Playlist:

playlist Go to the Church Unity (topic) playlist

Church Unity Despite the Spirit of the World

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The unity of God's church does not derive from organizational expertise, the conformity of ecumenism, or the tolerance for evil, but from the family model.


The Pursuit of Unity

CGG Weekly by Levi W. Graham

Jesus was confronted with a situation that could have stirred up pride to fight back. Despite having all power, He chose to work toward unity rather than destruction.


Unity and Division: The Blessing and the Curse (Part One)

'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

Unity seems to be 'godly,' while division is 'ungodly.' However, unity and division are not as black and white as we typically think of them.


Unity (2006)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Like the symphony orchestra, only as an instrumentalist submits to the leader, working with the other members of the ensemble, can unity be accomplished.


Will the Church of God Be Thrown Down? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The church has Christ as the Chief Cornerstone. As long as there is a church, there will also be at least one living stone upon another.


Unity

Sermon by James Beaubelle

The virtue of love is the overarching framework for unity, demanding rigorous control over the tongue, understanding its capacity to destroy.


Unity and Unleavened Bread

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

As members of Christ's body, we must function for the good of the whole body, not competing with other parts. We must continually function as a son of God.


Unity (Part 6): Ephesians 4 (C)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Unity has to come from the inside out, with God raising a leader which His people, having their minds opened by His Spirit, will voluntarily submit to.


Unity and Division: The Blessing and a Curse (Part Two)

'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

A curious phenomenon ties together several biblical stories: God makes a judgment and divides His people into two groups, often splitting them down the middle!


Unity

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Each member of Christ's body must choose to function in the role God has ordained to produce unity, emulating Christ in striving to please the Father


Spiritual Gifts: Unity, Edification, and Order

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Paul desires to convey to the Corinthians three primary principles to help them use and manage the gifts God had graciously and abundantly bestowed on them.


Reconciliation and Unity

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

It is foolish and pointless to use the same charm, social skills, and duplicity toward God as we use to deceive others and, sadly, even ourselves.


Unity (Part 3): Ephesians 4 (A)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God alone chooses the servants through whom He works His will. Sometimes the rationale God uses for selecting His vessels defies worldly wisdom.


Unity (Part 2): God's Pattern of Leadership

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God is not the author of confusion, but throughout the scriptures has used a consistent pattern of appointing leaders over His called-out ones.


Truth or Unity?

Article by Staff

Oftentimes, searching for the truth brings us into conflict with others' beliefs, causing separations between brethren in the church of God.


The Mystery of the Church

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God desires to know whether the spiritual remnants will choose His teaching or assimilating into the world, biting and devouring one another.


Letters to Seven Churches (Part Ten): The Church

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Ups and downs, blessings and trials, have characterized every era of the church. God's people are always battling something negative between the brief highs.


Is There a True Church?

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's true church cannot be found without revelation nor can one join the organization; God calls and places each member in its appropriate place in the Body.


Unity (Part 8): Ephesians 4 (E)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The group that one fellowships with is less important than the understanding that there is one true church, bound by a spiritual, not a physical unity.


Unity (Part 1): God and HWA

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

A major cause in the splitting of the church has been the wholesale rejection of the doctrines Herbert Armstrong, under God's inspiration, restored.


Unity Through Humility

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Competition in the church can lead to disaster, destroying harmony and unity. Competition and pride destroy unity; humility and cooperation enhance unity.


Understanding Unity

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We must separate ourselves from the world, sacrificing ourselves to God's purpose to become at one with God, waiting for Him to unify us to others.


Unity (Part 7): Ephesians 4 (D)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Because of our lack of self-discipline and willingness to guard the truth, we have allowed our theological base to deteriorate under the persuasion of the world.


Principles of Church Leadership

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A major responsibility for the fracturing of the WCG rested with the leadership, based on a philosophy of authoritarianism Christ warned against.


