Si Cristo ba ay Dios ayon sa Juan 6:46?

Isa sa mga talatang ginagamit ng mga naniniwala sa pagka-dios diumano ng Panginoong Jesucristo ay ang nakasulat sa Juan 6:46.

""Hindi sa ang sinoma'y nakakita sa Ama, kundi yaong nanggaling sa Dios, siya ang nakakita sa Ama.""

Ang tunay na kahulugan

1 Timoteo 1:17 ""Ngayon sa Haring walang hanggan, walang kamatayan, DI NAKIKITA, sa iisang Dios, ay ang kapurihan at kaluwalhatian magpakailan kailan man. Siya nawa.""

Ang ating Ama na siyang iisang tunay na Dios ay hindi nakikita. Ito ay sapagkat ang tunay na Dios ay Espiritu sa kalagayan (Juan 4:24), walang laman at mga buto (Lukas 24:39).

Ano ba ang kahulugan ng sinabi ni Cristo na siya lamang ang nakakita sa Ama? Sa Juan 14:7 ito ang  nakasulat:

""Kung ako'y nangakilala ninyo ay mangakikilala ninyo ang aking Ama: buhat ngayon SIYA'Y INYONG MANGAKIKILALA, at siya'y INYONG NAKITA.""

Si Cristo lamang ang nakakita sa Ama sapagkat siya lamang ang nakakikilala sa Ama o sa Diyos. Ngunit hindi ito marapat ipakahulugan na Siya ay Diyos, sapagkat Siya ay sugo ng Diyos.

Juan 7:28-29 ""Sumigaw nga si Jesus sa templo, na nagtuturo at sinasabi, Ako'y inyong nakikilala at nalalaman din naman ninyo kung taga saan ako; at hindi ako naparito sa aking sarili, datapuwa't ang nagsugo sa akin ay tunay, NA HINDI NINYO NAKIKILALA. SIYA'Y NAKIKILALA KO; SAPAGKA'T AKO'Y MULA SA KANIYA, at siya ang nagsugo sa akin.""

Nakikilala ni Cristo ang Diyos sapakat Siya'y mula sa Diyos. Hindi ito maaaring ipakahulugan na si Cristo ang Diyos sapagkat siya ay isinugo ng Diyos. Iba ang Diyos na nagsugo kaysa kay Cristo na isinugo. Iba si Cristo na nanggaling sa Diyos kaysa sa Diyos na pinagmulan Niya.

Ang Pagkakaisa ng Iglesia ni Cristo...(Part 3)

Isa sa mga pagkakataon kung saan lalong nahahayag ang pagkakaisa ng Iglesia ni Cristo ay sa panahon ng halalan. Ang mga kaanib ng Iglesia ay bumuboto dahil ang pagboto ay batas ng pamahalaan para sa lahat ng mamamayan.

Sumunod sa batas ng pamahalaan

1 Pedro 2:13-14 ""KAYO'Y PASAKOP SA BAWAT PALATUNTUNAN NG TAO ALANG ALANG SA PANGINOON: maging sa hari, na kataastaasan; o sa mga gobernador, na sinugo niya sa paghihiganti sa nagsisigawa ng masama at sa kapurihan ng nagsisigawa ng mabuti.""

Ang mga kaanib ng Iglesia bilang mamamayan ay sumusunod sa bawat palatuntunan ng tao o sa batas ng pamahalaan sapagkat ang pagsalangsang sa batas at may kapangyarihan ay ibinibilang na kasalanan sa Diyos dahil ang kapangyarihang yaon ay mula sa Dios.

Roma 13:1-2 ""Ang bawa’t kaluluwa ay PASAKOP SA MATATAAS NA KAPANGYARIHAN: SAPAGKA’T WALANG KAPANGYARIHAN NA HINDI MULA SA DIOS; at ANG MGA KAPANGYARIHANG YAO’Y HINIRANG NG DIOS. Kaya nga't ang sumasalangsang sa kapangyarihan, ay sa utos ng Dios sumasalangsang: at ang mga nagsisalangsang ay magsisitanggap ng kahatulan sa kanilang sarili.""

Ayon sa ating Panginoong Jesucristo

Mateo 22:21 ""Sinabi nila sa kaniya, kay Cesar. Nang magkagayo'y sinabi niya sa kanila, kaya't IBIGAY NINYO KAY CESAR ANG SA KAY CESAR; at SA DIOS ANG SA DIOS.""

Ang tinutukoy na Cesar ay ang pamahalaan. Utos ni Cristo na ibigay sa Dios ang sa Dios, kay Cesar o sa pamahalaan ang sa pamahalaan. Batas ng bansa ang MAGHALAL NG PINUNO sa bayan kaya't isinasagawa ito ng mga Iglesia ni Cristo hindi lamang dahil sa gobyerno kundi dahil sa ito ay utos din ni Cristo.

Ang bahagi ng Dios sa gawaing pagboto

Colosas 3:17 ""At ANOMANG INYONG GINAGAWA, sa salita, o sa gawa, GAWIN NINYONG LAHAT SA PANGALAN NG PANGINOONG JESUS, na nagpapasalamat kayo sa Dios sa pamamagitan Niya.""

Maliwanag sa talata na ANUMANG sasalitain o gagawin ng mga Iglesia ni Cristo ay ginagawa sa pangalan ng Panginoong Jesus. Ang pagboto ay dapat gawin sa pangalan ng Panginoong Jesucristo. At anomang ating gagawin ay dapat gawin sa ikaluluwalhati ng Dios. Naluluwalhati ang Dios kapag ginaganap natin ang ipinagagawa Niya.

1 Corinto 10:31 ""Kaya kung kayo'y nagsisikain man,o nagsisiinom man o ANOMAN ANG INYONG GINAGAWA, GAWIN NINYO ANG LAHAT SA IKALULUWALHATI NG DIOS.""

Juan 17:4 ""NILUWALHATI KITA sa lupa, PAGKAGANAP KO NG GAWA NA IPINAGAWA MO SA AKIN.""

Ang pagsunod sa batas ng pamahalaan, isa na dito ang pagboto, ay utos na Dios na kung ating gaganapin o susundin ay naluluwalhati ang Dios. 

Sa nakaraang dalawang posts ay napagalaman natin na mahalaga ang pagkakaisa ng Iglesia dahil sa ito ay utos ng Dios. Sa panahon ng halalan ay mas nahahayag ang kaisahang ito ng Iglesia. Ngunit  tinutuligsa ng ilan ang kaisahang ito sapagkat ang pagkakaisa daw ng Iglesia ay sa espirituwal lamang at hindi pati rin sa isyung pulitikal. Bakit ba nagkakaisa ang Iglesia maging hanggang sa pagboto?

Filipos 2:2-3 ""Ay lubusin ninyo ang aking katuwaan, upang kayo'y MANGAGKAISA NG PAG-IISIP, mangagtaglay ng isa ring pag-ibig, na mangagkaisa ng akala, at isa lamang pag-iisip; Na HUWAG NINYONG GAWIN ANG ANOMAN SA PAMAMAGITAN NG PAGKAKAMPI-KAMPI o sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalo, kundi sa kababaan ng pag-iisip, na ipalagay ng bawat isa ang iba na lalong mabuti kay sa kaniyang sarili.""

