Playlist: Pride (topic)
The Case Against Pride
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThree symptoms of pride include (1) lying to protect our self-image; (2) competitiveness; (3) believing our personal ideas are more valuable than God's Truth.
From Pride to Humility
Sermon by John O. ReidTwo tests to reveal the presence of pride are the way we treat others (especially our own family) and the way we receive instruction or correction.
Living by Faith: Human Pride
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our human nature is pure vanity with a heart that is desperately deceitful and wicked, motivated by self-centeredness, a deadly combination for producing sin.
Pride, Humility, and Fasting
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe intent of fasting is to deflate our pride—the major taproot of sin—the biggest deterrent to a positive relationship with God. Humility heals the breach.
Breaking Israel's Pride
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Modern Israel has not yet learned that 'there ain't no free lunch.' The reality of the depth of this crisis has not really hit the national psyche.
Doorway to the Kingdom
Sermonette by Bill OnisickAny time we feel prompted to exalt ourselves, we demonstrate Satan's spirit of pride, thereby jeopardizing our entry into God's family.
Humility
Sermonette by James BeaubelleHumility is not an obsequious act we turn on and off at will, but a sober reflection of our true relationship to God and our spiritual siblings.
Self-Confidence
Sermonette by James C. StoertzThis world in general touts self-confidence as a key indicator of capability and success, even if one has to 'fake it' until he makes it.
Counting the Cost of Humility
Sermonette by Bill OnisickEven as several grandiose building projects have terminated because of cost overruns, so must we carefully count the cost of our spiritual building project.
Living By Faith: Humility
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Paradoxically, God stoops to us when we humble ourselves. Humility produces honor from God; if we humble ourselves, He will hear us.
The Value of Humility
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloPride distorts our view of reality and our relationships. Being humble is not for the faint of heart, but requires God's Spirit operating in our lives.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride is the basis of resisting God, while humility is the key to a relationship with Him. We recognize it in others but we seldom see it in ourselves.
Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part One): To the Beaten
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod's people may fall into the trap of forgetting the sinful past from which God rescued them and come to look disdainfully on those not yet called.
Unity Through Humility
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughCompetition in the church can lead to disaster, destroying harmony and unity. Competition and pride destroy unity; humility and cooperation enhance unity.
Narcissists! Get Real!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsAs Haman demonstrates, God deposes the proud and will bring them low. We must learn to humble ourselves under God's hand, and He will exalt us.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must have both perseverance and humility in prayer to keep our vision sharp and clear. Without humility, the doorway to acceptance by God is closed.
Don't Be a Politician
Sermon by Mike FordJesus proved that one cannot become a leader through political intrigue, but by assuming the position of a humble servant. God sets Himself against the proud.
A Contrite Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe contrite or brokenhearted person finds special favor with God, and a humble or contrite spirit is indeed a precursor to forgiveness and spiritual healing.
Authority: Why So Many Resent It
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPride, the father of all sins, is the source of self-exaltation, self-justification and the despising of authority. It cloaks rebellion in a deceptive appeal.
Psalm 8: What Is Man?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingPsalm 8 declares that the Creator of the universe has our backs, keeping us under close observation and unfailing protection throughout our sanctification.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Fourteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Solomon ruminates about life being seemingly futile and purposeless. A relationship with God is the only factor which prevents life from becoming useless.
The Danger of Trusting in Oneself
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThose wise in their own eyes, including philosophers, politicians, educators, and religious leaders, have failed in their quest to make the world better.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride elevates one above God, denigrating any dependence upon God, replacing it with self-idolatry. We ought to boast or glory in the Lord instead of ourselves.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe epistle of James stresses both faith and works, emphasizing those factors necessary for growth, enabling us to produce a bountiful harvest of fruit.
Faith (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride is a perverted comparison that elevates one above another. Because of its arrogant self-sufficiency, it hinders our faith. Faith depends on humility.
