Streams in the Desert

We may not know the day or time of Christ's return, and our future may be uncertain. However, we know our God and can trust Him that He will soon return!

Jesus Christ is, always has been, and forever will be the divine Son of God, but He was made flesh and dwelt among us.

In at least six of Paul's letters, he expressed thanks for The Church of God and Its members. In his letter to the Romans, he thanked God for their faith (1:8) and Priscilla and Aquila, who had risked their lives to save him (16:3, 4). He gave thanks in prayer for the faith and love of the Ephesians (1:15-16), the Colossians (1:3, 4), the Thessalonicans (2 Thess. 1:3, 4, 13), and Philemon (1:4-5). Paul continually thanked God for the Philippians and their steadfast fellowship in the Gospel (1:3-5).

Even so, we, the General Headquarters staff, thank God for you, The Church of God. We are thankful for truth, holiness, the Advice to Members, our mutual nourishment, our kindred relationships, and your shepherding care.

Throughout the Bible, the dry, barren desert represents the curse of God, but the beautiful, fruitful gardens represent the blessings of God. Today, we look at three gardens in the Bible and how what happened in each changed everything: the Garden of Eden, the Garden at the Tomb, and the Garden in the New Jerusalem.

The theme of fruitfulness is found throughout the Bible, from the first chapter of Genesis to the last chapter of Revelation. 

In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as “Jesus Christ” one hundred and thirty-four times and “Christ Jesus” eighty-six times. Some may think that “Christ” is Jesus’ surname or last name, but it is His title. In John 1:41, we find Andrew talking to “his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.” Both the Hebrew word “Messiah” in the Old Testament and the Greek word “Christ” in the New Testament means “The Anointed One.”

Psalm 107 is a song of thanksgiving for the goodness of God. Verses 1, 19, 21, and 22 read, “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: . . . Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. . . . Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving.” One very interesting thing about this Psalm is that verses 19 and 22 are each repeated four times. Thus, stressing the salvation of God in times of trouble and distresses (vv. 6, 13, 19, 28) and the importance of praising the Lord for his goodness (verses 8, 15, 21, 31).

Join us today for this special message by our present General Overseer, Bishop Oscar Pimentel, as we learn about the importance of keeping our Church heritage alive in the minds of every generation in the Church.

Many celebrate Resurrection Sunday by wearing a new “Sunday Best” outfit. The Good News is that if you are wearing the filthy rags of sin, you can be clothed with a “change of raiment” and wear the best white wedding robe of righteousness.

Join us for a New Year's broadcast with a message from our Communication Minister E. Roger Ammons