Unity and Division (Part Two): Who Scattered the Church?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWould a God of unity scatter His own church? Or was it the work of Satan? The conclusion of many impugns God's sovereignty and exempts them from responsibility.
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.
Will the Church of God Be Thrown Down? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe church has Christ as the Chief Cornerstone. As long as there is a church, there will also be at least one living stone upon another.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (1996): Scattering
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod initiated the scattering of the church for our ultimate good. When the revelation of God was replaced with the wisdom of this world, God intervened.
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe primary focus at this time is the repair of the faith once delivered that has seriously deteriorated because of heresy, apostasy, and Laodiceanism.
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe hardest part of God's work is the feeding of the flock the full counsel of God, to get the called-out ones ready to enter the Kingdom of God.
Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIf we lose sight that Jesus is the head of the Church, we will forget that Christ is currently purifying His Church, sanctifying those called to be His family.
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.
A Time To Scatter
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWhile we yearn for the church to be re-united, until our own personal walk with God is attained and we intently seek Him first, church unity will not happen.
God's Sovereignty and the Church's Condition (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod's hand was definitely involved in the scattering of the church. We should respond by growing and preparing ourselves for His Kingdom.
The Mystery of the Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod desires to know whether the spiritual remnants will choose His teaching or assimilating into the world, biting and devouring one another.
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The 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.
Is There a True Church?
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod'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.
The Seven Churches (Part Nine): Laodicea
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughLaodiceanism, the prevalent attitude in God's church today, can be overcome if we submit to Christ's judgment rather than our flawed self-evaluation.
Is There a True Church?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany 'church of God' organizations claim to be part of—or even the only—church of God. The Bible reveals specific characteristics of God's church.
Principles of Church Leadership
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA major responsibility for the fracturing of the WCG rested with the leadership, based on a philosophy of authoritarianism Christ warned against.
Scattering and Gathering: Images of History and Prophecy (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerProphecy shows God scattering His people for their sins. It appears He will scatter them into small fragments, perhaps even down to individuals alone.
Christ's Wake-up Call to the Churches
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamGod was responsible for our scattering, and He is not impressed with those who arrogantly proclaim they are the only ones doing the work of God.
Church of God Ecumenism
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughUntil the conditions that led to the scattering have changed, no unilateral ecumenical talks will ever be successful at attaining unity.
God's Sovereignty and the Church's Condition (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHow involved in man's affairs is God? Is He merely reactive, or does He actively participate—even cause events and circumstances, particularly in the church?
The Seven Churches: What Now?
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible indicates all seven churches of Revelation will exist at the end, but do God's people have hope for a bright future? Will Christ reunite His church?
The Seven Churches (Part Eight): Philadelphia
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Philadelphia church is often considered the best of the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3. Is it? Does it have faults? Is our judgment biased?
Worshipping the Temple (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIsrael turned the Temple into an idol, making it more significant than God. Similarly, we may esteem the church more than the God it should glorify.
United With Whom?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeOur relationship with God is the key to unity with the brethren. When we are all just like Christ, we will also all resemble each other—and there will be unity.
Trends in Global Religion
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe world is not very unified religiously, is it? What does this mean for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy? Could this mean we still have a long time to wait?
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe largest portion of the great commission demands that the lion's share of time, money, or energy ought to be invested in feeding the flock.
The Messenger of Christ
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHerbert W. Armstrong was single-minded about preaching the Gospel. The scattering of the church could have been caused by members making him a type of idol.
The Whirlpool of War
Article by John O. ReidIn God's vast experience, He knows that war produces hatreds that last for generations and destroys people's lives, reputations and potentials.
Back to the First Century
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Having no central leadership, we have entered an era of seemingly organizational disarray, a crucial time in which we should adjust to what God has done.
A Search for Identity
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod gave His approval for the destruction of the Worldwide Church of God into numerous groups, allowing heresies so He could see who really loves Him.
