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01.27.2012
John Ogwyn Friday. Added ziped file of sermons #31 - #45.
01.24.2012
Updated Ron Dart's 1996 sermon Thanks From the Heart. Are we truly grateful? How can I show gratitude other than saying thank-you? Where do I get the power to earn wealth? The talent? The skill? The life? We are most grateful when we are most in need. Service to God with joy of heart is an expression of gratitude. If we are stricken, might it be because God is trying to teach us gratitude?
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01.20.2012
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 1980 John Ogwyn sermon Judgment. Pre-Passover sermon. The role of judgment in the life of the Christian. Judgment is coming upon this world -- how to avoid that judgment. "If we justify ourselves, God never will." (recording prematurely cuts off at 41 minutes)
01.18.2012
Updated Ron Dart's 1991 sermon Sloth. The slothful were cast into everlasting punishment not because of something they did, but because of what they did not do. Sloth is a serious problem that has severe consequences. Dart discusses many Biblical admonitions and proverbs against sloth. Sloth leads indecisiveness which leads to inaction. Being lazy makes for more work and depression, anxiety, and despair result. Carelessness due to haste is due to sloth. Sloth and excuses. “Sloth is the fundamental sin that causes us to give up.” Self-starting and self-motivation lead to productivity and wealth, activity and responsibility. Do it now; do it well. Why does God care whether we do it now and do it well?
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01.13.2012
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 1981 John Ogwyn sermon The 1st Commandment. Ogwyn goes into great detail on all of God’s attributes (and His related names), including lawgiver, creator, Father. Also, the severe consequences of not recognizing God and all that He is.
01.09.2012
Updated Ron Dart's 1999 sermon The Second Stage of Laodicea. A powerful sermon that will shake any Church of God member to his/her core. Dart proposes that God has spewed out the entire church, as was prophesied for the church at Laodicea. He looks at the history of the Worldwide Church of God, zealousness, Laodicean traits, and suggests that this spewing out culminated in 1995. This being the case, Dart gives sound Biblical advice as to what we can and should do about it.
01.06.2012
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 1977 John Ogwyn sermon Thanksgiving. While given at Thanksgiving time, this sermon is really an outstanding history of the British and American people, going all the way back to Abraham. Ogwyn has fascinating historical references, and this sermon is highly recommended for those who like history. The point is that God has been involved in the blessing of these countries and therefore, great thanks to God is in order.
12.30.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 1995 John Ogwyn sermon The Spirit of the Law. “As many as are of the works of the law are under a curse.” “The curse of the law.” Given during the heart of the Tkachian rebellion in the Worldwide Church of God, Ogwyn addresses the law and its role in the life of the Christian, including explanations of the above scriptures. Covered: The law of God is eternal; The law that was added; Without the law there is no sin; The difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant is not the law , but where the law is written; The spirit of the law maximizes the law and includes the letter.
12.28.2011
Ron Dart, who once taught the Epistles of Paul class at Ambassador College, went into the studio in the mid-1980's to record a 42-part, in-depth series analyzing all of Paul's epistles. They are available for download here. Each of the 42 parts can be downloaded individually or in two zipped files. Each file is named by the book it contains, making them good sequential references, useful when researching Paul's epistles.
12.23.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2003 John Ogwyn sermon Patient Endurance. Ogwyn’s excellent story-telling is exhibited in the relating of Jacob, his impatience and patience. Worries and anxieties can overburden us – what to do. The role of pressures and tribulations in character production -- one of which is endurance. How hopelessness can lead to suicide. Excellent Biblical examples of vision and faith and hope leading to patient endurance.
12.21.2011
Ron Dart 1996 sermon Why Not Christmas? Dart addresses why the Church of God does not observe Christmas. Historical facts pertaining to Christmas. Biblical facts pertaining to the birth of Jesus. The importance of symbolism in worship. Is the lack of Christmas observance in the Bible reason enough not to observe it? Comparison of reacting to “Merry Christmas” with eating meat offered to idols. Is everything associated with Christmas pagan? Isn’t there value in the acknowledgment of Christ’s birth? Is singing “Joy to the World” wrong?
12.16.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2002 John Ogwyn sermon Mystery of Godliness. Ogwyn teaches about the ancient mystery religion, including groves, trees, the trinity, mass and sacraments. He discusses Cain’s vs Abel’s sacrifices and how a sin offering must be an animal. He ties the mystery religion to Cain to Babylon to Revelation to Saturnalia to Christmas. He contrasts these pagan mysteries with God’s mystery and shows how Satan is a counterfeiter. God’s mystery reveals Man’s ultimate purpose and Ogwyn examines components of that great purpose.
12.14.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1999 sermon Choose Liberty. Are you free to speak in your church? Or are you intimidated? The New Testament Jewish synagogues restricted and controlled people. Does your church? Dart discusses Old Testament laws regarding liberty and notes that the Jubilee release was about more than land restoration. Freedom is precious and often people lay it down far too easily and there are men who are ready to take it. This very much applies to churches. Liberty vs license and the burdens of freedom. The real struggle for us is in balancing liberty and responsibility. God will rarely constrain us and wants us to have the freedom to choose; choosing the law of God will keep us free. Galatians 2 talks of bondage to a religious organization; the law of God is never bondage – it gives liberty. Only free men and women can grow.
12.09.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added John Ogwyn sermon Prophecy. Given in 1978, this sermon could have been given today (2011), with only a few adjustments. Ogwyn looks at Bible prophecy and ties it to current events, including the fall of the dollar, the euro-currency, the big role of an Islamic Iran, the Straits of Hormuz, and Egypt-Israel peace. He also, quite interestingly, shows where Biblical peoples are in today’s nations. Ogwyn examines world events and implies that the end-time fulfillment of prophecy is imminent. Interestingly, these events are much more severe in 2011, and therefore more imminent, giving further evidence that that no matter how much prophecy is being fulfilled, no man knows when the end times will come.
12.07.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 2001 sermon The Ugly Sisters. Should the Bible always be taken literally? What are the dangers of legalism? Dart looks at these two “ugly sisters” of bible reading and examines many scriptures in light of these two ideas. Christianity is about judging ourselves, not others. It is about controlling ourselves, not others.
12.02.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 1994 John Ogwyn sermon Offence. We can be offended; we can offend - by events, actions, words. People were offended by Jesus, offended by the truth – not just the Pharisees, but some disciples. Pride and humility are important in how we deal with offense. A love for the truth and God’s law is vital in avoiding being offended, while adherence to our own ways is a recipe for offense. Many interesting Biblical examples of offenses. Sound Biblical advice on how to avoid being offended.
11.30.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1997 sermon To the Scattered Church. A very sobering admonition to every member of the Church of God. Dart draws amazing parallels between the scattering of the Church of God and the scatterings of ancient Israel. “Why should we expect God to bring us all back together when we haven’t really learned to quit fighting with one another?” Israel's judges are paralleled to our church leaders and Dart asserts that everyone is (was) to blame, even the righteous ones, like Daniel (Daniel 9). Have we asked God to show us where we have gone wrong? Or are we so sure we aren’t? If we reorganize without repenting, will the results be any different? Why do problems continue to plague every organization in the COGs? “Because the underlying cause of the scattering that God has laid upon us has not been resolved.” It’s not just the leaders, for if no one followed…
11.28.2011
Added Jon Garnant sermon The Role of a Shepherd. A look at shepherds in the Bible; how the Old Testament and the New Testament emphasize their role and function rather than their position or title. Jesus’ multiple shepherd-like roles. He loves the sheep like no one can and the sheep know his voice. Also addressed: scattered sheep, condemnation of the shepherds.
11.25.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 1978 John Ogwyn sermon Keep God's Sign Holy. A 29-year-old John Ogwyn shows how the Sabbath is a sign of Who God is, and it is a sign forever between God and His people. Israel was takin into captivity for violating it. "The Sabbath is a weekly reminder of the hope that lies within us." The book of Hebrews shows that the 7th day Sabbath is commanded for the Christian. Other subjects touched on include: how to keep the Sabbath, a commanded assembly, the Sabbath's relation to the millennium, bearing a burden, commerce, preparation day, manna, fellowship, doing your own pleasure, appropriate Sabbath dress.
11.23.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1985 sermon Your Very Own Preacher. Paul condemns those who have an agenda; those who use the scriptures selectively to drive that agenda, even if the motives are right. Dart explores different preachers and how God has given diverse gifts. Whether good and bad, boring or not, right or wrong, we can learn from each of them anyway. Dart shows two main tools to do so, no matter who the preacher is. Yet, we are to rightly divide and we are to shun profane babbling. Also addressed are qualifications for a minister; how it is not up to the laity as a whole to judge this man’s qualifications. The ministry is a self-perpetuating entity. Do you want your own preacher or God’s?
11.21.2011
Added 2010 Mario Hernandez sermon The Early Rain and the Planting Season. Hernandez begins with a review of the 3 harvest seasons, the symbolism of the grain harvest and our part in them. While praising the joyful spiritual aspects of the festivals, he emphasizes the importance of preparing for the next harvest as soon as the harvest festival is over. An interesting parallel is drawn between plowing and praying, which are necessary for properly planting the seed of God’s word. Repeated admonitions from David’s psalms, with the point that the lack of discipline, drive, and diligence hurts not only you, but others. Concludes with a very compelling point, urging us to keep from being immersed in the world and how tolerance for its ways will separate us from God.
11.18.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2002 John Ogwyn sermon Having a Spirit of Thanksgiving. Ogwyn "rolls his eyes" at the things we complain about today in comparison to the difficulties of the early American pioneers. "Shouldn't the people who have the most be the most thankful?" What Paul said about end-time attitudes and how do they fit in with today's society. Owgyn shows an equivalence between praise and thanks. Being thankful is an antidote to pride, the fountainhead of all sin. It is also an antidote to to self-centeredness, forgetfulness and worry. Note: Ogwyn talks of how he would rather preach the harsh truths to this country and take the consequences rather than compromise to external opposition to these truths. On the surface, this would seem to be contrary to Rod Meredith's position stated at the 5 minute mark of his 2009 sermon What is Your Breaking Point?
11.16.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 2008 sermon Why Not You? This is an outstanding sermon and is highly recommended for everyone, especially those having trials. Why does God allow cancer? Tsunamis? Hurricanes? Floods? Man is told by God to conquer and subjugate the earth. We are to battle and overcome. And that outcome is not certain. God wants people with character. Why? Dart answers these questions, but leaves unanswered one big Biblical paradox, that salvation is a gift, yet we are commanded to overcome.
11.14.2011
Added Rod Meredith's inaugural Global Church of God sermon from January, 1993, God's Plan. This is the first official service of the Global Church of God. The recording starts with an introduction about the founding of GCG, including several notable comments on church government. For example, Meredith quotes Herbert Armstrong: “very seldom was the true church all in one organization under one man.” He also mentions how Herbert Armstrong “left the government of God repeatedly” and how Armstrong said “God’s government is from heaven and not necessarily through human men.” Also in the intro, Meredith speaks of the 4 missions that GCG will have, which leads into the sermon showing how we are becoming sons of God, how Christ was the first born of many, how God is reproducing Himself, how we must overcome, develop character, keep the commandments, become perfect –- and the ultimate purpose of human existence. Other notes: Meredith recollects how Herbert Armstrong came to the understanding that God is reproducing Himself. This is the first sermon Meredith has given to a church in 3 years and 3 months. Don Davis speaks on some administrative items between the intro and the sermon.
11.11.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2000 John Ogwyn sermon God's Government vs Man's Government. Given in the aftermath of the contentious 2000 U.S. presidential election, Ogwyn talks of a governmental transition that will take over the whole earth for 1000 years and beyond. He gives 3 fundamental principles of God's government that differ from man's government. "God's law is not based on the supremacy of one man." Jesus' model for leadership is as a lowly servant. Ogwyn does not directly address the concept of hierarchical church government. Contains an interesting segment on the timing of Deuteronomy. Also, how we can prepare for our role in the coming kingdom of God.
11.09.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1997 study Count the Cost. An interactive talk on the cost of being a disciple of Jesus, including a limited invitation –- those who didn’t respond were shut out. Apparently it is better not to start than to start and quit. There is a cost – drifting and coasting is not good enough. Dart gives a very strong Biblical warning against slacking. Jesus expects us to work. Our responsiveness makes a difference.
11.04.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Updated 1998 John Ogwyn sermon Why God Allows Problems in His Church. Given on the first Sabbath after the Living Church of God split with the Global Church of God, Ogwyn draws on Biblical examples, especially in Numbers, of choices and consequences. God’s intent is for us to make wise choices, so He allows things to happen that will put those choices before us. There is little in this sermon in direct reference to the split.
11.01.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1998 sermon To Love the Church. Dart shows how the Bible lambastes the leaders in the church of God who seek to draw a following for themselves; those who say, “In order for me to be the great leader, I must separate those who will follow me from those who won’t.” In the process, they are destroying the Church of God. Dart looks at the church in the broader sense, as the body of Christ, not as the local congregations. Christ loves the church – that is, the instutition, every part. He is sactifying and saving the whole church. “Whenever we denegrate any part of the church, we are running down the body of Christ.” If you estrange yourself from the rest of your brethren, you risk estranging youself from Jesus. It has not been the church that has done harm over the years, but the leaders (Acts 20, Ezekiel 34). The people were scattered because of the corruption of the leadership. Instead of blaming the men who did these things, we mistakenly say, “the church has done a lot of harm to a lot of people,” when in reality, it is the church that has had harm done to it. It it evil men and seducers that have wrought havoc on the church. The church is the whole community of believers and those who segregate us from one another -- these people are the enemy.
10.28.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #66. The Writings #6 - Psalms 107-150
10.26.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1986 sermon Listen and Understand. Dart goes over different kinds of listeners, different kinds of talkers, and what they need. He reflects on his own experiences in listening. It is ultimately about service and help to others. Many proverbs are instructive in teaching us how to listen, and how to be approachable. The proverbs also admonish us not to be too quick to engage in self-expression. Prayer is not all about us telling God was we care about – we should be open to listening in prayer. God is the best listener of all; we should strive to be as He is.
10.21.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 1993 John Ogwyn sermon Last Great Day. Ogwyn begins with an interesting analysis of the sacrifices in Numbers 28-29, then looks at the fate of all those who have never known or never worshipped Jesus Christ. They will have a future time of judgment which does not necessarily mean a future time of condemnation. Covered: The big picture of why we're called; the Great White Throne judgment; the resurrection of the rest of the dead; 7 distinct sections of Leviticus and how they relate to us needing to be holy and prepared to lead in the Kingdom of God.
10.18.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1989 sermon Last Great Day. Dart reflects on the death of his own non-church-going father who was a decent man, and launches into the inconsistencies of sending such a man to an everburning hell. The cruel paradoxes of the immortal soul. What happens when children die? Is there an age of accountability? "The doctrine of eternal torture in an everburning hell goes against everything we know about God." Dart explains the salvation paradox. What about those whose eyes God has closed? What about the Jews? What about those who rejected Jesus? God concluded them to unbelief that He might have mercy on them later. Dart explains the answers from the 1st and 2nd resurrections in Revelations 20, as well as the Ezekiel 37 dry bones prophecy. All men will have a chance.
