Before Iglesia ni Cristo couples exchange marriage vows, they are made aware of each other’s responsibilities and are taught how these should be carried out. But, what makes their marriage work is their adherence to the biblical instructions they have receive in the Church.

The key to a happy family

Charles Davidson Wrote:

MY WIFE AND I could no longer patch up our differences and so we agreed to get a divorce. She has custody of our two kids who are still young. The tragic ending to our four-year marriage happened two years ago.

Just last year, my job assignment took me to the Philippines—to a neighborhood of mostly Iglesia ni Cristo families. Some are young couples and two have already celebrated their golden wedding anniversaries. On the onset of our acquaintance, they handed me a copy of PASUGO magazine. Upon reading, your letters section attracted  my attention.

I would like to know how husbands and wives in your religion maintain harmonious relationship despite problems that set in.

Editor's reply:

Married members of the Iglesia ni Cristo do experience the problems and difficulties common to married life. But, what makes their marriage work is their adherence to the biblical instructions they have receive in the Church. Before Iglesia ni Cristo couples exchange marriage vows, they are made aware of each other’s responsibilities and are taught how these should be carried out. The following are some of the biblical guidelines concerning the primary duties of the husband and wife to each other and to their family:

First, husband and wife should have mutual love and respect for each other. The man must love his own wife as his own body (cf. Eph. 5:25, 28-29).

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it.
²⁸ Men ought to love their wives just as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself. (²⁹ None of us ever hate our own bodies. Instead, we feed them, and take care of them, just as Christ does the church; (Eph. 5:25, 28-29, GNT)

Abusing one’s wife, whether physically, verbally, or emotionally, is against the teaching of the Bible. In the same manner, Christian wives must also love their own husbands (cf. Titus 2:4).

⁴ that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, (Titus 2:4, NKJV)

Second, mutual respect and understanding of each other’s person and character is very important. Apostle Peter writes that husbands must treat their wives with respect and with the proper understanding that they are the weaker sex (cf. I Pt. 3:7).

⁷ Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. (I Pt. 3:7, NKJV)

Apostle Paul, on the other hand instructs wives to respect their husbands (cf. Eph. 5:33).

³³ Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Eph. 5:33, NKJV).

Indeed, this is very crucial for if there is lack of understanding on the part of either spouse, their marriage is bound for trouble.

Third, conjugal obligations must be observed diligently, that is, the duties and responsibilities that husband and wife must be understood that the woman was created by God to be man’s companion in life to be of help to him (cf. Gen. 2:18).

¹⁸ Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to live alone. I will make a suitable companion to help him.” (Gen. 2:18, TEV)

One area of joint responsibility lies in child-rearing. Apostle Paul instructs Christian parents to bring up their children in Christian discipline and instruction (cf. Eph. 6:4).

⁴ Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction. (Eph. 6:4, TEV).

The husband, as head of the family, must be the provider for the family’s needs while the wife looks after their children and their home (cf. Prov. 31:26-28, NIV). Parents, however, are not only there to provide for their children’s emotional and material needs (cf. I Tim. 5:8).

²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her: (Prov. 31:26-28, NIV)

⁸ But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. NKJV

Above all, they must lead their children into the righteous way of worshipping the true God just as the early servants of God did. A good example is Joshua (cf. Jos. 24:15).

¹⁵ And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Jos. 24:15, NKJV)

Lastly, prayerfulness is an important virtue that husbands and wives must put into practice and must cultivate in their children, knowing that by ourselves we cannot possibly overcome all odds (cf. Lk. 18:1; Philip. 4:6).

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, (Lk. 18:1, NKJV)

⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philip. 4:6, NKJV)

These are but some of the many biblical tenets which, when followed diligently, will ensure married couples of a blissful family life.

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Note: Some cited verses are printed in full to facilitate study.

Bible Study Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free to visit the Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question you have in mind. For the latest Worship Service Directory of Iglesia ni Cristo Locales and Congregations outside the Philippines, please visit www.iglesianicristoworshipservice.com

The most valuable wisdom

MILLIONS OF STUDENTS long for the day when they will receive the much-desired diploma in their chosen course. Whether a person graduates from elementary, high school, college, or graduate school, the receiving of a diploma in recognition of his efforts in gaining knowledge is one of the finest moments in his life. For the student, it is a day of achievement. For the parents, it is a day of pride. And for all, it is a day of inspiration.

Having a thirst for knowledge is one of the most admirable qualities of people. Because of this thirst, inventions have been made, uncharted territories have been explored, and different philosophies and schools of thought have developed. Indeed, knowledge is potentially beneficial for man, and usually, the people who acquire knowledge are the first to reap its reward.

