That's in the Bible

How do you feed your spirituality? Is the Bible your guide or are you guided by spiritual influencers on social media? There is one influencer we all need. Show/Hide TranscriptWhich Influencers Do You Follow? Brother Bob Pellien: Do you ever give thought about who you listen to and are influenced by? Which social media [https://incmedia.org/curating-my-feed-for-more-positivity/] and spiritual influencers are impacting your life? Who is your spiritual influencer? The Bible is the basis of our teachings in the Church Of Christ. To answer questions about proper worship, right relationship with God [https://incmedia.org/choosing-friendships-are-social-media-friends-real/], and most importantly, salvation – That’s in the Bible! [Show open] Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Welcome to the program, That’s in the Bible. Today, we’ll take a look at mainstream spiritual influencers and how many people allow themselves to be influenced by others and, too often, in a negative way. There are many internet personalities that are very well known in their respective fields, for example, like acting or sports and politics and so many others. And they express opinions and provide advice to anyone who will listen to them about morals and social issues. There are also many people, people online [https://incmedia.org/control-your-social-media/], especially, claiming to be advisers and spiritual influencers who present themselves as definers of spirituality. There are many people who regularly listen to them and tend to support their content and the beliefs presented, which is exactly why such individuals are called influencers in the first place, right? Do you allow such internet influencers to shape your moral standards, influence your attitude, outlook in life, your beliefs, values [https://incmedia.org/valuing-the-spiritual-over-the-material/], and most especially, your faith in God? Whose influence will benefit you most and influence you in a positive way? Today, we’ll study this topic by tackling the following questions: [On-screen text graphics] Should we allow any random popular people to influence us? How can we protect ourselves from being influenced by negative influencers? Who should we allow ourselves to be influenced by to secure our best future? Brother Bob: So, dear friends, should it be our friends or even random popular people on the internet that we listen to and allow to influence us? Here in the Church Of Christ, we always turn to the Bible for answers to questions like these, and let’s do that now. We turn [to] 1 Corinthians, chapter 2, verse 13 reads this way: We don’t have to rely on the world’s guesses and opinions. We didn’t learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we’re passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way. [1 Corinthians 2:13 The Message] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, even though a certain influencer may seem to be intelligent and what he or she is saying may seem to be right, good, or may even coincide with an emotion that you may feel, it may not be something, however, that we should immediately conform to or even support by interacting or engaging with their content. Why not? The Bible said, “We don’t have to rely on the world’s guesses and opinions.” Wouldn’t it be better to first check if their opinion on any particular issue is worth believing? Shouldn’t you verify it? For us, members of the Church Of Christ, we will always compare any popular opinions to what is written in the Holy Bible. Don’t such sports personalities, actors, as well as intelligent people or the so-called spiritual influencers online, are they not able to provide us the guidance to attain high positions in life, some may say, or wealth and even personal success? Can’t they do that? We turn to the Bible for guidance on this as well. And that’s recorded in the Book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 9. Let’s listen together, read together. You can see it on the screen there. Verse 11: I realized another thing, that in this world fast runners do not always win the races, and the brave do not always win the battles. The wise do not always earn a living, intelligent people do not always get rich, and capable people do not always rise to high positions. Bad luck happens to everyone. [Ecclesiastes 9:11 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Here, dear friends, we can clearly see that although a person, well, they may attain great accolades from people in this world, right? And they may truly emerge as an influencer in the life of others, it does not mean that because they are popular themselves or that they can do many things, that they will or can lead another to attain anything positive and good in their life, according to the Bible. There may be positive influencers online, yes, but all of them must be tested and checked based upon the words of our Creator. Why? To ensure they’re not detrimental to us, right? Or in any way leading us away from the true faith [https://incmedia.org/how-do-i-know-im-a-true-christian/] that we receive through the teachings of God in the Holy Bible. [On-screen text graphics] Should we allow any random popular people to influence us? Brother Bob: So, no matter how knowledgeable influencers [https://incmedia.org/social-medias-influence-on-christian-living/] are on specific issues, we should always remember that since they are human beings created by God, just like the rest of us, there is a limit to what they know and a limit to what they can do. So, they also should submit themselves to the will of God who created all of us, right? [On-screen text graphics] How can we protect ourselves from being influenced by negative influencers? Brother Bob: So, how can we protect ourselves, then, from being influenced by the world’s popular influencers? What is it that we need in life for protection? Again, we posed the question and turn to the Holy Bible. The writings of the Prophet Isaiah this time. Let’s read here in chapter 48, we’ll read verse 12, we’ll also read verse 17 and 18: The Lord says, “Listen to me, Israel, the people I have called! I am God, the first, the last, the only God! [Isaiah 48:12 Good News Translation] The holy God of Israel, the Lord who saves you, says: “I am the Lord your God, the one who wants to teach you for your own good and direct you in the way you should go. “If only you had listened to my commands! Then blessings would have flowed for you like a stream that never goes dry. Victory would have come to you like the waves that roll on the shore. [Isaiah 48:17-18 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: So how can we protect ourselves from being influenced by those who may not have a good intent for our future, or even if they do have the best intentions, but they do not have the ability to truly give any beneficial advice? Dear friends, we have to listen to the one who, as we just read here, the one who wants to teach us for our own good and really has the ability to do so. So that blessings and success should flow in our lives as described there. Who is that? Based on what we just read here in the Holy Bible [https://incmedia.org/is-the-bible-fiction/], of course, that is none other than God Himself. What did He say? As I quoted there, He said, “I am the Lord your God,” … “who wants to teach you for your own good,” said God. So, if we want good things to come in our life, do you dear friends, do you want good things to come in your life? I do! If we want such and we want success to flow as we face all kinds of challenges that come around us in this world nowadays, we must listen to the one who will guide and direct us on how to properly navigate through all these different troubles in life. People who may be powerful influencers in social media [https://incmedia.org/control-your-social-media/] and in online forums, or even the so-called spiritual influencers, they’re creating a lot of online religious content on Tik-Tok, Instagram, YouTube and other platforms. Why should they not be the ones to provide us the guidance for the sake of a bright future [https://incmedia.org/the-key-to-turn-your-goals-into-reality/], or to attain high positions in life such as wealth and success? Why not? Because the Bible is our guide. God and His words are our guide. [On-screen text graphics] Who should we allow ourselves to be influenced by to secure our best future? Brother Bob: Should the Bible be your primary source of influence to feed your spirituality? What’s another reason that we should allow God and allow His words written here in the Holy Bible to influence us for the good of our future, rather than