God Is Writing His Law
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeGod promises to write His Law on our hearts and minds. When we experience the consequences of our or others' sins, we learn the depth of how bad sin is.
Was God's Law Nailed to the Cross?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennMany use Colossians 2:14 to 'prove' God's law is done away, but is this really what Paul means? Examining the whole counsel of God reveals Paul's intent.
Our Need for God's Law
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloGnosticism, which had infiltrated the congregations in Galatia and Colossae, has dominated mainstream Christianity, causing it to reject God's law.
Mr. Darby, Mr. Scofield, and God's Law
Sermonette by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Several destructive heresies have crept into Western religious culture, including the rapture lie, the dispensationalist theory, and the immortality of the soul.
The Beauty of God's Law
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughKeeping God's Law brings bountiful blessings, harmony, and profound peace (Psalm 119:165), while the 'cheap' grace brings guilt, anxiety, and pain.
Loving God's Law: The Thread of Reality
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasGod considered His law so important that He sent His Son to pay for the penalties we have accrued against it, giving us also a model as to how to keep the Law.
God's Law Is Eternal
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany say that God's laws have been abolished, even though Jesus taught that until heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or tittle of the Law will disappear.
God's Law in Our Mouths
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Protestant doctrine of grace is antinomian, thinking that justification is a synonym for sanctification and salvation, ruling out any need for works.
Don't Cherry Pick God's Law
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersWhile many people like some of God's laws, they like to pick and choose, preferring a blend of their own preferences with some of God's laws added in.
Is God a False Minister?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThose who advocate doctrinal change portray God as a confused and false minister who lacks the power to instruct his chosen leaders to 'get it right.'
What Was the Law 'Added Because of Transgressions'?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennSome think Galatians 3:19 means that God's law has been done away, but critical misunderstandings have led people astray on this verse.
Dead to the Law?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennRomans 7:4 says we are 'dead to the law through ... Christ.' What does this mean? The context shows that it refers to the 'old man' that perished at baptism.
Colossian Law-Keeping
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNominal Christendom cannot see God's law even though it is in plain sight. In Colossians, Paul reiterates or alludes to all but one of the Ten Commandments.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA summary of the Covenants, Grace, and Law series, reiterating the differences in the Covenants and the respective places of grace and law in God's purpose.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJustification does not 'do away' with the law; it brings us into alignment with it, imputing the righteousness of Christ and giving access to God for sanctification.
How Does Faith Establish the Law?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe book of Romans is like a song in which some lyrics are popular but others are unfamiliar and hummed through, obscuring the overall message.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe term "covenant" describes an agreement made by two parties and "testament" to describe the one-sided commitment made by God to improve the promises.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe yoke of bondage Paul refers to in Galatians was a combination of the code of regulations added by the Pharisees and Gnostic ritualism, not God's Law.
Was Jesus Christ Born Under the Law?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennGalatians 4:4 says that Jesus was "born under [the] law." Some use this to say that while Christ had to keep all the rituals, we do not have to follow His example.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Fourteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNo part of God's Law has been 'done away'. Jesus came to magnify the law, giving it a far more penetrating, spiritual application. Man flounders without law.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJustification is not the end of the salvation process, but merely the opening to sanctification, where we bear fruit and give evidence of God's Spirit in us.
How Does Faith Establish the Law? (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeMany read the Bible erratically, agreeing with the parts that fit their beliefs but ignoring or rejecting those that bother them, like some of Paul's writings.
The Law's Purpose and Intent
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe effectiveness of a law is found in its purpose and intent rather than the letter. Love and mercy constitute the spiritual fulfillment of the Law.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eighteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul never taught any Jew to forsake the Law of Moses, but he did warn against Pharisaical additions for the expressed purpose of attaining justification.
The Law Continues
CGG Weekly by Charles WhitakerUnmistakably, the law is not a passing fancy with God, here today, gone tomorrow. As long as there are descendants of God's people, God's law still stands.
Paul: Grace, Law, and Obedience
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul's writings, because of their complexity, are frequently twisted to say that he was anti-law. By denigrating God's law, the unconverted set their own standards.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Seventeen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Law (including the judgments, ordinances, and statutes), far from being done away, shows us our faults and outlines the way of mercy and love—how to live.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is doing more than merely saving people; He is producing children in His image. The difference between the covenants is in the quality of the faith.
How Does Christ Fulfill the Law?
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerJesus does not contradict Himself in Matthew 5:17 when He says He did not come to abolish the law but fulfill it. Now we can know the fullness of the law.
