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Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part Two: Defining Gnosticism
Article by David C. GrabbeGnosticism, as a religious philosophy, offers a framework to explain the nature of God, creation, good and evil, man, and the purpose of life. Gnostics focused exclusively on the inner life of the spirit, distinctly separating it from material life. Some branches of Gnosticism embraced asceticism to free the eternal spirit through regimented, plain, and insular lives, while others practiced hedonism, believing that bodily actions were irrelevant since only the spirit mattered. Paul warns against this philosophy, describing it as empty deceit that could rob church members of their faith, hope, understanding of God, relationship with God, vision, and purpose. He identifies its sources as the traditions of men and the rudiments of the world, pointing to demonic powers that shape this cosmos and perpetuate vain deceits contradicting the truth about God and His purpose for mankind. At every turn, Gnosticism aimed to twist the nature of Jesus Christ. Various Gnostic beliefs distorted His identity, denying aspects of His divine nature or role. To counter Gnosticism, the truth of Jesus Christ must be central, affirming Him as the fullness of the divine nature in bodily form and the sovereign over every principality and power. Additionally, combating the false knowledge of Gnosticism requires taking the Bible as the complete and inspired Word of God, against which any concept, tradition, doctrine, or philosophy can be tested. Gnostics, however, often did not accept the Bible as God's inspired revelation, or they equated other ancient, secret writings with Scripture for greater insight, and promoted progressive revelation, suggesting that ongoing direct revelations from the spirit world could override written Scripture.
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part Three: Satan's Three Heresies
Article by David C. GrabbeWhen Satan confronted Adam and Eve, he fed them three heresies that Gnosticism incorporated into its parasitic philosophy and way of life.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Colossian Christians were criticized by ascetics for the way they were keeping the Sabbath and holy days. Paul argues against a philosophy, not the law of God.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Colossians 2:16 and Galatians 4:9-10, Paul was warning against mixing Gnostic asceticism and pagan customs with the keeping of God's Sabbath and Holy Days.
Our Need for God's Law
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloGnosticism, which had infiltrated the congregations in Galatia and Colossae, has dominated mainstream Christianity, causing it to reject God's law.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist will empower us, but will not live our lives for us. The marching orders for our pilgrimage derive from God's Word, containing His holy law.
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 Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has given us His Law, which shows us the way of sanctification and holiness. God is in the process of reproducing His kind — the God-kind.
The More Things Change
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe tend to think of the early Church as a 'golden age' of unity and momentum. But early church members experienced problems similar to what we face today.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Galatians, Paul took issue with the Halakhah, not God's word. Halakhah was a massive collection of human opinion that placed a yoke on its followers.
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.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 6)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReminding us to stay sensitive to conscience, Paul suggests we become other-centered, doing everything to the glory of God, especially in our relationships.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe yoke of bondage Paul refers to in Galatians was a combination of the code of regulations added by the Pharisees and Gnostic ritualism, not God's Law.
Defining Logos (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Greek word 'logos' has been negatively loaded with unbiblical meanings. Its basic meaning is 'word' or 'saying,' yet it is really more complex.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe cosmology of ancient Greece, saturated with astrology and Gnostic dualism, filtered into the doctrines of the early church, creating corrupt doctrines.
Paul's Letter to Titus (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul encourages Titus to seek out teachers who have an ardent love of the truth, and warns him about false teachers who deceive the congregation.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOutcome based religion exalts numerical growth and feeling good over the truth of God, promoting the use of modern psychology over 'divisive' biblical doctrine.