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The Sacred Name Movement
CGG Weekly by John ReissGod says to Moses in Exodus 6:2-3, I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name, LORD, I was not known to them. The Bible's books were penned by about forty different authors, yet none of them hesitated to refer to God as Elohim in Hebrew, among other terms. In Mark 15:34, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' which is translated, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?' This shows that even during the most excruciating time of His life, Jesus used 'Eloi,' an Aramaic term for God, rather than a specific Hebrew name.
Misconceptions and Malarkey About the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasThe Hebrew word elohiym (H430) represents a significant concept in understanding the divine. It is a term that encapsulates the essence of God's nature and power, often associated with the creative and governing authority of the Almighty. Through elohiym, we see the manifestation of God's will across the universe, permeating all things with His Spirit to accomplish His divine purposes. This term underscores the relationship between God and His creation, highlighting His role as the source of spiritual strength and understanding for those who seek to align with His will.
The Trinity and the Holy Spirit (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The term elohiym (H430), translated as "God" over 2,300 times in Scripture starting from Genesis 1:1, is a plural term meaning "mighty ones." It appears 35 times in Genesis 1 and 2, emphasizing the creative acts of more than one being. Elohiym is the first indication of God in the Bible, establishing Them as the author of the entire Book. This plural usage, confirmed in Genesis 1:26 with pronouns like "Us" and "Our," reveals that Elohiym consists of at least two personalities working in perfect unity and harmony, both worthy of worship and honor. Understanding elohiym is essential to grasping the nature of God as a family, shaping the pattern and direction of our lives. It is not merely a name but a title indicating plurality, deliberately chosen over the singular form Eloah to convey this truth. In the context of creation, Elohiym encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, with the spiritual aspect fully revealed through Jesus Christ declaring the Father as a spiritual Father, distinct from the Jewish understanding of God as Father of physical creation. The concept of Elohiym as a family unit expands throughout Scripture, showing that God is reproducing Himself, inviting us to become part of this family. This is evident in teachings from Jesus and the apostles, indicating that we are being prepared to join Elohiym, sharing the same mind, attitude, and character. Beginning with two personalities in Genesis 1, Elohiym is expanding into a family of beings created in Their image, located in both heaven and earth, challenging narrow views of monotheism while maintaining unity as one Elohiym. Within Elohiym, the Father and the Son are distinct personalities, not co-equal, as Jesus Himself stated that the Father is greater than He is. Their relationship is one of complete agreement, with the Son always submitting to the Father, further clarifying the structure within Elohiym as a family of two, not three, personalities.
Conspiracy Theory (Part Eighteen)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The meteoric rise of immorality in this country has made it dangerous, leading people to select charismatic tyrants to lead them into dependency.
The Nature of God: Elohim
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnderstanding Elohim teaches us about the nature of God and where our lives are headed. Elohim refers to a plural family unit in the process of expanding.
God Is . . . What?
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughWhat is God's nature? Is God one Being? Two? Three? Bible students have long searched for the answers to these questions. The truth is both simple and profound.
The Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTheologians, misapplying grammatical gender and personification, falsely deduce a phantom third person, propped up by a spurious insertion (I John 5:7-8).
The Shepherd of Israel
Sermonette by David C. GrabbePsalm 80 shows that the Shepherd of Israel sat between the Cherubim in the Holy of Holies, showing that Jesus Christ is the God who interacted with Israel.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ and God the Father are one in spirit and purpose, purposing to draw us toward that same kind of unity that currently exists between them.
God the Father in the Old Testament
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Hebrew Scriptures reveal the existence of the Father. Deuteronomy 6:4 refers to God as one, signifying unity of purpose and identical character.
'Like Father, Like Son'
CGG Weekly by John ReissGod gives His specific purpose statement less than one-tenth of one percent of the way into the Bible: 'Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.'
The Names of God
'Ready Answer' by Martin G. CollinsThe name of God is important—so important that He included its proper use in His Ten Commandments. However, His emphasis is on His character, not a pronunciation.
The Trinity and the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Father and the Son are two separate personalities, with the Father having pre-eminence. The Bible contains no evidence of a third person in the God family.
God the Father (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus reveals that the Father has always had supreme authority, and that He and His Father are absolutely at one in purpose. We must conform to their image.
Our Awesome Destiny
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnderstanding is totally different from knowledge. Some people with ample knowledge are incredibly ignorant when discerning the plan of God.
The Plain Truth About the "Sacred Name"
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletDo we have to refer to the members of the God Family as Yahweh, Jehovah, or other Hebrew names in order to be saved? Is this God's intent, or superstition?
A Pure Language
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWe don't need to be experts in Hebrew or use Hebrew names to call on the name of the Lord, nor is Hebrew sacred. Pure language comes from an undefiled heart.
Life Doesn't Work on a Balance Sheet (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeBeing God's Son was not enough to automatically qualify Him to be our High Priest. He was made complete and fully ready to be High Priest through sufferings.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father is the source of everything and the Son is the channel through which He carries out His purpose. Jesus declared that the Father is superior to Him.
What Is the Prophesied 'Pure Language'? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeA culture that is far from God has a debased language, but the real problem with the Jews of Isaiah's day was that they were going astray in their hearts.
Psalms: Book Three (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalm 75 reveals that God both promotes and removes individuals from positions of power and He has the final say as to how power will be administrated.
Conspiracy Theory (Part Nineteen)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The nephilim were not the offspring of angels cohabiting with humans; these 'giants' were apostates from the true religion who decided not to follow God.
Our Divine Destiny
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's called-ones have been given the ability to decipher the scattered concepts, revealing the purpose of their destiny throughout the Scriptures.
Micah 6:1-8 and Our Self Evaluation
Sermonette by Christian D. HunterMicah 6 presents God's faithful acts of deliverance, providence, and protection, urging Israel and us to remember His largely unseen work in our lives.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerI AM, the surname of the God family, applies to God the Father and Son who desire to share that glory with their called-out saints (John 17).
Psalm 51 (Part Two): Psalm 51:1-4
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe phrase, 'a man after God's own heart' modifies God rather than David's carnal character. God chose David because He discerned a heart He could work with.
The Commandments (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe prohibition against taking God's name in vain is the least understood commandment. When we bear God's name, we are to bear His character and nature.