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Does Jesus Recognize Today's Christianity?

'Ready Answer' by Craig Sablich

The religion bearing the name of Jesus Christ has fragmented into numerous groups, creating a patchwork of traditions and beliefs that often contradict one another. Catholics, Baptists, Evangelicals, Charismatics, Methodists, Calvinists, and Lutherans all hold distinct doctrines, raising the question of who truly teaches the gospel of the Kingdom of God that Jesus preached. This religious confusion prompts doubt about whether Christ would find Himself welcome among these denominations or identify with any of them. If Jesus walked into a church, He would likely find people calling themselves His followers yet worshipping on different days and following traditions that violate God's commands, in ways He taught against. Many Christian groups teach that since Jesus demonstrated His love through obedience and sacrifice, there is no need to show love toward God and fellow man through obedience to His standards. This perspective conflicts with the teachings of Jesus, representing man's attempt to twist Scripture to fit preconceived beliefs. When He returns, Jesus will not be checking denominational labels but will recognize those who are His friends, those who have built a relationship with Him through obedience to all His commandments, worshipping the Father according to His instructions, and living a way of life rooted in love for God and others.

Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The concept of 'Christianity, False' as it pertains to the broader context involves the following: False Christianity is characterized by the practice of religious doctrines that deviate from the true teachings of Jesus Christ. This deviation is evident in the early American settlers and founders who, despite their sincerity and piety, did not adhere to the full truth of God's Word. They followed the teachings of the Protestant Reformation, which were not in complete alignment with biblical truth. This led to a mixture of light and darkness, truth and error, in their religious practices. The settlers and founders believed that the Old Testament was done away with, contradicting Christ's own words in Matthew 5:17 about the perpetuity of the law. They did not keep the Sabbath or observe God's holy days as established by Christ, further illustrating their deviation from true Christianity. In modern times, the term 'Christian' is often misused by various denominations that hold differing beliefs and practices, leading to confusion and division. These groups do not follow Christ in the same way, nor do they agree with each other politically or doctrinally. This fragmentation and disagreement among those who claim to be Christians highlight the presence of false Christianity. The influence of false Christianity is seen in the efforts of Evangelicals to claim that America was a Christian nation from its founding. However, the evidence suggests that the nation never formally covenanted with God, and its religious practices were based on a mix of human teachings and partial biblical truths, rather than the full revelation of God's purpose. False Christianity is also associated with the rise of the beast and the false prophet, as well as the synagogue of Satan mentioned in Revelation. These entities are prophesied to persecute the true church and are part of a broader conspiracy involving the Deep State, which seeks to control the world through false religion and governance. In summary, false Christianity is marked by deviation from biblical truth, fragmentation among denominations, and its association with end-time prophecies involving persecution and global control.

The Cross: Christian Banner or Pagan Relic?

Article by Earl L. Henn

Long before the coming of Christ, pagans used the cross as a religious symbol, with many variations in the ancient world. According to historian Alexander Hislop, Tammuz, associated with Babylonian mystery religions, had as his initial the Babylonian letter T, shaped identically to crosses used in today's Christianity. Satan, aware of Jesus' future crucifixion, made the cross a popular symbol of worship to deceive the world and lead people into worshipping a false Christ. God instructs His true followers to worship in Spirit and truth, forsaking this world's false religions, rituals, and pagan symbols, including the cross. True Christian soldiers must divest themselves of anything impure or unclean, ensuring that Christ's Bride, His true church, is holy and without blemish at His coming.

Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The Founders of the United States, though sincere and moral, were not called as Christians have been. What they practiced was labeled Christianity, but it was a counterfeit of the true faith. This counterfeit was far superior to other religions of their time, yet it did not make the United States a Christian nation as Israel and Judah were under the Old Covenant. The principles they incorporated into the Constitution were influenced by their understanding of Christian principles, but this does not equate to the nation being God's in the same way as ancient Israel and Judah.

Is Jesus Christ a Christian?

