The Old Path

How Should Ministers and Pastors be Called and Addressed?

JAN MICHAEL LACHICA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:26:46 +0000

APREACHER IS also discouraged from saving money in banks. Christ said, “Lay not for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal” (Mat. 6:19). Christ prohibited it to the real ministers of God because no man could serve two masters at the same time. He cannot serve God and riches at the same time. This is why God prohibited His ministers from enriching themselves.

Now, we are going to continue studying this topic. We will still talk about the don’ts of God to His ministers/preachers. What are they? And please try to compare the preacher being mentioned in the Bible and compare him with your respective preachers, or pastors. Actually, God has so many prohibitions, but pastors conceal these to their members. But let us try studying them now.

Nowadays, preachers are being addressed in various ways. There is one religious leader who is called servant leader; another is being called Jagad Guru, which means world preacher. This is the name that the Chaitanya Mission calls their leader – Jagad Guru, or world preacher. The Chaitanya mission is one of the groups that teaches that, you will be blesses if you call on the name of God. And according to them, God has more than a hundred million names! How can that be? Where in the Bible can you find those hundred million names? That is almost equivalent to the number of galaxies in our universe! How can the Bible accommodate those hundred million names? But that is their belief. Aside from that, they also call their leader Jagad Guru, which means world preacher.

In some organizations of faith, their leader is being called Beloved Evangelist. Another group calls their leader as Dynamic Evangelist; there is also another whose leader is addressed as Apostle; and, still another group calls their preacher as Father.

Each group has its own form of address to their leader. But let us find out from the Bible how pastors, or preachers, should be addressed by the faithful. Does the Bible give any specific instruction as to how a leader of religion should be called? This is what our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 23:8, “But be not ye called Rabbi: …”

The negative word “not,” or “do not,” connotes a prohibition. Christ prohibited His apostles not to let anybody call them Rabbi. You see, the word “Rabbi” is the plural form of “Rabboni”, which means teacher/master. “… for one is your Master, even Christ; all ye are brethren (Mat. 23:8).”

In other words, the Bible introduces but one Teacher, or Master, to the Christians. And for that, Christ prohibited His apostles from letting anybody call them Rabbi, or Rabboni, as written in the Book of Matthew.

If we are all brethren, how shall we call each other? Have you heard of a brother calling his brother “teacher,” or “reverend”? Isn’t that unbecoming? If you are all brethren in faith, why will you call your priest as “most holy father”? That is not right! That is against Christ’s commandment! Remember Christ told His apostles not to let anybody call them Rabbi because they have only one Teacher, and all of them are brethren. And who is the sole teacher that ought to be addresses as Rabbi? He is nobody else but our Lord Jesus Christ. This is what Judas 1:4 says, “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of God unto lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Jesus Christ is our only Teacher. Please do not be misled. There is but one “guru”. Then, all of a sudden, here comes a so-called Jagad Guru, claiming that he is a jagad guru! That is an outright defiance to what Christ had commanded.

Today, there are many preachers who let other people call them “teacher”. Perhaps, they are too thirsty of honor and power. But what is worse, they even add a modifier in the superlative degree to their names and titles, i.e. “most holy Father”. The word “holy” is already an adjective that implies distinction, but since they crave for a greater honor, they added “most,” which is an adverb in its superlative degree. Please, don’t get offended but that is how Catholic priests are addressed – Most Holy Father, Most Reverend Father. Protestant pastors are also called Reverend Pastor. But does this practice conform to the standards of the Bible? Matthew 23:9 says, “And call no man your father upon earth: for one is your Father which is in heaven.” So, when it comes to matters of religion, we are not supposed to call anyone father.

