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Pitfalls of Scholarship
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA minister from a Christian church has criticized our approach, labeling us as Fundamentalist Christians and claiming that we lack the scholarship of this world. He argues that we fail to consider the knowledge accumulated since around 100 AD, suggesting that we should pursue advanced degrees in theology, and study Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, as well as delve into archaeology, history, and ancient Middle Eastern cultures. According to him, this broad base of understanding would allow us to interpret the Bible through the lens of what people were thinking at the time, potentially refining our doctrines. However, we must be cautious about the scholarship of this world. While not entirely against it, we recognize that many scholars lack God's Spirit, which limits their ability to discern truth from error. Their work often produces a mixture of good and evil, as seen in the consequences of human minds unconstrained by divine guidance. Scholars may get some things right in their specialized fields, but when they attempt to fit their knowledge into the larger picture of what God is working out, their conclusions can be flawed due to the absence of spiritual insight. We utilize resources like commentaries, word studies, encyclopedias, histories, archaeological write-ups, and lexicons, acknowledging the technical expertise they offer. Yet, we understand the limits of trusting these sources entirely, as they often perpetuate errors alongside truth. It requires a mind guided by God's Spirit to separate the true from the false, ensuring we do not accept worldly scholarship without discernment.
Hold Tightly to Revelation
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile not condemned by any means, human reason, scholarship, and logic must take a back seat to two important elements: divine revelation and the Holy Spirit.
Humanism's Flooding Influence (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Humanism stems from the Renaissance, a time men felt free to exalt human reason and self-realization over religion and divine authority.
General Revelation
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's truth is shockingly simple to understand, yet deceptively profound, causing the 'wise' to stumble but guiding true Christians toward eternal life.
Suppressed Archaeology (Part One)
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsSeveral groups have questioned the bias of the Smithsonian Institute for suppressing records of pre-Columbus exploration and inhabiting of North America.
The Importance of Dating
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughCurrently, several chronological systems are vying for predominance among scholars. What impact might this have on our biblical understanding of prophecy?
James Cameron's Lost Integrity
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughJames Cameron's controversial documentary, The Lost Tomb of Jesus, reveals alleged evidence that archeologists had found the actual tomb of Jesus' family.
God Is . . . What?
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughWhat is God's nature? Is God one Being? Two? Three? Bible students have long searched for the answers to these questions. The truth is both simple and profound.
Image and Likeness of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughErrant teachers have spiritualized God away into a shapeless, formless, ethereal blob. They dismiss hundreds of scriptural references as figures of speech.
Passover (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSome believe in a late-14th Passover on the basis of II Chronicles 35:10-11, but this overlooks the context. The Passover was originally a home-based observance.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part One): Origins
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause Abraham trusted God, his descendants have received unprecedented blessings. If the Israelites would have kept God's law, they would have served as a model.
Developing Discernment
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHuman discernment can be developed and exercised, triggering early warning systems with the reactions of revulsion and confusion when confronted by evil.
Proofs of Christ's Resurrection
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThere is more corroboration of evidence for the existence of Jesus Christ and His life experiences than that regarding Alexander the Great or Julius Caesar.
Faithful, Following Firstfruits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThose reveling in the 'new freedoms' of apostasy cannot be persuaded to return to former beliefs because they no longer believe in the sanctified Word of God.
False Gospels
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA major clue for discerning false gospels is that any teaching attempting to change the nature of God or Christ or their doctrines is anti-Christ and false.
Passover (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNine steps had to be included with the Passover observance, all within the house until morning. It takes place between sun's setting and complete darkness.