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

Christianity today appears as a fragmented tapestry, woven from diverse traditions and beliefs among countless groups such as Catholics, Baptists, Evangelicals, Charismatics, Methodists, Calvinists, and Lutherans, often holding contradictory views. The question arises whether Jesus Christ would identify with any of these denominations or recognize any as His people. Many of these groups share a common doctrine that the Old Testament law was abolished by Jesus on the cross, viewing God's law as a burden and irrelevant. Yet, Jesus Himself taught that He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, emphasizing that love and obedience are intertwined, and raising the law to a higher standard by equating hatred with murder and lust with adultery. Furthermore, many Christian groups adopt worship practices and holidays that contradict God's specific instructions, incorporating man-made traditions that Jesus rejected. He observed the holy days listed in Leviticus 23, such as Passover, the Feast of Trumpets, and the Feast of Tabernacles, as well as the seventh-day Sabbath, practices often unrecognized by modern groups. Jesus warned against worship that honors Him with lips while hearts remain distant, teaching doctrines based on human commandments rather than God's will. When He returns, He will not look for denominational labels but for those who obey His commandments, worship according to His Father's instructions, and live a lifestyle rooted in love for God and others, as demonstrated by His own example.

A Quick Survey of American Christianity

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

In America today, a survey revealed that 70-80% of respondents consider themselves Christian, yet the nature of their faith varies widely, often lacking depth and authority. Among the five identified types of Christians, only the Active Christians, comprising 19%, are committed churchgoers and Bible readers. Professing Christians, at 20%, hold similar beliefs but show less church involvement and commitment to Bible study. Liturgical Christians, making up 16%, are regular churchgoers with a strong belief in church authority, yet Bible study is absent. Private Christians, the largest group at 24%, own Bibles but rarely read them or attend church. Cultural Christians, at 21%, exhibit minimal religious behavior, show tolerance for other religions, and do not see Jesus as essential to salvation, believing there are many paths to God. This diversity in belief results in a Christianity that is fragmented, marked by disunity, confusion, and spiritual laziness. Except among Active Christians, there is a pervasive vague and shallow belief in God, with little recognition of His involvement in creation or the authority of the church and the Bible in daily life. This lack of engagement and knowledge means that many who identify as Christian are ignorant of God's purpose, contributing to a culture where individuals do what is right in their own eyes due to the absence of a respected, central authority. Historically, when this nation was founded, trust in the church as essential to well-being was stronger, and attendance and participation were more common, even if those churches were not aligned with God's truth. This fostered a higher level of knowledge about God and Christian life, keeping immorality at a lower level compared to today. The decline in the authority of the church and the Bible, effectively diminished by satan, has obscured God, rendering Him vague and unknowable to many. This has led to a permissive, so-called Christian culture where biblical illiteracy is rampant across all categories of Christians, and individuals create their own spiritual beliefs, risking self-deception in their standing with God.

Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Many groups are labeled as Christian by historians and ordinary people, but this does not make them truly Christian. What people often call Christianity is not genuine; it consists of numerous counterfeits that have been mistakenly accepted as truth due to ignorance of biblical standards. Jesus warned that false Christs and false prophets would arise, deceiving many, leading to the emergence of false churches with erroneous doctrines that claim the Christian name. These false ministries choose the broad, easy path rather than the narrow, difficult way that Jesus taught. Consequently, the majority will not follow the true path, as Jesus indicated that only a few would find the narrow way, and His church would remain small, a little flock, until His return. Despite sincere intentions, many are conditioned by ignorance and deception to reject the true faith, preferring a less demanding form of religion that does not require significant sacrifice. This results in a distorted version of Christianity that is delivered as easy and amusing, fundamentally different from the demanding and narrow path Jesus described. America's Christians, by their actions, demonstrate that they do not adhere to the faith once given to the saints, revealing that they do not hold the same beliefs, thus proving that the United States is not aligned with the true Kingdom of God. True Christians are commanded by our King Jesus Christ to separate from such worldly kingdoms and their false representations of faith.

