen text graphics]  Will all my efforts be forgotten after I die?  Brother Bob: What did we read? No. You will rest. And then what? Your deeds will follow you. How so? You will be judged, as well, by those deeds or works done. If the deeds recorded there in those books are pleasing and acceptable to the Lord, we are worthy of salvation or eternal life with Him in His Kingdom. And we heard that Kingdom described. What else? What does it matter, when one says:  [On-screen text graphics]  Why does it matter what I do in this life? Brother Bob: Dear friends, it does matter what you do! Because if your deeds are acceptable to God, then you’ll be worthy of going to that place, the Kingdom of Heaven. There is work in this life that has value. It must be done. And then we asked: [On-screen text graphics]  What kind of work should I be doing?  Brother Bob: [The] answer in the Bible was what? There’s important work that has to be done in this life to earn one’s right into that kingdom. What was the instruction? Keep busy in your work for the Lord. That’s the work we have to be busy doing. Like I was saying, that’s why inside the Church Of Christ, we worship, we sing, we pray, we learn.  We’d like you to continue learning with us about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ. To do that, visit us online:  [On-screen text graphics]  Visit incmedia.org Brother Bob: Browse the different topics and set up an appointment to meet with a Minister of the Gospel. Join us in worship services. If you have questions about the Bible or about salvation, e-mail them to us.  [On-screen text graphics]  [email protected]  Brother Bob: Dear friends, I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching this program. We’ll see you again, next time, right here on That’s in the Bible!  [Show close]  [On-screen logo graphic]  INC Media Services  © All Rights Reserved 2022 

[Show open] [On-screen text graphics] That’s in the Bible [Video starts] Jessica Ronquillo: Hi. I’m Jessica Ronquillo. I’m from Union City, California, and I just had a question. What does the Bible have to say about the instability in this world? [Video ends] Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you for your question, and welcome, everyone, to That’s in the Bible, a program of the Iglesia Ni Cristo/Church Of Christ. Bad things happening in the world You are really correct. Many, along with you, have noticed that, well, the world has really become a very, very dangerous place. And just how dangerous has the world become? We could know that here by looking at a couple of statistics that are worth noting. For example: [On-screen text graphics – source: UNdata (data.un.org)] 3.1 million children each year die  Brother Bob: 3.1 million children, every year, die of poor nutrition and hunger. Imagine, in 2015 alone  [On-screen text graphics – source: UNdata (data.un.org)] 65 million people displaced by war Brother Bob: 65 million people were displaced by war. That’s 24 people a minute running away, running for their lives, from war. Earthquakes killed over a thousand people, so far, this year, with more catastrophic seismic events happening every day. Let’s start responding to your questions, and turning here to the Holy Scriptures.  First of all, as you have noticed, the instabilities and insecurities of the world around us, should we be shocked that this is what we see? Let’s begin turning to the Holy Scriptures for a response to your question. We turn, first, to 2 Timothy chapter 3, verse 1, the Bible says this But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. [2 Timothy 3:1 Amplified] The result of sins Brother Bob: You’re correct. The instabilities of this world, the insecurities of this world, and all that we witness taking place in this world, it is something that was predicted here in the Holy Scriptures. Is there anything that can really be done about it? What does the Bible have to say about all these things? Consider, first of all, after the Garden of Eden and man’s sin, which we all know has caused man to be exiled from paradise that God had set up for him, did man stop sinning? Did man learn their lesson? Let’s turn again to the Holy Scriptures in Isaiah, chapter 24, verse 5 and 6, the Bible says this  The people have defiled the earth by breaking God’s laws and by violating the covenant He made to last forever. So, God has pronounced a curse on the earth. Its people are paying for what they have done. Fewer and fewer remain alive. [Isaiah 24:5-6 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Not only does the Bible tell us, or predict, that these things that we’re seeing would all be taking place, it also tells us why. Man continued to commit sin. The sin in the Garden of Eden was not the last sin of mankind, obviously. Man continues to violate God’s laws, and what was the result? As we just read, God put a curse upon the earth. Well, what kind of curse? What kind of punishment would be felt by humanity because of sins consistently committed by people? Ezekiel chapter 7, let’s listen together to what’s recorded here in verse 15, wherein it says this There is fighting in the streets, and sickness and hunger in the houses. Anyone who is  out in the country will die in the fighting, and anyone in the city will be a victim of sickness and hunger.  [Ezekiel 7:15 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: So, what people are experiencing is something that was predicted as a result of man’s sins. The kind of curse that God has meted out upon humanity, because of their stubborness and sin, is just what we’re seeing. When we see all of the sickness, when we see disease, when we see fighting in the street, when we see these wars – all of these things – disasters and calamities and conflicts and the like, they come one after another. We, again, turn to the Holy Scriptures, and this time Deuteronomy 31:17 records the Lord’s response: And in that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day they will ask, “Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?” [Deuteronomy 31:17 New International Version] Brother Bob: That’s why we’re not shocked to see all the disasters and tragedies happening in the world, because as you call them, in fact, the instabilities. Well, it’s because the Lord God, as we just read, He’s not with the people of this world anymore. Their sins have separated people from God. What does God want us to do, then, that we may be back – that we may be back – in His grace and be spared of all these disasters that are happening around us? Again, we turn to the Holy Scriptures, Malachi 3, 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty. “But you ask,”How are we to return?” [Malachi 3:7 New International Version] How to return to God after sin Brother Bob: All of these instabilities that are happening in the world, there is hope. People need to return to God. Here in this verse, it’s as if God is asking humanity, Come on! Return to me, says God. But how? How can people return to God? What’s the way? Who’s the way back to God? Again, we turn to the Holy Scriptures, here in John 14, let’s read together verse 1 and verse 6: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. [John 14:1,6 New King James Version] Brother Bob: It’s Jesus who responds to our question. It’s only through Him, that people can really return to God. Except if one comes through him, he cannot be brought back into God’s graces. But of course the question is, how can one return to the Lord God through our Lord Jesus Christ? Is it enough to just believe in Him as many people in this world, especially in so many Christian professing religions are claiming? Can one just accept Him as one’s personal Lord and Savior, and then you’ll be spared from all these disasters, all these calamities, especially from the greatest calamity of all which will come on the day of judgment?  Well, these are very important questions, dear friends. Find out how we can truly benefit from Christ being the only way back to God. Find out how to be spared from all these disasters, including the punishment, on account of sins, that will be meted out on the day of judgment. Continue following this, and other programs and discussions on these topics, here in That’s in the Bible and in all of the programming found on incmedia.org.  Learn more about this topic and all other questions that you may have. Write them here, record them, send them into this program, That’s in the Bible. [On-screen text graphics] That’s in the Bible Brother Bob: Thanks for joining us. [On-screen text graphics] INCMEDIA Services

Permy: My question for the Bible is: Why is God taking so long to answer? I’ve been praying and praying about some things and God is just taking so… and He’s been promising me a whole lot of things. But it’s like, things are happening only slow, slow, slow.  So I just want to know why is it taking so long to do so? [Video ends] Brother Bob Pellien:  Thank you very much Permy for that very candid, and well, very straightforward question. And there may be others that are wondering the same thing. Some may be trying to let’s say troubleshoot where in the process of offering their prayers to God and having them granted. What happened? “Something must have gone wrong,” they might be saying, since they have not yet received what in fact they’ve been praying for. Very similar to the question of Permy. Why doesn’t God answer my prayers? Is God slow to answer?  Brother Bob: Does prayer not work some would ask? Is God really slow as Permy mentioned in her question? Well dear friends, the Bible clears up any misconception of the problem being on God’s part, or on God’s side. And we could read that in 2 Peter 3:9. Let’s take a look: The Lord is not slow to do what he has promised, as some think. Instead, he is patient with you, because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins. [2 Peter 3:9 Today’s English Version] Brother Bob: So Permy, according to what is written here in the Holy Scriptures, God is not slow in doing what He has promised.  [On-screen text graphic] God is not slow Brother Bob: So whatever God has stated here in the Holy Scriptures we can be absolutely sure that He will definitively fulfill those promises.  [On-screen text graphic] We can be absolutely sure that He will definitively fulfill those promises.  Brother Bob: That’s another reason why we’re so very confident in God’s response to our prayers. Reasons prayers are not answered Brother Bob: Well, with that being said, since a seemingly unanswered prayer is not due, then, to God being at fault, it’s not due to Him being slow, the one praying, then, has to examine whether or not they’re actually meeting the requirements to be heard, requirements to be answered by God. [On-screen text graphic] To be heard To be answered By God Brother Bob: Well, what are some of those requirements that God has? For those whose prayers He will assuredly answer. The bible also gives us in Matthew 21:22, it says this: Prayer of faith And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. [Matthew 21:22 English Standard Version] Brother Bob: So God requires us to have faith.  [On-screen text graphic] God requires us to have faith Brother Bob: So someone who is praying and asking God for something has to believe in the power of prayer; has to have faith in prayer.  Brother Bob: And what would be the terrible outcome, in fact, if one is praying and praying but yet they’re doubting in the power of that prayer? Let’s listen for a moment here in the book of James 1:6-8, it says this: But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, but he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. [James 1:6-8 New International Version] Brother Bob: So dear friends, the Bible here actually states that a person who doubts while praying should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  [On-screen text graphic] A person who doubts should not expect to receive anything. Brother Bob: But you know some try to, they try to haggle, you know, they try to, as if trying to negotiate with God, saying something like, “they will prove their faith by doing this or doing that, if God will just grant their prayers.”  [On-screen text graphic] They will prove their faith if God will grant their prayers. When does God answer prayers? Brother Bob: But you know that’s backwards. Since faith is one of the prerequisites to receiving what the person is praying for. So why do some who have faith not still receive what they ask for, while others do? Is faith the only requirement?  [On-screen text graphic] Is faith the only requirement? Brother Bob: We can read the answer in 1 John 3:22, it says this: And we receive from Him whatever we ask because we [carefully and consistently] keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight [habitually seeking to follow His plan for us]. [1 John 3:22 Amplified Bible] Brother Bob: So clearly the Bible states that in order to receive what we ask for from God or pray for, we need to carefully and consistently keep His commandments and also do the things that are pleasing in His sight.  [On-screen text graphic] Carefully Consistently Keep His commandments Brother Bob: In order to accomplish this, we need, of course, to know, we need to study, we need to learn, we need to know God’s laws written in the Holy Scriptures. We cannot follow that which we do not know. So after learning the biblical truths regarding the condition God set in order for Him to hear, in order for Him to grant our prayers, what would happen, in fact, if we ignored Him?  [On-screen text graphic] In order for Him to hear In order for Him to grant our prayers Brother Bob: Didn’t listen to Him? And then asked God in prayer to help with this, fix this, do that, heal this, well we’ve already learned that a lack of faith would hinder our prayer from being answered.  [On-screen text graphic] Lack of faith would hinder our prayer from being answered Brother Bob: But what if one just outright ignored God’s words. God Himself answers. And He answers here in the book of Proverbs 1:24-28: I have been calling you, inviting you to come, but you would not listen. You paid no attention to me. You have ignored all my advice and have not been willing to let me correct you. So when you get into trouble, I will laugh at you. I will make fun of you when terror strikes—when it comes on you like a storm, bringing fierce winds of trouble, and you are in pain and misery. Then you will call for wisdom, but I will not answer. You may look for me everywhere, but you will not find me. [Proverbs 1:24-28 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: From what we have read here dear friends, we’re able to even feel the anger of God towards those that just ignore His words. We have then to understand that in order to receive what we ask for from God, simply praying, although is so very necessary, it’s not enough.  [On-screen text graphic] Doing our part Seeking to learn Brother Bob: We have also to make sure that we are doing our part, seeking to learn, and then follow God’s truths His commandments, recorded here in the Holy Scriptures and then doing the things that are pleasing to Him. Truly having faith.  [On-screen text graphic] Truly having faith Brother Bob: If we do these things, then, that’s when God will not be slow in doing what He has been promised, we are sure, we have faith and believe in this. Why? Because that’s in the Bible. Dear friends, it’s the reason why we constantly invite everyone and anyone to join with us, watching the programs of the Church Of Christ, sit in on anyone of our scheduled Bible studies that are near to you. Observe a worship service in any of our places of worship. These are all opportunities to hear what is actually written in the Bible so that you may know God’s commandments in order to constantly obey them and thus bring prayers to Him that He will hear and respond to. So, when you’re ready to learn more about these fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, visit incmedia.org, there you will find various series of programs dedicated to answering your spiritual questions.  [On-screen text graphic] incmedia.org Brother Bob: You will also find there a directory of places of worship and place of worship nearest to your own place. And any time, you would like to send us your own video question which we could use on this program, email your questions to answers at incmedia.org.  [On-screen text graphic] Do you have questions about the Bible? Send us your videos to: [email protected] Brother Bob: That’s all we have time for today. Thank you for joining us, and we’ll see you again next time, here on That’s in the Bible.

Voiceover: Next on That’s in the Bible! [Video question] Leslie: My question is if God loves gay people or not. [Video ends] [On-screen text graphic] There are genes that can predispose both genders to be homosexually inclined. Does this mean there are evil genes? Brother Bob: If God created man, then this would include the flawed genes. According to the Bible, what should happen to homosexuals? It’s not for us to judge whether a homosexual or whether a drunkard or whether a thief, or anyone else for that matter, would enter into the kingdom of God. That’s not for us. Why so? Because God is the one who issues the decree. God is the one who issues judgment. [Show open] Brother Bob: Hello, I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Thanks for joining us in this episode of That’s in the Bible. Our first question for today comes from Leslie Vang of Kent, Washington. Here’s Leslie’s question. [Video question] Leslie: My question is that if God loves gay people or not. [Video ends] [On-screen text graphic] Does God love gay people or not? Does God Love Gay People? Brother Bob: Thank you, Leslie, very much for your question. We do receive quite a few questions here in the program concerning homosexuality. So, today in this episode, we’ll try to address a few of those issues and questions that we often receive. God of all is the purest manifestor of love. God’s love is not only for people who commit sin or have various lifestyles that may oppose the lifestyle that God had commanded for His people; His love was manifested in a very, very unique and specific way. What way? 1 John, chapter 4, verse 10, reads… This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the payment for our sins. [1 John 4:10 God’s Word Translation] Brother Bob: God loves people so much that He gave His only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to be the payment for sin. God loved people so much; He sent His son to answer for the sins of sinners. But, and here’s the thing, Leslie, what’s one of the many things that a person must do to ensure that they’ll be a beneficiary of God’s love, instead of being a recipient of His anger or His punishment? We turn once again to the Holy Scriptures. This time, the writings of the Prophet Isaiah, which says: Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have love, pity, and mercy for him, and to our God, for He will multiply to him His abundant pardon. [Isaiah 55:7 Amplified Version] Brother Bob: How then can one truly be a beneficiary of the love that God intends for people? He must be willing to return to the Lord, must be willing to obey His laws, His teachings, His commands, and then God said he would have His love, he would have His mercy, and He would multiply to him an abundant pardon. If then, dear friends, we show our love to God by obeying His ways, is there any chance that we would be on the losing end? Is there truly a benefit for being faithfully obedient to God’s ways? 1 Peter, chapter 1, verses 8 and 9. Let’s listen together to what the Holy Scriptures says: You love him even though you have never seen him; though not seeing him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with the inexpressible joy that comes from heaven itself. And your further reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. [1 Peter 1:8-9 The Living Bible] Brother Bob: One is not on the losing end, dear friends, if one resists all the temptations in the world around us. If one is inclined to commit any kind of sin and resists and remains loyal and faithful to God, He promises an inexpressible joy that comes from heaven itself, and the reward of salvation.  