Playlist: Blindness, Spiritual (topic)
Spiritual Blindness: Choosing a Curse
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeGod proclaims a cause-effect relationship between sin and madness, blindness, and confusion of heart. Sin causes blindness, and blindness begets more sin.
The Healing of a Man Born Blind (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must accept that there are some things for which we do not know the answer, and not all the things we 'know' are necessarily true.
The Blind See
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe man born blind from birth depicts the hopeless spiritual blindness of most of the earth. Only Jesus can release the world from spiritual blindness.
Sight to the Blind
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus' mission was to recover both physical and spiritual sight to the blind, liberating them from those false beliefs that had previously imprisoned them.
The Healing of a Man Born Blind (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIronically, the blind man who could not see physically eventually sees spiritually, but the Pharisees, who could see physically, could not see spiritually.
Spiritual Strongholds (Part Two): Faithful Trust
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe disastrous defeat at the city of Ai and the ill-advised treaty with the Gibeonites were both the direct result of not consulting with God.
The Healing of a Man Born Blind (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAll of us have been born spiritually blind and have spent a great deal of our early lives in total darkness, oblivious to our need for salvation.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSins committed presumptuously by people of high responsibility (leaders) are judged more rigorously than those sins committed by people in ignorance.
Blinded Minds
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughSatan has convinced many mainstream 'Christian' churches that the Giver of Grace cannot also be a Champion of the Law and a Hater of sin.
Is Ignorance Truly Bliss?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe 'people of the lie' do not believe they have any major defects and, consequently, do not have any need to examine themselves, let alone change.
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.
Who Is the 'God of This World'? (Part One)
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeTranslators use a lowercase "g" in "god of this age [or, world]" in II Corinthians 4:4, yet it is the true God who blinds; He alone opens and closes eyes.
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.
Caught in a Blizzard?
Sermonette by Bill OnisickWe are being exposed to a spiritual blizzard, bringing darkness and coldness into the entire world. We are admonished to stoke the fire of God's Holy Spirit.
The Great Unknown
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityMan's greatest fear is of the unknown. Since there is more unknown than known, it is little wonder that we thirst for knowledge because we fear not knowing.
Guarding Against a Laodicean Attitude
Sermonette by Kim MyersWe cannot not allow ourselves to backslide, allowing pressure from the world's culture to draw us away from the faith once delivered to the saints.
Increased With Goods
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThe Laodicean congregation had a penchant toward materialism, which sidetracked them from their primary goal of following Christ.
Light of the Body
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamIf we take their focus off the genuine Light of the World (John 8:12), we run the risk of being blinded by the lusts of the world and the pulls of the flesh.
Balaam and the End-Time Church (Part 2)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBalaam, motivated by self-interest, believing that the ends justify the means, willing to do anything to get his way, is spiritually inferior to a donkey.
We Are Unique!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur responsibility is to freely choose to follow the revelation God has given us, overcoming the baggage and resistance we have absorbed from the world.
Points of Reference
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityAncient mariners recognized they were off course due to stormy weather, unlike those of us today who may be unaware that we are off course on our journey.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Good Samaritan parable teaches that unless one practices doing good rather than just knowing good, his faith will be severely compromised.
Just What is Mercy?
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaIt is impossible to become perfect without having mercy or compassion. Jesus' command to become perfect includes showing compassion to our enemies.
Living by Faith: Human Pride
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our human nature is pure vanity with a heart that is desperately deceitful and wicked, motivated by self-centeredness, a deadly combination for producing sin.
Carelessness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughCarelessness, indicative of not thinking, when reinforced or carried on into life, can be lethal or irreparable. Undervaluing our way leads to a careless lifestyle.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (1996): Scattering
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod initiated the scattering of the church for our ultimate good. When the revelation of God was replaced with the wisdom of this world, God intervened.
Editing Our Sins
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are so close to our sins that we cannot see the proverbial forest for the trees. We miss glaring faults in our character because of familiarity.
Handwriting on the Wall: Without Natural Affection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNarcissism and self-centeredness have snuffed out out-going concern, and everyone does what is right in their own eyes as the love of many grows cold.
From Faith to Love
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaPeter provides not only an effective antidote to corrosive heresies, apostasy, and false teachers, but also a practical formula for spiritual growth.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As parents, we can protect our children from death and destruction if we discourage the self-absorptive pulls through correction and discipline.