His Eye is On the Sparrow (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As God has His eye on the sparrow, He has had His eye on us through the entire process of scattering so the tests we have endured will bear good fruit.
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?
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo preach to the world and ignore a disintegrating flock is like a husband and wife paying attention to other people while the family is falling apart.
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.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe priorities in Matthew 6:33 indicates that the primary emphasis should be on repentance and overcoming rather than mastering a technicality.
Unity (Part 1): God and HWA
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA major cause in the splitting of the church has been the wholesale rejection of the doctrines Herbert Armstrong, under God's inspiration, restored.
A Distant Reflection
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughConsidering the events and trends exhibited in the modern church of God, will it follow the disastrous example of early second-century Christianity?
Change and Constancy
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughChange, whether we consider it good or bad, produces stress, and we tend to blame stress for the discouragement or even depression that follows change.
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Seven)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur physical bodies have a defense system to keep out invaders. Spiritually, how well do we maintain our defenses against error and contamination?
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.
Ruth's Prophecy
Sermonette by Gary GarrettGod alone determines the course of history. His naming of people is significant, and the book of Ruth can be studied through the lens of the characters' names.
CGG Anniversary: Summary and Thank You
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughOn this 11th anniversary of CGG, John Ritenbaugh reflects on the expectations, the accomplishments, and the prospects for the future of our part of God's work.
A Badly Divided Nation
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our country is divided politically and culturally more than at any other time since the Civil War and the population as a whole has become more callused.
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.
Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong?
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHerbert Armstrong, while not infallible or sinless, nevertheless served as the custodian of the truths of God, occupying the role of God's messenger.
Unity (Part 3): Ephesians 4 (A)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod alone chooses the servants through whom He works His will. Sometimes the rationale God uses for selecting His vessels defies worldly wisdom.
Reconciliation and Unity
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIt is foolish and pointless to use the same charm, social skills, and duplicity toward God as we use to deceive others and, sadly, even ourselves.
The Beatitudes, Part One: The Sermon on the Mount
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Sermon on the Mount is as vitally important today as when Christ preached it. It contains the way we are to live as God's representatives on this earth.
The Philadelphia Syndrome
Commentary by David C. GrabbeThe Worldwide Church of God considered itself to be the 'Philadelphia era,' but the fruit has been misplaced trust, idolatry, competition, and exclusivity.
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.
The Handwriting Is On the Wall (Part Two) (2007)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe sheep do not belong to any man or group, but to Christ. It is Christ's responsibility to get the sheep into the Kingdom, not the ministry's.
March 12, 2005: One Year Later
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeOn March 12, 2005, Terry Ratzmann entered a church meeting room and opened fire. After 22 rounds had been fired, four people were wounded, and eight lay dead.
Examine and Come Out
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Old Testament examples were given to show us what God had to do to pave the way for our calling, sanctification, and ultimate glorification.
Of One Accord
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughConfusion and separation have been man's legacy since Eden. Christ is working to put an end to division, enabling us to be one with the Father and each other.
The Shepherd's Guidance (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhen our lives change, we do not have to fear that things are out of control. As the Good Shepherd, Christ changes our circumstances for our benefit.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 12)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe church of God today resembles a patient languishing from a deadly disease, resulting from a diet of spiritual junk food and neglecting the bread of life.
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.
The Christian and the World (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must realize we are walking on a razor's edge, with the Kingdom of God on one side and the world with all its sensual magnetic charms on the other side.
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.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasEvery form of government fashioned by carnal human beings, including democracies and constitutional republics, are riddled with fatal flaws.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Six)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLike the four groups of seeds exposed to various qualities of soil, many have heard the true gospel, but few have remained faithful after the onslaught of hardship.
Are You Running on Empty?
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloThe Parable of the Ten Virgins must become a wake-up call to the church of God that we are 'running on empty,' to quote a Jackson Brown song.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has given time to mankind as a gift, manipulating its use for us. The bad as well as the pleasant aspects of life are fashioned for our ultimate good.
