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No Small Sin
Sermonette by James BeaubelleWe are to use our time during our sanctification to eliminate our old traits and get rid of the old sinful man inside of us.
Principled Living (Part Two): Conquering Sin
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSin must be eradicated completely from the life of the believer, for any remnant left behind will resurge and produce death just as untreated cancer cells multiply and destroy the body. The Feast of Unleavened Bread illustrates this requirement: after God brought Israel out of Egypt, the people were commanded to remove every trace of leaven from their houses for seven days and to eat only unleavened bread, a type of removing corruption and living righteously. Paul reinforces the same principle when he instructs the Corinthians to purge out the old leaven so that they may become a new lump, because a little leaven leavens the whole lump and because Christ, the Passover, has already been sacrificed. The Greek term ekkathairo stresses thorough cleansing that leaves no impurity or abomination behind. This total removal is presented as total war. Deuteronomy 20 distinguishes levels of conflict, yet against the nations nearest to Israel the command is absolute: let nothing that breathes remain alive, lest their practices turn the people from God. The closer the sin lies to the heart, the more decisive the action required. Jesus applies the same standard in the Sermon on the Mount, declaring that if the right eye or right hand causes one to sin, it must be removed, because the issue originates in the heart and must be dealt with there by a scorched-earth change of mind and character. Practical measures include removing every occasion of temptation and replacing it with wholesome activity that occupies mind and body, while prayer, Scripture study, meditation, and fasting expose the roots of sin and invite God's power to complete the work. Paul therefore directs believers to put to death the members that are on the earth and to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires. Those who refuse this uncompromising battle remain among the cowardly and abominable who have no place in the New Jerusalem, whereas those who overcome inherit all things and become sons of God. Thus the call to put out sin forms the second element of principled living that follows imitation of Christ and precedes the putting on of righteousness.
God's Law in Our Mouths
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Protestant doctrine of grace is antinomian, thinking that justification is a synonym for sanctification and salvation, ruling out any need for works.
How to Prevent Sin
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletThe way to prevent sin is to let God's Spirit fill the mind. 'Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth' (Colossians 3:2).
The Burden of Sin
Sermon by Charles WhitakerThe Scriptures prove that Christ alone bears our sins and takes them from us; we have no power to cast our burdens upon Christ, nor dump sins on the cross.
The Reason for Unleavened Bread
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Feast of Unleavened Bread signifies far more than the avoidance of leavening. Our focus needs to be on God's management of the process of deliverance.
Why Do We Observe Unleavened Bread? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIf we overlook God's deliverance or neglect the eating of unleavened bread, we will be unable to perform the putting away of sin that God requires.
Holy Days: Unleavened Bread
Bible Study by StaffThe Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately follows the Passover. In it we see how hard it is to overcome and rid our lives of sin.
Deleavening the Home
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf each of us individually puts out the leaven of malice and consume the Unleavened Bread of sincerity, we would fulfill our community responsibility.
Our Affinity to Christ (2002)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur lives must be totally wrapped up in Christ, exemplifying His character. As we overcome, taking the same steps as Christ did, we will receive His reward.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 4)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile most understand the sacrificial theme of Passover, they fail to grasp actively overcoming sin, largely because of the concept of 'free' grace.
Opportunity
Sermonette byThe Days of Unleavened Bread is the time to build faith with God, a specific time God uses to strengthen His relationship with His people. Our time is now.
Completing Sanctification
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAn emphasis on hyper-grace is wrong-headed, denying any need for repentance and overcoming, and totally at odds with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
How Much Would You Give Up for the Kingdom of God?
Sermon by Kim MyersWe should be willing to give up anything for the Kingdom, controlling our speech, thoughts, behaviors, and lives. We cannot grow in grace without works.
More Than Conquerors
Sermon by Charles WhitakerPaul says that we are 'more than conquerors.' We savor the spoils of victory through the sacrifice of Christ, enabling us to subdue our sins and carnal nature.
Real Conversion
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe process of conversion is actually God's workmanship creating a new spiritual being with godly spiritual character- the image of Christ.
Repentance and Righteousness (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNothing happens in our lives (including repentance) until God initiates it. A change of heart, by God's Holy Spirit, results in a total change of direction.
The Christian Paradox (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSalvation is not merely self-identifying oneself as a saint, but it involves rigorously working with God in an arduous process of transformation.
Influence of Leavening
Sermonette by James BeaubelleBoth the Old and New Testaments illustrate that sin is subtle, persuasive, and deeply rooted, prompting Almighty God to call His saints to come out of Babylon.
Colossian Law-Keeping
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNominal Christendom cannot see God's law even though it is in plain sight. In Colossians, Paul reiterates or alludes to all but one of the Ten Commandments.
God's Test Act
Sermon by John O. ReidJesus, Joseph, David, and Abraham all endured considerable trials before they qualified for their offices. We must make our calling and election sure.
Remembering Your Vows
Sermon by John O. ReidLike the marriage covenant, counting the cost is the most serious part of the baptismal agreement, not something to be taken lightly.