Individualism, as promoted by worldly views like Ayn Rand's, celebrates radical self-reliance and personal will, akin to Adam's rebellion against God in Eden, leading to suffering and death. In contrast, God sees each person as made in His image, with the purpose of being hidden in Christ, transformed through sacrifice and rejection of self for God and others. True individuality isn't isolated but shaped by external influences, requiring God's intervention. We lack autonomy to change without His grace, bound to serve either sin or righteousness. God calls us to relinquish personal will, adopt His laws, and foster unity in the Body of Christ, countering the division caused by pride and individualism.

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Individualism and Unity

CGG Weekly

The concept of individualism, as championed by figures like Ayn Rand, stands in stark contrast to God's perspective on the individual. Rand's portrayal of individuality, evident in her novels such as The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, celebrates a radical self-reliance where protagonists fiercely protect their uniqueness, viewing it as the cornerstone of a healthy capitalist society. This view posits that everyone is unique, possessing a free will that must express distinctiveness, and that preserving one's life is the primary goal of this unique expression. However, this notion of raw individualism is seen as a destructive force, particularly to the Christian, mirroring Adam's rebellion against God in the Garden of Eden by asserting personal will over divine command. God's view of the individual diverges significantly from this worldly notion. Each person is made in God's image, carrying the responsibility to live up to it, enabled by the spirit God has placed in mankind. God's laws, encapsulated in Jesus Christ's commandments, call for a rejection of self and sacrifice for God and others. The ultimate purpose of the individual is to be hidden in Christ, transformed into God's image, focusing on similarities established by Him rather than differences. True individuality, in this sense, does not exist as an isolated trait, since one's character and personality are shaped by family, upbringing, and a web of external influences, underscoring the necessity of God's intervention in our lives. Moreover, the idea of blazing one's own trail is an illusion, as Jesus Christ and Paul emphasize that individuals are bound to serve either sin or righteousness, lacking the autonomy to change without God's grace. Individualism, as expressed by Adam's choice to follow his own way, has led to suffering and death, whereas God's call is for individuals to sacrifice themselves to His will, adopting His laws, wisdom, and values to become citizens of His Kingdom. Individuality is thus expressed through the decision to relinquish personal will and become like Christ, fostering unity within the Body of Christ through the Holy Spirit, rather than perpetuating division through pride and individualism.

Trends in Global Religion

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The current state of global religion reveals a profound lack of unity, with Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christians maintaining their divisions, and America hosting hundreds of Protestant denominations. Jews and Arabs remain in conflict, Shiite and Sunni Muslims experience tensions, and the East showcases a variety of faiths from Hinduism to Buddhism to Shintoism, alongside nature and ancestral deity worship. Tribal and shamanistic beliefs persist in various cultures, while New Age religions proliferate daily, and millions lack any religious affiliation. This widespread disunity appears to contradict the anticipated unification of world religions into a single system as suggested by biblical prophecy. However, trends indicate that this disunity is a significant factor in the global religious landscape, aligning with the expected conditions for end-time events. God's sovereign hand is orchestrating these divisions, setting the stage for a brief, deceptive unity among world religions at the appointed time, as part of His divine plan. Only His power can bring about such a temporary unification, even amidst the inherent seeds of destruction caused by miraculous trickery and brute force. Meanwhile, true unity within His church will emerge only after a period of pruning and repentance, preparing the Bride for her marriage to the Lamb when Christ returns.

Spiritual Gifts: Unity, Edification, and Order

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Members of God's church, growing up in a democratic, individualistic Western culture, face challenges in aligning with the culture Christ desires for His church. This societal emphasis on nearly unrestrained autonomy makes it difficult for God's people to view themselves as Christ's subjects and bondservants, part of a unified whole rather than independent entities. Our upbringing often leads us to prioritize what seems right in our own eyes, rather than following the commands of the King of Israel, the Head of the church. Human nature further inclines us to satisfy and exalt ourselves first, instead of working for the good of the Body. Paul urges that members should have the same care for one another, fostering unity among the brethren when each uses their gifts for the benefit of all.

Eating Out on the Sabbath

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the gray areas of applying God's Law, extending mercy and easing of burdens trumps legalism and hairsplitting.

It Takes a Church

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As Christians, we need to form warm, productive, quality relationships with our brethren, actively ministering to the needs of one another.

America First?

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We may be proud to be Americans, but the problem today is that we are often prouder to be something else. It does not matter what the 'something else' is.

Sovereign God, Not Man

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We have all become little 'sovereigns.' Everyone thinks he or she can make up the rules about God's truth, when God is to be the sole arbiter of truth.

Corporate Faith

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Corporate faith requires that we lay aside our individualism and join our brethren doing God's work.

Unity (Part 8): Ephesians 4 (E)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The group that one fellowships with is less important than the understanding that there is one true church, bound by a spiritual, not a physical unity.

Unity (Part 7): Ephesians 4 (D)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Because of our lack of self-discipline and willingness to guard the truth, we have allowed our theological base to deteriorate under the persuasion of the world.

All Sifted Like Wheat (Part Two)

Sermon by Mark Schindler

God's people cannot yoke themselves unequally with the philosophy or politics of the world. Invoking God's name is not equivalent to obeying Him.

The Mystery of the Church

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God desires to know whether the spiritual remnants will choose His teaching or assimilating into the world, biting and devouring one another.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Love

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Love is the first fruit of the Spirit, the one trait of God that exemplifies His character. The Bible defines love as both what it is and what it does.

I Versus We

'WorldWatch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Opposing worldviews, individualism and collectivism, fight for dominance in cultures worldwide. Their struggle may play a prominent role in the end time.

The Church, One Body

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God's call to learn from the ant does not teach us to yield to a hierarchical system, but to participate in a community with the goal of edification.

Much Greater Than Ourselves

Sermonette by Martin G. Collins

None of the heroes of faith faced their challenges by themselves, but were aware of God's protection and power, a power much greater than themselves.

Faith, Government, and the Calendar (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The calculated Hebrew calendar reflects God's faithfulness in providing His children a reliable calendar. Concocting one's own calendar is presumptuous.

Titus (Part Four): Traits of a Healthy Church

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Titus 2 gives specific instructions to senior members of the congregation, followed by instructions to the youth, explaining their responsibilities.

God's Stare Decisis

Sermon by Mark Schindler

'Stare Decisis' is a principle that precedent should determine legal decision in making a case involving similar facts.

What Makes Generation "Me" Tick?

Commentary by David F. Maas

Over the past six decades (from the Boomer Generation to the Millennial generation), individuals have grown more narcissistic, entitled and miserable.