God Knows our Human Rights

By Gauden Joe O. Sumayod

August 05, 2011 – In a recent Ang Dating Daan World Wide Bible Exposition, a man asked Bro. Eli Soriano this question: “Does God violate our human rights?” He gave Joseph, the husband of Mary, who is the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh as his example. He said that the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ is Mary while the father is the God the father. He said Joseph has the right to be the father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bro. Eli Soriano directly answered the question that had been asked, with a big “NO!” God did not violate Joseph’s human rights, simply because it is God who made Joseph, so God did not violate Joseph’s human rights.

Bro. Eli said that the reason He created Joseph is a “binding factor” between Christ and Mary. In fact, it is a privilege to Joseph. There are people who are blind, deaf, dumb, lame, but did God violate their human rights? No! Actually it is God who created them also. Bro. Eli cited Exodo 4:11“And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have I not I the LORD?” Bro. Eli reiterated that God created them for us to appreciate the importance of our eyes, feet, ears, mouth. Disabled people are a binding factor between men.

Disabled people afford opportunities for the normal to be the eyes, the feet, or the mouth for the former. We can serve as feet for the lame. Also to the blind, we can serve as their eyes; to the dumb, to the deaf, we can serve as their mouth and ears, like what Job did in his time. Bro. Eli Soriano cited Job 29:15-16 “I was the eyes to the blind, and feet was I to lame. I was a father to the father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.” Job filled the defects or lack of other people. Job served as the feet to the lame, eyes to the blind. Not only that, he also served as a father to the poor. The importance of the disabled person is that God created him to show His loving kindness to all men.

Similarly in our time Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel Razon are doing more than the same things as Job had done. Like Job, Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon serve not only as feet to the lame, eyes to the blind, a father to the poor and provide our fellowmen a shelter like “Transient Home” all over the Country, to accommodate homeless people and to have a temporary shelter. Here are more:

The “Clinic ni Kuya” which serves a free medical, dental services and the like to our fellowmen who cannot afford expensive medicines, hospital bills, and doctor bills.

The “Free Legal Service ni Kuya” which serves free Legal services to our fellowmen who cannot afford fees for lawyers. Just like Job who searched out the cause of others which he knew not, Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel are doing the same thing too.

They also provide “Libreng Sakay,” a free ride that saves people from transportation fees in buses, jeepney, tricycle, boat and a lot of more.

They also put up a Project for Free Education by providing poor students of “Free College” which serves students’ needs, from tuition fees, uniforms, and books to even their transportation allowances and meals. They are also continuously helping other government agencies like DepEd by launching a Project called “Dunong Gulong” which goals are to extend the Education of our fellowmen at the places unreached by the modern way of learning and education.

These are only part of the advocacy of Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon to promote good bindings to all men even to their enemy, according to what was written in the Bible Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. This is preached by Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel Razon.

These are the evidence of the sayings, “We Walk our Talk” and “We Walk by faith not by Sight.”

Christ's Law Prevails and not the Mosaic Law - Bro. Eli

Bro. Eli Soriano (on the screen) taking his turn to defend his stand, while Pastor Elmer Albuera (in blue polo) waiting for his.

By Jeffrey Eugenio

Which law should be followed now, the Mosaic Law or the Law of Christ? These and other issues including tithing, observation of Sabbath, doctrine about foods and cleansing as well as the covenant of circumcision, church’ name and different kinds of commandments were among those tackled in a debate between Bro. Eli Soriano and Elmer Albuera on June 10, 2011, 4pm PHT.

Bro. Eli is the Presiding Minister to the Members: Church of God International (MCGI) while Albuera is a pastor of Remnant Israel Yahweh’s Assembly in Yeshuah Messiah (RIYAIYM).

The debaters were at distant continents, but the clash was bridged by satellite connections where Bro. Eli was in South America, and Albuera was in 331 Quezon Blvd., Quiapo, Manila, Philippines.

