Playlist: Church, First Century (topic)

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Back to the First Century

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Having no central leadership, we have entered an era of seemingly organizational disarray, a crucial time in which we should adjust to what God has done.

Lessons From First-Century Christianity

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

Even though the believers of the first century experienced extraordinary events, because of entropy, their zeal atrophied after the shockwaves dissipated.

Letters to Seven Churches (Part Ten): The Church

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Ups and downs, blessings and trials, have characterized every era of the church. God's people are always battling something negative between the brief highs.

Jesus Christ: First Savior, Second High Priest, Third King

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Hebrews teaches that our relationship to Christ as our Savior, High Priest, and King is the key to salvation. He shows us the way to the Father.

Is There a True Church?

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's true church cannot be found without revelation nor can one join the organization; God calls and places each member in its appropriate place in the Body.

Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Outcome based religion exalts numerical growth and feeling good over the truth of God, promoting the use of modern psychology over 'divisive' biblical doctrine.

What Is the Church's Work Today (Part Three)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The primary focus at this time is the repair of the faith once delivered that has seriously deteriorated because of heresy, apostasy, and Laodiceanism.

The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The seven churches of Revelation 2-3 all existed simultaneously and the characteristics of five of them will apparently be extant at the return of Christ.

The Mystery of the Church

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God desires to know whether the spiritual remnants will choose His teaching or assimilating into the world, biting and devouring one another.

Do The First Works

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We also need to return to our first love and diligently do the first works, including fellowship, continuing in the doctrine, and doing things properly.

Was the Early Church Socialist or Communist?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The apostles never required converts to give up property as a precondition for church membership. Rather, the members voluntarily gave, retaining ownership.

"I Will Build My Church"

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Although Peter was given responsibilities of leadership, as connoted from the rock imagery or symbolism, he was not granted the post of 'vicar of Christ.'

Hebrews, Love, and the Ephesian Church

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Like the Ephesians, the weary veterans in Hebrews were becoming apathetic through outside pressures, losing their former zeal and devotion to Christ.

Letters to Seven Churches (Part Two): Ephesus

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Ephesus church effectively battled various heresies, for which Christ commends it. However, the members lost sight of the reason, having left their first love.

Titus (Part Five): A Church in Training

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Paul, realizing that the tiny flock was no match for the Roman Empire, did not crusade to abolish slavery, but instead taught the church how to deal with it.

The First Day of Unleavened Bread (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Passover takes place at twilight as the 14th of Abib begins. Unleavened Bread begins 24 hours later on the 15th of Abib. The Passover is a preparation day.

Hebrews as a Sermon (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Even as Hebrews prepared the first century church for persecution, so it is also relevant to today's church as it faces an increasing assault on God's law.

Acts (Part Twenty-Seven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Agrippa was knowledgeable about Jewish customs, so Festus brought him in to hear Paul's case, which lincluded his conversion and ministry.

The More Things Change

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We tend to think of the early Church as a 'golden age' of unity and momentum. But early church members experienced problems similar to what we face today.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The socio-cultural milieu before the writing of Hebrews created difficulties for the Jewish converts to the Gospel, who were deemed to be traitors.

The Wisdom of Men and Faith

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The pressures and conflicts that the church has undergone is part of the spirit of the time that has embroiled religious and political institutions worldwide.

Hebrews as a Sermon (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God designed the sermon of Hebrews to motivate God's people, who are going through the same turmoil as those living in 65 AD, facing persecution from society.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

When Hebrews was written, the newly converted Jew to the Way encountered persecution from the established religion and culture similar to what we experience.

Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Jesus Christ warns us to hold fast to true doctrine. Secular historians help us discover the identity of the small flock repeatedly rescued from apostasy.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part Eight)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Hebrews emphasizes that spiritual growth and glorification depends on an individual's relationship with Christ, the centerpiece of the Book of Hebrews.

Avoiding Superficiality

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Success in spiritual things does not consist in growing large and powerful, but humbly living by faith, overcoming, and yielding to God's shaping power.

A Search for Identity

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God gave His approval for the destruction of the Worldwide Church of God into numerous groups, allowing heresies so He could see who really loves Him.

False Gospels

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A major clue for discerning false gospels is that any teaching attempting to change the nature of God or Christ or their doctrines is anti-Christ and false.

Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong?

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Herbert Armstrong, while not infallible or sinless, nevertheless served as the custodian of the truths of God, occupying the role of God's messenger.

Hebrews 2: God Is Present

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's people must immerse themselves daily in the Scriptures. While sinning Israelites consider God to be absent, He is nevertheless present with His saints.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The frightful conditions during the 1st century are typical of the times ahead. To weather these circumstances, we need the encouragement of Hebrews.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Eight)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Faith is difficult enough to maintain on its own, but greatly confused when the pastor dilutes correct doctrine with 'benign' false doctrine from the world.

