Does the Holy Spirit in Person Help the Christian Today? (Series #6)

by Eusebio Tanicala, Ph.D.

(Editor’s note: The introductory part of this series #6 is the same with that of series #5. This will enable our new readers to understand the premises and direction of our study).
Background

Several decades ago, preachers in the United States exchanged ideas on how the Holy Spirit works in or influences the Christian in the 20th century. We have moved into the 21st century still the questions lingered on. Three questions frequently come out that embody the issues:

1. Is there a personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the Christian today?

2. Is there a direct operation of the Holy Spirit in the Christian’s life today, the 21st century?

3. Does the Holy Spirit in person aid the Christian today?

One side declares: “The Holy Spirit indwells the Christian today representatively through the word; the Holy Spirit operates in or influences (aids) the Christian today through the written/oral word only.
The above statement means that the Holy Spirit having inspired the Bible and the canon of scriptures having been completed in its printed/audio form, it is only through the reading/hearing the word that the Christian could be influenced by the Holy Spirit.
The above position is equated to the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) that trains a crew, writes a survival manual in printed and CD forms and then sends the crew on to the moon. NASA headquarters would watch through powerful telescopes as the spacecraft leaves the earth’s orbit, the landing on the moon and the walk on the moon. But radio communication is cut off. In the spacecraft the faucet doesn’t function, one member couldn’t sleep, the antenna doesn’t function, one booster engine doesn’t ignite. We ordinary people on earth say to ourselves: you astronauts on the moon, you have your survival book, read it to fix yourselves. NASA in its headquarters just sits down and watch anxiously.

The other side of the issue declares: The Holy Spirit indwells the Christian today and the Bible is a source of information/instructions in Christian life and how to go to heaven; in addition to the word, the Holy Spirit in person may help, aid, influence, guide, encourage, nudge, prompt the Christian towards a higher level of spiritual life and service.

The above position is equated to the NASA that trains a crew, writes a survival manual in printed and CD forms and then sends the crew on to the moon. NASA headquarters would watch through powerful telescopes as the spacecraft leaves the earth’s orbit, the landing on the moon and the walk on the moon. All the while radio contact and TV image exchanges are maintained. If the crew wants to ask info how to fix the faucet, if a crewmember wants to solve his lack of sleep, if one booster engine doesn’t function, the crew could radio back to earth and get help from NASA headquarters. NASA headquarters would tell the crew to check their survival manual, but in addition to the manual on board, NASA experts in various disciplines would radio back their analysis and instructions about the problems. We ordinary people on earth would say to ourselves: you astronauts on the moon, you have your book, read it AND get additional help from NASA HEADQUARTERS because the experts are anxious to help.

Background ng kakulitan natin

Recently some preachers in the Philippines became more outspoken in their advocacy over the issues being discussed here which resulted to two formal discussions, one in Pangasinan and the second in the MetroManila area. The affirmative of the second proposition below approached brother Jovencio Gundayao that if he (Jovencio G) or his associates would not debate him in the issues, the proponent of the second proposition would denounce as FALSE TEACHERS all who disagree with him. When Joven G asked brother Santiago Sameon II to represent his side, Santiago S readily accepted the debate challenge and he affirmed the first proposition and negated the second proposition.

The propositions discussed in the two meetings were:

(1) Resolved: The scriptures teach that the Holy Spirit dwells in the Christian personally and directly together with the word of God.

(2) Resolved: The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit indwells, influences and guides the Christian today through the word of God only.

Kung ilan sa aking mga kapatid ay nakukulitan sa aking mga pagpapaliwanag sa isyung ito, ako ay humihingi ng paumanhin. Hiling ko lang na inyong pagsabihan ang partidong nagbigay ng threat to denounce as FALSE TEACHERS all those who disagree with him. Ang partidong nagbigay ng threat of denunciation ay handang hatiin din ang mga kongregasyon sa mga isyung kanyang itinuturo. Kailangan patigilin din ninyo siya sa kanyang gawaing ito. At kung nakukulitan na kayo huwag na ninyo ako bibigyan ng topiko sa mga lectureships and preachers forum ukol sa persona at gawain ng Espiritu Santo. Kapag mapatigil na ninyo ang partidong ating natukoy sa taas, kaagad din ako titigil magpaliwanag sa paksang ito.

Basic Assumptions

In the study of the main title, the following presumptions should always be in the student’s mind so that he could readily collate the complex information about the Holy Spirit’s workings.

First, by extension, this corollary question should also be asked: “Does God in person help the Christian today?” This idea comes out from our belief in the Trinity. All three persons share the same attributes.

Second, another question should go with the main title, “Does the Holy Spirit help the Christian today through the oral/written word only as processed by the brain of the person in need?”

Third, still another question goes with the first questions: “Does the Holy Spirit in person help the Christian today through other means above and/or beyond the oral/written word, the Bible, but not contrary to it?”

Fourth, this study presumes our acceptance of God’s attributes as defined by dogmatic theology: omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, transcendence, immanence, unity, trinity, indivisibility, infinity, pure spirit.

Delimitation and Definition of Terms

This study temporarily avoids discussing the term “indwelling” and uses the terms: help, aid, work, influence, guide, nudge, prompt, encourage. By clarifying first the area of help and influence, it will be easier later to deal with the term “indwelling.”

This study is delimited within the Churches of Christ’s belief in the “Ordinary Measure” of the Holy Spirit. The “Full Measure” given to Jesus during His earthly ministry and the “Baptismal and Miraculous Measure” given to the Apostles and those they laid hands on should not be invoked in this discussion. Pentecostalism and claims of prophethood/angelship are excluded.

Terms which are central in this study are person, persona, personality, and personal.

(1) Person, or personality (persona) of the Holy Spirit refers to His having “a self-consciousness, a Being that has intelligence, with the power of choice,” (Moss, The Christian Faith: An Introduction to Dogmatic Theology, 24).

(2) Personal, refers to the self-willing act of a person or his direct influence in activating another person or something so that there’s an effect upon another. It is opposed to an impersonal thing/idea either read or heard that is processed by the brain of the Christian as the basis of what a person may enjoy for himself, a belief he might profess, or a command he undertakes.

The Problem Stated

The 21st century Christian asks: “In my daily life, where do some material or spiritual gifts and blessings come from, where do some actions originate, where do some enlightenments come from, where do I derived some ideas and conclusions?”

The Christian sees several avenues and asks:

(a) Shall I read my Bible and process the information with my brain?
(b) Am I limited to reading my Bible as source of blessings, gifts, information and instructions?

(c) Will blessings, gifts, information, instructions, joy be limited according to the limitations of my brain to process biblical information that I read from the Bible?

(d) Do blessings, gifts or imperceptible nudging sometimes come direct from the person of the Holy Spirit?

(e) Do items come thro some persons or things that are moved by the Holy Spirit Himself?