Nagkakaisa ang Iglesia maging sa pagboto dahil  ayon sa talata huwag dapat GAWIN ANG ANOMAN sa pamamagitan ng pagkakampi-kampi.

Ang pagboto

Vote- "".....expression of Judgement...""

(Pagboto- "".....isang pagpapahayag ng paghatol..."")

(Webster's New International Dictionary)

Ayon sa mga apostol kung ginagawa natin  ang paghatol ay dapat mangagkaisa ng lubos.

1 Corinto 1:10 "" Subalit ipinamamanhik ko sa inyong lahat, mga kapatid, na alang-alang sa ating Panginoong JesuCristo ay mangagkaisa kayong lahat sa inyong sinasalita, at huwag ninyong itulot na magkaroon ng pagkakabahabahagi sa gitna ninyo, kundi MAGKAISA KAYONG LUBOS SA PAG-IISIP AT PAGHATOL.""

Ang pagboto ay paghatol kaya dapat magkaisa sa pagboto. Ang mga kaanib sa Iglesia ni Cristo ay hindi nagkakabahabahagi o nagkakanyakanya sa pagpili ng kandidato sapagkat masisira ang pagkakaisa ng Iglesia kung may ganito.

Ang nagpapasiya: Ang Tagapamahalang Pangkalahatan

Gawa 15:1-2 ""At may ibang mga taong nagsilusong mula sa Judea ay nagsipagturo sa mga kapatid, na sinasabi, Maliban na kayo'y mangagtuli ayon sa kaugalian ni Moises, ay hindi kayo mangaliligtas. At nang magkaroon, si Pablo at Bernabe ng DI KAKAUNTING PAGTATALO at pakikipagtuligsaan sa kanila, ay ipinasya ng mga kapatid na si Pablo at si Bernabe, at ang ilan sa kanila, magsiahon sa Jerusalem, sa mga apostol at sa mga matanda tungkol sa suliraning ito."" 

Mapapansing nagkaroon ng pagtatalo sa mga kaanib sa Iglesia noon. kaya upang masolusyonan ang suliranin nila ay nagtungo sila sa Jerusalem, sa kinaroroonan ng Pamamahala.  Ang punto dito ay hindi ukol sa pagtutuli kundi ang punto ay kung sino ang dapat magpasya upang hindi magkaroon ng pagkakabahabahagi. Nang matapos nilang ihayag ang kani-kaniyang panig ay isa lamang ang nagpasiya upang masolusyunan ang suliranin nila.

Gawa 15:19 ""Dahil dito'y ANG HATOL KO, ay huwag nating gambalain yong sa mga Gentil ay nangagbabalik-loob sa Dios.""

Ayon sa talata isa lamang ang naghatol o nagpasiya (...ang hatol KO...). Siya ay si Santiago na siyang TAGAPAMAHALANG PANGKALAHATAN ng Iglesia noon.

Gawa 15:13 ""At nang matapos na silang magsitahimik, ay sumagot si SANTIAGO, na sinasabi, Mga kapatid, PAKINGGAN NINYO AKO.""

Ang pagpapasiya ng Tagapamahalang Pangkalahatan na inilagay ng Ama sa Iglesia ay hindi sariling kapasiyahan lamang kundi may katangiang galing sa Dios.

Gawa 15:28 ""Sapagka't MINAGALING NG ESPIRITU, at namin, na huwag kayong atangan ng lalong mabigat na pasanin sa mga bagay na ito na kinaikalangan.""


Magpasakop sa Namamahala

Ang pagpapasiya ng namamahala sa Iglesia ay minagaling o kinakasihan ng Espiritu Santo kaya marapat lamang na ito ay sundin. Itinuro naman sa atin ng Biblia na dapat magpasakop tayo at gumalang sa Pamamahala upang manguna at mangasiwa sa atin para sa atin ding ikabubuti.

Hebrews 13:17 ""SUNDIN NINYO ANG MGA NANGANGASIWA SA INYO, at PASAKOP KAYO SA KANILANG PAMAMAHALA. Sila ang mangangalaga sa inyo at mananagot sa paglilingkod na ito. Sundin ninyo sila upang maging kagalakan at hindi pabigat ang paglilingkod nila; ito'y sa ikabubuti rin ninyo.""

Ang Pagkakaisa ng Iglesia ni Cristo...(Part 2)

Sa nakaraang post ay napag-alaman natin kung kaninong utos ang  pagkakaisa. Tinuturing ng Iglesia ni Cristo na ang doktrinang ito ay mahalaga dahil sa mga katotohanang nakasaad sa Biblia.

Iisang katawan kay Cristo

Romans 12:4-5 ""Sapagkat kung paanong sa ISANG KATAWAN ay mayroon tayong maraming mga sangkap, at ang lahat ng mga sangkap ay hindi pareho ang gawain: ay gayon din tayo na marami, ay IISANG KATAWAN KAY CRISTO, at mga SANGKAP NA SAMA SAMA SA ISA'T ISA.""

Ayon kay Apostol Pablo, ang mga kaanib ay nasa iisang katawan kay Cristo. Bagaman maraming mga sangkap na hindi pareho ang gawain ay sama-sama pa rin sa isa't isa. Ang katawang tinutukoy ni Apostol Pablo ay ang Iglesia:

Colosians 1:8 ""At siya ang ulo ng KATAWAN, samakatuwid baga'y ng IGLESIA......""

Sino ang naglagay at bakit inilagay ang mga sangkap sa isa lamang katawan?

1 Corinto 12:18, 25 ""Datapuwa't ngayo'y INILAGAY NG DIOS ang bawat isa sa mga sangkap ng katawan, ayon sa kaniyang minagaling......Upang HUWAG MAGKAROON NG PAGKAKABAHA-BAHAGI SA KATAWAN kundi ang mga sangkap ay MANGAGKAROON NG MAGKASING-ISANG PAG-IINGAT SA ISA'T ISA""

Ang Dios mismo ang naglagay ng mga sangkap sa isa lamang katawan, ito ay upang huwag magkaroon ng pagkakabaha-bahagi. Ayaw ng Dios na ang mga kaanib sa Iglesia ay magkakaron ng pagkakabaha-bahagi.

Pagkakabaha-bahagi: Ayaw ng Dios

1 Corinto 3:3-4 ""Sapagkat kayo'y MGA SA LAMAN PA: sapagka't  samantalang sa inyo'y may mga paninibugho at mga pagtatalo, hindi baga kayo'y mga sa laman, at kayo'y nagsisilakad ayon sa kaugalian ng mga tao? Sapagka't kung sinasabi ng isa, ako'y kay Pablo; at ng ubam ako'u kay Apolos; hindi baga kayo'y mga tao?""

Roma 8:9 ""Datapuwa't KAYO'Y WALA SA LAMAN KUNDI NASA SA ESPIRITU, kung gayo'y tumitira sa inyo ang Espiritu ng Dios, Datapuwa't kung ang sinoma'y walang Espiritu ni Cristo, SIYA'Y HINDI SA KANIYA.""

