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Be Perfect
Sermonette by Mike FordIn this nation, instead of exemplifying hard work and high standards, we've lowered the bar so that everyone can be the same, fostering mediocrity rather than excellence. Spiritually, this dumbing down has invaded our lives as well, with some suggesting that perfection is beyond us and that God would not demand it, knowing our limitations. Yet, God's command is clear in Genesis 17:1, where He tells Abraham to walk before Him and be perfect, establishing a condition for His covenant. Similarly, in Matthew 5:48, He instructs all of us to be perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect. The misconception lies in equating perfection with being sinless. While Christ was both sinless and perfect as a human, Abraham was not sinless but was still considered perfect. The Hebrew word for perfect in Genesis 17 means entire, full, without blemish, complete. The Greek word in Matthew 5 signifies finished, having reached its end, or fully grown and mature. The English definition of perfect aligns with this, meaning lacking nothing essential to the whole, without defect, complete. The common thread is completeness, as in being done or finished. God's command to become perfect is a call to spiritual maturity, to have all the pieces of godly character in place, like a completed puzzle. In I Corinthians 14:20, we are urged not to be children in understanding but to be full-grown, complete in comprehension. Ephesians 4:11-16 describes this process of growth, where His gifts equip us to build up the body until we reach real maturity, the fullness of Christ, growing into Him in every way through love and truth. Becoming perfect does not happen overnight; it is a process of growth and overcoming. We must strive for maturity, to become complete Christians, not in the manner of the world's lowered standards, but through striving for excellence in every part of life. James 1:2-4 teaches that trials and temptations test our faith and produce endurance, leading to fully developed character and integrity with no weak spots. Colossians 3:12-14 emphasizes that as God's chosen, we must put on a nature of mercy, kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness, with love binding all virtues together in perfection. This societal push to lower standards and accept mediocrity is an attack, but we must resist it. We are called to grow, to mature, to become complete, to become perfect, as God commands, knowing that even with mistakes and sins, we can still reach this spiritual completeness through perseverance and love.
Hitting the Mark
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOne definition of sin is 'missing the mark,' as hamartia denotes. Unless our righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees, we have failed to reach our goal.
Wrong Ideas
Sermonette by James BeaubelleOver the course of millennia, only a few have been willing to hold to the covenant with God or make the sacrifice for building the faith He requires.
'But I Say to You' (Part Seven): Love Your Enemies
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMany scriptures direct us to show kindness to strangers and even our enemies who persecute us. With God's Spirit, we override the fight or flight response.
The Wilderness Trek and Judgment Begins
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's people must learn to trust Him for their survival, remembering that the eating of Unleavened Bread is a reminder that only God has the power to rescue.
'But I Say to You' (Part Two): Murder and Anger
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMurder originates in the heart. Nothing from the outside defiles a man but originates in the heart governed by carnal human nature.
The Christian Walk (Part Three): In Wisdom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod wants us to take our salvation seriously, walking in love, light, and wisdom, attaining the know-how to work out our own salvation, redeeming the time.
Impediments to Sanctification
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAny materialistic goal will decay and deteriorate, having a limited lifetime. Only spiritual treasures last forever. God demands undivided loyalty.
Editing Our Sins
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are so close to our sins that we cannot see the proverbial forest for the trees. We miss glaring faults in our character because of familiarity.
The Christian Paradox (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSalvation is not merely self-identifying oneself as a saint, but it involves rigorously working with God in an arduous process of transformation.
Character and Reputation
Article by James BeaubelleObedience to God's instructions brings a Christian excellent benefits, and one of the greatest of these is working with God to grow in righteous character.
Truth (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWith the Spirit of God—the light of God—we see the true shape and form of things, and reality appears as something we can see clearly. We find truth.
Keep Your Heart With All Diligence!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChrist does not remove His people's trials, but He provides help for those going through them, using the cleansing power of the trial to heal their minds.
Children of the Light
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe Beatitudes Mount contains Jesus' instruction primarily to His disciples, outlining seven unified character traits that define the 'children of light.'
Virtues Hard and Soft
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 'hard' virtues displayed by men and 'soft' virtues displayed by women are partial traits of the God being. Both male and female are in His image.
Too Good to Ignore
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen we become skillful, doing things that perhaps no one else has done, we acquire passion, creativity, control over output, and fulfillment.
God's Good Work in Us
Sermon by John O. ReidDespite the privileged position of our calling, God does not cut us any slack in terms of trials and tests to perfect us. We must accept God's sovereignty.
God Always Defaults in Mercy
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaAs we strive to be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect, we should be as merciful as Our Heavenly Father, making mercy our default.