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Elements of Judgment (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The law serves as a critical standard for judgment in our relationship with God. Removing laws from the covenant eliminates the standards that guide our connection with Him, leading to a situation where everyone does what is right in their own eyes. God's laws are not merely rules but living guidance, embodying mercy and standards for a life that pleases Him. Keeping His commandments is an act of mercy toward those around us. The purpose of understanding God's laws is to enable us to make more perfect judgments of ourselves, others, and the circumstances we encounter. We are called to be kings and priests, tasked with judging now and in the future responsibilities God will grant us. This involves judging ourselves, each other, and the actions of the world and its churches, making decisions continually until Christ returns. Jesus Himself demonstrated the importance of balanced judgment based on God's laws. When accused of breaking the Sabbath by healing, He pointed out the accusers' own practice of circumcising on the Sabbath, showing that they too prioritized certain laws over others for a greater purpose. He warned against judging by appearances, emphasizing that the intent of God's laws is living guidance and mercy, not rigid enforcement. The seriousness of laws varies, as not every law carries the same weight in God's purposes. Breaking a significant law, like one against murder, is far more severe than violating a minor community rule. Life's complexities require evaluating circumstances and the relative importance of laws, making judgments neither simple nor straightforward. God's Word illustrates that the context of an act—whether deliberate, due to weakness, or accidental—greatly affects the severity of judgment. Jesus valued some principles over others in His judgments, as seen in His response to a woman accused of adultery. Though guilty, her sin was less severe compared to the deliberate entrapment by her accusers, whose actions He deemed far worse. He forgave her with a warning, showing that not all sins or laws bear equal weight in His eyes. If we are to reflect His image and make correct judgments, we must strive to understand and prioritize as He did. Throughout Scripture, God consistently shows that certain qualities or laws are more important than others, guiding us to apply these priorities in our lives and interactions. Love stands as the greatest attribute, surpassing all others, and is the fundamental truth through which we must filter our judgments and actions. However, applying love correctly requires understanding and wisdom to discern when and how to express it in alignment with God's will.

Elements of Judgment (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We need to learn to judge in a godly manner, putting merciful restraints on our tendency to condemn or jump to conclusions. One size does not fit all.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Seventeen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Law (including the judgments, ordinances, and statutes), far from being done away, shows us our faults and outlines the way of mercy and love—how to live.

Elements of Judgment (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We dare not 'do away' anything that is part of God's mind, or we will not be in His image. Acts 15 did not give Gentiles exemption from keeping God's Law.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Sixteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Righteousness consists of applying the Law's letter and/or intent. Sin constitutes a failure of living up to the standards of what God defines as right.

Paul: Grace, Law, and Obedience

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Paul's writings, because of their complexity, are frequently twisted to say that he was anti-law. By denigrating God's law, the unconverted set their own standards.

The Elements of Motivation (Part Seven): Fear of Judgment

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Our 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.

Keeping God's Standards

Sermon by John O. Reid

God's law will be the spiritual weights and measures in the Kingdom, but until then, we must glorify God by keeping these standards as a bright light.

Comparing Ourselves Among Ourselves

Article by Martin G. Collins

Most people think they are moral compared to their peers. Yet we will only begin to grow in character once we compare ourselves to the true standard.

Immigration and the Kingdom of God

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Unlike Europe and the United States, God ensures that all His potential citizens will conform to His culture.

Do Not Judge

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While we do not have the prerogative of condemning and passing judgment, we do have the responsibility of observing behaviors or inspecting spiritual fruit.

Hebrews (Part Eight)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ's priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood because Christ tenure is eternal rather than temporal, guaranteeing both continuity and quality.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Thirteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The elect are not immune to antinomian deception, including the doctrine of eternal security, the total depravity of man, unconditional love, and cheap grace.

God's Sense of Justice

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God is absolutely justified in what He decides regarding the judgment and punishment of us all. However, He is merciful and always rewards righteousness.

The Two Witnesses (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God's truth may bring about sadness, astonishment, anger, and bitterness to the one delivering the message. James and John were types of the Two Witnesses.

Joseph: A Saga of Excellence (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Even though Joseph was born into a highly dysfunctional family, he nevertheless had a high batting average when it came to making the right moral choices.