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Handwriting on the Wall: Cultural Christianity

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The church of God has a long history of discerning false Christianity, just as Jesus Christ commends the church at Ephesus for identifying evildoers and false apostles. As a remnant of the apostolic church, we remain vigilant against satan's counterfeits. One such counterfeit, known as Cultural Christianity, has emerged recently, marked by its worldly and carnal nature, devoid of God's truth. It prioritizes Christianity's positive impact on Western culture and values over genuine faith, attracting those who admire the societal benefits and morals Christianity has produced, without embracing its core teachings. Cultural Christians may convert or be baptized into denominations, not out of agreement with Christian principles, but because they value the cultural effects and strength they believe Christianity imparts to Western civilization. Even prominent atheists and public figures identify as Cultural Christians due to an affection for its cultural efficacy, not for any spiritual conviction. Their conversions often stem from a reaction to shifting cultural and political landscapes rather than a desire for personal transformation or salvation. They see Christianity as the foundation of Western civilization, appreciating its ethics and traditions like hymns and carols, while rejecting deeper spiritual commitments. Historically, Cultural Christianity is not new; many have joined churches for social or cultural benefits rather than religious reasons. Past figures, including modern leaders and founding fathers, supported Christianity for its societal good while remaining detached from its spiritual essence. Today, this form of Christianity strips away Christ and His demands, using a syncretic version to bolster a declining culture rather than to guide individuals to salvation. Cultural Christians exhibit an appearance of godliness but deny its true power, rejecting the submission to God's authority that genuine faith requires. They seek the benefits and acclaim of Christianity without the reverence, obedience, or covenantal commitment that God demands.

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?

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

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

A true Christian is sanctified by a specific body of beliefs and how he lives. No mainstream church in America has ever yielded itself to the right doctrines.

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.

What Makes a True Disciple? (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Clyde Finklea

How does God identify Himself with His disciples today? No miracle manifests itself when He sends His Spirit, but the Spirit begins producing miraculous changes.

Is There a True Church?

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's true church cannot be found without revelation nor can one join the organization; God calls and places each member in its appropriate place in the Body.

Taking Care With the Tares

'Ready Answer' by Ted E. Bowling

The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares warns of false brethren within the fellowship. Jesus Christ exemplified how to interact with them in a godly manner.

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.

Man's Greatest Challenge (Part Four)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Satan's biggest targets for disinformation are God's called-out ones. How can the true disciples be identified?

Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Three): The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Bible students do not often consider Christ's parables to contain intrigue, but His Parable of the Wheat and the Tares has its share!

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

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We should not expect brethren to be perfect; we all sin. God has not given His People the prerogative to judge another member as a tare.

No One Else Matters (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Sin has tainted the most faithful leaders. Most (perhaps all) church leaders have skeletons in their closets, but we follow them as they follow Christ.

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.

A Body in Motion

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Just as a body in motion tends to stay in motion, the standards of morality in this nation have eroded exponentially since the time of the Founding Fathers.

Matthew (Part Eleven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Life consists of a series of choices, often a dilemma of a pleasurable choice on one hand and a difficult choice (that produces more growth) on the other.

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

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Jesus Christ warns us to hold fast to true doctrine. Secular historians help us discover the identity of the small flock repeatedly rescued from apostasy.

Matthew (Part Eighteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

If we ask God for protection from demonic influence, we cannot sit back passively; Satan always counterattacks. Evil must be displaced with good.

God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

False doctrines cut people off from a wholesome relationship with God. Doctrinal purity is measured according to how one emulates Christ.

Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Two): The Parable of the Sower

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

In the first parable of the sower, the quality of the various soils upon which the seed of the gospel falls determines whether or not there is growth.