BIBLICAL INTERDEPENDENCE IN FOCUS PART 1

The advent of the new millennium ushers us into the new era of challenges never been seen, heard or done before. The confluence of advances in Science and Technology and Communication and Transportation plus man’s endless desire to exploit them for his interest, reduces the globe into a tiny village. In the forefront of worldwide economic agenda is globalization. In the arena of politics the best known word is “alliances.” Even in the stages of entertainment world success is spelled as “connection” and “strategic tie-ups.” It is interesting to note---that even in the realm of Christendom people are becoming disinterested to denominational loyalty and are now, more inclined into a personal relationship with God and His eternal purpose of reaching the nations to be saved.
There is a “TRANSDENOMINATIONAL TREND” happening! The question is---how are we going to react as a movement relative to our familial affiliation with the Body of Christ at large? The Churches of Christ in the Philippines who belong to the Restoration Movement should stop pretending that nothing is taking place and start gearing up in order to take advantage of the global phenomenon for Christ and His Kingdom. Certainly there are things we accomplish through on localcongregation. Church Growth Scientists call this endeavor the Small Picture of Christ’s commission. But on top with this certainty is a fact that there are things we can’t possibly accomplish without the help of other local churches. Missiologists call this, the Big Picture of Christ’s commission. While we have probably enough efforts for the Small Picture, the most searching question perhaps is how are we as Churches of Christ negotiate the Big Picture?
Christ’s Mission Foundation International Incorporation (CMFII) offers the viable and Biblical approach. While others remain faithful to local autonomy (which is right) the problem oftentimes is TOO MUCH AUTONOMY! We defined local autonomy as “talagang walang pakialaman.” Still, many suggests that like s o m e existing denominations a n d cults we resort to CENTRALIZATION. But the danger of this approach is--- it opens the floodgate of numerous extremes. This way of ecclesiastical management breeds apostasy and disregards the biblical right of every local church to chart their own destiny through their Elders as chosen by God.
So what is the best approach so that we can strategically reach the people of our time in the MOST EFFECTIVE WAY without compromising the lines of God’s Words?
The answer is BIBLICAL INTERDEPENDENCE. This system is not CMFII made. This is enveloped within the New Testament and if practiced will surely reap God’s blessing. In 2 Corinthians Chapters eight, nine and ten, the apostle Paul encouraged this system of uniting the churches to solve and achieve God’s purposes. There was a need in the brethren in Judea and the difficulty is hampering their evangelistic effectiveness and capabilities so the great apostle rallied the churches to interdependently respond to the situation. (Watch out for the second part of this article in the next issue of CMFII UPDATE!)

POINTS Of INTEREST
* CMFII is accepting trainee for pastoral work.
* CMFII offers different services like: medical and dental mission for churches, seminars (pre– marital counseling, church growth, leadership, strategic planning, value formation and current issues’ topics).
* CMFII conducts blood donation for all churches and religious organization.

.