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For Lack of Knowledge
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughSixty percent of Millennials believe that the Bible is oppressive and that the nation would be better off without it. Lack of knowledge is destroying us.
The Eyes of the Blind Shall Be Opened
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLack of understanding produces confusion, anxiety, and poor decisions. Action without clarity about what one believes, why one believes it, and where it leads yields unexpected and uncomfortable results. The incident in Mark 8 shows a blind man restored in stages. After the first touch he said he saw men like trees walking. He was no longer totally blind yet lacked clarity and saw things in a fog. This condition matches people who recognize something wrong with their former way of life and feel dissatisfied yet remain uncertain whether God's way is fully right. They see the emptiness of life apart from deeper purpose but do not see clearly how Christ saves or why His death was necessary. Their minds are not focused on seeking truth. Their hearts are not fully committed. Their wills are divided between human tendencies and what they know they should do. Disobedience produces this blindness and confusion of heart. People grope as a blind man gropes in darkness. They draw near with their mouths but remove their hearts. They honor with lips while listening to the commandments of men. Such partial sight leaves them troubled and unhappy. They oppose clear definitions and dislike absolutes. They do not fully accept the authority of Scripture and lack interest in doctrine. They select ideas that fit their mindset while retaining prior beliefs. Christ placed His hands on the man's eyes again and made him look up. He was restored and saw everyone clearly. The same process applies to those who submit and receive further help until they see without fog.
Spiritual Blindness (Part One): The God of This World
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe true God is consistently and exclusively shown to blind while working out His purposes, so who is the '[G]od of this world' (II Corinthians 4:4)?
Recognizing the Intents of the Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are counseled to seek wisdom (the power of judging rightly) and discernment (the ability to consider the end of a thought pattern or behavior).
Discerning Truth and Applying Wisdom
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSpiritual discernment is a gift from God, enabling us to judge between good and evil, comparing things with God's Word to see if they align with His standards.
Foolishness and Cleansing
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHuman nature has a perverse drive to take risks, pushing the envelope, taking unwise chances, foolishly gambling away the future. Foolishness is sin.
Spiritual Blindness (Part Two): The God of This Age
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeScripture reveals God's ability to open people's eyes to the truth or to blind them to it, but Satan is never shown doing so, only deceiving.
Growing Into Liberty
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur emancipation from sin does not automatically remove our acquired spiritual shackles. We must grow out of the slave mentality into liberty and freedom.
Five Easily-Neglected Doctrines
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Here are five easily neglected doctrines, which, if carelessly observed or distorted, could jeopardize the salvation of God's people.
Christ's Revelation of the Father
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJohn 1:1-3 reveals Jesus' pedigree as the Logos (Spokesman), whose function was to declare or reveal the Father. He had existed with His Father from eternity.
Our Awesome Destiny
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnderstanding is totally different from knowledge. Some people with ample knowledge are incredibly ignorant when discerning the plan of God.
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.