Category Archive

 ” When Preachers Forsake their Lord “

It is not surprising that error is increasingly being taught in the brotherhood. False teachers advancing heresies that have been destroying the distinctive qualities of the church is common in our fellowship (in the United States and the Philippines, alike). For even God’s Word has instructed us to be on the alert for this continual threat (i.e. Eph 4:14, 2 John 9-11). 

  The more alarming issue for us to be concerned about is the fact that there scarcely has been a word of opposition coming from faithful brethren in our respective congregations. While facing damnable errors being promulgated by the false teachers among us, I hardly notice a unified opposition to such error. Why haven’t those in positions of responsibility and great influence aggressively dealt with the problem of false doctrine within our congregations?

 ” For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. “

                                                                       -Acts 20:29-31

• The Lack of a Proper Response

 Preachers among us have shifted gears. What has been formerly regarded as accepted Christian truths is now being attacked and distorted to support denominational heresy. Likewise, what has formerly been regarded as hersey is being embraced and the teachers of such enjoy full fellowship. 

 The “wolves” that Paul was speaking about have intensified their campaign against the truths of God’s inspired Word. I would like to note that the apostle mentions the intensity of his warnings; that he even came to the point of tears, night and day. Among us, I have never heard of such devotion for preserving the salvation of Christian souls (except within this scripture). Instead of this devotion, I often hear about pleas for “compromise”, “tolerance” and what has falsely been called “unity”. Preachers have not defended souls with tears but embraced the false teachings with smiles and grins.

 Below I will provide a list of some fallacious and unscriptural teachings that I have either heard myself from the pulpit or heard that it was being taught by brethren in the Philippines.

1. Calvinistic Predestination
2. The doctrine of “Eternal Security” (Once Saved, Always Saved)
3. Denial of Baptism as essential for Salvation
4. Salvation by “Faith Alone”
5. Support of the use of instrumental music in worship
6. Denial of Eternal Punishment ( Annihilationism)
7. The support of women preachers in the church
8. Interdenominational fellowship

 Without going into further detail, it has become obvious that we have run into some big problems. It seems that we have encountered many preachers that forsook their Lord by turning to tolerate, promote and truly embrace denominational dogma instead of holding fast to sound teaching. They add to the problems instead of responding properly to fix them.

•  Our Responsibility

 ” Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. “

                                                                                  -Eze 3:17-19

 We, faithful to the Gospel of Christ, have been ignoring this message from Ezekiel to turn our brethren away from their error. We may have been faithful to God in our worship and upright Christian living but have been neglecting to turn our erring brother from denominational teaching(s) that separates his soul from Christ. If he does not heed our warning, the Lord will not “require at (our) hand” the blood of the sinner. In such a case, we have done what we can do to save him from the pit of destruction. However, can you truly say that you have been trying your best to warn our brethren of their error? Have you been fulfilling your responsibility to defend the weak and restore the lost?

 I ask myself, “what could be our cause for hesitation to fight for the faith?” Is it fear? Is it embarrassment? Is it just plain laziness? Why are we neglecting to make a defense?

•  A Few Examples  

 I want to provide a few examples of renowned preachers that forsook their Lord and currently work to sway more faithful to “depart from the faith” and follow the “doctrines of demons” (1 Ti 4:1). This is not an effort to smear anyone’s name but rather I want to demonstrate that great leaders can become a Demas of our time by adhering to denominational rhetoric.

 First, I want to make mention of Max Lucado. He is a well-known preacher that became popular for authoring many inspiring Christian books. It was once nice to know that we, churches of Christ, had an influence in mainstream Christendom, worldwide; who was emphatically teaching the truth about baptism, the nature of the Lord’s Church and other sound doctrines.

 Suddenly, strange words started coming from Lucado and he (admitedly) abandoned his former teachings to acheive church growth while a missionary in Brazil (and later in the States). Soon thereafter, his literature took a 180 degree turn. Lucado began teaching “eternal security”, a dangerous doctrine foreign to scripture.

” I believe that if a person is genuinely saved they’re eternally saved, and that the work of the Holy Spirit — Ephesians 1:13, ‘When you believed you were sealed with the Spirit’ — that sealing is effective and eternal. “

                                                    -Max Lucado (Baptist Press interview)

 Lucado also denies the scriptural teaching of baptism in order to uphold his new teachings on grace.

