Playlist: Division (topic)
Division, Satan, Humility
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThroughout the course of Biblical history, whenever sin appears, confusion, division and separation are the automatic consequences.
Satan, Division, and Humility
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCompetition is the root cause of war, business takeovers, and marital discord. Solomon describes man's rivalry with one another as a striving after wind.
The Same Mind
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWe must not allow ideological differences to overshadow our shared faith, far greater than the lesser issues which currently divide us.
The Zero-Sum Game
Commentary by Mark SchindlerDespite the often wrong-headed propaganda promoted by the mainstream media, voices of common sense and logic occasionally manage to ascend to power.
Humble Your Hearts and Be No Longer Stubborn
Sermonette by Bill OnisickThe peace that passes all understanding comes from yielding to God's will, asking Him for a soft, pliable heart to replace the hard heart of stubbornness.
The Epistles of II and III John (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJohn warns Gaius of the treachery of Diotrephes, who had initiated a mutiny against God's true ministers, putting out of the church those who did not follow him.
Unity (Part 7): Ephesians 4 (D)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause of our lack of self-discipline and willingness to guard the truth, we have allowed our theological base to deteriorate under the persuasion of the world.
Psalm 133 (1998)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUnity comes only through the initiation of God. If we would follow the suggestions in Romans 12, we could do our part in promoting unity in God's church.
Unity (2006)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the symphony orchestra, only as an instrumentalist submits to the leader, working with the other members of the ensemble, can unity be accomplished.
Differences of Opinion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSatan champions self-opinion and mob behavior. God's church has never been immune to division because each member has only part of the truth.
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has placed us all in the body where it has pleased Him. We dare not imitate Satan by letting self-centered goals eclipse God's purpose.
Unity and Unleavened Bread
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs members of Christ's body, we must function for the good of the whole body, not competing with other parts. We must continually function as a son of God.
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.
The Christian and the World (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must realize we are walking on a razor's edge, with the Kingdom of God on one side and the world with all its sensual magnetic charms on the other side.
Antidote For Disunity!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe will become united as we draw closer to God. If we regard a brother in Christ as a competitor rather than as a trusted ally, unity will be impossible.
Envy: The Most Precious Daughter
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIt is easy to follow in Satan's footsteps, courting his daughter Envy, reaping the disquiet which accompanies her. Envy comes from pushing God from our thoughts.
Unity
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEach member of Christ's body must choose to function in the role God has ordained to produce unity, emulating Christ in striving to please the Father
Debate
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible takes a very dim view of argument, debate, discord, and strife. In all matters of contention, we must strive to put ourselves above the fray.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe epistle of James stresses both faith and works, emphasizing those factors necessary for growth, enabling us to produce a bountiful harvest of fruit.
Understanding Unity
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must separate ourselves from the world, sacrificing ourselves to God's purpose to become at one with God, waiting for Him to unify us to others.
Knowing God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo fulfill one's purpose, one must be singularly focused on what one wants to accomplish. Divided minds result in no productivity or even devastation.
Reconciliation and Unity
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIt is foolish and pointless to use the same charm, social skills, and duplicity toward God as we use to deceive others and, sadly, even ourselves.
Grace, Faith, and Love
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride condemned Satan to a fate of manipulating rather than serving. This presumptuous self-centered trait creates disunity and ultimately destruction.
Unsharpened
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThe church of God may have focused too intensely on elusive esoteric principles and neglected the basics, such as developing solid relationships.
A Search for Identity
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod 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.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasEvery form of government fashioned by carnal human beings, including democracies and constitutional republics, are riddled with fatal flaws.
Unresolved: The Way We Were
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityAll unresolved—and that includes hidden—sins occupying the deep, dark recesses of our memory possess the ability to create a gap between us and God.
A Badly Divided Nation
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our country is divided politically and culturally more than at any other time since the Civil War and the population as a whole has become more callused.
The Wisdom of Men and Faith
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe pressures and conflicts that the church has undergone is part of the spirit of the time that has embroiled religious and political institutions worldwide.
Two Loaves, Baked with Leaven
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe leavening indicates that the wave loaves speak to this life rather than the resurrection. It is accepted by God only because of the other sacrifices.
Facing Times of Stress: Persecution
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPersecution involves a wide spectrum, ranging from torture, physical beating, social excommunication, imprisonment and death. Our boldness should match Paul's.
Troubling the Household of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIf we allow the old, carnal man to dictate how we speak or make other decisions, we will trouble the household of God and inherit nothing but the wind.