individuals or human beings that we may come across or that we may meet in our journey, be it online or in our daily interactions in life? This time, we turn to the apostles. Let’s go to Apostle James, chapter four, we’ll read verse 12, 14 and 16: God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can save and destroy. Who do you think you are, to judge someone else? [James 4:12 Good News Translation] You don’t even know what your life tomorrow will be! You are like a puff of smoke, which appears for a moment and then disappears. [James 4:14 Good News Translation] But now you are proud, and you boast; all such boasting is wrong. [James 4:16 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, considering what we’ve just read here, if people do not know what will happen tomorrow, why then would we listen to them and make them our influencer? What is the mistake made by people who influence others as if they’re the ones who know everything? Apostle James taught here that it’s such a boastful way of thinking. And what did he call it? He said it’s wrong. So instead, what we should believe in and allow to influence us are the teachings of God written in the Holy Bible that were taught to us by His Messenger [https://incmedia.org/the-leadership-of-a-true-messenger-sent-by-god/], and continuously are being taught to us by the current Church Administration. That is what we listen to. That is what we should allow to influence our lives, so as to be sure there will be a positive outcome and a successful and happy future in store for you, for everyone who’s listening to this broadcast. So, we started this discussion with a few main questions that we hope are clearly understood now and answered by the Holy Bible. We should not place all our trust in online or other influencers who have limitations, make mistakes, and thus may lead us astray from what is really good for us. We can protect ourselves from negative influencers. How? By making sure that anyone we would listen to, anyone that we would value when they give advice and counsel, they are within the people of God and are using the Holy Bible as their basis. So, let God therefore be our influencer. Why? He has no limitations. He knows all that is good for us and intends to show it to us and provide such for His children. And this is what we believe, because That’s in the Bible! [On-screen text graphics] Visit incmedia.org [https://incmedia.org/] Brother Bob: We’d like you to continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ [https://iglesianicristo.net/]. Please visit online and browse the different topics or set up an appointment to meet with a Minister of the Gospel. And if you have any questions about the Bible or salvation, please email them to us. [On-screen text graphics] answers@incmedia.org [answers@incmedia.org] Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time, right here, on That’s in the Bible! [https://incmedia.org/thats-in-the-bible/] The post The Influencer We All Need in Life [https://incmedia.org/the-influencer-we-all-need-in-life/] appeared first on incmedia.org [https://incmedia.org].

Can we be just “nice enough” to each other in the brotherhood in the Church? How do we deal with friendships and conflicts as Christians? Show/Hide TranscriptWhat Does the Bible Say About Friends and Enemies? [Show open] Brother Bob Pellien: Friends, there are good and true friendships that help us uphold our Christian brotherhood [https://incmedia.org/our-beliefs/the-brotherhood/]. But do we have to be friends, or even friendly, with everyone? Even frenemies, or people who don’t really seem like true friends? Hello, everyone! The Bible is the basis of our teachings in the Church Of Christ, which answers questions about proper worship, for example, [the] right relationship with God, and, most importantly, salvation because — That’s in the Bible! [On-screen logo graphic] That’s in the Bible! Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program: That’s in the Bible! [On-screen text graphic] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: Today’s topic, the questions that we’ve received regarding friendship and brotherhood, can be summarized into this question: Can Christians be Frenemies? [On-screen text graphic] Can Christians be Frenemies? Brother Bob: To properly answer the question, we need to understand the terms being used here, right? Now we know what Christians are: those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ, or His true disciples [https://incmedia.org/how-do-i-know-im-a-true-christian/]. But what is a “frenemy”? For that definition, let’s refer to Dictionary.com as our resource. It says a Frenemy is, “A person or group that is friendly toward another because the relationship brings benefits, but harbors feelings of resentment or rivalry.” You know, we can see here from the definition that “frenemy” seems to be a word which combines friend and enemy, right? Friendly toward one another, but underneath there’s harboring of feelings of resentment. Some may argue that if someone has resentful feelings toward another, then simply maintaining friendliness towards that person, well, that then is the right way to solve the resentment, the conflict. But since we’re specifically referring to Christians, and how we should feel about and interact with one another, then the Bible is our resource. So, we will discuss here today: What is a true friend and what type of friendship [https://incmedia.org/choosing-friendships-are-social-media-friends-real/] does Christ instruct His disciples to have? And how should problems – problems that can lead to resentment – how should they be handled? And then we’ll conclude with can Christians be frenemies? [On-screen text graphic] What is a true friend? What type of friendship does Christ instruct His disciples to have? How should problems that can lead to resentment be handled? Can Christians be Frenemies? Brother Bob: So according to the Bible, dear friends, what is a true friend? And you know, what is the value of having true friends in our lives? Well, we turn to the Holy Bible, as I said, and we turn to the book of Proverbs. Proverbs, chapter 17, verse 17, where it says: A friend loves at all times. He is there to help when trouble comes. [Proverbs 17:17 New International Reader’s Version] Brother Bob: So the value of having a true friend is that he or she, well, they’re going to be there to help. When? When trouble comes. True friends do this. Why? To show their love. What’s one of the ways a true friend helps? Let’s continue here in the book of Proverbs. This time we’ll turn to chapter 27, verse nine: Perfume and incense bring joy to your heart. And a friend is sweeter when he gives you honest advice. [Proverbs 27:9 New International Reader’s Version] Brother Bob: One of the best ways that a real friend can help is by doing what? Giving or providing honest advice. Genuine friends tell us the truth and not merely what one wants to hear. So surrounding ourselves with friends like this, of course, it’s really important. But are all friends, are all persons who simply act friendly, good to have in our lives? You know, the Bible goes on to teach us in the writings of Apostle Paul, this time we turn to I Corinthians, chapter 15, verses 33 and 34. Are all friends good to have in our lives, so-called friends I guess we should say? I Corinthians 15 reads this way: But don’t be deceived by what the world promotes! The reality is that unhealthy friends and associates corrupt good character. Be sensible, do what’s right and healthy because it is right and healthy, … [I Corinthians 15:33-34 The Remedy New Testament] Brother Bob: The Bible mentions here that there is such a thing as unhealthy friends and associates. What would happen if a person surrounded himself with these kinds of friends? Well, it states that those types of friends would corrupt good character. So what’s the good advice given to navigate those decisions on who to spend time with?  