10.14.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 1993 John Ogwyn sermon Millennial Dreams Will Be Fulfilled. An outstanding, enthusiastic sermon on the prophesied kingdom of God. The perfect society has been man's dream for years but attempts to create one have been futile and have often turned into nightmares. Why? What have they all lacked? What is the right form of government? Interestingly, he says that a ruler at the top and the people doing what the ruler says is not God's form of government. Rather, the law of God is the foundation of right government and will be the foundation in the Kingdom of God. Ogwyn also goes into who will rule in that kingdom, how they will rule, how their rule with start out, and how they should prepare themselves. It is those who have been transformed by the law of God who will teach and judge and lead in the Kingdom of God.
10.10.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1996 8th Day sermon If We Miss Them Now. Given on the Last Great Day of the Feast of Tabernacles. What is the fate of man? Does man have an immortal soul? Is God just wasting a lot of people in order to get some good ones? What about the Jews that rejected Jesus? Dart provides an excellent refutation of an ever-burning hell. Dart examines Romans 9 in light of the "rest of the dead" being resurrected in Revelation 20. There is no historical typology for the 8th day and no prophetic typology suggested, but it is reasonable to tie it to the second resurrection. Beyond the Holy Days picturing God's plan, the Holy Days are revealing it. Dart chastizes the church for its tendency to slack off, making the excuse that "they" will be raised in the second resurrection. Dart defines the Church of God as being made up of "all those in whom the Spirit of God dwells, whether they like each other or not."
10.07.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2001 John Ogwyn sermon Feast of Tabernacles - 2001. And end-time prophecy sermon. Three very powerful charismatic individuals will arrive and are described in the Bible. A look at the current reality in Arab leadership and speculation about the “King of the South”. Given in the aftermath of 9-11, defining events can come quickly and dramatically, as we have just seen. Are we always ready?
10.03.2011
Added Ron Dart's 1995 sermon A Fresh Look at Tabernacles. Why do we observe the Feast of Tabernacles? Is it just in commemoration of Israel and their exodus? What is the symbolism – past, present, and future? Temporary dwellings – searching for the city to come. When will we be home? A very powerful sermon about what God is doing and our role in it. Updated the 1995 zipped file.
09.30.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 1994 John Ogwyn sermon Prepare for Day of Atonement & FOT. Ogwyn takes an extensive look at Isaiah’s prophecies of the greatness of God’s coming kingdom and our role in it. Keeping the Day of Atonement shows that God’s ways are more important than anything else. We prepare by practicing those ways. Fastings are a tool to recognize our dependence on God. Also, society is reflected in its arts. How very much that will change as the knowledge of God will saturate all of the world’s societies. Ought we be saturated, too? Strong encouragement to exercise intelligent judgment and practice God’s way.
09.26.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1989 sermon A Theology of Atonement. When was Christ made sin? What is the curse of the law? Dart examines Leviticus 16 in the context of Hebrews 8-10, which explains Atonement for the Christian. When Jesus said “it is finished”, His sacrifice for atoning reconciliation was completed and is forever. But His work is not yet finished, as He will appear a second time unto salvation. Does this perhaps refer to the Azazel goat? Yet, it is reasonable to see the binding of Satan in the Azazel goat, as well. “Of all the people in the world who would want to keep the Day of Atonement, Christians ought to.” This messages also addresses the Jubilee liberty and a very vivid description of Revelation 19.
09.23.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2000 John Ogwyn sermon The Day of Atonement. Ogwyn describes the upcoming tribulation to come upon the Israelite nations, their captivity and the trumpet of liberty that will free them on the Day of Atonement. He paints a picture of the opening night of the Feast of Tabernacles service that will inaugurate the millennium. Also addresses the binding of Satan, including the traditional view of the Azazel goat of Leviticus 16. Satan is pride, thus the need for us to humble ourselves through fasting on Atonement. Three aspects of Atonement: Humbling selves; Binding of Satan; Proclamation of liberty.
09.20.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1983 sermon Symbols of Atonement. Dart delves into Leviticus 16 and Hebrews 9 & 10, and does a provocative, in-depth exploration of the possibility of the symbolism of the Azazel goat being other than Satan. The symbolism of the priest entering the Holy of Holies and re-appearing. Jesus continues his work today as an intercessor on our behalf. Our working out of our own salvation continues. “Once saved, always saved” refuted.
09.16.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 1989 John Ogwyn Trumpets sermon Trumpets 89 Prophecy. Ancient Babylon fell on the Feast of Trumpets. Prophetic Babylon will also fall on Trumpets. Ogwyn looks at Daniel’s prophecies, including “mene, mene, tekel, upharsin” and the meaning of its numbers in years, as well as the number of years the Babylon tree will remain banded. Why the two legs of the future Roman Empire will stand in Germany and Russia.
09.13.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1998 sermon Old Testament Trumpets. The holy days have a historical Jewish perspective and a prophetic Christian perspective. Dart discusses both, and looks at the silver trumpets and the shofars, why and when were they used. What does the “Great Trumpet” have to do with redemption? Trumpets that assemble; trumpets that warn and scatter. The necessity of blowing the warning trumpet. The Day of the Lord. A time of judgment. While the symbolism of Trumpets is obscure in the Old Testament, all kinds of things start coming clear when Christology overlays the holy days. “These festivals are more significant for Christians than they ever were for Jews, if we just had the eyes to see it.”
09.09.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2004 John Ogwyn Trumpets sermon Prophecy for the Feast of Trumpets. Trumpets is about God stepping into history and prophecy. Ogwyn looks at the prophecies in, of all places, Leviticus, especially the cursings of Leviticus 26 in detail and ties them to Ezekiel’s prophecies. Includes a discussion of the glory of God and separating the holy from the unholy. Israel’s abominable traits that brought on their destruction are applicable to today’s troubles in our nation and Christ’s eventual return. God gives nations multiple chances to repent, and to do so, they need to be warned.
09.06.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1989 sermon Feast of Trumpets - 89. Of all the holy days, only Trumpets does not have much historical or agricultural significance. It is a memorial of blowing of trumpets, so Dart looks at the blowing of trumpets in the Bible, showing that, even in the Old Testament, the blast of the trumpet is associated with God coming down to man. Isaiah, Jeremiah and other Old Testament prophets have future trumpet prophecies that clearly refer to the Day of the Lord, the presence of God, the coming of God, and God’s intervention in the affairs of men. Then, Dart adds the New Testament end-time trumpet prophecies associated with the resurrection and the return of Christ.
09.02.2011
Added 2001 John Ogwyn sermon The Way of Give. Ogwyn contrasts the story of Micah and the hired priest with Ezekiel to illustrate the way of get vs the way of give. This “way” applies to marriage, jobs, businesses, and indeed, all aspects of our lives. Contrary to our carnal nature, it takes faith to give, especially since the world is based on greed. Additional examples are given concerning Jacob and Joseph. Ogwyn explains how we can give no matter our circumstance and how Jesus is the perfect example.
08.31.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1999 sermon Feast of Trumpets. Trumpets is a memorial of what? There is little historical symbolism; likely the symbolism is future. With that, Dart takes a long, fascinating look at all the trumpets and seals in the book of Revelation. The times of plenty will not last. We do not know when tough times will come, but are told to be ready now, never let down, so that when the Lord knocks, you can open the door. That preparation is not physical, but spiritual. “If your hope is in this world, your hope is on very shaky ground and you need to be planting it on higher ground, on the Rock.”
08.26.2011
Added 2002 John Ogwyn sermon Feast of Trumpets - A Memorial. Given that this sermon is from September, 2002, Ogwyn shows good insight that the US and Britain are preparing for a war that will distance them from Europe. This leads into a discussion of the return of Christ, where the equivalent terms “loud shout”, “great rejoicing”, and “blowing of the trumpet” are used to glorify God as creator and as judge of the nations. If you trust God, you will obey Him. The Feast of Trumpets is a memorial of God stepping into history and into the future. Ogwyn also gives an extensive, interesting discussion of end-time prophecy.
08.23.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1986 sermon The Power of Love. If there is a church split, how would you know where to go? Herbert Armstrong’s surprising answer is related by Dart, who discusses how power over another often replaces the power to love others. He addresses concepts of manipulation, control, domination, and intimidation versus the concepts of love and humble service with no reward, no recognition. How hierarchical church governments facilitate power over others. Service is an end in itself, not a road to power. Biblical examples of church splits and why. People do not necessarily love us for all the things we do for them. “The power of love grows for the doer of good to others, not, perversely, for the person who receives the good.”
08.19.2011
Added 2001 John Ogwyn sermon Faith. Ogwyn uses the current (2001) events in Iraq, Jordan, and the Temple Mount to launch into an in-depth exploration of faith. He addresses belief, confidence, and prophecy. Faith transforms us. Faith results in action. Obedience flows from real faith. How we can follow the examples of Hebrews 11. How we can move forward confidently.
08.18.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1985 sermon Moral Decay in the Church. Dart looks at moral decay in the New Testament, middle ages, as well as today, when moral decay continues in spite of professions to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. What about our own personal moral decay? Why does God not punish it right away? The danger of comparing ourselves among ourselves. Dart presents logic that leaves the Christian accountable with no escape. You are required to decide to do the right thing in God’s sight, no matter what others do or say or tolerate. Christianity is, after all, a moral religion.
08.12.2011
Added 1994 John Ogwyn sermon Continue in the Truth. Ogwyn cites many Biblical admonitions to exercise patient endurance and continuing faithfulness, even when the end appears imminent. What does it mean to endure? In what things do we continue? Do we follow our heart? Follow the crowd? Follow our head? Or follow the word of God?
08.09.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1988 sermon Elements of Deceit. Dart describes the tactics of a con man and how Satan is the ultimate con man. With both Jesus and Eve, he used the truth to deceive. The Pharisees used the law improperly by using it to exalt themselves over others. The truth can be used to deceive. The law of God can be used to deceive. Miracles can be used to deceive. What we want makes us vulnerable to deceit. “If we want to be free of deception, you are going to have to pay careful attention to your wants.” So, what do you do about your wants? Can the elect be deceived?
08.05.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2001 sermon Lessons From Daniel. In his usual interesting style, Ogwyn discusses the character lessons we can learn from the first 6 chapters of the book of Daniel.
08.01.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1986 sermon A Time for Work. Why do we preach the gospel? As a witness to the world? Dart asks: “Is it sufficient to gather people around and preach at them and say ‘I hope some of this works out some day for you’? - - - Is it enough to throw the gospel out there like so much seed and walk off and do nothing with it? - - - What are you trying to accomplish? - - - What is your objective?" Dart again: "When I get up to speak before a group of unbelievers, I am commanded by Jesus Christ to have as my goal to get them to believe, to bring them to repent, in order that they might become disciples, and in order that they might be baptized - - - That is my goal.” While Dart does not criticize anyone in this sermon, it is never the less a powerful condemnation against the primary mission of most of the churches of God today and it is straight from the words of the Bible. Dart also addresses calendar issues and how the calendar cannot be determined from the “heavenly signs” alone.
07.29.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2001 sermon A Spiritually Balanced Person. Events we can’t control happen to all of us. Ogwyn looks at two Biblical examples of how to handle those stresses and how not to, and the principles we should be grounded in to keep the wheels from flying off. Faith leads to obedience, fear to cowardice to compromise to disobedience. Also addressed is the difference between faith and hope.
07.27.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1986 sermon Law and the Cross. What parts of the law, if any, were done away with at the crucifixion? Dart goes through many of Jesus’ teachings (including those on the law), and shows how they all apply today. He concludes with the real responsibility of the Christian.
07.25.2011
Added Mario Hernandez's sermon A Love Story in Seven Chapters. Given June 4, 2011. Hernandez looks at all 7 holy days, relating the marriage of Christ to the church with human marriage as described in the Bible. This ranges from the bride-price paid by Christ, to the bride keeping herself pure, to the marriage contract and more. The Sabbaths (plural) are a sign of Christ’s bride today. Hernandez does his usual expert job of showing how the Old Testament practices apply to the reality of Christ. This sermon also addresses partaking of Christ, entering into covenant with Him, the importance of faithfulness, and much more.
07.22.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2000 sermon Jerusalem in Prophecy. The destruction of Judah by both Babylon and by Rome was a type of the Great Tribulation and a warning to Israel. Ogwyn examines the end time prophecies of Luke 21 and Daniel 11. He explains that although armies have surrounded Jerusalem many times, how it will be different at the time of the end. He addresses the 1260, 1290 and 1335 days, the abomination of desolation, and the cessation of the daily sacrifices. At the 1:00:40 mark, he makes a controversial statement about the Revelation 12:13 woman who is taken to the place of safety. Ogwyn also notes that it is possible to be protected; he tells us how to watch, how to be ready.
07.20.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1983 sermon Personal Evangelism - Part 3. Dart gives practical tips for how to approach people and how to use “the interested man” method to get people to think. He then delves deeply into the subject of hell. He addresses what it is, what it isn’t, and backs it all up with scripture. This is an absolutely outstanding sermon on hell. All aspects are covered, and are done so from the perspective of asking other Christians why they believe what they do about hell. The goal is to get them to think. You never know where that might lead.
07.15.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. ** Fixed Link to "A Time of Renewal" ** Added 1993 sermon Satan the Enemy. Given during the Global Church of God ministerial conference in July of 1993. To defeat an enemy, you need to know their tactics. Satan’s tactic is to appeal to our pride, to engender resentment, foster discouragement, push compromise. Satan is still subject to God; Ogwyn parallels this with how Balaam did not directly disobey God, yet still accomplished His goal against Israel. Ogwyn discusses Biblical antidotes to Satan’s attacks and how to fight Satan and overcome.
07.14.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1985 sermon The Objective of Prayer. “There is nothing more fundamental and more important both as prevention and cure of spiritual disease than prayer and Bible study.” “Of all the disciplines of the Christian religion, none is more neglected than prayer.” Why? Are we unsure it works? Dart asks many tough questions about prayer. Addressed: intercessory, perseverance, prayer for enemy, honesty in prayer. Why would God delay an answer? No matter what we have done, we should never fear to come before God. God’s real objective is to bring us into His presence.
07.12.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1992 sermon The Resurrection. A powerful, thorough, logical, and convincing look at the resurrections (plural), the concept of hell, the immortal soul, and the fate of those unsaved in this life.
07.11.2011
Added files for the 2005 Living Church of God Hymnal. Download the PDF file. MP3 files for all the piano hymn accompaniments can be downloaded: Hymns 1-100 and Hymns 101-136.
07.08.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 1994 sermon A Time of Renewal. Judah experienced revivals under Asa, Hezekiah, Josiah, and Nehemiah. The Feast of Tabernacles is a time of renewal, a time of joy because it is a time of learning God’s ways. Biblical renewals are always centered around God’s festivals, but sometimes we lose the vision of why – a re-focus on God’s law – and when the knowledge thereof will cover the earth and flow forth from Jerusalem. This sermon was given in July, so that people may prepare for the fall festivals from the proper perspective.
07.07.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1983 sermon Personal Evangelism, Part 2. People tend to lament “if only we had more” when God’s way is to multiply whatever we do have. Great works have been done by men of God not because they had a lot, but because God multiplied what they had. What do you have that God can multiply? Dart uses this as a basis for how each of us can evangelize, regardless of our experience.
