Tag Archives: Bible

Will Politicians Save Us?

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A nation’s character, as the Bible makes clear, has a lot to do with its prosperity, happiness, and ultimate destiny. And this applies not only to nations, but the world as a whole. What can we do as a people to avoid catastrophe? What difference can the right kind of leadership make? And what does the Bible tell us about the ultimate solutions to the problems we face?

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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

cogmessenger.org

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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Fulfill Your Destiny Part 2

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The destiny God has in mind ultimately for every human is to be granted eternal life in his Kingdom as a son of God made over in his likeness spiritually. For that to happen means the development of godly character. We’re told that those in God’s kingdom will be like him (1 John 3:2).

To reach our target of godly character, as pointed out in “Fulfill Your Destiny Part 1,” requires a “guidance system,” as a vehicle such as a space probe or other vehicle traveling from one destination to another requires. This implies for any such system: (1) a reference point; (2) sensors to detect deviations from the intended course; (3) a means of correcting errors.

For us to develop the character necessary for us become like God requires yielding to his correction. We also have to have the proper reference point, which is God, and the instructions we find in Scripture. We also have to be aware of the direction in which our lives are headed, and seek correction where we are off course. In “Fulfill Your Destiny Part 2,” the discussion is continued concerning the necessity of being open to correction from God, and also being oriented to God’s will for us as expressed in his word and his commandments, and also being spiritually aware, awake to where we may need to change and grow spiritually.

I think most of you reading this will agree that the world in general is heading in the WRONG direction, and it’s critical to our spiritual welfare that we not be caught up in the vortex of evil that is leading the world to catastrophe on a massive scale. We can dwell safely in God’s kingdom, if we listen to him (Proverbs 1:33). In today’s world, unfortunately, most are not willing to do that. I sincerely hope and pray that each of you reading this will find encouragement and comfort in this message, as you seek God’s help in directing your steps toward your ultimate destiny of joy and fulfillment in his eternal kingdom.

“Fulfill Your Destiny Part 2,” a message 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

God’s Wisdom or the World’s?

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The Bibles instructs us, “…incline your ear to wisdom…” (Proverbs 2:2). But how does one define wisdom? What is the source of true wisdom? Commonly, wisdom is sought in human philosophy, in sources like ancient philosophers such as Plato, and others, along with more recent philosophers. Or it may be sought in the opinions of scholars, religious leaders, historians, scientists, educators, or even politicians. Or maybe whatever ideas happen to be popular at any given moment. The world has its wisdom.

We’re told that God “stores up sound wisdom for the upright” (Proverbs 2:7). But the world’s wisdom is often at odds with the wisdom of God as recorded in Scripture. Often the scholars and “wise” of the world ridicule the Scriptures, and assign them to realm of myth and fable. In many ways the wisdom of the world and God’s wisdom cannot be reconciled. “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (I Corinthians 3:19).

As Christians, how then should we approach learning and knowledge, making judgments and decisions about life? In this message Rod Reynolds discusses some key principles to guide us in evaluating what may be called “wisdom,” or learning or knowledge.

“God’s Wisdom or the World’s?” a message 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

Don’t Harden Your Heart

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Jesus in Luke 4:4 said that man is to live “by every word of God.” He taught that the wise will build his life on the foundation of obedience to the word of God (Matthew 7:24-25).

God’s word judges us. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). “Discerner” is from the Greek κριτικός, an adjective that means able to judge or discern (Greek-English Lexicon, Bauer, Arndt and Gringrich). The English word “critic” is derived from the Greek word used here. Kριτικός is a cognate of κριτής (kritēs), a judge, and κρίνω (krinō), a verb meaning to judge or distinguish or decide. God’s word judges us, and in a sense is our critic. It penetrates beyond the surface to our innermost being. In the final analysis, everyone will be judged by God’s word (John 12:48).

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