The CoGcast Podcast

Before the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the power of God's spirit was not available to everyone. But on Pentecost, God poured out his power on Christ's followers in a great miracle. Uneducated fishermen began preaching the gospel message in other languages. People gathered for a great festival heard about the great way God was now operating with His people, and they wanted to know what they should do. So what will you do? Acts 2 Pastor Mark DeYoung Blanchard Church of God  Blanchard Michigan

Sometimes when we take Communion, we miss the beautiful symbolism. We know about "the Last Supper," but we forget that the final meal that Jesus had before his arrest and crucifixion was actually in the celebration of the Passover feast. And as we more closely examine the details and the emblems in the meal, we see an even more meaningful picture of the "Passover Lamb" who was sacrificed on our behalf. Pastor Alan Cain    Lawrenceville Church of God, Springfield, Ohio

Two conditions are recognized in scripture: life and death. It's necessary to have a clear understanding of these terms. Is death a sleep or a separation? What really happens when we die? What does the Bible really teach? Find out what the Bible really has to say today. Pastor Hollis Partlowe

What is our hope? What happens when we die? Is this life it? What did the apostles believe? In what did Abraham have his faith? Is there a resurrection? If so, when? Is that your hope?  In this message, Paul Rankin thoroughly answers what the Bible, not tradition, has to say on the subject. Paul Rankin   www.faithofabraham.org

Have you ever felt like your back was against the wall? After leaving Egypt, the Children of Israel found themselves in such a position. They barely had time to taste freedom before they found themselves trapped at the Red Sea. There was no escape. Or was there? Sometimes when we wait, we see God's bigger plan...    Exodus 14:5-31 Pastor Wally Winner from the series "Out of Egypt" as heard on www.cogcast.org www.theupsidedownchurch.com

Israel just wanted a king like of all the nations around them, and God reluctantly gave them what they wanted. But after rejecting God, God eventually would reject them. But God didn't leave them without hope. He promised that a king was coming to sit again on David's throne. But when their king came, he was also rejected. It wasn't his time. But that wasn't the end of the promise. Israel has been regathered. Jesus is coming back to this earth again. The kingdom is coming. Are you ready? Pastor Lyle Rankin   1989   www.faithofabraham.org

Christ came to preach the gospel. He also sent his disciples to preach and teach the same message. The Apostle Paul even warns of a false gospel that was developing at the end of his ministry. But somewhere over the centuries, the church has mixed and missed the gospel message. Some just say the message was changed - but has it? It's our mission to get out the good news. But we can't share the good news if we don't know what the good news is all about. Are you preaching the gospel truth? Pastor Kenneth Milne

God is at work through all of us and wants to accomplish big things in our lives and in our churches. He has a message he wants us to share. God wants people who are strong like iron and won't be overcome by the world. The Bible is full of the stories of men and women who were pillars of faith as examples for us. In today's message, we learn about the characteristics we need to develop to become an "Iron-Pillared People" for God. Pastor Joe Duncan   1983

There's a lot of talk about the "soul" of man, but what is the "soul?" Does man have a separate soul inside of his physical body? Is the soul an entity? Is it immortal? Does it have no physical or material reality? Does the soul do all the thinking? What does the Bible really teach us about the "soul" of man? Pastor Z.B. Duncan   12-14-1983    www.resurrectionhope.org

There's a lot of talk about the "soul" of man, but what is the "soul?" Does man have a separate soul inside of his physical body? Is the soul an entity? Is it immortal? Does it have no physical or material reality? Does the soul do all the thinking? What does the Bible really teach us about the "soul" of man? Pastor Z.B. Duncan   12-7-1983  www.resurrectionhope.org

The Christian life is characterized by triumph, joy, and victory. The world is full of sin and sorrow, discouragement, defeat, and despair. But in Christ, we know what the future holds. Our hope is in the purpose and the plan of God. We look for the joy in the earth made new. We rejoice in the confidence and assurance we have. We act differently. We react differently. We live differently. We live in victory. 1 Samuel 17:45-47; Isaiah 35; 55:12; Romans 8; Revelation 5:9,10; 2 Corinthians 5:4; Ephesians 1:13 Dr. Alva G. Huffer

