PASUGO

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NOVEMBER 2012 VOLUME 64 NUMBER II ISSN 01161636
--
PASUGO
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CONTENTS
NOVEMBER 2(1 12 VOLUME 64 NUM BE R 11
Feature s
6
8
1 6
1 8
21
22
26
Executive Mi nister designates 20 13
as "Year of Inlensified Edification"
HOUSI:: Of WORSHI!' DEDICATION/ JA!'AN
The beacon of Salvat ion shines brightly
in the Land of the Ri sing Sun
'Receiving God-s bl essings even in this life'
MANILA. PHIUPI'lNES
Our best run towards the fi ni sh line
INC Life: Touring through time
LAGUN .... r tULtp!'INES
Now is the time to be more fi rm
and steadfast in OUT calling
CEBSI launches INCfV Channel 49
Articles
3
27
32
35
The answered prayer
by Delll!is C. uwendillQ
1st der Dienst zu Got! cine Zei tvcrschwendung?
fi berset : t " 0 11 Denllis G. GelleraQ
Magtiwala sa magagawa ng pana\angin
by Arvi n T. Galallg
Devoto a la oraci6n
tratlud tlo por Arthllr P. A8t1E
Departments
1,30
24
38
EDITORIALS
CHURCH REPORTS
AROUND THE GLOBE
IN FOCUS
Our Cover: A congregillion
oiier ing a prayer 10 God
duri ng a wo rship service_
EDITORIAL
The power of prayer
C
HRrSTIANS IN THESE last days have the for-
midable task to be holy and be obedient to all of
God's commandments in a radically secular and
immensely immoral world. Day in and day out, they
are constantly bombarded with vul gar messages at
sitcoms, lurid advertisements, violence in movies, and
sexual promiscuity being glamorized.
Parents often lie awake at night worrying about
their children who they know are surrounded by various
temptations. They hear and witness the escalation at an
alarming rate of violence, cri minality, alcohol and drug
abuse of loday's youth, hence, they are distressed as they
ponder on the diverse challenges as well as the ethical
and moral decisions thei.r children have to make.
Young people, too, feel enormous pressures-
tugged and torn in various directions as they try to live
a righteous life and, at the same time, gain the accep-
tance of their friends and / or classmates. They some-
times wonder if their parents have an idea about how
hard it is to be a teenager today.
A genuinel y Christian mindset is very important
in all the above-mentioned circumstances. When God's
people are going through troubling predicament and
when it feels like the world is so overwhelming. they
need to pray as the Lord Jesus Christ fervently taught,
thus: "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to teach
them that they should always pray and never become
discouraged" (Luke 18:1, Today's EIlglish Version).
The need for constant prayer was illustrated by the
Savior Himself when He commanded His disciples to
"always pray." He even emphaSized its efficacy and
purpose: so as to "never become discouraged" or lose
heart in their everyday battle against all wickedness
and temptations. Prayer, then, is a deterrent to sin in
our lives.
The unremitti ng prayer taught by Jesus was echoed
by Apostle Paul when he taught the Christians in Ephe-
.O:U5 th('o;(" "T'X> ,.11 thi'" in pr"yo:>r. " .. kine for Cod'" h"lp.
Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason
keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God's
people" (Eph. 8:18, Ibid.).
True Christians pray to God at all times--on every
occasion, in every season-with all manner of prayer and
entreaty. God, they strongly believe, answers prayers that
are in agreement with His divine will. They adhere to the
Savior's admonit ion that they must keep awake-cau-
tious and giving strict attention-and pray that they may
not be overpowered by temptations. The spi rit indeed is
willing. but the flesh or body is weak. (Matt. 26:41, Ibid.).
The constancy of prayer that God's servants must
show was bolstered by King David who proclaimed:
"Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry
aloud, And He shall hear my voice" (Ps. 55:17, Nf!1(J King
Jallles Versioll).
Morning, noon, and night, King David pleaded
aloud wit h God, and as he testified, he was heard and
answered. God delights in the sincere prayer of His
ser vants, for it shows their trust in Him and makes them
much closer to Him. Indeed, prayer is essential in the
life of a true believer.
God's help through the power of prayer is avail-
abl e for all kinds of requests and issues as Apostle Pau.1
assured: "Don't wOrry about anything. but in all your
prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him
with a thankful heart. ... And with all his abundant
wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your
needs" (Phil. 4:6, 19, rEV).
So many people in this world are filled wit h anxiety,
and they struggle mightily to cope with so much suffer-
ings, pain, blows of hardships and misfortunes. But God's
people are admonished not to even worry about anything;
instead, they should pray about everything they need
with thanksgiving for "God will supply all (their) needs."
If only everyone will full y understand how impor-
tant prayer is, he will surely find the proper motivation
to incorporate it into his everyday life more effectively.
There are those who do willingly open their heart to the
Almighty and seek His counsel, for they truly believe that
1-1" kno ..... o cvcrythi.ns "nO ....... ho.t ." b<;3l for cvcryo.:>n.., and
is the real source of every good thing. They find comfort
and meaning to feel being held in God's loving embrace
for His liberal answer to their prayers.
The power of prayer should never be underestimat-
ed, even during times of illness, for it has a significant
effect if done according to God's will, as Apostle James
states: "Is there anyone who is sick? He should send for
the church elders, who will pray for him and rub olive
oil on him in the name of the Lord. This prayer made
in fa ith will heal the sick person; the Lord will restore
him to health, and the sins he has committed will be for-
given" Oames 5:14-15, Ibid.).
James the apostle paSSionately articulated the effective-
ness of soulful prayer by proclaiming that if anyone is Sick.
he must call for the elders of the Church. They shouJd pray
over him, anointing with
oil in the Lord's name. That
Some people rationalize that they are disappointed
and discouraged with praying because they are not being
heard. The onus is on man to fully comprehend why he is
not being answered. He must come to grip with the bibli-
cal reasons why God intentionally does not listen to the
supplications of many.
First, they pray with wrong purpose and with evil,
selfish motives. Their real intention is to spend what they
ask for in sensual pleasures Oames 4:3). Second, it must
be in faith that one asks with no wavering (no hesitation,
no doubting). For one who wavers will be as unsettled
as the waves of the sea that are driven and tossed by the
wind. Such person should
prayer, offered in faith, will
heal him; and if his sickness
was caused by some sin, the
Lord will also forgive him.
Man's prayer being answered,
not expect, nor even imag-
ine, that he will receive
anything from the Lord
Oames 1:6-8).
it must be noted, is not based
Third, before one
even draws close to God,
he must wash his soiled
hands dean, do away
with his sinful life, puri-
fy his heart, and humble
himself before the Lord's
presence (james 4:8).
Fourth, it must never be
Even the medical com-
munity are piping in that
prayer can aid in a sick per-
son's recovery. They relate
that if a person knows that
he/ she is being prayed for,
it can be uplifting and in-
crease his morale, thereby
aiding in recovery. Medical
studies also suggest that
on the eloquence of words
and phrases used nor in the
repetitiveness of one's
supplication.
prayer can reduce physical stress and anxiety, thus pro-
moting a more positive outlook in life and strengthening
the will of the sick to live.
Man's prayer being answered, it must be noted, is not
based on the eloquence of words and phrases used nor in
the repetit iveness of one's supplication. The truth is, the
Lord Jesus Christ even rebuked those hypocrites who pre-
tended piety by praying publicly and reciting the same
prayer over and over again as the heathens did, thinking
that they would be heard for their much speaking (Matt.
6:5-7). The Hol y Scriptures specificall y caution us not to
be rash with our mouth, nor should our heart be hasty to
utter a word of prayer before God. Remember, He is in
heaven, and we are only here on earth, so "let your words
be few" (Eccles. 5:2, NKJV).
To others, plain laziness is a major reason they put
off praying-just the thought of taking time out to com-
municate with God seems like a hassle to them. The irony
nf it is that they hnve timi' to wntrh h01lrs .. nn hOl1r" nf
television, sociali ze, surf the Internet, tweet, go out to eat,
attend sporti ng events-but too tired and mentally ex-
hausted to utter prayers to God.
forgotten by the suppli-
cants that whatever they
ask for from the Father, it must be asked in the Lord
Jesus Christ's name, that God may give it unto them
Oohn 15:16).
Throughout the life of Christ here on earth, He found
it important to always pray to God-that should make a
very strong impression on everyone! No doubt, persis-
tence in prayer is repeatedly urged in the Bible so that dis-
eases will be healed, strength be imparted, guidance be
given, hearts be softened, and needs be met. Not knowing
how to pray is not an option nor an excuse, for, the Holy
Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in praying
(Rom. 8:26).
Truly, God's answers are not always yes, but an:! al-
ways in the best interest of His faithful servants. To
them, God's empowering promise is: "When they call to
me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will
be with them; I will rescue them and honor them. I will
reward them with long life; I will save them" (Ps. 91:15-
1;;, TJ:V)
- RICHARD J . RODAS
Editor-in-Chief
TheAnswered
ra er
By DENNIS C. LOVENDINO
E
LIJAH THE TISHBITE earnestly prayed that
it would not rain, and the sky withheld its
water for three and a half years Oames 5:17).
King Hezekiah of Judah, after a prophet of
God informed him that he would die, wept bitterly
and cried out to the Lord-and he was given a IS-year
lease on life (isa. 38:15). God's begotten Son, the Lord
Jesus Himself "prayed wi th loud cries and tears to the
One who could save him from death, and his prayer
was heard because he trusted Cod" (Heb. 5:7, New
Century VersiOlz).
Time and again, God's faithful servants experience
in their lives how powerful and effective prayer
is, thai is, the supplication that satisfies all the
conditions for it to be heard. The Bible is
unequivocal about the necess ity and
benefits of being prayerful. God's
people in olden times \vere
admonished to "turn
to God and present
(their! case to him"
(Job 5:8, Today's
English Version)
whenever they were
afflicted. Christ
commanded His
disciples to "pray
all the time so
that you may be
able to keep from
going through all
these things that
will happen and be
able to s tand before
The privilege
to be heard
. .
In prayer IS
enjoyed only
by those
whom God
has chosen to
be His own.
the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36,
New Life Vers ion) . Likewise,
the apostles admoni shed the
Christians to "pray on every
occasion" (Eph. 6:18, TV).
The Bible offers various
reasons why God's servants
should pray constantly: so as
not to fai nt or be discouraged
(Luke 18:1)especially in times of
great sorrow and anguish (Matt.
26:36-38); to have "strength
against temptation" (Matt.
26:41, Easy-t()-Read Version); to
be cured of one's physical or
spiritual illness Oames 5:14-
15); and to let OUf requests be
made known to God who, in the
abundance of His wealth and
generosity, can provide us all
the things we need (Phil. 4:6).
But is the mere act of
praying to God a guarantee
that one's suppl ication will be
heard or granted? Definitely
not. This is why the Bible
presents us with a list of
conditions that should be
met in order for prayers to be
effective.
1. Be among those set apart
or chosen bV God
King David clarified that the privilege to
be heard in prayer is enjoyed onl y by those
whom God has chosen to be His own:
"But know that the Lord has set apart for
Himself land given distinction tol him
who is godly Ithe man of loving-kindness].
The Lord listens alld heeds when I call to
Him" (Ps. 4:3, Amplified Bible).
God Himself made this resol ute
pledge: " If my people, who are called by
my name, will humble themselves and
pray and seek my face and turn from
thei r wicked ways, then will I hear from
heaven and wi ll forgive their sin and
will heal their land" (II Chr. 7:14, New
International Version).
2. Possess an unshakeable faith
Christ taught His disciples: "whatever
you ask for in prayer, believe (trust
and be confident) that it is granted to
you, and you will Iget it] " (Mark 11:24,
AB). Faithlessness, on the other hand,
hinders one from recei ving anything he
asks: "But when you ask him, be sure
that your faith is in God alone. Do not
waver, for a person with divided loyalty
is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that
is blown and tossed by the wind. Such
people s hould not expect to receive
anything from the Lord" Oames 1 :6-7,
New Living Translation).
God states the fortune of those who
trust in Him: "The LORD says, ' I will
rescue those who love me. I will protect
those who trust in my name. When they
call on me, I will answer; I will be with
them in trouble. I will rescue and honor
them'" (Ps. 91:1415, Ibid.).
As having faith in God guarantees
an answered prayer, harboring doubt
or wavering dest roys any hope of being
heard.
1 Do the things that please God
NOl1elhde"", bt::lit:villl:; i" Gull dllll in w hdt
He can possibly do, will not suffice. We
need to couple our faith with obedience
4 NOVIl.MBHR 1012 GOOS MESSAGE
to His will : "And we receive from Him
whatever we ask, because we [watchfully]
obey His orders [observe His suggestions
and injunctions, follow His plan for us]
alld [habituallyJ practice what is pleasing
to Him" (I John 3:22, AB).
These were exactly the same
conditi ons God gave to King Solomon
for the latter's petitions to be heard:
"The LORD said to him, 'I have heard
your prayer and your petition. I have set
this Temple apart to be holy-this place
you have built where my name will be
honored forever. I will always watch
over it, for it is dear to my heart. As fo r
you, if you will follow me with integrity
and godliness, as David your father did,
obeyi ng all my commands, decrees, and
regulations" (J Kings 9:3-4, NLn.
4. Listen to those whom God sent
Thumbing one's nose at God-sent
messengers is a grievous sin that will
cause one's prayer to go unheeded.
God expressed His displeasure with the
people of ancient Israel, saying that" ...
They would not lis ten. They turned away
and stopped thei r ears from hearing.
They made their hearts like hard s tone,
so that they could not hear the Law and
the words which the Lord of All had sent
by His Spirit through the men who spoke
for Him in the past. So the Lord of All
became very angry. 'When I called, they
would not listen. So when they called, I
would not li sten,' says the Lord of All"
(Zech. 7:11-13, NLV).
In the true Church, God has placed an
administration " to make the Word of God
full y known" (Co\. 1:25, AB). Refusal to
listen to our spiritua l leaders is regarded
by God and the Lord Jesus as outright
rejection of themselves (Luke 10:16; John
13:20) and therefore, despising them and
their authority will make one's prayer
abominable and unacceptable.
