Stir Up the Spirit

On the Feast of Pentecost following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit was poured out in a spectacular way on the apostles, there were signs and miracles, and many were converted and received the Holy Spirit on that day and days following.

God’s Spirit is available to anyone who is willing to believe the true gospel, repent of sin and be baptized. But once having received the Spirit of God, one must nurture it, and stir it up to retain it and bear the fruits of God’s Spirit as he would have us to.

Listen to “Stir up the Spirit,” as Rod Reynolds explores this subject from Scripture, how it’s done, and to what end, and related questions.

“Stir Up the Spirit” audio recording by Rod Reynolds, 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


Gold Refined

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

Introduction to God’s Names

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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Walk Worthy of Your Calling

Scripture teaches that Christians are expected to walk worthy of our calling (Matthew 3:8; 10:37-38; 22:8; Ephesians 4:1). What does it mean to walk worthy of your calling? If we are called to salvation, does it mean one can be worthy of being saved? Does it mean that if one is unworthy that he won’t be saved? How does God judge worthiness? What makes the difference between being counted worthy or unworthy? If it is possible to be worthy of God–how? Finding the answers to these questions can help guide us as we face decisions and crossroads everyday of our lives.

“Walk Worthy of Your Calling” 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

The Time of Jesus’ Passover With His Disciples

Much confusion abounds concerning not only the Old Testament Passover, but also the Passover observed by Jesus and his disciples as recorded in the New Testament, due largely to mistaken ideas about when the Passover was to be observed, and whether Jesus kept the Passover according to Pharisaic rules which contradicted Scriptural instructions, or whether he kept it at the time prescribed by Scripture. What does Scripture really teach about these questions?

“The Time of Jesus’ Passover?” 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