Filter by Categories
Modesty (Part Two): Put On Righteousness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsClothing serves as an image for both sinfulness and redemption, with God's intent after Genesis being to properly and modestly clothe mankind and demonstrate how to put on righteousness as a type of spiritual covering. Salvation itself is pictured as a garment that God provides, and as one lives righteously it is He who covers the individual with the robe of righteousness, as described in Isaiah 61:10 where the speaker rejoices that God has clothed him with the garments of salvation and covered him with the robe of righteousness like a bridegroom with ornaments. Priests remove ordinary garments and don linen ones to signify consecration for sacred duties, while removal of priestly attire indicates cessation of those duties and return to routine. The account of Joshua the high priest illustrates this process when God commands the removal of his filthy garments, representing the taking away of iniquity, followed by the command to clothe him with rich robes that symbolize purity, joy, glory, and restoration. Job declares that he put on righteousness and it clothed him, with justice serving as a robe and turban. The apostle Peter calls believers to be clothed with humility and with the garments of salvation. These spiritual garments contrast with the filthy rags or scant clothing of sin and connect directly to physical modesty, since exposing the body in ways contrary to biblical covering reflects subjection to Satan rather than consecration to God. The saints in the Kingdom will wear white robes made possible by the blood of the Lamb, and whether one is putting on righteousness is reflected in both mental and spiritual commitment as well as physical dress that maintains modesty, decency, purity, and holiness.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe notion that it does not matter what we wear if our heart is right on the inside is foolish. Our clothing ought to reflect our inward character.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHair length and clothing are outward indicators of a person's inner spiritual condition. They serve as a testimony of what we are on the inside.
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.
The Priesthood of God (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A priest, having cognizance of his own weaknesses, has an obligation to empathize with other peoples' weaknesses and bear one another's burdens.
Increased With Goods
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThe Laodicean congregation had a penchant toward materialism, which sidetracked them from their primary goal of following Christ.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Nine)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe loyalty of the Laodiceans did not extend far beyond loyalty to self. Loyalty and friendship are inextricably bound together.
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.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Eight)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe husband is commanded to love his wife as his own body, regarding her as precious and delicate, continually nourishing and protecting her.
Teaching Us to Think (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod instructs us to be living sacrifices. Too many drag this change out over decades, thereby self-limiting the process of sanctification.
Don't Be Indifferent (2010)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Labor-saving technology seems to have had the effect of separating us from each other and making us indifferent to things that should be important to us.
Building a Home for God
Sermonette by Mike FordEvery piece of the building, including the Cornerstone and all the living stones, must have integrity in order for the edifice to fit together or stand firm.