Playlist: Jesus Christ, Imitating (topic)
Principled Living (Part One): Imitating Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowing Jesus requires absolute commitment, often involving sacrifice and discomfort. We must be willing to give up family and societal ties for God's sake.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Six)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHusbands must be humble (willing to sacrifice), imitating the behavior of Christ, striving to attain reconciliation and atonement with their wives.
Knowing Christ (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn taking undue attention off the self, sacrifice (as an act and as a way of life) creates peace, prosperity, cooperation, and most of all, character.
The Christian Walk: In Love
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we submit to God, allowing His spirit to guide us, we can live in the spirit, walking in love.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The belief that America was or is a Christian nation cannot be supported by the facts. The world, governed by Satan, hates Christ's true followers.
Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Constitution, in some ways, makes a mockery of God's sovereignty, preferring a hodge-podge of syncretism of the world's religions.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A true Christian is sanctified by a specific body of beliefs and how he lives. No mainstream church in America has ever yielded itself to the right doctrines.
Christians in the Spotlight
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must let our lights shine by our moderation, self-control, attitude, and behavior, realizing that we are reflecting the characteristics of God Almighty.
Hope in Christ Purifies Us
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must remember that hope is sure, but we must wait patiently for God's plan for us to unfold. In the meantime, we purify ourselves of corruption.
Our Affinity to Christ
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus has already suffered the things we have, and now serves as our compassionate High Priest and Advocate. He provides the pattern we are to emulate.
Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Having experienced the turmoil of the Catholic—Protestant clash, the framers of our Constitution did not want any sect dictating religious doctrines or practices.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Governments of men are enmity against God. Our allegiance can be only to Jesus Christ, and not to the hopelessly corrupt political systems of the world.
The Trial of Jesus
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe trial of Jesus Christ had at least 17 illegalities, including corrupt judges, bogus witnesses, switching charges, changing venues, and intimidation.
Christ Our Standard
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughKnowledge of God's truth is useless unless it is acted on. God will only accept children who follow Christ's example and conduct their lives by His high standards.
Knowing Christ (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhen we mortify the flesh, refusing to feed the hungry beast of our carnal nature, we suffer. Suffering for righteousness' sake helps us to know Christ.
Offerings Still Relevant
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's sacrifice was both a sacrifice (fulfilling the law, which requires the shedding of blood for expiation from sin) and an offering (freely given).
An Acceptable Sacrifice
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughAbel was totally consumed, becoming the first martyr for faith. Likewise, when we are called to God, we can expect to be used until we are consumed.
God the Father (Part 3)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Father's purpose is to make us Christ-like, abounding in godly love. God is able to turn horrendous and gruesome circumstances into ultimate blessings.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The true church is a unique educational institution, teaching the way of God and amplifying His Commandments, in contrast to the churches of this world.
The Cost of Reconciliation
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReconciliation is the product of a sacrifice to pacify the wrath of an offended person. We must imitate Christ in His approach toward hostility from others.
Reach for the Goal
Sermon by John O. ReidSimilar to the way people pull together in times of crisis, we must also have a goal, a vision of the finish line, in order to overcome and grow.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Hebrews is a must-read for all members of God's church who seek the key for spiritual growth through a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.
Eternal Servant Leadership
Sermon by Mark SchindlerOur responsibility should be to learn to serve rather than to emulate the pompous gentile leaders who love to domineer over their subjects.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe spirit of the law does not do away with the letter of the law; without the letter, there is no spirit because there is no foundation. Examples show God's will.
Seeking God's Will (Part Five): Goodness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod employs goodness when He shakes us out of complacency and directs us toward repentance. God's goodness is there to take advantage of if we trust Him.
Why Are We Here?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ's and Paul's example in Sabbath observance (including the annual Sabbaths) provide a model as to how we keep the Sabbath and the holy days.
How Bright is Your Light?
Sermonette by Ryan McClureDo we let our lights shine through our lives by godly conduct, or are we trying to blend in with the world, compromising so as not to stand apart?
Glorify You Me
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidThe purpose of our calling is not the place of safety, but that we glorify God, following the example of Jesus Christ.
Offerings (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe sacrifices teach us about the mind, heart, and character of Jesus. The burnt offering symbolizes complete devotion to God in every aspect of life.
Defining Logos (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 'word of the Lord' came (appeared) to Abraham, suggesting that the Word (dabar, the Hebrew equivalent of logos) is a Being, the 'Lord God.'
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father and the Son are two distinct beings, not co-equal as the trinity doctrine proclaims, but with the Son deferring to the Father in all things.
Job and Self-Evaluation (Part One): Job's Character
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe lessons of the book of Job, which carry distinct New Covenant insights, applies to all. Job was complete, yet had spiritually stalled.
In Him Was Life
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough we have physical-chemical existence, we do not yet have God's quality of life. The key quality of eternal life is a vibrant relationship with God.
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe minister's main task should consist of exhorting on spiritual matters rather than worldly ones, rejecting the profane in favor of the spiritual.