He said, “don’t be deceived by what the world promotes! Be sensible, do what’s right.” How do I know if someone is an unhealthy friend? What is good and right? Remember, dear friends, that was already defined in Romans 7:12: So then, the Law itself is holy, and the commandment is holy, right, and good. [Romans 7:12 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: God’s laws are what are good and right. So we had a viewer, in fact, who emailed to the program and asked specifically about such unhealthy or bad friends. Jason from San Diego, asked it this way, “Why do people pretend to be your friends when in reality they’re not?” [On-screen text graphic] Jason Kim | San Diego, California Why do people pretend to be your friends when in reality they’re not? Brother Bob: This is exactly what the Bible is talking about here. Those are the unhealthy friends that can corrupt, that can present as friendly, yet can corrupt your character. Now, when it comes to the type of friendship that Christians should have, how should Christians or true members of the Church Of Christ interact and feel towards each other? What does Christ instruct His disciples? Let’s read in John 13, 34 and 35: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” [John 13:34-35 New King James Version] Brother Bob: The Lord Jesus Christ gives an important commandment to follow, and it identifies or presents the mark that we are truly His disciples. What is it? He said, “that you love one another.” Therefore, as Christians, we are not just to be nice enough to each other, right? But rather, Jesus was very clear. He said, “have love” for each other. And how much should Christians love one another? Jesus also clarified that when He said, “as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” Therefore, [it] needs to be real, honest, genuine love, the kind of love that would make us willing to sacrifice for each other. This is a level of love and a level of friendship [https://incmedia.org/10-year-friendship-leads-to-true-faith/] that is uncommon today, you know, in this world. What would loving each other in this way that Jesus spoke about here, what would it prove? As we read, the Lord Jesus explained, He said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Why is Christ requiring this, requiring His disciples or true Christians to love one another, not just be friendly, but to love one another? What is the relationship to each other, also according to our Lord Jesus Christ? We turn this time to Matthew 23:8. Jesus said this: But you are not to be called “Rabbi,” because you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. [Matthew 23:8 Christian Standard Bible] Brother Bob: What do they have in common, making them brothers and sisters? Well, Jesus went on to add in the following verse, in verse nine, what they have in common: Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. [Matthew 23:9 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So here we can see the unique relationship Christians have with each other. Here, the Lord Jesus said to His disciples that, “you are all brothers and sisters.” Now, we can understand why Christ’s commands love to prevail among His followers because they’re brothers and sisters or part of a brotherhood in the Church. But in what way are followers of Christ brothers and sisters to each other? Why did He use that term? Because real Christians, or members of the true Church Of Christ, have only one spiritual Father [https://incmedia.org/our-beliefs/one-god-the-father/]. As He said, “He who is in heaven.” They are brothers and sisters in the faith, and therefore commanded to love one another, brothers and sisters. Now, we have established that since real Christians should always maintain their love for one another, it’s because they’re brothers and sisters. But do we know that every type of relationship experiences some type of disputes, right, or some type of misunderstandings creep in now and again. So how then should we deal with frenemies before, in fact, it gets to the point of resentment or even animosity? How do we resolve problems and conflicts that can lead to such resentment? Again, we turn to the Holy Bible for an answer, and we read from the book of Matthew, chapter 18, verse 15, wherein it says the following: “If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back. [Matthew 18:15 Good News Translation] Brother Bob: Here, the Lord Jesus Christ’s instruction to any disciple who, well, may feel like he’s been wronged or sinned against by a fellow Christian, is to “go to him.” And what? “Show him his fault.” Notice it’s not the sinner that Christ is instructing. We point this out because many feel like they’ve been wronged, then they’ll just wait to be approached. In the meantime, feel resentment, stalking maybe, even their friend’s social media accounts, waiting for even that small sign that their friend was apologetic. But we can see the wisdom in Christ’s instruction because many times a person who offends another, they’re not even aware that an offense was made. But the one who was offended, well, they’re fully aware, right? So what’s the purpose one should have when approaching a fellow Christian who has done some wrong or caused some offense against you? Christ said, “go to him, show him his fault.” So that the offended is being instructed to approach his brother to talk things over and try to resolve the problem. Notice also the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ regarding how to talk things over. He said, “do it privately, just between yourselves.” Again, we can also see how Christ is guiding His followers how to properly contain misunderstandings in order to solve them and to not allow them to spread, worsen, right? Unlike some who unfortunately, purposely, broadcast their conflicts and discuss the problem with everybody, everybody except the party involved. And they do it sometimes on social media [https://incmedia.org/control-your-social-media/], which is, that’s the opposite of privacy, right? So if conflicts are handled by following these biblical instructions, what would be the outcome between two faithful Christians? Christ said, “If he listens to you, you have won your brother back.” More often than not, good, open communication can help solve misunderstanding. But is that the only thing needed to resolve a conflict or a problem between Christians in order to avoid the resentment leading to animosity, in order to avoid awkward interactions, where your status as friends and even the status of the brotherhood is in question? What’s necessary to fully resolve a conflict and restore the love between brothers and sisters in the faith? I’d like to quote an important instruction, this time in the writings of Apostle Paul. In Ephesians, chapter four, verse 32, it says: And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. [Ephesians 4:32 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So, as Christians, we’re instructed to be kind and tenderhearted to one another. If problems arise that can cause, well, resentment, open communication has been applied as instructed, what then is necessary to restore love and peace? As we read, there needs to be forgiveness. If one complains that, well, “It’s not my fault,” then he should do the forgiving. If the other one says, “I didn’t do anything wrong,” then he, too, should then forgive because the instruction was very clear—forgive one another. So both should perform the act of forgiving, and what was the biblical example of how to forgive each other? Well the Bible stated, “even as God in Christ forgave you.” So let’s remember that we all have committed sin against God and, well, [we’re] constantly asking Him for forgiveness, right? When God forgives, He does not hold us prisoner of our mistakes and resent us, especially if we genuinely change. This is how we’re instructed to forgive one another—fully, completely. Reviewing, then, the questions that we started our discretion with: “What is a true friend?” It is someone who loves us and would sacrifice for us. “What type of friendship does Christ instruct His disciples to have?” It is a friendship that’s based on the fact that we are brothers, sisters, under our Father in heaven. “How should problems that can lead to resentment be handled?” We learned that we should go to our friend before they become a frenemy, and speak to them privately to resolve the issue. So now we can answer the question also: “Can Christians be frenemies?” The answer is no. Instead of being frenemies, or merely pretending to be friendly with each other, properly resolve conflicts. How? By following Christ’s instructions and restoring genuine, brotherly love. Why? Because that’s in the Bible. We’d like you to continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ. [On-screen text graphic] Visit incmedia.org Brother Bob: So please visit us online and browse the different topics, or set up an appointment to meet with a minister of the Gospel. And if you have any questions about the Bible, salvation, please email them to us. [On-screen text graphic] answers@incmedia.org [answers@incmedia.org] [On-screen text graphic] 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] The post Can Faithful Christians be Frenemies? [https://incmedia.org/can-faithful-christians-be-frenemies/] appeared first on incmedia.org [https://incmedia.org].