Faith (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe hallmark of Christian character is humility, which comes about only when one sees himself in comparison to God. Pride makes distorted comparisons.
House of Mourning
Sermon by Bill OnisickThe prospect of death makes one more mature and self-aware, illuminating the meaning of Ecclesiastes 7:2-4 that it is better to go to the house of mourning.
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.
Living by Faith: Humility and God's Justice
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Humility, poverty of spirit, and acknowledging our total dependence on God are of the utmost importance. God responds to those who are humble.
Presumptuousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIndividuals arrogating to themselves the authority to change doctrine are on extremely dangerous ground, presumptuously setting up idols in place of God.
The Leavening of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herod
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJesus warned of three varieties of leaven that we must guard against, staying aware of the pitfalls that will pull us down and corrupt us.
Who Then Is In The Kingdom Of Heaven?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn Matthew 18, some disciples pondered who would be greatest in the Kingdom. However, ambition, arrogance, and pride will keep one from even being there.
Surprise Attack
Sermon by Bill OnisickAny thought not aligned to God's Spirit is satanic, including bragging, putting others down, being puffed up with arrogance, or putting anything before God.
Hate the Sin, But Love and Forgive the Sinner
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOne of the deadliest afflictions we can develop is a self-righteous, vindictive 'Phineas' complex, seizing the sword of the Lord to correct a fellow member.
Childlike
Sermon by Bill OnisickOur physical family provides a type of what we aspire to become as children of God, realizing that God loves us as much as He loves Jesus Christ.
Drifting
Sermonette by Bill OnisickHebrews warns us to resist the pernicious pulls of the world and the flesh that cause us to spiritually drift, particularly pride and double-mindedness.
Humble Your Hearts and Be No Longer Stubborn
Sermonette by Bill OnisickThe peace that passes all understanding comes from yielding to God's will, asking Him for a soft, pliable heart to replace the hard heart of stubbornness.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride destroys relationships, rendering righteous judgment next to impossible. Self-righteousness (a product of pride) makes an idol out of self.
Isaiah 58 and Fasting
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFasting puts us in a proper humble and contrite frame of mind, allowing God to respond to us, freeing us from our burdens and guiding us into His Kingdom.
Job and Self-Evaluation (Part Three): Attitude
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJob had not achieved spiritual maturity, but had assumed the arrogant stance of attempting to debate the Creator on his own level.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWives are admonished to submit to their husbands, children to their parents, servants to their overseers, and we all are admonished to submit to one another.
Countering Presumptuousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughKorah, Dathan, and Abiram were not content with where God had placed them, but, in a spirit of pride, wanted to arrogate to themselves the office of Moses.
The Petrified Heart
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloThe antidote to the fear of repentance caused by pride is godly humility and the willingness to be set on the right spiritual course.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWithout thanksgiving and praise, our prayers degenerate into the 'gimmes' with the emphasis on the self. We must give God thoughtful thanks in every circumstance.
Vanity (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSolomon's statement that all of life is vanity is only true if one is not privy to God's ultimate purpose for mankind. Paul describes what God is doing.
Satan, Division, and Humility
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCompetition is the root cause of war, business takeovers, and marital discord. Solomon describes man's rivalry with one another as a striving after wind.
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.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSacrifices of thanksgiving, praise, and gratitude are required of God's called out priests. By meditating on the right things, we prepare ourselves for prayer.
Unity (Part 7): Ephesians 4 (D)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause of our lack of self-discipline and willingness to guard the truth, we have allowed our theological base to deteriorate under the persuasion of the world.
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.
Satan (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan uses lies and disinformation to promote self-satisfaction over obedience to God. The way to the kingdom is through self-denial, even suffering unjustly.
Greatest Offering
Sermonette by Bill OnisickGod demands that we love, do justice, and walk humbly, assuming the role of a servant rather than a tyrant, after the manner of the Gentiles.
