Playlist: Laying Down One's Life (topic)
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.
The Seed of Eternal Life
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul provided a decaying kernel of grain as a metaphor of death and resurrection, indicating that the new spirit body will be a completely different body.
John (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe humble attitude exemplified by Jesus in footwashing shows the mind of God. God expects us to follow Christ's example of loving others, flaws and all.
Carrying Water for Jesus Christ
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Ted E. BowlingThe parable of the Good Samaritan depicts a way of life God intends all His called-out Saints to follow.
An Unequal Comparison
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile the sacrifice in life or limb is commendable and worthy of honor, to compare it with Christ's work on the stake trivializes Christ's sacrifice.
What Does It Take to Be a Hero?
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamGod has chosen the weak and base things of the world, yet we can still sacrifice our personal concerns for the greater good just as our Savior did.
Thank You For Being A Friend
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingTrue friendship is not just a casual relationship, but a deep commitment of trust, enabling the sharing of our deepest thoughts without fear of betrayal.
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.
By This Shall All Men Know You
Sermon by John O. ReidA native practice involves leaving a young man on a remote island with only a bow and arrows until he learns to become a man, and God does something similar.
Go and Do Likewise
Sermon by Bill OnisickWithout the gift of God's Holy Spirit, it is impossible to understand the kind of love which Christ commanded of His disciples.
Are You a True Friend of Jesus Christ?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn every platitude and truism about friendship that we have read, all point to loyalty and faithfulness as the most desired attributes.
Patriotism, the Summer Soldier, and Our Times (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn terms of patriotism to God's Kingdom, Jesus set the standard higher than anyone else, sacrificing His life for everyone, even before the Father called them.
Who is Your Superhero?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingWhen difficult times afflicted America, Marvel Comics tapped into the peoples' desire for justice, providing them with heroes that are counterfeits of Christ.
Eternal Servant Leadership
Sermon by Mark SchindlerOur responsibility should be to learn to serve rather than to emulate the pompous gentile leaders who love to domineer over their subjects.
It Takes a Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs Christians, we need to form warm, productive, quality relationships with our brethren, actively ministering to the needs of one another.
The Priesthood of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The priestly garments represent the holy character of God. Clothing is used as a badge of one's office and symbolizes what our character is like inwardly.
Back to Basics
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIncreasing knowledge without the capacity to process it leads to insanity. To combat information overload, we must get back to the basics of Christianity.
Friendship
Sermonette by James BeaubelleTrue Proverbs 18 friends are those who stick with us in this life and will wait for us as we finish our spiritual race.
You Are My Friends!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhile it is common on Facebook to defriend/unfriend, Christ's love for His people is a friending with the condition that godly fruit is produced.
Offerings (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe give peace offerings today through living sacrifice, keeping God's law out of love and to glorify Him rather than just to perform duty.
Preparing to Be a Priest
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe primary function of a priest is to assist people in accessing God so that there can be unity with God. A priest is a bridge-builder between man and God.
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSatan's biggest targets for disinformation are God's called-out ones. How can the true disciples be identified?
Knowing Christ (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn taking undue attention off the self, sacrifice (as an act and as a way of life) creates peace, prosperity, cooperation, and most of all, character.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Nine)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe loyalty of the Laodiceans did not extend far beyond loyalty to self. Loyalty and friendship are inextricably bound together.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe sacrifices were neither insignificant nor barbaric, but a teaching tool for us. In the burnt offering, we see Christ in His work for the already redeemed.
Elements of Motivation (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal life, emphasizing a special intimate relationship with God the Father and Christ, is vastly different from immortality, connoting only endless existence.
By This We Know Love!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs God's people keep God's law in its spiritual intent, they begin to think like the Father and His Son, both of whom habitually do good.
How Much Do You Value the Kingdom of God?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartyrdom is not a penalty because a person has failed to qualify for the Place of Safety; rather, it is a badge of honor for those who have overcome.
Antidote For Disunity!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe will become united as we draw closer to God. If we regard a brother in Christ as a competitor rather than as a trusted ally, unity will be impossible.
The Summertime Soldier and Sunshine Patriotism
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must put our lives, treasure, and honor on the line, picking up our cross daily, declaring our independence from carnality, evil and bondage to sin.
Our Closest Neighbors
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe cannot have peace on a grand scale until we make peace with those closest to us. Without loving our brother, it is impossible to take on God's image.
Abraham (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham was willing to lay down his life to rescue his nephew Lot. His sacrifice shows us what kind of effort and sacrifice is needed to wage spiritual war.
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 the Father (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThroughout Christ's life, the relationship between Him and His Father exemplified perfect, reciprocal, unconditional love, providing a perfect template.
John (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEternal life is to know God, seeking Him to imitate Him, living as He does, and developing an intimate relationship with Him. This brings an abundant life.
Offerings (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe sacrifices teach us about the mind, heart, and character of Jesus. The burnt offering symbolizes complete devotion to God in every aspect of life.
John (Part Sixteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe closer we get to God, the more likely we will have persecution, but also the greater and more real He becomes and the more likely we will serve Him correctly.
John (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe shepherd and door analogies in John 10 depict the close relationship of Jesus with His flock as the security and stability provided by His protection.
Our Spiritual Climb
Sermon by Bill OnisickOur journey to the Kingdom of God is not easy, requiring the same kind of physical and mental stamina that climbers need to climb Mount Everest.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLoyalty and submission to God (not always easy) empowers and guarantees ultimate success and leadership, actually freeing us from the fear of death.
Isaac
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe name Isaac—'laughter'—suggests his optimistic disposition, someone not afflicted by fear and doubt. Isaac serves as a type of Christ, honoring his father.