Santiago 3:14-15 ""Ngunit kung kayo'y mayroong mapapait na paninibugho at PAGKAKAMPIKAMPI sa inyong puso, ay HUWAG NINYONG IPAGMAPURI at huwag magsinungaling laban sa katotohanan. Hindi ito ang karunungang bumababa mula sa itaas, kundi ANG NAUUKOL SA LUPA, SA LAMAN, SA DIABLO.""

Ang pagkakabahabahagi at pagkakampikampi ay sa laman. Ayon sa talata ang mga lingkod ng Dios ay wala sa laman kundi nasa Espiritu. Kung walang Espiritu ni Cristo, siya'y hindi sa Kaniya. Kung ang tao ay sa laman siya ay sa Diablo.

Upang manatili ang Dios sa atin

2 Corinto 13:11 ""Sa katapustapusan, MGA KAPATID, paalam na, Mangagpakasakdal kayo; mangaaliw kayo; MANGAGKAIISA KAYO NG PAG-IISIP; mangabuhay kayo sa kapayapaan: at ang DIOS NG PAGIBIG AT NG KAPAYAPAAN AY SASA INYO.""

Efeso 4:4-6 ""May isang katawan, at isang Espiritu, gaya naman ng pagkatawag sa inyo sa isang pagasa ng pagtawag sa inyo;  Isang Panginoon, isang pananampalataya, isang bautismo, isang Dios at Ama ng lahat, na siyang sumasaibabaw sa lahat, at sumasalahat, sa nasa lahat.""

Upang manatili ang Dios sa atin, isa sa mga payo ng mga apostol ay mangagkaiisa ang mga lingkod niya ng pagiisip. May isa lamang katawan o Iglesia na may isang pananampalataya, isang bautismo at isang Dios lamang. Kung mayroong pagkakabahabahagi, ito ay makasisira sa iisang katawan. Ang pagkakaisa ay mahalagang aral ng Dios na dapat mamalagi sa Iglesia sa lahat ng panahon at pagkakataon . Ang pananatili ng pagkakaisa ay pananatili rin ng Dios sa mga lingkod Niya.

itutuloy...

Ang Pagkakaisa ng Iglesia ni Cristo...(Part 1)

Isang matagumpay na gawain ng Iglesia bunga ng pagkakaisa 

Isa sa doktrinang itinataguyod ng Iglesia ni Cristo ay ang pagkakaisa ng mga kaanib. Hindi kaila sa maraming tao na ang Iglesia ni Cristo ay nagkakaisa, lalo na't mas nahahayag ito sa tuwing dumarating ang halalan. Ang pagkakaisa ay tinutupad ng Iglesia hindi lamang sa tuwing eleksyon kundi maging sa iba't ibang gawain tulad ng mga community clean up drives, blood letting projects, paglingap sa mga mamamayan, pagmimisyon, tree planting activities, Unity games at iba pa.

Aral ng Dios

Awit 133:1 ""Masdan ninyo, na PAGKABUTI at PAGKALIGAYA sa mga MAGKAKAPATID na magsitahang magkakasama sa PAGKAKAISA""

Maliwanag sa talata na ang maidudulot ng pagkakaisa ay ang mabuti at maligayang pagsasamahan ng magkakapatid. Ito ay kaaya-aya sa harapan ng Dios.

Aral ni Cristo

Juan 17:9, 11""Idinadalangin ko sila: hindi ang sanglibutan ang idinadalangin ko, kundi yaong mga sa akin ay ibinigay mo; sapagkat sila'y Iyo:...at wala na ako sa sanglibutan, at ang mga ito ay nasa sanlibutan, at ako'y paririyan sa Iyo. Amang banal, ingatan mo sila sa iyong pangalan yaong mga ibinigay mo sa akin, UPANG SILA'Y MAGING ISA, na gaya naman natin.""

Idinadalangin ng ating Panginoong Jesucristo na yaong mga ibinigay ng Ama sa kanya o ang kanyang mga hinirang na kaanib sa kanyang Iglesia ay maging isa. Ang pagkakaisang idinadalangin Niya ay yung gaya ng pagkakaisa ni Cristo at ng Panginoong Dios.

Kaisa ng Diyos at ni Cristo

Juan 17:21, 23 ""Upang silang lahat ay MAGING ISA; NA GAYA MO AMA, SA AKIN, AT AKO'Y SA IYO, NA SILA NAMA'Y SUMAATIN: upang ang sanglibutan ay sumampalataya na ako'y sinugo mo....Ako'y sa kanila, at Ikaw ay sa akin, upang sila'y MALUBOS SA PAGKAKAISA; upang makilala ng sanglibutan na ikaw ang sa akin ay nagsugo, at sila'y iyong inibig, na gaya ko na inibig mo.""

Ang kaisahan ng Iglesia ay hindi lamang kaisahan ng mga kaanib nito kundi kaisa rin dito ang Panginoong Dios at ang Panginoong JesuCristo ("...na sila nama'y sumaatin").

Itinuro ng mga Apostol

1 Corinto 1:10 ""Ngayo'y ipinamamanhik ko sa inyo, mga kapatid, sa pamamagitan ng pangalan ng ating JesuCristo, na kayong lahat ay MANGAGSALITA NG ISA LAMANG BAGAY at  HUWAG MANGAGKAROON SA INYO NG MGA PAGKAKABAHABAHAGI; kundi KAYO'Y MANGALUBOS SA ISA LAMANG PAG-IISIP AT PAGHATOL.""

Maliwanag sa mga talatang nasa itaas na kaya tinutupad ng Iglesia ni Cristo ang pagkakaisa ay hindi lamang dahil sa itinuro ito ng mga apostol kundi lalo na ay ito ay aral ng Dios at ni Cristo na nakasulat sa Biblia.

itutuloy...

Bahay ng Dios...

Lokal ng Virginia Beach, Virginia

Kung bakit patuloy na nagpapatayo ang Iglesia ni Cristo ng mga gusaling sambahan ay dahil sa ito ay UTOS NG DIYOS upang doon isagawa ang pagsamba ng kanyang mga lingkod.

Haggai 1:8 ""Magsiahon kayo sa bundok, at mangagdala ng kahoy, at mangagtayo kayo ng bahay; at aking kalulugdan, at ako'y luluwalhati, sabi ng Panginoon.""

Ngunit may mga nagsasabi na mali raw tawaging "Bahay ng Dios" ang gusaling sambahan dahil ayon sa Biblia, ang bahay ng Dios ay ang tunay na Iglesia at ang mga kaanib nito. Dapat malaman ng mga tumutuligsa na hindi namin ito tinututulan dahil sa ito ay aral din ng Biblia.

Bahay ng Dios: Ang tunay na Iglesia

1 Timoteo 3:15 ""Nguni't kung ako'y magluwat ng mahabang panahon, ay upang maalaman mo kung paano ang dapat sa mga tao na ugaliin nila sa BAHAY NG DIYOS, na siyang IGLESIA ng Dios na buhay, at haligi at suhay ng katotohanan.""

Kaya tinatawag na bahay o tahanan ng Dios ang tunay na Iglesia ay dahil sa ito ay tahanan ng Dios sa espiritu.

