Tag Archives: idolatry

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.

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

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Today’s world is in turmoil. The descendants of the ancient peoples of Israel, not just the Jewish people, but all of the so-called “lost ten tribes,” who migrated westward and eventually settled in the British Isles, parts of western and northwestern Europe, and kindred peoples in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other scattered places, were warned that if they rejected him and his commandments they would have their blessings replaced by curses. But after a period of punishment, they would be delivered, and not only they, but the entire world would be blessed by God as never before, under the reign of the risen Jesus Christ, returned to the earth to assume rulership over the entire world, sitting on the throne of David in Jerusalem.

In this message we discuss some additional ways in which the world will be different — and far better — after the return of Jesus Christ, than it is today, in the concluding message of this series.

“How Will the World be Different When Christ Returns (Part 3),” by Rod Reynolds, COGMessenger is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

The Work of Elijah

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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.

Rise of the Beast

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People the world over will be amazed and marvel as a powerful empire centered in Europe emerges suddenly to dominate the world for a brief period. It’s called the “Beast” in the Bible. It will in turn do the bidding of a powerful system of religion rooted in idolatrous worship, deceiving mankind, and called “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” In this message is discussed some of the background of this system as revealed in the Bible and in the pages of history.

“Rise of the Beast” COGMessenger is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Image from Martin Luther’s 1534 translation of the Bible. This work (the image) is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author’s life plus 100 years or fewer. In public domain in the U.S.; published before 1927.

Why Did God Choose Israel — Part 1?

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God chose Israel to become a model nation because of the faithfulness of their forefathers. But he warned them that if they chose the path of rebellion and disobedience they would be dispossessed. What lessons can we learn from Israel’s example?

“Why Did God Choose Israel — Part 1?” COGMessenger is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.