(f) Are there blessings, gifts or information that reside in nature that could help or aid the Christian today which are not written in the Bible but are not contrary to the Bible?

(g) Do items sometimes come from/through a combination of two or more of the above?

Purposes of this Study

First, it seeks to improve our biblical knowledge and teach us to avoid committing glaring inconsistencies in interpretation among Churches of Christ preachers.

Second, it seeks to promote our prayer life with the enhanced awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence, promptings and help in our daily Christian life.

Third, it seeks to promote more spirituality with our awareness of the Holy Spirit’s workings in our daily Christian life.

Fourth, it promotes stronger dependence upon God with the awareness that God in person is personally assisting the Christian today.

Fifth, it promotes Christian humility in that wisdom, strength, victory in life, success and service are not solely produced by the mental and physical prowess of the individual Christian, but that much of these come as grace from a personal God based on the humility and submissiveness of a Christian heart.

Proposition for series #6: The Holy Spirit in person can do many things (help, influence, guide, nudge, prompt, or encourage the Christian) which the word, the Bible, cannot do.

Proponents of the “through the word only as processed by the brain” ask this question: “What can the Holy Spirit do which the word can’t do?” In effect they would like to say that there’s no need for the personal attention and personal help of the Holy Spirit because everything is done by and/or through the word only, the Bible, when read or heard by the Christian.

In this series #6 we basically talk about persona, ability, omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience, and holiness.

Here are some suggested questions to help us make a decision which claim is more reasonable:

1. Approximately in what year in the Christian era did the Holy Spirit remove from the earth His personal presence, omnipresence, omnipotence and omniscience and leave behind His concern, work, and care for Christians? ___
2. Approximately in what year in the Christian era did the Holy Spirit start to help, aid, influence, guide, prompt, encourage Christians through the oral/written word only as processed by the individual’s brain? ___
3. The Holy Spirit garnished the heavens and He understandably would have a share in controlling the expanding galaxies. Question: Does the Bible exert any control in the overall maintenance of the entire material cosmos like in the gravitational pull, expansion of the galaxies, explosions of the supernovas, dying and birthing of stars, and the swing of asteroids and comets in space? __
4. The Holy Spirit is and does remain a member of the Godhead. Question: Is and can the word, the Bible, remain a member of the Godhead? __
5. The Holy Spirit is and does remain a persona. Q: Can the word, the Bible, become/remain a persona? __
6. The HS does have emotion and will. Question: Can the word, the Bible, have emotion and will? __
7. The HS does have emotion and can be actually grieved. Q: Does the word, the Bible, have emotion and can the word be actually grieved today? ___
8. Psalm 139:7 says that anywhere in the cosmos a person could possibly go the HS actually is there. Q. Can the word, the Bible, today actually go to these places, too? ___
9. The HS in person is actually and literally in heaven (139:8). Q: Can the word, the Bible, actually and literally be in heaven today? ___
10. The HS can go to Sheol. Question: Can the word, the Bible, go to Sheol? ___
11. The HS is God and God could go to the uninhabited outer fringes of the millions of galaxies and influence these heavenly bodies. Q: Can the word, the Bible, go into those outer fringes of the millions of galaxies and influence these stars? ___
12. When a Christian flies from the Philippines and goes west to work in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the HS can go before that person. Q: Can the word, the Bible, go before the person in Mecca, Saudi Arabia? ___
13. When a Muslim flies from the Philippines and goes west to work in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the HS can go before him. Q: Can the word, the Bible, go before the Muslim in Mecca, Saudi Arabia? ___
14. Psalm 139:11 says that the HS can make a pitch black night into clear day. Q: Can the word, the Bible make a pitch black night into clear day? ___
15. Psalm 139:13-15 says that God (HS included) form and develop the organs and body parts of a fetus in the womb of Christian, Muslim, and atheist mothers. Question: Can the word, the Bible form and develop the organs and body parts of a fetus in the womb of Christian, atheist and Muslim mothers? ___
16. The HS can help a Christian who has diarrhea while working in Mecca, Saud Arabia. Q: Can the word, the Bible, help the Christian who has diarrhea in Mecca, Saudi Arabia? ___
17. The HS can help a Christian who is physically sick and hospitalized in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Q: Can the word, the Bible, help the Christian in this sickness while in a hospital in Mecca, Saudi Arabia? ___
18. The HS being God can imperceptibly help Muslim doctors and nurses treat a hospitalized Christian in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Q: Can the word, the Bible, help Muslim doctors and nurses in treating a hospitalized Christian in Mecca, Saudi Arabia? ___
19. The HS can help a comatose Christian who is hospitalized in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Q: Can the word, the Bible, help a comatose Christian who is hospitalized in Mecca, Saudi Arabia? ___
20. We often pray to God that He (HS included) would bless medicines that are used to treat a comatose Christian for extraordinary efficacy. Question: Can the word, the Bible, bless medicines that are applied on a comatose Christian? ___
21. Psalm 139:16 says that God (HS included) can see the unborn fetus in a mother’s womb. Q: Can the word, the Bible, see the unborn fetus in a mother’s womb? ___
22. Psalm 139:16 says that God (HS included) can make a record book on the destiny of people. Q: Can the word, the Bible, write a book that records the destiny of people? ___
23. The Holy Spirit knows the mind of God. Q: Can the word, the Bible, know the mind of God?___
24. The HS can be sinned against like in Acts 5. Q. Can the word, the Bible, be sinned against? ___
25. The HS can be sinned against like in Acts 8 and the sin could be forgiven by the HS. Q: Can the word, the Bible, be sinned against and can the word, the Bible, forgive sins? ___
26. The HS can be addressed in a prayer for a person’s forgiveness. Question: Can the word, the Bible, be addressed for the forgiveness of sins? ___
27. From heaven to earth God (HS included) could telecommunicate messages, teletransport matter from one place to another, and telecommand nature to act. Q: Can the word, the Bible, telecommunicate messages, teletransport matter from one place to another, and telecommand nature to act? ___
28. The HS being an omnipotent God has wisdom and emotion, and by His own choice, could telecommunicate wisdom and emotion to the human brain. Q: Can the word, the Bible, by its own choice, telecommunicate wisdom and emotion to the human brain? ___
29. The HS can transmit the groaning prayers of Christians from earth to the Father in heaven. Q: Can the word, the Bible, transmit the groaning prayers of Christians from earth to the Father in heaven? ___
30. God (the HS included) being omniscient and omnipresent, knows all the sciences and technologies in the fields of astronomy, geology, nuclear medicine, microbiology, surgery, teletransportation, telecommunications, petrology, cellphone operation and repair. Question: Can the word, the Bible, know all these sciences and Technologies today? ___
31. Sometimes we hear Christians pray that God (the HS included) would spare some relatives in typhoon ravaged areas and we believe that some providential care is given even if we believe that God is in heaven above. Question: Can the word, the Bible, extend some providential care in distant ravaged areas? ___
32. God gives the HS after a person obeys (Acts 5:32). Q: What is the word that is given by God to a person after he obeys? ____
33. The Spirit intercedes for a Christian (Rom. 8:26). Q: Can the word intercede for you today? ___
34. Christians invoke the love of the Spirit in prayers. Q: Does the word possess love that we could invoke in our prayers today? ___
35. The HS in person justifies (1 Cor.6:11). Q: Does the Bible by itself justifies you today? ___
36. The HS has the word as His sword (Eph. 6:17). Q: Does the word have the word as its sword? ___
37. The HS can be quenched (1Thes 5:19) by a misbehaving disciple. Q: Can the word be quenched? ___
38. The HS participated in the eternal offering of Christ for our salvation (Heb. 9:14). Q: Did the word participate in offering Christ for our salvation? ___
39. The HS possess the emotion of jealousy (James 4:5). Q: Does the word possess the emotion of jealousy today? __
40. Thro the help of and by the instrumentality of the HS as a person (2Tim.1:13-14), the Christian is encouraged to keep the pattern of sound words which are the words of Jesus Christ and the doctrine of godliness (see 1 Tim.6:3). Q: Does the word provide the aid to a Christian in keeping the word? __
41. The persona of the HS exists and acts as a person apart but in conjunction with the word (2 Tim. 1:13-14). Question: Does the word exist and act as a person apart from the word but in conjunction with the word? ___