Conforming to This World
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIt is far easier to conform to the world than to Christ. We must yield to God to renew our minds, living in the spirit rather than in the flesh.
Faithful, Following Firstfruits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThose reveling in the 'new freedoms' of apostasy cannot be persuaded to return to former beliefs because they no longer believe in the sanctified Word of God.
Seeking God's Will (Part One): Holiness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDetermining the will of God is difficult to do unless we know the character of God. Holiness is the foundation for all of the other traits of God.
No One Else Matters (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSin has tainted the most faithful leaders. Most (perhaps all) church leaders have skeletons in their closets, but we follow them as they follow Christ.
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ is the architect of the church, indicating that the institution must take on the characteristics of the Builder, reflecting His character.
Living by Faith: Humility and God's Justice
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Humility, poverty of spirit, and acknowledging our total dependence on God are of the utmost importance. God responds to those who are humble.
Church Unity Despite the Spirit of the World
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe unity of God's church does not derive from organizational expertise, the conformity of ecumenism, or the tolerance for evil, but from the family model.
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The seven churches of Revelation 2-3 all existed simultaneously and the characteristics of five of them will apparently be extant at the return of Christ.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLoyalty and submission to God (not always easy) empowers and guarantees ultimate success and leadership, actually freeing us from the fear of death.
Our Walk With God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLike ancient Israel, we walk out of our individual circumstances through a metaphorical desert of trials and tests, following God into the Promised Land.
Psalms: Book Five (Part Five): Psalm 119 (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though keeping the law does not justify us, it does point out to us what sin is. The law is a guide keeping us within moral and ethical boundaries.
Spiritual Maturity
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom parables allude to the process of spiritual maturity, depicting a planted and cultivated seed becoming a sprout, eventually bearing fruit.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father is the source of everything and the Son is the channel through which He carries out His purpose. Jesus declared that the Father is superior to Him.
Are You Fighting the Good Fight?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMainstream Christianity espouses the pernicious doctrine of, 'Let go and let God,'" which releases us from any obligation to overcome and build character.
Potential for Good
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe chief tool we can use to do good (building positive relationships between other people) is to develop and exercise the mind of God within us.
Glorifying God
Sermon by John O. ReidWe have been called for the purpose of glorifying God by totally changing our lives, conforming to His character and image.
Prayer and Seeking God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRather than having an apathetic relationship toward God, we must ardently, earnestly, and fervently seek God in order to imitate His behavior in our lives.
Those Who Are Persecuted
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPersecution is already here, part and parcel in the lives of followers of Christ. If we are persecuted for following God's instructions, we will be blessed.
Leaving Sodom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAmerica resembles the days of Lot and the culture of Sodom. The days of Lot were also productive and wealthy, leading to an excess of idle time.
God's Epistle
Sermon by John O. ReidWe as Christians have the obligation or responsibility to provide a light or shining example in a darkened world that generally hates God's way.
The Law's Purpose and Intent
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe effectiveness of a law is found in its purpose and intent rather than the letter. Love and mercy constitute the spiritual fulfillment of the Law.
Don't Take God for Granted
Sermon by John O. ReidWe all tend to allow familiarity to lure us into carelessly taking something for granted. This is particularly dangerous regarding God and His purpose for us.
The Mystery of the Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod desires to know whether the spiritual remnants will choose His teaching or assimilating into the world, biting and devouring one another.
River of Life
Sermon by Bill OnisickI Corinthians 13 describes the assaying instrument to detect the purity of love. Our need for love never ends as we move through the sanctification process.
Hebrews (Part Fourteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Without a meaningful relationship with Christ, God's people cannot possibly bear fruit. Our responsibility is to yield to God's creative work in our lives.
Who Then Is In The Kingdom Of Heaven?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn Matthew 18, some disciples pondered who would be greatest in the Kingdom. However, ambition, arrogance, and pride will keep one from even being there.
Remaining Unleavened
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur carnal natures must be displaced by God's Holy Spirit, motivating us to refrain from causing offense, but freely forgiving others as God has forgiven us.
The Parable of the Leaven, Expanded
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBitterness divides one member of Christ's Body from another. Individuals often look for a 'doctrinal' reason to justify leaving a congregation.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to follow the example of Christ rather than placing their desire to be right over unity. Godly leadership follows submission.
We Have an Advocate With the Father
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen we sin, we have an advocate with Jesus Christ, who has been commissioned to forgive our sins upon repentance. There is no forgiveness apart from Christ.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe truer our conception of Christ, the truer our discernment will be in dealing with spiritual problems or conflicts. Modern Israel has cuddled up to sin.
Principled Living (Part Five): Witnessing of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur best witness is often through our unspoken behavior; what we do speaks volumes. God gives us a charge to bear His name with dignity in all our actions.
Principled Living (Part Three): Growing in Righteousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's law—the unleavened bread of righteousness—needs to be ingested into our minds as we purge sin, resulting in righteous thoughts, words, and deeds.