Playlist: Enemies, Loving (topic)
Loving Your Enemy
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaScripture speaks of helping an enemy and "heaping burning coals of fire on his head." This seems to imply revenge, yet the Hebrew idiom indicates otherwise.
'But I Say to You' (Part Seven): Love Your Enemies
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus teaches a radical and nearly impossible command to love even our enemies and persecutors, as seen in Matthew 5:44, where He instructs us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who spitefully use us and persecute us. This command stands in stark contrast to human …
Love
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidIn the spirit of demonstrating true love even towards those who oppose us, we find a powerful example in the story of a young lieutenant and his captain. The captain, filled with hostility, sought to break the lieutenant, who remained steadfast in kindness and patience. Despite the captain's hatred, the lieutenant's actions …
Love God, Love Neighbor
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLoving enemies is an essential aspect of imitating God's boundless love, as He extends His care to all, whether just or unjust. Our love should not be limited to those who reciprocate it, nor should we reserve our kindness only for our brethren. Instead, we must reflect the Father's impartial love by showing concern for …
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Two): Cultivating Love
Sermon by David F. MaasThe command to love enemies requires unselfishly seeking the best or higher good for them and praying for those who persecute, demonstrating that one is a child of the Father in heaven, who provides sun and rain to both the evil and the good. This forms the final tier in a sequence of love that begins with loving the heavenly …
Love Thy Neighbor (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus taught that a popular notion to love only those who love in return while hating an enemy was not the will of God. The commandment in Leviticus 19 requires that sojourners and resident aliens receive love in the same manner and at the same level as an Israelite neighbor. Jesus expanded this teaching in Matthew 5 to include …
Love Thy Neighbor
Sermon by John O. ReidThe material presents loving enemies as an essential extension of the second great commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself. This principle is introduced through the nations surrounding Israel, whose perpetual hatred, brutality, enslavement, and merciless pursuit of vengeance illustrate the opposite conduct. Such actions, …
Thou Shall Love Thy Neighbor
Sermon by John O. ReidJesus instructs His followers to love their enemies by blessing those who curse them, doing good to those who hate them, and praying for those who spitefully use or persecute them. This love reflects a benign, compassionate, outgoing desire for another person's well-being rather than warm feelings or the expectation of being …
Love's Emotional Dimension
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus commands His disciples to love their enemies, to bless those who curse them, to do good to those who hate them, and to pray for those who spitefully use and persecute them. This directive demonstrates that the love believers must show is agape , a determined act of the will directed toward the well-being of another …
John 3:16: Does God Really Love the World?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's love for enemies consists of rational service rather than emotional affection or full personal concern. He continues to provide sun and rain for the evil and the good alike, sustaining creation within His overall purpose even while withholding forgiveness, access, and His Spirit from those who reject Him. This measured …
Love's Greatest Challenges
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAn irrational fear of loss prevents the development of agape love — we fear that keeping God's commandments will cause us to lose something valuable.
Go and Do Likewise
Sermon by Bill OnisickWithout the gift of God's Holy Spirit, it is impossible to understand the kind of love which Christ commanded of His disciples.
By This Shall All Men Know You
Sermon by John O. ReidA native practice involves leaving a young man on a remote island with only a bow and arrows until he learns to become a man, and God does something similar.
Our Growing Fellowship
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe need to nurture fellowship with our spiritual siblings, forgiving others as Christ forgave, steadfastly resisting pride and division within the church.
The Second Greatest Commandment
Sermonette byJesus said the greatest commandments were Lord toward God and neighbor. There is no connective between the first and second clauses; they cannot be separated.
The Purpose of Relationships
Sermonette by Ryan McClureThe marriage covenant was designed to bring incomplete components of the God image together in one flesh, from which other relationships developed.
River of Life
Sermon by Bill OnisickI Corinthians 13 describes the assaying instrument to detect the purity of love. Our need for love never ends as we move through the sanctification process.
