Playlist: Growth, Numeric (topic)
Franchising the Faith
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)An increasing number of preachers are using American business strategies to build their congregation's membership, focusing on numeric growth. A young preacher even copied Starbucks' business procedures, giving away coupons valued at $10 for a free Starbucks coffee to attract attendees to services. These promotions lack any …
Dissatisfaction
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsA strange distortion of truth has spread through churches worldwide, calling God's people to embrace change from the world's perspective and fuel transformation. This Church Growth Movement uses familiar words to persuade, conforming God's Word and human thinking to politically correct views of unity, community, service, and …
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOutcome-based religion holds large membership as its measure of success, believing that the ends justify the means. It avoids doctrine that might divide.
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.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 2): Leaven
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom of God or of Heaven has past, present, and future aspects. The Kingdom parables primarily provide instruction for the present aspect.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHabakkuk was frustrated that God would use an evil people to punish Israel, yet he resolved to cease fretting and to become a responsible watcher.
Wandering or Pilgrimage?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are not aimlessly wandering, but are on a God-guided pilgrimage. The circuitous route ensures our safety, just as it did for the ancient Israelites.
In the Wake of An Unnatural Disaster (Part Five)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because Americans get their concepts about the Bible from movies and television, they clueless as to what constitutes truth and falsehood.
How to Survive Exile
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod exiles to punish for sin, separating individuals and groups from Him in order to spur repentance. There is something to exile that God finds very good.