What the Sacrifices Mean
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughThe sacrificial system of Leviticus typifies spiritual sacrifices which we perform under the New Covenant. The animal sacrifices focused on total commitment.
This Life of Sacrifice
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughSelfishness in any form turns Christianity on its head, making a mockery of the many sacrifices that form its foundation and the grace of God that makes it possible.
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.
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.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Five): The Peace Offering, Sacrifice, and Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe peace offering teaches many things, but one of its main symbols is fellowship. Our communion with the Father and the Son obligates us to pursue peace.
Principled Living (Part One): Imitating Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, beginning a series on "Principled Living," focuses on the aspect of drafting (a racing term describing a lead vehicle "punching a hole in the air," enabling trailing vehicles to increase speed, pulling ahead of the pack), paralleling the spiritual metaphor of Jesus Christ blazing a trail, …
Forgiving, Giving, and Living
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, assessing Paul's admonition that God's people be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1-2), acknowledges that God possesses three non-transmittable attributes: omnipotence (being all-powerful), omnipresence (existing everywhere at once), and omniscience (knowing everything). These attributes will never become …
Principled Living (Part Six): Becoming Holy
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecost forces us to stand out from the crowd, separated as firstfruits for sanctification and holiness. God has called us to be different.
An Acceptable Sacrifice
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, focusing on the theme, "An acceptable sacrifice," reflects upon the relative acceptability of the offerings of Cain and Abel. Perhaps God sent fire to totally consume Abel's offering, indicating acceptance of his offering. Interestingly, Abel was totally consumed, becoming the first martyr for faith. …
It's Important to God Too (Part One)
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, focusing upon Deuteronomy 16:16 and Exodus 23:17, the traditional verses calling for an offering, admonishing not to come to Holy Day services empty-handed, reminds us that we are not really giving God anything because He owns everything. The experience of giving an offering is for our benefit. We receive …
Pentecost and Memorial Day
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecost and Memorial Day may seem to be quite different, but we should not be too hasty in concluding that they do not share any common features.
Overcoming (Part 6): Self-Surrender
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsMany words that begin with "self" describe conditions that we must overcome. Self-surrender, however, is something we need to engage in to overcome our faults.
Are You Bearing Your Cross?
'Ready Answer' by StaffHow do we, as modern Christians, bear our cross as Jesus commands? Christ meant far more than simply carrying a stake over our shoulders!
No Greater Love
'Ready Answer' by StaffChrist says that we can show no greater love than in sacrificing our lives. We must come to the point where we are doing this daily, yet how do we do this?
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Nine): Conclusion (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThere must be something to prove we are one with Christ and in union with the Father and the Son. That something is the manner in which we conduct our life.
Without Me, You Can Do Nothing (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeJohn 15:4-5 in the Phillips translation gives us a great deal to consider: "You can produce nothing unless you go on growing in me. ...
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, reflecting on the exploration of Lewis and Clark, asks whether we would have what it takes to help in the exploration, such as having health, strength, courage, motivation, observant, patient, and enduring hardships. Our trek to the Kingdom of God requires just as much vigor as Lewis and Clark's explorers. …
Knowing Christ (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist's sacrifice was not merely substitutionary, but representative, with Christ giving us a pattern for life - mortifying our flesh and putting out sin.
Preparing to Be a Priest
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe primary function of a priest is to assist people in accessing God so that there can be unity with God. A priest is a bridge-builder between man and God.
Made By Fire
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, reflecting how flames from a fire can be mesmerizing, observes that the fire quickly consumes what it touches, reducing the thickest log to ash and smoke. The phrase "offering by fire" is used 63 times throughout the Scriptures (King James Version). The sons of Aaron had to be consecrated through the ritual …
The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHas anyone, other than Jesus Christ, really exhibited self-control? In the end, however, this is the ultimate aim of growing in the character of God.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMuch of Protestantism misconstrues the significance of the New Covenant as a 'free pass into Heaven' without paying attention to the Law within the Covenant.
The Awesome Cost of Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe assess costs and values all the time in our daily lives. We should employ the same process to God's love for us in giving His Son as the sacrifice for sin.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part One): Introduction
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe offerings of Leviticus, though not necessary under the New Covenant, are invaluable for teaching about Christ in His roles as sacrifice, offerer, and priest.
Stephen and the New Deal
Article by StaffOver the centuries, God has been disappointed by mankind over and over again. One man who did not disappoint was the deacon Stephen. Find out why he was so special.
Jephthah's Vow: Did He or Didn't He?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughJephthah's vow has been a bone of contention for centuries. Did he really sacrifice his daughter? What kind of man was Jephthah?
Wilderness Wandering (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh indicates that 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. As God's future priests, becoming living sacrifices, we will constitute God's department of health, education, and welfare, serving and helping …
Is the Christian Required to Do Works? (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhy do so many nominal Christians reject works and obedience to God's law? Largely because they fail to gather God's whole counsel on this subject.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Two): The Burnt Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe burnt offering is completely consumed on the altar. This type of offering teaches us about Christ's total dedication to God—and how we should emulate it.
According to My Gospel
Sermonette by Charles WhitakerPaul's thrice-appearing formula, "... according to my gospel," does not support some theologian's contention that the apostle developed an idiosyncratic gospel distinct from the gospel which Christ preached (Mark 1:14). Paul's belief that there is only one gospel (Galatians 1:6-9), coupled with his frequent use of the …
Giving a Gift Strengthens and Bonds
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, maintaining that giving a gift strengthens the bond between individuals, bringing about a warm feeling in the giver toward the one receiving the gift, suggests that there is a sentimental dimension factored into offerings. Jacob, in his voluntary gift to the leader of Egypt (whom he discovered later to be Joseph) …
Life Is Service (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, while acknowledging that America's relationship with slavery has indeed been checkered, with chattel slaves and indentured servants contributing to the prosperity of earlier times, counters the 'Progressivist' claim that America invented slavery and historically practiced the most tyrannical abuses in the …
Christian Service
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, reflecting that although service is not a highly- valued trait in a land that values rugged individualism and self-reliance, insists that selfless service is at the core of God's very character (springing out of His love) - a trait that we must emulate to go to a higher level of Christian living. God's love …
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor His Own reasons, God has chosen not to reveal His plan to those the world considers wise, but, instead, to work with the weaker sort of mankind.
Life Is Service (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the American mindset does not feel inclined to serve, outgoing service to others yields the maximum joy and fulfillment one can possibly attain.
A New Beginning
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, reflecting on the rich imagery of the holy days, reiterates that it is impossible to understand God's master plan unless one understands the symbolism and imagery of the Holy Days. Atonement has special uniqueness as a solemn day of affliction, fasting and rest, bringing about humility (or humbling) as a state of …
To Test You
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)John Reid warns of an impending time when Satan will provide us a "test act" to determine whether we will conform to the image of the Beast or face grave, life-threatening consequences. Likewise, God the Father and Jesus Christ have also provided a "test act" determining whether we will stay loyal to God's …
John (Part 21)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe humble attitude exemplified by Jesus in footwashing shows the mind of God. God expects us to follow Christ's example of loving others, flaws and all.
Church Unity Despite the Spirit of the World
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe unity of God's church does not derive from organizational expertise, the conformity of ecumenism, or the tolerance for evil, but from the family model.
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.
Elements of Motivation (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal life, emphasizing a special intimate relationship with God the Father and Christ, is vastly different from immortality, connoting only endless existence.
