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Apostasy and Faith

CGG Weekly by Martin G. Collins

Biblically, apostasy is rebellion against God or the abandonment of faith in Him by those once enlightened by the truth. In the Old Testament, it always relates to rebellion against God, and in Israel, it was a capital offense, punishable by death for actions such as sacrificing to another god or inciting others to do so. In the New Testament, apostasy also means defection from the truth, with terms like "forsake" and "falling away" expressing this rebellion against God and rejection of truth. God's church is warned to beware of the danger of apostasy, as it is a persistent threat, prophesied to increase in the latter times. Paul cautions that the apostasy must occur before the return of Christ and expresses amazement at how soon it began. Satan's influence can lead to apostasy, with false teachers seducing Christians from the purity of the word to other gospels, and false brethren promoting confusion with their own agendas. Apostasy tends to increase during times of persecution, where many deny the faith under pressure, and it can also be caused by temptation, as those without a solid foundation fall away when tested. Worldliness brings about apostasy by setting hearts on amusement and gratification, breaking the covenant with God through unfaithfulness. Unbelief or faithlessness fosters an evil heart of rebellion, leading to departure from the living God. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for those who come to God must believe that He is and rewards those who diligently seek Him. When a person apostatizes, they trample underfoot their Savior Jesus Christ, who died for the forgiveness of sins. Faith, obedience, and loyalty to God prevent the seed of apostasy from growing into rebellion, and God encourages endurance against heresy to stand firm in doing His will.

How Satan Destroys Faith

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Because we act on what we believe, any affront to our belief system will alter our choices and behavior, placing us on a destructive trajectory.

Faith and Prayer

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Constant, earnest prayer keeps faith alive and makes certain the receiving of the qualities that make us in the image of God. God's purpose comes first.

Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Sometimes God's sense of justice seems unusual or strange to us, giving us many questions to ponder about fairness. Justice and fairness are not identical.

The Truth About Deception (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

How are we different from those who have fallen away from the truth? How do we know that we will not also follow a path of deception and eventual apostasy?

The Times They Are a-Changin'

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

Bob Dylan's lyrics in 'The Times They Are A-changin' seem prescient; within a few years of Herbert Armstrong's death, heresies were imported into the church.

How Much Longer Do We Have?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

When Christ returns, we cannot be at odds with Him at all, but must have been attending to the salvation process, putting our spiritual houses in order.

Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong?

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Herbert Armstrong, while not infallible or sinless, nevertheless served as the custodian of the truths of God, occupying the role of God's messenger.

The Old Stories

Sermonette by

We must guard against forces that would systematically undermine the faith once delivered to the saints, and learn not to denigrate the stories passed down.

Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part One: False Knowledge

Article by David C. Grabbe

Gnosticism is very much in vogue today in books and movies, and perhaps surprisingly, in the belief systems of many people who profess to be Christian.

We Must Learn to Fly

Sermon by John O. Reid

If we are rescued from our tests and trials, we will not be able to perform. We need struggle, tribulation, pressure, and trials to develop patience.

How Much Longer Do We Have?

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

How often have we heard—or cried ourselves—'How long, O Lord?' Our great hope is in Christ's return, but it seems as if that time is delayed.

Deception, Idolatry, and the Feast of Tabernacles

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jeroboam, pragmatic and fearful, established a more convenient idolatrous festival to prevent his people from keeping the real Feast of Tabernacles in Judah.

Conspiracy Theory (Part Thirteen)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

American culture is decidedly non-Christian in its current outlook, as Satan has twisted and distorted the information taught by secular universities.

Be There Next Year!

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Whether we do or do not make it to the Feast of Tabernacles next year depends on our faithfulness at stirring up the gift of God's spirit within us.

Death, or Not A Hair of Your Head?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Our challenge in the wake of the terrible things we witness now is to retain confidence that God is in control, even though our faith will be sorely tested.

Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Outcome-based religion holds large membership as its measure of success, believing that the ends justify the means. It avoids doctrine that might divide.

Prayer and Fervency

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Living faith has its roots in fervently, diligently seeking God and His righteousness with intense desire (like a passionate lover) through habitual prayer.

When the Trumpet Blows

Sermon by John O. Reid

The Feast of Trumpets holds a profound significance for the people of God, as it vividly pictures the potential return of Jesus Christ, the transformation from flesh to spirit, and the dawn of peace enveloping a weary, war-torn world. This holy day serves as a powerful reminder and urgent call not to falter in the perilous end-time Laodicean environment. God desires for us to remain steadfast, working out our salvation with fear and trembling, recognizing that He is actively working within each of us to ensure our success in glorifying Him and attaining the incredible future He has prepared for us.