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Proselytism Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (Part One)
Article by Charles WhitakerIn the marketplace of ideas, akin to a bustling automobile show with its glitzy displays, the phenomenon of proselytism emerges as a significant force. Proselytism is understood as the act or practice of making converts to a religion, encompassing any attempt by a religious believer to win converts from other religions or from irreligion. It involves persuading others to change their beliefs and replace their former belief system with a different one, often paralleled with evangelicalism and missionary activity. In the context of ancient Israel, proselytism was primarily non-verbal, distinct from overt preaching. Israel's role was to be an example through obedience to God's law, a method sanctioned by God Himself. Conversion was seen as a rational and voluntary choice, made when thoughtful individuals recognized the superiority of God's way. This example-based approach did not involve active verbal outreach but rather a demonstration through works and obedience. In the modern era, international law supports the reasonable practice of proselytism. Article 18 of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the freedom to change one's religion or belief and to manifest it in teaching and practice. This right is further elaborated to include the freedom to teach or disseminate one's religion or belief publicly or privately, recognizing that the right to evangelize entails the right to be evangelized. Additionally, Article 19 ensures the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas, underscoring proselytism as an integral part of an individual's right to choose and change their worship practices.
Proselytism Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (Part Two)
Article by Charles WhitakerThough proselytism has a poor reputation now, a time is coming when it will be used properly to bring this world peace and prosperity.
Should Christians Preach the Gospel Door to Door (Acts 20:20)?
Bible Questions & AnswersPaul taught the leaders of the church in their own homes. He did not go from house to house attempting to witness to or persuade whomever opened the door.
Who Is Doing the Work of God?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe should concentrate on reversing the church's serious spiritual decline before we presume to go to the world.
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.
Acts (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughActs 15 focuses upon the Council of Jerusalem, discussing the controversial subject of circumcision and its relationship to salvation.
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.
Preparing the Bride
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughA Statement of Purpose and beliefs of the Church of the Great God.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Three
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughConsider two end-time, dominant forces: the Beast power of Revelation 13 and God. To whom will we yield to in the coming years?
The Sovereignty of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose who have made a covenant with God can be corrupted unless they make a concerted effort to know God, realizing He has the right to do as He pleases.
Camouflage and Salvation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan has provided what appear to be plausible alternatives to Christ's sacrifice for salvation, like service, positive changes, and right thinking.
Esther (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn post-exilic times in Persia, God used concealed Jews (exampled by Mordecai and Esther) to ascend to levels of prominence on behalf of their people.
The Epistles of II and III John (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn our quest for unity, we can never compromise with the truth. True love between brethren is impossible without an equal pr greater love for the truth.
Do All to the Glory of God!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsCasualness has overtaken many mainstream Protestant and Catholic churches, but has also been creeping into the greater church of God.