Playlist: Understanding, Spiritual (topic)
Spiritual Blindness: Choosing a Curse
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeSpiritual understanding is deeply tied to obedience and focus on God. As Psalm 111:10 states, the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and a good understanding comes to those who follow His commandments. Similarly, Psalm 19:8 reveals that the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. When one upholds these …
Hearing and Understanding the Truth
Sermonette by Cody FordEven though many know the pagan origins of Christmas, they continue to follow it, thinking the good outweighs any of the downsides of its origins.
God's Sovereignty, Ecclesiastes, and God's Will
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God knows the end from the beginning, but He does not give us all the details at once, except as they are necessary for us for His purpose to be worked out.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod provides the gift before it is actually needed so that when it is needed, everything is prepared for the person to do as he has been commissioned to do.
John 3:16 in Context
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus explains to Nicodemus that no one can see or enter the Kingdom of God without being born again, a spiritual rebirth accomplished through water and the Spirit. This regeneration occurs at the beginning of conversion when a person is baptized and receives the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. Jesus stresses that …
We Are Unique!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur responsibility is to freely choose to follow the revelation God has given us, overcoming the baggage and resistance we have absorbed from the world.
Wilderness Wanderings (Part Three) - Handpicked Children
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has allowed carnal nature to remain in His people so He can determine whether they seriously want to defeat the downward pulls of the flesh.
The Wonderful, Powerful Gift of God's Holy Spirit
Sermon by John O. ReidWhen we receive God's Spirit, we cannot escape the responsibility of using it, being a light to the world in the correct way of living. Hi Spirit is His power.
Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our exodus from the bondage of sin begins and ends with God. He commanded Israel to mark their escape with unleavened bread because of what He did.
Our Divine Destiny
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's called-ones have been given the ability to decipher the scattered concepts, revealing the purpose of their destiny throughout the Scriptures.
Our Awesome Destiny (2000)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThrough a miraculous combination of knowledge plus the spirit of God, we realize that our destiny is to be a part of the divine Family.
Lessons From First-Century Christianity
Sermon by David C. GrabbeEven though the believers of the first century experienced extraordinary events, because of entropy, their zeal atrophied after the shockwaves dissipated.
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.
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.
Jesus in the Feasts (Part One): The Bread of Life
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though the prophetic significance of the Holy Days outlines the the plan of God, the work of Jesus Christ in each event is even more significant.
The Father's Promise of Power!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe first fruits who have received the gift of God's Holy Spirit have a second spirit to bring the spirit in man in line with God's will.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Sixteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Abrahamic Covenant was made with one man, but it impacts all of mankind to the New Heaven and New Earth and beyond, involving billions of people.
Powerful Effects of the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are intrigued by supernatural power, and many seek to display it. Yet the Scriptures show the activity of the Holy Spirit in ways that are commonly missed.
Two Contrary Visions
Sermon by John O. ReidGod has a vision for us, a vision He has been planning from the foundation of creation, an awesome plan to bring us into His very family, giving us His mind.
Are You Becoming a Leader?
Sermonette by Craig SablichChrist's followers are not to become just a leader/King or a teacher/Priest, but we are to develop the abilities to become both.
Ask, Seek, Knock
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn answer to the question, 'How can a mere human being fulfill the difficult expectations of God?', Jesus instructs us to 'Ask, seek, and knock.'
Is God's Inspiration of the Bible Imperfect?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen properly evaluated, there are no discrepancies in scripture; God is not the author of confusion. God does not enlighten us until we are mature enough.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal life is to live a quality life as God lives, having developed a close relationship with God, living by faith and accepting His sovereignty over all.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (1996): Scattering
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod initiated the scattering of the church for our ultimate good. When the revelation of God was replaced with the wisdom of this world, God intervened.
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.
The Christian and the World (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnxiety and fretting (symptoms of coveting and idolatry), in addition to cutting life short, erode faith, destroying serenity by borrowing tomorrow's troubles.
The Eyes of the Blind Shall Be Opened
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe parable of the blind man parallels our post-conversion process throughout many parts of our life. We are given hope and a way of overcoming our lack of clarity.
Self-Examination, Not Self-Preoccupation
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThere is a critical difference between self-examination and self-preoccupation. We must accurately assess our spiritual state without becoming self-absorbed.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor His Own reasons, God has chosen not to reveal His plan to those the world considers wise, but, instead, to work with the weaker sort of mankind.