5. Cell3e from doing evil
Tra nsgressing God's commands and
living in wickedness give us blemish
before t he eyes of our Creator: "So
when you spread out your hands in
prayer, I will hide My eyes from you.
Even if you pray many ti mes, I will
not listen. Your hands are full of blood.
Wash yourselves. Ma ke yourselves
dean. Take your sinful actions fro m
My eyes. Stop doing sinful thi ngs" (isa.
1:15-16, NLV)
Being pure and righteous, on the
other hand, has immeasurable benefits.
The Bible teaches that "the prayer of
a righteous person is powerful and
effective" Games 5:16, NIV)-the very
reason Elijah, Hezekiah, and above all,
the Lord Jesus, were all heard in thei r
supplications.
6. Have righteous motive
Any loving parent knows full well that it
is both irresponsible and foolish to grant
whatever our children ask. Even if we
have all the resources in the world, we
always make it a point that wha t we give
them will do them good, not harm. Same
is true with our loving Father in heaven.
He will never grant what we ask if it is
detrimental to us.
So it all boi ls down to our intention-
the purpose behind our request. Any
unrighteous motive will hinder us from
getting what we are asking. as Apostle
James explained: "And even when you
ask, you don't get it because your motives
are all wrong-you wa nt only what will
give you pleasure" Games 4:3, NLT).
7. Seek the Lord earnestly
When praying to God, He looks at our
hearts and wants to see sincerity and
earnestness:
" But from there you will search again
for the LORD your God. And if you search
for him with all your heart and soul, you
will find him" (Deut. 4:29, Ibid.).
Our prayers, therefore, should not
be a sort of ritua l. We must not simply
go throull: h the motions, but include our
hearts, minds and souls in seeking the
Lord.
8. Be patient
Lastly, we need to be patient. There
may be times when our requests
are not granted immediately. But
faithful servants of God do not
lose heart and continue to hope
in Him: "But as for me, I will look
to the Lord a/ld confi dent in Him
I will keep watch; I will wait wi th
hope and expectancy for the God
of my salvation; my God will hear
me" (Mic. 7:7, AB).
"Be patient and wait for the
LORD to act; don't be worried
Faithful servants
of God do not
lose heart
and continue
to hope in God.
about those who prosper or those
who succeed in their evil plans"
(Ps. 37:7, TEV).
We must never forget that
a prayer is a plea and petition
to the Almighty. We should be
ready to take "no" or "not yet"
for an answer. Remember that the
Father knows what is truly best
for us, 50 let us humbly accept
that it is He who decides what
we shall receive or when nr hnw
we shall receive the things we
implore . ..



.....
When things go wrOllg-
As they sometimes will;
DOli" ever give lip.
DOl/'t JUSt stand still .
When things hoped for-
Don't come YOllr way;
Blame 110 one else. Yes.
Just ask, why shollid they?
We ought/o realize though -
The many ullcertaimies of living;
Not knowing what's ill slorefor liS
At times, or where we are heading!
Man s best laid 0/11 plans are knowI!-
To fiule out. To go unfinished:
Some, barely Slarting. ,hen nature
Comes ill, causing them to be erased!
There s no guarantee to life 011 earth -
Yes, jor theres a limit to bright ideas;
Today. we goillg about a task
Bul will Tomorrow still allow liS?
So never let yourself thillk -
That )'01/ are wiser than you are:
Consult Ihe Falher Almighty Who kllows
Everythillg, every nook, near and for.
Illlo His hallds elltrust ),our f uture -
Truly thanking Him. and praising:
Obey His every word alld always keep
In ),ollr heart, a moment for praying.
Nicanor P. Tiosen
Quezon Cih/, Philipvines
NOVHtllHR l.Otl GOD'S MESSAGE 5
EXECUTIVE MINISTER DESIGNATES 2013 AS
"YEAR OF INTENSIFIED EDIFICATION"
F
RfSH FROM HJGHLY successful
pastoral visitations of 19 congrega*
tions in 10 COlmbies outside the Phil-
ippines, the Executive Minister presided
over a Video-ronference of ministers and
evangelical workers in various ecclesi-
astical districts throughout the world on
October 9, 2012.
In this meeting, Brother Eduardo
V. Manalo officially designated 2013 as
"Taoll IIg Puspuslmg Paglmpatilmy" (Year
of Intensified Edification). In his lecture,
he tackled the reasons why it is rather ur-
gent for ministers to focus their efforts in
strengthening the faith of the Christians.
As prophesied by the Lord Jesus,
OUf times would be marked by many
people's love for God waxing cold
(Matt. 24:12}-taking place "in the last
days Iwhen] it is going to be very diffi-
cult to be a Christian" (n Tim. 3:1, Livillg
Bible), As proof, "people will love only
themselves and their money", "will
think nothing of immorality", and "pre-
fer good times to worshiping God" (II
Tim. 3:2-4, Ibid.).
The Executive Minister then went
on to cite proofs in actual circumstances
that indeed, the love of many has grown
cold. He quoted excerpts from Christi-
allity After Religion: The Elld of Cllurch
and the Birtll of New Spiritlwl Awake'l-
illg, which noted that the first decade
of the 21st century is characteri zed by
a "Great Religious Recession." Making
matters worse, the economic recession
in 2007 "did not drive people to reli-
gion; instead, it drove religion farther
into irrelevance" (p. 82),
In the United StalC!S, for exam-
ple, the Willow Creek Community
Church-one of America's most fa-
mous mcgachurches-"has suffered
membership stagnation and a lack of
enthusiasm among the faithful" (Ibid.,
p. 73). "Even the Catholic Church has
barely maintained its share of the popu-
lation, mostly because immigrant Cath-
olics offset the massive loss of U.s.-born
members" (Ibid., p. 20).
An Italian weekly magazine, Sette,
which boasts of a ci rculati on reaching
483,000, vividly illustrated this rapid de-
cline in Catholic members' enthusiasm
in their religion. In an article written by
Cesare Fiumi in its April 5, 2012 issue,
the publication made this observation:
"The number of Catholic marriages and
that of priests and nuns are lessened
(beaten). To bring religion to the mem-
bers they must go to the mal ls ... Here is
the 'spiritual X-ray' of Italy. TIle church
was reopened Sunday for Palm Sunday,
after months of closure. It was dosed
from Christmas and remained so until
the day before yesterday-unless for
some funeral host-due to lack of offer-
ings. The alms were no longer enough to
pay the bills for electricity and heating.
so the pastor has barred the door ... "
The author likened the Catholic
Church to a "candle that is consumed at
the base," lamenti ng thai "the churches
[arel empty, no more odor of frankin-
cense ... " The magnitude of this problem
is underscored by the fact that Italy is the
seat of Catholicism-yet the "spiritual
recession" among her adherents there
is strikingly evident. This general atro-
phy in people's zeal for God is precisely
the fulfillment of Christ's prophecy that
in these last days, the love of many will
grow cold.
Brother Eduardo then echoed the
pronouncement of the Savior that on
His return, people will be heedless of the
things of God, just like during the time
of Noah (Luke 17:26). But as true Chris-
tians, our "lives should be holy and ded-
icated to God" (II Pet. 3:11, Today's Eng-
lis/l Versioll). Hence, the timely launch of
the "Year for the Intensified Edification"
of the faith.
The ministers and evangelical work-
ers were then reminded that in shep-
herding the flock that Cod has placed
By DENNIS C. LOVENDINO
under their watch, they should e n d e a v ~
or "to arouse the love that comes from
a pure heart a clear conscience, and a
genuine faith" (J lim. 1:5, Ibid.). To ac-
complish this, they need to "keep control
of (themselves] in all circumstances; en-
dure suffering, do the work of a preacher
of the Good News, and perform [their!
whole duty as [servants] of God" (II lim.
4:5, Ibid.). An example worth following is
that of Apostle Paul's who urged Barna-
bas to "go back and visit the [believers]
in every town" to "find out how they are
getting along" (Acts 15:36, Ibid.).
lbis explains why Brother Eduardo
Manalo, since becoming the Church's
overall administrator three years ago,
had embarked on relentless pasto-
ral visitations in the Philippines and
abroad-officiating in 61 special wor-
ship services in various regions outside
the country. He has not confined his at-
tention to brethren li ving in the country
where the Church in these last days be-
gan. but made sure to cater to the spir-
itual needs of those who had been called
into the fold in various places, near or
far. Unmindful of the perils that come
wilh traveling as well as the physical
exhaustion, the Executive Minister is de-
termi ned to personally see the condition
of the brethren-whatever their racial or
cultural background may be-and bring
to them the message that will enhance
their spirihmllife.
The ministers and evangelical work-
ers-and all Church members for that
maUer-are in one accord in praying to
God that as the Church leader reaches
another birth anniversary, He wiJ] con-
tinue to guide and inspire him as he
administers the fold toward its spiritual
maturity and perfection.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:
CHRISTOPHER AUGNAY, CHRISTIAN
BARRERA, JASON PASION,
and FElMAR SERENO

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Tbe Beacon of SaNaHon
Sbines Brigbtly
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In Tbe Land of Tbe R.ising Sun
Executive Minister conducts
Pastoral Visitations in Japan
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NOYRIotBU 2012 . GOD'S MESSAGI! 9

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NAGOYA
Sunday, the 21 st ofOc;tober, 2012 became a special day for the brethren
of the local congregation of Nagoya, Japan, in the ecclesiastical district
of Northeast Asia: Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the E:ocecutive Minister
of the 19/tSia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ). officiated in a worship ser-
vice at the ANA Crowne Piau Hotel Grand Court Nagoya as the local
congregation celebrated its 26th anniversary.
It was in Oc;tober. 1986 when the congregation began as a com
mittel.' prayer group. In 1993, the committee prayer group became a
local congregation.
The number of the brethren who attended the special gathering
was more than 900, and they were from, not only Nagoya but, also all
over Japan. Although the worship service was scheduled at 11:00 am,
many of them had already arrived at the venue as ea rly as 6:00am.
A few days before the worship service, Brother Taichi Maki no,
a SCAN officer from the local congregation of Nagoya said, was
a month ago when I first heard that the Executive Minister would be
visiting us to officiate in a worship service.! was instructed to help in
finding II venue for thi s special gathering. and so J went and inquired
at 40 prospective places, but none of them was available. I was lost not
knowing what to do. and then I was told that the day of the worship
service was changed and finally, I was able to find a place. I feel re-
all y thankful to For the first Pastoral Visitation by the Executive
Mini ster in Nagoya, God extended His loving hand to the brethren .
The worship service began with the singing of hymns of praise to
God led by thc choir members. Theopening prayer was led by Brother
Manny SV. Benedicto, di strict mini ster of Northeast Asia. After the
prayer, the teachings of God were delivered by the Executive Minister.
The lesson was simultaneously interpreted into Japanese and English.
In hi s homily, Brother Eduardo emphaSized that we must always
obey God's commandments in order to receive blessings and salvation
on the day of Judgment. He mentioned Abraham, one of the first gen-
eration God's people. as an example. God ordered Abraham to leave
the land in whi ch he dwelt and go to a land which he would receive
as an inheritance. Because of his faith, Abraham obeyed God's order
even without knowing where to go. And also. Abraham encountered
many problems such as a serious famine, but he faithfully continued
on following God and thi s is the reason why Abraham ceaselessly reo
ceived many bleSSings from the Lord (Heb. 11:8; Gen. 12:1-4, 10; 13:1).
Thus. Brother Eduardo admonished the brethren that we, the memo
bers of the Church Of Christ in these last days, should also remain
faithful 10 God by following Him in order 10 receive blessings and
salvation.
After the lesson, the congregation was led in a hea rtfelt prayer
by Brother Mathusalem V. Pareja. Brother Glicerio B. Santos Jr. led the
prayer for the voluntary offerings, and Brother Eduardo Manalo said
the benedict ion. After the worship service, Brother Eduardo shook
hands with each one of those who attended .
Sister Kim Yumo, a choir member in the local congregation of To-
kyo, who traveled six hours to attend the worship service said,
has be<:ome a preclous and memorable day for me. I feel really spi ritu-
ally refreshed. Of course hardships will continue, but I feci like I can
overcome them all ."
The brothers and sisters were encouraged by the message trom
the Executive Mini ster and they left the venue with smiles on thei r
faces.
lOll' GOD' S MESSAGE 11
jAr.t! HAMAMATS U
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12 NOVI MBER lOll' GOD'S MESSAGE
Saturday, the 27th of October, 2012 the local congregation of Hama-
matsu, Japan received a wonderful blessing: its new worship building
was dedicated 10 Cod- the first one in the district of Northeast Asia-
in a special worship service officiated by Brother Eduardo V. Manalo,
the Executive Mini ster. The momentous event took place as the con-
gregation commemorated its first anniversary. The worship bu ilding
is conveniently sit uated for Ihe breth ren-within five minutes walk-
ing distance to and from Hamamatsu Trai n Station. There is also a bus
stop in front of the building, and it has its own pa rking a rea.
The local cong regation of Hamamatsu started on November 6.
1993 as an extension of the locall;ongregation of Nagoya, and its lirsl
worship service was conducted on January 27, 1995. In January 2011,
due to the steady innease in membership in Hamamatsu, the Execu-
tive Mini ster instructed Brother Clicerio B. Santos Jr. to inspect a prop-
erty owned by Entetsu Corporation in order to know if it wou ld be
suitable as a worship bUilding. And on February 28, 2011, the Church
Admi nistration decided to purchase this propert y. On Octobe r 26 of
the same year, Hamamatsu committee prayer group was approved to
become a full.f1edged congregation by the Church Administration.
The worship service began with the proc:essionaJ hymn led by
the choir members. After the opening prayer Jed by Brother Manny
SV. Benedicto, district minister of Northeast Asia, Cod's words were
con\'eyed through Brother Eduardo. The lesson was Simultaneously
interpreted into Japanese and English.
The Executive Minister emphasized that we must nol serve Cod
in accordance with what men thi nk is right but with Cod's righteous-
ness and teachings (Rom. 10:2-3). He reminded the brethren to always
obey Cod's commandments, one of which is by worshiping Him in the
place He chooses, so we can receive blessings from Him and for Him
to sa'll'! us from many problems such as plague and poverty (Deut.
12:11-14; Ps. 138:2-3,7; II Chron. 20:9).