Fasting
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThe best offering we can present is a humble and contrite heart, attainable through fasting, if done without pride and self-seeking.
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.
Tests of True Knowledge
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA person who is puffed up parades his knowledge by exhibiting impatience, intolerance, or a false modesty, marginalizing what the uneducated in their minds.
The Healing of a Man Born Blind (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must accept that there are some things for which we do not know the answer, and not all the things we 'know' are necessarily true.
Limiting the Holy One of Israel (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe limit God through our willful sin and disobedience, pride and self confidence, ignorance and blindness, and our fear of following Him.
The Heart's Self-Absorption
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughII Timothy 3:1-5 contains 19 characteristics of carnality. The common denominator is self-absorption and pride, placing the self above others.
Hypocrisy: The Last Sin of America
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHaving its roots in a Greek word denoting 'actor', hypocrisy suggests pretending or deceiving—a filthy inside disguised by a clean outside.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Good Samaritan parable teaches that unless one practices doing good rather than just knowing good, his faith will be severely compromised.
WHAT?! Me Submit to Someone Else?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSubmitting is repugnant to the carnal mind. The church is no place for uncompromising people who demand their own way.
Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part Four): Favor to Live as God Lives
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe earn God's favor by obedience; there is a direct tie between submission to His will and His favor. The more one submits, the more favor and grace accrues.
Sovereignty and Choice
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeSome theologians see law and grace at the opposite ends of a continuum. They cannot imagine how God's sovereignty and man's free moral agency can co-exist.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The paradox of Ecclesiastes 7 shows an unrighteous man flourishing and a righteous man suffering. The solution to this conundrum is found in Psalm 73.
Blessed Are the Meek (2014)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Paul's listings of virtues, meekness always appears near the end, reflecting its difficulty. Meekness is the gentle, quiet spirit of selfless devotion.
Unity
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEach member of Christ's body must choose to function in the role God has ordained to produce unity, emulating Christ in striving to please the Father
Honor Before Love
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAgape love will not occur unless we first learn to honor, esteem, and cherish God and the preciousness of Christ's sacrifice for us.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to follow the example of Christ rather than placing their desire to be right over unity. Godly leadership follows submission.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Eleven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur concept of marriage must be positive and more mature, modeled after Christ's attentiveness toward the Church, as opposed to the world's distorted concept.
Judging in the Church
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Human nature is strongly competitive and full of pride, making judgment inherently problematic. Nevertheless, God wants us to learn to judge with equity.
What Is Happening Is Ordained of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAs we look at the insanity around us, we need to remember that our citizenship is in heaven. We cannot allow pride to draw us into the controversy before us.
The Ship Is Yours
Sermon by Mark SchindlerJust as the captain of a ship wants decision-makers, not just order takers, God expects us to make decisions in accordance with His will.
Money Is Power
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we are untrustworthy with a paltry sum of money, we will be untrustworthy with the vast resources of God's creative power.
Mercy, Pilgrimage, and Providence
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur experience in overcoming and developing character will be fraught with difficulties, but God will provide the power to get through all the anguish.
The Reversal of Human Will
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsNumerous examples in scripture demonstrate a sudden reversal by God, who overturns the pride of human will, revealing His plans to the lowly and the humble.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride leads to destruction, tricking us into thinking we deserve better than we have. Paradoxically, pride is a mark of inferiority, causing overcompensation.
Thankfulness (1986)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe need to give thanks for everything, blessings and trials. Christianity ought to be an exhilarating experience, but it depends on our outlook on life.
Titus (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have the commission to be witnesses to a corrupt society. It is in the closeness of the crowd that we have the greatest potential to grow spiritually.
Forgiveness and the Perpetual Covenant of Peace
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIt is commonly thought that we pay no price for forgiveness, yet Scripture shows that God gives us significant responsibilities to be a part of His family.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHumility is not low self esteem, but instead it is a proper estimate of our relationship to God, which is a choice to act and behave as a servant or slave.
