The True Commemoration of the Last Messenger in these Last Days

[For Filipino Translation Click Here.]

How can a true servant of God be able to truly commemorate the Last Messenger in these last days? Is there still any value on God’s commissioning of Bro. Felix Y. Manalo as His messenger? On the 133rd birth anniversary of Bro. Felix Ysagun Manalo, let’s find out who truly gives importance to His commissioning and who doesn’t.

“Those that consider themselves to be the fulfillment of the prophecy regarding the “very small Remnant” do not value God’s commissioning of Bro. Felix Y. Manalo. “

This is the kind of belief that can be frequently found in those who belong to the institution headed by Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. They may own the registered name of the “IGLESIA NI CRISTO”, but they no longer possess the true election of being the body of Christ, which we will prove in this article through the pristine words of God.

Let us first learn how to recognize those who truly blaspheme God’s election of Brother Felix Y. Manalo in these last days. In review, which prophecy written in the Bible attests to the fulfillment of Brother Felix Y. Manalo’s election?

“Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. ~ Isaiah 41:9-10 (KJV)

Which is this righteousness for which God will uphold His messenger with at the ends of the earth? The Gospel of Christ or God’s power to salvation.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” ~ Romans 1:16-17 (NKJV)

Therefore, wealth, power, influence in the government or earthly wisdom will not be the basis for the success of the work entrusted by our Lord God to His messenger, but, the gospel or pristine words of God. This is why, in spite of being considered lowly and poor in society, Brother Felix Y. Manalo prevailed- he was elected by God, strengthened by Him, helped and guided by the Almighty God in the tasks entrusted unto him.

What is the genuine gift given to the Messenger which was also possessed by the Executive Minister that followed, Brother Eraño G. Manalo, after Brother Felix Y. Manalo was laid to rest? The Ministry of Reconciliation.

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” ~ II Corinthians 5:18-20 (NKJV)

How important is it to possess the ministry of reconciliation? This is the way to remove the sin of man, in which since the beginning of time has between man and God, thus, its removal is the only way for the salvation of our souls. Unfortunately, this is something that has been misunderstood by many members of the institution who believe that the reconciliation necessary is being united with or the absolute obedience to a man, thus, came about the “One with EVM” mantra to prove their loyalty with no question to the Administration of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo. To them, this is “The Way” to gain salvation, and DISOBEDIENCE or disunity from EVM is equivalent to being condemned to the lake of fire.

This is still the primary reason for many to fear being expelled by EVM despite being aware of his erroneous ways and his Administration’s obsession to businesses, their human rights abuses, and the witch hunt for those who do not submit to him.

Was this even taught by Brother Felix Y. Manalo when he was alive? NO! He was often heard in his preachings saying do not simply listen to him, nor just believe him, because as a human being, he too made mistake. He always said, believe in the Bible or the Holy Gospel that contains the words of God. Therefore, it was never taught by the Sugo, nor by Brother Eraño G. Manalo that we become fanatics or blind followers. What they always taught was to “verify” or test each spirit to ensure a doctrine is spiritually sound before simply accepting it. This is how the church and its members became stable and firm in their faith then. Our former leaders did not put emphasis on self-importance or superiority upon themselves in the nation of God. This is the good characteristic that Brother Felix and Brother Eraño possessed which was also the distinct attribute of the apostles when they stated:

“Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.”~ Galatians 1:8-9 (NLT)

The apostles didn’t think that they were “exempt” from committing mistakes which is why they instructed the brethren even then to watch out for those who teach a “different gospel” (may they be apostles or angels from heaven) and said that may God’s curse fall upon them. How do we recognize whether or not what is being taught to us is a “different gospel”? By examining the teaching and verifying whether it complies or contradicts with the teachings written in the Bible. During the time of the apostles and the previous Administrations of the church, the brethren who asked questions were NOT silenced, they were NOT expelled, they were NOT put in prison, and they were NOT MURDERED.

Why were the former leaders of the church not afraid of being examined or questioned?

Because of their loyal obedience to the true teachings from God and they were without any hidden purpose or agenda and they didn’t desire for worldly gain, wealth and power. It is no wonder why many brethren were able to discern with their hearts and minds the different character and spirit possessed by the current leader, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo and his Ministers. These brethren were taught and learned rather well not to merely look up to the man preaching but to put their trust on God.

“But there are no teachings that Brother Eduardo changed or violated, therefore, he is not guilty, which is why we continue in truthful obedience to him and his administration.” This is what members of his institution often say. Is there really no violations or changes made by Brother Eduardo? What is one of many that he disrespected and breached and what are the serious consequence according to the Bible?

