That's in the Bible

Christians should not consume alcohol in any setting, including casual or social drinking. Our Lord Jesus Christ did not serve alcohol or intoxicating drinks. Watch time: 22:26 • That’s in the Bible • Hosted by Brother Bob Pellien Scripture references: Luke 21:34 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 1 Peter 2:21-22 Proverbs 23:31-32 1 Corinthians 5:11 Proverbs 31:5 Ephesians 4:27 _____________________________________________________________________________________ In This Episode: 3:03 What does the Bible say about getting drunk? 6:04 Did Jesus Christ drink or serve alcohol? 12:10 Is social drinking bad for Christians?   Click to expand transcript Full Episode Transcript Brother Bob Pellien: May a Christian drink alcohol as long as they don’t get drunk? [SHOW OPEN] The Bible, the basis of our faith in the Church Of Christ, which answers questions about proper worship, the right relationship with God, and, most importantly, salvation—That’s in the Bible. Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program, That’s in the Bible. We’ve received quite a number of questions through email, and social media and such that pertains to a common issue, which is drinking alcohol or intoxicating drinks that can lead to getting a person drunk. Here are some of what we have received. The first is from Faye and she asks: [On-screen text graphic] Faye Am I forbidden to have a drink of wine or a drink with a meal, not to get drunk but enjoy a drink with a meal? What is the true definition of drunkard as it pertains to the bible? Brother Bob: And we received this one from someone in Las Vegas named Jesse who asked: [On-screen text graphic] Jesse What was the significance of Christ giving Judas the bread dipped in wine? Brother Bob: Well dear friends, here we can see that the question is regarding the wine the Lord Jesus Christ used. Similarly, in one of our other programs also produced in the Church Of Christ called The Message, in an episode regarding why Christians should not drink alcohol, and we received a comment for that argument that Jesus is ok with drinking alcohol. Royce asked: [On-screen text graphic] Royce Dela Cruz The transformation of water into wine at the wedding at Cana (also called the marriage at Cana, wedding feast at Cana or marriage feast at Cana) is the first miracle attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of John. Does this mean Jesus is doing the wrong thing? Brother Bob: Well, thank you all for your important questions and also giving us the opportunity today to clarify the Bible’s teachings on these. So, let’s begin. Let’s learn, “What does the Bible actually teach regarding alcohol and intoxicating drinks that can get a person drunk?”. In order to accurately answer these questions, let’s frame our discussion together around these sub-questions: What does the Bible say about getting drunk? Did Jesus Christ drink or serve alcohol? What is forbidden so Christians will not fall into drunkenness? 3:03 What does the Bible say about getting drunk? Brother Bob: Alright, let’s start with the first question. What does the Bible actually instruct regarding getting drunk? Let’s turn to the Bible and open it to Luke 21:34 wherein the following is recorded: “Be careful not to spend your time having parties and getting drunk or worrying about this life. If you do that, you won’t be able to think straight, and the end might come when you are not ready. [Luke 21:34 Easy-to-Read Version] Brother Bob: Notice who is giving the instruction: this is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ himself. What did Christ instruct? He said, “Be careful”. What should we be careful NOT to do? He said, “Be careful not to spend your time… worrying about this life… don’t spend your time having parties and getting drunk.” So according to Christ these are things that we should not do. According to the Bible then, the Savior Himself prohibits getting drunk. Why? “What’s so bad if one gets drunk?” one may say. Some might even say “It’s just having fun, it’s harmless.” What are the consequences however that the Bible makes mention which we should understand? Dear friends, let’s go again to the Bible, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: …Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. [1 Corinthians 6:9-10 New Living Translation] Brother Bob: Here we can see dear friends, we can read a long list of sins. What does the Bible make clear about people who commit these kind of sins? It says, “none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.” And, did you notice? Who’s among those that will not inherit the Kingdom of God or not be saved? Who’s included in this list was “drunkards”; or those who habitually drink. Now we know why the Lord Jesus Christ prohibits getting drunk. Some even go so far though as to think that “Jesus drank alcohol and even served it to His disciples,” right? That was Jesse’s and Royce Dela Cruz’s question as you can recall, they brought up Jesus using wine at the Last Supper as well as during the wedding in Cana. Royce even asked if Jesus did something wrong because he used wine in those instances. 6:04 Did Jesus Christ drink or serve alcohol? Did Jesus Christ drink or serve alcohol? Since Christ is the One who, as we already read, prohibits getting drunk, would He then commit the sin of being the stumbling block or assisting others in their drinking and getting drunk? Of course not. Why are we sure? What’s the proof? We turn this time to the writings of the Apostle Peter. He wrote the following in 1 Peter 2:21-22: For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; [1 Peter 2:21-22 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So dear friends, the Bible makes it very clear that “Christ… committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”. What did we learn from that? Since He prohibits getting drunk, He will not commit the sin of deceitfully serving something that can get people drunk, or of course even drinking it Himself. But look, now we know that there may be those, there may be even many who are probably wondering at this point in our discussion about the wine mentioned in the Bible then, that Christ clearly served. We have to understand that not all wines are the same, and there is a winemaking process of aging fruit juices into alcoholic beverages. So within this aging process, or fermentation, of winemaking, would Jesus Christ be drinking and serving wine that is already fermented and can therefore get people drunk? Of course not! But wait, is it just us who is saying that? Why are we so sure, why are we so confident in saying that? Are we the only ones who say it? Are we the only ones with that stand? Take a look. According to some scholars in the biblical languages which are Hebrew and Greek, what do these Bible scholars explain regarding the words that have been translated to English as “wine”? Let’s read from a published article from online, entitled “What Kind of Wine Did Jesus Drink?”: The word “wine” in the Bible is not always alcoholic or equivalent to modern wine. The Bible uses one Greek word for “wine” and “grape juice” which could mean alcoholic wine of varying amounts or non-alcoholic grape juice (1 Tim 3:8; Titus 2:3). The Hebrew word for “wine” is yayin and the Greek is oinos (MT; LXX). Biblical “wine” is grape juice that may or may not have fermented. However, the wine of today has considerably more alcohol than wine in the first century because of modified yeast. The Bible includes a number of examples of unfermented “wine:”… These references reveal that the word “wine” in Hebrew and Greek often refers to non-alcoholic grape juice in the Bible. … The Bible does not contain one positive statement about intoxicating wine or any such drink. The Bible does include positive words about generic “wine” that is grape juice. [“What Kind of Wine Did Jesus Drink?” Accessed 09 Feb 2023 https://godsbreath.net/2011/05/20/did-jesus-drink-wine/ ] Brother Bob: Friends, what did we learn from these scholars of the Bible languages? They say, “The Bible uses one Greek word for “wine” and “grape juice” which could mean alcoholic wine of varying amounts or non-alcoholic grape juice”. If one word is used in the Bible for the varying degrees of fermentation of grape juice into alcoholic wine, which should we understand the word to mean then? Simple grape juice, or intoxicating wine? As we read, “the word “wine” in Hebrew and Greek often refers to non-alcoholic grape juice in the Bible”. So, what should we understand about the times the Bible is referring to alcoholic wine or intoxicating drink? They say, “The Bible does not contain one positive statement about intoxicating wine or any such drink.” Therefore dear friends, the wine that Christ served and even miraculously made from water was not an intoxicating wine like what we know today that people would drink and get drunk. Those biblical verses cannot therefore be used as a basis or justification to drink alcohol. 12:10 Is social drinking bad for Christians? Well, what about just “moderate-drinking”? What about “social-drinking”? Some even claim they can “hold-their-liquor” meaning to say they know when to stop drinking, to drink but not be drunk. Faye, as you can recall her question, even asked about drinking not to get drunk, but to enjoy a drink with a meal for example, she said. So Is social drinking bad for Christians? Is it ok? So let’s answer that question. Is merely getting drunk the biblical prohibition? What is forbidden? Let’s turn again to the Holy Bible this time, we go to the book of Proverbs 23:31-32 which reads: Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end, it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. [Proverbs 23:31-32 New International Version] Brother Bob: So dear friends, the Bible clearly says here “Do not”. And you know, we all know that when it begins that way, it’s presenting a prohibition. What’s the Bible prohibiting? It says, “Do not gaze at wine”. We need to understand what “gaze” means right? Because as we just read, we’re forbidden to do this to wine. According to Dictionary.com, let’s take a look at the definition: “Gaze: to look steadily and intently, as with great curiosity, interest, pleasure, or wonder”. [Dictionary.com https://www.dictionary.com/browse/gaze] Brother Bob: Dear friends, to gaze at wine is not to simply look at it; we don’t have to avoid passing through that section in the grocery store. But gazing at alcohol or wine is to look at it with pleasure, and with intent. The way we think of wine, as though with admiration and significance, that is what God prohibits His people to do. Why? How is it described? You heard me read it dear friends, the Bible described it and said that it “poisons like a viper”. Who in their right mind would argue to be a “moderate or a social -drinker” of poison? Likewise, how can one argue that drinking is ok when the Bible is instructing us not to even gaze at it, or think of wine with intent? So we can see here dear friends that getting drunk is not the only prohibition when it comes to intoxicating drinks. No. Not only is it a sin to be drunk, but what else does God forbid so that His people will not make the mistake of getting drunk? 1 Corinthians 5:11 further clarifies this, I quote: But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. [1 Corinthians 5:11 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Here we receive another prohibition. What’s the prohibition regarding? It’s whom we should “not keep company with”. Who should we avoid or not keep company with according to what we have read? It’s “with anyone… who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler,… or an extortioner… or a drunkard”. Therefore the Bible is not only prohibiting God’s people from getting drunk, or drinking, or thinking about drinking, but even associating with people who drink and get drunk. Dear friends, why does God not want His people to drink? Let’s read what happens when people drink in Proverbs 31:5 it says: When they drink, they forget the laws and ignore the rights of people in need. [Proverbs 31:5 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: This biblical truth can be seen in so many that break the law, dear friends. What is the correlation one may say of people drinking alcohol and breaking the law? The Bible said here, “When they drink, they forget the laws”. One causes the other, that’s the correlation. What proves that these words written here in the Bible are really true, which is why God is forbidding His people to drink alcohol and intoxicating drinks? Consider, according to Alcoholrehabguide.org, what happens when people drink and forget the laws? Take a look: Alcohol plays a large role in criminal activities and violence. Excessive drinking has the ability to lower inhibitions, impair a person’s judgment and increase the risk of aggressive behaviors. …roughly 40% of inmates who are incarcerated for violent offenses were under the influence of alcohol during the time of their crime. [Alcohol Rehab Guide Alcohol-related Crimes https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/alcohol/crimes/] Brother Bob: So we can see that God’s instructions to His people are for their own good and His command to stay away from alcohol guides us to abide by the laws of the land. If we forget about the laws of the land, well that would be bad enough. But what’s even worse, if we would forget God’s laws which reigns supreme over His people, which again is the reason why He prohibits drinking alcohol, even if it’s legal in our country. For those who thought the Bible was merely prohibiting getting drunk, not simply drinking alcohol, you should acknowledge that no one ever got drunk by not drinking, whereas drunkenness always begins with one drink. So to serve as a basis to not even have one drink or even want to drink, what biblical instruction are we given? Let’s read yet once again from the Holy Bible, and we turn to Ephesians 4:27, it simply says: Don’t give the Devil a chance. [Ephesians 4:27 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: This biblical instruction should keep us from rationalizing the idea of drinking alcohol. Why? Our enemy, the devil, is not one to be underestimated. If given a chance, he will take advantage of our weaknesses, and deceive us. That’s why in one of the verses we have read earlier it taught, “Don’t fool yourselves”. Dear friends, we started this discussion with these main questions in mind, let’s review what we have learned as the answers from the Holy Bible: What does the Bible say about getting drunk? Well, the Bible was very clear, right? God Himself and also our Lord Jesus Christ are both prohibiting getting drunk. Did Jesus Christ drink or serve alcohol to others? We learned that Jesus, He never drank or served alcohol or intoxicating drinks. No. The translated word “wine” that Christ used it’s not the same as the word “wine” that we commonly use today, which is why it cannot be a basis to justify drinking alcohol. What is forbidden so Christians will not fall into drunkenness? As we learned from the Bible, the Bible prohibits associating with people who drink and get drunk, think about drinking, and actually are drinking even if it’s not to get drunk. Brother Bob: As members of the Church Of Christ, we’re so thankful to God and to our Lord Jesus Christ that they care so much about our welfare as to continue guiding us on how to live a life of holiness that will lead us to eternal life with them in the holy city, the kingdom of heaven. Join with us as well. To do that, we’d like to continue inviting you to learn more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ. To do so, please visit us online and browse the different topics or set up an appointment to meet with a minister of the gospel here in the Church Of Christ. [On-screen text graphic] Visit incmedia.org If you have any more questions about the Bible or salvation, please email them to us. [On-screen text graphic] answers@incmedia.org I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time right here on That’s in the Bible! [On-screen logo graphic] That’s in the Bible   Related Questions How can we deal with alcoholic family members? Can I sell alcohol as a Christian? What are the beliefs of the Church Of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo)? Bible Verses Referenced in Video “Be careful not to spend your time having parties and getting drunk or worrying about this life. If you do that, you won’t be able to think straight, and the end might come when you are not ready. [Luke 21:34 Easy-to-Read Version] …Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. [1 Corinthians 6:9-10 New Living Translation] For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; [1 Peter 2:21-22 New King James Version] Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end, it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. [Proverbs 23:31-32 New International Version] But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. [1 Corinthians 5:11 New King James Version] When they drink, they forget the laws and ignore the rights of people in need. [Proverbs 31:5 Good News Bible] Don’t give the Devil a chance. [Ephesians 4:27 Good News Bible] Key Takeaways The Bible is very clear: God Himself and also our Lord Jesus Christ are both prohibiting getting drunk. Jesus never drank or served alcohol or intoxicating drinks. The translated word “wine” that Christ used it’s not the same as the word “wine” that we commonly use today, which is why it cannot be a basis to justify drinking alcohol. The Bible prohibits associating with people who drink and get drunk, think about drinking, and those who drink even if it’s not to get drunk. Want to learn more about what the Bible truly teaches? What you’ve heard is just an introduction to the teachings written in the Bible and taught inside the Church Of Christ. The Iglesia Ni Cristo bases all its doctrines on the Holy Scriptures, not on human tradition. Find a congregation near you • Request a free Bible study • Frequently Asked Questions Have a question you’d like answered on That’s in the Bible? Submit your question and we’ll use the guidance of the Holy Scriptures to help you find the answer—the truth that’s in the Bible.

