That's in the Bible

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Everyday people asking a range of questions about life, faith, and the Bible. Viewers will have their questions answered by the best-selling book of all time – the Bible.

  1. Aug 27

    Is the Sign of the Cross Bad?

    Summary: The Church Of Christ does not use the sign of the cross in its houses of worship and worship services. The Bible describes a mark that will be used by Satan that will be placed on the right hand and forehead of those he has deceived. The sign of the cross was established by the Roman Catholic Church to identify its members, which is why the Church Of Christ does not use it. Scripture references: Revelation 13:16 Revelation 14:9-11 In this episode: [0:35] Viewer questions [1:20] Definition of the sign of the cross [3:50] Meaning of the cross to Catholics [7:08] What the Bible says about this mark [12:12] Summary and review Click to expand transcript   Full Episode Transcript Brother Bob Pellien: In the sight of many, the cross has become an identifying symbol of Christianity. But why doesn’t the Church Of Christ use it? Or should we? 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! Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Welcome to the program, That’s in the Bible. We received an email from a viewer and she asked the following: Why doesn’t the Church Of Christ use the sign of the cross? [0:35] Viewer question Why doesn’t the Church Of Christ use the sign of the cross? Ivy Brother Bob: Thank you very much, Ivy, for your email question, and thank you also for the opportunity to give a biblical answer. Let’s frame our topic of discussion around these initial questions in order to give a clear and thorough answer: What is the sign of the cross? What does the sign of the cross actually mean or signify? How does the Bible describe that mark or sign? [1:20] Definition of the sign of the cross So, before we turn to the Holy Scriptures for the Bible’s response, Ivy, to your question, for the sake of our viewers and of those of other Christian-professing religions that, well, may not know what’s really being referred to as the “sign of the cross,” let’s take a look at a couple of video clips that show what is the sign of the cross that is being done by the Roman Catholic Church. Take a look. Priest: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Voiceover: We begin with what is perhaps our earliest personal religious memory and practice–the sign of the cross. An indulgence of 100 days is granted for making the sign of the cross and saying the words. And indulgence of 300 days for making the sign of the cross, with holy water. Voiceover: As often as we make the sign of the cross, repeating at the same time these words, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.”  Brother Bob: So we can see that the sign of the cross is a sign that the members of the Catholic Church have made for themselves and we can see it everywhere in their religion. We can see the cross on their worship buildings. We can see the cross on their rosaries, which they always use when they pray, right? We can see also the cross in so many places and it’s become such a prevalent visual symbol, and everyone is convinced, of course, that it is a good symbol. What have they themselves said, in fact, however, about the importance of that sign that the Catholic authorities have branded or required their believers to use? Well, we have here their book and it’s entitled the Externals of the Catholic Church, and here on page 218, let’s take a look at what they have written about the cross: The ordinary method of making the sign of the cross is that which every Catholic learns in early childhood—the putting of the right hand to the forehead… Externals of the Catholic Church John F. Sullivan, p. 218 Brother Bob: So, dear friends, what they’ve written here in their book then, is that it’s a sign that starts by putting one’s right hand to the forehead. And take note the use of the left hand, that’s wrong. That would be incorrect. That would not be the proper procedure. Bringing the right hand to the forehead is the method they teach to begin the sign of the cross. [3:50] Meaning of the cross to Catholics And because, you know, they are very particular on how to make the sign of the cross, what does the sign of the cross mean or signify for them? And how valuable is the sign of the cross to Catholics? You know, in another book, this one is entitled 1000 Questions and Answers on Catholicism. Page 240, this is stated: What is the significance of the sign of the cross? The sign of the cross is an inseparable symbol of the Catholic faith. 