Christian Love, Part 1

We are instructed in Scripture to examine ourselves, to see if we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). How can one know if “Jesus Christ is in” himself, or herself? Is there a measuring stick we can use for this purpose? Is it how often we attend church services, or church activities? Is it what church we belong to? Is it Bible knowledge? Or something else?

Jesus said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: `You shall love your neighbor as yourself'” (Matthew 22:37-39). We are instructed to “walk in love” (Ephesians 5:2). John wrote, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (I John 4:8). We are to strive to become like God (Leviticus 19:2; Matthew 5:45).

Scripture says, “God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him” (I John 4:16). But merely professing to love God or our neighbors is not enough. We are to love “in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18).

But what is love? How is love defined? Are there specific items we can examine to test how we measure up, and how we can improve? Find answers in this message, as these questions are addressed in some detail, so we may follow the admonitions we are given, and with God’s help, improve our standing before him in terms of love.

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Wentzville, MO 63385
USA

Who is a Messenger of God?

In the Bible we read of patriarchs, prophets, prophetesses, priests, even kings like David, apostles, evangelists, and others, people who were righteous, who obeyed God, who’s deeds and exploits are recorded in Scripture, and who were in many cases used to write down and preserve messages given them directly by God or through the inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit. These were used of God to deliver his word to us, and were hence messengers of God.

At the same time we read in Bible times of idolatrous priests, of false prophets who spoke in the name of God, of false ministers and false apostles, who were deceivers and only pretended to be God’s messengers.

Others have followed over the centuries, claiming offices such as priests, apostles, evangelists, ministers, pastors, claiming to speak in the name of God or Christ, and hence acting as his messengers. How can we tell the difference between genuine messengers of God and those who are false?

In “Who is a Messenger of God?” Rod Reynolds addresses the question on the basis of what the Scriptures reveal in answer to it. This is vital knowledge that every Christian, and everyone who would be a Christian, needs to have and understand, and be reminded of often.

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

Worship of the Dead

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

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

Every Eye Will See Him

Scripture states that when Jesus Christ returns to this earth at his second coming, every eye will see him (Revelation 1:7). What does this mean exactly? Is it to be taken literally? Also, are there to be multiple “second comings”? Will Christ fight the armies of nations? How much time will it take for his second coming? Find answers to these questions and others regarding the second coming of Jesus Christ in this message.

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 63

Ten Days of Repentance and Judgment

The time from the Feast of Trumpets through the Feast of Atonement is ten days, which pictures a period of God’s judgment and also repentance toward God for mankind to occur in conjunction with the end of this age and the beginning of a new age under the reign of Jesus Christ on the earth.

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