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Basic Doctrines: Doctrine
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsChristian doctrine is the gospel of Christ, not merely a gospel about Him: it is what Jesus taught and lived in His own life, and what He expects His followers to practice. His doctrine is the pattern of sound words, the body of truth once for all delivered to the saints. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, so He begins and ends every Christian's salvation. Because God must work with humans from the start, He teaches the elementary truths first, as parents begin a child's education with the ABCs. The seven fundamental doctrines of Hebrews 6:1-2 form the foundation on which a maturing Christian's deeper understanding rests. Other religions claim that their founders had unique insight into eternal truth, but Jesus claims far more: He says He is the truth, not just a teacher of truth (John 14:6). True worshippers must worship the Father in spirit and truth, and what a person believes and feels will show in his actions. Christ's doctrine guides to salvation, reveals how to live in a way that pleases God, and instills the fundamental traits of His character. It also serves as the standard for recognizing counterfeits, just as one learns to spot false money by studying the real. Only by His doctrine can a person find and stay on the path to the Kingdom of God.
Jesus and the Feast (Part One): Alignment With God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ stands as the ultimate source of true doctrine, as revealed through His teachings and actions during the Feast of Tabernacles in John 7. His words were not His own but came directly from God the Father who sent Him, affirming that His doctrine is of divine origin. He declared that doing God's will verifies the truth of His teachings, demonstrating a perfect alignment with the Father through constant communication and obedience. This relationship underscores His blamelessness, proving that His message is the truth from the highest Source. Jesus emphasized that to recognize the truth of His doctrine, one must possess the right attitude and motivation—desiring to do God's will and to glorify Him. Selfish attitudes or ulterior motives blind individuals to the truth, preventing accurate evaluation. He contrasted His adherence to divine instruction with the Jewish authorities, whose refusal to practice God's law revealed their faulty judgment and disconnection from the true Source. Their rejection of His teaching was, in essence, a rejection of the Father, carrying grave consequences. Furthermore, Jesus asserted His unity with the Father by stating that He works the works of God, mirroring the Father's actions out of love and a desire to please Him. His role as Eternal Judge, entrusted by the Father, signifies His worthiness of equal honor, reinforcing that His doctrine and authority stem directly from God. Even His bold claims during the Feast, asserting a profound relationship with the Father, were corroborated by His miracles, leading some to accept His divine origin. As the High Priest, Jesus confirmed that both He and His message originate from God the Father. He is the truth, and the Father's word is truth, assuring us that the teachings received from Them are trustworthy and revealed through His works. In a time of doubt and suspicion, His holiness, faithfulness, power, and authority stand as a firm foundation, offering assurance that His promises are true and will lead to complete salvation. We can trust both the Revelator and His revelation, clinging to it as we move forward amidst a worsening world.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe strife between this world's belief systems shows that God did not originate them. False teachings are dangerous because they can erode the faith.
Is America a Christian Nation? Summary (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The following seven points refute the unsubstantiated claim that America ever was, or continues to be, a Christian nation.
Unity (Part 2): God's Pattern of Leadership
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is not the author of confusion, but throughout the scriptures has used a consistent pattern of appointing leaders over His called-out ones.
Unity (Part 5): Ephesians 4 (B)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAdopting a revolutionary stance for the sake of change, variety, or relieving boredom will systematically destroy the faith once delivered.
Building on a Perfect Foundation
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughMany hear or read God's Word and think they believe. Jesus says that many say to Him, 'Lord, Lord,' as if in submission, but they never truly follow Him.
Is Mary Worthy of Worship?
Article by David C. GrabbeThe Catholic Church places great importance on Mary, to the point that many Catholics are pushing for Mary to be recognized as 'Co-Redemptrix!