After the preaching of Cod's words by Brother Eduardo, the con-
gregation was led in a prayer by Brother Mathusalem V. Pareja. After'
wards, Brother Clicl'!rio B. Santos Jr. administered the oath taking of
(ou r ministers: Brother Raymond S. Pagaduan and Brother Pablito C.
Benedicto as t reasurer a nd aud itor. respectivl'!ly, for South Korea; and
Brother Fetino O. Cuinto Jr. and Brother Leopoldo C. Doroteo as trea-
surer and auditor, respectively, for Japan. Brother Lloyd P. Anobling
led the prayer after the oath taking. Brother Arnaldo C. Lim, the fl'!si-
dent min ister of the local congregation of Hamamatsu, prayed for the
offering.
After the worship service Brother Kunihi ko Dotemoto, a head
deacon in the local congregation of Kawasaki, said. like a dream
that a b<-autiful worship building was constructed and that a dedica-
tion of a worship building was conducted in the dist rict of Norlhl'!ast
Asia for the first He added. will strive to fullill my duty as a
head deacon and b<- a good example to the other memb<- rs and I want
to hand it down to Ihe next
Brother Yuki Kawai, a KAD/WA member in the local congrega-
tion of Hamamatsu, said, Hl'm very happy that a new worship build-
inR was const ructed. 1 want to worshi p in this sacred edifice always.H
The brethren gave heartfelt thanks to Cod (or this wonderful
bleS5ing.
, '
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YOKOHAMA
Thursday, the 1st of November, 2012 the Executive Mini ster, Brother
Eduardo V. Manalo, led the brethren in Ihe local congregation of Yoko-
hama in a 1V0rship service to Cod. Thi s was the last stop of his recent
rasloral Visitation in Japan, and the first time that Brother Eduardo
officiated in a worship service in Yokohama. The number of brethren
who gathered togethN to attend this special occasion exceeded the
seating capacit y of the place of 1V0rship.
The local congregation of Yokohama is the oldest congregation
of the Ni Cristo in Japan and it has played a major role in the
growth and development o( the Church in the country. Many of the
officers who performed in the service were from the Yokosuka congre
gation, where several members work at the U.S. Naval Base.
Brother Sienvenido C. Santiago Sr. led the opening prayer. The
homily of Brother Eduardo was "bout Ihe import"nce of remaining
strong in Ihe faith, giving sped"l focus on Ihe example of Abraham
who believed in Cod's promise, againSI alt odds. Brother Eduardo em-
phasized that as Chri stians, we should be steadfast in the f"ith and
should never lose our hope unlillhe day of Judgment because God has
promised that He will give us great blessings (Rom. 4:18-21; Ps. 91:14-
15). The Execulive Minister, before he ended his sermon, exhorted the
brethren to voice out to God whatever problems and cares they might
have, assuring them thai the Father is always ready and willing to
listen. The lesson "''' s simu ltaneously interpreted into Japanese.
A spiritually-charged closing prayer was then led by Brother Dan
v. Crosa, during which he expressed thanks to Cod that the brethren
who came to thi s countr y brought with them thei r faith and zeal in
serving God. The prayer for the voluntary offerings was led by Broth-
er Glicerio B. Santos Jr. and the benediction "';IS s3id by the Executive
Minister.
After the worship service, Brolher Nao;lki Kobayashi. a SCAN
officer (rom the local congregation of Yokohama remarked, HTo be
honest, I couldn't believe that Brother Eduardo chose to visit a small
congregation like ours ilmong many congregations around Ihe world.
I think it might be a while before he comes 10 visit our congregation
again so I'm very thankful to God thai I made it here.
N
He added, "The
life of the Executive Mini Sler is more import"nl than mine. I will dc-
vot(' myself to serving Cod and submilling to Ihe Administrat ion He
has placed in the Church.'-
"I will s lrive to overcome every hard ship I may encounter by
holding onto my faith in Cod and fai thfull y obeying His 1V0rds", said
Sister Mayum; Sugi hara, "choir member from Yokohama, promising
to put int o praclice whal she was laughl on this da}'.
Thl' brethren who attended the worship service were determined
to continu(' their journey in thi s world as true members of Ihe /g/c$ill
Ni Crislo a nd lefl the venue spiritually nourished. leaving their mes-
sages of gratitude and greetings to our beloved Executive Mini ster as
he obscf\'ed his birlh anniversary on Odober 31 st.
Writtell by Kri stoffer R. GOllza!es, Keiji Fralrec C. NIIgase, SIII/ta
T. Uclliyrmra, Rri.,a T. Uc/liyama, wi th assistaucc f rom Der",is C.
LO"l.Ieur/ilio a ur/ Ramlel T. Serrell o
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:
AN .. FlO FRANn v. MANAt 0. AI ' .. NAY. IFFFRFY
CABACUNGAN. KRISTOFFER GONZALES. and SERCIN10 SANTOS III
NOVEMBER lO ' l - GOO'S MESSAGE 15
FEATURES
W
ITH GOD'S ABIDING grace
and blessing, a year has passed
triumphantly for the local
gregation of New Era in the ecclesias-
tical district of Metro Manila Central.
No Jess than the Executive Minister of
the ig/esin Ni Cristo, Brother Eduardo V.
Manalo himself visited the congrega-
tion and officiated a worship service in
the morning of October 4, 2012.
Fresh from his pastoral visitations
abroad-wherein he visited 19 local
congregations, 10 count ries and dedi-
cated to God seven houses of worship---
the Church Administrator in his homily,
after Brother Israel U. Flores' opening
prayer, reminded the congregation of
the key for God's people to receive His
blessings even in this life: to render the
true and proper way of serving God. He
further explained thai remaining wor-
thy to serve God and, thus, receive His
blesSings can be achieved. by fully obey-
ing, submitting ourselves to, and unit-
ing with the Church Administration-
or by not rebelling against the Church
Administration.
It was on October 1, 2011 when
Brother Eduardo established the lo-
cal congregation of New Era, one of
the congregations nearest to the Cen-
tra! Temple and INC Central Office,
and led the dedication to Cod of its
house of worship which is situated
at the heart of the Church's housing
communities in Culiat, Quezon City.
The house of worship stands close to
many housing projects of the Church,
making it a place of comfort and sol-
ace to over 400 families whose many
members are volunteer workers in the
Central Office.
Brother Eduardo also reminded
the of the apostles' admo-
nition about those who cause divisions
and contradict the doctrines they have
been taught; hence, God's servants arc
16 NovBM8n lOll' GOD'S MESSAGE
commanded to keep away from them:
"Now I beseech you, my brethren, be-
ware of those who cause divisions and
offences contrary to the doctrine which
you have been taught; keep away from
them" (Rom. 16:17, Lall/sa Tra"s/atioll).
Keeping away from them, he clari-
fied through the Bible, is important in
order for God's chosen oncs not to "fall
away from the Christian faith" (Rom.
16:17. God'!> Word)
He also emphasized to them that
the right and proper way of serving
God-which is taught by the one whom
He appointed as the leader of His na-
tion-is to " ... fear the LoRD your God,
to walk in all his ways, to love him, to
serve the LORD your God with all your
heart and with all your soul, and to ob-
serve the LoRD's commands and de-
crees ... " (Deut. 10:11-13, New Interna-
tional Version).
The Executive Minister's power-
fu l message rang loud and clear to the
r ..... "sr"B"tion 8"thorod in the "pirit
filled worship service; it is for our own
good and advantage if we obey and
submit to the one whom God appoint-
'RECEIVING GOO"S BLESSINGS
EVEN IN THIS LIFE'
,
ed to lead or administer the Church
(Heb.13:17).
At the end of his homily, the Execu-
tive Minister made an emphatic call on
what we should implore OUf Lord God,
as stated in the last verses read, in order
to receive His continued love and mer-
cy, thus: "Have mercy on me, 0 Lord,
for I call to you all day long. Bring joy
to your servant, for to you, 0 Lord, I
lift up Iny o:oul. You ;ore forgivi"s " I'd
good, 0 Lord, abounding in love to
all who call to you. Hear my prayer, 0
LoRD; listen to my cry for mercy. In the
s New Era Congrega Ion first anniversary worship service
By ROLAND A. AGUIRRE
day of my trouble I will call to you, for
you will answer me.
"Teach me your way, 0 LoRD, and
I will walk in your truth; give me an
undivided heart, that I may fear your
name. I will praise you, 0 Lord my
God, with all my heart; I will glorify
your name forever." (rs. 86:3-7, 11-12,
NIV)
After the lesson, Brother Dan
v. Oro,,:. led the rln"ing pr:.y .. r "nd
Brother Ernesto V. Suratos the prayer
for the offering. Brother Bienvenido C.
Santiago said the benediction.
111 visiting the nearby New Era
Congregation, the Executive Minister
once again proved his enduring com-
mitment to care for the brethren's well-
being, especiaUy their spiritual welfare,
wherever they may bc--whcther they
are near to or far from the Church Ad-
ministration ...
CONTRI BUTI NG PHOTOGRAPHERS:
JEFFREY CABACUNGAN, FElMAR
SERRENO, and MARKFEl SERRENO
l012 COD'S MESSACE 17
S
lXTYSIX YEARS OF continuous servi ces to
the Almighty God indeed is a great bless-
ing. This is what the members of the Igle-
sia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) at the local con-
gregation of Bel-Air, Metro Manila South, thank
God for. And much to their delight, the Executive
Minister himself, Brother Eduardo v. Manalo, led
them in offering hea rtfelt worshi p and praises to
the Almighty Father as they reached their 66th
anniversary. The worship service was held on Oc-
tober 6, 2012 at the worship building of the local
congregation of Bel-Air.
As he began his preaching.. Brother Eduardo
extended his heartfelt greetings to the members
of the Bel-Air Congregati on. He pointed out that,
though members are thankful to God that they
still remain in the Church, the Lord God expects
much more of His servants. Each member should
be able to comply wi th everything that He ex-
pects from them.
Brother Eduardo cited what Apostl e Paul
said that servants of God would inevitably face
various obstacles that the world poses-troubles,
hardships, persecutions, even hunger, poverty,
danger, and death (Rom. 8:35). True as it is today,
Brother Eduardo noted the current condition of
the world as portrayed in the news; 925 million
people are experiencing hunger; 2.8 billion people
are earning a meager $1-2 a day; whil e violence,

"
T

crime, and calamities plague man's life
nowadays.
Assuring the members of the
Church Of Christ, Brother Eduardo
reminded the brethren what Apostle
Paul firmly declared that none of these
obstacles will ever overcome them. In-
stead, Church Of Christ members are
more than able to hurdle these obsta-
cles because the Lord Jesus Christ, who
is the Head of the Church, overcame
the world and deprived it of power to
harm His servants (Rom. 8:37-39; John
16:33, Amplified Bible).
Quoting Apostle Pau\' the Execu-
tive Minister said that serving the Lord
God is likened to a race (I Cor.
Hence, one should give his best in run-
ning towards the finish line. In order to
reach the goal and win the prize, one
should be disciplined-restraining
himself from doing whatever he likes
to do. Being disciplined is equivalent to
running in the spiritual race with deter-
mination (Heb. 12:1): getting rid of sins
and instead, upholding a life in accor-
dance with God's will.
This is \ .... here spiritual training
comes in (I Tim. 4:8). Brother Eduardo
cited ways on maximizing spiritual
training: being dedicated in attend-
ing worship services, actively par-
ticipating in missionary works, and
constantly fulfilling one's duties as a
Church officer to name a few. He hap-
pily noted that many young members
are already holding various Church
duties in the children's worship ser-
vices (CWS). Such children, he said arc
the ones who will grow up not being
overcome by any hindrance.
As the preaching approached its
conclusion, the beloved Church Leader
FEATU RES
enjoined all members to ask the Lord God
with all humility that may He not leave His
people, that when He is angry may He not
reject His servants, that may He listen to the
pleas and supplications of His chosen ones
(Ps. 27:9, 7, Living that they will be
able to continue the race towards salvation.
"The firs t and most important thing is
to train ourselves in holiness. It helps us
reach our salvation by serving as tools that
we need to fight all the things in this world
that may distract us and reduce our faith,"
said Brother Bill Norgren, the Vice- President
of the Society of Communicators and Networkers (SCAN) in
said local congregation.
Sister Myrna Mapa, who has just transferred from San
Francisco, California, added, "I will impart the lesson that 1
learned to my children and my household. We will maintain
a righteous way of life each day, living a life in accord with
the tC<lchings in the Bible."
The opening prayer was led by Brother Radel Cortez
while Brothe.r Israel Flores led the prayer after the preaching
of the Executive Minister. The prayer for vol untary offerings
20 '- ,
was led by Brother Melchor Parco. Then Brother Bienvenido
Santiago said the benediction.
As the Executive Minister stayed awhile to greet the
brethren, the choi r from the Evangelista Congregation greet.
cd him a happy birthday through the songs they rendered.
Brother Eduardo then proceeded to the local congregation
of Tondo, Metro Manila West where God's blessings for the
Church were once again manifested. The Executive Minister
led the inauguration of the newly
canstruct(.'(i Metro ____ ----'
nila West district _
_.
"'='!.c::::--!!...'":."="....:::-
-_ ... _ .. _--
---..
--.. ---
-------
--.. ----
--.-.-.-
- .. ---
---.. --
office located at the compound of the local congregation of
Tondo. The bui lding houses the offices of the district minis-
ter, assistant district minister, the district staff, di strict secre-
ta riat, finance office, conference room, and the EVMS com-
puter room. Adjacent to the building is the pastoral house
where the district minister will reside.
CONTRIBUTI NG PHOTOGRAPHERS:
JEFFREY CABACUNGAN, CHRISTOPHER AliGNAY, ALLAN
VALENZUELA Otnd CHRISTIAN BARRERA
INC LIFE: Touring through time
By NICANOR P. TIOSEN
T
HROUGH PICTURES, BOTH
old (some browning wit h age)
and new, Church Of Chri st
members were toured through time
to vari ous s ignificant events in the
his tory of the Iglesia Ni Cristo from
the time of Brother Feli x Y. Manalo,
God's Messenger in these last days
(1914-1963), to the stewardship of
Brother Erano C. Manalo (I 963-
2009), up to the present administra-
ti on of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo.
