Playlist: Armstrong, Herbert W. (topic)
Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong?
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong served as the messenger God deliberately sent to revive the church at the end time with a specific message that produced saving faith. This message formed a major foundation of the Church of the Great God and created the unity once experienced in the Worldwide Church of God. Like earlier servants sent by …
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (1996): Scattering
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong repeatedly warned the church that its members were not getting the truth and had fallen asleep. He delivered a sermon on June 24, 1978, in which he shouted "Wake up!" fifteen times to the Pasadena congregation, declaring that God's church stood in fatal danger from drifting into lukewarmness, doing its own …
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong maintained a public emphasis almost entirely on preaching the gospel to the world, even though he performed an admirable work of feeding the flock. He rarely mentioned the feeding of the flock in letters, articles, booklets, or sermons because his attention remained fixed on reaching the public. Toward the …
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEighteen years before the present time, Herbert W. Armstrong warned that the church stood in mortal danger, having first observed disunity developing as early as 1969. By 1978 he was deeply alarmed and delivered a sermon in which he confronted the membership with the choice to repent or face the curses outlined in Leviticus 26 …
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong is presented as the central human figure whose leadership held the church together through personal loyalty during his active years, even as splits occurred under him while he preached the gospel of the Kingdom of God to the world. The most serious division took place in 1974, yet latent problems remained …
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong first observed Laodiceanism developing in the church as early as 1969. Through the early 1970s he confronted sexual scandals involving his son, the defection of thirty-five ministers and thirty-five hundred members in 1974, the growing influence of the Systematic Theology Project in 1976, his own heart …
Unity (Part 1): God and HWA
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong served as the apostle through whom God restored the correct doctrines to the end-time church, a ministry spanning forty to fifty years that aligned with the biblical pattern of leadership followed by decline. The central question concerns where God was during that ministry and whether He truly worked through …
The Handwriting Is On the Wall (Part Two) (2007)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong led the Worldwide Church of God until his death in 1986, after which the organization began to degenerate spiritually. Those who remained faithful continued privately to observe what they had learned under him while seeking employment outside the fellowship. Armstrong's work under God was worldwide in scope …
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong carried out the work God assigned him under the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20, which centers on making disciples through the full process of teaching, feeding, growing, and overcoming rather than a bare witness. He felt the same necessity Paul expressed in I Corinthians 9:16 to preach the gospel, …
What Is the Work?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong led the work of God through many changes of direction over the years, beginning with a small radio broadcast that opened after a single invitation and expanding into a worldwide effort that later incorporated television while retaining the same message. The speaker notes that Armstrong preached the gospel of …
Lessons from Elijah's Work
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughMr. Armstrong performed a great work over more than fifty years of service to God, yet very little fruit appears to have resulted from those labors. The Worldwide Church of God is seen crumbling in large sections rather than small pieces, leaving those who followed his teaching scattered, isolated, and feeling without much …
What Does God Really Want? (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHerbert Armstrong is often blamed in the ongoing push for doctrinal changes within the church, an accusation that implicitly questions God's oversight in sending His messenger. Such criticism suggests that God failed to guide the church properly through the doctrines delivered by Armstrong, which is a grave concern. The rapid …
We Are Unique!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong was a pivotal figure through whom God worked to bring many into contact with the Church of God. His role was instrumental in passing down teachings and doctrines, continuing a chain of authority established by God through various men, including prophets and apostles, ultimately tracing back to Jesus Christ …
Five Major Problems in the Wilderness
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFollowing the death of Herbert W. Armstrong, significant upheaval occurred within the church, reflecting a possible judgment against it as it fragmented and scattered into smaller groups during the eighties and nineties. This dispersion into entities such as United, Living, Christian Biblical, the Church of the Great God, …
The Spirit and the Way
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMr. Herbert W. Armstrong played a pivotal role in the history of the Worldwide Church of God, leaving a lasting impact through his leadership and media outreach. During his later years, numerous video productions, including many episodes of The World Tomorrow telecast and feast films featuring the Young Ambassadors and …
How to Know We Love Christ
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the context of evaluating spiritual devotion and love for Christ, a poignant example emerges concerning Herbert W. Armstrong. It is disheartening to note that some individuals are repelled, revolted, upset, and angry at the prospect of listening to tapes of Mr. Armstrong's sermons or broadcasts. This reaction stems from a …
Proverbs 31 and the Wife of Christ (Part Four)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIn the last few years of his life, Herbert W. Armstrong seemed to start almost every sermon with the concept of the Two Trees. It is believed that God inspired him to do so because all of life revolves around choices, specifically the right and godly choices that lead to an eternal relationship of absolute trust with Him.