So, what then, dear friends, does God want for all of us? Remaining in the same writings of Apostle Peter, this time we turn to chapter 1, and let’s read together verses 14, 15, and 16: Obey God because you are his children; don’t slip back into your old ways – doing evil because you knew no better. But be holy now in everything you do, just as the Lord is holy, who invited you to be His child. He Himself has said, “You must be holy, for I am holy.” [1 Peter 1:14-16 The Living Bible] Brother Bob: Dear friends, there’s a lot of questions that come up concerning homosexuality, and we want to address all of them. So, let’s move on. Clearly, thus far, God made clear–He loves people, wants to bless, wants to forgive, only asks that we return to Him in faithful obedience.  Kyma from London, England also posed a question concerning homosexuality and in fact, it’s a multi-fold question. Here’s what she wrote: [On-screen text graphic] Question: Are we not created by God in His own image? There are genes that can predispose both genders to be homosexually inclined. Does this mean there are evil genes? But if God created man then this would include the flawed genes? [On-screen text graphic] Question: According to the Bible, what should happen to homosexuals? [On-screen text graphic] Are we not created by God in His own image? If so, what about the “evil” homosexual-linked gene? Aren’t We Created in God’s Image? Brother Bob: Well, we thank you for that series of questions, and let’s take a look at them one by one. First, regarding being created in God’s image–well, we can say right at the outset that is very true. But what we must be careful of is not to make the assumption that this is referring [to the fact] that man has been created in the image of God’s physical nature. Surely then, when we look in the mirror, all of us are not seeing the reflection of what God looks like, and we’re very sure of that because of what the Lord had recorded in John 4:24, which teaches us that God is a Spirit.  “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” [John 4:24 New King James Version] Brother Bob: And in the book of Luke, it makes mention that a Spirit is without flesh and bones.  “Behold My hands and My feet, that is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” [Luke 24:39 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So, we’re not created in God’s image in the context of what He looks like, or the nature of what God is made of–He’s a Spirit. So, in what way then are we created to be in the image of God? We turn to the Bible wherein it says, also in the writings of Apostle Peter; Apostle Peter wrote in chapter 1, verse 16. 1 Peter 1:16 reads… because it is written “Be holy, for I am holy.” [1 Peter 1:16 New King James Version] Brother Bob: If we look in the mirror, we’re not going to see what God looks like physically. But yet, we were created and intended to be in God’s image of holiness. [On-screen text graphic] Reflect in our life – in our lifestyle – holiness. Brother Bob: God is holy, and He expects us to reflect in our life – in our lifestyle – holiness. Our Creator is holy, and He asked us also to reflect that holiness by being faithful and obedient to His ways, to His laws, to a lifestyle that He has commanded and given to His creation to live, therefore, reflecting the image of God in the life we lead each and every day. [On-screen text graphic] What should happen to homosexuals? What should happen to homosexuals? Brother Bob: Now, Kyma, also asked what would happen to homosexuals. If you’re asking us to be the judge, that is not a right or privilege that God has given to us. It is only God who can judge, it is only God who can say what will happen to any one of us. So, here’s what God says regarding those that would be allowed and those that would not be allowed to enter into the kingdom of heaven. For example, in Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he writes in 1 Corinthians, chapter 6, beginning in verse 9: … Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or anyone practicing homosexuality, no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom. [1 Corinthians: 6:9-10 Holman Christian Standard] Brother Bob: It’s not for us to judge whether a homosexual or whether a drunkard or whether a thief, or anyone else for that matter, would enter into the kingdom of God–that’s not for us. Why so? Because God is the one who issues the decree, God is the one who issues judgment. And concerning since the question specifically honed in on homosexuality, God’s made very clear that those who are practicing homosexuality would not enter His kingdom.  