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Charity Begins at Home

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

If Christians had taken care of their families in the first place, despotic governments would have not metastasized to the dangerous level they are now.

Parable of the Good Samaritan

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

This well-known parable describes working compassion as contrasted to selfishness. It also clarifies just who is our neighbor.

Jumping Into the Shallow Pond (Part Two)

'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker

Communism presents itself as high-minded in its redistribution of wealth, producing prosperity for all. However, reality belies collectivist theory.

Kindness

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

The fifth fruit of the Spirit, kindness, reflects God's loving actions toward us. We in turn must learn to bestow kindness on others.

Jumping Into the Shallow Pond (Part One)

'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker

In an age when globalism is a reality, when immediate contact with far-flung peoples occurs every day, answering 'Who is my neighbor?' is a vital necessity.

Misplacing Hope

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

Forces of greed have highjacked charities, their executives sometimes receiving high levels of compensation while their recipients receive left-over crumbs.

"If I Have Not Charity"

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christianity has both an inward aspect (building godly character or becoming sanctified) and an outward aspect (doing practical good works).

Themes of Ruth (Part Four): Kindness and Faith

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Both 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 Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Kindness goes hand-in-hand with love. It is an active expression of love toward God and fellow man, produced through the power of God's Spirit.

Giving and Receiving

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

We must realize that both generously giving and gracefully receiving are equally essential for personal and spiritual growth. The apostle Paul emphasizes in Acts 20:35, quoting our Lord and Savior, that "it is more blessed to give than to receive," enabling us to emulate Almighty God's boundless generosity. But receiving is equally vital and important, fostering humility as well as strengthening relationships among God's people. Accepting gifts graciously honors the giver's intent. Reflecting openness to God's provision through others, Jesus humbly accepted the costly oil and anointing (Luke 7:36 and Mark 14:3). Jesus enabled the givers to experience the joy of their generosity without feeling an obligation to reciprocate. Giving and receiving are behaviors that glorify God. God's people need to embrace both humility and gratitude during the communal events at the Feast of Tabernacles.

Widows' Mites

Sermonette by James Beaubelle

Whatever the future held, the widow's life with God would always show her love for God, no matter what the circumstances.

No Real Love Without God

Sermon by John O. Reid

God's love, as defined in this discussion, is a willful direction toward mankind, involving doing what is best for them, not merely what they desire. This love is reflected in benevolence, kindness, sympathy, and generosity, as God deals with us individually while pursuing a grand, philanthropic plan to elevate humanity into His Kingdom. True love originates from God, and as we exhibit it, we take on the nature of our Father, demonstrating that we are born of Him. Those who fail to reflect this love do not truly know God, regardless of their knowledge. The world often misunderstands love, seeing it as deep devotion, sexual passion, or mere enjoyment of activities, while God's love surpasses these limited definitions. His love is proven by the world He has provided, the patience He shows, and most profoundly, by sending His Son as a sacrifice for our reconciliation with Him. Even when we were ignorant and opposed to His way, He loved us and desired the best for us. We are called to love one another as God loves us, laying down our lives for the brethren, just as He laid down His life for us. By actively using this love in our relationships, it is perfected in us, and we grow in His nature, becoming bold in His presence as we mirror His character. Perfect love casts out fear, and though we may struggle with apprehensions in this world, we must work to perfect our love, faith, and trust in God, knowing He will help us. Jesus Christ taught that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, submitting all our faculties to His will and devoting ourselves to glorifying Him. This love is shown directly through obedience to the first four commandments, which involve having no other gods, rejecting idols, honoring His name in all aspects of life, and keeping the Sabbath as holy time for spiritual refreshment and service. The second great commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves, extending this love to all—family, friends, countrymen, and even enemies. We show this love by not harming our neighbor in body, property, or reputation, by seeking their good, and by being tender and kind, even when their actions do not warrant it, without condoning sin. Attaining God's nature requires keeping His commandments with active faith, trust, and obedience, drawing close to Him through prayer, fasting, and study. Love of God produces a desire to live His way, and His commandments are not burdensome but essential boundaries that train us to become like Him. True love in the heart is reflected in our way of living, showing that we belong to Him. Above all, we must put on godly love, forgiving others as He has forgiven us, uniting all aspects of His calling and opening our minds to emulate Him.

Is Redistribution of Wealth Biblical?

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Bible shows that economic disparity is a given. Scripture teaches that we should voluntarily help the poor rather than be coerced by the government.