07.05.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1983 sermon Church Politics. Where there are people, there will be politics. Dart shows how to reduce the impact of politics. How does hierarchical government impact politics? A look at Exodus 18 and Numbers 11 in this regard. People’s need to make an impact can be for the good, but it is bad if it stems from, or results in, a desire to control others. The Galatian church was split by such politics, not by doctrine. The desire to control others almost always brings division. Dart looks at church politics in the books of 3rd John and Jude.
07.01.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2001 sermon Your Redemption Draws Near. Ogwyn starts with a news report of the improving relationship between Germany and Russia and uses that as a springboard into Biblical prophecy concerning Europe, the Beast power, the United States, and reuniting of Judah & Israel in the coming Kingdom of God. He then talks of the foundation of that kingdom, that new society – God’s laws and commandments, written on the hearts of the people. In light of the new presidential administration, Ogwyn asks “To what extent are you and I preparing in our lives right now for the greatest transition in government that will ever occur?”
06.30.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1983 sermon What is a Friend? Dart looks at various aspects of friendship, using David’s varied relationships. Loyalty, commitment, betrayal, unconditional friends, conditional friends, false friends. Dart gives strong encouragement to at least attempt reconciliation.
06.28.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1985 sermon The Experimental Church. The east-west split in the Catholic church one thousand years ago was over power and the nature of God. Dart looks a the history of the trinity and its Biblical basis. How can God be in more than one place at the same time? Does this grasp a bit of what eternity is? It’s OK to contemplate the nature of God as long as we don’t make dogma out of more than what God has revealed. While the Father and Son clearly have a relationship, the Holy Spirit never does. How did God choose to reveal Himself to us? Primarily, as the Son.
06.24.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon When Is A Blessing Not A Blessing? Ogwyn relates the history of a time of great prosperity in both Israel and Judah, yet all the while, devastating prophecies were being made against them. That prosperity disappeared in a mere 20 years as the prophecies came true. Times of plenty can lead to spiritual lethargy. Their religion was just form, not substance. Ogwyn shows what we should do and why, in order to avoid the same tendency and the same fate.
06.21.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1985 sermon The Experimental Church. Dart looks at the Corinthian church, including its observance of Passover. Subjects include: Innovation in church services; The value of tradition; The value of creativity. (Apologies – the recording ends prematurely at 38 minutes. Please email me if you have a full copy.)
06.17.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon What Is It That Defines You? Ogwyn cites Biblical examples of many who let themselves be defined by what others think of them. Are we compromised by what people might think? Do we seek status and prestige? Ogwyn then cites other excellent Biblical examples of those who didn’t compromise. The issue comes down to this: are we going to be defined by the things of the flesh or the things of the spirit? This is one of those sermons that is not overly complex, and as such, is a pleasure to just sit back and enjoy Ogwyn’s excellent delivery style.
06.16.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1986 sermon Destructive Pride. Pride is the most destructive vice. C. S. Lewis describes pride as “the complete anti-God state of mind.” Is all pride wrong? How about pride in a child’s accomplishment? In our personal grooming and appearance? Yet, pride is sin. Is there a “good” pride and a “bad” pride? Or is is a matter of degree? What about self-esteem? Breaking down the Greek word helps Dart as he uses the Bible to shed a lot of light on the issue of pride.
06.14.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1986 sermon Gifts for God. Due to the sons of Eli, offerings to God were resented. Dart talks about what gifts are, what makes them important, and what they say about the relationship.
06.10.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon Vision. What difference does vision make in a persons life? How is vision achieved? What causes people to lose vision? “Obedience comes from a heart that loves God and trusts God.” The role of the law in vision. Ogwyn gives excellent Biblical examples of vision and the consequences of blindness. A description of Ezekiel’s vision of the glory of God and of “Ezekiel’s” temple. Concludes with an admonition to “envision the promise afar off.”
06.06.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1984 sermon Wooden Leg. What's your excuse? God expects us to be productive. Humans share a need to be creative. What if we produce nothing? Do we make excuses? Dart explores two kinds of fear – paralyzing and action-motivating. The action of love casts out fear.
06.03.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2004 sermon The Meaning of Pentecost. Given on Pentecost. Events that occurred on Pentecost. The problem with the Old Covenant was not the law of God, but the heart of man. Jesus came that our heart may be transformed by the spirit, that we may obey from the heart. The New Covenant does not change the law, but the heart of man. The spirit imparts power, that they may do the work of God with boldness. He who loves God obeys His commandments. John was transformed from a “son of thunder” to a deeply converted, spirit-filled man. Is it evident that we are Christians? Is our love reflected by our actions? The power of a sound mind. Being led by the spirit.
06.01.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1985 sermon The Fear of Idols. Idols in ancient times compared to idols today. The idols God warns about were bad because people feared them rather than fear God. A fundamental part of the worship of God is fear of Him. This fear of idols has come down to us today in the form of authoritarian churches, such as the Roman Catholic Church and the Worldwide Church of God. Dart describes how the fear of God can get intermingled with the fear of the church and the ministry and the organization. Dart examines in-depth, the fear of the Lord.
05.27.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #65. The Writings #5 - Psalms 90-106
05.25.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1985 sermon Half-Brain Religion. Dart looks at the computer-like, Pharisaical rigidity of rules and the law – the left side of the brain, versus the judgment, mercy, compassion feelings-based right side of the brain and how these conflict and interact. Dart preaches a strong emphasis on the law and a warning against lawlessness justified by mercy. Law-keeping is necessary, but it is always with judgment. Most of us know the law. What we need to work on is getting the right judgment to the right degree. Much left-brain, black and white inflexibility leads to Pharisaical, right-brain blindness. Yet, too much compassion and mercy leads to anti-nomian lawlessness.
05.23.2011
Added Mario Seigle's 2010 Pentecost sermon The Esprit de Corps of Pentecost. Given at the 2010 combined Pentecost service for UCG-Los Angeles and UCG-Garden Grove. Seigle uses church history in the book of Acts to look at church leadership. “One accord” is used 11 times in Acts. There was a common spirit of the whole group in early Acts. There was no discrimination; all shared and taught. Seigle repeatedly emphasizes true servant ministry, as exampled in Acts. There was no smugness, but rather, there was service. They didn’t strut around, although they were ambitious. Leadership is about exalting and building others, not the self. Jesus’ regular deflation of, and admonishments to, his disciples was not to lord it over them, but to teach and propagate humility in their leadership. The Christian fellowship does not exist for the apostles' sake, but the apostles for them. Humble leadership led the “Esprit de Corps of Pentecost.”
05.20.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2004 sermon The Outpouring of God's Spirit. Given on Pentecost. The sermon opens with an interesting discussion of the timing of events in the Israelite exodus, including the days of the week. Old Testament examples of the outpouring of God’s spirit, though it was not part of the Old Covenant. Pouring out of the spirit is addressed in the 70 elders, Joel’s prophecy, the 1st Pentecost. Moses shows how those filled with the Holy Spirit are not subject to Moses. Very interesting evidence that Peter’s quote of Joel’s prophecy was not entirely end-time. Contains a good explanation of “all in one accord” plus what is required as a necessary prelude to receiving spiritual gifts.
05.17.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1983 sermon The Searcher. Are we searching? For what? Why? When we find it, what will we do? A look at Paul’s contentment. Paul was not a searcher, but a striver. Is it the journey that brings contentment? We are on the road, the path – that is what brings contentment, not searching and never finding, but moving toward the goal. We are sojourners, our state is temporary. Others have been down the path ahead of us. Faith is knowing there is a worthwhile destination, even though the road may be difficult. We already know the destination. We don’t need to search for it, but move toward it.
05.13.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon Utilizing The Gift of the Holy Spirit. Pre-Pentecost sermon. Ogwyn shows some amazing parallels between marriage and the Holy Days. He discusses the analogy of clean and soiled garments and how we must change and how to get our garments clean. The role of the Holy Spirit in cleaning us up and giving us our greatest need. The real motivation for obedience. A merciful God longs to pluck people out of the fire, but they refuse. Ogwyn addresses these subjects: “grieving the spirit” “the spirit in man” “the carnal mind” “resisting the spirit” “transformed by the spirit”.
05.11.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1982 sermon How To Evaluate Doctrine. Dart explains what we should do when we encounter a new teaching. In the process, he addresses doctrinal issues such as “the wall of separation”, “absent from the body”, and “law is abolished”. He gives 10 steps that will keep you from being deceived, determining if there is a deception going on in the process.
05.09.2011
Added Jon Garnant's sermon The Chemistry of Unity. Given at the United Church of God, Los Angeles. In a look at Ephesians 4, Garnant likens the instructions and components to chemistry, in that the importance of every “ingredient” and “instruction” is essential in achieving the desired result, specifically, the “bond” of unity. The recipe, the formula, the instructions. Any imperfections will ruin the result. The titles “evangelist”, “teacher” and others are not positions, but verbs, working to serve and achieve the end result that is the point of all these instructions and directions.
05.06.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2002 sermon What Are You Searching For? Pre-Pentecost sermon. There are all kinds of religions in the world, all searching. The ancients have always sought knowledge. Herbert Armstrong used to ask very succinct questions, in order to attract the searcher. Ultimately, what humans are really searching for can only be filled with the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost, God revealed true knowledge, the commandments, to Israel and they agreed to a covenant. Ogwyn goes over the New Testament Pentecost. Why does God reveal truth and instruct us? Knowledge is useless without a soft repentant heart. God will put us to the test to see what we really want to do. We will one day bear the truth and teach it. We are in training now to do so.
05.04.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1982 sermon Are You Sure of a Place of Safety? A riveting sermon about church leaders saying one thing and the Bible saying another. Is your standard the Holy Bible? Are you sure? Dart talks about why he left the Worldwide Church of God. How he and Rod Meredith both taught Biblical truths that became in conflict with WCG’s 1978 teaching on the primacy of Peter. “No totalitarian authority can tolerate those who have an absolute by which to judge that authority and it’s actions.” “When we allow the church to become the judge of scripture instead of scripture being the judge of the church,we have sold out.” There are false apostles, and the Ephesian church was praised for judging those who called themselves apostles. By what standard did they judge?
05.02.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1983 sermon Holiness. Dart defines holiness, giving synonyms, how it means being dedicated to God, and the role of the laying on of hands. What is the moral component of holiness? How important is holiness? Being dedicated to God is not a mere formality or external surrender, but surrendering to be ruled by Jesus Christ alone. It must be pursued. Holiness grows from a mere designation and becomes conduct. Renewal = re-dedication. Separation for God is not isolation. “You will never understand true holiness until you grasp the idea that your relationship with God is personal.” There is no such thing as holiness by association. It is Jesus Christ in one that makes one holy. Our submission is to Him, not to an organization of men. Holiness is more than obedience, more than righteousness. Is holiness the gift of God? Or the task of man? Dart concludes with a very inspirational encouragement to pursue holiness.
04.29.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2001 sermon A Virtuous Woman. Given prior to Mother’s Day. Value is attached to virtue, not money. Ogwyn goes over various virtues of Godly women and applies those traits to all of us. Responsiveness to God. A woman’s role in subjection to her husband. The role of older women. Attributes of purity, modesty, holiness, discretion. These apply to all of us, man or woman. A very encouraging sermon, inspiring to Godly behavior.
04.27.2011
Added Ron Dart's 1981 sermon The Holy Spirit. Dart goes through John 16, examining the Greek word “parakletos” and its variants such as comforter, advocate, consolation, exhortation, encouragement. The Holy Spirit is a pressure, a push, a holy “wind”, but is subtle. The Holy Spirit does not possess or dictate. Its subtlety can be quenched. It leads, doesn’t drive. Listen to the spirit, but test it by the Bible. There is a form of communication that takes place with God on a non-verbal level. How does our conscience come into play? How do we communicate with God?
04.26.2011
Corrected the link to John Ogwyn's 1993 Pentecost Sermon - His Last in WCG. Also corrected the link to John Ogwyn's 2001 sermon The Night to be Much Observed.
04.22.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2002 sermon How To Be An Overcomer. Given on the Last Day of Unleavened Bread. The deliverance from sin (Egypt) has its obstacles and detours. The solution is to fear not, but to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Our victory comes from God. He may lead us in ways that don’t look right. Israel celebrated their victory – “I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed.” God’s redemption was the prelude to our deliverance. Ogwyn outlines an excellent series of steps to overcoming, giving Biblical examples of Jacob and Paul, concluding with an inspiration to believe and obey.
04.18.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1983 sermon Pride and Humility. Pride is a pre-occupation with the self versus denying the self. Inferiority is not humility. What pride is and what pride isn’t. Pride in the Biblical sense is different than our day-to-day use of the word. How competition interacts with pride. Greed’s role in pride. Comparing self with others. Wanting power over others is pure pride. “Pride is the ultimate anti-God state of mind.” Pride leads to competition with all, even ultimately God. Pride always divides and is the root of all splits in the church. Dart shows how we can test ourselves in this regard. Humility is absolutely essential to a relationship with God.
04.15.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2002 sermon Sources of Sin. Given on the 1st Day of Unleavened Bread. Ogwyn looks at the parallels between ancient Israel and the Christian. Includes redemption, deliverance from bondage, covenants, sin. Sins leads to captivity. Ogwyn examines different sources of sin and provides excellent Biblical examples. One source is coveting. “Covetousness leads into every sort of compromise and betrayal of every sort of trust that’s imaginable.” So often sin is committed by people who thought no one would ever find out. Another source of sin is pride. Another is hurt leading to resentment. Another, fear. God doesn’t want excuses; He wants commitment and courage. God wants us to follow. If we do, we will be delivered.
04.12.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1982 sermon Why Doesn't Everyone Keep the Holy Days? This sermon is not so much a look at the Holy Days as it is a look at the role, status and place of the gentiles in the religion and society of ancient Israel. Dart examines the difference (or lack thereof) between the Gentiles and Israel in Biblical law, and how that practice changed from the time of Moses to the time of the New Testament. In the process, Dart asks the questions about who was to keep the Holy Days, who was to make sacrifices, and what the Ephesians 2 “wall of separation” refers to. Although the Jews in the time of the New Testament separated themselves from the Gentiles, Dart shows, very thoroughly, how this has no basis in the Old Testament law.
04.08.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2002 sermon Feeding on the Bread of Life. Given on the 1st Day of Unleavened Bread. Passover represents the beginning of God’s plan. God takes the initiative and expects us to respond. We must love the ways of God more than the ways of the world or we won’t come out of the world. We don’t just put out the leaven, we take in the unleavened so, having come out of the world, how do we feed on the Bread of Life? It starts with belief. What does it mean to believe in Jesus Christ? It must be with your heart – if so, it will change your life. If we really believe, we act on it. To abide in Christ is to dwell in His word, which translates into obedience. We are to “live by Him.”
04.05.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1986 sermon New Testament Passover. Dart addresses Passover timing issues. What are they? Why? Includes Old Testament Passover timing. Luke 22’s “First Day of Unleavened Bread in which the lamb was killed.” The gentiles’ role in the Passover. The real meaning of the New Testament Passover. The true symbolism of the bread and wine plays a big part in showing when the New Testament Passover should be kept.
