Is It a Sin to Eat Unclean Meats?

Is it a sin to eat unclean meats, as designated in Scripture? Many who think of themselves as Christians think not, while presumably those practicing Judaism would disagree.

Consider God’s laws, his commands, for a moment. Why were they given? Was it to deprive humans of things that are good for them, that contribute to joy, peace, happiness, good health? No, quite the contrary. God said to the people of Israel through Moses: “You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess” (Deuteronomy 5:33).

In paraphrasing portions of the above verse, Adam Clarke’s Commentary puts the wording as follows: “that you may enjoy life”; “good shall be to you—God will prosper you in all things essential to the welfare of your bodies, and the salvation of your souls” (cf. Exodus 15:26; Deuteronomy 4:40; 6:17-18; 12:25, 28; 30:15-16; Psalms 16:11; 19:7-11; John 15:11).

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Faith and Healing

Have you wondered why sometimes people of faith become sick and ask for healing, praying fervently, yet are not healed, perhaps suffering for years, or dying of some disease or infirmity? Does the Bible offer a guarantee of physical healing in this lifetime, for those who have “enough faith”? Lazarus, in the parable in Luke 16, was diseased and reduced to begging, yet is to be with Abraham in the resurrection. Why wasn’t he healed in this lifetime? What are we to learn from the example of the other Lazarus, who, after he had died and been buried, was restored to life by Jesus Christ?

Over the years, there’s been much misunderstanding regarding faith and healing, and what the Scriptures say about the relationship between the two. In the sermon, “Faith and Healing,” are discussed a number of Scriptural passages and principles relating to faith and healing, that may help you better understand questions related to the subject.

“Faith and Healing,” a sermon by Rod Reynolds, COGMessenger is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Disease, Faith and Protection

Rod Reynolds discusses Biblical principles relating to protection and responsibilities regarding communicable diseases. Recorded October 2020.

“Disease, Faith and Protection,” by Rod Reynolds, COGMessenger is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How the World Can Quickly Change

The Covid-19 epidemic has had far reaching repercussions on our world and our United States economy, and our civil liberties. Most would not have imagined such drastic effects only a short time ago.

It is a lesson in how the world can quickly change and how fragile it is. It’s a lesson in how ignorance, panic, and a real risk of disease can result in unexpected and disastrous consequences.

In this article let’s examine: (1) the current coronavirus disease epidemic, how many have been infected, and how many have died. (2) How does the Covid-19 epidemic compare with other similar disease epidemics? (3) The response to the epidemic by media and governments, and how that response could be far more destructive than the disease itself. (4) How the disease could be responsibly managed without destroying the nation’s or the world’s economy. (5) The reasoning behind the measures we, the Messenger Church of God, have taken in response to the virus. (6) Suggestions on what you can do to minimize your risk of contracting Covid-19 and other communicable diseases. (7) Where you can place your trust for your ultimate security.

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