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Get the Church Ready!
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe commission of the church encompasses more than preaching to the unconverted; it includes a vital focus on those already within the faith. Making disciples and baptizing are essential for conversions, but Christ also commands teaching them to observe all things He has commanded. This teaching of the fullness of God's way of life continues after baptism, as deeper understanding and growth in faith are necessary for the converted. The apostle Paul, writing to the established Christian congregation in Rome, expressed his readiness to preach the gospel to them, despite their renowned faith, to impart spiritual gifts and encourage mutual growth. His desire was to reveal more of the gospel's glories to foster their continued development. Similarly, in Thessalonica, Paul preached to the believers from their initial exposure through conversion and beyond, aiding their growth as imitators of other churches of God. Christ's own example shows He spent most of His time preaching and teaching His disciples, the heirs of salvation who comprised His church at that time, giving them His most specific instruction and correction. Today, the church's main thrust should shift toward personal overcoming, growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, becoming more submitted to God, and refining character and relationships. The greatest efforts must be directed toward preparing a people for the end-time events and for marriage with the Bridegroom.
The Purpose of the Church
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe function of the church is like a teacher's college, preparing the firstfruits and providing them with the needed education and character development.
Our Calling - The Work of God
Article by StaffHerbert Armstrong wrote that his work was finished, but the work of the church continues. What is our work today? What is God's Work? Where should we focus?
Principles of Church Leadership
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA major responsibility for the fracturing of the WCG rested with the leadership, based on a philosophy of authoritarianism Christ warned against.
'Go Ye Therefore Into All the World...'
'Ready Answer' by StaffTo understand Jesus' command, we need to examine what else He said to the same people. We should also determine just whom He commissioned to preach.
A View of the Work
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeJudging the quality of our work by numeric standards is not a measure of spiritual growth, and to equate it with spiritual growth in rank Laodiceanism.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe largest portion of the great commission demands that the lion's share of time, money, or energy ought to be invested in feeding the flock.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe preaching the gospel to the world is at best the beginning of a complex process of creating disciples through steady feeding and encouragement to overcome.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Four)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe often spend so much time engaged in our present-day trials that we fail to understand and learn from the experiences of Christians of the past.
Acts (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOur historical and theological roots are advanced in a polished, chronological narrative (Acts), perhaps designed as a trial document authored by Luke.
Ending Your Financial Worries
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletEven with all the political problems hanging over us, Americans are most concerned about their personal finances. Here is how your financial problems can be solved!
Proselytism Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (Part One)
Article by Charles WhitakerProselytism has become a bad word in today's discourse, but it has not always been that way. Here is the Bible's view of evangelism from both Testaments.
The Post-Resurrection Last Words of Christ (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must be involved in proclaiming His message, feeding the flock, living His example, assuming the responsibilities of our awesome commission.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ warns us to hold fast to true doctrine. Secular historians help us discover the identity of the small flock repeatedly rescued from apostasy.
Preparing to Rule (1993)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSanctification is both a state and a process—a time period between justification and glorification during which overcoming, purification, and holiness takes place.
Back to Life (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod's love does not shield us from sickness, pain, sorrow, or death. There are several scriptural contexts in which Jesus shed tears and expressed grief.
Parable of the Light
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsOne of Jesus' most remembered sayings concerns the Parable of the Light. The Bible Study explains how we can let our light shine both in the world and at home.