04.01.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2001 sermon Day of Liberty. Given on the 1st day of Unleavened Bread. A discussion of the timing of the wave sheaf offering. Our response to God’s grace should be, like Paul’s was, to labor. The “harvest” starts during the Days of Unleavened Bread. Ogwyn discusses events surrounding the burial of Jesus through the resurrection. Tyrants always promise liberty but deliver bondage. Freedom from the law? Ogwyn gives an excellent narrative on the resurrection. Israel was led out of bondage by following God one step at a time. The same goes for us. What it means to abide in Christ. Israel needed a savior; they couldn’t save themselves. Same for us.
03.29.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1984 sermon Yoke of Liberty. Dart speaks on religious liberty with the background of religious persecution from the first century Jews to the middle-ages Catholics to today – namely, that men strive for power and, sooner or later, will use it. The Jerusalem conference (Acts 15) was not about doctrine, but doctrine was only a tool in the fight for political control. Christ preached liberty. The law can never be a yoke of bondage unless imposed by men. Otherwise, it is voluntarily picked up by the believer. With liberty comes responsibility. Paul gives the example of our responsibility to vegetarians not to eat meat if it offends others, even though we are free to otherwise. Bondage in the Bible is never to the law, but to men. You are free to obey the laws of God or not. No man can force you one way or the other. Should we be interfering with other’s freedom? What if they are sinning? How involved do we get? Paul was free of all men – are you?
03.25.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2001 sermon The Night To Be Much Observed.
03.22.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 1983 sermon Christ Our Sacrifice. Dart describes in great detail the Old Testament sacrifices, the beauty of their meaning, and presents a full realization of all the different types of offerings. Unleavened bread was connected with every sacrifice. The significance of the blood sacrifice and drinking the blood as confirmation of a covenant. All of the Old Testament offerings symbolize Christ. The importance of ceremony. Why is baptism necessary to partake in the Passover? A compassionate explanation of the sufferings of Christ and how they apply to us. Concludes on an encouraging and inspiring note about what Christ did for us and what we should do in response.
03.21.2011
Added Jon Garnant's sermon Concepts of Passover. Given at the United Church of God, Los Angeles. Pre-Passover. An analysis of concepts, thoughts and possible different meanings of the Passover. 1 Corinthians 10 is a pivotal chapter to this end. (Garnant recommends Alexander Scourby’s audio reading of the Bible.) Things that happened to them are a type for us, both warnings and common circumstances. Passover is about a community covenant. It is a singular night of sharing. Explanation of why the bread and wine.
03.18.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2001 sermon Redemption & Deliverance - Part 2.
03.15.2011
Updated Ron Dart's 2000 sermon In All Points. Given January 19, 2000 at the Big Sandy Church of God. Why did Jesus have to suffer? This sermon goes beyond the 1987 sermon on that subject. It was necessary for Him to be betrayed. To have promises broken. To have the sentence of death. To face the cold fear of death, pain, suffering, even though He knew the end. People lie about us. They make false accusations. We have been denied by a friend, humiliated, tortured, crucified, God-forsaken, faced death. Jesus tells us that we should be prepared to endure all these things ourselves for one another, as He did for us. Enduring these things changes us forever, creating the character that God has an eternal purpose for. Jesus was tested/tempted in all points as we are. This is critical to His role as high priest. Other subjects: How did Jesus learn obedience? How did He become perfect? Jesus could have ended His suffering at any time, but He didn’t. Was it possible for Jesus to sin?
03.11.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2001 sermon Redemption & Deliverance - Part 1.
03.08.2011
Added Ron Dart's 1987 sermon Why Christ Had to Suffer. A pre-Passover sermon. Most Christians understand Jesus’ shed blood, but what about the body? What does the discernment of the body (1 Corinthians 11) have to do with sickness? Jesus was mocked, denied, scourged, and rejected by His own people and more. Wasn’t His death and His blood enough? Jesus bore our sins in His body. Why? It was all part of the plan (Psalm 22, Isaiah 50, 53). How baptism & healing & faith play into this. Dart relates how, in reference to healing, Herbert Armstrong said very clearly that God will not do for you what you can do for yourself (at 36:00). Dart also addressed what it means to partake of the Passover unworthily and how to do it worthily.
03.04.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added 2000 sermon Avoid Leaven - Eat Unleavened.
03.01.2011
Added Ron Dart's 1994 sermon Death and Resurrection. (apologies for poor audio) The struggles and pains of this life are but a prelude to, and preparation for, the abundant life that awaits us. Dart addresses many aspects of the resurrection: wave-sheaf offering, first day of the weeks, first of the firstfruits, how we are saved by His life – His resurrection, and calls it “The most important day in the history of mankind.” The heart and core of the gospel. A thorough analysis of 1st Corinthians 15, including doctrines of “no resurrection” and “baptism for the dead.”
02.25.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #64. The Writings #4 - Psalms 73-89
02.24.2011
Added Ron Dart's 2005 sermon God and Man. Is anything too hard for God? Or has He created us with limitations for a reason? Given the great differences between man and God, how can man and God get really close to each other? Dart answers – Jesus Christ came to reveal the Father. Jesus was God. C. S. Lewis quote that Jesus either was who He said He was or He was a madman or worse. Dart recommends a David Antion talk on Jesus as man and God. God became man that man might become God.
02.18.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon The Sacrifice of Our Passover.
02.16.2011
Added Ron Dart's 1980 sermon Day of Unleavened Bread. Dart looks at 1st Corinthians, which was likely written during the Days of Unleavened Bread. Includes a look a chapter 5’s disfellowship. Being unleavened and fulfilling in reality what we are acting out physically. The problems with a “puffed up” attitude. “The New Testament Church, the Church in Corinth, a church comprised mainly of gentiles, was observing the Days of Unleavened Bread in 55 AD.” Dart also notes that the resurrection was an important part of these days. At times we are told to judge and at times not to. Dart explains very simply and very logically how to know the difference. Message contains positive mentions of Herbert Armstrong, Garner Ted Armstrong, and Rod Meredith.
02.14.2011
Added Jon Garnant's sermon Gratitude. Given at the United Church of God, Los Angeles. The conflict between the Jews and the Samaritans is background as Garnant studies gratitude in the context of the 10 cleansed lepers. We are the recipients of many gifts we don’t deserve. Gratitude is very personal and must be expressed. Gratefulness is the annihilation of self – for our good, not God’s. Garnant inspires: “Every day in every way reflect and remember your blessings.”
02.11.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #63. The Writings #3 - Psalms 42-72
02.08.2011
Added Ron Dart's 1992 sermon Christ is Risen. Dart makes repeated references to the importance of the resurrection to the gospel. Also, the importance of witnesses to the resurrection. No wonder, because the resurrection is central to all we believe. John 3, Nicodemus, and the resurrection. First of the firstfruits. The resurrection is the pivot point of all history. A detailed look at 1 Corinthians 15.
02.04.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon The Postponements.
02.02.2011
Added Ron Dart's 1984 sermon Personal Passover. Dart looks at several aspects of Passover and applies them to us personally today, emphasizing our close, personal, family relationship with Jesus and how we are “inside” each other. The New Testament Passover is intensely personal. A surprising parallel between the Jewish Seder and the traditional Church of God Passover service. Includes an excellent Dart narrative on what Jesus went through on the night He was betrayed and the day He was crucified.
01.31.2011
Added Bill Jacobs' sermon Democratization of the Holy Spirit. Jacobs, affiliated with Life Resource Ministries, speaks on elitism, and how it is not uncommon in human history, including the early Jewish leaders in New Testament times. However, it was God’s intent that the holy spirit be given to many. Jacobs talks of elitism in the church today. How men want to control others and retain power that rightfully belongs to the holy spirit. The holy spirit is like water – most powerful when it is flowing freely, not dammed up and controlled. Yet, there are those today who want to control the spirit-led people. When this control by man is rejected, the result is not anarchy, but a people submitted to God and to each other. “Out of his heart will flow living waters.”
01.28.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #62. The Writings #2 - Psalms 1-41
01.26.2011
Added Ron Dart's 2004 sermon Ten Kings. Prophecies of Daniel 2, 7, 8. Detailed historical fulfillment with emphasis on the recurrence of the little horn.
01.21.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon The Mystery of God.
01.19.2011
Added Ron Dart's 1998 sermon Great Prayers. Prayer is central to the Christian. Why are we often unskilled or unmotivated? How do we get the faith to know that God is listening when we pray? There is a posture and a place for regular prayer. This sermon is largely about David’s prayers – in the Psalms, concerning the temple, David’s enemies, trials, and joys. It is OK to tell God things – He knows already. It is possible to persuade God. Model prayers are not constraints. God wants prayers from the heart. David’s prayers were direct, focused. How did David get to be a man after God’s own heart? His was a simple faith; one that might even look foolish. Written prayer vs spoken. Quiet time in prayer. The discipline of prayer. Truth in prayer. Meditation. Details in prayer – be specific. Is there anything more important than our time with God?
01.14.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #61. The Writings #1 - Overview of the Psalms
01.11.2011
Added Ron Dart's 1984 sermon How Great Thou Art. Dart goes over the astronomical estimates of the size of the creation and asks “Is your God big enough?” God is glorified with the scriptural references to the heavens. Are there other worlds? Other people? What is man? To be brought to glory? To be as God is? Is man the point?
01.07.2011
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon The Hope of the Gospel.
01.05.2011
Added Ron Dart's 1998 sermon It Begins With Devotion. “By their fruits you shall know them.” Have we as a church had good fruits? Does the church teach Christian character? How? Is there an authentic devotion to Christ? Does the church teach moral perception and courageous action? Do the members love God with all their heart, soul and mind? The little choices we make every day make a difference in our relationship with God, thus we must be stirred up at church. Do I want to be different than I am? Dart shows how this is all very do-able in a very inspirational message. We each have a role. God will multiply our efforts, but a thousand times zero is zero.
01.04.2011
Added Ron Dart 2010 Sermons Zipped File.
12.31.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Today: added the zipped file for Sermons 16-30.
12.28.2010
Added Ron Dart's 1992 sermon Where Are the Leaders? Dart laments the decline of the United States and parallels it to Old Testament Israel. Where is the moral leadership teaching right and wrong? Where is the courage among leaders? What good does it do to go through the motions of religion when you treat people the way you do? Because of this, your leaders are taken away. The good don’t even want to lead. Women rule over them because men have failed to. What can we do? Besides cleaning up our own lives, preach Christ and prophecy so that others can clean up theirs. And . . . pray for thy kingdom to come.
12.24.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #60. The Life and Letters of Paul - 2 Timothy
12.21.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1996 sermon Why Not Christmas? Dart addresses why the Church of God does not observe Christmas. Historical facts pertaining to Christmas. Biblical facts pertaining to the birth of Jesus. The importance of symbolism in worship. Is the lack of Christmas observance in the Bible reason enough not to observe it? Comparison of reacting to “Merry Christmas” with eating meat offered to idols. Is everything associated with Christmas pagan? Isn’t there value in the acknowledgment of Christ’s birth? Is singing “Joy to the World” wrong?
12.17.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon Relief in Times of Distress.
12.14.2010
Added Ron Dart's 1989 sermon The Desiccated Christian. Are you burned out? Or are you dried up? Do you feel your prayers are going nowhere? Are you desperately thirsty for God? What do you do? Dart looks at water and oil in the scriptures and how they heal thirst and dryness. What you can do to heal your spiritual life. How you can be comforted and soothed. The Bible is like water that brings forth life and growth. The Sabbath is very important in all this as its intent is for us to spend time communing with God.
12.10.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #59. The Life and Letters of Paul - 1 Timothy & Titus
12.08.2010
Added Ron Dart's 1998 sermon Teach Me To Pray. Dart goes beyond the Lord’s Prayer and its collective nature and discusses intensely personal prayer with “advanced instruction in prayer.” Includes lessons in prayer from the Psalms - - when you are on top of things, when life’s got you down, when you’ve sinned, when you’re falsely accused, when you’ve been stupid, when you’re in deep trouble, alone, forsaken, devastated. When we ask God concerning our enemies, we ask the same thing for ourselves. Do you want to come out of prayer still feeling defeated, angry, or down? Or do you want to come out feeling that your meditation on God is sweet? Open the prayer looking to God and close it glorifying Him, and being joyous in Him!
12.06.2010
Added Bill Jacobs' sermon Body Unity, Part 2. Jacobs, affiliated with Life Resource Ministries, looks at how to achieve unity when we disagree. Subjects: Connection without control. Law of Moses vs Law of God. Importance of respect. Handling disputes. Sometimes those in the minority of belief need to keep those things to themselves in respect for the group – Romans 14. Do we need to look down our noses at those that differ? Who are you to judge another’s servant?
12.03.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon Proclaim Liberty.
11.30.2010
Added Ron Dart's 1988 sermon God's Rest. Dart reviews the sometimes radical changes made by the Jews who moved from Judaism to Christianity. Discussed are 3 terms from Hebrews 3 & 4 – “today”, “unbelief”, and “rest”, each of which is repeated to drive home the point. “Today” connotes an immediacy, a window of opportunity, for example, Israel’s failure to enter into the promised land. “Unbelief” is deliberate, not out of ignorance, and is what Israel suffered in this case. Why the Israelites lacked “belief”. What would God have to show me that I might never doubt again? “Rest” was represented by the entering into the promised land and relates directly to the Sabbath, which commemorates 2 events: 1) creation and, 2) deliverance, which was to be fulfilled upon entrance to the promised land. Also: Retaining your first love, your early confidence. Faith involves more than awareness – it requires a decision, a choice, an action. Don’t be a willing disbeliever.
11.26.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #58. The Life and Letters of Paul - Hebrews
11.23.2010
Added Ron Dart's 1986 sermon The Church at the End. Dart examines the churches of Revelation 2 & 3, showing the state of the church at the end of the age. Contains an excellent refutation of the church eras theory. Also, how a church can change for the worse, yet the individual must not – and Dart shows how.
11.19.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon Prayer From the Heart.
11.16.2010
Added Ron Dart's 1984 sermon Tithing. A very comprehensive sermon on tithing. Dart starts with some outrageous church fund-raising stories and techniques, but shows how they all eventually fail. God’s way is consistent, proportional, sustained giving --- the tithe. The tithe acknowledges the supremacy of the one to whom the tithe is paid. Specifically, it acknowledges God as provider. Example of the tithe used to proclaim the gospel. “Live long and prosper” promises. Jesus sanctioned the tithe to the Levites, but did He change anything? Did the New Covenant? Who was Melchizedek? How were the laws that pertained to the priesthood changed, and why? Is only agricultural productivity tithable?
11.12.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #57. The Life and Letters of Paul - Ephesians & Philippians
11.09.2010
Added Ron Dart's 1999 sermon The Sifting. An in-depth look the book of Amos. There are 2 sides to God - - goodness and severity. Dart describes the horrors of the Israelites being taking captive and its parallel to the WWII Jew’s captivity and the future end-time fulfillment according to Amos. Some Israelites remained, were sifted. There was corruption in the Israel courts and there is in ours today. Dart says we should serve on a jury as a small means to stem that corruption. In Amos, God despised their holy days and their wealth, because their behavior and attitude was terrible. Dart discusses “the famine of the word” and “I won’t do anything unless I tell my servants the prophets.” Future parallels.