Efeso 2:20-22 ""Na mga itinatayo sa ibabaw ng kinasasaligan ng mga apostol at ng mga propeta, na si Cristo Jesus din ang pangulong bato sa panulok; Na sa kaniya'y ang buong gusali, na nakalapat na mabuti, ay lumalago upang maging isang templong banal sa Panginoon; Na sa kaniya'y itinayo naman kayo upang maging TAHANAN NG DIYOS SA ESPIRITU.""

Bahay ng Dios: Ang mga kaanib ng Iglesia

1 Corinto 3:1, 16 ""At ako, MGA KAPATID, ay hindi nakapagsalita sa inyo na tulad sa mga nasa espiritu, kundi tulad sa mga nasa laman, tulad sa mga sanggol kay Cristo......Hindi baga ninyo nalalaman na kayo'y TEMPLO NG DIOS, at ang Espiritu ng Dios ay nananahan sa inyo?""

Mali bang tawaging bahay ng Dios ang templo o gusaling sambahan?

Isaias 2:3 ""At maraming bayan ay magsisiyaon at mangagsasabi, Halina kayo, at tayo'y magsiahon sa bundok ng Panginoon, sa BAHAY NG DIOS ni Jacob; at tuturuan niya tayo ng kaniyang mga daan, at tayo'y magsisilakad sa kaniyang mga landas: sapagka't mula sa Sion ay lalabas ang kautusan, at ang salita ng Panginoon ay mula sa Jerusalem.""

Nehemias 13:7 ""At ako'y naparoon sa Jerusalem, at naalaman ko ang kasamaang ginawa ni Eliasib tungkol kay Tobias, sa paghahanda niya sa kaniya ng isang silid sa mga looban ng BAHAY NG DIOS.""

Awit 5:7 ""Nguni't sa ganang akin, sa kasaganaan ng iyong kagandahang-loob ay papasok ako sa IYONG BAHAY; sa takot sa iyo ay sasamba ako sa dako ng iyong BANAL NA TEMPLO.""

Kung maling tawaging bahay ng Dios ang templo o mga gusaling sambahan, ay masasabi rin nating mali sina Propeta Isaias, Nehemias at si David. Hindi ito maaari. Lalo nang hindi maaaring magkamali ang Dios sa Kaniyang pahayag.

Isaias 56:7 ""Sila ay dadalhin ko sa aking banal na bundok, at papagkakatuwain ko sila sa AKING BAHAY na dalanginan: ang kanilang mga handog na susunugin at ang kanilang mga hain ay tatanggapin sa aking dambana; sapagka't ang aking bahay ay tatawaging BAHAY NA PANALANGINAN para sa lahat ng mga bayan.""

Ang bahay ng Dios: Ayon sa ating Panginoong JesuCristo

Juan 2:13-16 ""At malapit na ang paskua ng mga Judio, at umahon si Jesus sa Jerusalem. At nasumpungan niya sa templo yaong nangagbibili ng mga baka at mga tupa at mga kalapati, at ang mga mamamalit ng salapi na nangakaupo: At ginawa niyang isang panghampas ang mga lubid, itinaboy niyang lahat sa templo, ang mga tupa at gayon din ang mga baka; at ibinubo niya ang salapi ng mga mamamalit, at ginulo ang kanilang mga dulang; At sa nangagbibili ng mga kalapati ay sinabi niya, Alisin ninyo rito ang mga bagay na ito; huwag ninyong gawin ang BAHAY NG AKING AMA na bahay-kalakal.""

Maliwanag sa talata na ang templo ay tinawag ni Jesus na "bahay ng aking Ama". Ngunit isa sa mga ginagamit ng mga tumutuligsa sa Iglesia ay ang nakasulat sa Gawa  17:24.

Gawa 17:24 ""Ang Dios na gumawa ng sanglibutan at ng lahat ng mga bagay na naririto, siya, palibhasa'y Panginoon ng langit at ng lupa, ay hindi tumatahan sa mga TEMPLONG GINAWA NG MGA KAMAY""

Hindi namin  tinututulan ang sinabi ni Apostol Pablo. Ngunit bakit ba ito sinabi ni Apostol Pablo gayong napakaraming talata sa OT na nagsasabing ang templo ay Bahay ng Dios?

Isaias 66:1 ""Ito ang salita ni Yahweh: "Ang aking trono ay ang kalangitan, At itong daigdig ang aking tuntungan; Saan ka gagawa,paano mo gagawin ang aking Templo, Na aking tiraha't pahingahang dako?""

Samakatuwid, tinatawag ang templo na bahay ng Dios hindi dahil sa ito ang tirahan ng Dios at ito ang kanyang pahingahang dako. Bakit ito tinatawag na bahay ng Dios gayong hindi Niya ito tirahan at pahingahang dako?

1 Hari 8:27-29 ""Nguni't katotohanan bang tatahan ang Dios sa lupa? Narito, sa langit at sa langit ng mga langit ay hindi ka magkasiya; gaano pa sa bahay na ito na aking itinayo! Gayon ma'y iyong pakundanganan ang dalangin ng iyong lingkod at ang kaniyang pamanhik, Oh Panginoon kong Dios, na dinggin ang daing at dalangin na idinadalangin ng iyong lingkod sa harap mo sa araw na ito: Na anopa't ang iyong mga mata ay idilat sa dako ng bahay na ito gabi at araw, sa dakong iyong sinabi, ANG AKING PANGALAN AY DOROON ; upang dinggin ang panalangin na idadalangin ng iyong lingkod sa dakong ito.""

Awit 26:8 ""Panginoon, aking iniibig ang tahanan ng iyong bahay, at ang dako na TINATAHANAN NG IYONG KALUWALHATIAN.""

2 Chronicles 7:15-16 ""Ngayo'y ang aking mga mata ay didilat, at ang AKING PAKINIG ay makikinig, sa dalangin na gagawin sa dakong ito. Sapagka't ngayon ay aking pinili at itinalaga ANG BAHAY na ito, upang ang AKING PANGALAN AY DUMOON magpakailan man; at ang AKING MGA MATA at ang AKING PUSO ay DOROONG PALAGI.""

Maliwanag sa mga talata sa itaas na kaya ito ay tinatawag na bahay ng Dios ay dahil  doon tumatahan ang Kaniyang Pangalan, ang Kaniyang kaluwalhatian, ang Kaniyang mga mata, pakinig at puso. 

Ang Pangalang Itinatawag sa mga Alagad ni Cristo

Juan 10:3 ""Binubuksan siya ng bantaypinto; at dinirinig ng mga tupa ang kaniyang tinig: at TINATAWAG ANG KANYANG SARILING MGA TUPA SA PANGALAN, at sila'y inihahatid sa labas."" (AB)

Batay sa talata, tinatawag SA PANGALAN ang mga tupa ni Cristo. Ang mga tupang tinutukoy sa talata ay hindi  literal na mga tupa, kundi sila ay mga TAO ng Dios o mga alagad ng ating Panginoong Jesu Cristo. Ito ang nakasulat sa Biblia:

Ezekiel 34:31  ""At kayong mga tupa ko, na MGA TUPA SA AKING PASTULAN AY MGA TAO, at ako'y inyong Dios, sabi ng Panginoong Dios.""

