Playlist:

playlist Go to the Body Analogy (topic) playlist

Autoimmunity in the Body of Christ

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Misidentifying parts of the Body of Christ as enemies, or even being highly suspicious of them, causes pain and inefficiency throughout the whole Body.


What Does "Discerning the Lord's Body" Mean? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

When Paul talks about the 'the [Lord's] body' without defining exactly what he means, he does so in the middle of a lengthy discourse on the spiritual Body.


The Church, One Body

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God's call to learn from the ant does not teach us to yield to a hierarchical system, but to participate in a community with the goal of edification.


What Does "Discerning the Lord's Body" Mean? (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The Corinthians were in danger of eating and drinking judgment to themselves because they were not being partial to Christ's spiritual Body as a whole.


Conflicts In The Body

Sermonette by Ryan McClure

As members of God's family, we must be quick to forgive one another for real or imagined slights. Those in God's Kingdom, will all be working together.


Purging the Rumor Bug from the Body of Christ

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

The church grapevine is good at spreading news, but it can be evil when it spreads gossip and rumor. Gossip actually harms the gossip himself. Here's how.


God's Orchestra

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

The symphony orchestra may be the most "finely tuned" metaphor of unity and cooperation. Musicians in an orchestra can teach us about working together.


'By What Every Joint Supplies'

'Ready Answer' by Staff

One of our primary duties as Christians is to build strong, loving relationships with our brethren. What are you supplying to the growth of the body?


Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

If we lose sight that Jesus is the head of the Church, we will forget that Christ is currently purifying His Church, sanctifying those called to be His family.


God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part Three)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The unity Jesus appeals for with His disciples is not organizational unity, but unity within the divine nature, exampled in the unity between He and the Father.


The Need for Forgiveness

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because it is more blessed to give than to receive, the things we desire for ourselves we should be willing to give to others, including forgiveness.


Unity and Division: The Blessing and the Curse (Part One)

'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker

Unity seems to be 'godly,' while division is 'ungodly.' However, unity and division are not as black and white as we typically think of them.


Unity and Unleavened Bread

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

As 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.


Themes of I Corinthians (Part 5)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

I Corinthians gives ready instruction in the order and decorum that is fitting for church organization, as well as the Passover and weekly service.


Unity (2006)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Like the symphony orchestra, only as an instrumentalist submits to the leader, working with the other members of the ensemble, can unity be accomplished.


'Before the Foundation of the World' (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

We all have a part to play in the construction of the church. The apostles and the prophets laid its foundation, but we are fellow workers, building the edifice.


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

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Neglecting to feed the flock has been detrimental to preaching the gospel to the world. Because of neglect, members succumb to feeling insignificant.


Each Other (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

An individual can teach and admonish only if he is in fellowship with others. God's intention that we be connected to the rest of the Body is seen everywhere.


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

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The easiest part of God's work is preaching the gospel to the world. Much more demanding is the feeding of the flock, producing life-changing faith.


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.


Church Unity Despite the Spirit of the World

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The unity of God's church does not derive from organizational expertise, the conformity of ecumenism, or the tolerance for evil, but from the family model.


Harmony with God and the Brethren

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

God's people are like a musical ensemble, each having unique pitches and timbre. As we yield to our Conductor, we also blend with one another, creating harmony.


Unity

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Each 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


Together We Stand - But on What?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Paul, using the body analogy in I Corinthians, focuses on the need for unity and inter-relatedness by concentrating upon sound doctrine.


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.


Of One Accord

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Confusion 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.


Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Twelve)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As husband and wife are commanded to become one flesh, members of the Bride of Christ become spiritually unified through the indwelling of God's Spirit.


Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Nine)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The marriage relationship and the family structure provide a workshop to learn the intricacies of the God-plane relationship between Christ and the church.


The Mystery of the Church (2005)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Paul's body analogy illustrates the interconnectedness of all members to Jesus Christ and to each other. Not one is unimportant or useless.


Little Things Count!

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

No act is insignificant because of two natural principles: the tendency toward increase and reaping what we sow. They play major roles in our lives.


Go Not Out of the House

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

For Passover, Israel was commanded not to go out of their houses. This is also a warning to Christians when we understand the implications of the word 'house'.


In Search of a Clear World View (Part One)

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

A Christian worldview includes the importance of our calling and the reality of God and His laws. Our worldview determines how we spend our time.


Living by Faith: Humility and God's Justice

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Humility, poverty of spirit, and acknowledging our total dependence on God are of the utmost importance. God responds to those who are humble.


Unity (Part 6): Ephesians 4 (C)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Unity has to come from the inside out, with God raising a leader which His people, having their minds opened by His Spirit, will voluntarily submit to.


Psalm 133 (1998)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Unity 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.


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.


Gifted (Part Two)

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

Some may feel that they have not been gifted by God, yet God has gifted every saint. All gifts are from above and are meant to be mutually complementary.


Liberty vs. Independence

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We have been liberated from the degeneration of sin, the fear of death, corruption, and the elements of this world. If we live righteously, we remain free.


Titus (Part Four): Traits of a Healthy Church

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Titus 2 gives specific instructions to senior members of the congregation, followed by instructions to the youth, explaining their responsibilities.


Differences of Opinion

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Satan champions self-opinion and mob behavior. God's church has never been immune to division because each member has only part of the truth.


Principles of Church Leadership

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A major responsibility for the fracturing of the WCG rested with the leadership, based on a philosophy of authoritarianism Christ warned against.


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.


Endeavoring to Keep the Unity

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The leadership of a father and a husband has a profound influence upon family, society, and culture, especially regarding unity.


God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Two)

Sermon by David F. Maas

God's promises to give us the desires of our hearts, His Holy Spirit, wisdom, and spiritual gifts to edify the Body all come with strings attached.


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.


Jesus the Door

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

John 10:7-10 proclaims that Jesus is the door of the sheepfold or corral. If we follow Him in and out, we will have abundant life, now and in the Kingdom.


In the Grip of Distrust

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

As our culture deteriorates, a deep-seated distrust exists, not just of government but of institutions like the church that people once had confidence in.