 ” We never taught — the buzzphrase is baptismal regeneration, where you go into the baptistery lost and come out saved. We never taught that.. “

                                                     -Max Lucado (Baptist Press interview)

 Another renowned speaker associated with churches of Christ is Rubel Shelly. Shelly altered his positions to suit denominational audiences later in his preaching career. However, he started off quite sound in his approach to define the nature of the Lord’s church and preserving unity in the Body.

 ” For congregations or individules committed to the restoration of the New Testament church, to opt for open fellowship with all religious bodies would be to destroy their identity or purpose for being. It would be to encourage the continued existence of something that is sinful of itself “

                                                        -Rubel Shelly, sermon (1985)

 Later, Shelly had this to say:

 ” We will not lose our separate denominational identities, we will not give up our particular heritages and histories, we will not have to give up our distinctive practices with regard to our differeing organizational structures, worship, and so on. I see no need for that…I believe it’s perfectly alright for us to live in different houses, and to have our distinctives, and our preferences, and our tastes. “

                                                         -Rubel Shelly, speech (1996)

These two, above mentioned men had been strong proponents of teaching and preaching about the distinct (i.e. scriptural) characteristics of the church that Jesus founded - only to later bow to the wishes of denominational audiences. Those who had formerly challenged and rejected sectarian dogmas had only turned to embrace them.

 The point that I would like to illuminate in this is how quickly and easily one can change from a sound preacher to a preacher who forsook his Lord. We must constantly be on the watch for what can destroy the faithful and leading them astray.

•  Conclusion

 Brethren, this is what I have been advocating for some time: steer clear of those who teach error and have no fellowship with them. Our obligations are to warn them and make sure that we do not allow ourselves to be placed in their influence.

 It saddens me to hear that a certain brother or a certain congregation has fallen to the devouring lion and his tirades against the faithful. But that is simply part of our burden we must bear as the chosen people of God. We must endure these kinds of discouragements and obstacles to unity in Christ. The proper response for us should be to fight the attacks with the sword of the Spirit. It is possible for us to be overcomers of the enemy if we persist in studying God’s Word, teaching God’s Word and living God’s Word.

 -Mike Hildreth

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

Stories are often told about the terrible devastation that resulted during and after the First World War. So many battles were fought, so many lives were lost and so many injuries and sicknesses plagued the survivors of that tragic war. This was not the most terrible devastation in terms of numbers but history records that the suffering was great during and after “The Great War”.

Tens of thousands of victims suffered from the poisonous “mustard” gas during this conflict. In order to alter the slow pace of “trench-warfare”, these nations began engaging in a new kind of warfare; chemical. This chemical warfare was introduced by one side and then, copied by the other, in order to respond to the first chemical attacks. One chemical attack followed another and the result was sickness and, often times, death of the troops on the front lines. It became a fearful thing to see the yellowish gases approaching the fortification where soldiers were dug-in to repel the enemy. So, what did they do? They sent some more mustard gas back at them. The term is often called “fight fire with fire” or, in this case, fight gases with gases.

The result of these skirmishes with the use of mustard gas as a chemical agent of weaponry, was anywhere from mild to severe respiratory ailments, various physical impairment and ultimately, respiratory failure in many cases of extended exposure.

This example from history reminds me of the situations which are often occurring within the church today. Many of us are suffering from the attacks of our brethren. We often fight gossip with gossip, fight hateful words with hateful words, fight anger with anger, fight any negative attacks on us with more negative attacks. This is the same as the above mentioned situation, except instead of suffering a physical, respiratory ailment we are suffering from spiritual ailment within the body of Christ. We are not physically, but spiritually, killing ourselves when we launch our barrels of mustard gas in retaliation for the first launching.

How can we stop this madness? How can we prevent the body of Christ from committing spiritual suicide and causing more and more suffering and division. Thankfully, there is an answer for our weary friends and brethren that are tired of all the pain they are going through.

” Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.”

- 2 Cor. 2:5-8 (ESV)

God’s Word has provided us with a plan for reconciling with our brethren that have caused us hurt. For many, this seems like the opposite of a proper response to the hurtful antics of our enemies. Our sinful nature is telling us to hurt our critics with an equal or greater attack. As some have put it, “I don’t get mad, I get even”. This however, is not the scriptural method of dealing with our enemies and it is especially important for us to remember, within the body of Christ. The only thing we are going to achieve by “getting even” is a promise of more future attacks. After some more attacks, more anger, after more anger, more division, after more division, a complete separation from the church that Jesus founded and damnation-the damnation that we all truly deserve for our own sin.

