Playlist: Presumption (topic)
Presumptuousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPresumption is a grave sin characterized by excessive boldness and arrogance, where one confidently assumes something to be true and acts upon it without authority. It is taking upon oneself duties or prerogatives not granted, often belonging to another, especially one of higher authority. This act of overstepping bounds is …
Secret Faults and Presumptuous Thoughts
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA common human tendency is to presume to know what God will tolerate in areas of moral ambiguity. Often, we question whether an action is sinful just before committing it, reasoning that God will not care about a minor transgression. We might assume that because we are righteous most of the time, God will overlook a small lapse. …
Think Soberly (Part One)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerLet us reflect on the grave danger of presumption, a perilous attitude that can lead us astray from the path God has set for us. As warned by the apostle Paul in Romans 12:3, we must not think of ourselves more highly than we ought, but rather think soberly, recognizing that God has apportioned to each a measure of faith and a …
Pride, Humility, and Fasting
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe intent of fasting is to deflate our pride—the major taproot of sin—the biggest deterrent to a positive relationship with God. Humility heals the breach.
Judas Iscariot
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingJudas Iscariot, initially a loyal follower chosen by Jesus Christ as one of the twelve apostles, started with sincere commitment, leaving everything to serve Him for three and a half years. He was given power over unclean spirits, to heal sickness, and to preach the Word, appearing no different from the other disciples in …
Abdicate
Sermonette by Ryan McClureIn 1936, British King Edward VIII abdicated for the woman he loved. Satan's pride and Adonijah's presumptuousness urged them to leave their ordained positions.
Humbleness is Our Only Path to Holiness
Sermonette byFor to come near to God, we must be thoroughly cleansed inside and out. Self-affliction, enabled by fasting, creates humility—the only path to holiness.
Think Soberly (Part Two)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerNo one has ever appointed themselves into a position in God's family. God's appointment is a prerogative reserved by Him alone.
Job and Self-Evaluation (Part Three): Attitude
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJob had not achieved spiritual maturity, but had assumed the arrogant stance of attempting to debate the Creator on his own level.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The paradox of Ecclesiastes 7 shows an unrighteous man flourishing and a righteous man suffering. The solution to this conundrum is found in Psalm 73.
God Will Understand
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod pays attention to the small things we may excuse in ourselves, sins we commit in weakness. God's patience does not constitute approval of our sin.
Faith and Spiritual Focus
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFasting is not for pressuring God or attempting to put Him in debt, but instead to reveal what we really are, clothing us with the humility to yield to Him.
God's Sense of Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is absolutely justified in what He decides regarding the judgment and punishment of us all. However, He is merciful and always rewards righteousness.
Lessons From Unleavened Bread
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod's life-giving, abundant way of life is the opposed of the destructive, zero-sum pattern of competition introduced by Satan and prevalent today.
Living By Faith: God's Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn order to live by faith, we must understand God's sovereignty, God's character, and God's justice, realizing that we do not see the entire picture.
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 "Open Door" of Philadelphia
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeMany have misunderstood the 'open door' reference in the letter to Philadelphia. It refers to Isaiah 22:15-25, which describes the role of Eliakim the steward.
Grace, Faith, and Love
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride condemned Satan to a fate of manipulating rather than serving. This presumptuous self-centered trait creates disunity and ultimately destruction.
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.
The Adversary
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPride, vanity, presumption, and self-absorption led to Satan's demise. Satan's madness (that he is his own god) is the spirit of this world,
A Calendar Summary
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod gave us a calendar, assigning the responsibility for its maintenance to the nation of Israel, not to the church or private individuals.
Why Three Kings Are Missing From Matthew 1
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJoash, Amaziah, and Uzziah are kept out of Christ's genealogy. Although they started out well, their hearts were turned away by the end of their lives.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven with Christ's sacrifice, God does not owe us salvation. We are called to walk, actively putting to death our carnal natures, resisting the complacency.
Sanctification and Holiness (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDathan and Korah agitated for a democratization of priestly responsibilities. God shows that not everybody set apart is holy in the same way.
Passover and I Corinthians 10
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the Old Testament examples, the Corinthians had a careless presumption, allowing themselves to lust, fornicate, tempt God, and murmur.
Faithful Travelers on a Spiritual Journey
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLife is portrayed as a divinely guided pilgrimage toward God's kingdom, marked by continual growth, steadfast faith, and enduring hope.
Worship Always
Sermonette by Bill OnisickWorship, not merely a set of behaviors performed in a religious service but a response to what God is, is a state of mind one must maintain 24/7.
It is Done! The Perfect Peace of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIn the peace offering, Christ is the priest, offeror, and offering. Since all parties share the peace offering as a meal, it exemplifies a peaceful communion.
The Sixth Century Axial Period (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Prophets, even though they may bring new messages, stay consistent with existing Scripture and doctrine as they speak on behalf of God.
Overcoming Discouragement and Depression
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsEven loyal servants of God have had to contend with depression and discouragement. Antidotes include rest, refocus, right expectations, and obedient actions.
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.
Preparing for Bad Times (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBoth the watchman and the one who hears have a responsibility to make preparations for bad times, helping themselves and others through the tough times.
A Place of Safety? (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMany biblical examples, including Jesus, David, and Jacob, all fled for their lives in a prudent common sense move. Discretion is often the best part of valor.