Maliwanag sa mga  talata sa itaas NA MAY PANGALANG ITINATAWAG SA SARILING MGA TUPA o ALAGAD ng ating Panginoong Jesu cristo. Alin ba ang pangalang itinatawag sa mga tupa o sa mga alagad ng panginoong JesuCristo? 

James 2:7 ""Do they not insult the holy name of Christ by which you are called?"" (CCB)

Santiago 2:7 ""Hindi ba't dinudusta nila  ang BANAL NA PANGALAN NI CRISTO, NA SA INYO'Y ITINATAWAG?""

Maliwanag na pangalan ni Cristo ang itatawag sa mga alagad ni Cristo. Gaano ba kahalaga ang pangalang Cristo na ibinigay ng ating Panginoong Dios na itinatawag sa kanyang mga tupa o mga alagad?

Gawa 4:12 ""Kay JESUCRISTO lamang matatagpuan ang kaligtasan. Sapagkat sa silong ng langit ANG KANYANG PANGALAN LAMANG ang ibinigay ng Dios sa ikaliligtas ng tao.""

Maliwanag ayon sa talata kung ano ang pangalang ibinigay ng Dios at kung gaano ito kahalaga. Ito ay dahil sa kay Cristo lamang matatagpuan ang kaligtasan. Paano ba itawag ang pangalang Cristo sa kanyang mga tupa o Alagad?

Acts 20:28 “"Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the CHURCH OF CHRIST which he has purchased with his blood.”" (LT)

Gawa 20:28 ""Ingatan ninyo kung gayon ang inyong mga sarili at ang buong kawan na rito’y hinirang kayo ng Espiritu Santo upang maging mga katiwala, upang pakanin ang IGLESIA NI CRISTO na binili niya ng kaniyang dugo.” (LT)

Samakatuwid, hindi tunay na Iglesia at hindi siyang ililigtas ni Cristo kung hindi ito tinatawag sa pangalan ni Cristo o sa pangalang IGLESIA NI CRISTO.

Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ)

• The Bible : The words of God are written only in the Bible. The Bible should be the only basis of service to God. This is the truth which will teach man salvation from punishment on Judgment Day. Thus, each member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo should give value to the teachings of God written in the Bible by fulfilling them in his life.
• The true God : The Father Who created all things is the only true God. There are no three persons in one God; thus, reject the belief in the Trinity.
• The Lord Jesus Christ, Part I : Christ should be highly honored and worshipped by members of the Church of Christ because this is the will of God (Phil.2:9-11). Christ should be recognized as the Son of God (Mt.3:7), Lord (Acts 2:36), Saviour (Acts 5:31), Mediator (1Tim.2:5), a holy man who did not commit sin (1 Pet.2:21-22). The attributes mentioned here give no indication to His nature which we believe is of a man (Jn.8:40); He is not the true God. (Ezek.28:2) Man should also renounce the belief that Christ is true God and true man (Hos.11:9)
• The Lord Jesus Christ, Part II : The clear distinctions of Christ from God are proofs that the true God is not Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ possesses attributes surpassing the ordinary man but this does not mean that He is God. God has attributes which we do not find in Christ. If Christ can do wonders such as miracles, all these are done by God through Him as God's instrument. On His own powers alone, Christ cannot do anything. Christ Himself states, "I can of my own do nothing."
• The Lord Jesus Christ, Part III : Teachers of the "Christ is God" doctrine also use the Bible. But we should not allow ourselves to be deceived by them because we cannot read any text in the Bible where Christ says He is the true God. If that is the case, why do they have biblical texts to prove their contentions? Those biblical texts have been given erroneous interpretations (Jn.1:1,14; Isa.9:6) or wrong meanings (1 Jn.5:20) or even based on verses wrongly translated (Rom.9:5).
• The true religion : The belief that all churches belong to God is false. Christ founded only one true Church - the Church of Christ (Iglesia ni Cristo). Therefore, we value the Church because herein are we able to do the kind of service acceptable to God and through which we shall be saved.
• The Church of Christ : The Church of Christ is the Church that Jesus will save (Acts 20:28 Lamsa) because He made this Church His body and heads it Himself - before God, the Church and Christ are one new man (Eph.2:15 NKJV; Col.1:18 NKJV). This is the reason why Christ is able to answer for the sins of His Church without violating God's law, that whoever commits a sin, the same must die for that sin (Dt.24:16). Hence, false is the belief that salvation can be attained by means of faith in Christ alone even without membership in the Church of Christ. The Church is necessary not because it saves but because it is the entity that Christ will save (Eph.5:23 TEV).
• History of the church built by Christ in the first century : The Church built by Christ during the first century was apostatized (Acts 20:29). This was led away by false prophets which arose in the Church after the time of the Apostles (Mt.24:11 RSV), and those who remained firm in the faith were slain by ravenous wolves (Mt.7:15). The fulfillment of the prophesied false teachers who will lead the Church away are the Catholic priests. They introduced false teachings (1 Tim.4:1,3) into the Church until the Church became the Catholic Church - a church essentially different from the Church of Christ as described in the Bible.
• Proofs that the apostasy of the first century Church of Christ took place : The apostasy of the Catholic Church from the Church established by Christ in the first century took place with their turning away from the teachings of God taught by Christ and His Apostles (Worship of Images, Mass, Popes and Priests as vicars or successors of Christ, Mediator Saints, Purgatory). Therefore, the apostasy takes place whenever there is a teaching of God the Catholic Church violates. In view of this, all the doctrines and practices of the Catholic Church should be rejected.
• The origin of other churches : We should not be surprised at the number of churches today that are not of Christ. It is not Christ who established them but the enemy or the devil (Mt.13:24-30,36-39 NKJV). These churches that do not belong to Christ are the Catholic Church and her offsprings, the various Protestant denominations and sects. Only one Church belongs to Christ, the Church of Christ.
• Not by faith only : Many Protestant groups uphold the belief that faith alone in Christ is sufficient for salvation. They have excluded other conditions such as baptism (Mt.16:15-16), Church Membership (Jn.10:9,Acts 2:47, 20:28 Lamsa), suffering for Christ's sake (Phil.1:29), works (Js.2:14,17,20), preaching by the messenger of God (Acts 16:32-33), remaining in the true church (Jn.15:5-6), holding firm and obey Gospel (1 Cor.15:1-2 NIV), enduring & remaining till end (Mt.24:13). Their faith-alone concept of salvation is in direct conflict with the Bible where we can find pronouncements that man is not justified by faith only (Js.2:24).
• One organized church : One should not deny the necessity of one organized church as the Church of Christ.
• The Church of Christ in the Philippines : The Church of Christ which emerged in the Philippines (a country in the Far East) in these last days was established by virtue of the fulfillment of the prophecies of God (Isa.43:5 Moffatt) and of Christ (Jn.10:16;Acts 20:28 Lamsa). This is the third group (Acts 2:39) of people in the Church established by Christ. This arose in these last days after the apostasy of the Church built by Christ in the first century as a result of the work done by false prophets. Even the spread of this Church in the Far West (Isa.43:4-6;59:19 NKJV) is a fulfillment of God's prophecy written in the Bible.
• Brother Felix Y. Manalo - God's Messenger in the last days : The messenger of God (Rom.10:15 NKJV) in these last days (Isa.43:6) is Brother Felix Y. Manalo (Rev.7:2-3). It was not he who built the Church of Christ but it was Christ Himself (Mt.16:18) by virtue of the fulfillment of the prophesy (Jn.10:16). Brother Felix Manalo was only utilized by God as His instrument to preach the pure Gospel of salvation in these last days. His authority as God's messenger is clearly stated by various prophecies in Scriptures (Is.41:9-10; Is.46:11-13; Rev.7:2-3). Hence, it behooves man to have faith in the commissioning of Brother Felix Y. Manalo.
• The promise for those who endure persecution : Persecutions cannot be avoided because overcoming it serves as basis for inheriting the kingdom of heaven (Mt.5:10-12). Thus whatever kind or extent of persecution a member of the Church of Christ may face, he should not falter or withdraw. He should instead pray to God for assistance in order to overcome religious persecutions.
• Membership in the Church of Christ : The proper way of joining the Church of Christ is that which is done because of faith (Rom.5:2) in God and in Christ (Jn.14:1-2) as well as the recognition and acceptance of the Church and of God's commissioning of His messenger in these last days (Jn.6:29). If the motive for joining the Church of Christ is pure and proper, the man who joins the Church would be able to perform all the commandments and Church disciplines, the performance of which proves that he is a true member of the Church of Christ. He does not easily discouraged and neither does he drew back. Instead, he remains firm in his election.
• Leading a new life : It is not enough for man to join or become a member of the Church of Christ to be saved. He should lead a new life, too. Members who lead a new life are truly of Christ and of God. Thus, all sinful ways should be renounced and he should live by the teachings he has received.
• Worship services : Each member of the Church of Christ believes that constant attendance in worship services is one of his obligations. Great blessings accrue to those who constantly attend worship services while great sins are committed by those who disregard this responsibility.
• Our voluntary contribution : The Church of Christ believes that it is God who gave the command to contribute and give thanksgiving offerings to support the needs of the Church. To fulfill these obligations is to lay up a good foundation for the attainment of eternal life.
• The brotherhood : The Church of Christ believes that it is the will of God for us to love one another as true brothers and sisters. Hence, if anyone has sinned against us, we should forgive him and we should reconcile with those who are mad at us.
• Other prohibitions : The members of the Church of Christ believe that it is God who forbids the eating of blood and prohibits marriage with those of other faiths. Elopement is an act of disrespect for parents and this is a sin in the eyes of God.
• On baptism : The Church of Christ believes that baptism is necessary for one to become a disciple of Christ and for the attainment of eternal salvation. But this should be done in accordance with the teachings of the Bible.
• Missionary work and praying : The Church of Christ believes that each member should do missionary work or share his faith with others. Each one should learn how to pray to God so that he would not weaken in faith and thus be able to resist temptations.
• The Church Administration : Each member should submit to the Administration placed by God in the Church by means of total agreement with the teachings and rules observed in the Church of Christ.
• Unity : The Church of Christ believes that unity is God's teaching and that division within the Church is an evil thing. This unity is implemented by the Church of Christ not only during election time but also in all its works in the service of God.
• Judgment Day : The Church of Christ believes that God has determined the Day of Judgment which will take place on the second coming of Christ. This is the great day when the Church of Christ will receive the reward promised by God -- the everlasting home for God's chosen people.