Click to expand transcript Voiceover: Next on That’s in the Bible! Patrick (Michigan, USA): Why is Easter in March? Nida (Phoenix, Arizona): What does Palm Sunday have to do with Easter? Brother Bob Pellien: The Bible’s response is simple and direct. Julie (Sydney, Australia): Hi, my name is Julie, and I’m from Sydney, Australia. And my question is “Should Christians really be celebrating Easter?” Brother Bob: How can we, in the true Church Of Christ participate in what comes from service to an ancient pagan goddess? [Show Open] Brother Bob: Hello, I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Thanks for joining us on this special episode of That’s in the Bible, where today we’ll answer people’s questions about the Easter holiday. When is Easter weekend? Our first question for today comes from Patrick McDonald in Michigan. Let’s hear what Patrick asks about Easter. [Video begins] Patrick: Why is Easter in March? [Video ends] Brother Bob: Thank you for your question, Patrick. You know, Easter is not always in the month of March. In fact, let’s take a moment to quote an excerpt from a book entitled My Catholic Faith written by Louis LaRavoire Morrow, and he writes—on behalf of the Catholic Church—their explanation about the choosing of the date of Easter. Here’s what’s cited in that book on page 81: [On-screen text graphics] [Source: My Catholic Faith, pg. 81] Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon of spring; the feast therefore is moveable, and can fall between March 22 and April 25. The Paschal season lasts till Trinity Sunday; till then joyous alleluia resounds. Brother Bob: So here, Patrick, the Catholic Church writes not only about the moveable date of the Easter, here in this book My Catholic Faith, they also write about a season that they have created that begins with Ash Wednesday, which is also a moveable season. But what is that season they call Lent? What’s it all about? They answer that in another of their books entitled The Visible Church. On page 184, they write: [On-screen text graphics] [Source: The Visible Church, pg. 184] Lent is a season of penance set apart by the Church in memory of the fast of our Lord in the desert,… The date of the beginning of Lent varies from year to year, according to the date of Easter. In Latin it is called Quadragesima (fortieth), from which are taken the Italian Quaresima and the French Carame. The English name is from Anglo-Saxon Lenten, which means Spring. Brother Bob: So there they speak of the season beginning with Ash Wednesday, which they call Lent. It’s a season of penance and that week [actually] leads up to Easter Sunday. They have Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter. And during that week they have what they call Holy Thursday. They have also Good Friday, they have Holy Saturday, which are special holidays inside the Catholic Church all pertaining to Easter. Easter and Palm Sunday Which brings us right into the next question, which is a question specifically about that Palm Sunday from Nida who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Let’s listen to her question. [Video begins] Nida: What does Palm Sunday have to do with Easter? [Video ends] Brother Bob: Thank you, Nida. Palm Sunday, one week prior to Easter, is what was made by the Catholic Church and they write about it also in this book entitled The Visible Church. Let’s turn to page 171 where they write: [On-screen text graphics] [Source: The Visible Church, pg. 171] It is likely that the use of palms in our churches began in early Middle Ages… The palm is a symbol of victory. Among pagan nations victorious armies decked themselves and their chariots with palm branches. The Jews used palms to express rejoicing especially on their great Feast of Tabernacles. Brother Bob: Palm Sunday, one week before Easter, is a Sunday which they use a lot of palms in their mass, and it has its roots in ancient pagan culture wherein their pagan armies would use palms as a symbol of victory with their armies. And maybe they would say, “Well, we would want to use that ancient pagan custom and attach it to Christ for a victory. Let’s call it a victory of Jesus and let’s also use that pagan cultural tradition. Let’s turn to Holy Scriptures for the Bible’s response to that way of thinking. In Titus chapter 1 verse 14: Not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. [Titus 1:14 New King James] Brother Bob: When the Jews of the first century incorporated those pagan practices and began to use them during the time of our Lord Jesus Christ—that being the use of palms—which is currently being used today, and Palm Sunday in the Roman Catholic Church, the Bible’s response is simple and direct. We should not implement, we should not use or give heed to such kind of Jewish fables and such and the commandments of men and not of course most especially the commandments and traditions of ancient pagan cultures. Palm Sunday is something that we should not participate in inside the true Church. Should Christians celebrate Easter? Another question submitted by Julie from Sydney, Australia. Julie asks this: [Video begins] Julie: My question is should Christians really be celebrating Easter? [Video ends] Brother Bob: I think of all, that’s the most important question. Should we be celebrating it? Even if we will master all of its history, master all of the traditions attached to Easter, and understand all of their roots and origins, it follows [that] question that you ask. Should we participate in it? Should we incorporate that mindset that “well because it’s fun and because children enjoy it by having Easter eggs and chocolate Easter bunnies, and we have Palm Sunday, and we have Easter celebrations. Should true Christians of today participate? It’s important to understand the origins of the whole Easter [tradition]. The Catholic Church wrote inside their Encyclopaedic Dictionary on page 161 a very important piece of information that we have to consider when answering that question “Should we participate in it?” They wrote: [On-screen text graphics] [Source: The Catholic Encyclopaedic Dictionary, pg. 161] EASTER (etymology uncertain: St. Bede derives it from Eastre, a forgotten dawn goddess). The English name for the Sunday of the Resurrection of Our Lord,… Meat, eggs, and other foods formerly forbidden in Lent are blessed and there are still numerous local customs, some of pagan origin. Brother Bob: In this Catholic Encyclopaedic Dictionary, they write about Easter, [mentioning] that it is derived from Eastre, a forgotten dawn goddess. Should we, whether it’s from Eastre or it’s from Ishtar, from Babylonian and ancient Egyptian times and if it has such kind of origin, how can we in the true Church Of Christ participate in what comes from service to an ancient pagan goddess? What does the instruction of God through the apostles have to say if there’s a tradition or if there’s something that is absent from the Bible (which Easter is absent from the Bible) if there is a holiday being practiced today called Easter with a season of Lent leading up to it having various practices of pagan origin? What are the instructions of the Lord for all who want to serve the Lord properly today? Apostle Paul wrote the following, I Corinthians chapter 10 and beginning in verse 20 it says: No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. [1 Corinthians 10:20 New International Version] Brother Bob: That’s a very powerful response of the Lord here, dear friends, through the apostles. “I do not want you to be participants with demons” and if in the eyes of the Lord participating in traditions and practices that have their origin and roots in service to ancient pagan goddesses—if he considers that a demonic practice, then as members of the Church Of Christ, we’ll follow that instruction of God through the Apostle Paul when he said, “I do not want you to be participants in that.” Here inside the Church Of Christ, we will not participate in the practices that are correlated with Easter traditions of today not found in the instructions of our Lord in the Holy Bible. In fact, there is another instance wherein Apostle Paul was addressing such things in his letter this time to the Ephesians. What did he write to them about these pagan traditions and pagan cultures? Should we allow them to be incorporated into Christian practices in service to the one true God? Here is what he wrote in his letter to the Ephesians. I quote 4:17: Therefore I say this—indeed, in union with the Lord I insist on it: do not live any longer as the pagans live, with their sterile ways of thinking. [Ephesians 4:17 Complete Jewish Bible] Brother Bob: Dear friends, the instruction is clear. Do not live in the ways of paganism. If these practices of Easter—being it with the rabbit, and the egg, and the Palm Sunday palms, and the various other elements and such holidays as Easter have their roots in paganism—God prohibits his people from participating. Response of someone: “Hey, it’s no big deal. We’re just going along with the tradition for fun. We’re not connecting ourselves to its roots in paganism. We just want do it because it’s fun for the children,” they would say. Or “It’s just something that’s part of our lifestyle of today in service to the Lord.” If we will violate these principals of God and then try to call it a worship to Him, will He find it acceptable? God’s answer was written in Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Here in chapter 2 in verse 22 as well as 23. He writes: These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. [Colossians 2:22-23 New International Version] Brother Bob: If we would put into practice that Lenten season, whether it’s to be fasting and self-abasement, allegedly, in service to the Lord in attempt to prepare for Easter, the Lord calls such regulations that are imposed by human traditions in such things is that, He said they will have no value. They teach that it will restrain a person from sin and it will give glory to God. It will cleanse them from their human iniquities. The Bible is clear. It has no value in such ways. Well, dear friends, members of the Church Of Christ, therefore, do not participate in the practices of the Easter and Lenten season. Instead, we give thanks to the Father for sending His Son to redeem us through his shed blood on the cross and we will worship Him with all our heart and soul in compliance with the laws and ways of worship given in the Holy Bible. That’s all we have time for today. Dear friends, what you have heard is just an introduction to the teachings of the Bible taught in the Church Of Christ. We invite you to learn more and join with us. And if you have questions you’d like answered on this show, email them to us and we’ll use the guidance of the Holy Scriptures to help you find your answer, the truth that’s in the Bible. Thanks for watching. I’m Brother Bob Pellien and we’ll see you again next time.

Click to expand transcript [On-screen text] That’s in The Bible Live Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you for being here! Thank you for being here and being our studio audience today here in Burlingame studios. We appreciate it really, very much. [On-screen text] Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Welcome to everyone here. Welcome to everyone viewing us on the internet as well as on Direct TV channel 2068. Thank you all and welcome. As you know, on this show, That’s In The Bible, we explore the Bible’s teachings on all things relevant to salvation and eternal life. As it was mentioned earlier, questions do really pour in from all over the globe, and we always turn to the pages of the Holy Scriptures, and we get our answers directly from this book, from the Bible. Today we actually have three questions, but all of the three questions that we’ll be addressing, they have the same interwoven theme. Let’s take a look at the first two questions. [Video question] [On-screen text] Idris Bashil London, England Idris: Why God, as a Father, had to send His Son, Jesus to die for our sins, including mine? In the world today, nobody can be guilty for anybody’s sin. We all pay penalties for our sins. So why does Jesus have to die for my own sins if He’s innocent? [Video ends] [Video question] [On-screen texts] Jon Seligmda San Diego, CA Jon: And my question is, If Jesus is not God, then Him dying on the cross—what significance is that? How does that save us from our sins? [Video ends] Brother Bob: Those are very good questions, do you agree? Audience: Yes. Brother Bob: Our final question was written by Cathy Do. She’s from Hampton Park, Australia, and she had a very similar question. She wrote it in via e-mail and she simply asked the question that was very much like that. She asked, “Why was Jesus Christ crucified?” [On-screen text] Why was Jesus Christ crucified? Cathy Do Hampton Park, Australia Brother Bob: Well, thank you very much Idris. Thank you very much Jon. Thank you very much Cathy, and even all of the others that have reached out to us via email or letters with questions all along these same lines. The Biblical event where our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross, well that’s not a secret. That’s very well known almost to all people and of course especially those within so-called Christianity. But what’s unclear to many, which prompted these kinds of questions, is “why?” Why did that happen? Even though there might be some that they can site the verse in the Bible, for example 1 Corinthians 15:3, that says that Jesus died for our sins, it still leaves many perceiving it to be an [incomplete] answer. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, [1 Corinthians 15:3 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Many still beg for more of an explanation because they really want to understand fully. So, since many already know that Christ died on the cross, they have heard that He died for the forgiveness of sins. In order for us to really understand why, what’s that all about, there’s some important preliminary information that we got to receive first. For example, what’s “sin” in the first place and why is that so bad? What kind of consequences and results does committing sin actually bring? [On-screen text] Why did Jesus have to die? Brother Bob: So let’s answer those questions first and we’ll be taking the questions that they have addressed there and answering them in phases. First, what’s “sin” in the first place? Let’s begin turning to the pages of the Holy Scriptures and we do so at the outset of our study, reading 1 John 3:4. The definition of sin, if you will: Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God’s law, because sin is a breaking of the law. [1 John 3:4 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Very simple and direct Biblical answer, right? Sin, according to the Bible, is when one breaks God’s law. And when it comes to laws, we know that ignorance of the law is no excuse. That’s a very common saying as well. Therefore, since we all live under the law, it’s our responsibility to seek, a responsibility to learn, a responsibility to understand how to live within the confines of the law. What are the consequences if one sins or breaks the laws of God? How bad are the results of that? This is very important. I’m going to ask you to please remember this as our lesson unfolds. The consequence of sin? [Verse] 59:2 the Prophet Isaiah writes this: It is because of your sins that he doesn’t hear you. It is your sins that separate you from God when you try to worship him. [Isaiah 59:2 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: That’s so important, audience. Please remember that. We’re going to come back to that. If I will ask you during the course of our study, what happens because of sin? What’s the answer? He doesn’t hear you. It is because of your sins that he doesn’t hear you. It is your sins that separate you from God when you try to worship him. [Isaiah 59:2 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: There’s a consequence to sin. A separation from God. According to the Bible, there’s a dividing wall that’s now there. We’re separated from God. He no longer hears, He no longer listens. One then could be praying, one then could be worshiping, doing all kinds of things, but when that wall of separation is there, that’s it. A person is no longer acceptable to God and He said, “I won’t even hear.” But, of course, then one might think or say, “Hey, I’ll just pray. I’ll just ask God to forgive me.” But we can’t forget what we just learned here. He’s no longer listening to the prayers or listening to the worship. [Of] whom? Those that have committed sin, those who have violated His laws. So a sinner has no more relationship with the Creator because of sin that has divided and separated from God. Remember that because that’s an integral part of the unfolding of our answer to the questions that we have heard from those posing questions for our study today. So it was asked earlier, what’s so bad about committing sin? Why is it so serious? Why is it so tragic? Why is such a brutal response such that God will no longer even listen, we will be separated from Him? It is because of sin we’re separated, but it gets much worse than that. We know that when one breaks the law he’s got to pay for it, right? Agreed? Audience: Yes Brother Bob: You go to pay for it. When anyone breaks the law, what’s the payment? What’s the price to be paid according to the Holy Scriptures? We often read this verse because it’s so important, but let’s go ahead and do so once again in our study for today. [Romans] 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, … [Romans 6:23 New king James Version] Brother Bob: Read it with me audience. What does it say? Audience: Death. Brother Bob: The wage or price to be paid for sin is death. The Bible makes clear that the payment for committing sin, it’s not an insignificant payment. It’s death. Now one might be thinking like this for example, “Hey. Come on. That’s not so bad. I thought it was going to be much worse than that. I’m going to die anyway so I guess when I die my sins are all going to be finished. It’s all going to be paid for.” Not necessarily so because is death, the mere ending of our biological existence, is that the full payment for sin? The death that we all know is when a person stops breathing, right? Somebody says you’re going to die, everybody knows what that means. The wage or price for sin is death, but not just the ending of our breath. What death is the Bible calling the payment or the price to be paid for sins that we have committed, and how long is the payment? How long is this sentence of the punishment? We turn to the Bible once again. In the Book of Revelation 20:14,10: Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. [Revelations 20:14,10 New King James Version] Brother Bob: It’s not merely then just the ending of our biological existence, the ending for our breathing, but the Bible mentions a second death, and that’s a very serious event, that’s a second death in the lake of fire, and one would be tormented there. The sentence is eternal torment. That’s very tragic. That’s very serious. Breaking God’s law places a person into such a horrific predicament that we would find ourselves in because of sin. What we need is to find a way out of that, right? We got to change that. We got to find a way so that we don’t have to face the consequence. Because facing that consequence and avoiding that consequence has to become—and I think everybody here would agree—has to become the top priority of a person who has committed sin. Do you agree? What do you say? Audience: Yes. Brother Bob: That’s got to be top priority for sure. This is where one will see then and this is where the role of our Lord Jesus Christ starts to enter in and become so extremely important to understand. OK. So a recap of our initial segment of our study. [On-screen text] >> 1. Committing sin or breaking God’s law is no trivial thing. [On-screen text] >> 2. The moment one commits sin—knowingly or unknowingly—he or she is separated from God. Brother Bob: What happens to our relationship with God? It becomes what? It’s severed, it’s separated, severed, cut, or whatever word you want to use. It is no more. [On-screen text] >> 3. They must then pay the price, in the lake of fire forever and ever. Brother Bob: There’s a price to be paid for that and that price to be paid is a death, second death, eternal torment in what the Bible calls a lake of fire. This is serious stuff. This is very, very important. When people ask those questions that were posed and they asked, “Well why did Jesus die on the cross?” Because of what we have just discussed, it makes the answer to their question so vital. They’ve got to know it. Let’s ask two more important questions before we learn and get to the real meat of the significance of what our Lord Jesus Christ did there on that cross. And to give a better perspective all about that subject, let’s ask another question, which is how many people are in that horrific predicament in the first place, having committed sin, been separated, from God and are on their journey to the lake of fire and eternal torment? How many people have committed sin? What do you think, studio audience? Some? Most? All? None? Audience: All. Brother Bob: Wow. You have certainty in your answer. You seem very, very sure. Are you really, really sure of your answer? Audience: Yes. Brother Bob: 3:23 in the book of Romans. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [Romans 3:23 New King James Version] Brother Bob: You’re correct. All have committed sin. It’s a Biblical truth everyone has sinned and whether or not we would not want to admit it, none of us raise our hand and say, “Hey, I’m perfect. I’m good enough already. I haven’t committed any sins.” We are all in the horrific predicament of needing to find a way out of that predicament and be saved from the punishment that is due to us because of our humanity, our human weakness and propensity to sin and violate the law, God’s law. So what’s our options? We can all pay for our sins. You can pay for our own sins, but that wouldn’t be wise. That would mean that we’re going to be cast into that lake of fire that we read about and be punished forever. So that’s not a good option to choose. Can someone else pay for our sins? Can you pay the sin of the one sitting next to you? Can I pay for your sin? Can you pay for my sin? There is a law regarding sinners. A law of God pertaining to those who have committed sin. What’s the law of God pertaining to sinners? I’m going to ask the audience to please remember this. We’re going to come back to this too. What’s the first one I said we’re going to come back to? Isaiah 59:2 right? What happens because of sin is, what? OK you go that one already. Separation. Now the law of God pertaining to sinners. Deuteronomy 24:16: “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin. [Deuteronomy 24:16 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So let’s remember this. Is it an option to get out of the horrific situation because of sin? Can we have someone else answer for our sin? What do you say? Audience: No. Brother Bob: No. God’s law states very, very clearly there, and I’m going to ask you to remember it. It’s very important. We’re going to come back to it at the very end. God’s law states clearly: a person shall be put to death for their own sin. Meaning God does not allow anyone to pay for the sin of somebody else. So when I ask, what is the law of God pertaining to sinners? What’s our answer? Everyone has to answer for their own sin. OK? Got it? We can understand the fairness of that, you agree it’s fair? Everyone’s got to answer for their own. Nobody can be punished for the sin of somebody else. That’s fair, right? We can easily agree with that. We can understand the fairness of that law. In fact, even laws of governments, a lot of laws of government that are patterned after that principle in order to be just, in order to be fair. Now there might be some, that when they hear these verses in the Scriptures that we’re reading, they would say, “Well if that’s God’s law, then how did the Lord Jesus pay for the sins of others?” You get the point? Seems like there’s some kind of conflict there, they would say. Did Jesus break God’s law? Is Jesus exempt from following God’s law, following God’s justice, God righteousness? Are we accusing Jesus of breaking that law? It was God’s law that said nobody can answer for the sin of somebody else. Are we accusing Jesus of violating the law? What do you think? Of course not. In 2 Corinthians chapter 5, I will read how this came to be. In 2 Corinthians, chapter 5, there’s a lot of important information contained here in verse 21: Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God. [2 Corinthians 5:21 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: I’m going to come back and ask you that again a couple of times, too. Was Jesus innocent or guilty of sin? Audience: Innocent. Brother Bob: Innocent. Very clearly and directly stated here. Christ was without sin. Forgive me if I pause again. We read Romans 6:23, right? For the wages of sin is death, … [Romans 6:23 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Jesus didn’t commit any sin, right? Should He die? Seems like He should not die, right? But did He die? That’s what brought about the question that all of us viewed from the videos, right? Why did He die? Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God. [2 Corinthians 5:21 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Dear friends, we asked earlier, did Christ break God’s law? He did not. He did not break it. We’re sure of it because what was the first sentence here? That’s why I paused and emphasized that. What was the first sentence? He committed no sin. Sin is a violation of the law. Christ did not break God’s law. It seems like we’ve got a conflict here if you’re really paying attention closely. Does Jesus not have to, is He exempted, does He [not have] follow God’s justice, God’s law, God’s righteousness? The truth is that Christ, of course, follows these laws and commands and righteousness of God. “But I thought that no one can die for the sin of somebody else? That’s God’s law.” But here, Apostle Paul said that God made Jesus share our sin in order that once we entered into union with Him, then we’d be able to share His righteousness. We need some more explanation about that, agreed? Yes. We got to understand that because that seems to create a conflict. Jesus didn’t commit any sin but He’s made to be sin, for us? Then He gets nailed and crucified on the cross for it. It seems there’s a violation of God’s law. So our question now is, “How did He do that?” How does he share our sin? How did Christ then pay for the sins of others, saving them from the horrific punishment that we read about together, and at the same time not violate or break God’s law? How did He do that? How did He fix that conflict? OK. Don’t forget that question. Therein is the real response to the questions these people have posed to us. But for the fullest of understanding of the response we’re going to have to answer and give you some additional important information first. Key information that will help us understand the response. One of the keys in understanding what Christ did is knowing first the only way that God will pardon, the only way God will forgive someone who has sinned or has broken or violated His Law. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of people who believe that they’ll be forgiven for breaking the law by just praying to God. “OK, Lord. Please forgive me. Then presto, automatically I’ll be forgiven. Or maybe by doing good deeds, I’ll be forgiven. Having a deep strong faith, then I will be forgiven. Changing my way of life, then I’ll be forgiven for my sins. God will forgive me. God is very nice.” We have to remember, because of the sin that was committed, that’s why I told you to remember that, what happened because of sin? We’re separated from God. We read Isaiah 59:2. What did He say? “I’m not going to listen, I’m not going to accept their worship.” It is because of your sins that he doesn’t hear you. It is your sins that separate you from God when you try to worship him. [Isaiah 59:2 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: That’s a horrific condition so one can not just say, “I’ll just pray. I’ll just pray.” The major problem here is sin. It’s not something that can be ignored. It’s not something that can just be covered up. It’s not just something that can be erased by being a good deed doer. So how can one receive the forgiveness of sin? We have to understand these points first before we move on in the sequence of our study. For example Hebrews, the Bible responds in 22, 9:22 of Hebrews it says: Indeed, according to the Law almost everything is purified by blood, and sins are forgiven only if blood is poured out. [Hebrews 9:22 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Sins are forgiven only if blood is poured out. The Bible did not say, “Sins will be forgiven by being a good deed doer. Sins will be forgiven by being a nice guy. Sins will be forgiven by praying or doing this or doing that.” That may be nice things that true servants of God do, but those are not the things that bring about the forgiveness of sin. But what is? Shedding of blood. That’s the way, that’s the only way sins are forgiven. Nobody can change that. That’s the Biblical truth. It’s only if the blood is poured out. Pouring out of blood, of course, symbolizes a sacrifice that has been made. But it’s not just that anyone’s blood that can be poured out, and then presto, sins are forgiven. Whose blood? Whose blood only will bring about the forgiveness of sins? Let’s return again in the book of Hebrews chapter 9, this time verse 14: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? [Hebrews 9:14 New King James Version] Brother Bob: You can see it’s only the blood of Christ that can be used to pardon or forgive someone’s sins. No one else’s because everyone has committed their own sins. No one can answer for the sins of somebody else. We need to answer for our sin. If one is fortunate enough, then, to be redeemed or under the saving umbrella of the blood shed by our Lord Jesus Christ, then that Isaiah 59:2 element that we began our study with, gets changed, right? God will then accept that person’s worship. They’ve been forgiven, they’ve been cleansed as that verse showed clear there if you caught the very end of the verse 14. It’s not on the screen anymore. But so that they can serve the living God. That was the end of that verse. how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? [Hebrews 9:14 New King James Version] Brother Bob: There you go. They’ve been cleansed from their conscience from dead works or sin so they can do what again? Because of Isaiah 59:2 and was separated, but now that’s been cleansed. We can now do what? We can serve again. The horrific tragedy is fixed under the umbrella of the blood shed by our Lord Jesus Christ. Committing sin is no trivial thing, not a small thing. Receiving forgiveness is also a serious matter and one should not assume—it’s dangerous to assume—that one can just be forgiven by the whims of their own ways and in their own desires. In the Christian Era, forgiveness can only be brought about through the sacrifice or the pouring out of Christ’s blood. That’s what we read together. What specifically did Christs’ pouring out of His blood, do? Who did He shed His blood for? Who benefited from the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ? What did Christ pay for with His blood? Allow me to read from the book of Acts 20:28, the Bible says this: Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock, over which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ, which he has purchased with his blood. [Acts 20:28 LAMSA] Brother Bob: What does it say, audience? With what? With His blood. He purchased or redeemed with His blood. The Church, the Church Of Christ was purchased, the Church was paid for with His blood. Those inside the Church then, they’re horrific and tragic end has been fixed. They can now worship God. They can now pray to God. They can do good deeds that He will find acceptable to Him. They’re saved from their horrific life long sentence because God forgives them due to the blood of Christ. With that information, remember it because now let’s go back to our question that we left off with a while ago regarding, how did Jesus share our sins? How’s that? Did He die for our sins? Shed His blood to purchase and redeem the Church Of Christ? Because I thought we’d read Deuteronomy 24:16, which clearly said that nobody can do that. “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin. [Deuteronomy 24:16 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Nobody can pay for another’s sins. We all saw that on the screen. We just now learned that Christ paid for the sins of those in His church. He shed His blood to purchase. It’s the Church Of Christ. That’s paying for someone else’s sins, right? Isn’t it? It’s as clear as can be because the Church—it’s not a building with the steeple and some cement—that’s not the Church. That’s our house of worship. That’s the chapel. The Church is the people. How did Jesus then die for the Church, answer for the sins, share the sin of the people, without violating that law of God? We don’t accuse Him of violating that. Christ did so by creating something with the Church so that the sins of those in His church would be considered as His own. Therefore, allowing Him to pay for the sins without violating God’s righteous law. This is so important. What did Christ create with His church to accomplish that? What did He do? What did He create with His church? Ephesians, in the book of Ephesians chapter 2, verse 15: having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, [Ephesians 2:15 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Forgive me I pause. The enmity. What’s the meaning of that word “enmity”? What word do we get from that word “enmity”? The state of being enemies. If two people are enemies, there’s enmity between them. They’re in a state of enmity. Mankind has been separated from God because of sin. We’re in a state of enmity with God. We are considered enemies of God because of our stubbornness in sin. But wait a minute, what did the Apostle Paul state here? having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, [Ephesians 2:15 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Peace was made. Christ created one new man with His church, thus establishing peace. That enmity was abolished, the ordinance abolished. The ordinance, second death, lake of fire, payment for sin, death, [they’re] abolished. Peace with God is established. Where? In the Church. Christ said He created in Himself from the two, one new man. God does not view Christ and the Church Of Christ now as separate. He views them now, together as just one. How is it? How is it that Christ and His Church make up just one new man? We read this verse often Colossians 1:18: And He is the head of the body, the church,… [Colossians 1:18 New King James Version] Brother Bob: The two are no longer two in the eyes of God. The one new man created by Christ is comprised of a head and a body. Christ being the head, and the Church being His body. These are terms that we can all easily understand, right? Because we all have a head, we all have a body, and if we’re ever caught by the authorities breaking the law with any part of our body, be it hands caught stealing, our feet caught trespassing, we’re going to go the authorities and say, “Excuse me officer, it’s my hands that were stealing that. Not me. It was my feet that was trespassing. Not me.” They’re connected. The head’s responsible for what the body does. It’s not separated. Here, what did the Lord do? He joined that head to the body, Christ being the head, the Church being the body, the Church being composed of people that commit what? Audience: Sin. Brother Bob: Who has committed sin? Some? Most? All? Audience: All. Brother Bob: All have committed sin. That’s why Christ is allowed, He’s the only one that’s allowed to pay for the sins of those who are inside His body. He’s answering for the sins of His very own body. Suppose someone would say, “I’m not interested in any of that. I’m expecting that Jesus is going to answer for my sins too because I believe in Him even though I’m outside of the body, the Church Of Christ.” What are they actually trying to make Jesus do? They’re trying to make Him violate the law of God, right? Jesus won’t do that. He will answer for the sins of His body only and that body is His Church, the Church Of Christ. If He were to pay for the sins of those who are outside of His body, then that would go against God’s law and He will not do that. He will not answer for the sin of somebody else. Somebody may wonder, “Why is forgiveness of sins and being saved only possible in the condition of being in the body of Christ, His church? Isn’t Jesus the Savior for all people? Doesn’t He have the authority over anyone and everyone?” That’s always what people say and it’s so nice to hear. But it’s not Biblical. People already know that Christ is the Savior. They might already know that He’s the Savior and they think that He has the authority over any and all. Let’s turn to Ephesians 5:23: For a husband has authority over his wife just as Christ has authority over the church; and Christ is himself the Savior of the church, his body. [Ephesians 5:23 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: What does it say? Audience: The Church. Brother Bob: “Anyone and everyone who just believes and is a good deed doer.” No, no. That’s not what it says. That’s what people preach, but that’s not what the Bible says. For a husband has authority over his wife just as Christ has authority over the church; and Christ is himself the Savior of the church, his body. [Ephesians 5:23 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Clearly, Christ has authority over the Church. Christ is the Savior of His church and, because we’ve learned in the other verses that we have read and we can also see in that verse we just read there, the Church is His body and that’s why this is the reason why Christ’s death, Him being crucified, Him dying so horrifically there on that cross is so significant. It was to give the people in His Church a way to have their sins forgiven. We can’t do it on our own. We can’t. if we’re going to do that on our own we’re going to answer in the lake of fire. That’s not the plan. He wants us to be saved so we make the salvation plan. What’s the Lord Jesus Christ’s condition for those who are outside because maybe somebody with be thinking, “Well, this is now kind of exclusive. This is some kind of closed salvation club, thus Church Of Christ. What about anyone who is outside the Church but they want to benefit from what Jesus has done?” To finish up the pronouncement of the Lord Jesus, this is so simple and clear to anyone who wants to be saved. What is it? I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved,… [John 10:9 New King James Version] Brother Bob: There’s a simple instruction. He referred to Himself as a door. Gave the instruction to enter in. If you want to be saved, the Lord Jesus says, “If anyone,” emphasize the word “anyone” in your mind. It’s not exclusive. It’s not discriminatory. It’s open for anyone who wants to be saved. If one says, “Yeah, I do want to be saved because I am a sinner and I don’t intend to experience the horrific punishment that is due me.” Then enter the body of Christ because they had answered for it. If you can’t command the head to answer for your sins. If you’re outside, because God made it very clear law, nobody can do that. Nobody can answer for the sin of somebody else. Christ brought it to the cross and nailed it there. Be part of this body. Be part of His Church and enter. We’re able to see very clearly that there’s no discrimination, then, entering the Church Of Christ. It’s an open invitation and that’s why members of the Church invited all of you in our audience today, those of you viewing us on the internet, viewing us on Direct TV, viewing us on channel 49 there in the Philippines. Although people who that Christ’s death is significant for anyone who just believes in Him, we have learned that His death is significant only for those who have followed His instruction to enter into His body, the Church, that He gave His life to redeem and purchase with His blood, that brought about the forgiveness of sins. This is what we believe. Why do we believe this truth, beloved brethren? Why do we believe this? Because that’s in the Bible. Audience: That’s in the Bible. Brother Bob: Precisely, because that’s in the Bible. We want to thank everyone for being here. We want to thank those, our friends, who have posed these questions that we have addressed today. Thank all of our guests who are watching us on all of our various media outlets. We want to thank our live studio audience for joining us. If and when you are ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, visit incmedia.org. [On-screen text] Learn more at incmedia.org Here you’re going to find various series of programs all dedicated to answering your spiritual questions. You can also follow us on our Facebook pages at Iglesia Ni Cristo News and Updates, as well as our Facebook page Iglesia Ni Cristo Media. [On-screen text] facebook.com/IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates facebook.com/IglesiaNiCristoMedia Brother Bob: There you can view more of our shows and see how the Church gets involved and interacts with the community. If you want to find a house of worship that is nearest to your home, please visit iglesianicristo.net. [On-screen text] Find a house of worship near you: IglesiaNiCristo.net/directory Brother Bob: If you have any questions that you’d like answered on this show, please e-mail them to answers@incmedia.org and we’ll get to them in our future shows. [On-screen text] Send your videos to: answers@incmedia.org Email us your questions Brother Bob: Thank you all for joining us. We’ll see you again next time on That’s in the Bible. Audience: That’s in the Bible! Brother Bob: Thank you very much for joining us!

[Video starts] Travis: Hi my name is Travis, from San Leandro, California and I just wanted to know if cremation is practiced by the people of God. [Video ends] Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you, Travis, for your question. Death is something that no one living in this world can avoid. It’s important to note first off that here—there’s no religious rituals that are performed for any member of the Church Of Christ who passes away. For example, there’s no prayers of the dead, there’s no religious ceremonies or services that members of the Church Of Christ take part in after losing a loved one. Why not? Well according to the Bible the dead will never again take part in anything that happens in this world. That’s mentioned in the Bible in Ecclesiastes chapter 9, verse 6: They will never again take part in anything that happens in this world [Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Nevertheless, the bereaved of the dead strive to give a proper or decent burial for their deceased loved ones, and well, this is understandable and of course very reasonable as well. But, Travis, everything that we do, all of our actions during this highly emotional moment in one’s life as to be—which by the way, is often influenced by cultural norms, whatever those actions may be, they have to be guided by God who is the One who, of course, then will be the One to comfort people in their time of loss by means of the power of the Holy Spirit. Should we cremate our deceased loved ones? What is cremation? Brother Bob: First, well, what does that even mean? Through cremation the remains of the deceased will be burned, and the ashes will be placed in an urn or sometimes dispersed over soil or water. [On-screen graphics] cre-mate past tense: cremated; past participle: cremated dispose of (dead person’s body) by burning it into ashes, typically after a funeral ceremony] What happened to people who died in the Bible? Brother Bob: Let’s take a look at how the people of God have set the example for us regarding this. We turn to the book of Genesis verses 1-4 we’ll also read verses 10 and 11 Good News Bible: Sarah lived to be 127 years old. She died in Hebron in the land of Canaan, and Abraham mourned her death. He left the place where his wife’s body was lying, went to the Hittites, and said, “I am a foreigner living here among you; sell me some land, so that I can bury my wife.” Ephron himself was sitting with the other Hittites at the meeting place at the city gate; he answered in the hearing of everyone there, “Listen sir; I will give you the whole field and the cave that is in it. Here in the presence of my own people, I will give it to you, so that you can bury your wife. [Genesis 23:1-4, 10-11 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: So, Travis, dear friends, burial was clearly the practice of God’s people, for example, in this case of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. Abraham, well he mourned her death and buried her body into the ground. There [are] so many more examples in the Bible that really show to us God’s people burying their loved ones into the ground. For example in the book of Genesis 50:26: They embalmed his body and put it in a coffin. [Genesis 50:26 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: As well in the book of Joshua 24:32: Now they buried the bones of Joseph, [Joshua 24:32 Amplified Bible] Brother Bob: In those verses the Bible speaks about the processes that Joseph’s family went through, so as to obey God’s expectations or commandment of burying those who had served the Lord God in ancient times. One of the most famous individuals mentioned in the Bible is Moses, of course. Everyone has heard of Moses. What did God himself do with Moses after he died? Did He burn him, cremate him, and sprinkle his ashes? Let’s turn to the book of Deuteronomy this time wherein the Bible gives a response to that, verses 5 and 6. Let’s take a look at what’s recorded there: So Moses, the LORD’s servant, died there in the land of Moab, as the Lord had said he would. The LORD buried him in a valley in Moab, opposite the town of Bethpeor, but to this day no one knows the exact place of his burial. [Deuteronomy 34:5-6 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, clearly God himself even took the act of burying Moses to further emphasize how important burial really is. So it’s a normal practice of burying those who have passed away. How about our Lord Jesus Christ, the savior, in the Christian Era of time? Was there any example given in the Holy Scriptures or any information provided to us about Jesus himself regarding this topic? Here in the book of John chapter 19, verses 40, 41, and 42: The two men took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices according to Jewish custom of preparing a body for burial. There was a garden in the place where Jesus had been put to death, and in it was a new a new tomb where no one had ever been buried. Since it was the day before Sabbath and because the tomb was close by, they placed Jesus’ body there. [John 19:40-42 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: So dear friends, Travis, even our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the Son of God, was also buried after He passed away. So if God’s people are to be buried is there any record in the Bible which shows how God himself then feels about cremation, or the burning of bodies. What does the Bible say about cremation? Brother Bob: Is there anything that the Bible shows us wherein God would not approve of that option? Let’s again turn to the Holy Scriptures in the book of Amos chapter 2, 1 and 2 it says: The LORD says, “The people of Moab have sinned again and again, and for this I will certainly punish them. They dishonored the bones of the king of Edom by burning them to ashes. I will send fire upon the land of Moab and burn down the fortresses of Kerioth. The people of Moab will die in the noise of battle while the soldiers are shouting and trumpets are sounding. [Amos 2:1-2 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: So clearly God was angry with the people. Why was He angry with the people of Moab? Because of what they had done with the king of Edom. What did they do? They burned his bones. The Bible makes very clear that they had dishonored his bones by burning them to ashes. Hinduism practices cremation Brother Bob: So, dear friends, if God is truly angered by the burning of the deceased, how then did cremation come about in the first place? What religious custom is the burning of the dead or cremation connected to? If it’s not connected to God, and not connected to the Bible (and that is what God’s people are supposed to be doing), how did it come about? In the Britannica Encyclopedia of World Religions here on page 268: In HINDUISIM in India, cremation is the preferred form of disposing the dead. The placing of the body into the fire is regarded as a kind of final sacrificial offering, and the burning of the body is often understood to begin the process of REINCARNATION;” [Britannica Ency. Of World Religion p. 268 (2006)] Brother Bob: Therein lies the truth: cremation is the practice of Hinduism because they believe it’s the start of the reincarnation process, which of course is not in the Bible, and it is not in accordance with God’s teachings. Resurrection of the dead Brother Bob: But what can a true servant of God hope for if they pass away and are properly buried? Here in Psalms 49:15, the following is recorded: But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for he shall receive me. [Psalms 49:15 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Travis, dear friends, they will be redeemed, they will be resurrected from the grave, not from an urn or from ashes being sprinkled somewhere, but they will be resurrected from the grave to life, true life in the kingdom of heaven. We, inside the Church Of Christ, believe in these biblical teachings. We follow these instructions as well. Why, dear friends? Because that’s in the Bible. Thank you, Travis, for your question, and if anyone viewing the program today has questions of your own, please send in your videos to us here at the email shown on the screen: answers@incmedia.org. [On-screen text graphic] Do you have questions about the Bible? Send us your videos to: answers@incmedia.org Brother Bob: Visit our site incmedia.org because there you’re going to find many shows similar to this one wherein the true teachings of our Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ are upheld by the true Church, the Church Of Christ, the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Thanks for watching. I’m Brother Bob Pellien. We’ll see you next time on That’s in the Bible.