Albuera proposed in the Oregon-type of debate that “the commandments of God, from Old to New Testament, never change”, in which Bro. Eli was on the negative side. Albuera believes that the Law of Moses was never altered, is still in effect even in the Christian dispensation, and can make a man perfect and justified.

“God never changes as well as His commandments. God promised that He will neither break His covenant, nor alter every word gone out of His lips. The commandments from Adam, to our present generation, and unto the heaven are still the same,” said Albuera in Tagalog.

Albuera explained that though Adam was commanded by God to offer lambs, there is consideration to poor people; they are not obliged to offer livestock for they cannot afford it according to him.

“What only happened was that the commandments were remodeled; meaning, from tablets of stones, they were transferred to people’s heart and mind; but the contents are still the same,” added Albuera.

In his turn to refute, Bro. Eli disposed off the sweeping generalization Albuera used. Bro. Eli agreed first that God neither broke His covenant, nor altered every word gone out of His lips, but it is particular only to people whom God had promised. He pointed out that the covenant was effective upon a generation whom it was legislated and that time element should be considered.

“It is true that God never broke His covenant, like for example His covenant of circumcision to Abraham. He never altered it, not until the Christian dispensation,” said Bro. Eli. “When it was Christ’s turn to preach, Christ, through Apostle Paul, abrogated the covenant of circumcision. The proof is Titus, one of his ministers, was not forced to be circumcised.”

Bro. Eli also said that Adam was not commanded to offer lambs and that there would never be circumcision in heaven.

Using the Greek Bible, Bro. Eli explained that God has no transmutation, but it doesn’t follow that God’s commandments were not changed – God is different from His commandments, He is not the commandment.

“He (Albuera), himself, is my witness that there was a change in the commandments – according to him, commandments were remodeled,” said Bro. Eli. “Remodeling is different from restoring.”

In his next turn to explain, Albuera attacked Bro. Eli questioning the latter’s authority to preach. “Will you believe a Filipino preacher? The authority of a preacher must come from Jerusalem, if someone teaches you the Bible but he is a Filipino, do not believe him,” Albuera said. Albuera also inserted his notion that Paul and Jesus Christ do not agree with each other.

Bro. Eli countered Albuera saying Christ and Paul never contradicted each other – they’re in total agreement. Christ told Paul to write His commandments and He was guiding the apostle. Bro. Eli also said that God promised that He will spring righteousness in all countries, including the Philippines, and not in Israel only. He stated that Jerusalem, even during the time of Paul, was corrupted. The Jerusalem where teachings should come from is the Jerusalem in heaven, not the literal Jerusalem, said Bro. Eli.

Bro. Eli ran down examples of commandments proving that the Law of Moses became old and vanished away when the everlasting covenant took place – the Law of Christ. In the Law of Moses, whosoever murders shall be in danger of the judgment; but in the Law of Christ, whosoever is enraged with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of judgment. The same as the commandment prohibiting adultery, in the Law of Christ, looking at a woman with lust is already adultery.

In the course of the final cross examination, Bro. Eli cornered Albuera and the latter can’t answer directly. Citing the story of the rich young man, Bro. Eli challenged Albuera asking him to admit error if he could read in the Bible about someone who kept all the Law of Moses but yet wasn’t justified. Albuera avoided the question, and at times answered Bro. Eli saying that the rich young man hadn’t kept all Moses’ Law.

The moderator arbitrated and read the verse under discussion – Matthew 19:16-21 – and said the rich young man kept all the Laws of Moses, yet was not justified.

In his final turn to cross-examine Bro. Eli, Albuera used his remaining minutes to explain his side instead of interpolating. Bro. Eli reminded Albuera the rules in interpolating an opponent. Realizing his lapses, Albuera continued asking Bro. Eli saying, “Are you with the Pharisees or with Christ? The Pharisees said Jesus is not of God and accused Him of not observing the Sabbath.”

