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Feast of Tabernacles 2017
Hoping to explore God’s creation in nature? Wanting more time studying God’s word? --> Join us for Feast of Tabernacles 2017 at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Resort
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Join us at Tigh Na Mara
For the Feast of Tabernacles 2017!
Not Your Ordinary Feast
Looking for extra adventure? Hoping to explore God’s creation in nature? Wanting more time studying God’s word? Or perhaps wishing there was more time to spend in fellowship with other brethren? With a variety of activities ranging from the adventurous to serene, a series of workshops on Leadership in Our Modern World and a focus on “Feasting” together in unity, we hope to offer something a little outside of the box. This will also be a scent-free feast site to accommodate those with allergies to perfumes, fragrances and scented products.
Important Dates
Festival Dates: October 4 (Wed evening) – October 13 (Fri morning)
Holy Days: Thursday October 5 and Thursday October 12
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Visit Us on Facebook: Cogwebcast and Exhort
Cogwebcast:
Biblical news and views
Looking for a regular source of stimulating information on biblical topics, themes, biblical history, and living life with a biblical worldview? Join us on our facebook page.
Exhort!
Encourage and Inspire
Join us online to share your stories of living by every word of
God. Encourage and comfort others with your personal experiences. Share news of God’s deliverance in your life and the lives of people you know.
This is a closed group, but we are open to all brethren who would be willing to share or are in need of encouragement from others. If you love the scriptures and have seen the benefits of applying God’s teachings in daily living, join us on Exhort!
Christians are called to a holy calling to lead lives worthy of our master, Jesus, the Messiah. We have been given the gracious gift of forgiveness, so we may become a holy people. God extends his grace, “charis,” his favour and blessings, to his people. But then what?
Many people in thinking correctly that we do not earn salvation by keeping the law, then make the false assumption that the law is no longer necessary, or valid. Nothing could be further from the truth of scripture! We are called to live holy lives, lives dedicated to our master. We are to walk humbly with God, in faith and gratitude for God’s gracious gifts. There is work to be done, and the law plays an integral part in our walk of faith.
Whose Standard of Right Living?
James, the brother of Jesus, was concerned about those who taught a message of love without law. He admonished believers to overcome the natural human tendencies towards lawlessness and live a life of obedience. But obedience to what? Jesus called the Pharisees, the religious of his day, hypocrites. Why? They claimed to obey God as their master, yet they rejected God’s instructions. And then, they replaced God’s directives with their own ideas of “right living.” They had substituted their own human reasoning in place of God’s direct commands. And what was the source of God’s teaching that they rejected, but the law of Moses, that taught God’s standard of holiness.
Obedience and Walking with God
The law of Moses — living holy lives, was a theme throughout the book of Genesis. God worked with those he called including Noah, Abraham,and Moses to teach them right from wrong. They walked with God and received the blessing of his favour as they learned obedience and righteous judgment. Their example of faithful living became a vital part of the law of Moses —the torah. Living holy lives was a matter of grace, faith, and obedience to the standard of righteousness that God revealed in the torah — the law of Moses.
In our secular society the question is, “Does the Bible have any place in your life?” And as Christians we might answer a resounding, “Yes.” However, ask many Christians, “Does the law of Moses have any place in your life?” and you might get a different answer. Both Paul and Peter warned of false teachers who would deny their master, Jesus Christ. Using clever arguments they would deceive people while promising them freedom from the law. And this is the reality in many Christian churches. Yet, doesn’t Christ himself say we are to live by every word of God? The law of Moses — the torah, first five books of the Bible — is a part of that “word.” So, what is it’s value?
Why Remember the Law of Moses?
Malachi gave a message as a forewarning before Christ’s coming. It was a command to remember the law of Moses. This message is repeated again by the apostle John, 60 years after Christ’s crucifixion. He wrote to the brethren about the “old commandment” that was from the beginning. This great commandment of the law of Moses — love your neighbour, was from the beginning in Genesis. Later it was codified in the book of Leviticus, as part of the national covenant. Jesus, James, and Paul all referred reverently to this “royal law of love.”
But what is “Love,” according to the Scriptures?
There is a “fake love” that is just feeling. But God wants his children to experience his love, “agape” love. This can only be appreciated fully by those who obey his commandments. To truly have this kind of love for neighbour we need to know God’s expectations. The law of Moses — love your neighbour, are inseparable concepts. We cannot love the stranger, or the poor, without knowing God’s commands about how to treat them. Do you know God’s advice about “gleaning” or “collateral loans” or “wages?” These commands are found in the law of Moses. So do you know the law of Moses? It is vital if you are to love your neighbour as yourself. Worshipping God in sincerity and truth results when we are living by every word of God? That includes the Law of Moses. Are you missing out, on an important part of your spiritual growth?
Is the Law of Moses “done away.” The majority report from traditional Christianity would say a resounding, “Yes!” But what do the scriptures say? The issue of grace and law has been debated for centuries, and the majority have been led to believe that grace is all that is needed for believers to be “saved.” But there is the scripturalist view, the minority report. It encourages believers to look carefully at what God says, and to reject tradition that is contrary to biblical teaching. So do you know from God’s perspective, if it is wise to forget the “Law of Moses?”
