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Loving Christ
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The love of Christ is the foundation of our relationship with Him, a love that cherishes with tender, timeless affection, drawing us into His bosom even while we were yet sinners. This love, as revealed in Deuteronomy 33, is not merely legal but deeply emotional, an embrace that offers eternal security to His saints, those separated from the world and consecrated to God. In response to this embrace, we are called to return His love, to hug Him back, and to sit at His feet, receiving His word with a docile and submissive attitude, as sheep who recognize and follow their Shepherd. Participation in Christ's life is the source of all good, and abiding in Him is the means to experience this life. Abiding in Him is the same as abiding in His love, as Paul expressed in II Corinthians 5, where the love of Christ constrained him, transforming his perspective and compelling him to live not for himself but for the One who died and rose again. This level of love, beyond mere commandment-keeping, is personal and affectionate, producing abundant joy and fruit in our lives. Jesus Himself always did what pleased His Father, demonstrating the closeness and unity of mind we are to strive for in our relationship with Him. For those who move from group to group, seeking fulfillment, the solution lies not in changing congregations but in focusing on the most important relationship—with Jesus Christ. The restlessness and dissatisfaction stem from within, from a lack of conviction in His truth and love, rather than from external circumstances or others in the congregation. Jesus does not instruct to leave one group for another in Revelation 2 and 3; instead, He calls for repentance right where we are. The key to overcoming this unrest is to deepen our bond with Him, allowing His love to guide and transform us, recognizing that smiting brethren with words or actions is akin to smiting Christ Himself, as we are part of His body. The true resolution is to align our hearts with His, abiding in His love, and living by faith in His unchanging truth rather than variable feelings.
For the Love of God
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe are royalty, part of the highest Family in all creation. We can take great comfort in knowing who it is we really are and that the Father greatly values us.
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.