“For instance, God’s law is ‘Honor your father and mother; anyone who reviles his parents must die.’ But you say, ‘Even if your parents are in need, you may give their support money to the church instead.’ And so, by your man-made rule, you nullify the direct command of God to honor and care for your parents. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, ‘These people say they honor me, but their hearts are far away. Their worship is worthless, for they teach their man-made laws instead of those from God.” ~ Matthew 15:4-9 (TLB)

Many may say that EVM is innocent, but because of what he did to his father and mother, he is accountable to God. Why? Because it is God Himself who commanded to honor our father and mother and to dishonor, curse or disrespect them is punishable by death. And because EVM reviled his mother and he allows his Ministers and members under his care to disrespect and ridicule his parents and allowed this contempt and vilification to become a new culture inside the church led by Brother Eduardo, he has renounced the words of God. And to cover up his deed of forsaking his own mother, Sister Tenny, he and his council decided to forbid the celebration of Mother’s Day because this is, allegedly, of pagan origin, therefore, against our doctrines, yet they did not forbid the celebration of Father’s Day. The Brethren are able to see right through this cover-up and describe it as, “an obvious cover up for their guilt”.

Up to now, many are bewildered where their leaders find the guts to release this  poster throughout their Social Media accounts considering how repulsiveness the topic of “Respecting Parents” is to them. It only highlights that fact that the first one to violate this commandment is no other than the one who introduces himself as the Executive Minister of the Church of Christ. Even during the worship services, lessons about caring and loving our parents, are hard to come by and if it does, it’s merely taught in passing and the Ministers seem uncomfortable and lack sincerity in teaching it. I wouldn’t be surprised to know that the one who made this poster was a Defender who’s still inside the institution.

Is death the only result of the desecration done by EVM, his Ministers and those who share their profane spirit? No. What is the more severe consequence of their violation?

“Their worship is worthless, for they teach their man-made laws instead of those from God.”

The worship led by Bro. Eduardo ever since he disrespected his mother up to the present, including those performed under his administration according to the Bible is WORTHLESS! Why are they worthless, or of no value to God even though they own the registration rights to the name Iglesia ni Cristo and they own the physical buildings for worship? Because the teachings they follow were made up by men (EVM and his Ministers), and not by God. So, even if they offer worship to God every day, it is worthless before God and will not be profitable for salvation.

Does this mean that the church has been turned away because of EVM and his Ministers who are for hire? No. Why are we sure that although apostasy will loom, the church will not be completely turned away?

According to the more sure fulfillment of prophecy by Isaiah about the Daughter of Zion or the Church of Christ in these last days:

And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city. Except the Lord of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. ~ Isaiah 1:8-9 (KJV)

Because God had left a very Small Remnant, the church will not be turned away and will not be like Sodom and Gomorra who were punished by God when they turned away. Therefore, the sure fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy about the Small Remnant is fulfilled in our time and is not contrary to God’s commissioning of His last messenger, Brother Felix Y. Manalo but a testament of God’s election to those He has called at the ends of the earth in these last days.

Unfortunately, there were those whom God has already set aside but still, they have turned their backs on God and chose to return to the crooked institution under EVM because they were either bribed, or they could no longer endure the persecution, or because of fear, or because of a promised lucrative positions, or because of material profit or gain. These individuals and families are being shown by the current administration of EVM on Church owned media outlets such as NET25, INCTV, and INC Social Media Sites. They are paraded as a spectacle for everyone to see as part of the Church’s “Returnee Propaganda”.

Jun Sales (former INC Minister), his wife Julie Sales and Children. They were seduced by a promise that they will be returned to the church immediately, be given a position and rescued from their financial burdens of bankruptcy.

Alan Montederamos (former INC Minister) returned for a promised position and fear of lawsuits filed against him by the influential Church. His family refused to join him.

Randy Dela Merced and Family (one of the pioneer Defenders but succumbed to pressure when his Post-Production business with TV Stations was threatened- his contracts canceled by the influential INC Officials).

To those who know the truth but returned to falsehood, this is what the Bible says:

As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness. ~ Proverbs 26:11 Ang Biblia (NLT)

Let us not be fearful nor be anxious of what the vindictive administration of EVM will do to the very few remnant who stood up on the side of God’s righteousness. It was our Lord God who upheld and protected His Last Messenger, and the one who succeeded him, and He will also uphold those who will faithfully continue to be loyal and obedient to His will.

So, as we commemorate the 133rd birth anniversary of Brother Felix Y. Manalo, let us remember his life, his faith and give importance to the teachings he preached which were also imparted unto us by Brother Eraño G. Manalo by our complete and loyal obedience to the true teachings of God and not any man or institution. May God help us and may He bless us while we continue His holy work in these last days, no matter how few He will call, as the fulfillment of the “very small remnant” in His Nation.

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” ~ Matthew 22:14 (NLT)

May God bless us all.

 

~ Antonio Ramirez Ebangelista