Filter by Categories
What Sin Is
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAll people are caught within sin's confinement. Man is huph hamartian, under the power of sin, in subjection to sin, under the control of sin, or dependent upon sin. Sin holds humans under its authority just as a child is under his parents or an army is under its commander. Sin is viewed as a living, active, forceful, and dynamic power with man under its sway. Sin reigned in death. Sin is seen as an intangible entity whose movements cannot literally be seen, but as sin uses the members of the body to exercise its dominion, it can be recognized at work. Sin deceives, kills, dwells in man, wars against the law of the mind, and brings into captivity to the law of sin which is in the members. Sin is beguiling, enticing, and deceitful. Two authorities, the divine nature and the sinful nature, are passionately opposed to each other, and man is forced to choose between them. Sin is a living and malignant power that at one time had complete reign. Even after a person is converted, sin still struggles mightily to retain its former dominion. The unconverted are prisoners of war to such an extent that sin dwells in them without resistance from the Spirit of God. Sin is not merely an external power but has wormed its way into every fiber of the being. Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. Sin lies at the door, and its desire is for the person, but the person should rule over it. Sin is pictured as a slave crouched just outside the door of the heart, awaiting the bidding of its master, ready to spring to action. Sin strives to pile iniquity upon iniquity. If not consciously stopped, one will become a master at sinning, and it becomes a way of life. Sin's desire is so persistent and its appeal so subtle that practice makes perfect.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Seven): The Sin and Trespass Offerings
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSin and human nature affect everyone in society—from king to commoner—but God has covered sin from every angle in the sacrifice of His Son, fulfilling Leviticus 4-5.
Sin (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThough relatively neutral at its inception, human nature is subject to a deadly magnetic pull toward self-centeredness, deceit, and sin.
This Body of Death
'Prophecy Watch' by Ted E. BowlingThe Romans would torture murderers by shackling them to their victims, a striking picture of a sinful individual's relationship with his iniquities.
Dead to the Law?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennPaul writes in Romans 7:4 that we are 'dead to the law through ... Christ.' The context demonstrates that he does not imply that God's law is abolished!
This Body of Death
Sermonette byIn ancient times, the corpse of a murdered person was attached to the murderer, allowing the body to decompose until the murderer was infected and died.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll authority for law and justice resides in God; when God is taken out of the picture, darkness and chaos dominate. God's laws create a better life and character.
Addiction, Slavery, and Serving
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughAs God calls people to service in the church, He demands that they not be enslaved to alcohol or any other lust, but have their desires under control.
Deuteronomy (Part 1) (1994)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDeuteronomy could be considered the New Testament of the Old Testament, serving as a commentary on the Ten Commandments. It gives vision for critical times.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause of Dispensationalism, many believe there is an adversarial relationship between law and grace, as though they cannot be complementary.
Assurance (Part One): Self Examination
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSalvation is an ongoing work of God, obligating us to walk in the Spirit. If we do, we will be not captivated by the lusts of the flesh.
Out Of Egypt
Sermonette by Ryan McClureThe Israelites witnessed many miracles, but their attention was short-lived as they prevailed upon Aaron to make a golden calf. They never really left Egypt.
How to Be an Overcomer
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletWHY are we not more successful in living up to God's standard? WHY do we slip and fall at times? Here is how YOU can overcome where you are hardest tempted!