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The Weightier Matters (Part 1): Introduction
Article by StaffJesus Christ, in His fierce rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees, exposes their failure to uphold the weightier matters of the law. Though they meticulously observed every minor detail, even adding their own precise rules to ensure compliance, they lost sight of the law's fundamental purpose. Their obsession with endless, mindless details hindered their ability to weigh what was most important, focusing instead on appearances, such as publicly counting mint, cumin, and anise. Christ acknowledges that tithing should be done, but He emphasizes far greater priorities—judgment, mercy, and faith—as the essential issues of the law. He laments that they burdened others with strict demands while neglecting these vital principles, using the law to exploit the vulnerable, even devouring widows' houses. Christ's anger burns against their perversion of the law, which was meant to be a law of liberty, bringing joy and liberation from guilt and shame when kept with the right spirit and attitude. Instead, they turned this blessing into a curse, wielding it as a club for selfish gain. Though He does not elaborate to them on the relationship of judgment, mercy, and faith to the law, Christ offers a clue to redirect their thinking, urging a return to the law's true purpose and meaning for the good of mankind.
The Weightier Matters (Part 2): Judgment
Article by StaffJesus 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 StaffMany 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 StaffFaith 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. RitenbaughThe 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. RitenbaughThe 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. RitenbaughIn 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 OnisickIf 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. ReidIt 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. RitenbaughWe 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. ReidOverconcern 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 OnisickEven as several grandiose building projects have terminated because of cost overruns, so must we carefully count the cost of our spiritual building project.
Our Personal Plumblines
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. Maaswe 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. RitenbaughWe 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. CollinsThe 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. CollinsMicah 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 FinkleaMicah provides a formula for being a Christian: 1.) Doing justly, 2.) Exercising mercy and 3.) Walking humbly. These demand total commitment, not a pretense.
Striking a Balance
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughBoth legalism and liberalism can lead to our destruction. God's word implanted in our hearts and minds will promote a perfect balance.

Essential Characteristics of Our Calling
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDoctrine 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. CollinsAt its base, gluttony is nothing more than a lack of self-control. But there is also a more spiritual side to this prevalent sin.