11.05.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon Prayer As Incense Before God.
11.02.2010
Added Ron Dart's 1982 sermon Faith - A Second Look. A look at some surprising Biblical examples of faith. The Biblical definition of faith and its relationship to belief. The role of persistence in faith. Faith is seen by the things we do. Can the unconverted have powerful faith? Who’s faith is it -- ours or God’s? Is faith a gift of God? Have we neglected faith because we’ve been told we can’t work it up and we have to wait for God to give it to us? Or, does Jesus expect us to have faith? Why? So, what are the ways we can increase our faith?
10.29.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #56. The Life and Letters of Paul - Colossians & Philemon
10.27.2010
Added Ron Dart's 1980 sermon Faith. Dart narrates as the Bible inspires with numerous stories of faith. Faith = belief = trust. Jesus was limited when the people had a lack of faith. Persistent asking is critical and an expression of faith. Humility is critical. Being offended can be an obstacle to faith. Faith is more than hope. Faith is a gift from God. Often when we ask God, we are to do something ourselves. Do we merely hope or really believe? “Help my unbelief.”
10.22.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon Parables Explain Mystery of the Kingdom. Apologies for poor audio quality.
10.20.2010
Added Ron Dart's 1987 sermon Our Small Miracles. The floating axe head, the water into wine, Elijah and the widow’s steady food supply, finding your missing wallet. Small miracles. Why? God knows the number of sparrows in the air, hairs on your head, and every little one of your needs, fears, hopes, problems. The importance of belief when asking. Yet, our belief is affected by the degree of difficulty of the asked-for miracle. Why? Does pessimism, skepticism, and cynicism undo a believing prayer we may have made? Even a small miracle like our daily bread is faith-building if we’ve asked. Could it be that a group prayer is effective due to the accumulation of small miracles?
10.18.2010
Added Bill Jacobs' sermon Body Unity, Part 1. Jacobs, affiliated with Life Resource Ministries, looks at how horses are both fiercely independent yet social creatures. So are humans. Yet, we can’t surrender our freedom to the group. Neither should we reject the group to maintain our freedom. The solution: connection without control. Freedom is necessary to develop character. A controlling church leads to arrested spiritual development. It’s the struggle that leads to growth, as illustrated by the parable of Lazarus and the rich man.
10.15.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Zipped file for Bible Studies #42 through #54.
10.13.2010
Added Ron Dart's 1984 sermon What Is A Christian? Dart looks at the full spectrum of Christian sects. Disciples, believers, Christians. Believing is important, but Dart gives repeated examples of how belief is not enough. Baptism isn’t enough. Even being a teacher is not necessarily enough. Dart gives 7 simple sequences of concepts on being a Christian. Some wish it was harder than it is; others wish it was easier, but these 7 are scriptural. A Christian does what he says; unless we turn around and become as little children; no pride, no self-righteousness; repent and change your life from that point on according to God’s law. It’s what you do that matters, not what you say. If you really believe, you will change. That is what a Christian is, yet, there is nothing anyone can do to earn their salvation.
10.08.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #55. The Life and Letters of Paul - Romans
10.06.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2004 sermon Here I Am Lord. “There is a need for leadership in God’s people.” Dart looks at the youth of Jeremiah, Timothy, Isaiah, Samuel, and Jesus’ disciples. “Our youth ministry should not just be for the young, but by the young.” Dart talks a lot about prospective ministers. Does one have the desire? Reluctance is normal. Imperfection is not an impediment. It is important in all groups to create loyalty to Jesus Christ, rather than loyalty to the group, in case the group dissolves or the individual moves away. “Somewhere, somehow, someone will make room for young people in the ministry of the church.”
10.04.2010
While away celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles, many of the links on these pages have gone bad. I will be fixing them over the next week and will post updates here as they get corrected. My apologies to everyone for the inconvenience. Update, October 13 -- All links have been fixed.
09.16.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon The Day of Atonement.
09.14.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2003 sermon Breaking Up Is Hard. Dart goes over his resignations from WCG and CGI and discusses things we need to look at if we are considering leaving a church:
- It can never be undone.
- Be sure you are doing no harm.
- Consider who you’re going to hurt and how.
- Humility is crucial.
- Self-righteousness
- Excessive pride
- Selfishness
- Unforgiving Spirit
- Unwillingness to admit mistakes
- Being too quick to judge
09.10.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #54. The Life and Letters of Paul - 2nd Corinthians
09.08.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2003 sermon An Attitude Adjustment. An overview of the book of Ecclesiastes with Dart’s excellent commentary on it, and how it applies today.
09.07.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1997 Atonement sermon Atonement and Community. Dart speaks on separation and how it isn’t always sin. It doesn’t mean you can’t pray. Leviticus study of unclean & reconciliation & separation (uncleanness is not sin, but a cause for separation). Separation from God is community-related, not personal. Atonement is the formal act of the end of separation.
09.03.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon Our Time In History.
09.01.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2003 sermon Seven Laws of Prayer. An excellent guideline to prayer and things to consider when praying:
- It is appointed to man once to die. We should prepare for death and look beyond death.
- Prayer without works is vain. God will not do for us what we can do for ourselves.
- We always need help to pray.
- I am God’s servant, not vice-versa.
- Absolute honesty is required. After all God knows.
- Prayer takes time, attention, and meditation.
- When it comes to words, more is not better.
08.30.2010
Added Jon Garnant's sermon Three Prayers Plus One. Given at the United Church of God, Los Angeles, Garnant provides an excellent narrative of David’s prayer about the temple, Solomon’s prayer at its dedication, and Jesus’ model prayer. How the focus of each is on God. Garnant encourages us to apply these principles to our own prayers.
08.27.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #53. The Life and Letters of Paul - 1st Corinthians
08.25.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2000 sermon The Last 10 Words. Utter destruction is in our future unless . . .
Dart discusses Elijah-to-come in Malachi, Matthew, and Revelation. Type and antitype. A discussion on Elijah and manhood. Dart admonishes men to be men and fathers to be fathers and encourages a culture that will support that.
08.23.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon Our Response to Redemption.
08.20.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2004 sermon Prophets and Politics. Dart talks of political corruption in Old Testament Israel and the prophets confronting them. What about our corrupt politicians today? “To suggest that we should ignore politics and have nothing to say when our people are going precisely the same way that Israel of old went – I think that’s absolute nonsense.” “Sometimes the duty that falls to men of God is to speak the truth to power.” Dart cites Jeremiah: “Shall not my soul be avenged on a nation such as this?” Dart looks at the Ezekiel warning as a responsibility that he has. Dart looks at Daniel (Daniel 9), concluding that we, too, are part of this sinful nation.
08.16.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #52. The Life and Letters of Paul - 1st & 2nd Thessalonians.
08.11.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2005 sermon Unshaken. A distraught Ron Dart talks of evil things that happen, specifically in this case, the Wisconsin shootings in the Living Church of God. He explains how these things can happen, given that it was a church of God. Dart explains theodicy, how a good God allows evil to happen, and shows how these things have happened, do happen and will happen to the church, and how it could be done by someone in the church. Are the evil hard-wired to be so? Evil among us and what to do about it.
08.09.2010
Added Mario Hernandez's 2010 sermon Living Faith. Lessons on faith based largely on the book of Daniel. The need to diligently seek God. Little faith is not enough. How Daniel never compromised, even in the midst of Babylon. Faith is doing the right thing and leaving the rest up to God. Make the decision to obey before confronted with temptation not to. The spiritual formula for faith: 1) prayer, 2) fasting, 3) Bible study, 4) meditation, 5) action, without which the other 4 are useless. Faith takes time, and daily practice. A very inspiring sermon that goes into far more detail than summarized here. Available for audio/video download and streaming at LCG's site. Also updated the zipped file of Hernandez's sermons, available for downloading here.
08.06.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon Our Redemption Draws Near.
08.05.2010
Added Jon Garnant's 2010 Sermon: Koinonia Fellowship. The high importance of enthusiasm. A review of the Pentecost event and subsequent fading of enthusiasm. What did the first Christians do? What should we do? The meaning of “one accord” and depth of that one-ness. The fellowship of the early church was unique. As it was diverse and had a close fellowship, so with us, also, too. As they shared, so can we. Garnant continues with a very inspiring discussion on fellowship.
08.04.2010
Added Ron Dart's 1995 Sermon: Sanctuary. In the time of Jeremiah, Judah felt the temple would provide sanctuary, regardless of their behavior. They also believed the priests could be trusted, as they were God-ordained. Yet, captivity came upon them. When we don’t take action ourselves, and instead wait for God to work it out, the results can be very tough. Dart draws a parallel between Israel and the church; the temple and the church. “This is God’s, He won’t let it go astray” was a very costly assumption. The destruction coming upon us could be as severe as Judah’s was. “Salvation depends not on where you are or who you hang out with; it depends on your personal response to God….”. This is true whether the leadership is right or wrong. A sanctuary can also be a trap, unless, of course, that sanctuary is Christ. Although no mention was made of it, this sermon was given during the time of the doctrinal upheaval in the Worldwide Church of God, and is very relevant to it.
08.03.2010
Young Ambassador videos for 1983 and 1984 are now available for download. Go to this page for links.
08.02.2010
Young Ambassador videos are now available for download. Festival '83 is a 1.1GB AVI file and is available here or here. Festival '84 will be available shortly. Bittorrent downloads will also be available soon.
07.30.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #51. The Life and Letters of Paul. Galatians Part 2.
07.28.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2005 Sermon: When God Takes Down His House. Jeremiah warned Judah, but they would not listen, instead taking solace in the temple. Lessons from Daniel and Nehemiah concerning the temple. The fall of the 2nd temple compared to the fall of the first. What do we do when God takes down all that we know? Dart gives several answers, including “You do not try to rebuild what God is in the process of tearing down.”
07.26.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2000 Sermon: Finding Inspiration. Recognizing that the Bible is the true source of inspiration, do we discount other sources because of our doctrinal differences? Do we tremble at the Word of God? Or is it common?
07.23.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon Mercy & Judgment.
07.22.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1994 Sermon: A Conversation With God. How do we pray? Dart goes over Jesus’ John 17 prayer in great detail, analyzing what prayer is, the parts of it, and why those parts are important. Are we too narrow in our prayers? Too brief? Too lengthy? Prayer is far more than a series of requests. It is a conversation.
07.21.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2003 Sermon: Respect. Dart looks at self-esteem, self-respect, thinking too highly of oneself, self-exaltation, disrespect. Self-esteem is destructive; self-respect is constructive. Vanity, esteeming oneself too highly shows a lack of respect for others. Speaking evil of no one. Do not bring a railing accusation. Division is evidence of carnality. Your anchor is in Christ. To follow men in opposition to other men, according to Paul, is vanity, divisive, and carnal. We are not reliable judges of ourselves. What Paul meant by “I am free from all men.” The importance of humility in Paul’s ministry and indeed for all of us in relating to others, and in showing them the proper respect.
07.20.2010
Added Mario Hernandez's 1997 Sermon Consequences of Sin. Hernandez teaches the importance of developing character, by insight-fully showing excellent Biblical examples of sin coming back on the head of the sinner.
07.19.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1997 Sermon: Bound and Obligated. Dart: The biggest mistake in the churches in our tradition was that the ministry did the work – rather than train the workers and admonish them as necessary. How much more might we have done if we hadn’t left it all up to the ministry? Dedicated, consecrated, committed, holy. We are all of these. Highly esteem leaders for their work’s sake. Yes, the ministry is bound and obligated, but we are all in the ministry of service and we are all bound and obligated. Why should the church grow? How? How to achieve unity? Each of us has his task. There are tasks that fit one person better than another. If he doesn’t do it, it won’t get done. Also, why so many in the church get deceived.
07.16.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #50.
07.15.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 2004 Sermon: A Heart for the Sabbath. Is the Sabbath just a doctrine or does it help shape our lives? People regularly resist Sabbath-keeping. Sabbath in light of the exodus, the kingdom of Israel, the enforcing Pharisees, the church. Dart talks extensively about “exceptions” to keeping the Sabbath. The role of Sabbath enforcement in driving people away from keeping it. God looks at the heart in the way we keep it and in any exceptions we may do. It is entirely our choice whether the Sabbath is a blessing or a burden. The Sabbath identifies not us, but our God. We honor not the Sabbath, but He who is Lord of it.
07.14.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2001 Sermon: The Church Accountable. Is the church less empowered today than at the time of the first Pentecost? Or do we have power and aren’t doing anything with it? The parable of the talents expounded with the 3 servants as churches rather than individuals. We are expected to bear fruit. If we are empowered, we are responsible. If responsible, accountable. The church discipline of 1 Cor 5, and Matt 18 illustrates that the church is accountable. Each of the churches of Revelation were accountable, as churches. What can we, as individuals do? If you are going to change, it needs to be now. If your church is going to be empowered, you’ve got to make use of the gifts the church has – now. Judas was replaced not in some backroom, not with politics, but out in the open, with lots. All 120 received the spirit on Pentecost. The distribution of gifts, challenges, and responsibilities as God sees fit, how they work together, and how we are individually responsible.
07.13.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1996 Sermon: Be Ye Perfect. Dart looks at Matthew 5:48 in context. Does “perfect” mean future or current? No flaws? Is a wife of 50 years “perfect”? In 1 Corinthians 2 Paul addresses the “perfect”. (Dart recommends movie “The Agony & The Ecstasy”) Is art perfect? The importance of context over strict word definition. We are not a machine that can be brought to perfect precision. We are humans that can be brought to greatness.
07.12.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1993 Sermon: A Nation Cut Short. Discussion of the term “cut short”. How humans serve God better in pain than in prosperity. Multiple Biblical applications of this: If God did not cut short the time, even the remnant would not survive. When there is no shame, it may be too late to repent, be it a person or a nation. The sinful nature is not as much of a problem as the normalization of it. When sin is no longer recognized as sin, how long will it be until God cuts you short? Example: homosexuality. Yet, we can point the finger at Romans 1 when we’re guilty of Romans 2. An outstanding and unique view on “for the elect’s sake” in Matthew 24. With the increasing tolerance for sin, there will be no remnant left if God doesn’t intervene.
07.09.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon Matthew.
07.07.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2005 Sermon: The World We Want. How could a good God allow so much evil, accidents, and disasters in the world? Dart discusses this issue called theodicy in the context of the southeast Asian tsunami. Includes an extensive discussion on the safety of the Garden of Eden vs the dangers and inherent properties of the world.
07.06.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1991 Bible study: 7 Theories for Passover. Dart addresses 7 theories on Passover timing. Most of the study focuses on the 2 main positions, that the lamb was slain early on the 14th or late on the 14th.
07.02.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #49.
06.25.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added sermon Love.
06.22.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1992 sermon: A Lesson From James. Wrath and anger work against the righteousness of God. The role of pride in anger. (The resignation of Ted Phillips discussed, and how it was so different from the acrimony that so frequently occurs when brethren separate.) James is not a theologian, but deals with how people treat each other. We are to love the unlovable, as God does. Theology and doctrine are useless unless they change how people act. If we are to reconcile, we must set pride aside. The value of being gentle and easy to be entreated. It is important for us to know and say “I’m no better than you.” This is how to convert a sinner.