God's Workmanship (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong's influence on the understanding of works within the context of salvation was significant through his leadership in the Worldwide Church of God. Mr. Armstrong emphasized works strongly, aligning with biblical teachings that advocate for their importance. He often articulated the principle that while works do …
Billy Graham's Death
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Herbert W. Armstrong began preaching in 1927. He preached an unpopular message that people hated. He went on the radio before World War II and preached for thirty minutes a day from Eugene, Oregon. He focused on news blended with doctrinal truths and expanded from station to station as God made money available. He was a dynamic …
The Messenger of Christ
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong was single-minded about preaching the Gospel. The scattering of the church could have been caused by members making him a type of idol.
Avoiding Superficiality
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong served as the leader under whose ministry many people in the church of God were converted. The speaker was ordained to pastor those converted under Herbert W. Armstrong as part of the chain God established for feeding His people. People converted under Herbert W. Armstrong looked to the speaker for pastoring …
The Humblest of Beginnings
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIn his autobiography, the late Herbert W. Armstrong often spoke of the humblest beginnings of the work, starting with small-town evangelistic campaigns and tiny congregations. The first magazine was hand-copied on a hand-cranked mimeograph, and the initial radio station had negligible reach. When Ambassador College was founded …
Ruth's Prophecy
Sermonette by Gary GarrettGod alone determines the course of history. His naming of people is significant, and the book of Ruth can be studied through the lens of the characters' names.
Unity (Part 3): Ephesians 4 (A)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHerbert Armstrong is presented as the one man through whom God chose to raise up the end-time church of God and restore the doctrines He intended for it. The speaker emphasizes that God works through only one man at a time to lead His people and to deliver or refine doctrine in order to prevent confusion, and that Armstrong …
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Six)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHerbert Armstrong first encountered the truth about the seventh-day Sabbath in 1927 when an elderly member of the Church of God Seventh Day introduced it to his wife Loma, who accepted it. Challenged to disprove the teaching, Armstrong studied intensively for at least six months and concluded that the Bible commanded observance …
Unity (Part 5): Ephesians 4 (B)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong bore the message in the present age as an apostle whom God chose to fulfill the scriptural pattern of communicating doctrine and government through the highest-ranking representative available. This role is established by reference to Zechariah 13:7, where the smiting of the shepherd scatters the sheep, and …
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Following the death of longtime leader Herbert W. Armstrong the church that many regarded as the true church was figuratively blown apart by internal dissension. What had been a fairly large unified organization became dozens of much smaller fellowship groups. Herbert Armstrong stated that once end-time events began they would …
The Sovereignty of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHerbert Armstrong was the apostle God used to raise up His end-time church and to deliver the faith once delivered to the saints in this age. Virtually all who now have a relationship with God owe that relationship directly or indirectly to the work God performed through him. In the wake of the breakup of the Worldwide Church of …
False Gospels
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong frequently proclaimed Mark 1:14-15, declaring that Jesus Christ came preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God rather than a message centered on His own person. He stressed that every instruction Christ gave His disciples called for preaching the Kingdom and the Word, and he repeatedly warned that this …
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Herbert Armstrong's experience illustrates the challenges of accepting God's calling. While his wife embraced the Sabbath and other truths, he resisted because of his pride and concern for what others would think, even threatening divorce as recorded in his autobiography. Yet he chose to investigate rather than reject the new …
The Mystery of the Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod desires to know whether the spiritual remnants will choose His teaching or assimilating into the world, biting and devouring one another.
Indifference and Offering
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Herbert Armstrong used his advertising skill to teach the truth of God, unlike the peddlers of the 'Prosperity' gospel who promise material blessings.
A Calendar Summary
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod gave us a calendar, assigning the responsibility for its maintenance to the nation of Israel, not to the church or private individuals.
Living Up to Our Responsibilities
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerMuch of the pain and anguish of a trial to the Body of Christ may well be caused by someone letting down in his or her responsibility within the Body.
Revelation 10 and the Church's History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRevelation 10 contains the seven thunders and the little book. It serves as an inset, not following a linear time sequence of the book of Revelation.
Going On to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though everything we need in this quest has been given to us, our spiritual growth depends on believing in the promises of receiving the divine nature.
Faith and the Calendar (Part Five): Summary
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod assigned the tribe of Judah to be the caretakers of the oracles. The real issue in this controversy is faith in God's sovereignty and His faithfulness.
Faith and the Calendar (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe real issue in the calendar controversy is not astronomical, but faith in God's sovereignty, providence, and His right to assign responsibility.
Faith and the Calendar (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe issue is not mathematical or astronomical, but instead a matter of trust in God's faithfulness, authority, sovereignty, oversight, or ability to govern.
Sabbathkeeping (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need to develop righteous judgment about what constitutes a genuine Sabbath emergency and what may be a deceptive rationalization of our human nature.
How to Count to Pentecost
Sermon by David C. GrabbeIn 1974, a quiet and ill-advised change was made to how Pentecost is counted, inadvertently aligning the toil of harvesting with a high holy day Sabbath.
Finishing Your Gun Lap
Sermon by John O. ReidThe most dangerous lap we encounter is when everyone around us tends to be compromising. Today, what was once aberrant behavior is now considered normal.
