Playlist: Ministry, Authority of (topic)
The Purpose of the Ministry
Sermon by John O. ReidThe purpose of the ministry is to train members for service to God, edifying them, equipping them for their job, and bringing them to spiritual maturity.
Titus (Part Two): A Faithful Ministry
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTitus had the remarkable ability for being a problem solver, exercising tact, diplomacy, strength, stability, and leadership when sent to problem areas.
What's So Bad About Busybodies?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible lists busybodies with murderers and robbers. We must learn to operate in our appointed spheres of responsibility and not take the job of another.
Principles of Church Leadership
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA major responsibility for the fracturing of the WCG rested with the leadership, based on a philosophy of authoritarianism Christ warned against.
Stewardship
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA steward is responsible for the supervision or managing of something entrusted into his care by a superior. As God's stewards, have been entrusted with much.
Government (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe ministry's authority consists of teaching, edifying, and equipping the members for sainthood, but not to wield dictatorial power over their lives.
Government (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe authority in the ministry is a 'staff position,' given by God, as a gift for equipping the saints for service and for edifying the body of Christ.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 5)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughI Corinthians gives ready instruction in the order and decorum that is fitting for church organization, as well as the Passover and weekly service.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need free moral agency to be transformed into God's image. Unless one has God's Spirit, he cannot exercise the internal control to be subject to the way of God.
Should All Believers Lay Hands on the Sick?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThere is a diversity of gifts, but not everyone in the Body has the same gifts. It is presumptuous to attempt to use gifts one has not received from God.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 3): Hidden Treasure
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe church constitutes Christ's treasure, hidden in the world, purchased and redeemed with Christ's blood. The Pearl of Great Price depicts a rich merchant (Christ), the only one who had the means to redeem His church. The Dragnet symbolizes the scope of God's calling while the separation process indicates God's high standards …
Self-Government: Overcoming
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe dare not allow anybody to come between God's direct governance and ourselves. Even God's government will not work unless we voluntarily govern ourselves.
Unity
Sermon by James BeaubelleThe virtue of love is the overarching framework for unity, demanding rigorous control over the tongue, understanding its capacity to destroy.
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.
Why Are You Here?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God, following a pattern, routinely calls the lowly and weak to guard against pride. God will transform the weak of this world through His Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 12 and 13: Advice for the End Time
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must lay aside every weight, accept God's chastening, receive encouragement from those who have gone before, and get back into the spiritual race.
Checklist for Overcoming
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRomans 12-16 provide a checklist for overcoming and promoting positive relationships, developing tender affection. We are mutually dependent upon one another.
John (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe book of John provides a plethora of signs corroborating Christ's authenticity and also shows how to live as God would live if He were a man.
Matthew (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Pharisees and Sadducees, who normally opposed each other, joined forces against their common enemy, Jesus. They should have recognized Him as the Messiah.
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.
Discern and Distinguish Between Spirits
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsInspiration and doctrine were meant to be complementary rather than adversarial. Many believe they have found new truth when they have recycled old heresies.
Sovereign God, Not Man
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have all become little 'sovereigns.' Everyone thinks he or she can make up the rules about God's truth, when God is to be the sole arbiter of truth.
Sovereignty and Submission
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBeing reared in a democratic nation sometimes complicates our relationship with God; God's government is actually a sovereign, benevolent dictatorship.
Spiritual Minefields
Sermon by John O. ReidTo navigate safely through Satan's minefield, we must ask for God's protection, maintaining humility, watchfulness, and diligence in our task of overcoming.
The Laborers: Matthew 20:1-16
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause God is completely just, we have an obligation to be content with what He has given us, to allow Him to use us for whatever purpose He desires.