The Mystery of the Church (2005)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Paul's body analogy illustrates the interconnectedness of all members to Jesus Christ and to each other. Not one is unimportant or useless.


The Church, One Body

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God's call to learn from the ant does not teach us to yield to a hierarchical system, but to participate in a community with the goal of edification.


Is There a True Church?

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Many 'church of God' organizations claim to be part of—or even the only—church of God. The Bible reveals specific characteristics of God's church.


God's Sovereignty and the Church's Condition (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God's hand was definitely involved in the scattering of the church. We should respond by growing and preparing ourselves for His Kingdom.


Titus (Part Four): Traits of a Healthy Church

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Titus 2 gives specific instructions to senior members of the congregation, followed by instructions to the youth, explaining their responsibilities.


It Takes a Church

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As Christians, we need to form warm, productive, quality relationships with our brethren, actively ministering to the needs of one another.


Unity and Godly Diversity in One Body

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler

To take sides in any type of national struggle is to battle on behalf of mankind's wrong-headed, godless attempts to avoid the consequences of sin.


Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Outcome-based religion holds large membership as its measure of success, believing that the ends justify the means. It avoids doctrine that might divide.


Unity (Part 5): Ephesians 4 (B)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Adopting a revolutionary stance for the sake of change, variety, or relieving boredom will systematically destroy the faith once delivered.


The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The seven churches of Revelation 2-3 all existed simultaneously and the characteristics of five of them will apparently be extant at the return of Christ.


Pentecost and the Mystery of the Church

Sermon by Mark Schindler

God forbids us to make alliances with carnal minds on divisive issues. The only division God desires is a separation from the world and its enticing drives.


United With Whom?

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Our relationship with God is the key to unity with the brethren. When we are all just like Christ, we will also all resemble each other—and there will be unity.


Trends in Global Religion

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The world is not very unified religiously, is it? What does this mean for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy? Could this mean we still have a long time to wait?


God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part Three)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The unity Jesus appeals for with His disciples is not organizational unity, but unity within the divine nature, exampled in the unity between He and the Father.


A Search for Identity

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God gave His approval for the destruction of the Worldwide Church of God into numerous groups, allowing heresies so He could see who really loves Him.


The Need for Forgiveness

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because it is more blessed to give than to receive, the things we desire for ourselves we should be willing to give to others, including forgiveness.


Psalm 133 (1998)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Unity comes only through the initiation of God. If we would follow the suggestions in Romans 12, we could do our part in promoting unity in God's church.


Back to the First Century

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh

Having no central leadership, we have entered an era of seemingly organizational disarray, a crucial time in which we should adjust to what God has done.


Hebrews as a Sermon (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God designed the sermon of Hebrews to motivate God's people, who are going through the same turmoil as those living in 65 AD, facing persecution from society.


Loving the Body of Christ (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

A root cause of the Corinthians' problems (and perhaps ours) was a massive failure in evaluating the worth of other members of the spiritual Body of Christ.


Glory and Oneness

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

In Christ's Passover prayer, He states that the glory the Father had given Him had also been given to the disciples. Christ's glory is the key to being one.


What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Neglecting to feed the flock has been detrimental to preaching the gospel to the world. Because of neglect, members succumb to feeling insignificant.


Antidote For Disunity!

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We will become united as we draw closer to God. If we regard a brother in Christ as a competitor rather than as a trusted ally, unity will be impossible.


All in All

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

What does 'all in all' mean in relation to God and Christ? It has great significance to Christians today as they seek the Kingdom of God.


Troubling the Household of God

Sermon by Mark Schindler

If we allow the old, carnal man to dictate how we speak or make other decisions, we will trouble the household of God and inherit nothing but the wind.


Together We Stand - But on What?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Paul, using the body analogy in I Corinthians, focuses on the need for unity and inter-relatedness by concentrating upon sound doctrine.


Think on These Things

Sermon by Mark Schindler

The epistle of Philippians contains some valuable advice to God's people today, having suffered some grievous trials which have bonded them together.