“Papa” is a Latin word for “father”. In Greek, it is “patros”; in Filipino, “ama”; in English, “father”. Christ said, when it comes to religion, nobody should be called “father” because there is only Father, that who is in heaven. That means, the only one whom we are supposed to call “Father” is the Father in heaven. How should we rightfully address the Father? Matthew 6:9 says, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name …”

It is very clear that the Father that we shall call on is the Father in heaven. And we shall call no man on earth “father. “And call no man your father upon earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”

Let us obey Christ. Why do we call a priest “father”? It’s fine if the one you are calling “father” is your parent. There is nothing wrong with that. He is not a minister, or preacher, any way. But when it comes to religion, Christ does not want any man to be called “father”. The only father that we should invoke is the One in heaven.

But do you call your priests “father” or not? If you do, you are defying the teachings of the Bible. If Christ does not want any man on earth to be called “Father”, the more He would condone it if you will attach the word “reverend” to it. Why? Do you know that the Bible used the word “reverend” only once? That is in Psalms 111:9 which says, “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.”

That is the only verse in the Bible that used the word “reverend”. It was used only once. The apostles were not called reverend; the pastors in the first century church neither called themselves “reverend”. The Bible used the word “reverend” once to refer to the Father in heaven. “… holy and reverend is his name.” But today, pastors have robbed God of that honor and distinction. They have attached the word “reverend” to their names.

You know, my brethren in our congregation will get mad at me if I let them address me as “reverend” because they know very well for whom that word should be used – for God only. But for a sinful man, the word “reverend” is not fitting. And most especially so if it had been made “Most Holy Father”. Isn’t it that no other descriptive word, be it adjective or adverb, could surpass it if it is already presented in the superlative degree? For a priest to be called “Most Holy Father”, that would mean that his holiness exceeds that of the Father in heaven! The Father in heaven is simply called “our Father,” “Nuestro Padre,” “Patros Nosotros” . . . without any modifier in the superlative degree.

That is a disrespect and defiance to Christ’s law. You were commanded not to call any man on earth “father”, but you just do the opposite. Not only that! You even describe him as “most holy” and “most reverend”.

But while some preachers are being addressed as “Father,” there are also some who call themselves as “Apostle”. But as far as the teachings of the Bible are concerned, how should the brethren in the church address one another? For instance, how was Paul addressed by his brothers in faith? II Pet. 3:15 says, “And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul …”

St. Paul was called “brother in faith,” “brother,” not “apostle”. Remember that “Apostle” is not a form of address, it is an office. It is a duty. Others do not really understand, what being an apostle is all about. Let me illustrate. “President” is an office. The President is addressed as “His Excellency”. In the court, a Judge is not addressed “Judge”; he is addressed as “Your Honor,” because “Judge” is an office. What do I mean to say? “Apostle” is an office, but how should the one holding this office is addressed? Acts 2:37 says, “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

Peter and the rest of the apostles were addressed as “brethren,” not “Reverend Apostle Peter”! Are there any biblical accounts that mention that the apostles were addressed as “reverend”? There is none! They called each other “brother”. Even if Peter had authority over them, because he was the one teaching them the way to salvation, he was simply called “brother”. That is why, the different forms of address like Apostle, Reverend Pastor, Most Holy Father, Very Reverend Father, etc., are all against what the Bible teaches.

At the moment, I am troubled by so many things, and one of them is, how can I save my fellowmen from the claws of false preachers who are not only misleading but who are also deliberately taking for granted what the Bible teaches. The Bible said, “do not let anybody call you Rabbi” . . . “call no one of earth Father”. But there they are, allowing their members to call them “Father”, but most of the time “Reverend Father.” That is why I couldn’t help but pity these people. They still say “Amen” despite the fact that they are being fooled. During the Spanish colonization, our great grandparents used to address the friars as “Among”, implying that they were their lords, while they were their slaves. But insofar as the Bible is concerned, is it right that the members be regarded as slaves, and the preachers, lords? I Peter 5:1-2 says, “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint. Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.”