After answering all the above questions, you are now ready to make a firm answer to the query: What can the Holy Spirit do that the word, the Bible, cannot do? Another way of asking the question is: Can the word, the Bible, do all what the Holy Spirit in person can do? If there are many things that the Holy Spirit can do which the word, the oral/read Bible, could not do, then we could safely say that there’s a need for the Holy Spirit persona helping us. ©

Fellowship (Panagkakadua) 2008

Tabuk City, Kalinga is the venue of the annual fellowship for congregations in the eastern side of Luzon while churches in the western side of the island will congregate in Sapang, Moncada, Tarlac. The date is March 19-21, 2008. Contact person/coordinator for the Tabuk venue is Edward Tangunan while Jovencio Gundayao helps.

 

Tom Holland Lectureship

Brother Thomas Holland, well known author of books on homiletics and sermon outlines, was featured in a three day lectureship (Feb. 20-23) held at Pavilion A of the Consuelo Hotel in the heart of Lingayen, Pangasinan.  Theme for the lectures was “The Church Leaders in the Forefront of the Christian Battle.” Tom Holland continues to direct the Nashville School of Preaching holding classes at the Crieve Hall church of Christ. Other topics were given by William Watkins, pulpit preacher of the Crieve Hall Church of Christ. Beverly Watkins shared her lessons with ladies.

Then on February 25, brother Holland shared a lesson about basic principles on homiletics to alumni of the Philippine Bible College and students. The library of the college was full during his lecture. #

PBC Alumni Association Celebrates 60th College Anniversary

April 3-4, 2008 is the homecoming date for Philippine Bible College alumni association in Baguio. This is the 60^th anniversary of the college. The annual general assembly will be conducted when the President, Eusebio Tanicala, and the Treasurer, Mar Bernardo, shall give their respective annual reports. Also a new board of trustees shall be elected to serve from May 2008 to April 2011.

In the evening of April 4, Philippine Bible College shall hold its 35^th commencement exercises with alumni in attendance. #         

 

 

Baguio-Benguet Youth Songfest 2008

The annual songfest for young people in Baguio and Benguet was held in the evening of February 17th at the auditorium of Philippine Bible College along Rimando Road. Host for this year’s event was the Loakan A-Hill congregation. Coordinators for this year’s affair were Robin Baquiran and Wyler Addmag. Activities lasted up to 11:00 o’clock. #

World Bible School Continues Partnership with Local Congregations

In the third week of January, preachers and church leaders went around congregations in the Caraga Region promoting the use of World Bible School courses to help get people study the Bible. Among those who gave time to this effort are Isaac Valdez of South Cotabato, Gabriel Valdez of Agusan del Norte, Johnade dela Cruz and Bert Tino of Butuan City, Roy Catamora of Agusan del Norte and Archie Perucho. Bal Lagua, Jr. coordinated this work.

On February 27, a team in Baguio City was formed that concentrated its effort in enrolling students at the Pines City National High School—Loakan Annex. Brother Bal Lagua, Jr., WBS promotions worker  and Robin Baquiran, personal evangelist based in Loakan district of Baguio City, spearheaded this project.

Ten Baptized in Baguio City

From January 5 to February 20,2008 the Centrepoint Church of Christ in Baguio reports the obedience of ten souls and were baptized into the body of Christ. Doing much in the teaching ministry of the congregation are Emilio Panday and Jeirlee Coloma. Baptized last February 20^th was Rowena J. Diaz.  -Emilio Panday

Rabon Bible College Graduation

Ten young people were awarded the certificate Associate in Arts in Biblical Studies in the evening of February 22nd in a memorable program held at the Consuelo Hotel in Lingayen, Pangasinan. Rabon Bible College is under the oversight of the Rabon Church of Christ meeting at Rabon, San Fabian, Pangasinan.

The graduates are Heherson Bergado, Chudnay Ducusin, Angelo Imbat, Anthony Imbat, Gilbert Moreno, Mark Ryan Rosimo, Arnold Solomon, Daisy Libed, Jennyline Nisperos and Laarni Tacotaco-Rosimo.

Brother Donald Kidd of the Hatton Church of Christ in Alabama and brother Eusebio Tanicala of Baguio City were the guest speakers.

Special guests during the program were Thomas Holland, William & Beverly Watkins and Chris Paul from Tennessee.  Also in attendance were the preachers and church leaders who attended the Tom Holland Lectureship.

The Deity and Incarnation of Satan

by Eusebio Tanicala

By showing first the deity and incarnation of Satan, the Serpent, we can more easily neutralize the stock objections and explanations of the Iglesia ni Cristo-Manalo preachers regarding the deity and incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ than if we disregard this step. Manalista preachers sneer at the idea of deity becoming a man of flesh and blood. But have you ever heard any Manalista sneering at an archangel becoming a snake of flesh and bones?

Pagaralan ninyo na kilatisin ang lahat na anggulo ng pagka – espiritu ni Satanas. At ang kanyang pagiging ahas na may buto’t laman. Kung ano ang pangangantiyaw at panglalait ng mga mangangaral na ito, baligtarin ninyo at ituon sa kalagayan ni Satanas.

The English word God or deity is Dei in Latin, and is Dios in Spanish, and is Theos in Greek. The TH is one letter called the theta in the Greek alphabet.

In talking with preachers or members of the Iglesia ni Cristo-Manalo, a study of Satan’s essence and activities should be a first consideration before discussing the essence and activities of Christ. Or a parallel study of the essence and activities of both should be made.

