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Motives
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityOur motives must be to serve God and our spiritual siblings rather than elevating ourselves. Are we trying to help or merely putting on a show?
Judas Iscariot
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingBoth Benedict Arnold and Judas Iscariot illustrate how personal bitterness and self-interest can lead trusted individuals to betrayal. Arnold, once a celebrated Continental Army hero who helped capture Fort Ticonderoga and fought bravely in the Battles of Saratoga, grew resentful over perceived lack of recognition and financial troubles, ultimately plotting to surrender West Point to the British despite the trust of George Washington. Likewise, Judas began as a chosen apostle of Jesus Christ, entrusted with the group's finances and participating in ministry, yet inward greed and unbelief gradually surfaced—seen in his criticism of Mary's costly anointing and his theft from the money box. Despite years of close companionship with Jesus and acts of humility shown toward him, Judas ultimately betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver, later feeling remorse and ending his life. The comparison emphasizes a moral lesson: privileged positions and outward service do not guarantee faithful hearts, so believers are urged to guard against bitterness, greed, and spiritual compromise while humbly examining themselves.
Ecclesiastes: What Is It All About? (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTime must not be wasted walking into blind alleys and labyrinths, but must be spent walking the paths God has set before us, developing character through our choices.
Ecclesiastes: What is it All About? (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe activities that Solomon put to the test and found wanting are exactly those things the world emphasizes: hedonism, silliness, mirth, and foolishness.
When Actions Contradict Stated Beliefs
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHypocrisy consists of professing beliefs or virtues that one does not genuinely possess. The primary motivator is pride, and its resulting sin is lying.
Philippians (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul warns the Philippians that nothing blemishes their witness more than complaining, because like the Israelites, they were calling God into account.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Trials are a means to produce spiritual growth, unless we resort to super-righteousness, straining to please God by exalting our works.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus contrasts the enormity of what we are forgiven to what we forgive others. Our forgiveness is directly connected with our forgiveness of our brother.
Philippians (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul both appealed for unity among the Philippians and offered encouragement, reminding them that their relationship with one another was through Christ.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe epistle of James stresses both faith and works, emphasizing those factors necessary for growth, enabling us to produce a bountiful harvest of fruit.
Original Sin and Holiness
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God gave Adam and Eve a neutral spirit and free moral agency; they chose the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, predisposing their offspring to sin.
Taking Your Priestly Responsibilities Seriously!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod is training us as a holy priesthood, called to offer unblemished sacrifices, honoring His name, putting down pride, presumptuousness, and arrogance.
Matthew (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe should not seek material rewards under the New Covenant, though God may sometimes bless us physically. Our focus should be on spiritual rewards.