The administration of Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo began at a time when the world is rapidly changing and moving to uncharted territories. He steered the Church in a very tumultuous and uncertain world. It was a time when the ‘new normal’ began.
The global economy was already feeling the impact of the US Recession, the worst since the Great Depression in the early 1900’s. Wars, armed conflicts, and terrorism are commonplace. Outbreaks of diseases brought global panic. Even the climate due to the effect of global warming is rapidly wreaking havoc to properties and people’s lives.
It was also a time when the world’s largest religions faced great crisis. The Roman Catholic Church, having two popes, is closing up churches around the world, even in the heart of Rome. The same holds true for the different Protestant sects. Even the Muslims are demanding reform not only from the governments of the countries they reside in, but also from their own faith, giving rise to the so-called Arab Spring.
Society became more permissive. Matrimony is no longer just between a man and a woman. Indeed, it was a time when almost every strata of society were shaken by change.
But because of the fulfillment of God’s prophecies to His nation, and the unwavering and uncompromising resolve of Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo, the Iglesia Ni Cristo was able to withstand all the negative things that are happening in the world.
As the world rapidly changes, the Church of Christ rapidly expands as well. While history is made in different parts of the world, the Church is also making history. Through the inspiring leadership of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Church broke many internal records such as the rate of propagation, number of worship buildings constructed, and the number of ministers ordained. It also broke and made world records. World records, not in trivial pursuits, but in worthy causes.
In a time when every belief and dogma is challenged and some were even forced to change, the Biblically based doctrines of the Iglesia Ni Cristo remains preserved. For even in a constantly changing environment, Christian doctrine, culture, and values must remain immutable.
Even the ‘revolution’ of a handful of traitors became a revelation. It revealed that happen what may, Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo will never compromise God’s commandments. It showed that the members of the Church of Christ are deeply rooted in the faith. It proved that this is God’s handiwork; hence, nothing and no one will be able to hinder.
In spite of the sustained upward trajectory of the Church, the Executive Minister is adamant that no minister or member be complacent. He exhorts everyone to intensively uphold the spiritual fervor by intensively obeying the commandments of God–the same teachings taught by his predecessors–for the ultimate goal of the Administration is to present the Church to Christ in a radiant and unblemished state (Eph. 5:27 NIV).
Indeed, the parade of victories that the Church enjoys will end in the greatest victory of all, the victory over death in the Lake of Fire. May God continue to bless the entire Church and may He continue to uphold Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo until he leads the Iglesia Ni Cristo to salvation.
(By: Anthony Peña)
