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Christian Zeal
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ's zeal is a profound example of holy fervor, demonstrating both a deep love for God and a fierce opposition to evil. His zeal for God's house consumed Him, as seen when He drove out the moneychangers from the Temple with a whip of cords, an act of righteous indignation early in His ministry. This intense passion for upholding the honor of God's Temple was so all-encompassing that it blocked out all other concerns, focusing single-mindedly on preserving the dignity and holiness of the place representing God's presence among His people. His actions also reflected His zeal against those who defrauded worshippers, showing that His fervor was both for what is good and against what is evil. This zeal for God's house, as remembered by His disciples through the words of Psalm 69:9, "Zeal for Your house has eaten me up," can be understood as consuming His life entirely. It signifies that His chief desire was to do what God wanted, pouring every ounce of His energy into fulfilling His mission. His zeal motivated Him to work tirelessly, healing multitudes and teaching with unflagging energy, driven by a sustenance found in doing God's will. Whether early in His ministry or during the final cleansing of the Temple, His fervor for God's way never waned, illustrating a spiritual heat that propelled Him to pursue what pleased God and to fight against what dishonored Him. Christ's zeal added a value to His expressions of love, compassion, and mercy, making them fervent and heartfelt. His actions were never cold or detached; He felt deeply for the people, healing and teaching out of a compassionate love fueled by zeal. This intensity enhanced every virtue He displayed, binding His efforts with earnestness and fire, setting an example of how zeal can transform godly actions into powerful demonstrations of devotion to God and His Kingdom.
Are You Zealous? (Part Five)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ's zeal shines as a profound example of fervent dedication to God's will. Throughout His ministry, He displayed a value-added kind of love, marked by wholehearted commitment and tireless passion. His zeal was an unstoppable force, driven by a deep desire to accomplish godly goals and to redeem us from every lawless deed. As Titus 2:14 reveals, Christ gave Himself for us, that He might purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. His life exemplifies zeal as an ardent, enthusiastic attitude, boiling over with motivation to serve the Lord and fulfill His desires for His church and His Kingdom.
Are You Zealous? (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe, listen up! The zeal of Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry burned with an intense enthusiasm for God and His way of life, fueling every effort He made. Wherever He went, huge crowds thronged Him, begging for healing, and one after another, He met their needs with unflagging energy to do the will of God. Even when exhausted, as seen in His encounter at Sychar, doing God's will revived Him in ways His disciples couldn't grasp, preparing Him to preach to the whole city for two days. He declared with urgency that He must work the works of Him who sent Him while it was day, for the night was coming when no one could work. His driven, indefatigable efforts showcase a holy fervor, a virtuous wrath against evil, and a great ardor for doing good for others.
Prayer and Seeking God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRather than having an apathetic relationship toward God, we must ardently, earnestly, and fervently seek God in order to imitate His behavior in our lives.
Born Again (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We have been adopted into the family of God and have become members of God's Kingdom. The Kingdom is here in the same way the church is a spiritual entity.
An Acceptable Sacrifice
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughAbel was totally consumed, becoming the first martyr for faith. Likewise, when we are called to God, we can expect to be used until we are consumed.