Weekly Message

On all these sins of the tongue I hope that looking into the meaning helps you identify and avoid “sins of the tongue”. They are... Deceit​ Whispering​ Backbiting​ Reproach​ Reviling​ Clamor​ Hater of God​ Evil Speaking​ Filthy​ talk Foolish​ talk Jesting​ Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

The apostle Paul is known for providing interesting lists of spiritual virtues and vices commonly known as “the sin lists”. There are 8 of these sin lists. Your bible contains other such lists but I’m limiting myself to these 8 sin lists. In this message we will cover the category of quarreling. Which is: strife, self-ambition, sedition, heresy, conceits, and tumults. The multiple and different word in the category reveal different facets of this problematic behavior. Such as; what do we tend to quarrel about, what motivates quarreling, what are the outcomes of quarreling, and how do we confront it. Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

The biblical holy days are presented to us as 3 seasons of harvest, two grain harvests in spring and early summer, then a produce harvest in the fall. The first festival season is Passover and Unleavened Bread, the second is the Feast of Weeks, the final is the Festival of Tabernacles. The United Church of God teaches that the second grain harvest… the harvest of wheat which happens at the same time as the festival of Pentecost … is a picture of the great spiritual harvest taking place NOW. The sowing and reaping of this harvest is the current work of the Church, placed upon us by the Father and Jesus Christ. Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

The letters to the 7 Churches of the book of Revelation show different attributes of Christ as the head of the church. Get a FREE copy of our eBook "Jesus Christ: The Real Story" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/glCjCD Revelation chapters 2 & 3 contain messages written for and sent to the 7 Churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. ▶ Each receives its own short, personalized message from the head of the Church, the resurrected Jesus Christ. ▶ Each message follows a pattern of noting their accomplishments, their faults or shortcomings, their trials, and they are reminded of the glorious outcome for those who overcome and persevere. ▶ At the start of each message He mentions one or two things about Himself which relate to His role as head of the Church. This serves to remind them that what the messenger brings to them is actually from Him Most of these attributes of Christ are mentioned in Revelation 1:10-20. These verses serve as an introduction to the letters written to the churches and in certain cases adds some insight to what the symbols mean. This video into these attributes of the risen Christ and consider how they relate to His present role as the living head of the Church… actively working within His Church! Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Just as Israel was commanded by God to march boldly out of Egypt… you have been told [and are being reminded today] to come out of sin. Sin is violations of God holy perfect commandments… but beyond actions and trespasses, sin is also a way of thinking and acting that has no positive future. Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb Sin has no future because through sin you have become separated from God… and separated from the tree of life… cut off from the potential of entering eternal existence. So, you need to get back into a right relation to God… but that means you have to leave some things behind. Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Mary Magdalene knew she owed Jesus a lot… everything really. He saved her from torment… He saved her from death… and now He had opened up the door to life everlasting. .. she saw Him raised from the dead… and she will see Him again. Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb As a human being… Mary Magdalene was nobody special really. What made her special is Jesus’ appearance to her... Likewise, you are nothing special, [not a gathering of the beautiful, the rich, the elite] what makes you important, significant, noteworthy is that you have been brought into the body of the resurrected and living Christ. People try to spice up the gospel record by imagining Mary as an alluring reformed prostitute who either seduced or tempted Jesus… this is just guesswork, speculation, even blasphemy which the scriptural record does not say anything about. What we do know about Mary is that she had every reason to love Jesus deeply for the deliverance He made possible. Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

We recognize, discern, to assess your relationship with. not only the blood of Christ, but also our participation in the body of Christ… which is His Church. You have been brought out of, sin… and placed into God’s Church Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb The bible is very clear that each and every one of us has a direct, personal relationship with Christ, and through Him, you can go directly to the Father, and the throne of grace, anytime. Your access to Him does not go through the Church. However, much of what God does with you is done through the Church. Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