There may very well be those who feel inclined to drink and become a drunk, but they will be judged whether or not they move on those inclinations, and drink and become a drunkard. There may be those who are very tempted and inclined to shoplift and be a thief, and when they go in the store, they’re very tempted – that’s their inclination. But they will not be judged whether or not they are tempted to steal; they will be judged whether or not they are thieves.  There may be those who are inclined to live whatever, many different kinds of sinful lifestyles, but it is not their inclination, nor temptation, that they will be judged for, but how they react, how they put into practice their daily lives. Now there are those–and it was also part of the question–who have the way of thinking that well, when it comes to homosexuality, that they were born that way. Some even tried to put the blame on God Himself and say, “Well, it is a biological anomaly, therefore, it’s not my fault.” There have been a lot of scientific studies in the realm of neuroanatomy, which concerns the brain. [On-screen text graphic – Source: Dictionary.com] neuroanatomy: The anatomy of the nervous system. Brother Bob: No study of neuroanatomy indicates any anomaly of the brain in those who are practicing homosexuality; they cannot blame that as something wrong with their brain. They cannot blame their inclinations nor their temptations and tendencies on an anomaly in their brain. There are those who study psychoendocrinology, which is the study of hormones, and how hormones react in the human body, nor have there been any studies indicating that hormonal imbalances or such would lead anyone towards homosexuality. [On-screen text graphic – Source: Dictionary.com] psychoendocrinology: The study of the relationship between the endocrine system and various symptoms or types of mental illness. Brother Bob: Nor in the study of genetics has there been any proven evidence scientifically, or even close to such wherein there are genetic anomalies that incline a person towards homosexuality. It leads one then maybe to say, “Well, they were just simply born that way. They may have nothing wrong with their brain. There may be nothing wrong with their hormonal balances and such. There may be nothing wrong with their genes. They were simply born; it was in their mind before birth that they were a woman in a man’s body, or a man in a woman’s body. It is innate in them.”  We are sure the scientific studies indicate no such biological anomalies, nor will we accept that it is innate in a person before they are born because we believe in this very important biblical truth. Recorded in the book of Ecclesiastes 7:29, which reads… “One thing I have learned: God made people good, but they have found all kinds of ways to be bad.” [Ecclesiastes 7:29 New Century Version] Brother Bob: From the very beginning, God made or created man good, or correct, without any biological anomalies inclining them to automatically commit sin against Him. No, there is no such thing like that.  What then, dear friends, must happen to anyone who feels tempted? Maybe there’s one who’s tempted to—because of money, they might deceive people, or they just can’t help themselves because they’re so inclined to gain money. Or maybe there’s those who are so inclined just to be angry and fight against people, or maybe there’s someone who just seems to be inclined for sexual immorality of whatever kind. Inclined to drink, inclined to gamble… other people may say, “I’m not tempted in those kinds of things,” but another will say, “I’m very tempted in that.”  Whether it’s homosexuality or any other kind of sin that one may feel inclined towards, what has to happen, dear friends, according to the Holy Scriptures? Allow me to cite from the book of Romans, chapter 12, to conclude our episode, our study for today. It is recorded in verse 2, and it says this… Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God – what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect. [Romans 12:2 Today’s English Version] Brother Bob: What must happen, dear friends, one must allow God to transform them. If one will say, “But I’m inclined this way,” God says, “let me transform you.” The first step that a person must take is an acceptance that they need to be transformed, and then God says, “let me transform you.”  Don’t conform to the standards of this world. If this world has made clear that homosexuality is alright, and same-sex marriage is alright, and all such things that oppose the instructions and commands of God, well, we must allow God to transform us. And believe He can and will do so in your life. Well, that’s all we have time for today. But if you, too, have questions that you’d like answered, e-mail us. And we’ll use the guidance of the Holy Scriptures to help you find your answer, the truth that’s in the Bible. Brother Bob: Thanks for watching. I’m Brother Bob Pellien, and we’ll see you again next time. [/expand]

