Jesus’ Parable of the Good Shepherd Jesus related the parable of the Good Shepherd as a warning and an assurance. The Good Shepherd would keep his sheep along with others in the sheepfold to protect them from predators – bears, wolves, and lions. Yet, there was also the danger of thieves and robbers who might try to climb the walls to snag the sheep. Paul wrote a similar warning to the brethren. They had been given the words of Christ, the Good Shepherd, to ground them in the faith and keep them secure. However, Paul knew deceivers would come who would try to trick them with clever and persuasive words. These conmen would attempt to lure people away from the safety they had with the Good Shepherd. So what would make some susceptible to the dangers of clever reasoning and deceptive philosophy?
December 23rd, 2019
The Good Shepherd & the Question of Authority
Comments Off on The Good Shepherd & the Question of Authority, Videos, by CGP.December 8th, 2019
True Doctrine: Who Interprets Scripture Perfectly?
Comments Off on True Doctrine: Who Interprets Scripture Perfectly?, Videos, by CGP.In the midst of modern culture wars the question of right and wrong looms large. In the church this becomes a question of ‘What is true doctrine’ and by whose authority is it established. In the early church the division over doctrine eventually created a great rift within the first century community. It drew a dividing line that led to the creation of distinct religious traditions – Judaism and Christianity. By the early fourth century the messages of the gospel writers had been disseminated to many regions. There was no doubt as to their authenticity, but major disputes over their interpretation But today, many have come to doubt whether the Greek scriptures are authoritative. What about you?
August 18th, 2019
John’s Vision of God – Worthy is the Lamb of God
Comments Off on John’s Vision of God – Worthy is the Lamb of God, Videos, by CGP.John the Baptist declared Jesus to be the Lamb of God We have come to learn through John’s writings that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, was the Word, the Creator, the Son of God, and the Son of Man. But John the Baptist revealed that Jesus was also the ‘Lamb of God.’ But how did he get this title, and why is it important to understand that the Lamb of God is Jesus Christ? The book of Revelation penned by John gives us a detailed description of the Lamb of God and his roles in the Father’s step-by-step plan to save humanity. John was perplexed and brought to tears by the vision of the scroll with many seals that could not be opened until someone was found worthy of the task.
November 20th, 2016
Santa Klaus, Islamic Jihadis, Western leaders and You? Make the Connection!
Comments Off on Santa Klaus, Islamic Jihadis, Western leaders and You? Make the Connection!, Blog, Jeff Patton, by CGP.Let’s not forget the painful lessons of a year ago! “How much more needless blood must be spilled in the Western world before its leadership comes to its senses? When Syed Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, walked into a Christmas party with Syed’s coworkers in San Bernardino, California, they didn’t bring along some egg nog and cookies. No, those joy sucking Grinches took automatic rifles, pistols, and pipe bombs. In cold blood they killed 14, and wounded another 17. They even took along a video camera to record their massacre for the Internet-viewing pleasure of their fellow jihadis… Read more…
April 19th, 2014
The Great Sabbath: Malachi’s Message for the Passover Season
Comments Off on The Great Sabbath: Malachi’s Message for the Passover Season, Sermons and Media, Videos, by CGP.The Sabbath before the spring festival season, Passover and Unleavened Bread, is a “Great” Sabbath. Traditionally, the scriptures read at this time of year included the book of Malachi. What important messages did God give to the priests through Malachi, that have great value for Christians today? Who are God’s priests in training today and what does He expect of those who serve Him?
January 31st, 2012
Jesus and the Pharisees: Avoiding the traps of the religious
Comments Off on Jesus and the Pharisees: Avoiding the traps of the religious, Sermons and Media, Videos, by COG Webcast.Too many people assume that Jesus was “against the Jewish religious sect of the Pharisees”, but a reading of the scripture tells a more complete story and provides a warning for all people who consider themselves to be religious. Jeff Patton shows you the nature of the attitudes that are “traps” for those who claim to be Christians.