Water baptism is an outward confession of faith for the remission of sins that was commanded by Jesus. But is the thief on the cross proof that immersion is not necessary, or is there evidence that indicates otherwise? Did the thief even die that day? Is there enough to base our doctrine off of this one verse? Luke 23:39-43; Mark 16:15,16; Matt. 28:19; 27:43,44; John 4:1; 19:18; 1 Cor. 1:3,14; Acts 19:12; Psa. 6:5; 143 Pastor Z.B. Duncan   11-28-1984   www.resurrectionhope.org

The book of Philemon is a short, personal letter written by Paul under house arrest. Even in chains and living as a prisoner, he continued to minister. In the letter, he compels Philemon in love to forgive Onesimus, his slave, and receive him not as a slave, but as a son. And in the letter, we see ourselves. We were all slaves to sin and useless to God. But now Jesus speaks to his Father in love and reminds Him of what he has done. Jesus asks his Father to accept us as His sons - and become useful laborers for God. Philemon 1:1-21 Pastor Austin Railton  8-8-1976

There are many religions that have come and gone. But only one stands triumphant. Christianity is a religion of victory! Jesus has overcome the grave! And we have the same promises in Christ when he comes again! Dr. Alva G. Huffer

Often, we are asked what we believe as a church or a conference. What's the difference? Does it make any difference? Scripture tells us that we must be prepared to give an answer for the faith that we have. Are you? In today's message, Pastor Partlowe shares some of the most important distinctives that the Bible teaches. Pastor Hollis Partlowe

Yahweh is the only God, and Jesus is his Son, the prophet, priest, and king. It sounds pretty simple, right? But who do people say Jesus really is? Who do you say he is? In today's message, we look at understanding the Sonship of Christ. Matthew 16:13-20 Pastor Terry Ferrell   Greenville Church of God, Greenville, SC

When Jesus began and concluded his public ministry, he gathered his disciples around him and commissioned them to disciple the nations. We have the same mission. But if we are going to impact our society like they did, we need to have the same 3 characteristics in evidence that we'll learn about today. Pastor Hollis Partlowe

China is a nation of over a billion people. They have a large nuclear arsenal, the third largest navy in the world, and are capable of raising an army of more than 200 million if the need arises. They are also Communist and are growing daily in their economic power. But are they mentioned in the Bible? After today's message, we'll let you decide... Pastor Hollis Partlowe     Dixon Church of God, Dixon, Illinois

Iran has been at the center of world news the past few years. Their leader champions the Islamic faith and the cause of Allah. He has said that he hopes "Israel is wiped off the map." But where does this country fit in with what the Bible has to say? In today's message, we take a look at Iran and its place in world history, modern times, and in Bible prophecy. Pastor Hollis Partlowe   Dixon Church of God, Dixon, Illinois

The subject of the Kingdom of God is of major importance. It is the theme of the Bible from beginning to end. It's prophetic and practical. It's historic and prophetic.  In today's message, we look at the very real kingdom with a very real government that is coming. And though it can't be brought about by man, it's up to us to guide others towards the entrance into it. Pastor Terry Ferrell Greenville Church of God, 217 White Oak Road, Greenville, SC 29605

The subject of the Kingdom of God is of major importance. It is the theme of the Bible from beginning to end. It's prophetic and practical. It's historic and prophetic.  In today's message, we look closer at the kingdom in its present state to help us better understand its future state. Luke 19:11-24 Pastor Terry Ferrell Greenville Church of God, 217 White Oak Road, Greenville, SC 29605

The subject of the Kingdom of God is of major importance. It is the theme of the Bible from beginning to end. It's prophetic and practical. It's historic and prophetic. And as we examine the kingdom of God through Israel in its past state, we can better understand the kingdom to come in our future. Pastor Terry Ferrell Greenville Church of God, 217 White Oak Road, Greenville, SC 29605

The Bible tells us Jesus is coming back to the earth in the same way he left it. And we believe Jesus is coming again, but for some reason we seem to want to put it off. Why? We don't hesitate to teach his return, but we neglect to prepare for it. But what if it were today? Would you be ready? Pastor Francis Burnett As heard on the Sunday "Back to the Future" Programming on www.cogcast.org

Many are confused and perplexed at all of the different denominations. All claim to be teaching the truth, but who can we really believe? How do we know? Are there any absolutes? We have been warned that error would creep into the church, but does it make any difference? Pastor David Krogh   www.abc-coggc.org

The Church of God has historically placed great emphasis on the nation of Israel. We believe that Jesus will inherit the throne of David and rule forever, but as Christians, have God's promises now been nullified to the house of Jacob? What can we expect in the land of Palestine? Is God done with Israel? Pastor Wally Winner   www.theupsidedownchurch.com

