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Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJacob's Trouble, or the Great Tribulation, comes about because people are not meeting their God-given responsibilities: keeping His Commandments.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur experiences prepare us to be a better judge or king. Though we may exercise righteous judgment, we dare not pass judgment nor justify sin in ourselves.
Blame Games
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThe tendency to point fingers at others is hard-wired into human nature. Mistakes are the portals of discovery if we admit them and learn from them.
Liberalism and the English Riots
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Liberal judges tend to place the blame on genetics, environment, or society, but never on the one who commits the crime.
The Buck Stops Here
Article by David F. MaasMany people shirk responsibility for their errors, 'passing the buck.' Avoiding blame when we are at fault shows poor character, a failing we must overcome.
Sowing and Reaping
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeA basic agricultural principle, what is sown will be reaped, also applies to human behavior. Sin brings death, while following God's Word produces life.
Decide Now How You Will Respond!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod's chosen saints should realize that while Satan designs temptations to exploit human weakness, Almighty God allows trials to perfect faith and prove loyalty. Consequently, every temptation provides a choice between life or death, blessing or curse. In James 1:13-15, we learn that dealing with temptation is a process, beginning with raw desire, resulting either in resistance and growth or in sin and death. God sets limits on the work of Satan, the accuser, as seen in the positive conclusion of Job's trials. We see a massive contrast between Adam and Eve's failure and Christ's victory. While Eve gave in to the lust of the eyes, Jesus overcame Satan's threefold test—hunger, faith, and power by prayer, fasting, God's Spirit, and Scripture, proving that yielding to legitimate desires becomes sin if pursued outside the will of Almighty God. While temptation is universal, it is not irresistible; no one is ever forced to yield. Furthermore, God promises to provide strength and a way to escape (I Corinthians 10:13). While society excuses sin as weakness or disease, Scripture contends that responsibility rests on the individual. Scripture provides examples of both failure and faithfulness. Failures include Lot, Achan, the rich young ruler (overtaken by greed and materialism), Saul, Absalom, Herod (overtaken by ambition), Peter (overtaken by self-preservation), and Israel (by idolatry). But victories include Job's endurance, Joseph's purity, David's restraint, and Christ's resistance. Temptation reveals whether our hearts will trust God or surrender to selfish desires. We can resist temptation only through deliberate preparation, guarding our hearts, setting boundaries, relying on God's spirit, and clinging to His Word. With God's strength, His chosen saints can endure, resist, and gain eternal life.
Success in This World
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must invest in our own self-improvement and preparation, continually striving against stagnation and deterioration, and the powerful pulls of the world.
Sin (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThoughts, words, or behaviors not in alignment with the mind of God are also violations against God's law. Foolishness should never be part of our conduct.
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.
Paul's Letter to Titus (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe last two chapters of Titus emphasize the importance of sound doctrine to neutralize the negative worldly aspects of culture and the attending heresies.
Why Does God Allow Us to Be Afflicted?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn God's hands, trials and afflictions are tools to produce refined character and joy, and to move us away from worldly choices and back to His purpose.
God's Calling and Election
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have been given something far more valuable than the lottery, namely our calling. We are obligated not to squander this valuable opportunity.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Twelve)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs husband and wife are commanded to become one flesh, members of the Bride of Christ become spiritually unified through the indwelling of God's Spirit.
Prayer Does Make a Difference
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod does not hear a prayer of pride, selfishness, and self exaltation, but He listens to prayers of supplication and intercession for the saints.
The Mystery of Goodness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause even Satan can transform himself into an angel of light, we must be careful not to assess goodness by surface appearances. God's goodness is our pattern.