INC Core Values

Bible as Basis of Faith

The Iglesia ni Cristo also regards the Holy Scriptures as the sole basis of its faith and practice. Some of its fundamental scriptural teachings are as follows:

• Absolute oneness of God the Father. The Church believes in the teaching of Christ and the apostles that the Father, the Creator, alone is the true God. (John 17:1, 3; I Cor. 8:6)
• Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The Iglesia ni Cristo believes in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. God made Him Lord and Savior. He is the only Mediator of man to God. Jesus Christ is holy and a very special man but not God. (Matt. 3:17; Acts 2:36; 5:31; I Tim. 2:5; John 10:36; 8:40; Acts 2:22, Easy-to-Read Version).
• The Church of Christ. The faithful firmly believe that the Church of Christ is the one Christ established for the salvation of mankind. It is for the Church that Christ gave His life and thus, it is this Church that He will save on Judgment Day. (Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28; Lamsa Translation; Eph. 5:23, 25)
• Judgment Day. The Church of Christ believes that God appointed a day when He will judge all people through Christ. This is the day of the Second Advent of Christ, which is also the end of the world. (Acts 17:31; Jude 1:14-15; II Pet. 3:7, 10)
• Baptism. The Iglesia ni Cristo observes the biblical way of baptism, which is immersion in water. Receiving baptism in the Church of Christ is necessary for one to become a disciple of Christ, to be forgiven of sin, and to have hope for salvation (Acts 8:38; John 3:23; Rom. 6:3-5; Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38; Mark 16:15-16)
• Resurrection. The resurrection of Christ is the main proof that the dead will rise. Those in Christ will rise first to be with Him forever in the Holy City. Those who are not of Christ will rise a thousand years after the first resurrection to be cast into the lake of fire. (I Cor. 15:12-13; I Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 20:5-10; 21:1-4)

Unity

The Church of Christ is one in faith and practice. Its unity remains intact through a centralized form of administration that ensures the adherence of all members and congregations to the same Bible teachings and Church rules.

Morality and Holiness

The Iglesia ni Cristo strives to maintain a high moral standard. It regards the teaching of the Bible as a way of life. It promotes purity of life among its members by means of instructions, reminders, and, when necessary, corrective or disciplinary measures.

Peace and Order

The Church of Christ helps maintain peace and order by teaching its members to respect and observe rules and regulations governing such. They are dissuaded from joining unions and organizations that resort to violence or extra-legal means to advance their causes.

Lawfulness and Discipline

The Church puts a premium on lawfulness and discipline. It complies with the apostolic teaching to submit to human authority, that is, the duly constituted government, and abide by its laws (Titus 3:1; I Pet. 2:13). But over and above any law, its members obey the laws of God for Christians in our time as written in the Bible.

Brotherhood and Equality of Members

The Iglesia ni Cristo promotes Christian brotherly love. All members are deemed equal in the sight of God (Gal 3:26, 28). Gender, racial, social, educational, and economic discriminations are strongly discouraged.

Sanctity of Marriage

Marriage in the Church of Christ is regarded as sacred and inviolable. It is God Himself who instituted marriage and he does not allow the separation of the husband and wife whom He joined together (Matt. 19:4-6). Thus, the Church of Christ does not subscribe to divorce, annulment, or legal separation as a solution to marital problems in the same way it opposes live-in relationships and same-sex marriage.

Stability of the Family

The Church of Christ acknowledges the importance of family as the basic unit of its organization and of society as a whole. The stability of every family contributes to the stability of the entire Church. The home is where religious education begins so Christian parenting and the proper love of children are taught and reinforced at every opportune time.

Separation of Church and State

The Church of Christ upholds the democratic ideal of separation of Church and State. It advances through peaceful and legal means the right and freedom of its members and congregations to conduct worship and other religious activities as provided for and protected by the fundamental law of the land.