Nowadays, preachers are being treated as lords. Are you aware that there is one preacher who is being paraded by his members? He is being carried by six men. And as they procession him, hundreds of his guards are saluting him, as though he were a god. Do you know who he is? He is even wearing a crown. As written in the “Pasion”:

“Ang mga pagmimilagro (His miracles)

Tutulungan ng demonyo (will be helped by the devil)

Maghahari itong lilo (This wicked man will rule.)

Itong sukaban at lilo (This vile and wicked man)

Mandarayang walang toto (will deliberately deceive all)

Kalupit-lupit na tao (He is a very cruel man)

Kampon ng mga demonyo (A son of the devil)

Ang pangala’y anti Cristo (Whose name is anti-Christ).”

Even the Catholic “Pasion” speaks of it. And it was not I who wrote the “Pasion”; it was written by Catholic priests. God’s admonition to the preacher is, “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage: but being example to the flock. And when the chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

I do not agree that a preacher should be revered by his members to the point of bathing him. There is one preacher whose bedpan is being held by six maidens whenever he urinates. And whenever he discharges his excrements, these ladies are also the ones who wash his rectum. Actually, this is no longer surprising because there was one leader of religion who had 48 wives. Will you consider a religion to be of God when your minister makes his pretty members his concubines? Do you believe that he could lead you to heaven?

The Bible said, do not be like lords. But despite that, you enjoy being treated like a lord. They kiss your hand; they kneel before you. Sometimes, I am thinking if it were possible that all ministers and preachers be assembled to Luneta Park, and let them speak. And the throat of whoever will be found to be lying will be cut. Then, let him be thrown into the ocean to be devoured by sharks. That way, his deceits will be given an end. I am sure, if I would be given the chance to interrogate each of them, many will be beheaded for telling lies. But if I would not be permitted to question them, they’d definitely be able to brainwash a lot of people. They might succeed in making the people believe that they are telling the truth. But if I would be there, I will unmask them before your eyes.

First of all, I will ask them if they are truly ministers of God. Definitely, they will give me a positive answer. And then, I will ask them, “How do your members address you?” If they say, “Father,” I will ask them, “Isn’t it that the Bible prohibits us from calling any man, “father”? If they reason out and give excuses that they are not the ones who ask their members to address them as such, I will ask them, “Why didn’t you stop them? If you know that what they do is wrong, you have the obligation to correct them. The truth is, you are even flattered to hear them call you “Father”.” Imagine even your elders and parents call you “father”! Normally, a priest gets ordained in his late twenties. But why is it that he becomes a priest, even his grandfather kisses his hand and call him “father”? And why does he allow him to kiss his hand and call him “Father”? Isn’t that very ironic?

Ask your priests and pastors and ministers why are they not abiding by what the Bible is teaching? It’s just unfortunate that many of us are even angry when told of the truth. Sometimes, I am asking myself if it would be better if I’ll just shut my mouth. That way, I will not make enemies anymore. But I’d rather be struck by lightning than keep quiet! I’d rather die that not to fight for the truth! I would not let other people compel me to play deaf and mute to the frauds in religion. I repeat, I’d rather die! Actually, even the many libel cases that my foes in faith have filed against me did not intimidate me from telling the truth. I’d rather die than be prevented from proclaiming the truth. What is the use of living if you would not be able to preach what God wants you to preach? That is not the kind of life that I dream of. I do not mind leading a problem-laden life for the sake of telling the truth. I do not mind being the object of the people’s wrath if that is the price that I have to pay for telling the truth in the Bible. As written in Galatians 4:16, “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?”

Will you get mad at me because I opened your eyes to the truth? It’s up to you. Anyway, I will not be made accountable for it by God. My responsibility is to tell the truth, whether you like it or not. I do not fear the wrath of man. What I fear is the wrath of God, and I do not want to earn God’s wrath. Actually, one of my most fervent prayers is that God won’t get angry with me. There is practically nowhere for me to go and nobody to turn to if it God gets angry with me. All the other pastors are already angry with me, and I would be the most miserable person if God would also be angry with me. Woe unto me, when that happens! I could bear the anger of all, except God’s. That is why whatever God asks me to do I will gladly follow even if it would mean hurting the feelings of other people. God commanded the preachers not to let any man call them Rabbi; He doesn’t want a preacher to be called “Father”; He doesn’t want a preacher to be treated as lords by his members.

