The Church of Christ

The Church Today

     On July 27, 1914, concurrent to the outbreak of first World War, the Iglesia ni Cristo was officially registered with the Philippine government. About ninety-seven years ago, the Far East saw the unfolding of a very significant prophecy in the Bible—the emergence of the true Church of Christ in this last days after long centuries of absence due to apostasy.

In less than a century, since the Church's (Iglesia ni Cristo)emergence in the Far East, theIglesia ni Cristo  has now spanned the globe, defying all odds and surpassing all expectations, breaking cultural and racial barriers and even counting among members people of various nationalities and ethnicities who have found refuge in the fold. By 2008, the Iglesia ni Cristo, had grown to more than 5,000 congregations in the Philippines, and more than 600 abroad. The Iglesia ni Cristo has local congregations in 89 countries and territories with its members belonging to 102 nationalities and ethnic groups.

Why should people study, examine and compare the "Iglesia ni Cristo"?

Many people around the world and particularly in the Philippines have acknowledge the phenomenal growth of the "Iglesia ni Cristo" from its humble beginning in the Philippines to a global church in a span of less than a century.

From the book, Dynamic Religious Movements: Case Studies of Rapidly Growing Religious Movements  Around the World, edited by David J. Hesselgrave, p.85, these are written: "TheIglesia ni Cristo is significant not only in the Philippines. As one of the largest, most powerful and dynamic independent, indigenous churches in the Third World, the Iglesia ni Cristodemands our careful study ...  What is the story of the Iglesia ni Cristo?  Can we discover reasons for its remarkable growth?  Why has it been so successful in propagating its teachings in areas where other churches have grown only with great difficulty?  These questions will give direction for this investigation"

From the Wikipedia article - Iglesia ni Cristo, these are written: "Iglesia ni Cristo is the largest entirely indigenous Christian religious organization that originated from the Philippines and the largest independent church in Asia." . . . . . . . . These are also written: The Iglesia ni Cristo has come under fierce criticism from apologetics groups and other religions mainly due to disagreements over their doctrines and beliefs regarding the interpretation of the Bible. . . . . . .  They criticized the Iglesia ni Cristo for holding the belief that it has the sole authority from God to interpret and preach the Bible, while other religions do not. . . . . . . They also say that the Iglesia ni Cristo intentionally misinterprets and misappropriates verses to agree with their doctrines and that they use fallacious arguments against other religions.

 It is for the above reasons that everyone is invited to study, examine and compare the Iglesia ni Cristo with other religions so people may come to know who is teaching the truth that are written in the Bible.

What makes the Iglesia ni Cristo different from other churches?  What is unique about the "Iglesia ni Cristo" that people must study or examine it?

• The Iglesia ni Cristo holds beliefs that run contrary and at odds to many Christian professing religions. Some observers describe these beliefs as unique and distinct making it different from what is generally known as traditional Christianity. Doctrines such as the denial of the trinity because it is non-scriptural and the necessity of membership in the true Church of Christ for salvation are just a few examples of what sets the Iglesia ni Cristo apart from the major Christian religions of today. The "Iglesia ni Cristo" strictly believe in what the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Apostles teaches that are written in the Bible.
• The Iglesia ni Cristo believes that unity is an essential characteristic of "the one true Church" and considers unity as a fundamental doctrine and upholds it faithfully. The unity practiced by the Iglesia ni Cristo is not like the the mundane and ordinary, but based and founded on biblical teachings. The Iglesia ni Cristo further states that this unity is distinct and exclusive and can only be found in the true Church and is nothing less that absolute. The Church describes this unity as one in doctrine, one in polity, one in faith, one in worship, and with one heart and one voice.
• From Manila to some of the remotest places in the Philippines, people will surely notice the striking beauty of the Iglesia ni Cristo Chapels. Many of which are large, ornate, well-kept concrete church buildings with a distinctive Iglesia ni Cristo architecture. Many are landmarks in the Metropolitan-Manila area and in other cities and provinces, as well as in some remote islands in the archipelago.

Study, examine and compare your religious doctrines and beliefs with that of the "Iglesia ni Cristo" so you may come to know who is teaching the truth that are written in the Bible.