All over the world every day there are those who are saying that there is no god but theirs. But Yahweh is the one and only true and living God. Nearly 7000 times in scripture, His personal name is used. But many are neglecting to honor His name. He has always been, and there will never be a time when He will not be. And it's up to us to give Yahweh the glory and honor His name deserves. Pastor Terry Ferrell   Greenville Church of God   Greenville, SC

The idea of the Kingdom of God is a major teaching of the Bible. The message of the Kingdom is the theme of the teaching of the ministry of Jesus and his disciples. But just what is this Kingdom all about? Pastor Michael Cisler   www.northkentbiblechurch.com

As we look at the message of Jesus, his apostles, and the early followers, we see that everywhere they went they were preaching and teaching about the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom will be filled with perfection and free from sorrow and death. But if you want to be a part of this great hope, your name has to be in the Book of Life. Pastor Wally Winner   Joy Fellowship Church of God   Piedmont, SC

Scripture is not a guess. It's inspired. It's accurate about theology, but it's also scientifically accurate. The Master Designer and Creator created it all and knows how every cell and every atom works. In today's message, Pastor Alan continues examining what the Bible reveals about our reliable God. Pastor Alan Cain   Lawrenceville Church of God, Springfield, Ohio

Scripture is not a guess. It's inspired. It's accurate about theology, but it's also scientifically accurate. In today's message, Pastor Alan begins examining what the Bible knew before scientists did. Pastor Alan Cain   Lawrenceville Church of God, Springfield, Ohio

We live in an age of worldwide darkness and unbelief. Some say God does not exist and that He cannot be known. But without God, we're without hope. How do we answer an unbelieving world? Ephesians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 1:18-30; Psalm 14:1-3; 10:4; 33:14; Jeremiah 9:23,24; Proverbs 14:34; Romans 1:18-32; Matthew 11:25; 1 Timothy 2:5; Acts 4:12; John 14:6; 10:1,10; Galatians 6:14 Pastor Hollis Partlowe  Dixon Church of God, Dixon, Illinois

Is it scriptural to suggest that Jesus is "God made flesh?" Where is this doctrine found in the Bible? How did this teaching develop? As we study the "word ," examine the text, translations, predictions of the Bible, and the words of Jesus himself, we find the truth behind some misunderstandings. John 1:1-14; 5:17-19, 26,27; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6,7; 1 Corinthians 15:54; 1 Timothy 3:15,16 Pastor Terry Ferrell   Greenville Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith

How long do you expect to live? There is much emphasis today on preserving life. But eternal life expectancy extends beyond the grave. We have a promise and a hope. And we have an assurance of the resurrection at the return of Christ - but what we do with this life will determine if we obtain the eternal. Psalms 90:10; Acts 17:25; 1 John 2:25; 5:11,12; Titus 1:2; 3:7; Matthew 28:18; Luke 18:28; Romans 2:7; Jude 21; Hebrews 11:13 Pastor Hollis Partlowe   Dixon Church of God, Dixon, Illinois

The one true God of the Bible has a personal name just like us.  He always has been and always will be.  There is no other god.  In today's study, we examine the emphasis of the Divine Name and the titles that help us understand who God is. Psalms 23; 83:18; 7:17; 68:4; 63:1; 86; 91:1; Exodus 3:13-15; 15:2; Genesis 1:1; 17:1 Pastor Terry Ferrell  Greenville Church of God, Greenville, SC A message from his series on the Psalms as heard on www.cogcast.org

Sometimes, we have to learn lessons the hard way.  It was that way with Jonah.  He was the first Hebrew prophet sent to preach to a heathen nation - while that nation was in the process of destroying Israel, his own.  But through his disobedience and then his prayer, we see that God sends His messengers out to preach His message for His results.  And God's love and mercy extend to all people. Pastor Hollis Partlowe Dixon Church of God   Dixon, Illinois

Where does everlasting life come from?  Have you been deceived by the first lie, "you won't surely die?"  Are we already immortal, or do we obtain eternal life? John 3:14-16; Genesis 3; Leviticus 19:31; 1 Timothy 6:15; 2 Timothy 1:8; Romans 2:6; 1 Corinthians 15 Pastor Jeff Fletcher   Bethel Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith  Pelzer, South Carolina

