Playlist: Curses, for Disobedience (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.
Liberty and Justice for All
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod has freed us from the bondage of sin, the breaking of His law. Liberty comes only from obeying God and accepting the positive yoke of Jesus Christ.
The Cursed Redeemer
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHanging on a tree was designated the punishment for the worst kind of sin. Jesus was hung on a tree, having fulfilled the curse of the law for us.
Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPhysical hunger and thirst provide important types of the desire one must cultivate for spiritual resources, realizing that man cannot live by bread alone.
The Curse
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamMalachi 4:4-6 warns of a a coming Elijah and of a curse if the hearts of the children are not turned back to the fathers and vice versa. Are we seeing this?
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.
If You Do Not Obey My Voice
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsAmerica's infrastructure, educational standards, and economy, etc. are beginning to flag, largely from disobedience to God's laws and squandering blessings.
Is Education the Answer? (Part 4)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because the secular progressives control the media, entertainment, and education, Americans have no inkling about how sin destroys the quality of life.
Grass of the Field
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamIf physical life (symbolized by the grass of the earth) withers away, we who have been given the Word of the Lord will endure and thrive forever.
A Time For Thanksgiving
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our annual Thanksgiving was derived from the harvest festivals, patterned after the Holy Days such as Pentecost and Tabernacles. We must not forget God.
'Until Right Now, This Very Day'
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)If modern Israel disobeys the terms of the covenant, the fact that God made a covenant with them will not deflect the full impact of God's judgment.
Our Moral Bearings Lost
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)America's leaders have lost their moral compass. God has replaced wise adults with foolish children mocking and scoffing at wisdom and moral standards.
Doing Righteousness
Sermon by Kim MyersGod's church, because it co-exists with the unrighteousness of the world, is in danger of becoming corrupted or leavened by the world's example.
Lamentations (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPersonified Jerusalem, whom God depicts as a grieving widow, blames others for her troubles while overlooking her own sins as the real cause of her sorrow.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (1995)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause restraints that once held human nature in check have been removed, the US has grown increasingly more corrupt, approaching conditions before the Flood.
Are We Already In Captivity?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Major curses, including economic oppression, famine, pestilence, mental illness, alien invasion, the scattering of modern Israel are yet to occur.
Lamentations (Part Three; 1989)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAs Lamentations opens, Jerusalem is personified as a widow who has had to endure the destruction of her family as well as the mocking scorn from the captors.
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.
Lamentations (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe expressions of sorrow in the Psalms far outnumber expressions of praise, indicating that the Hebrew culture has almost made the lamentation an art form.
Lamentations (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Lamentations show poignant before-and-after vignettes of formerly happy times contrasted with the horror of the present as God punishes Judah.
The Handwriting is on the Wall (2008)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must allow God to change our lives. The blessings and cursing principle of Deuteronomy 28 remains unchanged, applying to all who have made the covenant.
Amos (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughModern Israel cannot see the connection between its own faithlessness to the covenant and the violence of society that mirrors her spiritual condition.
A Cause of Terrorism
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is allowing these increasing acts of terrorism as punishment for our peoples' forsaking the Covenant with Him and despising His holy law.
A Dry and Weary Land
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsDrought has perennially been evidence of God's displeasure toward people who have blatantly forsaken Him for false gods.
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 Doctrine of Israel (Part Thirteen): Jacob's Trouble
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDuring Jacob's Trouble, a confederacy of gentile peoples (particularly the offspring of Ishmael and Esau) will destroy the nations of modern-day Israel.
COVID-19 and Returning to Normal
Commentary by David C. GrabbeWhile we naturally desire to 'get back to normal,' what the United States experienced before COVID-19 was hardly normal when viewed from God's perspective.
Fast or Famine
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod has used famine as one of the tools to get the Israelites' attention when they violated the terms of the Covenant with Him, forsaking His holy law.
Elisha, the Young Men, and the She-Bears
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingSome Bible commentaries call Elisha short-tempered for causing two female bears to maul 42 youths for making fun of him. There is more to the story.
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.
Lamentations (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe book's five acrostic songs (chapters) answer the question, 'Why did this happen?' God brought the punishment on Judah because of gross and sustained sin.
Famine (Part Three): The Abundance of God's Salvation
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAfter Christ's return, famine will be the penalty for not keeping His Feast of Tabernacles. God will establish conditions in which famine will never occur again.
Warning of Judgment, Urgency to Prepare!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe need to prepare physically and mentally for God's expected judgment—a terrible thing for those not aligned to His divine purpose for humanity.
Where Are the Children?