Do Little Things Not Count?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose who ignore the clear biblical instructions for the wavesheaf offering with its unambiguous prohibitions risk the displeasure and judgment of God.
Division, Satan, Humility
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThroughout the course of Biblical history, whenever sin appears, confusion, division and separation are the automatic consequences.
Amos (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAncient Israel had at the core of its religion an obsession to please the self at the expense of justice and the best interests of the disadvantaged.
Stewards of the Mysteries of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe lowly, not impeded so much with pride or ego, make better stewards than those who may seem more presumptuous and self-centered.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHabakkuk was frustrated that God would use an evil people to punish Israel, yet he resolved to cease fretting and to become a responsible watcher.
Lot's Day and Our Day
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe West is obsessed with materialism and guaranteed security, as many institutions protect—even encourage—mediocrity, incompetency, and malfeasance.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Psalm 73 describes someone seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, but it is not true that people in the world are leading superior lives.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ecclesiastes 7 contains a series of 'this is better than that' observations. Wisdom seems to carry more sadness and sorrow than mirth or foolishness.
Prepare to Teach
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe will be kings and priests, responsible for those coming out of the tribulation. We must prepare now to fill the entire earth with the knowledge of God.
The Christian and the World (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe best way to attain true wealth and the abundant eternal life is to loosen our grip on worldly rewards and treasures, and single-mindedly follow Christ.
What I Believe About Conspiracy Theories
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe drive toward one world government is a transparent reality having several biblical prototypes, all inspired by demonic opposition to God's rule.
Deuteronomy (Part 5) (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughParadoxically, humble obedience and dependency upon God strengthens us, while prideful self-sufficiency weakens us.
The Merciful
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe harsh religion of the Pharisees was unfeeling, placing more attention on rituals and man-made laws, and had turned their super-righteousness into sin.
Guard Against Being an Abomination to God
Sermon by Kim MyersAn abomination is anything God hates, including idolatry, diverse weights, uncleanness, sorcery, a proud look, a lying tongue, and the shedding of innocent blood.
Esther (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHaman was the treacherous offspring of King Agag, and Mordecai was the godly descendant of King Saul. Their pairing in Esther provides a sequel to I Samuel 15.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Solomon exercised a lifetime of hard work trying to find answers, but fell short because some things are discoverable only through God's revelation.
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has placed us all in the body where it has pleased Him. We dare not imitate Satan by letting self-centered goals eclipse God's purpose.
Do We See Ourselves As God Sees Us?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Praying without gratitude is like clipping the wings of prayer. Thankfulness is not natural to carnal human nature which loves to grovel as a timid worrywart.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are not individually sovereign, but we are taught to give ourselves over completely to God's sovereignty. If we do, we will reap unfathomable blessings.
Whom the Lord Loves He Chastens (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf we are not receiving God's correction or chastisement, we should be concerned! God's chastening is what He uses to sanctify His spiritual children.
Unity (2006)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the symphony orchestra, only as an instrumentalist submits to the leader, working with the other members of the ensemble, can unity be accomplished.
What's So Bad About Babylon? (1997)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBabylon constitutes the fountainhead of instruction that, like strong drink, impairs the ability to function properly while creating the illusion of ability.
Secret Faults and Presumptuous Thoughts
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPeople can mentally 'legalize their iniquities,' in doing so attempting to make God the accomplice of their sins. But He will not overlook blatant faults.
God and Self-Government
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe New Covenant, wherein God writes His law on the heart and gives His Spirit, empowers God's people to obey without the need for external control.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Five): Thyatira
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Thyatira epistle carries a central theme for all seven churches, namely the tendency to syncretize or mix worldly ideas with the truth of God.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The apostle John warns us to be vigilant about the world, not loving its attitudes, mindsets, and frame of mind. We cannot both love the world and love God.
