Tag Archives: Christianity

Worship of the Dead

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Heathen cultures and religions in many parts of the world involve some form of worship directed toward dead heroes or ancestors.

Religious observances such as Hallowmas, which begins on the evening of October 31, or Halloween (All Hallows’ Eve), preserve to one extent or another, depending on the region, widespread ancient customs and superstitions directly associated with the worship of the dead. As does the “secular” observance of Halloween itself.

Does God’s Word have anything to say about customs involving worship of the dead? Should Christians participate in the Halloween custom, or similar customs? It’s important to consider the Bible’s answers to these questions.

Copyright © 2024 by Messenger Church of God

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

Who Are the Nicolaitans?

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Jesus said he hates the “the deeds of the Nicolaitans” (Revelation 2:6). He also said to the church in Pergamos, “you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate” (Revelation 2:15).

Who are the Nicolaitans? What are their deeds that Jesus Christ hates? What is their doctrine, that Jesus Christ also hates? How might these questions affect us? The answers to these questions should be of vital interest to us, as we are specifically warned about them, and they are spiritual cancers which not only exist outside the Church, but which according to Jesus Christ at times insidiously infects the Church of God itself.

Copyright © 2024 by Messenger Church of God

This work 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

Is It a Sin to Eat Unclean Meats?

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Is it a sin to eat unclean meats, as designated in Scripture? Many who think of themselves as Christians think not, while presumably those practicing Judaism would disagree.

Consider God’s laws, his commands, for a moment. Why were they given? Was it to deprive humans of things that are good for them, that contribute to joy, peace, happiness, good health? No, quite the contrary. God said to the people of Israel through Moses: “You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess” (Deuteronomy 5:33).

In paraphrasing portions of the above verse, Adam Clarke’s Commentary puts the wording as follows: “that you may enjoy life”; “good shall be to you—God will prosper you in all things essential to the welfare of your bodies, and the salvation of your souls” (cf. Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 4:40; 6:17-18; 12:25, 28; 30:15-16; Psalms 16:11; 19:7-11; John 15:11).

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Binding and Loosing Part 1

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Various churches and ministries have misapplied and misused what the Bible says about “Binding and Loosing” and the “keys of the kingdom of heaven,” associated with the former as in Jesus’ statement to Peter in Matthew 16:19. The result has been that many Christians have been confused about what the Bible really teaches about the aforementioned “keys” and the concept of binding and loosing, and much mischief within professing Christianity has resulted.

In this message, learn what the Bible tells us about what it means to have the “keys to the kingdom of heaven.”

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

How Important Is Doctrine?

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Have you given any thought to the question of how important is doctrine to the life of a Christian? Should we be all that concerned about the doctrines taught by the Church we fellowship with? Or is “Church” to be more of a social club where doctrine takes a back seat, and is more or less irrelevant? Does doctrine cause division? And if so, does that mean we should disdain doctrine? How does doctrine affect one’s relationship with God? What is the connection between doctrine and the Holy Spirit? What is the responsibility of the ministry, and of each individual member, with regard to doctrine? It’s very clear from the what the Bible has to say that having the correct understanding about doctrine is of vital importance to anyone who wants to be a Christian as the Bible defines a Christian.

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