Playlist: Clothing (topic)
Tearing Your Clothes
Sermonette by James C. StoertzTearing one's clothing has lost its meaning, such as when it is used as a form of vanity like in torn clothing fashions or as a form of faux humility.
Do All to the Glory of God!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsIn many congregations, there has been a noticeable shift toward casualness in attire during Sabbath services. It used to be that people wore clothing demonstrating reverence and respect for the sovereign God of the universe when attending worship. However, a decline in formality has become evident, with men no longer wearing …
How Far Have We Fallen? (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Clothing serves as a powerful symbol of respect and cultural values, reflecting broader societal shifts. Historically, attire at public events, such as major league baseball games in the twenties and thirties, was formal, with many wearing suits and ties. Over time, this formality has eroded into casual and often sloppy dress, …
How Far Have We Fallen? (Part Four)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The matter of how one is clothed before God, though not a major issue in itself, reveals a subtle breach in a member's defenses against the influence of the wicked one. Many appear before the awesome Creator dressed very casually, showing a lack of respect and concern. This casual attitude toward God reflects the encroaching …
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe subject of dress, decorum, and church custom strikes at our vanity and exposes us visibly to others, challenging us where everyone can see. There is a strong biblical base for dress standards within the church, not merely arbitrary rules or outdated notions, but principles grounded in representing God appropriately. The hope …
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs the redeemed of God, our choices in clothing carry significant weight, reflecting our obligation to glorify Him in all aspects of life. Since we are purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ, He has the right to direct us in what we wear, as part of our duty to show forth His praises. Clothing serves as a visible witness of our …
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has standards that reflect His point of view, and these standards extend to our external appearance, including clothing. In Ezekiel 16, God is shown adorning a personified Israel, cleaning her up and dressing her in beautiful clothing and jewelry to reflect His image. This demonstrates that God cares about outward appearance …
Modesty (Part One): Moderation and Propriety
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe way we dress is an integral part of our way of life, reflecting universal and timeless principles from Scripture. Modesty, decency, purity, and holiness are essential aspects of God's way of life, and they will be fundamental in the Kingdom of God. Saints in the Millennium and the Kingdom will dress modestly, as immodesty is …
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must continually upgrade our decorum and formality in our approach to God. What is practiced on the outside reinforces what is on the inside.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Bible abounds in metaphors of warfare, indicating that the Christian's walk will be characterized by stress, sacrifice, and deprivation in building faith.
The Fear of God (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must have established some relationship with God before we can rightly fear Him. A holy fear is the key to unlocking the treasuries of salvation and wisdom.
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.
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.
Protecting the Vulnerable
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingDeuteronomy 21:10-14 gives instructions for the treatment of female prisoners-of-war. This passage demonstrates God's protection of the most vulnerable.
The Faith Once Delivered
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersJude 3-4 cautions us to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. There are many who would attempt to turn the grace of God into lasciviousness.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPurpose-driven churches experience exponential growth through tolerating any belief. These churches would sacrifice any doctrine if it stands in the way of growth.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe notion that it does not matter what we wear if our heart is right on the inside is foolish. Our clothing ought to reflect our inward character.
What's Happening to Deference?
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Deference has largely disappeared as the emerging generation has been taught by the mores of progressivism to diss their elders, showing contempt for them.
Laodiceanism
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur love for beauty must be coupled with love for righteousness and holiness. Our relationship with Christ must take central place in our lives, displacing all else.
An Exhortation for Young Adults
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Wisdom is not a trait valued or acquired by youth, but takes second place to strength, beauty, or fun. We get too soon old and too late smart.
The Nature of God: Elohim
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnderstanding Elohim teaches us about the nature of God and where our lives are headed. Elohim refers to a plural family unit in the process of expanding.
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.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhen God gives a responsibility, He gives all the tools to carry it out and the freedom to decide how to do it. He wants to see how we do with what He gives.
Essential Characteristics of Our Calling
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDoctrine and practice be evenly balanced. If the behaviors are detached from principle and doctrine, the weightier matters of the law will be neglected.
The Trinity and the Holy Spirit (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The true understanding of Elohim dismantles the entire trinity argument. God is reproducing Himself; we are being prepared to become a part of Elohim.
The Christian and the World (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere is a clear demarcation in God's mind regarding which is the true way and which is not. We were formerly children of Satan until God rescued us.
You Are What You Choose
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughYoung people must make a choice in favor of God's will. We have the freedom of choice to set our destiny, and must bear the consequences of our choice.
Faith (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe hallmark of Christian character is humility, which comes about only when one sees himself in comparison to God. Pride makes distorted comparisons.
Zephaniah (Part One): The Day of the Lord Is Near!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughZephaniah's prophecy is sharply focused on Judah and Jerusalem because they should have known better. They are ordered to keep silent and consider their sins.
New Year's Resolutions
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamNew Year's resolutions fail because they are too unrealistic or too many. If we set spiritual goals like many set New Year's resolutions, we will fail.
The Spirit of Babylon
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Spirit of Babylon is couched in brazen outlook of the goddess Inanna/Ishtar, the femme fatale who asserted her free will to overcome the influence of Eden.
A Time to Tear
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)The practice of rending clothes symbolizes sorrow, agony, despair, and hopelessness, a realization that God alone can restore the profound loss.
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.
The Feast Brings Hope
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidThe Feast of Tabernacles gives us hope that all the perversions will be destroyed, making way for God's righteousness to prevail upon the earth.
Prophets and Prophecy (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAlthough by no means a wild man, John the Baptist experienced alienation from people, especially the entrenched religious and political leaders.
The Christian and the World (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHaving anxiety, foreboding and fretting about food, clothing, and shelter, or being distressed about the future, demonstrates a gross lack of faith.