Autoimmunity in the Body of Christ
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeMisidentifying parts of the Body of Christ as enemies, or even being highly suspicious of them, causes pain and inefficiency throughout the whole Body.
The Church, One Body
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, examining Thomas Seeley's analysis of the swarm instinct of bee cultures, and sociologists' attempt to link that wired-in animal instinct to human behavior (opting usually for collective groupthink), suggests that there is a balanced approach to applying community behavior to Christian living, especially when …
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Nine)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe marriage relationship and the family structure provide a workshop to learn the intricacies of the God-plane relationship between Christ and the church.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Twelve)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, focusing upon the covenantal relationship of marriage, reaffirms the respective roles of husband and wife, typifying the relationship between Christ and His Church. In this twelfth and concluding message in this series, the emphasis is upon unity and cohesiveness. As husband and wife are commanded to become one …
Four Views of Christ (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur lives parallel what Christ experienced: crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and glorification. The death of self must precede resurrection and glory.
Loyalty to the Body
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeDavid Grabbe, engagin in a futile exercise of estimating the total value of the creation, and a Creator, worth infinitely more than all the phenomena we can possibly see or comprehend, ponders how such a Creator would divest Himself of all His power, becoming flesh and blood like us, laying down His life. Nothing in existence …
Remember the Christians
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUsing an analogy from the movie Remember the Titans, Richard Ritenbaugh focuses upon the difficulties of merging hostile or antagonistic perspectives, such as Jewish/Gentile animosity. Ironically, God made the gospel available to the Gentiles in order to provoke His chosen people to jealousy. The key to breaking down the enmity …
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Eleven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur concept of marriage must be positive and more mature, modeled after Christ's attentiveness toward the Church, as opposed to the world's distorted concept.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWives are admonished to submit to their husbands, children to their parents, servants to their overseers, and we all are admonished to submit to one another.
Is America a Christian Nation? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, describing an ongoing "bloodless coup" in which a major political party and a complicit propagandistic media are feverishly trying to high-jack the controls of governmental power, taking choices away from the individual and giving them to the government, maintains that we are reaping the consequences …
Loving Christ
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh suggests that the seven churches in Revelation 2-3 represent characteristics or attitudes which will be extant at the end time, levels of spiritual growth against which members may measure their growth. Although flitting from one church group to another is not advised, we do have the opportunity to sort our …
Discerning Spirits and Discerning the Body
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause of the culture of deception fostered by Satan and his children, we must develop discernment to tell the difference between truth and falsehood.
'By What Every Joint Supplies'
'Ready Answer' by StaffOne of our primary duties as Christians is to build strong, loving relationships with our brethren. These relationships are the "joints" between the members of Christ's body, the church. What are you supplying to the growth of the body?
In Search of a Clear World View (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, defining a worldview as a snapshot of what our mind sees, based upon our presuppositions, determining what we consider important, maintains that a Christian worldview must contain some core concepts, such as the value or importance of our calling into the church, the reality of God, His Laws and doctrines. Our …
The Mystery of the Church
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, contrasting the world's mega-churches with the church that Christ is building, focuses on the body analogy (I Corinthians 12), illustrating the interconnectedness of all members to Christ and to each other. In considering the differing functions of the body's parts, we realize that not one is unimportant or …
Creator, Sustainer, Head (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe One who sent forth His Spirit to create and breathe life into the physical world, also breathed on His disciples and endowed them with spiritual life.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 5)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughI Corinthians gives ready instruction in the order and decorum that is fitting for church organization, as well as the Passover and weekly service.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reiterates that neglecting to feed the flock has been detrimental to preaching the gospel to the world. Because of this unwitting neglect, many members succumbed to the "lost in the crowd" syndrome, feeling insignificant, meaningless, and useless. The vine and branches analogy (John 15:1-6) and the body …
Go Not Out of the House
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor 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'.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reminding us that Jesus handpicked the twelve apostles for a specific work, notes that there is a strong possibility that God has also handpicked each one of us to fulfill a particular role in the Body. Like an engineer on a building project, Jesus Christ has constructed a blueprint with detailed specifications. …
In the Grip of Distrust
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAs our culture deteriorates, there is a deep-seated distrust, not just of government but of all kinds of institutions that people once had confidence in.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, cuing on Deuteronomy 30:15-20, maintains that our worldview must include the value of our calling, determining the kinds of choices we make to overcome and pursue our spiritual journey. We alone can determine the value of that calling. The primary responsibility of the church is to continue what Jesus started in …
Why Is God Doing This, This Way?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, cuing in Romans 11:26, which states that the calling of God is irrevocable and eventually the vast majority of Israel will be saved, suggests that the conversion of the Gentiles is part of God's plan to bring maximum conversion. As God's called-out ones, having been gifted with special spiritual gifts, we must …
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Ten): The Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUps and downs, blessings and trials, have characterized every era of the church. God's people are always battling something negative between the brief highs.