Click to expand transcript Is Jehovah the True Name of God? Brother Bob Pellien: Hello, and welcome everyone to this program That’s in the Bible. I’m Bob Pellien. [On-screen text] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: In our episode for today we’ll be responding to a question of a Mr. Randy Capilitan who asks—which is a very common question that we receive here—but Randy asks, “What is the true name of God? Is [Jehovah] the name of God? Is it necessary to call Jehova as His name?” Different variations of this question have, like I said, often been received here [at] our program and asked. So today we’re going to use once again the Holy Bible as a basis to respond to Randy’s question and questions regarding the name of God that we’ve been receiving regularly concerning the different names of God. How does Jesus want people to address God? How should we address God, dear friends? Does God even have a name? This is a very important question on our episode for today, and it’s especially important for those who want to properly worship God. So for us living in this day and age in the Christian Era, we follow the lead of our Lord Jesus Christ since He’s the begotten Son of God, He’s the one of course qualified to teach us how to approach God as His children. And Lord Jesus Christ does truly teach us this and let’s read His words. In the Book of Matthew 6:9: In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven,… [Matthew 6:9 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, Jesus is teaching His disciples how to pray. He said “in this manner, pray.” And if we read all the subsequent verses following that, [it’s] all the different guidance that He gave them relative to proper prayer. What was the first that we just read? How to address God. What did He teach? He said, “Our Father in heaven.” So He taught His disciples (likewise, all of us), He taught us how to pray and how to address God. And He does so by showing us how to call upon God. And what He taught was to call Him (God) “Father.” We call God our Father. Now, did Christ put into practice what He instructed His disciples concerning how to address God, when Jesus Himself prayed? Did He use a personal name of God when He addressed God? Let’s, let’s check in the Book of John 17:1: Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, [John 17:1 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What did Jesus do when He prayed to God? He addressed God as “Father,” not any specific personal name. Now, how else can we call God? The apostles gave us some important additional insight on that. How did the apostles also call God in the Book of Acts 4:24: So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, [Act 4:24 New King James Version] Brother Bob: The apostles also prayed to God, and likewise addressed Him as “Lord.” So we’re also taught then to refer to our Creator as “Lord.” And that’s because He’s the One and Only true and Almighty, all-powerful God that we all came from. Therefore, He is our Father, and we should obey Him, because He is our Lord God. Are there different names for God in the Bible? Brother Bob: Now, dear friends before we start reading additional biblical passages here regarding the name or names of God, a couple of things we should understand regarding the significance of a personal name. Now without getting into them, the specific meaning of any particular name, let’s just understand first: what’s the basic purpose of a personal name in the first place? Is it not to be able to identify one person from another? This is why there’s always a link between name and identity. And the truth is that names are a part of every culture, and they’re of great importance, both to the individual who receives the name or has been named, and to the societies that have given them a name. Why? Because it’s what helps distinguish one individual from another. That distinction is made by virtue of name. OK, with all that having been said, because there is only one true God, with no one else to mistakenly identify as another god, there’s only one God. He does not have, nor does He need to have a personal name like the rest of us do. Again, why? There’s only one true God so there’s no need to distinguish Him from any other. So in view of this, let’s study the different names or appellations, that the Bible does attribute to God and their meanings. For example, the Holy Scriptures [introduce] various names and appellations of the one true God throughout the history in the Holy Scriptures. For example, in Exodus 3:14, God addressed Himself to Moses. Did God address Himself to Moses with a personal name? What did He say? “I am who I am.” And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” [Exodus 3:14 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Or in some other translations of the Bible, when God introduced Himself to Moses, He said, “I will be what I will be.” We can see how [the Bible] makes very clear here that there was no one else that could be referred to as God. There was no need for God to give a personal name. He just said, “I am who I am.” “I am who I will be.” That’s it. He is God. He is the Father. He is the Creator in Isaiah 42:5 and 8. He also called Himself as “Lord”: Thus says God the Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it:…I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images. [Isaiah 42:5,8 New King James Version] Brother Bob: And also in the book of Exodus 34:14. He likewise used the name “Jealous”: (for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God), [Exodus 34:14 New King James Version] Brother Bob: In Amos 5:27 [and] Amos 4:13, He was also named “God of hosts”: Therefore I will send you into captivity beyond Damascus,” Says the Lord, whose name is the God of hosts….For behold, He who forms mountains, And creates the wind, Who declares to man what [b]his thought is, And makes the morning darkness, Who treads the high places of the earth—The Lord God of hosts is His name. [Amos 5:27, 4:13 New King James Version] Brother Bob: In Isaiah 57:15. He is also named as “Holy”: For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones. [Isaiah 57:15 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What can we see? We can see here that when it comes to the names of God, the Bible gives so many various names. It would be wrong to just hone in on any one of them and say, “That’s the ultimate.” No, there’s no such basis for that. Where did the name “Jehovah” come from? Should we call God Jehovah? Brother Bob: We find it necessary for a moment here, dear friends, let’s pause and tackle the claim of some who say things like this: “Jehovah. That’s His one and only name, Jehovah.” And there’s another group popping up nowadays [and] they’re using the term“Yahuah.” And they’re insisting that’s the one and the only name of God and the only name that should be used in reference to God. Since we already stated that God does not have a personal name like we do. [On-screen text] God does NOT have a personal name Brother Bob: Why? Because there’s no other true God to distinguish Him from. Let’s learn how this term “Jehovah” came about, and how it has also came to be viewed in the way that it’s being viewed by others in the world nowadays. Dear friends, if we reference Hebrew manuscripts; Hebrew of course being the language of the Old Testament, one of the names of God cannot be pronounced and it cannot be pronounced because it consists of four Hebrew consonants: Y, H, V, H. [On-screen text] 4 Hebrew consonants: Y H V H Brother Bob: The Hebrew letters: Y, H, V, H, commonly referred to as the Tetragrammaton. So when the Scriptures were being read during that time and when one came across these four consonants (Which were not intended to be pronounced. They’re consonants.) What would be pronounced [instead] is one of the other names of God. For example, as we read earlier when God said, “I am who I am,” or “I will be what I will be,” or simply, “Lord.” [On-screen text] I am who I am – Exodus 3:14 NKJV I will be what I will be – Exodus 3:14 CJB Lord – Isaiah 42: 5, 8 NKJV Brother Bob: None of these are, of course, a personal name. Where and when did the name “Jehovah” come about? It was over 1,000 years after the Bible’s completion. It appears first and about 1520 A.D. when some thought these four consonants (which was, as I said earlier, not intended to be pronounced at all), they thought, “Well, it should be pronounced.” So you might wonder how did they pronounce a word or come to pronounce a word that has only four consonants and no vowels? Well, what did they do? They simply just used the vowels of another word. And we can read this in the New international Dictionary of New Testament Theology. Let’s take a look at what’s recorded here in Volume 2 pages 69 and 70: [On-screen text] The form Jehovah arose out of a misunderstanding which in turn arose out of the reluctance of pious Jews to pronounce the divine name (c. 300 BC). Instead they uttered the word ‘adonay, my Lord. In the MT [Masoretic Text] the divine name was written with the consonants of YHVH and the vowels of ‘adonay, as a reminder to say the latter whenever the word was read. The divine name appears as yehowah in the MT…. The form Jehovah is thus a malformation giving what is virtually a transliteration of a word which is found in the text of the Heb. OT, but which was never actually used as a word. [New international Dictionary of New Testament Theology Vol. 2, pgs. 69-70] Brother Bob: And you know, dear friends, the same point was made in the reference of Harper’s Bible Dictionary, page 1,036. Let’s take a look at how they described what happened: [On-screen text] The hybrid word ‘Jehovah’ is a combination of the vowels of ‘Adonai’ with the consonants of the tetragrammaton; its appearance in the KJV was the result of the translators’ ignorance of the Hebrew language and customs. [Harper’s Bible Dictionary, p.1036] Brother Bob: “Jehovah,” as the supposed name of God, in which some believe is His only true name, [is] a mistaken form of the divine name of the Creator. To insist on using this term in reference to God is [to] propagate an error. It should be understood that God’s name cannot be played with. It’s important that God would be always addressed correctly. God’s name must not be taken in vain, used uselessly, for He had laid down a very important prohibition on those who would invoke His name. What was that prohibition? Well, let’s, let’s go ahead and read that in Exodus 20:7: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. [Exodus 20:7 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Let’s simply follow the teaching. Follow the example of our Lord Jesus, our Savior, and address God as “Father.” This is what we should all believe. This is what we should all follow because that’s in the Bible. Dear friends, when you’re ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, please visit us online, incmedia.org. Or visit any of our various social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter). To speak to a minister of the Gospel and worship with us, you can find a directory of our houses of worship online as well. And if you have any questions about the Bible, please email us for a chance to be featured on the show. I’m Bob Pellien. Thank you for joining us and we’ll see you again next time right here on That’s in the Bible.

  Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you all very much! Welcome! Welcome! Welcome everyone to this program That’s in the Bible Live today. I’m Brother Bob Pellien and we thank you all for joining us today, being our studio audience. We are very thankful, as well, to all those who will be watching this recorded broadcast later on in various Church mediums like Direct TV, incmedia.org, INCTV America, and several others. Now those who have been tuning into our program on a regular basis, you know already that in this show, That’s in the Bible, we explore the Bible’s teaching on many topics. Topics relating to salvation and relating to proper service to God. Today’s topic: [On-screen text graphics] What Does Celebrating Easter Say About You? Brother Bob: If you’re celebrating Easter, you’re probably one of three types of people. You may be like the first: you’re fully aware of everything about Easter, you’re aware of the origins of the Easter holiday, and, for you, it’s really nothing that you’re too concerned about. [On-screen text graphics] 1 – You’re fully aware of the origins of this holiday and it’s really nothing that you’re too concerned about. Brother Bob: Or you might be the second type of person. Maybe it could be described like whether or not you know the origins, or you really know the history of Easter in the essence of this holiday for you, but it’s just fun, right? [On-screen text graphics] 2 – Whether or not you know its origins or history, in essence the holiday is just a fun thing to participate in. Brother Bob: It’s nice to participate in the various traditions of Easter. Or you might be a third kind of person. You maybe don’t know much yet about Easter or the origins of the various Easter traditions, but you are interested to find out. [On-screen text graphics] 3 – You don’t know much about Easter or the origins of its traditions, but are interested to find out. Brother Bob: We challenge you. We ask you today to fit yourself into one of those personas as we go on in our study together. Our That’s in the Bible team went out right here in the San Francisco Bay trail. They gathered some video interviews of real people just talking about how they celebrate Easter. I’m very sure that many of the things that you’re about to hear may seem very familiar to you. Let’s take a moment and look. [Video Starts] [On-screen text graphics] Do you celebrate Easter? Interviewee 1: We celebrate Easter every year. Interviewee 2: Personally, my husband and I don’t really celebrate it. Interviewee 3: I celebrate it at church and with my family. [On-screen text graphics] How do you celebrate Easter? Interviewee 4: I celebrate it with the family. That’s the most important thing. So friends and stuff like that little most important family. Interviewee 2: I don’t celebrate Easter by going to church, but I certainly do plan Easter egg hunts for my kids. Interviewee 1: I not only celebrate Easter at church, but I also celebrate with my family. Interviewee 4: You know, of course the Easter egg basket though traditional stuff, but some of us go to church. Some don’t. Then we just get together and just eat and have a good time and celebrate. Interviewee 3: Last year I did little goodie bags [that] said ‘Jesus is alive.’ Interviewee 5: Being Christian I go to church and put my family together. We pray. But of course, being here in Western country you have to do what kids like. So egg hunt for the kids! [On-screen text graphics] How do you prepare for Easter? Interviewee 1: Well before that is Lent, I believe, and you’re supposed to give up stuff for Lent. Interviewee 3: And as far as 40, the Lent thing, I grew up Catholic so I kind of used to do that but I didn’t really understand it. Interviewee 1: I was going to give up sweets or something this year, but anyway, not really good at giving up anything. Interviewee 2: We just try to say, “Hey, remember you celebrated Easter,” but not really opening up a Bible or something to explain to them what it is because we ourselves are not very educated in that area. Interviewee 3: My family does that. It kind of kicks off the 40 days before Easter, which is the day Jesus rose from the dead. [On-screen text graphics] What do you know about Easter? Interviewee 2: So I don’t know. It’s just happy, fun, bunnies and stuff. Where I grew up from…grew up at and I’m not Christian so we were not educated with it. Interviewee 3: I think it’s just mostly [a] time of just really reflecting on the reason why all this was happening and who Jesus was. Interviewee 2: We still try to educate them [on] what it what it is. It’s not all about candy, right? But we certainly try to make it fun. Interviewee 3: I’ve had funny stories like I’ve taught Sunday school on Easter, and we’ve asked the kids, like, “Where did the Easter eggs come from?” And one kid said, “Jesus laid them,” which is really funny, but, we had to tell them what the meaning was behind that. It’s just all symbolism, but what does it really mean? it just means new life that, you know, Jesus died so that we can live again with him. [Video Ends] Brother Bob: So there you go, a full spectrum of ideas and perceptions of about Easter and how to celebrate it, and things like that, right? Now whether or not you celebrate Easter for its religious aspect, as you heard a couple of them say, or you’re just into it because well, it’s family fun time. As we saw, there’s a lot of ways to celebrate Easter being undertaken in the world nowadays. So what does celebrating Easter—back to our original question right? What does celebrating Easter, what does it really say about you? Easter symbols, traditions, and practices Brother Bob: What we will do is briefly go over a few of the popular symbols, or let’s call them traditions, practices of this holiday called Easter. Let’s first start with the term itself—Easter. You might be surprised about the meaning of that term. According to the New Catholic Encyclopedia, let’s take a moment to read what is recorded here on on page 6: Since Bede the Venerable (De ratione temporum 1:5) “the origin of the term for the feast of Christ’s Resurrection has been popularly considered to be from the Anglo-Saxon Eastre, a goddess of spring. [New Catholic Encyclopedia Vol 5 Page 6] [On-screen text graphics] Pagan Fertility Goddess Ishtar (Babylonian) Ashtaroth (Hebrew) Astarte (Greek) Eastre (Anglo-Saxon) Easter (English) Brother Bob: Easter was also known to the Babylonians and others as Ishtar, Easter, and other similar names in ancient religions, all connected to what is now been Christian-ized into mainstream Christianity today. [On-screen text graphics] “Easter” – goddess of Fertility Rabbit – Symbol of Fertility Brother Bob: What’s another tradition of Easter? They said it on the video. Easter eggs. Audience: Eggs. Brother Bob: And bunnies. Audience : Bunnies. Brother Bob: Easter eggs and Easter bunnies. By the way, just a little side biological note, bunnies don’t lay eggs. They’re mammals. But that’s another whole discussion. Easter Bunny, Easter eggs, and the symbols all of those kinds of symbols, which are quite synonymous with the Easter holiday. In this Catholic Dictionary on page 169, what is noted here regarding those traditions like Easter eggs, Easter baskets, and things like that, it’s not of course into Holy Scripture. So, where then, what then, is it all about? Take note: [On-screen text graphics] Easter eggs may possibly be a “baptized” pagan custom, since they are an obvious symbol of fertility, and many places it is still the practice to paint the eggs and bring them to church and decorated baskets for a blessing before or after mass. Chocolate eggs and such like-fooleries are a degeneration of no significance. [A Catholic Dictionary Page 169] Brother Bob: That is the official book of Roman Catholicism. These things are from what origin? The Bible? No, they are from pagan origins. But what’s paganism in the first place? What’s the big deal? That’s what a lot of people say. “Pagan. So what?” Can we say so what? What do we need to understand about paganism? What is a pagan? Here’s one definition. You can see it on the screen from dictionary.cambridge.org. The Cambridge Dictionary says: [On-screen text graphics] paganism noun a religion that worships many gods, especially a religion that existed before the main world religions Brother Bob: Easter bunny, Easter egg, the Easter goddess of fertility from the Babylonian goddess of fertility, Easter, Ishtar, those are ancient pagan gods and goddesses that come not from the Bible. What does it say, then? I pose this question to everyone: what does it say about anyone who is okay with that? In the New Encyclopedia Britannica and on page 605, what do they have to say about some of these origins of various Easter traditions? I quote: [On-screen text graphics] As at Christmas, so also at Easter, popular customs reflect many ancient pagan survivals-in this instance, connected with Spring fertility rites, such as the symbols of the Easter egg, and the Easter hare or rabbit. [New Encyclopedia Britannica MACROPEDIA, 15th Edition, Vol 4 Page 605] Brother Bob: So the Easter egg [and] the Easter rabbit are symbols of spring fertility rites used in ancient pagan worship to ancient goddesses of fertility, not anything that has to do with Jesus and His death and resurrection whatsoever. Lent Brother Bob: Everyone has heard about Lent, and, a couple of those that we interviewed outside here on the trail, as you saw [in] the video, they spoke about the 40 days of Lent. We all know that it’s the 40 days of fasting done in the Catholic Church in preparation for Easter. In the Catholic Encyclopedia on page 69. This important statement was made:   [On-screen text graphics] No distinct traces of the quadragesimal observance are discernible until the fourth century. The decrees of the Council of Nicea in 325 contain the earliest mention of Lent. [The Catholic Encyclopedia Vol 1 Page 69] Brother Bob: A popular 40 day period prior to Easter is called what, studio audience? Audience: Lent? Brother Bob: How many days is it? Audience: 40. Brother Bob: 40. It was invented in the Bible. It was instructed to be done in the Bible. True or false? Audience: False. Brother Bob: Where did it come from, then? Lent is not a biblical instruction. It was made up, as you saw me read from the Catholic book. The Catholic Church invented it—brought it into use. What century? Fourth century. And what year? 325 AD at the Council of Nicea. And to learn more about these and in greater depth thorough detail, we would like to recommend checking out incmedia.org/easter. You can learn more about the history of Lent, many things about Lent, more things about the Easter traditions themselves, the Holy Week, stations of the Cross and all that leading up to Easter and the various celebrated practices and traditions of each one of them relative to what the Bible actually says about them. Everyone should become very well educated about all the history of those things, but here right now, knowing—that was just some highlights, right? Knowing where Easter truly came from and where the traditions really came from, out of the three types of people, then, which type of person are you? Are you persona number one? You knew these things already, but to you, “No big deal. I like chocolate.” [On-screen text graphics] 1 – You’re fully aware of the origins of this holiday and it’s really nothing that you’re too concerned about. Brother Bob: Or maybe your persona number two. [On-screen text graphics] 2 – Whether or not you know its origins or history, in essence the holiday is just a fun thing to participate in. Brother Bob: You didn’t know these things before. You didn’t know that it was rooted in a history of service to Ishtar, Babylonian goddess of fertility. Her symbols were the egg and the rabbit. “I didn’t know that.” But even after learning it here now, it’s not really too concerning of an issue. It’s not really going to “pull at your heartstrings”, as the saying goes. Or you are person number three? [On-screen text graphics] 3 – You don’t know much about Easter or the origins of its traditions, but are interested to find out. Brother Bob: Now that you know that its practices are not from the Bible, but instead from ancient worship to pagan gods, you are very concerned about that, and you would like to know what is actually written in the Holy Scriptures so as to properly commemorate the death and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Are you one, two or three type of a person? If you are a person number one or two, you are definitely entitled to your way of thinking. That is your right and we respect everyone. But if you are the third type of person, we share with you now, today, what the Bible actually teaches to protect us, and to keep us from straying away from God, our