COG Messenger

God offers "living water," i.e., Eternal life, His life and Spirit, to anyone who thirsts

A future age is coming when all nations will know and serve the true God.

Photo by James Marvin Phelps: "Upper Tahquamenon Falls" https://www.flickr.com/photos/mandj98/2857327092/in/set-72157607325471841 used under this license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/

In its prophetic significance the Feast of Atonement has to do not only with the removal of sin, but also the removal of the chief instigator of sin, the enemy of God and of mankind, Satan the devil.

Many people assume that this is God's world, that God is fully in control, and that all that happens in the world is in accordance with God's will. But the reality of the situation is not quite that straightforward or simple. Whose world is it that we're living in? Is it really God's world?

The Bible foretells of a New Age to come, the evils of the present age a thing of the past. The Feast of Trumpets is, in its significance a portrayal of events that through God's intervention will usher in that new age.

Even when we face sickness and death, God is aware of our plight, and if we maintain our faith, we are safely in his hands. In this sermon, Rod Reynolds explains what the Bible says concerning death – what death is and what is the hope that lies beyond the grave for all human beings.

Does the New Covenant allow us to substitute human ideas of right and wrong – to substitute human tradition – in place of God's commandments regarding how to worship him, and how we ought to conduct ourselves as Christians? ~ http://www.cogmessenger.org/ . . . Photo by Kim Seng: "Bass Harbor Lighthouse in Maine" https://www.flickr.com/photos/captainkimo/14251644870/ used under this license: https:...

God is extremely merciful and far more gracious than many people give Him credit for, and you can be a recipient of that grace. God is not looking for ways to destroy us; He wants to save us. Indeed, all of us are already recipients of God’s grace in more ways than we realize. . . . Photo by James Wheeler: "Cogburn Beach Rocks" http://www.flickr.com/photos/james_wheeler/9519096917/

There is a book unlike any other. A book with answers to questions vital to every human being. There are specific reasons you should study the Bible outlined in this message.

There are many Churches that claim to be Christian. The claim to be a Christian Church implies that its teachings are consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ, and that Christ’s example is followed by the Church making the claim. How many Churches fit that description? How may you become part of the true Church?

Does the Biblical story of Lazarus and the rich man prove that some people go to Heaven when they die and others go to Hell? This sermon explains what this story means and what the Bible teaches about life after death. . . . Photo by James Wheeler: "Mountain Top Sun Star" http://www.flickr.com/photos/james_wheeler/7117200007/

One very popular notion is that the Gospel is exclusively a message about Jesus Christ and the fact that he died for our sins and was raised from the dead. Another idea is that the Gospel is exclusively a message about Christ coming in the future to establish the Kingdom of God. And there are many variations of these and other themes that tend to limit and confine the Gospel within certain narrow...

In this sermon, Rod Reynolds discusses why the Feast of Pentecost is significant to Christians, and why it is an important Holy Day to observe. The annual Holy Days, Festivals and even the weekly Sabbath are set aside for a purpose, and each of these days fits in with God’s plan of salvation for humanity. Through these special days, we have the opportunity to learn wonderful details about God’s pl...

Is the law revealed in Scripture a curse, bondage, not relevant for a Christian because it's been replaced by Christ? Are the ten commandments outmoded "Old Testament" law that can be safely ignored, as many believe? The Bible speaks of the commandments as the "law of liberty." Which is it? The law of liberty, or of slavery?

Is salvation only open to a few who have been selected in advance, but closed to everyone else? What does it mean to be "called"? The surprising answers to these questions reveal how God deals with human beings. . . . Photo by James Wheeler: "Misty Morning Sunrise" http://www.flickr.com/photos/james_wheeler/8983389912/

To be a genuine disciple of Jesus Christ, rather than one in name only, requires abiding in his word. That's what Jesus Christ himself said. That means a real disciple of Christ, a real Christian, is one who abides in -- continues in, or lives according to -- the teachings of Christ. And one of the teachings of Christ is that we are to live "by every word of God."

How does the Bible define one who is a "Christian?" What steps can you take to ensure you are a real Christian? Photo by Moyan Brenn: "Aurora borealis" https://www.flickr.com/photos/aigle_dore/13027146284/ Used under a license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/.

Many people are stumbling along in spiritual darkness because they are either unaware of or have rejected the light that would show them the true path. In the world there is a deep enmity toward the law of God, however the reality is that this law is a blessing and will bring joy, liberty, and peace to you if you keep it. . . . Photo by James Wheeler: "Barnet Marine Park" https://www.flickr.com/ph...

The pure of heart will see God (Matthew 5:8). But our hearts are by nature corrupted by the leaven of sin. How can you have a pure heart, so you can see God?

How are we instructed to pray to God, and what benefits may we expect?

For one to be a genuine disciple of Jesus Christ Bible study is essential, as Jesus said "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed" (John 8:31). In this message are keys intended to guide you in how to effectively study the Bible and properly understand its teachings.

Christ's disciples are expected to study God's Word daily. The source of godly wisdom is the Word of God, the Scriptures, the Bible. “…the Holy Scriptures …are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). Effective Bible study then can lead you to eternal salvation (Proverbs 3:21-23; 4:5-6, 13). This message can guide you in studying the Bible effec...

Examination of Scriptural teaching regarding salvation and the idea of "going to heaven"

Immediately on the heels of the Feast of Tabernacles, is another Feast, with its own prophetic meaning. In order to understand fully how God's plan of salvation for mankind will be fulfilled, the prophetic meaning of this feast period cannot be overlooked.