Playlist: Unity, Guarding (topic)
Unity (Part 6): Ephesians 4 (C)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the context of Ephesians 4, unity is a central theme that flows from the spiritual foundation established by the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit. This unity is not a mere social camaraderie or a forced alliance against a common enemy, but a profound spiritual connection that emanates from God to us, and from us to …
Understanding Unity
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnity is a profound challenge in a world marked by pervasive disunity, evident in societal divisions, political strife, and even within the church. Jesus Christ, in His prayer recorded in John 17, repeatedly emphasized the importance of oneness, requesting it five times, highlighting its critical nature and the difficulty in …
Are You Part of the Spiritual Unity?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSpiritual unity within God's church is presented not as something believers must create, but as a reality already established by God that they are called to guard and preserve. Paul's language in Ephesians 4:4-6, where the word "one" appears seven times, demonstrates that this unity is already existing, spiritual, certain, and …
Unity (Part 3): Ephesians 4 (A)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnity requires guarding rather than creation, since the church already possesses it through the Spirit. Paul therefore urges believers to walk worthy of their calling with all lowliness, meekness, longsuffering, and forbearance in love while endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This exhortation rests …
Unity (Part 7): Ephesians 4 (D)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnity arises as a spiritual reality already established by God within the body of Christ, and the church stands at the forefront of His purpose to extend that unity to all mankind who will submit to it. Because this unity cannot be created by human effort, the primary task is to guard it diligently so that it is preserved and …
Unity (Part 8): Ephesians 4 (E)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGuarding the unity of the spirit begins with the cultivation of specific character qualities that Paul lists in Ephesians 4:2: humility (or lowliness), meekness, patience, and forbearance. Each of these involves restraint, and humility is foundational, producing the others. True humility arises not from comparing ourselves with …
Of One Accord
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughConfusion and separation have been man's legacy since Eden. Christ is working to put an end to division, enabling us to be one with the Father and each other.
There Was No King in Israel
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIn the days of Judges, as recorded in Judges 21:25, there was no king in Israel, and everyone did what was right in their own eyes, leading to division and chaos among the people. This starkly contrasts with the call to unity under God's sovereign authority, as emphasized in Psalm 47, where God is proclaimed as the great King …
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 2)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA true, godly minister does not draw people to himself, but instead to God. Not placing Christ at the forefront will lead to carnal-mindedness.
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.
Mutability and Our Christlike Response
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe all change repeatedly throughout the stages of life, as do others, requiring constant adjustment as to how we evaluate and treat others.
The Purpose of the Ministry
Sermon by John O. ReidThe purpose of the ministry is to train members for service to God, edifying them, equipping them for their job, and bringing them to spiritual maturity.
Giving a Gift Strengthens and Bonds
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsGiving a gift strengthens the bond between individuals, bringing about a warm feeling in the giver toward the one receiving the gift.