Creator. Today, we turn to the Bible, inside the Church Of Christ. We are guided by the Bible only to know what is right and wrong, good and bad for us to do and to know what is acceptable to God when it comes to our service to Him. The Bible is the sole basis of our faith. What does the Bible say about Easter? Brother Bob: So having said all that, let’s take a look together right now at the things the Bible actually does say, or more importantly does not say about Easter. Most Christian-professing religions consider this to be the most sacred of seasons. Easter, for many, is the one holiday of the year they strive to be religious. What did they do? Well, they probably gather up the families for a special meal, they participate in various traditions, like we heard from the interviews that we did, and from the history and we all know the Easter baskets and all those kinds of things. As we look at the following Bible verses I asked you then to consider evaluating your own self. Should we all go hide easter eggs? Should we? Should we color the egg? Should we make chocolate Easter bunnies? I can’t believe I’m saying something against chocolate again. Here I go. Do all those things and say maybe “It’s fun. It’s enjoyable. The kids are happy. What’s wrong with that?” The children may like it. And isn’t it true, those of us who are parents, isn’t it nice to see your children happy? What parent doesn’t want that? But what does the LORD Himself say about adopting these practices, which, by the way, as we’ve been saying, have their origins in paganism which remember is the worship to ancient gods and goddesses. What does the Lord say about that? [On-screen text graphics] paganism noun a religion that worships many gods, especially a religion that existed before the main world religions Brother Bob: It doesn’t have anything to do with worship to God nor in remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. So what then is the instruction of the LORD exactly? All right, let’s get to it. Jeremiah the prophet, Chapter 10, verse 2: Thus says the Lord, “Do not learn the way of the [pagan] nations, … [Jeremiah 10:2 Amplified BIble] Brother Bob: That’s a very clear directive, “Do not learn the way of the pagan nations…” But not only have people learned them, they have learned them and incorporated them into their culture, incorporated them into their practices. And they call it service to the LORD in remembrance of Christ. No, no, no pagan ways are from the Catholic Church. People are practicing them with all kinds of enthusiasm. But what is it that the LORD said? You saw it on the screen. Thus says the Lord, “Do not learn the way of the [pagan] nations, … [Jeremiah 10:2 Amplified Bible] Brother Bob: Don’t do it. And as we’re discussing many may want to respond to say that, “Those details about pagan roots and all that, that’s not important, right?” You know, “It’s okay if we ignore—let’s not just pay attention to the roots of those practices, their origins, as long as we have good intentions and we’re trying to do it in our service to the LORD, right?” That would be the mindset of a lot of people. Are there any biblical principles or expectations of God that we can read here in the Holy Scriptures that have to be considered when answering that question? [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien | Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: Let’s just say right out absolutely, yes. And here’s one of them. Exodus chapter 20: “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,… [Exodus 20:3-5 New International Version] Brother Bob: God gave a very clear and definitive answer, did He not? He said, “Don’t have any other gods, don’t make any image of them, and don’t bow down. I’m a jealous God.” That’s not safe then to do that, because God said he would be jealous. Why? Because they’re replacing Him with [a] pagan goddess. They’re replacing God. And of course, you would be saddened by being replaced by another, which, what’s the very meaning of the word “jealousy”? Being sad because you have been replaced by another. “But wait!”, you may say, you know, “You mean to say that the practices of Easter wouldn’t constitute the replacement of God, would it?” Yes! Clearly that would not be okay with the Lord. What then is essential and a real element of Easter that one should consider before you will entertain the idea of applying Easter practices and then say, “It’s my intent to give honor to God. It’s my intent to give honor to His son, our Lord Jesus Christ”? The celebration is an obvious service to another God, in that God’s name was Easter name for the goddess Easter. [On-screen text graphics] Pagan Fertility Goddess Ishtar (Babylonian) Ashtaroth (Hebrew) Astarte (Greek) Eastre (Anglo-Saxon) Easter (English) Brother Bob: And that’s not in the Bible. Dear friends, that’s what is called idolatry, worship to false gods or goddesses. And that’s what God does not allow, of course. What then, I pose this question, what does it say about you if you don’t care about that? Do you care about what God cares about? God will not tolerate, then, any service to other gods or other goddesses like Easter, the Babylonian goddess. That’s very clear. But many still believe that all of this is truly harmless. It’s truly harmless. Isn’t it possible to just say traditions like the Easter Bunny, it’s just for fun. It’s just for the children and it’s really harmless. Can we say that? These things may not be in the Bible. Many would say, “I know it’s not biblical, but surely the LORD would accept them as a service to Him. It’s not as a worship to Him, right?” We can’t answer that, but God Himself gives a profound answer about that and it was mentioned and recorded here. I quote Matthew. I quote the Bible once again, Matthew chapter 15, verse 9: And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’“ [Matthew 15:9 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What did it say about their worship? It’s vain, it’s useless. But can’t we just overlook the pagan origins of these things and just let it be enjoyed? Why dig into the roots and details about all these things and read God’s responses in the Holy Scriptures? [On-screen text graphics] What if Easter is just for fun and not a form of worship? Brother Bob: “What if my personal celebration of Easter is just for fun and what if I don’t even mean it as a form of worship?” I know. That question continues to be asked by a lot of people, but here’s the thing, we can’t just ignore warnings. Consider that. I’m going to repeat it. We cannot just ignore warnings given to us in the Holy Scriptures. “Warning? What warning?” Let’s let’s take a look at an example. This is mentioned here by Apostle Paul in Colossians chapter 2, verse 8. “Beware.” What’s the meaning of that word, by the way, “Beware”—it’s already announcing what? Danger, right? “Beware! Watch out!”— Beware, lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. [Colossians 2:8 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What was the warning? The warning was about traditions that are not rooted in Christ. The traditions of Easter are not rooted in Christ, they are rooted in paganism. So the Bible is giving a warning about that, we can’t just ignore the warning. If there’s danger and you proceed to the danger, whose fault is it then if you get hurt, right? Since Christ did not give any instructions about Easter practices, we’re not going along with the whims of traditions, especially since traditions came from pagan service to false gods. But, this is important also, this isn’t to say that all family traditions are bad. There is a specific kind of tradition that we are instructed to avoid above any other. What is that? That’s called a prohibited tradition. Jesus Himself spoke of it in these terms. I’d like to read from the book of Matthew chapter 15 verse 3: Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” [Matthew 15:3 New International Version] Brother Bob: What kind of a tradition is bad? A tradition that goes against the commands of God. Christians are cautioned not to observe sinful traditions that break God’s laws, break God’s commandments. Some of you may say your families wouldn’t understand you if you choose not to observe a holiday with them like that. What if your excuse would be that, “Well, my family celebrates Easter and they gather up together, and the children are given Easter eggs and Easter baskets. And there’s chocolate bunnies for everybody. And it’s just a big family happy gathering. And they’re not going to understand if I will say, ‘I’m not going to join in the normal family Easter traditions.’ And in fact, they will get angry with me. They might even ostracize me from the family.” The apostles give any important advice to anyone that may find themselves in that kind of a situation, that kind of a circumstance. Well, yes, absolutely. I’ll read that from the writings of Apostle Paul to the Colossians 2:16: “So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths.” [Colossians 2:16 New Living Translation] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, if [you’re] joining us in our program, be it in our studio audience or anyone watching and incmedia.org, or any of the other outlets wherein this program shall be broadcast, if you are joining us and you find yourself in that very situation, based upon what we have read, we give this: stand your ground. And never allow yourself to be drawn into services, to false gods or goddesses like Easter in order to conduct practices of any kind to pagan gods and goddesses. Why? It’s kind of like the same question again in another format, right? Why? Why is it so bad to participate in pagan religious practices? Brother Bob: Does the Bible say anything more about these things? I want something very specific. There’s a very powerful pronouncement in the Holy Scriptures as to why. I have to say this slow, I want you to catch it, okay? Why it is so very dangerous for anyone to participate in any of them, any popular pagan practices. Consider what I now read, also the writings of Apostle Paul, 1st Corinthians chapter 10, verse 20: No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. [1 Corinthians 10:20 New International Version] Brother Bob: That’s the Bible. Obviously, therefore, we can have no part in that at all. If we truly want to serve God, here inside the Church Of Christ, we will have no part in those things. How about you? How about you? Another guiding, divine principle by which Christians should base their service to God, and, let’s say even their way of life, there’s a principle that has to be understood very well. 1 Corinthians 4:6. Let’s take a look at this and this is in the format of an instruction to us all: Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” … [1 Corinthians 4:6 New International Version] Brother Bob: What’s an important principle? Don’t go beyond what’s written. Don’t invent things and pretend to call it service to the Lord. That’s a very direct instruction we receive there, which we take very seriously here inside the Church Of Christ. What would be an example of going—listen to the question. What would be an example of going beyond what is written? [On-screen text graphics] EASTER TRADITIONS & PRACTICES goes beyond what is written in the Bible Brother Bob: Easter traditions. Easter practices. Therefore your decision right now, today must be to adhere to the truth that comes from the word of God. When you choose to do that, what must you also leave behind? A command of the Lord I quote Titus 1:14: Don’t pay any attention to any of those senseless Jewish stories and human commands. These are made up by people who won’t obey the truth. [Titus 1:14 Contemporary English Version] Brother Bob: What’s the instruction? Don’t pay any attention to those things that are made up by people who refuse to embrace the truth. Don’t pay any attention. That’s not our advice to you. That’s not our counsel. That’s not our words. That’s the word of God in the Holy Scriptures. He said, “Don’t pay any attention to that.” So, dear friends, will you obey the truth? If there are religious practices such as Easter that do not come from God, be careful, don’t follow those practices. They oppose the will of God. Before we finish up here in just a moment, let’s ask another question or two. How are we instructed to live our lives? There’s an important—I’ve been seeing Bible principles, but if we could call this a Bible principle as well or an instruction regarding our life. What is it? Ephesians 4:17 reads this way: Therefore I say this – indeed, in union with the Lord I insist on it: do not live any longer as the pagans live, with their sterile ways of thinking. [Ephesians 4:17 Complete Jewish Bible] Brother Bob: Is that complicated? Is it hard to understand? The LORD said how to live our life. If up to this moment we have been living it and allowing ourselves to embrace pagan practices and cultural anomalies in service to their ancient pagan gods, God said, “Don’t do that.” And we learned that a lot of them are being taught and embraced within Catholicism. We read the Catholic Dictionary, Catholic Encyclopedia, a couple different of the Catholic Encyclopedia quotes. Do they deny that their teachings and practices came from paganism? Let’s be fair, if we’re going to quote these things and speak of that, let’s give them the chance to admit or deny or respond. Think that’s fair? What do you say? Audience: Yes. Brother Bob: That’s very fair, right? Let’s take a look at another reading from the book written by a Catholic priest. This is their official response and the book is entitled The Externals of the Catholic Church. Let’s take a look at it. Let’s take a look at it together—Externals of the Catholic Church page 156: It is interesting to note how often our Church has availed herself of practices which were in common use among pagans, … Thus it is true, in a certain sense, that some Catholic rites and ceremonies are reproduction of those pagan creeds; but they are the taking of what was best from paganism, the keeping of symbolically practices which express the religious instinct that is common to all races and times. [Externals of the Catholic Church – Page 156, By John F Sullivan] Brother Bob: Do they admit or deny? They admit it. They know it. The Catholic Church admits that their practices originate from paganism and their excuse for using unbiblical practices, “Well, we got their best. We got the best from paganism.” Not a good reason, not a good reason at all. For those who will say, “Well, they celebrate Easter to remember the life and death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Catholic Church also claims that in some of their writings. Did Christ, however, prescribe that we would commemorate his death, His resurrection by chocolate Easter bunnies and Easter egg hunts? You can’t read that anywhere in the Bible. What can you read in the Bible from 1 Corinthians chapter 11? To finish up what actually is to be done to remember the crucifixion, the death, followed by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ—11:24 and 25: and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is my body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” [1 Corinthians 11:24-25 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What can we all see here? “Do this in remembrance of me.” Take from the cup. Take of that one bread. It’s my body, it’s my blood, do this. This is what’s to be done in the remembrance of that sacrifice, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, not Easter bunnies, as good as chocolate is. That’s not the way. The pagans, they were ignorant of God’s teachings through Christ. So the Christians were therefore warned not to live as pagans. As Christians, we are bound to obey what we learned from our Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in Scripture, wherein we are not ignorant of these things. Now, neither are you. With this knowledge, what seemed before maybe like a harmless holiday, is actually, now you understand it, is deeply rooted in false religious beliefs and celebrating it would have dire consequences to your spiritual health. So we’ve come full circle. Who are you? [On-screen text graphics] 1 – You’re fully aware of the origins of this holiday and it’s really nothing that you’re too concerned about. 2 – Whether or not you know its origins or history, in essence the holiday is just a fun thing to participate in. 3 – You don’t know much about easter or the origins of its traditions, but are interested to find out. Brother Bob: What does celebrating Easter and the traditions, what does it say about you? It says you are either number one, number two, or number three. We hope you are a number three, and that we’ll see you again soon just as engaged, just as eager to learn as you are right now. Thank you for joining us in this episode of That’s in the Bible live. We’ll hope that you will visit incmedia.org and iglesianicristo.net when you are ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ. [On-screen text graphics] Learn more at incmedia.org Brother Bob: We’ll also help guide you to the nearest House of Worship near to your residence, where you can meet ministers and undergo important series of Bible study lessons. [On-screen text graphics] Find a house of worship near you: IglesiaNiCristo.net/directory Brother Bob: We also have Facebook pages and there you can view more of our shows and content and see how the Church also gets involved with the community there. [On-screen text graphics] Follow us on Facebook: /IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates /IglesiaNiCristoMedia Brother Bob: You can go to incgiving.org. [On-screen text graphics] Learn more at incgiving.org Brother Bob: You can even volunteer along with us to partner up with our community outreach programs and outlets to have an impact in the world around us. If you have other questions about the Bible, we have a team of ministers always standing by to provide answers. Those answers will always come from the Holy Bible. If you’d like, you can also email us at answers@incmedia.org. [On-screen text graphics] answers@incmedia.org EMAIL US YOUR QUESTIONS Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien and we’ll see you again next time on That’s in the Bible. Thank you all very much! [/expand]

Was Thomas Wrong in John 20:28? Brother Bob Pellien: Thomas, often referred to as “Doubting Thomas,” took one look at the resurrected Jesus and said “My Lord and My God”, and that’s recorded in John 20:28. Dear friends, was he wrong, or was he right? [Show open] Brother Bob: The Bible, the basis of our faith in the Church Of Christ, which answers questions about proper worship, the right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation. That’s in the Bible! [On-screen text graphic] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program That’s in the Bible. We received a comment on YouTube from a viewer making the argument that Jesus is God, specifically referencing that verse John 20:28. Here’s his comment: “You forgot what St. Thomas said, ‘My Lord and my God.’ Did anyone complain, or stop, or correct St. Thomas? Even our Savior didn’t correct or deny what St. Thomas said. But rather, the Lord said, ‘You believe because you saw Me. Blessed are those who did not see and yet believe.’” That came from Jonathan. Well, thank you, Jonathan, for your comment and the opportunity here today to clear this up for you. Let’s frame our topic of discussion around these sub-questions: Why did Apostle Thomas say to Jesus, “My Lord and My God”? Was Apostle Thomas the only one who made this assumption? Is it true that Jesus Christ did not correct Apostle Thomas and the other apostles? What did Jesus Christ teach to Thomas and to all His disciples regarding the difference between God and Himself? Well, the verse that Jonathan referenced is recorded in the writings of the Apostle John, as I mentioned, in John 20:28. Let’s go ahead and take a look at the verse. You’ll be able to see it there on the screen. John 20:28 reads this way. And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” [John 20:28 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, why did Thomas react this way? Why did he say such a thing to Jesus after seeing Him? You have to remember, they had all witnessed, they knew, Jesus had been crucified. They saw Him die there on the cross. Yet, here He was standing there, right in front of them. It’s important at this point that we read the verses prior to Thomas’s reaction, which is at the core of our discussion, right? Let’s do that, back up to verse 24, same chapter: One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (called the Twin), was not with them when Jesus came. [John 20:24 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: So, let’s pause here for a second, dear friends. Wait a minute. We can see here that Jesus had already appeared to some of His disciples, prior to this moment. But what else can we notice? Thomas was not among them at the time. So, when Thomas finally saw Jesus after His resurrection it was already the second time that Jesus had shown Himself to them. Considering that, let’s continue verse 25: So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the scars of the nails in his hands and put my finger on those scars and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” [John 20:25 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: So, we can see the mindset, or the way of thinking, that Thomas had and is recorded here in this verse. Thomas did not believe that Christ was resurrected back to life. What happened when Christ appeared again to the disciples, this time with Thomas, present? Let’s continue, verse 26 and 27. A week later the disciples were together again indoors, and Thomas was with them. The doors were locked, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands; then reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop your doubting, and believe!” [John 20:26-27 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: So, after Jesus showed the doubting Thomas He was really there, or truly resurrected from the dead, what then was the reaction of Thomas? In verse 20:28: Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” [John 20:28 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, after learning the context, or the full situation, we can understand the startled reaction of Thomas. In this verse we just read, Thomas is not preaching that Jesus Christ is God, as if that is what Christ had taught him. But rather, he said it from his shocking amazement that Jesus is there, standing in front of them alive again. But the vital question here, dear viewers, is simply this: Was Thomas even correct in saying that, “My Lord and my God” when referring to Jesus? He was not. Why are we certain? First of all, was Thomas the only one who made such a wrong conclusion when they saw the resurrected Jesus? No. What’s the proof? Let’s turn to the Book of Luke, chapter 24, verse 33, where here the Apostle Luke, he wrote about the same incident from his vantage point. He wrote in 24:33 the following: So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, [Luke 24:33 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Let’s pause again. Here, we can see that in this gathering where Jesus showed Himself to His disciples, all the other apostles were present. Now, did the other disciples react any differently from Thomas? Let’s continue in verse 36 and 37: Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. [Luke 24:36-37 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Friends, according to the Bible here, the writings of Apostle Luke, it was not only Apostle Thomas that was startled but the others as well. The Bible said that “they were terrified and frightened.” What did they suppose they were seeing? As we read here, they supposed that they had seen a spirit. We can see that the other disciples had the same kind of reaction as Apostle Thomas. Why can we firmly say that they had the same reaction? Because Jesus already had taught His disciples about the nature of the true God, and that was recorded back in John 4:24, where He taught