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How to Prevent Sin
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletThe way to prevent sin is to let God's Spirit fill the mind. 'Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth' (Colossians 3:2).
Why Do We Observe Unleavened Bread? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe fundamental reason that God gives for the Feast of Unleavened Bread is to remember His deliverance. He delivered Israel physically, but us spiritually.
Remaining Free
Sermon by David C. GrabbeIn the vision of end-time Babylon described in Revelation 18, Babylon trades not only in bodies but also in the souls of men, enslaving their hearts. A voice from heaven calls God's people to come out of her, lest they share in her sins and receive her plagues. The Feast of Unleavened Bread serves as a memorial of God's deliverance from the present evil age and the power of darkness, reminding us to avoid re-enslavement. The primary reason for this feast, as taught in Exodus 13, is to remember God's deliverance from Egypt, the house of bondage, with unleavened bread acting as a sign and memorial to keep God's law in our mouths. The phrase "house of bondage," used thirteen times in Scripture in relation to Egypt, carries a subtext of rebellion and warns that ignoring God could lead to a return to bondage. In Exodus 20, God introduces His law by recalling His deliverance from the house of bondage, implying that obedience to His commands is critical to remaining free. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 5, God reiterates this preamble with the Ten Commandments, connecting deliverance to the obligation to keep the Sabbath as a foundational part of avoiding re-enslavement. God's law defines sin, which enslaves, and guides us to maintain freedom by worshiping Him as He specifies. In Deuteronomy 8, God warns against forgetting Him through disobedience, especially when prosperity increases, as material comfort can lead to spiritual bondage by diminishing dependence on Him. Deuteronomy 13 emphasizes that serving any god other than the true God, or worshiping Him contrary to His commands, results in slavery, urging vigilance against false prophets or influences that entice away from God's way. Colossians 2:8 parallels this by warning against being taken captive through philosophy, deceit, and traditions of men, which can re-enslave those once delivered. Jesus, in John 8, teaches that whoever commits sin is a slave to sin, but abiding in His word leads to knowing the truth, which sets free. True freedom comes from the Son, who delivers as He did with ancient Israel, and seeking Him is essential to avoid returning to the house of bondage. In Romans 7, Paul describes the struggle with sin as captivity, yet affirms that deliverance comes through Jesus Christ, indicating that deliverance is a process requiring ongoing surrender to God. Romans 6 further clarifies that we become slaves to whomever we obey, whether sin leading to death or obedience leading to righteousness, having been set free from sin to serve righteousness. End-time Babylon's influence, seen in practices like advertising, fosters covetousness, identified in Colossians 3 as idolatry, enslaving the heart by pulling it away from God. Other forms of bondage include anxiety, fear, careers, lifestyles, and debt, all of which can diminish faith or crowd out God, aligning with Babylon's worldly mold as warned against in Romans 12. Isaiah 2 highlights Israel's infatuation with foreign cultures as a form of forsaking God, reflecting a broader tendency to embrace influences that lead back to spiritual captivity. Thus, during this feast, as we commemorate God's deliverance, we must reflect on areas where our liberty is threatened and strive to remain free by filling our minds with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Unleavened Bread Basics
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe Feast of Unleavened Bread memorializes God's deliverance from the environment of sin rather than our coming out of sin. Christ embodies sincerity and truth.
Freedom's Dark Underbelly
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAny 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.
Liberty or Independence?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe approach of 'I want it my way' begins with license but then leads to chaos, and eventually the loss of liberty.
Repentance and Righteousness (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNothing happens in our lives (including repentance) until God initiates it. A change of heart, by God's Holy Spirit, results in a total change of direction.
Uniqueness and Time
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur unique calling makes us a special possession of God. Sealed with a downpayment of God's Spirit, we have the obligation to glorify God by obedience.
The Lamb of Revelation (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeIn Exodus 13, lambs redeem the firstborn. The Lamb of God delivers sinners from the death penalty, but another redemption will occur at Christ's return.
The Book of Joel (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the fullness of time, God will pour His spirit on all peoples, including those who had formerly directed their hostility on God and His chosen people.
You Have Not So Learned Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhile the truth of Christ has the power to elevate, our worldly orientation blinds us, dulls our minds, and pulls us downward to abject slavery to sin.
Liberty vs. Independence
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have been liberated from the degeneration of sin, the fear of death, corruption, and the elements of this world. If we live righteously, we remain free.
Wilderness Wandering (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We share in Christ's suffering, realizing that glory follows suffering. It may involve enduring hardship, deprivation, duress, and outright boredom.
The Plan of Salvation in Genesis 3:15
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe sin of Adam and Eve led to three prophecies that outline God's plan to remedy this grim situation. The conflict ends with the Christ destroying Satan.
Teach Us To Pray! (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPrayer should be a major practice in our life and bring us into contact with God's creative purpose, indicating to Him that we will yield to His purpose.