[Video Question] Calib Wu: Hi, I’m Caleb. And my question is what does the Bible really say about abortion? Brother Bob: Thank you, Caleb, for your question about abortion. Welcome everyone to this program That’s In The Bible. Let’s begin first [by] getting the common definition of abortion and we look at the dictionary, and it says, well, it’s a deliberate termination of a human pregnancy. [On screen text graphics – Source: OxfordDictionaries.com] The deliberate termination of a human pregnancy; most often performed during the first 28 weeks. Brother Bob: You know, Caleb, in so many countries, abortion is seen, well, as a mother’s choice and it’s most often legal and it’s considered to be a common method to ending the life of a growing child. But, here’s the thing. Should it really be considered as a viable method of birth control? And by the way, is it really a common practice? Before we turn to the pages of the Bible for some very important guidance as well as the laws of God about this topic, let’s first see how common this practice really is and its place that it currently holds in popular culture. Let’s take a look at this clip. [Video – Source: Youtube.com.DanAdams] Female News Anchor: 80% of the public is against an abortion in the 3rd trimester and almost 65% is against an abortion in the 2nd trimester. So people are divided on this. [Video – Source: rawstory.com] Bernie Sanders: But I would hope that other people respect the very painful and difficult choice that many women feel they have to make and don’t want the government telling them what they have to do. Brother Bob: So here you can see not only some basic statistics, but you can also notice how truly divided the public is on this issue. There’s a lot of different viewpoints that people take regarding this topic. [On screen graphics – Source: Self.com] Fact: 30% of American women will have an abortion by age 45. 38% of women seeking abortions have no religious affiliation. 53% of women who got and abortion found the choice “difficult or very difficult.” 59% of women who have had abortions already have children. Brother Bob: So, Caleb, let’s state from the outset the stand of the Iglesia Ni Cristo or Church Of Christ. We are truly against abortion as a birth control method. Why? Because it involves the taking away of human life. And God expressly prohibits us from taking another’s life or committing murder. What does the Bible actually say about the ending of another’s life? Let’s begin taking a look at the Bible’s stand regarding these topics. For example, we begin here in the Book of Genesis, chapter 9, verse 6: If anyone takes a human life, that person’s life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in his own image. [Genesis 9:6 New Living Translation] Brother Bob: So, Caleb, God’s answer is very clear. What was His instruction? We are not allowed to take another human’s life and was God’s instruction further reinforced or relayed by our Lord Jesus Christ to the Church? Who, by the way there’s no denying that Jesus was the most compassionate of all because that’s what the one gentleman mentioned there, right? Have compassion. Jesus was the most compassionate of all. What about the compassion they will say “What about the compassion to the mother’s situation?” Jesus, like I said, was the most compassionate of all people. Compassion being a common reason that, well, supporters of the legalization of abortion, they always reference that. Here’s the most compassionate of all, Jesus himself, answering that question. In Matthew 19:17-19: “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question-if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandment.” “Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “ ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’” [Matthew 19:17-19 New Living Translation] Brother Bob: So here, Caleb, Jesus reiterated God’s original instruction not to take the life of another human being. But, you know, some may argue that, well, a fetus is not yet a human being and, therefore, not yet under the umbrella of God’s authority and therefore the mother, well, she has the right to choose then to end the existence of that unborn fetus. They will say, “That is not a human being yet. It’s just a conglomeration of cells.” That’s why we find in society the well-accepted idea of pro-choice. [On screen text graphics – Source: OxfordDictionaries.com] Definition of Pro Choice: Advocating legalized abortion Brother Bob: And there’s also, Caleb, some supporters of the pro-choice movement that are also anti –abortion claiming that, well, a woman’s access to