After receiving the mercy and forgiveness that God has graciously given us, should we not show that same kind of mercy to our enemies and our brethren that have hurt us? Our obligation is to “forgive and comfort” those who offend us. This will reaffirm our love in Christ Jesus; the love that God wants us to supply on all men. Think of our Lord.

“  For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”

- 1 Pet. 2:20-24

Our Lord had the option to revile and threaten in return but he chose not to do so. He was truly a sinless example for us. Can’t we consider this picture as a guide for us today? Christ did not deserve to be treated unfairly but he never sought revenge. Instead, he insisted on forgiving them and asked God to forgive them, too (Luke 23:24). We truly deserve the wrath of God. We deserve a just payment for all our sinful works against God and against our fellow man but the Lord has shown us mercy. Forgiveness is the antidote for curing the suffering and pain within the church and stoping the vicious cycle of hatred, revenge and division.

” Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

- Eph 4:32

This is an admonishment for us. For some of you, it should be a wake up call. Our Lord commands forgiveness. He expects it from us and as long as we rebel against this teaching of His, our words and actions will be a recipe for disaster in the church. Let’s apply the antidote of forgiveness to our wounds and we will no longer suffer the retaliation of counter-attacks from others.

-Mike Hildreth

Dear Readers,

 This article, written by my good friend and brother-in Christ, Ed Maquiling, is encouraging and timely. This is a help to anyone who has ever had to deal with the oppression of enemies. I am posting it here so you can read and learn from it, too. To view this and other great articles from this author, please visit the Mountain View coC blog. (This article is posted here with permission.)

 -Mike

 Enemies

“Unity, Exclusivity and Sectarianism.”

 Introductory Note:

 This article is a study and discussion of the 3 thoughts and how they pertain to the Biblical teaching on the nature of the church that Jesus founded (a.k.a. the church of Christ). The many differing concepts about exclusivism, sectarianism and the basis of unity for the church in this present time are often bewildering. There are simply so many different ideas about how we, Christians, should consider who are our brothers and who are not. Often times, the criteria for fellowship with those wearing the name “Christian” is completely void of scriptural support. It is, therefore, my objective to gain a hold on these very important questions using God’s Word as our only authority. God’s Word should contain all the answers about how to attain unity, whether or not we should feel we are the exclusive body of the saved and whether or not we can classify ourselves as a sect (i.e. denomination).

 A few specific questions I desire to answer in this study are presented below:

 #1) How can we, Christians, be united and  what is the basis of our unity?

 #2) Also important for us to ask is how can unity be lost and sectarianism result?

 At the end of this study we should all be able to answer these questions confidently; without a doubt in our mind.

 

 Discussion:

 The Significance of Unity

  The importance of unity is underlined in the Gospels as well as in the epistles. Jesus prayed for the unity of all His followers. The prayer for His disciples is that they would be “kept” and “united” (John 17:11, 12). Unity should be very important for us to desire. For the Lord himself desired it for us. Why, then, is there so much division and confusion? Why so many religious bodies, denominations and “fellowships”? Surely, this is not the way that God wants it to be. This is not characteristic of the church we read about in our New Testaments.

 All Christians should agree that unity is important for us to strive for. Not only important, but essential for us to have. The embracing of denominationalism (the teaching that there are many sections or factions within the body of Christ but all of them are part of the one, true church) is clearly contrary to this goal.

 God’s Word is not vague about this tenet: There is “one body” (Eph 4:4) established by Christ (Matt. 16:18) and not many separate bodies established by others. Eph 1:22 shows that Jesus dwells in His body in “fullness”, indicating that he dwells in no other religious institution. He loves this body so much that he shed his blood for it (Acts20:28). Every other body, that he has not “planted”, will surely be “rooted up” (Matt 15:9). The idea that Christ was crucified for a number of “parties”, “factions”, “sects”, denominations or any number of religious bodies is foreign to the scriptures. No responsible Bible teacher will dictate that when Christ said “I will build my church”, he actually meant “I will build my sects”. Even note that the word church is in the singluar and not in the plural, indicating that there is only one church and not many.

