Playlist:

playlist Go to the Self Sacrifice (topic) playlist

This Life of Sacrifice

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Selfishness in any form turns Christianity on its head, making a mockery of the many sacrifices that form its foundation and the grace of God that makes it possible.


Overcoming (Part 6): Self-Surrender

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Many words that begin with 'self' are conditions that we must overcome. Self-surrender, however, is something we need to engage in to overcome our faults.


What the Sacrifices Mean

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

The sacrificial system of Leviticus typifies spiritual sacrifices which we perform under the New Covenant. The animal sacrifices focused on total commitment.


The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Has anyone, other than Jesus Christ, really exhibited self-control? In the end, however, this is the ultimate aim of growing in the character of God.


Overcoming (Part 5): Self-Denial

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

A key to overcoming our sins is learning when to deny ourselves. Christ plainly declares that those who desire to follow Him must deny themselves.


The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Five): The Peace Offering, Sacrifice, and Love

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The peace offering teaches many things, but one of its main symbols is fellowship. Our communion with the Father and the Son obligates us to pursue peace.


The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 5)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The meal offering represents the intense self-sacrifice required in service to man. Our service to man must be done for God's sake rather than man's appreciation.


The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The sacrifices were neither insignificant nor barbaric, but a teaching tool for us. In the burnt offering, we see Christ in His work for the already redeemed.


The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The meal offering represents the second Great Commandment, love toward fellow man. Our service to others requires much grinding self-sacrifice and surrender.


God and Self-Government

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The New Covenant, wherein God writes His law on the heart and gives His Spirit, empowers God's people to obey without the need for external control.


Abraham's Sacrifice (Part One): Faith Perfected

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Scriptures place a paramount importance on sacrifice. Abraham's 'sacrifice' of Isaac confirmed him to the position of father of the faithful.


Valor and Sacrifice

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

What would today's average, obese, couch-potato American do if the nation required him to serve his country? Would he volunteer to serve in the armed forces?


Lessons From Esther: Esther Sacrifices Herself

Article by Ronny H. Graham

Queen Esther, faced with the destruction of her people in Persia, put her life on the line. Her example can be an inspiration to all of us.


No Greater Love

'Ready Answer' by Staff

Christ says that we can show no greater love than in sacrificing our lives. We must come to the point where we are doing this daily, yet how do we do this?


It's Important to God Too (Part One)

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

God intends that we give ourselves as living sacrifices, mortifying our carnal nature, allowing God to consume our abilities in service.


Stephen and the New Deal

Article by Staff

Over the centuries, God has been disappointed by mankind over and over again. One man who did not disappoint was the deacon Stephen. Here's why.


Offerings Still Relevant

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christ's sacrifice was both a sacrifice (fulfilling the law, which requires the shedding of blood for expiation from sin) and an offering (freely given).


It's Important to God Too (Part Two)

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

God does not do things uselessly, and certainly does not need our physical goods. Being a living sacrifice produces successful living.


What Does It Take to Be a Hero?

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

God has chosen the weak and base things of the world, yet we can still sacrifice our personal concerns for the greater good just as our Savior did.


Rejoice and Serve!

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

Consuming second tithe (not within our gates) is understood to be for foodstuffs, for entertaining spiritual siblings, and making them happy and joyful.


Are You Bearing Your Cross?

'Ready Answer' by Staff

How do we, as modern Christians, bear our cross as Jesus commands? Christ meant far more than simply carrying a stake over our shoulders!


Precious Human Treasures

Article by Staff

We live in a youth-oriented culture, yet the elderly have a great deal to offer — if we will only pay attention and not push them to the margins of society.


Knowing Christ (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In taking undue attention off the self, sacrifice (as an act and as a way of life) creates peace, prosperity, cooperation, and most of all, character.


Pentecost and Memorial Day

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Pentecost and Memorial Day may seem to be quite different, but we should not be too hasty in concluding that they do not share any common features.


An Unequal Comparison

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While the sacrifice in life or limb is commendable and worthy of honor, to compare it with Christ's work on the stake trivializes Christ's sacrifice.


An Offering Made By Fire

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In I Peter 2:5-9, God's people are called a chosen generation and a royal priesthood, God's own distinctive people, commissioned to offer sacrifices.


The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Nine): Conclusion (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

There must be something to prove we are one with Christ and in union with the Father and the Son. That something is the manner in which we conduct our life.


Preparing to Be a Priest

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The primary function of a priest is to assist people in accessing God so that there can be unity with God. A priest is a bridge-builder between man and God.


Forgiveness and the Perpetual Covenant of Peace

Sermon by Mark Schindler

It is commonly thought that we pay no price for forgiveness, yet Scripture shows that God gives us significant responsibilities to be a part of His family.


Go With Him Two

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

We have all kinds of rights, but not all rights should be exercised if we have opportunities to demonstrate God's way of give to total strangers.


Fasting

Sermonette by James Beaubelle

The best offering we can present is a humble and contrite heart, attainable through fasting, if done without pride and self-seeking.


The Offerings of Leviticus (Part One): Introduction

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The offerings of Leviticus, though not necessary under the New Covenant, are invaluable for teaching about Christ in His roles as sacrifice, offerer, and priest.


