Filter by Categories
Wandering the Wilderness in Faith
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe foundation of faith is critical to a Christian's spiritual journey, as illustrated by the Israelites' experience in the wilderness. Despite witnessing God's mighty acts and receiving His direct provision, the Israelites could not enter the Promised Land due to unbelief, which led to persistent sin and rebellion. Their lack of trust in Him, even after hearing His voice at Mount Sinai and seeing miracles like the parting of the Red Sea, resulted in a life of wandering and death in the wilderness instead of joy in the land He promised. Faith, as the basis of a Christian's life, is more than merely acknowledging God's existence; it involves a deep, abiding trust that produces loyalty and obedience. The Israelites had evidence of His presence and power, yet they failed to live by faith, choosing instead to follow their carnal impulses and disregarding His commands. This disobedience showed their lack of trust, causing them to lose sight of the vision of the Promised Land. True faith underlies the conduct of a Christian's life, acting as a foundation that, though often unseen, supports and shapes their actions. It is an implicit trust in His Word, motivating obedience even when circumstances seem contrary to the senses. Unlike the Israelites, who lived according to the flesh and walked in darkness under the cloud, Christians are called to walk by faith, trusting that His promises are absolute and will work in their lives. The importance of faith extends to salvation, as it is through faith that one is saved by His grace. This saving faith begins when He calls and leads to repentance, guiding into truth by His Spirit. Faith comes by hearing His Word, providing the message that one must trust to lead to salvation. Without this foundation, there would be nothing to believe in, no direction for a life of godliness. The lesson from the Israelites' failure is a sobering warning to choose faith over unbelief. They disregarded His graciousness and the godly witnesses among them, choosing not to believe the gospel preached to them. Christians must trust Him, evaluating their openness and honesty in their relationship with Him, ensuring they do not doubt or grow suspicious as Israel did. The responsibility to make choices grounded on trust in His Word is a weighty one, calling for a life lived by faith to avoid the fate of those who fell short in the wilderness.
Faith (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFaithfulness in a person ultimately rests on his or her trust in God, and if a person is going to be faithful, its because he or she believes what God says.
Faith and Prayer
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughConstant, earnest prayer keeps faith alive and makes certain the receiving of the qualities that make us in the image of God. God's purpose comes first.
The Christian Fight (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWith all the military metaphors in the Bible, there can be no doubt that God likens the Christian life to a war against the evils and temptations we face.
The Christian and the World (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnxious care and foreboding are debilitating and faith-destroying. Meditating on what God has already done strengthens our faith and trust in God.
Conviction and Moses
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur conviction reveals itself in living by faith. Moses is a stunning example of how a convicted Christian should live — with loyalty and faithfulness to God.
The Christian Fight (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe faithful life and work of Noah illustrates that after justification, walking by faith with God is a practical responsibility.
Assurance That We Know Him!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf we know God, we no longer have the feeling that God is against us; we have no dread of God, but instead have awe and respect; we know that God loves us.
Deuteronomy (Part 5)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's faithfulness is the foundation of our faith. We cannot live by faith unless we believe we have a God who is faithful in everything He does.
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe easiest part of God's work is preaching the gospel to the world. Much more demanding is the feeding of the flock, producing life-changing faith.
The Christian and the World (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnxiety and fretting (symptoms of coveting and idolatry), in addition to cutting life short, erode faith, destroying serenity by borrowing tomorrow's troubles.
Matthew (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughTo establish sound doctrine, we must build on the foundation Christ's teaching, taking the straight and narrow course rather than the wisdom of this world.