The five-day photo exhibit, housed
at the New Era University in Quezon
Ci ty, was formally opened on Octo-
ber 31, 2012 and stayed in said venue
until November 4.
Brother Radel G. Cortez, assisted
by ministers from the fi ve Metro Ma-
nil a Districts, led the ribbon-cutting
ceremony. In his opening remarks,
Brother Israel U. Flores, district min-
ister of Metro Manila South, wel-
comed the brethren and expl ained
to them the objective of the exhibit
which is a proj ect of Brother Edu-
ardo Manalo, the Church's Executi ve
Minister. The opening ceremony was
made doubly significant as it coin-
cided with the birthday of Brother
Eduardo.
The mounted pictures occupied
three floors of the NEU Main Build-
ing. The photographs depicting the
early years of the Church under the
helm of Brother Felix were located
at the four th floor, the start of the ex-
hihit. r. ui d .. d hy Ih .. floW' nf " ~ ~ o W ' , ,
and ably assisted by students from
the College of Evangelical Ministry
serving as Ll shers, brethren came to
understand more the subsequent his-
tory of the Church during the time of
Brother Erano through the mounted
photographs situated at the third
floor of the building. One story below,
at the second floor, can be found the
more recent photographs ta ken of the
present Church Administrator during
hi s many pastoral visitations, both in
the Philippines and abroad. One can
also see pictures depict ing the contin-
ued success of the Church Of Christ as
evidenced by the ordinations of new
ministers on different dates and ven-
ues (the first ever ordination of Iglesia
Ni Cristo ministers abroad was held
in Houston, Texas, on December 28,
2011), and the baptism of thousands
of new converts that necessitated the
construction of more worship build-
ings and other church edifices in dif-
ferent parts of the world.
A mixed feeling of nostalgia and
jubilation gripped the brethren who
came to view the exhibit as each pho-
tograph showed different aspects of
life of the Iglesia Ni Crislo, hence, INC
Life, It cannot be wi thout any signifi-
cance that in many portions of the ex-
hibit, and at various strategic places,
can be read the biblical pronounce-
ment, thus:
"I am now giving yOLl the choice
between life and death, between
God's blessing and God's curse, and
I caU heaven and earth to witness the
choice you make. Choose life. " (Deut.
30:1 9, Today's Ellglis), Versioll, empha-
sis ours)
CONTRIBUTI NG PHOTOGRAPHERS:
SAMI DE LEON, and CHRISTIAN BARRERA
NOV f.M IIF. M 2012' GOD'S MESSAGE 21
TO BE
OREFI
INOUR
The message of the Executive Minister in a 'WOrship service
held in the loea! congregation of Cabuyao, Laguna, Philippines.
A
FEW DAYS aher addressing the ministers
worldwide through modern technology in the
INC District Ministers Video-conference last
October 9, 2012, the Executive Minister conducted
a pastoral visitation and officiated a special worship
service in the local congregation of Cabuyao,
ecclesiastical district of laguna on October 13, 2012.
22 N ' O V ~ ~ I I I U 2012' GOD'S MESSAGE
Quoting the Bible, the Executive Minister imparted
the message and the warning of the Lord Jesus ChTist
that will happen in these tast days. The love of many
to God will grow cold (Man. 24:3,12). People will be
busy and will prioritize t hings in this world over what
pleases the Almighty God. People will become lovers of
themselves. lovers of money. unholy, lovers of pleasure
rather than lovers of God (llTim. 3:1-4).
Moreover. people thought that they are doing what
is righteous before God because they belong to different
religions, but sadly, their religion has no power or sense
(II Tim. 3:5; 4:3). They failed to deliver the spiritual and
religious needs of its members. They were likened to a
candle burning from the bonom because its members
are weakening in their faith. As a result. worshiping God
is not a priority anymore. As observed by researchers,
during Sundays. people would rather do personal things
like going to shopping malls. parks, coHee shops, and
other things than going to church. They described the
current religious situation as a "Great Religious
Recession."
,
!-
Because the members of the Church
Of Christ are preparing for the Day of
the Lord, the Executive Minister ad-
vised the brethren to uphold a holy and
godly way of living-a total devotion to
the Almighty God (II Pet. 3:10-11). Just
li ke what Apostle Paul did, he encour-
aged the brethren to be self-controlled,
putting on faith and love as a shield, and
the hope of salvation as a helmet. He
urged the brethren to warn those who
are idle, encourage the timid, help the
weak, and be patient with everyone. Al-
ways try to be kind to each other and to
everyone else. Do not put Qut the Spir-
it's fire (I Thess. 5:1-2, 4-6, 8-9, 14-19).
In the conclusion, the Executive
Mi nister made a st rong call to the breth-
ren that now is the time to become more
steadfast and firm in the calling. This is
not the ti me to waver in the fai th. Let
God become their hiding place and
their shield, and their hope is His Word.
Before the preaching of the lesson,
Brother Radel G. Cortez led the con-
gregation in an opening prayer, while
Brother Mayonel Taal led the dosing
prayer. Brother Gli cerio B. Santos Jr. led
the prayer for the volunta ry offerings
and Brother Bienvenido C. Santi ago
said the benediction.
After the worship service, the
brethren gathered in the house of wor-
ship compound and along A. Bonifacio
Street, where the house of worship is
located, to greet and shake the hands of
the Executi ve Minister. Brother Rogem
Velasquez, a preparatory ministerial
student from the local congregation of
Macabli ng said, "J am very happy and
excited to greet Brother Eduardo on his
birthday. I will also personally thank
him for all his efforts and love to us."
Brother George Bryan Bunye, a
head deacon in the local congregation
ofCabuyao Laguna said, "[ will strive to
live in holiness together with my family
as well as the brethren entrusted to me
by the Almighty God. I will ensure that
they will obey all the commandments
of God, proving to Him that our love
for Him will never fade."
Writtell by Bell mar / . /avier alld Michael
C. Ellriqllez witl, assistance from Ed H.
Lll mbao mId Markle! T. SerreI/o.
CONTRIBUTI NG PHOTOGRAPHERS:
CENON COSTALES, JASON PASION,
and MARKFEL SERRENO
NOI'HMBliR lO1t GOD'S MESSAGE 23
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
The brethren in the district felt jubilant as 198
I"IC"N converts were baptized during the monthly
baptism hosted by the local congreg.ltioo of Sac
ramento last October 27, 2012. The occasion
was presided over by BrOlher )oselinQ S. Cas-
tiiJones, district minister. In his homily, he ern-
ph<Isized that being a member of the Chun::h Of
Christ is a calling from God. Receiving the holy
baptism is just thcbeginning of a race whose fin-
ish line is death Of Judgment Day, making one's
membership in the Church a lifetime commit-
ment. After the SCfmon .1t the 5.1cramento house
of worship, the c.lOdidates for baptism were
taken to the Fruitdale Aquatic Center where the
actual immersion took place. In the distrid of-
ficers' meeting following the baptism, the local
congregation of San Pablo was recognized as
the most fruitful congregation for the month of
ScpIember. (C. Abella)
NORTHEAST ASIA
On October I, brethren from the local c0n-
gregations of Seoul, Taegu, and SUs.ln and the
groups worship service ofYoogs.ln, Gwangju-.Ie-
and Gwangju-si trooped to the Inter
cm Hole! in Oacjeon together with toor guests
to attend a wand evangelical mission (GEM).1he
of God's words was led by Broil"\{'!" /'v\anny
Sv. Benedido, distrid minister alld Brother Ley-
den N. Gambo.l, resident minister of the Seoul
Congregation. The lesson, which is about the im-
portance of membership in the one true Church,
was preached in Filipino, English, and Korean.
The occasion was a success as nwlY of the guests
expressed ho, ... they were rTlCM."'d and inspired by
the teachings of the Bible they heard and some
even decLared thcirdesire to join theChurch right
aher the GEM. TIlE! guests infooncd more
about the Iglesi" Ni Cristo through pidures of the
Church's activities as well as its houses of wor_
ship and edifices found all <Ner the \..md. (M.
Bernardo dnd l . AndriJdiJ)
SOUTHEAST ASIA
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA-
A baptism was held in the local
congregation of Phnom Penh on
September 22. The ne.vly baptized
brethren were Brother David Cadi,
Sister Sonia Conise, and Brother
julian Grant, a British national. The occasion was officiated
by Brother Willen D. Reg.1Iado. district minister, together with
Brother Cecilio S. Hernandez Jr., resident ministef. (M. Marc.!)
SOUTHEASTERN SEABOARD
PANAMA-An INC Giving activity was held
at the compound of the place of worship of the
PJnarm C.1.nal group worship service (GWS) on
September 22. Brethren from the loc,1.1 congrega-
tions of Oriando, Miami, West Pillm Beach, and
Lakelar.d extension traveled from the United
States to Panama City, Panama Republic bfing.
ing with them l\VO big ooxes and 14 luggages
filled with clothes and shoes for the benefit of
the brethren in Panama and their neighbors. The
next day, an evangelical mission sponsored by
the Panama Canal GWS was held at the Salon de
Conferencia, Marriott Courtyard, Panama Metro
M,111. A \ot.11 of 53 gueslS were taught the gos-
pel delivered by Brother Serginio Bayani, district
minister, and Brother
Froilan Enriquez, visit-
ing ministef . ..v\<Iny of
the guest5 expressed
their desire to attend the
Bible studies and learn
more about the Church
Of Christ or Iglesia Ni
Cristo. U. &quito}
PHILIPPINE DISTRlaS
MISAMIS ORIENTAL- The New Era Universi-
ty Alternative Learning System (NEUALS) depart-
ment conducted a two-day orientation and train-
ing seminar at the local congreg<Jtion of C.1gayan
de Oro 011 September 14 ar.d 15. It was atteoded
by 246 instructional managers and members of
the Christian family organiz.1tions that will form
the support groups. The activity spearheaded by
Brother Alberto Domillgo Jr., NEU vice-president,
alld Brother Sonny Villanueva, NEUALS direc-
tor, served as a preparation for the launching of
theALS program in this part of the countIy which
will help people, especially out-of-school youth,
to receive free primary and basic education. (D
.".,,.,..)
N O V E M ~ E R 2011' GOO'S MESSAGE 25
CEBSllaunches INCTV Channel 49
By SIEGFRED T. GOLLAYAN
T
HE CHRISTIAN ERA Broadcast-
ing Service Incorporated (CEBS!),
the Iglesia Ni Cristo's broadcast
organization, launched on October 5,
2012 the INCTV Channel 49 on Philip-
pine free TV. The launching was held
at the Central DiniE'S Hall of the INC
Central Office in Diliman, Quezon
City, Philippines.
INCTV 49 replaces GEMTV, the
Church's former cable-TV channel. The
move was made for people wit hout
cable-TV subscri ptions to be reached by
the religiolls programs of the Church.
The name change was also made for a
more specific identification as the offi-
cial TV station of the fglesjn Ni Cristo.
The launching was led by Brother
Angelo Erai\o V. Manalo, CEBS! Chief
Executi ve Officer. During the event,
he read a message from the Executive
Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo,
encouraging everyone to promote INC
TV as its programs would greatly help
in the propagation of the pristine gospel
and in the edification of the brethren.
Brother Eduardo also admonished all
CEBSl personnel to be dedicated and to
enhance their knowledge and skills for
all their endea\'ors to be successful.
Afterwards, Brother Angelo
pushed tht: ct:rt:Jnuu!.,1 1>WiLCh LO
nify INCTV 49' s initial broadcast. In-
troduced during the occasion were the
new local and international programs
26 NOVEloIlllIit 10'1 GODS MESSAGE
r ACE THE
TRUTH
THE M ESSAGE
- -
2..1 i TAT AK C ... ,)
::' INC
ONE - ONE
.-

-- -
---
_
of the Church Of Christ and the other
media used by the Church in propa-
gati ng the gospel.
Also, the Church' s radi o stati on
DZEM at 954kHz is now known as
INCRadio. lis faci lities in Obando, Bu-
lacan and studios in Maligaya Build-
ing along EDSA, Quezon Ci ty are now
to catt:r to a targer au-
dience.
lNCTV broadcasts over the whole
of the Greater Mani la Area and in most
.:;,.

,
PANININDIGAN
"rRl 'TII ' '9"1 RJ!l

CHURCH
GABAY
S.\ MA8UTING
ASAL
parts of the provinces of Cavite, lagu-
na, Buiacan, Ri zal, Pampanga, and in
the coastal areas of Bataan. A broader
reach will be gai ned upon completion
of the multistorey building being con
structed beside the Eagle Broadcast-
ing Corporation along Central Avenue
in Quezon City on which will rise the
penndnc:nl co,nn10Ll Lrd"::-",;LL",, Luwe: ,
of lNCTV and NET 25. This would be
the tallest worl d-class transmitter in
the entire Philippines .
I
I
1 ) f' . I :!. .' I'
.. - ---. . " - - -';;- ...
F
OR UNCLAuBICE 1ST der Dienst zu Gott eine Belastigung. die an der Arbcit
hindert und zu verlorenen Stunden fuhrt. Daher glaubcn sic, dass es wertlos
und eine Zeitvcrschwendung sci, Gott zu dienen.
1m Cegensatz zu dicser Mcntalitat, vcrnachlassigcn Mitglieder dcr Kirche
Christi die Gottesdienste nicht, weicht'S die bcdeutsamste religiose Pfl icht ist.
Zudem wirken sie in allen Kirchcnaktivitatcn mit. Sie bctrachten ihre Dienste zu
Gott nicht als Zeitvcrschwendung, weil sie fest an die Lehre von Apostel Paulus
glaubcn: "Daher, geliebtc BrUder, seid standhaft und unerschOttcrlich, nchml
immereifriger am Werk des Herrn teil und denkt daran, dass im Herrn eure MOhe
nicht vergeblich ist" (1 Kor. 15,58, EinIJeitsiibl'rsetzIII1S). Wahrc Dienste, die zum
Herrn Gott durch Seine Diener geopfert werden, sind niemals werUos, weil sic
sich dmch diese ihre Errettung erarheiten (Phil. 2,12, Gute Nachrichl 8ibel).
