The Only Living Apostle Of Our Time

Marikina, my beloved hometown, was regarded by many Filipinos as the “shoe capital of the Philippines”. Here, shoes are being compared with the finest footwear of Italy and regarded as an ingredient of total elegance and self make-over. The largest leather made shoes in the world was displayed at the city’s Sports Arena, and many people are trying to visit and take some pictures with it.

Aside of the finest footwear of the country, Marikina also won the title “the cleanest city” in the republic. As a matter of fact, plenty of market places scattered all over the Philippines cannot be compared with the city’s Public Market when it comes to cleanliness. Marikina Public Market was well-organized by the government and vendors themselves are regulated by the discipline they earned from succeeding administrations. Thus, Marikina was regarded by its neighboring cities as the home of the disciplined people. However, the green city was suddenly spotted with a kind of dirt came from its religious sphere. Because at the heart of my hometown, a building was erected to be a worship center for a congregation established by a man named Arsenio Ferriol – a man who calls himself as the endtime apostle of the Church of Christ. His group was famous by their street preachings with matching some offering bags surrounding everywhere in the vicinity of the project area. Sometimes, they can be seen in public vehicles

Arsenio Ferriol, the Founder of the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ.

like buses and jeeps and sometimes knocking at your own door bringing with them some envelops where you can put your donations to the ministry. So, if you are a lawyer or a doctor, or an accountant, and you are assigned to be a part of a missionary activity in a public market, you have no choice but to carry an offering bag and ask donations from those non-believers walking in front of you – a practice never taught anywhere in the Holy Scriptures.

Arsenio Ferriol, the leader and founder of the so-called “Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ” or “the 4th Watch”, is just one of those false and self-proclaimed apostles of the modern Christianity. Other examples are Renato Carillo of “Jesus Is Our Shield”, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Mormon Church, the Charismatic apostles, and finally the Pope, who calls himself “Prince of the apostles”. Why did I believe that these so-called “apostles” are frauds and self-proclaimed apostles? Because if we will try to look deeper in the Bible, we will learn that apostleship is not just a kind of religious office which anyone can attach to their own names anytime they want, or just because they have preaching talent. The line of the apostleship passed through according to some strict procedures and standards mentioned in the Bible, except, of course, those twelve individuals personally chosen by our Lord Jesus Christ. Standards which I think cannot be applied with those pretending apostles in our age. What are these procedures and standards for choosing an apostle? The Book of Acts explains;

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:15-26)

When Judas Iscariote was removed from his office because of his foolishness, and that the rest of the apostles decided to choose someone who will fill the vacancy, a procedure of election was set and the candidates were chosen based upon a standard written in verse 21 and 22, where it says;

Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

To choose an apostle, it is necessary that the candidate should be a witnessed unto the life of Christ during His entire ministry. Question: is there anyone in our age that fits with this standard? Obviously, there’s none. Someone might ask me, “what about Barnabas and Paul”? Of course these two men were also regarded by the Scriptures as apostles. Paul, as we all know, was chosen personally by the Lord during his journey to Damascus. Barnabas, Paul’s partner was also a chosen one, but unlike Paul, he received his election in front of the members of the Church. Accordingly, he was elected by the Holy Spirit through an audible voice. In the book of Acts it says;

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (Acts 13:1-3).

Paul and Barnabas are personally chosen by God and confirmed through the laying of hands by the very apostles chosen during the ministry of Christ. (Galatians 2:9). Therefore, based upon these standards and procedures, no one can be declared as apostles unless he literally witnessed the life and ministry of Christ or was called by God in the same manner as of Paul and Barnabas. Its also important that the candidates should be confirmed by the very apostles of Christ.

Question: Is it rightful to say that those pretending apostles of our time

Renato Carillo of "Jesus Is Our Shield".

are true apostles? Of course, they can’t be! That’s why I’m saying that these apostles are fraud. They are fake and liars. Mr. Arsenio Ferriol of the so-called “4th Watch” is a false apostle – he who teaches his members to become beggars in front of the unbelievers; a kind of teaching very much contrary with the works of the true apostles of Christ;

Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. (III John 1:7)

The Bishop of Rome who regards himself as “Prince of the apostles” and that man Renato Carillo who asked his members to purchase the unbiblical “prayer cloth”. And finally, Joseph Smith, a man considered as an apostle by the Mormon Church, and since he was an apostle and that apostles will judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28), so Mormons say that people will appear before Christ and Joseph Smith on the Judgement Day.

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. (II Corinthians 11:14-15)

So, is it mean that the last day congregation of God doesn’t have an

The 12 Apostles of the Mormon Church

apostle? God forbid. In order for us to be consider as a true Church of God, we must be completed in spiritual gifts. All the apostles, from Peter to Barnabas, were already dead, and there’s no one in our time that can comply with the biblical standards of being an apostle, as what we have already proven. So, who is our living apostle? Our holy and genuine apostle? In the book of Hebrews it says;

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; (Hebrew 3:1)

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White Sepulcher; A Glimpse to the Professed Preachers of Christianity Today

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Before He ascend unto His Father in heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ asked Peter;

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17)

To prove his love to his Lord, the apostle Peter was given three same consecutive commands, “Feed my flock”, said the Lord. So, when the Lord ascended into heaven, Peter feed the flock of his Lord.

Feeding the flock is the major work of a shepherd. He guides them through a rich pasture and defends them against any attacks of wild beasts and strangers.  He should shepherd the flock the same way as the Head Pastor directed them.