The Changing Face of Mainstream Christianity

'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. Baity

Some basic tenets of mainstream Christian churches in the United States are markedly different from what they were just a few decades ago in critical areas.

Is America a Christian Nation? Summary (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The following seven points refute the unsubstantiated claim that America ever was, or continues to be, a Christian nation.

Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Governments of men are enmity against God. Our allegiance can be only to Jesus Christ, and not to the hopelessly corrupt political systems of the world.

Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The Founders of this nation were guided more by laws of expedience than by ideology or theology, not having the true faith once delivered.

Today's Christianity (Part One): Christianity Goes Global

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

Americans and Europeans once provided the driving force behind mainstream Christianity, but Asians, Africans, and Latin Americans are now re-energizing it.

The Christian and the World (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We 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.

Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The belief that America was or is a Christian nation cannot be supported by the facts. The world, governed by Satan, hates Christ's true followers.

The Christian and the World (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

There 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.

Handwriting on the Wall: Cultural Christianity

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

'Cultural Christianity' is a Christ-free, worldly adaptation of faith used for cultural identity, often embraced for its social influence, lacking true devotion.

Is America a Christian Nation? Summary (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The founders made no covenant between the People of the United States and God. American citizenry never practiced true Christianity.

Christianity Vs. Cultural Paganism

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Satan deceives by mixing truth with and falsehood, promoting cultural pagans or tares among the wheat or members of the church of God.

Today's Christianity (Part Three): Southern Christianity's Impact on America

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

Though secularists tried to use immigration policy to sideline Christianity, it backfired. God has used their scheme to accomplish His own purposes.

Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

America has never embraced true Christianity as its dominant faith, nor has it ever really followed Christ, but has instead embraced a counterfeit.

Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

When the U.S. Congress wanted to put 'In God we Trust' on currency, the Seventh Day Adventists objected, arguing that the U.S. has never been a Christian nation.

Are You a Christian?

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

One-third of earth's population calls itself 'Christian' despite vast differences in doctrine. Should God's elect, true disciples of Christ, use this name?

In the Wake of an Unnatural Disaster (Part Eight)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The membership in Corinth, steeped in worldly philosophy, twisted and misapplied the messages, adjusting them to the popular philosophical fad of the time.

In the Wake of an Unnatural Disaster (Part Seven)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Of the things God says He hates, including pride and hands that shed innocent blood, nothing seems to be more disgusting than the American abortion industry.

What's in the Bucket? (Part Two)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

If the Founders of the United States had been ardent followers of Christ, they would not have legalized chattel slavery through the Constitution.

God, Allah, Rick, and John

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Rick Warren, the energetic and ambitious founder of the Purpose Driven Church movement, is now seeking to syncretistically merge Islam and Christian faiths.

Presumption and Divine Justice (Part One)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Orthodoxy in virtually every aspect of life has been discarded, indicating how perverse human nature is in its determination to rebel against God.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The strife between this world's belief systems shows that God did not originate them. False teachings are dangerous because they can erode the faith.

Mightier Than the Sword (Part One)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Apostasy in nominal Christianity has come from major philosophers, serving as 'educators' within the worldly churches, causing great damage with their pens.

Which God Do You Worship?

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Everyone, it seems, worships the same God — even Jews and Muslims and others — as there are many roads to heaven, right? So the common belief runs.

Is Jesus the Only Way?

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

We all have working acquaintances with unbelievers, but to enter a close relationship with someone not yet called of God is dangerous and foolhardy.

The Parable of the Wheat and Tares

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

For every pure thing God has created, Satan has manufactured a counterfeit, even passing himself off as an angel of light. He is the master imitator.

