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Strangers to the Truth (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordTruth is a cornerstone, yet it is often twisted and obscured by deceit. The story of Alexi Santana, revealed to be James Hogue, illustrates the tangled web woven by lies, echoing the sentiment that deception ensnares those who practice it. Synonyms for lying—prevarication, mendacity, dissimulation—cloud the clarity of truth, as if renaming the act lessens its wrongness. We are so accustomed to falsehoods that we seek constant affirmation of honesty with phrases like "Honestly" or "You know what I mean?" In the biblical narrative, the first recorded lie emerges when Satan deceives Eve, declaring, "You will not surely die," directly contradicting God's command. Even Eve's response to the serpent, adding "nor shall you touch it" to God's words, strays from the precise truth, whether as an exaggeration or an attempt to fortify the command. Such deviations, even if well-intentioned, reveal the minefield of straying from truth. God's instruction in Exodus 20:16 to not bear false witness stands clear and sufficient; it needs no addition from us. Jesus Christ expands the understanding of truth, declaring in John 8:31-32, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Yet, many resist this truth, claiming it to be relative or situational. The Pharisees, too, denied their bondage to sin, ignoring both their spiritual state and historical subjugation. In contrast, Jesus identifies satan as the father of lies, emphasizing the liberating power of truth against the enslavement of deceit.
Being Deceived
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaChrist warned that many would be deceived, though no one ever admits to being deceived. The Bible warns of deceptions from within and without the church.
Who Is the 'God of This World'? (Part Two)
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeAs Moses had to veil his luminous face, so, metaphorically, the God of this age mercifully blinds carnal individual for now because light hurts their eyes.
How Far Have We Fallen? (Part Four)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Respect for God is declining all over the world. Even in the scattered Church of God, an increasing casualness threatens to detract from respect for God.
The Ninth Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe world is so full of lying and other forms of deceit that 'bearing false witness' has become a way of life for the vast majority of humanity.
Entertainment Lies Matter, Too
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The original production of the television miniseries, Roots, was alleged to be a true history of Alex Haley, while in fact it vastly distorted the truth.
Being Alert to Our Enemy
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Like the cycles of the seasons, the events of prophecy follow natural progressions. God has given ample warnings to His prophets to prepare His people.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOutcome based religion exalts numerical growth and feeling good over the truth of God, promoting the use of modern psychology over 'divisive' biblical doctrine.
Poles Apart
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughSatan sends error into the world in pairs of opposites. If we hate one extreme, we may be drawn to just as hideous an opposite extreme.
Traditions of Men, Continued
Sermonette by Craig SablichWe must always select the perspective through which God wishes us to view the Bible and not the man-made systems and interpretations.
The Ninth Commandment
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must embody truth as did Jesus Christ, absolutely refusing to bear false witness in our words, our behavior, and our cumulative reputation.
Looking Forward (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhich button would someone have to push for you to leave the truth of God? The doctrines of grace and liberty have been perverted into tolerance of sin.