Playlist: Love as Choice (topic)
Love
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidLove, as exemplified by the lieutenant in the story of conflict with his captain, is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice. The lieutenant, despite facing hatred and harsh treatment, chose to act with kindness and patience, ultimately sacrificing his life for the captain. This act of agape love demonstrates an outgoing …
Loving Christ and Revelation 2:1-7
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove, as presented through the message to Ephesus and the broader New Testament witness, is shown to be fundamentally an act of will rather than a mere emotion, though it encompasses both dimensions. This is made clear through the Greek terms Christ uses when questioning Peter in John 21: agapao and phileo . Agape love embraces …
Honor Before Love
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove, as presented here, is not fundamentally an emotion but a decision—an act of the will that must follow a specific progression rather than arise spontaneously. This understanding is rooted in the broader cause-and-effect principle that governs all of God's creation: certain spiritual and moral realities must occur in a …
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur carnal nature's desire to satisfy an addictive self-centeredness can eventually overrule the Christian's loyalty to God and His commandments.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Much of Protestantism misconstrues the significance of the New Covenant as a 'free pass into Heaven' without paying attention to the Law within the Covenant.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs wives are admonished to emulate the ideal of the Proverbs 31 woman, husbands must emulate the sacrificial spirit of Jesus Christ.
The Purpose of the Marriage Relationship
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMarriage prepares God's called-out ones to collectively become the bride of Christ. God hates divorce but allows it on grounds of adultery and violence.
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.
Don't Take God for Granted
Sermon by John O. ReidWe all tend to allow familiarity to lure us into carelessly taking something for granted. This is particularly dangerous regarding God and His purpose for us.
John (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe shepherd and door analogies in John 10 depict the close relationship of Jesus with His flock as the security and stability provided by His protection.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ has full control of the church. Everything of consequence, including the development of our character, is engineered by Him.
Self-Government
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughSubmitting to a human government is a work that requires self-government. Paul thoroughly disciplined his body as he followed the example of Jesus Christ.