Playlist: Church, Functions Within (topic)
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMembers of the church do not all perform the same function, and the church's operations do not stay the same over time. Paul planted through preaching while Apollos watered, two distinct functions, and the body analogy of I Corinthians 12 shows that God has set each member as He pleased, with different offices and gifts. …
Principles of Church Leadership
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe church of God remains in a state of scattering across numerous groups, with little movement between them and no unified organizational work. God has not brought the groups together because the entire body, its leaders, and its members have more to learn and overcome, particularly in developing servant leadership that …
The Church, One Body
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe functions within the church are illustrated through a series of biblical metaphors, each showing individuals working together as one body toward a common purpose, much like the swarm-mind cooperation observed among bees. Scout bees demonstrate enthusiasm, flexibility, and decisiveness in choosing a new hive site through …
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ is the architect of the church, indicating that the institution must take on the characteristics of the Builder, reflecting His character.
What's Your Function?
Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity'Functional' refers to fulfilling the role for what was intended or performing as designed. Functional families deal with conflict, avoiding abuse or neglect.
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.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Biblical wisdom (sagacity, quickness of perception, soundness of judgment) is achievable by anyone called of God because God is the source of this wisdom.
Unity (2006)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the symphony orchestra, only as an instrumentalist submits to the leader, working with the other members of the ensemble, can unity be accomplished.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ and God the Father are one in spirit and purpose, purposing to draw us toward that same kind of unity that currently exists between them.
Countering Presumptuousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughKorah, Dathan, and Abiram were not content with where God had placed them, but, in a spirit of pride, wanted to arrogate to themselves the office of Moses.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe can do nothing to gain the favor of God before our calling, but we are empowered by God to carry out a particular part of His plan to edify the body.
Holiness of God (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo be like God, we need to work on purifying ourselves, purging out sin and uncleanness, reflecting our relationship with God in every aspect our behavior.
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.
Conforming to This World
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIt is far easier to conform to the world than to Christ. We must yield to God to renew our minds, living in the spirit rather than in the flesh.
John (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEven many extra-biblical sources such as Tacitus, Seconius, Justin Martyr, Pliny, and Josephus corroborate and validate the biblical accounts of Jesus.