Playlist: Paul, Persecuting the Church (topic)
Paul: Grace, Law, and Obedience
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul's writings, because of their complexity, are frequently twisted to say that he was anti-law. By denigrating God's law, the unconverted set their own standards.
Those Who Are Persecuted
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPersecution is already here, part and parcel in the lives of followers of Christ. If we are persecuted for following God's instructions, we will be blessed.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When Hebrews was written, the newly converted Jew to the Way encountered persecution from the established religion and culture similar to what we experience.
Acts (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe martyrdom of Stephen had the paradoxical effect of spreading the Gospel into Gentile venues, enabling individuals like Cornelius to be added to Christ.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Hebrews' audience consisted of converts from Judaism, suffering estrangement from family and community, excommunicated from the temple.
Acts (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHad Paul not appealed to Caesar, Agrippa (moved by Paul's testimony and convinced of his innocence) would have set him free. But God had other plans.
God's Investment in You
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod wants to protect His investment in us, calling those whom He knows will exercise the zeal, and willingness to sacrifice, to complete the project.
Acts (Part Nine)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughStephen's martyrdom and his compassion on his persecutors, followed by the reaction against his brutal murder, resulted in a rapid spreading of the Gospel.
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.
Humanism's Flooding Influence (Part Two)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The world's religions today are steeped in humanism, leaving the church of God standing virtually alone defending God's truth in a world of falsehood.
Magic Doesn't Work (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPeople are attracted to magic because they think it brings quick results, bringing them their desires, erasing their fears and providing for their needs.
God's Special Presence and Direct Intervention
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe scattering of the early church strengthened it, allowing fresh seed to be scattered in new fields. The 'bad' thing actually increased the church's power.
Feelings of Inadequacy
Sermonette by Ryan McClureSeveral Bible luminaries, including Moses and Jeremiah, expressed timidity that God had to correct in them. Paul relied on God to add what he lacked.
No One Else Matters (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSin has tainted the most faithful leaders. Most (perhaps all) church leaders have skeletons in their closets, but we follow them as they follow Christ.
Sincerity Without Truth Is Worthless
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt is dangerous to judge something on the basis of apparent 'sincerity,' which is often the opposite of godly sincerity. Godly sincerity is paired with the truth.
Christian Zeal
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughZeal has been discredited as the tool of the charlatan, but Christians must develop passion and zeal for the Christian way of life and the Kingdom of God.
Conscience (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHuman nature will degenerate as far as it is allowed. It can adapt quickly to its environment, adjusting effortlessly to immorality and perversion.
Philippians (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul warns the Philippians that nothing blemishes their witness more than complaining, because like the Israelites, they were calling God into account.
John (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThough Christ knows that we will inevitably fail, as all of the disciples stumbled, He knows He can pull us through as long as we yield to Him.
Godly Regret
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWorldly sorrow is superficial and unproductive, while godly sorrow yields not only repentance, but also a bumper crop of the fruits of God's Holy Spirit.
The Handwriting Is On the Wall (2010)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A perception is how we affix significance to what we look at. With a distorted perception, we will not accept reality; our perception becomes our reality.
Debt and Obligation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe live in a time when people have acquired a weak sense of obligation to family, society, or nation. Because sin cannot be undone, all are debtors to God.
The Need for Forgiveness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause it is more blessed to give than to receive, the things we desire for ourselves we should be willing to give to others, including forgiveness.