Concerning Edom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prophet Obadiah sorrowfully dramatizes God's judgment upon Edom (Esau) for his hatred, haughtiness, and pride, and how and why Edom will be annihilated.
Understanding Unity
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must separate ourselves from the world, sacrificing ourselves to God's purpose to become at one with God, waiting for Him to unify us to others.
God's Rest (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe two principal robbers of peace are pride and the drive to have complete control of our lives. Discontent and imagined victimization led Adam and Eve into sin.
Character Matters
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUnlike America's presidents, in God's kingdom only those who have God's approval, those who have developed iron-clad character, will be qualified to rule.
Conviction, Moses, and Us
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike Moses, we have to develop conviction, a product of a relationship of God, established by being faithful day by day in the little things of life.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChrist cautions the Pergamos congregation to shun the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. The Church suffers when it harbors those who compromise and offend.
Thou Shall Not Covet
Sermon by John O. ReidBecause virtually every sin begins as a desire in the mind, the command against coveting (lustful cravings) could be the key to keeping the other commandments.
Laodiceanism
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur love for beauty must be coupled with love for righteousness and holiness. Our relationship with Christ must take central place in our lives, displacing all else.
Anticipating the Enemy
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe become vulnerable to Satan when we allow pride to consume us, cozy up to false doctrine, toy with the paranormal, or let down in prayer and Bible study
Don't Stand Still!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe best way to conquer evil is to do righteousness, serving God and mankind. Sins of omission are every bit as devastating as sins of commission.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need free moral agency to be transformed into God's image. Unless one has God's Spirit, he cannot exercise the internal control to be subject to the way of God.
Wrong Will Eventually Be Set Right
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod frequently turns things around with an element of surprise, defeating human will, replacing it with understanding of the benefits of His will.
Our Spiritual Climb
Sermon by Bill OnisickOur journey to the Kingdom of God is not easy, requiring the same kind of physical and mental stamina that climbers need to climb Mount Everest.
Infected?
Sermonette by Bill OnisickJesus warned His disciples to cease pretending to be better than they are, focusing on the faults of others while whitewashing and justifying one's own.
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.
Watch and Vigilantly Prepare
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are ambassadors in a foreign land, awaiting the return of Christ, when we will help our Warrior King subdue all the rebellious nations of the earth.
Miriam: Prophetess and Leader
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingMiriam resembles every one of us as potential leaders. When she learned her lesson about pride, Miriam achieved the same exalted stature as Moses and Aaron.
Titus (Part Two): A Faithful Ministry
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTitus had the remarkable ability for being a problem solver, exercising tact, diplomacy, strength, stability, and leadership when sent to problem areas.
The Back Door
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaitySatan knows how to exploit the vulnerabilities of carnal nature for his purposes. Satan's tireless efforts to hack the human mind steal valuable time.
Differences of Opinion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSatan champions self-opinion and mob behavior. God's church has never been immune to division because each member has only part of the truth.
Asa's Laodicean Attitude
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingKing Asa started his reign trusting in God's intervention and providence, but like the Laodiceans, he finished his course weak and compromised. Here's why.
Making Faithful Choices (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod demonstrated to Gideon, through His systematically whittling his army from 30,000 to 300, that His providence, and not Gideon's might, would bring victory.
Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Having experienced the turmoil of the Catholic—Protestant clash, the framers of our Constitution did not want any sect dictating religious doctrines or practices.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAll of God's people should be watchmen like Habakkuk, living continually by faith, discerning, listening to, and responding to God's instructions.
The Elder Brother
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingLike the older brother in the parable, we may have looked down on those who have stumbled. We are not equipped to judge anybody else's repentance.
That No Flesh Should Glory
Sermon by Mark SchindlerHaving God's spiritual gifts should not incline us to exercise any measure of pride because we have nothing that has not been given to us by God.
A Disagreement With the Truth
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityGod alone possesses truth and we must seek this truth as we would seek precious gems. Pride could be described as disagreement with the truth.
