Playlist: Special Treasure (topic)
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 3): Hidden Treasure
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe treasure in the Parable of the Hidden Treasure is the church, God's special treasure. Scripture traces this identity from Israel at Sinai (Exodus 19:5), to Jacob and Israel (Psalm 135:4), to those who fear the LORD and are His "jewels" (Malachi 3:16-17), to the elect, a holy nation and His own special people (I Peter …
The Faithfulness of God (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God sees His people as a special treasure, and knowing this builds confidence in His faithfulness to each individual, not merely to the church as a body. In Deuteronomy 7:6 treasure is something valued, set apart from the ordinary, and given particular attention and care, kept safe and never treated carelessly. The word …
In Search of a Clear World View (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Treasure is whatever a person places high value on, and each individual must voluntarily choose whether God and His calling will be that treasure. Jesus' words in Matthew 6:19-24 make the choice unavoidable: a single, clear eye focused on the right treasure fills the whole person with light, and no one can serve both God and …
Chosen Instruments of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Ted E. BowlingPaul was chosen, but Ananias was also chosen. Ananias's role was like a Jew living in Nazi Germany, ordered by God to minister to a repentant SS officer.
God's Pearls
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Ted E. BowlingOur spiritual development is like the creation of a pearl. Just as the oyster coats an irritant with a mother of pearl, we begin as an irritant in God's creation.
Uniqueness and Time
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur unique calling makes us a special possession of God. Sealed with a downpayment of God's Spirit, we have the obligation to glorify God by obedience.
Why Is God Doing This, This Way?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must learn to see ourselves and our function as God sees us—as a distinct, unique entity, a holy people, a special treasure.
A Priceless Gift
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's people are the precious jewels (or the private, personal possessions) of God, obligated to conform exclusively to His will and purpose.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part One): Origins
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause Abraham trusted God, his descendants have received unprecedented blessings. If the Israelites would have kept God's law, they would have served as a model.
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.
Wilderness Wanderings (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe spiritual journey of God's people is more difficult than the physical one of the ancient Israelites, requiring as it does more resources to navigate.
The Purpose of Israel
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod chose ancient Israel 1) to be separate, 2) to demonstrate His love to them, 3) to keep His promises to Abraham, and 4) to make a covenant with them.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Two): The Old Covenant
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod made the New Covenant because Jacob's offspring did not have what it took to fulfill the terms of the Old Covenant. The carnal mind is hostile to God's law.