In response to Albuera’s contention, Bro. Eli replied, “I’m with Christ who didn’t observe the Sabbath. Saying Christ is not of God is an accusation; but Christ not observing the Sabbath is a fact. Authorities like Apostle John wrote that.”

When Albuera had no more questions to ask, he waved his remaining minute before the time ran out. After the exchange of blows, the moderator concluded that Bro. Eli is the winner for he answered properly and accordingly all the questions posed by Albuera. On the other hand, Albuera evaded most of the questions launched by Bro. Eli.

The debate was showed in real time at major ADD Coordinating Centers where satellite receivers are installed.

Last June 7, Tuesday prior to the debate, Albuera went to a Bible Exposition in Navotas City and questioned what Bro. Eli preaches. Bro. Eli then offered his available time to set a debate with Albuera, which was Friday, four o’clock in the morning in Bro. Eli’s location. Albuera arrived at Quiapo, the venue where Albuera was appointed to hook up to Bro. Eli, at 4:30 o’clock in the afternoon, PHT. The moderator and time-keeper were neutral Catholic volunteers among the audience.

The debate was the second time where Bro. Eli, while abroad, debated with a Filipino pastor in his native country. The first was last 2007 when Bro. Eli debated with Pastor William Saraga of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Lord of Lords with His Children.

Bro. Eli was awarded by Mashable.com as “The Most Educational to Follow” during the Open Web Awards 2009 and his program is aired daily on UNTV channel. Bible Exposition schedules and venues can be found in the church official website http://www.mcgi.org.

MCGI Presiding Minister Gives Biblical Outlook on Natural Disasters

By Cecile Vizcaya

In light of the recent disasters and on-going relief missions in earthquake-struck Japan, Members Church of God International Presiding Minister Bro. Eli Soriano shares enlightening thoughts and biblically-inspired perspectives to what is now seen as a tragic global newsmaker.

While expressing his sympathy and condolences to the Japanese people who were affected by the 8.9 tremor on March 11, Bro. Eli Soriano, Presiding Minister to Members Church of God International also looked at the catastrophe in a different light – one that is biblical in context.

“Natural calamities are sent as God’s reminder, a manifestation of His power and wrath towards those who worship other gods,” he explained during the March-15 Bible Exposition in the Philippines.

Although this seems to have a hostile tone especially for the victims experiencing post-disaster trauma, the Presiding Minister preferred to be frank and biblical in looking at matters concerning natural calamities.

“There really is a reason for God to get angry,’ said Bro. Eli, and added that Japan’s disaster and other disasters before and after it were caused by God’s anger, as stated in Job 9:5-6.

He said, “If we are to examine the religious profiles of the countries which were beaten by these strong earthquakes, like Indonesia in 2004, Haiti in 2010, New Zealand and Japan this year – it all comes to a conclusion: great natural disasters fall upon those who do not acknowledge the God of Israel.” Bro. Soriano connected the religious beliefs and practices of the countries he mentioned to the disasters which came upon them.

As reported by www.guardian.co.uk in December 2004, a destructive 9.0 megathrust earthquake hit the Indonesian coast, triggering tsunamis that crashed onto the coastal regions of Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. The calamity claimed hundred thousands of lives and destroyed properties, coastal villages, and businesses.

Global news reports, statistics, and video uploads over the Web reveal a high level of religious intolerance and conflicts in Indonesia. Ruthless killings and violence are day-to-day affairs, especially in the Poso District where scythes, guns, and other forms of ammunition are commonplace.

Also, religious diversity and odd forms of worship are a usual sight in the four countries that were tsunami-hit. “They embrace mostly Buddhism and Hinduism. In India, cow and elephant worship are tolerated. The Bible clearly states that idol worship is an abomination unto God,” Bro. Eli emphasized.

“Why should you worship animals, idols, and graven images? asked Bro. Eli to his audience from different parts of the globe connected via the Internet. He explained that idol worship is the reason why God gets as He expressed to His people, the Israelites, thousands of years ago in Deuteronomy 5:8.

