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The Philadelphia Syndrome (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe effect of the Worldwide Church of God seeing itself as Philadelphia has been profound, elevating organizational loyalty over faithfulness to God.
The Philadelphia Syndrome (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeChrist favors the Philadelphia church, but such favor puts it under obligation. Sadly, God's favor causes some to think too highly of themselves.
The Philadelphia Syndrome
Commentary by David C. GrabbeThe Worldwide Church of God considered itself to be the 'Philadelphia era,' but the fruit has been misplaced trust, idolatry, competition, and exclusivity.
Three Missing Kings (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJoash, Amaziah, and Uzziah, all kings of Judah, shared a common, spiritually deadly characteristic that kept them from being listed in Christ's genealogy.
Living By Faith and Human Pride
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod wants us to walk—live our lives—by faith, but our pride and vanity frequently get in the way. Critically, pride causes us to reject God and His Word.
Living by Faith: Human Pride
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur human nature is pure vanity with a heart that is desperately deceitful and wicked, motivated by self-centeredness, a deadly combination for producing sin.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need free moral agency to be transformed into God's image. Unless one has God's Spirit, he cannot exercise the internal control to be subject to the way of God.
Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong?
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHerbert Armstrong, while not infallible or sinless, nevertheless served as the custodian of the truths of God, occupying the role of God's messenger.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's unchanging nature anchors the eternal validity of His Word, for every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variableness or shadow of turning. Because He is the Lord who changes not, the truths, teachings, and doctrines of Scripture remain always valid and can always be trusted, in direct contrast to the changeable and untrustworthy nature of men. Jesus Christ personifies this same unchanging truth, being the same yesterday, today, and forever, and declaring Himself to be the way, the truth, and the life. The material presents God as the infallible God, eternally truthful and incapable of lying, so that every word of His is pure and serves as a reliable guide for daily life. This infallibility ensures that His Word supplies the structure and direction the Christian must walk in, leaving no room for personal rejection of any portion that seems uncomfortable. Human nature, by contrast, tends to trust in itself and to discard or twist those aspects of truth that demand sacrifice, a pattern seen from the Pharisees through the Gnostics and into later centuries. Because God knows the end from the beginning and is wise beyond human understanding, His law functions as a synonym for His Word, providing the complete, authoritative standard by which conduct is measured and by which every work will be judged. This infallible foundation stands against any system that severs inner spirituality from outward obedience or permits selective acceptance of doctrine.
Deuteronomy (Part 6)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is absolutely faithful to finish what He started, knowing the end from the beginning. Our strength is dependent upon the relationship we have with God.
Why Three Kings Are Missing From Matthew 1
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJoash, Amaziah, and Uzziah are kept out of Christ's genealogy. Although they started out well, their hearts were turned away by the end of their lives.
The Pope Edits Jesus
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe model prayer includes, 'And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.' Though spoken by Jesus Himself, Pope Francis says He is wrong!