Filter by Categories
The Christian and the World (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe world, as represented by the Greek term "cosmos," carries a deeply negative connotation in its spiritual, moral, and ethical applications. It signifies the present order of things, encompassing various cultures since the time of Adam and Eve, and is always portrayed in a negative light as transient, worthless, and evil. This evil can manifest as physical or spiritual, embodying the seat of cares, temptations, and irregular desires. The whole world lies under the control of the evil one, as seen in the confrontation between Jesus and the devil, where the devil claimed authority over all the kingdoms of the world, subject only to the ultimate control of God. The world's cultures stand in deadly opposition to God, driven by a spirit that is not in His image, a spirit that is deceitful, incurably sick, and incapable of being subject to His law. Living in this world requires caution, as its attractive and appealing nature masks a spiritual reality that opposes God's way. This worldly influence can lead to spiritual slumber, contributing to the scattering of the church by eroding faith and drawing believers away from God. The spirit of the world, rooted in the evil one, drives those who are unconverted and remains a persistent force even in the converted, necessitating a complete transformation through God's Spirit. This spirit, having operated corruptly for millennia, creates a system that cannot produce a paradise, despite human claims of progress and potential. God forces a choice between two opposing spirits: the Spirit of God and the spirit of the world. These are unalterably opposed, and one cannot side with both simultaneously. The carnal mind sides with the temporary things of this life, focusing on the world rather than the eternal Kingdom of God. Thus, setting affections on the world is futile and contrary to God's will, as it is passing away and at war with Him through its disobedience. The world hates those chosen out of it by Christ, just as it hated Him first. This hatred stems from the fundamental antagonism between the church and the world, a divide that is deep, perpetual, and rooted in differing principles and goals. The church, united with Christ, stands in opposition to the world's ways, striving to inherit the earth while the world seeks to retain it. This conflict results in persecution for those who live godly lives in Christ Jesus, as the real battle is against principalities and powers using men as instruments. The allure of the world remains a constant danger, as illustrated by Demas, a converted man who succumbed to its attractions and forsook his duty. Despite his privileged position alongside Paul, Demas loved the present world more than Christ, turning away from principle and honor. This serves as a solemn warning that the world envelops all, and resisting its seductions requires fixing one's course on the spiritual reality of Christ and the Kingdom of God. The children of God must guard themselves against this evil influence, identifying themselves by their conduct of obedience and love, rather than continuing in sin. Those who are of God hear His words and believe, producing obedience, while the world's antagonism persists until Christ returns to establish a new spirit in the world.
The Christian and the World (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHelp in following God comes from displacing the love for the world with the love for God, and setting our hearts on spiritual treasures instead of earthly ones.
The Christian and the World (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnxious care and foreboding are debilitating and faith-destroying. Meditating on what God has already done strengthens our faith and trust in God.
The Christian and the World (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe prince of the power of the air is responsible for influencing the zeitgeist (dominant mindset of the time), pulling us away from God and His law.
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.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Four)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Satan can fine-tune the course of this world (Zeitgeist), customizing it depending on whom he may seek to murder. We need to be thinking and vigilant.
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 Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughClear vision lights the way spiritually. If the eye of the heart is aimed at spiritual treasure and the glory of God, it will remain singly focused.
The World, the Church, and Laodiceanism
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughLaodiceanism is the attitude that dominates the end time. It is a subtle form of worldliness that has infected the church, and Christ warns against it strongly.
The Christian and the World (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnxiety and fretting (symptoms of coveting and idolatry), in addition to cutting life short, erode faith, destroying serenity by borrowing tomorrow's troubles.
Faith Overcomes the World
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs we attempt to overcome the world, we soon realize that we battle against invisible principalities, requiring us to form a close relationship with Christ.
What's in the Bucket? (Part Four)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, considered the black race inferior, and sought a way to reduce it. The black population is beginning to die out.
The Christian Fight (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Christian life is a constant battle against our own human natures, this evil world, and spiritual foes who do not want to see us inherit the Kingdom.
Necessary Strength
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryIn desperation, we cry out, 'Lord, give me strength!' When we do this, what kind of strength are we asking for: physical, mental, or moral and spiritual?
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.
Sin (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTrue Christianity is no cakewalk into eternal life, but a life and death struggle against our flesh, the world, and a most formidable spirit adversary.
Friends
Sermonette by Craig SablichGod's people should not waste their time on entertainments dedicated to spreading Satan's lies, but rather turn their attention to pure and wholesome things.
The High Places (Part Six)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThough we will probably never be tempted to burn incense to a pagan god on top of a hill, the high places of old still contain warnings for us.
Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe are open to invisible communication from the spirit world—communication designed to conform us to the course of this world. Recognizing it is vital.
Communication and Coming Out of Babylon (Part 1)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe demons who already inhabit the earth look upon us as interlopers. We need to monitor our thought impulses, lest we be bothered by demons.
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.
Communication and Coming Out of Babylon (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod commands us to come out of Babylon, giving us spiritual resources to do so, including faith, vision, hope, and love. These come through knowing Him.
Communication and Coming Out of Babylon (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAll of us are influenced by the culture of the world, guided and inspired by the prince of the power of the air. Satan has deceived the whole world.