The Law of Liberty
Sermonette by James BeaubelleProtestant theologians have created an artificial divide between mercy and law-keeping, asserting that 'the law of liberty' does away with God's Law.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Sixteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRighteousness consists of applying the Law's letter and/or intent. Sin constitutes a failure of living up to the standards of what God defines as right.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnder both the Old and New Covenants, refusal to keep to keep God's Law severs the relationship. God's law protects us and brings us quality life.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe doctrinal changes made by the leaders in the Worldwide Church of God worked to destroy the vision of God's purpose through obscuring the real reason for works.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Fifteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThings written in the Old Testament were written for us. The differences in the covenants focus on justification and access to God, not doing away with the law.
Law and Spirit Together
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOver-emphasis on law produces rigidity and loophole hunters, while over-emphasis on spirit produces emotional imbalance, permissiveness, and lack of structure.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe days, months, and times of Galatians 4:10 do not refer to God's Holy Days (which are not weak or beggarly), but to pagan rites the Galatians came out of.
Natural Law
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeGravity is but one of the many natural laws. These cause-and-effect principles operate continuously in our lives. We either comply, or we suffer the consequences.
Keeping God's Standards
Sermon by John O. ReidGod's law will be the spiritual weights and measures in the Kingdom, but until then, we must glorify God by keeping these standards as a bright light.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe spirit of the law does not do away with the letter of the law; without the letter, there is no spirit because there is no foundation. Examples show God's will.
Does Paul Condemn Observing God's Holy Days?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennGalatians 4:9-10 is a favorite crutch of those who claim Christians no longer need to observe God's holy days. However, Paul's meaning is quite different.
The Oracles of God
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerThe oracles of God in Romans 3:2 are the revelation of God to mankind. These oracles are the message that gives us instruction for salvation.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Colossian Christians were criticized by ascetics for the way they were keeping the Sabbath and holy days. Paul argues against a philosophy, not the law of God.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has given us His Law, which shows us the way of sanctification and holiness. God is in the process of reproducing His kind — the God-kind.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (The Book of Amos) (Part One)
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Amos is an astounding prophecy, closely paralleling the conditions in the Western world today. Amos reveals how unrighteousness undermines society.
God's Sense of Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is absolutely justified in what He decides regarding the judgment and punishment of us all. However, He is merciful and always rewards righteousness.
God's Rest (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLust begets a guilty conscience, agitation, anxiety, depression, grief, torment. Wrong desire leads to lying, adultery, and murder—eventually leading to death.
Liberty Under the Law
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must discipline ourselves to live within the hedge of God's law, knowing that His Spirit provides the motivation to stay free by submitting to that law.
The Importance of God's Word
Commentary by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)II Thessalonians 2:6-7 speaks of a force capable of restraining the emergence of the man of lawlessness. God's word and revelation is what restrains iniquity.
The Beauty of the Law
CGG WeeklyThe law of God possesses a harmony that comprise a beautiful system—one both corrective and constructive—that works toward achieving an even more beautiful goal.
Immigration and the Kingdom of God
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeUnlike Europe and the United States, God ensures that all His potential citizens will conform to His culture.
Would Our God Do That?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe distorted perception of Jesus as an effeminate and ineffective Savior fails to understand that He is the so-called stern God of the Old Testament.
God Has a Dream
'Ready Answer' by StaffWe might think that God's mind is unfathomable. However, we often fail to realize that God's mind is an open book—the Bible!
Prepare to Meet Your God! (The Book of Amos) (Part Two)
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughIsrael had every opportunity that the Gentiles did not have. God gave the Israelites gifts to live a better way, but they completely failed to reflect Him.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe true nature of God differs greatly from the trinitarian concept. Having created us in His form and shape, God is developing us into His character image.
The Ten Commandments
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsGod's Ten Commandments are the divine law and standard that regulate human conduct. As our world testifies, they are still very much needed today!
What Must We Do When We Recognize Our Guilt?
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWhen we do something against the law or our own conscience, guilt is triggered, and we suffer, not just a gut-wrenching emotion, but also a descent into sin.
In Honor of the Father
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloFather's Day is a time to not only honor our physical fathers, but also our Heavenly Father who established the family and the sanctity of marriage.
Works of Faith (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by StaffMany think works and faith are incompatible, but the Bible tells us to do works of faith. What are they? These are things we must do during the salvation process.
Saved By Faith Alone?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennProtestantism is based on Luther's insistence that Christians are saved by faith alone. But is the really true? It is true of justification, not salvation.