1000 Questions and Answers on Catholicism Philip O’Reilly, p. 240 Brother Bob: Well, so they claim that the sign of the cross, it’s an inseparable symbol. And it’s what identifies them as a Roman Catholic. It’s their symbol. It’s their sign. And because of this, just how often is the sign of the cross made or performed? In another one of their books, this one is entitled My Catholic Faith, and it’s written by the authoritative writer of the Catholic Church, the Bishop, Louis La Ravoire Morrow, and he writes here on page 392 in his book. It’s very interesting, what he wrote: We usually begin and end our prayers with the sign of the cross…. Nothing in the Church is begun, carried out, or completed, without the sign of the cross. It is used in innumerable blessings and ceremonials of the Church. At Mass alone it is used fifty-one times. My Catholic Faith Bishop Louis La Ravoire Morrow, p. 392 Brother Bob: Here, dear friends, we can learn how important it is to the Catholic Church. In fact, they use it fifty-one times in the Mass alone, and the mass, well, that’s their worship gathering. It is used, and as they said here, in the beginning of their prayers, at the end of their prayers for a total, as we cited there, fifty-one times. And in all the other ceremonies that they hold as well. So, according to Catholic authorities, is the sign of the cross a symbol for just anyone and everyone? In fact if we’ll go back to that and even on the same page, page 392, it says: The sign of the cross is the most common way of confessing our faith. By it we can know Catholics from non-Catholics. My Catholic Faith Bishop Louis La Ravoire Morrow, p. 392 Brother Bob: So, clearly that is a sign founded and made inside the Catholic Church, and as they stated here, for what purpose? To brand or to identify or to mark a Catholic from a non-Catholic. For clarification, the word ‘Catholic’ itself means ‘universal’ or ‘extending all over the world.’ So the cross, then, is to mark or to identify themselves as Catholics. [7:08] What the Bible says about this mark So now that we know what the sign of the cross is, what it means, how it is made, and who it is for, let’s now turn to the Holy Scriptures, the Bible, and find out how this sign or mark is described. How does the Bible describe this mark or sign? In fact, dear friends, does the Bible make any mention of a sign that would identify or mark those in a Catholic or in universal church? We turn to Revelation chapter 13, verse 16 wherein it says this: He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, Revelation 13:16 New King James Version Brother Bob: The Bible does mention then a sign or a mark given to a multitude of people, and where is this mark? It is said that it’s “on their right hand or on their foreheads.” Now you know we’ve heard these arguments, some may argue that, well, you know, the sign of the cross of the Catholic Church, it’s just a hand gesture, they might say, which starts by putting, yes, the right hand to the forehead. It’s not a mark that is visually seen on the forehead or on the hand. But, dear friends, is that true? The cross is not a mark? Is the sign of the cross ever at any point in time a visual mark placed on their forehead? Of course it is! Every year we are able to visually see Catholics branded with or receiving a mark of the cross on their foreheads as they celebrate what they call “Ash Wednesday,” which all Catholics are encouraged to do. So what does the Bible say about those who have received this sign or mark? What awaits people who possess or brand themselves with the sign of the cross on their forehead, or on their hand, or both for that matter? Is it a good sign? Should we all be making that sign of the cross? We turn again back to the Holy Scriptures for the answer of the Bible, and we turn to the book of Revelation 14:9, 10 and 11. Let’s find out, good sign or not a good sign: Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:9-11 New King James Version Brother Bob: So dear friends, is it a good sign or not? Definitely not! The Bible describes what’s going to happen to those who have received this mark on their forehead or on their hand. What will happen to them? As we have read, “they have no rest day or night.” Why no rest ever? What’s the horrible fate that awaits them? Also as we read here, it will “be tormented with fire and brimstone… And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever.” Who will this happen to? As we read, “whoever receives the mark of his name.” Therefore, dear friends, the sign of the cross, it’s not a sign from

