Playlist: Fertility Worship (topic)
Fishy Syncretism
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe Philistines, persistent adversaries of God's people since the time of Abraham, revered Dagon, their fish god, who was an abomination to the God of Israel. This enmity was evident when Samson, in the 12th century BC, perished while demolishing the Philistines' temple of Dagon. Later, the Philistines attacked the Israelites, …
Easter 2017
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughMany modern Easter traditions stem from ancient pagan practices tied to fertility worship. The name Easter likely originates from a Germanic goddess, Eoster or Ostara, associated with the radiant dawn and up-springing light, a symbolism easily adapted to the Christian resurrection day. Further back, the name connects to Middle …
Sandcastle Virtues
Sermon by Mike FordAs the Israelites entered Canaan, a fertile land of milk and honey, they encountered a culture of farmers who worshipped Baal and Ashtoreth, fertility gods credited for their abundant crops. Coming from a background of shepherds, the Israelites were drawn to these deities, not only due to a lack of faith in the One True God, but …
The Iniquity of the Amorites
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause of multiculturalism, political correctness, and mush-headed tolerance, we as a culture have sanctioned sin and corruption.
Satan's Pagan Holy Days
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersFertility worship, deeply rooted in ancient pagan practices, is a significant aspect of Satan's deceptive 'holy days' and mankind's pagan holidays. One such celebration, now known as St. Valentine's Day, was originally the fertility festival Lupercalia. This day ranks number one in candy sales, with billions spent annually on …
What's So Bad About Valentines Day?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughValentine's Day has deep roots in pagan fertility worship, originating as a Roman feast dedicated to Lupercus, a god of the hunt and fertility. This festival, held around February 14th, included bizarre rituals such as young men or priests whipping women with goat thongs, believed to promote fertility or ensure a safe birth. The …
Easter: Origins and Implications
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughEaster, as observed by many, is steeped in pagan origins rather than biblical truth. The name Easter itself derives from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eastre or Estera, a Teutonic deity of spring and fertility, to whom sacrifices were offered in April. This name was transferred to the paschal feast, revealing its pagan roots. The …
Is New Year's Eve Pagan?
Sermonette by Mike FordThe celebration of New Year's Eve has deep roots in pagan customs, notably tied to ancient fertility worship. As highlighted in historical accounts, the date of New Year's celebrations temporarily shifted to March 25 during the Middle Ages to align with Germanic spring rites of fertility. These rites were part of broader pagan …
To Be, or Not To Be, Like Everyone Else?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsKing Solomon's compromises with God's law led to significant religious syncretism in ancient Israel, particularly through his involvement in fertility worship. His marriage to many foreign wives, including the daughter of Pharaoh, directly violated God's command against multiplying wives, as warned in Deuteronomy 17:17, lest his …
Our Bread of Life
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe celebration of Easter, a major holiday in the Christian calendar, carries a name derived from a Germanic goddess, Eoster , which is linked to ancient deities such as Ishtar , Isis , Ashtoreth , and Astarte . This goddess, often revered as the 'queen of heaven,' was a central figure in fertility worship among the Israelites, …
What's Wrong With 'Here Comes the Groom'?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe sexual and fertility worship practices of ancient Israel reveal a deep connection between idolatry and immorality, mirroring the societal issues of today. Such worship often involved sexual-fertility rites, as seen in the veneration of deities like Molech and Ashtoreth (also known as Astarte ), who were associated with …
He Lives, We Live
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe celebration of Easter by many professing Christians incorporates elements with deep roots in pagan fertility worship. The very name Easter derives from the Germanic goddess Eoster, an ancient fertility deity akin to Ishtar , Isis , Ashtoreth , and Astarte . These names and associated symbols, such as Easter bunnies and dyed …
Keep Yourself From Idols
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAn idol is anything in our lives that occupies the space which should be occupied by God alone, anything having a controlling force in our lives.
Amos (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAmos, like a circling hawk, makes dire pronouncements on all of Israel's enemies but reserves the harshest judgment for Israel, who should have known better.
Idolatrous Suppressors of the Truth
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen John talks about idols, he is going far beyond things like statues, icons, and crucifixes, but instead anything people focus on first.
Deuteronomy: Being Careful
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur care in following God's instructions must be thorough, leaving no place for inattention, short cuts, negligence, or doing only enough to get by.
Abraham (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham did not come from a primitive, but a highly advanced civilization, having huge multi-storied dwellings with running water and indoor bathrooms.
Micah (Part Three): Who Is a God Like You?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMicah 5 describes legal proceedings against the people who have rejected God, promising a harsh retribution but future restoration for a physical remnant.
Samson and the Christian (Part 6)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn his final act as judge of Israel, Samson toppled the pillars, killing more Philistines with his death than he had in his entire lifetime.