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The Beauty of God's Law
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMany in the world harbor a deep-seated antagonism toward God's law, viewing it not as beautiful but as a curse. This hostility stems from their carnal nature, which is inherently opposed to God's instructions. They reject His law, seeing it as obsolete and harsh, a set of outdated rules from an ancient, irrelevant text. Their human nature drives them to prioritize selfish desires over submission, refusing to subject themselves to His authority. As a result, they cannot comprehend the beauty or goodness in God's law, dismissing it as a burden rather than a blessing. This rejection is both natural and conditioned, shaped by teachings or upbringing that portray God's law negatively. Many nominal Christians openly disdain it, preferring a theology that demands nothing of them and offers rewards without obedience. They believe the lie that God has done away with His law, seeking freedom to live as they please without guilt or accountability. Their rebellion leads them to suppress the evident truths of God, choosing instead to follow their unrighteous desires. This purposeful denial of God's authority darkens their minds, leading them down a path of destruction and death. God's response to this rejection is to let their rebellion run its course, allowing them to experience the consequences of living without Him. He permits them to learn through hardship that their ways do not lead to the life they seek. Even in their defiance, they often blame God's law for their troubles, refusing to acknowledge their own sin as the source of their suffering. They deflect guilt onto God, accusing His law of being unjust, rather than admitting their own carnality and weakness. In their unconverted state, people are unable to see the law's beauty, viewing it as a tool of condemnation rather than a guide to righteousness. They label those who keep God's law as legalists, misunderstanding the intent to please God and grow in holiness. Their hostility toward God's law reflects a deeper hatred of His authority, as they desire to determine right and wrong for themselves, free from guilt or judgment. Yet, despite their rejection, God's law remains holy, just, and good, a reflection of His nature, standing as a testament to His enduring truth and purpose.
God's Law Is Eternal
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod's law is a permanent, perpetual, and eternal guide for moral and spiritual conduct, intended for the benefit of His people. It is not temporary or changeable, as it comes directly from God to illuminate understanding and provide a reliable path for living. Rejecting God's law, as some professing Christians and mainstream denominations do, is a grave mistake. They teach that believers are not bound to follow it, claiming it is abolished or too hard for imperfect beings, thus counting sin in non-believers as no sin in themselves. Some even denounce the law altogether, ignoring its practical and spiritual application, which remains necessary for living a Christian life and reflecting God's image. Jesus Christ Himself confirmed the law's enduring authority, stating it would be easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for the smallest part of the law to perish. He did not come to abolish it but to explain and fulfill it, showing how to keep it in both letter and spirit. Those who reject or alter the law diminish its power to define sin, leading to a dangerous belief that sin is minimized or nonexistent without the law. This rejection removes the need for a Savior, as sin is no longer seen as a transgression requiring atonement. Lowering or nullifying the law dims the light by which guilt is perceived, hindering conviction and conversion, and leaves no true standard for righteousness. The consequences of rejecting God's law are evident in societal chaos, where human standards replace divine ones, allowing individuals to define right and wrong by their own reasoning. This leads to a breakdown of moral order, as seen when political leaders and others ignore laws, believing themselves above accountability. Such rejection of God's perfect law undermines the foundation of sanctification, making purity and obedience seem optional or unattainable, when in truth, the law must stand forever, fulfilled through faith in Christ and God's transformative work in us.
Law and Spirit Together
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOver-emphasis on law produces rigidity and loophole hunters, while over-emphasis on spirit produces emotional imbalance, permissiveness, and lack of structure.
How Does Faith Establish the Law? (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeMany read the Bible erratically, agreeing with the parts that fit their beliefs but ignoring or rejecting those that bother them, like some of Paul's writings.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Fifteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThings written in the Old Testament were written for us. The differences in the covenants focus on justification and access to God, not doing away with the law.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnder both the Old and New Covenants, refusal to keep to keep God's Law severs the relationship. God's law protects us and brings us quality life.
Standing With God (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Charles WhitakerWisdom counsels God's people not to rely on worldly conservatives to fight their battles for them. True Christians will find themselves using untempered mortar.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (The Book of Amos) (Part One)
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Amos is an astounding prophecy, closely paralleling the conditions in the Western world today. Amos reveals how unrighteousness undermines society.
Satan's Lies About the Law
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Contrary to the assertions of Satanically-inspired men, the consequence for all sin is death. God's law applies to everyone, not just the Israelites.
The Torment of the Godly (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerGod wants His people to have an emotional yet entirely rational response—to sigh and cry—to the lawlessness and idolatry round them in the world.
In Honor of the Father
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloFather's Day is a time to not only honor our physical fathers, but also our Heavenly Father who established the family and the sanctity of marriage.
Psalms: Book Five (Part Six): Psalm 119 (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe keeping of the law is a practical response to God, providing us with principles for our lives, establishing our character and implanting God's values.
Benefits of the Third Resurrection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Lake of Fire (Second Death or Third Resurrection), dreadful as it initially appears, produces both immediate as well as ultimate benefits or good.
A Problem With No Present Solution
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Gun control was attempted in Dodge City but rejected when it was discovered that the evil doers had the upper hand if the populace could not defend itself.
Admission of Sin
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWhen people believe that God's law is no longer valid, they deceive themselves. Yet Scripture urges us to admit our sins, which contributes to our growth.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere are varieties of spirit, motivating people to 'go with the flow' and conform to a sheep-like mob psychology. Satan's spirit encourages sinfulness.
The Commandments (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIdolatry derives from worshiping the work of our hands or thoughts rather than the true God. Whatever consumes our thoughts and behavior has become our idol.