Why Preach the Gospel to the World?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhy is the church to preach the gospel? Preaching the gospel is good, but preaching it for the right reasons puts one in harmony with God.
'This Gospel of the Kingdom Shall Be Preached'
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeMany fail to understand that Matthew 24:14 is a prophecy and instead read it as a commission. God will ensure His gospel is preached; we follow His lead.
This Gospel of the Kingdom Shall Be Preached
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeRegardless of what human instrument God uses, it is the Father who preaches the gospel. If He is not the source of everything in the effort, it is a work of man.
The True Gospel (Part 4)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh'Kingdom of God' describes God's dominion, rule, and governance. Jesus points to a future establishment of God's Kingdom on the earth, yet it also rules now.
God's Powerful Gospel
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe true gospel includes the complete revelation of God of His plan to reproduce Himself. If a gospel does not produce repentance and faith, it is false.
False Gospels
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA major clue for discerning false gospels is that any teaching attempting to change the nature of God or Christ or their doctrines is anti-Christ and false.
The True Gospel
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThere are many 'gospels' in the world but only one true gospel—the message that Christ brought about the good news of His coming Kingdom!
The Gospel of Freedom and Democracy
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeConservative columnist Cal Thomas observes: "These fanatics [Muslim fascists] believe the United States, Britain and the rest of the West are the ones in bondage. They note our promiscuity, our abortions, our obsession with homosexuality, our television, our provocative way of dressing and they wonder who is really free?" ...
CGG Anniversary: Summary and Thank You
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughOn this eleventh anniversary of the Church of the Great God, John Ritenbaugh reflects upon the expectations, the accomplishments, and the prospects for the future of our part of God's work, observing that things have not exactly turned out the way we thought. Despite the uncertainties, if we keep on keeping on, we will fulfill …
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh provides the rationale of this phase of the church's work- what and why the Church of the Great God is doing what it is doing. In this time of scattering, God is testing our loyalty to Him, correcting deficiencies that will keep us out of His Kingdom. Despite the untested Protestant assumption that "the …
'Go Ye Therefore Into All the World...'
'Ready Answer' by StaffWhen we sing this popular hymn, are we singing a lie? No, this is a commision to apostles, and right now we are doing what God desires of us.
The Seventh Thunder
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIn Revelation 10:3-4, John tells of seven thunders—seven distinct, sequential reverberations of God's message to mankind. The seventh thunder is sounding now.
Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeDavid Grabbe reminds us that, for the past 25 years, the highest priority of the Church of the Great God has not been the preaching of the Gospel to the world, but the feeding of the flock. If we lose sight that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, we will forget that Christ is currently purifying His Church, sanctifying the …
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.
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.
The Impossible Metric
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeMembers, co-workers, and subscribers can all be tallied, yet who save God can track the increase of faith or the building of character of members of a church?
Who Is Doing the Work of God?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhat is more important: preaching the gospel to the world or feeding the flock? John Ritenbaugh gives reasons why we should at this time be concentrating on reversing the church's serious spiritual decline before we presume to go to the world.
What Is the Work?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting that our concept of time is vastly different from God's, indicates that our spiritual pilgrimage (including our participation in the work of God) is largely a matter of faith, not sight. If we see God in the picture, we will not be impatient, but will be carefully evaluating the evidence whether or …
Billy Graham's Death
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting upon the death of Billy Graham and his impact on American religious culture, comments that some have dubbed Billy Graham as "America's pastor." Four traits that endeared him to people were his 1.) persuasive oratory, 2.) courage, 3.) morality and 4.) humility in the face of immense …
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh admonishes the greater church of God that we make a conscious effort to feed the flock (devoting more effort, time, energy, and money than for preaching the Gospel as a witness for the world) until we get ourselves straightened out first. To preach to the world and ignore a disintegrating flock is like a husband …
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh takes issue with the popularly held notion that preaching the Gospel to the world as a witness is the sole identifying mark of God's church. There is a vast difference between "preaching the Gospel to the world" and "making disciples"- the major focus in Matthew 28:20. The largest portion of …
Growth
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Western emphasis on growth has taken root within Christianity. 'Success' for a church is measured in income and membership, which are deceptive metrics.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe true church is a unique educational institution, teaching the way of God and amplifying His Commandments, in contrast to the churches of this world.
Get the Church Ready!
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhat should the church be doing during this time of scattering and doctrinal confusion? What did Herbert Armstrong say must be done? Is the gospel limited to preaching to the unconverted?