What does “God’s image” refer to? Were we all made in God’s image, including homosexuals? Did God make us perfect? You asked, the Bible answers. Show/Hide TranscriptWere Homosexuals Made in God’s Image Too? Brother Bob Pellien: As Christians, we believe that we were all made in God’s image, but some ask us, “Does that also include homosexuals? Were they also made in God’s image?” Hello, everyone. Welcome to That’s In The Bible where the basis of the teachings here in the Church Of Christ is first and foremost, the Bible, the Holy Scriptures. And we want to clarify, as we regularly do, that the Bible does not answer just any and all questions, but regarding proper worship, right relationship with God, and most importantly, salvation. Those answers are most definitely here in the Holy Bible. [On-screen logo graphic] That’s in the Bible! Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien, and welcome to the program, That’s In The Bible. [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob: On a recent episode, we addressed some questions about homosexuality, and gender identity [https://incmedia.org/how-many-genders-did-god-create/], as well as same sex marriage. Today, we’ll be answering a viewer’s question about the nature of people, continuing though in the context of our community members who are homosexual. Patrick emailed and asked, “In Genesis, doesn’t God say He ‘made man in our likeness?’ What does that mean?” That’s from Patrick in Calgary. Well, we thank you very much, Patrick, for your question. And what it means to be created in God’s likeness, well, it’s important for all of us to understand. Understanding this will also answer similar questions that we received like: “Were homosexuals made in God’s image too?” Remember, God is perfect. Therefore, does this mean God made us perfect as we are, since we’re in and created in His image? So, in today’s discussion, we’ll be learning more about being created in God’s image from these points of question like: “In what way were we created in God’s image?” And, “Did God make us perfect?” And, “What are the consequences of not upholding the image we were created in?” So, dear friends, what does God advise to those, well, when they want to fulfill being created in God’s image, and they believe they were born without the ability to do so? Let’s address these questions. In order to answer the first question regarding creation, let’s go to the verse being referenced by Patrick in his question, and that’s recorded here in the first book of the Bible, the Book of Genesis, chapter 1, and we’ll read here, you can follow along on the screen, verse 27: So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. [Genesis 1:27 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Here, dear friends, we can read that, well, as God’s creations we were made in the image of God. Yes. It should be clear, however, that the image being mentioned, it’s not the physical image. We’re sure of that. Why? Because well, for example, according to I Timothy 1:17, God is invisible [https://incmedia.org/god-jesus/]. In John 4:24, God is referred to there as a spirit, and that proves He has no flesh and bones, as in Luke 24:39 that spirit does not have flesh and bones. It’s clear then and in the image of God being referred to, it’s not then the physical human form. It’s not our body, it’s not our genetics, it’s not our functions, or our features. So in what way, then, are we all created in the image of God? And for that answer, we turn to the writings of Apostle Peter in I Peter 1:15, and 16, it says: but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” [I Peter 1:15-16 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So here, dear friends, we see in what way we were created in God’s image. We were created to be holy. We were created to reflect holiness. God himself said, “Be holy, for I am holy.” Would this mean that we’re automatically holy, that the personality, the characteristics, the essence of being, all that we know of ourselves, is automatically holy? Some might think, “Since I’m like this,” like you know referring to various tendencies or traits in themselves, including homosexuality, “therefore, I’m supposed to be like this.” Is that how we should understand these biblical verses, dear friends? God made us perfect, no need to do anything, no need to learn God’s teachings [https://incmedia.org/study-with-us/]. How can we follow God’s instructions to be holy? What can we use to reflect holiness? How can we become holy and reflect in the likeness of God? We can read the answer here in the book of John, chapter 17. Let’s quote the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, here in verse 17: Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. [John 17:17 New King James Version] Brother Bob: So, dear friends, it’s God’s word, His truth, His instructions, commandments, His laws, is what can make a person holy. How so? Why so? Because it can sanctify someone. God’s laws, His commandments, they are what is good. That’s also mentioned in Romans 7:12, which is why when one follows them, he is sanctified. What’s the meaning of sanctified? To be purified, to be made clean in God’s eyes, or to be made holy, and therefore reflect the image of God, His image of holiness. This is the precise reason, dear friends, that the only thing that we, here inside the Church Of Christ, base our faith upon and share to all of you is what is actually written here in the Holy Bible [https://incmedia.org/the-bible/]. Because following God’s law is what we were created to do [https://incmedia.org/why-was-man-created/]. We were created to reflect the holiness of God, so that we can be and live in the image of God or in His image of holiness. Now, we realize that it can be confusing when, especially leaders of different religions, while supposedly leading people to follow the Bible, say things that contradict the Bible. For example, when the Pope tells a gay man, “God made you like this.” [On-screen text graphics] “Pope Francis tells gay man: ‘God made you like this’” The Guardian Sunday, May 20, 2018 theguardian.com Brother Bob: In an earlier program, we studied the biblical truths regarding God’s prohibition against same-sex relationships. So anyone who tells a person who is currently living a lifestyle contrary to God’s words, and they would say something like, “God made you this way, so it’s therefore okay,” is obviously not speaking on God’s behalf, not speaking God’s words, but rather from their own opinions and how they have been influenced to believe in their own life, contrary to the word of God. Many studies, even debates, have already been done and much research has been published, all in an effort to find a biological or an environmental cause of homosexuality. Scientists have studied, for example, the human anatomy and even neuroanatomy to find out if the cause of homosexuality is biological. But up to now, they still have not found any conclusive proof that it is. The reality is that, up to now, no scientific evidence has been shown that homosexuality is inherited or that an individual is, in fact, born homosexual. So, what does the Bible say about people being created in God’s image, with the instruction to be holy as God is holy, but who have chosen to live a life outside of God’s law? The answer I quote from the Holy Bible once again. Ecclesiastes 7:29 reads this way: Lo, this is the only reason for it that I have found: God made man upright, but they [men and women] have sought out many devices [for evil]. [Ecclesiastes 7:29 Amplified Bible] Brother Bob: Dear friends, is there any one of our viewers right now living a life against God’s law? What you have to accept—it’s not the Creator’s fault. The Bible clearly says that God made us upright. He made us the right way. He made us able to be holy with every ability to follow his law. That is the image of God that we were created in, to live a life of holiness and obedience to His law. So why, then, are there those who are not remaining upright? As we just read here, the Bible said because people “have sought out many devices [for evil].” So, the people living a life against God’s law: No, God did not make you that way. No. God gives us the choice