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Growth

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The Western emphasis on growth has taken root within Christianity. 'Success' for a church is measured in income and membership, which are deceptive metrics.

Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Four): The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

The Parable of the Mustard Seed reveals the church's growth from humble, small beginnings, likened to a tiny mustard seed, symbolizing the smallest measure. This seed represents the church as an instrument for spiritual growth, expanding in preparation for the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, sows this seed in the world, and though the church starts as a little flock, it is designed by God to remain small and not become a physically powerful organization. Despite its modest design, the parable warns of abnormal growth, as the mustard plant, naturally an herb with thin stems, grows into a large tree, far beyond its intended size. This unnatural expansion signifies a perversion of the church's purpose, transforming it into something God never intended. As it grew into a large tree, it became a counterfeit of the true church, deviating from its original form and doctrines. When this mutation occurred, God replanted His true church elsewhere in the field, restarting the process to maintain its characteristic as a small herb, spiritually nourishing the few chosen for the Kingdom of God.

Franchising the Faith

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

An increasing number of preachers are using American business strategies to build their congregation's membership, focusing on numeric growth. A young preacher even copied Starbucks' business procedures, giving away coupons valued at $10 for a free Starbucks coffee to attract attendees to services. These promotions lack any reference to God's sovereignty over the church or to biblical guidance on how God produces church membership. The format of their services, reminiscent of the purpose-driven church movement, emphasizes bands, singing, and slide shows, resembling a pep rally more than a spiritual gathering. Due to the American people's limited knowledge of biblical content, these business entrepreneurs in religion succeed, as attendees go along with what is happening and often enjoy it. Through their participation, people dictate the terms of their supposed relationship with God, reversing sovereignty and forcing themselves as though they were in control. This approach does not bode well for a true relationship with Him, as it mirrors Israel's refusal to enter the promised land on God's terms, leading to defeat when they acted on their own.

Dissatisfaction

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

A strange distortion of truth has spread through churches worldwide, calling God's people to embrace change from the world's perspective and fuel transformation. This Church Growth Movement uses familiar words to persuade, conforming God's Word and human thinking to politically correct views of unity, community, service, and change. Worldwide Christian networks provide trained leadership and management consultants to guide God's people along a superhighway to a new world order, hoping to popularize Christianity so effectively that whole nations join their crusade. They aim to re-cloak the church in a permissive, appealing image, marketed as a safe place, purged of moral standards that stir conviction of sin. Doug Murren, a former pastor, explains the process of managed change, drawing from social psychologist Arnold Mitchell of Stanford University, who identifies three ingredients for change: dissatisfaction, emotional and physical energy, and a well-conceived strategy. Effective change agents assess and deliberately develop dissatisfaction within a group to create potential for change. Positive change focuses on creating a better future rather than returning to the past. The process involves assessing attitudes and values, stirring dissatisfaction with old ways, and offering an inspiring vision of a here-and-now future that man can create, driving transformation through collective efforts.

Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Outcome-based religion holds large membership as its measure of success, believing that the ends justify the means. It avoids doctrine that might divide.

Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Outcome based religion exalts numerical growth and feeling good over the truth of God, promoting the use of modern psychology over 'divisive' biblical doctrine.

Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 2): Leaven

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Kingdom of God or of Heaven has past, present, and future aspects. The Kingdom parables primarily provide instruction for the present aspect.

Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Three)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Habakkuk was frustrated that God would use an evil people to punish Israel, yet he resolved to cease fretting and to become a responsible watcher.

Wandering or Pilgrimage?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We are not aimlessly wandering, but are on a God-guided pilgrimage. The circuitous route ensures our safety, just as it did for the ancient Israelites.

In the Wake of An Unnatural Disaster (Part Five)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Because Americans get their concepts about the Bible from movies and television, they clueless as to what constitutes truth and falsehood.

How to Survive Exile

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God exiles to punish for sin, separating individuals and groups from Him in order to spur repentance. There is something to exile that God finds very good.