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Jude and the Glorious Power of God

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Attributing the messages of God's spokesmen as coming from Satan constitutes speaking evil of dignitaries. Jude emphasizes submission to divine authority.

How Does God View Human Government?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As obnoxious as tyrannical power may seem, we have the obligation to behave lawfully. Even the vilest of leaders has been allowed by God to rule.

The Spirit World

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Scripture provides an overview of the spirit world, focusing on both faithful and fallen, correcting both cultural and religious misconceptions generated through mysticism, apocryphal texts, and Hellenistic philosophies. Though many popular notions of angels come from non-biblical sources, the Bible offers the most accurate insights into their role, nature, and function. Angels are spirit beings created before the earth, totally joyful at its formation. Unlike humans, angels are neither material or reproductive and are generally depicted as male. They are vastly numerous, intelligent, powerful, and organized, yet exercising humility and submission to God's will. They function as messengers, warriors, protectors, and servants of Almighty God. Only three have been named: Michael, Gabriel, and Helel (Satan). Any other angelic names are apocryphal and false. Biblical terms for angels include sons of God, holy ones, watchers and hosts which identify their function as God's emissaries. Fallen angels are referred to as demons and unclean spirits and are linked with dominions hostile to God. Even though righteous angels are mightier than men, they do not exalt themselves. We observe that Michael deferred to God in rebuking Satan. Scripture forbids angel worship or speculation. Angels refuse worship from humans but identify as syndouloi or fellow servants with us. Their humility and obedience contrast with the rebellion spirit of demons who sought rulership and control. God's people are warned against straying into speculative and mystical angelology. We are cautioned against focusing on the mysteries withheld but to focus on what has been clearly shown by the scriptures as existing to glorify God, assisting His people. Like the righteous angelic beings, our response should be to worship God and faithfully keep His Word.

Faith (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The hallmark of Christian character is humility, which comes about only when one sees himself in comparison to God. Pride makes distorted comparisons.

Elisha, the Young Men, and the She-Bears

'Ready Answer' by Ted E. Bowling

Some see Elisha's encounter with the youths of Bethel and the she-bears in II Kings 2:23-24 as cruel and vengeful. The narrative tells a different story.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Two): Ecclesiastes 8:1-9

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Ecclesiastes was to be read during the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing a state of temporariness, as God's people were commanded to live in temporary quarters.

Gentle and Lowly in Heart

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Paul displayed a gentleness not grounded in weakness, but in strength, a gentleness which showed anger, but only at the right time and to the right degree.

Questioning God

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

Biblical figures such as Miriam, Job, and Zechariah illustrate the dangers of questioning of God's sovereignty or authority.

Elisha, the Young Men, and the She-Bears

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

Some Bible commentaries call Elisha short-tempered for causing two female bears to maul 42 youths for making fun of him. There is more to the story.