Why are we here?  What are we here for?  Everybody is looking for the "meaning of life."  In this new series, we're looking at the meaning of "life" as it is used in the Bible. In today's message, we begin where life began - with the breath of life. Pastor Wally Winner   www.theupsidedownchurch.com

Do you know what you're made of? Have you even thought about how awesome creation really is? As we look at the account of how God made us, we see that, ultimately, man is made up of two elements: dust + the breath of life.  So what happens when we die?  What is man's "spirit?" Are you really dead when you're dead?  Do we go anywhere when we die?  Today, we look exactly at what the Bible says. Pastor Dave Hixon   www.brushcreekchurch.org

Continuing in our study on the book of Psalms, today we look at the "Messiah," or the "anointed."  The name Jesus Christ means "the anointed Savior."  This was the Messiah the Jews were looking to come, and the Savior that we are waiting to return.  But we can't study the Messiah in the Psalms without looking at the many events of his suffering and crucifixion that are prophesied in detail in the Psalms.  As we examine the passages, we see the obvious references specifically referring to Jesus, and that Jesus referred to about himself.  Psalms 2; Psalms 72; Luke 24:49; Acts 4; Psalms 26; Psalms 69:3,4,12,21; 1 Corinthians 1 Pastor Terry Ferrell, Greenville Church of God, Greenville, SC

Jesus spent 40 days after his resurrection teaching his apostles on one subject - the Kingdom of God. Why was understanding the kingdom so important? What did he mean when he prayed, "thy kingdom come?" Is the kingdom already here? Has it already come? When is it coming? What will it be like? Where will it be? Does Israel have a part in the coming kingdom? What about the promises made to Abraham? What about the Davidic covenant? In today's message, Pastor Landry examines what the Bible teaches and what Jesus taught on the teachings pertaining to the Kingdom of God. Matthew 4:17; 6:9,10; 19:28; Luke 4:42-44; 6:19,20; 1:30; 1 Chronicles 29:23; Genesis 15:15-21; Romans 4:13; Dan. 2:31-35,38,41-45; 7:13,14,27; Isa. 2:1-5; 11:1-9; 35:1-10; 33:24; 65:17-25; Jer. 3:12-16 Pastor Gordon Landry,  Flagg Center Church of God, Rochelle, Illinois

God has regathered his people to Israel, but with their return has come the return of conflict.  And with all of the conflict in the Middle East, we see this little country at the center of the news continuously.  With all of the weaponry in our world, we can't help but wonder if a nuclear confrontation is coming.  And yet the nations continue to defy God, almost seemingly daring Him to do something.  God won't put up with it forever.  Judgment is coming when Jesus comes.  God's plan will be fulfilled no matter what happens.  And it's in His plan that we put our hope as we look ahead at what's coming. Joel 3; Isaiah 2; Ezekiel 34-39; Jeremiah 25; 2 Peter 3; Zechariah 12-14; Revelation 22 Pastor E. Richard Smith   1983  as heard on "Back to the Future" on www.cogcast.org

In today's study, we consider the answer to the thief on the cross.  Many commonly believe that both Jesus and the thief were in paradise on the day that Christ died.  But is that really the case?  Is that really what the thief was asking?  Is that really the answer that Jesus gave?  As we examine the testimony from the other gospels, the punctuation of the verses, and the words spoken by Jesus himself, we find the meaningful truth buried under all of the contradicting tradition. Luke 23:39-43; Matthew 18:16; 12:40; 27:30; 25:31,32; Mark 15:27; 1 Corinthians 15:13,14; John 19:30-33; Revelation 3:21; Luke 1:30-33; Acts 2:29,34; John 5:28,29; Revelation 21:8; 22:14 H.L. Davis,  Grapevine, Texas

In today's text, we examine one of the greatest, but most misunderstood, scriptures in all of the Bible.  What is the passage trying to say to us?  What did Jesus really mean when he said that "in his Father's house, there are many mansions?"  Or is that even what Jesus was really saying at all?  As we look at the meaning behind the words themselves, we discover the true treasure hidden under all of the tradition. Find out the meaningful truth today. John 13:31-38; 14:1-4; 4:45-53; Genesis 7:1; Joshua 24:25; Acts 25:13-16; John 1:29-33; 4:39,40; 7:6-9 Pastor Jim Shaull