Instead of being angry with me, please try to contemplate on the things that I mentioned. They are all true. Your preachers have made you slaves; they have fooled you; they have made money out of you. And when a preacher gets attracted with you, he would even make you his concubine.

There is a preacher who claims that he is a son of God. So, if begets a child by one woman, that child becomes a grandchild of God. Because of that, no woman ever complains if her preacher wants to go to bed with her. As a result, one leader of religion had 36 concubines, while another had 48. This is no gossip. I have documents to prove its veracity. This thing really happens in religion, and it has happened several times already.

That is why it is very important that you know the truth – so that you won’t be cheated. A preacher should not be treated as lord, as though he is the Lord Almighty. Did the apostles Barnabas and Paul do this? Acts 14:11-15 says, “And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lyconia. The gods are come down to us in the likeness of man. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people crying out, and saying, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you …”

However, today, preachers are even elated if their members offer them flowers, and if they kneel before them. But these things were not done by real apostles of Christ. They were prohibited by the Bible. In fact, they even said, “We also are men of like passions with you …”

A Preacher of God is Prohibited from Enriching himself..

JAN MICHAEL LACHICA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:05:16 +0000

RELIGIONS HAVE MANY hidden faces. What you see and what you know is different from the real state of things. Their faces show us something, which is different from what they really are. This is what II Corinthians 11:13-15 says, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness . . .”

There are really masks worn by many religions. Even satan is capable of transforming himself into an angel of light. That is why, the many depictions of satan that he looks ferocious, with tail and fangs, and fierce eyes, are wrong! Those who picture satan that way are without biblical understanding. On the contrary, satan is good-looking, because he will not succeed in deceiving people if he looks horrible. Remember he is a deceiver. He is pretending to be an angel of light. It follows that his ministers and cohorts also pretend to be ministers of righteousness.

Today, you will notice that most preachers look very meek. But a person’s meekly appearance could just be put on. A person could always pretend to be meek and sincere but deep inside, he is a deceiver. Definitely, he will not show other people his true color. He will not use biting words whenever he speaks, otherwise he will not be able to fool other people. A lot of people accuse me of using harsh language. That may be true, but do you know why? It is because I do not want to deprive the people of the truth, no matter how painful the truth is! But isn’t it that the word of God also hurts? His commandments hurt. “Thou shalt not kill! Thou shalt not commit adultery! Thou shalt not steal!” All of those words are tough and cumbersome to the murderers, adulterers, and thieves. However, preachers, who are not being true to other people, conceal these truths. They speak of nothing but favorable and candy-coated words. They cater to the taste and preference of the people.

Actually, if we will speak of human preferences, men do not really like God’s commandments. Basically, men do not want to be given restrictions because he is under the power of sin. The Gospel, the doctrines of God, is against the pleasure of the flesh. This is what Galatians 1:10 says, “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

Do your pastors read you this verse? According to St. Paul, preachers who serve the pleasure of men are not really servants of Christ. Why? Why did St. Paul say that? If you are preaching the way Christ wants you to preach, the people will not be pleased with you. They will detest you, especially the wicked. Let us proceed to Galatians 1:11: “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.”

So, that is the reason. The Gospel that He preached is not after the will of man. The Gospel did not come from man, and neither was it based on the standards and preferences of man. This is the reason why many people will dislike you if you will preach the true Gospel. If a preacher is only after pleasing men, he should not be a servant of Christ. St. Paul said in Galatians 1:11-12: “I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Therefore, the Gospel did not come from man; it was not received from man. Instead, it was received by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Just try to analyze the books published by the different religions, and you will see that they conform to the standards and will of man. They were not inspired by God.

