Author Archives: Rod Reynolds

Gold Refined

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Prophets and the faithful down through history have risked and not infrequently forfeited their own safety, comfort, property and lives for the sake of truth, or to save the lives of others.

Godly character is often forged in the crucible of extreme trials. Such trials may come on suddenly and unexpectedly, or they may be perceived ahead of time as possible or even likely. Indeed, the Bible warns us that the faithful will be subject to various trials and tribulations (Matthew 24:9; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 1:3-9).

Listen as Rod Reynolds reviews some examples of how some in the past have expressed love for fellow human beings, at the risk of their own lives, in the direst of circumstances, and what we can learn from such examples.

“Gold Refined” audio recording by Rod Reynolds, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

cogmessenger.org

Messenger Church of God
PO Box 619
Wentzville, MO 63385
USA

Sabbath Work Questions

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Controversy over the Sabbath and its observance has been an obstacle for many over the span of time, not only from the time of Christ up till now, but even before, as we see in the manner in which Jesus was sometimes condemned by certain Jewish leaders because of things he did or allowed on the Sabbath.

The tendency since then, and often before, is to simply neglect the Sabbath and disregard any concerns about what may or may not be done on the Sabbath. Most, of course, in our age flatly reject the Sabbath altogether.

But those who are convicted about the Sabbath frequently have genuine questions about what kind of activities are appropriate or not for the Sabbath. For those who are concerned about such questions, “Sabbath Work Questions,” is intended to provide some guidelines from Scripture that may be of help to you in properly keeping the Sabbath without going to extremes God does not intend.

“Sabbath Work Questions” audio recording by Rod Reynolds, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

cogmessenger.org

Messenger Church of God
PO Box 619
Wentzville, MO 63385
USA

Introduction to God’s Names

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Have you ever considered that there are many names and titles used of God in the Bible? Some of the Hebrew names used of God are: Elohim, Yahweh, Adonai, Yah, El, Eloah, Elyon, Shaddai. Some of these are used in combination with other words to form divine titles, such as Yahweh-Jireh (The Eternal Will See or Provide), Yahweh-Ropheka (The Eternal Who Heals You), Yahweh-Nissi (The Eternal My Banner), Yahweh-Mekaddishkem (The Eternal Who Sanctifies You), Yahweh-Amah (The Eternal Our Maker), Immanuel (God Is with Us), these being only a few.

Other titles and descriptive names are used of God as well, such as Melchizedek (King of Righteousness), and in English such titles as the Portion of Jacob, the Rock of Our Salvation, the Prince or King of Peace, Wonderful, Holy One of Israel, Counselor, Redeemer, Shepherd of Israel, Everlasting Father, Savior, Refuge, Strength, Fortress, Deliverer, Creator. All these and more are from the Old Testament. The New Testament adds more, such as Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, the Son of God, the Lord God Omnipotent, Apostle, High Priest, the Light of the World, the Father of Lights, the Bread of Life.

Why so many names for God? The reason is that God in his word names things what they are. God is a great being, greater than our minds can fully comprehend. He fills many roles, many offices, has many responsibilities. There are a multitude of facets to his character and nature. The various names and titles highlight different aspects of who God is and what he is like.

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Keep the Sabbath

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The Sabbath was made holy at the time of the creation, or the restoration of the earth to a habitable condition, and the renewing of life on the earth, as described in Genesis 1. The Israelites, most if not all of whom had forgotten the Sabbath command and lost track of when the Sabbath occurs, had the Sabbath revealed to them in the wilderness, before they reached Mt. Sinai (Exodus 16). The Sabbath had been, like a number of other commandments of God, a commandment from the time of creation.

The Sabbath command included specific blessings for obedience, and curses and punishment for disobedience. Yet most of the Israelites, and of course the rest of mankind, over the course of history did not take it seriously, disregarded it, and have suffered curses as a result.

The Sabbath was not just for the Jews, and the command to keep the Sabbath, not on just any day of the week, and not on Sunday, but on the day God himself sanctified and made holy, is still in force today, and will be kept by all nations after Jesus Christ returns to establish the reign of the Kingdom of God on earth.

Learn more about what the Bible teaches about the Sabbath, its history and future.

“Keep the Sabbath” audio recording by Rod Reynolds, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

cogmessenger.org

Messenger Church of God
PO Box 619
Wentzville, MO 63385
USA

The Foundation on Which the True Church of God is Built

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Jesus said to Peter: “And I also say to you that you are Peter [petros], and on this rock [petra] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

This verse does not imply what some have assumed, that human authority, beginning with Peter, is at the foundation of the Church.

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