06.21.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1995 sermon: For the Love of God. Why keep the law? For God? For me? Love is far more than a feeling. How the law of God relates to love for God. Is the law an end in and of itself? Or is it the means to an end? How does one love God? What is worship? In the process of doing the law, I come to know God and thereby to love Him. You gain more love for a person by doing something for them than by them doing something for you. We learn to love over time by doing things for people.
06.18.2010
John Ogwyn Friday. Added Bible Study #48.
06.17.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1997 sermon: Beyond Salvation. Dart takes an in-depth look at the view that we are saved by grace and rewarded according to works. Does that mean we can be saved but have no reward? Is it possible to be saved, and then have the door slammed in our face? Can we fall away? Sin as shackles and salvation as the rescue from those shackles. Justification, glorification, predestination. Healing is a type of salvation – unearned, by the grace of God. Can Jesus always be taken literally? God is involved in a huge project and wants us to be part of it. That is why He challenges us, sometimes severely. He expects us to overcome; to win.
06.16.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1994 sermon: Can Man Become God? It sounds blasphemous. Dart starts out by defining God. Herbert Armstrong’s teaching that man is made after the God-kind. A family with God as Father, Jesus as Son, humans to follow Jesus as sons and fellow heirs. This is not an analogy. What does being glorified mean? Is “born again” an analogy or literal? Origin of the Sanhedrin. God reproducing Himself puts in perspective all the suffering in life, and provides a reason for it. The spectacular destiny of man.
06.15.2010
Added Jon Garnant's 2008 seminar: Biblical Stewardship. God has given us resources and we need to learn to utilize them. It all belongs to God; how will we take care of what He has entrusted us with? Four principles of stewardship:
1) God owns all
2) We are being trained
3) Exercise faith in God, not in possessions
4) One day, God will give us everything
God will not give us more if we mis-use what we have. More is said on in the Bible about managing resources than perhaps on anything else. Debt has spiritual implications. It is not wrong to borrow, but it is wrong to borrow and borrow and borrow. We need to get rid of this debt, at least partially. Multiple Biblical examples: value your time, 1st & 2nd tithe.
06.14.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2010 sermon: The Ever-Present Danger. Bad vs evil vs wickedness. Nazism vs communism. Parallels in evil. Terror as an instrument of policy. Evil starts with “the ends justify the means”. The spirit that is behind wickedness. The value of being honest to a fault is that it enhances your ability to spot a lie. Don’t give Satan a foothold by lying, stealing, corrupt communication, evil speaking, malice. Rather a whole new mindset and conduct, forsaking the way that gives Satan a foothold. Watch who you fellowship with and how. The wiles of the Devil and his spirit that works. The crisis gives an excuse to accumulate more power. Know what is right and do it!
06.11.2010
Added John Ogwyn's 1999 sermon: Justice, Mercy & Faith. Parallel between 20th century America and ancient Israel preceding their captivity. A look at Micah’s prophecy and the role the statues of Omri played in Israelite history. What does God require? Walking humbly = faith. What is doing justly? How do we learn it? How does the law play into this? Lovingkindness/mercy. Self-justification. How we can emulate God’s attributes. Also updated comments on Judgment & Mercy. Example of man healed at Bethesda. Shows how mercy must be responded to with obedience. Jesus is the judge, based on truth. If you believe, you will do. Paul exposes Greeks' sins and their pending judgment then exposes Jews' sins and their pending judgment. Discussion of the mercy seat.
06.10.2010
All link problems with the download sites have been fixed. Please email me if you have any problems.
06.10.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1989 sermon: Closer to Christ. Jesus often “hung out” with “unsavory” characters. Might there be “unsavory” characters in our church? As a healer attracts the sick, a forgiver attracts the sinner. We, as sinners, ar drawn to Jesus and find ourselves among other sinners similarly drawn. We ought to not only be tolerant, but helpful, encouraging, comforting. We’re no better; we’re all in the same boat. There are 2 classes of people: sinners who know they’re sinners and sinners who think they aren’t. Jesus as a source of life and restoration. Dart closes with a long discussion on how to get closer to Christ.
06.09.2010
Added: Interview. United Church of God’s Jerry Aust interviews WorldNetDaily’s Joe Kovacs concerning Kovacs’ book “Shocked By The Bible”. Joe discusses basic Biblical doctrines, several of which are diametrically opposite of mainstream Christianity yet are straight from the Bible. These doctrines match with generally recognized Church of God doctrines. This audio was posted on both UCG.ORG and WND.COM.
06.08.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Studies now on Friday. Today, updated Ron Dart's 1990 sermon: Christ and the Serpent. The bronze serpent – why? Dart looks at the serpent and relates it to the serpent in the Garden of Eden (as a rebellion against leadership), King Hezekiah (became and idol), and John 3 (people were to acknowledge that their suffering was due to their sin). Given the importance of the cross of Christ (including His suffering, humiliation, and death), some have neglected it for the symbol of the cross (as Israel turned the serpent into an idol).
06.07.2010
Added David Burson's 2004 sermon: Why Are You Going to the Feast? Story of giving a funeral to people not in the church. We keep the feast to learn about God and to rejoice before God. God’s plan in the Holy Days. Faith that will be needed is practiced in the Holy Days. The importance of serving others at the feast.
06.04.2010
Added Jon Garnant's 2009 sermon: The True Context of Matthew 18. Intro – how to respond to “Merry Christmas”. Garnant looks at Matthew 18:15-17 but in the context of the entire chapter of Matthew 18. – be childlike, - avoiding sin, - avoiding offending, - reconciliation as the goal, - humble, innocent, forgiving, - person to person meeting, - forgiveness. “Binding and loosing” and “the church” are not specifically addressed because of the bigger point of the Matthew 18. Bottom line – forgive.
06.03.2010
Added Mark Mickelson's 2010 sermon: Stir Up Love and Good Works. Compares prophecy of Matthew 24 vs commission of Matthew 28. Stirring up good works vs stirring up self-serving gossip. Where there is humility, there is no strife or bitterness. Do not take on things that aren’t ours and have the peace that comes from leaving things to God.
06.02.2010
Updated Ron Dart's sermon: Sacred Names 1. Dart shreds the doctrine that one must use only the sacred names of the Godhead in order to be saved. He discredits Jacob O. Meyer’s book “The Memorial Name”, refuting it point by point. Subjects: The use of names in English vs Hebrew; Explanation of the name “I AM”; Should names of the Old Testament be translated or transliterated? Dart addresses the assertion that the entire New Testament was written only in Hebrew and later translated, and shows how this not only has zero evidence, if true it would invalidate the entire New Testament.
06.01.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: Bible Study #47 Major Prophets Ezekiel 1-16.
05.28.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons every other Friday. Today: Judgment & Mercy.
05.26.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1996 Seminar: Where Do We Go From Here? Importance of goals, writing them down, and deriving objectives within those goals. People must participate in setting shared objectives. Imposed goals don’t work as they tend to foster resistance or apathy. The exception, of course, is the Great Commission of Matthew 28. How do we evangelize our local community? It is not up to the local congregation to support Dart’s radio ministry, rather it is his intent is to supports theirs. Herbert Armstrong, Loma Armstrong, and Ron Dart were all products of personal evangelism. The typical mass evangelism approach is to build a mailing list, work it, get donors, visits, maybe eventually members – but only a trickle. As far as building a mailing list, TV is better than radio, but Dart chooses instead, via radio, to teach the Bible right out of the box, bypassing all the interim steps, but it takes time and patience. Subjects: Radio vs TV; mass evangelism vs personal evangelism; the purpose of the church, its orientation, and the individual’s contribution; how to attract people; how to retain people; the importance of youth ministry; how cooperation between groups stems from a common goal. It is important to let go of the old hurts or pain with the old church. The church building should be a tool for ministry, not a refuge from the world. Given during a Christian Renewal Conference in Unicoi, Georgia, in the spring of 1996.
05.25.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: Bible Study #46 Major Prophets Jeremiah 35-52. Also fixed the link to John Ogwyn's sermon Hope.
05.24.2010
NOTICE. Many links are no longer valid due to FILESAVR.COM changing their link addresses. I am reworking the HTML code. In the meantime, you can download the zipped files or go to the eSnips playlist and download from there. You may also email me if you want the link correction expedited for a particular file.
05.21.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons will now be posted on alternate Fridays.
05.19.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2008 Sermon A Vision of Two Worlds. Last Great Day sermon. Explanation of “things that must shortly come to pass.” Goes over Revelation 20-22 “that man might also become a son of God” – that is what it’s all about. The devil was a consequence of one of the fundamental intentions of God – freedom. Subjects: 2nd resurrection; people who never had a chance; an eternity of torment?; where is the new heaven and new earth?; another universe; universal salvation; 2nd death; tree of life; living water. Ends with a very encouraging admonition.
05.18.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: Bible Study #45 Major Prophets Jeremiah 16-34.
05.14.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons every Friday. Today: Hope. In the context of a suicide victim’s funeral, Ogwyn discusses hope. False hope leads to despair. Story of Josiah’s and Jeremiah’s reforms and how they fell apart under subsequent kings. Examples of Paul and hope. Hope comes from what you believe. Peace that comes from trusting God. Hope leads to joy, confidence, enthusiasm, endurance. Hang on to hope, with patience, when things get tough. The ultimate hope of Jesus Christ. We need to hope, as the sons of God, that we will be like Him!
05.13.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1988 sermon: An Apprentice in Humility. Story of Dart first going to Ambassador College in 1958. Humility has 2 handmaidens: failure and correction. How and why Jesus corrected and chastised the disciples. Jesus not only humbled them when they fell short, he threw cold water on their successes. As Jesus was humble, they were His apprentices – they weren’t to exalt themselves, esteem themselves better than others, or order others around. A critical part our training is to learn humility, which is the willingness to serve others; minister means servant. The greatest challenge is to humble oneself as a little child. There is no greater exercise in humility than forgiving from the heart. Why it was necessary for Peter to be humiliated. While this might sound like a downer of a sermon, it is actually quite inspirational.
05.12.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1996 sermon: Love The Stranger. Personal ministry goes beyond personal evangelism and leads to love for God and love for others. Remember that to minister means to serve. We are to be a living sacrifice to minister to others, where it makes a difference. Humility is very important and must be genuine. Dart shows excellent Biblical instruction on how to serve others in need, especially emotional needs, and how to prepare yourself for such service. He draws on his own 35 years in the ministry. Our job often is just to listen, to understand with humility, to love, and to absorb their pain. God loves the stranger, so should we.
05.11.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: Bible Study #44 Major Prophets Jeremiah 1-15.
05.10.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1996 sermon: The Word Was Precious. God’s words are, historically, rare and precious. Do we highly value it? A big danger is neglect. It requires work to put God’s law into our hearts and minds. A tribute to the tremendous value of God’s word. Love for God’s law. What is righteousness? A riveting re-telling of the history of the English Bible, its role in the British Empire and in today’s Christianity. Herbert Armstrong caused Ron Dart to hear the word of God, and when Dart heard it, it changed his life. Dramatic story of Stalin’s attempt to destroy the Lutheran Church and how putting the Bible in their mind preserved the church. Now, while times are good, is when we need to write God’s word in our heart and mind.
05.07.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons every Friday. Today: added the zipped file for Sermons 1-15.
05.06.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1996 sermon: Working For Unity. Dart discusses several issues that are contentious in the church and how to keep them from dividing us. “Don’t split your church over matters of doubtful judgment.” Also addressed: disfellowshipment, and avoiding those who cause division. The important thing is to prepare yourself and the church with consistent and persistent teaching of the right things.
05.05.2010
Added Jon Garnant's sermon The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many ancient (Greek, Roman) philosophies believed death could not be reversed. Yet, both the Old Testament and the New Testament teach a resurrection. While examples of resurrections in the Bible are a return to physical life only to die again, Jesus’ resurrection was to eternal life – never to die again. This better resurrection parallels leavened bread to unleavened bread; sinfulness to righteousness. Baptism as a type of resurrection -- the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the conquering of sin and death. The Days of Unleavened Bread are not just about Passover and putting sin out, but also about the resurrection. We need to look at what was done for us and react appropriately.
05.04.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: Bible Study #43 Major Prophets Isaiah 50-66.
05.03.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1996 sermon: The Lamb That Was Slain. A somber-toned sermon on the significance of the slain lamb that goes beyond Jesus the Messiah. Why it is important to look upon our savior as a violently-slain lamb.
04.30.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons every Friday. Today: Holy Days - God's Plan & Our Response. The creation proves a creator, but the Bible shows why. God is making sons, growing a family. Families need relationships and structure. Structure-only is legalism. Relationship-only is feel-good religion. Either without the other is form without substance. “If you believe from the heart, it will change your life.” It is not about rules, but a transformation. The structure gives definition to serve the relationship. Eve sinned but we have less excuse than her. Salvation is far more than repairing the damage. The Holy Days show how God is building righteous character through knowledge of the law, repentance, the power to overcome, and the time to develop it.
04.29.2010
Added Rod Meredith's 1953 sermon: What is the Kingdom of God? A 23-year-old Rod Meredith talks of the food laws, the cross, church music, Christian growth, the true gospel of the kingdom of God, the relationship between the kingdom of God and God’s law. Recollection of the just-completed baptismal tour with Herman Hoeh. He also discusses 3 doctrines that have subsequently changed: 1) Divorce and remarriage, 2) “The millennium is not the kingdom of God”, and, 3) another church of God (with another radio program) that is recognized as a legitimate church of God by the then Radio Church of God.
04.28.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2008 Feast of Tabernacles sermon: One Candle. One candle in a pitch dark room makes a huge difference. The darkness cannot conquer it. This parallels one Godly person in a dark world. Dart goes over the sermon on the mount and illustrates Christian attributes that will shine to others. Humility, gentleness, mercy, and courage all comprise a different approach to evangelism. Does our presence warm people with our beatitude approach? Or are we “prickly”? The concept of us being a sleeper cell planted for God’s service and ready to be activated.
04.27.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: Bible Study #42 Major Prophets Isaiah 36-49.
04.26.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1996 sermon: The High Road to Unity. Religious persecution over time has been done by religious people in the name of trying to preserve the unity of the faith. Unity vs uniformity. Unity is not where the church leaders determine doctrine and enforce it upon the church. Rather, growth and unity derive from what every joint supplies. Ephesians 4 as a guide to unity, especially its emphasis on love, kindness, forgiveness, and putting away anger. Dart on church leaders exercising control over the brethren by means of coercion and fear of disfellowshipment: “I will never in my lifetime have anything to do with anything like that again. It is wrong.”
04.23.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons every Friday. Today: Christ Reflected in the Holydays. How the holy days point to Christ. What each one means in the plan of God. Three stages of salvation - justified, sanctified, glorified - the three holy days seasons picture these three stages.