The Identifying Sign of a True Disciple of Jesus
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe Navy SEALs' fear is not of death, but of failing their team, parallel to the bond Jesus Christ desires among His disciples.
Just What is Mercy?
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaIt is impossible to become perfect without having mercy or compassion. Jesus' command to become perfect includes showing compassion to our enemies.
Hitting the Mark
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOne definition of sin is 'missing the mark,' as hamartia denotes. Unless our righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees, we have failed to reach our goal.
Vengeance is Mine
Sermonette byChrist counsels us to love our enemies in order that we may be children of God, demonstrating not only His mercy but also our sonship by being peacemakers.
Listen To The Lamb's Voice
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe movie Ben-Hur captures the essence of the time and ministry of Christ. By letting go of anger and hatred, we take on the yoke of Jesus Christ.
Reach for the Goal
Sermon by John O. ReidSimilar to the way people pull together in times of crisis, we must also have a goal, a vision of the finish line, in order to overcome and grow.
Carrying Water for Jesus Christ
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Ted E. BowlingThe parable of the Good Samaritan depicts a way of life God intends all His called-out Saints to follow.
Offerings (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe give peace offerings today through living sacrifice, keeping God's law out of love and to glorify Him rather than just to perform duty.
Do Unto Others and Reap What We Sow
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Reaping good fruit does not happen immediately. If we feel we are not reaping, we must consider that we might be reaping some negative things we have sown.
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.
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus commands His followers to love their enemies by doing good to those who hate them, blessing those who curse them, and praying for those who spitefully use them. This directive requires an act of the will rather than natural affection, meaning one must consciously choose to act in the best interests of adversaries, treating …
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's holy law gives love its foundation, stability, and evenness, preventing it from degenerating into a sappy, sentimental feeling.
Deuteronomy and Holiness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has provided the God-plane marriage relationship to teach us how to submit to one another, sacrificing our self-centeredness for the benefit of our spouse.
Should a Christian Go To War? (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod alone has the prerogative of giving and taking life. As ambassadors of God's heavenly Kingdom, we do not take up arms on behalf of any nation on the earth.
Philippians (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul both appealed for unity among the Philippians and offered encouragement, reminding them that their relationship with one another was through Christ.
John (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe humble attitude exemplified by Jesus in footwashing shows the mind of God. God expects us to follow Christ's example of loving others, flaws and all.
Footwashing: An Attitude of Service and Forgiveness
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingIn John 13, when our Savior washed His disciples' feet, He taught them that He was willing to accept the task designated to the lowest of the servants.
In Our Time of Need
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWhen we accepted God's calling, we trusted in His ability to fend off the evil influences of the world as well as our deadly carnal nature.
Matthew (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus, showing the spirit of the law, warns against rash divorces, taking oaths, invoking God's name frivolously, realizing that a covenant is binding.
Humble Service
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJesus modeled the practice of foot-washing to demonstrate the need to be submissive to one another, to serve one another, including those who betray.
John (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus encouraged His disciples by promising to send the Holy Spirit to empower them for the challenges of the Christian life, making us sensitive to God.
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.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the Old and New Testament are complementary to one another, the emphasis of justice in the New Testament switches from national to personal in scope.
Psalm 23 (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe valley-of-shadow imagery symbolizes the fears, trials, and tests needed to produce character, quality fruit, and an intimate trust in the shepherd.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When the U.S. Congress wanted to put 'In God we Trust' on currency, the Seventh Day Adventists objected, arguing that the U.S. has never been a Christian nation.
Prayer and Persistence
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPersistence in prayer does not mean an incessant pestering God into action. God always looks at our petitions from the vantage-point of His purpose.
Amos (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGentile nations without God's revelation were held accountable for basic principles of humanity. God reserves the severest penalty for Judah and Israel.
Psalm Genres (Part Two): Imprecatory Psalms
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalms of Imprecation consists of calling on God to judge one's enemies, not as personal vengeance, but for God to act against evil.
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.
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.