The purpose of analyzing Satan’s essence and activities is to show the INC-Manalo preacher that his line of reasoning in objecting to, nay even deriding the deity-incarnation of Christ, disappears when it is applied on the deity-incarnation of Satan, the Serpent.

For example, the INC-Manalo preacher combines John 4:24, “God is a spirit…” and Luke 24:39, “for a spirit has no flesh and bones, as you see me have,” ergo, Christ is no God because he was in flesh and bones.

Try to apply the same thought process above in the deity and incarnation of Satan, and you’ll find that the INC-Manalo preacher evading, quibbling or even creating trouble to draw you away from the issue and away from his line of reasoning.

In this parallel analysis of Satan and Christ, letter A is for Satan and letter B is for Christ.
(1) A. Did Satan the spirit person create all things? __
B. Did Christ the spirit person create all things? __
(2) A. Did Satan the spirit person create Christ the spirit person? __
B. Did Christ the spirit person create Satan the spirit person? __
(3) A. Did Satan the spirit person become a rock before he became a serpent? __
B. Did Christ the spirit person become a rock before he became a man? __
(4) A. Did Satan the spirit person become a serpent of flesh and bones? __
B. Did Christ the spirit person become a man of flesh and bones? __
(5) A. Did Satan the spirit person enter a body of a serpent? __
B. Did Christ the spirit person enter a body of a man? (Heb. 10:5) __
(6) A. Is Satan a snake? __ Can Satan become a snake? ___ Is a snake Satan? ___
B. Is Christ a man? ___ Can Christ become a man? ___ Is a man Christ? ___
(7) A. Is the material flesh-bones snake Satan? __
B. Is the material flesh-bones man Christ? __
(8) A. Was the material flesh-bone Satan one and the same as the spirit person Satan? __
B. Was the material flesh-bone Christ one and the same as the spirit person Christ? __
(9) A. Did the spirit person Satan exist before the existence of the flesh-bones Satan? __
B. Did the spirit person Christ exist before the existence of the flesh-bones Christ? __
(10) A. Sino ang gumawa o naghanda ng katawang ahas na pinasukan ni Satanas? __
B.Sino ang gumawa o naghanda ng katawang tao na pinasukan ni Cristo? (Mt. 1:20) __
(11) A. Ang Satanas ba na pumasok sa katawang ahas ay ahas rin? __
B. Ang Cristo ba na pumasok sa katawang tao ay tao rin? __
(12) A. Ang ahas ba na pinasukan ni Satanas ay Satanas? __
B. Ang tao ba na pinasukan ni Cristo ay Cristo? __
(14) A. Ang katawang ahas ba na pinasukan ni Satanas ay Satanas din? __
B. Ang katawang tao ba na pinasukan ni Cristo ay Cristo rin? __
(15) A. Did Satan the spirit person enter the cell in the mother serpent’s womb? __
B. Did Christ the spirit person enter the cell in mother Mary’s womb? __
(16) A. Did Satan the spirit person stay in the serpent egg until hatching date? __
B. Did Christ the spirit person stay in the human fetus until birthing date? __
(17) A. Was Satan the spirit person born of a serpent mother? __
B. Was Christ the spirit person born of a human mother? __
(18) A. Was the chemical composition of the Serpent Satan of flesh/bones same as the chemical composition of the spirit person Satan? ___
B. Was the chemical composition of the human Jesus of flesh/bones same as the chemical composition of the spirit person Christ? ___
(19) A. Was the essence of the Serpent Satan of flesh-bones same as the essence of the spirit person Satan?___
B. Was the essence of the human Jesus of flesh-bones same as the essence of the spirit person Christ? ___
(20) A. Was Satan the spirit person one and the same as the Satan of flesh and bones? __
B. Was Christ the spirit person one and the same as the Christ of flesh and bones? __
(21) A. Was the flesh-bones Satan a spirit? __
B. Was the flesh-bones Christ a spirit? __
(22) A. Can the Spirit Satan become a snake of flesh and bones? __
B. Can the Spirit Christ become a man of flesh and bones? __
(23) A. In the grammar of Satan, the verb BE is not the same as the verb BECOME. Right? __
B. In the grammar of Christ, the verb BE is not the same as the verb BECOME. Right? __
(24) A. Ang kabuuan ba ni Satanas ay siya ring kabuuan ng ahas? __
B. Ang kabuuan ba ni Cristo ay siya ring kabuuan ng tao? __
(25) A. Ano ang porsiento ng ahas sa Eden na tawagin Satanas? __
B. Ano ang porsiento ng tao sa Bethlehem na tawaging Cristo? __
(26) A. When Satan became a snake of flesh and bones, was he a snake no more, no less? __
B. When Christ became a man of flesh and bones, was he a man no more, no less? __
(27) A. Was Satan the spirit person older than the flesh-bones Satan in Eden? __
B. Was Christ the spirit person older than the flesh-bones Christ in Bethlehem? __
(28) A. Was Satan the spirit person older than the mother serpent that laid the egg? __
B. Was Christ the spirit person older than mother Mary that birthed the child? __
(29) A. When the Serpent Satan was at the Garden of Eden, did he eat and drink? __
B. When the man Christ Jesus was at Canaan, did he eat and drink? __
(30) A. When the Serpent Satan was at Eden, did he sleep? __
B. When the man Christ Jesus was in Canaan, did he sleep? __
(31) A. If the Serpent Satan of flesh-bones was laid as an egg and then hatched, ilan ang mga kapatid niya? __
B. The man Christ Jesus of flesh-bones was born, ilang ang mga kapatid niya ayon sa Marcos 6:3? ___
(32) A. When the Serpent Satan of flesh-bones died, did Satan the spirit person die? __
B. When the man Christ Jesus of flesh-bones died, did Christ the spirit person die? __
(33) A. When the head of Serpent Satan of flesh-bones was crushed, did Satan die? __
B. When the heel of the man Christ Jesus of flesh-bones was bruised, did Christ die? __
(34) A. When the head of Serpent Satan of flesh-bones was crushed, did Satan the spirit person die? ___
B. When the heel of the man Christ Jesus of flesh-bones was bruised, did Christ the spirit person die? ___
(35) A. When the Serpent Satan of flesh-bones died, was the body buried? __
B. When the man Christ Jesus died, was the body buried? __
(36) A. Where is the body of the Serpent Satan presently located? __
B. Where is the body of the man Christ Jesus presently located? __
(37) A. Because Satan of flesh-bones is no longer in the material form, did Satan die? __
B. Because Christ of flesh-bones is no longer in the material form, did Christ die? __
A. Sapagkat wala na si Satanas na ahas na pisikal, wala na ba si Satanas na ahas? ___
B. Sapagkat wala na si Cristo na taong pisikal, wala na ba si Cristo na tao? ___
(38) A. Was the body of the Serpent Satan resurrected? __
B. Was the body of the man Christ Jesus resurrected? __
(39) A. Does Satan presently exist in the essence he existed before he became a flesh-bones serpent? ___
B. Does Christ presently exist in the essence he existed before he became a flesh-bones human? ___
(40) A. Did Satan the spirit person bring with him in the heavenly realms a resurrected flesh–bones body? ___
B. Did Christ the spirit person bring with him in the heavenly realms a resurrected flesh–bones body? ___
(41) A. Does Luke 24:39 prohibit and limit Satan the spirit person from becoming flesh and bones? __
B. Does Luke 24:39 prohibit and limit Christ the spirit person from becoming flesh and bones? ___
(42) A. Does Luke 24;39 prohibit and limit Satan the spirit person from taking the form of flesh and bones? __
B. Does Luke 24:39 prohibit and limit Christ the spirit person from taking the form of flesh and bones? ___
(43) A. Noong nawala sa lupa ang Satanas na ahas, nawala na ba si Satanas sa lupa? __
B. Noong nawala sa lupa ang Cristo na tao, nawala na ba si Cristo sa lupa? __
(44) A. According to 2 Cor. 4:4, Satan is the GOD OF THIS WORLD, do you believe this? __
B. According to 1 John 5:20, Christ is THE TRUE GOD AND ETERNAL LIFE, do you believe this? __
(45) A. When Satan took the form of a snake, was the whole being of Satan in the body of the snake? __
B. When Christ took the form of a man, was the whole being of Christ in the body of the man? __
(46) A. Because Satan is GOD (deity) OF THIS WORLD, did the whole deity of Satan dwell in the snake? (2 Cor. 4:4).
B. Because Christ is GOD (deity), did the whole deity dwell in the man? (See Col. 1:19; Col 2:9; Heb. 10:5)
(47) A. The Greek word Theos is capital theta in the Greek text and refers to Satan in 2 Cor. 4:4. Agree? __
B. The Greek work Theos is capital theta in the Greek text and refers to Christ in 1 John 5:20. Agree? __
(48) A. Satan the spirit person took the form of a snake of flesh-bones when he kidnapped Eve. Agree? ___
B. Christ the spirit person took the form of a man of flesh-bones when he ransomed the children of Eve. (Mk 10:45; 1 Tim.2:6; 1 Cor. 6:20). Agree?
(49) A. Satan the spirit person is GOD OF THIS WORLD is the Satan of flesh and bones, right? ___
B. Christ the TRUE GOD AND ETERNAL LIFE is the Christ of flesh and bones, right? ___
(50) A. Satan the spirit GOD OF THIS WORLD can become Satan of flesh and bones, right? ___
B. Christ the spirit TRUE GOD AND ETERNAL LIFE can become Christ of flesh and bones, right? __
(51) A. Is there anything funny/impossible in Satan the spirit person becoming a material snake of flesh and bones? __
B. Is there anything funny/impossible in Christ the spirit person becoming a material man of flesh and bones? ___
(52) A. Guapo ba si Satanas na personang espiritu na naging buto’t laman na ahas? __
B. Guapo ba si Cristo na personang espiritu na naging buto’t laman na tao? __