  2. Jul 30

    Who is the Bird of Prey in Isaiah 46:11?

    Isaiah 46:11 describes a bird of prey that would do God’s work at a certain time and place. Some point to Cyrus of Persia as the fulfillment of that prophecy. But inside the Church Of Christ we know and believe that Brother Felix Y. Manalo was the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 46:11. Watch time: 11:07 • That’s in the Bible • Hosted by Brother Bob Pellien Scripture references: Isaiah 46:11-13 Ezra 1:1 Isaiah 44:28 Romans 9:4 Romans 1:16-17 In this episode [0:30] The prophecy of Isaiah 46:11 [1:45] Three conditions the Bible gives [2:57] What the Bible teaches about Cyrus [7:30] Whoever fulfills the conditions, fulfills the prophecy [8:48] Proofs of Brother Felix Y. Manalo’s fulfillment Click to expand transcript Full Episode Transcript [On-screen text graphics] My pastor told me that the one prophesied in Isaiah 46:11 is not Felix Manalo, but Cyrus. Why don’t you believe that Cyrus is the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 46:11? Russelly Brookner of Seattle, WA Brother Bob: We’re very thankful to you, Russelly Brookner from Seattle, Washington, for that question, also for the opportunity to give you a different point of view from that of your pastor. [0:30] The prophecy of Isaiah 46:11 Brother Bob: You know, since we’re discussing a particular prophecy and what it’s referring to, let’s examine the prophecy, and learn what are the conditions that one has to meet in order to be the fulfillment of that prophecy. The particular prophecy in question for today is recorded in Isaiah 46:11. And let’s read that verse, and even continue down all the way through verse 13. Here’s where it’s recorded, here’s what it says: Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. “Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, Who are far from righteousness: I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory. [Isaiah 46:11-13 New King James Version] [1:45] Three conditions the Bible gives Brother Bob: Dear friends, we should notice three conditions that the Bible gives in order to describe this particular servant of God. Place of origin was the first. What was it? A far country in the east or Far East. The second, the task that was given to accomplish. What was it? To execute God’s counsel by bringing His righteousness near to people. [On-screen text graphics] Place of origin: a far country in the east or Far East Task given to accomplish: execute God’s counsel by bringing His righteousness near to people Brother Bob: God’s righteousness, as we have learned from other lessons, Romans 1:16 and 17, is the gospel. So, his role: to preach the gospel. And the third, people that God will send this servant to. Who were they? They are those who are far from righteousness, or far away from the true gospel. [On-screen text graphics] People that God will send this servant to: those who are far from righteousness Brother Bob: So, we pose the question: Does Cyrus meet those Biblical conditions? Could Cyrus be the fulfillment of that prophecy, being the one referred to there? [On-screen text graphics] QUESTION: Does Cyrus meet these biblical conditions proving to be the one referred to? [2:57] What the Bible teaches about Cyrus Brother Bob: He can’t! Why not? What’s the proof? Let’s go over clearly what the Bible teaches about Cyrus. For example, in terms of the place of origin, where is Cyrus from? [On-screen text graphics] QUESTION: Where is Cyrus from? Brother Bob: The Bible teaches this in Ezra, chapter 1, verse 1, wherein it says this: Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, [Ezra 1:1 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Let’s pause there. We [already have] our answer. According to what we have read, Cyrus was from what place? Persia. [On-screen text graphics] Cyrus was a Persian Brother Bob: In fact, he was the king of Persia, and Persia is not a far country in the east, as the prophecy describes. Persia is in the near east. Let’s take a look at another element of the prophecy, in terms of the task or the assignment, that God gave to Cyrus to accomplish. Was Cyrus to preach the gospel? Was it his assignment to preach the gospel, or to bring God’s righteousness near again to people? [On-screen text graphics] QUESTION: Was Cyrus a preacher of the gospel to bring God’s righteousness to people? Brother Bob: Let’s find out! Isaiah 44, verse 28, reads this way: Who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, “You shall be built,” And to the temple, “Your