Jesus declares in Matthew 12:25-26 and Mark 3:25 that a house divided against itself cannot stand, emphasizing that division leads to desolation and collapse, whether in a kingdom, city, or household. He illustrates this with satan's kingdom, stating that if satan rises against himself, his kingdom will fall. This principle warns against internal conflict, as seen in the church, where discord from worldly lusts or hatred reveals a break from God's peace, as noted in I Corinthians 14:33 and I John 4:19-21. Unity under God's authority is essential to avoid fragmentation, ensuring the house stands firm in purpose and alignment with His undivided rule.

Playlist:

playlist Go to the House, Divided Against Itself (topic) playlist

Filter by Categories

Seeking the King

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

In Matthew 12:25-26, Jesus Christ declares that every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. He challenges the Pharisees' accusation by stating that if satan casts out satan, he is divided against himself, and his kingdom cannot endure. In contrast, Jesus asserts in verse 28 that if He casts out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon them, demonstrating the active, sovereign work of God in their midst. This divine authority overtakes the divided kingdom of satan, revealing its inherent weakness and inevitable ruin. Unlike the eternal Kingdom of God, which is united through the perfect harmony of the Father and the Son, satan's kingdom is marked by internal conflict and strife, ensuring its numbered days. Thus, seeking the Kingdom of God, as instructed in Matthew 6:33, involves aligning with the undivided rule and reign of God, submitting to His authority to avoid the desolation that comes from a house divided within itself.

Unity (Part 2): God's Pattern of Leadership

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the pursuit of unity within the church, we must heed the profound warning given by Jesus Christ in Mark 3:25, where He declares that if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. This principle underscores the peril of division, illustrating that internal conflict and discord prevent endurance and stability. Just as a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, so too a house torn by factions will falter, unable to sustain its purpose or strength. This truth extends to the spiritual realm as well, for Jesus further illustrates in Mark 3:26 that if satan rise up against himself and be divided, he cannot stand but has an end. Division, even among forces of opposition, leads to inevitable collapse. Thus, the necessity of unity becomes clear; without it, we risk fragmentation and failure, unable to fulfill the divine calling to speak the same things and be perfectly joined together in the same mind and judgment, as commanded in I Corinthians 1:10. The lesson is evident: we must strive to avoid confusion and division by aligning ourselves under the singular voice through which God speaks, ensuring that we are not divided against ourselves but united in purpose and doctrine under His guidance.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The principle of a house divided against itself carries profound spiritual weight, as illustrated by Jesus in Matthew 12:25-26, where He declares that every kingdom, city, or house divided against itself shall not stand. If satan were to cast out satan, his kingdom would crumble under division. This truth underscores that God does not war against Himself, nor is He the author of confusion, as affirmed in I Corinthians 14:33, where it is stated that God brings peace, not discord. Applying this to the conflict between Christianity and Islam, their historical warfare spanning over a thousand years stands as evidence that they cannot share the same God if the God of the Bible is true, for He does not foster division within His own kingdom. The Bible asserts that God's kingdom will stand forever, further proving that the discord between these religions cannot originate from Him. This principle extends to the church itself, as seen in James 4:1-4, where wars and fightings among members are attributed to lusts and worldly influences, signaling a breakdown in relationship with God. Such division within the church mirrors the broader conflict between religious groups, indicating a source other than the Spirit of God. Similarly, I John 4:19-21 emphasizes that love for God must manifest in love for one's brother; hatred or conflict within the fellowship reveals a carnal state or deception about one's love for God. If Christianity and Islam were drawing from the same divine Spirit, they would exhibit unity of mind and teaching, not the antagonism and unstable warfare that defines their relationship. Thus, a house divided against itself, whether within the church or between religions, cannot stand and does not reflect the nature of the God of the Bible.

The New World Order Rises

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The Beast is a reality, and it is coming to pass in the scope of globalism. Satan has a vast reservoir of people he can work through; we used to be a part of it.

Forgiveness and the Unpardonable Sin

Sermonette by Mark Schindler

Forgiveness is difficult, but the willing failure to forgive, along with any other unrepented sin, has the potential of permanently separating us from God.

Unity and Godly Diversity in One Body

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler

To take sides in any type of national struggle is to battle on behalf of mankind's wrong-headed, godless attempts to avoid the consequences of sin.

Everything Is Political

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

This politicization is doing nothing but tearing the country into shreds. Each shred has its agenda, and none of them is working for the good of the whole nation.