Do you find the INC-Manalo preacher or member honest in answering the questions about Satan’s deity and incarnation? __

How to Overcome the Literalism of The Religious Group Ang Dating Daan

By Eusebio Tanicala

Ito ay ilan sa mga kasabihan o pangalan ng mga bagay na popular sa Filipinas. Ang mga pangalan ay hindi nagbibigay ng limitasyon ng paggamit o kasarian, kundi katawagan lamang. Pagaralan ninyo ang mga pangungusap upang maintindihan ninyo ang kantiyaw ng mga nasa Ang Dating Daan.

1. Pahayag: “Ang hotdog ay nailagay sa freezer ng grocery store.”

a) Ano ang “hot”? Answer: Mainit; Ano ba ang dog? Answer: aso.

b) Mayroon bang frozen sa freezer na hot? Ans: Hotdog.

c) Hotdog pa ba ang hotdog kahit malamig? ____

d) Hotdog ba kahit hindi aso? ___

e) Conclusion: The term “hot” doesn’t define temperature; “dog” doesn’t define kind of meat.

2. Pahayag: “Dalagang bukid ang nakita namin sa dagat.”

a) Ano ba ang dalaga? Ans: Young woman; Ano ba ang bukid? Ans: Cebuano: Bundok.

b) Bakit sa bundok nakikita ang dalagang bukid?

c) Mayroon bang dalagang bukid na lalaki? __ Dalagang bukid na ba kahit kapapanganak lang? __

d) Ang dalagang bukid ay nagihaw ng dalagang bukid.

e) Ang dalagang bukid na nakatira sa bundok ay nag-ulam ng dalagang bukid mula sa dagat.

f) Conclusion: “dalaga” and “bukid” don’t point to the ordinary meaning of woman and farm.

3. Pahayag: “Morning glory is fully in bloom and beautiful at sunrise.”

a) Ano ang “morning”? Ans: Umaga/buntag. Ano ang glory? Ans: Kaluwalhatian.

b) Morning glory pa ba ang morning glory kahit gabi? ____

c) Morning glory pa ba ang morning glory kahit lanta na? ____

d) The term “morning” doesn’t define the time of day the flower is called by its name.

4. Pahayag: “Sunday dress ang suot ng mga estudiante sa graduation program nila.”

a) Sunday dress ba ang Sunday dress pag isinuot sa araw ng Linggo? _____

b) Sunday dress ba ang Sunday dress pag isinuot sa araw ng Martes? _____

c) The term “Sunday” doesn’t limit the day the dress is worn.

5. Pahayag: “Gumagamit ako ng computer.”

a) Ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng “compute”? Ans: Do arithmetic or mathematical operations.

b) Am I “computing” if I’m writing an essay? _____

c) Is a computer a computer even if it is not computing?

6. Pahayag: “The cause of his death is malaria.”

a) Ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng mal sa Spanish? Ans: Bad like in malas.

b) Ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng aria sa Spanish? Ans: Air or hangin.

c) Kaya ang malaria is bad air or malas na hangin. Is malaria caused by bad air? ___

d) Ask a doctor if malaria is truly caused by bad air.

e) Conclusion: The term “air” doesn’t define the real cause of the disease. Katawagan lang.

7. Pahayag: “We traveled along the highway that partly goes thru a tunnel under the mountain.”

a) Ano ba ang “high”? Ans: Mataas. Ano ba ang way? Ans: Daanan, path.

b) Kaya ang highway ay mataas na daanan. Highway pa ba ang highway kahit mababa?

8. Pahayag: “In a colored map of Europe Greenland is white because it is covered with snow.”

a) Ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng green? Ans: Luntian. Ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng land?

b) Green ba ang Greenland kahit covered ng white snow? ____

c) Greenland pa ba ang Greenland kahit puti ang makikita mo sa ibabaw? ___

d) The term “green” doesn’t define the color of the land. Katawagan lang.