foundation shall be laid.” ’ [Isaiah 44:28 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, the Bible teaches the assignment of Cyrus, teaches that Cyrus was sent by God to restore Jerusalem and to restore the temple, not to preach the gospel to those that were far from the gospel, or far from righteousness as Isaiah 46:11-13 described. That was not the assignment given to Cyrus. Cyrus cannot, therefore, be the fulfillment of that prophecy. How about the people that God sent Cyrus to? [On-screen text graphics] QUESTION: How about the people God sent Cyrus to? Brother Bob: Were those people far from righteousness, as the prophecy in Isaiah 46 indicated? Well, we have already learned that God sent Cyrus to restore Jerusalem and the temple, which was for God’s nation of Israel. What was the condition of Israel? Were they far from God’s words? Far from His righteousness? Far from His teaching? Far from His law, that they needed to be brought near to it again by Cyrus? We can read the answer to that in Romans. In the book of Romans, chapter 9. Let’s listen together to what’s recorded here in verse 4, [it’s described] like this: the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. [Romans 9:4 New International Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, the Bible makes [it] clear here that Israel [was] not far from God’s righteousness, or far from God’s law. In fact, they were the ones that already had the law. Therefore, we can safely conclude that the messenger being mentioned in the prophecy written in Isaiah 46:11 is definitely not Cyrus. [On-screen text graphics] The messenger being mentioned in the prophecy written in Isaiah 46:11 is definitely not Cyrus Brother Bob: It’s impossible. Why? He does not fit that prophecy. He is from the wrong place [and] he did not do what the prophecy indicated. Why should we believe this? Because this is not merely an option that we feel, an opinion that we feel, but this is the truth, because that’s in the Bible. [7:30] Whoever fulfills the conditions, fulfills the prophecy Brother Bob: So, dear friends, if Cyrus is definitely not the messenger prophesied in Isaiah 46:11, then who is the one who fulfills the conditions described in the prophecy of Isaiah 46:11 and many more Biblical prophecies? It is none other than Brother Felix Y. Manalo. Remember the three conditions that we learned about earlier, from the prophecy that the Bible gives to describe this particular servant of God? First, place of origin. What did we read? [A] far country in the east or Far East. What was the second? The task or the assignment given to accomplish. What was it? To execute God’s counsel, or His words, by bringing His righteousness—God’s righteousness. [On-screen text graphics] Place of origin: a far country in the east or Far East Task given to accomplish: execute God’s counsel by bringing His righteousness near to people Brother Bob: God’s righteousness is the gospel. Romans 1:16 and 17. 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 New King James Version] Brother Bob: [Brother Felix Y. Manalo’s] assignment [was] to bring that gospel, bring God’s righteousness near, again, to God’s people. Number three, the people God will send a servant to was [an] important part of the prophecy. Who were they? Those who are far from righteousness, or far from the true gospel. [On-screen text graphics] People God will send this servant to: those who are far from righteousness [8:48] Proofs of Brother Felix Y. Manalo’s fulfillment Brother Bob: Brother Felix Manalo was from the Philippine Islands, which is the Far East, a far country in the east. He was also a preacher of the pure gospel, never teaching personal opinions, but rather, always reading the Bible’s answers to questions. He was sent to people, who, until actually hearing what he preached from the Bible, were not even aware of how far away from the truth they really were. [On-screen text graphics] Brother Felix Y. Manalo: from the Far East (Philippine Islands) preacher of the pure gospel sent to those who are far from righteousness Brother Bob: That’s the reason why members of the Church Of Christ, from which this program is produced, believe it cannot be Cyrus. It’s not Cyrus, but instead, Brother Felix Manalo. He brought the true gospel near to people—brought those who were far from it, in false religions, brought them back to the true gospel, in fulfillment of the prophecy. He is the fulfillment of what is recorded here in the Bible. When you’re ready to learn more about the fundamental tea