Basic Doctrines: Salvation
Bible Study by Earl L. HennAre you saved already or are you being saved? What is salvation anyway? What part do we play? Here is a study of God's Word on salvation.
Elements of Judgment (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)None of God's law has been 'done away', though there is not always a literal application. Not every law of God has the same weight of importance.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe yoke grievous to bear (Acts 15:10) was not God's law, but an entire package of Pharisaic regulations that had been elevated to the level of God's law.
Were the Ten Commandments in Force Before Moses?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletIt is commonly believed that the Ten Commandments are part of the ritualistic law, and that they lasted only until Christ. But here is the rest of the story.
Works of Faith (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by StaffGod's spiritual law, encapsulated in the Ten Commandments and demonstrated in the life of Jesus Christ, reveals His way of life, which we must emulate.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Two): The Old Covenant
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod made the New Covenant because Jacob's offspring did not have what it took to fulfill the terms of the Old Covenant. The carnal mind is hostile to God's law.
As I Breathe
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloSome in the church of God have succumbed to the lie that we do not need to be overly concerned about sinning because we are under God's grace.
Elements of Judgment (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We need to learn to judge in a godly manner, putting merciful restraints on our tendency to condemn or jump to conclusions. One size does not fit all.
Elements of Judgment (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The last days of the Worldwide Church of God demonstrated a dearth of righteous judgment. God expects us to judge wisely within the parameters of His Law.
What Do You Mean . . . Salvation?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletNot one in a hundred knows what salvation is—how to get it or when you will receive it. Don't be too sure you do! Here is the truth, made plain.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Ten): Cultivating the Fruit of Self Control
Sermon by David F. MaasIt is impossible to cultivate self-control unless one uses God's Spirit to reprogram the desires of the heart from self-centeredness to submission to God.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The seven 'I will' promises Got made to Abraham were truly foundational promises, impacting the lives of multiple billions of people up to the present day.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe vast majority of Christian-professing churches has been saturated with pagan doctrines (like antinomianism and dispensationalism), derived from Gnosticism.
Completing Sanctification
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAn emphasis on hyper-grace is wrong-headed, denying any need for repentance and overcoming, and totally at odds with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Sin Is Spiritual!
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughMany people divide sin into physical and spiritual sins, but the Bible clearly says that all sin is lawlessness.
What Do You Mean . . . the Unpardonable Sin?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletCan a Christian commit a sin, and still be a Christian? Or would this be 'the unpardonable sin'? Or would it prove he never was a Christian?
What Is Repentance? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeTo understand repentance, we must understand what sin is, since sin is the behavior that we need to turn from when we repent. Simply, sin is breaking God's law.
Elements of Judgment (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We dare not 'do away' anything that is part of God's mind, or we will not be in His image. Acts 15 did not give Gentiles exemption from keeping God's Law.
Psalms: Book Five (Part Six): Psalm 119 (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe keeping of the law is a practical response to God, providing us with principles for our lives, establishing our character and implanting God's values.
Acts (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe people of Lystra and Derbe mistake Paul for Hermes and Barnabas for Zeus. When Paul convinces the crowds that he and Barnabas are not gods, they are rejected.
By This We Know Love!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs God's people keep God's law in its spiritual intent, they begin to think like the Father and His Son, both of whom habitually do good.
Deuteronomy and History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Israelites lost their identity when they went into captivity. They failed to teach their children, to keep the Sabbath, and to remember who they were.
The Second Exodus (Part Three)
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeAt some point in the near future, the modern descendants of Israel will learn of their true identity—and have to face the consequences of that knowledge.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJesus came with a message of salvation, called 'the gospel of the Kingdom of God.' Here is the relationship between the gospel and Christian works.
Hebrews (Part One): The Stage Is Set
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Early converts from Judaism claimed to accept the Law but had difficulty accepting the Lawgiver. Today, many claim to accept Christ, but will not accept His Law.
Faith Without Works
'Ready Answer' by StaffThree times, James states, 'Faith without works is dead!' Here's how James' teaching agrees with and complements the teaching of Paul on justification.
How Does Temptation Relate to Sin?
'Ready Answer' by Martin G. CollinsWe have been called to a life of avoiding, enduring and overcoming temptation. Here is the process of temptation, sin and their products, and destruction.
The Commandments (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhat have we accepted as our authority for permitting ourselves to do or behave as we do — our value system, our code of ethics or code of morality?
Hebrews (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ's priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood because Christ tenure is eternal rather than temporal, guaranteeing both continuity and quality.