John (Part Sixteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe closer we get to God, the more likely we will have persecution, but also the greater and more real He becomes and the more likely we will serve Him correctly.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Four)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Satan can fine-tune the course of this world (Zeitgeist), customizing it depending on whom he may seek to murder. We need to be thinking and vigilant.
Facing Times of Stress: Lack of Clarity
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany people called by God realize the world is wrong, but also cannot see the way of God clearly, having an inability of seeing or comprehending the truth.
Laodiceanism and Being There Next Year
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur biggest danger at this time is to be lured into spiritual drunkenness by the pagan Babylonian system. Our God is not what we say we worship but whom we serve.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod provides the gift before it is actually needed so that when it is needed, everything is prepared for the person to do as he has been commissioned to do.
Communication and Coming Out of Babylon (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod commands us to come out of Babylon, giving us spiritual resources to do so, including faith, vision, hope, and love. These come through knowing Him.
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe primary focus at this time is the repair of the faith once delivered that has seriously deteriorated because of heresy, apostasy, and Laodiceanism.
Foundations of Sand
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe all have a measure of sand in our foundations, symbolic of the world's evil standards, prioritizing badly, becoming neglectful, and letting things slip.
The Colossian Heresy and Laodiceanism
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughColossae and Laodicea were susceptible to fast-talking teachers, whose plausible words eroded the true Gospel in favor of pagan thought and practice.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Eleven): Laodicea
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Laodiceans fail to reciprocate Christ's love for them. The comfort of prosperity blinded them to their spiritual condition, especially their need for Christ.
How Does God Help Us? (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe trials we go through are part of His providence, putting us into humility and determining what really motivates us.
When the Trumpet Blows
Sermon by John O. ReidThroughout Israel's history, the trumpet blast has always meant the onset of war, death, and destruction, ushering in harsh correction for physical Israel.
The Christian and the World (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughClear vision lights the way spiritually. If the eye of the heart is aimed at spiritual treasure and the glory of God, it will remain singly focused.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf we want to be like our Savior, then we will live the way He lived, keeping God's commandments — which exemplify the highest form of love.
Wilderness Wanderings (Part Three) - Handpicked Children
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has allowed carnal nature to remain in His people so He can determine whether they seriously want to defeat the downward pulls of the flesh.
Discerning Spirits and Discerning the Body
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause of the culture of deception fostered by Satan and his children, we must develop discernment to tell the difference between truth and falsehood.
Don't Be Indifferent
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The frightful Trumpet Plagues are coming on the world because of the breaking of covenants on the part of people who should have known better.
Elements of Judgment (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must emulate the ways of God, demonstrating justice in our lives, thoughts, words, and deeds, preparing to judge in God's Kingdom. Not all sins are equal.
Seeking God's Will (Part Seven): Conclusion
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs we walk in the light, we will prove to ourselves and others that God's way is best. Wisdom and understanding will accrue by keeping God's commandments.
You Have Not So Learned Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhile the truth of Christ has the power to elevate, our worldly orientation blinds us, dulls our minds, and pulls us downward to abject slavery to sin.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod, as Creator, takes the initiative (as the potter over the clay) for the elect's salvation, enabling us to build the repertoire of habits called character.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe can do nothing to gain the favor of God before our calling, but we are empowered by God to carry out a particular part of His plan to edify the body.
Unity (Part 1): God and HWA
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA major cause in the splitting of the church has been the wholesale rejection of the doctrines Herbert Armstrong, under God's inspiration, restored.
Sin (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThough influenced by Satan and the world, sin is still a personal choice. Christ's sacrifice and God's Spirit provide our only defense against its pulls.
John (Part Twenty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJust as a seed must die to itself in order to bear fruit, we also must sacrifice our lives, submitting unconditionally to God's to bear abundant fruit.
It IS All About Government
Sermon by Mark SchindlerEvery form of human government established on this earth has been established as an attempt to declare independence from the sovereignty of God.
Don't Be Indifferent (2010)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Labor-saving technology seems to have had the effect of separating us from each other and making us indifferent to things that should be important to us.
Limiting the Holy One of Israel (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe limit God through our willful sin and disobedience, pride and self confidence, ignorance and blindness, and our fear of following Him.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIt is not the physical nation, but the spiritual remnant with whom God is working, circumcising their hearts and writing His laws in their minds.
Acts (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe witness of the apostles, particularly miraculous healings performed in the name of Jesus Christ, brought them into conflict with the Jewish leaders.