  3. May 21

    May Christians Drink But Not Get Drunk?

    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

  4. Mar 19

    Who Was God Talking to in Genesis 1:26?

    Click to expand transcript   Who Was God Talking to in Genesis 1:26? Brother Bob Pellien: When God said, “Let Us make man in Our image,” who was He talking to at this time of creation? Does that point to a trinitarian or plural god that many believe in? [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 graphics] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program, That’s in the Bible.  In one of our other programs produced in the Church Of Christ called Face the Truth, an episode received various comments for the argument that Jesus is God, and part of a trinity that makes up God. Included in those comments is this one from Miguel. He writes: [On-screen text graphics] Miguel Aguinaldo Genesis 1:26 And GOD said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness… (pure evidence of trinity) in old testament as well.  Brother Bob: Well we’d like to thank you, Miguel, for your comment and, well, this opportunity to clarify biblical teachings. So together, let’s learn what the Bible is actually teaching in that verse that you’re pointing to. Miguel, you allege that the verse Genesis 1:26, you’re saying that it serves as a basis for belief in a trinitarian concept of God. So, let’s frame that topic of discussion around these questions:  What is actually written in the verse mentioned there, Genesis 1:26?  Why did God say, “Let Us make man in Our image”? Who is God speaking to? Are those whom God is addressing, are they involved in the actual creation? Brother Bob: Well, let’s begin and find out first what is written in the verse mentioned, Genesis 1:26. Let’s turn to the pages of the Holy Bible. It says: Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” [Genesis 1:26 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, here we can clearly see that, well, it’s God Himself, first of all, that is speaking. And what is He discussing? He was speaking about the making or the creating of mankind. What did He have to say? He said, “Let Us make man in Our image.” Well, what did He mean? He said, “according to Our likeness.” What can we clearly notice? God is not alone in heaven. Proof? Well in the verse that we’ve just read, He said and used the pronoun, “Us” and “Our,” which refers, of course, to a plural number or more than one. How many more? The verse does not specify. It could be one more, it could be two more, it could be three more, or millions more.  Now we understand that those who believe in the trinity believe with all their heart that they know the specific number, although it’s not specified in the verse. And the number they’ve come up with is two. Not only that, they’ve even assigned exactly who those two actually are. They conclude that they are our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, believing that this verse, therefore, establishes proof of the trinity, or that God is composed of three parts. But that is not what is written in the verse. It’s not what’s written in the Bible. What would be the harm in agreeing with or believing those assumptions of Miguel and others? Well, it would contradict what Jesus Christ Himself taught in John 17:3 and 1, which we have shared many times in our programs, that is that the Father is the only true God. [On-screen text graphics] 1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Faither, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 3 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: So instead of assuming, or jumping to conclusions about what the Bible means there in Genesis 1:26, and then, of course, taking a huge risk of being wrong, let’s simply ask why did God say, “Let Us make man in Our image”? Who is God speaking to? Who else was in heaven at this time that God could have spoken to? Well, in Matthew 24:36, our Lord Jesus Christ, of course, provides us the answer, as He discussed the day of judgment. I quote: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. [Matthew 24:36 New International Version] Brother Bob: Who did He say regarding who is with God in heaven? Jesus mentioned that it’s the, “angels in heaven.” So in this reference then that Jesus made as to who is in heaven with God, therefore, could have been spoken to at the time of creation? Those that God was speaking to when discussing making or creating mankind were the angels that were actually there with Him in heaven. How many angels are there in heaven? The Bible also mentions in Hebrews 12:22 that there are countless multitudes of angels. [On-screen text graphics] But rather, you have come to Mount Zion, even to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless multitudes of angels in festal gathering,  [Hebrews 12:22 Amplified Bible] Brother Bob: What should we also notice in Christ’s teaching? Christ is admitting that there are things that the Father knows, which He does not. What in particular did Christ mention? When the Judgment Day would be. What did He say regarding the specific day or hour? [On-screen text graphics] “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. [Matthew 24:36 New International Version] Brother Bob: Well He said, “no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Why does the Father know? Because He is the all-knowing. He is the only true God. Now that we know who God was referring to when He said, “Let Us make man in Our image,” are those angels involved in the actual creation? God Himself answers our question, and He does so in Isaiah 44:24. Here’s what He said: “I am the LORD, your savior; I am the one who created you. I am the LORD, the Creator of all things. I alone stretched out the heavens; when I made the earth, no one helped me. [Isaiah 44:24 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: Dear friends, although God was speaking to the angels when making man, here He clarifies regarding who was involved in actually creating mankind. He said “I am the one who created you… I alone…,” and what else did He say? “No one helped me.” So we can see that when we learn what is actually written in the Bible, not only is there no biblical evidence of the trinity, but we can even find evidence against that belief that there’s three gods in one. We started this discussion with these main questions in mind. Let’s review them and what we have now learned from the teachings of the Holy Bible. Number one, we asked: What is written? What is actually written in the verse mentioned, Genesis 1:26? Can we read evidence of the trinity? And what did we learn? Nowhere in the verse is the trinity mentioned. There is no mention of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit all being together in one God. It’s not there. Why then did God say, “Let Us make man in Our image”? Who was God speaking to? We learned from the Bible that the One and only true God was speaking to the angels that were with Him in heaven. Are those God is addressing, are they involved in the creation? We learned from the Bible the angels were not involved in the creation of all things because God Himself, He’s the One who said He’s alone in creating all things. No one helped Him. Brother Bob: So, it’s very important, Miguel, it’s very important to all who are believing such. Be careful to not go beyond what is written in the Holy Bible. Those that believe that Genesis 1:26 is teaching the trinity, they are adding to what is actually recorded there in that verse, and adding is strictly prohibited by God. We do thank you for giving us this opportunity to use the Bible to provide clarification on this very important topic. Thank you, Miguel. We’d like you to continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ, and to do so: [On-screen text graphics] Visit incmedia.org Brother Bob: Please visit us online, browse the different topics or set up an appointment to meet with a Minister of the gospel inside the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church Of Christ. And if you have any questions about the Bible and salvation, please email them to us: [On-screen text graphics] answers@incmedia.org [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time right here on That’s in the Bible! [Show close]

  5. Feb 5

    When is Easter in 2026?

    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 worshi

  6. Jan 29

    Is tithing still applicable to Christians?