Who Deserves Our Loyalties?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When we are called, we are asked to count the cost and plan accordingly. We must totally give ourselves over to becoming fashioned into His image.
Wandering or Pilgrimage?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are not aimlessly wandering, but are on a God-guided pilgrimage. The circuitous route ensures our safety, just as it did for the ancient Israelites.
Being Deceived
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaChrist warned that many would be deceived, though no one ever admits to being deceived. The Bible warns of deceptions from within and without the church.
The Christian and the World (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughClear vision lights the way spiritually. If the eye of the heart is aimed at spiritual treasure and the glory of God, it will remain singly focused.
Four Views of Christ (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the typology of the four living creatures (Revelation 4:6-8) lies the foundation for understanding the gospels as four representations of the same Life.
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.
Hebrews (Part Fourteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Without a meaningful relationship with Christ, God's people cannot possibly bear fruit. Our responsibility is to yield to God's creative work in our lives.
Psalm Genres (Part Seven): Trust
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSpiritual understanding involves apprehending things on a spiritual level rather than a physical one. True spiritual faith transcends the five senses and the scientific method of physical proof. Faith rests on evidence of things not seen, as faith itself serves as that evidence. The things of faith become known through …
Deuteronomy: Hearing
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBy listening, taking heed, and drinking in of God's Word daily, we take on the wisdom of God, upending and making foolish the wisdom of man.
Psalms: Book Three (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHistorically and spiritually speaking, the beginning of things set the stage for what comes after.
Without a Parable
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Christ's judgments are made according to what each person has been given. We need to internalize this practice of evaluating, especially regarding a brother.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 8)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA poor spiritual diet will bring about a weak spiritual condition. What the mind assimilates is exceedingly more important than what the stomach assimilates.
Amos 5 and the Feast of Tabernacles
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf we go to the Feast with the goal of physically enjoying, we may lose out on both the spiritual and physical benefits. 'Going through the motions' defiles it.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 1): The Mustard Seed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible, in both parables and prophecies, interprets itself and remains consistent in its use of symbols. We cannot arbitrarily attach meaning to symbols.
Growing Into Liberty
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur emancipation from sin does not automatically remove our acquired spiritual shackles. We must grow out of the slave mentality into liberty and freedom.
Hebrews (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEverything about the Priesthood of Christ is superior to the Levitical system, which only served as a type of the access to God that Jesus would fulfill.
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.
No One Else Matters (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSin has tainted the most faithful leaders. Most (perhaps all) church leaders have skeletons in their closets, but we follow them as they follow Christ.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Three): Smyrna
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist prepared the members of Smyrna for martyrdom, promising them eternal glory for enduring a relatively short time, looking at things from a hopeful perspective.
Perspective Matters
Sermonette by Craig SablichPeople bring their culture and prior teachings into their reading of Scripture, which shapes how they understand or misunderstand God's commands, promises, and warnings. When a personal filter is placed over the lamp of God's Word, that Word does not light the path effectively. Trust must be placed in the Lord with all the heart …
All Sifted Like Wheat (Part Three)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe peace of Christ does not take place in a democratic compromise and tolerance of evil as the politics of the world advocates, but in submitting to God.
Jesus and the Feast (Part One): Alignment With God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOnly in John 7 do we find some evidence of Tabernacles and the Eighth Day, providing a gold mine to discover what was on Jesus's mind during this time.
Stewards of the Mysteries of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe lowly, not impeded so much with pride or ego, make better stewards than those who may seem more presumptuous and self-centered.
That No Flesh Should Glory
Sermon by Mark SchindlerHaving God's spiritual gifts should not incline us to exercise any measure of pride because we have nothing that has not been given to us by God.
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.
Christianity Vs. Cultural Paganism
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSatan deceives by mixing truth with and falsehood, promoting cultural pagans or tares among the wheat or members of the church of God.
Developing Discernment
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHuman discernment can be developed and exercised, triggering early warning systems with the reactions of revulsion and confusion when confronted by evil.
Passover (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe annual reaffirmation of the covenant through the Passover is at the core of an on-going relationship with the Father and Son, beginning the perfecting process.
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.