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Sovereign God, Not Man

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The pervasive attitude of every individual doing what is right in their own eyes has deeply infiltrated the church, creating a profound doctrinal confusion. This mindset has led many to assume personal sovereignty, acting as if they are the ultimate authority over religious truth and God's teachings. Such self-exaltation results in individuals making their own rules, disregarding the wisdom and guidance of leadership, and viewing directives with skepticism, believing they stem from human minds rather than divine inspiration. This fragmentation is evident in the numerous congregations, each differing slightly in doctrine and refusing to fellowship with others. Satan exploits these divisions, creating inroads that further splinter the church, fostering discord among brethren. The lack of trust in leadership, compounded by a history of perceived failures, exacerbates the problem, as many refuse to listen to or respect authority, judging every decision through the lens of personal sovereignty. God remains the true arbiter of truth, the great Judge, and the ultimate Sovereign. Yet, many in the church have become too proud, unwilling to submit to His authority or to the established truth He has provided. This refusal to bow to His sovereignty, coupled with a frantic pace of life and an overload of information, prevents the church from being steadfast in faith. Spiritually, there is no freedom to think independently of God's standards; believers are called to be slaves of righteousness, aligning every action with His will, not their own. The disintegration of unity within the church is a grave concern, as it weakens the body of Christ against the challenges posed by Satan and the world. Without unity with God and with each other, survival through turbulent times becomes uncertain. The example of a humble minister who patiently waited for God's timing on a doctrinal change, rather than asserting his own authority, serves as a reminder of the importance of forbearance and submission to God's government. This approach contrasts sharply with the current tendency to demand immediate answers and actions, often leading to further disunity. The call is to prioritize unity in love, supporting and communicating with one another without judgment, ensuring that the church remains a united front under God's sovereignty. While perfect agreement on every detail may not be possible, the focus must be on maintaining the core truths and fostering a spirit of mutual edification rather than division.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The doctrinal changes around covenants, Sabbaths, tithing, clean and unclean meats, and laws in general have introduced significant confusion. These changes are vast in scope, affecting virtually every major doctrine related to salvation. They fail to align with the cohesive package of doctrine that God has revealed, disrupting the logical and true mosaic of salvation. The alterations do not fit with the original framework, as they necessitate further changes to maintain coherence, yet the ramifications of each change on other doctrines are never fully explained. This lack of clarity leads to a misperception of essential truths, which can have serious consequences on whether one is saved. These shifts strike at the core of truth, forcing additional modifications because supporting doctrines no longer fit the original package. The vagueness of the new direction, lacking detailed explanations of where these changes lead, subtly moves toward a notion where free moral agency becomes inconsequential, implying that life has no clear destination beyond a vague concept of salvation. Further confusion arises from statements suggesting that laws, including the Sabbath, holy days, and the Ten Commandments, are not necessary, portraying them as bondage rather than guidance. Such teachings claim that relying on grace frees individuals from all rules, even asserting that the law dehumanizes and causes division. This perspective distorts the purpose of God's law, presenting it in a negative light rather than as a positive guide to produce godly character through the power of His Spirit. The idea that one can be a Christian without observing key commandments undermines their importance, leading to a natural progression toward anarchy in belief and practice. This doctrinal confusion is evident in teachings that diminish the value of scripture itself, suggesting that other religious texts are equally valid or that Christians do not need any book since Christ lives within them. Such ideas reflect a deep departure from the clear purpose and vision God has provided, replacing it with ambiguity and deception that opposes His law and purpose. When the vision is altered, the law intended to guide toward that vision is discarded, fostering the misguided belief that any path will lead to the right destination.

Are You Risking Your Salvation?

'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins

Trust is fading in major institutions, leading to widespread uncertainty about what to believe. This confusion permeates society, with conflicting reports and the rapid spread of unverified information through technology only deepening the divide. As trust in leaders and systems wanes, individuals feel compelled to determine truth for themselves, deciding right and wrong based on personal perspectives and affiliations. This spirit of self-determination has also infiltrated the church, reflecting the broader societal trend. Without a trusted authority, many within the church follow their own way, mirroring the attitude described in Judges 21:25, where everyone did what was right in their own eyes. This problem is evident at a critical time in the history of God's church, where attitudes akin to those of Laodicea prevail. The name Laodicea, derived from Greek words meaning people and to judge, suggests a tendency for individuals to decide for themselves what is important, rather than submitting to God as the true Authority. Over recent decades, some affiliated with the church have curated their own set of beliefs, moving between groups to find alignment with their personal views. The error of self-rule is a significant concern. God expects believers to be ready to respond to questions about their beliefs with answers grounded in Scripture, as He is the true arbiter of truth. Believers are urged to examine their own beliefs honestly and consistently, ensuring they align with God's Word to avoid relying on personal judgment and becoming wise in their own eyes, as warned in Proverbs 26:12. Determining truth is not a trivial matter; it is a diligent process critical to salvation, with nothing less than eternal life at stake.

Meet the Modern Pagans

Commentary by David C. Grabbe

Allowing a freewheeling, inclusive approach to multicultural experiences, the new pagan Druid religion is highly eclectic, rejecting only Christianity.

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

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The hardest part of God's work is the feeding of the flock the full counsel of God, to get the called-out ones ready to enter the Kingdom of God.

Secession (Part Two): Spiritual Separation

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Any syncretism with the world will lead to confusion. We must separate from the world in terms of its religious practices and its false gospels.

Faith, Government, and the Calendar (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The calculated Hebrew calendar reflects God's faithfulness in providing His children a reliable calendar. Concocting one's own calendar is presumptuous.

Faith and the Calendar (Part Five): Summary

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God assigned the tribe of Judah to be the caretakers of the oracles. The real issue in this controversy is faith in God's sovereignty and His faithfulness.

Living Up to Our Responsibilities

Sermonette by Mark Schindler

Much of the pain and anguish of a trial to the Body of Christ may well be caused by someone letting down in his or her responsibility within the Body.

Discern and Distinguish Between Spirits

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Inspiration and doctrine were meant to be complementary rather than adversarial. Many believe they have found new truth when they have recycled old heresies.

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.

Counting to Pentecost: A Simple Approach

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

According to the Scripture, the count to Pentecost must begin on the day after the Sabbath in the Days of Unleavened Bread, even in 'anomalous' years.

Wilderness Wanderings (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The spiritual journey of God's people is more difficult than the physical one of the ancient Israelites, requiring as it does more resources to navigate.

Are We Redeeming the Time?

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Time is fleeting; any of us could perish tomorrow. Procrastination in matters of godliness can be fatal, as the parable of the rich fool teaches.

Keeping the Faith Once Delivered

Sermon by Kim Myers

Winds of doctrine continue to blow through the church, including Sacred Names, new moons, and Christ's eternal pre-existence before His birth as a human.

Why did the Worldwide Church of God break up? What does this mean prophetically?

Frequently Asked Questions

The Worldwide Church of God splintered into different church groups because of apostasy. Scattering happens when God's people fail to keep His commandments.