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Prepare to Meet Your God (Part Five): Religion and Holiness
Article by John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. RitenbaughIsrael's religious practices, as observed by the prophet Amos, were marred by a syncretistic blend of truth and falsehood, a mixture that God found despicable. Since their rejection of the house of David under Jeroboam I, the Israelites had practiced a syncretic religion, combining elements of true worship with the traditions of paganism. This amalgamation of beliefs mirrored the spiritual adultery God accused them of, as they turned from His ways to follow other gods and foreign customs. The result was a religion with form but no substance, where rituals and pilgrimages to shrines were performed without genuine change in conduct or concern for righteousness. This syncretism was not unique to ancient Israel but remains a warning for today. Just as Israel mixed the truth of God's Word with the lies of the world, modern religious practices often blend pagan traditions with elements of divine truth, creating a foul mixture. The danger lies in the subtle and gradual loss of truth, as human nature, influenced by satan, seeks to displace God's ways with error. The church of God, like Israel, faces the risk of sliding back into worldly attitudes and ideas, adopting falsehoods that dilute the purity of true worship. The responsibility falls on God's people to guard against this drift, to identify and repent of syncretistic tendencies, and to hold fast to the way of life He has revealed.
Cogitations on Christmas
Article by Richard T. RitenbaughMost recognize Christmas' pagan origins and its lack of biblical support. These facts should make us consider whether Christians should celebrate it.
Presumption and Divine Justice (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOrthodoxy in virtually every aspect of life has been discarded, indicating how perverse human nature is in its determination to rebel against God.
The Plain Truth About Christmas
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletDid Christmas come from the Bible or paganism? Here are the origins of the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, mistletoe, the holly wreath, and exchanging gifts.
What's Wrong With Christmas?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Catholic Church mixed truth and falsehood to have the 'official' birthdate of the Son of God coincide with the rebirth of the sun, the winter solstice.
Nicolaitanism Today
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe end-time church is warned against Nicolaitanism, for it exists today. The Scriptures, plus some first century history, reveal who the Nicolaitans are.
Hosea's Prophecy (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBoth Israel and Judah during Hosea's time adopted paganism from the surrounding nations. Syncretistic religion blends paganism and Christianity.
Liberalism and Today's Christianity
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Beast will deceive countless numbers of people, as can be illustrated by the recent syncretistic admixture of Christianity and Islam known as Chrislam.
Preparing To Be King
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur life is intended to be preparation for rulership in the Kingdom of God. The Bible has included instructions for preparing for rulership.
Today's Christianity (Part One): Christianity Goes Global
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerAmericans and Europeans once provided the driving force behind mainstream Christianity, but Asians, Africans, and Latin Americans are now re-energizing it.
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.
Amos (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod, through His prophets, warns that He will chasten His people with increasing severity until they repent and begin to reflect His characteristics.
Deception, Idolatry, and the Feast of Tabernacles
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJeroboam, pragmatic and fearful, established a more convenient idolatrous festival to prevent his people from keeping the real Feast of Tabernacles in Judah.
Amos (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAncient Israel had at the core of its religion an obsession to please the self at the expense of justice and the best interests of the disadvantaged.
Secession (Part Two): Spiritual Separation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAny syncretism with the world will lead to confusion. We must separate from the world in terms of its religious practices and its false gospels.
One Nation Under God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe need to follow Nehemiah's example in submitting to God, focusing on the right goals, having wisdom in handling complex situations, and having courage.
Laodiceanism and Being There Next Year
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur biggest danger at this time is to be lured into spiritual drunkenness by the pagan Babylonian system. Our God is not what we say we worship but whom we serve.