Source: http://incmedia.org/inc/core-values.html

INC History

The Iglesia ni Cristo congregation in Waipahu, Hawaii, United States

Beginnings

The Iglesia ni Cristo was first preached by the late Brother Felix. Y. Manalo in the Philippine capital city of Manila. Its first local congregation was established in Punta, Sta. Ana. On July 27, 1914, the Church was registered with the Philippine government.
In 1915, Brother Felix Manalo, as the first Executive Minister of the Church, started training ministers to assist him in the propagation of the gospel. By 1918, ministers and volunteer preachers were being sent to provinces around Manila. In its tenth year, the first ecclesiastical district was organized in Pampanga province.

Domestic growth

By 1939, the Church had already expanded to as far as Ilocos Norte province in Northern Luzon to Cebu province in the Visayas with the addition of 14 districts. It reached farther south in Mindanao in 1946 with the establishment of a district in Cotabato. When Brother Eraño G. Manalo assumed overall administration in April 1963, the Church had established districts in more than half of all Philippine provinces.

Overseas

On July 27, 1968, the incumbent Executive Minister officiated at the first worship service of the Church outside the Philippines. This gathering held in Ewa Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii marked the establishment of the Honolulu Congregation, the first overseas mission of the Church. The following month, the Executive Minister was in California to establish the San Francisco Congregation and lead its inaugural worship service.

The Americas

In 1971, the Church set foot in Canada. In June 1987, the US Main Office (USMO) was set up in Daly City, California to assist the Central Administration in supervising the then 11 districts of the Church in the West.
The first local congregation in Latin America was established in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1990. The following year, the Church reached Mexico and Aruba. From 2000 and beyond, congregations rose in the Central and South American countries.

Europe

The first local congregation in Europe was established in England in 1972. The Church came to Germany and Switzerland in the mid-70s. By the end of the 1980s, congregations and missions could be found in the Scandinavian countries and their neighbors.

Mediterranean

The Rome, Italy Congregation was established on July 27, 1994; the Jerusalem, Israel Congregation in March 1996; and the Athens, Greece Congregation in May 1997. The predecessors (prayer groups) of these full-fledged congregations began two decades earlier. Meanwhile, the mission first reached Spain in 1979.

Africa

The first mission in northern Africa opened in Nigeria in October 1978. After a month, the King William’s Town Congregation, in South Africa was established.

Asia, Australia, and Oceania

A congregation was organized in Guam in 1969. In Australia, congregations have been established since mid-1970s. The Church first reached China by way of Hong Kong, and Japan through Tokyo also in the 1970s. Missions have also opened in Kazakhstan and Sakhalin Island in Russia.
In Southeast Asia, the first congregation in Thailand was established in 1976 and missions have already been conducted in Brunei since 1979. In addition, there are also congregations in Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo

The Central Office, Central Temple and Tabernacle of the Iglesia ni Cristo located in Quezon City, Philippines

The Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) is a Christian religion whose primary purpose is to worship the Almighty God based on His teachings as taught by the Lord Jesus Christ and as recorded in the Bible.

The Church of Christ is a church for every one who will heed the call of God and embrace its faith — regardless of his or her nationality, cultural background, social standing, economic status, and educational attainment.

Christian

The Church of Christ adheres to the unadulterated teachings of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ written in the Bible. The faithful firmly believe that this Church is the fulfillment of biblical prophecies that the Church established by Christ would re-emerge in these last days for the salvation of humankind.

Religious

The Church's major activities include worship service, missionary works, and edification.The 

Worship service

This solemn gathering of the faithful is usually held on Thursdays and Sundays by every local congregation inside the house of worship. It consists of hymn-signing, prayers, and study of God's words for proper applications in daily living.

Missionary works

The members gladly fulfill their duty to share the faith. They invite all people to attend Bible study sessions and worship services. The Church also uses mass media in spreading its message of hope to a broader audience.

• The Pasugo: God's Message, the monthly official magazine of the Church, carries mainly religious articles and Church news and features.
• DZEM (954 kHz) broadcasts programs that discuss Bible teachings. These programs are aired by about 60 other radio stations all over the Philippines and several more in the US and Australia.
• GEM TV-49, as well as major cable stations in the Philippines and some channels in the US Direct TV ch 2068, telecast the Church's religious programs featuring biblical teachings.
• Live streaming and video on demand of Iglesia ni Cristo Programming at www.incmedia.org

Edification

For the spiritual welfare of the members, prayer meetings are held weekly by each group of neighboring households for further instructions in the faith and announcements about Church projects and activities.
Pastoral visitations to the brethren are conducted regularly by the Church officers for prayer and spiritual counseling.
Through its Christian family organizations (Buklod, KADIWA, and Binhi) the Church of Christ undertakes projects to strengthen the family, to guide the single members in right living and in proper conduct, and to assist the youth in their studies. The Buklod (bond) is the organization of married members. The KADIWA (acronym of a Filipino phrase meaning “Youth with a Noble Intent”) is for the single members 18 years and older, and the Binhi (seed) is composed of 13-17-year old members.

Independent

The Iglesia ni Cristo is not a denomination or sect. It is neither affiliated to any federation of religious bodies nor itself an assembly of smaller religious organizations. The Iglesia ni Cristo is Christ's one true Church today.

Source:

 http://incmedia.org/inc/index.html

http://incmedia.org/inc/organization.html

The Holy Spirit

The importance of the right knowledge concerning the Holy Spirit

Knowledge and right understanding concerning the Holy Spirit is important. The Bible has this to say:

John 14:17 ""The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you."" (NKJV)

 According to Jesus Christ:, the Holy Spirit dwells only to those who know Him but to those who do not know the Holy Spirit, they will not receive Him.

Knowing the Holy Spirit.

The Guide of God's people into all the Truth.

John 16:13 ""Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."" (NKJV)

The Comforter whom the Father will send in the name of Christ.

John 14:26 ""But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,  whatsoever I have said unto you."" (KJV)

The Comforter whom Jesus will send for the benefit of God's servants.

John 15:26 ""But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:"" (KJV)

The power of God.

Acts 1:8 ""But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."" (TEV)

Let us all adhere to this teachings written in the Bible. Beliefs concerning the Holy Spirit that were not founded on the Bible should be disregarded.  

Jesus Christ: the Son of God

According to God, Jesus Christ is His Beloved Son:

Matthew 3:17 ""And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”"(NKJV)

This verse attests that Jesus Christ is not God. He is the Son of God but not God the Son as others believe.

According to Christ Himself, He is man:

John 8:40 ""But now you seek to kill me, a man who was told you the truth which I heard from God.""(RSV)

This proves that He is not God since God is spirit and has no flesh and bones unlike man.

John 4:24 ""God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.""(KJV)

Luke 24:39 ""Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.""(KJV)

Not an ordinary Man.

Jesus Christ is not an ordinary man, but a very special man bestowed by God with qualities not found in ordinary man.

Acts 2:22 ""My fellow Israelites, listen to these words: Jesus from Nazareth was a very special Man. God clearly showed this to you. He proved it by the miracles, wonders, and miraculous signs he did through Jesus. You all saw these things, so you know this is true.""(ERV)

We should worship Jesus not because He is God but because He was exalted by God and commanded to be worshiped for God’s glory:

Philippians 2:9-11 ""Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."" (NKJV)

God gave Christ all authority in heaven and on earth.