Evil Desires
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaAll the medieval 'seven deadly sins' could be categorized as a facet of lust. God designed us to have proper desires, just as His desires are always proper.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our supreme objective in godly living is attainment and cultivation of wisdom, which consists of attributes giving us skill in living.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Seventeen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Wisdom can be defined as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to the right measure. Wisdom is not given as a whole, but incrementally.
The Agape Evolution
Sermonette by Bill OnisickIn one context, evolution is absolutely real:the transition of one of God's called-out ones from a state of fear to a state of transcendental agape love.
What Is 'My Way'?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though we may claim to follow God's way, there is a considerable measure of selfishness in our pathways, a tendency to be dismissive of other people.
The Capital of the World
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)New York is the current "Capital of the world" while Jerusalem is the imminent new capital of the world. The choice we have is present glitz or future glory.
A Seed of Highest Quality
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod calls Israel a seed of highest quality, but she turned into a degenerate vine, bearing bitter fruit, rejecting God and relying on her own resources.
Self-Government (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Regardless of whether one submits to God, government, or community, self-government is the best means to having a safe, smooth course toward an objective.
Learning to Navigate
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAre we navigating through life toward God's Kingdom like Jesus Christ? As our example, He has already done the heavy lifting; our job is to follow his lead.
You Have Not So Learned Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhile the truth of Christ has the power to elevate, our worldly orientation blinds us, dulls our minds, and pulls us downward to abject slavery to sin.
Are You Being Brainwashed? (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must embrace the fruits of the Spirit, preferring God's truth to the deceitful spin, brainwashing, and doublespeak of the world's institutions.
What We Can Learn From This Day of Atonement
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's solution to mankind's separation was sending a second Adam, Jesus Christ, to make reconciliation possible. Fasting shows our dependence on God.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven with Christ's sacrifice, God does not owe us salvation. We are called to walk, actively putting to death our carnal natures, resisting the complacency.
What's So Bad About Babylon? (2003) (Part 1)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe world's political, religious, economic, and cultural systems pose a danger to God's people, but God wants us to work out His plan within the Babylonian system.
The Longsuffering of Our Lord Is Salvation
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause God has demonstrated incredible longsuffering with our shortcomings, we should similarly exercise forbearance to those who have offended us.
Is God in All Our Thoughts?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must not allow the cares of the world, its pressures or its pride, to crowd God out of our thoughts, bringing about abominable works or evil fruits.
God Will Understand
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod pays attention to the small things we may excuse in ourselves, sins we commit in weakness. God's patience does not constitute approval of our sin.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur forgiveness from God is conditional, depending upon our forgiving others. It is an opportunity for us to extend grace, sacrificing as Christ did for us.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur obligation toward God mandates that we love our fellow human beings, even individuals who have severely wronged us.
Fatherhood and Modern Temptations
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany fathers abdicate their leadership responsibilities, becoming addicted to workaholism, television, or even pornography. The culture teeters on destruction
The Spiritual Mark of the Beast
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnger and hostility, driven by self-centered competitive pride constitute Satan's spiritual mark that divides nations, ethnic groups, families, and the church.
Conscience (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLawful behavior with a wrong attitude, motivated by pride, displaying lack of sensitivity to others or lack of wisdom, also constitutes sin.
Growing Into Liberty
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur emancipation from sin does not automatically remove our acquired spiritual shackles. We must grow out of the slave mentality into liberty and freedom.
Abomination
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsThe common synonyms for abomination include loathing, hateful, abhorrence, evil anathema, repugnance, and disgusting. It is something which ignites hatred.
Faith (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe example of Lot's wife teaches us that God does not want us to maintain close associations with the world because it almost inevitably leads to compromise.
Passover and I Corinthians 10
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the Old Testament examples, the Corinthians had a careless presumption, allowing themselves to lust, fornicate, tempt God, and murmur.