• Discover for yourself who are the real cults―the real cult of Christianity, the pseudo-Christian religions, who teaches and practices man-made un-biblical doctrines, beliefs, rituals and ceremonies based human customs, traditions and creeds, thus following commandments of men, instead of the commandments of God taught by the Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles that are clearly written in the Bible.
• Discover for yourself who are those who profess faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord and God but unwittingly do not follow His words and teachings because they were made to believe that the doctrines and beliefs they follow are biblical when in fact it is not taught explicitly in the Holy Bible.
• Discover for yourself how uniquely the Iglesia ni Cristo preach and teach the words of God. Study closely how the Iglesia ni Cristo preachers and teachers use the verses of the Bible to explain the "spiritual truth" written in the Bible. Compare the Iglesia ni Cristo preachers to other preachers in general. . . . . Are they also personally interpreting the verses of the Bible as commonly done by preachers in other religions? . . . . Or, are they really using the "Spirit's words (verses)" to explain the "spiritual truths" written in the Bible as explained by Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:13.
• Discover for yourself how uniquely and differently Iglesia ni Cristo ministers answer all your religious  questions by quoting directly from the verses of the Holy Bible and not from personal opinions as commonly done in other religions.     Iglesia ni Cristo doctrines and beliefs will be clearly explained to you through the verses of the Holy Bible.    In the Iglesia ni Cristo, you will never hear the word "mystery" as an answer to your questions, as it is commonly done in other religions because their doctrines and beliefs are not taught explicitly in the Holy Bible.Study, examine and compare your religious doctrines and beliefs with that of the "Iglesia ni Cristo" so you may come to know who is teaching the truth that are written in the Bible.
  • Discover for yourself who are the real cults―the real cult of Christianity, the pseudo-Christian religions, who teaches and practices man-made un-biblical doctrines, beliefs, rituals and ceremonies based human customs, traditions and creeds, thus following commandments of men, instead of the commandments of God taught by the Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles that are clearly written in the Bible.
  • Discover for yourself who are those who profess faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord and God but unwittingly do not follow His words and teachings because they were made to believe that the doctrines and beliefs they follow are biblical when in fact it is not taught explicitly in the Holy Bible.
  • Discover for yourself how uniquely the Iglesia ni Cristo preach and teach the words of God. Study closely how the Iglesia ni Cristo preachers and teachers use the verses of the Bible to explain the "spiritual truth" written in the Bible. Compare the Iglesia ni Cristo preachers to other preachers in general. . . . . Are they also personally interpreting the verses of the Bible as commonly done by preachers in other religions? . . . . Or, are they really using the "Spirit's words (verses)" to explain the "spiritual truths" written in the Bible as explained by Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:13.
  • Discover for yourself how uniquely and differently Iglesia ni Cristo ministers answer all your religious  questions by quoting directly from the verses of the Holy Bible and not from personal opinions as commonly done in other religions.     Iglesia ni Cristo doctrines and beliefs will be clearly explained to you through the verses of the Holy Bible.    In the Iglesia ni Cristo, you will never hear the word "mystery" as an answer to your questions, as it is commonly done in other religions because their doctrines and beliefs are not taught explicitly in the Holy Bible.

Before you start:

• If you are not a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo and wanted to know more about the church, please go through the suggested web pages and websites so you may have a good idea of some of its teachings.
• If, however, you are a member of another church and sense something is wrong with your doctrines and beliefs, you are encouraged to continue your studies and compare your doctrines and beliefs to that of the Iglesia ni Cristo.
• If you are searching and longing to find the true Church that will surely lead you to salvation and eternal life, please include the Iglesia ni Cristo among the churches you plan to study.
• If you feel you are ready to further your studies about the Iglesia ni Cristo, please feel free to visit any Iglesia ni Cristo chapel or house of worship in your locality. You are welcome to attend and observe how the worship service is solemnly conducted. You are also welcome to attend the Bible Studies on doctrines and free to ask the resident minister or evangelical worker any biblical question you have in mind. For a Directory of Iglesia ni Cristo places of worship services outside the Philippines, click the link to at the bottom of this page.
• If you are now a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo and plan to missionize your friends, relatives and acquaintances, you may do so by asking them to browse through the suggested web pages to get good idea of some of its teachings

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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 everyone who will heed the call of god and embrace its faith—regardless of his or her nationality, economic status, and educational attainment.

A GLOBAL CHURCH

Thus far, the membership of the Iglesia Ni Cristo comprises at least 102 nationalities. It maintains about5,400 local congregations grouped into 104 ecclesiastical districts in the Philippines and in 90 more countries and territories in the six inhabited continents of the world.

A ‘RADIANT’ CHURCH

In Ephesians 5:27, the church of Christ is described as a “radiant church, without any stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless”

Hence, the Iglesia Ni Cristo molds its members toward perfect unity in faith and practice, that each one will be devoted to a life of holiness and service founded on true Christian teachings.

A CHURCH THAT SHARES

The Iglesia Ni Cristo endeavors to share the gospel of salvation written in the bible to as many people as possible, in fulfillment of Christ’s vision as stated in Mark 16:15-16

“…go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved…”

The church continuously preaches the gospel not only to win over people into lord’s flock but also to edify the faith of its members, “…admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom… [to] present everyone perfect in christ” (Colossians 1:28)

NATURE OF THE ORGANIZATION

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.

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-singing, 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 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, telecasts the church’s religious programs featuring biblical teachings.

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 thebinhi (seed) is composed of 13 to 17-year old members.

Independent. The Iglesia Ni Cristo is not a denomination or sect. It is not 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.

CORE VALUES

Bible as basis of faith. The Iglesia Ni Cristo 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 believe in jesus Christ as the son of god. God made him lord and savior. 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)

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 of that Christ gave his life and thus, it is this church that he will save on judgment day. (Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28; 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 alos the end of the worls. (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 death 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 that 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 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.

  Blogger:

      Before the Centennial Anniversary of the Church of Christ, dated on July 27, 2014, the Church is still on its mission, to SPREAD the WORDS of GOD. And  we are still counting. It's for the Glory of GOD.

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