Growth
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Western emphasis on growth has taken root within Christianity. 'Success' for a church is measured in income and membership, which are deceptive metrics.
The Impossible Metric
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeMembers, co-workers, and subscribers can all be tallied, yet who save God can track the increase of faith or the building of character of members of a church?
Where Is God Working?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAre numeric growth or miraculous signs sure indicators of God's presence? Before trying to determine where God is working, we must understand what God is doing.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Four): The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Mustard Seed parable is commonly interpreted as an illustration of church growth. However, rightly dividing the word of truth shows a sobering reality.
Billy Graham's Death
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughBilly Graham was dubbed 'America's pastor.' Four traits that endeared him to people were persuasive oratory, courage, morality and humility.
Polling Problems
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe problem with polls is that they are fundamentally worthless. The media uses them, not to provide a snapshot of Americans' opinions, but to influence.
A View of the Work
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeJudging the quality of our work by numeric standards is not a measure of spiritual growth, and to equate it with spiritual growth in rank Laodiceanism.
Franchising the Faith
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughIn churchianity, slick business tactics and advertising take precedence over scriptural knowledge. Yet truth trumps sincerity, emotion, and glitz.
Avoiding Superficiality
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSuccess in spiritual things does not consist in growing large and powerful, but humbly living by faith, overcoming, and yielding to God's shaping power.
Intimacy with Christ (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must guard our time, not allowing busyness and involvement with activities of the world to prevent us from forming a deep intimacy with God.
Start Now to Begin Walking
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe things of God require digging; it is time to walk step-by-step to the finish of the cause He has called us to complete.
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.
The 'Open Door' of Philadelphia
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe letter to Philadelphia speaks of a coveted 'open door,' a clear reference to a neglected prophecy in Isaiah 22 that calls many into account today.
'He Who Has an Ear, Let Him Hear . . .'
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeA man with myopic judgment will take the good times he has as evidence of God's pleasure, and conclude that the bad times must be caused by Satan's persecution.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDespite the growing popularity of Purpose-Driven churches, national immorality is still increasing. The 'emerging church' grows numerically by suppressing truth.
Be There Next Year
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMembers of God's church usually come home from the Feast of Tabernacles with renewed strength. Yet, some fall away each year. Here's how to stay the course.