Denying God is a profound folly, as declared in Psalm 14, labeling those who reject Him as fools driven by desire rather than understanding. This rejection, evident through history, manifests in theories like evolution, ignoring the Creator behind the universe's order. Many live without acknowledging God's rule, focusing on earthly powers instead of pleasing Him. Hostility toward God's law arises from a carnal mind, viewing it as a curse, leading to internal darkness. Within the church, denying God and Christ risks losing salvation, as warned by examples of past destruction. Such denial, whether through intellectual vanity or purposeful rejection, barriers truth and results in corruption, reflecting a heart turned from righteousness.

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Does God Exist?

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

Many today assume God is merely a myth, an invention of an ignorant, superstitious past. During the past two centuries, a mental disease of theophobia has developed among God-rejecting men in the Occidental world, appearing under popular catch-phrases like deism and rationalism, and later as higher criticism, progress, development, and evolution. This pseudo-scholarship appeals to the intellectual vanity of a world groping in spiritual darkness. The theory of evolution provided atheists an explanation of creation without a Creator, yet it fails to account for the origins of things and life. Many evolutionists accept the theory due to their reluctance or unwillingness to believe in God, showing a prejudice that barriers the entrance of truth into their minds. If one denies the existence of a Creator, they must believe that something less than their own intelligence produced them, a notion that defies rational thought. Looking at the vast, orderly universe and the intricate design of life, it is irrational to claim it all just happened without a Great Watchmaker or Master Mind who planned and created it. Denying this all-wise, all-powerful Creator, despite the evident intelligence in nature and the precision of the cosmos, reflects a lack of rational process or sincerity in seeking truth.

Are You Sure You Believe in God? (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The denial of God, as described in Psalm 14, is the most significant issue confronting humanity. The psalmist asserts that anyone who says in their heart, "There is no God," is a fool. This attitude is common in the world, where many live and plan their lives as if God does not exist. The psalmist's statement is universal, labeling all who deny God as fools without exception. The denial of God transcends all other worldly issues in importance. Regardless of global problems like war, famine, pestilence, and disease, our relationship with God remains the most critical aspect of our lives. The fool's denial of God is driven by a heart governed by desires rather than understanding. This leads to a life contrary to what the psalmist describes as good, resulting in corruption and turning away from righteousness. The fool's argument against God's existence is not based on knowledge but on a lack of understanding. Despite having access to knowledge, fools fail to use it wisely, being driven instead by their lusts and desires. This folly is not new; it has been present since the time of King David, who wrote about it nearly three thousand years ago. The denial of God is an ancient folly, not a modern or sophisticated idea. Fools often draw significant conclusions from insufficient evidence, a clear sign of their folly. Rejecting God leaves a void in their lives, leading them to seek purpose elsewhere. This behavior is foolish, as it stems from a heart that does not align with true understanding and wisdom.

Why Was Hebrews Written? (Part Eleven): God Is Not Silent

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Will the descendants of Israel, scattered within the Western world, ever learn that it is not the president, monarch, congress, or parliament of any earthly nation that rules, but that God in heaven reigns over all? He is the One whom citizens must please with their good conduct for that nation to have the peace, prosperity, and health it desires. During the presidential election campaigns, few running for office or supporting a candidate speak or write anything about pleasing God. Instead, there is a continued erosion of that minority of the population that tries to live in the fear of God. God will stir awake the modern nations of Israel, but it remains a distant prospect because almost no one thinks and therefore acts with God in mind. There are good reasons He does not respond with peace and other blessings. A painful reckoning must come first. God's existence is a truth that some dogmatically refuse to believe. A larger population accepts that He may exist, but their acceptance does not motivate them to live by what He says. Their further commitment to Him is stalled because they refuse to accept and believe His guidance found in the Bible. A much smaller group believes enough to study His Word and start down the path toward accepting and doing what He says, though some lose interest, stop growing, and depart from Him and His way. Finally, an exceedingly smaller group believes with all their heart, consistently committed to Him, making His cause their cause in life.

The Beauty of God's Law

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Many people reject God's law due to a natural antagonism and a conditioned aversion. This rejection stems from a carnal, fleshly mind that is hostile toward God and His instructions. Such individuals view God's law as a curse rather than a blessing, finding it restrictive and obsolete. They prefer a theology that demands no obedience, believing that God's law has been abolished, which leads them to deny God's authority over them. This denial is a purposeful rejection, as they wish to live without guilt and determine right and wrong for themselves. They suppress the evident truths of God's law in their unrighteousness, allowing their sinful desires to overshadow God's revelation. This leads them to a state of internal darkness, where they become futile in their thoughts and their hearts are darkened. They blame the law for their sins and the resulting curses, deflecting guilt back toward God. This hostility toward God's law is common among the unconverted, who see it as anathema and fail to recognize its beauty.