1m Such des lebens niedergeschrieben
Die Heiligen Schriften zeigen uns den groBen Nutzen, den sich Gottes Diener
aus ihren verschiedensten Diensten zum Herrn ziehen konncn: "Wenn ihr dem
Herm, eurem Gott dient, wird Er dein Brot und dein Wasser segnen. Ich werde
Krankheiten von dir fern halten" (Ex. 23,25, E;II/leitsiibersetzIlIIg).
Der Allmachtige cott segnci sicherlich Sein Yolk, das Ihm dient. Und Seine
Scgnungen bcinh<llten sowohl materiellen, als auch korperlichen Nutzen. Er
\Vird den Lcbcnsunterhalt 5ciner Diener segnen und Krankhclten aus Ihrer
Mitte entfemen. Geistig segnet Gott diejenigen, die laut der Bibel in Seinelll
Haus wohllell (Ps. 84,5, Ibid.) oder dkjenigen, die unermudlich den cottesdienst
' GERMAN SECTION '
T
o THE FAITHLESS, serving God
is an inconvenience that gets in
the Wily of their work and results
in lost hours. Hence, they believe
that it is useless to serve God, a mere
wasle of time,
Contrary to this
members of the Church
mentality,
Of Christ
do not neglect the worship services,
being the most Significant religious
obligation, and they always actively
participate in Church activities. They
don't consider their scn'ices to God
as a waste of time because they firmly
believe in this teaching Apostle Paul:
"So then, my dear brothers, stand firm
and steady. Keep busy always in your
work for the Lord, since you know
that nothing you do in the Lurd's
service is ever useless" (I Cor. 15:58,
J(J(1ays flfgliSl1 Ver.:;lolI). True services
rendered to the Lord God by His
servants are never useless, because
NOVf.MP f.1I. lOll' GOD'S MESSAGE 27
bcsuchen. Dariibcr hinaus werden GUte und Liebe im Leben derer umgeben, die
im Haus CoUes ihr Leben lang verbleiben (Ps. 23,6, Gille Nachricht Bibel). UnglUck
wird weil entfernt von ihnen scin, da Coltes GUte und Uebe sie fUhren werden.
Mitglieder der Kirche Christi, die reich an guten Werken sind, scharfen fur
sich eine gull" Crundl age fUr das ewige Leben. Unter den guten Werken, die
treue Diener Gottes vollbringen, ist die Unterstutzung bei der Verbreitung des
Evangeliums oder der Missionsarbeit. Apostel Paulus bekraftigt ihr Cltick-lhre
Namen stehcn im Buch des Lebens (Phil. 4,3, Eillheilsiibersetzlllrg). Die Heiligen
Schriften lehren tiber die groBe Bedeutsamkeit, dass unsere Namen im Buch des
Lebens stehen: " In jener Zeit tritt Michael auf, der groBe Engelftirst, der fur die
S6hne deines Volkes eintritt. Dann kommt eine Zeit der Not, wie noch keine da
war, scit es VOlker gibt, bis zu jener Zeit. Doch dein Volk wird in jener Zeit gerettet,
jeder, der im Buch verzeichnet ist" (Dan. 12,1, Ibid.).
Wahre Diener vollenden den lauf
Cott hat Seine 8edingung gesteJlt, so dass unsere Dienste nieht verschwendet
werden. Die Heiligen Sehriften lehren uns, nicht zurti ckzuweichen: "Denn nur
noch cine kurzc Zei t, dann wird Ocr kommen, der kommen soil, und Er blcibt
nicht aus. Mcin Cerechter aber wird durch den Glauben Icben; doth wenn er
zUrUckweicht, habe feh kein CefaJl cn an ihm" (Hebr. 10,37-38, Ibid.).
Nur Feiglinge weichen zurUck. Daher sollten wir fortfahren, die gulen Werke
fOr den Dienst zu Cott zu erful1en, damit wir sicherlich das ewigc Leben in Seiner
Wohnstatte erhalten. Der Herr Jesus versprach, dass di e Namen derer, die sowohl
durchhalten, als auch Hindernisse und Verfolgungen uberwinden. im Buch des
28 NQ\tiMKU 1011GOOSMESSAGE ' GERMAN SECTION '
through them, they arc worki ng for
our own salvation (Phil. 2:12, New
Killg fallll's Versioll).
Written in the Book of Life
The Holy Scriptures shows us the great
benefi t God's servants can derive from
fulfilling various services to the Lord:
"So you shall serve the LORD your Cod,
and He will bless your bread and your
wal('r. And I will take sickncss away
from the midst of you" (Exod. 23:25,
IIlid.).
The Almighty Cod surely bleSses
Hi s people who serve Him. And
His blessings include material and
physical benefits. He will bless the
livel ihood of His servants and will
take away sickness {rom their midst.
Spiritually, the Bible says that Cod will
bless those who dwell in His house (Ps.
84:4, Net!' Intemutio/lal Version) or those
who unfailingly attend the worship
services. Furthermore, goodness and
love will abound in the lives of those
who dwell in the house of the Lord
forever (Ps. 23:6). Misfortunes will be
far from them since Cod's goodness
and love will guide them.
Church Of Christ members who
abound in good works store up for
themselves a good foundation for
eternal life. Among the good works
performed by faithful servants of Cod
is helping in the propagation of the
gospel or missionary works. Apostle
Paul affirmed their fortune--their
names arc written in the Book of Life
(Phil. 4:3). The Scriptures teaches the
great signifi cance of h.wing our names
written in the Book Life: "At that time
Michael shall stand up. The great prince
who stands watch over the SOilS of your
people; And Ihere shall be a time of
trouble, 5u ... l, "" "e"e, ' ~ " ' : ' "i",-" tl ,,,, ,,
was a nation, EVt!n to that time. And at
that time your people shall be delivered,
-;.,
Lebcns aufbewahrt werden: "Aile, die durchhalten und den Sieg erringen, werden
solch ein weiBes Kleid tragen. Ich will ihren Namen nicht aus dem Buch des
Lebens streichen. Vor Meinem Vater und Seinen Engeln werde Ich mich offen zu
ihnen bekennen" (Offb. 3,5, Grlle Nachricht Bibe/).
Diese Mitglieder der Kirche Christi sind diejenigen, die den Lauf vollendet
haben: "Denn ich werde nunmehr geopfert, und die Zeit meines Aufbruchs ist
nahe. Ichhabeden guten Kampf gekampft, den Laufvollendet, die Treue gehalten.
Schon jetzt liegt fi.ir mich der Kranz der Gerechtigkeit bereit, den mir der Herr,
der gerechte Richter, an jenem Tag geben wird, aber nicht nur mir, sondern allen,
die sehnsuchtig auf Sein Erscheinen warten" (2 Tim. 4,6-8, EilllleitsubersetzlI1rg).
Die Mitglieder der Kirche Christi, die ihren Lauf vollenden, sind diejenigen, die
den Herm Gott treu bis zum Tod dienen. Sie sind Mitglieder wurclig des Kranzes
der Gerechtigkeit, der Preis dafiir, dass sie lhm bis zum Ende gedient haben. Sie
werden ewig mit lhm in Seiner heiligen WohnsHitte im Himmel wohnen. e
(A trallslatioll of tile article "Is servillg God a waste of time?" writ tell by Tomas C Catarigay
published ill Pasugo ill Jalluary 2001)
-GERMAN SECTION -
Every one who is found written in the
book" (Dan. 12:1, NKJV).
True servants finish the race
God has given His condition so that
our services will not be wasted. The
Scriptures teaches that we should not
draw back: "For yet a little while, and
Ht.' wllo is coming will comf! and willllot
tarry. Now thl! jllst sllall live by faitll;
Bul if al/yolle draws back, My soul lias
110 plcasurc in him" (Heb. 10:37-38,
Ibid.).
Only cowards draw back. Thus,
we must carryon the good works
of serving God to be assured of
everlasting life in His abode. The Lord
Jesus promised that the names of those
who will persevere and overcome
hindrances and persecutions will be
kept in the Book of Life: "He who
overcomes shall be clothed in white
garments, And I will not blot out his
name from the Book of Life; but I will
confess his name before My Father
and before His angels" (Rev. 3:5, Ibid.).
These members of the Church Of
Christ are those who have finished the
race: "For [ am already being poured
out as a drink offering, and the time
of my departure is at hand. I have
fought the good figh t, I have finished
the race, I have kept the faith. Finally,
there is laid lip for me the crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous Judge, will give to me on
that Day, and not to me only but also
to all who have loved His appearing"
(II Tim. 4:6-8, ibid.).
The members of the Church Of
Christ who finish their race are those
who faithfully serve the Lord God until
their death. They are the members
who are worthy of the crown of life as
lln::i, anJ r", !>" " vin6 Ilim until the
end. They will forever dwell with Him
in His holy abode in heaven. e
lOU' COD'S MESSAGE 29
FILIPI
eTION
PANGULONG TUDLING
Ang bisa ng pananalangin
M
AITUTURING NA ISANG malaking hamon para
sa mga Cristiano sa rnga huling araw na ito ang
mamuhay nang may kabanalan at tumalima sa 1a-
hat ng mga utos ng Diyos sa gima ng isang mundong imoraI
at makalaman. Araw-araw ay nakabilad sila sa malalaswang
pananalita sa roga programa sa telebisyon, mahahalay na
Iarawan sa mga advertisements, karahasan sa mga peliku1a.. at
ang tila pagtatanyag pa ng !ikong relasyong seksuwal.
Maraming mga magulang ang malimit na hindi maka-
tulog sa gabi dahil sa malabis na pag-aalala sa kanil ang
mga anak na alam nHang napaliligiran ng iba't ibang uri
ng tukso. Naririnig at nasasaksihan ni la ang nakatatawag-
pansing mabilis na paglaganap ng karahasan at ng krimi-
nalidad, ang pagkasugapa sa alak at ipinagbabawal na
gamot lalo na sa panig ng mga kabataan-kaya naman,
ang mga magulang ay lubhang nag-aalala at iniisip ang ka-
lagayan ng kanilang mga anak na nasa iba't ibang pagsu-
bok sa paninindigan sa kagandahang-asal at moralidad na
dapat mapagtagumpayan.
Ang mga kabataan man ay nakararanas din ng matin-
ding pressure-na tila naiipit sa pagHan ng kanilang pagsisi-
kap na makapamuhay nang matuwid at ng kaniIang hanga-
rin na maging katanggap-tanggap sa kanilang mga kaibigan,
kamag-aral, 0 kapaligirang gi nagalawan. Magkaminsan tu-
loy ay naitatanong ng ibang kabataan: "Nauunawaan kaya
ako ng aking mga magulang? Alam kaya nila kung gaano
kahirap ang maging isang teenager sa mga panahong ito?"
Ang pagtataglay ng tunay na diwang-Cristiano ay
napakahaJaga sa mga nabanggit na situwasyon. Kapag ang
mga hinirang ng Diyos ay nagdaraan sa masasalimuot na ka-
lagayan at kapag nararamdaman nila ang bigat ng pamumu-
hay rito sa mundo, dapat silang manalangin, gaya ng itinuro
ng Panginoong Jesucristo: "Dapat laging manalangin at hu-
wag masiraan ng loob--ito ang sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila sa
isang talinhaga" (Lucas 18:1, Bib/ia IZg Sambayullalig Pi/ipillo).
Ang kahalagahan ng laging pananalangin ay itinuro
mismo ng Tagapagligtas sa Kaniyang mga aIagad na "dapat
manaJanging lagi." Binigyang-diin din Niya ang isa sa mga
pakinabang at layunin ng pananalangin: upang "huwag ma-
siraan ng loob" 0 manlupaypay sa kanilang pang-araw-araw
na pakikipagbaka laban sa kasamaan at tukso. Ang panala-
ngin, kung gayon, ay isang pananggalang laban sa kasalanan.
Ang paglglng mapanalangtnln na Itlnuro ng I ~ a n g l
noong Jesus ay ipinaaJala rin ni Apostol Pablo nang Kani-
yang turuan ang mga Cristiano sa Efeso, na: "Ang lahat
ng ito'y gawin ninyo sa pamamagitan ng mga panalangin
at pagsamo. ManaJangin kayo sa lahat ng pagkakataon, sa
patnubay ng Espiritu. Kaya't lagi kayong maging handa, at
patuloy na manalangin para sa lahat ng hinirang ng Diyos"
(Efe. 6:18, Magal/dallg Balita Biblia).
Ang mga tunay na Cristiano ay laging nananalangin sa
Diyos-sa bawat pagkakataon at sa lahat ng panahon-sa
lahat ng paraan ng paghibik at pagsamo. Sumasampalataya
siJa na ang Diyos ay tumutugon sa panalangin kailanma't ito
ay sang-ayon sa Kaniyang banal na kalooban. TInutupad nila
ang utos ng Tagapagligtas na dapat sil ang lagi ng handa-
maingat at laging gising-at nananalanging huwag sil ang
mapagtagumpayan ng mga tukso. Tunay nga, ang espiritu
ay may ibig. datapuwa't mahina ang laman (Mat. 26:41).
Ang madalas na pananalangin na dapat makita sa mga
lingkod ng Diyos ay siya ring iti nuro ni Haring David, na
nagsabi: "Sa hapon at sa umaga, at sa katanghal iang tapat,
ako'y dadaing at hihibik.: At kaniyang didinggin ang aking
tinig" (Awit 55:17).
Sa tuwing umaga, tanghali at gabi ay dumaing si Haring
David sa Diyos, at gaya ng kaniyang patotoo, siya ay dininig
at tinugon. Nalulugod ang Diyos sa taimtim na dalangin ng
Kaniyang mga hinirang yayamang ang gayon ay pagpapa-
hayag ng kanilang pagtitiwala sa Kaniya, at sila naman ay
lalong napapalapit sa Kaniya. Tunay ngang ang pananala-
ngin ay napakahalaga sa buhay ng isang tunay na mana-
nampalataya.
Sa pamamagitan ng bisa og panalangm ay makakamtan
ang tulong ng Diyos para sa lahat ng uri ng pangangaiJangan,
gaya ng binigyang-rl.iin ni Apostol Pablo: "Huwag kayong
mabalisa tungkol sa anumang bagay. Sa hal ip ay hingin ni nyo
sa Diyos ang lahat ng inyong kailangan sa pamamagitan ng
panalanging may pasasalamat ... At buhat sa kayamanan
niyang hindi mauubos, ibibigay niya ang lahat ng inyong
kailangan sa pamamagitan ni Cristo Jesus" (Filip. 4:6, 19, MB).