The Exclusivity of the Church

 The very word “church” (Greek, “ekklesia “) is defined as “the called out”. “ek” meaning “out of” and “klesia” meaning “to call”. This definition reveals that the church is a separate body; expected to exhibit a non-conformity to the world and her precepts. Christians are expected to be different than others, in the sense that they are conformed to God’s will and not to man’s philosophies.

 ”And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

                                                                                               -Rom. 12:2 (KJV)

 This scripture points to the concept of exclusivity. The body of Christ is exclusive from the world because we are different. We are unique and that sets us apart from all others that are not conforming themselves to the will of God. The church, therefore, is the exclusive body of Christ based on their actions in this world. They are distinct from all others because they are following Christ and no one else in their thoughts, words and deeds.

 Exclusivism is taught and advocated by our Lord and His apostles.

 ” Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

                                                                                                          -Matt. 7:13

 This scripture teaches an exclusivity of the saved. Those who enter the wide gate are not the exclusive few who will have eternal life. It’s apparent how important it is for us to realize that we are on the exclusive route to heaven and not on the broad way. Jesus said, “ I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” ( Jhn 14:6).

  Only through obedience to Christ, can one obtaineternal  life (Heb 9:5) and not through any other method. Those who obey him are, therefore, exclusively the body of Christ; the saved. They are “not of the world” (Jhn 17:16) in any way. They are one, exclusive body who are on one, exclusive path.

Exclusivity Begets Unity

 Once we realize that we are an exclusive group because of who we are; the faithful few, we can begin to see how unity is acheived. In the Acts chapter 2 account there are significant things to be recognized about the early church. 1) The devotion that characterized the early disciples is remarkable (Acts 2:42). They were constantly devoting themselves to the “apostles teachings”. 2) They also devoted themselves to fellowship.

  How can we, Christians, acheive unity like they had in the early church days? We can devote ourselves to fellowship and have such fellowship if we devote ourselves to the apostles teachings. These two practices go hand-in-hand. We cannot have one but not the other. We, therefore, recognize our fellowship with all those who devote themselves to the apostles teachings. These are the exclusive saved and could not possibly be outside the church we are part of.

 “Everyone of the truth listens to my voice”

                                                                                -Jhn 18:37

 We know who are brethren are by this: they are listening to the voice of Jesus and  this makes them ”of the truth”. ”Of the truth” is a reference to those who are united in devotion to the teachings of Christ. They are devoting themselves to the Word and obedient to Jesus in every way. This, brethren, is what could properly be termed a “test of fellowship”. Likewise, it can be observed who is not within our fellowship and who is not “of the truth”;who is not part of the the excusive body of Christ.

Sectarianism Defined and Exposed

 It should be noted that there are various theories as to what constitues a sect and how to define “sectarianism”.

 One “theologian” puts it this way:

 ”[Sectarianism is] a narrowing down of the ground of acceptable Christian fellowship and cooperation due to a broadening of what is considered orthodox doctrine. It is therefore my (or my group’s) refusing to allow for diversity in others and demanding conformity with all my views, as if my view (in full detail) alone had divine sanction. It is the notion that I, or my own specific group alone has a market on the truth, to the exclusion of others.”

                                                                                                  -Rex A. Koivisto

 However, the only definition that I will regard as acceptable and acurate is one that is found within God’s inspired Word. In short, I will say that the prominent (yet false) definition of sectarianism is a belief that the Christian’s unwillingness to allow room for (what is coined) “diverse” teachings and promote fellowship with those of varying opinion are dividing the body of Christ and splintering themselves into a sect. Hence, sectarian mindset.

 The objective of those who believe this is to attain a diversity-based unity with all religious bodies. This can occur by throwing off all absolute truth; calling it “relative” and rejecting all authority in doctrines. The mindset being described thus: “Truth to me may not be truth to you but we are all safe and right”. This view teaches that to attain unity is to embrace all doctrines (of man made origin) and allow room for varying opinion in matters of faith.

 The problem with this new approach is that it cannot be found anywhere in the Bible! If the Bible is recognized as our authority in all matters of faith; in doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness; to make the man of God perfect, fully equipped unto every good work (2 Tim 3:16, 17), what room does that leave for a man-made idea? Especially, in this case, concerning the nature of the Lord’s church, there is no room for the doctrines of men (Matt. 15:9). They are fallacious to the core and have no place in our lives.

