Playlist: Self Interest (topic)
Control and Self-Control
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughParadoxically, when we yield to God's sovereignty, He wants to cede control over to us, teaching us to develop self-control as an ingrained habit.
The Heart's Self-Absorption
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughII Timothy 3:1-5 contains 19 characteristics of carnality. The common denominator is self-absorption and pride, placing the self above others.
Flee From Idolatry (Part One): Self-Discipline
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough Paul's spiritual credentials outstripped all of his coworkers, Paul used none of his rights as an apostle, but gave his life as a sacrifice.
Humility
Sermonette by James BeaubelleHumility is not an obsequious act we turn on and off at will, but a sober reflection of our true relationship to God and our spiritual siblings.
Human Will
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's children should never emulate the self-willed attitude Frank Sinatra's song "My Way" glorifies. Human nature and godly character are polar opposites.
From Pride to Humility
Sermon by John O. ReidTwo tests to reveal the presence of pride are the way we treat others (especially our own family) and the way we receive instruction or correction.
Thankfulness (1986)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe need to give thanks for everything, blessings and trials. Christianity ought to be an exhilarating experience, but it depends on our outlook on life.
Think on These Things
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe epistle of Philippians contains some valuable advice to God's people today, having suffered some grievous trials which have bonded them together.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to follow the example of Christ rather than placing their desire to be right over unity. Godly leadership follows submission.
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.
Philippians (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul warns the Philippians that nothing blemishes their witness more than complaining, because like the Israelites, they were calling God into account.
Philippians (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ, through His voluntary humility, has given us a model of the mindset that we need to have in order to attain membership in the family of God.
Patriotism, the Summer Soldier, and Our Times (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ was not a sunshine patriot, but sacrificed everything He had for the sake of God's people and the Kingdom of God—His holy nation.
What I Believe About Conspiracy Theories
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe drive toward one world government is a transparent reality having several biblical prototypes, all inspired by demonic opposition to God's rule.
The Commandments (Part Nineteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus taught that all outward sin stems from inner inordinate desire. What we desire or lust after automatically becomes our idol.
Balaam and the End-Time Church (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBalaam illustrates the paradox of someone who knows God's will, but willfully and deliberately disobeys, presumptuously thinking he could manipulate or bribe God.
Philippians (Part Nine)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGodly righteousness demands humility, a readiness to admit shortcomings, a yieldedness to correction, and a willingness to be refashioned.
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.
God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFalse doctrines cut people off from a wholesome relationship with God. Doctrinal purity is measured according to how one emulates Christ.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Satan is cultivating vessels of destruction by turning God's principles of child-rearing upside-down, encouraging permissiveness and destroying the family.
Elements of Motivation (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though sin offers fleeting pleasure, we must learn to intensely hate sin, regarding this product of Satan as a destroyer of everything God loves.
Childrearing (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot turn the teaching of our children over to others, but instead must train and educate them to become productive citizens in the Kingdom of God.
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has placed us all in the body where it has pleased Him. We dare not imitate Satan by letting self-centered goals eclipse God's purpose.
The Handwriting is on the Wall: Conspiracies
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Conspiracies by political actors have led to grasping at power. We must not worry about conspiracies, but instead align ourselves with God's Kingdom.
Do Not Judge
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile we do not have the prerogative of condemning and passing judgment, we do have the responsibility of observing behaviors or inspecting spiritual fruit.
God Meant it for Good
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf one does good, following God's instructions, persecution is automatically promised as a consequence, just as Christ paid with His life for His good works.
Outside the Normal Pattern of Order
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod is a God of order and not confusion; all He does follows a specific order—summarized by the adage, a time and a place for everything.
Leaving Sodom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAmerica resembles the days of Lot and the culture of Sodom. The days of Lot were also productive and wealthy, leading to an excess of idle time.
Corporate Faith
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughCorporate faith requires that we lay aside our individualism and join our brethren doing God's work.
Friendship Within the Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe will be judged on our responsiveness to each other and our subsequent friendship with our brethren, one that goes through the grave for all eternity.
Christian Service
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough selfless service is not valued today, it is at the core of God's character and a trait we must emulate to go to a higher level of Christian living.
Matthew (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughLife consists of a series of choices, often a dilemma of a pleasurable choice on one hand and a difficult choice (that produces more growth) on the other.