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.“ (Psalms 23:1-5)

But instead of feeding the flock, what if it is the flock who feeds the shepherd? In the present age of Christianity, thousands of preachers are claiming that they were sent to feed to flock of God. They were called by their members as “reverend”, “eminence”, and sometimes “father”, that it seemed they have lordship over the organization. But looking back to the Scriptures, we will realize  that those early servants of the gospel had never been called by such lofty titles. Christ said to them,

“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. “(Matthew 23:8)

“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven“. (Matthew 23:9)

The word “reverend”, which many preachers proudly attached before their names, was used only once in the entire Holy Scriptures. Among the thousand verses of the Bible, this word was written only one time and that was addressed solely to God. Psalms 111:9 says. “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.” This sacred honor has been used by almost all professing pastors of our time, whether Catholics or Protestants. More than this, Pastor Apollo Quibloy of the so-called “Kingdom of Jesus Christ” proclaimed himself “king” of his organization. These pastors, instead of serving the flock of Christ, are  being served by their members. Their members become so blinded that they didn’t notice how their leaders used them as merchandise, channel of benefits and wealth. Paul said,

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,“ (Philippians 3:7,8)

Christ declared, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

A shepherd must give his own life for the flock as Christ gave His own to the Church. But look upon today’s pastors. Instead of sacrificing their lives for the sake of the flock, the flock gives everything to them. As compensation to their invented teachings, these pastors formulated several types of offerings to exhaust the pockets of their members. Love offerings, monthly offerings, thanksgiving offerings, miracle offerings, offering during the Lord Supper, storage offering and many other unbiblical forms offerings has been introduced to their members. Moreover, they also sell different kind of stuffs to the people, teaching them that these things will bring blessings, cure to their diseases and charms of good luck – teachings that’s nowhere to be found in the Bible.  But how about their flock? These people have been deprived of reading the Bible to know the truth, but rather advised them that the Bible is so mysterious and that not one of them would comprehend its teachings unless explained to them by the pastors. Thus, the minds of these people are being manipulated that results into fanaticism.

“As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.” (Jeremiah 5:27,28)

“For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Romans 16:18)

Behold at the reality of modern Christendom – while members are dying because of poverty and starvation, their pastors lived in luxurious mansions, traveling around the world, riding luxurious vehicles and private jets or helicopters, and yet members are continually giving their money to them. While members are suffering to live at the top of trees or under the bridges and sky-ways, or at the side of the creek, their pastors enjoy a pretty living in their palaces. In their previous life, these preachers lived a hand-to-mouth kind of living, but become great, rich and powerful as they become leaders of religion. One of the best examples is Felix Manalo, the founder and the first of the ruling dynasty of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) that based in the Philippines. He told that when they crossed the Pasig River together his wife, he don’t even have a cent to pay the boatman. But now, after several years of leading his Church he established in Manila, the leader of the Iglesia Ni Cristo became a millionaire and his successors billionaire. And how about their flock? They have been discouraged to read the Bible.

“His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. 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, from his quarter. “(Isaiah 56:10,11)

Block voting is one of the most beloved doctrine held by these pastors. By promising a huge number of votes, religious leaders sell their members to gain power, favors, and money from corrupt politicians. Felix Manalo’s church and the Charismatic group led by Mike Velarde are foremost among these religious syndicates in my country. To them, Peter said;

“And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” (II Peter 2:3)

When Paul leads the Church, he never even imagined to use his authority to exploit the church. He regards his ministry as a sacrifice, a great responsibility without hoping anything to compensate his service. But rather he suffered the persecutions and unimaginable sufferings in the hands of the wicked just to bring the gospel to the people. In his epistle he said,

“Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. “ (II Corinthians 11:22-28)

Even Christ Himself, though Lord of lords and King of kings, hadn’t lived in such luxury, but let his body lay at night to sleep without even a pillow for His head.

A true shepherd of the flock shall lead the sheep by the same manner as Christ lead them. He will give his life for the flock and serve them with all the blessings and gifts given by God through His Holy Spirit. He will never let his flock to become empty and ignorant about the word of the Lord, but like the Bible said;

“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15)

People must how to become meticulous when it comes to the subject of salvation. We must not be driven by emotions, fame and fine speeches of professing pastors of religion, but by truth, we must test them according to the standards of the written word of God; compare their doctrines with “Thus saith the Lord”, and God will lead us to the right path.

Root of Apostasy

I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay
tree.

Ps. 37:35.

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The entire world is engaged in the terrible great battle between truth and evil. When Satan’s rebellion was overthrown from heaven, he high-jacked this Earth and seized authority  from Adam by means of deception and continues his rebellion here. This rebellion was inspired by the desire to imitate the hierarchy of God based upon falsehood. So, the strategy is to destroy the divine and legitimate government of God by counteracting the truth. Thus, false Christ exists, false Christianity exists, truth was mingled by error, the Bible was bombarded by opinions and false science, and false unity formulated. Sadly to say, the Catholic Church sponsored all these evil stuffs and posted as the flag-bearer of this heaven-insulting crusade of darkness.

Christ said, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” The Pope was very much different from this Savior’s sentiment. The papacy wants to accumulate religious and secular influence in his hands. He can compromise everything, even by joining hand in hand with the most vile and notorious of all diabolic system in Earth. By this evidence, we’re sure that the Catholic Church is not of God but belong to His enemy.