The most valuable knowledge

However, if a person strives to gain worldly knowledge, he must understand that there is a particular body of knowledge that he should all the more strive to acquire and thirst for with all his being. The Bible teaches concerning this knowledge:

“That people may know skillful and godly Wisdom and instruction, discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight.” (Prov. 1:2,Amplified Bible)

Godly wisdom and instruction should be sought after above worldly wisdom. While the benefits of education and worldly knowledge cannot be denied, godly wisdom offers rewards far greater than recognition, honors, high paying jobs, or positions of power in the community and in the business world. In fact, godly wisdom offers the greatest reward. It gives man life and places him in God’s favor:

“Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise. And do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD.” (Prov. 8:32-35, New King James Version)

Blessed is the person who receives and obeys God’s instruction, for he finds favor from the Lord.

Many desire to get education from prestigious schools and universities because they realize its benefits in fulfilling their career and financial goals. They cite reasons such as “the higher the education, the higher the salary.” Even after people have left school, many still strive to gain knowledge in their chosen fields, realizing the importance of knowledge as a means to move up the corporate ladder.

It must be acknowledged, however, that a college education does not guarantee success and wealth. Ironically, after finishing college, some even find themselves jobless or underemployed and in debt because of their college loans and bills. The business world does not also guarantee instant wealth and much more a worry-free life. On the contrary, some have experience greater anxieties and dissatisfaction instead of contentment after entering the business world. And in extreme cases, some have even committed suicide because of pressures brought about by school and work.

What we should understand is that God has the power to provide us with true prosperity and success. The Lord may bless the family and one’s education, career, or status in life if he hears God’s commands and lives by them. Thus, if one is earnest in succeeding in life, it is vital that he attains wisdom that comes from the Lord.

The righteous will succeed

By attaining godly wisdom, a person can triumph over all obstacles that may prevent him from succeeding. This is the Lord’s promise:

“I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.” (Prov. 4:11-13, Ibid.)

If a person takes hold of God’s instructions, his steps will not be hindered – he will run and will not stumble. This does not mean, however, that a righteous person will no longer experience disappointments and difficulties. The fact is, everyone experiences ups and downs in life. But those who have received God’s wisdom coupled with His favor rise to any challenge. They continue even when times get rough:

“Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place; For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity.” (Prov. 24:15-16, Ibid.)

The righteous will never be left alone by the Almighty. Each time they fall or experience disappointments, God will be ready to help them rise and continue in their endeavors.

The words of God are the means for a person to become righteous or holy:

“Make them pure and holy through teaching them your words of truth.” (Jn. 17:17, Living Bible)

God’s words are written in the Holy Scriptures:

“And you remember that ever since you were a child, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (II Tim. 3:15, Today’s English Version)

The words of God written in the Holy Scriptures is God’s wisdom that leads man to salvation. For this reason, one who receives godly wisdom or God’s words written in the Bible and makes them his guide in life will receive life.

The life awaiting the righteous is the true life in the Holy City:

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth disappeared, and the sea vanished. And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband. I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: ‘Now God’s home is with mankind! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared’.” (Rev. 21:1-4,Ibid.)

Eternal life is the most precious benefit of attaining godly wisdom. It is incomparable with anything human institutions can offer. Thus, a person should make learning and obeying the commands of God their top priority in life. If a person receives and diligently obeys the inspired words of God, he will experience the benefits of godly wisdom not only in this life, but most of all in the life to come.

Destruction of the world by fire

We believe that God will destroy the world by means of fire on Judgment Day as the Bible teaches. Apostle Peter explained this by comparing what would happen on Judgment Day   with what happened during the time of Noah:

“For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which now exist are kept on store by the same word, reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men… But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” (II Pt. 3:5-7, 10, New King James Version)

As the ancient civilization was destroyed literally through a great flood, the present world will also be literally destroyed by fire on Christ’s Second Advent. Apostle Paul wrote:

“And to give who you are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” (II Thess. 1:7-9, NKJV)

Even before the Christian era, God forewarned through His prophets that He would destroy the world by fire:

“Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; But the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of His jealousy, for He will make speedy riddance of all those who dwell in the land.” (Zeph. 1:18, NKJV)

Hence, just as God’s wrath is real, no one should conclude that the fire He will use in destroying the world is unreal or only a figure of speech.

We would also understand that Christ does not by Himself know when the day of Judgment will come, but only the Father in heaven does (Mt. 24:36).

³⁶ “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. (Mt. 24:36, NKJV)

In spite of this fact, Jehovah’s Witnesses has repeatedly tried to predict the Second Advent of Christ and failed consistently. These failures were published in its magazines, proving that it is not the true religion.

The true religion teaches that only the Heavenly Father knows the exact time of the day of Judgment and that He will destroy the earth by means of real fire as written in the Bible.

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Bible Study Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free to visit the Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question you have in mind. For the latest Worship Service Directory of Iglesia ni Cristo Locales and Congregations outside the Philippines, please visit www.iglesianicristoworshipservice.com or just click link at home page.