Faith and the Faithful

In our lifetime we have experienced conditions that were prophesied by Paul, Jude and Peter. We have lived through the rise and collapse of church organizations often the result of infighting, divisions and discontent among elders and brethren. It is at such times, when the church institutions and the world around us is crumbling into chaos, that we need to reflect on those foundational concepts that help us to continue to walk in faith with God. Here are some questions to ponder: Are we thoroughly grounded in the scripture with a sure knowledge of the conditions in the 'latter days' so we will not be overthrown in times of apostasy? Are we standing firm in the truth so we will not be deceived by the ungodly, no matter what 'miracles' they claim to perform? Are we committed to God and acting sincerely and without hypocrisy so that we are living our faith and patiently growing in love? Are we convicted of the assurances that God gives us that blessings will come if we are walking with our Shepherd as he leads us in the good way? Is our hope in God's promised gift of eternal life unshakeable, and does it motivate us to do the good works that the Father has called us to perform? Take a few minutes to join us and consider the words of exhortation from the scriptures that will help us in our walk of faith. http://www.cogwebcast.com https://rumble.com/c/c-1238254 https://www.minds.com/JudeoChristian/ https://odysee.com/@JudeoChristian:59dafee676c47dae75ce1f9db7bc0c7bc10e5883 https://www.youtube.com/user/cogwebcast https://www.facebook.com/pg/cogwebcast/posts/

Reflecting on our amazing heritage as children of God can inspire and motivate us to draw close to God as our Father. We are reminded by Jesus that in order to have this close relationship, this deep personal attachment to our Father, we must become as little children. Parents understand the importance of listening to their children and responding to their needs, similarly God hears us and provides the care we need. God wants us to have the heart of a child who cries out for help and trusts in him to respond. Consider the examples of Jeremiah, Jonah, Asa, and Jehoshaphat, men who looked to God for their safety and security in times of great distress. Let their stories encourage us in our times of trial, so we may draw close to God and put our trust in his deliverance. http://www.cogwebcast.com https://rumble.com/c/c-1238254 https://www.minds.com/JudeoChristian/ https://odysee.com/@JudeoChristian:59dafee676c47dae75ce1f9db7bc0c7bc10e5883 https://www.youtube.com/user/cogwebcast https://www.facebook.com/pg/cogwebcast/posts/

In a time of divided loyalties, who deserves your loyalty and trust? Our loyalties are the product of our values and what we esteem highly. For those who profess a belief in the Creator God, it is God alone who deserves our loyalty first and foremost, for he is loyal and can be trusted. Yet, in reading many biblical accounts, it is evident that God tests the loyalty of those who follow him. God declared to Abraham that through his son Isaac, the covenant relationship and the way of the Lord would be preserved. So how was Abraham going to react when he was challenged by God to offer his son - his only son and the heir of promise - as a sacrifice? This was a great test of loyalty. Would God fulfill his promise? God had promised that he would lead the Israelites out of Egypt to the promised land. So, how would the people react when they heard the spies negative report on the nature of the land of Canaan? Would they trust in God who had just delivered them from Egyptian slavery through powerful miracles? Would they be loyal to God and act in faith, trusting God's promise? God had Jeremiah and Baruch warn the people of Judah to repent and return to him so they would avoid national disaster and the destruction of Jerusalem? Would they be loyal to God, or would they act rashly based on their fears. Consider also the life of Peter, for he declared his undying loyalty to Christ, and yet failed to live up to his words when his loyalty was severely tested. And yet his example gives us hope, and some lessons to consider in our walk with God, so that we will remain loyal when tested. Join our live stream for those who love and live the biblical scriptures. http://www.cogwebcast.com https://rumble.com/c/c-1238254 https://www.minds.com/JudeoChristian/ https://odysee.com/@JudeoChristian:59dafee676c47dae75ce1f9db7bc0c7bc10e5883 https://www.youtube.com/user/cogwebcast https://www.facebook.com/pg/cogwebcast/posts/

The story of Ruth embodies vital truths relating to the Feast of Pentecost. It invites us to examine the relationship between God's covenants with the nation and with individuals. God's word provides the instructions we need to keep this holy time for all generations, so we can consider God's message for our time. The book of Ruth was traditionally read during this harvest festival and it reminded the people of their duty to care for the poor and the foreigner. The topic of gleaning as a way of providing charity for the needy was intimately tied to Pentecost/Feast of Firstfruits. But Ruth's personal story goes beyond these surface connections to embody the essence of God's nature and his purpose. God, in his covenant relationships with his family, both national and individual, has always looked for 'chesed' — covenant loyalty, loving kindness. Ruth's story is set in the time of the judges, a time when many in Israel had strayed from God, forgetting their covenant, and had embraced the lifestyles of the pagan cultures in their midst. So her story was unique, one of a foreigner embracing both the cultural heritage of Israel and more importantly a personal relationship with the God of Israel. Learn more about the book of Ruth and its connection to our covenant calling of loving loyalty to God and neighbour. http://www.cogwebcast.com https://rumble.com/c/c-1238254 https://www.minds.com/JudeoChristian/ https://odysee.com/@JudeoChristian:59dafee676c47dae75ce1f9db7bc0c7bc10e5883 https://www.youtube.com/user/cogwebcast https://www.facebook.com/pg/cogwebcast/posts/.

