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What Sin Does
Article by John W. RitenbaughSin produces slavery as a direct consequence of the destruction of the will. When a person sins, he is not truly acting according to his own desires but is driven by what sin demands. As Paul writes in Romans 7:17, 23, it is no longer the individual who acts, but sin that dwells within, warring against the mind and bringing captivity to the law of sin. Even if one finds momentary enjoyment in the act, the control lies with sin, not the person. This bondage is especially profound when sin is committed with knowledge. Jesus warns in John 8:34 that whoever commits sin becomes a slave to it. Having been freed through Christ's sacrifice and God's gift of the Holy Spirit, we must guard against being pulled back into such captivity. As He states in the following verse, a slave does not remain in God's Kingdom forever, but a son does. Paul further emphasizes his determination in I Corinthians 6:12, declaring that while all things may be lawful, he will not allow any created thing to gain power over him through sin, relying on virtues like knowledge of God, self-control, moderation, and patience to maintain his resolve.
Addiction, Slavery, and Serving
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughAs God calls people to service in the church, He demands that they not be enslaved to alcohol or any other lust, but have their desires under control.
Sin (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThoughts, words, or behaviors not in alignment with the mind of God are also violations against God's law. Foolishness should never be part of our conduct.
Take My Yoke Upon You
'Ready Answer' by Ronny H. GrahamThe Bible makes frequent use of the yoke as a symbol of work, servitude, and union, but we moderns are unfamiliar with yokes due to our non-agrarian lifestyles.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Seven): Fear of Judgment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur fear of being judged negatively by God should spur us to greater obedience and growth toward godliness. The fear of God is a fundamental mindset.
How God Deals With Conscience (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe have to learn to rely on God to get us out of strait and difficult situations, realizing that God may want to help us to develop a backbone and mature.
Entanglement with the Yoke of Bondage
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsNo civilization has escaped the scourge of slavery, although Gentile administration has always been more cruel and severe than Israelite administration.
Elements of Motivation (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though sin offers fleeting pleasure, we must learn to intensely hate sin, regarding this product of Satan as a destroyer of everything God loves.
John (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAs long as we are slaves of sin and following the dictates of our lusts, we have no free moral agency. God liberates us from sin so we are free to obey Him.
Wilderness Wandering (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are in various stages of our wilderness journey, not knowing where our journey will take us. The turns give us opportunities to strengthen our faith.
Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughChristians must continue to fight against self-centered and deception long after their calling to deepen and strengthen their relationships with God.
Freedom and Unleavened Bread
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChristian freedom has nothing to do with location or circumstance but how we think. By imbibing on God's Word, we will incrementally displace our carnality.
Joshua and the Gibeonites (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Gibeonites' subterfuge succeeded because Israel's leaders, including Joshua, failed to check in with God, and in time, that failure cost them dearly.