9. Pahayag: “That bluish building on the campus is a white elephant.”

a) Ano ang white? Ans: Puti. Ano ang elephant? It is a big, black, live animal.

b) White ba ang bluish? ___ Elephant ba ang building? ____

10. Order ng grupo sa restaurant? “Bottomless pitcher ngang Root Beer.”

a) Gaano kataas kaya ang isang pitcher sa restaurant? ___

b) Mayroon bang bottom ng isang pitcher sa restaurant? ___

c) Bottomless ba ang may bottom na pitcher? ___

11. Pahayag: “ANG CRISTO AY SUMISIGAW SA SABUNGAN NOONG LINGGO.”

a) SINO BA ANG CRISTO SA SABUNGAN NG MGA PINOY?

b) SINO BA ANG CRISTO AYONG SA MGA JUDIO?

c) BUHAY BA SA LAMAN ANG CRISTO NGAYON?

d) ANG CRISTO BA SA LAMAN AY ANAK NG DIOS?

e) Ang cristo sa sabungan ay hindi talagan Cristo ng Biblia. Katawagan lang.

12. Pahayag ng mga taga-Bohol: “Mag-Honda tayong papuntang bundok para madali.”

a) Nag-Honda sila sa Yamaha ni brother Pol.

b) Nag-Honda ba sila kahit Yamahang motorsiklo ang sinakyan? ___

c) Nag-Honda basila kahit Kawasaking motorsiklo ang sinakyan? ___

13. Pahayag: “Magkodak tayo upang mayroon tayong alaala sa affair na ito.”

a) Ano ba ang Kodak? Ans: Isang brand ng kamera.

b) Maari bang magkodak ang grupo na ang gamiting kamera ay Canon? __

14. Pahayag: “This Man of War sailed from Hawaii and carried 2000 sailors into Leyte Gulf.”

a) Ano ba ang “man”? Ans: Tao. Ano ba ang “war”? Ans: Guerra.

b) Can a tao carry 2000 sailors or navymen? ____

c) Is the Man of War a living human being? ___

d) Is the Man of War made of heavy steel? ___

e) The term “Man” doesn’t define the species and gender of the object. Katawagan lang.

15. “Hapunan ng Panginoon” at ang “hapunan ng Panginoon”

a) Ilang beses kumain si Jesus ng Hapunan ng Panginoon? ___

b) Ilang beses naghanda ang mga apostol ng Hapunan ng Panginoon? ___

b) Ilang beses ba kumain ng hapunan ang Panginoon? ___

16. “Hapunan” “Supper” is part of the name (katawagan) because it was started by Christ at evening time. The term “hapunan” or “supper” does not define the time of the observance as much as “Morning” in the flower Morning Glory doesn’t define the time of day the flower is true a morning glory. Katawagan lang. The term “Sunday” in the
Sunday dress does not define the day when the apparel is worn. ©

JESUS CHRIST IS A REAL HISTORICAL PERSON WITH A TIMELESS MESSAGE

By Eusebio Tanicala, Ph.D.

(Note: This lesson was delivered on January 6, 2008 during the National Evangelism Workshop-Seminar which was conducted in the chapel at the Morning Breeze Subdivision in Kalookan City, Metro Manila. We want to share these ideas with our readers).

The purpose of this article is to submit proofs and arguments in support of the historicity of Jesus Christ of the Christian Bible. We deny that Jesus of the Bible is a fictitious person. Among Christians, anyone who denies the historicity of Jesus is likened to a person who denies his own physical existence. But for the sake of those who have not been raised in a Christian surrounding and for the sake of academic discussion, we oblige ourselves to prove our thesis.

We submit the following proofs and arguments:

FIRST, Jewish History Provides Strong Evidence on the Historicity of Jesus of Nazareth.

The nation of Israel recognizes that Jesus of Nazareth is a historical person. However, Jesus is considered an ordinary Hebrew, a prophet but not the Messiah. Places, people, events that are interwoven with the life and times of Jesus Christ as recorded in the gospels are geographically and historically correct.

It is also said that rabbinic and Talmudic literatures make references about Jesus of Nazareth of Nazareth.

SECOND, Jewish and Roman Historians Make References of Jesus of Nazarth.

The following historians make mention of Jesus of Nazareth. Their proximity to the time of Jesus Christ and the decades of the twelve apostles who spread Christianity should suggest that they had fresh and living sources of their narratives.

1. Flavius Josephus who lived from A.D. 37—96. He was a well educated Jew and for his education and his influence among his people he was appointed a Roman army general.
2. Thallus wrote about the year A.D. 52.
3. Mara-Bar-Serapion wrote about the year A.D. 73.
4. Cornelius Tacitus
5. Pliny the Younger lived from A.D. 55—117.
6. Lucian of Samosata.
7. Celsus the second century Epicurean philosopher.
8. Toledot Yeshu

THIRD, Early Christian Literature Bear Witness of Jesus Christ.

1. Old manuscripts of books of the Bible and portions of the Bible dated from the third to the fourth centuries of the Christian Era are extant which prove that Jesus Christ was a historical person and not a product of myth writers. These ancient manuscripts are the Codex Sinaiticus, Vaticanus, Alexandrinus, Ephraematic, Bezae are the major ones among five thousand Greek copies.
2. The first followers of Jesus Christ like the twelve apostles and his disciples were so persuaded about the claims of the Lord as the Son of God and Savior who died and was resurrected and returned to heaven that in the next one hundred years this new religion has reached Spain in the West of the Roman Empire, Egypt, Arabia and Ethiopia in the South, Persia and India in the East. The kind of missionary zeal exercised by the first disciples debunks the fictitious origin of Jesus Christ. Their writings which included accounts of eyewitnesses support a historical Jesus.
3. The Roman or Western branch of Christianity makes a list of their bishops in Rome back to the middle of the first century. Churches that believe in Jesus Christ have an unbroken line of generations back to the time of Jesus Christ.
4. Bibles translated in the vernaculars in the third and 4th centuries testify that belief in Jesus Christ is ancient. There were early translations of parts of the Bible in the languages of Syria and Egypt. The Latin Vulgate Bible translated by Jerome was started in A.D. 380. This work was the basis of the Douai Version of the Roman Catholic Church which came out in 1908.
5. There are the so-called church fathers, leaders and writers of Christian communities some of whom were disciples of the apostles or were converts of the immediate disciples of the apostles wrote about Jesus Christ as a historical person. Among them were Papias who was born between A.D. 50—60, a disciple of Apostle John. Justin Martyr who lived from A.D. 100—165, was beheaded in Rome. Irenaeus of the second century wrote many things that refer to Jesus Christ. Their works are compiled in a book with the title, Ante Nicean Fathers.
6. Eusebius Pamphili, bishop of Caesarea who lived from A.D. 264-340, wrote about the beginning and spread of Christianity.

FOURTH, Muhammad of Arabia, the Prophet of Islam, Recognizes the Historicity of Jesus Christ.