The Pure in Heart
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIt is the core of our heart that must be cleansed before we can have a pure heart, enabling us to see God as He is.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Nine): Romans 11
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul poses two questions in Romans 11: Has God discarded Israel for all time? Will God graft physical Israel into the Covenant people of Abraham?
Faith (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe hallmark of Christian character is humility, which comes about only when one sees himself in comparison to God. Pride makes distorted comparisons.
Do You See God?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnless we acknowledge God's sovereign authority in our lives, following through with the things we learn from scripture, we, like atheists, will not see God.
Jesus Christ's Purposeful Manifestation
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen Jesus Christ appears, having received power promised to Eve's offspring, He will destroy the works of the devil, which includes removing our sins.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Six)
Sermon by David F. MaasAll the New Testament writers warned about false prophets trying to sever the symbiotic relationship between law and grace, law and faith, law and works.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonIn our daily walk through life, we may not see evidence of God's intervention if we become distracted by problems and frustrations.
Christ's Mission Statement
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLuke 4:16-21 and Mark 1:14-15, statements from Christ made at approximately the same time, constitute the composite mission statement directed at His disciples.
Handwriting on the Wall: Forgetfulness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAmerica once had national greatness, but because of the ignorance of youth, forgetting the lessons from history, they will soon pay for their forgetfulness.
Azazel: Beginnings
Sermon by David C. GrabbeWhile there is a handful of common starting places for understanding the azazel, none of them has multiple witnesses of Scripture. We must begin elsewhere.
Contrite Heart
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamAs the day of God's wrath appears imminent, we must diligently seek the Lord, righteousness, and humility. Contrition pleases God the most.
Privilege, Responsibility, and Judgment
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our welfare programs have scriptural principles as their general inspiration, but they have been abused, encouraging dependency which God never intended.
Life Is Service (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the American mindset does not feel inclined to serve, outgoing service to others yields the maximum joy and fulfillment one can possibly attain.
Numbers (Part Two): Graves in the Wilderness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we, like Israel of old, choose to sin, we will receive the same consequence. Two thirds of the book of Numbers emphasizes that if we sin, we die.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Psalm 73 describes someone seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, but it is not true that people in the world are leading superior lives.
A Government to Fear (Part Four): Apathy
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Americans are apathetic to religion, politics, morality, and civic responsibility, while devoted to hedonism, sports, entertainment, and narcissism.
Self-Government
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughSubmitting to a human government is a work that requires self-government. Paul thoroughly disciplined his body as he followed the example of Jesus Christ.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough we were freed by God, we will fall into slavery again if we do not maintain our vigilance. Our forbears never learned to live as free men and women.
Belief and the Firstfruits
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeGod has bless,ed the firstfruits with precious belief and knowledge which must be protected, guarded, nourished and exercised so it will not slip away.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's calling is personal and individual rather than general, opening otherwise closed minds, replacing spiritual blindness with spiritual understanding.
How Does God Help Us? (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus explains that the truth is the only thing that will set us free. A major player in our lives or spiritual journey is the truth and how we use it.
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.
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIt is almost impossible to make sense out of this world if we try to process the voluminous information available in these days of exploding knowledge.
Strengthening the Family
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod ordained marriage and the family for the physical and spiritual growth and nurturing of children. God's goal is a Family composed of mature spirit beings.
The Law's Purpose and Intent
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe effectiveness of a law is found in its purpose and intent rather than the letter. Love and mercy constitute the spiritual fulfillment of the Law.
Sovereignty and 'Once Saved Always Saved'
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose who believe in the "once saved always saved" doctrine fail to see that God has a more extensive and creative plan for mankind than merely saving him.
Sanctification and the Teens
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughYoung people in the church must realize that they are not invincible. Not only is God's law no respecter of persons, but also sanctification can be lost.
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe receiving of God's Spirit is for God's creative effort in our lives. God's Spirit transforms us from a state of destruction into a state of purity.
Prosperity
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe still suffer the consequences of Israel's request to have a king like other nations and to adopt political and economic systems like every other nation.
The Fourth Commandment (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe reason for refraining from many activities on the Sabbath is not labor or energy, but the overall motivation. Certain works are perfect for the Sabbath.
Amos (Part Nine)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAncient Israel regarded Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba as a sacred shrines, but were not becoming spiritually transformed as a result of pilgrimages.