The sin we are to remove from our lives is defined by God's word. It covers a wide span of human behavior; word, action, thought, attitudes, omission, ignorance, and conscience. Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb In this message we will cover: Defining Sin Sin & Law Sin and Choice: Living According to the Spirit Sin and Disobedience Sin and Harm Falling Short - Missing the Mark Sinful Nature: Pre-Programmed to Sin? A Good Heart or an Evil Heart Sinful Thoughts Sins of Omission Sins of Ignorance Sins of Conscience Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Since the very beginning there has been opposition to God's truth and His church. Some opponents even make the bold claim that Jesus death by crucifixion never happened. Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb The scriptural record combined with the Romans records of history indicate Jesus death came to pass by crucifixion... and the details of death by crucifixion match the prophecies. These aspects of the biblical record cannot be easily dismissed. And in this way the death of Jesus serves as a powerful proof that the Bible is exactly what it claims to be… the word of God. Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Like a prophetic play… God had Israel “act out” a sequence of events with symbols that presented a prophecy of Christ “the lamb of God” who would come nearly 1,500 years later… who would shed His blood… who would give His perfect sinless life as a sacrifice to save us from death… the just penalty of our transgressions of God’s law. Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb The Passover… it was prophetic … it is now remembrance of what Christ did as our Passover lamb… it will be something new in the kingdom of God. Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Jesus' prophecies about the Great Tribulation serve as a warning to those who are not taking their calling seriously [laodiceans]… and a source of understanding and reassurance for those who are caught up in the end-time events [philadelphians]. Find out more about the dramatic events the bible tells us will happen before the return of Christ. Request a FREE copy of our bible study guide: ➤ Seven Prophetic Signs Before Jesus Returns The great tribulation is also known as the time of Jacob's trouble. It is referred to in the book of Daniel, the book of Revelation, and the olivet prophecy of Matthew 24. It is a distinct period of time lasting 1260 days, or 42 months, or 3.5 years (also phrased as a time, times and half a time). In Revelation it is also known as the 5th seal of the 7 seals. During the tribulation the church of God will be persecuted, the beast power will rise, and the two witnesses will deliver the final warning from God.

What does the bible say about Jesus' mission and purpose as Messiah. Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb Out of the tens of thousands Jesus reached, He was misunderstood and rejected by almost everyone. Only 120 people were there when the Church of God began with the receipt of the holy spirit. There was much misunderstanding among those who listened to Jesus about what the mission and purpose of the messiah was. Today, we still have a certain confusion about the mission and purpose of the Messiah Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

The Word who was God and was with God became flesh and blood and lived like one of us. But how can a God become a human being? Many people stumble and become confused about the person and life of Jesus. “Was he a real human being just like us… or was he a human being with incredible super powers?” Or “when He was a human being, was He still God?” Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb Hebrews 5:7-9 Jesus lived to show what is possible for human being. He demonstrated the entire process of salvation as a human being, birth, life, death… and being saved from death through resurrection to an incorruptible body composed of spirit power. Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

In Genesis 26:5, we are told, "Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees, and my laws". This phrasing is worthy of some in depth attention. Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb Abraham knew about God's requirements, commands, and decrees, which define righteous attitudes and behavior. He obeyed them because he believed what God told him . These are the same requirements, commands, and decrees defining righteous attitudes and behavior that were given to Israel at Mount Sinai. These are the same laws that new covenant believers are to follow, obey, and have written on their hearts. Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

In the year 538 BC. the prophet Daniel was watching the ancient prophecy of Judah's return from Babylon after 70 years of captivity come to pass before his very eyes! We might expect Daniel's prayer to be filled with joy and thanksgiving... but he responds with a prayer confession the sins of Israel and requesting merciful forgiveness. This is a model for us. Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Contemporary research has determined that one of the main reasons young people abandon God, scripture, church is confusion and doubt about Genesis 1. What is the biblical explanation for the world before Adam and Eve? Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb In the classroom kids are taught about geology, astronomy, paleontology (read Dinosaurs)… The problem is these scientific discoveries are taught in a setting that categorically rules out any design or purpose to the material universe. Phrases like is “natural selection” or “random mutation” promote a belief that reality is self-propelled and without purpose. In Genesis 1 God tells us what we need to know about the created universe. The universe is His, He made it, He controls it, He sustains it, He brings forth life on it, and especially that He created it as a home for mankind to work out His plan for bringing many children into His family as fully formed spiritual beings blessed with the gift of eternal life. Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