Napakaraming tao sa mundo ngayon ang punung-puno
ng bali sa, at nakikipagbakang mainam upang makatagal sa
napakaraming pagdurusa, sakit, kahirapan, at mga kabigu-
an. Sa kabilang dako, ang mga tao ng Diyos ay tinuturuan na
huwag mabalisa tungkol sa anumang bagay; sa halip, dapat
nilang idalangin at hingin anuman ang kanilang kailangan
kalakip ang pasasalamat, sapagkat "ibibigay [ng DiyosJ ang
lahat ng [kanilang} kailangan."
Kung ganap lamang na mauunawaan ng lahat kung
gaano kahalaga ang pananalangin, buong sigasig nila itong
maisasakatuparan sa kanilang pang-araw-araw na buhay.
Ang mga nakaunawa ay handang buksan ang kanilong dam-
30 NOV81otllU lOU . GODS MESSAGE FI LIPI NO SECTION-
damin at hingin ang payo ng Makapangyarihan, sapagkat
lubes silang sumasampalataya na nalalaman Niya ang lahat
ng bagay at Siya ang pinagmumulan ng bawat mabuting
bagay. Nakasusumpong sila ng kaaliwan at kaligayahan sa
tuwing nararamdaman nHang niyayakap sHa ng Diyos sa
pamamagitan ng pagtugon sa kani lang mga pagdaing.
Hindi kailanman marapal maliitin ang magagawa ng
panalangi n, maging sa panahon ng karamdaman, yayamang
ito ay may bisang idudulot kung maisasagawa nang ayon sa
kalooban ng Diyos, na: "Mayroon bang may sakit sa inyo?
Ipatawag niya ang malatanda ng iglesya upang ipanalangin
siya al pahi.ran ng iangis, sa ngalan ng Panginoon. At paga-
galingin ang maysakit dahil sa panalanging may pananam-
palataya. fbabangon siya ng Panginoon, at patatawarin kung
siya'y nagkasala" (Sant. 5:14-15, Ibid.).
Inilarawan dito ni Apostol Santiago ang bisa ng tai mtim
na panalangin. Aniya, kung ang sinoman ay may sakit, dapat
niyang ipatawag ang matatanda sa Iglesia. IpananaJangin
nila ang maysakit, at papahiran siya ng langis sa pangalan
ng Panginoon. Ang gayong panalangin, na may kalakip na
pananampalataya, ay magpapagaling sa maysakit; at kung
ang kaniyang karamdaman ay bunga ng nagawa niyang
pagkakasaJa, ay patatawarin siya ng Panginoon.
Maging ang mga nasa larangan ng medisi na ay nagpa-
patotoo uko! sa naitutulong ng panalangin sa paggali ng ng
taong may karamdaman. Sinasabi nila na kung alam ng may-
sakit na siya ay ipinapana!angin, nakatutulong aog gayon
upang magbigay sa kaniya ng lakas ng loob at magkaroon ng
ka.ragdagang pag-asa, na nakatutulong sa kaniyang pagga-
ling. Maging ang ilang isinagawang pag-aaral ukol sa medi-
sina ay nagpapatunay na ang pana!angin ay nakatutuJong sa
isang maysakit upang maibsan ang anumang pllysical stress
at pagkabaJisa niya, na ito ay nakatutulong para magkaroon
siya ng positibong pananaw sa buhay at karagdagang inspi-
rasyon upang hangarin niyang mabuhay pa.
Ang pagdinig ng Oiyos sa panalangin ng tao, dapat
nating maunawaan, ay hi ndi nakabatay sa tiki t ng panaoali ta
o kaya ay sa paulit-ulit na panalangi n. Ang totoo, tinuligsa
pa nga ng Panginoong Jesucristo ang mga mapagkunwari
na nagpapamalas ng pagka-reli hiyoso sa pamamagitan ng
pananaJangin sa mga hayag na lugar, at sa pamamagitan
ng pagbigkas ng paulit-ulit na mga pananalita, gaya ng
ginagawa noon ng mga pagano, na nag-aakalang sila ay
diringgin dahil sa kanilang mararning pananalita (Mat. 6:5-7).
Itinuro rin ng Banal na Kasulalan na "Huwag kang padalus-
dalos sa iyong pagsasalita, huwag kang magmamadali sa
iyong puso sa pagsasabi ng anuman sa harapan ng Dios. Ang
Dios ay nasa langit at ikaw ay nasa lupa, kaya tipiri n mo ang
iyong mga salila" (Ed es. 5:2, New Pilipino Versioll).
Sa paNg ng iba, .!: impleng katamaran lamang ang
pangunahing dahilan kaya ipinagpapaliban nila ang
pananalangin-na tila baga napakalaking kaabaIahan sa
kanila na gumugol ng sandaling panahon upang makipag-
usap sa Diyos. Ang kabalintunaan nito, nagagawa nHang
gumugol ng maraming oras sa panonood ng teIebisyon,
sa pakikisalamuha sa kapuwa, sa paggamit ng Intemel,
sa pagkain sa labas, sa pagdalo sa mga aktibidad na
pampalakasan-subalit li la pagod na pagod at patang-pata
para manalangin sa Diyos!
May iba naman na nagsasabi ng kaya sila nawawalan
ng interes at lakas ng loob sa pananalangin ay dahl! hindi
naman daw sil a pinakikinggan. Nasa tao ang pananagutan
na tuklasin kung bakit hindi siya tinutugon sa panalangin.
Dapat niyang maunawaan ang itinuturo ng Biblia kung bakit
may mga taong hindi pinakikinggan ng Diyos ang kanitang
panalangin.
Una, nananalangin sila nang may likong Iayunin at
masamang hangarin. Ang tunay nilang nais ay magamit
ang kanilang hinihingi sa kanilang kalayawan (Sant. 4:3).
Pangalawa, sa pamamagitan lamang ng pananampalataya
na walang anumang ali nlangan 0 reserbasyon pakikinggan
ang panalangin, sapagkat "ang nasaalinlangan ay tulad
ng alon sa dagat na itinataboy ng hangin. Huwag isipin ng
taong iyon na tatanggap siya ng anuman sa Panginoon"
(Sant. 1:6-7, Ibid.).
PangatJo, bago lumapit ang sinoman sa Diyos, dapat
muna niyang hugasan ang kaniyang maruruming kamay,
iwaksi ang buhay na makasalanan, dalisayin aog kaniyang
puso, at magpakumbaba sa harap ng Panginoon (Sant. 4:8).
Pang-apat, hindi dapat mali mutan ng nananalangin na
anuman ang kaniyang hi ngin sa Ama, ito ay dapat hilingin
sa pangalan ng Panginoong Jesucristo, upang maibigay ito
sa kaniya ng Diyos Quan 15:16).
Sa buong panahon ng Kaniyang buhay rito sa lupa,
kinilala ni Cristo ang kahalagahan ng laging pananalangin
sa Diyos-na ito ay dapat makatawag ng pansin sa lahat!
Walang pag-aalinlangang ang pagiging mapanalanginin
ay paulit-ulit na binanggit sa Biblia upang ang mga
karamdaman ay gumali ng, mabigyan ang tao ng lakas al
patnubay, mapalambot ang puso, at matugunan ang mga
pangangailangan. Hindi maaa.ring idahilan ninuman na
hindi siya marunong mana!angio, sapagkat ang Espiritu
Santo ang tutulong sa atin sa ating mga pang-araw-araw na
suliranin at maging sa pananalangin (Roma 8:26).
Ang lotoo, hindi sa Iahat ng panahon ay "00" ang tugon
ng Diyos sa ating panalangin, bagkus yaong pinakamabuti
sa kapakanan ng Kaniyang mga tapat na lingkod. Ganito
ang pangako ng Diyos sa kanila: "Pag sila'y tumawag, laging
handa ako na sila'y pakinggan, Aking sasamahan at kung
may hilahil ay sasaklolohan; Akins iJiligtas at ang bawa't
isa ay pararanga!an. SHa'y bibigyan ko't gagantimpalaan
ng mahabang buhay. AI nakatitiyak na ang tatamuhin nil a'y
kaJigtasan!" (Awit 91:15-16, MB) .
- RICHARD J. RODAS
Pangulong Patnugot
--- NOVUf.n 2.0U . GOD'S MESSAGE - 3 ;;: 1---'
Magtiwala
sa Magagawa
ng Panalangin
Sinulat ni ARVIN T. GALANG
A
NG MGA KALAMIDAD na ating nasasaksihan tulad
ng malalakas na pagbuhos ng ulan na nagbubunga
ng malalaki at malawakang pagbaha sa iba't ibang
panig ng rnundo at pumipinsala ng maraming kabahayan,
ari-arian, at maJak.ing ha1aga ng imprastraktura ay literal
na nagpapaguho sa buhay at kabuhayan ng maraming tao.
Sinasabayan pa ito ng pagtindi ng kahirapan at banta ng
kaguluhan sa paligid. Lahat ng ito ay nakapagdudulot sa
marami ng ibayong pangamba, pagkabalisa, at panghihina ng
locb. Kapag dumarating sa tao ang ganitong mga pagsubok
laiD pa oga at nagkasunod-sunod ang mga suliranin, ang
iniisip niya agad ay kung kaninosiya makahihingi ng tulong.
Maaaring ang lapitan niya ay ang kaniyang kapuwa na sa
akala niya'y may kakayahan 0 kapasidad na makatulong
upang makaahon siya sa suliranin 0 kagipitan.
Lumapit sa Diyos
Huwag sanang mawaglit sa gunita ng tao ang Panginoong
Diyos na laging handang tumulong sa kaniya. Ganito ang
paanyaya ng isang Iingkod ng Diyos: "Subukin ninyo at
tikman ang kabutihan ng PANGlNOON, mapalad ang taong
nanganganlong sa kanya" (Awit 34:8, Net/) Pilipillo Version).
Sinumang naghahangad na mapabuti ang kaniyang
buhay ay dapat lumapit sa Panginoong Diyos. Siya ang
Ama sa langit, ang Diyos na Makapangyarihan sa lahat na
Siyang pinagmulan ng buhay, lakas, at ng lahat ng ating
pangangailangan. Kaya't napakahalaga at kailangan na ang
tao ay manalangin upang hingin sa Diyos ang lahat niyang
kailangan.
Nasubukan na ng iba na lumapit sa kanilang kapuwa
ngunit nabigo lamang-masakit ito lalo na kung nasa
matinding pangangailangan. Bakit hindi nila subukin
na manganlong sa Diyos? Subok na natin sa ating buhay
kung paanong ipinaranas sa atin ng Diyos ang Kaniyang
mga kabutihan at pagpapa!a. Kaya naman sinasabi sa atin
ng Iingkod ng Diyos na ang nanganganlong 0 lumalapit
sa Diyos ay mapalad. Bakit itinuturing na mapalad ang
nanganganlong sa Diyos? Ano ba ang handang ipagka!oob ng
Diyos sa Kaniyang mga hinirang? At paano natin magagawa
ang panganganlong 0 paglapit sa Diyos? Narito ang
kasagutan sa ating mga katanungan: "Kung magkagayon,
tatawag kayo at didinggin naman kayo ng PANGINOON
... sisilay aog inyong liwanag sa gima ng kadiliman. at
ang inyong gabi ay matutulad sa katanghaliang tapat. Lagi
I
kayong papatnubayan ng PANGlNOON. Tutugunin niya
ang lahat ng inyong pangangailangan sa isang tigang na
lupam. at bibigyan niya kayo ng kalakasan. Matutulad kayo
sa isang hardin na laging dinidilig, tulad ng bukal ng tubig
na hindi natutuyuan ng agos" (lsa. 58:9-11, Ibid.).
Sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag 0 pananalangin ay
naihahayag natin ang ating pagiging mapagkailangan
sa Diyos-ito ang katumbas ng panganganlong ng tao
sa Diyos. Napakahalaga na ang tao ay magsagawa ng
pananalangin sa Diyos upang matamo niya ang kaniyang
mga pangangailangan. Tunay na mapalad ang tumatawag
sa Diyos oa dinirinig Niya sa pananalangin. Kahit sa isang
tigang na lupa, 0 sa gitna man ng matinding kakapusan 0
kahirapan, ay ipagkakaloob ng Diyos ang kalakasan at lahat
ng kanilang pangangailangan. Kaya't ang tunay na lingkod
ng Diyos ay laging nananalangin 0 mapanalanginin.
Ang magagawa ni Cristo
Matangi sa Diyos, sino pa ang nag-aalok din ng tulong at
papaano ito matatamo ng tao? Ganito ang pahayag ng ating
Panginoong Jesuscristo: "Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa kayo
humihiling ng anumang bagay sa aking pangalan. Humingi
kayo at kayo'y bibigyan, at malulubos ang inyong kagalakan
... ibibigay sa inyo ng aking Ama ang anumang hilingin
ninyo sa aking pangaJan" Quan 16:24, 23, Ibid.).
Mababakas sa pahayag ng ating Panginoong Jesus
ang Kaniyang pananabik na marinig sa panalangin ang
paghingi ng kaniyang mga hinirang ng kanilang mga
pangangailangan. Nangako Siya na anumang hihilingin
nila sa pamamagitan ng Kaniyang pangalan ay ibibigay ng
Ama. Ang pangakong tulong 0 alok na ito ng Diyos at ng
ating Panginoong Jesucristo ay itinuro rin ng mga apostol
sa mga Cristiano: "Huwag kayong mabalisa tungkol sa
anumang bagay. Sa halip, idulog ninyo sa Dios ang lahal ng
bagay sa pamamagitan ng panalangin at pagsamong may
pasasalamat .... At ang aking Dios ang magbibigay sa inyo
ng lahat ng inyong pangangailangan ayon sa maluwalhati
niyang kayamanan kay Cristo Jesus" (Filip. 4:6, 19, Ibid.).
Hinihikayat tayo ng mga apostol sa isang matibay
na pag-asa sa kahalagahan al dakilang na magagawa ng
pananalangin.
