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Where is Beauty?
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughGod has created beauty in function. The beauty in physical creation is a mere shadow of what God sees in our potential as future members of His family.
The Beauty of God's Law
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBeauty, as a concept, encompasses qualities that bring pleasure to the senses and uplift the mind or spirit. It is often seen as something particularly good or pleasing, a simple yet profound idea. Beauty is simultaneously attractive and sublime, evoking happiness and joy that endure, never fading into nothingness. It is linked with truth, morality, and divinity, serving as a moral test and a reflection of God's handwriting, a sensible image of the infinite. Everything holds its own beauty, though not all perceive it, as beauty manifests in people, words, objects, design, harmony, grace, skill, proportion, originality, color, sentiment, and truth. Some beauty is fleeting, like mist on a pond, while other forms, like the truths of God, are eternal. God's law, as an expression of His instruction, embodies a profound beauty often unseen by the worldly. Its harmony, purpose, and outcome are absolutely wonderful, yet many fail to recognize this allure, viewing it instead as a curse rather than a blessing. The beauty of God's law lies in its capacity to benefit not only the individual but also the entire community, fostering enjoyable and profitable communal living. Keeping His law ensures rest and spiritual benefits for all within one's sphere of influence, promoting trust, peace, and harmony among neighbors. It results in abundant blessings and God's favor, offering a life of potential prosperity and spiritual richness. Beyond avoiding curses, obedience brings significant benefits, both physical and spiritual, leading toward honor and prominence in His Kingdom. Furthermore, God's law provides insight into oneself and illuminates the path forward, offering guidance and revealing where one stumbles, aiding in recovery and progress. It revives, strengthens, encourages, and instills hope, delight, liberty, good judgment, knowledge, and understanding, edifying those who follow it. The law of God is beyond compare, an expression of His very mind in words, holding the promise of eternal life. Its beauty is evident in the splendor of holiness, inspiring awe and amazement in worship and in all things bearing His stamp of approval, reflecting His nature and way as holy, just, good, spiritual, pure, and profoundly beautiful.
Pride, Contention, and Unity
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe sin of pride, deeply rooted in the downfall of Lucifer, was ignited by an obsession with beauty and splendor. Ezekiel 28:17 reveals that his heart was lifted up because of his beauty, corrupting his wisdom for the sake of his splendor. Described as the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty, he possessed extraordinary gifts that deceived him into misjudging his value compared to others. This misplaced valuation of his beauty and strengths blinded him to the reality of his pride and the impossibility of his ambitions, setting in motion a lasting reaction against God.
Do We See Ourselves As God Sees Us?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has bestowed upon us countless gifts, each a reflection of His boundless generosity. Every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. He upholds all things by the word of His power, sustaining the awesome universe and every breath we take, every heartbeat that pulses through us as a direct gift from Him. Our very existence, our calling, and each day we live are no accidents but purposeful blessings from His hand. Consider the intricate design of our bodies: the heart that begins to beat before the brain is even formed, pumping life without need of direction, a marvel of creation. Our eyes that see, our tongues that speak and taste, our ears that hear the beauty of a loved one's voice or music, and our sense of touch, the most sensitive of all, are all extraordinary gifts. We are called to be thankful for these, to recognize them as personal and individual blessings from God. In contrast, the account of the king of Tyre reveals a tragic fall due to beauty and pride. Described as the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and beauty, this being was adorned with precious stones, suggesting abounding beauty and luxury, and equipped with musical ability through pipes and timbrels. Yet, this beauty, representing the totality of all that God had given, including rank and privilege, became the source of pride. Unable to control feelings about this beauty, pride arose in his mind, corrupting his heart and destroying his relationship with the Most High God, leading to his being cast out as profane. From this, we learn the danger of allowing beauty or any gift to foster pride, which can sever our connection to God. Instead, we are commanded to give thanks in everything, to cultivate gratitude for all that He has provided. This gratitude must be active and specific, acknowledging each gift thoughtfully as a means to transform our attitudes and deepen our dependence on Him.
The Great Flood (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGenesis 6:1-4 summarize what led to God's rejection of the pre-flood civilization: men chose wives solely on the basis of sex appeal and external beauty.
Satan (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan uses lies and disinformation to promote self-satisfaction over obedience to God. The way to the kingdom is through self-denial, even suffering unjustly.
Laodiceanism
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur love for beauty must be coupled with love for righteousness and holiness. Our relationship with Christ must take central place in our lives, displacing all else.
The Tenth Commandment
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Coveting begins as a desire. Human nature cannot be satisfied, nothing physical can satisfy covetousness, and joy does not derive from materialism.
God's Rest (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe two principal robbers of peace are pride and the drive to have complete control of our lives. Discontent and imagined victimization led Adam and Eve into sin.
Satan (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe origins of our adversary, Satan the Devil, and his host of fallen angels or demons. God has promised us protection if we yield to and obey Him.
The Commandments (Part Nineteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus taught that all outward sin stems from inner inordinate desire. What we desire or lust after automatically becomes our idol.
Being Alert to Our Enemy
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Like the cycles of the seasons, the events of prophecy follow natural progressions. God has given ample warnings to His prophets to prepare His people.