Playlist: Fasting, Vain (topic)

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Fast or Famine

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In observing the Day of Atonement, we are commanded to afflict our souls, a practice rooted in fasting as a means of humbling ourselves before God. Yet, there are those who fast in vain, as seen in Isaiah 58, where the people question why their fasting goes unnoticed by God. They fast, but their actions are hollow, marked by …


Isaiah 58 and Fasting

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Fasting, as highlighted on the Day of Atonement, stands out as a significant practice, yet it is often misunderstood or misapplied. In today's society, fasting is rarely practiced and is more commonly associated with health measures or political hunger strikes rather than spiritual discipline. It is not in vogue, and without …


Humbleness is Our Only Path to Holiness

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

For 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.


The Isaiah 58 Puzzle

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Isaiah 58 is like the foreground of a picture puzzle. But it only really becomes clear when we add the background—the edge pieces—found elsewhere.


Faith and Spiritual Focus

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Fasting 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.


Afflicting Our Souls

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus taught that fasting is an internal, spiritual good work, done in the inner self. Any other kind of fasting has little or no spiritual value.


Leadership and the Covenants (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We must become leaders in our own families, protecting them from the curses that are already falling on our nation. We have the obligation to fear God.


Leadership and the Covenants (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We qualify to lead by internalizing the covenants, not only believing God, but doing what He says, realizing that the covenants are not complicated.


Thou Shall Love Thy Neighbor

Sermon by John O. Reid

We are obligated to show compassion and mercy to all, refraining from gossip, exercising righteous judgment, forgiving others and applying the Golden Rule.


Malachi's Appeal to Backsliders (Part Four)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

At the end of Malachi, the priests make seven feeble queries, questioning God's providence and His faithfulness, asking what good it does to be godly.