Zion is special to God.  He loves it and has chosen Zion for His habitation.  All the eyes of the world are also on Zion every day in the news.  In today's study, we examine the history, the people, and the possession of this special land and what the Psalms say of the mountain and the city of Zion. Psalms 2; 132:13; 87:2; 48:2,11,12; 78:68; 9:11; 74:2; 72:2; 102:16; 125; 126; 122:6; 137; Genesis 14:17-20; Isaiah 2; 24:23; 34:8; Zechariah 8; 12; Ezekiel 38; Daniel 9:27 Pastor Terry Ferrell, Greenville Church of God, 217 White Oak Road, Greenville, SC 29605 The ninth message in a series on the book of Psalms, as heard each Tuesday on www.cogcast.org

Do you remember back when you were a kid and travelling?  What would you keep asking..."Are we there yet?"  The same question continues to be asked by God's people today.  How much longer will it be?  As we face the trials and tribulations in this world, we are reminded that Jesus has overcome the world.  As we prepare for our crown, we must carry our cross.  Jesus didn't promise us a joyride through this life.  But he has promised everlasting joy in the everlasting life to come.  Are you living in anticipation of that trumpet sound? Rev. 6:9-11; 5:10; 22:16; John 16:33; 10:10; Micah 4:2; Heb. 12; 2 Cor. 4:16 Pastor Dave Hixon   www.brushcreekchurch.org

Pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV. Bible lands are in the news every day.  The world's eyes are on the Middle East.  There is continual contention and conflict that still exists to this day that dates back to the oldest family feud in history.  Who really owns Palestine?  Many nations have possessed the land, and many nations have tried to annihilate the Jews.  Yet, God has preserved the Jewish nation and their unique identity.  Why?  What does the Bible reveal about this special land and people of promise? Genesis 13:14; 15:18; 17:7,8,15; 21:8-14; Galatians 3:29; 1 Kings 10:24; Isaiah 60:3; Joel 3:1,2; Zechariah 12:1; Jeremiah 33:20,21; 8:25,26; 30:10,11; Ezekiel 38:8,9 Pastor Hollis Partlowe   Dixon Church of God, Dixon, Illinois

A word study of "hell" is a revealing and important subject.  The word translated "hell" has a very different meaning now than when it was written.  As we explore, we see that it always has to do with a state of death.  Is there fire and burning there? Is there judgment in hell?  What do the Psalms, and the Bible, really teach?  Find out the meaningful answers today. Psalms 6; 16:9,10; 30:3; 31:17; 49:14,15; 35:15; 86; 88:3; 89:48; 141; Acts 2:26-31; Luke 16; 1 Corinthians 15:55; Jude 7; 2 Peter 2:4 Pastor Terry Ferrell, Greenville Church of God, Greenville, SC Excerpt from his series on the Psalms as heard on www.cogcast.org

The year of Jubilee was to be a great celebration throughout the land of Israel.  It was also an important way the people of God could show their recognition of God's sovereignty.  It is a great foretaste of the fantastic homecoming celebration that we will experience when Jesus returns.  Just picture that resurrection day when families of faith will be re-united together forever and God Himself will dwell again with his people.  Just imagine the day when Jerusalem will finally be at peace and when the earth will be restored to its original perfection.  Until then, we must continue to exercise our faith and expect big things from our God. Leviticus 25:8-17; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-19; 1 Corinthians 13; Matthew 2:16; Jeremiah 31:15;Zechariah 8:3; Matthew 6; 2 Kings 5:10-12 Pastor Clyde Randall   10-18-1981

The Bible is filled with evidence of the second coming of Christ.  The Bible also has warned us that in the last days men would scoff, and the message would come under attack.  Jesus, the angels, and his disciples all promised of his coming.  And the promises of God are in Jesus.  But when will his coming happen?  How will it happen?  Why?  How many still need to know?  Where's the evidence?  Are we in the last days? Acts 1:9; 3:19; 2 Peter 3:3; John 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Rev. 1:7; 11:15-18; Matt. 25:30,31; 2 Tim. 3:3-8 Pastor Ted Armes   8-1-1976

Being a "born again" Christian is a popular phrase these days, but what did Jesus really mean when he told Nicodemus he had to be "born again" to be a part of the kingdom of God?  How did he use the term?  How does it happen?  What do we know about Nicodemus?  What did he learn?  What did he do? What will we?  Is it a reality in our lives? John 3:1-21; 2:23; 7:50; 19:38-40 Pastor Gary Burnham   www.abc-coggc.org