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Biblical Loves
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEnglish speakers often overuse general and precise words, especially with profound concepts like the word "love." Even though English contains the world's largest vocabulary, speakers carelessly tend to flatten nuances. However, Scripture draws from Koine Greek, offering four distinct words for "love," each relaying different dimensions of human connection, restoring clarity and depth to what has often been reduced for human emotion. 1.) Eros signifies romantic and sexual love—within marriage honorable, but outside porneia. 2.) Storge signifying natural family affection among family members—parents, children, and siblings, referring to a loyal, comfortable affection within close-knot relationships extending to those treated as family. 3.) Phileo, brotherly love and affection, signifies personal attachment, and chosen companionship outside the family, forming the root of Philadelphia-"brotherly love" exhorting believers to love their spiritual brethren (Hebrews 13:1), describing the bonds formed through shared values and covenant. 4.) Agape, signifying divine selfless love, transcending phileo by being intentional, sacrificial, and rooted solidly in God's nature. Unlike emotional affection, agape flows from will and principle, demonstrating love as action, a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) as well as the greatest virtue (I Corinthians 13:13) embodying humility, selflessness, and Christlike service. Jesus summarized the great law, love God with all our might, and our neighbor as ourselves, which requires God-like love agape.
An Intimate Expanding Relationship
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must trade our impulsive and capricious carnal natures for a controlled, sacrificing nature, imitating Christ in an intimate, expanding relationship.
Vulnerable
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWhile we are all different, we are all vulnerable to something, such as fear of deprivation, harm or shame. In response, we all create protective defense mechanisms.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe best use of imagination would be to assimilate events, principles, lessons, and doctrine from scripture, transforming us into the image of God.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Nine): Conclusion (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThere must be something to prove we are one with Christ and in union with the Father and the Son. That something is the manner in which we conduct our life.