Playlist: Words, Power of (topic)
Our Spiritual Roof
Sermon by Bill OnisickIf we are not performing righteous acts with the right spirit (God's Holy Spirit or the mind of Christ) we will not hit the mark.
Words Versus Images
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSpiritually, relying on images leads to shallowness of thought at best and idolatry at its worst. Virtually everything we know about God comes through words.
The Honeycomb
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingWords spoken in anger or thoughtlessness, though they may not break bones, can irreparably damage or destroy a person's spirit long after broken bones heal.
Penalty of Death
Sermonette by Bill OnisickGossip is like scattering feathers in a wind: It is just as impossible to reverse the damage done by gossip as it is to regather the feathers.
Listen, Wait, and Then Speak
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJames provides some of the best advice on communication and control of the tongue. The correct order of communication is listening, waiting, and then responding.
Reacting to Criticism
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsAll have been guilty of malicious gossip; consequently, they should not become offended when they hear gossip about themselves (Ecclesiastes 7:21).
Fire Igniter or Fire Extinguisher
Sermonette by Bill OnisickRelationships in the church have been charred by loose lips and careless tongues described in James 3:2, setting on fire the course of nature by hell.
Gossip
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe apostle James says that the tongue can metaphorically start a dangerous fire. He warns that gossip, tale-bearing and being a busy-body is like murder.
Reviler
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamAs culture degenerates, the sin of reviling has become more pervasive, as impatient narcissists lash out at others, using foul and abusive language.
Are We Good Comforters?
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamII Thessalonians 2:16-17 emphasizes comfort and consolation. The words of comfort we give to others should be true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind.
The Elder Brother
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingLike the older brother in the parable, we may have looked down on those who have stumbled. We are not equipped to judge anybody else's repentance.
Do Unto Others and Reap What We Sow
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Reaping good fruit does not happen immediately. If we feel we are not reaping, we must consider that we might be reaping some negative things we have sown.
Matthew (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus didn't break the Sabbath, but he did break extra-legal fanatical human custom applied to the Sabbath apart from God's Law.
Mightier Than the Sword (Part Six)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Rousseau's malignant ideas have metastasized into a virulent cancer of collectivism, socialism and Communism, the centralization of power.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBeing 'in Christ' does not refer to location, but instead our 'concern with' or 'involvement with' Him—and He with us.
Wind and God's Spirit
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)God controls the invisible wind—powerful or gentle—making it an ideal symbol for His Spirit. God's breathing life into Adam foreshadowed giving the Holy Spirit.
Pure Language Restored
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen we repeat negative expressions, they become reinforced, and we develop a negative disposition. Our spoken words reinforce our thoughts.
A Primer On Spirit
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Spirit is an invisible force, the effects of which are clear by its manifestations. Spirit can be discerned by thinking through and evaluating its effects.
Unity (Part 4): The Voice of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe voice of God, whether expressed through thunder, events of His providence, handiwork of creation, or the preaching of His truth, is recognizable to His flock.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride elevates one above God, denigrating any dependence upon God, replacing it with self-idolatry. We ought to boast or glory in the Lord instead of ourselves.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ecclesiastes deals with quality of life issues for those who have been called, emphasizing responsibility and choice, continually fearing God.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's Spirit is the essence of His mind rather than a third person. With this Spirit, God opens our minds, dwells in us, and transfers His nature to us.
We Can Make It!
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)This is the time to make the most of what we have experienced, establishing our spiritual priorities, and reflecting deeply on why we gave ourselves to God.
Unity
Sermon by James BeaubelleThe virtue of love is the overarching framework for unity, demanding rigorous control over the tongue, understanding its capacity to destroy.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe architects of the trinity doctrine admit that it is a 'somewhat unsteady silhouette', requiring assumptions and inferences, but unsupportable by Scripture.
Impure Language Destroyed
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPoisoned and perverted language will be destroyed in God's kingdom, when purified hearts will speak a pure language.
How Does God Help Us? (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe trials we go through are part of His providence, putting us into humility and determining what really motivates us.
The Cunning of Satan
Sermon by Kim MyersThe process of being taken over by sin usually takes place over a lengthy period of time as we allow Satan's deceptive words to corrode our attitudes.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe vast majority of Christian-professing churches has been saturated with pagan doctrines (like antinomianism and dispensationalism), derived from Gnosticism.
Seeking God in the Mundane
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecostalism, with its sensationalism, is dangerous to a true believer. God is more interested in quietness and meekness than in bombastic displays of power.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFaith is difficult enough to maintain on its own, but greatly confused when the pastor dilutes correct doctrine with 'benign' false doctrine from the world.
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.
Freedom, Liberty, and Bondage
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Grace places limits on our freedom, training us for the Kingdom of God. Our behavior must be clearly distinguishable from the non-believers in society.
Good, Good, Good Vibrations
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Bill OnisickEvery human has a spirit in us, constituting an invisible force that enables us to think and be motivated, influenced, and encouraged by other spirits around us.
Gentle and Lowly in Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul displayed a gentleness not grounded in weakness, but in strength, a gentleness which showed anger, but only at the right time and to the right degree.
The W's and H's of Meditation (Conclusion)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasBecause we will ultimately turn into what we assimilate, we must take back the hijacked tool of meditation to drive out carnal thoughts.
The W's and H's of Meditation (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasWe become what we think about all day long, so ruminating on carnal thoughts brings death. Conversely, meditating on the right things leads to eternal life.
In the Wake of an Unnatural Disaster (Part Three)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Satan has been so successful that we are living in the midst of a culture in which the vast majority are unable to critically appraise ideas.
Conspiracy Theory (Part Nineteen)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The nephilim were not the offspring of angels cohabiting with humans; these 'giants' were apostates from the true religion who decided not to follow God.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The true church is a unique educational institution, teaching the way of God and amplifying His Commandments, in contrast to the churches of this world.
Disinterestedness: Our Spiritual Iron Dome
Sermon by David F. MaasSolomon used self-reflexiveness to detach himself and remain disinterested to objectively describe the consequences of an array of life's experiences.
How Was it Accomplished So Easily? (Part Four)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Satan's few lying words motivated Adam and Eve to sin, acts which have affected us all. We must guard ourselves from the propaganda of the mainstream media.
How Was it Accomplished So Easily? (Part Three)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The leftist takeover was accomplished not by brute force, but through unctuous prevarications — words designed to appeal to people's thinking.
Building the Wall (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the midst of a misinformation barrage, we must commence rebuilding the collapsed walls of doctrine and truth, providing protection for God's church.
The Two Witnesses (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Two Witnesses have authority from God to annihilate those who interfere with their work as well as power over weather patterns and natural elements.
The Two Witnesses (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe olive trees in Zechariah 4:11 refer to the Two Witnesses who pour oil (spiritual instruction) into a golden bowl, supplying the churches with nourishment.
Unity (Part 5): Ephesians 4 (B)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAdopting a revolutionary stance for the sake of change, variety, or relieving boredom will systematically destroy the faith once delivered.
Joseph: A Saga of Excellence (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJacob's son Joseph receives the least criticism and the most praise, a sterling record of character and human accomplishment surpassed only by Jesus Christ.
Freedom and Unleavened Bread
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChristian freedom has nothing to do with location or circumstance but how we think. By imbibing on God's Word, we will incrementally displace our carnality.
Grace Upon Grace
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughForgiveness is only the beginning of the grace process, enabling us to grow to the stature of Christ. Paradoxically, grace puts us under obligation to obey.