Sermon by Ronny H. GrahamMalachi 4:5-6 predicts a horrible curse if the hearts of the fathers are not turned to the children and the hearts of the children turned to their fathers.
Tisha b'Av
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaThe 9th of Av commemorates major historical tragedies. When it occurs on a Sabbath during a Shemitah (year of release), horrible things occur.
Job and Self-Evaluation (Part Two): Perspective
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJob's three 'friends,' exemplars of all men, made critical assumptions and judgments about Job on the basis of biased religious and cultural tradition.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Three): A Cycle of Rebellion
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIsrael consistently cycles through God's deliverance, apostasy through idolatry and immorality, God's chastening, national repentance, then deliverance again.
Lamentations (Part Eight)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs we approach the coming self-examination prior to Passover, we can apply six significant lessons taught to ancient Israel through the book of Lamentations.
Preparing For the End
Sermon by Ryan McClureAs we head rapidly toward the end times, plagues will increase, meaning we must run our race deliberately and with intense focus, taking solace in Psalm 91.
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.
Israel's Restoration and the Zeitgeist of Zeal
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)After the Tribulation, God promises to restore Israel to the promised land where she will have a chance to learn and live God's truth in the Millennium.
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.
Hosea's Prophecy (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBoth Israel and Judah during Hosea's time adopted paganism from the surrounding nations. Syncretistic religion blends paganism and Christianity.
Job and Self-Evaluation (Part One): Job's Character
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe lessons of the book of Job, which carry distinct New Covenant insights, applies to all. Job was complete, yet had spiritually stalled.
Micah (Part Three): Who Is a God Like You?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMicah 5 describes legal proceedings against the people who have rejected God, promising a harsh retribution but future restoration for a physical remnant.
Gideon's 300
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGideon incrementally moved from a position of weakness and fear to a position of strength and valor as he increasingly started to trust in God to give victory.
Preventing Deception
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReligious hucksters use the bait of self-gratification, selling non-essential or even heretical ideas. The elect resist deception by knowing the real article.
The Providence of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCalamities, trials, anxiety, evil, and calamities, as well as blessings, happen to Christians in order to become fashioned and molded into God's image.
Lamentations (Part Five; 1989)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAmidst the devastation, the narrator has hope that God would rescue his humbled people. Though He punishes, God is still faithful and loyal to His people.
Amos (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod, through His prophets, warns that He will chasten His people with increasing severity until they repent and begin to reflect His characteristics.
Jesus and the Rebellious Son
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe law for stoning a rebellious son was never recorded as having been carried out, but ironically the nation put to death the maximally obedient Son.
God's Wrath and Hell
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOblivion, not eternal torment in hell fire, is the merciful end for the wicked. God is both good and severe, but His mercy endures forever.
Building on Christ's Foundation
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsEven with all the quality materials and workmanship, its perpetuity would only be guaranteed if its people would walk faithfully in God's laws and statutes.
Lamentations (Part Six; 1989)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughLamentations 3 looks at the horrible affliction of the people and sees good coming from tribulation because it has been God's tool of correction.
Lamentations (Part Two; 1989)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJerusalem recounts her sins as a nation, depending on her own strength or on her lovers (political alliances) rather than upon God.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 11)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHuman nature takes chances, assuming the day of reckoning will come later, not sooner. We cannot ignore truth or God's laws without paying a horrific price.
It Can Only Be One Way - Choose!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersAs the carcasses of our forebears covered the Sinai, the ruined lives of former believers who compromised with God's law, also have succumbed to ruin.
Reflections on the COVID-19 Pandemic
Sermon by David C. GrabbeLessons learned from COVID, as well as possible reasons God allowed or caused the pandemic to sweep through the church and wreak havoc on Feast observance.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMany professing Christians have rejected major tenets of the Bible, fashioning their own religions, giving themselves license to sin in selected areas.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur forgiveness from God is conditional, depending upon our forgiving others. It is an opportunity for us to extend grace, sacrificing as Christ did for us.
How Long, O Lord? (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe references to trumpets suggest an announcement of a specific event or an alarm of what is to follow. Typically, the events themselves are figurative trumpet blasts.
The Beauty of God's Law
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughKeeping God's Law brings bountiful blessings, harmony, and profound peace (Psalm 119:165), while the 'cheap' grace brings guilt, anxiety, and pain.
The Providence of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod uses calamities as part of His creative process. Like Jacob, who initially succumbed to weak faith and fear, we must repent of our loss of devotion to God.
Amos (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe favorite-son status of Israel was conditioned on accepting the terms of the covenant with God. Israel, then and now, has placed her trust in material things.