Pride, Humility, and Fasting
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe intent of fasting is to deflate our pride—the major taproot of sin—the biggest deterrent to a positive relationship with God. Humility heals the breach.
Unity (Part 8): Ephesians 4 (E)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe group that one fellowships with is less important than the understanding that there is one true church, bound by a spiritual, not a physical unity.
Satan (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan uses lies and disinformation to promote self-satisfaction over obedience to God. The way to the kingdom is through self-denial, even suffering unjustly.
What's Your Source?
Commentary by David C. GrabbeNo matter how finely tuned is one's baloney detector, wrong-headed thinking etches wrong concepts into minds around the world, even in the church of God.
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.
John (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhile the other accounts of Jesus' trial and crucifixion seem to show passivity, John shows Jesus totally in charge, purposefully and courageously moving.
John (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe shepherd and door analogies in John 10 depict the close relationship of Jesus with His flock as the security and stability provided by His protection.
Be Ready for Every Good Work
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul underscores the importance of living as citizens of God's Kingdom by maintaining good works, being obedient, peaceable, and humble in all interactions.
Passover and New Creation
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)God has a two-phased project, first a separation process, followed by a unification process, in which all will be gathered and unified into Christ.
The Parable of the Leaven, Expanded
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBitterness divides one member of Christ's Body from another. Individuals often look for a 'doctrinal' reason to justify leaving a congregation.
Reluctant Leaders
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDo we as God's called-out ones find ourselves reluctant heirs to the throne or priesthood? We are all commoners, not yet equipped for rulership.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe strife between this world's belief systems shows that God did not originate them. False teachings are dangerous because they can erode the faith.
It Takes a Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs Christians, we need to form warm, productive, quality relationships with our brethren, actively ministering to the needs of one another.
Four Warnings (Part Four): Founded on the Rock
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMixing the solid foundation of Christ's teachings with the sand of worldly philosophies and traditions ends in calamity. We must build on the Rock.
The Spirit of Antichrist
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll of us have anti-Christ tendencies in us, and must work vigorously to root out the anti-Christ elements within ourselves and to become like Christ.
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.
Preventing the Warfare State
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Satan has taught mankind the craft of war between nations, within families, in politics, and in sports. We must resist being dragged into partisan battles.
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.
The Epistles of II and III John (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn 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.
Paul's Letter to Titus (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe last two chapters of Titus emphasize the importance of sound doctrine to neutralize the negative worldly aspects of culture and the attending heresies.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe priorities in Matthew 6:33 indicates that the primary emphasis should be on repentance and overcoming rather than mastering a technicality.
Satan (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo resist the Devil is to resist unlawful desires, not allowing him to manipulate our emotions. Satan works on fear of being denied something pleasurable.
Lessons From Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)If God's Law has not been written in our hearts, the corporate entity in which we find ourselves will not save us from the wrong side of the judgmental cut.
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Grace implies empowerment for growth. It is the single most important aspect of our salvation, and His giving of it is completely unmerited on our part.
The Reality of Evil
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe best weapon against the evil of our human nature is to develop the mind of Christ within us to displace our carnal nature.
A Pre-Passover Look
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must thoroughly examine ourselves, exercising and strengthening our faith, actively giving love back to God, to avoid taking Passover in a careless manner.
The Christian and the World (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere is a clear demarcation in God's mind regarding which is the true way and which is not. We were formerly children of Satan until God rescued us.
Vanity (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSolomon's statement that all of life is vanity is only true if one is not privy to God's ultimate purpose for mankind. Paul describes what God is doing.
Satan (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe spirit in man is initially good, but capable of being influenced by the spirit of this world, and surcharged with Satan's negative attitudes.
Satan (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe origins of our adversary, Satan the Devil, and his host of fallen angels or demons. God has promised us protection if we yield to and obey Him.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the Old and New Testament are complementary to one another, the emphasis of justice in the New Testament switches from national to personal in scope.
Love's Importance and Source
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is the source of real love; mankind by nature does not have it. It is only by knowing God that we can have this love. Godly love is a cycle that God initiates.
Our Growing Fellowship
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe need to nurture fellowship with our spiritual siblings, forgiving others as Christ forgave, steadfastly resisting pride and division within the church.
Focus on the First
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWe need to be less concerned about world events and more concerned about our relationship with God. The more serious conflict is the one within our heads.