“By worshipping Buddha and revering animals, Buddhists and Hinduists are earning for themselves God’s curse,” he added, stressing also that “what is written in Acts 17:29 and Romans 1:25 are being fulfilled in them.”

Like Indonesia, impoverished Haiti was devastated by a magnitude 7 temblor in January 2010, one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the nation in the last two centuries, according to geologists. Many people died because buildings collapsed on them. Investigations by engineers further revealed the crumbled edifices to be defective, used substandard building materials, and did not follow customary building codes.

Haitians practice idol worship, Baha’i Faith, and 50% of the current population practice Vodou (variation voodoo), an old but complex form of heathenism which believes in the existence of primordial spirits and deities, and in some of its offshoots, perform the dark magic arts. Again here, Bro. Eli stressed that idol worship is a big no in the Bible.

In previous Bible Expositions, Bro. Eli explained that those who perform magic arts and consult the dead are abominable to God. This teaching is in the Book of Deuteronomy 18:10-12.

Finally, the latest disasters to have quaked New Zealand and Japan suggest a similar connection between religious convictions and natural disasters. New Zealand, aside from it rests on an active seismic plate, hosts a medley of religions. In a national periodical released in 2008, a study indicated that from 1996-2006 there was a steep rise in the number of people who are either practicing their ethnic religions, such as the Maori sect and its offshoots, or do not practice religion at all.

On February 22, a 7.0 tremor shocked the country, putting New Zealand on the map for humanitarian action. To this, Bro. Daniel Razon, Vice Presiding Minister to MCGI, commented that “He shakes the earth because of his anger, a way of saying we need to remember, ignore not His might, His power and counsel.”


The world is quite familiar with the earthquake-prone location of Japan, as it lies, like New Zealand, on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Earthquakes are frequent visitors, but most tremors are ignored until the one which thumped Japan on March 11. Linking its religious systems, research data tells of Japan as the second in 20 states in the world having the largest number of atheists and agnostics. Figures account for 2/3 of the population or roughly 82 million Japanese who do not believe or doubt the existence of God. Bro. Eli Soriano furthermore observed that the “Japanese are more inclined to material gain; they do not have interest for spiritual matters. Those who profess they worship God do not worship Him at all. They believe in Shinto and worship graven images as well.”

The disaster on March 11 which caused a string of other blows such as the tsunami and the damage inflicted on the four nuclear reactors in Fukushima prefecture is an evidence of God’s anger, he said.

During a related Bible Exposition, Bro. Eli Soriano answered an inquiry about disasters, citing the verses Job 9:5-6 and Psalms 104:32, describing God as the “earth shaker and mountain mover.” The tsunami is recorded in Amos 9:6, although differently worded. On the other hand, similar disasters such as typhoons, tropical storms, and cyclones are described in Jeremiah 25:32.

Just as he was about to end his sermon in MCGI’s weekly Thanksgiving service on March 19, Bro. Eli received news from the coordinating center in Tokyo that an earthquake had just occurred, and that the brethren inside the worship house had to step out for a while for safety.

The Presiding Minister also cautioned all to prepare for and remember that natural disasters are acts of God and are an evidence of His wrath. He said, “In all these disasters occurring, I rest my trust and faith in the Almighty Who will save and spare His servants.”

Bro. Eli refutes claim that 90% of scientists are atheists

By Robert Clarita

“Ninety percent of scientists are atheists.” This is the claim of an atheist that Bro. Eli Soriano, an international preacher, had refuted during the “Ang Dating Daan” Bible Exposition held at Batangas, Philippines on February 8, 2011.

Gerome Almodovar of Rationals and Darwinians of Nasugbu, Batangas had attempted to hold debate with Bro. Eli, the Presiding Minister of Members Church of God International (MCGI). When it was his turn to ask question, Almodovar challenged the preacher with his belief that evolution is a fact and that 90% of scientists are atheists.