of how to be and how to live. And, dear friends, what are the consequences if we do not live by or, we choose to live, breaking the laws of God? Listen once again to the answer of God. First John chapter three, verse four says: Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God’s law, because sin is a breaking of the law. [I John 3:4 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: The biblical definition of sin, dear friends, is the breaking of God’s law. This is why we cannot accept that there are people born homosexuals, created by God to be on the path of a homosexual lifestyle, or that it is an innate character trait. Because if that were true, it would contradict God’s own teachings written in the Bible. God did not create us to break His law or to be lacking in the ability to abide by it. Remember, dear friends, the Bible says, “God made man upright.” In fact, in other translations of the Bible, it says that God made people good or uncorrupted. Although some would have us believe that there’s nothing wrong with always following one’s own passions and desires, we have to be aware that it is very wrong to do so, if the passion or the desire is what God regards as evil or wrong [https://incmedia.org/why-is-there-evil-if-all-of-us-were-created-good/]. Those that find themselves proudly identifying as homosexuals, how does the Bible describe this kind of passion being that it is outside of God’s law? Well let’s, again, let God answer. These responses are not coming from us. We’re just reading them here in the Holy Scripture. So, for example, in the book of Romans, chapter 1, we’ll read first verse 28, and we’ll also read verse 25, 26, and 27: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchange the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. [Romans 1:28, 25-27 New King James Version] Brother Bob: Dear friends, it is the Bible that describes people, women with women, men with men, and described it as going against the nature God created for them. The Bible describes their acts, even calls it shameful, and the kind of passion that they have was called what? To quote the word of God, a “vile passion.” Therefore, living this way, it would not be living in the image of God. Is there anyone here in this program, joining us in this program today, that wants to live in the image of God but has homosexual inclinations or desires? What is the advice of the Bible? What guidance can be found in the Holy Scriptures, because God also holds out an invitation for those who hope to live within God’s laws [https://incmedia.org/trust-gods-plan-for-your-life/] but feel like these desires are out of their control, or these desires are too much for them to deny. Do you feel like you were born that way? There’s an important reminder of our Creator, spoken of by the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians, chapter 10, verse 13. Let’s hear this wonderful pronouncement of our Lord God: But remember this—the wrong desires that come into your life aren’t anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation’s power so that you can bear up patiently against it. [I Corinthians 10:13 The Living Bible] Brother Bob: The Bible reminds us that we “can trust God to keep that temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. That’s His promise. That’s the love of God. Again, we can see that love of our Creator here, right? He will not place us in a situation where we’re not able to live in His image, or to reflect His image of holiness, to reflect the obedience that will sanctify and purify us. He won’t make that too difficult for us. He will help us. He will help you if you’re feeling those passions, and you know that you need to change them. God is here. It is true that we as human beings, well you know, we have weaknesses right? Which is why it is necessary to follow God’s guidance, follow His laws on our path to holiness. What should we remember if we ever feel alone in battling the desires to commit sin? Remember what we just read, dear friends. I quote, “remember this—the wrong desires that come into your life aren’t anything new and different.” So, you’re not the first one to have encountered this problem. How then can a person who realizes that he’s not living in the true image of God, which is being holy and upright, and they adjust his or her lifestyle to the way God intended? The answer is also recorded here in the Bible. We turn to the writings of Apostle Paul in Ephesians, chapter 4, verse 21 through 24, he said: You certainly heard about him, and as his followers you were taught the truth that is in Jesus. So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. [Ephesians 4:21-24 Good News Bible] Brother Bob: The Bible mentions, dear friends, the first step to renewing our life is to be taught the truth, and it’s only by hearing and learning the truth, which we learned earlier when we read John 17:17 is God’s words that will sanctify, God’s words, that one would then realize the error of their ways. Does merely realizing it, though, or admitting the error of one’s ways mean that we’re now living in the image of God.? No, of course not. Not yet. So what’s the next step? What do we do now if, “I know that I need to change, I know I need to do something different, I need help?” The next step, what did the Apostle Paul instruct? “Get rid of your old self.” “Which self is that old self that I need to get rid of?” one may ask. Well, the Bible said, it’s the one that “made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires.” So what is needed then, dear friends, to truly get rid of our old self one may ask? Well it says, “Your hearts and minds must be made completely new.” So our idea, our own mind, our own opinion, our own idea of what we call right and wrong, can change, must change. How would a person be able to prove this change in their life? The Bible also said you have to “put on the new self.” What is this new self referring to? The kind of person “created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in true life that is upright and holy.” God gave us clear instructions on how to pursue the holiness that He created us for. We started this discussion with a few main questions that we hope everyone understands now, as they have been answered by God. Brother Bob: Yes, we were all created in God’s image. Yes. But that image was not the physical nature but was the image of holiness, it was our capacity to live upright and to follow God’s commands. God did not create us cookie-cutter perfect specimens of utmost obedience. No. We have weaknesses, failures that are our own responsibility to correct. Thankfully, we have His laws. We have His commands, the guidance He provides to follow, so He’s there with us helping us attain that holiness, that upright stature of being in His likeness that he asks us, asks from us. This is the way of life we were intended to live in the first place, a life in the image of God. We have learned today the starting process to truly live in God’s image. And that is what we have to do, becauseThat’s in the Bible. You know, dear friends, there are many similar topics regarding sexuality and self expression that we’ve been covering and discussing here on the program That’s In The Bible. Some of these have included: How many genders did God create? [https://incmedia.org/how-many-genders-did-god-create/] and Does god support same sex marriage? Continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the Church Of Christ. Visit us. Visit us online as well and browse the different topics. [On-screen text graphics] Visit incmedia.org Brother Bob: Set up an appointment if you’d like to meet with a minister of the gospel. If you have any questions about the Bible, about salvation, please email them to us. [On-screen text graphics] answers@incmedia.org Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Thanks for watching. See you next time, right here, on That’s In The Bible. [On-screen logo graphic] That’s in the Bible! [On screen graphic] INC Media Services © All Rights Reserved 2022 [Show closes] The post Were Homosexuals Made in God’s Image Too? [https://incmedia.org/were-homosexuals-made-in-gods-image-too/] appeared first on incmedia.org [https://incmedia.org].

