The Time of Jesus’ Passover With His Disciples

Much confusion abounds concerning not only the Old Testament Passover, but also the Passover observed by Jesus and his disciples as recorded in the New Testament, due largely to mistaken ideas about when the Passover was to be observed, and whether Jesus kept the Passover according to Pharisaic rules which contradicted Scriptural instructions, or whether he kept it at the time prescribed by Scripture. What does Scripture really teach about these questions?

“The Time of Jesus’ Passover?” a message by Rod Reynolds, 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

Fulfill Your Destiny Part 2

The destiny God has in mind ultimately for every human is to be granted eternal life in his Kingdom as a son of God made over in his likeness spiritually. For that to happen means the development of godly character. We’re told that those in God’s kingdom will be like him (1 John 3:2).

To reach our target of godly character, as pointed out in “Fulfill Your Destiny Part 1,” requires a “guidance system,” as a vehicle such as a space probe or other vehicle traveling from one destination to another requires. This implies for any such system: (1) a reference point; (2) sensors to detect deviations from the intended course; (3) a means of correcting errors.

For us to develop the character necessary for us become like God requires yielding to his correction. We also have to have the proper reference point, which is God, and the instructions we find in Scripture. We also have to be aware of the direction in which our lives are headed, and seek correction where we are off course. In “Fulfill Your Destiny Part 2,” the discussion is continued concerning the necessity of being open to correction from God, and also being oriented to God’s will for us as expressed in his word and his commandments, and also being spiritually aware, awake to where we may need to change and grow spiritually.

I think most of you reading this will agree that the world in general is heading in the WRONG direction, and it’s critical to our spiritual welfare that we not be caught up in the vortex of evil that is leading the world to catastrophe on a massive scale. We can dwell safely in God’s kingdom, if we listen to him (Proverbs 1:33). In today’s world, unfortunately, most are not willing to do that. I sincerely hope and pray that each of you reading this will find encouragement and comfort in this message, as you seek God’s help in directing your steps toward your ultimate destiny of joy and fulfillment in his eternal kingdom.

“Fulfill Your Destiny Part 2,” a message by Rod Reynolds, 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

Fulfill Your Destiny Part 1

In recent decades our country and others have sent many rockets and satellites hurtling off into space, some destined for the far reaches of the solar system. For a rocket or a space probe to reach its target it must be carefully guided. The slightest deviation from the prescribed path can cause a space probe to miss its target by millions of miles. A small deviation of a satellite from its correct altitude and attitude in space can render it useless. Very sophisticated guidance systems have hence been developed to monitor and correct the paths of rockets, space probes and satellites as they journey toward their destinations. Without the corrections made by such guidance systems, a useful space program would not be possible.

For all their complexity, however, every guidance system has three basic components. This applies even to navigational systems for ships and airplanes, or any vehicle traveling from one place to another.

Each guidance system has: (1) a reference point. In the case of satellites and space probes, or even ships traversing the ocean, the reference point is usually the sun or a star. (2) Sensors to detect any deviations from the prescribed course. (3) A means of correcting errors to get back on the proper course.

The same principles apply to each of us spiritually. We too are traveling through life with a target: The target God intends for human beings is holy, righteous character. The reference point against which we measure our progress is God. We have available sensors to alert us to where we are deviating from the prescribed path. And we have available the means of correcting our attitudes and behavior so our paths are directed toward the target.

In “Fulfill Your Destiny Part 1,” Rod Reynolds reviews how God’s guidance system provides the means of correction necessary to help us reach our God given destiny. This message contains information vital to the interests of every human being.

“Fulfill Your Destiny Part 1,” a message by Rod Reynolds, 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

Challenges in the Face of Disaster

Various devastating disasters have occurred over the centuries that have challenged the capacities of people to react in ways that are a test of character. While not pleasant to contemplate, the Bible warns of increasing evils as we approach the end of this age. We should be prepared as Christians to meet the challenges of potential future disasters, situations that will be a test of our faith and character.

In “Challenges in the Face of Disaster,” we examine some prophecies that we need to be aware of, and discuss spiritual principles and concepts that with God’s help will enable us to meet in a godly manner whatever such challenges we may face as the world becomes more perilous.

“Challenges in the Face of Disaster,” a message by Rod Reynolds, 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

God’s Wisdom or the World’s?

The Bibles instructs us, “…incline your ear to wisdom…” (Proverbs 2:2). But how does one define wisdom? What is the source of true wisdom? Commonly, wisdom is sought in human philosophy, in sources like ancient philosophers such as Plato, and others, along with more recent philosophers. Or it may be sought in the opinions of scholars, religious leaders, historians, scientists, educators, or even politicians. Or maybe whatever ideas happen to be popular at any given moment. The world has its wisdom.

We’re told that God “stores up sound wisdom for the upright” (Proverbs 2:7). But the world’s wisdom is often at odds with the wisdom of God as recorded in Scripture. Often the scholars and “wise” of the world ridicule the Scriptures, and assign them to realm of myth and fable. In many ways the wisdom of the world and God’s wisdom cannot be reconciled. “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (I Corinthians 3:19).

As Christians, how then should we approach learning and knowledge, making judgments and decisions about life? In this message Rod Reynolds discusses some key principles to guide us in evaluating what may be called “wisdom,” or learning or knowledge.

“God’s Wisdom or the World’s?” a message by Rod Reynolds, 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