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Cain, Balaam, and Korah
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeJude warns us to avoid the ways of Cain, Balaam, and Korah that characterize false teachers—greedy, worshipping on one's own terms, appealing to the masses.
Cain's Assumption (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe way of Cain, as referenced in Jude 11, embodies a form of religion or worship dictated by personal terms, despite claims of loyalty to God and partial use of Scripture to justify such practices. This path, illustrated by Cain's story, suggests a belief in his own messianic role, leading him to offer a meal offering symbolizing devotion to fellow man without first giving the required burnt offering of devotion to God, or a sin offering acknowledging his need for atonement. His offering of the fruit of the ground, bypassing the blood sacrifice, implied a rejection of the reminder of sin and the necessity of a Savior, possibly because he saw himself in that role, needing no atonement for his own sins. Cain's extreme reaction to God's correction further reveals his self-centered nature; rather than accepting rebuke with humility, his anger and subsequent actions—coveting Abel's acceptance, murdering his brother, dishonoring his parents, and lying to God—demonstrate a heart far from devotion. His defensive response indicates a shattered self-image, unwilling to face the sinful reality about himself, culminating in the destruction of the human witness and deception before the Divine Judge. Jude's warning against false Christians elaborates on the way of Cain, characterizing it as marked by unbelief, rebellion against authority, perversion, ungodliness, turning God's grace into license, and denying the authority of God and the necessity of Christ's sacrifice. Those following this path are described as grumblers and complainers, driven by personal desires, using flattery for gain, seeking material wealth, causing division, yet maintaining a facade of righteousness and spirituality. Cain's story underscores a dangerous disinterest in the full truth about his standing with God, making assumptions about divine requirements, grace, and prophetic fulfillment, ultimately leading to his tragic end.
What Is 'My Way'?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though we may claim to follow God's way, there is a considerable measure of selfishness in our pathways, a tendency to be dismissive of other people.
A Warning from Jude (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe stories of Cain, Balaam, and Korah help us to understand Jude's urgent warning to the church for all time. These men's ways are continually repeated.
First Things First (Part Two): The Right Sacrifice
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeCain represents religion and worship on a person's own terms, according to his own priorities, rather than according to God's instruction.
Authority: Why So Many Resent It
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPride, the father of all sins, is the source of self-exaltation, self-justification and the despising of authority. It cloaks rebellion in a deceptive appeal.
Do Little Things Not Count?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose who ignore the clear biblical instructions for the wavesheaf offering with its unambiguous prohibitions risk the displeasure and judgment of God.
Faith, Hope, and the Worship of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUsing assumptions, some have concocted some nine conflicting calendars. The preservation of the oracles has not been entrusted to the church but to the Jews.
'As It Was In the Days of Noah'
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Jesus said the end time would be like the days of Noah, did He mean that the last days would be violent and corrupt, or that they would come suddenly?
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ has full control of the church. Everything of consequence, including the development of our character, is engineered by Him.
Faith, Government, and the Calendar (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe calculated Hebrew calendar reflects God's faithfulness in providing His children a reliable calendar. Concocting one's own calendar is presumptuous.
The Spirit of Babylon (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeDespite Inanna's marriage to a god named Dumuzi, she still took lovers whenever she wished—she would not be constrained by the divine order of marriage.
Responding to Catastrophe
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHow are we going to react when the next disaster strikes our area? Are we going to gripe and complain? Are we going to sit and wait for somebody to help us?
Should a Christian Go To War? (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod alone has the prerogative of giving and taking life. As ambassadors of God's heavenly Kingdom, we do not take up arms on behalf of any nation on the earth.