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Life Is Service (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the context of our calling as Christians, we are urged to offer our lives to God as living sacrifices, a concept described as our reasonable service. This means it is logical and rational to serve Him tirelessly, given the immense price paid for our redemption through the life of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice, the most precious in all creation, was given willingly by both the Father and the Son, granting us forgiveness and the opportunity for eternal life. Therefore, it is only reasonable that we respond by dedicating our all to Him. This reasonable service entails a transformation of mind and attitude, beginning with humility. We must not think too highly of ourselves but approach our service with a sober, grounded perspective, recognizing that God has given each of us a measure of faith and unique gifts. These gifts, whether strong or weak, are not for personal pride but for the benefit of the body of Christ. We are to use them diligently, understanding our individual roles within the collective, serving together without rivalry or self-exaltation. Our service extends to everyday behavior, rooted in sincere love without hypocrisy. This genuine love is the foundation of all Christian actions, requiring us to abhor evil, cling to good, show affection to the brethren, and remain diligent in serving God. It involves enduring persecution with patience, praying steadfastly, caring for the needy, and sharing in both the joys and sorrows of others. Such actions, though not always seen as service, demand sacrifice of our time and desires, reflecting our commitment as living sacrifices. Furthermore, reasonable service includes living harmoniously, avoiding pride, and being open to differing opinions to maintain peace within the community. We are to refrain from seeking retribution, instead considering what is good for others, even our enemies, and leaving justice to God. This path of service, though challenging, prepares us for sanctification and life in God's Kingdom, as we fulfill only what is required of us as servants, with much growth still ahead under His guidance.
Life Is Service (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReasonable service, as understood through Romans 12:1, stands as the overarching term describing what humanity's purpose truly is—especially for those called by God. Paul beseeches believers, by the mercies of God, to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, calling this act their reasonable service. This service is logical and rational precisely because of the doctrinal foundation laid throughout Romans: since God and Christ have done so much for believers, it is only reasonable that the remainder of life in the flesh be spent serving Him. This relationship mirrors that of a master and his doulos, or bond slave, since believers have been purchased through Christ's blood, redeemed from the world and from their former master, Satan the Devil. This concept of service has always been central to God's covenants, as seen in Deuteronomy 10, where Israel was required to fear, love, walk with, and serve the Lord. The New Testament reflects this same pattern—Thessalonians describes believers turning from idols to serve the living God, Hebrews speaks of consciences purged from dead works in order to serve God, and Romans 6 describes believers as once slaves of sin who are now slaves of righteousness. Colossians instructs that whatever is done should be done heartily, as service to the Lord Christ Himself. Throughout Scripture, God's faithful are consistently titled "servants of God" or "servants of the Lord"—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, and many others carried this designation, as did the apostles in the New Testament. Even angels are called "ministering spirits," created specifically to serve those who will inherit salvation. Righteous angels understand that service is not degrading but the highest of callings, unlike Satan and his demons, who resented service and desired more for themselves. Christ Himself embodied this pattern perfectly. Though He was King of kings, when He came to earth, He came "not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many," as stated in Matthew 20. Philippians 2 reveals that Christ's condescension involved three parallel realities: becoming of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. This suggests that mankind, in its lowly physical state, was made for service just as Christ took on a servant's form. Godly leadership, following Christ's model, means serving rather than being served. This life of service, when done God's way, is not diminishing but wonderfully fulfilling—it is the very path Christ walked, a path that led through the death of the cross to glory, exaltation, and authority above every name. Revelation 2 commends the church in Thyatira for love, service, faith, and patience, promising that "he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end" will receive power over the nations—the same trajectory Christ Himself followed. Thus, a life of godly service, learning to lead as Christ led through serving others, ultimately leads to a great reward in the Kingdom of God.
Wilderness Wandering (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are being fitted as lively stones into an already formed Kingdom, being conformed to the image of Christ, who has been designated as the Cornerstone.
God's Test Act
Sermon by John O. ReidJesus, Joseph, David, and Abraham all endured considerable trials before they qualified for their offices. We must make our calling and election sure.
These Things We Know
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe writings of John contain nine categories of "we know" assertions. Fully knowing consists of developing a deep intense relationship with God.
These Things We Know
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe writings of John contain nine categories of "we know" assertions. Fully knowing consists of developing a deep intense relationship with God.
Matthew 5:13: 'What is the Salt of the Earth?'
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowers of Christ are encouraged to serve as the spice of godliness in a fallen world by preserving, enhancing, sacrificing, witnessing, and blessing.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Much of Protestantism misconstrues the significance of the New Covenant as a 'free pass into Heaven' without paying attention to the Law within the Covenant.
Principled Living (Part Four): Giving of Ourselves
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs Christ sacrificed for us, we are called to sacrifice for others. Love is an action, a behavior, rather than an emotion, described in I Corinthians 13.
Human Will
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's children should never emulate the self-willed attitude Frank Sinatra's song "My Way" glorifies. Human nature and godly character are polar opposites.
The Reality of the Feast
Sermon by Mark SchindlerUnless we anchor ourselves in God's precepts, we are in danger of succumbing to deadly deception. We must treat God's Holy Days as sanctified times.
Themes of Ruth (Part Four): Kindness and Faith
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBoth Ruth and Naomi demonstrated covenant loyalty in this marriages long after the death of their spouses. Ruth faithfully continued to serve her mother-in-law.
The Priesthood of God (Part Ten) Conclusion
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As future priests, we are going to be given rigorous, hands-on jobs to teach people righteousness and holiness, distinguishing between the sacred and profane.
Think Soberly (Part Two)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerNo one has ever appointed themselves into a position in God's family. God's appointment is a prerogative reserved by Him alone.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe sacrifices were neither insignificant nor barbaric, but a teaching tool for us. In the burnt offering, we see Christ in His work for the already redeemed.
Hosea's Prophecy (Part Six)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsModern Israel is repeating the same sins as ancient Israel. God's metaphors of the promiscuous wife, stubborn heifer, and rebellious child all apply to America.
I Pledge Allegiance
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe words 'under God' were added to the Pledge in 1954. As our country drifts toward socialism, we need to determine where our true allegiance lies.
Our Bread of Life
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe world is confused on the timing of Christ's death and resurrection. It becomes clear by a proper understanding of the holy days, preparation days, and Sabbaths.