Playlist: Separation from God (topic)
A Hidden Mystery in God!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe world is plagued by suffering, wars, and unsolvable social difficulties, leaving many bewildered about the state of humanity. This confusion stems from a spiritual root: mankind's rebellion against God. Humans were designed to find true contentment and happiness only through fellowship with Him, but refusal to submit to His …
Sin: The Wall That Separates
Sermonette byOur sins separate us from God; if we want to walk with God, it must be without sin. It is for our benefit that God holds such a high standard.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe greatest and most significant breach within the church is the separation from God, lying at the foundation of all current problems. A large number of individuals have drifted from Him, marked by a loss of faith and devotion, as well as a neglect of duty. This separation is evident in the confusion, uncertainty, and sometimes …
Did God the Father Forsake Jesus Christ?
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe concept of separation from God emerges as a profound consequence of sin, deeply rooted in His holiness and purity. In Matthew 27:45-46, Jesus cries out, " Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? " which translates to, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" This anguished plea during the darkness over the land from the sixth to the …
God Gives Grace to the Humble
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe know that sin separates us from God, and if pride is such a horrible sin, then it is dramatically separating us from Him. A proud heart shuts itself off from God for several reasons. It does not know how much in need it is, admiring itself so much that it fails to recognize its lack of virtue and remains in a miserable …
Choices and a Man After God's Own Heart: Turn, Turn, Turn
Sermon by Mark SchindlerSeparation from God emerges as a central thread running through the choices human beings make within the "merisms" of life described in Ecclesiastes 3—the times to be born and die, to weep and laugh, to war and make peace. These paradoxical seasons of existence create the arena in which every person must choose either to …
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.
Peace with God Through Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe only possibility of attaining peace is a relationship with God—peace with God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which must continually be refined.
Peace, Peace (Part One): Peace with God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHumanity has sinned and become guilty before God. Mankind's mounting sins indicate that people are not at peace with God. They are perpetual enemies of God due to their rebellious nature against God and His law. Their iniquities have separated them from God and created a chasm between humanity and God. There is no peace for the …
Genesis 3:20-24: Consequences for God and Man
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Adam and Eve were given the death sentence by God, they also received hope that through the offspring of Eve a Savior would be born to crush the serpent.
Fellowship With God
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOnly those who have fellowship with God can have any hope, understanding, peace, or rest. The world remains under the sway of Satan, unable to live righteously.
God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's mysteries have been in plain sight from the beginning of time, but carnality has obscured them from mankind.
Hosea, Gomer, God, and Israel
Sermon by Kim MyersTo dramatize the perennial harlotry of Israel and the incredible love God exhibits toward His people, He commands Hosea to marry a harlot, Gomer.
Boundaries, Incursions, Migrations, and God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Even though the way God exercises His sovereignty is inscrutable to us , calling the foolish to confound the wise, all He does fits perfectly into His plan.
Fellowship and Fellowshipping Are Very Important to God
Sermonette by Gary GarrettIf we lack love for our brethren who live in the presence of God, we are emulating Cain. It is God's desire that we stay in the fellowship.
Humble Your Hearts and Be No Longer Stubborn
Sermonette byThe 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.
Reconciliation and the Day of Atonement
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRepentance is something we must do with our God-given free moral agency. Reconciliation is an ongoing process that enables us to draw closer to what God is.
The Case Against Pride
Sermonette byThree 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.
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.
What is Atonement?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Man's estrangement from God is wholly man's fault. Atonement denotes the way harmony is achieved, making the entire world at one or reconciled with God.
Unity and Unleavened Bread
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs members of Christ's body, we must function for the good of the whole body, not competing with other parts. We must continually function as a son of God.
Our Apostasy
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles WhitakerThe subtle and deceptive apostasy upon the church became so pervasive that God couldn't find anyone to serve as an intercessor.
Sin Defined and Overcome
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughSin creates estrangement from God, causing us to fail in everything we attempt. Sin always produces separation; it never heals, but causes death.
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.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Fourteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSolomon ruminates about life being seemingly futile and purposeless. A relationship with God is the only factor which prevents life from becoming useless.
Division, Satan, Humility
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThroughout the course of Biblical history, whenever sin appears, confusion, division and separation are the automatic consequences.
The Great Mystery
Sermonette by Gary GarrettAdam and Eve originally had a most enviable relationship with the Creator, as well as access to the Tree of Life, if they had chosen it.
The Presence of the Eternal
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsOur offerings should consist of prayer, service to others, as well as material or monetary contributions, reflecting our gratitude for blessings.
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.
Unity (Part 6): Ephesians 4 (C)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnity has to come from the inside out, with God raising a leader which His people, having their minds opened by His Spirit, will voluntarily submit to.
A Time To Scatter
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWhile we yearn for the church to be re-united, until our own personal walk with God is attained and we intently seek Him first, church unity will not happen.
Communication and Coming Out of Babylon (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod commands us to come out of Babylon, giving us spiritual resources to do so, including faith, vision, hope, and love. These come through knowing Him.
Deuteronomy (Part 1) (1994)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDeuteronomy could be considered the New Testament of the Old Testament, serving as a commentary on the Ten Commandments. It gives vision for critical times.
