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The True Gospel (Part 1)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Galatian Christians, expresses deep concern over their swift departure from Him who called them in the grace of Christ to a different gospel, which he declares is not another but a perversion of the gospel of Christ. Written in the early AD 50s, this situation reveals that within less than two decades after Christ's death, Jesus' message of good tidings had been altered into something that no longer conveyed good news. Any alteration or shift of focus from Jesus' original announcement transforms the message from good to bad news, changing its goal and leading believers away from the Kingdom of God. How vital it is to adhere to the true gospel of God!
The True Gospel (Part 6)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughI marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel. It took only twenty years after the death and resurrection of Christ for the gospel to be perverted into something no longer recognized as good news. The true gospel, revealed through supernatural disclosure from God, is not readily available to all and cannot be stumbled upon or found merely by reading the Bible; God must open one's mind to receive it. In the first century, the apostles confronted two false gospels: legalism, which claimed salvation through works of the law rather than grace, and Gnosticism, a set of heresies centered on knowledge as the path to salvation and the belief that spirit is good while flesh is evil, leading to extremes of asceticism and hedonism. Today, a pervasive false gospel focuses on the Messenger rather than the Message He brought, preaching about Christ instead of the Kingdom of God that He proclaimed. Christ Himself instructed His disciples to preach that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, not to emphasize His own virtues. Before His ascension, He emphasized preaching repentance and remission of sins in His name, and His post-resurrection conversations were filled with teachings about the Kingdom. What gospel we learn is of utmost importance; it must be the true gospel Christ brought, revealing the imminent Kingdom of God. Let any who preach a different gospel be accursed, even if it comes from us or an angel from heaven.
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.
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.
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part One: False Knowledge
Article by David C. GrabbeGnosticism is very much in vogue today in books and movies, and perhaps surprisingly, in the belief systems of many people who profess to be Christian.
The Wisdom of Men and Faith
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe pressures and conflicts that the church has undergone is part of the spirit of the time that has embroiled religious and political institutions worldwide.
Does Paul Condemn Observing God's Holy Days?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennGalatians 4:9-10 is a favorite crutch of those who claim Christians no longer need to observe God's holy days. However, Paul's meaning is quite different.
The Colossian Heresy and Laodiceanism
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughColossae and Laodicea were susceptible to fast-talking teachers, whose plausible words eroded the true Gospel in favor of pagan thought and practice.
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.
No One Else Matters (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSin has tainted the most faithful leaders. Most (perhaps all) church leaders have skeletons in their closets, but we follow them as they follow Christ.
Looks Fair, Feels Foul
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughBe wary of things and people that appear attractive and fair on the outside, but are actually foul and destructive underneath. Evaluate the fruit.
The Works of the Devil Destroyed
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSatan and his demons know that their time is short and are determined to destroy as many people as possible, especially the Israel of God.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is doing more than merely saving people; He is producing children in His image. The difference between the covenants is in the quality of the faith.
The Importance of Doctrine
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPeople who try to supplement their spiritual diet with lawlessness or other heresies risk losing their identity, and ultimately their spiritual life.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe days, months, and times of Galatians 4:10 do not refer to God's Holy Days (which are not weak or beggarly), but to pagan rites the Galatians came out of.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDespite the Council of Laodicea's condemnation of the Sabbath, a group of believers termed Paulicians kept God's laws and resisted the heresy from Rome.
Matthew (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus' 28 'missing' years were spent maturing, studying, and gaining life experience to equip Him as a high priest who could relate to human struggles.