Sin Causes Division

We live in a world marked by dissension, division, strife, hatred, war and other
manifestations of violence and bloodshed. To a large extent, humans are cut off from God as well.

At the root of division, between God and mankind, and among human beings, is sin. If we can understand the root cause of division and strife, perhaps we can understand more clearly the path we should walk in, and eventually the way to peace with God and among human beings.

“Sin Causes Division,” audio recording by Rod Reynolds, COGMessenger is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Godly Character Requires Patience

One of the notable traits of God’s nature and character is patience. God wants to shape our nature into the likeness of his nature, with our willing cooperation. If we are to have godly character, we must learn patience. How is God’s patience exemplified? And in what ways are we expected to develop and practice patience?

“Godly Character Requires Patience” audio recording by Rod Reynolds, COGMessenger is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Sabbath Questions

Even though the Sabbath command is one of the ten commandments (Exodus 20:8-11), and is mentioned many places in the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments, it is routinely neglected and ignored by most people.

It’s not unusual for people, when confronted with the idea that the Sabbath ought to be kept, to have objections or questions. This often includes even those who’ve thought of themselves as Christians for years or for a lifetime. This is not to be unexpected, given the confusion that has been sown concerning the Sabbath from various quarters, and the common disregard and outright contempt for the Sabbath that is commonplace.

Yet, there are some here and there who are willing to consider the proposition that perhaps the Sabbath ought to be taken seriously, but have questions they would like to have answers to. Perhaps you are one of those people. Or perhaps you already keep the Biblical Sabbath. If you are one of the latter, could you answer common questions that frequently come up about the matter?

In this message, we address questions that have been asked of us about the Sabbath. These are not the only questions concerning Sabbath keeping we are confronted with, but some of the most common. Perhaps they are questions that have occurred to you, or that you have been challenged by.

I hope you will find the answers given insightful and convincing. God promises, “Everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, And holds fast My covenant–Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer” (Isaiah 56:6-7).

If you are not currently a Sabbath keeper, perhaps you will find yourself asking another question, as some have, “Why not keep the Sabbath?”

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

The Family in God’s Plan

God created human beings for a specific purpose, to fulfill a destiny for them that God had in mind before there were any humans. Learn how the concept of family is at the heart of God’s purpose for humanity, the very purpose for which you exist.

“The Family in God’s Plan,” by Rod Reynolds, COGMessenger is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

The Work of Elijah

Elijah was a leading prophet of the Old Testament. Through Elijah God worked some powerful and astounding miracles. His was a mission aimed at revealing who is the true God, and turning the hearts of the people to his worship, to the extent they were willing.

Malachi prophesied that Elijah would be sent before “the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Malachi 4:5). Some thought John the Baptist might be Elijah having reappeared on the earth, but he denied that he was Elijah. Yet it had been prophesied that John the Baptist would go “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17).

Many since have come proclaiming themselves, or identifying some other contemporary person, as Elijah, and in some cases have insisted that their proclamations must be believed as a condition for baptism.

In this message, “The Work of Elijah,” we focus on Elijah’s ministry, or his work, and how it relates to other statements in the Bible concerning Elijah, and the fulfillment of prophecies leading to the end of this age.

“The Work of Elijah,” by Rod Reynolds, COGMessenger is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.