Amos (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAmos, like a circling hawk, makes dire pronouncements on all of Israel's enemies but reserves the harshest judgment for Israel, who should have known better.
The Chemistry of Government
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughExpectation of reward, fear of disadvantage, and charisma all constitute the chemistry of government and childrearing, but require the right proportion.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJacob's Trouble, or the Great Tribulation, comes about because people are not meeting their God-given responsibilities: keeping His Commandments.
Matthew 5:13: 'What is the Salt of the Earth?'
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowers of Christ are encouraged to serve as the spice of godliness in a fallen world by preserving, enhancing, sacrificing, witnessing, and blessing.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Five): Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:4
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughExplore Genesis 1:31 and Ecclesiastes 9-10: the fall from innocence, wisdom's limits in a flawed world, and guidance on handling folly in leadership wisely.
Where Hope Lies
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityJesus Christ is the only solution; catastrophic steps in God's plan may be the painful road back to normalcy, while consequences of sins must come to the forefront.
Tithing: 'Try Me Now!' (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe tithes did not belong to the Levites, but to God who commanded their services on behalf of the people. Refusal to tithe robs God.
Be Strong and Work
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David C. GrabbeWhile the returned Judean exiles prioritized their own houses over building the temple, we should understand that it is always time to work on God's house.
Tested: Our Trust in God's Promises
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloThere is an apparent contradiction between God's promises to protect and heal, and the persecution, health crises, and death that we all experience.
The Shemitah: God's Year of Release
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeBecause we have spurned God's years of release, we have reaped a whirlwind of curses, including crop failure and devastating stock market crashes.
The Reset
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThe World Economic Forum, has been conspiring for years to establish a globalist New World Order, revamping all the world's institutions.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Fourteen): Israel Redeemed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod employs a winnowing process in selecting those who will enter the Millennium. The process includes punishment for Israel's failure to serve as priests.
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.
Jabez: a Roadsign of Hope
Sermon by Mark SchindlerJabez is a significant place marker in the lineage of David, and may be David himself. Jabez is an emblem of Christ's restoring the relationship between God and man.
Confusion of Heart
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsWe are inundated by contradictory and confusing information from public officials and health 'experts' on the proper response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Standards
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityGod commands that we use accurate measurements and just standards. Without Godly standards, we have a world without ethics or morality.
Tired Clichés
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsWhat would happen if God responded to us the same way we funnel our sometimes careless, casual, repetitive, and mindless petitions to Him?
The Dangers of Fracking to Water Supplies
Commentary by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)The concrete lining in fracking wells breaks up under high pressure, introducing of oil, gas and/or carcinogenic chemicals into the groundwater supplies.
The Religion of Climate Change
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mike FordBeing good stewards of the earth should not lead to the imbalanced practice of making mother-earth our goddess. Rejecting the Creator brings calamity.
The Creepy-Crawler Pestilence
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsEven as God sent lice, flies, and locusts plagues to Egypt, so there is a modern plague of 'crazy ants' that are drawn to electronic devices
The Spiraling Impact of Alien Invasion
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsA real alien invasion has been underway by such species as flying silver carp, Asian tiger mosquitoes, Burmese pythons, feral hogs, and zebra mussels.
De-Population: Viruses
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsSome of the rulers of the age desire to eradicate 90% of the world's population with designer sicknesses in order to make the earth a more 'stable' habitat.
Original Sin and Holiness
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God gave Adam and Eve a neutral spirit and free moral agency; they chose the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, predisposing their offspring to sin.
Achan's Sin, God's Punishment
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWe must remember to pay our vows to Almighty God, remembering God's grace in sparing us from similar presumptuous acts we have previously committed.
The Islamization of Europe
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Europe is rapidly being taken over by Islam. The term Islam means submission, referring to the absolute subjection to Allah and the Koran.
Faith and Healing (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Bible is replete with individuals applying physical remedies (balms, poultices, as well as a competent physician's counsel) in tandem with trusting God.
The Essence of Self-Control
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA lack of self-control, as well as the cultivation of self-indulgent perversions, will characterize large segments of our society living at the end times.
Fatherhood and Modern Temptations
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany fathers abdicate their leadership responsibilities, becoming addicted to workaholism, television, or even pornography. The culture teeters on destruction
Faith in the Healer
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must establish an iron clad trust in God for spiritual matters, including healing, rather than having a misguided trust in self or other human beings.
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.
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.
The Commandments (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe fifth commandment provides a bridge, connecting our relationships with God and the relationships with our fellow human beings.