The Church Administration: Helping Christians believe in, trust in, and rely on God
Like the apostles whom God appointed to administer the first-century Church Of Christ, the Church Administration in these last days desires to help the members of the Church believe in, trust in, and rely on God, and receive salvation.
By GLADY C. GADDI
THE ULTIMATE GOAL of the present Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, is the same as that of the ones who administered the Church Of Christ before him-to help its members believe in, trust in, and rely on God (Jer. 17:7 Amplified Bible) and, thus, receive salvation.
The Church Administration in these last days has this desire similar to that of Apostle Paul who was appointed by God to administer the first-century Church in the Gentile lands. The apostle pronounced:
“Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (II Tim. 2:10 New King James Version)
Administering the Church in the Gentile landsWhen the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, He entrusted His flock to His apostles. Apostle Paul, moved by love and concern for the Church, taught the helpers in administering the Church to carefully tend the flock of Christ:
“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.
“And from Miletus he sent and called the elders of the church of Ephesus.” (Acts 20:28, 17 Lamsa Translation)
Apostle Paul met with the elders and made sure that those present would also love, care for, and feed the flock or the Church Of Christ. While performing his duties, he encountered severe persecutions and hardships. Nevertheless, in fulfilling his ministry, he was willing to give even his life so he could finish the race and complete the task given to him by Christ (I Thess. 2:18; Acts 20:35, 24 New International Version).
The Church Administration in these last daysThe present Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo Manalo, is making every effort possible to ensure that God’s elect in these last days will attain salvation. Everything is being put in order so that the labors and sacrifices of the members of the Church will not be in vain-they are assured of the promised reward of the Savior on His Second Advent. Why does the Church Administration deeply want to put in order everything in the Church? Apostle Paul enlightens us, thus:
“For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.” (I Thess. 3:5 NIV)
Apostle Paul wanted to make sure that those who already had the true faith would not be tempted and deceived by the tempter or the devil, but be saved on Judgment Day.
This is also the deep concern of the Church Administration in our time. They do not want those who already know the truth be misled by the devil. That is why he is also taking great measures for God’s chosen people to remain firmly grounded in their faith.
The Church Administration exhorts the true Christians today, thus:
“Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward. You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises. For, as the scripture says, ‘Just a little while longer, and he who is coming will come; he will not delay. My righteous people, however, will believe and live; but if any of them turns back, I will not be pleased with them.’ We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved.” (Heb. 10:35-39 Good News Bible)
Members of the Church who obey this commandment wholeheartedly do not turn their backs on God and are assured of the promised salvation.
Obedience is a mustMembers of the Church Of Christ understand that they are not on the losing end if they fully obey the teachings of God taught to them by the Church Administration and follow all the rules which are being implemented in the Church (Acts 16:4-5 GNB). That is why it is only right to obey and submit to the Administration placed by God in the Church (Heb.13:17). When the Executive Minister makes a decision for the sake of the Church, its members listen and follow him, because salvation awaits those who are obedient.
What about those who are stubborn and hardheaded-those who refuse to listen and do not obey the Church Administration? What awaits them? Our Lord Jesus Christ says:
“And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” (Matt. 10:14-15 NKJV)
Those who reject the one entrusted to administer the Church will end up in perdition. Members of the Church remain united with the Church Administration even if this entails making sacrifices or self-denial. What reward awaits those who have sacrificed and persevered for the sake of the faith and kingdom of God? The Lord Jesus Christ answers:
“Then Peter said, ‘See we have left all and followed You.’ So He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.'” (Luke 18:28-30 NKJV)
Great blessings await those who obey even if it means leaving everything and everyone. Not only will they be blessed here on earth, but most especially, they will be counted worthy to live in the kingdom of God or the Holy City just as He promised:
“Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.” (II Thess. 1:4-5 NIV)
This is the Church Administration’s role-to help every member of the Church Of Christ believe in, trust in, and rely on God to attain salvation.
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