But if you are going to read the Bible, you will see that it is against the principles, ideologies, and culture of men. That is why many people do not readily accept the Gospel. You will notice that, from its inception, the Bible has been an object of many persecutions from the unbelievers, as well as from people who pretend to believe the Bible but actually reject what it says. That is why it has been my ardent desire to possess the spirit that the first preachers of Christ had. I do not care if you are not pleased with me; I do not care if you get mad at me. My main concern is to proclaim the truth in the Bible for you not to be deceived and misled. You may refer to your respective copies of the Bible, and see for yourself if the verses that I am citing are there, or not. We are here to tell you the truth, whether you join our group or not. We will tell you the truths which other preachers do not teach.

First and foremost, we do not accept, nor solicit, money from anybody. That is against the teachings of Christ. When you preach the Gospel, you do not preach for profit. A preacher of the Gospel does not preach for money. II Corinthians 11:7 says: “Have I committed an offense in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?”

Preaching is an act of humbling oneself. It is an act of abasing, or humbling, oneself if you preach the Gospel without monetary gains. St. Paul said, he humbled himself “that ye might be exalted” because he preached the Gospel of Christ freely. There was no money involved when he preached the Gospel. A preacher of the Gospel should not make the word of God a commodity, or merchandise. That is bad! Other preachers do not teach this to their members, but let us read II Peter 2:3, “And through covetousness shall they feigned words make merchandise of you …”

The crooked pastors make their members their sources of livelihood. They get from them the food that they eat, the costly apparels that they wear, the luxury cars that they ride, and the money that they spend in their vices like women, cigarettes, as well as in the other luxuries in life. Many pastors have made themselves very rich at the expense of their members. They just capitalize on the word of God in the Bible. But St. Paul preached the Gospel not to earn money. When the Apostles preached the Gospel to the Gentiles, or the unbelievers, they did not ask a single centavo from them. This is what III John 1:7 says, “Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.” They did not take anything. When the Apostles of Christ went to the Gentiles to preach, they did not take even a centavo from them. The Bible said, “they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.”

But do you know that there are religious organizations asking money from passers-by in public places? Do you know how the Bible calls these people? They were called “greedy dogs”. Why? And how greedy are they? This is what Isaiah 56:11 says, “Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain . . .”

This is one verse that many preachers today do not read. That is why we are trying to expose to you things that are not exposed by other religious leaders because most of them, indeed, preach for money. They are not prophets, but profiteers, racketeers, and extortionists. They are not ashamed to collect money from people in the streets, and they even accuse their members of robbing God if they do not give tithes. And this is accompanied by threats that you will experience misfortunes and illnesses and condemnation in hell should you refuse to give tithes. That is their way of deceiving their unsuspecting members. These pastors are not being true to their members. Brothers and sisters, please, do not forget the verse that I am going to cite. This is a law of God to safeguard your properties and your soul. This is written in Matthew 6:19: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth …”

Does your pastor read this verse? Just what is your understanding of “(do) not”? Does it not convey “prohibition”? If you had been prohibited from doing something, you are, in effect, being commanded not to do it. And our Lord Jesus Christ himself said, do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon the earth. He was talking to His apostles – the preachers. Let me complete the verse: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal.”

But here comes your pastors telling you that if you will give tithes, you will surely amass riches. The members are being given false hopes. That is why they blindly give them their money. But have they really grown any richer? No! There are members who have been giving their pastor tithes for the last fifteen years, yet, until now, they are still as financially hard up as ever that they would not be able to eat anything if they fail to avail a sack of rice on credit. And how come it still takes him sometime before he is able to pay that sack of rice? What does that mean? It is only their pastors that have become very rich. The money that they give them is deposited in their bank accounts. They have built mansions and rest houses, and they have bought expensive luxury cars for themselves, at the expense of their members. They have, indeed, become very rich out of fooling their members. They do not tell their members what the Bible really teaches. They are not reading to them this particular verse: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth …”

