Filter by Categories
The Pharisees (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHaving their origin in the days of Ezra, the Scribes and Pharisees were extremely zealous for the law, separating themselves for this exclusive purpose.
More Righteous Than the Pharisees?
Sermon by John O. ReidThe Pharisees were in the office or seat of Moses. Jesus taught His followers to follow their words (pertaining to the Law of God), but not their personal examples.
Righteousness from Inside-Out
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasMany people fail to understand the kind of righteousness God is looking for. God wants it written on our hearts—not just a set of dos and don'ts.
The Merciful
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe harsh religion of the Pharisees was unfeeling, placing more attention on rituals and man-made laws, and had turned their super-righteousness into sin.
Philippians (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul warns the Philippians that nothing blemishes their witness more than complaining, because like the Israelites, they were calling God into account.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the Old and New Testament are complementary to one another, the emphasis of justice in the New Testament switches from national to personal in scope.
The Beatitudes, Part 6: The Pure in Heart
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughPurity before God is far more than just being clean. To Jesus, being pure in heart, described in the Beatitudes, touches on the very holiness of God.
Preparing for the Feast
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Feast of Tabernacles is far more than a yearly vacation. It is a time set apart for both rejoicing before God and learning to fear Him.
Why Did the Jews Hate Jesus?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe elites' jealousy over losing political power fueled their hatred of Jesus. Conflict between those who have power and those who want it is a way of life.
Overcoming Hypocrisy
Sermonette by Bill OnisickWe are continually in danger of being deceived by our carnal nature, a nature which distracts us from following God, even though we go through the motions.
Sabbathkeeping (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe biblical instructions for Sabbath keeping apply far more to the church than to the Israelites, who did not have the fullness of scriptural counsel.
The Second Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMost people consider the second commandment to deal with making or falling down before a pagan idol, but it covers all aspects of the way we worship.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe must learn the lessons of godly leadership now because our positions in the Kingdom will require their use. Society demonstrates a lack of personal leadership.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Three): The Meal Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe meal offering represents the fulfillment of the second great commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Here is how to understand this offering.
Checklist for Overcoming
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRomans 12-16 provide a checklist for overcoming and promoting positive relationships, developing tender affection. We are mutually dependent upon one another.
Matthew (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughLife consists of a series of choices, often a dilemma of a pleasurable choice on one hand and a difficult choice (that produces more growth) on the other.
Abraham (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIf we surrender to God, allowing Him to shape character in us, He will enable us to live in hope, giving us direct access to Him, giving us a more abundant life.
Matthew (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe should not seek material rewards under the New Covenant, though God may sometimes bless us physically. Our focus should be on spiritual rewards.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Nine): Romans 11
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul poses two questions in Romans 11: Has God discarded Israel for all time? Will God graft physical Israel into the Covenant people of Abraham?