The Need for Forgiveness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, expounding upon the principle that it is more blessed to give than to receive, suggests that the things we ardently desire for ourselves we should be willing to give to others, including forbearance and forgiveness. Following the Apostle Paul's example to the Corinthians, we ought to forgive and comfort one …
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reminds us that, though we are born equally, we rapidly become vastly different due to the forces and elements which shape us. Those who have been called by God have been given an enviable treasure, something which must be guarded and esteemed above everything else. What we treasure will determine what we think, …
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reiterating that the heart is the generator or birthplace of our action, reminds us that we are a treasure in God's eyes, chosen, royal, and special, and we must guard and protect our calling, realizing it is the most precious possession we will ever attain- an opportunity to serve as the chosen retinue of …
Unity and Unleavened Bread
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting on Jesus Christ's prayer for unity in John 17, insists that unity with our brethren is impossible without unity with God first. Adam and Eve severed this unity by yielding to Satan's influence, stimulating their minds with a novel diversion. Sin automatically separates us from God. The key to …
Little Things Count!
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughNo act is insignificant because of two natural principles: the tendency for increase, and what is sown is reaped. These principles play major roles in our lives.
A Trustworthy Relationship
Sermon by Mark SchindlerMark Schindler, asking us to ponder the incredible privilege we have been given to be placed within the Body of Christ, called when we were dead in trespasses, reminds us that this same privilege applies to our fellow saints as well. He warns us not to selfishly protect our turf, building walls of separation from our brethren. …
A View of the Work
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeDavid Grabbe, pointing out that not all of God's servants are given the same marching orders (planting, watering, etc) maintains that planting seed (preaching the Gospel to the world) is only the beginning of the phase. Our function is not and has never been adding members to the Body of Christ; God alone determines who the …
According to the Blessing
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting on the "blessings of the Lord" descriptor in Deuteronomy 16:16, reminds us that though many of us are not well off materially, nor are we counted among the great of the world, we have nevertheless been given a priceless calling and a spiritual conduit (through His Holy Spirit) which more …
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.
Unity and Division: The Blessing and the Curse (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerUnity seems to be 'godly,' while division is 'ungodly.' However, unity and division are not as black and white as we typically think of them.
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe 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.
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has placed us all in the body where it has pleased Him. We dare not imitate Satan by letting self-centered goals eclipse God's purpose.
It's Not About You
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, commenting on the culture of the Baby Boomers, suggests that this generation has taken on characteristics of narcissism, self-absorption, and excessive self-centeredness, leading to rampant materialism. A narcissist looks neither outward nor up but inwardly, mindful only of self. In Acts 8:9-24, Simon …
A Survey of God's Gifts to Us
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe apostle Paul inventories spiritual gifts that God has given for the edification of the church, including ministry of the word and practical service.
Unity (Part 8): Ephesians 4 (E)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe group that one fellowships with is less important than the understanding that there is one true church, bound by a spiritual, not a physical unity.
Unity (Part 6): Ephesians 4 (C)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnity 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.
Government (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reiterates that if one does not give up control to God (does not submit to Him), then one is never going to live the Government of God; and one will never be able to understand it. The church is neither an institution nor a corporation, but a living organism- a body connected to the Head (Jesus Christ). The body …
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Thirteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh observes that, in every biblical covenant, God gives responsibilities in order to be in alignment with Him. If we fail to meet the responsibilities He has given to us, God will penalize us. Every covenant we find in Scripture outlines promises, responsibilities, and penalties. As members of the Body of Christ, we …
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh somewhat modifies his amazement at individuals who made gigantic sacrifices in the fledgling days of the Radio Church of God, concluding that it is in fact God who expends the lion's share of the energy, putting us all through flip flops in our sanctification process. Our yielding to God's will is a relatively …
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, finding a commonality in three scriptures describing our calling and sanctification, answers the questions: "Who are we?" and "How do we fit?" God has demonstrated that He loves us in a different way than He does our neighbor (perhaps a neighbor having better traits than we do) calling us …
Unity (2006)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the symphony orchestra, only as an instrumentalist submits to the leader, working with the other members of the ensemble, can unity be accomplished.
Guard the Truth!
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughThe true church of God is an invisible, spiritual organism, of those people that have and are led by the Spirit of God, who hold fast to apostolic teaching.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, continuing his exposition on Ecclesiastes, focuses on three interrelated terms: paradox (something contrary to expectation), conundrum (a riddle), and wisdom (skill in arts, such as Bezalel and Oholiab who were gifted in a specific skill—or spiritual insight). We are called into the body of Christ gifted …
The Faithfulness of God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod established permanent patterns, electing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as all of those He has called. This election should be our obsession.
God's Workmanship (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWorks are not the cause of salvation, but instead are the effect of God's creative efforts at bringing us into His image—a new creation.
