How to Study and Understand the Bible (part 1)

Posted on January 11, 2025 by Rod Reynolds

COG Messenger · How To Study And Understand The Bible(Part 1)

The word disciple is often used of the followers of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. “Disciple” in English versions of the New Testament is translated from the Greek mathētḗs, which means a learner, student. “A ‘disciple’ was not only a pupil, but an adherent; hence they are spoken of as imitators of their teacher” (Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). Jesus commanded “Learn from me” (Matthew 11:29). The Greek word from which “Learn” is translated in this verse is in the imperative mood, the mood of command. Jesus Christ is our teacher (Matthew 10:24-25), we are commanded to learn from him, to be his students, and adherents, learning and following his teachings.
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Mysteries of the Bible

Posted on January 4, 2025 by Rod Reynolds

Though the most widely distributed book in history according to guinnessworldrecords.com, the teachings of the Bible are properly understood by, relatively speaking, only a handful of people. Many specific truths are revealed in the Bible, that are themselves mysteries, even though they are explained clearly in the Bible. Why is the Bible so little understood? Is there a key — or keys — which will unlock the mysteries of the Bible?

Unless otherwise noted Scripture taken from the New King James Version^TM
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.

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How Will the World be Different When Christ Returns? Part 3

Posted on May 31, 2019 by Rod Reynolds

A key theme of the Bible is that of a Messiah to bring salvation to the world (cf.; Isaiah 49:6; 52:10). Jesus Christ is prophesied to return to the earth in power and glory, restore peace, and establish a righteous and just government over the earth (cf. Psalm 72:1-7; Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 11:15).

After the living God, Creator of all that is made, establishes his government over the earth, it will be a much different world. In the final article in this series, we will explore some additional important ways in which the world will be different after Christ returns.

First, let’s review key points covered in the previous articles in this series. After Christ returns there will be: (1) An end to oppression. (2) Just government. (3) An end to war. (4) Peace and harmony among races and nations. (5) Stable government. (6) Predictable and favorable weather, and abundant produce for all.

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Thirst For Living Water

Posted on October 20, 2018 by Rod Reynolds

Without water you can’t live. In fact, your physical body consists largely of water. And the supply of water in your body must be constantly replenished for you to thrive. Usually we rely on our sense of thirst to tell us when and how much water to drink. Sometimes, however, for various reasons, our sense of thirst may fail us. And when that happens individuals may become sick or even die from dehydration. At other times, people may thirst, but seek to satisfy their thirst with impure water that, either slowly or quickly, produces disease and death. Do you thirst for living water, pure, flowing, abundant and life-giving?

The Spirit of God is analogous to water. “On the last day of the Festival–the great day–Jesus stood up and cried aloud. ‘Whoever is thirsty,’ He said, ‘let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, from within him–as the Scripture has said–rivers of living water shall flow.’ He referred to the Spirit which those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not bestowed as yet, because Jesus had not yet been glorified” (John 7:37-39, Weymouth translation).