 There is no example of the apostles tolerating diverse doctrines to preserve or attain unity. Also, there is no command to tolerate diversity in order to attain unity. The teachings of Christ and His apostles are regarded as the only standard of authority throughout the New Testament. Diversity in teaching has always been condemned. Note the warning of the writer of Hebrews: ”Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines.” (Heb 13:9). Those who brought different teachings were to be avoided (2 Jhn 9-11).

 There is no doubt that the intention to attain unity with all believers in Jesus is pure and good (Jhn 17). Sects, parties or divisions, if you will, are condemned again and again (1 Cor. 1:10-13, 3:3-5) and eliminating this mentality of divisiveness is commendable. Striving for division is a “work of the flesh” and should be avoided by us all (Gal 5:20). However, the embracing of doctrinal error to be in union with all self-professed Christians is defeating the purpose in it’s entirety and destroying the uniqueness of Christ’s exclusive body. By eliminating the barrier of doctrinal difference, we fellowship with darkness and, therefore, lose our fellowship with Christ (1 Jhn 1:7, 2 Cor 6:14).

 This unity achieved by diversity is not a Godly unity and actually results in more separation: the separation between God and His faithful. Resisting the teachings of men by distancing one’s self from error is not sectarian but rather faithfullness to Christ. I present the following as a proper definition (and explanation) of sectarianism:

 ” Sectarianism begins with conformity to worldy doctrines and/or lifestyles and permitting such within the Body of Christ. This behavior drives the church into factions as some seek to be faithful to the teachings of Christ and others conform to unscriptural teachings and practices. The inevitable result is factions (i.e. sects, denominations, divisions, parties) by eliminating adherence to one, absolute authority-God’s Word.”

 Consider Acts 20:29. This is an example of diverse teachings leading ” disciples after them” and splintering the Body of Christ. The teaching of this particluar “flock” had nothing to do with the departure of the disciples. The “grievous wolves” were to blame for their teaching of absurdities that were not consistent with the teaching of Christ. This caused sectarianism to occur among members of the Lord’s church. How dare some say that the brethren Paul left behind are to blame for not conforming to every new “wind of doctrine” (Eph 4:14) that came along and are, therefore, sectarian? This kind of logic is backwards and does not recognize the authority of the apostles teachings as the basis of unity in the brotherhood.

 Those within the body of Christ are charged to have “one spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13). This same mind and faith are the essential ingredients for Christian unity (Eph 4:3, 4). Those who are truly our brethren in the Body of Christ have the same spirit (disposition) and have no unique or varying agenda. This kind of unity, a Christ-based unity is the scriptural one that we need to strive for and a safeguard against sectarianism. Diversity-based unity does not exist beneath the surface and will not stand the test of eternity. In all honesty, this kind of unity could never last regardless of all the ecumenical forums, opened fellowship and embracing of diverse doctrines. After all, “Can two walk together unless they be agreed?” (Amo 3:3).

 Love and Fellowship

 So, where does this information leave us? Is it our intention to point out that we (churches of Christ) are the chosen people of God and everyone else is eternally lost? Is it our intention to waive our finger at all that do not worship in a building with the sign “Church of Christ” on the door and consign them to hell? Aboslutely not, brethren!

 We are, however, compelled to recognize the error of our neighbors and condemn such as the “doctrines of men”. We must be dilligent in “speaking the truth in love” (Eph 4:15) and try to persuade all men to become Christians; in the purest, scriptural sense. We should preach the Word when it comes to marriage, divorce and remmariage, worship, gender roles in the church, government of the body, autonomy of the local congregation, essentiality of baptism, mode of baptism, authority of the scriptures, and the list goes on and on and on. We must “contend for the faith”(Jude 3)!

 It is not our intention to judge anyone’s soul. We cannot see whether someone is saved or not, except by their deeds (Jhn 15:8). We cannot look into someone’s heart and arrogantly declare “he is saved” or “he is lost”, as if we have the authority to judge our neighbor. At the same time, we must persist in recognizing error to discern who is “of the truth” (Jhn 18:37) and who is teaching ”damnable heresies” (2 Pet 2:1)

 If we truly love our neighbor and percieve that he could be in a lost state, it is our duty to teach him the truth and not to partake in his error by pursuing unity with him.      