Ang kondisyon upang dinggin sa panalangin
Hindi lahal ng tumatawag 0 dumudulog sa Diyos at sa
Panginoong Jesus ay dinirinig at pinagkakalooban. May
maliwanag na kondisyon ang Diyos na dapat matugunan ng
tao upang siya'y Kani yang dinggin. Mula pa noong unang
panahon ay ipinahayag na ito ng Diyos: "Kapag sinabihan
knang kalangitan. anupat hindi umulan, 0 inutusan n ~ mSl:a
balang para kanin ang mga tanim sa lupain 0 pinadalhan ko
ng salot ang aking bayan, kung ang aking bayan na tina wag
sa aking pangalan ay magpakumbaba, manaiangin, hanapin
ako at talikdan ang kanilang masasamang gawain, diringgin
ko si la mula sa langit, patatawarin ang kanilang mga
kasalanan at pagagalingin ko ang kanilang lupain. Magiging
bukas ang aking paningin at pandinig para dinggin ang mga
dalanging inihandog sa lugar na ito" (11 Cron. 7:13-15, Ibid.).
Upang dinggin ng Diyos ang tao sa panalangin ay
kailangang mapabilang muna sa kinikilala Niyang bayan 0
magkaroon muna ng banal na kaha lalan. Kailangan din sa
mga hinirang ay nagbabagong-buhay at lumalagi sa dakong
pinili ng Diyos pagkat doon ay laging bukas ang Kaniyang
paningin at pandinig upang dinggi n ang dalangin ng
Kaniyang bayan. Kaya't upang pagpalain ng Diyos, mahalaga
na lumagi sa Kaniyang templo na doon isinasagawa ang
tunay na pagsamba sa Kaniya. Bakit kailangan pang nasa
bayan ng Diyos? Ana ba ang katangian ng bayan ng Diyos?
Ganitoang sagotsa atin ng Biblia: "Sapagka't anong dakilang
bansa nga ang may dios na napakalapit sa kanila, na gaya
ng Panginoon nating Dios kailan man tayo'y tumawag sa
kaniya?" (Deu!. 4:7).
Tunay na napakapalad ng mga taong kabilang sa bayan
ng Diyos-napakalapit ng Diyos sa kanila at laging handa
ang Diyos na makinig sa kanilang mga pagtawag sapagkat sa
kanila ipinagkaloob ang karapatang humingi at tumanggap
ng anumang kanilang pangangailangan Quan 15:16, NPV).
Sa bayan ng Diyos din nakalaan ang pangakong ipinahayag
mismo ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng Kaniyang propeta:
"Bago pa 5i la tumawag ay sasagutin ko na sila; nagsasalita
pa sila ay didinggin ko na" (Isa. 65:24, Jbid.). Ngunit sino ba
ang ipinakikilalang bayan ng Diyos sa mga huling araw?
Sa pahayag ng propetang 51 Zacarias ay may binabanggit
na bayan ng Diy05 na kapag tumawag ay Kaniyang tiyak
na diringgin: "At aking dadalhin ang ikatlong bahagi sa
apoy, at sila'y dadalisayin ko na parang pilak na dalisay,
at siJa'y susubukin ko na parang pagsubok sa ginto. Sila'y
magsisitawag sa aking pangaJan, at akin Silang didinggin:
aking sasabihin, Siya'y bayan ko; at kanilang sasabihin, Ang
Panginoon ay aking Dios" (Zak. 13:9).
Batay naman sa kaugnay na hula ng mga apostol, ang
ikatlong bahagi na pinangakuan ng Diyos na Kaniyang
diringgin kapag tumawag sa Kaniya ay ang ikatlong
grupo na tumanggap ng pangakong Espiritu Santo (Gawa
2:39) nn siyang katibayan ng kanilang pagiging sa Diyos
al lagapagmana ng Kaniyang mga pangako (Efe. 1:1314).
Sila rin ang ipinakilala ng ating Panginoong Jesucristo na
Kaniyang ibang mga tupa auan 10:16) na magmumula sa
Malayong Silangan sa panahon ng mga wakas ng lupa (Isa.
43:5-6). Ang kinatuparan nito ay ang Iglesia Ni Cristo na
lumitaw sa Pilipinas noong Hulyo 27, 1914 kaalinsabay ng
paSl:siklab ng Unang Digmaang Pandaigdig na pagsisimula
ng panahong malapit na ang wakas (Mat. 24:3, 33, 6-8).
Mapalad kung gayon ang makabilang sa Iglesia Ni Cristo.
Taglay og mga kaanib nito ang mahalagang pangako ng
F I LIPINO SECTION- NOVEMBER 1(112' GOO'S MESSAGE 33
Diyos na kapag tumawag ay Kaniyang diringgin. Gamiti n
nawa at huwag sayangin ang karapatang ito ng mga taong
kabi lang sa bayan ng Di yos 0 sa tunay na Iglesia Ni Cristo.
Ang katangiang hinahanap sa dumadalangin
Upang ganap na pakinabangan ang tinamong karapatan na
tumawag at tumanggap ng kaniyang mga pangangailangan,
kailangang taglayin din ang katangiang hinahanap ng Diyos
sa mga dumadalangin sa Kaniya. Ganito ang itinuro ng mga
apostol: "Kaya't lumapit tayo sa Diyos nang may tapat na
kalooban at matibay na pananalig sa kanya. Lumapit tayong
may malinis na budhi sapagkat nalinis na ang ating mga
puse at nahugasan na ng dati say na tubig ang ating mga
katawan. Magpakatatag tayo sa ating pag-asa at huwag mag-
alinIangan, sapagkat tapat ang nangako sa atin" (Heb. 10:22-
23, Magandang Bolita Bibfia).
OahU dito, mahalagang bulayin muna ng mananalangin
ang kaniyang layunin sa pagtawag sa Diyos. Kailangang
inaakay ng tapat at mati bay na pananalig sa Diyos sapagkat
tanging sa nagtataglay lamang ng matibay na pananali g
ibibigay ng Oiyos ang anumang kahilingan (Mat. 21:21-22,
NPV). Dapat ding nilalakipan niya ito ng pagbabagong-
buhay.
Ang may matibay na pananalig sa Oiyos, lalo na
sa panahong ito na kabi-kabila ang rna nakalulunos na
kaganapang dul ot ng mga kalamidad at lumulubhang
karahasan, ay hindi ali ntana ang mga nangyayari sa pali gid
o hindi natatakot kahit sa mga nakaambang panganib.
Ganito ang paninindigan ng mga unang hinirang ng Di yos:
"Sa aking paghihinagpis dumaing ako sa PANGINOON, at
pinalaya niya ako bilang kanyang tugon. Kasama ko ang
PANGINOON, hindi ako matatakot. Anong magagawa sa
akin ng tao? Kasama ko ang PANGINOON siya ang katulong
ko. Pagmamasdan ko ang kaaway sa aking pagtatagumpay
... Naitulak ako at halos bumagsak, ngunit tinulungan ako
ng PANGINOON. Ang PANGINOON ang aking kalakasan
at awit; siya ang naging kaligtasan ko" (Awit 118:5-7, 13-
14, Ibid.). Sila ang mga lingkod na kapag nanalangin ay
kababakasan ng matibay na pag-asa sa dakilang magagawa
ng Diyos sa kaniJang buhay. Hindi nababawasan ni
napipingasan ang kani lang pag-asa kahit na naitutulak
din sila ng mga dumarati ng na problema na anupa't halos
ikabagsak nila.
Ganito ang uri ng pananali g na nakita ng Oiyos sa
marami sa mga unang hinirang Niya. Ito rin ang dapat
na maging uri ng pananalig ng mga lingkod ng Diyos na
dumadalangin sa Kani ya sa mga huling araw na ito. Dapat
nilang panghawakan ang pangako ng Diyos: " ... Pagkat
sinabi ng Dios, 'Hindi kita iiwan ni pababayaan man.' Kaya
masasabi natin nang buong pagtitiwala, 'Ang Panginoon
aog tumutulong sa akin; hindi ako matatakot' ... " (Heb.
13:5-6, Ibid.) .
34 NOVEMBe" 1011 . GOO'S MESSAGE 'FI LIPINO SECTION '
Kay gandang pagmasdan pamUyang huwaran;
Ang ama at ina ay lIagmamnhalall,
Mga allak nila 'y napakagagaJang.
Wagas na pag-ibig IIaghaharing lunay.
Mga anak nila 'y sadyang mnbabail
Payo ng magulang laging dinirinig
I
AI ang nadarama'y ..... agas na pag-iblg
Kaya'l allg pagsunod ay bukal sa dibdib.
Sa hirap ng buhay ina'y tumutulonl
Sa paghahanapbllhay nang may i/ang-agdon.
Ngunit tinitiyak na si/a'y may panaholl
Upallg mga anak, di mangaparool.
Ang ama ang siyallg lIaghahanapblJ/wy .
Nagsisilbi naman, masipag lIa nallay.
Nililingap nila buong sambahayan.
Ang buong mag-anak ay lIagdadamayan.
Gusto n'yong malaman kanilang sikreto?
A/lg dakilang Amallg may falang sa tao
Ang Siyang nilapitang mny bagbag na puso,
Kaya't pinakinggan allg pagsusllmalllo.
Sila'y sama-samn sa pallana/angin
Sa Dakilallg Amang mayari sa atin.
Pinag-uusapan, mga su/irallin,
Kapag bumabangon, agad nasusupil.
Evangeli ne S. Ramos
Manila, Philippi nes
,
I
~

!

SECCION ESPANOLA
Devoto a la Oraci6n
Traducido por ARTHUR P. AGAG
En medio de las actuales angustias, sufrimientos y maldad,
la oportunidad y urgencia de orar se ha convertido
en la norma del verdadero pueblo de Dios.
L
A BIBLIA INFORMA que los
verdaderos sieevos de Dios son
devotos a la oraci6n. Devoci6n a la
oraci6n es una caracterfstica distintiva
que debemos practicar siempre. En
media de una sociedad malvada y
afligida, el hombre ha aprendido
a orar aJ Dios Todopoderoso. Las
oraciones ecumenicas aun han lI egado
a estar de moda hoy entre grupos
inter-denominativos.
Supremo en rea li dad, es el va lor
de orar. Particula rmente en epocas
de crisis, el hombre esta en extrema
necesidad del pader milagroso, amor,
y misericordia de Dios. A teaves de
nuestras oraciones y juramentos
soicmnes, podemos manifestar aDios
nuestro desamparo e indefensi6n.
La importancia de orar
"C6mo demostr6 el Senor Jesucrislo
Mismo la importancia grande de orar?
En Mateo 17:21, eslo esl<i documen-
tado: "Pero esta clase no sale sino con
oraci6n y ayuno" (Nueva Biblia Latillo-
QmericQllu de Hoy).
Orar, como enseii6 Jesus a
Sus Ap6stoles, es tan importante,
particularmente en desempefiar sus
funciones oficiales. A menos que
ora ran y ayunaran. los Ap6stoles no
pod fan funcionar eficazmente.
LEn que otra oportunidad prob6
Cristo el gran valor de orar? En Lucas
22:41-44, esto esM escrito: "Se alej6 de
elias como a la dislancia de un lira
de piedra, y se puso de rodillas para
orar. Dijo: .. Padre, si quieres, librame
de esle trago amargo; pero que no se
haga mi voluntad, sino la tuya. En
esto se Ie apareci6 un <ingel del cicio,
para darle fuerzas. En medio de su
gran sufrimiento, Jesus oraba aun
m<is intensamente, y el sudor Ie cara
a tierra como grandes gotas de sangre"
(Dios Habla Hoy).
Indudablemente, Jesus se muestra
fervientemente orando aDios, Su
cayendo como golas de sangre
sobre la tierra. Jesus angustiosamente
Ie suplic6 al Padre que 10 librara del
trago amargo. Pero al fin, se rindi6
humi.ldemente aDios, permitiendo
que 1a voluntad de Dios reinara
preem.inentemente.
Cristo manifest6
Ciertamente,
Su sinceridad
extrema y consislencia de prop6sito,
durante el acto de orar en el huerto de
Getsemani.
La enseiianza de los apostoles
Que 1a oraci6n tiene el poder de af-
ectar los servicios religiosos aDios
y experiencias temporales pueden
probarse por individuos devotos.
;.C6mo prob6 el Ap6stol Pablo, que
las oraciones son muy utiles en co-
municarse can Dios en relaci6n a
nuestras necesidades basicas y de-
' SPANISH SECTION'
seas materiales? En Fi lipenses 4:6,
Pablo amonesta: "No se preocupen
por nada; en cambia, oren par todo.
Organle aDios 10 que necesitan y
denIe gracias por todo 10 que el ha
hecho" (Nueva Tradl4cci611 Viviente).
EI hombre a Iraves de la oraci6n,
no debe estar ansioso. fntimamente,
puede supli car directamente aI
Creador. 1:1 es la fuente y proveedor
de toda la gracia material que el
hombre necesita en su vida diaria.
A traves de las oraci6nes
en 18 fe
LDe que otra manera puede ser la
oraci6n uti l para el cristiano? EI
Ap6s101 Santiago ensena que induso
en tiempos de dolencia, la oraci6n
es provechosa para los hijos de Dios.
Esta es la oraci6n para los enfermos,
como Dios 10 ordena: "lAlguno esta:
enfermo? Que \lame a los ancianos de
Ia iglesia, para que vengan y que oren
par eI y 10 unjan can aceite en el nom-
bre del Senor. Una oraci6n ofrecida
can fe, sanar<i al enfermo, y el Senor
hara que se recupere; y si ha cometido
pecados, serti perdonado" (Sant. 5:14-
15, Ibid.).
lQuien debe orar por los
miembros enfermos de la Iglesia De
Cristo? Los ancianos de la Iglesia,
quienes los ungiran can aceite en
el nombre del Senor. lCual sera el
NOVUoIIIER lOll' MESSAGE 3S
resultado positivo de aquellos por
quienes sc or6 y fueron ungidos can
aceite? La restaurad6n de salud sera
concedida a ellos, ya que el Senor los
levantani y perdonara si han cometido
pecados. ,Cual es csta orad6n? f:sta
es la oraci6n ofredda con fe para
los enfermos. El poder curativo de
la orad6n por los enfermos, se ha
probado muchas veces.