    Click to expand transcript Is Tithing Applicable Today? [On-screen text graphics] Question: I know that Iglesia Ni Cristo members don’t give tithes to the Church or 10% of their income. However, many Protestant churches today are upholding that type of doctrine. Is tithing really still applicable in the Christian Era? Why or why not?  Ralph Joel Bayot Bacolod City, Philippines Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you so much, Ralph, for your question, and the opportunity to read to you the answer that’s here in the Holy Bible. Now, dear friends, as Ralph stated in his email—and it’s really true because many Protestant churches do, today, practice a Biblical doctrine called tithing, which by the way, is referring to the offerings to God—but his question specifically is whether or not that’s still applicable today. So before we get into the Bible’s answer to Ralph’s question, let’s just make sure that we properly define and understand the terms for everyone watching who might not yet fully understand what tithing is all about and who were really commanded by God to give tithes. Is that us? Is tithing still to be done by Christians today?  [On-screen text graphics] Question: What are tithes? Who were commanded by God to give tithes? Is tithing still to be done by Christians today? The truth about tithing in the Old Testament Brother Bob: So let’s get right to it, as I said, and what are tithes then as defined here in the Holy Bible? Well, we can read the answer recorded in the Scriptures here in Leviticus 20, chapter 27. We’re going to read verses 30, 32, as well as 34:  And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord…And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord…These are the commandments which the LORD commanded Moses for the children of Israel on Mount Sinai.  [Leviticus 27: 30, 32, 34 New International Version] Brother Bob: So dear friends, here, the Bible clearly explains that a tithe is the one-tenth, or the 10% of the harvest, the 10% of the livestock, or whatever source of livelihood that the children of Israel had during that time that was commanded to be offered to God.  [On-screen text graphics] Tithe 1/10 or 10% of the harvest, the livestock, whatever source of livelihood the children of Israel would offer to God. Brother Bob: This was God’s command to them, and, as we just read, through Moses. Because this is a command regarding the offering, God is very specific on how it should be performed.  Is there proof of this that He even makes very clear where, when, and how these tithes were to be done and performed? Yes. Let’s take a look at it. The first is where. Where was the nation of Israel instructed by God to bring their offerings or tithes? We can also read that answer in Deuteronomy chapter 12, verse 11, and it says that here like this: The Lord will choose a single place where he is to be worshiped, and there you must bring to him everything that I have commanded: your sacrifices that are to be burned and your other sacrifices, your tithes and your offerings, and those special gifts that you have promised to the Lord. [Deuteronomy 12:11 Today’s English Version] Brother Bob: So as we have just read here, dear friends, when it comes to the giving of offerings to God, like the tithes as was instructed to the nation of Israel, He instructed that it should be done in a single place that He chooses. He chose those to be brought to Him in the worship service offered to Him. This is what we have learned thus far. Let’s have a brief recap. First, who was commanded to offer? The Bible’s answer? God’s nation of Israel.  [On-screen text graphics] Who was commanded to offer? God’s nation of Israel Brother Bob: Number two, what was to be offered? The answer of the Bible? The result of their harvest or their herds.  [On-screen text graphics] What to offer? Result of harvest of herds Brother Bob: Number three, how much was to be offered? What was the answer of the Bible? The 10%, which the Bible called tithing.  [On-screen text graphics] How much to offer? 10% or tithes Brother Bob: How about when we asked where to offer? The answer of the Bible? In the place chosen to hold worship service.  [On-screen text graphics] Where to offer? In the place chosen to hold worship service Brother Bob: And how about the ‘’when’’ question? The answer of the Bible? During the worship service.  [On-screen text graphics] When to offer? During worship service Are Christians commanded to tithe today? Brother Bob: So now that we can better understand, first of all, what tithes are or the offerings that were commanded by God in the Old Testament to the nation of Israel, in order to answer Ralph’s question, however, he asks if tithes like that are still applicable in the Christian Era.  [On-screen text graphics] Is tithing still to be done by Christians today? Brother Bob: We need to learn, we need to understand what are God’s commands regarding these things in the New Testament all that God has instructed regarding offering now.  Well, let’s go ahead and open up the Bible once again. To begin responding, we turn to the writings of Apostle Paul,  II Corinthians 9:7, which reads this way:  So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. [2 Corinthians 9:7 New International Version] Brother Bob: Here we can see, dear friends, what God commands the Christians. He was specific. He specifies, first of all, who should give. What did He say? Each one should give. What else was the instruction? How much should each one give? What was the Bible’s answer? We just read it together. He said, “What he purposes in his heart.” So not 10% anymore. Now it’s what the person purposes in his heart. It’s from their heart.  What does the Bible say about offering? Brother Bob: And what else was answered in this verse? How one should feel when he does offer. What’s the expectation of God that we just read through the writings of Apostle Paul here? He’s looking for a cheerful giver.  What other instructions are given to Christians regarding their offerings? We can also read in I Corinthians. This time we read in I Corinthians, chapter 16, verse 2. This commandment of the Lord concerning offerings is given:  On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. [I Corinthians 16:2 New International Version] Brother Bob: In this verse, what is to be offered? What is it? Is it still the fruit of the land as we read in the early verse concerning tithing? Is it still a one-tenth of the herd of livestock? Is that what it is? What did we read in the Christian Era? Money was set aside in accordance with their income. How about the question [of] how it should be prepared? Apostle Paul also answered that. It should be set aside or budgeted weekly. How about God’s command on the place where one should give their share, give [the] offerings they have set aside for Him? That is answered in Hebrews. Hebrews chapter 13, verses 15 and 16, wherein this is instructed:  Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. [Hebrews 13:15-16 Revised Standard Version] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, it’s quite obvious that these verses are referring to worship service offered to God. Why are we sure? Well, it speaks of praising God. It speaks of acknowledging His name to the fruit of our lips, for example, praying and hymn singing of praises to the Lord. And we can see that God gave a commandment concerning offering. What did He say? Don’t neglect. Don’t forget to bring your share or sacrifice offering. And that’s what we do when we come before Him in worship as members of the Church Of Christ, as one purposes in their heart, they cheerfully bring their sacrifice offering, not a tithe that was commanded specifically 10% in the ancient times as God dealt with the nation of Israel. Unfortunately, if there are Protestant groups, be it Seventh Day Adventist or other groups that set aside a commandment to their people on how much they will offer, that’s wrong based on what the Bible teaches. So just as in the Old Testament, the command given to us today is to bring our offerings. Bring it in the place of worship. Bring it during the worship service. But the difference? It’s not a tithe. It’s a free will, voluntary, sacrifice, offering that one cheerfully brings as their offering to God. [On-screen text graphics] It’s NOT a tithe. It’s a free will, voluntary, sacrifice. It’s an offering that one cheerfully brings to God.  Brother Bob: So, dear friends, this is what we have learned about God’s command concerning offering in the New Testament. We’ve learned who was commanded to offer. What was the Bible’s answer? God’s nation in the Christian Era.  [On-screen text graphics] Who was commanded to offer? God’s nation in the Christian Era Brother Bob: We posed the question, “Where should our offerings be brought?” And the Bible answered again. It should be brought in the place chosen by God to hold worship service.  [On-screen text graphics] Where to offer? In the place chosen to hold worship service Brother Bob: W