What does the Bible say about same-sex marriage? Can God support or bless gay marriages? You asked, the Bible answers. Show/Hide TranscriptDoes God Support Gay Marriage? [Show opens] Brother Bob Pellien: Can one believe in the Bible [https://incmedia.org/our-beliefs/the-holy-scriptures/] or be a true Christian and at the same time believe in, or promote on our social media accounts, same-sex marriage? Does God support same-sex marriage? Hello, everyone, and welcome to this program! The basis of the teachings here, in the Church Of Christ, is and will always be the Bible or the Holy Scriptures. Now, we want to clarify though that the Bible does not answer just any and all questions, but regarding proper worship, regarding [the] right relationship with God, and most importantly regarding salvation—those answers, most definitely, are here in the Holy Bible. [On-screen logo graphic] That’s in the Bible! [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob Pellien: I’m Bob Pellien and welcome to That’s in the Bible! On a recent episode of this program, we addressed the question, “How many genders does God recognize?” or “How many genders did God actually create?”, which the biblical answer is, as we learned then, was two: and they’re male and female. Now, we move on to another question on a similar topic that was emailed to the program by Annie. Annie asks us this: “What does the Bible say about gay marriage?” [On-screen text graphics] Annie | San Diego, California, USA What does the Bible say about gay marriage? Brother Bob Pellien: Thank you, Annie for that question. [On-screen text graphics] Can two people of the same sex or gender be married in God’s sight? Does God support same-sex marriage? Brother Bob Pellien: So, can two people of the same sex or gender be married in God’s sight? Can one believe in the Bible and be a true Christian and at the same time believe in or promote, like I said a while ago, promote on their social media accounts same-sex marriage? Like. Share. Does God support same-sex marriage? Again, before we start reading the answer, we would like to clarify ahead [that] we do value and recognize the human rights of every individual. We as Christians also, we do not tolerate that any person is oppressed or discriminated against by others. And, we do not promote hatred against anyone. With that said, to answer the question regarding same-sex marriage, we turn as always to the Holy Bible to understand what is marriage [https://incmedia.org/why-gods-guidance-in-marriage-is-important/] and what marriage is not. And we do that by turning to the book of Genesis, chapter 1, verse 27 and 28, and it reads this way: So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” [Genesis 1:27-28 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien: So, dear friends, here we can see that marriage was established by none other than the Creator Himself. It’s important to understand that there is no culture, there’s no country, nor government, nor any person or group of people that came up with or established marriage. Marriage, it’s not simply a legal institution. It’s an institution established by God. So, it is a religious union or a spiritual union. Why? Because the two, they cannot be joined as one in God’s sight unless they first seek the blessing [https://incmedia.org/benefits-of-putting-god-first-in-marriage/], the blessing from Him, since God’s the One who established marriage. Dear friends, this union, like all of God’s other institutions, has very clear rules and guidelines that cannot be altered or adjusted by anyone. The Bible is very clear that the two God joins together is male and the female, or a man and a woman. And after blessing them, or marrying the first couple, what was His instruction to them? He gave the instruction to go forth and multiply [https://incmedia.org/4-ways-to-baby-proof-your-marriage/], fill the earth. Consider: that cannot be done by those who enter into that marital union as same-sex partners, obviously. Even with the help of modern medical science, a child created for these same-sex couples is not a product of their union with each other. Which is why, therefore, we are very sure that same-sex marriage is not what God has established. Now to be fair, many may argue that, well, because this is a new day and age, a whole new era–the Christian era, and the complexities of modern life, current culture should be taken into account, there should be a change in attitude. “Jesus is love,” they would say. Others simply avoid taking a stand at all for fear of offending others and say, for example, “Who am I to judge others?” And there are even some who say, “Christ never discriminated. He taught love.” Dear friends, being that we are living in the Christian era, the Lord Jesus Christ is Whom we should follow and listen to, which is the true definition of a Christian [https://incmedia.org/the-definition-of-christian-according-to-the-bible-can-i-be-a-christian-just-by-believing/] anyway. And because we should not be judging others, and that’s true really, who are we to judge, right, we should simply respect and follow the judgments of the ultimate Judge–God our Creator. [On-screen text graphics] What does the Bible teach regarding marriage? Brother Bob Pellien: According to Jesus, what does the Bible actually teach regarding marriage? Has God’s original establishment of marriage, that we read a moment ago in the book of Genesis from the Old Testament, has that changed according to His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ? Let’s read what Jesus actually says on that matter, in Matthew, 19, verses 4 through 6. He said: And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?  