Matthew 28:18 ""Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."" (NIV)

God made Him Lord:

Acts 2:26 "“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”" (NIV)

God also made Jesus a Saviour:

Acts 5:31 ""Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.""(KJV)

Jesus is the mediator between one God and mankind:

1Timothy 2:5 ""For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,""

The One True God: the Father

A very clear pronouncement made by Jesus Christ concerning the One True God.

The One True God according to our Lord Jesus Christ.

John 17:1-3 ""After Jesus finished saying this, he looked up to heaven and said, “FATHER, the hour has come. Give glory to your Son, so that the Son may give glory to you....And ETERNAL LIFE MEANS TO KNOW YOU, THE ONLY TRUE GOD, and TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST, WHOM YOU SENT.""

The Lord Jesus Christ made these pronouncements as He prayed to the Father.

According to Him, Eternal life means:

• To know You (the Father), the Only True God

=======Jesus categorically pointed out that the Father in heaven is the "Only True God".

• To know Jesus Christ whom you (the Father) has sent.

=======By Jesus saying that He was sent by the Father, Jesus Himself made it clear that He is distinct or a separate being from God, the Father. Thus, Jesus' statement about the Father as the only true God, clearly imply that Jesus Himself is not the true God.

This single verse is indeed very clear in the teachings about God,  that there is only one true God---the Father.

Science and the Bible...

a Flat Earth

The word SCIENCE comes from a Latin word Scientia, which means KNOWLEDGE. The Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary defines Science as a "knowledge attained through study or practice". In other words, it is a system which aims to acquire knowledge. People uses scientific methods in order to explain a specific natural phenomena. But does Science, at all times, really contradicts the Bible?

Basically, Science is anchored on human knowledge and is therefore subject to error. What is accepted scientifically true today may not be considered so in the future. However, the Bible is founded by the words of God. It contains truth that do not stand only for a particular time. The words of our God stand forever.

Isaiah 40:8 ""The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.""  (KJV)

God's word written in the Bible is the ultimate truth. Whats written is certain and is surely WILL COME TO PASS.

Matthew 5:18 ""For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished."" (RSV)

This is quite opposite with Science, because Science is always open to FALSIFICATION if new evidence is presented.

""A scientific theory is empirical, and is always OPEN TO FALSIFICATION if new evidence is presented. That is, no theory is ever considered strictly as science accepts the concept of FALLIBILISM. The philosopher of science Karl Popper sharply distinguishes truth from certainty. He writes that SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE "CONSISTS IN THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH", but it "IS NOT THE SEARCH FOR CERTAINTY ... ALL HUMAN KNOWLEDGE IS FALLIBLE AND THEREFORE UNCERTAIN."" (http://knowbook.weebly.com)

Scientific facts vary through ages. Scientists have often erred in the matters of science, however, the Bible contains facts which is now accepted as scientifically true. The Bible had already declared certain facts long before human knowledge and experiences proved it to be scientifically accurate.

1. Scientists used to believe that the Earth is flat not until Ferdinand Magellan's circumnavigation.

"When the Bible was written it was universally believed that THE WORLD IS FLAT.  It was argued that should one go too far toward the edge he would fall off. .... Finally, MAGELLAN and his men sailed around the earth and thus PROVED IT TO BE SPHERICAL IN SHAPE.

"Dehoff, George, W.  Why we believe in the Bible, 5th edition.  (Murfreesboro, Tennessee: Dehoff Publications, 1962) p.49

But more than 2000 years ago, it was already pronounced by God that the earth is round or spherical.

Isaiah 40:22, ""It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth", and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:"" (KJV)

2. Scientists used to believe that the Earth is carried on someone's back.

The ancient Greeks and the Romans were the most advanced people of their time, yet they believed that the EARTH WAS HELD IN PLACE BY POLES OR BY NECK OF ATLAS. Others believed that Atlas had the EARTH ON HIS SHOULDERS. 

"Dehoff, George, W.  Why we believe in the Bible, 5th edition.  (Murfreesboro, Tennessee: Dehoff Publications, 1962) pp. 49-50

But many years ago, it was already pronounced by God that the Earth floats free in space.

Job 26:7 ""He stretches out the north over empty space; he HANGS THE EARTH ON NOTHING."" (KJV)

3. The discovery of the springs of the sea.

""In 1977, scientists DISCOVERED HOT SPRINGS AT A DEPTH of 2.5 km, on the Galapagos Rift (spreading ridge) off the coast of Ecuador. This exciting discovery was not really a surprise. Since the early 1970s, scientists had predicted that hot springs (geothermal vents) should be found at the active spreading centers along the mid-oceanic ridges, where magma, at temperatures over 1,000 °C, presumably was being erupted to form new oceanic crust. More exciting, because it was totally unexpected, was the discovery of abundant and unusual sea life -- giant tube worms, huge clams, and mussels -- that thrived around the hot springs.

(Exploring the deep ocean floor: Hot springs and strange creatures. U.S. Dept. of Interior, U.S. Geological survey)

Long before its discovery, God already pronounced it beforehand that there is indeed springs of the sea.

Job 38:16 ""Have you entered into the springs of the sea, or walked in the recesses of the deep?"" (RSV)

4. Ancient people used to believe that there were only about 3000 stars in the heavens.

""The ancients believed that there were only a VERY FEW STARS IN THE HEAVENS.  In 150 B.C. Hipparchus said that there were LESS THAN 3000.  In A.D. 150 Ptolemy said there were no more than three thousand.....After the middle ages and the invention of the telescope, men discovered that the stars are innumerable.

""Dehoff, George, W.  Why we believe in the Bible, 5th edition.  (Murfreesboro, Tennessee: Dehoff Publications, 1962) p.56

Man need not wait for the invention of the telescope to believe that stars are innumerable. It was already pronounced by God through his prophet that stars can not be counted.

Jeremiah 33:22 ""And as the STARS CAN NOT BE COUNTED  nor the sand upon the seashores measured, so the descendants of David my servant and the line of the Levites who minister to me will be multiplied."" (LVB)

5. The great empty space in the North.

""Astronomers have discovered that there is a GREAT EMPTY SPACE IN THE NORTH.  It contains no moving planets and shinning stars. By turning their telescopes to the South, East and the West, men may behold countless millions of stars invisible to the naked eye but when the  telescope is set exactly to the North there is a great empty space. For this astronomers have been unable to account.   They did not know until recently that there was such an empty space.""

Dehoff, George, W.  Why we believe in the Bible, 5th edition.  (Murfreesboro, Tennessee: Dehoff Publications, 1962) p.50

Long before its discovery, it was already pronounced  by God that in the North is a great empty space.

Job 26:7 ""He stretches out THE NORTH OVER EMPTY SPACE; he hangs the earth on nothing."" (KJV)

These examples were only few among many beliefs that were once accepted by many, some were falsified through time but all were far ahead pronounced in the Bible. The Bible is not a book of science, but is accurate when it speaks scientifically. The examples above show that there were actually many mistakes of science,however when SCIENCE ARRIVES AT THE ULTIMATE TRUTH, IT IS ALWAYS COMPATIBLE WITH THE BIBLE.