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Without Natural Affection

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because of lawlessness, love has gone stone-cold. Sin and lawlessness begets more sin and lawlessness, and natural affection and love disappear.

Handwriting on the Wall: Without Natural Affection

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Narcissism and self-centeredness have snuffed out out-going concern, and everyone does what is right in their own eyes as the love of many grows cold.

Childrearing (Part One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The family problems predicted for the end times in II Timothy stem from faulty childrearing practices. We must help prepare our children for the Kingdom.

Biblical Loves

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

English speakers often overuse general and precise words, especially with profound concepts like the word "love." Even though English contains the world's largest vocabulary, speakers carelessly tend to flatten nuances. However, Scripture draws from Koine Greek, offering four distinct words for "love," each relaying different dimensions of human connection, restoring clarity and depth to what has often been reduced for human emotion. 1.) Eros signifies romantic and sexual love—within marriage honorable, but outside porneia. 2.) Storge signifying natural family affection among family members—parents, children, and siblings, referring to a loyal, comfortable affection within close-knot relationships extending to those treated as family. 3.) Phileo, brotherly love and affection, signifies personal attachment, and chosen companionship outside the family, forming the root of Philadelphia-"brotherly love" exhorting believers to love their spiritual brethren (Hebrews 13:1), describing the bonds formed through shared values and covenant. 4.) Agape, signifying divine selfless love, transcending phileo by being intentional, sacrificial, and rooted solidly in God's nature. Unlike emotional affection, agape flows from will and principle, demonstrating love as action, a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) as well as the greatest virtue (I Corinthians 13:13) embodying humility, selflessness, and Christlike service. Jesus summarized the great law, love God with all our might, and our neighbor as ourselves, which requires God-like love agape.

Never Allow Your Love to Wax Cold

Sermon by Clyde Finklea

Destruction comes from a gradual withdrawal from intimacy with God rather than outright rejection. We must be vigilant against spiritual complacency.

The Heart's Self-Absorption

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

II Timothy 3:1-5 contains 19 characteristics of carnality. The common denominator is self-absorption and pride, placing the self above others.

Joseph: A Saga of Excellence (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jacob's son Joseph receives the least criticism and the most praise, a sterling record of character and human accomplishment surpassed only by Jesus Christ.

Childrearing (Part Four)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Children do not initiate love but reflect it. If a child does not receive a convincing demonstration of this love, he will not become a conductor of love.