Christmas, Syncretism, and Presumption

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Christmas presents a striking example of the perversity of human nature, as many who claim Judeo-Christian roots celebrate a festival not mentioned in the Bible. Despite its global appeal, the real interest in Christmas is often commercial rather than religious, with many dismissing its pagan origins as inconsequential. Yet, this syncretistic inclusion dilutes the purity of God-given religion, leading to a tolerance where absolutes fade and perversions become commonplace. God nowhere speaks of making Christmas a part of Christianity, nor does He command the celebration of His Son's birth. Instead, He warns against adding heathen traditions to His worship, as such additions hinder the journey to His Kingdom. The fruits of keeping Christmas do not glorify God or clarify spiritual life; rather, they lead people away from the truth. Centuries ago, Christmas was added to Christianity not as a reflection of true faith, but as a deliberate ploy to win converts from paganism, a grab for power that has only diverted focus from God's intended path. Scripture shows that adding to or subtracting from God's Word is a snare, vanity, and spiritual death. God does not want us to presume we can merge foreign practices with His truth, and once we know this, we are responsible to step away from such traditions. It makes a great deal of difference whether or not we keep Christmas, as it is not part of the truth God has revealed.

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

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We must avoid forgetting the connection between past and present, especially as our forebears had to battle outer and inner enemies of God's truth.

Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part Three: Satan's Three Heresies

Article by David C. Grabbe

When Satan confronted Adam and Eve, he fed them three heresies that Gnosticism incorporated into its parasitic philosophy and way of life.

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

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Despite the Council of Laodicea's condemnation of the Sabbath, a group of believers termed Paulicians kept God's laws and resisted the heresy from Rome.

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.

The Four Horsemen (Part Two): The White Horse

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

At God's command, the white horse and its rider ride over the earth 'conquering and to conquer.' It is a precursor of the destruction that is wrought by its fellows.

Was Jesus Resurrected on Easter Sunday?

'Ready Answer' by Staff

When did Jesus rise from the tomb? The world - because of tradition - says Sunday, but the Bible reveals the only possible timing of His resurrection.

The Plain Truth About Christmas

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

Did Christmas come from the Bible or paganism? Here are the origins of the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, mistletoe, the holly wreath, and exchanging gifts.

Prepare to Meet Your God! (Part Five): Religion and Holiness

Article by John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The prophet Amos exposes the ancient Israelites' religion as syncretic, a blend of God's way and paganism, corresponding to this world's Christianity.

Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon without Becoming Assimilated (Part Five)

Sermon by David F. Maas

God is not a closed triangular Trinity, but a family consisting of God the Father and God the Son, and will include billions of resurrected, glorified saints.

Conspiracy Theory (Part Nineteen)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The nephilim were not the offspring of angels cohabiting with humans; these 'giants' were apostates from the true religion who decided not to follow God.

Psalm Genres (Part Three A): Messianic

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Messianic Psalms serves as a powerful corrective to shallow or misguided views of Christ fostered by nominal Christianity.

Inclusivity?

Sermon by Ronny H. Graham

Many churches have abandoned traditional values and have embraced humanism, using buzzwords such as inclusivity, community, spirituality, and justice.

An Atheist Minister?

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The United Church of Canada accepts the credentials of Greta Vosper, a self-professed atheist and non-believer of the Bible, confirming her position as a minister.

Denying God From the Pulpit

'WorldWatch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A United Church of Canada minister openly proclaimed her atheism recently — and retained her pulpit.

The Whole World is Writhing

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Wherever secularism has gained ascendancy, it has attempted to bully and harass the religious elements of society by the tyranny of political correctness.

In Search of a Clear World View (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The modern nations of Israel, by turning its back on the truth, has blown its opportunity for moral leadership every bit as much as ancient Judah did.

How Far Have We Fallen? (Part Five)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The current persecution of nominal Christians in the Middle East will crescendo until God's called-out ones will receive intense persecution as well.

Why Such Confusion About the Kingdom of God?

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus states that seeking His Kingdom is our primary goal. Most Christian organizations have no concept of what the Kingdom of God is.

'After Three Days'

Booklet by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A scriptural explanation of the time of Christ's death, burial and resurrection, showing that He died on a Wednesday and rose from the dead on the Sabbath.