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Come Out of Her
Sermonette by Craig SablichComing out of the world constitutes replacing the traditions with which we grew up with God's lifestyle, preparing us to conform to the culture of His Kingdom.
Communication and Coming Out of Babylon (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFrom the moment of our birth, we enter a world saturated with the influence of Satan and his demons, a six-thousand-year-old realm of deception and evil cultures created through a misled humanity. Unbeknownst to us, we face a dual threat from both demons and this corrupt world, quickly absorbing its self-centered and deceptive ways, losing our innocence in the process. This world, born from the initial sin of Adam and Eve under Satan's influence, continues to bind most of humanity in ignorance of their bondage to him. Yet, God commands us to come out of this world, a task that seems impossible since we carry its imprint on our perspectives, attitudes, and character wherever we go. We cannot physically escape Babylon, for it resides within us, a remnant of the communication we have absorbed from Satan's domain. However, escape is possible through a reversal of the process that entangled us in this world. By choosing to allow the law of our mind, inspired by God, to triumph over the law of sin and death, we can begin to break free, though it demands great sacrifice. The strength to make these sacrifices comes from a renewed relationship with the Father and the Son, made possible through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, which removes the barrier of sin and opens communication with God. This relationship is vital, as it provides the faith, vision, hope, and love necessary to counter the world's influence. Unlike the world, which lacks this connection and receives no truth from Him, we are granted access to His communication, tipping the scales in our favor in the spiritual war for survival if we continue to trust and believe. To come out of the world, we must increase our communication with God and decrease our interaction with the world's influences, stopping sin in our lives. God mercifully initiates this process by calling us, transforming our minds to think on things related to Him with newfound clarity. Like the apostle Paul, who submitted to God's will despite initial blindness, we must follow the path God sets before us, continuing the process He began by choosing to obey and maintain this vital relationship through consistent study, prayer, and obedience, ensuring that the communication we receive is from the Source of truth rather than the deceptive drumbeat of the world.
Should We Pray for the World?
'Ready Answer' by StaffAs followers of God, we are called to come out of the world, separating ourselves from its sinful ways and values. We are not of this world, and our true citizenship lies in heaven, as ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. This separation is emphasized in Revelation 18:4, urging us to distance ourselves from the world's corrupt influences, and in I John 2:15-18, warning that loving the world prevents the love of the Father from residing in us. We must remain unspotted and untainted by the world, as stated in James 1:27, focusing on a holy life as described in I Peter 1:15-16. Yet, while we are not of this world, we live within it and interact with its people daily. We cannot completely avoid contact with the uncalled, as noted in I Corinthians 5:9-12 and John 17:14-15, for to do so would mean leaving the earth entirely. Instead, we are to be a light in the darkness, shining amidst the world without participating in its unfruitful works, as highlighted in Ephesians 5:8-12. Though we reject the world's lifestyle, we are to show love toward its people, reflecting God's own love that led Him to give His Son for their salvation. This love includes praying for them, mourning their suffering, and seeking God's mercy on their behalf, even as we yearn for the coming of His Kingdom.
The World (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe concept of 'World, Coming Out of' is a recurring theme that illustrates God's separation of His people from the world, which is often depicted as alienated from Him and under a curse. In the early scriptures, Israel's roots are traced to the world, yet they are called out of Egypt, symbolizing a separation from worldly influences. God establishes a covenant with them at Mount Sinai, distinguishing them as a nation set apart from the rest of the world, which is divided into those who have made a covenant with Him and those who have not. This pattern of separation continues with God's Son, Jesus Christ, who is called out of Egypt, out of the world, to serve as the Servant of all mankind. The New Testament further emphasizes this separation, portraying the world as an enemy of God, under the sway of satan, and at war with Him. Christians are viewed as aliens and pilgrims in this world, surrounded by its influences yet commanded to come out from among them and be separate, as stated in II Corinthians 6:17-18: "Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." The act of coming out of the world is not merely physical but involves ceasing to think, act, and hold the same attitudes as the world. God, like a concerned parent, desires His children to have minimal contact with the world's influences to prevent being pulled down by its temptations. Instead, believers are instructed to seek God and the place where He has placed His name, focusing their lives on Him rather than on worldly distractions. In the New Testament, the church's challenge is not physical idols or structures but the spiritual influences, attitudes, and practices spread by the gods many and lords many, as described in I Corinthians 8:5. These influences manifest in the world's institutions, government, education, religion, business, and social practices, contrasting sharply with the perspective derived from a fear of God. Christians are warned against friendship with the world, which is enmity with God, as highlighted in James 4:4, and are urged to draw near to God to avoid becoming worldly and returning to what they came out of. God's consistent attitude toward the world remains unchanged from the Old Testament to the New, focusing on the root spiritual causes of worldly influences under the New Covenant. The priority for believers is to seek first the Kingdom of God, recognizing that the world cannot be changed until God changes the hearts of individuals at His appointed time. Thus, the call to come out of the world is a call to prioritize a relationship with God over the futile efforts to reform a world destined for destruction, maintaining a distinct identity as His covenant people.
Dating Outside the Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDating outside the church is fraught with dangers, yoking a believer with an unbeliever and complicating the spiritual overcoming and growth process.
The World (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur worldview must be shaped by a fear of God, a love for His people, and a hatred for the world's practices that destroy our relationship with God.