As the apostle Peter clarifies, ” Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God “ (Acts 8:21). This must be our warning sometimes but this cannot be understood as a spirit of judgmentalism. This is simply a warning and should be recognized as an example of how we are to treat our erring neighbor.

 Conclusion     

 At the beginning of our study and discussion I asked two questions that we should be able to answer now.

    #1) How can we, Christians, be united and  what is the basis of our unity?

    #2) Also important for us to ask is how can unity be lost and sectarianism result?

 Answer to #1: Christians can be united by conforming to the will of Christ and not to human doctrines.  Our solid basis of unity is God’s Word and God’s Word alone. 

 Answer to #2: Unity can be lost and sectarianism result when we embrace diversity in doctrine and forsake the teaching of Christ as our absolute authority.

 Christians, we can recognize that we are the exclusive, one, true body of Christ and not a sect if we are heeding to the commands of our Lord, Jesus Christ. This is our only way to attain unity. I pray that this study has been a blessing for you.

                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                       -Mike Hildreth

                                                             

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

I was just recently reminded of the importance of Christians establishing a massive movement for peace and justice in this country and worldwide. I cannot fully describe the feelings of mine which have overwhelmed me and swell up many thoughts in my mind.

 Last night, in Bawa, a neighboring Barangay in the municipality of Gerona, Tarlac, a child was taken from her families’ residence. She is 12 (or 13?) years old. She was kidnapped and placed in a van, likely to be taken to Manila or wherever the hideout of the kidnappers is located.

 This common trend usually ends in the same result: The child is put to death by these sick fiends and his or her organs are surgically removed to be sold to surgeons or medical facilities within this nation. There was, recently, a special program on television about this very practice happening, mainly, in Manila. Now, it seems that the criminal practice is moving more notably into the provinces of the Philippines. I could not describe my sickened feelings within me after hearing of this tragedy occurring in our own backyards. Please forgive me if you have learned of these acts before me and are not surprised to hear it again and again. I simply did not hear about it until this time and I am shocked.

 I realized that kidnapping is not new in the States, as well. This is typically done for the perverse sexual fulfillment of the pedophile / molester and often results in the offender murdering the child to escape being caught with him or her alive.  I am, likewise, saddened when I hear about that case but I could not conceive that the fiends are doing this kind of appalling act for money and are succeeding at it!

 For many of you, the terror within this country is not new. The extremely corrupt government and widespread poverty are all problems that should be dealt with. It is not my intention to turn my focus on politics, though. This is not a political statement! My intention is to encourage some kind of a movement for justice and peace in our communities. Whether in America, Philippines or anyplace in the world that Christians may be, we should be advocating the truth and battling injustices everywhere.

 Some issues which are usually associated with a political statement are actually simple Christian truths that we need to realize and defend. The death penalty must be reinstated and enforced to preseve order in all nations. I am aware that the president has recently abolished capital punishment. It should, therefore, be no surprise that crime is on the rise and criminals have less to fear.

 Do politicians believe that they are smarter or better than God himself? Do religious “authorities” believe the same? God instituted the death penalty in ancient times (Gen 9:6) and continues to demand such a public institution to be enforced to this very day (Rom 13:1-4). Without such institution, where is the justice for one who takes life? God used the death penalty against Ananias and Saphira for their sinfulness, should society not follow his command to do the same? Of course, they must!

 I understand that I am not a citizen of this country and, therefore, it is not my right nor responsibility to be part of a national movement here. I am not making a statement about this country and their sin, alone. The U.S. must also endure in enforcing justice within it’s respective boundaries. I am advocating an united effort by churches of Christ to preach and teach the truth about capital punishment and it’s necessary enforcement. The implementation of this law, no doubt, will curb much of the violence being inflicted against children in all of our communities.

 There are more ways to move against violence and injustice in our respective communities. Writing congressmen to establish laws which prevent hospitals from buying organs without proper records is a good start. Why are these hospitals and surgical centers a part of the problem of human trafficking? Why aren’t they demanding records of where these organs have come from before they begin transplanting them? Obviously, the government is not enforcing a strict law that prevent such injustices.

 What are we doing to stand up against child-sex tourism in this nation? Pedophiles are coming into this part of the world to abuse and molest children because laws are not being enforced here. We may be part of the group who are turning our heads away from the problem instead of standing up for the right way.