04.22.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1984 sermon: How To Interpret The Bible. How does God communicate with man? God gave us all the tools we need, else we would be dependent on others in order to understand the Bible. It is not wrong to use human reasoning. “If church authority supersedes human reasoning, then we should all be Roman Catholics.” How the Bible was preserved. Dart provides seven steps to help with Bible interpretation, such as language, context, writer’s mental and external condition. Redundancy in the Bible. How apparent contradictions establish credibility. A good explanation of the “hell” of Revelation 14. The bottom line about interpreting the Bible is that we have to think. The alternative is slavery.
04.21.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2007 sermon: Bread From Heaven. What is the work of God? Believing will change your life in every way. Did the Jews in John 6 believe the bread? What did Jesus mean by believing in Him? He means believe with a commitment. An examination of John 6 in the light of Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread. Bread from heaven – fed the 5000, fed the wandering Israelites, feeds us. Manna, as a type of Christ, was probably unleavened. We are all, sooner or later, faced with a hard decision and could turn back. Passover is a blood covenant. We must abstain from leaven during the feast, but must we partake of unleavened bread? Yes, we must eat unleavened bread 7 days as a reminder of the covenant we have with Christ.
04.20.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: added the zipped file for Bible Studies 29-41.
04.19.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1983 sermon: Can the Church Save? What the church can and can’t do. What the church is and isn’t. What the New Testament writers mean when they say “church” (ecclesia), how it is different from the common meaning of church, and the problems caused by those differences. “It has led to all manner of errors.” Subjects: church eras; “one true church”; universal church, image of the beast; infallibility; the vicar of Christ. Dart give a long reading from Halley’s Bible Commentary on the history of the Roman Catholic Church. It is important because of its parallel, structurally, to the Worldwide Church of God. Dart recommends the book “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Church” by Malachi Martin, a Jesuit priest and Herman Hoeh’s article on the image of the beast. The fruits of a universal church and how infallibility is eventually inevitable in such an organization. The accumulation of power, the exercise of power and the abuse of power.
04.16.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons every Friday. Today: Book of John - 7 Signs That Jesus Was the Messiah. A look at early church history and the canonization of the New Testament. Ogwyn has an interesting narrative on what John’s 7 signs were, why they are important. The 7 signs were to show that Jesus was the Messiah and that He was the Son of God. Why did John write his books nearly 30 years after the other New Testament writers wrote theirs?
04.15.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1982 sermon: New Moons. Dart looks at the new moon in the law, the prophets, and the New Testament, how it was observed and if it is to be observed by the Christian. Is it a holy convocation? A day of rest? How was it kept in the Old Testament? Customs of men vs law of God. Conclusion: It is not wrong for Christians to observe new moons in some minor way, by custom, but there is no requirement for any Christian to do so. Similar to birthdays and makeup, there is no law prohibiting them or demanding them, so men may have customs but that is different from law. In situations like this, it is not right to criticize those who don’t do as you do. Apply Romans 14 in consideration of others you may think are weak in faith.
04.14.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2010 sermon: God Unleavens Us. The tremendous value of Godly repentance. Sin continues in us in two ways:
1) Guilt – only Christ can take this away.
2) Continuing temptation – we are to lay it aside, but still need God’s help. How does He help us? With chastisement. When this happens it is good! We are getting help in putting sin out! Don’t pout or become bitter. The church also has a role in this chastisement, as shown in 1st Corinthians 5: Paul’s role in instructing the church to punish the man, its aftermath and the encouraging result.
04.13.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: Bible Study #41 Major Prophets Isaiah 15-35.
04.12.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2000 sermon: Why I Keep the Sabbath. If you want to remain Sunday keeper, don’t listen to this sermon! Dart addresses arguments against, and scriptures in favor of Sabbath keeping. Subjects: When was the Sabbath made? Definition of holy. Is the Sabbath for gentiles, too? Can you choose which day to keep as a Sabbath? How Jesus confirmed the Sabbath. What is the Lord’s Day? Sabbath keeping by the New Testament Gentile churches. Sabbath keeping in the millennium. Israel was shown that they must all keep the same day and it was God who decided which day. Genesis is not so much a book of laws as it is a book of history. Conclusion: The Sabbath was made for man, not just the pre-Christian man, and will exist at least as long as man exists.
04.09.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons every Friday. Today: God's Controversy With Israel. Ogwyn looks at ancient Israel history and ties it to today’s events, especially as seen by Amos and Micah. Interesting detail on the historical accounts of, and reasons for, the tragic, disastrous downfall of Israel. God visits the transgressions of Israel and they would not turn to Him. The parallels between ancient Israel and the United States today is amazing.
04.08.2010
Added Ron Dart's sermon: A Beast Rises. Dart confirms the long-held belief in Europe’s role in prophecy. An extensive look at the prophecies of Daniel 2, Matthew 24, and Revelation 3. Includes an explanation of “this generation shall not pass.”
04.07.2010
Added Gary Petty's 2002 sermon: Passover Theology. An overview of the permanence of Passover and its different administrations under 3 different covenants (Abrahamic, Sinaitic, New). Also, a look at types and anti-types.
04.06.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: Bible Study #40 Major Prophets Isaiah 1-14.
04.02.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons every Friday. Today: Building a Relationship With God in Prayer. If you need inspiration to pray, listen to this sermon. What’s so important about prayer? Is there a special formula? The prayer of Jabez. God is building a family and communication is critical to a good family relationship. Putting your heart in your prayer. Daniel as an excellent example of a prayer relationship with God. The importance of praise and thanksgiving in prayer giving a proper perspective on the greatness of God.
04.01.2010
Added Jon Garnant's sermon Nehushtan. Story of Moses’ bronze serpent. Why it was necessary; what it symbolized; what its purpose was. How does it relate to Christianity? How tall was it? Where does it show up in our society today? Isn’t it a graven image? How does it relate to Nicodemus? Parallels between Numbers 21 and John 3. We are blessed with a great perspective, which should give us much comfort and gratitude that comes from knowing our sins have been cleansed.
03.30.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: Bible Study #39 Introduction to the Survey of the Major Prophets.
03.29.2010
Added Ron Dart's sermon To The Law and the Testimony. Isaiah 8 expounded, especially the Ark of the Testimony, God’s testimony as what God has to say to us, namely the Ten Commandments. Torah means instruction. What is the law for? The spirit is the principle, which is more powerful than the law. The law of God in the New Testament. The importance of freedom. The testimony, the Torah, the instructions of God are a way of life that is good for us.
03.26.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons every Friday. Today: Christ Reveals Grace & Truth. Jesus showed us the Father and how we can have a family relationship with Him and why we should. Definition and exploration of grace. Interesting discussion on light and truth and Jesus’ teaching on them.
03.25.2010
Added Ron Dart's sermon Meaning of Passover. “The principle of the law is even more foundational than the written law.” The role of the judiciary and the transference of that authority to the New Testament church leaders. The Churches of God have long-since decided issues on the calendar and Passover timing. Passover parallels, Old Testament and New Testament. Jesus Christ as the Passover Lamb. Because God is just, He exacted vengeance on Egypt. One wonders what will be exacted for the 50 million aborted in the United States. Jesus kept the Passover early on the 14th with a lamb and Paul confirms this timing early on the 14th. Taking Passover unworthily. We are to show His death and what it’s for and what it means. The connection between the Body and healing. We have all been betrayed at one time or another. The importance of examining ourselves and judging ourselves.
03.24.2010
Added Jon Garnant's Pentecost sermon Preeminence of the Firstborn.
03.23.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: Bible Study #38 Acts 18-28.
03.19.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons every Friday. Today: History of Jerusalem. Jerusalem -- Past, Present, and Future. Jerusalem -- Stone of Stumbling? or City of Peace? Who was Melchizidek? Ogwyn takes a fascinating look at Jerusalem's past and comments on its coming glory, including a remarkable prophetic fulfillment by General Allenby in 1917, and Herbert Armstrong's involvement in Jerusalem prophecy.
03.17.2010
Added Larry Watkins' 1996 sermon Return To The Shepherd.
03.16.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: Bible Study #37 Acts 10-17.
03.15.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2008 Feast of Tabernacles sermon Living In Hard Times. As a people, we grow weaker in affluence, stronger in challenges. Subjects: The harsh reality of the great depression; Examples from Hosea; The purpose of parables and the incredible blessing we have to hear and understand them; “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Dart expounds the parable of the sower and the seed in the light of tough times. When people have plenty, it seems they don’t need God. We have a golden opportunity and may end up the better for the hard times.
03.12.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons every Friday. Today: Examine Yourselves. Grace is free, but the cost of discipleship is high. Pre-Passover sermon. Three ways of responding to God’s will – 1) Josiah – deep repentance and humility; 2) Jehoiakim – arrogance and carelessness; 3) Zedekiah – weak, afraid to do anything. Humility, courage, and faith is the way to respond to the will of God; but what is the will of God? Subjects: Parallels between Old Testament Passover and New Testament Passover. Taking the Passover worthily. Being filled with the knowledge of His will, and walking worthy. Knowledge without application is worthless. Darkness covers the land, but we have been delivered from the darkness to the light.
03.10.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 2008 Feast of Tabernacles 20-minute opening night message Mysteries of God. Dart talks of the miracle and the reality of the birth of Christ. The purpose of parables. Paul did not want people to believe via persuasion, but because they could receive it. Arguing only causes one to dig in and resist change and build walls, therefore back off. Six steps explaining the mystery of God. Story of Horace Driver and Ron Dart’s calling. Luke 2 trumps any argument against abortion. The job is ours to tell the story to whoever will listen.
03.09.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: Bible Study #36 Acts 1-9.
03.05.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons every Friday. Today: Being Part of an Inside Job. 430 years – when did it start? Sermon given on the First Day of Unleavened Bread, as was the 430 year span. Parallels between the physical, outside righteousness of the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. The pharisees focused on outward appearance and what man thinks, Jesus focused on the inward heart and what God thinks. God is making us as a master potter turns dirt into a porcelain vase, the dirt can’t do that itself. Ogwyn gives excellent advice on how to work on the inside, he teaches methods, and gives the key to changing.
03.02.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: Bible Study #35 Christ's Crucifixion & Resurrection.
02.26.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons every Friday. Today: All Nations Against Jerusalem. The desire to destroy Israel is predicted in Psalm 83. At a time when Jerusalem was nothing, Zechariah prophesied it as a major end-time player. Ogwyn talks of Israel’s return from exile and how there has always been extensive opposition to the work of God. The people did delay their work until God stirred them up. The glory of God was in the tabernacle of Moses’ day and in the first temple, but was not in the second temple, yet Haggai prophesied a greater glory for the second temple than the first. Lessons: No matter how insignificant you might think your contribution might be, do it anyway, keeping focused on the vision of the big picture. An example is King David, who, while not permitted to to build the temple, looked to help however he could.
02.25.2010
Added Jon Garnant's 2010 sermon The Blessing. Garnant discusses Isaac’s blessing upon Jacob, especially in the context of parent-to-child, while not diminishing the prophetic significance of the blessing. Five elements of a blessing, one of which is touch, which is especially important in a blessing, church rites, Jesus’ healings/blessings, and our relationships with our loved ones. That the blessing is spoken is also significant, as we see in God blessing Abram.
02.23.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: Bible Study #34 2 Days Prior to Crucifixion.
02.22.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1996 sermon The First of the Firstfruits. Given on the weekly Sabbath during the Days of Unleavened Bread, Dart goes over the wave sheaf offering, the rituals and laws concerning it, and how it relates to the resurrection of Christ. Dart explains “first day of the week” and how the Greek really means a particular day of the year rather than a particular day of the week. What do the holy days have to do with Christ? Jesus was the First of the Firstfruits, we are firstfruits, and there will yet be more. Dart expresses His gratitude for the insight into Christ that the holy days illustrate. We know God by knowing what He is doing. This sermon is highly recommended for those who want to relate the holy days and Christ.
02.19.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons every Friday. Today: Contrasting God's Government With Man's Government. God’s government is God-chosen, man’s is man-chosen. God’s government is constitutional; man’s may be based on the leader’s whims. Leaders are to be shepherds – applies to all leadership positions, including family, church, workplace, government. Ogwyn contrasts the traits of good shepherds vs bad shepherds.
02.18.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2009 Trumpets sermon Feast of Trumpets 2009. The written law is not abolished. The end time, trumpets, and the resurrection – are all very important to people, all of whom crave meaning in their life. Two sets of 7 trumpets. A clear statement of what the gospel is. “The resurrection of Jesus is the pivotal point in all of history.” Contrast of tolerating harmless tares and not tolerating the harmful. Church discipline – reasons and methods. The coming Kingdom of God, our role in it and our possible distant future. Extensive look at the resurrection chapter, 1 Corinthians 15. Conclusion: Apply yourself to the work God has given you.
02.17.2010
Added zipped file 2009 Ron Dart Sermons.
02.16.2010
John Ogwyn Bible Study every Tuesday. Today: Bible Study #33 6 Days to 3 Days Before Crucifixion 31AD.
02.12.2010
John Ogwyn Sermons every Friday. Today: A Time of Terror. Biblical prophecy predicting terrorism, along with protection from it. Subjects: Antiochus Epiphany, Daniel 11, the Beast, King of the North, King of the South, prosperity and security before the time of the end, prophecies of Ezekiel 27 & 28, Leviticus 26.
02.11.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2010 sermon Our Security Our Economy. Israel’s return from exile, the prophecies of Haggai and Malachi and how they apply today. Depreciation of the dollar compared to putting your earnings into a bag with holes. Taking care of your own needs and neglecting God. The faithfulness of God. The future “glory of the latter house”. Chastisement of the priests, who didn’t even know they were wrong, had no zeal, no love for service. The importance of the law of God; a lie vs a broken promise. The effectiveness of “small things.” All applied at the time of the return and it applies today.
02.10.2010
Added John Ogwyn's Bible Study #32 December 30AD to Before Passover 31AD.
02.09.2010
Added Greg Sargent's 2009 DUB sermon The Calendar Controversy.
02.08.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1996 sermon Greater Works Than These. Why are our works not greater than “these”? If you do not exercise the power and gifts that God has given you, why would He give you more? Dart explains how this applies to each of us. God has called us to spend us, to use us, not just to save us. Ephesians 4 – how every joint has a role in ministry (service). Even the smallest gift, the smallest service is important.
02.05.2010
Added John Ogwyn's sermon A Time of Change. We live in a time of great change, not only technological, but moral. Yet, the Bible is a base of permanence; stability in an unstable world. If you want to be permanent, you need to embrace the permanent. We can change by focusing on the permanent. Weariness and distraction are the two biggest obstacles – are we changing toward the world or toward God?
02.04.2010
Added Jon Garnant's 2009 DUB sermon Stronger Than Prison Bars.
02.03.2010
Added Ron Dart's 1995 sermon Man Is The Point. In the beginning, God created… Why? Why creation? Why man? Dart goes over the Genesis creation account and explains why. What is in the future? What is God doing? Why? Why did Jesus Christ come? Why did He come 4000 years after man was created? What is the role of angels? Where does the law come into play? Dart answers these great mysteries from the Bible.
02.02.2010
Added John Ogwyn's Bible Study #31 Feast of Tabernacles 30AD to December 30AD.