Empirical Selfishness
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhile it is natural and harmless to identify with a teacher that we hear each week, that identification should not be the source of friction.
Grace, Faith, and Love
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride condemned Satan to a fate of manipulating rather than serving. This presumptuous self-centered trait creates disunity and ultimately destruction.
Unity and Unleavened Bread
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs members of Christ's body, we must function for the good of the whole body, not competing with other parts. We must continually function as a son of God.
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.
Checklist for Overcoming
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRomans 12-16 provide a checklist for overcoming and promoting positive relationships, developing tender affection. We are mutually dependent upon one another.
The Philadelphia Syndrome (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe effect of the Worldwide Church of God seeing itself as Philadelphia has been profound, elevating organizational loyalty over faithfulness to God.
Is Ignorance Truly Bliss?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe 'people of the lie' do not believe they have any major defects and, consequently, do not have any need to examine themselves, let alone change.
Babel: Confusing Wisdom and Rebellion
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAfter the Flood, the people grew suspicious of God. Their natural inclination was to defend against another act of God rather than make peace with Him.
Faith and the Calendar (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe real issue in the calendar controversy is not astronomical, but faith in God's sovereignty, providence, and His right to assign responsibility.
Unity (Part 6): Ephesians 4 (C)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnity has to come from the inside out, with God raising a leader which His people, having their minds opened by His Spirit, will voluntarily submit to.
Importance of the True Gospel
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe way back to unity is to embrace the vision that once kept us focused on the same goal, giving us active, kinetic, dynamic and explosive power.
Lessons from Elijah's Work
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughLike Elijah, we must feed ourselves on spiritual food, preparing ourselves for something beyond our current abilities, listening for the still small voice.
Seeds and Seasons (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeGod has been planting seeds of truth through His servants for millennia. These seeds are awaiting watering by His Spirit in the future.
What's Your Source?
Commentary by David C. GrabbeNo matter how finely tuned is one's baloney detector, wrong-headed thinking etches wrong concepts into minds around the world, even in the church of God.
Each Other (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAn individual can teach and admonish only if he is in fellowship with others. God's intention that we be connected to the rest of the Body is seen everywhere.
Indifference and Offering
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Herbert Armstrong used his advertising skill to teach the truth of God, unlike the peddlers of the 'Prosperity' gospel who promise material blessings.
God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFalse doctrines cut people off from a wholesome relationship with God. Doctrinal purity is measured according to how one emulates Christ.
Removing Bars of Contention Between Brethren
Sermon by David F. MaasIn a dangerous and troubled world in which everyone is being manipulated and conned into squaring off in hatred for one another, we must find common ground.
God's Special Presence and Direct Intervention
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe scattering of the early church strengthened it, allowing fresh seed to be scattered in new fields. The 'bad' thing actually increased the church's power.
'He Who Has an Ear, Let Him Hear . . .'
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeA man with myopic judgment will take the good times he has as evidence of God's pleasure, and conclude that the bad times must be caused by Satan's persecution.
Unity
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEach member of Christ's body must choose to function in the role God has ordained to produce unity, emulating Christ in striving to please the Father
Globalism (Part Twelve): It Shall Never Be
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerThough the nations of this world are pushing for global economics and government, God's Word shows that mankind will NOT succeed.
Hebrews: A Message for Today
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews provides reasons to recapture flagging zeal, focusing on the reason for our hope and faith, establishing Christ's credentials.
Unity (Part 8): Ephesians 4 (E)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe group that one fellowships with is less important than the understanding that there is one true church, bound by a spiritual, not a physical unity.
Preparing the Bride
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughA Statement of Purpose and beliefs of the Church of the Great God.
In the Grip of Distrust
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAs our culture deteriorates, a deep-seated distrust exists, not just of government but of institutions like the church that people once had confidence in.