Will we fully follow Christ? The stories of Caleb, the leader of Judah at the time of the Exodus, and Jeremiah and the generals of Israel at the time of the Babylonian captivity, are linked by this common thread. We are all called upon to make a choice as to whether we will do God's will and fully follow our Great Shepherd . Most of the adults of ancient Israelites who left Egypt did not follow through on their promise of obedience to the Lord God. They allowed fear and doubt to overwhelm them and forgot all of God's miracles. Much later the people of Israel when confronted with the spectre of Babylonian tyranny also lacked the faithfulness needed to follow through on their promise. So what does God expect of his people and what were the lessons that Paul reflected on when describing our ancestors in the faith and their journey from Red Sea to the Promised land? Let the scriptures encourage you in your walk so you can fully follow Christ. w.cogwebcast.com https://rumble.com/c/c-1238254 https://www.minds.com/JudeoChristian/ https://odysee.com/@JudeoChristian:59dafee676c47dae75ce1f9db7bc0c7bc10e5883 https://www.youtube.com/user/cogwebcast https://www.facebook.com/pg/cogwebcast/posts/.

God uses an agricultural metaphor to help people understand the relationship between His people and the leaders, faithful shepherds, God has called to care for His sheep. What can we learn from the scriptures to help us understand what God requires of his servants? What is the motivating force behind our obedience and service to God’s people? http://www.cogwebcast.com https://rumble.com/c/c-1238254 https://www.minds.com/JudeoChristian/ https://odysee.com/@JudeoChristian:59dafee676c47dae75ce1f9db7bc0c7bc10e5883 https://www.youtube.com/user/cogwebcast https://www.facebook.com/pg/cogwebcast/posts/.

Considering the ongoing attempts of government to remove Christian thought and biblical discourse from the public square, we need to consider the dangers of compromise and Paul's advice. As we approach the Passover season this year, we should be aware of the leaven of sin in our world, and the woke ideologies that are permeating society at every level. Paul warns us to avoid being tolerant of the evil, lest it corrupt us and our communities. We are God's partners and in fellowship with him, so we cannot be doube-minded and in league with the world's ideologies. Esther faced similar dilemmas. Having been taken to the king's palace, she needed wisdom to deal graciously in her situation without compromising her godly values. Eventually, for the sake of saving her people she was put to the test. We all will face our day of testing and the danger of compromising under pressure. Will we keep God's promises and his vision in the forefront of our minds and hearts? Will we endure and be victorious following Esther's example, when our time of testing comes? Join our live stream for those who love and live the biblical scriptures. http://www.cogwebcast.com https://rumble.com/c/c-1238254 https://www.minds.com/JudeoChristian/ https://odysee.com/@JudeoChristian:59dafee676c47dae75ce1f9db7bc0c7bc10e5883 https://www.youtube.com/user/cogwebcast https://www.facebook.com/pg/cogwebcast/posts/

God's people, his servants, were not promised a life of ease, or a life without the weakness and pain that is an integral part of human life. Paul understood this when he spoke of his 'thorn in the flesh,' a physical infirmity that hampered him daily. Yet, because of this disability that caused him grief he was able to pen the powerful message that Christ's power in us works best when we are weak and humble. As God's handiwork, created to show his good works, he is the one who renews and transforms us to accomplish his will. There are times when we are so weak that we wonder whether it is better to live or to die. Paul also faced this dilemma. Do you know what his answer was? It could be what you need to face the hardships, the weakness, and the frailty of human life. http://www.cogwebcast.com https://rumble.com/c/c-1238254 https://www.minds.com/JudeoChristian/ https://odysee.com/@JudeoChristian:59dafee676c47dae75ce1f9db7bc0c7bc10e5883 https://www.youtube.com/user/cogwebcast https://www.facebook.com/pg/cogwebcast/posts/

Throughout scripture we have stories of God setting 'appointed times' for events to occur. Those who walk with God will have their patience and faith tested as the wait for God to act at the appointed time. Are we making decisions in our lives prayerfully waiting on God to convict us as to the best course of action? Are we faithfully waiting as Esther or Mordecai or are we lie Saul, fearful and insecure in our relationship with God. Consider the examples of those who waited on God to reveal himself at the appointed time and be encouraged to walk in faith as they did. http://www.cogwebcast.com https://rumble.com/c/c-1238254 https://www.minds.com/JudeoChristian/ https://odysee.com/@JudeoChristian:59dafee676c47dae75ce1f9db7bc0c7bc10e5883 https://www.youtube.com/user/cogwebcast https://www.facebook.com/pg/cogwebcast/posts/

Consider the biblical stories of those who were tempted and tested and the outcome of their trials. The book of Job provides us insight into the nature of the tempter, and what it takes to resist temptation. Zechariah's account of Jeshua the priest once again casts Satan in his role as tempter and accuser of God's people, but there is deliverance. The account of Jesus' encounter with Satan, reinforces our understanding that Jesus was indeed tempted and tested as every human being, but he did not sin. Jesus did not give into the temptation, rather he passed the test. So what qualities and attitudes will help us when facing temptation or testing? God's purpose is to prove the authenticity of our faith and our loyalty and commitment to him. Let's rehearse some important lessons from our forbears in the faith to help us resist temptation, so that through the tests we endure we can grow in faith and patience. http://www.cogwebcast.com https://rumble.com/c/c-1238254 https://www.minds.com/JudeoChristian/ https://odysee.com/@JudeoChristian:59dafee676c47dae75ce1f9db7bc0c7bc10e5883 https://www.youtube.com/user/cogwebcast https://www.facebook.com/pg/cogwebcast/posts/