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Each Other (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The book of Hebrews exhorts its spiritually mature readers to hold fast to the confession of their hope, as a vital principle to counteract the surrounding culture's influence and to prevent drifting into willful sin. This call to hold fast is one of three essential virtues, alongside drawing near to God and considering one another, which together form a strong spiritual bond to safeguard against eternal loss. The urgency of holding fast is emphasized as a necessary response to their apathetic trajectory, urging them to wake up and change course to avoid spiritual death.

The Seven Churches (Part Eight): Philadelphia

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The call to hold fast resonates deeply with the church likened to Philadelphia, as seen in Revelation 3:11. Despite their little strength, true Philadelphians possess the doctrinal truth, devotion, obedience, and grace from God to attain salvation, provided they steadfastly guard the truth He reveals. This perseverance is not merely about association with Philadelphia, for Christ admonishes them, as He does others, to overcome. Each must strive against the world, personal nature, and satan, growing to produce godly fruit that pleases God and sustains a vital relationship with Him. If they hold fast and overcome, entrance into His Kingdom is an assured promise.

Finishing Your Gun Lap

Sermon by John O. Reid

In this critical race of life, we are called to endure as good soldiers, facing hardships with unwavering resolve. We must strive for mastery over satan, this world, and our human nature, keeping our focus on the Kingdom of God as our ultimate goal. Like athletes in the games, we must play by the rules to obtain the wreath, working for the approval of Jesus Christ without taking shortcuts. Endurance means to remain under, to persevere, and to bear up under miseries, adversities, and persecutions with faith, not letting down. It involves patient endurance of falsehoods and provocations without retaliation. Despite the challenges and lies that surround us—claims that the law is done away with, or that tithing is unnecessary—we cannot give in to these deceptions. As iniquity runs rampant and the love of many fades, we must stand firm. Those who endure will win the truth and be saved. We must guard against drifting away or neglecting our spiritual duties, for neglect in prayer and Bible study leads to slipping and falling away from the church. Yet, amidst this sin-wrecked world, our calling is a profound blessing, chosen by Jesus Christ to confound the wise and to realize our great need for Him. Through end-time trials, by loving and trusting in Jesus, we become a praise to His glory. Those who have endured to the end—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Daniel, David, and countless others—will join us at the marriage supper of the Lamb. In every moment of trial and journey, Jesus Christ and His Father are with us, never leaving nor forsaking us, as our firm, solid, and sure helpers. Therefore, let us set our minds and hearts to finish the race we have been given to run.

The Philadelphia Syndrome (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The effect of the Worldwide Church of God seeing itself as Philadelphia has been profound, elevating organizational loyalty over faithfulness to God.

Contend Earnestly

Article by John O. Reid

All the signs point to Christ's imminent return, yet the Bible warns us not to let down. Hebrews 10 exhorts us to strive to please God and finish our course.

He Who Overcomes

Sermon by John O. Reid

Just as fighting to escape its cocoon strengthens the butterfly, our calling requires effort above what the world has to endure to become free of Satan's cocoon.

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

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The scattering of the church was an act of love by God to wake us from our lethargic, faithless condition. The feeding of the flock is the priority now.

The Seven Churches (Part Six): Thyatira

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Thyatira receives a litany of praise and rebuke from our Savior. He particularly focuses on idolatry, which is spiritual fornication.

We Still Need a Sense of Urgency

Sermon by Kim Myers

God's selecting a particular candidate does not necessarily mean He has given America a reprieve from the results of her sins. We still need a sense of urgency.

Hebrews (Part Four)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

We must emulate Christ, who learned through suffering, preparing Himself for His role as High Priest. Giving in alienates us from the fellowship with God.

Who Will Be Kept from the Hour of Trial?

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

God promises some Christians that He will keep them from the Tribulation, the 'hour of trial.' Here are the characteristics of those whom God will protect.

God's Power: Our Shield Against Apostasy

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God is not only powerful, but He is the source of all power. We can tap into God's power to avoid slipping into apostasy.

A Feast Message From Hebrews

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Bible shows a clear pattern of how people leave the faith: looking back, drawing back, looking elsewhere, and then going backward and refusing to hear.

His Eye is On the Sparrow (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

As God has His eye on the sparrow, He has had His eye on us through the entire process of scattering so the tests we have endured will bear good fruit.

The Philadelphia Syndrome

Commentary by David C. Grabbe

The Worldwide Church of God considered itself to be the 'Philadelphia era,' but the fruit has been misplaced trust, idolatry, competition, and exclusivity.

Letters to Seven Churches (Part Eight): Overcoming

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Each of the letters in Revelation 2 and 3 speak of overcoming. By examining those churches, we can understand what we are up against and what we must do.

The Seven Churches (Part Seven): Sardis

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christ's fifth letter in Revelation 2-3, written to Sardis, calls its recipients 'dead.' Do they have any hope? Are our works lively, our faith living?

Truth or Unity?

Article by Staff

Oftentimes, searching for the truth brings us into conflict with others' beliefs, causing separations between brethren in the church of God.

Hebrews (Part Three)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus blazed a trail, giving a pattern for qualifying (through suffering and resisting sin) for our responsibility as priests, reconnecting man and God.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Throughout the 'Christian' world, militant atheism may be decreasing, but religious indifference is also increasing at even a more dramatic rate.

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.

Letters to Seven Churches (Part Nine): Philadelphia

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

When Jesus warns us not to let anyone take our crown, He encourages us to endure over the long-haul and not bask in the glory of a brief, victorious accomplishment.

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

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Like the four groups of seeds exposed to various qualities of soil, many have heard the true gospel, but few have remained faithful after the onslaught of hardship.

Change and Hope

Sermon by John O. Reid

As God found it necessary to test our forbears, He allows us to go through grueling experiences (trials, tests, and temptations) for maximum growth.

The Fifth Teacher

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Corinth 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.