So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” [Matthew 19:4-6 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien: Dear friends, we can see how there is nothing vague or confusing about Christ’s teaching regarding marriage. Our Lord Jesus Christ shows how God’s policy stands to this day: marriage is between man and woman. In fact, Christ even quoted word-for-word what is written earlier, as we read earlier, in the Holy Scriptures so as to avoid any misinterpretation. True Christians follow Christ’s teachings, so they can be right with their Creator—the only Judge, as we also mentioned earlier. It’s understandable, though, that there are countries now that are changing their laws to recognize same-sex marriages. But, it should also be understood that same-sex marriages will only be recognized by man’s laws, not God’s, because God’s law written here in the Holy Bible does not change based upon ever-changing cultural tolerances. Maybe some however are thinking, or maybe even are a bit conflicted thinking that, “I thought Christ preached a message of love and understanding. How is this possible if He does not allow same-sex marriages?” Dear friends, to clarify how Christ’s stand and policy on marriage is in fact really a message of love; how could that be? Well, I Corinthians, chapter 6, verses 9 and 10 read this way: Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. [I Corinthians 6:9-10 New International Version] Brother Bob Pellien: Why should this be considered a message of love? The message of love makes it clear what will happen if one does right or does wrong. We can see here that it is wrong to engage in same-sex or homosexual relationships, just as it is wrong to steal, or to slander, or to swindle others. It is a warning, a loving warning, to help people be saved from what will happen if left to their own desires. The biblical truth is that those who do these acts “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Making this perfectly clear is a great manifestation of the deep love of Christ. He doesn’t want anyone to be punished by God. Christ’s love for all people is the reason He taught the truth. The modern, pop cultural concept that Christ’s love approves of and encompasses any and all relationships between consenting adults—it’s NOT in the Bible. This is also the reason why we are here, why all of us here inside the Church Of Christ, continually share what is actually written here in the Bible. Why? So that just as we have read, we would “not be deceived” but we could still inherit the Kingdom of God. We are fully aware that there might be some who, as they watch this episode, we know there may be some to be hurt, get angry even, and refuse to believe what they’re hearing and seeing in the Bible. We also know that there are many more people who are not even interested in what’s in the Bible and would rather base their beliefs on their own sources, such as personal philosophies and ideologies, or internet influencers. Why is it not surprising that there are people who refuse to believe God’s words written in the Bible? It really is not surprising, and here’s why. We turn to the book of Psalms, 107, verse 11, because it says this: Because they rebelled against the words of God, And despised the counsel of the Most High, [Psalms 107:11 New King James Version] Brother Bob Pellien: Dear friends, the Bible makes mention here of the people even before who despised God’s words, decided to rebel against them. Are you one of those people today in our time?  So, what we are seeing today is, it’s nothing new. It’s just that society’s legal definition of marriage is one point of rebellion for some. Now that we’ve learned God’s laws regarding marriage, that He established it, it’s He who blessed the first couple, a man and a woman, male/female to be joined together, well, what about those that have tendencies or desires to go against that set order? Dear friends, if there’s anyone watching at this moment who might have these tendencies, these feelings, the question now is: would you automatically be punished eternally for having these tendencies, having these feelings, feeling this way? We find the answer again here in the Holy Bible, and this time we turn to the book of James, chapter 1, verse 14 and 15: But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death. [James 1:14-15 Amplified Bible] Brother Bob Pellien: First of all, we have to clarify that not all desires or passions are evil. But notice: if the desire is drawing one away from God and tempted, entices one to break His commandments, then that is an evil desire. What we can notice in this verse, that we’ve just read here, is that every person is tempted but not all are tempted in the same way. Some may be tempted in other kinds of vices, in stealing, drinking, or gambling, or they easily get angry or maybe are easily led to laziness, immorality, or lust for same-sex relationships, whatever it may be. What does the Bible say, however? Only those whose desires are allowed to conceive will it give birth to sin and bring forth death. Everyone is tempted, yes. But we can see also that merely having an evil desire, a passion, or let’s say the tendency, it does not—we have to emphasize that, dear friends—it does not automatically mean that you will not enter heaven or will be punished eternally. It was made clear that when the evil desire of a person manifests itself by committing sin, or taking action on those evil desires, that is when a person falls into God’s judgment already established. Which is why, as we read earlier, the wrongdoer not the tempted, I repeat, the wrongdoer not the merely tempted, the ”wrongdoer will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Even though many people today are very concerned with making sure they live their lives politically correct, we inside the Church Of Christ are primarily concerned that we live our lives biblically correct or in accordance with God’s will. This is, again, the reason why learning these biblical truths is truly God’s love [https://incmedia.org/does-god-love-everyone-unconditionally/] for us. People say Jesus is love. He is! He warned us. That is love. We hope, through this teaching today that comes from the Lord here in the Holy Scriptures, we have all received that love. But there are many similar topics yet, similar topics regarding sexuality and self expression that we’ll be covering regularly here on upcoming episodes of That’s in the Bible. And some of these topics include: Gender identity, Being created in God’s image. [On-screen text graphics] Gender identity Being created in God’s image Brother Bob Pellien: We’d like you to continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ). [On-screen text graphics] Visit Incmedia.org [https://incmedia.org/thats-in-the-bible/] Brother Bob Pellien: Please visit us online and browse the different topics, or set up an appointment to meet with a minister of the gospel. If you have any questions about the Bible, about salvation, please email them to us. [On-screen text graphics] answers@incmedia.org Brother Bob Pellien: I’m Bob Pellien. [On-screen text graphics] Brother Bob Pellien Minister of the Gospel Brother Bob Pellien: Thanks for watching. See you next time, as we continue this discussion, right here on That’s in the Bible! [On-screen logo graphic] That’s in the Bible INC MEDIA SERVICES © All Rights Reserved 2022 [Show closes] The post Does God Support Same-Sex Marriage? [https://incmedia.org/does-god-support-same-sex-marriage/] appeared first on incmedia.org [https://incmedia.org].