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.
Eternal Security in the Church
Sermon by David C. GrabbeRejecting "once saved, always saved" is not enough if we live as though salvation is guaranteed. Scripture warns that delayed consequences can make us comfortable with sin and cause us to mistake God's mercy for approval. Through trials, correction, and warnings, God calls His people to recognize their spiritual …
Jesus Christ's Purposeful Manifestation
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen Jesus Christ appears, having received power promised to Eve's offspring, He will destroy the works of the devil, which includes removing our sins.
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.
The Peacemakers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen people are not in a right relationship with God, peace is impossible. Sin (the breaking of the law or covenant) automatically breaks the peace.
Reconciliation and Unity
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIt is foolish and pointless to use the same charm, social skills, and duplicity toward God as we use to deceive others and, sadly, even ourselves.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe receive more of God's Spirit as we respond to His calling, drawing near to His presence and reversing Adam and Eve's fatal errors.
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.
Deceptions of the Last Hour!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJohn teaches the reality that many anti-christs were already active in his day, seeking to lead believers away from Christ through false teaching.
Foundations of Sand
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe all have a measure of sand in our foundations, symbolic of the world's evil standards, prioritizing badly, becoming neglectful, and letting things slip.
How to Survive Exile
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod exiles to punish for sin, separating individuals and groups from Him in order to spur repentance. There is something to exile that God finds very good.
Life in the Church
Sermon by David C. GrabbeOutwardly, many members in Sardis bore Christ's name, but like the apparently religious Pharisees, they were in reality hypocrites, full of dead men's bones.
The Great Flood (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBefore the Flood, human thoughts and attitudes were evil continually, and civilization was rotten to the core. Universal sin was met with universal punishment.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon without Becoming Assimilated (Part Seven)
Sermon by David F. MaasTrue peacemaking means emulating Christ, which that involves promoting justice and righteousness, not merely avoiding conflict or appeasing by compromising.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Five): Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:4
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughExplore Genesis 1:31 and Ecclesiastes 9-10: the fall from innocence, wisdom's limits in a flawed world, and guidance on handling folly in leadership wisely.
Are You a True Friend of Jesus Christ?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn every platitude and truism about friendship that we have read, all point to loyalty and faithfulness as the most desired attributes.
Fall Feast Lessons
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe world will learn that God judges—that He has the ultimate decision over everything. After Satan is bound, God will bring about seven reconcilements.
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.
From Both Sides Now and the Feast of Tabernacles
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe disillusionment experienced by all living under the sun can only be cleared up under the perfect government of Jesus Christ.
The Two Great Commandments: First Principles
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod made male and female in His image and has determined that the binary metamorphize into unitary in order to accomplish higher Spiritual purposes.
Considered Rather Than Commanded - Choose Life
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAs God calls His people, He enables them (through His Spirit) to make considered decisions concerning living His way of life by obeying His commandments.
Back to Life (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod's love does not shield us from sickness, pain, sorrow, or death. There are several scriptural contexts in which Jesus shed tears and expressed grief.
Hosea's Prophecy (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBoth Israel and Judah during Hosea's time adopted paganism from the surrounding nations. Syncretistic religion blends paganism and Christianity.
Halloween
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue Christians do not celebrate Halloween. It is pagan in origin and practice and will destroy one's relationship with God. Light and darkness cannot mix.
Truth (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThrough the shaping power of God's Holy Spirit, He starts to fill the chasm that divides us so we can have fellowship with Him.
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.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause of sin prompted, God has deliberately subjected creation to futility. Solomon has accurately taught us that without God, life is meaningless.
Human Nature: Good or Evil?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughProgressives tend to believe that human nature is perfectible and evolving. Conservatives tend to believe that human nature is evil and must be controlled.
Living by Faith: Human Pride
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur human nature is pure vanity with a heart that is desperately deceitful and wicked, motivated by self-centeredness, a deadly combination for producing sin.
The Last Words of Jesus Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDuring the final hours of His life, Jesus made seven last statements to mankind, illustrating His nature and what He considered to be important for us.
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.
Hebrews (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus blazed a trail, giving a pattern for qualifying (through suffering and resisting sin) for our responsibility as priests, reconnecting man and God.
Good, Good, Good Vibrations
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Bill OnisickEvery human has a spirit in us, constituting an invisible force that enables us to think and be motivated, influenced, and encouraged by other spirits around us.
Mercy
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamMercy is an important dimension of God's character, displayed by our compassion on and forgiveness of those over whom we have power.
Restoration and Forgiveness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt is impossible to grow spiritually in a climate of animosity and jealousy. If we use the power of God's Holy Spirit, peace will accrue as a fruit.
True or False Guilt?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingWe must be able to separate genuine guilt, which is the spiritual equivalent of pain, from false guilt when we call into question God's forgiveness.
Can You See Yourself From Every Side?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingAs we exercise circumspection, we must take God's will for us into our cautious examining in our prayers, study, and meditation, avoiding the world.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 6)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReminding us to stay sensitive to conscience, Paul suggests we become other-centered, doing everything to the glory of God, especially in our relationships.