02.01.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2010 sermon The Old Kingdom of God. Dart looks at ancient Israel where God was King (largely in Judges), as well as the coming kingdom of God, and the ultimate kingdom of God. God gave the land to Israel, but they had to fight for it. He protected them, but they had to maintain the hedge. If they neglected their duty, disaster came upon them, but a merciful God responded. This is paralleled to today’s society, how we’ve forgotten God, and how God will test us. God gave them freedom; He has given us freedom; He wants us to be voluntarily subject to Him. Freedom is a fundamental aspect of God’s government, but of course there are consequences. Dart speaks on the importance of leadership; anticipation of the government of God on earth, the kingdom of God.
01.29.2010
Added John Ogwyn's sermon A Loving & Trusting Heart. God wants our heart, not our rituals. Why? Ogwyn looks at the heart of King David. How the heart can be deceitful and how to get a clean heart. Solomon’s problem was of the heart – what we really want to do, we find a way. God tries the heart. Ogwyn gives interesting insight on the ritual of washing of the hands. Ogwyn looks at how the heart can be troubled, broken, pure, evil, hard, unbelieving, surrendered, loving, trusting, faithful. Head knowledge is worthless without a heart inclined to God.
01.28.2010
Updated Ron Dart's 1996 sermon Sing The Lord's Song. Dart discusses faith in the environment of the church falling apart and compares it to the despair of the Jews in Babylon. The importance of moving ahead to serve God, the work involved, the faith involved, and Biblical examples thereof. Positive mentions of Rod Meredith and the leaders of the United Church of God. Comparison of the WCG breakup to the Acts 8 dispersion of the saints and how those saints went and did the work themselves. To look upon troubles as chastisement gives an opportunity for growth leading to righteousness. God will “shake once more” all things so that only the unshakable faith remains.
01.27.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2009 sermon The Prime Directive. The history of WCG and its openness in the 1940’s and early 50’s. The question “Did Christ put authority in the church?” raised issues such as makeup, permission to attend church, and top-down government. Dart discusses the effect this change had on the church, and compares it to Biblical examples of such as Acts 13, where the holy spirit led the apostles to separate for the good of the work and how there was no contact with, or approval from, anyone in Jerusalem. Also cited was Paul’s Acts 9 calling, training, and commission, which was all done without any knowledge or contact with anyone in Jerusalem. The prime directive Dart concludes from the Bible is “Thou shalt do nothing to abridge the freedom of man.” Adam and Eve were free to choose. Israel in the time of the judges had the government God wanted, and were the free-est people in the history of the world. That freedom permitted them to reject the government of God and replace it with a human, top-down government like the nations around them. God wants us to have freedom, even if it means we reject Him.
01.26.2010
Added John Ogwyn's Bible Study #30 Passover 30AD to Feast of Tabernacles 30AD.
01.25.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2009 sermon Believing the Unbelievable. Christianity is based on many witnesses, not just one and not a cabal. How the gospel accounts developed; The importance of belief; Sacred names doctrine (Hebrew names); Preservation, authenticity, and canonization of the New Testament. A detailed look at the scholarship involved in evaluating the New Testament documents. How the apparent contradictions in the gospel accounts establish the independence of the witnesses. We don’t have to trust an institution or a man to convince us of the historical validity of the Biblical witnesses. How does inspiration come into play in the Biblical writings? What about the differences in the ancient manuscripts? Once the validity is established, the question is “Do we believe the witnesses?”
01.22.2010
Added John Ogwyn's sermon 2 Peter 3:14. Good explanation of knowledge, understanding and wisdom. Ogwyn addresses the value of experience in applying these three principles. The peace of God and how to have it. Real peace comes through surrender. How the ceremonial laws of Leviticus 11-15 apply to the Christian.
01.21.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2006 Last Great Day sermon The Unfinished Work. What happens to those we have loved, those we have lost; will we ever see them again, even if they died outside of God’s will? Last Great Day sermon. Why did the Jewish diaspora reject Jesus? Does God actually blind some? If so, what about their eternal fate? Judaism would have stifled the early church. God has shut up the Jews to unbelief that He might have mercy. How does this work? We are all works in progress and we will be an unfinished work even at death. Subjects: immortality of the soul; heaven and hell doctrines; second resurrection; resurrection of the dead; the book of life; second death; judgment.
01.19.2010
Added John Ogwyn's Bible Study #29 Feast of Tabernacles 29AD to Pentecost 30AD.
01.14.2010
Added John Ogwyn's 1993 Pentecost sermon Pentecost - Last Sermon in WCG.
01.04.2010
Added Ron Dart's 2006 Feast of Tabernacles sermon An Offering Far Too Small.
12.28.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2006 Feast of Tabernacles sermon Camp Crisis.
12.23.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2006 Feast of Tabernacles sermon The Times of Abijah.
12.18.2009
Added streaming of UCG's 2007 hymnal to this page. Downloading was previously added.
12.15.2009
Added Ron Dart's Unleavened Bread sermon The Cost of Freedom.
12.13.2009
Added MP3s of UCG's 2007 hymnal to this page.
12.11.2009
Added a traditional Church of God Passover Service audio as conducted by Ron Dart.
12.09.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1992 sermon The Birth of Christ.
12.07.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1992 sermon A Breach of Faith.
12.04.2009
Added WCG's PDF File "Basic Principles of Song Leading Basic Principles of Song Leading.
12.03.2009
Added Jon Garnant's 2009 Atonement sermon Access - Face to Face.
12.02.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1984 sermon God's Feast Days.
11.25.2009
Added Mario Hernandez's 2002 sermon Priestly Garments.
11.24.2009
Added Jon Garnant's 2009 sermon Do You Feel Like a Grape?.
11.23.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1999 sermon Ephesian Unity.
11.20.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1999 sermon In The Freedom of Space.
11.19.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1998 sermon All To The Glory of God.
11.18.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1994 sermon Is Life Worth Living?.
11.17.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1988 sermon A Closet Never Cleaned Out.
11.16.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1993 sermon A Prescription for Slander.
11.13.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1992 sermon Getting Free.
11.12.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1994 sermon Blessing of the Children.
11.11.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1994 sermon An End to Violence.
11.10.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1993 sermon A Hard Road Ahead.
11.09.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1994 sermon Anointing the Sick.
11.06.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1998 sermon Great Prayers 2.
11.05.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1995 sermon Above & Beyond.
11.04.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1996 sermon The Nativity and Tabernacles.
11.03.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1987 sermon Pattern of Pride.
11.02.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1987 sermon Unnatural Acts.
11.02.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2009 sermon How Did the First Christians Assemble?.
10.30.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1987 sermon From Seed to Harvest.
10.29.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2009 sermon Atonement 2009.
10.28.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1982 sermon Could Christ Return Tonight?.
10.27.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1989 sermon Give It Up.
10.26.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1988 sermon Christ In The World.
10.26.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1988 sermon God's Sabbaths.
10.23.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2005 sermon A Perspective On Names.
10.23.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2005 sermon The Battle of New Orleans.
10.23.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2003 sermon Open To God.
10.22.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1989 sermon Forecast For The 90's.
10.22.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2002 Feast of Tabernacles sermon What's Not Pagan.
10.21.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2001 sermon What the Church Needs Now.
10.21.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2001 sermon Is Our Faith Pessimistic?.
10.20.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2003 sermon The Next Pentecost.
09.30.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1981 sermon The Antichrist.
09.29.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1983 sermon Remember or Forget.
09.29.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1982 sermon A Closer Walk With Christ.
09.23.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1981 sermon A Change of Heart.
09.23.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1980 sermon A Call to Prayer. If you need inspiration to pray, listen to this sermon!
09.22.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1978 sermon Healing.
09.22.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1981 sermon The Hidden Sin.
09.21.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2009 sermon Can You Give to God?.
09.18.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1992 sermon Good News or Gospel.
09.17.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1979 sermon Seek the Thoughts of God.
09.16.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1981 sermon Beyond Adversity.
09.15.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2000 sermon A Commitment To Trust.
09.14.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1991 sermon Nuggets From Paul.
09.11.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1987 sermon The Faith Once Delivered.
09.10.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1993 sermon We Have Sinned.
09.09.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1993 sermon Grow In Grace.
09.08.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1994 sermon Predictions for 1994.
09.04.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1991 sermon Pentecost '91.
09.03.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1984 sermon Fellowship.
09.02.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1980 sermon Romans.
09.01.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1986 sermon Confrontation vs Authority.
08.31.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1989 sermon Why Do People Fight?.
08.28.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1979 sermon Pentecost - Birthday of the Church.
08.26.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1985 sermon Obedience For Salvation? and updated the 1985 zipped file.
08.25.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1994 sermon Prescription For Passover and updated the 1994 zipped file.
08.24.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1985 sermon How Many Ways to be Saved? and updated the 1985 zipped file.
08.21.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1995 sermon The Last Sabbath and updated the 1995 zipped file.
08.20.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1999 sermon A Widow's Plea and updated part 2 of the 1999 zipped file.
08.20.2009
Added both download and streaming of the Young Ambassador Festival tapes from 1982, 1985, and 1987 to the Young Ambassador page.
08.13.2009
Added 3 Young Ambassador audio files, "Festival '84 Reprise", "Holy City", and "Thanks Be To God". They can be listened to on the Young Ambassador page, songs 99-145. The part 2 zipped file has been updated and is available for download.
08.12.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1987 sermon, No Strings Attached and updated the 1987 zipped file.
08.11.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1986 sermon, The Day After and updated the 1986 zipped file.
08.10.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1981 sermon, Search Me, Oh God and updated the 1981 zipped file.
08.05.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1987 sermon, Confessing Your Sins. The 1987 zip file already contained this sermon.
07.31.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1988 sermon, Learning Thru Suffering and updated the 1988 zipped file. If anyone can give an uplifting sermon on suffering, it is Ron Dart. Sermon summary: Why did Christ have to suffer? Discussion of the stake (cross) and it's use as a form of torture. "A Christ who does not suffer cannot be a savior." We, too, may very well suffer for Christ, as we were crucified (tortured) with Him. Overcoming the flesh involves pain and torture; we must suffer with Him to be an heir as He is. What does it mean to learn how to suffer? Even Jesus learned obedience through the process of suffering -- can we learn without it? It isn't necessarily that we've done anything wrong. Christ left us an example that we should suffer, even while doing right, and after we have suffered, we will be made perfect and settled.
07.28.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2000 sermon, Led By the Spirit and updated the 2000 zipped file. Sermon summary: Why are there different organizations in God's church? How does the Spirit lead? It does not get in our face, but uses a still, small voice. Why? Because driving with a whip fosters immaturity. God wants us to choose. What is quenching and grieving the Spirit? The Holy Spirit does not take us all down the same road at the same time. Examples: LifeNets, Victor Kubik, Legacy Institute, and the United Church of God's recognition and supplemental support of these and other "parachurch" ministries. Freedom is important if we are to respond as the Spirit leads. 1 Corinthians 12 says "different administrations" (different ministries) and "different activities", but one God.
07.17.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1987 sermon, A Clash of Wills and updated the 1987 zipped file.
07.16.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1987 sermon, Israel In Prophecy and updated the 1987 zipped file.
07.15.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1987 sermon, Unleavened Bread 87 and updated the 1987 zipped file.
07.14.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1989 sermon, Half-Way Home and updated the 1989 zipped file.
06.19.2009
Removed Charles Bryce and Enduring Church of God audio from this site. For a far more complete collection of Charles Bryce audios, as well as others from ECG, please visit the official website of the Enduring Church of God, enduring.org.
06.10.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2008 Unleavened Bread sermons, 08FDUB New Lump and 08LDUB Way To Sinai; and updated the 2008 zipped file.
06.04.2009
Added Ron Dart's 87-10-15 Panama City FOT87 and updated the 1987 zipped file.
06.03.2009
Added Ron Dart's 89-08-05 How Much Time? and updated the 1989 zipped file. Sermon summary: Why does God tell us what will happen? In Abraham's case, so that he might instruct his children. As Jesus said, "That when it comes to pass, you will believe." Prophecy is given not just so we can get out of the way or so we will repent (both are important), but so that when it happens, we can know and understand why. Is specific knowledge of prophetic events and timing what matters? Or is it better to live right by God? The booklet "1975 In Prophecy" is discussed and how the book (and date) took on a life of its own, even though Herbert Armstrong likely never intended to set a date. Mention of Garner Ted Armstrong, Roderick Meredith, Herman Hoeh. A look at the "1975 syndrome" and its affect on church unity, and later on disillusionment leading to dis-unity, and the church's attempts to enforce unity. Prophecy nor doctrine nor authority brings about unity. Love does. In the end, all there really is is love for God and love for others.
05.21.2009
Added Ron Dart's 00C5 Administration of Covenant and updated the 2000 zipped file.
05.13.2009
Added the 4th and final installment of the CGI ministerial seminar, hosted by Ron Dart, and based on Marshall Shelley's book "Well-Intentioned Dragions". The zipped file is now available.
05.12.2009
Added Ron Dart's 0001 Isaiah At 2000 and updated the 2000 zipped file.
05.04.2009
Added Ron Dart's 8623 Your Present Saviour and updated the 1986 zipped file.
05.02.2009
Added Ron Dart's 2007 Feast of Tabernacles Sermons 07F1 Opening Night, 07F2 I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked, 07F5 You Are the Miracle, 07F9 The Last Chapter, and added a 2nd 2007 zipped file.
04.29.2009
Added Ron Dart's 86-11-29 Friday Crucifixion? and updated the 1986 zipped file.
04.27.2009
Added Ron Dart's 03DGH Does God Heal Today? and updated the 2003 zipped file.
04.23.2009
Added Ron Dart's 8129 The Abomination of Desolation and updated the 1981 zipped file.
04.10.2009
Added 00C4 Book of the Covenant and updated the 2000 zipped file.
04.08.2009
Added Mark Mickelson's The Next Best Time.
04.08.2009
Added Ron Dart's 82-01-25 Christian Woman and updated the 1982 zipped file.
04.03.2009
Added Part 3 of Ron Dart's seminar entitled "Well-Intentioned Dragons", named for a book by Marshall Shelley. The zipped file will be available when the rest of the series is encoded.
04.01.2009
Added 00C1 Idea of Covenant and updated the 2000 zipped file.
03.31.2009
Added Part 2 of Ron Dart's seminar entitled "Well-Intentioned Dragons", named for a book by Marshall Shelley. The zipped file will be available when the rest of the series is encoded.
03.26.2009
Added Part 1 of Ron Dart's seminar entitled "Well-Intentioned Dragons", named for a book by Marshall Shelley. The zipped file will be available when the rest of the series is encoded.
03.23.2009
Added Ron Dart's 89-11-11 To Build a Church and updated the 1989 zipped file.
03.19.2009
Added Charles Bryce's 2005 Sermon (Title Unknown).
03.13.2009
Added Ron Dart's 81-09-26 The Chosen and updated the 1981 zipped file.
03.12.2009
Added Ron Dart's 0910 Written for Our Admonition.
02.25.2009
Added Ron Dart's 0908 Between the Hailstones.
02.24.2009
Added Ron Dart's 1994 FOT Oklahoma 9-21-94.
02.20.2009
Added Ron Dart's 0906 Doctrinal Boundaries.