Playlist: Schemes (topic)
Bitterness Can Kill
Sermon by Mike FordAhithophel serves as a poignant example that we must not permit bitterness to undermine our faith that the sovereign God is able to bring justice.
Conspiracy Theory (Part Three)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)From the beginning, Satan has attempted to influence heads of nations and religious organizations. We need to be aware that he will attack again and again.
What I Believe About Conspiracy Theories
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe drive toward one world government is a transparent reality having several biblical prototypes, all inspired by demonic opposition to God's rule.
Don't Be a Politician
Sermon by Mike FordJesus proved that one cannot become a leader through political intrigue, but by assuming the position of a humble servant. God sets Himself against the proud.
Absalom: A Study in Narcissism
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughProbably the biblical character best exemplifying the narcissistic personality is David's son, Absalom, clearly a spoiled son in a dysfunctional family.
Joshua and the Gibeonites
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Gibeonites' pretense of coming from a distant land resulted in their slavery. Yet, through their influence, they contributed to Israel's destruction.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Solomon exercised a lifetime of hard work trying to find answers, but fell short because some things are discoverable only through God's revelation.
The Great Con
Sermonette by Bill OnisickAll individuals who have been duped into con schemes have the same perennial weakness: to be self-sufficient and to get something for nothing.
The March Toward Globalism (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The cat has been let out of the bag in terms of plans to establish a New World Order, possibly the precursor or foundation for the Beast of Revelation.
The Handwriting is on the Wall: Conspiracies
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Conspiracies by political actors have led to grasping at power. We must not worry about conspiracies, but instead align ourselves with God's Kingdom.
Fathers Provoking Children
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMost families in God's church have a functional father, but even so, extremes of leniency and overbearing strictness do not make an ideal father.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Wisdom does not give us complete understanding into the ultimate purposes of God, but when accompanied with faith in God, it will brighten our countenance.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To keep us secure from the temptations of the world, we must embrace our metaphorical sister, Wisdom, keeping us focused on our relationship with God.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPurpose-driven churches experience exponential growth through tolerating any belief. These churches would sacrifice any doctrine if it stands in the way of growth.
Esther (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSome regard approaching the Bible as literature to be demeaning, yet the literary approach can be a powerful tool to appreciating it more fully.
What if You Are Betrayed?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBetrayal is triggered by a root of bitterness resulting from envy, but turning into hatred, a shoot of bitterness manifesting a spirit of murder.
Whoever Loves and Practices a Lie
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)In Revelation 21:8, Christ lists three spiritual conditions and four behaviors, all of which He links to deceit and which will lead to the Lake of Fire.
Snares
Sermon by John O. ReidEven as the world contains bait and switch schemes and false advertising, so also there are spiritual snares, far more dangerous than physical ones.
On Earning Wealth
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The three principles for acquiring prosperity (diligently working, wisely managing what one has earned, and meticulously saving) all militate against laziness.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the combined history of Judah and Israel, when the leaders abandoned the covenants with God, the citizenry generally followed suit.
More on Modern Liberalism
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The economic crisis was caused by wrong choices made by bankers acting like the seductress in Proverbs 7 to make a profit. Liberalism follows from Adam and Eve.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (2000)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose entrusted with power within the community and nations are taking advantage of their positions, metaphorically raping those who have no power.
Narrow Is the Way
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughParadoxically, becoming a slave of righteousness — maintaining the narrow way — leads to freedom, peace of mind, and ultimately, God's Kingdom.
Lamentations (Part Seven; 1989)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughLamentations 3 and 4 show the stark contrast of a once proud people (secure in their wealth, technology, and cleverness) suffering bitter humiliation.