Service with a Smile

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

Jesus Christ expects His followers to serve while expecting nothing in return. Whoever wants to become great must fill the role of an unpretentious servant.


What Would You Die For?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Christian martyrs, convicted by God's truth, having an ardent love for Christ, have attained a special place of honor because of their ultimate sacrifice.


Knowing Christ (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Christ's sacrifice was not merely substitutionary, but representative, with Christ giving us a pattern for life - mortifying our flesh and putting out sin.


Without Me, You Can Do Nothing (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Producing fruit is not simply a matter of having Jesus Christ or being forgiven. He says we will not produce anything unless we go on growing in Him.


The Awesome Cost of Love

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

We assess costs and values all the time in our daily lives. We should employ the same process to God's love for us in giving His Son as the sacrifice for sin.


Rejoice in God's Feast

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God can take satisfaction that He is doing the right thing, and thus His rejoicing can even come from painful judgments. Sacrificing and rejoicing are linked.


The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Four): The Peace Offering

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The peace (or thank) offering was the most commonly given in ancient Israel. It pictures God, the priest, and the offerer in satisfying fellowship.


Camouflage and Salvation

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Satan has provided what appear to be plausible alternatives to Christ's sacrifice for salvation, like service, positive changes, and right thinking.


Offerings (Part Seven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

If we want to follow Christ, we must sacrifice, take up our cross, and follow His example of service to God and others.


The Ultimate Gift

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler

Paul reveals God's plan to save all Israel (Romans 11:25-36); the ultimate gift to His saints is the ability to help in the reconciliation process.


Leadership and Covenants (Part Twenty-Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Much of Protestantism misconstrues the significance of the New Covenant as a 'free pass into Heaven' without paying attention to the Law within the Covenant.


New Covenant Priesthood (Part Twelve)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our forgiveness from God is conditional, depending upon our forgiving others. It is an opportunity for us to extend grace, sacrificing as Christ did for us.


John (Part Twenty-One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The humble attitude exemplified by Jesus in footwashing shows the mind of God. God expects us to follow Christ's example of loving others, flaws and all.


The Cost of Reconciliation

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Reconciliation is the product of a sacrifice to pacify the wrath of an offended person. We must imitate Christ in His approach toward hostility from others.


What Type of Leader Are You?

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

Jesus Christ did not teach the pyramid model of leadership, where successive levels of leaders provide direction to those in the lesser ranks. He served.


Patriotism, the Summer Soldier, and Our Times (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Jesus Christ was not a sunshine patriot, but sacrificed everything He had for the sake of God's people and the Kingdom of God—His holy nation.


A Light To The World

Commentary by Mark Schindler

Exposure to more than two hours per day on digital screens lowers scores on thinking and language tests. We must not abandon our children to smartphones.


Life Is Service (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A culture of slavery pervaded life in the early Christian church, forcing Paul to pen instructions accommodating this practice in the context of love.


The Elements of Motivation (Part Six): Eternal Life

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

If you knew you would live forever, how would you live? Biblically, eternal life is much more than living forever: It is living as God lives!


Offerings (Part Five)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

We give peace offerings today through living sacrifice, keeping God's law out of love and to glorify Him rather than just to perform duty.


God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Two)

Sermon by David F. Maas

God's promises to give us the desires of our hearts, His Holy Spirit, wisdom, and spiritual gifts to edify the Body all come with strings attached.


Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part Four): Favor to Live as God Lives

Sermon by Mark Schindler

We earn God's favor by obedience; there is a direct tie between submission to His will and His favor. The more one submits, the more favor and grace accrues.


According to My Gospel

Sermonette by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

Paul's believed that there is only one gospel and used the terms 'gospel of God' and 'gospel of Jesus Christ,' teaching the same things as Jesus Christ.


Doorway to the Kingdom

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

Any time we feel prompted to exalt ourselves, we demonstrate Satan's spirit of pride, thereby jeopardizing our entry into God's family.


Giving a Gift Strengthens and Bonds

Sermonette by Martin G. Collins

Giving a gift strengthens the bond between individuals, bringing about a warm feeling in the giver toward the one receiving the gift.


God Gives Grace to the Humble

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Genuine humility is one of the most elusive characteristics a person can attain. It consists of of self-respect accompanied by a genuine desire to serve.


Elements of Motivation (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Eternal life, emphasizing a special intimate relationship with God the Father and Christ, is vastly different from immortality, connoting only endless existence.


Don't Stand Still!

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The best way to conquer evil is to do righteousness, serving God and mankind. Sins of omission are every bit as devastating as sins of commission.


Matthew (Part Twenty-Six)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

True greatness does not come from dominance but from serving with the attitude of a slave. Willingness to sacrifice self is the secret to success.


A Lesson in Sportsmanship

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

The 'Pierre De Coubertin Medal' is given out for sportsmanship, honoring generous behavior toward competing athletes—much harder to win than a gold medal.


A City on a Hill (Part One)

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

The eyes of the world are on those who seek to be God's servants. Consider these stories of people whose inspiring examples serve as witnesses to God's character.


The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Three): The Meal Offering

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The meal offering represents the fulfillment of the second great commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Here is how to understand this offering.