I have instilled this verse in my mind. I do not save money for myself. In fact, if I happen to make money out of my labors, I share it with others. Actually, most of the time, even before I receive the money, it has already been allocated for the needs of others. I do not keep money in a bank, nor in a vault. Perhaps, I am the only preacher who does not have any savings in a bank. What I have are loans from different banks, but not saving deposits because laying up treasures for oneself is prohibited by Christ to a preacher. What God wants is for these treasures to be shared with others. Psalms 112:9 says, “He hath dispersed, he hath to the poor, his righteousness endureth for ever …”

That is the work of a preacher who is true to God. He does not pile up riches for himself, instead, he shares what he has to the needs of the poor. I, for instance, buy some copies of the Bible, if I happen to earn something. And I distribute these bibles to other people for them to learn the way to salvation. I always see to it that my earnings are not just kept in a bank; they are spent for the salvation of man. Actually, the greater part of my earnings goes to the television network where we air our program, “Ang Dating Daan” (The Old Path). We are spending millions and millions of pesos for the propagation of our faith – the faith of Jesus Christ in the Bible. I do not capitalize on religion to enrich myself. Until now, I am still financially hard up. I have so many loans in different lending and financing institutions.

Actually, I can also make lots of money, like what many preachers do, if I want to. Those pastors know only two verses of the Bible – John 3:16 and Acts 16:31 – but they have amassed great riches. Modesty aside, I know more than that. In fact, other people say that I have mastery of the contents of the Bible. But why have I not grown any richer? It is because I abide by what the Bible teaches, and one of them is, “Lay not up for yourselves riches on earth.” That is a law of God to the preachers. Unfortunately, many preachers take that law for granted that is why they have made themselves very rich. They do not obey Christ’s commandment, otherwise, they would not have piled up riches for themselves. And because they refuse to obey Christ, they are against Christ. And being against Christ makes them an anti-Christ. This is what the “Pasion” of the Catholics says about the anti-Christ:

“Ito’y pagkakalooban (He will be given)
Ng Dios at kapasyahan (judgment by God)
Gumawa ng kababalaghan (He performed wonders)
At kanyang makakamtan (and he will obtain)
Ang yaman sa karagatan (riches in the seas)
Ang kanyang mga aral (His doctrines)
Masama’t di katwiran (were wicked and unrighteous)
Madlang ugali’y mahalay (all his ways are vile)
Ipagbabantog sa tanan (He will make known to all)
Siya ang Kristiyanong tunay (that he is the real Christian).”

He will proclaim to all that he is a real Christian, but the truth is, he is not, because he is simply making himself rich. But how did he obtain riches?

“Ang mga pagmimilagro (the miracles he will perform)
Tutulungan ng demonyo (will be helped by the devil)

They claim to perform miracles. But how come, the ones seated in the front rows who were on wheelchairs would still go home on those wheelchairs? If they truly perform miracles, they should have made those people stand up and walk! You see, when our Lord Jesus Christ preached, he healed all of those who were afflicted with all kinds of infirmities. He made the lame walk; He cured all the sick. This is what Acts 10:38 says, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about going good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with them.”

So, He healed ALL. But these pastors today simply fool people. They make other people believe that they could heal them of their afflictions, but that is not true. Actually, the Apostles of Christ even resurrected the dead. But granting that the “miracles” of these pastors were real, I still am inclined not to believe it. Why? There are miracles that happen thru the help of the devil. Matthew 24:24 says, “For there shall arise false Christ, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

Those so-called miracle-workers will mislead a lot of people. Many false Christs and false prophets shall arise; they shall show great signs and wonders, and if possible they will deceive even the very elect of God. And it is because of their “miracles” that they are able to amass great riches.

