Filter by Categories
Are the Sabbath and Holy Days Done Away?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennTo justify not keeping the Sabbath and holy days, many use Colossians 2:16-17 as proof that Paul did not command it. The truth is just the opposite!
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Fourteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has sanctified no day other than the Sabbath. Sunday worship is a pagan deviation, perpetuated by Gnosticism, a movement that despises God's laws.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Colossians 2:16 and Galatians 4:9-10, Paul was warning against mixing Gnostic asceticism and pagan customs with the keeping of God's Sabbath and Holy Days.
The Colossian Heresy and Laodiceanism
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughColossae and Laodicea were susceptible to fast-talking teachers, whose plausible words eroded the true Gospel in favor of pagan thought and practice.
A Conversation With Paul
Sermonette by Craig SablichIn this imaginative and heartfelt message, the speaker shares a personal, story-driven narrative on the Apostle Paul's true teachings about law, grace, and obedience. Set in a Cajun-style fireside conversations, the author "meets" Paul in a bayou cabin, asking the apostle to clarify misunderstood scriptures which are often used to claim that Paul's law was abolished. Throughout the dialogue , Paul explains that his warnings in Galatians, Colossians, and Romans were not against God's Sabbaths of Commandments, but against pagan observances, human traditions, and legalistic efforts to earn salvation. God's Law is holy and good; its curse is death, not obedience. Christ bore that curse on the cross, freeing believers from condemnation, but not from responsibility. Grace absolutely does not cancel the law but instead empowers believers to live righteously through the Holy Spirit. Paul teaches that baptism symbolizes dying to sin and rising to new life, adding that love and unity must govern how believers relate to one another. The speaker summarizes the core themes as: 1) the law reveals sin; the curse is death. 2) Christ redeemed us from that curse through His sacrifice . 3) Grace strengthens obedience, not lawlessness. 4) God's feasts and commands reflect enduring truth.5) Love and humility constitute the heart of Christian living. True faith balances law and grace, doctrine and relationship, continually centered on Christ.
Offerings (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe sacrifices teach us about the mind, heart, and character of Jesus. The burnt offering symbolizes complete devotion to God in every aspect of life.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part One): Introduction
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe offerings of Leviticus, though not necessary under the New Covenant, are invaluable for teaching about Christ in His roles as sacrifice, offerer, and priest.
Let's Get Real!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe exist as imperfect shadows of God. As we follow the example of Christ, the real Light that reveals God's way, we also move from shadow to reality.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe sacrifices were neither insignificant nor barbaric, but a teaching tool for us. In the burnt offering, we see Christ in His work for the already redeemed.
Offerings (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe sin offering was for sin in general deals with our evil nature, while the trespass offering deals with the fruits of that nature.
Hebrews (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHebrews emphasizes the infinite superiority of Christ's priesthood and one-time sacrifice as contrasted to the repetitive Aaronic sacrifices.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOld Testament activities picture New Testament realities, elevated to their spiritual intent. The church has been chosen as a royal and holy priesthood.
God's Promises Are Sure!
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe story of Joseph offers lessons and encouragement regarding God's dealings with men during the time of the Feast of Trumpets.
Hebrews (Part Nine)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAfter the change from the Aaronic to the Melchizedek priesthood, it was also necessary to change the Covenant. The flaw was not the law, but the heart.
The Wavesheaf Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMost know little about the wavesheaf offering, even though it represents one of the most significant acts: the resurrection and ascension of Christ!