Bro. Eli addressed his opponent’s claim, challenging him to produce and show to the people the reference where he got the figure.

“I do not like to waste your time and that of others. My reference is in the computer at the computer shop (café).” This was the answer of the Darwinian atheist.

 According to Encyclopedia Britannica, with their study “Worldwide Adherents of All Religions by Six Continental Areas, Mid-1995”, there are 219,925,000 of atheists from 139 countries against 5,496,500,000 of adherents of religious faith or 3.8% from the total number that is 5,716,425,000.

Narrowing down the demography, a survey conducted by an American Psychologist, James Leuba in 1914 revealed that there are some 42% non-believers in God. By 1933, the same survey conducted by Leuba stated that 56% are non-believers. In 1998, an American Historian, Edward Larson conducted the survey using the same template created by Leuba, and it stated that 45% are non-believers.

These figures covered the “All Scientists” demography of the conducted survey. In an examination of the survey conducted by Leuba, it was revealed that selected participants were known as having no-religious affiliations, while some were agnostics. Leuba had counted having no-religious affiliation as atheism or non-believers. Even then, the claim that 90% of scientists are atheists is uncertain.   

Bible writes of Foreknowledge

Bro. Eli underscored the existence of foreknowledge that is present in the Bible that cannot be explained by atheism or science.   

He stated that the Bible has the foreknowledge of technology and microbiology long before men witnessed the realization.

“It is some sort of advance knowledge. The Bible calls it ‘foreknowledge’. The Bible states, as far back as 1,600 years ago, that knowledge will increase (Daniel 12:4). Scientific knowledge was not yet written then. But now we are witnessing that. That is my basis why I am saying someone has spoken of it. There is a being that has knowledge of what is going to happen in the future, and that is God.”

Bro. Eli gave technology as an example of the manifestation of foreknowledge. “With people during the time of Daniel, when he wrote the prophesy, it didn’t occur to them that the cellphone will be invented, as well as the satellite and space station . . . It’s a foreknowledge - a knowledge that is ahead of time.”

He also cited the discovery of bacteria, viruses, and of antibiotics and explained that those were not yet known by Science but were already forewarned by the Bible to the people.

“We didn’t come from Apes”

The preacher had then brought the discussion profoundly to science. “If you are to study microbiology, you will never believe that we came from apes.” Bro. Eli cited the scientific fact about the gene having a very strict substance through its designed number and information that dictates the physical form of a being. He also emphasized that there’s a great difference in the genes and DNA of the apes and of men.

At the discourse of the subject, Bro. Eli let Bro. Daniel Razon, Vice-Presiding Minister of MCGI read an excerpt from a research journal, stating that with primates, 1% to 2% difference in DNA already represents 80 million different nucleotides if compared to the 3 to 4 billion nucleotides that make up the human genome.

Bro. Eli then affirmed the scientific fact about genes with the knowledge written by St. Paul in his book I Corinthians 16:39 “All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.”

“This is what St. Paul had written 2,000 years ago. Science was not yet developed, human anatomy was unknown yet, but the Bible already stated that flesh of men, beasts, birds, and fishes are different from one another. Can any scientist refute that?” Bro. Eli said.

In due course, Bro. Eli challenged Almodovar about the atheists’ claim of the alleged “missing link” to prove the evolution theory. However Almodovar failed to provide a straightforward answer or evidence. Bro. Eli then read before the audience an article, “The Top 25 Crimes of the century” that was published in Time Magazine about the missing link being a hoax.


THE FAKE APE-MAN, 1912

Eoanthropus dawsoni was the scientific name of this alleged missing link, and it would have been an extremely early example of a creature showing both human and apelike qualities. At 375,000 years old, it put England in contention for a cradle of humankind, being found in the Sussex town of Piltdown. The "first Englishman" he was proudly called when the anthropologist Charles Dawson found him in 1911. For decades, Piltdown Man was cited along with Neanderthal man and Heidelberg man as an example of early hominid life in Europe. Then in 1953, the fragments, including a jawbone, were tested: they did not contain enough fluorine to be the age that Dawson claimed; worse, the jawbone was that of a 10-year-old orangutan, its teeth ground down to simulate age, and a crude chemical wash applied to the bone to make it appear ancient. No one knows who perpetrated the hoax: Dawson had died in 1916. Very quickly, however, Piltdown became a synonym for phony; and England's claim to antiquity was cut short by several hundred thousand years.”