Unity (Part 1): God and HWA

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

A major cause in the splitting of the church has been the wholesale rejection of the doctrines Herbert Armstrong, under God's inspiration, restored.

No One Else Matters (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Sin has tainted the most faithful leaders. Most (perhaps all) church leaders have skeletons in their closets, but we follow them as they follow Christ.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Book of Hebrews is a must-read for all members of God's church who seek the key for spiritual growth through a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.

Man's Greatest Challenge (Part Four)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Satan's biggest targets for disinformation are God's called-out ones. How can the true disciples be identified?

Hebrews: A Message for Today

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Hebrews provides reasons to recapture flagging zeal, focusing on the reason for our hope and faith, establishing Christ's credentials.

Trumpets Is a Day of Hope

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We are on the threshold of the greatest period of testing ever to come upon mankind. We need a sense of hope and faith to stay focused on our calling.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The book of Hebrews clarifies that the persecution on the early church did not come directly from God, but He did stir the pot that caused the persecution.

Facing Times of Stress: Persecution

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Persecution involves a wide spectrum, ranging from torture, physical beating, social excommunication, imprisonment and death. Our boldness should match Paul's.

Suffering Disgrace For Christ's Name

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We can always expect new challenges, including persecution, and must never be content with standing still, but must press on to spiritual maturity.

A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

In the Day of the Lord, Christ stands in the midst of all seven churches. We are to learn from the lessons from all seven, not get sidetracked by eras.

What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The scattering of the church was an act of love by God to wake us from our lethargic, faithless condition. The feeding of the flock is the priority now.

Acts (Part Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our historical and theological roots are advanced in a polished, chronological narrative (Acts), perhaps designed as a trial document authored by Luke.

Where Did The Original Apostles Go?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Scriptures are largely silent about the exploits of the apostles other than Paul. We have only general comments concerning their spheres of activities.

From Faith to Love

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

Peter provides not only an effective antidote to corrosive heresies, apostasy, and false teachers, but also a practical formula for spiritual growth.

Don't Give Up!

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We must reorient our focus onto God's Word and His message of hope, never giving up our quest for righteousness and integrity in the midst of immorality.

Acts (Part One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Acts could have been an exculpatory trial document designed to vindicate Paul and the early church, showing that Christianity was not a threat.

To Him Who Overcomes (Part Two): Enduring to the End

Sermonette by Levi W. Graham

Though God gives us His Holy Spirit, we have no free pass into His kingdom, and we will have to endure our share of tribulation.

The Handwriting Is On the Wall (2011)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

While love grows cold because lawlessness abounds, the church may well have to go underground in order to survive. We must prepare for horrific times.

Are God's Holy Days To Be Kept Today?

Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

If we do not keep God's holy days, we will deprive ourselves of the knowledge of God's purpose. Jesus and the first century church observed and upheld these days.

The Handwriting Is On the Wall (Part Two) (2007)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The sheep do not belong to any man or group, but to Christ. It is Christ's responsibility to get the sheep into the Kingdom, not the ministry's.

Jude

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The book of Jude, a scathing indictment against false teachers, may be the most neglected book in the New Testament. False teachers twist grace into license.

Acts (Part Seven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Luke records the confrontation of the apostles and the Sanhedrin. Amazingly, the apostles found an ally in Gamaliel, a Pharisee and grandson of Hillel.

Hebrews (Part Twelve)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Hebrews 11 provides examples to bolster faith. The faith described is not blind, but is carefully developed from systematic analysis of available evidence.

Hebrews (Part Eleven): A Simple Recap

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Most of the attrition from the truth stems from losing interest. Drifting away is rarely intentional, but the result of choosing to live carnally.

The Epistles of II and III John (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In our quest for unity, we can never compromise with the truth. True love between brethren is impossible without an equal pr greater love for the truth.

The Importance of Doctrine

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

People who try to supplement their spiritual diet with lawlessness or other heresies risk losing their identity, and ultimately their spiritual life.

The Handwriting Is on the Wall (1996): Scattering

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God 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.

Don't Be a Prudent Agnostic

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Some of us, facing the stress of the times, may simply be going through the motions but losing every vestige of faith. We must strengthen our convictions.

Acts (Part Twelve)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Paul and Barnabas developed the church in the cosmopolitan city of Antioch, the location from where the term 'Christian' originated.

Hebrews (Part One): The Stage Is Set

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Early converts from Judaism claimed to accept the Law but had difficulty accepting the Lawgiver. Today, many claim to accept Christ, but will not accept His Law.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Thirteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The elect are not immune to antinomian deception, including the doctrine of eternal security, the total depravity of man, unconditional love, and cheap grace.