 We don’t have to consider ourselves “political” to be doing these things. If it is our responsibility to submit to our governing authorities, is it not right and proper to demand that our authorities enforce godly, just and logical laws to preserve peace everywhere? This is surely a Christian duty, knowing that God has placed us in our communities to do good unto all men.

 Christians, open your eyes and your ears to the world around you! Be not conformed to this world by silently permiting such sinful activity in your surroundings. Stand up and proclaim your opposition to such sinfulness and be a part of the solution to curb violence against children and all social injustices.

There is no institution that is under more heavy attacks in recent times than God’s institution of marriage. This is true no matter where or who you are. We are all, in some way, being affected by modern society’s mission to destroy God’s oldest created union. Maybe you see it on television, maybe you see it in the lives of your coworkers, in your own family, or maybe you even hear it from the pulpit on Sunday morning. Satan is using any means he can to destroy famlies with divorce and the contracting of invalid marriages. This is not the only way he is working against God’s plan for the home.

 Most people wearing the name “Christian” will agree that God hates divorce and he wants a man and a woman to be bound in it until death (Mal 2:16). One of the recent attacks on marriage includes the lie that one can divorce his wife (or one can divorce her husband) and remarry another. False teachers among churches of Christ, and even more rampantly among denominations, insist that God allows any divorced person to remarry. This is, of course, a damnable heresy that must be confronted before more souls are led astray.

 One false teacher (who works among churches of Christ) teaches this:

 Is divorce the “unforgiveable sin”? Certainly not in Scripture. Is a person, once divorced, still married? Obviously not. May unmarried people (whether never-married or formerly married) marry and attempt to live according to God’s original and continuing ideal? Of course, and who would dare say otherwise? The Apostle Paul thus advises: “Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you released from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But if you should marry, you have not sinned” (1 Cor. 7:27-28).

 This Bible text, being taken from 1 Corinthians 7:28, does not teach that anyone previously married may remarry another. The only way one can properly be “released” from a wife is taught by Jesus is Matthew 19:9. It is so stated by Christ,

 “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”

  Where is all the confusion coming in? Jesus plainly teaches that a divorced person commits adultery in his or her next marriage. If a man marries a divorced woman, he is also committing adultery. The only exception to this case is if one has been “released” (1 Cor. 7:28) by the guilty partners’ “fornication” (Matt. 19:9) and then has the right to remarry. That should clarify all of the misconceptions about divorce and remarriage in my mind. But Satan is not done deceiving souls with more lies.

 This same false teacher says in another article on divorce entitled ” For Marriage, Against Divorce”:

 When people are divorced — for whatever reason — they are no longer married. It is good, as a general rule, for people to be married rather than to be alone (Gen. 2:18). God empowers some people for celibate singleness, but that is a special gift (1 Cor. 7:7-9). For Christian people, a subsequent marriage is a new beginning — committed afresh, this time, to conform more nearly to God’s ideal. Hopefully, no more divorce.

Hopefully, no more divorce? It sounds more like he is discussing a case of the flu or a cold than the legal and moral action of divorce! A subsequent marriage is a new beginning- a beginning to a life outside of God’s ideal and His saving grace.

Wolves are truly among us. Guard yourselves from this kind of doctrine (2 Tim 4:3). God’s Word is clear: The Lord does not accept a man’s remarriage when he has not been released by his previous wife’s act of fornication during his first marriage. Let’s look at Hebrews 13:4 to see the seriousness of this:

 ”Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”

 Have we not observed in Jesus condemnation of divorce and remarriage for any reason (Matt 19:3-9), that a remarriage will result in continual adultery? And what does God say about adulterers? They will be judged! This means they will not be in a saved state while engaging in this kind of lifestyle. Is this a serious issue to discuss? Absolutely it is and false teachers are leading Christians astray into the pit of darkness with their advice.

 So, what do we do? Many deceivers are in the world encouraging sinful marriages. Preaching the truth about marriage is what must be done to combat the misunderstandings and keeping the saved still saved.
 

  I can say that my close friend and brother in Christ, David Snyder, is putting himself in harm’s way for the good of all of us. He is currently serving in Iraq right now. Remember to keep him in your thoughts and prayers while he is overseas and part of the operation to defend our great country.

