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.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe church of God is not immune to the deterioration of doctrine. Minor deviations from doctrine bring about irreparable, disastrous consequences.
Simplicity in Christ
Article by Richard T. RitenbaughThe truth of God is simple, even some of the more complex doctrines are easily understood by those who truly seek God. We need to remember this principle when faced with doctrinal change.
Back to the First Century (Part One)
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reminding us to take God's words seriously, cautions that all His words have great depth, having far more applications than appear on the surface. His word unfolds in layers, like the peeling back of an onion skin. After the upheaval and disintegration of the Worldwide Church of God, it became clear that God …
Truth or Unity?
Article by StaffWe all want to be known as seekers of the truth. None of us would want to follow a lie! Yet oftentimes, searching for the truth brings us into conflict with others' beliefs, causing separations between brethren in the church of God. How do we tell truth from lie?
Unity (Part 3): Ephesians 4 (A)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reiterates that God alone chooses the servants through whom He works His will. Sometimes the rationale God uses for selecting His vessels defies worldly wisdom. The major reason for the horrendous split of the greater church of God was the rejection of the doctrines God's servant and Apostle Herbert Armstrong had …
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.
Spotting False Teachers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue shepherds have genuine concern for the flock, as opposed to hirelings who only devour or take advantage of the flock.
General Revelation
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, reflecting on some supposedly logical doctrinal papers which have circulated throughout the church of God, asserts that God is not against scholarship. God Himself has placed these critical skills within us. The basic doctrines of God's church have already passed intellectual muster. Before we can endeavor to …
Debate
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh contends that we in the church should side neither with the progressive (liberal) worldview nor the traditional (conservative) worldview, but march to the beat of a different drummer. Americans, as part of the culture of Israel, debate absolutely everything. The Bible takes a very dim view of argument, debate, …
Differences of Opinion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSatan champions self-opinion and mob behavior. God's church has never been immune to division because each member has only part of the truth.
Hebrews 12 and 13: Advice for the End Time
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must lay aside every weight, accept God's chastening, receive encouragement from those who have gone before, and get back into the spiritual race.
Religious Confusion and You
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughNothing is more confused than the state of religion today. God's people can stay above the fray by being firmly grounded in His Word. Included are seven principles of Bible study.
It Takes a Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, citing the African Proverb, 'It takes a village' asserts that this principle more aptly applies to the church, specifically designed to serve as a support for those in need. In this era of 'going it alone' or 'cocooning,' we as a people like to be self-sufficient without any support from others. Consequently …
Examine and Come Out
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh insists that we must be aware of our awesome status as a unique, called-out, chosen, royal priesthood—teachers of a way of life and builders of bridges between people and God. Because God owns us, we differ from the rest of the people of this earth. We need to seriously think of what we are now (His chosen …
Eating Out on the Sabbath
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh examines four areas in which hairsplitting or non-salvation issues (such as eating white sugar, observing the right calendar, or occasionally eating out on the Sabbath) have threatened the unity of fellowship. What has brought about the disunity? Who determines the intent of the law? Who makes the policy from the …
A Christian's Greatest Trial
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)Military strategists have long realized the key to success in the training of new recruits is to identify the danger they will encounter—in short, to know their enemy. Recruits to God's spiritual army also need to know their enemy and to make appropriate preparations for battle. Daniel 7:25 reveals the modus operandi of …
The Same Mind, Judgment, and Speech
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWith the mind of Christ, we can agree with our spiritual siblings. We do not receive the fullness of Christ's mind at baptism; we must continue to seek it.
Two Loaves, Baked with Leaven
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe leavening indicates that the wave loaves speak to this life rather than the resurrection. It is accepted by God only because of the other sacrifices.
Acts (Part 11)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh explores the conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile. This event is nearly as pivotal a benchmark as the original Pentecost because the Gentiles at this point are given the same portal of salvation (repentance, belief in Christ, and receipt of God's Holy Spirit) originally offered to Israel. This portion of Acts …
The Parable of the Leaven, Expanded
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBitterness divides one member of Christ's Body from another. Individuals often look for a 'doctrinal' reason to justify leaving a congregation.
Satan (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan uses lies and disinformation to promote self-satisfaction over obedience to God. The way to the kingdom is through self-denial, even suffering unjustly.