them that God is Spirit. The mere fact, this is important dear friends, the mere fact that they think that Christ is a spirit, God is a spirit, so they jumped to that sort of equivalency, they jumped to the conclusion, therefore, Christ is God. And that’s incorrect. It was the same big mistake that Apostle Thomas made by calling Jesus God. The commenter on YouTube said Jesus Christ didn’t correct Thomas. But is that true? Did Jesus correct Thomas and, in fact, correct all the disciples from thinking that He is God or a spirit? What we need only to do is to continue reading the answers and clarifications from the Holy Bible. Verse 38 and 39, same chapter, Luke 24: And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” [Luke 24:38-39 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Jesus points out here, dear friends, the doubt that was in their hearts. What did he ask them? He asked them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?” But the argument of some people is, for example Jonathan and his comment on YouTube that began our discussion, their comment is that Christ did not correct them, because they cannot read in the very next verse that Christ issued an immediate correction there. So, they jumped to the conclusion that, therefore, Jesus accepted the statement of Thomas. We would like to make very clear, right here, that Jesus, in fact, did correct Thomas, and the rest of the disciples for that matter, who made the wrong assumption of Him. Although the correction was not recorded in the writings of Apostle John, Apostle Luke recorded the same event, and shows us Christ’s response to all those who made such wrong assumptions about Him. Again, how did Jesus correct Thomas, and the others, when they jumped to the wrong conclusion that Jesus was a spirit or therefore God? Did Jesus allow them to think that way, or did He correct them? What did He say? As we read, He said, “Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit,” and as He clarified, God is a spirit, “a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” He corrected Thomas, He corrected the other disciples. How did he do that? He made the clear distinction between Himself and God, who is a spirit. Having already taught them that God is spirit, Christ proved that’s not what He is by telling the apostles, he said come on, handle me, touch me, you’ll see. Christ made it, therefore, very clear, right there and then, the difference between Himself and God. We repeat, He showed His disciples that a spirit, or God, does not have flesh and bones, “as you see I have,” said Jesus. And what further did Jesus mean when He said that He, Himself, He has flesh and bones? He answers that here in John, chapter eight, recorded here in John 8:40, let’s quote the words of our Lord Jesus: But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. [John 8:40 New King James Version] Brother Bob: When He said He has flesh and bones, when He said that to His disciples, He was teaching them what? He was teaching that He is a man, and not God. Did He ever teach His disciples that, in fact, He is their God? Absolutely not. In fact, He taught them He is a man. In fact, if we go back to that verse where Thomas says, “My Lord and My God,” that’s John, chapter 20, verse 28. But in that same Book of John, in fact, same chapter 20, let’s just back up a couple of verses. And listen, dear friends, listen closely to the words of Jesus as He clarifies who their God is. I quote, John 20:17, it says: Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ” [John 20:17 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Christ clarifies here distinctly, dear friends, His God is the Father, which is the same God as His disciples. He said, “My Father and your Father, and My God, and Your God.” We started this discussion with four main questions. Let’s go back and review those questions and what we have learned from these Bible verses we have read together: Why did Apostle Thomas say to Jesus, “My Lord and My God”? Answer: He mistakenly called Jesus that in his shocking amazement that Jesus is alive again. He was wrong, and he was not teaching. The conversation was about Christ’s resurrection from the dead, not anything about Christ being God. Was Apostle Thomas the only one who had that wrong assumption? No. Other disciples of Christ had similar reactions, in fact. They were terrified, they were frightened to see Him alive again, and thought that He was a spirit, and mistook Him for God who they knew to be a spirit. Is it true that Jesus Christ did not correct Apostle Thomas and the other apostles? Christ did correct Thomas, and He did correct the other apostles, and even pointed out they were doubting His teachings that He and God were different. What did Jesus Christ teach regarding the difference between God and Himself? We read, Christ made clear distinction that God is a Spirit, which means God does not have flesh and bones as Jesus does, said Christ. We hope this answers the curiosity of those who believe in the Trinity, or that Jesus is God, or they misunderstand John 20:28 and Apostle Thomas. The true disciples of Christ back then, and even now, believe that Christ is not God. He is very different from God, and He lovingly corrected his followers who made that mistake. We know there are verses that people use to try to prove that Jesus is God, but there is no properly translated verse of the Bible that will ever teach that Jesus is God. The trinity is a false doctrine. We serve the true God here inside the Church Of Christ, because That’s in the Bible. We’d like you to continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ. To do so, [On-screen text graphic] Visit incmedia.org Brother Bob: please visit us online, browse the different topics, or set up an appointment to meet with the minister of the gospel. And if you have any questions about the Bible or salvation, please email them to us. [On-screen text graphic] answers@incmedia.org Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time on That’s in the Bible! [Show close]

Does God Accept Me? Voiceover: You might find yourself devoted to doing what you are really convinced and believe is the right thing, and trying your very best to be a good person. But, does it seem sometimes like God is not by your side? Does it feel like He isn’t accepting you? And when you pray, asking for help from God, does He answer? Unfortunately, this has left many asking the question: Why won’t God help me? Let’s find the answer in the Bible. [Show Open] Brother Bob Pellien: Hello, everyone, welcome. Welcome to That’s in the Bible. The basis of the teachings here in the Church Of Christ is first and foremost, the Bible or the Holy Scriptures. So, we want to clarify that well, even if the Bible is asked and posed every imaginable question, but it does not answer just any and all questions. But regarding proper worship, regarding the right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation; those answers are definitely here in the Holy Bible. Dear friends, as people continue to encounter deep heartbreak in life, some have begun to pose questions, as we’ve said, like “Why won’t God help me?” Many are feeling rejected by God or that He refuses to accept them. People believe that God should be hearing them and God should be responding to their prayers, helping them get through tough times in life. Because they’re in a church, they’re in a religion that’s offering up a kind or form of service to Him. Others believe it doesn’t matter to God which religion the person belongs to, or how the service that they’re rendering to God is done. Why? Well, because they believe what matters is that one will just be dedicated to serving God in the religion of their own choice. Though, to understand why God may not be accepting or listening to you, despite how devoted you may be to serving Him, well, we’re going to turn here to the Holy Bible, for the responses for the answers. There, we’ll study together: If God isn’t helping you, does that make one’s worship of God useless? Is there a proper way of following what God wants from all of us? Who, then, will be accepted by God? Let’s turn to the Holy Bible for the answers. What we’ll read is here in Matthew 15:9, it says: And in vain they worshipped Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” [Matthew 15:9 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So dear friends, in rendering worship to God, one must make sure that this basis for doing so is not the commandments or the teachings of men. Why? God does not want and will never accept any worship that is based on man-made doctrines. Even if a person deeply believes in certain teachings, if those teachings are wrong, if those teachings are based upon man-made doctrines, their service rendered, becomes vain, or useless. Therefore, anyone who is worshiping God must understand that God will not accept his worship, and it is done based on man’s own instruction, rather than God’s will. What else must be considered? What if you think that you already know and recognize God? And maybe we know a lot of people who think that way. “I know God, I recognize God, then there’s no need for me to really determine if the teachings believed in are true or not, or if the need to obey God’s pristine commandments…well, that’s not what’s important,” others might think. How does the Bible respond to anyone holding on to that way of thinking? And the Bible’s response is recorded in I John 2:3-4: If we obey God’s commands, then we are sure that we know him. If we say that we know him, but do not obey his commands, we are liars and there is no truth in us. [I John 2:3-4 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: So on the other hand then, dear friends, one who claims that by saying they know God, but does not obey Him, is called a liar. By whom? That’s written here in the Holy Scriptures, and of course, therefore cannot truly please God. Why not? Because the Bible said, “there’s no truth in [him].” There are those who are very devoted [to] bowing down to statues and images. But God said, do not bow down to statues and images. Therefore, those who would render worship within the context of following commandments that are not from God, [they renders] their worship in vain. That’s just one example. So dear friends, that person then, like so many others, has fallen into the wrong way of recognizing and the wrong way of serving God. Why? Because he’s not submitted to the righteousness of God, which is right here. The Gospel, as is mentioned in Romans 1:16-17, the righteousness of God, that’s the gospel. Well, what have they done, then? What have they done, instead of following the gospel instead of submitting to the righteousness of God? Let’s turn to the Bible’s answer once again, and we do so reading Romans 10:2-3: I can assure you, that they are deeply devoted to God; but their devotion is not based on true knowledge. They have not known the way in which God puts people right with himself, and instead, they have tried to set up their own way; and so they did not submit themselves to God’s way of putting people right. [Romans 10:2-3 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Therefore, any recognition or service that they render to God, it’s not based on his words recorded here in the Bible. But instead, based on the ideas or the interpretations of people, their opinions, their own idea of righteousness; that kind of worship, prayers offered by those who are worshiping God from that mindset become what? Worthless or vain in the sight of God. So dear friends, if you’re going to worship God, no one can simply do it their own way. It must be done God’s way. How’s that? That’s by obeying His commandments. But you know, there are those who claim their basis of faith and their basis of serving God, well [what do they say]? “It’s rooted here in the Holy Bible and the word of God.” However, what did they do? They failed to comply with the policy or the rule of God regarding His commands. What’s that policy or rule? It’s recorded here in Deuteronomy 12:32, and it says this: “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; You shall not add to it, nor take away from it. [Deuteronomy 12:32 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Therefore, dear friends, when a person is serving God, and what do they do, they add to it, or they take away from His commands—maybe by injecting their opinions or their interpretations or something like that—then they’re not observing carefully the rules, [the] commands of God. And then they render their worship and their service. But what happens to it? Their worship and services [become] unacceptable to God. But some ask this: “Can’t I just worship God anywhere I want, anywhere I choose?” We’ll tell you right at the outset, dear friends, the answer is what? No. Why are we so sure about that? Because one of the commandments that God has given one of the commandments that He made, has to be observed by anyone and everyone who wishes to perform true and acceptable service to Him. And what’s that instruction? It concerns the specific place that the Lord has chosen, where His people should perform their services to Him. Where they could rightfully obey His commands and then that service would be acceptable to the Lord. So we’ll read the response of God, dear friends, here in Deuteronomy chapter 12, verse 5, then we’ll also go directly reading as well, verses 13 and 14: Out of the territory of all your tribes the Lord will choose the one place where the people are to come into His presence and worship him. You are not to offer your sacrifices wherever you choose; you must offer them only in the one place that the Lord will choose in the territory of one of your tribes. Only there are you to offer your sacrifices that are to be burned and do all the other things that I have commanded you. [Deuteronomy 12:5, 13-14 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: So dear friends, services performed by anyone that [is] not in the place chosen by God, well, they become unacceptable, worthless before His sight. It’s, therefore, necessary for one to examine first if his services to God are based on God’s commandments and if he’s offering those services in the one place chosen by God, where He promised to accept them. What else must be considered, dear friends? Who has the right to serve God and be confident it is the right way to worship God? They are the ones who truly serve God, and have been appointed or chosen, given the right to do so, the privilege to perform true service to Him. But you know, many would hesitate to accept that very direct statement. But let’s turn to the Holy Bible and hear what the Apostle Paul has written regarding this. I Timothy 1:12, it says this: I gave thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength for my work. I thank him for considering me worthy and appointing me to serve him, [I Timothy 1:12 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Dear friends, he was appointed to serve; didn’t just decide and choose and do it any just way, no, he said there was a choosing there was an appointment to serve. What else proves that one cannot just offer their service to God and the Lord is going to find that acceptable without yet being appointed to do so first. Evidence of the Holy Scriptures is recorded also in the writings of Apostle Paul, this time in Colossians 1:12-14 It reads: giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. [Colossians 1:12-14 New Kings James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, we have to remember that ever since man committed sin, he’s lost that right to serve, lost the right to worship God. Man has been separated from God—in Isaiah 59:2 that’s stated very directly—when a man has been separated from God because of his iniquities, because of sin. So there’s a need to be forgiven for our sins. There’s a need to regain the right regain the privilege to serve God and be found with acceptable service. And as we just read, this is done how? Through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ shed on the cross. What happened? Redemption, they were redeemed by that shed blood. And as we’ve learned earlier, we have to carefully follow God’s commandments regarding proper or true worship, no adding, no subtracting. So according to God’s commandments, there’s only one place where we can find those who are qualified. One place to find those who are accepted by God. One place has been redeemed or purchased by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, therefore [given] the right to serve again. So who then do the apostles testify? Who are they? Who [did] the apostles give testimony to as was who was redeemed, who was purchased with the blood of Christ? Is it just anyone who wants to serve God? Anyone who says they’re serving God? Anyone who wants to be heard, when they pray? Acts 20:28 tells us this, tells us who they are. 20:28 reads this way: Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood. [Acts 20:28 George Lamsa Translation] Brother Bob: Who did the apostles testify? They testify that it is none other than the Church Of Christ. What did they say about the Church Of Christ? It was redeemed or purchased with what with the blood of Christ, that’s the Church of Christ, then is that Kingdom of the Son, the Kingdom of the Son, where redemption is found. It’s where people can render true and acceptable worship the God. Many may have worshiped God in their own way. Wondering why they still felt as though God wasn’t with them. God wasn’t helping them. God wasn’t accepting them wasn’t hearing their prayers. Dear friends, today we have learned that worshiping God is useless if we do it our own way, instead of following the way God wants us to worship Him. To prove that we’ve truly acknowledged God, we have to obey Him. We’ve also learned that the way God wants us to obey Him is carefully not adding or subtracting from His commands. So when it comes to worshiping God, we must carefully observe that there is only one place where people can perform valid and acceptable service to God. Those that are qualified or those that have been appointed, chosen to serve Him, are therein. So one must carefully make sure first, that he is among the ones appointed or chosen or elected by God by becoming a member, not just of any religion, but of the one that was redeemed, purchased with Christ’s blood. And the Bible clearly states that is none other than the Church Of Christ, which is why we always invite you continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ. Visit us online, browse the different topics or set up an appointment to meet with a minister of the gospel here inside the Church Of Christ. If you have any questions about the Bible, or salvation, email them to us. I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time right here on That’s in the Bible. May you please [join us] in a concluding prayer. Almighty Father, dear God, we thank you for allowing us to hear from Your holy words, the guidance that is needed each and every day of our life. Father, we pray, most especially for all our guests and visitors joining us in our study, may they understand the importance of continuing their studies with us. May they understand the value of worshiping You properly guided by Your rules, policies, laws, commandments and instructions, so that we may serve You, O God, acceptable in Your holy sight. May You inspire everyone to unite under Your laws and commandments here inside the Church Of Christ. Please forgive whatever shortcomings You may see in us. Always bless this program, and all the programming inside Your holy Church, most especially when we assemble in the houses of worship, and we sing and pray and worship You Lord with all our heart. May You find us worthy, always and acceptable in Your holy sight. We pray for this always, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.  

Why Use a Different Bible Translation? Brother Bob Pellien: I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Thank you for joining us on this podcast episode of That’s in the Bible! Let’s go straight to our first question for today, which comes to us via email from Odessa in San Diego, California. Her question is: “Why does the Church Of Christ use different versions of the Bible to answer questions?” Why are there different versions of the Bible Brother Bob: Odessa, thank you very much for your question. The Church Of Christ uses not any one particular Bible, for example our own translation and say, “We’ll just use this version.” We will use any and many different translations and it’s important to know they’re translations because the original writings that God inspired His chosen writers were written in Hebrew, the Old Testament is in Hebrew and the New Testament primarily in Greek with some sprinkles of Aramaic. And those translators over the years, there have been many who have translated from those original languages. And as long as the translator did not deviate from what was originally written in Hebrew, what was originally written in Greek and the manuscripts that we have from those original Hebrew and Greek writings, well then, that is truly Bible. Bible translation comparison Brother Bob: If ever there are translations that are slightly different from one another, did God give any instruction to use so one can be sure what their receiving is accurate and pure? He gave this instruction recorded by Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians, chapter 2. Now let’s listen together to what’s recorded here in verse 13 of that chapter: These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. [I Corinthians 2:13 New King James Version] Brother Bob: The rule of God, Odessa, is that spiritual things must be compared with spiritual things. What then is recorded here are spiritual truths and to know it for sure that what is recorded there is accurate, the instruction is to compare these spiritual things with spiritual things. Because what if one does not accept these spiritual truths? 1 Corinthians 2:12 gives this insight: Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. [I Corinthians 2:12 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What’s one thing we must not do when comparing the spiritual truths with spiritual truths? We must not accept the things of this world—man’s wisdom, man’s opinions, man’s ideas. We have to follow the instruction that God has given, because how would the world receive these spiritual truths from God? Verse 14: But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. [I Corinthians 2:14 New King James Version] Brother Bob: That’s why many would consider the spiritual truths in the Holy Scriptures as just foolishness, but even the Church of Christ we will use that law of God comparing spiritual things with spiritual things. We read often for example, Acts 20:28 on this program and other programs of the Church Of Christ. Wherein it, it [mentions] that Christ, the name of the Church, Church Of Christ was purchased with His blood. If we read other translations, it will say Church of God, purchased with His blood, Church of the Lord, purchased with His blood. Different versions of the Bible explained and how to compare spiritual truths Brother Bob: What then are we to do? Applying what we just read, the instruction of the Lord? Compare spiritual things, spiritual truths, with spiritual truths. God is spirit. Christ is the one that had flesh and bones and blood. So we are very sure then to use the translations of the Bible that will say Church of Christ, which He purchased with His blood because it’s Christ that had blood. Comparing the spiritual things with spiritual things, there will never be a conflict. There will never be any confusion. So applying that rule which we do in the Church of Christ, Odessa, we will always come to the knowledge of the truth. Thanks for listening. I’m Brother Bob Pellien. And we hope you join us again next time on That’s in the Bible. Please feel free to email your questions to answers@incmedia.org For more programming of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ, to find a local congregation near you, please visit incmedia.org.