The Qur’an and the Ahaddith make many references about Jesus the son of Mary. Jesus Christ is one of the 25 great prophets of God recognized by Muhammad who lived from A.D.570 to 632.

FIFTH, Make a Comparison with Other Literary Works

Some people are skeptical about the historicity of Jesus Christ and also doubt the veracity of the Bible as a book of history. But the text of the Bible is based on very ancient manuscripts dating back to the third and 4th centuries. Whereas, other literary works that are readily accepted are based on very late manuscripts like the following:

1. The oldest manuscripts of the Greek poet Homer date back to A.D. 800.
2. Caesar’s Gallic War of 58—50 B.C. are dated A.D. 900.
3. Roman History of Livy, 59 B.C. – 17 A.D. Of the 147 books originally written, only 35 manuscripts are said to exist and 29 of these date back to the 4th century.
4. Histories of Tacitus written A.D. 100-115, only 14 books are extant which are derived from two manuscripts of the ninth century.
5. The Annals of Titus written about A.D.100 has ten manuscripts which date back to A.D.1100.
6. History of Thucydides written 480—425 B.C. has eight manuscripts existing that date back to A.D. 900

TIMELESS TEACHINGS

The gospels written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John contain the teachings of Jesus Christ. These teachings are the bedrock of European Civilization which affected America and the Philippines. Christ’s teachings influenced world view, philosophy, justice, government and economics.

Belief in the One God as creator and governor of the universe gives us reasonable philosophical world view. The Sermon on the Mount makes society God centered and makes human relationship enlightened.

Other ideas that improve society are the Fatherhood of a merciful God; Heaven as eternal home of the faithful gives a bright tomorrow; Trust in God creates a positive view of life and reduces anxiety; Praying to God makes life positive; Loving neighbor as one loves self improves society; Last Judgment provides a sense of justice; the Parable of the Good Samaritan has inspired the establishment of hospitals and enhanced the value of human life; Christ’s philosophy of “ The Greatest Is One Who Serves” is the current philosophy of leadership and governance today; 1 Cor 13; Galatians 5:17-21; Philippians 2 refine our emotions and puts the emotion of LOVE on a pedestal. Love is the finest and the most noble among emotions

Special topics to be discussed in San Fabian, Pangasinan

Elders of the Rabon congregation in San Fabian town have invited brethren Pablo Lachica and Eusebio Tanicala to discuss on February 9th the following topics:

1. Bountiful Giving
2. The Celebration and Symbolism of the Lord’s Supper
3. Overcoming the Objections of the “Ang Dating Daan” about the weekly Lord’s Supper
4. Explanation of the use of mini cups in the Lord’s Supper

Church leaders and preachers are invited to attend.

Tom Holland Lectureship in Lingayen

“Church Leaders in the Forefront of the Christian Battle” is the theme of a lectureship scheduled for February 21-23, 2008 at the Hotel Consuelo in the capital town of Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Speakers are  Thomas Holland, director of the Nashville School of Preaching & Biblical Studies, and Bill Watkins, pulpit minister at the Crieve Hall congregation in Nashville, Tennessee. Beverly Watkins will share lessons with ladies in a separate hall.

Registration fee is Php1,000 which shall cover sleeping quarters,  meals, snacks, use of the convention hall and use of the swimming pool.  Check in at the hotel could start in the afternoon of the 20th.

Contact persons: Edwin DG Bacani 09273125500; Judy Ann Erese 09158125120; Edna Ducusin 09205885208; Mon Devera 09157745088.

Kabacan Church needs 2 workers

Two ministers are needed to advance the Lord’s work in Kabacan, Cotabato.

1. Minister of Adults with the following qualifications among others: between 30 and 60 years old; at least 2 years experience in the ministry;  has at least a bachelor’s degree in theology; able to teach music; can communicate in Tagalog and English; physically fit.
2. Youth Minister with the following qualifications among others: between 23 and 30 years old;  at least 1 year experience in youth ministry; able to teach music in the church; physically fit.

Contact person: Mr. Quintin M. Balagot e-mail – kenbal5@yahoo.com

Rabon Bible College holds graduation in February

In the evening of February 22, Rabon Bible College which operates in San Fabian, Pangasinan, will award the title of Associate in Theology to ten students. This ceremony will coincide with the lectureship that is scheduled at the Hotel Consuelo in Lingayen, Pangasinan. Brother Donald Kidd is the guest speaker.

Baptism in Tuao, Cagayan

Jhun Ma who preaches in Tuao reports the obedience and baptism of Ricky Agayam last January 27th.

3 Baptized in Ilagan, Isabela

Brother Bal Lagua, Sr., evangelist based in Ilagan town, reports that on Jan. 27, three of those he has been teaching obeyed the Lord and were baptized. They are Gemma Mondejo and daughters Ma. Pia Angeline and Karen Kaye.

Christianity and Islam – Comparison & Contrast (Series #5)

By Eusebio Tanicala, Ph.D.

(Brief review: In series #4, we presented a contradiction. The Angel Gabriel declares in the Gospel record that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. However, the Qur’an which is said to have been brought to Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel declares otherwise. The Qur’an says that Jesus Christ is NOT the Son of God. Since the Qur’an was written more than 600 years after the Gospel was written, it is the Qur’an that makes Angel Gabriel contradictory. Please evaluate this given argument. In this series #5, we move on to another step in our comparison and contrast).

Series #5 Title: Important and Credible Witnesses Testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Introduction

Both Christianity and Islam believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah, the Christ, who is prophesied in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible.

In the previous issue, we presented proofs that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The passages cited are from the Gospel record which are accepted and believed by Muslims as coming from God. In this series number #5 we continue to build up our case which proves that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

This Father-Son relationship is moral and ethical. God is a spirit so we should not speak of God as a father who physically sired or generated a physical son. Jesus Christ, the second person in the Trinity, existed as a spirit persona before He became flesh or human in A.D. 1 of the Christian Era.

The Qur’an and Muslim apologists reject the Christian belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Several years ago, this writer received booklets from young Muslim propagandists. These booklets are The True Message of Jesus Christ by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips; Just One Message by Dr. Naji I. Al-Arfaj, Ang Totoong Mensahe ni Cristo Jesus, lathalain ng F.G.O. sa Zulfi 11932-Saudi Arabia; and Christ in Islam by Ahmed Deedot. These booklets teach that Jesus Christ is not the Son of God.

If Muslims in public and in print deny that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, Christians should have the same right as well to reaffirm their belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God in public and in print. If Muslim apologists seek to undermine the Bible by showing alleged inconsistencies, Christians should have the same right to show discrepancies in the Qur’an. By so doing we will be able to determine which of the two is more consistent and more logical.

One Muslim adherent commented in our website that Christians and Muslims should be able to exchange ideas in a civilized way. He says that what we say in private should be brought out in public.

