Playlist:

playlist Go to the Letter of the Law (topic) playlist

Dead to the Law?

'Ready Answer' by Earl L. Henn

Romans 7:4 says we are 'dead to the law through ... Christ.' What does this mean? The context shows that it refers to the 'old man' that perished at baptism.


The Law's Purpose and Intent

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The effectiveness of a law is found in its purpose and intent rather than the letter. Love and mercy constitute the spiritual fulfillment of the Law.


The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Fifteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Things 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 Nineteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The spirit of the law does not do away with the letter of the law; without the letter, there is no spirit because there is no foundation. Examples show God's will.


Righteousness from Inside-Out

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

Many people fail to understand the kind of righteousness God is looking for. God wants it written on our hearts—not just a set of dos and don'ts.


Have the Ten Commandments Passed Away?

'Ready Answer' by Earl L. Henn

Many Protestant denominations teach that God's law is done away, calling it 'the ministry of death.' Butt II Corinthians 3:7 does not support this.


Why We Tithe (Part 2)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God does not want basic compliance, but growth in godliness. Jesus encourages the Pharisees to emulate the generosity of God rather than stinginess.


Striking a Balance

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Both legalism and liberalism can lead to our destruction. God's word implanted in our hearts and minds will promote a perfect balance.


Repentance and Righteousness (Part 2)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Mechanically keeping the law is only the beginning of righteousness. By emphasizing principle, Christ came to magnify, not to destroy God's law.


The Bible Does Not Have All the Answers!

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While the Bible does not contain all knowledge, it does contain foundational principles, enabling people to live in a godly, spiritual manner.


Are We Ever Good Enough?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

It is necessary to begin with a conviction of sin in order to experience a need for Jesus Christ and to receive the joy in the forgiveness of sin.


Matthew (Part Ten)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Entering the Kingdom requires choosing the narrow, difficult path of sacrifice, service, and humility over the easy, broad path of selfishness.


The Merciful

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The harsh religion of the Pharisees was unfeeling, placing more attention on rituals and man-made laws, and had turned their super-righteousness into sin.


The Pharisees (Part 2)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God is less impressed in our rote compliance to a set of rules than thoughtful application of godly principles extending justice, mercy, and faith.


The Mystery of Goodness

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Because even Satan can transform himself into an angel of light, we must be careful not to assess goodness by surface appearances. God's goodness is our pattern.


The Road Less Traveled

Article by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The road that leads to salvation has ditches on either side: legalism and liberalism. God's way perfectly balances and blends law and grace.


Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Three)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Though the Old and New Testament are complementary to one another, the emphasis of justice in the New Testament switches from national to personal in scope.


All His Ways Are Just

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Justice is more a process of doing (exercising mercy, love, and faith) in all of our interpersonal relations rather than rendering a verdict or sentence.


'But I Say to You' (Part Two): Murder and Anger

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Murder originates in the heart. Nothing from the outside defiles a man but originates in the heart governed by carnal human nature.


Sin (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Though relatively neutral at its inception, human nature is subject to a deadly magnetic pull toward self-centeredness, deceit, and sin.


Politics and Christ's Return

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because 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.


The Fourth Commandment (Part Two): Christ's Attitude Toward the Sabbath

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

In the Gospels, questions about the Sabbath center on how to keep it, not whether it should be kept. The way Jesus approached the Sabbath gives us an example.


The Epistles of II and III John (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In our quest for unity, we can never compromise with the truth. True love between brethren is impossible without an equal pr greater love for the truth.


What Happened Between the Testaments?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Inter-Testamental period, approximately 400 years between the time of Malachi and Matthew, was a time of intense political and intellectual fermentation.


Hebrews (Part One): The Stage Is Set

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Early converts from Judaism claimed to accept the Law but had difficulty accepting the Lawgiver. Today, many claim to accept Christ, but will not accept His Law.


The Ship Is Yours

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Just as the captain of a ship wants decision-makers, not just order takers, God expects us to make decisions in accordance with His will.