 

“Do not speak lies in my program. This is the most informative religious program in the United States of America. Remember that. That’s why I won’t let you speak of any foolishness in my program.” Bro. Eli reminded Almodovar for claiming of something yet failed to produce his proof.

The Old Path or “Ang Dating Daan” in its Filipino title was awarded The Most Informative Religious Program by Gawad Amerika Awards in 2006. Bro. Eli was awarded as well as the Most Educational to Follow by Mashables’ Open Web Award in 2009 through his official blog, esoriano.wordpress.com.

The Ang Dating Daan Bible Exposition is held every Tuesday in the Philippines with live coverage via the internet thru www.livestream.com/elisoriano.

Ang Dating Daan is in its 30 years of broadcast and currently being aired in UNTV. Its international counterpart, The Old Path, is also being broadcast in various countries with recent additions in India, Uruguay, Argentina, and Bolivia.

Man’s Law Enforcers get best advice from God’s Law Enforcer

By Robert Clarita

Although he is being defamed in his own country with wrong reports and alleged accusations, some 77 policemen from Pasig City still chose to listen to Bro. Eliseo Soriano of “Ang Dating Daan.” Some of the police in the unit who attended the February 8, 2011 Bible Exposition had become inquirers to personally ask the preacher.

“I would say to you law enforcers, that you should believe that there is God. Learn to fear the Lord,” Bro. Eli said, addressing the policemen.

He then read the book of Luke 3:14,

"And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, and what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages."

“That’s what the Lord said to the law enforcers of man, through John the Baptist. ‘Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.”

In a different light, Bro. Eli sympathizes with the condition of the police officers in the country. He expressed his grievances for them with the “injustice” system that has been long plagued the country way back from previous administrations.

“I sympathize with you, those police in low ranks, how low your salary is. Sad but true, low ranking police’s lives are in danger at the roads. You inhale the smoke of vehicles, you risk your lives, yet the pay is puny.”

Bro. Eli enumerated the employees in the country that needed much salary.

“The nurses who work hard at the hospitals. The police officers on the roads, sleepless, exposed to the criminals, and are being thrown to with bombs by the rebels. The keepers of the nation whose lives and their families’ are being threatened. They are the ones whose wages should be raised.”


The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reported that in 2009, crime rate has reached up to 63% compared to those in the previous years. The total figure recorded by that year was 101, 798 crimes, with 61.26% of the total as robbery, murder, and other offences against persons, while 38.74% was of the total are crimes against poverty.

Although by half of the 2010, the crime rate percentage was reported to have dropped to almost 70% compared to 2009 report, the risk for the police of being exposed to dangers with the criminals is still high due to the nature of their work.

“I hope you remain honest as you go on with your duty even with low salary. Nevertheless, there is blessing of God in the future, my brother policemen,” Bro. Eli added.

The Ang Dating Daan host further said, “Police’s perspective should be that they are servants of the public; preserver of law and order, and are protectors of the rights of the people. They are not oppressors of the people.”

Ang Dating Daan Bible Exposition is continuously being held every Tuesday with different venues even as far as international shores. Bro. Eli Soriano can be followed in his internet broadcast through www.livestream.com/elisoriano and www.truthcaster.com, also with his 2009 Mashable’s Most Educational to Follow blog, www.esoriano.wordpress.com. He can also be consulted personally through his Twitter account, www.twitter.com/broelisoriano.

