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Loving Christ

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The love of Christ is the compelling force that should guide our lives, as it did for Paul, who was driven by Christ's love within him, transforming his perspective on all things and people. This love is not merely a legal obligation but a deep, tender, and timeless affection that God extends to His saints, drawing them into His bosom with a cherishing embrace. As revealed in Scripture, God's love for His people is the foundation of our relationship with Him, a love that existed even while we were yet sinners, pulling us close with consistent tenderness. Christ's love calls for a response of love in return, a submission to His will, as Paul demonstrated by allowing Christ's love to control his actions. This love is the source of all good in our lives, and abiding in it means participating in Christ's life, which brings abundant joy and fruitfulness. Jesus Himself set the ultimate example, always doing what pleased His Father, showing us the pinnacle of love to strive toward, even if we may not fully reach it in this life. For those who move from group to group seeking fulfillment, the solution lies not in changing locations but in focusing on their relationship with Christ. The restlessness and dissatisfaction stem from within, from not being grounded in the love of Christ that overrides variable feelings with the unchanging truth of God. Christ does not instruct to leave one congregation for another in search of happiness; instead, He calls for repentance right where we are, emphasizing that true fellowship and unity come from sharing the same mind in belief and conduct, rooted in His love. When we criticize or speak against brethren, we are smiting the body of Christ, for we are all part of His body, a holy temple. The key to overcoming unrest is to strengthen our personal bond with Him who embraced us, to live by faith in His truth, and to respond to His love with submissive love of our own, ensuring we do not walk away from the secure place in His hand.

Love's Importance and Source

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The world today is in desperate need of love, a need that remains unfulfilled due to a widespread misunderstanding of what true love entails. Love is not merely a fleeting emotion or a preference for certain things, but a profound and enduring quality that surpasses all other virtues and gifts. Unlike prophecy, tongues, and knowledge, which have their limits and times of obsolescence, love never ends and is always useful. It is the supreme importance of love that gives life its true value, serving as the driving force behind all actions and the epitome of all duty. Love is a debt we owe to every person every day, a debt that can never be fully paid. No matter how much love we show on one day, the obligation renews itself the next, compelling us to extend help and care whenever the opportunity arises. This continuous cycle of love is what binds communities together, acting as the perfect bond that prevents groups from fragmenting, whether they be families, churches, or nations. Love is the glue that holds society together in the face of division and individualism. This love originates from God, who is its source. God's nature is love, and every action He takes—whether creating, ruling, or judging—is an expression of that love. Unlike human love, which is often a pale reflection of the divine, God's love is constant and sacrificial. He initiated and sustains our relationship with Him through acts of love, such as granting repentance, forgiveness, and His Spirit, enabling us to fellowship with Him and grow in love. As we respond by loving Him and others, this love is perfected within us. God reveals Himself through His loving actions, most notably in giving His only begotten Son. As Jesus Christ loved us, He commands us to love one another. Love is not merely a feeling but an action, demonstrated through what we do for others. It is through these acts of love that we bear witness to God's nature, both among ourselves and to the world. Loving as Christ loved becomes the hallmark of a Christian life, reflecting the divine love that transforms and unites us.

Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Six)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Husbands must be humble (willing to sacrifice), imitating the behavior of Christ, striving to attain reconciliation and atonement with their wives.

Four Views of Christ (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus sets a pattern for us by serving without thought of authority, power, position, status, fame, or gain, but as a patient, enduring, faithful servant.

Go Forward

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Are we ready to sacrifice as was Moses, realizing that our precious calling is far more than the imaginary quest of Don Quixote?

Church Unity Despite the Spirit of the World

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The 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.

Do You Really Know God?

Sermon by Clyde Finklea

We can know for sure that we know Him intimately by keeping His commandments and practicing loving kindnesses.

The Summertime Soldier and Sunshine Patriotism

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We must put our lives, treasure, and honor on the line, picking up our cross daily, declaring our independence from carnality, evil and bondage to sin.

Principled Living (Part Four): Giving of Ourselves

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As Christ sacrificed for us, we are called to sacrifice for others. Love is an action, a behavior, rather than an emotion, described in I Corinthians 13.

Parenting (Part 2): Fathers

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Patriarchy is family organization with the father having ultimate authority. The husband's role, grounded in love, must not be abusive or domineering.

The Pure in Heart

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

It is the core of our heart that must be cleansed before we can have a pure heart, enabling us to see God as He is.

Be Perfect

Sermonette by Mike Ford

Being perfect refers to becoming mature in the image of God. Overcoming is not easy, but when Christ returns, we don't want just a participation trophy.