The Five Warnings of Hebrews

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The modern church stands in danger of allowing salvation to slip away. Hebrews gives warnings to help us turn our lives around so we do not fall short.

Numbers: The Book of Judgment

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We live daily in uncharted territory, but the sobering account in Numbers provides a roadmap, establishing God's pattern of judging our pilgrimage conduct.

Leadership and the Covenants (Part Twenty-One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Prior to the Flood, mankind's thoughts and intents were evil continually. A parallel time of demonic activity is on the horizon for those living today.

Avoiding Spiritual Burnout

Sermon by John O. Reid

The inability to solve mounting cultural and social problems despite advances in technology puts a strain on anyone who cares about the consequences.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eighteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Paul never taught any Jew to forsake the Law of Moses, but he did warn against Pharisaical additions for the expressed purpose of attaining justification.

Hebrews (Part Eleven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Hebrews emphasizes the infinite superiority of Christ's priesthood and one-time sacrifice as contrasted to the repetitive Aaronic sacrifices.

Acts (Part Twenty-Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Paul's insistence that a relationship with God could not be established by keeping the law did not lead to the conclusion that the law had been done away.

Acts (Part Eleven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The conversion of Cornelius is nearly as pivotal as the original Pentecost because the Gentiles are given the same portal of salvation offered to Israel.

Acts (Part Six)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The early church had confidence in God's sovereignty, realizing that no human authority could thwart God's power. This conviction gave them strength.

The High Christology of Colossians

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

High Christology as a doctrinal stance was not enough to prevent the eventual apostasy of those in Asia Minor. Doctrine must produce the right conduct.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus qualified as High Priest, teaching us about living by faith in the New Covenant, which mandates that we keep His commandments.

Where Is Your Ultimate Allegiance?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

When the laws of God conflict with the laws of man, civil disobedience is the only correct response, as was patterned by Peter, Paul, and the apostles.

In Search of a Clear World View (Part Three)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Each member has been gifted by Christ. We must not go beyond the gifts that have been given to us, but must use them humbly, employing them to edify.

Antichrist Deceptions

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Antichrists manifest several characteristics, including fostering deception and confusion, preventing fellowship, and creating intense spiritual conflict.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The cosmology of ancient Greece, saturated with astrology and Gnostic dualism, filtered into the doctrines of the early church, creating corrupt doctrines.

The Beast From the Earth and 666

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The first beast rises out of political turmoil, while the second rises out of an entrenched, worldwide religious system, totally opposed to God's laws.

What Is the Work?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The work of God does not always stay the same, continually shifting media, techniques, and approaches, similar to the Israelites following the Cloud.

Matthew (Part Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus' 28 'missing' years were spent maturing, studying, and gaining life experience to equip Him as a high priest who could relate to human struggles.

Titus (Part Two): A Faithful Ministry

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Titus had the remarkable ability for being a problem solver, exercising tact, diplomacy, strength, stability, and leadership when sent to problem areas.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Twelve)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The early church was invaded by Gnosticism that denigrated the 'enslavement to Yahweh, His Law, and the Sabbath,' replacing it with Greek philosophy.

The Sovereignty of God (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We are assured that even though inexplicable things happen in our lives, God is still sovereign. We must develop childlike faith to trust in Him for solutions.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The days, months, and times of Galatians 4:10 do not refer to God's Holy Days (which are not weak or beggarly), but to pagan rites the Galatians came out of.

Going On to Perfection

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Even 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.

How to Know We Love Christ

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We cannot become weary of well-doing, allowing our first love to deteriorate, looking to the world for satisfaction. Here are 8 tests of our love for Christ.

Love's Basic Definition

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Love is not a feeling, but an action—defined as keeping God's commandments, the only means by which we can possibly know Him, leading to eternal life.

Acts (Part Nine)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Stephen's martyrdom and his compassion on his persecutors, followed by the reaction against his brutal murder, resulted in a rapid spreading of the Gospel.

Acts (Part Five)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The witness of the apostles, particularly miraculous healings performed in the name of Jesus Christ, brought them into conflict with the Jewish leaders.

Matthew (Part One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Matthew wrote his account with the Jews in mind, repeatedly saying, 'This was done to fulfill the prophets,' emphasizing the law and the Kingdom of God.

Essential Characteristics of Our Calling

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Doctrine and practice be evenly balanced. If the behaviors are detached from principle and doctrine, the weightier matters of the law will be neglected.

Old Testament: Fruit of the Spirit (Part Three)

Sermon by Ronny H. Graham

In answer to David's question in Psalm 2 as to may dwell on God's holy hill, "He who speaks the truth in His heart" applies to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who spoke God's truth to the hostile religious leaders who regarded the truth as a threat to their position, and to Stephen who lost his life giving testimony …

Playlist: Church, First Century (topic)

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