  

 Without brave young men like this, we would not know freedom. Remember that everytime you open your Bible or fold your hands to pray. If men like this did not answer the call to defend our rights, I can’t even begin to imagine how terrible it would be for us. Thank God for these men and keep fighting the spiritual battle for freedom in Christ as they fight the physical battle for freedom to live for Christ.

 I would like to offer my congratulations to all the graduating students of the Rabon Bible College. You have studied so hard to finish your Associates degree in Theology and we are all very happy for you. Keep on growing in the truth of God’s Word and we will be praying for the continuation of your many successes.

 I would like to say that I am honored to have had the opportunity to be your teacher in Denominational Doctrines and Church History classes at RBC for one semester. I hope you will use your learnings well to further the cause of Christ in the Philippines. God Bless you all!

 Click here to see a picture of me and the students of my Class in Rabon taken during the last semester.

 -Bro. Mike

 According to the book of Acts, chapter 2, in verse 38, Baptism is “for the remission of sins”. Now, when we use the word “remission” what are we saying? In the dictionary, we read under the definition of remission: pardon; forgiveness, as of sins or offenses; or the relinquishment of a payment, obligation. So, then, we can conclude that at baptism, sins are forgiven, pardoned, and payed for. Thus, baptism is a very important event. Perhaps, the most important single act of a Christian’s life. Before this event takes place, a sinner is not pardoned for his sins and remains unforgiven. Baptism is, therefore, essential for salvation in Christ. 

 1 Peter 3:21 states, “… baptism now saves you–not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience–through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” It has been made very clear to us that baptism is how one is “saved” from sin and put in the right relationship with God. 

 Click the fllowing links to see these pictures taken of Edlyn Estabillo on March 11, 2007, in Gerona, Tarlac.

Picture of Edlyn’s baptism_1, Picture of Edlyn’s baptism_2, Picture of Edlyn’s baptism_3

The question might come into your mind, “I thought we are saved by the grace of God; by Jesus blood which was shed on the cross”. This is very true, friends, God’s grace is the way in which we can be saved and not simply by our own human efforts (Eph 2:8, 9). It must be understood, though, that grace alone does not save us. Faith is essential (Jhn 3:16), confession of Jesus as our Lord and God is essential (Jhn 20:28, 29), repentance of sin is essential (Lk 13:3), but after none of these important steps can one call him/herself a child of God. Only after baptism is one’s sins washed away (Acts 12:16) and he/she puts on Christ (Gal 3:27). The blood of Jesus symbolically washes away our sins at baptism. Baptism would be useless if this were not the case.

 Baptism can only be performed on one who is a conscious believer in Christ. The prerequisite for baptism is faith and the result of these is salvation (Mark 16:6). One can only be baptized if he/she believes with all his/her heart (Acts 8:37, 38). This excludes children and infants that do not have the ability to believe or repent. Children have no sin anyway and therefore, there is no need to baptize them (Eze 18:20, Mat 18:3, 19:14).

 The mode of baptism is immersion. The very word, baptize, taken from the Greek word baptizo, means to immerse, to plunge or bury in water. There are several biblical examples which prove this to be the case (Lk 3:21, Rom. 6:3-5, Jhn 3:23). The concept of sprinkling or pouring as a method of baptism is no where found in the Bible.

 Perhaps you have been immersed but for the wrong reasons. Was your baptism to enter a manmade denomination or to enter the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13)? Were you baptized to be saved or because you were supposedly already saved (1 pet 3:21, Jhn 3:5)? There are many misunderstandings about this sacred act of worship and only a sincere observation of the scriptures can clear away the false ideas. Some had the wrong idea about the purpose of baptism and realized that they were not really saved (Act 19:3). The only remedy for this problem was a re-baptism, this time, in the name of the Lord Jesus and for the remission of sins.

 With these things in mind, you can discover for yourself, whether you have truly been saved. I urge you to obey the blessed command of our Lord and be baptized for the remission of sins if you have not done so already.

Stay informed, everyone. It’s time to build up Bible knowledge and do it now! How else can you possibly “contend for the faith” (Jd 3) without reading the Word of God? It is essential for us to stand up and engage in the Christian battle of spiritual warfare. We are the key players in this battle and our response to the call must be “HERE I AM, SEND ME, SEND ME!!!”.