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God, Socialism, and Offerings

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Socialism is enforced slavery to government, founded on no religious principle, but on the poisonous fruits of 'progressive' humanism.

What Does God Really Want? (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God is the Creator and the ultimate Owner of everything. As the Giver of all things, He entrusts His creation to humanity, granting dominion over the earth and its resources. Whether converted or unconverted, all are stewards of what belongs to Him. The silver, the gold, the animals, the land—everything is His. Even what individuals might call their own, such as money, houses, or cars, is merely entrusted to their care for a time. This higher reality must guide lives, acknowledging that nothing truly belongs to anyone but is given by God to be managed responsibly. Everything possessed—whether money, health, property, jobs, education, or knowledge—is a trust from God to be used to glorify Him. He is pictured as giving wealth and expecting it to be used faithfully, as seen in judgments where stewards are held accountable for their management. God's gifts, both physical and spiritual, are not possessions but trusts that lay a serious responsibility upon stewards to use them judiciously. This principle underscores that all are being judged by what they do with what has been entrusted to them. The stewardship of God's creation extends to all mankind physically, but for those entrusted with the mysteries of God, the responsibility is even greater. These spiritual riches, far surpassing any material wealth, demand loyalty and vigilance. Stewards must guard this treasure with their lives, protecting it within their minds to ensure it is not lost or misused. The value of what God has freely given is beyond measure, requiring faithful care and devotion to duty above all else, as it is so easy for a steward to appropriate these gifts for personal use. God desires faithfulness from stewards in the proper use of what has been entrusted to them. This fidelity is paramount, whether managing physical resources or the spiritual truths of His Kingdom. Stewards must never allow themselves to sink to the level of what they manage, remembering always that they are caretakers, not owners. The focus must remain on building and preserving the spiritual wealth entrusted by God, ensuring that when judgment comes, they are prepared with character that endures beyond the grave.

Passover of the Most High God

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

The title "Most High" for God, first mentioned in connection with Passover, carries profound significance as it describes Him as the possessor of heaven and earth. This title reflects not a distant landlord but a deeply caring Owner whose governance over creation springs from a will and purpose that are inherently good. The Most High's ownership is marked by personal involvement, blessing His people with whatever they need—be it knowledge, physical provision, or defense and deliverance from enemies—to accomplish His perfect will. Scripture consistently shows that whenever this title is used, God is depicted as actively blessing His people, demonstrating His strength on their behalf and judging the unrighteous. The Most High's care is evident in His deliverance of enemies into the hands of His faithful, as seen with Abraham, highlighting His keen interest in human affairs. This protection extends to spiritual battles against unseen foes—principalities and powers that sow division and discouragement among His people. The Most High blesses with protection and forgiveness when sought, ensuring no righteous work is left undone and no good thing withheld from His people. He also provides victory over internal struggles and the ultimate enemy, death, through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, enabling His people to follow in His footsteps. Understanding the depth of the title "Most High" enhances the appreciation of Passover as a blessing from God, a means to victory. His active possession of heaven and earth, and His governance in the affairs of men, especially those He has called, underscore the wonders and works of His divine care.

Tithing

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Everything that exists belongs to God. He has the right to keep everything for Himself, but He chooses to share with human beings. He does not need to pay or repay anyone, or ask for anything. Silver and gold are symbolic of everything of value. When we give God back the tithe that is His to begin with, He blesses us abundantly both spiritually and physically. God commands tithes so that there may be food in His house, emphasizing that tithes are primarily used to feed His people spiritually.

Tithing (1995)

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The subject of tithing is bound to spawn arguments in this time, but the biblical teaching about it is very simple: The tithe is God's and still in force!

This Land Is Our Land

'Prophecy Watch' by Mike Ford

More and more land is owned by the government—a situation that contradicts the biblical principles concerning individual land ownership.

Ending Your Financial Worries

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

Even with all the political problems hanging over us, Americans are most concerned about their personal finances. Here is how your financial problems can be solved!

Our Stewardship

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

After we are baptized and become members of God's church, we inherit a new primary job and responsibility: to become a steward.

Tithing: 'Try Me Now!' (Part Two)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Tithing requires faith and trust in God, who provides our ability to acquire wealth. Each member must make his own decision. Tithing is based on increase.

Why We Tithe (Part 1)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Tithing both precedes and transcends the covenant, having a deep spiritual significance far beyond the letter of the law: learning to give as God gives.

Tithing

Sermon by John O. Reid

This comprehensive overview of tithing explores the attitudes we should have toward tithing, the purposes of the tithe, and the benefits of tithing.

Tithing: 'Try Me Now!' (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The tithes did not belong to the Levites, but to God who commanded their services on behalf of the people. Refusal to tithe robs God.

Am I My Brother's Keeper?

Sermon by Bill Onisick

Believers are crafted to be the caretakers of all that belongs to God, accountable for how we serve, nurturing both His creation and His people.

Housing and Property Redistribution

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

The United Nations Agenda 21 plan recommends the confiscation of private property for the sake of an equitable economic and social system.

The Eighth Commandment (1997)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

We can steal by burglary, larceny, embezzlement, robbery, shoplifting, or plagiarizing. We can defraud, hold up, lift, loot, pinch, pilfer, snatch and swindle.

Maintaining Good Health (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Stewardship of our bodies is (like the Levitical maintenance of the temple) an aspect of holiness, strengthening our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Deuteronomy and Holiness

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God has provided the God-plane marriage relationship to teach us how to submit to one another, sacrificing our self-centeredness for the benefit of our spouse.

The Way of Get

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The 8th commandment, by prohibiting theft, creates an environment of trust. A person stealing from another breaks that trust, causing loss and hardship.

Privilege, Responsibility, and Judgment

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Our welfare programs have scriptural principles as their general inspiration, but they have been abused, encouraging dependency which God never intended.