As usual: Bro. Eli triumphs over on-the-spot debate with INC challenger

By Robert Clarita and Jason Veran

Muntinlupa, Philippines – Despite the distance of locations, the Walking-Bible Preacher did not miss the chance to put on a good fight with an Iglesia ni Cristo challenger. Bro. Eliseo Soriano, during the live Bible Exposition held on November 30, 2010, once again used his biblical skills to enlighten the INC advocate as well as the thousand audiences who attended the event.

An hour-long debate took place on-the-spot when an inquirer, an INC member, challenged the Ang Dating Daan host. This was least anticipated for that moment as inquirers were supposed to ask questions related to biblical matters. The question-and-answer portion is part of the regular exposition program

The issue raised by the challenger was that there is no god called “Real God” in the Bible except one, the Almighty God.

The Iglesia ni Cristo’s eminent doctrine is that Jesus Christ is human and never a god. This is the crux of the stand of the challenger. Bro. Eli, in contrast, had defended the MCGI belief that Christ is God according to the Bible.

The INC challenger cited Jeremiah 10:10-11. He interpreted that the verse stated that the real God is the one who created the heavens and all of the creations as well. His supposition was that the Creator was alone during the time of creation, and that Jesus Christ is human because he was also a creation of God the Father. He also stated that other gods are not real gods and shall perish. He supported this argument with the verse with John 17:3, stating that the verse cited “only true God”.

Bro. Eli took his turn and he agreed that false gods will perish by also citing Jeremiah 10:10. However, he strongly refuted the challenger’s claim that Christ is not a real God. Citing Hebrew 13: 8, he emphasized the obvious statement in there that Jesus Christ shall live forever. Christ is not included in those who will perish; therefore Christ is real God, as Bro. Eli explained.

The Ang Dating Daan host also gave an explanation of Christ’s deity. Upon creation, God the Father casts the foundations of the heavens and Christ was with the Father then. Christ is a witness of the creation. These were the explanations of Bro. Eli citing the book of Proverbs 8:22.

Bro. Eli also added that in I Corinthians 1:24 and I Corinthians 2:6 -8, Christ is the power and the knowledge of God. The biblical fact mentioned had disproved the claim of the opponent that Christ wasn’t part of the creation.

Addressing the other claim of the INC challenger that Christ is human and countering it, Bro. Eli read John 1:18. It stated that the son of God came from His bosom. Christ was not created but he was brought out from the bosom of God. In contrast man was created from dust. Therefore Christ is not man but God, as explained by Bro. Eli.

The debate reached three rounds before it wrapped up. Bro. Eli had no record of being defeated by any religious debate since he started leading the organization, Members Church of God International (MCGI). The recent debate is no different from the previous ones.

In concluding, Bro. Eli addressed his opponent’s hardcore belief, stating sympathy to the opponent’s state and wishing him to have his understanding in the Bible be corrected.

Although there were many incidents and attempts of debates during the live Bible Expositions, the recent debate once again reminded the audience of Bro. Eli’s flair with the Bible.

Bro. Eli, is the only preacher today who could hold programs like “Itanong Mo Kay Soriano” and Bible Exposition series that are dedicated for the audience’s queries with their concerns basically about the Bible and spirituality. For that, he became very much in-demand with his broadcasts both in local and international territories. This also attracts enemies who wanted him down.

Early quarter of 2011, countries like Argentina and India were the most recent additions to the countries where Bro. Eli’s broadcast could be heard through radio and Television programs with the international title of the program “The Old Path.” In India the reception of the audience was overwhelming through letters being sent to the administrators also by the number of the listeners as reported to the congregation during the weekly gathering of MCGI.

The debate that took place is viewable in the YouTube and it became almost viral within the debate-aficionados and followers of Bro. Eli’s broadcast alike.

Bro. Eli is actively preaching over the Internet through live stream broadcast in his web video site, Truthcaster.com and also in his official blog Esoriano.Wordpress.com. He has been in media broadcast for 30 years now and is in his 47th year in leading the MCGI congregation.