Grace and Good Works
For the scripturalist grace is given for a purpose. It is not a “love God and do as I will philosophy.” Once freely forgiven we become Christ’s servants. And, in serving Him grace is the first step reconciling us to God, so we can walk with Him. We are given grace for a reason, so we might be transformed, renewed. But this is a process. Grace allows us to hear, understand, and obey God’s teachings. Christianity is more than a “profession of faith” it is a way of life, and there is a path to walk. There is work to be done! What are those good works that God desires?
We Reap What We Sow
From Genesis to Revelation there is a fundamental biblical principle reiterated by prophets, and apostles alike: You reap as you sow. This is true of individuals, communities, and nations. The Law of Moses provides us the understanding of right and wrong, and thus explains what should be sown to get a good harvest. Malachi, the prophet, wrote of the end of the age and the coming of the Messiah. He warned the wicked that they would reap as they had sown. And he admonishes the righteous to remember something crucial, that will reap benefits for the whole world. Do you know what God tells us to remember? Do you know why it is important?
Jesus in the parable of the wedding supper issues an invitation to potential followers, “Come to the wedding supper!” Christ wants you in his Kingdom. In essence God is asking you a question, “Are you willing to come? Or, are you too busy to accept God’s invitation?” This parable is also a lesson to those who have been willing to accept God’s invitation. It’s a lesson in humility. Paul later writes about who God calls into his service, and why? Do you know what he said to the believers at Corinth? What are the implications of Paul’s message for us today?
God’s Incredible Invitation – Christ wants You
In Jesus day, many followed him as he went from place to place teaching about the Kingdom of God. Yet it was only the few who ultimately continued as Jesus’ disciples. It was only the few who were willing to walk with God. It was only the few who were willing to imitate Christ. It was only the few who were able to put God first. One wonders. Did those who walked away from God’s invitation really understood the incredible promises that they were foregoing? Did they not understand God’s generosity and and the reward for service to him?
Counting the Cost
The story of the beginning of the new covenant church is instructive. Sometimes there is a cost to serving God. Believers are advised to consider the cost. But, they must weigh the costs and the opportunity, and then take action. The parable of the talents is an encouragement to all who would hear and act on God’s invitation. There is great reward to all those who are “faithful in a little.” But there is also a warning to those who bury their talents. There is a a cost to those who make excuses, or who fail to use their opportunity. The King who has invited us to the wedding, is looking for those who are willing to be profitable servants. Christ wants you!
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Righteous Government, an Oxymoron?
Is our Government Righteous?
Recently, a liberal writer criticized the Canadian Liberal government under the leadership of Justin Trudeau of trying to be “righteous.” This accusation was focused on the government’s desire to “regulate” the sale of marijuana to minors. There is a general feeling among many liberals that one cannot legislate morality or justice. They then conclude that any legislative attempts to curtail freedom is unnecessary if not counter-productive. But is this the reality? Are there righteous governments? What would they look like, and what policies would they embrace?
Addiction and Other Human Failings
Governments attempt to deal in a variety of ways with the problem of addiction, prostitution and other human predilections that seem hardwired in humanity. Recently, we have seen the demise of laws that had criminalized drugs and prostitution. Will these changes lead to a better society? Or are they vain promises of liberty, that only lead to greater depravity beguiling, luring, and enslaving the weak. That was the apostle Peter’s evaluation of his society, and similar erudite philosophies of his time. “Pompous vain words designed to sound profound, but are not true.”
Righteous Government is Coming
Righteous government may seem like an oxymoron based on past and present experience in our world. But changes are coming in government, though not as most people might expect. There is coming a time when those who hate justice and promote immorality will no longer rule. In their place will be those who believe, “He that rules over men must be just — ruling in the fear of God. God’s instruction manual provides guidance for those who would rule fairly. Righteous government is a future reality, that will bring justice, equity, and growth. Christ’s rule will result in a time of unending peace. Are you preparing for your role in that righteous government?
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Fear Not, Go Forward!
Why We Remember
Are you facing a “Red Sea” roadblock in your life? Are you prepared to “go forward?” The last Feast day of Passover/Unleavened Bread teaches us powerful lessons about how to live our lives and face the obstacles we encounter. One of God’s instructions to his people at this time of year was to teach our children about the symbols and events of the Passover season. This was not just to be an ancient history lesson, a dull retelling of millennia-old stories. Rather, these stories were object lesson designed to teach us how to live in the present. In this way all generations were to preserve a knowledge of how God works in our lives. More
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Faith in Times of Doubt
A Dramatic Shift
Ancient Roman society lacked faith in God. Paul writing to Timothy decried everyday conditions, painting a murky picture of the attitudes and actions of his time. Our society is experiencing a similar time of doubt. Over the past century much has changed when it comes to attitudes about religious belief. A recent Angus Reid poll declared that over 50% of those surveyed had a negative perception of religion in general. This is an amazing change! Almost equal groups of people, affirm that they are either “non-believers” or “religiously committed.” But, the remaining 60% are either “uncertain” or “private believers.” These private believers are unwilling to let their faith be known. And, perhaps for good reason. It is difficult to live your faith in times of doubt. More
