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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Tag Archives: repentance
How to Be a Real Christian
Christianity is estimated by census figures, surveys, etc., to be the world’s leading religion in terms of population numbers, with more than two billion, perhaps as many as two and a half billion, who identify themselves as Christians. Among those claiming to be Christian are represented a wide assortment of beliefs and practices that are often contradictory not only to each other, but are often exactly the opposite of what Jesus Christ himself believed, taught and practiced. One dictionary definition of a Christian is one who professes belief in Jesus as Christ. Is a Christian just anyone who claims to be a Christian? If not, exactly what does it mean, from the standpoint of Scripture, to be a Christian? What makes one a Christian in God’s sight?
That is the subject the message, “How to Be a Real Christian.” In it are discussed specific steps necessary to becoming or remaining a Christian, as God’s word defines a true Christian.
Copyright © 2025 by Rod Reynolds
Unless otherwise noted Scripture taken from the New King James VersionTM
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Messenger Church of God
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Wentzville, MO 63385
USA
Unleavened Bread — Flee Sin in Haste
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John the Baptist identified Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29)
Immediately after the Passover comes a festival that depicts the next step in the fulfillment of God’s master plan: the seven days of Unleavened Bread. The Passover pictures Christ’s death to save us from sin and its ravages. Jesus did not sacrifice Himself for us so we will continue to live in sin. Christ’s death reconciles us with God so we can become children in His family. Sin separates us from God. We read in Isaiah: “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2).
God’s Law is a Blessing
The world as a whole is groping in darkness and blindness for a path to happiness, peace, safety and life. In the world many don’t realize they can’t see. They don’t realize they are blind and walking in darkness. They think they are walking in light and that they know the path to a better, fuller, happier life. Yet, they keep falling into pits. They keep stumbling into snares. And the result is a world full of unhappiness, misery, suffering and death.
At the same time they have nothing but contempt and scorn for the light that would show them the true path and lead them to safety and happiness. They, oddly enough, don’t regard the light as a blessing, but rather as a curse. How about you. Do you know what is the true light? And do you regard it as a blessing or a curse?
Principles of Cleanliness
COG Messenger · Principles of Cleanliness
You’ve probably heard it said, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” Although reputed to be an ancient saying rooted in Hebrew literature, the phrase “cleanliness is next to godliness” is not in the Bible. However, the principle of cleanliness is found throughout the Bible and is linked with “godliness,” or being holy. Words relating to cleanliness or it’s opposite, uncleanness, are found hundreds of times throughout the Scriptures.
Cleanliness, then, is a concept very important to God, and integral to the life of a Christian. In this message, explore with us the concept of cleanliness, and how it relates to our lives both physically and spiritually.