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Discord From Self-Determination

Sermonette by Martin G. Collins

Self-determination, though seemingly a noble concept, often becomes a tool for sowing discord among people. It is the idea of free choice to decide one's own actions or state without outside influence, which is inherently appealing to human nature as we resist being told what to do. However, this principle has been used historically and currently to create strife and division. In the case of Czechoslovakia in 1938, Hitler exploited self-determination to sow discord among the Sudeten Germans, convincing them they deserved a separate destiny despite their prosperity and rights within a democratic state. This propaganda led to the eventual annexation of the Sudetenland and the weakening of Czechoslovakia, demonstrating how self-determination can be manipulated to destructive ends. Similarly, in modern times, the push for self-determination is seen in the Middle East, where Arab regimes argue that Palestinians deserve this right, paralleling the tactics used by the Nazis. This has led to territorial concessions and ongoing tension, showing that the promise of self-determination often masks ulterior motives for control and division. Within communities, including the church, self-determination is used as a banner by some who feel unfairly treated, promoting discord by enticing others with promises of liberation from perceived tyranny. Yet, these promises often lead to enslavement to corruption, as those who advocate for such liberty are themselves bound by it. The destructive nature of self-determination when used to sow discord is evident in various global examples, such as self-interest groups in different countries pushing for special rights or separation, further fragmenting societies. This principle, often fueled by pride and dissatisfaction, moves people away from unity and towards division, a tactic that satan employs successfully in both the world and the church. As seen in historical and biblical contexts, God hates discord and reacts strongly against those who sow it, emphasizing the need for humility and acceptance of one's lot rather than murmuring or complaining under the guise of seeking self-determination. Instead, we are called to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, doing all things without complaining or disputing, to shine as lights in a crooked and perverse generation.

The Spirit of Babylon (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Despite Inanna's marriage to a god named Dumuzi, she still took lovers whenever she wished—she would not be constrained by the divine order of marriage.

The Spirit of Babylon

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The Spirit of Babylon is couched in brazen outlook of the goddess Inanna/Ishtar, the femme fatale who asserted her free will to overcome the influence of Eden.

The Spirit of Babylon (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The spirit of Babylon is one of self-determination and independence, antagonistic toward every institution of God, even something as basic as God-given gender.

The Spirit of Babylon (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

An ancient, Babylonian description of Eden and a goddess reveals an influential spirit that has endured the millennia to ensnare the present Western world.

Human Will and God's Sovereignty (Part Two)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Human will is not sovereign in the body, but is just another servant, functioning according to the information it receives. We choose according to desires.

God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

No one has any excuse for doubting God's purpose for mankind, whether revealed publicly through His Creation or privately through the Holy Scriptures.

Freedom's Dark Underbelly

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Any freedom to choose must be accompanied by a set of standards against which choices are made. The people of the world do not have this freedom.

Letting Go (Part Two): Avoid the Void

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

The carnal man's mission statement appears in Genesis 11:4: 'Let us make a name for ourselves, let us build ourselves a tower, defining our own destiny.'

Letting Go (Part One)

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

Fearing the end of something we thoroughly know and have become emotionally attached to may be every bit as terrifying as facing the unknown.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Solomon exercised a lifetime of hard work trying to find answers, but fell short because some things are discoverable only through God's revelation.

Planning and Preparation (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Mike Ford

Poor planning and preparation, and no prayer, leads to a poor performance.

Breakfast by the Sea (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Jesus twice asks Peter if he has agape love, and both times Peter can only respond that he has tremendous personal affection — he was lacking agape love.

Individualism and Unity

CGG Weekly

Rather than establishing the differences we possess, God requires individuals to strengthen and grow in our similarities that He establishes as desirable.

Succeeding in the New World

CGG Weekly

Each individual settler in the New World had not only to protect and provide for himself, but also to sacrifice for the community's sake.

What's Going On Up There?

Article by Staff

Does it seem like your prayers never reach God's throne—that at best they are only recorded on His answering machine? Here is another way to look at prayer.