COG Messenger

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.

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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 parameters, leading to a false idea of what the gospel is.

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 plan.

Is the law revealed in Scripture a curse, bondage, not relevant for a Christian because it's been replaced by Christ?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.

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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.

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Photo by James Wheeler: "Barnet Marine Park" https://www.flickr.com/photos/james_wheeler/9741782607/ used under this license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/

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?