abortion albeit is a human right in cases of rape, cases of incest, or, for example, when their own life is in jeopardy. The stance of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, however, remains the same even in these instances regardless of the medical situation or the irreverent means or crime of the adults. God’s act of creation still exists and should not be retaliated against by another crime in the eyes of God. But at what point has creation happened? That’s really the fundamental question, isn’t it? At what point is that creation begun and therefore that individuals under God’s authority and the prohibition against murder or taking the life of that human being is in effect? Isaiah the prophet writes a response to that question here. Isaiah 49:5. And now the LORD speaks – the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The LORD has honored me, and my God has given me strength. [Isaiah 49:5 New Living Translation] Brother Bob: So clearly, Caleb, since the moment of formation in the womb of the mother, God has been involved. Abortion would thwart then the plan of God in creating that human being. Similarly, abortifacients, or contraceptives that cause the unborn fetus to be expelled from the womb of the mother are not considered as a Christian family planning method. [On screen text graphic – Source: Merriam-Webster.com] Definition of Abortifacient: An agent (such as a drug) that induces abortion Brother Bob: Whether they’re legal or illegal, we cannot agree with such methods. Why not? Well as we just read God formed us right there in the womb of our mother. Removing such then is fighting against the plan and intent of God himself. So instead the Church Of Christ upholds birth control and family planning through artificial methods. This is in agreement with the commandment of God given in the Holy Scriptures that man subdue the earth. And what does God give as instructions or specifics about this? In Genesis chapter 1, the Bible says this: Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; … [Genesis 1:25 New King James Version] Brother Bob: And we all know the meaning of the word subdue. In fact if we look in a thesaurus, some synonyms would be “keep under control, moderate, repress, restrain, suppress, reduce.” [On screen text graphics] Synonyms of “Subdue” To keep under control; moderate, repress, restrain, suppress, reduce. Brother Bob: So God commanded man, yes, to fill the earth through procreation and mankind has done that and, like I said, many would say the earth is already overpopulated, so in due time God gave also the command to man to subdue the population or bring it under control, thus the use of contraceptives to bring the human population under control, it’s not against the will of God. The kinds of artificial contraception, however, unless it’s proven to be an abortifacient, inducing abortion, well, as long as it’s not that, it can be agreed upon and used by couples after consulting of course with a medical expert to determine what is the applicability to their own medical condition or health. So during these times of economic crisis a large family, for example, with a relatively low income, well they’re going to find it hard to meet all their needs. Children for example could be deprived of proper food or nutrition and education, and such bad conditions would only contribute to the increase of social problems in society. Therefore family planning with the use of artificial birth control methods is part of responsible parenthood. [On screen text graphics] Family planning is responsible parenthood. Brother Bob: And those who do not provide for their households because of their own carelessness, what does the Bible call them? What does the Bible have to say about them? Let’s consider in the writings of Apostle Paul, 1 Timothy 5:8, it says this: But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. [I Timothy 5:8 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Caleb, it’s therefore our faith that we and all people should adhere to the laws of God discussed here from the Holy Bible, so as to receive of His abundant grace in this life and in the life to come. Dear friends, Caleb, first of all, thank you so much for your question about abortion and we hope that the Bible’s answers will guide you in your own lives. There, dear friends, there’s no question that is too basic, no question that cannot be answered by the Bible when it comes to our lives, when it comes to our salvation. And if you’d like to know more about the basic fundamental teachings found inside the Church Of Christ, if you’d like to see a directory there for a congregation that is very nearest to your own home, you will find it on incmedia.org. There you’re going to also find a variety of programs all dedicated to answering your spiritual questions. Thank you all for joining us. We’ll see you again next time here on That’s In The Bible.

No Transcript Available