Dear Reader,
It is with great excitement that we present to you our latest issue of The Messenger, which centers around the theme of building and defending the Church. As we delve into this topic, we find inspiration in the story of Nehemiah and his builders, who, with one hand holding a weapon and the other supporting a load, worked tirelessly to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Similarly, we are called to build and defend the Church, with one hand focused on evangelism and discipleship and the other equipped with apologetics to defend our beliefs.
With this in mind, we have crafted an issue that explores the “why” behind our beliefs and practices. We hope to provide you with a deeper understanding of the pillars of apostolic theology and doctrine, equipping you with the tools to build and defend the Church.
In the first section of this issue, we will explore the importance of building the Church through evangelism and discipleship. We believe that the work of building the Church begins with our own hearts and our relationship with God. From there, we can share the Good News with others and disciple them to become followers of Christ. We will provide practical tips for evangelism and discipleship, drawing from the experiences of our contributors.
The second section of this issue will focus on the importance of defending the Church through apologetics. We believe that it is important to not only know what we believe but also to be able to defend it against skeptics and those who would seek to tear down the Church. We will explore key doctrines and teachings of the Church and provide resources for further study.
As with our previous issue, we will be including downloadable content in the form of Bible studies that you can use to share these truths with others. We hope that this issue will not only deepen your own faith but also equip you to share it with those around you.
We are honored to be a part of this journey with you as we build and defend the Church. We pray that this issue will be a source of inspiration and encouragement to you, and that you will be empowered to carry on the work that God has called us to.
Blessings,
Hector & Elizabeth Caudillo
Editors-in-Chief
by Bishop President Felipe Salazar
In our ever-evolving world, where change is a constant and challenges abound, we need to anchor ourselves in unchanging principles. As members of the Apostolic Assembly, we have the privilege of being part of a church with a rich history, yet one that continues to adapt and grow. Today, I want to share some key insights that have shaped my vision for our beloved assembly and underscore the pivotal role that our young members, the Messengers of Peace, play in this journey.
by Bishop Francisco Quezada
As young people, at some point in life, we all come to have existential questions in our search for meaning, identity, and mission. Questions like “Who am I?” “What am I here for?” “What should I do with my life?”
Finding the right answers in a world of many options is essential since they will determine the course we will follow. Considering this, I encourage you to meditate on three truths the Bible teaches about your identity in order to shape your way of thinking and fulfill the mission established for sharing the Good News of salvation.
by Evangelist Ishmael and Sis. Sarahi Montoya
The commitment and steadfastness displayed by the early believers, who continued in the Apostles’ doctrine despite adversity, provide both inspiration and guidance for us today. In a world where the values and beliefs of secularism appear to be on the rise, there’s a growing temptation to dilute or compromise our faith to fit in. Many see the Apostolic doctrine of the 21st century as a difficult one to follow. Society pressures Apostolics to leave their so-called ‘bigoted’ views behind and relax on the doctrinal principles. The question for us is not whether we should retreat from our beliefs but how we can effectively evangelize and disciple in this secular era.
In the heart of Switzerland, a land steeped in rich history and diverse cultures, a group of Messengers of Peace, along with President, Dr. Oswaldo Moreno and the National MOP Board, embarked on a transformative mission. Their journey was defined by a profound sense of purpose – a ‘why’ that resonates with every believer called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in foreign lands.
The Messenger Team
Advisor
Dr. Oswaldo Moreno
National MOP President
Editor-in-Chief
Hector Caudillo
North Central California District
Editor-in-Chief
Elizabeth Caudillo
North Central California District
Web Editor
Michael Cota
South Central District of California
MOP Media
Jairus Almaraz
Interior District of California and Nevada