The Day of Atonement focuses on removing Satanâs influence, covering sin and restoring a relationship between the Father and mankind, ultimately reaching out to the entire creation. Have we stopped to consider what our role is in this restorative process? Exodus 32 tells the familiar story of Israelâs rebellion, worship of the golden calf, and Godâs anger. But letâs look closely at the reaction of Moses, after God states His intention to destroy the Israelites and offers to make an entire … [Read more...] about Our Brotherâs Keeper
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Counting the Cost
In a recent conversation, someone was reminiscing about their baptism and remembered that at the time they thought they had counted the cost but in the years that followed realized they hadnât known what that cost was going to involve. Most of us have gone through difficult times within the Church and faced situations and decisions that we could never have anticipated at the time we were baptized. Counting the cost is a principle stated by Christ during His ministry. âFor which of you, … [Read more...] about Counting the Cost
Semper Fi
One of the central themes found in the bible is that of faithfulness. There is a Latin term that has been adopted by many groups and entities to convey the importance of faithfulness. The term is Semper Fidelis, which means âalways faithfulâ or âalways loyal.â A shortened version has been adopted by the United States Marine Corp as its motto, simply - Semper Fi. However, there is not a group that this term applies to more than the Church of God. The following three observations will keep … [Read more...] about Semper Fi
Avoiding Spiritual Shipwreck
On March 23, 1989, the colossal oil tanker Exxon Valdez, carrying 54 million gallons of Alaskan North Slope crude oil, prepared for its journey south to California. In the course of 8,700 previous voyages, heavily laden oil tankers had safely made this same journey out of Prince William Sound. Surely the crew of Exxon Valdez would do the same. Sometimes I find it helpful to take events like the Exxon Valdez oil spill, pull them apart, tease them in my mind, and see what spiritual lessons … [Read more...] about Avoiding Spiritual Shipwreck
The Spiritual Olympics
Every four years we see the best athletes from around the world come together to compete against each other in what is known as the Olympic Games. Athletic prowess can be used to highlight our approach to spiritual development. The Apostle Paul certainly appeared to have been well acquainted with athletic achievement. The Olympic Games were established well before Paulâs time, so maybe due to his travels and familiarity with the area of Greece he was aware of the games being held in … [Read more...] about The Spiritual Olympics
Holy Days Pinpoint Priorities
The world has become a decidedly edgy place. There is tension and anxiety in the air. This is particularly observable in the political arena - especially in the realm of international relations. If we look at just one marker â political elections â the unease is clearly evident. In reaction to the developing of negative social conditions, there is often a trend to turn to âhard-lineâ leadership in the search for remedies. In Europe, and Germany in particular, the current leadership has suffered … [Read more...] about Holy Days Pinpoint Priorities
Glorifying God
After Samuel had been established as a prophet replacing the disgraced Eli, God allowed the Philistines to have a military victory over Israel. The Philistines captured the ark of God. After a lengthy period, King David prepared a place in the City of David to accommodate the ark. As the ark was returned to the tabernacle, David celebrated and wrote a psalm to thank and praise God. In this psalm is the direction that Godâs people are to âGive to the Lord the glory due His nameâ (1 Chronicles … [Read more...] about Glorifying God