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Beware of False Prophets
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFalse teachers and prophets are a pervasive danger, leading people astray from God's truth with their deceitful messages. They promote confusion and immorality, often driven by self-interest, pride, and a desire for popularity, speaking what people wish to hear rather than the inspired Word of God. These individuals, whether ministers, scholars, or authorities, misrepresent God, encouraging a broad, wandering path of life that contrasts sharply with the narrow way of righteousness. Their teachings result in chaos, as they steal God's words for personal gain, manipulate religious beliefs, and support traditions over truth. God stands against such false teachers, as seen in the warnings delivered through His true prophets. These deceivers are likened to ravenous wolves in sheep's clothing, appearing righteous outwardly but inwardly seeking to devour the flock with their lies. Their fruit—marked by the works of the flesh such as greed, deceit, and immorality—reveals their true nature, distinguishing them from true servants of God who bear the fruit of the Spirit. Christ Himself cautioned to beware of these false prophets, urging discernment by judging their actions and the results of their teachings, rather than their deceptive appearances. The danger of false teachers is not new; they plagued ancient Israel and Judah, leading people away from God's way of life, and they continue to infiltrate even the church today. Their messages often appeal to national pride or personal desires, promoting syncretism and confusion, as seen in the adoption of pagan practices like Christmas, which mix falsehood with worship. God's instruction remains clear: reject the wide gate and broad way peddled by these false ministers, and hold fast to the narrow path of truth. By testing their words against Scripture and observing their moral fruit, one can recognize and reject these deceivers, ensuring that the mind is guarded against their confusion and lies.
The Spirit of Antichrist
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll of us have anti-Christ tendencies in us, and must work vigorously to root out the anti-Christ elements within ourselves and to become like Christ.
Stand Firm in the Truth
Sermon by John O. ReidIn this time of sharp religious confusion, it is good to hunker down in our spiritual foxhole until the deadly volleys of heretical shrapnel have ceased.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In evaluating the dubious fruits of a false minister, we must realize that belief and conduct are inextricably linked and the linkage must be with God's Word.
Testing the Spirits (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsI John, addresses a congregation grounded in the truth but vexed from within by a number of anti-Christian teachings, including Docetism and Gnosticism.
Looks Fair, Feels Foul
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughBe wary of things and people that appear attractive and fair on the outside, but are actually foul and destructive underneath. Evaluate the fruit.
Unity and Division (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeEven though God desires brethren to dwell in peace and unity, at times HE ordains and causes disruption and division. How do we explain this apparent paradox?
Jude
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe book of Jude, a scathing indictment against false teachers, may be the most neglected book in the New Testament. False teachers twist grace into license.
Satan (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan uses disinformation, spread through false ministers/prophets, teaching smooth things that destroy. We must test the spirits to ensure a teaching is from God.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Eight)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe should not expect brethren to be perfect; we all sin. God has not given His People the prerogative to judge another member as a tare.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Two): Ephesus
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Ephesus church effectively battled various heresies, for which Christ commends it. However, the members lost sight of the reason, having left their first love.
God's Rest (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe two principal robbers of peace are pride and the drive to have complete control of our lives. Discontent and imagined victimization led Adam and Eve into sin.
Matthew (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEntering the Kingdom requires choosing the narrow, difficult path of sacrifice, service, and humility over the easy, broad path of selfishness.
Paul's Letter to Titus (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe last two chapters of Titus emphasize the importance of sound doctrine to neutralize the negative worldly aspects of culture and the attending heresies.