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Of One Accord
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDoctrinal accord arises when believers voluntarily submit to the same revealed truths, producing unity of mind and purpose rather than the divisions generated by human opinion. The material traces this principle through repeated examples of disagreement over scriptural instructions, most notably the command in Leviticus 23:15 to begin counting from a Sabbath. Differing identifications of that Sabbath produced fixed yet conflicting dates for Pentecost among the Sadducees, Pharisees, and Ethiopian Orthodox Jews, while the Septuagint rendering further illustrates how translation choices reflect interpretive variance. Such confusion is presented as evidence that groups lacking the Spirit of God remain unable to reach agreement on even basic observances. The same pattern appears inside the New Testament church. Paul's appeal in 1 Corinthians 1:10 that all "speak the same thing" and be "perfectly joined together in the same mind" addresses quarrels over emphasis and secondary issues that inflated lesser points above the central message of salvation by grace through Christ. Similar disputes over circumcision, food offered to idols, and the standing of Gentile converts threatened harmony until the apostles and elders reached a common judgment recorded in Acts 15. The text notes that these resolutions rested on fidelity to what had already been revealed rather than on new intellectual constructions. Doctrinal accord is therefore shown to be both the precondition and the fruit of genuine unity. When the disciples in Acts 1-2 remained "with one accord" while awaiting the promised Spirit, their shared obedience to Christ's explicit instructions enabled the outpouring at Pentecost. Conversely, later departures from the "faith once delivered" produced factions that aligned around prominent teachers instead of around the foundation laid by the apostles. The remedy repeatedly urged is for each person to return individually to that foundation, seeking God first so that harmony with fellow believers follows as the natural result. In this way doctrinal accord functions as the practical means by which the church overcomes the works of the flesh and fulfills the prayer that all may be one as the Father and Son are one.
Truth or Unity?
Article by StaffOftentimes, searching for the truth brings us into conflict with others' beliefs, causing separations between brethren in the church of God.
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.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 2)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA true, godly minister does not draw people to himself, but instead to God. Not placing Christ at the forefront will lead to carnal-mindedness.
Do The First Works
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughWe also need to return to our first love and diligently do the first works, including fellowship, continuing in the doctrine, and doing things properly.
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.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The socio-cultural milieu before the writing of Hebrews created difficulties for the Jewish converts to the Gospel, who were deemed to be traitors.
WHAT?! Me Submit to Someone Else?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSubmitting is repugnant to the carnal mind. The church is no place for uncompromising people who demand their own way.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is doing more than merely saving people; He is producing children in His image. The difference between the covenants is in the quality of the faith.
Numbers: The Book of Judgment
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe live daily in uncharted territory, but the sobering account in Numbers provides a roadmap, establishing God's pattern of judging our pilgrimage conduct.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe doctrinal changes made by the Worldwide Church of God have devastating ramifications. Predictably, when the vision was changed, God's law was cast aside.
In The Likeness of Men!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus was subjected to the same experiences as the rest of us, having the appearance, experiences, the capability of receiving injury and suffering temptation.