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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Why Does God Hate Sin?

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is one of the festivals of God, that he commanded to be kept by his chosen people, which includes not only ancient Israel, but the Church of God established under the New Covenant (Exodus 12:15-16; Leviticus 23:6-8; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; see also chapters 9 and 10 of our book, When is the Biblical Passover?). One of the key lessons intended to be taught by keeping the Feast of Unleavened Bread is that we are to put sin out. But what is it about sin that we should put it out? Is it that God wants to keep us from having fun? Does God hate to see people enjoy life? Or does God have our best interests in mind when he commands us not to sin?

Let’s discuss why God hates sin, and why we also should hate sin, and want to put it out of our lives.

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Why Does God Hate Sin?

Why does God condemn sin and require that we forsake sin and put it our of our lives? Is it that God wants to keep us from having fun? Does God hate to see people enjoy life? Or does God have our best interests in mind when he commands us not to sin?

“Why Does God Hate Sin?” 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

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

Fulfill Your Destiny Part 2

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