Filter by Categories
This Is Not God's World
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe world poses significant spiritual dangers to those who seek to follow God's path. This world is not God's world, as its systems—government, politics, entertainment, fashion, religion, business ethics, medicine, education, science, economics, and use of power—are apart from Him and rooted in false values. These systems shape human conduct and belief, yet God's Word urges us to overcome them, warning against wasting love on things that have no future and will ultimately be destroyed and replaced. At the foundation of this corrupt world stands a destroying and antagonistic spirit, satan the devil, the ruler of this world, whose way is a deadly mixture of good and evil. God's warning is so strong that He calls for separation from this unclean system, declaring that no part of it will carry over into the world to come. The world contaminates and defiles, rendering unholy those touched by it, and is most dangerous to believers when it appears friendly and tolerant, producing seemingly good things while remaining a poisonous brew. The call to come out from among them and be separate is a vital principle, urging a reevaluation of habits or practices of the world that may have been dragged into one's relationship with God.
The Christian and the World (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe entire world is antagonistic to God because of the spirit generated by an unseen ruler. Our Christian duty is to stay awake and keep our guard up.
The New World Order Rises
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Beast is a reality, and it is coming to pass in the scope of globalism. Satan has a vast reservoir of people he can work through; we used to be a part of it.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The apostle John warns us to be vigilant about the world, not loving its attitudes, mindsets, and frame of mind. We cannot both love the world and love God.
The World, the Church, and Laodiceanism
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughLaodiceanism is the attitude that dominates the end time. It is a subtle form of worldliness that has infected the church, and Christ warns against it strongly.
What's in the Bucket? (Part Four)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, considered the black race inferior, and sought a way to reduce it. The black population is beginning to die out.
Ecclesiastes: What is it All About? (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe activities that Solomon put to the test and found wanting are exactly those things the world emphasizes: hedonism, silliness, mirth, and foolishness.
Toys as Tools
Article by John O. ReidWe often take our children's toys for granted, but they are tools that can teach either right or wrong. Here are guidelines for choosing appropriate toys.
Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must avoid following the negative examples of our forbears. We have been enlisted into spiritual warfare on three fronts: the heart, the world, and Satan.
Points of Reference
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityAncient mariners recognized they were off course due to stormy weather, unlike those of us today who may be unaware that we are off course on our journey.
Spiritual Minefields
Sermon by John O. ReidTo navigate safely through Satan's minefield, we must ask for God's protection, maintaining humility, watchfulness, and diligence in our task of overcoming.
Be There Next Year
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMembers of God's church usually come home from the Feast of Tabernacles with renewed strength. Yet, some fall away each year. Here's how to stay the course.
When the Trumpet Blows
Sermon by John O. ReidIn the context of biblical imagery and history, the sound of trumpets carries profound significance. For many, it evokes the longing to hear the trumpet that heralds the return of Jesus Christ, signaling the end of man's misguided rule influenced by satan, and the cessation of the pain inflicted on humanity. Biblically, in Israel's history, the trumpet often served as an immediate warning of imminent war, death, and destruction. It also recalls the intimidating blast that grew in intensity as the Ten Commandments were about to be given, and the commands in Numbers 10 where the sound of a trumpet directed the movement of tribes. Furthermore, there is a revealed insight among God's Family that a final trumpet will be blown, marking a critical moment of change and judgment, though the world remains unaware of the utter devastation that awaits until that sound is heard.
Dating (Part 2): The Proper Order of Things
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany singles have found dating in the church difficult, consequently turning to the world for companionship, courting dangerous consequences.
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.
Vanity (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSolomon's statement that all of life is vanity is only true if one is not privy to God's ultimate purpose for mankind. Paul describes what God is doing.