IGLESIA NI CRISTO ROAD TO CENTENNIAL Introduction

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!