Two Loaves, Baked with Leaven

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The leavening indicates that the wave loaves speak to this life rather than the resurrection. It is accepted by God only because of the other sacrifices.


A Distant Reflection

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Considering the events and trends exhibited in the modern church of God, will it follow the disastrous example of early second-century Christianity?


Where Is God Working?

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Are numeric growth or miraculous signs sure indicators of God's presence? Before trying to determine where God is working, we must understand what God is doing.


What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

To preach to the world and ignore a disintegrating flock is like a husband and wife paying attention to other people while the family is falling apart.


Of One Accord

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Confusion and separation have been man's legacy since Eden. Christ is working to put an end to division, enabling us to be one with the Father and each other.


Differences of Opinion

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Satan champions self-opinion and mob behavior. God's church has never been immune to division because each member has only part of the truth.


Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Twelve)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As husband and wife are commanded to become one flesh, members of the Bride of Christ become spiritually unified through the indwelling of God's Spirit.


What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The largest portion of the great commission demands that the lion's share of time, money, or energy ought to be invested in feeding the flock.


A Time To Scatter

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

While we yearn for the church to be re-united, until our own personal walk with God is attained and we intently seek Him first, church unity will not happen.


Devoting Ourselves to Fellowship

'Ready Answer' by Clyde Finklea

Christian fellowship is more than just getting together on a regular basis; it is sharing with each other on a higher, spiritual level.


The Importance of Doctrine

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

People who try to supplement their spiritual diet with lawlessness or other heresies risk losing their identity, and ultimately their spiritual life.


The Beatitudes, Part One: The Sermon on the Mount

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The 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.


Avoiding Superficiality

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Success in spiritual things does not consist in growing large and powerful, but humbly living by faith, overcoming, and yielding to God's shaping power.


Unifying Behaviors

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Every righteous, selfless act of outgoing concern we perform promotes unity within the church, drawing brethren closer together, suggesting a spiritual law.


Grace, Faith, and Love

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Pride condemned Satan to a fate of manipulating rather than serving. This presumptuous self-centered trait creates disunity and ultimately destruction.


Religion and Politics

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A survey of the New Testament on the subject of politics shows that those who stoop to politics or other devious means to get their own way are the bad guys.


The Wisdom of Men and Faith

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The pressures and conflicts that the church has undergone is part of the spirit of the time that has embroiled religious and political institutions worldwide.


Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong?

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Herbert Armstrong, while not infallible or sinless, nevertheless served as the custodian of the truths of God, occupying the role of God's messenger.


Themes of I Corinthians (Part 2)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A true, godly minister does not draw people to himself, but instead to God. Not placing Christ at the forefront will lead to carnal-mindedness.


Pentecost's Two Leavened Loaves (Part Four)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The Pentecost offering of two loaves contains the idea of difference, while the New Testament Pentecost in Acts 2 shows differences being divinely overcome.


Removing Bars of Contention Between Brethren

Sermon by David F. Maas

In a dangerous and troubled world in which everyone is being manipulated and conned into squaring off in hatred for one another, we must find common ground.


All in All

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The 'all in all' process has already begun. Our obligation and responsibility is to obey and yield to Christ and God the Father, conforming to their image.


Checklist for Overcoming

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Romans 12-16 provide a checklist for overcoming and promoting positive relationships, developing tender affection. We are mutually dependent upon one another.


A Trustworthy Relationship

Sermon by Mark Schindler

We have been given an incredible privilege to be placed within the Body of Christ. This same privilege applies to our fellow saints as well.


The Measure of Christ's Gift

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Jesus selected disciples with disparate temperaments, unifying them to accomplish a steadfast purpose. God disperses a wide diversity of spiritual gifts.


Philippians (Part Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Paul both appealed for unity among the Philippians and offered encouragement, reminding them that their relationship with one another was through Christ.