There was once a Judge of a Regional Trial Court who remarked sarcastically that I am in deep financial indebtedness. That is true! I do not deny that. And that is a proof that I have not made myself rich. If a pastor keeps on getting richer and richer, that is a manifestation that he is a deceiver, and his religion is a false religion. Nobody among the preachers of God – from Christ to the Apostles – made them rich in religion. Nobody! Peter was a fisherman, and he died poor. The same with John the Baptist, he was not even able to study because of extreme poverty. Some Catholic priests mock me by saying that people shouldn’t believe me because I did not even finish schooling. Why? Did all the Apostles of Christ finish schooling? Acts 4:13 says, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men …”

Peter and John were unlearned and ignorant, but they were never intimidated by anyone because they were with Jesus. I also did not finish any degree, and I am proud to tell you that I have no grand ambitions. From the time I began studying the Bible, I’ve lost my dream for a grandiose life. My only dream in life is that, before I die, I hope that all people from the different parts of the world would be able to hear me as I preach the Gospel of Christ. I believe that, nowadays, there are but a few preachers who are like me who speak with frankness. I have no intention of persuading people; I neither use enticing words. My only desire is to speak of the truth, regardless of whether you join our group or not. Take it or leave it. The decision is yours. I will not force you. I just want you to listen to what I am saying. Hopefully, after listening, you’ll learn something from me and you’ll be enlightened, and eventually, you’ll be able to share with others what you’ve learned from me. For instance, whenever you come across preachers who capitalize on religion in enriching themselves, read to them Matthew 6:16. Christ prohibits pastors from enriching themselves. And why did Christ give them this commandment? For Him to be sure that the ministers of God will not make business out of religion, because Christ knew that there is danger behind a person’s great desire to become rich. This is what I Timothy 6:9 say, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and snare …”

Those who are only after becoming rich fall into temptation and to wickedness. If a preacher wants to be rich, he teaches doctrines that are not of Christ. He’ll just teach his members anything. “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drawn men in destruction and perdition.”

Why? In I Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

They that want to be rich fall into temptation, because the love of money is the root of all evil. There is no evil imaginable under the sun which is not caused by the love of money. A woman bares her body in front of a camera because of money. What her mother tried to keep for 19 years is being exposed to millions of people worldwide. What do you think is the reason why there are children who anticipate their parents’ death? Why are there parents who sell their children? Why are there people who sell illegal drugs despite the dangers they pose on the lives of many? And why are there preachers who have the guts teaching the Bible when they know nothing of the Bible? Why? It is all because of money! That is why our Lord Jesus was right. The love of money is the root of all evil. For this reason, Christ prohibited the ministers of God to love money because He didn’t want His ministers and preachers to love the root of all evil. And Christ would never allow the preachers to use religion for personal gains. Again, Matthew 6:16 says, “Lay not for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.”

I do not deny that our group has little properties, which would amount to quite a huge amount also. But our ministers have no personal riches. Our properties were acquired for the benefit of our members. Our first and foremost consideration is the welfare of our members. Although ours is a poor organization, we do not have any beggar member. Nobody among our members beg for alms in the streets just to have something to eat. If our members have nothing to eat, we feed them; if they do not have any home, we offer them shelter in our orphanages; if they could not afford to pay their hospital bills, our organization pays for it. If ever we have little acquisitions, they are not for myself but for the whole organization. We are not laying up for ourselves treasures on earth. We are laying up treasures for the benefit of our brethren in faith. Basically, our money is spent in saving souls … in searching for lost souls – souls that had been deceived and misled by wicked preachers.

But for you not to be deceived, always bear in mind what the Bible said. Preachers who capitalize on religion in enriching themselves are not of God. Christ did not establish religion to become an instrument for wealth acquisition. Religion was established so that the ministers and pastors would painstakingly exert every effort possible in leading all souls to salvation. And that is what our organization is doing. We abide by what the Bible says. We search for those who have gone astray, and we try to encourage them to change their ways and follow Christ’s doctrines instead.