Playlist:

playlist Go to the Weightier Matters of the Law (topic) playlist

The Weightier Matters (Part 1): Introduction

Article by Staff

Jesus blasts the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23, telling them they ignore the 'weightier matters.' We must focus on certain virtues as we keep God's law.


The Weightier Matters (Part 2): Judgment

Article by Staff

Jesus lists judgment as the first of the weightier matters in Matthew 23. Judgment is a major part of Christianity, but needs to be properly understood.


The Weightier Matters (Part 3): Mercy

Article by Staff

Many have a love-hate relationship with mercy: They love to receive it, but hate to give it! Here is why we should lean toward mercy in all our judgments.


The Weightier Matters (Part 4) : Faith and Fidelity

Article by Staff

Faith and fidelity to God and His way of life should be a major part of our character. Here is what faith and fidelity are, how to recognize a lack of them.


The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Seventeen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Law (including the judgments, ordinances, and statutes), far from being done away, shows us our faults and outlines the way of mercy and love—how to live.


The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Gnostics criticized by Paul in Colossians 2:16-17 were guilty of bringing in ritualistic ascetic discipline to propitiate demons.


The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In Colossians 2:16 and Galatians 4:9-10, Paul was warning against mixing Gnostic asceticism and pagan customs with the keeping of God's Sabbath and Holy Days.


Is 'The Leavening' of the Pharisees in Us?

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

If we feel we are better than our brethren, separating ourselves from them, we are hypocrites and actors, harboring the leavening of the Pharisees in us.


Mercy: The Better Option

'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid

It is easy to fall into the traps of judgmentalism, gossip, and unforgiveness. We must overcome our natural reactions and use forbearance in our relationships.


Delusions of Perfection

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We need to exercise humility and forbearance when we deal with the weaknesses of our brethren, restoring them in love as we would expect them to do for us.


Elements of Judgment (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We must emulate the ways of God, demonstrating justice in our lives, thoughts, words, and deeds, preparing to judge in God's Kingdom. Not all sins are equal.


Rivet Your Eyes on the Destination

Article by John O. Reid

Overconcern with the around-and-about tends to distracts us, and before we know it we are off course. Preparation for God's Kingdom depends on our focus


Counting the Cost of Humility

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

Even as several grandiose building projects have terminated because of cost overruns, so must we carefully count the cost of our spiritual building project.


Striking a Balance

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Both legalism and liberalism can lead to our destruction. God's word implanted in our hearts and minds will promote a perfect balance.


Our Personal Plumblines

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. Maas

we learn righteous judgment through learning to see the consequences of our thoughts, words, and behaviors as they affect us and the lives of others.


Sabbathkeeping (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We need to develop righteous judgment about what constitutes a genuine Sabbath emergency and what may be a deceptive rationalization of our human nature.


Tithing

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

The biblical system of tithing has been a point of controversy among Christians for centuries. Was the law of tithing changed for Christ's church?


Micah (Part Three): Who Is a God Like You?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Micah 5 describes legal proceedings against the people who have rejected God, promising a harsh retribution but future restoration for a physical remnant.


Being a Christian

Sermon by Clyde Finklea

Micah provides a formula for being a Christian: 1.) Doing justly, 2.) Exercising mercy and 3.) Walking humbly. These demand total commitment, not a pretense.


Essential Characteristics of Our Calling

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Doctrine and practice be evenly balanced. If the behaviors are detached from principle and doctrine, the weightier matters of the law will be neglected.


Gluttony: A Lack of Self-Control (Part Two)

Article by Martin G. Collins

At its base, gluttony is nothing more than a lack of self-control. But there is also a more spiritual side to this prevalent sin.