The spirit of wisdom and revelation is a spiritual blessing from God. Through revelation we are given to know truths about reality we would not otherwise know. Through wisdom we are able to use these truths to grow in grace and knowledge. This is how we begin thinking with a sold biblical foundation. Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Jesus told us to take note of the abomination and rebellion of abomination in the temple of God as foretold in the prophecies of Daniel. Although this prophecy of Daniel is a premier example of prophecy that has already been fulfilled in great detail in the life of Antiochus IV... Jesus spoke of it as a future event signaling the nearness of His second coming. Could it be that details of the horrible exploits of Antiochus Epiphanes can give us insight into the horrible events that immediately precede Christ's return? Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb Thinking about end-time persecution is scary, those who have to live through it will need help. So here are a few things God offers: the fact that He has told you about it in advance assures you that He allows it and therefore has a purpose for it. He has given you an indication of its duration which assures you it lasts a short set amount of time until it accomplishes the purpose he has for it. The events of the end will demonstrate that human beings are helpless to overcome the forces of spiritual wickedness at work in the world through our own virtue, knowledge, or intellect. We are incapable of having a right relationship with the one true God on our own terms. Our traditions, theories and self proclaimed ways of approaching our Creator [reality of the universe] do not work. The only answer is to trust and obey… YOU CAN DO THAT RIGHT NOW! Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Was Elijah really taken up into heaven? How should we understand this bible verse compared to other bible verses that tell us no man has ascended to heaven. Elijah's ride in a fiery chariot is a dramatic portrayal of the transfer of the prophetic office from Elijah to Elisha. Get a FREE copy of our eBook "What Really Happens After Death?" Full details are at this link: http://eepurl.com/ddB0yb A Scripturally Driven Conclusion Elijah was relieved of his responsibilities and taken away in a chariot of fire so Elisha could take over. He was simply removed from where the action was. He is not to the "3rd heaven" beyond the material realm. He was taken up in a whirlwind to some unknown place in the land. That is how Elijah could send a letter to king Jehoram years after he had been removed from the area... he was still on earth. Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Do human beings have an immortal soul that will separate from the physical body when we die? Most people assume the belief is taught in the bible but it really comes from somewhere else. Do you actually know where the idea comes from? Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c The idea of an immortal soul does not leap off the pages of the bible… it is not the obvious conclusion drawn from reading scripture. It is an ancient idea, embedded in the traditions we pass down from generation to generation. Furthermore, it is an assumption people have before they ever read scripture... It is a false assumption which lead to false interpretations, false conclusions, and false teaching. [leads to doubt, disillusionment, disobedience] Before we go any further let's summarize what the bible does tells us: humans are mortal/material... we have a spirit component added by God which lets us understand the things of God... the material body dies and dissolves... the spirit component returns to God... that spirit component without a body is not alive... we can be raised to new life... that spirit can be put together with a new body... those in Christ receive a new body composed of spirit no longer subject to death. In between the death of our body and our resurrection there is nothing. Read this message on our blog: 👉 Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

The Lake of Fire which permanently destroys all those who refuse to repent is the final step in God's plan for bringing many children into His family. If we are to enjoy a world... an eternity... where there are no tears, no sorrow, pain, violence, envy, or hatred... refusing to repent and obey is a type of thinking doesn't fit in. Even if such people are 100% sincere... even if they truly believe their choice is the best for themselves, and for others... it isn't... and it must stop. And there is an answer for this sad necessity... the permanent destruction pictured by the Lake of Fire. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c God does not give up on people, people give up on God! God gives everyone all the help, encouragement and opportunity for success each and every person needs to inherit eternal life. Each individual shows by their actions that they do, or do not, want eternal life in God's Family—and so God, in love, gives it to some, but not to others. Malachi 4:1-4 ... these are some of the closing words of the Old Testament Revelation 21:7-8 ... these are also some of the closing words of the New Testament Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Daniel's vision of the 4 Beasts concerns the successive kingdoms that will dominate the world of Israel until the end of the present age. At the end of that sequence of earthly kingdoms comes the kingdom of God lead by the Son of Man. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c The Son of Man Daniel 7:13-14 here we find important aspects of the Messiah which were widely misunderstood until the coming of Jesus in the flesh. We are able to connect these verses to the NT explanation through the use of the key phrase, "Son of Man". Two persons are clearly distinguished: the Son of Man, AND the Ancient of Days. This is an OT glimpse into the plurality of the God family... this is later explained in the NT as the Father and the Son. The Son of Man is served and worshiped as a God. Daniel uses this Aramaic word pelak 9 times, every single time it is used as service and worship rendered unto a God [see Daniel 3:14,17]. This is a prophecy of a messiah who is more than just a great, powerful, or wise human being. The Son of Man, is also God... but He is not the Ancient of Days. This does not make sense until Jesus comes in the flesh. The Son of Man comes to earth "from heaven". He does not merely rule in the hearts and minds of believers. His government is clearly depicted as the end of a sequence of earthly kingdoms. The messiah rules all races, cultural groups, and nations... not just believers. o"With the clouds of heaven” is another key phrase NT books use to tie back to this prophecy. The Son of Man operates on the authority of the Ancient of Days. This relationship of authority and submission is explained more fully in the NT as the relationship of a Father and Son. See especially 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. The title"Son of Man" is a perfect summary of Jesus Christ. He is a SON - a member of the God family. He is born OF MAN - a member of the God family who took on the form of flesh and blood. Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