The Qur’an Recognizes the Gospel

Our first step in proving our point in this series is to prove that Islam should accept and believe the gospel because the Qur’an teaches them to do so. Here are some passages from the Qur’an (translation by Al-Hilali and Khan) that declare the authority of the Gospel records:

Surah 3:3, “It is He Who has sent down the Book (the Qur’an) to you (Muhammad) with truth, confirming what came before it. And He sent down the Torah and the Gospel….”

Surah 16:43, “And We sent not (as Our Messengers) before you (O Muhammad) any but men, whom We inspired, (to preach and invite mankind to believe in the Oneness of Allah). So ask of those who know the Scripture (learned men of the Torah and the Gospel), if you know not.”

Surah 29:27, “And We bestowed on him (Abraham) Isaac and Jacob, and ordained among his offspring Prophethood and the Book (i.e. the Torah (to Moses), the Gospel (to Jesus), the Qur’an (to Muhammad), …”

Surah 12:111, “Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding. It (the Qur’an) is not a forged statement but a confirmation of the Allah’s existing Books (the Torah, the Gospel and other Scriptures of Allah) and a detailed explanation of everything and a guide and a mercy for the people who believe.”

Surah 29:46, 47 “… and say (to them): ‘We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you; our Ilah (God) and your Ilah (God) is One (i.e.Allah), and to Him we have submitted (as Muslims).’ And thus We have sent down the Book (i.e. this Qur’an) to you (O Muhammad), and those whom We gave the Scripture (the Torah and the Gospel aforetime) believe therein as also do some of these (who are present with you now like ‘Abdullah bin Salam) and none but the disbelievers reject Our Ayat [(proofs, signs, verses, lessons, etc., and deny Our Oneness of Lordship and Our Oneness of worship and Our Oneness of Our Names and Qualities: i.e. Islamic Monotheism)]”

Surah 6:115,”And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can change His Words. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.”

Following are the important and credible witnesses who declare that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. These passages come from the Gospel record that the Qur’an says should be accepted and believed by Muslims. To save space we choose the important phrases and the direct words from the passages that give the clear testimonies about the Sonship of Jesus Christ. Please read your Bible to better appreciate the testimonies. And let your Muslim friend read them himself. We quote from the New King James Version.

A. God the Father testifies that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Matt. 3:17, “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’”

Luke 3:22, “… a voice came from heaven which said, ‘You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

Matt. 17:5, “…a voice came out of the cloud saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’”

Mark 9:7, “… a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son. Hear Him.’”

Luke 9:34, 35, “… a voice came out of the cloud, saying ‘This is My beloved Son. Hear Him.’”

Matt. 16:16, 17, “ … ‘You are the Christ the Son of the living God’… ‘…flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.’”

B. Jesus Christ himself testifies that He is the Son of God.

John 10:36, “…do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’”?

John 11:4, “…When Jesus heard that, He said, ‘This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’”

John 14:13, “… that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

John 17:1, “… ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.”

John 19:7,”…’We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.’”

Matt. 26:63-64 , “ …Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven’”

John 9:35-38, “… He said to him, ‘Do you believe in the Son of God?’ … ‘Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.’”

C. Angel Gabriel testifies that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Luke 1:30, 32, “…Then the angel said to her…He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest…”

Luke 1:35,”And the angel answered…Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.”

D. John the Baptist testifies that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

John 1:34, “ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

E. The Apostles testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Matt. 16:16, “… ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” This is from Peter.

John 1:49, “… ‘Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel.” This is Nathanael.

John 20:31, “but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God…”

John 6:69, “… ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’”

John 3:16-17, “For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son … For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world…’”

F. Disciples testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

John 11:27, “She said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.’”

Mark 1:1, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

G. The Devil testifies that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Matt. 4:3, 6, “… ‘If you are the Son of God…’” (Some translations read, “Since you are the Son of God…”)

Luke 4:3, 9, “…If You are the Son of God, …” (Some translations read, “‘Since you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here.’”)

H. Evil spirits testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Matt. 8:29, “… ‘What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?’”

Mark 3:11, “And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out, saying, ‘You are the Son of God.’”

Mark 5:7, “…he cried out … ‘What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God….’”

Luke 4:41, “…demons came out…saying, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of God!’ …”

Luke 8:28, “… he cried out … ‘What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!’”

Muhammad did not know how to read and write

According to scholars, there were many manuscripts of the gospel record existing in the 5^th and 6^th centuries. The above passages could have been read by Muhammad if he knew how to read the Greek manuscripts as well as the translations into other languages. Unfortunately, Muhammad did not know how to read.

This is the narration given by one author about the literary ability of Muhammad, “According to Muslims, Gabriel said to him, ‘Read!’ Muhammad replied, ‘I am not one of they who can read.’ The Angel embraced him, insisting, ‘Read!’ Muhammad again answered, ‘I am not one of they who can read.’ (The Two Faces of Islam, Schwartz, p. 9).

Apparently, even today, many Muslim apologists don’t know about the above gospel passages which we have drawn out from the Gospel record. Observe the confession of Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali in this quotation, “ Jesus never called himself Son of God as far as I know – but he used to call himself the ‘Son of Man’ (ref. Mark 2:10) although he heard himself being called by that name he did not object – as assumed in the Bible – and did not consider the title exclusively for him.” (Index page 1027, Interpretation o f the Meanings of THE NOBLE QUR’AN in the English Language). The listed Gospel passages shown above prove that Dr. Al-Hilali did not know many verses in the gospel record. ©

Lectureship Invitation

Dear brethren,

Gracious greetings in the precious Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Rabon Bible College, under the oversight of the elders of the Rabon Church of Christ, Rabon, San Fabian, Pangasinan will host a lectureship with a theme: “THE CHURCH LEADERS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE CHRISTIAN BATTLE”, on February 21-23, 2008 to be held in Consuelo Hotel Resort & Restaurant, Lingayen, Pangasinan. We have invited bro. THOMAS HOLLAND, Director of Nashville School of Preaching and bro. BILL WATKINS, Pulpit Minister of the Crieve Hall church of Christ to be our speakers.

In connection to this, we would like to extend our cordial invitation to you that we may all be recipients of the encouragement of preaching boldly the Word of God and be the Leaders God’s want us to be not only inside the church but also in the community where we live.

Our registration fee is ONE THOUSAND PESOS (Php.1,000) that covers the following:

1.Three (3) days meals (eat all you can) and snacks which will starts on February 20th supper until February 23rd breakfast,
2.Air-conditioned room, Swimming pool, Convention hall.

Please confirm your attendance on or before February 15th through the following contact persons: EDWIN DG. BACANI-09273125500, JUDY ANN ERESE-09158125120, EDNA DUCUSIN-09205885208, SOLOMON Q. DE VERA-09157745088.

In His Name we serve,

EDWIN DG. BACANI
Director

Noted by:

MELCHOR DUCUSIN
Overseeing Elder