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.

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Messenger Church of God
PO Box 619
Wentzville, MO 63385
USA

Don’t Harden Your Heart

Jesus in Luke 4:4 said that man is to live “by every word of God.” He taught that the wise will build his life on the foundation of obedience to the word of God (Matthew 7:24-25).

God’s word judges us. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). “Discerner” is from the Greek κριτικός, an adjective that means able to judge or discern (Greek-English Lexicon, Bauer, Arndt and Gringrich). The English word “critic” is derived from the Greek word used here. Kριτικός is a cognate of κριτής (kritēs), a judge, and κρίνω (krinō), a verb meaning to judge or distinguish or decide. God’s word judges us, and in a sense is our critic. It penetrates beyond the surface to our innermost being. In the final analysis, everyone will be judged by God’s word (John 12:48).

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Question: Wheat or Tare

During his earthly ministry, Jesus often used parables when addressing his audiences. He used parables to illustrate important spiritual principles having to do with the kingdom of God and our relationships with God and with one another. He did not often explain the full meaning of the parables to his audiences, but it wasn’t because he wanted to “hide the meaning,” nor because he was “lying,” as some have imagined. It was because of their hardness of heart. But he did explain the meanings to his closest disciples, whom he told to explain it to others (Matthew 10:27). This is explained in more detail in our article “Does God Lie?

One of the parables of Jesus is the one featuring seeds sown of wheat and tares, lessons from which are explored in this message.

“Question: Wheat or Tare” 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

Why Study the Bible?

King Solomon wrote, “Of making many books there is no end” (Ecclesiastes 12:12). But of all the countless books that have been written, is there any that reliably answers the most fundamental and important questions of life? Why do we exist? What is our nature? Is there a God, and if so, what is God like? What does God expect of us? Can we know the true God? Does God love us? Is there a path that can put an end to violence, unnecessary suffering and sorrow? What happens when we die? Is there a way to eternal life, and if so, what is it?

Believe it or not, there is such a book, a book that has the answers to these questions, and other questions vital to the life of every human. That book is called the Bible. The Bible is unlike any other, and has no equal, because it is God’s revelation to mankind of knowledge that can be found in no other source.

Do you know what the Bible says? Have you read it? Have you studied the Bible diligently to learn what God wants you to know? Why study the Bible? In this article you will find answers to this question of vital importance to every human being.

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God’s Word — Instrument of His Spirit

The word of God and his Spirit are inseparable. Often in the way they are spoken of in the Bible they seem to be virtually synonymous. How may this affect our relationship with God?

“God’s Word — Instrument of His Spirit” audio recording by Rod Reynolds, COGMessenger is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.