,Puede la orad6n tam bien ayudar
cuando se suplica por sabidurfa y
entendimiento? En Daniel 9:20-22,
esto esta escrito: "Yo segur orando
y confesando mis pecados y los de
mi pueblo Israel, y presentando mis
suplicasal Senor mi Dios porsu monte
santo. Mientras yo oraba, Gabriel,
que se me habra aparecido antes en
la visi6n, vi no volando a donde yo
estaba. Era casi la hora de ofrecer a
Dios el sacrificio de la tarde. Y me dijo:
Daniel, he venido ahora para hacerte
entender estas cosas" (DHH).
Despues de que Daniel el Profeta
suplic6 por sabidurfa y entendimiento,
Dios Ie concedi6 su petici6n justa.
La manera que Cristo or6
En la era cristiana el Senor Jesus mostr6
la manera justa de cumplir con Su obra.
Prob6 el valor intrincado de orar, en
relaci6n a Sus funciones. En Mateo 4:1-
2, eslo esta escrito: "Luego el Espiritu
llev6 a Jesus al desierto, para que el
diablo 10 pusiera a prueba. Estuvo cu-
arenta dfas y cuarenta noches sin comer,
y despues sinti6 harnbre" (Ibid.).
Nuestro Senor Jesus mostr6
intensamente el acto y significado de
orar, por medio de ayunar por 40 dras
y 40 noches. Durante el tiempo de los
Ap6stoles, experimentaron el Espfr itu
Santo como consolador y gufa en
el cumplimiento de sus funciones
divinas.
POI' la maner" de ocar,
seguir que hizo el Senor Jesucristo en
Mateo 6:9-13: "Ustedes deben orar asf:
36 l.QU GOD'S MI!SSAGI!
'Padre nuestro que esMs
en el cielo, santificado
sea tu nombre. Venga tu
reino. Hagase tu voluntad
en la tierra, asf como se
hace en cl cielo. Danos
hoy el pan que
necesitamos. Perd6nanos
el mal que hemos hecho,
asf como nosotros hemos
perdonado a los que nos
han hecho mal. No nos
expongas a la tentaci6n,
sino l\branos del maligno"
(Ibid.).
Este modelo o
conlorno de una orad6n,
fue ensei\ado por Jesus.
Este modelo, sin embargo,
no debe hacerse en
memorizaci6n rulina, 0
redtado repetidamente
en sf mismo.
,Que prohibe Cristo
acerca de la oraci6n? En
Mateo 6:7, leemos: "Y al
orar no repitan ustedcs
palabras inutiles, como
hacen los paganos, que se
imaginan que cuanto mas
hablen mas caso )es hani
Dios" (Ibid.).
La oraci6n repetitiva
como esc del "rosario"
esta prohibida por el
Salvador. Cuundo cl "rosario" sc
mendona repetidamente, diez "Ave
Marias" son recitadas. Por cada diez
"Ave Marias" se mendona un "Padre
nuestro"; este modelo se repite 15
veces. Por consiguiente, durante la
duraci6n que se ora el "r05ario"-15O
repeticiones de "Ave Martas, y 15
repeticiones de "Padre nuestros", son
recitados en ddos.
"'Aumenttlr nuestra fe-
Segun los Ap6stoles, ,que debe indu-
irse siempre al orar a Dios? En Lucas
'SI'AN I SH SECTION '
17:5, esto esta escrito: "Dijeron los
ap6stoles al Senor: Aumentanos la fe"
(Reilla- Valera 1995).
Lo que no debe exduirsc, es la
pctici6n de aumentar nuestra fe.
Para asegurar la respuesta de
Dios a nuestras oradones, ,que
cualidades distintivas debemos
poseer? ,Que caracterfstica espera
Dios de aquellos devotos a quienes
El contestara? En
Marcos 11 :24, es la ensenanza
de Jesus: "Por eso les digo que todas
las cosas por las que oren y pidan,
crean que ya las han recibido, y les
seran concedidas" (NBLH).
Los devotos deben poseer
fe, a fin de que las oraciones sean
concedidas. Jesus amonest6; "crean
que ya las han recibido, y les seran
concedidas. "
LC6mo podemos estar seguros de
que tenemos fe? Pidamos can fe, sin
dudar nada.
CUil.ndo p"dionn,,_ nine/in tintp
de duda debe haber en nosotros,
porque si es as, no recibiremos nada
del Senor.
Requisitos para
la Oraci6n
Para estar seguros de
la respuesta miseri-
cordiosa de Dios,
otras caracterfsticas de-
ben ser inherentes en
una persona que ora?
En 1 Juan 3:22, esto esta
escrito: "Y nos dara
todo 10 que Ie pidamos,
porque obedecemos sus
mandamientos y hac-
cmos 10 que Ie agrada"
(DHH).
Dios exigi6 que
los devotos fuesen
guardianes 0 hacedores
de Sus mandamientos.
l Porque? Para poder
recibir de cualquier
cosa que Le pidan.
Aparte de esto, Dios
requiere que confiesen
sus pecados, como
10 muestra el profeta
Daniel (Dan. 9:3-5, Ibid.).
En cuanto al
horatio de observar la
oraci6n, Lc6mo debe
cada individuo planear
o asignar su tiempo
para orar? David, el
rey de Israel, muestra
la prioridad de orar en
perfodos programados, asf: "Tarde y
manana y a mediad!a orare y clamare,
Y el oira mi voz" (Sal. 55:17, Reilla-
Valera 1960).
LCuando mas debe orar el
pueblo elegido de Dios? EI Ap6stol
Pablo ensena: "En todo caso, 10
mismo si com en, que si beben,
que si hacen cualquier otra cosa,
haganlo todo para la gloria de Dios"
(1 Cor. 10:31. DHH).
Antes de comer, el pueblo elegido
de Dios debe darIe gracias por Su
infinita gracia. En cualquier actividad
" SPANISH SECTION"
que eJ hombre se involucre, ya sea en
el sustento, aprendizaje 0 viajes, es
imperativo orar-todo esto para la
gloria de Dios.
Siempre orad
tan frecuentemente debemos
arar? En Efesios 6:18, esto est<"! docu-
mentado: " ... rucgucn y pidan aDios
siempre, guiados por el EspIritu" (Ibid.).
lDebe 1a oraci6n pronunciarse
infrecuentemente? No. EI Ap6stol
Pablo ensena que las oraciones se
hagan en todo momenta. Hasta
nuest ro Senor amonesta en Lucas
18:1 que debemos "siempre orar."
l5e debe recurrir a la oraci6n s610
cuando tenemos algo que pedirle a
Dios? Claro que no. Orar al Senor
Todopoderoso debe ser un asunto
habitual, un compromiso de por
vida. En oraciones y suplicas, Le
damos gloria a tl. Le damos gracias
por todas las bendiciones sin fin que
El nos provee, por nuestro bienestar
ffsico y espiritual.
Sin duda, el hombre es ambos
ffsicamente y espiritualmente
Algunas veces se averguenza
realmente de suplicar y lIorar ante
Dios. Mas Dios exliende Su ayuda,
para que podamos comunicarnos
apropiadamente can 1. Romanos
8:26 revela: "De igual manera, el
Espiritu nos ayuda en nuestra
debilidad. Porque no sabemos orar
como es debido, pero el Espiritu
mismo ruega aDios por nosotros, con
gemidos que no pueden expresarse
con palabras" (DHH).
Dios q u ien es misericordiosamente
benigno, envfa al Espuitu Santo para
ayudar e interceder. Asf, podemos
arar apropiadamente a
(A translatiOll of tile article ell titled
"Prayer/Tfllless" written by Adriel O.
Mei/llball published ill Pasllgo, May-
l,,"e 1990)
NOVUIBER 1011 GOD'S MESSAGE 37
) CIIy
-
P
AGLAUM MEANS HOPE in Hiligaynon (the dialect widely
in the Philippine Island of Negros). Also, one of the
biggest sports arenas in the island which can be found in
Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental-one of the two (2)
provinces (the other one is Negros Oriental) in the island-is named
Paglaum Sports Complex, site of the Church Of Christ's many grand
evangelical missions (GEMs).
For members of the Church, which has four (4) ecclesiastical dis-
tricts in this fourth largest island in the Philippine archipelago, their
paglaum lies in God and in His promises.
The spread of God's words in Negros Island
The true gospel reached different and far-nung towns and cit ies
in this island through brethren who, in one way or another, were
trying to find greener pastures. In their pursuit of a better future,
they did not forget to continue serving the Lord Cod and share His
words. This was the case with Brother Fernando Sarrol, a foreman of
Atlantic Gulf and Pacific (AG&P) company, a Manila-based foreign
company that was contracted by the San Carlos Central Milling in
Negros Island in 1946. He and some brethren started the missionary
works in the area. 0 wonder, the first congregation in the island
was the local congregation of San Carlos City (then under the super-
vision of the district of Cebu) which was established in June 1947.
The ecclesiastical district of Negros Occidental
Known as the "sugar bowl of the Philippines," Negros Occidental provides
50% of the country's sugar. Also, Negros Occidental is considered the
province with the most number of cities in the country, 13 cities. As afore-
mentioned, brethren working at AG&P who were assigned to construct
the building of San C-arlos Milil?fg--eoll\:..
pany in San Carlos, Negros Qccidental
made up the core of brethren who were
in.,trumentaJ in spreading the true gos-
pel in the island. "They wrote the Church
Administration to send ministers to
oversee them, officiate their worship $Cr-
vieD, and lead their missionary endeav-
on. The;r request was granted; !hus, the
Chwdt Administration" through Brother
Antnni., J ..... them district miniotcr:
of Cebu. sent three ministers-Brothers
Catalan, Pedro Aquino, and
10 their spmtua1
needs. August 17, 1949 wasa historicoc-
casion in the Church Of Christ in Negros
Island: this is the exact date when Ne-
gros Occidental became a full-fledged
district. The first district minister was
Brother Gregorio Catalan.
Currently, there are 83 local congre-
gations and 11 extensions in the district.
Brother Guillenno M. Cabrera Jr. is the
present district minister. He continues
to lead the entire district, with its
trict 0 t1ce in Bacolod City.
tiv:e parti dpation in the churdi s y
spiri tual endeavors in order to unite
with the Church Administration jtl its
noble misSion in preparing the fai thfuls
for the nearing judgment Day.
The eccleSiastical district
of Negros Oriental
NclVOl' Oriental
1950 and the
"Pangan and Cesar Panares were tHe
pioneering ministers who were in-
strumental in the establishment of the
Church in this province. They arrived in
Dumaguete City, the province's capital,
three extensions with Brother Azrie1 M.
as districLminister. :r-he district
office is situated at 133 San Jose Exten-
sion, Dumaguete Ci!)'.
-
to spread the words of God. The first The ecclesiastical district of
evangelical work they initiated was Negros del Sur
in Barangay Batinguel, Dumaguete. Brother Catalina R. Castillo Sr., the_
It was also in this place where historic district minister then, sent a letter dat-
debates between Iglesia Ni Cristo minis- ed October 1983 to Brother Erai\o G.
ters and defenders of various religions Manalo specifically asking for the estab-
were held. Given the lishment of the ecclesiastical district of
Catholic and Protestant beliefs in the Negros del Sur. It was approved on Jan-
province, the missionary work begun uary 9, 1984. The district is composed of
by pioneering ministers and brethren more than 40 local congregations, from
did not go unnoticed; indeed, they ex- the seven towns of the provi nce of.Ne-
protractea history ofi:iiffer- gros Occidental . The district office is in
ent types of harassments and Kabankalan City, 91 kilometers from Ba-
tions. However, these did not im e colod City, Negros Occidental.
-
their wars]';!!> seryices-anJ!::tlie' m"isslon- __ 1Jie fi rst district minister was
ary,;:.w.!-.. they stru:ted. With God's be:- Brother S. Casilda Sr. The
nevolent aid and blessings, the Chwch
persevered despite overwhelming
odds.
Because of the Church's rapid
growth in membershi p and its intensi-
fied missionary works, there was a ne-
cessity of sending more ministers and
evangelical workers to this province.
Hence. with the increase in number of
Churdllllt!lllbem, came the establish-
nf
Negros Ori-
worship
Subdivision,
ctdental in a
Teresita ApIa-on.
district was
was changed in
del Sur. The present
name of the
Brother Generico N. Gamboa.
The ecclesiastical district
of Negros del Norte
As the propagation of God' s
expanded in the island in the 8Q$;.
Brother Catalino Castillo, ap.trv *
quested the Church Administration
to add another ecclesiastical district
in order to have a closer supervi-
sion of the brethren. Thus, on May
25, 1985, the ecclesiastical district of
Negros del Norte was born. Most of
the local congregations were from
Negros Occidental (12 local congre-
gations) and Negros Oriental (9 lo-
cal congregations), Currentl y, there
are 27 local congregations and one
extension in this district which is
under the supervision of it's district
minister Brother Eleazar C. Palapar.
The district is now home to
the oldest local congregation in the
whole island of Negros-San Carlos
City Congregation. San Carlos City
Congregation was not only the old-
est congregation but also has been
part of different ecclesiastical dis-
tricts, namel y, the district of Cebu in
1947, the district of Negros Occiden-
tal in 1949, and since 1985, district of
Negros del Norte. San Carlos City is
also where the district office can be
found.
United in hope
Although the Church Of Christ in this
part of the Visayan Region has ex-
panded to various places, the brethren
remain obedient to God's teachings
and united with the Church Adminis-
tration. These are a testament to their
hope in God.
And even if in their journey in
this world they experience adversities
in life, their hope will never diminish.
They have chosen paglaum (hope) over
doubt and despair. It is this hope in
God's promised salvation and eternal
40 NoyutllU 2011' GOO'S MESSAGE
VARIOUS CHURCH
ACfIVITIES IN
NEGROS DISTRICfS
life that pushes them forward. They draw
inspiration from the words of the Psalm-
ist who stated: "Why am I so sad? Why
am I so troubled? I will put my hope in
God, and once aga in [ wi ll praise him, my
savior and my God." (Ps. 42:11, Toe/ny's
Ellglisll Version) 0
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