[Show open] Next on That’s in the Bible. [Video starts] Chuck: Is this God the only God, or is everybody right with all of their own gods? [Video ends] Brother Bob Pellien: We believe here in the Church Of Christ, to know and understand the true God, we must turn to the pages of the Holy Scriptures. [Video starts] Idris: I don’t understand the concept of God being three. The God [the] Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. [Video ends] Brother Bob: This is from Melissa Hatfield in Seattle, Washington. Why is Jesus Christ important? [Show open] Brother Bob: Hello, I’m Brother Bob Pellien, and thanks for joining us in this episode of That’s in the Bible. Let’s go directly to our first question, which comes today from Chuck Swift from San Diego, California. Let’s hear what Chuck asks: [Video starts] Chuck Swift: Is this God the only God, or is everybody right with all of their own gods? [Video ends] One God or many? Brother Bob: Thank you for your question, Chuck. And you’re very correct in such that there’s a lot of people who are coming up with their own ideas and perceptions and understandings of God. We believe here in the Church Of Christ, to know and understand the true God, we must turn to the pages of the Holy Scriptures. So let’s do that directly. In the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 4. Let’s see if the Bible [mentions] many gods we can all just pick and choose whatever God we want or come up with our own understanding. How many true gods does the Bible discuss? Deuteronomy, chapter 4, verse 35, reads this way: To you it was shown, that you might know that the Lord is God; there is no other besides him. [Deuteronomy 4:35 English Standard Version] Brother Bob: The Bible clearly [mentions] here that there is but one God and there is no other. There could be an innumerable number of people coming up with their own understanding of God and in fact, even preaching and teaching about different gods and perceptions of God and who God truly is. But the Bible is clear. There is one God. So dear friends, here in 1 Corinthians, chapter 8, verse 6, the Apostle Paul wrote the following which is a very important statement regarding this topic in verse 6, he said: yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. [I Corinthians 8:6 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Here was the Apostle Paul addressing the first century Church, telling them for us. Who [is] “us”? The Church, the true servants of the Almighty God, that for us, there is only one God and then He told us who that one God is, and that is the Father. Chuck, in your question you clearly [mentioned] that there are so many others who have other perceptions of God and other gods. You know the concept of “many,” is that it “doesn’t really matter as long as you believe in the existence of God.” It matters. Why? The Holy Scriptures teaches us the following this time in the letter of Apostle Paul, to the Ephesians. Wherein he wrote the following in chapter 4, verse 6: one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. [Ephesians 4:6 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Because God is only one, and because God is the Father, and because the one God the one Father is one God and Father of all. It’s not for anyone to just pick and choose and say, “No, excuse me, I’ve got another God.” There is only one, there’s no other options, there’s no other other choices. But a lot of people have come up with other perceptions of who that one true God is, which leads us into our next question from Idris Bashil, from London, England. He sent us this question: [Video starts] Idris: I don’t understand the concept of God being three. The God [the] Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. [Video ends] How is God 3 in 1? Brother Bob: Thank you. That, too, is a wonderful question because it is not the only you that I have difficulty understanding what oftentimes mainstream Christianity terms as the Trinity that being: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, and the three of them together, compose one God. A triune entity. There was a Catholic priest to try to explain this. And let’s just take a moment to cite his explanation for a moment. It’s recorded in a book entitled Father Smith Instructs Jackson, written by the priest of the Catholic Church named John Francis Noll. He writes on page 29 the following: [On-screen graphic – Father Smith Instructs Jackson, pg. 29 Most Rev. John Francis Noll , D.D. LL.D.] It means that in the One God there are three Divine Persons, called respectively God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Brother Bob: Well, that’s mainstream Christianity, the Catholic Church being from which we have quoted there, but so many of the Protestant organizations, independent Christian organizations as well, teach and believe the same that God is composed of three entities: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Here inside the Church Of Christ, we believe in the one true God, the Father. From what origin do we receive that important understanding that the Father is the one true God? It comes from Jesus Himself, the Son of God. What did Jesus say? Let’s read His words. It’s recorded in John, chapter 17, where in Jesus pronounced very categorically the following: Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. [John 17:1,3 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What’s the important pronouncement here of Jesus? He made a pronouncement concerning two things that had direct relevance to the attainment of eternal life. He said, “Father that they may know You the only true God and Jesus whom You have sent.” They’ll have eternal life if they know that the Father is the only true God and that they know that Jesus is the one who has been sent by the Father. If, then, one comes up with another perception of God and teaches that and says “No, no, no, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit together, the three of them make up the one God.” That’s a different god. And the gentleman who posed the question to our program for today, seemed very confused about when he views the religions in this world who are teaching these other perceptions of God. And it’s not surprising that you’re a bit confused, because when they teach a Trinitarian god, they’re teaching something that is very categorically different than what Jesus just taught, as we all read there together. Who is Jesus to God? Brother Bob: Who does the Bible teach Jesus to be? In fact, the it was, again, the Apostle Paul, we turned to this time, when he stated the following in 1 Timothy, chapter 2, verse 5: For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, [2:5 New King James Version] Brother Bob: It clearly taught who Jesus is a man Who’s mediating between God and mankind. He is the Mediator. And how about the Holy Spirit? It was also our Lord Jesus Christ who described and tells us about the Holy Spirit. And He does so in these terms recorded in John, chapter 14, He was quoted here in verse 26: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. [John 14:26 King James Version] Brother Bob: Here Jesus taught to us the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, whom the Father will send to comfort to give strength to all who may be weary and tired and need the inner strength of the Spirit of the Lord, the Lord the Father above will send that Spirit to comfort and to strengthen and to help us. The true God is the Father, Jesus is the one mediating us unto the Father, and the Holy Spirit is the one sent by the Father to comfort and strengthen us: these are the biblical truths we embrace inside the Church. What is the importance of Jesus Christ? Brother Bob: Let’s hear our last question for today. This is from Melissa Hatfield in Seattle, Washington. She submitted to us this written question, she wrote: “Why is Jesus Christ important?” And it’s a very important question that Melissa writes, because when we teach that Jesus is different than God, there are those who sometimes conclude that, “I guess that means the Church Of Christ is just belittling Jesus and throwing Him away as if He’s of no value anymore,” when in fact, nothing could be farther from the truth for what does the Bible teach to us about the value and importance of Jesus, the Son of God? Let’s begin in the Book of Acts, chapter 5, verse 31, tells us this important quality about Christ: Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. [Acts 5:31 New King James Version] Brother Bob: He was given to be Savior for mankind. And as I’ve read a moment ago, nevertheless, I’ll spend the moment to read it again. He’s not just an ordinary person like us, we’re not taking Him down, throwing Him into the mud, so to say, no. 1 Timothy, 2, 5, also attributes this quality to Jesus: For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, [1 Timothy 2:5 New King James Version] Brother Bob: He’s our Mediator and the only Mediator between God and mankind. So He’s our Savior, He’s our Mediator. In fact, what else? Does the Bible attribute to this our Savior Jesus Christ in the Book of Acts, chapter 2, verse 36: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” [Acts 2:36 New King James Version] Brother Bob: He was also made Lord. Jesus is so very important, Melissa. He’s our Lord. He’s our Savior. He’s our Mediator, Son of God, and in fact when it comes to His relationship to the church, does He have any importance? Colossians, chapter 1, verse 18. The first part of that verse reads this way: And He is the head of the body, the church,… [Colossians 1:18 New King James Version] Brother Bob: When it comes to His relationship then with the Church does He also have some significance, relevance, importance? Absolutely. The Bible [mentions] that He is in fact, the head of the Church. And the Church is in fact, the very body of our Lord Jesus Christ. So when we teach that Jesus is different than God, we’re not taking Him from some high position and throwing Him away, rejecting Christ. No, we embrace Him in all such ways that the Scriptures attribute to Him and the Bible attributes to Him, as being the Savior, as being our Mediator, as being our Lord, being the head of the Church and so much more. He has great relevance, Melissa, and He is of deep importance to all of us here inside the Church Of Christ. But He’s different from God, and not part of a triune God, but rather the Son of God. Well, dear friends, that’s all we have time for today. But if you, too, will have questions that you’d like us to answer here on the program, email your questions to us. And we’ll always use the guidance of the Holy Scriptures to help you find your answer, the truth, That’s in the Bible. Well, thanks for watching. I’m Brother Bob Pellien and we’ll see you again next time. [Show close]

[Show open] Brother Bob Pellien: Good day to everyone! Thank you very much for a nice warm welcome. We welcome everyone here in the studio audience as well as all those who are joining us on the internet—maybe watching it by means of incmedia.org on your smartphones, through the Facebook pages that we have, or also maybe on channel 49 INCTV in the Philippines. Thank you all so very much for joining us in this episode of…? Audience: That’s in the Bible! Brother Bob: You know, dear friends, anyone that’s following the Iglesia Ni Cristo social media outlets, and we do have a few, you are by now very well aware of the intensified efforts of the Church Of Christ, led by the Church Administration, in eradicating poverty all over the world. There’s been a lot of efforts that have been exerted by the Church Of Christ, most especially in the continent of Africa. In order to reach that goal of, well, like I said, eradicating poverty all over the world, Lord willing. The questions that we’ll be addressing in our taping for today of this broadcast of the program That’s in the Bible are questions that come from ordinary citizens that the That’s In The Bible team that went to Africa were able to meet. Some of the ordinary citizens of Africa. And they posed a lot of questions. Like I said, we’re going to address a couple of them here in our broadcast for today. We were happy to receive some questions because as the continent of Africa learns about the Church Of Christ, it has begun to prompt some questions. We will continue to reach out to our fellow men there and everywhere. The That’s in the Bible team, as I mentioned, recently visited and received the following specific questions to this program. And we’ll be tackling them together, for today. Our first question comes from John, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Let’s take a look at the question that John posed for today. [Video begins] John: And the question I have is, who is Jesus? Who is God? [Video ends] Are God and Jesus the Same Person? Brother Bob: “Who is Jesus? Who is God?” These are questions that usually stem from what some would call a confusing, nevertheless, a very common concept that in fact God and Jesus are one and the same. But how does the Bible respond to that? John has asked and the Bible, the Bible gives a response. First of all, we cite from the book of Matthew, chapter 3, verse 17: And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:17 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Here, dear friends, God is the one who introduced Jesus. God introduced Jesus as His Son. That’s according to the Father Himself. So John asked, “Well, who is Jesus?” God answers by saying, “That’s My Son.” Never has any correct translation of the Bible ever said that Christ is, in fact, God the Son. What can be read very clearly from the Bible is the fact that Christ is the Son of God. God the Son and Son of God are two very, very, different things and they must not be interchanged. Aside from being the Son of God, John’s question was, “Who is Jesus?” So there’s so many verses that we could cite. How else was Jesus introduced in the Holy Scriptures? For example, if we were to read Acts, chapter 2, verse 36, the Bible says and shows that Jesus was made Lord: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” [Acts 2:36 New King James Version] Brother Bob: In the book of Acts as well chapter 5, verse 31, it mentions that Jesus was also made as Savior: Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. [Acts 5:31 New King James Version] Brother Bob: In 1 Timothy chapter 2, verse 5, the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy that Jesus was the Mediator between God and man: For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, [1 Timothy 2:5 New King James Version] Brother Bob: All these attributes are given to our Lord Jesus Christ. So when we say “Who is Jesus?” The Bible does not answer it by saying He is God. And I’d like to cite another statement of Apostle Paul, here in Ephesians 1:22. The Bible says: And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, [Ephesians 1:22 New King James Version] Is Jesus just a man? Brother Bob: So, dear friends, here the Bible clearly teaches us that Jesus was placed above all things to the Church. This is the Jesus of the Bible. Any other Jesus would be a different Jesus than the Jesus of the Bible. But here’s the question that some pose when they read that verse: “If Jesus is just a man—as we cited from I Timothy 2:5 just a moment ago—if Jesus is a man (we didn’t read that he was just a man), then why is He also worshipped? In Ephesians 1:22, He was placed above all things. So doesn’t that make Him God?” First off, no one heard us read or say that Jesus is ‘just a man.’ We cited 1 Timothy 2:5, but it didn’t say that He’s ‘just a man’ or ‘just an ordinary man,’ like all of us. Instead, what you did hear from the Holy Scriptures was the various qualities or distinctive, unique qualities that the Bible gives or attributes to Jesus, which proves that He is not just an ordinary man. And regarding the point [made], “He is worshipped, so therefore He must be God.” Yes, we do worship Jesus. But why? Is it because He is God? Answer of the Bible, Philippians chapter 2, verses 9, 10 and 11, answers this way: Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [Philippians 2:9-11 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, based on what we have just read, do we have a reason to worship Jesus even though He’s not God? Absolutely, yes, we worship Him not because He is God but because, as we just read together, God commanded Him to be worshipped. We worship Jesus. Yes. Why? Because … Audience: That’s in the Bible! If God put Jesus above everything, is Jesus God? Brother Bob: That’s in the Bible! Remember obeying the commandments of God, as we just read also, that’s what gives glory to God. God, as we read, highly exalted Jesus, gave Him a name above every other name, and gave the instruction that people at every knee should bow. Bowing is a form of worship. And that’s the commandment and instruction of God to us all. So we have to obey and follow that because that’s what will give glory to God the Father. Sometimes though, people reason out and say for example, “If He’s above everything, that’s got to make Him God. It’s got to make Him God, because only God is above, is placed above everything else.” What do you think, studio audience? Does that seem like a reasonable conclusion to draw? [Audience nods] Audience: Yes. Brother Bob: Seems, seems reasonable. I turn, however, here, 1 Corinthians—Apostle Paul, this is the Good News Bible—I turn to 1 Corinthians 15. Let’s take a look here at verse 27 and 28. How does the Bible respond to that? For the scripture says, “God put all things under his feet.” It is clear, of course, that the words “all things” do not include God himself, who puts all things under Christ. But when all things have been placed under Christ’s rule, then he himself, the Son, will place himself under God, who placed all things under him; and God will rule completely over all. [1 Corinthians 15:27-28 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Who is over all? God. Jesus is over all, with one exemption. Who’s that? Audience: God. What is God’s state of existence? Brother Bob: God. Still, Christ is under or subject to God. As God has placed all things under Christ, Christ will still be, is still subject, subjected to God. And you know, despite all the great attributes of Christ, the Bible also made very clear—in fact, Jesus Himself made very clear, and we’ll cite a quote directly from Jesus Himself—He made clear His nature, or let’s say His state of existence. Concerning this topic, there’s no one clearer to go to than the Lord Jesus Himself. So we turn to John chapter 8 and ask Him, “What Lord, what then is Your state of existence?” Jesus answers in 8:40 in the book of John: But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God… [John 8:40 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Who spoke this? Jesus. And we know God’s nature is that of a Spirit. And that’s recorded—we often read John 4:24, in this program: “God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” [John 4:24 New King James Version] Brother Bob: God is a spirit. What did Jesus just say about Himself? He clearly introduced Himself as a man. He said, I’m a man here to tell you the truth which I heard from God. Christ never said that He Himself is the true God. If He were the true God, He would have introduced Himself as such. According to His own apostles, since Jesus taught them that He was a man, when the apostles started teaching that to the Church, did they change it? How did they teach the Church or what did they teach the Church about Jesus concerning His state of existence? In Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy here, in 1 Timothy chapter 2, verse 5: For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, [1 Timothy 2:5 New King James Version] Brother Bob: What the apostles teach, when it came to teaching it to the Church, they didn’t change what Jesus said. Jesus said, I’m a man here to tell you the truth. When the apostles taught that, they didn’t change it. They made [it] very clear that Jesus is a man mediating between whom? God and mankind. If Jesus is God, and He’s the Mediator between God and mankind, and Jesus the Mediator is also God, mediating between God and man, how many Gods, then, would that be? That would be, would be two Gods. How many true Gods are there? Audience: One. Brother Bob: Only one. Albeit, Jesus is not just an ordinary man like us, albeit a very, very special man that God performed miracles through. So that by the way, was also mentioned by Apostle Peter in Acts 2:22. But a man nevertheless. “My fellow Israelites, listen to these words: Jesus from Nazareth was a very special man. God clearly showed this to you. He proved it by the miracles, wonders, and miraculous signs he did through Jesus. You all saw these things, so you know this is true. [Acts 2:22 Easy-to-Read Version] Who is God? Brother Bob: John [from South Africa] also asked in his question—what was the second part, not only who was Jesus, he also wanted to know who is…? Yes, “Who is God?” John also asked, “Who is God?” And it was none other than Jesus Himself who answers John’s question and answers, who the true God is. Let’s take a look at John 17, where Jesus’s words are cited: Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eye to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,… “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, [John 17:1, 3 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Allow me to pause, studio audience, who’s praying here? Who’s the speaker written, quoted here by Apostle John, who’s speaking? Audience: Jesus. Brother Bob: Who’s He speaking to? Audience: The Father. Brother Bob: You can see it on the screen, right? Who’s He addressing? Audience: The Father. Brother Bob: Now, while He’s praying to the Father, what important truth did He reveal? Let’s go ahead to verse 3: And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. [John 17:3 The New King James Version] Brother Bob: Did Jesus make known who the true God is? Absolutely. He introduced the Father as the only true God. So John there in South Africa, to answer both your questions, the first, “Who is Jesus?” He is Savior. He’s the head of the Church. He’s worshipped because God commanded Him to be worshipped. So many attributes were given to Jesus but not Godhood. “Who is God?” was John’s second question. Jesus answered that too. The Father—and He even used the word “only” to eradicate any confusion—He said the Father’s the only true God. The Bible makes very clear the differentiation between God and Christ then. This is what the Bible is…irrefutable proof of Their distinctness, irrefutable proof of Christ’s true nature as that of a man. Let’s move to the second part of John’s question in Africa. Let’s take a look at it on the screen. Does Jesus have a family somewhere? [Video begins] John: From people I know, they say he has a family, somewhere around the world. So that is what is confusing me now. [Video ends] Brother Bob: The second part of John’s question is, well, I’ve heard that Jesus has a family. How many from the studio audience has heard that Jesus has a family? Brother Bob: You heard that maybe from some very popular movie scripts. It’s been very popular Hollywood movies, a lot of books and discourses made about Jesus marrying Mary Magdalene, [them] having children, and that family lineage continues and there are people seeking to find that. That whole ideology or like I said was popularized by Hollywood in some very popular movies. But here’s the thing. It’s not in the Bible. It’s just not there. But what is here is a very important principle that we must not forget. Before we [would] just believe in a movie script, or any magazine article that we would pick up and read about these things. Before we believe in that, turn to a principal or an instruction of God, written here through the apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians, 4, verse 6: Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. [1 Corinthians 4:6 New King James Version] Bother Bob: What’s the principle? Don’t even think beyond what is written. So if it’s not written that Jesus got married to Mary Magdalene, they had children, there’s a lineage, we should be chasing around the world trying to find who’s the DNA connected and all such things like that. That’s all absent from the Scriptures. So the instruction or principle of God must be followed, which says, once again, you saw it on the screen, don’t even what? Audience: Think. Brother Bob: Think. Don’t even think that, much less use that as the basis. Those things were just entertainment. But it must never be embraced as the basis for one’s faith. We can’t dwell on those things. What we will dwell on is what is written, and that is the distinction that the Bible gives between God and Jesus and, as we have learned, They are not the same person or the same being. Why do we believe that? Because … Audience: That’s In The Bible! Brother Bob: Thank you, studio audience. And thank you, John, for your questions from Africa. When you are ready to learn more about how you, too, can be inside the Church Of Christ, how you, too, can be ready for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you’re ready to learn more about the fundamental teachings found here inside the Church Of Christ, we encourage you, visit incmedia.org. There you’re going to find the various series of programs dedicated to answering all of your spiritual questions. There at incmedia.org you will also find a directory of all the local congregations of the Church Of Christ around the world. You can find the one that is nearest to your home. You can go there, pose these and so many more questions to the ministers that are there waiting for you. They will lead you in Bible studies. Just like we have begun, we’ve only scratched the surface with a couple of questions that came to us from Africa. Go there, incmedia.org, look up the local congregation there, the address that’s nearest to your home. Go there, join with us in serving and worshiping God. You can also email us your video questions to answers@incmedia.org. Visit our Facebook pages. Join us, here inside the Church Of Christ. We want to thank our studio audience today for joining us in our study. We want to thank everyone for who might be watching us on the internet or channel 49 INCTV or anywhere else you are tuning in from, thank you for joining us in this taping. I hope you have enjoyed the moments we have shared together but more than that, I hope you have learned the truths that we embrace and why do we embrace these truths? Because … Audience: That’s in the Bible! Brother Bob: Thank you very much, studio audience. Thank you very much. Thank you all. We’ll see you next time!