The Parable of the Leaven, Expanded
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBitterness divides one member of Christ's Body from another. Individuals often look for a 'doctrinal' reason to justify leaving a congregation.
The Priesthood of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The priestly garments represent the holy character of God. Clothing is used as a badge of one's office and symbolizes what our character is like inwardly.
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.
'But I Say to You' (Part Six): Retaliation
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus, using hyperbole to shock His disciples into a change of behavior or attitude, emphasizing that they should resist the impulse to retaliate.
Sow for Yourself
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidA harvest depicts the reward of diligent management of time and resources. We have to be careful what we sow, proving our faith by concrete deeds.
Taking an Insult
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingWhen Jesus commands us to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile, He did not present that option as weakness but as powerful demonstrations of spiritual maturity.
Peace
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidIt is difficult to find pockets or places of peace on earth today. The world longs for tranquility, freedom from mental anxiety, and cessation from strife.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon Without Becoming Assimilated (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasIn a culture which glorifies war heroes and winning at all costs, becoming an ambassador to peace is perhaps the most elusive goal we could ever accomplish.
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSatan's biggest targets for disinformation are God's called-out ones. How can the true disciples be identified?
Defining Grace
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe entire life of Christ was a manifestation of God's grace, revealing the nature of God by means of a life lived to give us an example to follow.
The Commandments (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus emphasized the spirit of the law, which places deterrents on the motive (anger, resentment, envy, revenge), preventing murder from ever taking place.
Count It ALL Joy
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamNot all of God's instructions are easy to follow. Maintaining a joyful attitude during difficult circumstances is among the most challenging commands we are given.
Whose Side Are We On?
Sermon by Bill OnisickWhen we step into the role of the accuser, especially when we dare to accuse our spiritual siblings, we are acting on behalf of Satan the devil.
Four Warnings (Part One): Enter By the Narrow Gate
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are admonished to seek the narrow, difficult gate rather than the wide gate and the broad, well-traveled easy way, representing Satan's reprobate teachings.
All Nations Before Him Are As Nothing!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod used the unconverted Israelites as His instrument of removal of the Canaanites, but showed them the fruits of war, including captivity for disobedience.
Handpicked By God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersGod handpicked us for a specific purpose, just as He did Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Noah. God also handpicked second-generation Church members.
Control and Self-Control
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughParadoxically, when we yield to God's sovereignty, He wants to cede control over to us, teaching us to develop self-control as an ingrained habit.
Privileges of the Family of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt is impossible to be a Christian without being a child of God. When we are in God's family, we have distinct privileges.
Manifesting Kindness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe desperately need to internalize the godly traits of kindness, mercy, compassion, and tenderness, displacing the carnal traits of bitterness and wrath.
As Much as Depends on You
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThough we are sometimes confronted with conflict, we have a duty to make peace through exercising love. Unity and peace are fruits of God's Spirit.
All His Ways Are Just
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJustice is more a process of doing (exercising mercy, love, and faith) in all of our interpersonal relations rather than rendering a verdict or sentence.
Should a Christian Go To War? (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsConscientious objection to military action requires exercising mature faith, involving submission, loyalty, dedication, and conscientious obedience to God's Law.
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
Christ Our Standard
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughKnowledge of God's truth is useless unless it is acted on. God will only accept children who follow Christ's example and conduct their lives by His high standards.
Entanglement with the Yoke of Bondage
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsNo civilization has escaped the scourge of slavery, although Gentile administration has always been more cruel and severe than Israelite administration.
Why We Tithe (Part 2)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod does not want basic compliance, but growth in godliness. Jesus encourages the Pharisees to emulate the generosity of God rather than stinginess.
John (Part Sixteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe closer we get to God, the more likely we will have persecution, but also the greater and more real He becomes and the more likely we will serve Him correctly.
Matthew (Part Twenty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus explains that what truly defiles a person—evil thoughts, murder, adultery—comes from their heart and mind, not from eating with unwashed hands.