Jesus and the Feast (Part Two): Belief in the Spirit
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOn the last day of the Feast, Jesus proclaimed Himself as the One who will dispense God's Spirit, amplifying the promise He had made to the woman at the well.
Who Do You Trust? (Part One)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerCynical finger-pointing has destroyed confidence in every human institution, whether political, educational, scientific, and religious.
The Two Wave Loaves of Pentecost
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe offerings of the Old Testament are like divine parables, acted out to teach about the Messiah, unveiling a beautiful picture once we understand the symbols.
Fault Lines
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThe blame game has escalated from everywhere, including the political left and right, not unlike tectonic plates colliding, causing a major earthquake.
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 Allow Fear to Direct Your Life
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersFear and discouragement have infiltrated the church of God, causing many to stop fellowshipping on the Sabbath and some to give up keeping it altogether.
Soldiers of Christ
Sermonette by Ryan McClurePaul enjoins God's people to enlist as soldiers of Christ, enduring hardship, keeping themselves from the world, and putting on armor for spiritual battle.
It is Done! The Perfect Peace of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIn the peace offering, Christ is the priest, offeror, and offering. Since all parties share the peace offering as a meal, it exemplifies a peaceful communion.
So Far Away
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWhen the children of light judge and condemn those living in this world, they become the world and move away from God.
Engage!
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityOur daily social interaction has become digital rather than flesh and blood. Social media has divided us into media ghettos. Society has become disengaged.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Ten)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe three parables in Matthew 25 (The Ten Virgins, The Talents and The Sheep and Goats) all focus on the importance of spiritual preparedness.
Responsibilities of Real Liberty
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerA piece of paper, such as Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, does not really set people free, especially from the slavery of human nature.
The Only Path to Reconcliation
Commentary by Mark SchindlerWe must avoid being drawn into political conflicts because resolution and reconciliation is only available through yielding to Jesus Christ.
God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe seriously err if we rely on the secular media to give us spiritual understanding. God sends strong delusion to those who do not love the truth.
Drawing Lines
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThe lines separating morality from immorality are blurred. We must recognize these lines and redraw them where we have allowed them to become blurred.
Trust Issues
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityLike people of Micah's time, our people also have serious trust issues, even between close friends and family members.
Thank You for Finishing What You Start!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe should be thankful to God for His Holy Spirit, spiritual blessings, fellowship, as well as God's promise that He will finish what He has started.
A Political Hurricane
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughMass media and social media have been deliberately poking political hot buttons, purposely dividing the people of this nation to take adversary positions.
Assurance (Part Two): Of the Path to Glory
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe can be assured that we are God's heirs and offspring if we are led by the spirit, remaining on the sanctified path of fellowship, growing continually.
The Great Divide
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityResentment unresolved can make us physically and spiritually sick. It raises havoc with our nervous system as well as jeopardizes our salvation.
The Fifth Teacher
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeCorinth had four positive teachers, yet a mysterious fifth teacher was also influencing them and instilling beliefs that were the source of all the bad fruit.
Seeking the King
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIt is common to focus on what the King gives and does, at the expense of what the King desires and requires, emphasizing God's grace over obligation.
Disinterestedness: Our Spiritual Iron Dome
Sermon by David F. MaasSolomon used self-reflexiveness to detach himself and remain disinterested to objectively describe the consequences of an array of life's experiences.
An Overview of the Immigration Problem
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When diversity is given greater importance than unity, one can see the end of unity and cooperation with regard to national goals.
Out of Control
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Diverse cultures separate peoples, causing cantankerousness and hostility, even when these cultures share the same language or share a common language.
Looking Forward
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, citing Mark Twain's aphorism, "The art of prophecy is difficult, especially with respect to the future," points out that there are too many variables for any human to predict accurately. We can be thankful that God's prognostications and prophecies are totally trustworthy, many of which have already …
Would Our God Do That?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe distorted perception of Jesus as an effeminate and ineffective Savior fails to understand that He is the so-called stern God of the Old Testament.
Faith, Government, and the Calendar (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe calculated Hebrew calendar reflects God's faithfulness in providing His children a reliable calendar. Concocting one's own calendar is presumptuous.
The Christian and the World (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHelp in following God comes from displacing the love for the world with the love for God, and setting our hearts on spiritual treasures instead of earthly ones.
Matthew (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe word 'blessed' in the Beatitudes means happy from within, not dependent on circumstances. It comes from having God's spirit and hope for the future.