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Be There Next Year
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMembers of God's church usually come home from the Feast of Tabernacles with renewed strength. Yet, some fall away each year. Here's how to stay the course.
Laodiceanism and Being There Next Year
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur biggest danger at this time is to be lured into spiritual drunkenness by the pagan Babylonian system. Our God is not what we say we worship but whom we serve.
Eternal Security in the Church
Sermon by David C. GrabbeRejecting "once saved, always saved" is not enough if we live as though salvation is guaranteed. Scripture warns that delayed consequences can make us comfortable with sin and cause us to mistake God's mercy for approval. Through trials, correction, and warnings, God calls His people to recognize their spiritual condition, repent, and return to Him. The letters to the seven churches—especially Ephesus and Laodicea—show how religious activity, knowledge, experience, or church affiliation can create a false sense of security when our relationship with God has weakened. The parable of the ten virgins reminds us that spiritual readiness cannot be gained at the last moment; it is built through a lifelong relationship with God. Christ has given us every advantage for salvation, but it remains ours to lose through complacency, neglect, misplaced priorities, and self-reliance. The question is whether we want the victory badly enough to continually seek God and remain faithful.
What Are You Leaving?
Sermonette byThe Ephesians had a strong sense of duty and served as a vanguard in the battle against false doctrines. What was lacking was devotion to Christ.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (Part Five): Religion and Holiness
Article by John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. RitenbaughThe prophet Amos exposes the ancient Israelites' religion as syncretic, a blend of God's way and paganism, corresponding to this world's Christianity.
Tests of True Knowledge
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA person who is puffed up parades his knowledge by exhibiting impatience, intolerance, or a false modesty, marginalizing what the uneducated in their minds.
Politics and Christ's Return
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause we are set apart by God, we are not to become involved in the world's political, judicial, or military systems. Our term in office has yet to begin.