Playlist:

playlist Go to the Growth, Numeric (topic) playlist

Growth

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The Western emphasis on growth has taken root within Christianity. 'Success' for a church is measured in income and membership, which are deceptive metrics.


Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Four): The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

The Mustard Seed parable is commonly interpreted as an illustration of church growth. However, rightly dividing the word of truth shows a sobering reality.


Franchising the Faith

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh

In churchianity, slick business tactics and advertising take precedence over scriptural knowledge. Yet truth trumps sincerity, emotion, and glitz.


Dissatisfaction

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

Change agents have attempted to apply traditional Christian terminology to politically correct referents, distorting and defiling the original meaning.


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.


Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Outcome based religion exalts numerical growth and feeling good over the truth of God, promoting the use of modern psychology over 'divisive' biblical doctrine.


Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 2): Leaven

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Kingdom of God or of Heaven has past, present, and future aspects. The Kingdom parables primarily provide instruction for the present aspect.


Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Three)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Habakkuk was frustrated that God would use an evil people to punish Israel, yet he resolved to cease fretting and to become a responsible watcher.


Wandering or Pilgrimage?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We are not aimlessly wandering, but are on a God-guided pilgrimage. The circuitous route ensures our safety, just as it did for the ancient Israelites.


In the Wake of An Unnatural Disaster (Part Five)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh

Because Americans get their concepts about the Bible from movies and television, they clueless as to what constitutes truth and falsehood.


How to Survive Exile

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God exiles to punish for sin, separating individuals and groups from Him in order to spur repentance. There is something to exile that God finds very good.