Playlist: Flesh and Spirit (topic)
Works of the Flesh
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe concept of flesh and spirit is central to understanding human behavior and the struggle within each person. The flesh, derived from the Greek word "sarx," encompasses human nature in its raw state, including thoughts, feelings, desires, and actions apart from God. These are the natural inclinations of man, often driven …
The Christian Paradox (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the journey of salvation, a profound conflict arises between the flesh and the Spirit, marking the Christian paradox. Despite being called holy by God, we remain in the flesh, unchanged in our human essence, still carnal as Paul described the Corinthians. We are saints, yet we sin frequently, grappling with attitudes …
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has providentially given us trials to build character, proving beyond a doubt that we believe Him and have a burning desire to be at one with Him.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe vast majority of Christian-professing churches has been saturated with pagan doctrines (like antinomianism and dispensationalism), derived from Gnosticism.
The W's and H's of Meditation (Part Three)
Sermon by David F. MaasDeveloping the daily habit of meditation on God's Word can displace that deadly carnal nature, replacing it with Godly character—the mind of God.
Original Sin and Holiness
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God gave Adam and Eve a neutral spirit and free moral agency; they chose the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, predisposing their offspring to sin.
Sin (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTrue Christianity is no cakewalk into eternal life, but a life and death struggle against our flesh, the world, and a most formidable spirit adversary.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNo one has any excuse for doubting God's purpose for mankind, whether revealed publicly through His Creation or privately through the Holy Scriptures.
Our Walk With God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLike ancient Israel, we walk out of our individual circumstances through a metaphorical desert of trials and tests, following God into the Promised Land.
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.
Sin (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThough influenced by Satan and the world, sin is still a personal choice. Christ's sacrifice and God's Spirit provide our only defense against its pulls.
How Much of the Mind of Christ Do We Have?
Sermon by David C. GrabbePossessing the mind of Christ is a lifelong process rather than a quick transformation. True unity requires seeking Christ's mind through faith, humility, and love.
Teaching Us to Think (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is putting His children through a demanding educational program designed to teach godly values and impart spiritual maturity. Learning is hard work.
Assurance (Part One): Self Examination
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSalvation is an ongoing work of God, obligating us to walk in the Spirit. If we do, we will be not captivated by the lusts of the flesh.
Responding to God's Pruning Is Not Passive (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasBriars, thistles, thorns, and weeds are visible emblems of sin or its consequences, which we must pull up by the roots for the balance of our physical life.
Two Realities
Sermon by David C. GrabbeAt baptism, we begin living in two realities simultaneously, one identified by the physical senses and the other discerned by the eyes of faith.
A Leader in Every Man!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs Joshua felt fearful at assuming leadership, most men also feel the same trepidation, but God Almighty has placed in their DNA the ability to lead.
Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur pilgrimage to the Kingdom will not be easy; we will suffer fatigue from difficult battles with serious consequences. We fight the world, Satan, and our flesh.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Thirteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe elect are not immune to antinomian deception, including the doctrine of eternal security, the total depravity of man, unconditional love, and cheap grace.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Fifteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThings written in the Old Testament were written for us. The differences in the covenants focus on justification and access to God, not doing away with the law.
How Much Do You Value the Kingdom of God?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartyrdom is not a penalty because a person has failed to qualify for the Place of Safety; rather, it is a badge of honor for those who have overcome.
Human Will
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's children should never emulate the self-willed attitude Frank Sinatra's song "My Way" glorifies. Human nature and godly character are polar opposites.
Grace, Faith, and Love
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride condemned Satan to a fate of manipulating rather than serving. This presumptuous self-centered trait creates disunity and ultimately destruction.
Metaphors of God's Word
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist says His words are Spirit and Life; they have a quality above human words because their source is divine. If ingested, these words lead to eternal life.
Are You Weary of Doing What's Right?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSowing to the Spirit enables us to walk in the Spirit, keeping ourselves from spiritual weariness while keeping an environment of peace and tranquility.
Love and Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod expects works from all He has called. We show our faithfulness and loyalty to God by our works or conduct - what we produce by what we have been given.
Are You Living An Illusion?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsReligious narcissists, who identify with the servant who received ten talents, cherry-pick Scripture to enhance their self-love and support their views.
The Faithfulness of God (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God is absolutely faithful to His promises. We attain salvation is entirely by grace; God owes us absolutely nothing.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOutcome based religion exalts numerical growth and feeling good over the truth of God, promoting the use of modern psychology over 'divisive' biblical doctrine.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit is never venerated as a separate being. Our hope is the indwelling of Christ, used interchangeably with 'Spirit of God' and 'Spirit of Truth.'
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnder both the Old and New Covenants, refusal to keep to keep God's Law severs the relationship. God's law protects us and brings us quality life.
God Gives Grace to the Humble
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGenuine humility is one of the most elusive characteristics a person can attain. It consists of of self-respect accompanied by a genuine desire to serve.
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.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur experiences prepare us to be a better judge or king. Though we may exercise righteous judgment, we dare not pass judgment nor justify sin in ourselves.
The Pure in Heart
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIt is the core of our heart that must be cleansed before we can have a pure heart, enabling us to see God as He is.
Confronting the Field of Battle
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must put on the entire armor of God, not just the defensive parts. We must proactively rather than reactively assume out part in the spiritual battle.
Sight to the Blind
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus' mission was to recover both physical and spiritual sight to the blind, liberating them from those false beliefs that had previously imprisoned them.
The Days of Noah
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBefore the flood, Satan had attempted to corrupt mankind, probably through massive demonic possession. The same demonic threat will occur at the end-time.
The Christian and the World (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe entire world is antagonistic to God because of the spirit generated by an unseen ruler. Our Christian duty is to stay awake and keep our guard up.
Hebrews (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEverything about the Priesthood of Christ is superior to the Levitical system, which only served as a type of the access to God that Jesus would fulfill.