Unity (Part 2): God's Pattern of Leadership
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is not the author of confusion, but throughout the scriptures has used a consistent pattern of appointing leaders over His called-out ones.
Of One Accord
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughConfusion 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.
Self-Government: Overcoming
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe dare not allow anybody to come between God's direct governance and ourselves. Even God's government will not work unless we voluntarily govern ourselves.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Purpose Driven Church will be a major player trying to take the true, end-time church in the wrong direction.
The Purpose of the Church
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe function of the church is like a teacher's college, preparing the firstfruits and providing them with the needed education and character development.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We do not need to excessively fear Satan, his demons, or the world, but we should fear and respect the One who has complete involvement in our lives.
Think Soberly (Part Two)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerNo one has ever appointed themselves into a position in God's family. God's appointment is a prerogative reserved by Him alone.
Ecclesiastes (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are required to make judgments in our area of influence, in the home and in our own lives. We cannot be careless with God's standards in our own family.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 5)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughI Corinthians gives ready instruction in the order and decorum that is fitting for church organization, as well as the Passover and weekly service.
Revelation 10 and the Laodicean Church
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRevelation 10 and 11 describe a time before the Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, a time when the last of the seven thunders rumbles to a faint whimper.
Government (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe authority in the ministry is a 'staff position,' given by God, as a gift for equipping the saints for service and for edifying the body of Christ.
John (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn presents Jesus, not as a phantom emanation, but as the reality, transcending the shadows represented by the temporal physical life.
Matthew (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus' 28 'missing' years were spent maturing, studying, and gaining life experience to equip Him as a high priest who could relate to human struggles.
Born Again (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The gestation or fetus analogy does not adequately depict the sanctification process in which there has to be volition, judgment, and conscious choice.
Government (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOnly those who are governable will be allowed to govern with God. No government will work without each individual submitting in his area of responsibility.
Government (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor us to take on the glory of God, we must have the same kind of access to the Father as Christ did, taking on the responsibility of behaving like His sons.
Government (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe ministry's authority consists of teaching, edifying, and equipping the members for sainthood, but not to wield dictatorial power over their lives.
'Being Seen of Them Forty Days'
Sermon by Mark SchindlerOn the 40th day on the count to Pentecost, Jesus ascended. The details of His activity before His ascension have not received the focus they should.
Pentecost and Time
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause of our 'time-bound' state, unless we sync with God's timetable, we are squandering our God-given time to become members of His family.
No One Else Matters (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll God's shepherds are mortal men, guilty of sin, including Moses. Despite that, God backed them up because they faithfully followed His leadership.
Knowing Good and Evil
Commentary by Mark SchindlerThe bombing of Hiroshima highlights the sobering consequences of eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Human solutions always fall short.
Have You Given Your Heart to Jesus?
Sermonette byIt behooves God's called-out ones to recognize Jesus Christ as providing the access to God the Father, the Way and the Life.
No Failsafe Needed
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe free-will God has allowed mankind has led to some tragic consequences or disruptions, but none of these are outside of His control.
The Sixth Century Axial Period (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Prophets, even though they may bring new messages, stay consistent with existing Scripture and doctrine as they speak on behalf of God.
Ecclesiastes (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTime and events are in the hands of God; He knows when to relieve the pressure and when to bring on more. Looking above the sun teaches us about the seasons.
Matthew 24:34: 'This Generation'
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPreterists hang their entire philosophy on the interpretation (or misinterpretation) of 'this generation' in Matthew 24:34. Here is what it means.
Do You See God in Deuteronomy?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God displaced the Amorites because they had defiled the land; not one righteous person existed. Israel was warned not to defile themselves with demonism.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ and God the Father are one in spirit and purpose, purposing to draw us toward that same kind of unity that currently exists between them.
Prophecy Fails
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong played a central role in drawing many into the church through his frequent radio and television presentations on prophecy, including topics such as the beast, the false prophet, Daniel's visions, the book of Revelation, and the Olivet Prophecy, along with numerous Old Testament prophecies. His messages made …
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFormality and decorum (in terms of dress and behavior) are part of godly standards and sanctity. We must always look for the spirit and intent of what God commands.
Two Contrary Visions
Sermon by John O. ReidGod has a vision for us, a vision He has been planning from the foundation of creation, an awesome plan to bring us into His very family, giving us His mind.
Preparing for Bad Times (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBoth the watchman and the one who hears have a responsibility to make preparations for bad times, helping themselves and others through the tough times.
Vanity (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughVanity has many nuances, including transitoriness, futility, profitlessness, confusion, falseness, conceit, vainglory, denial, and idolatry.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Colossians 2:16 and Galatians 4:9-10, Paul was warning against mixing Gnostic asceticism and pagan customs with the keeping of God's Sabbath and Holy Days.
Looking Back to the Future
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe dwelling in booths and the sacrifices were the context for rejoicing at the Feast of Tabernacles. The booths depict our current lives as pilgrims.