Acts (Part 13)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh spends some time explaining the phenomena of lying wonders and visions (such as those seen at Lourdes and Fatima) predicted to become more frequent at the end times. This kind of spiritism involves the deceptive work of lying demons rather than disembodied "souls." In chapter 13, the first time Saul is …
The Messenger of Christ
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh gives his perception of Herbert W. Armstrong, suggesting that Mr. Armstrong was single-minded about preaching the Gospel, sometimes without financial savvy. It is possible that for many Herbert Armstrong had become an icon. The scattering which happened in the Worldwide Church of God could have been caused by …
Preparing the Bride
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughA Statement of Purpose and Beliefs of the Church of the Great God
Acts (Part 2)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh maintains that our historical and theological roots are advanced in a polished, literary, chronological narrative, perhaps designed as a trial document authored by Luke. It defends the apostle Paul and the early church, with a larger purpose of 1) augmenting or increasing the faith of the saints, setting a …
Acts (Part 1)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh explores the possibility that the book of Acts, in addition to its role in continuing and advancing the Gospel or Good News, could well have been assembled as an exculpatory trial document designed to vindicate the Apostle Paul and the early Church, demonstrating that Christianity was not a threat to the Roman …
Suffering Disgrace For Christ's Name
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, asking why Christians must endure such horrendous persecution and struggle, asserts that Paul warned in Acts 5 that the church would always be in danger of deception from within and opposition from without. "Opposition from without" in Peter's time came from the evil oppression incited by the Pharisees …
Avoiding Superficiality
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSuccess in spiritual things does not consist in growing large and powerful, but humbly living by faith, overcoming, and yielding to God's shaping power.
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, …
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, examining the socio-cultural milieu before the writing of the Epistle to the Hebrews, explains the difficulties experienced by the new Jewish converts to the Gospel. The powerful testimony of the recently risen Christ, combined with the apostles, who had spent 3 ½ years under His tutelage, were the main factors …
His Eye is On the Sparrow (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, cuing in on three scriptures, Psalm 11:3-5, Luke 12:7, and Philippians 4:19, reflects on a frightening earthquake in 1971, in which he realized that he was in no way in control of the alarming situation, a relentless shaking that threatened to destroy the entire foundation. This earthquake has grounds of …
Facing Times of Stress: When God is Silent (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul demonstrated inner peace during turmoil, showing consistency in times of instability and faith in God during persecution, fulfilling the role God gave him.
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 …
First Things First (Part One): Access to God
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe lessons of Abel, Enoch, and Noah in Hebrews 11 are sequential. The lesson of Abel's faith must be understood before Enoch's example can be followed.
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 …
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.
Acts (Part 15)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAfter explaining the context in which Paul advocated going from house to house, John Ritenbaugh reiterates that Paul, who understands clearly that God alone calls (John 6:44), makes his initial contact with non-believers in public places (synagogue and forum), going later to private dwellings by invitation only. Chapter 15 …
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Six): New Testament Teaching
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThose who follow Christ are the true Israel, the Elect, and the Chosen, called by God to precede unfaithful physical Israel in the salvation process.
Faith and Technology
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeDavid Grabbe, marveling that over the past 25 years the Church of the Great God has assembled a massive library of electronic resources as a service to the Greater Church of God, as well as to the world at large, asserts that God performed this work at a fraction of the cost incurred by our previous fellowship. Though our main …
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJesus came with a message of salvation, called 'the gospel of the Kingdom of God.' Here is the relationship between the gospel and Christian works.
Acts (Part 12)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh initially explores the work of Paul and Barnabas developing the church in the cosmopolitan city of Antioch, the location from where the term Christian originated. The twelfth chapter, an apparent flashback, focuses upon the execution of James (at the hands of mad Herod Agrippa), Peter's miraculous escape from …
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe scattering of the church was an act of love by God to wake us from our lethargic, faithless condition. The feeding of the flock is the priority now.
Where Did The Original Apostles Go?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Scriptures are largely silent about the exploits of the apostles other than Paul. We have only general comments concerning their spheres of activities.
Facing Times of Stress: When God Is Silent (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, focusing on Paul's third trial before a secular ruler, following the inconclusive decisions before Felix and Festus, points out that King Agrippa was of a more decisive character. He sought to implement Paul's appeal to Caesar without delay. Speaking to the King, the Apostle stated his pre-conversion experience …
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. …
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe seven churches of Revelation 2-3 all existed simultaneously and the characteristics of five of them will apparently be extant at the return of Christ.
Revelation 10 and the Church's History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRevelation 10 contains the seven thunders and the little book. It serves as an inset, not following a linear time sequence of the book of Revelation.
