The Bible tells us that we must leave this rotten world of Satan behind and that we are instead pilgrims, strangers and ambassadors for Christ. The consequences for us in regard to the evils of this world and what is in it, including selfish desires, its politics, corrupt leaders, false philosophies, terrible wars and deceiving religions are wide-ranging, but many are confused about God’s directives. Likewise, our desire for God’s Kingdom to be restored on earth can be overshadowed and clouded, if we are not careful, by the knowledge of the pain and suffering which the Great Tribulation will bring first. It is vital for our salvation that we have the right understanding in this regard.
new covenant
Why the Footwashing Ceremony at Passover?
Baptized Members of the Church of God partake each year at Passover evening of the symbols of bread and wine, but they also participate in the footwashing ceremony. Why did Christ introduce the footwashing ceremony, and what does it mean for us today? How do we understand Christ’s statements in response to Peter’s initial refusal to accept Christ’s washing of his feet? And is there a relationship between the correct baptism, which only occurs once in a lifetime of a converted person, and the footwashing ceremony which is being observed annually?
The Heart of God
Establish Our Hearts
Our emotions and desires dwell within our hearts. What does it mean when we put our hearts into something? How do we establish our hearts and for what reason?
Be Ready for the Gospel of Peace
Ephesians 6:15 tells us that we must have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. What exactly does this mean? What about our feet; our preparation or readiness; and the gospel of peace? What is that gospel? Paul warns us not to accept a different gospel, another Jesus, or a different spirit. He also shows us that the belief in the true gospel is absolutely necessary for salvation; and that we ourselves must have peace if we want to stand up for the gospel of peace.
No Way! There Will Be No Seven-Year Treaty!
Some teach that a seven year treaty will be adopted between a modern king of the North or the beast and a modern king of the South, consisting of Arab nations, just prior to the return of Christ, and that that treaty will be broken after 3 ½ years. Others teach that that treaty is going to be made between the king of the North and the Jews. They base this teaching on Daniel 9:27. However, this passage does NOT teach such a treaty, but something different altogether. It is VERY important that you understand the truth, because a wrong teaching might find you completely unprepared for the return of Jesus Christ.
Captivity Reversed
The ninth chapter of the book of Daniel teaches us that Jesus Christ was killed in 31 A.D., after 3 ½ years of His public ministry, which began in 27 A.D. Since it was decreed that He should conduct His public ministry for seven years, He will complete the remaining 3 ½ years here on earth after His return. During that time, He will end the captivity of the enslaved modern descendants of the houses of Israel and Judah; deal with them in the wilderness; and ultimately bring them, together with the resurrected King David, to the Promised Land.