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Abstinence - Asceticism or Christian Living?
'Ready Answer' by Martin G. CollinsAbstinence has long been associated with religious asceticism, a practice of strict self-denial as a measure of spiritual discipline. Although the monastic lifestyle is not as prevalent as it once was, certain religious orders and individuals still retreat to remote places to reduce their lives to the bare minimum. Most societies have historically frowned upon refraining from various human desires, and asceticism remains more often an exception in human behavior. Human nature tends to go to extremes, but a person is more likely to overindulge than to deny himself. The Roman world had its various ascetic movements, and early Christian leaders had to address converts who came from such backgrounds.
Are the Sabbath and Holy Days Done Away?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennThe people of Colossae were deeply influenced by pagan philosophies that promoted perfection through self-denial and abstinence from pleasure, fostering an ascetic community that valued a religion of severity. Many who joined the church in Colossae carried these philosophies with them, negatively impacting the congregation. In response, Paul addresses this issue by urging the members not to be swayed by the community's ascetic judgments regarding their enjoyment of food, wine, and joyous celebration of the Sabbath and festivals, emphasizing that Christ has triumphed over worldly influences.
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part Two: Defining Gnosticism
Article by David C. GrabbeGnosticism often embraced asceticism as a means to liberate the eternal spirit by enforcing strict, simple, and isolated lifestyles. This philosophy, which prioritized the inner life of the spirit over material existence, led some Gnostics to view feasting and joyous observances with disdain. In Colossae, Christians faced pressure from an ascetic society that frowned upon their celebrations of the Sabbath and holy days. Paul warns against this empty deceit, noting that such philosophies, though seemingly plausible, lack solid grounding and threaten to rob believers of their faith, hope, and understanding of God. These ascetic practices, rooted in the traditions of men and the basic principles of the world, stand in contrast to the truth and risk plundering the spiritual riches of the faithful.
Beware of Philosophy
Article by Mike FordIn the end, philosophy is merely man's search for answers without God. Real truth is found in God's Word, not in the minds of self-important, fallible men.
The True Gospel (Part 6)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul marveled at the Galatians' turning away. It was only 20 years before someone perverted the gospel into something that was no longer good news!
Does Paul Condemn Observing God's Holy Days?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennGalatians 4:9-10 is a favorite crutch of those who claim Christians no longer need to observe God's holy days. However, Paul's meaning is quite different.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Gnostics criticized by Paul in Colossians 2:16-17 were guilty of bringing in ritualistic ascetic discipline to propitiate demons.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Colossian Christians were criticized by ascetics for the way they were keeping the Sabbath and holy days. Paul argues against a philosophy, not the law of God.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Colossians 2:16 and Galatians 4:9-10, Paul was warning against mixing Gnostic asceticism and pagan customs with the keeping of God's Sabbath and Holy Days.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Fourteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has sanctified no day other than the Sabbath. Sunday worship is a pagan deviation, perpetuated by Gnosticism, a movement that despises God's laws.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has given us His Law, which shows us the way of sanctification and holiness. God is in the process of reproducing His kind — the God-kind.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 6)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReminding us to stay sensitive to conscience, Paul suggests we become other-centered, doing everything to the glory of God, especially in our relationships.
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part Three: Satan's Three Heresies
Article by David C. GrabbeWhen Satan confronted Adam and Eve, he fed them three heresies that Gnosticism incorporated into its parasitic philosophy and way of life.
The Colossian Heresy and Laodiceanism
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughColossae and Laodicea were susceptible to fast-talking teachers, whose plausible words eroded the true Gospel in favor of pagan thought and practice.
How Did They Overcome? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe blood of the Lamb grants us eternal life, as well as entrance to the Holy of Holies, enabling us to come before the throne of the Most High God.
Sin Is Spiritual!
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughMany people divide sin into physical and spiritual sins, but the Bible clearly says that all sin is lawlessness.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The paradox of Ecclesiastes 7 shows an unrighteous man flourishing and a righteous man suffering. The solution to this conundrum is found in Psalm 73.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist will empower us, but will not live our lives for us. The marching orders for our pilgrimage derive from God's Word, containing His holy law.
The More Things Change
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe tend to think of the early Church as a 'golden age' of unity and momentum. But early church members experienced problems similar to what we face today.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe vast majority of Christian-professing churches has been saturated with pagan doctrines (like antinomianism and dispensationalism), derived from Gnosticism.