Living by Faith: God's Sovereignty

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

In this world, especially in the Western sphere with its high technology and sophistication, the spirit of the times pushes toward the deification of man rather than the glorification of the Creator. This evil influence permeates society through every means of communication, fostering a denial of God's immediate concern in regulating His creation. Many assume everything operates according to impersonal laws of nature, reflecting a belief akin to deism, where God is seen as having created the world and then stepped away, uninterested in its operation. Scripture reveals this denial starkly in Titus 1:15-16, where it is written that to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; they profess to know God, but in their works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. Their actions betray the falsehood of their claim to be true followers, showing that God is not a reality in their lives. Similarly, II Timothy 3:4-5 describes people in the last days as lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. Despite some knowledge of God, they ignore Him, prioritizing their own desires over His will. This irreverence is evident in the open disrespect aimed directly at God, not only through words but also through public, influential conduct. As Exodus 22:28 warns, one shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of the people, underscoring the importance of recognizing God's permission in allowing individuals to hold positions of authority. To revile such a person is to question His judgment. I Timothy 6:14-16 portrays the One they scoff at as the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, dwelling in unapproachable light, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Yet, this nation shows unprecedented irreverence toward the Creator, particularly among the younger generation schooled in liberal concepts. The broader history of Israel, as shown in Hosea 4:6, indicates that God's people are destroyed for lack of true knowledge of Him, often deliberately ignoring His righteousness despite having access to His Word. Romans 1:18-21 further confirms that the wrath of God is revealed against those who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, leaving them without excuse since His attributes are clearly seen in creation. Though they knew God, they did not glorify Him, nor were thankful, and their foolish hearts were darkened. This pattern of denial and ignorance persists today, as many fail to seek God in the Scriptures, missing the reality of His sovereignty and their responsibility to Him.

God's Workmanship (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Certain ungodly men have crept into the church stealthily, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. This denial is a grave offense, as it rejects the very foundation of salvation that God has graciously provided. The scriptures warn that such actions can lead to the loss of what was once held, as seen in the examples of those who were saved out of Egypt but later destroyed for their unbelief. Similarly, angels who did not keep their first estate are reserved in everlasting chains, illustrating the possibility of losing what was given. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah serve as a perpetual reminder, suffering eternal fire as an example of the consequences of turning away. Within the church, false teachers who deny the Lord that bought them face a worse end than their beginning, having escaped the world's pollutions only to return to them. These warnings underscore that denying God and Christ is a perilous path, risking the forfeiture of the salvation already in one's grasp.

Truth and God's Governance (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Denying the reality of God's sovereignty often manifests as hostility, self-promotion, or anger, as seen in Aaron and Miriam's criticism of Moses. Their actions revealed a refusal to acknowledge that God is in control, attempting instead to elevate themselves by diminishing Moses. This denial of God's authority reflects a failure to trust that He places individuals in positions according to His will and assigns responsibilities as He sees fit. Similarly, Moses and Aaron momentarily succumbed to a lesser reality by focusing on the rebelliousness of the Israelites, allowing anger to overshadow God's instructions. This lapse, identified by God as unbelief, demonstrated a temporary denial of His governance, resulting in destructive, sinful behavior that damaged their relationship with Him. Unbelief, as a form of denying God's reality, prevented Israel from entering the promised land, affecting both leaders and common people alike. In contrast, those who recognize and submit to the truth of God's control, as Jesus Christ bore witness to, will humbly accept His authority, even when His ways are not fully understood, avoiding the pitfalls of anger and self-assertion.

Deceivers and Antichrists (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

John's epistles are the only places the term "antichrist" is used. This word has taken on a life of its own, especially within Evangelical Protestantism.

Handwriting Is On The Wall (2019)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Those espousing transhumanism aspire to correct the 'glitches' of human imperfection through gene splicing, replacing 'inferior' organs with synthetic ones.

The Spirit of Antichrist

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

All 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.

The Nones, Atheism, and Immorality

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The 'Nones' have risen to prominence in society, ideologically committed to abortion, radical feminism, homosexuality, strict gun control, and socialism.

What Evolution Really Means

Article by David C. Grabbe

Why do people subscribe to evolution with more blind faith than a Christian needs to believe in a Creator? And what has been its fruit in society?

False Gospels

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A major clue for discerning false gospels is that any teaching attempting to change the nature of God or Christ or their doctrines is anti-Christ and false.

The Sabbath: Creation

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Sabbath provides an opportunity for God's children to develop a relationship with Him, reflecting on the spiritual as well as the physical creation.

Antichrist Deceptions

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Antichrists manifest several characteristics, including fostering deception and confusion, preventing fellowship, and creating intense spiritual conflict.

The Third Commandment (1997)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Many think the third commandment deals only with euphemisms and swearing, but it goes much deeper. It regulates the quality of our worship and glorifying God.

Knowing Christ (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

When we mortify the flesh, refusing to feed the hungry beast of our carnal nature, we suffer. Suffering for righteousness' sake helps us to know Christ.