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Recognizing Our Obligation
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughHow different would our lives be if God had not called us? God's intervention in our lives improved their quality exponentially, and we must respond in kind.
Grace Upon Grace
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGrace denotes God's unearned and unmerited favor that stands in direct contrast to erga, or work, which is earned through conduct. This favor originates solely in God's own decision to give Himself for human salvation and extends far beyond the forgiveness of sin. It supplies grace upon grace to meet every need, enabling believers to mature spiritually, to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, and to reach the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. The word of grace, identified with the gospel itself, builds up and edifies, functioning as a dynamic power that confers purpose, reveals divine wisdom otherwise inaccessible to human effort, and sustains the entire process of salvation. Justification is received as a gift rather than a right, for no one is righteous by nature and all deserve death; God therefore accounts the righteousness of Christ to those who believe, declaring them righteous on the basis of Christ's sacrifice alone. This same grace places recipients under profound obligation. Because the gift is unearned, it binds believers to yield, to exercise self-control within God's law, and to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. Grace teaches sober, righteous, and godly living in the present age while fostering humility that eliminates boasting, loyalty to the Giver, and the willing use of every spiritual gift for the benefit of others. God works within this framework both to will and to do according to His good pleasure, so that grace empowers continued obedience rather than excusing transgression. The obligation therefore flows directly from the gift: those attached to Christ as living members of His body must respond by remaining in that relationship, allowing grace to produce growth, service, and conformity to the divine will until the final redemption.
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 Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe yoke of bondage Paul refers to in Galatians was a combination of the code of regulations added by the Pharisees and Gnostic ritualism, not God's Law.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though we have the free moral agency to run counter to God's purposes, we court disaster if we presumptuously plan against these purposes.
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.
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.
Passover (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe annual reaffirmation of the covenant through the Passover is at the core of an on-going relationship with the Father and Son, beginning the perfecting process.
Hebrews (Part Nine): Chapter 1: Jesus' Exultation and Christianity's Claims
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews 1:3 and Psalm 2 explain how Jesus becomes something He previously was not. Because of Christ's qualifications, Christianity has a claim on all mankind.
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.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBoth the 'eternal security' and 'no works' doctrines are destroyed by the remarkable example of Noah, who performed extraordinary works based upon faith.
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.
Elements of Motivation (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause we have been bought with an awesome price, we have no right to pervert our lives, but are obligated to look upon our bodies as vessels in His service.
Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur pilgrimage to the Kingdom will not be easy; we will suffer fatigue from difficult battles with serious consequences. We fight the world, Satan, and our flesh.
Titus 2:11-14
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are obligated to dress and keep what is placed in our care, improving what He has given to us. We dare not stand still, but must make effort to grow.
Faith (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAt the time of the end, sin will be so pervasive and so compelling that our only resource for enduring its influence will be our relationship with God.
All in All (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)While we are not yet 'all in all' with God's purpose for us, we will, if we yield to our calling and sanctification, become at one with God.