Playlist: Law, Intent of (topic)
The Law's Purpose and Intent
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe 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. 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.
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.
'But I Say to You' (Part One): The Spirit of the Law
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur righteousness must exceed the that of the Pharisees, keeping God's law in the spirit rather than in the letter, replacing the law of death with the law of life.
God's Law Is Eternal
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany say that God's laws have been abolished, even though Jesus taught that until heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or tittle of the Law will disappear.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe 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.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eighteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul never taught any Jew to forsake the Law of Moses, but he did warn against Pharisaical additions for the expressed purpose of attaining justification.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has given us His Law, which shows us the way of sanctification and holiness. God is in the process of reproducing His kind — the God-kind.
The Bible Does Not Have All the Answers!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile the Bible does not contain all knowledge, it does contain foundational principles, enabling people to live in a godly, spiritual manner.
Elements of Judgment (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)None of God's law has been 'done away', though there is not always a literal application. Not every law of God has the same weight of importance.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe yoke grievous to bear (Acts 15:10) was not God's law, but an entire package of Pharisaic regulations that had been elevated to the level of God's law.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Acts 15 decision did not do away with God's law, but solved the question of circumcision and the misconception that it was a recipe for salvation.
Elements of Judgment (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The last days of the Worldwide Church of God demonstrated a dearth of righteous judgment. God expects us to judge wisely within the parameters of His Law.
The Promises of God
Sermon by John O. ReidIn this time of confusion and rapid change, we have a desperate need for something solid to hold onto. Some of the most secure things are the promises of God.
More Righteous Than the Pharisees?
Sermon by John O. ReidThe Pharisees were in the office or seat of Moses. Jesus taught His followers to follow their words (pertaining to the Law of God), but not their personal examples.
Matthew (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEntering 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. RitenbaughThe harsh religion of the Pharisees was unfeeling, placing more attention on rituals and man-made laws, and had turned their super-righteousness into sin.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Although God never intended the Old Covenant to endure eternally, the spiritual law (shared by both the old and new covenants) lasts forever.
What Happened Between the Testaments?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Inter-Testamental period, approximately 400 years between the time of Malachi and Matthew, was a time of intense political and intellectual fermentation.
The Intertestamental Period
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Intertestamental Period spans approximately 400 years from Malachi to the appearance of John the Baptist, creating the environment for Christ's ministry.
The Epistles of II and III John (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn 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.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's holy law gives love its foundation, stability, and evenness, preventing it from degenerating into a sappy, sentimental feeling.
Sin (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThough relatively neutral at its inception, human nature is subject to a deadly magnetic pull toward self-centeredness, deceit, and sin.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJames had to be written as a counterbalance to antinomian elements that twisted Paul's writings to proclaim that that grace nullifies the need for works.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOld Testament activities picture New Testament realities, elevated to their spiritual intent. The church has been chosen as a royal and holy priesthood.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath is not a mere ceremonial observance, but identifies God's people as different, and consequently a perpetual irritant to the world.
Acts (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe people of Lystra and Derbe mistake Paul for Hermes and Barnabas for Zeus. When Paul convinces the crowds that he and Barnabas are not gods, they are rejected.
Matthew (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus, showing the spirit of the law, warns against rash divorces, taking oaths, invoking God's name frivolously, realizing that a covenant is binding.
Hitting the Mark
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOne definition of sin is 'missing the mark,' as hamartia denotes. Unless our righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees, we have failed to reach our goal.
The Light of Day and the Dark of Night
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mike FordIf we keep God's commandments, we are walking in the light. If we hate our brother or become enticed by the ways of the world, we are living in darkness.
John (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe overriding motivation for the individuals bringing to Jesus the woman caught in adultery was to trap Him, impaling Him on the horns of a dilemma.
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.
'But I Say to You' (Part Three): Adultery
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the current culture war, progressives have declared war against God's seventh commandment by encouraging free sex, homosexuality, and other perversions.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll authority for law and justice resides in God; when God is taken out of the picture, darkness and chaos dominate. God's laws create a better life and character.
Numbers (Part Three): Poised at the Jordan
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe last chapters in Numbers describe a lengthy holding pattern in which not much seemed to happen. We must have patience as we wait for the Kingdom of God.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Good Samaritan parable teaches that unless one practices doing good rather than just knowing good, his faith will be severely compromised.
The Fourth Commandment (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus magnified the Sabbath, giving principles by which to judge our activities. Each time Jesus taught about the Sabbath, He emphasized some form of redemption.
The Commandments (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe work required on the Sabbath is to prepare for the Kingdom of God, fellowshipping with our brethren, serving where possible, and relieving burdens.
Displaying Gentle and Patient Conduct
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod's people must follow the spirit of the law regarding the treatment of others, being humble, sincere, and gentle, esteeming others before themselves.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Twelve)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGoats are aggressive, sneaky and disobedient; they are loners, uncooperative, and stingy. The sheep enter God's Kingdom because they show compassion to others.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAre we ready, at this stage in our spiritual growth, to apply chapter and verse all the biblical principles that apply to a case?
Thou Shall Not Covet
Sermon by John O. ReidBecause virtually every sin begins as a desire in the mind, the command against coveting (lustful cravings) could be the key to keeping the other commandments.
The Commandments (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod gave the Sabbath to His people so they can know Him intimately. Idolatry, scattering, and captivity are the natural consequences of Sabbath-breaking.
Government (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor us to take on the glory of God, we must have the same kind of access to the Father as Christ did, taking on the responsibility of behaving like His sons.
Acts (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughStephen points out that historically, God has dealt with His people without land or temple, but instead through deliverers, initially rejected by their own.
John (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAs long as we are slaves of sin and following the dictates of our lusts, we have no free moral agency. God liberates us from sin so we are free to obey Him.
Four Views of Christ (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe dominant emphasis of Matthew is the kingly qualities of Jesus as a descendant of the royal house of David, representing the Lion of Judah.
Philippians (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe must willing to yield to God's shaping of us, willing to be corrected and changed as He sees fit. If we become self-satisfied, He cannot work with us.
Matthew (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Pharisees and Sadducees, who normally opposed each other, joined forces against their common enemy, Jesus. They should have recognized Him as the Messiah.
The Unleavened Sinless Life!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLike with Joseph, trials and troubles have been preplanned by God to shape us into members of His family, predestined to be sanctified and glorified.
The Christian Walk: In Love
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we submit to God, allowing His spirit to guide us, we can live in the spirit, walking in love.
Can You Mix Wool and Linen?
Sermonette by Mike FordThe context of the prohibition against mixing wool and linen teaches that God wants us to remain separate from the world, not being unequally yoked with any part.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are not individually sovereign, but we are taught to give ourselves over completely to God's sovereignty. If we do, we will reap unfathomable blessings.
Sabbathkeeping (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need to develop righteous judgment about what constitutes a genuine Sabbath emergency and what may be a deceptive rationalization of our human nature.
Amos (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAncient Israel had at the core of its religion an obsession to please the self at the expense of justice and the best interests of the disadvantaged.
John (Part Twenty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJust as a seed must die to itself in order to bear fruit, we also must sacrifice our lives, submitting unconditionally to God's to bear abundant fruit.