How many genders did God create in the beginning? Does Jesus’ love allow for gender to be a spectrum, or to be non-binary? You asked, the Bible answers. Show/Hide TranscriptThat’s in the Bible How Many Genders Did God Create? Brother Bob Pellien: With the current climate of politicized issues prevalent on the internet, social media and even mainstream media, a number of you have reached out to us via email and are simply asking “How many genders does God recognize?” or even “How many genders did God create?” Hello, everyone. Welcome to That’s in the Bible. The basis of our faith here in the Church Of Christ is first and foremost the Bible or the Holy Scriptures [https://incmedia.org/our-beliefs/the-holy-scriptures/]. Now, we want to always clarify that the Bible does not answer just any and all questions. But regarding proper worship, the right relationship with God and most importantly, salvation. Those answers are most definitely here in the Holy Bible. Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien. Welcome to the program That’s in the Bible. Now, to some, this might be a fairly simple question to answer: How many genders did God create? But for others, the fear of offending a whole community of people and being labeled as, well, not politically correct or even being labeled a bigot, have confused them regarding what is right and what is true, since the question is: How many genders did God create? We will simply use God’s own words to respond to that. And his words are written here in the Holy Bible. Now, before we start reading the answer we would like to clarify something first, and that is that we really do value and recognize the human rights of every individual. We also do not tolerate that any person would be oppressed or discriminated against by anyone, due to their gender identity, or sexual orientation. And, we do not promote hatred against anyone. Instead we encourage seeking biblical truth about this and every subject. Brother Bob: So, to understand of whether a gender spectrum or gender fluidity is recorded in the Bible, we first turn to the Bible and read Genesis 1:27 NKJV: So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27 New King James Version Brother Bob: Here, dear friends, we can clearly see that, from the very beginning, when God created people, there was not a gender spectrum. We’ve always been two biological sexes, manifesting in only two sexual genders. A human being is either male or female. God did not create additional genders other than those two. And, dear friends, since today, there are some that, well, they simply claim otherwise. We can pose a follow up question specifically for the time or era we are all living in now: the Christian era. Some wonder and say that, well, since Christ’s teachings are full of love—and that’s true—surely He would have accepted those who claim to be of a gender not mentioned in the Old Testament. So, have the number of genders changed or increased in this era according to the Lord Jesus Christ? Let’s go to the writings where he’s quoted here.  Matthew 19:4 reads this way, our Lord Jesus said this: And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ Matthew 19:4 New King James Version Brother Bob: Again, dear friends, we can clearly see the answer of the Lord Jesus Christ, since He’s actually quoting God’s very own words, showing that there’s no change, no change in the Christian era. We live in the Christian era still. But you might wonder why then are there some who have taken a very clear, very simple, very good and straight forward truth as we’ve read it here, and view it to be complex, quite complicated. Gender identity and Christianity have become, for some people, even opposing forces. There may be those who feel confused as to where they fit on that gender spectrum that was created, not by God, but created by society, and might be even blaming God for their personal confusion because they truly believe they were created in His image. Dear friends, how can one be created in His image, His image of holiness, if in fact they are tempted to represent themselves in a way they know to be different from what and how God created them to be? Or to say it even simpler, they might think “If God created me and I’m like this, it must be okay with God.” Let’s let God respond. And we turn to Ecclesiastes 7:29, let’s read together here what is God’s response about that: Here is what I have figured out: God made humanity for good, but we humans go out and scheme our way into trouble. Ecclesiastes 7:29 The Voice Brother Bob: Clearly the fault then, dear friends, it’s not with the Creator. God created us for good [https://incmedia.org/trust-gods-plan-for-your-life/], and His words determine, of course, what is good and what is not good. And since God already told us in the verses that we’ve already read previously, God created male and female. He created binary genders. He provides everything that we need to live our lives peaceful, live our lives happy and content. This is why when one properly follows God’s instructions and His commands, then he is able to enjoy and receive God’s promised blessings—His protection, His peace, His happiness. So, where then is the problem and confusion of some? The Bible states as we just read it, humans, we humans go out and scheme our way into trouble. So following God’s commands and teachings is what every created person, male and female, has the ability to do. The disobedience and failure to follow God’s words, to live as God created them to live is no one else’s fault or struggle to overcome but the individual themself. Knowing these truths are vital, dear friends. So we all have human weaknesses, right? Weaknesses that make us susceptible to stray from God’s ways and from His words. But we can’t allow that. We must not allow that to happen. Why do we say it’s vital to know these biblical truths, meaning hearing them, learning, and studying and accepting what is actually written in the Bible should really be priority in our lives? We say this because, well, there’s a danger of not knowing or allowing sources other than God’s words to be our guide. What’s the danger? Let’s read about it. And the answer to that question was responded to by the Apostle Paul here. 2 Corinthians 11:3, wherein it says this: But I am afraid that your minds will be led away from your true and pure following of Christ. This might happen just as Eve was tricked by the snake with his evil ways. 2 Corinthians 11:3 New Century Version Brother Bob: So dear friends, we are reminded that Eve (the first woman created and one who was able to enjoy a life in paradise known, as we all know, as the Garden of Eden), she was tricked by who? The enemy of God (the devil in the form of a snake). She was tricked into straying from following God’s truth. Here the apostle warns us of the danger that we too could be tricked from following the truth written in the Bible that the Lord Jesus Christ taught. This is the reason why learning what is actually written here in the scriptures, written here in the Bible should really be a priority in our lives. If there are those who desire to follow biblical truth, but yet are struggling with their own tendencies, their own feelings that tempt them to go against God’s words – maybe they find themselves, for example, identifying with a non-binary concept of gender, or in confusion regarding which pronouns they want others to address them as – what instruction does the Lord Jesus Christ give? Let’s turn again to the Scriptures, this time the words of our Lord are recorded here in Matthew 26:41 NKJV it says: Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41 New King James Version Brother Bob: Dear friends, temptations to sin or to break any of God’s laws are all around us. We should never allow anyone to convince us that any one of God’s laws is outdated [https://incmedia.org/do-old-testament-laws-still-apply-today/], any of His laws in the Christian era is, obsolete, invalid, or no longer needs to be followed, or are in fact impossible to follow and still be happy. Why? Jesus Christ taught to us: “Watch,” He said. “Watch and pray.” Let’s be alert. Let’s all be ready, alert, aware of what is happening in these difficult and changing times, and pray that we accept God’s guidance through His words contained here in the Holy Bible. That’s how we should handle the situation. That’s how we can fight against temptations. The situations that are around us and are prevalent and being fed to us by other kinds of influencers other than God and His words, because that’s in the Bible. And we understand, dear friends, that these modern issues regarding sexuality have many more things that need to be addressed and can be addressed by studying the Bible with us [https://incmedia.org/help-center/] here in the Church Of Christ, which provides, well, much hope and strength. Return for the next episodes as we continue diving deeper into these important topics, such as: [on-screen graphics] Same sex marriage Are homosexuals made in God’s image too? Brother Bob: So, dear friends, we’d like you to continue learning about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ). [https://iglesianicristo.net/] [on-screen graphics] Visit incmedia.org Brother Bob: Please visit us online and browse the different topics and set up an appointment to meet with one of the ministers of the Gospel here inside the Church of Christ, and if you have any questions about the Bible, salvation, these topics—please email them to us. [on-screen graphics] answers@incmedia.org Brother Bob: I’m Bob Pellien, thanks for watching. See you next time, right here on That’s in the Bible. The post How Many Genders Did God Create? [https://incmedia.org/how-many-genders-did-god-create/] appeared first on incmedia.org [https://incmedia.org].