  7. Jan 22

    Why Did Jesus Die?

    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, et

  8. 12/04/2025

    Who Can Preach the Gospel?

    Click to expand transcript Who Can Preach the Gospel? [On-screen text graphic] Kristina Larsen: How can we tell if God is speaking to us through a pastor? Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you so much Kristina for that very insightful question. We say insightful because there might be some who have never been concerned with or even thought to wonder if their pastor, their priest, their bishop, their minister or whatever they call their preacher is actually preaching the true word of God to them. And of course on the flip side of that is the mentality, which is that well there doesn’t even need to be a preacher in order to hear the word of God.  Dear friends as we always do in this program and in every program produced by the Church Of Christ we will address these questions by reading the answers right here recorded in the Holy Bible. Kristina’s question of how can we tell if God is speaking to us through a pastor. [On-screen text graphic] Question: How can we tell if God is speaking to us through a pastor? Brother Bob: It’s actually perfectly aligned with the instruction to us from the apostles. And let’s read one of those in this recorded in 1 John chapter 4, verse 1: My dear friends, do not believe all who claim to have the Spirit, but test them to find out if the spirit they have comes from God. For many false prophets have gone out everywhere. [1 John 4:1 Good News Translation] False Preachers Brother Bob: According to what is written here, dear friends, we should not believe—were instructed not to believe just anyone who may be claiming to have the spirit or presents [themselves] as a messenger sent by God. Why? Because there are many false prophets according to the Apostle John, many false prophets who have gone out into the world. Therefore, Kristina you are on the right track or Kristina has the proper frame of mind to ask that question, how can I tell? How can we tell, dear friends, know even if the one is sent by God or not? [On-screen text graphic] Question: How can we tell if God is speaking to us through a pastor? Brother Bob: The Bible’s instruction was clear. He said test them to find out. So obviously the next question that we have to pose together is, what’s the test and how do we test those who would be presenting themselves as a preacher or a spokesperson of God, true preacher? [On-screen text graphic] Question: What’s the test? How do we test those who present themselves as a “preacher” or a “spokesperson” of God? Brother Bob: But before we delve into the Bible’s explanation of how to test the preacher to see if he’s really sent by God, let’s first understand, why is it so important to do that?  “How can they hear without a preacher?” Brother Bob: Why do we need to know that? Dear friends, because what would be the harm if one ended up listening to and following a preacher that is not sent by God? Maybe many would think that, “Well, they’re safe as long as they’re holding, as they’re reading from the Bible. That should be good enough.” But listen to the response of the Holy Scriptures, this time in the writings of Apostle Peter. Second Peter 3:16, he wrote: This is what he says in all his letters when he writes on the subject. There are some difficult things in his letters which ignorant and unstable people explain falsely, as they so with other passages of the Scriptures. So they bring on their own destruction. [2 Peter 3:16 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: So we can clearly see here, dear friends that there are people who are explaining the passages of the scriptures, but doing so falsely. And although all you know they might sound like they know what they are saying, what did the Bible call them? The Bible calls them ignorant and stated here that they are bringing on their own destruction. So consider this, if the false preacher is headed to destruction where do you think all those who listen, all those who follow him are also heading? Destruction too, of course. Exactly. [On-screen text graphic] It’s so vital to know if a preacher is truly from God. Brother Bob: That’s why it’s so vital to know if a preacher is truly sent by God. So dear friends, what is the benefit of actually hearing a genuine preacher of God? Again, we go to the Bible for the answer and this time is recorded in the book of Romans, Chapter 10, in fact verses 14 and 15. It says this: How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? . . . [Romans 10:14-15 New King James Version] Who can preach the gospel? Brother Bob: So the benefit of hearing a genuine preacher of God is actually learning then how to properly call upon God. Notice the sequence of events that was recorded in these verses in the Bible so that that could happen. First, one cannot properly call to God or have his or her prayers heard by Him if they don’t believe in the Biblical instructions that God established to be heard. [On-screen