We all know and acknowledge there is evil in the world, but how did it get there? Was it a mistake, or fatal flaw? Some point to the presence of evil in the world as their reason for disbelief in God. If a good God exists why would He allow evil to continue? What does the bible say about the origin of evil and its ongoing presence in our world? Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

The God of Peace Will be With You... so rejoice. In this final message covering the letter to Phillipi Paul offers additional insight on how to develop a joyful mindset: - The power of positive thinking & prayer ] - Endurance and perseverance - Gaining perspective on tithes and offerings Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c Rejoice - this call to live in a mindset of joy has been one of Paul's great themes for this letter. Rejoice because God is with you "Lord is near". This should be read with a sense of God's presence, walking with you and beside you in your life [not a reference to end-time events concerning the return of Christ]. Psalm 145:18-19; 119:151; 34:17-18. Rejoice always - exert the effort to make this a mental habit not a once in a while fix. Gentleness - the Greek word here is epiekes which is about willingness to meet people halfway, seeking peace through establishing common ground. Here are some places the word is used NT: 1 Timothy 3:3 where it is presented as the opposite of violent quarreling… we don’t settle matters by brute force [in word or deed] Titus 3:2 where it is presented as the opposite of slanderous talk about others… consider the other person’s position and POV rather than trash them with words James 3:17 where it is presented as a) a spiritual attribute / heavenly wisdom b) shows a desire to find peaceful solutions and openness to persuasion 1 Peter 2:18 where it implies equity and fairness Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Read this message on our blog: 👉 https://ucgraleigh.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-god-of-peace-will-be-with-you.html Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/

Does it Matter How The Universe Came to Exist? Yes, beliefs about creation will affect your ethical and moral behavior. The bible has a great deal to say about creation, but it is not a textbook of scientific data. This message cites only 4 verses [out of many] to show that the new testament does engage on the essential questions of proof, evidence, reason, and faith. Hit the LIKE button 👍 to help more people see this message QUESTION -- Have a question about This Message... Other Bible Questions... or Anything Else? Post in comments section of this video! -----Locate a UCG meeting near you------ ➤ http://ucg.org/congregations/ 🎪 Find our podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BrkjwU3izZEBsmtx60swZ?si=a39330c58384413c We live in the age of technology, or science applied to solving the practical problems of life. Discoveries in physics, chemistry, math have allowed us to develop complex machines, to invent powerful drugs, to peer into the structure of atoms, and to discover truths about the vast universe. Human knowledge and ingenuity have accomplished much. And because of the huge success of technology in addressing the comfort, convenience and needs of human beings... we assume that physicists, chemists, and mathematicians have better answers to questions about life’s origins and purpose. And scientists seem eager to offer their opinions about big questions: Is there anything beyond the material universe? Where does life come from? How did matter become organized and structured? Does God exist? Their speculations have deeply influenced modern thinking. The average person might assume that discussions, questions, and debate about how the universe came about and how human beings came to be are "modern day" questions. Or, that we are only now asking these questions because only now do we have enough understanding about the mechanical functions of the universe to even know what to ask... or even dare to attempt an answer. However, the debate about creation has been going on for a long time. People were debating the same questions back in Jesus day. And some were successfully promoting the same sort of materialist answers as we hear in the 21st century. The debate was put on hold for about 1,200 - 1,400 years because of the tremendous power and influence of the Catholic church. But, now the discussion is back in full fury. Photos by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC.​ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/