That’s In the Bible – How Do I Know I’m a True Christian? Brother Bob Pellien: If you believe you are a Christian, you likely accept the biblical truth that Christ built a Church. It’s simple enough, but it gets complicated because many preachers today teach that the true Church is made up of everyone who truly believes in Christ, regardless of what denomination or church they belong to. But that’s wrong. The true Church is only one organization. Why are we sure? Let’s find the answer in the Holy Bible. Brother Bob: Hello everyone! Welcome once again to this program, That’s in the Bible. The basis of the teachings here inside the Church Of Christ is, first and foremost, the Bible—the Holy Scriptures. Now, we want to clarify, as we always do, that the Bible questions we address on this program are regarding proper worship, the right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation—those answers are most definitely found right here, in the Holy Bible. So, we’ll be turning today to the Bible to answer these following questions: First, why is it important for me, you, everyone, to be baptized into the true Church? And secondly, what if one would say, “Well, I’m already part of a particular Christian church or denomination, aren’t I then a believer?” And next, “How can I differentiate between the Church Of Christ and the various Protestant churches?” Let’s start with the first question: Why is it important for me to be baptized into the Church? Let’s go directly to the Holy Bible and begin receiving our answers. And to do so, we turn to the book of Acts 2:41, where it says: Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. [Acts 2:41, New King James Version] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, the Bible clearly says here that those who believed and were baptized “were added to them.” What does the term “them” refer to? Those that they were “added to,” those that underwent the true baptism. Well, let’s turn here to chapter 2:47 in the book of Acts. It says this: Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. [Acts 2:47, King James Version] Brother Bob: So, the term “them” in the verse that we read refers to the Church—and of course, the true Church. So why is it important for you to be baptized into the true Church? Because—being part of the true Church is important. Why? Because that’s where the believers were baptized into. They were baptized into “them,” baptized into the Church. Maybe someone might say, “Well, I’m already part of a different denomination. I’m part of a different Christian-professing church or denomination, doesn’t that make me then also a believer?” Well, consider the Bible’s answer to those who may think like that. So, for the Bible’s answer, we turn to 1 Corinthians 12. We’ll read verse 13, then we’ll read verse 12: By one Spirit all of us—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—were baptized to form one body, and that one Spirit was poured out for all of us to drink…As the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts of the body, many as they are, form one body, so is Christ. [1 Corinthians 12:13, 12 Beck] Brother Bob: So the true Church is, dear friends, it’s very clearly described as singular—“one body”—and the members all make up parts and form that one body. Not many bodies. How many bodies did we read? Only one. One body, one true Church. Are we sure that there’s only one? How does the Bible further clarify that the body, or the true Church, is but one? Romans 12:4-5: We have many parts in the one body, and all these parts have different functions. In the same way, though we are many, we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one body. [Romans 12:4-5 Good News Bible] So dear friends, the body, it’s just one. Like a human body, there’s a lot of different parts to it, but yet all its members, all its parts compose or make up just one. In this case each of these parts serve their own function. They are united and one. What outstanding quality can be found therefore in the true Church that functions like this as described here? Well, 1 Corinthians—let’s go back to the writings of Apostle Paul, he describes here in chapter 12:25 of 1 Corinthians. It says: And so there is no division in the body, but all its different parts have the same concern for one another. [1 Corinthians 12:15 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: Dear friends, members of the church, although yes, they may have different functions, but they still work together cohesively as one body not split up and not denominationalized. No. And to answer then the question that we posed together earlier, which went like this: Are you really a true believer if you are part of a different, “detached,” let’s say, Christian professing religion, religious organization, church or denomination? No, you’re not. No matter what you may say, the Bible is very clear. The true Church is not made up of different denominations. It’s not—the body is not all divided up with different names and all sorts of things like that. No, it’s a single organization, a single body. What are many? The members are many, but the organization, the body, is but just one. Well, what then about all these various denominations? How can we differentiate between the true Church Of Christ recorded here in the Bible and the multitude, the many Protestant churches prevalent all over the world? They have: “20,800 denominations in the world, supplemented by more than 15,000 distinct parachurch agencies, we have ‘something for everyone,’ the carnival midway of Christianity. But the competition among these carnival booths is anything but amusing.” [Moody Monthly, September 1984] That quote is from a 1984 periodical named the Moody Monthly. What did I just quote? That there was already 20,800 Protestant denominations, and that was already back in 1984. We’re reading that particular periodical, because they’re saying, almost sarcastically, that we have all of this different “carnival midway” of denominations. But, what we can notice is, clearly, they have no unity, no single body, just division, strife, different names, different everything, beliefs. What must we learn from seeing that? What should we understand? Beloved friends, again, we pose the question. We turn now to the Holy Scriptures. James, chapter 3, where he provides an answer. In verses 14, 15 and 16. What does he have to say about these denominations and these divisions and such that man has created for himself. The Bible answers: But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. [James 3:14-16 King James Version] Brother Bob: Division, strife and confusion: Where do they come from? The Bible said that’s devilish. That’s from the devil then. Not from God. There’s no division in the true church. Why not? How does the Bible describe here, dear friends, the true church of Christ? Is the true church of Christ described having divisions and denominations and different beliefs and different faiths and different forms of baptisms and all those kinds of things? Let’s check together. You can read along on the screen. I’m reading Ephesians 4:4, 5, 6. Let’s include reading verses 12 and 13: There is one body and one Spirit, just as there is one hope to which God has called you. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; there is one God and Father of all people, who is Lord of all, works through all, and is in all. …He did this to prepare all God’s people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ. And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the Son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ’s full stature. [Ephesians 4:4-6, 12-13 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: Dear friends, the difference then between the true Church Of Christ, the biblical Church Of Christ, and the various Protestant denominations and other organizations that are different than the one true body of Christ, the singular organization described here in the Bible, is that Protestantism is full of division, so much so that the different denominations even end up competing with one another. The Church Of Christ, the biblical true Church Of Christ, the church found in the Bible is the one single organized body. So, dear friends, in conclusion, let’s summarize the questions that we posed. The first: Why is it important for me to be baptized into the true church? Well, as we learned, being part of the true church is so important because that’s where true believers are baptized into the church. And then we asked, in response to the mindset of some who say “I’m already part of a certain Christian church or denomination, so that makes me a believer too. Right?” What did we learn? No, you are not. The true church is not made up of different denominations and different churches with different names and different faiths and different baptisms and different worship service. All such things, it’s not divided up and everybody just do what you want. No, it’s a single organization, a single body that is made up of many members. Join with us and be part of that. And then we asked “Well, how can I differentiate between the Church Of Christ and these different Protestant denominations and organizations?” Well, we even quoted the Protestant Church is made up of over—and this was a quote from quite a while ago. We quoted that one because it’s they themselves who are pinpointing and describing their own situation. The church, they said, is made up of over 20,000 denominations. What else did they say? It’s full of division but the Church Of Christ, the true church founded in the Bible is not like that. Again, I repeat, it’s one single organized body. Dear friends, we’d like you to continue learning about all of these things—it’s so important. Learn with us here in the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church of Christ. Visit us online, browse the different topics or set up an appointment to meet with a minister of the Gospel. If you have any questions about the Bible or salvation, you can email them to us. I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time right here on That’s in the Bible.

Sports betting is extremely common, and addicting. What does the Bible say about gambling? The Bible provides instruction on the morally correct way of earning a living, and advises against gambling. And yes, in modern times that would include online sports betting. Watch time: 17:04 • That’s in the Bible • Hosted by Brother Bob Pellien Scripture references: Genesis 3:17, 19 2 Thessalonians 3:12 Ecclesiastes 9:10 Proverbs 20:13 Proverbs 13:11 Luke 15:11-13 Matthew 6:33 In This Episode: [1:46] What is gambling? [5:15] How should we earn money? [13:30] What shouldn’t we do with our money?   Full Episode Transcript Click to expand transcript Brother Bob Pellien: Every smartphone today has the ability to connect us with online gambling and sports betting. It’s so easy now, right? So is gambling really wrong then? [Show open] Brother Bob: The Bible. The basis of our faith in the Church Of Christ, which answers questions about proper worship, the right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation. That’s in the Bible! [On-screen logo graphic] That’s in the Bible! [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program, That’s in the Bible. Dear friends, you know, because online betting is available through every smartphone and it’s legal through most of North America and maybe also in your part of the world too, it’s becoming such a convenient pastime for millennials, and even Gen Z and younger, those who in the past didn’t have access to it. Sports betting apps have started national ad campaigns attracting younger and younger and more casual betters. Considering all of that, it would be so easy just to ask: Is gambling morally right or wrong? So for the sake of being concise and accurate, let’s frame our topic of discussion around these questions: What is gambling? How are we to earn money for our needs? What should we not do with the money we have? [1:46] What is gambling? So, dear friends, to start with, our first question was: What is gambling? If we do a quick search we can find out from Encyclopedia Britannica, it says: Gambling, the betting or staking of something of value, with consciousness of risk and hope of gain, on the outcome of a game, a contest, or an uncertain event whose result may be determined by chance or accident or have an unexpected result by reason of the bettor’s miscalculation. Source: Encyclopedia Britannica Brother Bob: So we could see here that gambling it’s, well, it’s the practice of risk-taking, risking something of value with the hopes of winning something of more value, or relying on luck or random chance. And of course, more often than not, the something of value is simply money. People bet money in hopes to make more money, right, by relying on chance. And I think everyone would agree, there’s nothing reliable at all about random chance. Sometimes you win; sometimes you lose. And every time someone wins, consider this, everyone else loses, and it may even send those that lose into distress. And, you know, we can all recall how Jesus taught to love our fellow man. He didn’t say send them into distress. Now that we have a clear understanding, actually, of what gambling really is, let’s find out what has God instructed in the Holy Bible as the way for us to gain something of value, or to gain money, so as to provide for our needs or the needs of our family? So we begin turning to the Bible, and we do so going all the way back to the first book of the Bible, the Book of Genesis, chapter 3, verses 17 and 19 reads this way: Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. … In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.” [Genesis 3:17, 19 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, what we read here is God setting the policy of how man will eat and secure the necessities of life. Let’s understand that before this pronouncement of God to Adam, the couple that God had created, well, they already had everything that they needed. They lived in paradise, right? But because of course, and we know this from past studies, they disobeyed God’s command, then what’s the way that God set for men henceforth then to get what he needs? As we just read, God said, “In toil” or ”in the sweat of your face you shall eat bread …” [5:15] How should we earn money? So what exactly did God mean that in order to eat, or to meet necessities in life, or make a living, that a person has to “sweat,” has to “toil?” How are we to earn money for our needs? Well, let’s turn again to the Holy Scriptures, this time II Thessalonians, chapter 3, verse 12, and this is what the Bible says about that: In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we command these people and warn them to lead orderly lives and work to earn their own living. 2 Thessalonians 3:12 Good News Bible Brother Bob: So, dear friends, we can see that in order to provide for one’s necessities, or to earn a living, what was God’s instruction? He said, “work.” He did not say gamble. “Work to earn” your living. People who are able-bodied then and choose not to work, but instead just simply depend on other means, and depend on other people, or just random chance or luck by gambling, are those who are not leading orderly lives. Because it is by working that one should earn his own living according to the instruction of the Lord. So to our young viewers that maybe would want to ask, or maybe would be saying, “Well, wait a minute. I’m not old enough yet to be in the workforce.” Well, we advise simply that, study well! Use the opportunity you have now to go to school, in order to prepare yourself to follow God’s instruction to work for a living. And make sure that whatever job or whatever career field that you choose to work in, it follows not only the laws of the land or the laws of the government, but all the more and more importantly, it stays within the laws of God. Why: This is to ensure that you will have a clean or a righteous means of living and that will be blessed by God. So what then should we apply always when we finally do start working and earning our own living in whatever job or career field that you end up choosing, dear friends? Any guidance from the Lord? Absolutely! Ecclesiastes, chapter 9, verse 10, the Bible says this: Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. Ecclesiastes 9:10 New International Version Brother Bob: Anything should be applied when it comes to earning a living? Answer of the Bible: Yes, work with all your might. The Bible teaches that, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Therefore, we should not just simply work—we need to do our best or work hard for a living. We don’t agree with this modern trend of “quiet quitting” and things like that. No, no, no. What’s the value of working hard? What’s the reason for working hard? Additional information from the Lord, recorded in the Holy Scriptures, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 20, verse 13: If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Stay awake, work hard, and there will be plenty to eat! Proverbs 20:13 The Living Bible Brother Bob: Dear friends, the Bible instructs us to “work hard.” Also tells us what will be the result. The result is there will be plenty, “plenty to eat!” Working hard is what will lead anyone to have a prosperous livelihood. This is the morally correct way to gain the things that we need in life, according to the words of God. Gambling is not relying on hard work, but gambling is simply relying on chance to gain much, at the expense of another gambler’s loss. That’s the opposite of how Jesus taught us to love our neighbor, right? And what will happen to the money that is gained, even if it’s large amounts of money, if it’s not earned through the hard work that God instructs, but just hoping on luck, hoping on chance, gambling? The Bible, Proverbs, chapter 13, verse 11, responds to that question like this: Money gained in the wrong way disappears. But money gathered little by little grows. Proverbs 13:11 New International Reader’s Version Brother Bob: Dear friends, we can see this biblical truth being fulfilled, really, in the lives of those who gamble, right? We read very clearly here, “Money gained in the wrong way disappears.” And there are many who have fallen into debt due to gambling and continue to fall deeper and deeper as they put their hope in the chance that, well, random luck. They will even say things like that, right? They will say, “My luck will change. It will change in my favor.” Well, what’s another biblical truth that we see? Well, when one toils or works hard for the money instead, what did the Bible say? “… Money gathered little by little grows.” It grows. Let’s consider though, there might be those watching on the program today that might argue and say something like, “Well, the style of the gambling that they’re doing, it’s not to earn a living, it’s not for their livelihood. It’s just entertainment.”Or maybe they would say, “It’s just for fun. It’s just a hobby. It’s just a pastime.” But in all honesty, isn’t the fun part of gambling winning, not losing right? Especially because it’s money that one did not work for. They will say “It’s just fun.” No one has fun losing money. Others might argue by saying, “I’m using my own money that I work hard for. I can do whatever I want with it.” Well that may be true, but it still does not make it morally right. You know, another definition of gambling, according to dictionary.com, is this. Take a look: the act or practice of risking the loss of something important by taking a chance or acting recklessly: Source: dictionary.com Brother Bob: So, dear friends, part of the definition of gambling includes acting recklessly. What example then does the Lord Jesus Christ used to teach us about the danger of acting recklessly? Well, we can turn to Luke, recorded here in chapter 15, verses 11 through 13 reads this way: Jesus went on to say, “There was once a man who had two sons. The younger one said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the property now.’ So the man divided his property between his two sons. After a few days the younger son sold his part of the property and left home with the money. He went to a country far away, where he wasted his money in reckless living. Luke 15:11-13 Good News Bible [13:30] What shouldn’t we do with our money? Brother Bob: So, dear friends, what did Jesus say will happen if we live recklessly, an example of which is gambling or wasting our money? What then should we not do with the money we have? Well, as we read here in this parable of our Lord Jesus Christ, regarding the lost or the prodigal son, what kind of life did he lead? He was into “reckless living.” Because that was his lifestyle, what did he do with the money he inherited? Well, we also read, “he wasted his money.” This is an example, then, of what we should not follow. Gambling, even though one can say, “It’s just for fun,” it’s reckless living, and those who choose to live and act recklessly will end up wasting their money. So, dear friends, we started this discussion with three main questions in mind. Let’s review what we have learned from the Bible about all three. First of all, What is gambling?Well, we learned it’s the practice of risking the loss of something important or valuable by taking a chance or acting recklessly in hopes to win something of more value. How are we to earn money for our needs?This was our second question. Well, we’ve learned that we’re taught to work for our own living, work hard. Working in order to provide our needs is morally correct and based on God’s instructions. We also learned, what should we not do with the money we have?We should not live recklessly or gamble with what we have. Doing this would put us in that same category as the son, the prodigal son, who wasted the blessings from his father, as in the parable we read from the Lord Jesus Christ. Gambling, dear friends, is widely considered a vise, which has been made much more accessible nowadays due to modern technology, right? But as tempting as it may be—it’s still a sin, like it always has been. If you’re currently addicted to gambling, we hope that what you have heard today from the Bible will help you receive true blessings from God. And remember this last instruction from the Lord Jesus Christ, and we can read it together in the book of Matthew, chapter six. What was the counsel of the Lord Jesus? I quote Matthew 6:33: But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. Matthew 6:33 Contemporary English Version Brother Bob: This is what we should all do, dear friends, because That’s in the Bible. We’d like you to continue learning about Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ. [On-screen text graphic] Visit incmedia.org Brother Bob: Do so by visiting us online and browsing the different topics. Set up an appointment to meet with a minister of the gospel. If you have any questions about the Bible or salvation, please email them to us. [On-screen text graphic] answers@incmedia.org [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: I’m Brother Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time, right here on That in the Bible. Related Questions: How should I handle anxiety as a young Christian? How can I recognize and overcome a gaming addiction?   Bible Verses Referenced in Video: Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. … In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:17, 19 New King James Version In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we command these people and warn them to lead orderly lives and work to earn their own living. 2 Thessalonians 3:12 Good News Bible Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. Ecclesiastes 9:10 New International Version If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Stay awake, work hard, and there will be plenty to eat! Proverbs 20:13 The Living Bible Money gained in the wrong way disappears. But money gathered little by little grows. Proverbs 13:11 New International Reader’s Version Jesus went on to say, “There was once a man who had two sons. The younger one said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the property now.’ So the man divided his property between his two sons. After a few days the younger son sold his part of the property and left home with the money. He went to a country far away, where he wasted his money in reckless living. Luke 15:11-13 Good News Bible But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. Matthew 6:33 Contemporary English Version Key Takeaways Gambling is the practice of risking the loss of something important or valuable by taking a chance or acting recklessly in hopes to win something of more value. We’re taught in the Bible to work for our own living. Working in order to provide our needs is morally correct and based on God’s instructions. We should not live recklessly or gamble with what we have. Doing this would put us in that same category as the prodigal son who wasted the blessings from his father, as in the parable from the Lord Jesus Christ. Want to learn more about what the Bible truly teaches? What you’ve heard is just an introduction to the teachings written in the Bible and taught inside the Church Of Christ. The Iglesia Ni Cristo bases all its doctrines on the Holy Scriptures, not on human tradition. Find a congregation near you • Request a free Bible study • Ask a question for this show Have a question you’d like answered on That’s in the Bible? Submit your question and we’ll use the guidance of the Holy Scriptures to help you find the answer—the truth that’s in the Bible.