Isang blog ng kaanib ng INC™ (Iglesia Ni Cristo®) Umangal sa Kanilang Aral na Sobrang Pinupuri ang Ka Eduardo V. Manalo higit pa kay Cristo

Mula sa INC From the Edge

The Most Important Birthday in the World

I expected this day to come. Like many of the members of the Church of Christ, we all knew that this weekend’s lesson would be about the “Most Important Man in the World” himself, EVM and his birthday. There’s not much to say really. I’m sure you have seen plenty of comments that range from annoyed to outrage.

I watched brethren squirm as the hour-long lesson was preached. Our preacher droned on endlessly repeating the “Administration” and “Executive Minister” literally every minute. It was about “how much HE wants” this and that for the Church and how much HE “sacrificed”.

I really don’t want to think about this much longer than I have to so let me just say these things and be over and done with:

1. I don’t know about your congregation, but in the one I went, the name of Christ was mentioned only 7 times whilst EVM was pretty much in every sentence. This used to be the Church OF Christ.
2. Let’s say for arguments sake that EVM did such wonderful things for the Church. Do they need to be told and counted? Do we now owe him our first borns?

Why do we care what HE wants? Should it not be what God wants?

Why should we not accept the things that were said in the lesson today? Should we not be impressed by all the things that EVM has done?

Ephesians 2:8-9

 I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about.

What should be said when one has done his duty?

Luke 17:10

That’s the way it is with you. When you’ve done everything you’re ordered to do, say, ‘We’re worthless servants. We’ve only done our duty.’”

Imagine, even the Pastoral visits and Chapel dedications, brethren are told to say “Thank you po, Ka Eduardo”?? Those are EVM’s duties! Why do we need to thank HIM? And why is this boasted about over and over?

Even during the time of Jesus, He sent out his 70 disciples who did miraculous things, but when they returned, what did they say?

Luke 10:17

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

What was the teaching of Jesus to them? Did He say, tell everyone what amazing things you did?

Luke 10:19-20

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Even such powerful feats done by the disciples were never boasted about. What Jesus Christ has always taught is HUMILITY.

Like I said, the name of Christ was passed by 7 times in the lesson about the greatness of EVM and his accomplishments. DO NOT FORGET that this is the CHURCH OF CHRIST. Or at least, it used to be. Let me end this quickly so I can get this vile taste out of my mouth on the birthday of the “most important man in the world“. After hearing this lesson, let’s keep in mind what the Bible says:

1 Corinthians 3:20-23

“The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.”

It is not all about EVM and his “great sacrifices” – It is about belonging to Christ and God. It not about his “great accomplishments” – it is making sure our names are written in the book of life. And whatever EVM has done, he should simply say what the Lord has commanded – “We’re worthless servants. We’ve only done our duty.’