The Christian and the World (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe best way to attain true wealth and the abundant eternal life is to loosen our grip on worldly rewards and treasures, and single-mindedly follow Christ.
The Christian and the World (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHaving anxiety, foreboding and fretting about food, clothing, and shelter, or being distressed about the future, demonstrates a gross lack of faith.
Offering Profane Fire
Sermonette by Craig SablichFor those of us who faced the challenges of coming out of traditional Christianity, the realization that something did not align with God's word was profound. We were not rebelling or rejecting God, but as we began to read the Bible for ourselves, the disconnect between scripture and the traditions we grew up with became evident. Coming out was not about joining a new religion or converting to Judaism; it was about returning to God's true Sabbath, to the faith once delivered, to the system He designed. It was about walking the same path Jesus walked, the path of Abraham, Moses, and the apostles, returning to God's way rather than creating something new. God pleads with His people in Revelation 18:4 to come out of the systems of this world, to remove themselves from beliefs built on foreign traditions. This call is not for rebellion but for a willingness to listen, to trust Him enough to obey, and to worship Him on His terms. It is faith lived according to God's way of life, a daily decision to stay focused on truth, consistent prayer, and study, proving all things under the authority of the pure, whole word of God, rather than the authority of men or the nostalgic trappings of the season that satan uses to draw us away.
Unequally Yoked?
Sermonette by Bill OnisickWe are greatly influenced by whomever we spend the most time; we become like those with whom we associate.
Would Jesus Christ Vote? (Part Three)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWhile it may seem to be the height of patriotism to cast a ballot, Christians are urged to refrain from interfering in the politics of this world.
Us and Them
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloAs society continues to divide, many are aligning tribally with one faction of the world or another, which is contrary to our heavenly citizenship.
We Give Our Heads and Hearts
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod's people (as ambassadors and pilgrims) must pledge their hearts, minds, and allegiance to the coming Kingdom of God, which will last forever.
Our Heavenly Citizenship
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloThe rampant disorder in America may encourage God's people to choose political sides, but doing so may place them in a position of opposing God's will.
The Purpose of the Sabbath
Sermonette by Craig SablichThe Sabbath enables us to learn spiritual principles rather than a set of rules, and to exercise righteous judgment, aligning our actions with God's purpose.
Everything Is Politics
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughWhatever a person says automatically places him on the political spectrum, accruing judgment, scorn, or rejection from those who practice identity politics.
Our Heavenly Citizenship
'Ready Answer' by Austin Del CastilloMembers of the church must focus on their identity in Christ and producing spiritual fruit even during such tumultuous times, not governments of men.
Grace, Unleavened Bread, and the Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe eat unleavened bread because of what God has done, not what we have done. Eating unleavened bread symbolizes following God and displacing sin.
Faith (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe example of Lot's wife teaches us that God does not want us to maintain close associations with the world because it almost inevitably leads to compromise.
Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must avoid following the negative examples of our forbears. We have been enlisted into spiritual warfare on three fronts: the heart, the world, and Satan.
Above the Fray
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe New Testament contains no calls to get involved in government to affect change in society. The change must be internal and individual, not a crusade.
Sanctification and Holiness (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs God's priesthood, we must draw near to God, keep His commandments, and witness to the world that God is God. God is shaping and fashioning His new creation.
The Beatitudes, Part One: The Sermon on the Mount
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Sermon on the Mount is as vitally important today as when Christ preached it. It contains the way we are to live as God's representatives on this earth.
Moral Purity
Sermon by James BeaubelleThe urgency to live righteously, striving for godly character is a continuous, ongoing, and vital pursuit not concluded until our death and resurrection.
Tent of God
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamOur Lord and Savior Jesus Christ temporarily divested Himself of His divinity dwelling in a fleshly tent in order to empathize with God's chosen people.
Is New Year's Eve Pagan?
Sermonette by Mike FordNew Year's celebrations often involve drunkenness, debauchery, and adultery. God commands us to separate ourselves from these customs and traditions of the world.
Soldiers of Christ
Sermonette by Ryan McClurePaul enjoins God's people to enlist as soldiers of Christ, enduring hardship, keeping themselves from the world, and putting on armor for spiritual battle.
What's So Bad About Babylon? (2013) (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Babylon's way is the culture of the Western world, having the same religious, economic, and political systems, enslaving people to the state.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Governments of men are enmity against God. Our allegiance can be only to Jesus Christ, and not to the hopelessly corrupt political systems of the world.
Laodiceanism
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur love for beauty must be coupled with love for righteousness and holiness. Our relationship with Christ must take central place in our lives, displacing all else.
What's So Bad About Babylon? (2003) (Part 1)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe world's political, religious, economic, and cultural systems pose a danger to God's people, but God wants us to work out His plan within the Babylonian system.
Why We Do Not Vote
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChristians have been called out of this world's politics, voting included. As ambassadors of Christ, we cannot participate in the politics of another country.
What's So Bad About Babylon? (2013) (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because Babylon is a system, we cannot physically flee it. We have to flee by keeping our minds clean from the customs, traditions, and cultural influences.
Laodiceanism and Being There Next Year
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur biggest danger at this time is to be lured into spiritual drunkenness by the pagan Babylonian system. Our God is not what we say we worship but whom we serve.