Iglesia ni Cristo
ROAD TO CENTENNIAL
INTRODUCTION
THE Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church
of Christ) emerged in the Far East on July 27, 1914.Hence, one year from now, the
Church is celebrating her centennial anniversary. Since it’s humble beginning
in 1914, the Church is now a global Church having congregations in 90 countries
and territories, and it’s members consist of not only Filipinos, but of 110
different nationalities.
The emergence of the Church of
Christ in the Philippines fulfills the prophecies of God written in the Bible
concerning His sons and daughters whom He will call from the Far East in these
last days:
“From the far east will I bring your
offspring, and from the far west I will gather you
“I will bid the north lands give them up, and
bid the south let go, bringing my son from afar, and my daughters from the end
of the earth.” (Is. 43:5-6, Moffatt)
Everything that happened in the
Church of Christ are in accordance with God’s plan. From her emergence from the
Far East, until she reached the Far West, and her spread throughout the whole
world.
“Who was it that made this happen? Who has
determined the course of history? I, the LORD, was there at the beginning, and
I, the LORD, will be there at the end.” (Is. 41:4, TEV)
Today, the Iglesia Ni Cristo is
recognize as powerful and influential Church in the Philippines, the largest
independent Church in Asia, and her houses of worship stand as landmarks in
places where they are built. Also, we are certain that the Iglesia Ni Cristo
shall continue to reap more success through God’s guidance and help.
“You whom I have taken from the ends of the
earth, And called from its farthest regions, And said to you, 'You are My
servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with
you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will
help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'”
“For I, the LORD your God, will hold your
right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'” (Is. 41:9-10,13, NKJV)
Despite the persecutions,
challenges and troubles she encountered, the Church of Christ reached greater
heights of glory. It came from a small and poor country in Asia (a third world
country as other put it), having no any government support, and having no
wealthy and influential members, the Church attained success after success. This
Church from a poor country is now indeed a global Church, a proof that this is
indeed God’s work:
“That they may see and know, And consider and
understand together, That the hand of the LORD has done this, And the Holy One
of Israel has created it.” (Is. 41:20, NKJV)
However, let us not ignore what
God said to His nation:
“Only be careful, and watch yourselves
closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them
slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to
their children after them.” (Dt. 4:9 NIV)
The Lord God said, “do not forget the things your eyes have seen
or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.” God also commanded
His servants to “Teach them to uour
children and to their children after them.”
Thus, let us always reminisce the
humble beginning of the Church. Let us recollect the early years of the Iglesia
Ni Cristo, how she was able to surmount the obstacles that barred almost every
step of her way which she had overcome through God’s unfailing help, the difficulties,
challenges and even the oppressions. The Church indeed emerged triumphantly.
The “IGLESIA NI CRISTO: ROAD TO
CENTENNIAL” is a series of articles discussing the brief history of the Church
of Christ in these last days from 1914 to 2014 to reminisce and recollect how
God help Brother Felix Y. Manalo and the Iglesia Ni Cristo as fulfillment of
His promised. This is our way of proclaiming the news of salvation, and God’s
constant love that He showered to us, as mandated in Psalms 40:9-10:
“In the assembly of all your people, LORD, I
told the good news that you save us. You know that I will never stop telling
it. I have not kept the news of salvation to myself; I have always spoken of
your faithfulness and help. In the assembly of all your people I have not been
silent about your loyalty and constant love.” (Psalms 40:9-10 TEV)
HAPPY CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY TO ALL OF US!
TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORIES!
