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The Faith Once Delivered
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersThe faith once delivered to the saints requires active defense without alteration, as God commands through Jude that believers contend earnestly for the truth originally given to His people. This faith entered the church through the teachings delivered by Mr. Armstrong, encompassing doctrines such as the Sabbath, holy days, clean and unclean meats, proper attire for services, the identity of the Beast and false prophet, rejection of pagan holidays, and the coming Millennium as part of becoming part of the Family of God. Ungodly influences have since gained entry by adding new requirements, such as observance of new moons and sacred names, or by removing and diluting established practices, including shortened services, casual dress standards, intercessory discussions, and participation in activities like Church in the Park that treat the Sabbath as ordinary time. These shifts mirror the pattern in Jude of turning grace into license for sin and false teaching, beginning with seemingly minor compromises that spread like leaven. Biblical precedents illustrate the same process, as the Israelites under successive kings retained high places and introduced abominations rather than maintaining the faith delivered through Moses, leading to captivity after generations of incremental departure. Proper observance of the faith demands reverence before God, shown in preparation such as washing garments and maintaining holiness on the Sabbath through focused prayer, study, meditation, and God-centered conversation rather than personal pleasure, travel, or distractions. Dating and marriage outside the faith further erode this inheritance by creating conflicts over holy days, tithing, child-rearing, and Sabbath conduct that pressure compromise or produce divorce, contrary to the protection God intends. Retention of the unchanged faith equips believers to endure tribulation and receive the Kingdom promised to those who remain faithful, while departure risks exclusion from that inheritance.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEverything that we go through has been engineered by God. We are His workmanship, created for good works, a response to the faith He has given us.
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.
Is America a Christian Nation? Summary (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The following seven points refute the unsubstantiated claim that America ever was, or continues to be, a Christian nation.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A true Christian is sanctified by a specific body of beliefs and how he lives. No mainstream church in America has ever yielded itself to the right doctrines.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Six
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe overriding issue of life is to whom we will give ourselves in obedience. Will it be ourselves, society, business, Satan or God?
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe church of God is not immune to the deterioration of doctrine. Minor deviations from doctrine bring about irreparable, disastrous consequences.
Is America a Christian Nation? Summary (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The founders made no covenant between the People of the United States and God. American citizenry never practiced true Christianity.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has consistently moved His creation toward its ultimate purpose, setting the bounds of nations, motivating rulers to pursue a certain course of action.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Founders of this nation were guided more by laws of expedience than by ideology or theology, not having the true faith once delivered.
Can We Win People For Christ?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeMost of the Christian world believes that it is the duty of believers to 'win people for Christ.' Yet the whole counsel of God reveals a larger reality.
Why We Observe Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe keep Unleavened Bread because of what God did to bring us out of sin (typified by Egypt). While God compels us to make choices, He is with us all the way.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)America has never embraced true Christianity as its dominant faith, nor has it ever really followed Christ, but has instead embraced a counterfeit.
The Christian Fight (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWith all the military metaphors in the Bible, there can be no doubt that God likens the Christian life to a war against the evils and temptations we face.
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe primary focus at this time is the repair of the faith once delivered that has seriously deteriorated because of heresy, apostasy, and Laodiceanism.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMany professing Christians have rejected major tenets of the Bible, fashioning their own religions, giving themselves license to sin in selected areas.