# What is the Restored Church of God, and what do they believe? The Restored Church of God (RCG) is a church founded in 1998 by David C. Pack in Wadsworth, Ohio. RCG considers itself a continuation of the Worldwide Church of God (WCG), which was founded by Herbert W. Armstrong. Here is an overview of RCG’s key beliefs and practices: ## Church History and Origins – RCG was founded in 1998 after a split in the Worldwide Church of God (WCG). WCG was founded in 1934 by Herbert W. Armstrong and grew to over 100,000 members worldwide. – After…
Author: Kristal Wheatley
The verse in question, Isaiah 45:7 (ESV), reads: “I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the Lord, who does all these things.” At first glance, this verse seems to suggest that God is the creator of evil and calamity. However, a deeper look at the context and original language reveals that this is not the case. Here are several key points to understand what Isaiah 45:7 really means: 1. The broader context of Isaiah The book of Isaiah contains prophecies to the people of Israel and Judah leading up to and during the…
Eutychus is a figure mentioned only once in the Bible, in Acts 20:7-12. The passage reads: On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul…
Making decisions is a necessary part of life. As Christians, we want to make choices that align with God’s will and bring glory to Him. The Bible provides wisdom and principles that can guide our decision-making process. Seek God’s Will The first step in biblical decision-making is seeking God’s will. We should begin by asking God to reveal His desires for the decision we face (Psalm 143:10, Proverbs 3:5-6). Prayerfully reading Scripture gives insight into God’s heart and character, clarifying what He may want for our lives. Consulting other believers, especially mature Christians, can also help us discern God’s leading…
An evangelist is someone who proclaims and preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ. The word “evangelist” comes from the Greek word euaggelistes, meaning “one who proclaims good news.” In the New Testament, the term is used to describe those who traveled spreading the message about Jesus and his offer of salvation. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about evangelists and evangelism: The Role of an Evangelist According to Scripture, an evangelist has a specific spiritual gift and calling from God to preach the gospel and lead others to faith in Christ. Paul lists “evangelists” along with apostles,…
The Greek word ekklesia (ἐκκλησία) is found in the New Testament 114 times. In secular Greek literature, the word meant “an assembly of citizens.” In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), ekklesia is used to translate the Hebrew word qahal, which stood for “the people of God.” In the New Testament, ekklesia takes on the added meaning of “the called-out ones”—those called out from the world to belong to Christ. The Christian church began on the day of Pentecost, fifty days after the Passover when Jesus died. About 120 followers of Christ were meeting together in Jerusalem…
Soteriology is the study of salvation in Christianity. It seeks to understand how sinful humans can be reconciled to a holy God. The topic encompasses such questions as: What is salvation? In Christianity, salvation refers to the deliverance from sin and its consequences. Humans are affected by sin at birth and require salvation in order to have a right relationship with God. The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). As a result, humans face God’s judgment and wrath (Romans 1:18; 2:5). Salvation offers the remedy to this dire situation. Through…
Phylacteries, also known as tefillin in Hebrew, are small leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah that are worn by observant Jewish men during morning prayers. The wearing of phylacteries is commanded in the Bible as a means of fulfilling the mitzvah (commandment) to “bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes” (Deuteronomy 6:8). Here is a detailed overview of phylacteries, their origins, use, and significance in Judaism: Origins and Purpose of Phylacteries The origins of phylacteries can be traced back to the Bible, where God…
Lifestyle evangelism refers to living out and sharing one’s faith in Christ through everyday life and relationships. The goal is to attract people to the gospel message through the example of one’s Christ-centered lifestyle. Rather than formal or “confrontational” evangelism, lifestyle evangelism focuses on developing authentic relationships and gently sharing biblical truths through ongoing conversations and Christ-like service to others. Some key principles of lifestyle evangelism include: Being Transformed by Christ At the heart of lifestyle evangelism is having one’s own life genuinely transformed by the gospel. As it says in Romans 12:2, we are to be “transformed by the…
The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most well-known parables that Jesus told, recorded in Luke 10:25-37. At 9,000 words, here is an in-depth look at the meaning and significance behind this impactful story that Jesus shared: The Parable Begins The parable begins with a lawyer approaching Jesus and asking him what he must do to inherit eternal life (Luke 10:25). Jesus responds by asking the lawyer what is written in the Law. The lawyer answers by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, which command that we must love God with all our heart, soul, strength and…