text graphic] One cannot properly call to God if he doesn’t believe in God’s biblical instructions. Brother Bob: Then next, there’s no way that one would be able to believe in those biblical instructions if in fact they have never been taught those instructions. [On-screen text graphic] One cannot believe in those biblical instructions if he has never been taught those commands. Brother Bob: And one would not correctly be taught God’s commands if they never encounter or hear a genuine preacher sent by God. [On-screen text graphic] One would not correctly be taught God’s commands if he never encounters or hears a genuine preacher from God. Brother Bob: Therefore, dear friends, finding a genuine preacher is the first step that one has to take in order to be able to call upon God. Again, that’s why it’s so vital to know if a preacher is truly from God or not. So we should take notice that a genuine preacher has the authority from God to preach. [On-screen text graphic] A genuine preacher has an authority from God to preach. Brother Bob: It’s not just their own proclamation, “I’m a preacher.” Why? Because God is the one who sends him. That’s what we just read. And if one is not sent by God he will not be able to correctly preach God’s words. That’s what the Bible says. And how so they preach unless they are sent?  Preaching the gospel: The difference between true and false preachers Brother Bob:So now that we know the value of a true preacher sent by God, let’s find out, [how] are we going to be able to tell if one is true or not true? Well what’s the test that only a true preacher, one who has the spirit and is truly sent by God? What is the test that only he can pass? Well, listen to what’s recorded here in the Holy Scriptures. The writings of the Prophet Isaiah 8:20 says: To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word. It is because there is no light in them. [Isaiah 8:20 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, the Bible clearly states that one has to speak according to the law and speak according to the testimony, in order to prove that there is light or truth in him. It’s the criteria that a preacher has to meet in order to prove or demonstrate that they are indeed sent by God to preach. So what is that law mentioned here? What’s the law and what is that testimony referred to here in the prophecy of Isaiah that will serve the evidence that a preacher is truly sent by God? Let’s take a look at those two criteria. Let’s find out first, what is that law that was mentioned there and how would a true preacher speak according to the law? [On-screen text graphic] Question: What is the law and how would a true preacher of God speak according to the law? Brother Bob: Jesus Christ, of course being an undisputed true preacher sent by God, well he’s the one who gives the answer and he does so here in John Chapter 7 verses 16, 17 and 18. I quote: Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is God or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory on the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. [John 7: 16-18 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Here, dear friends, Jesus Himself explains that we would be able to know who is true. How? Concerning that doctrine or God’s law. Jesus did not preach His own doctrine. [On-screen text graphic] Christ, being a true preacher from God, spoke only to God’s law and not His own. Brother Bob: Christ Himself, of course being a true preacher sent from God, spoke only according to God’s law and not His own. It’s already known that God’s laws and doctrines are written right here in the Holy Bible. A true preacher sent by God to preach God’s words will teach by reading God’s words written here in the Bible. Then if someone is preaching claiming that what they’re preaching is from the Bible, he must then read it to prove that he is speaking according to the law. If he cannot read what he is preaching then it’s a clear sign that he is not speaking from God, but instead is speaking from Himself. And of course then this would prove that he’s not sent by God to preach and would automatically then disqualify him from the test. In short he fails the test. There are many preachers that are well versed in the Bible even if they could memorize it you know, citing different biblical passages in their sermons. We have already learned very important truths. Number one: false preachers will also use the Bible but will explain it falsely. That’s why we read that from Apostle Peter. [On-screen text graphic] 1. False preachers will also use the Bibl

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Everyday people asking a range of questions about life, faith, and the Bible. Viewers will have their questions answered by the best-selling book of all time – the Bible.

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    incmedia.org
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
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    © Copyrighted by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ)