Love God, Love Neighbor
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe outgoing concern toward other beings begins with God the Father to Christ to us. How much we love our brethren may be a good gauge of how much we love God.
Breakfast by the Sea (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeJesus twice asks Peter if he has agape love, and both times Peter can only respond that he has tremendous personal affection — he was lacking agape love.
The Nature of God— What's Love Got To Do With It?
'Ready Answer' by Joseph B. BaityCulture has so confused the common understanding of love that most people do not know what true, godly love is.
Is the Love of Many Growing Cold?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeJesus foretells that "the love of many will grow cold" at the end time. Is this happening right now, or is there love that is just difficult to recognize?
Love's Importance and Source
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is the source of real love; mankind by nature does not have it. It is only by knowing God that we can have this love. Godly love is a cycle that God initiates.
The Greatest Motivation
Sermonette by Bill OnisickBill Onisick, asserting that most people are not aware of the motivations that drive their behavior, questions if we are cognizant of our own motivations, and if we are analyzing the activation, persistence, and intensity of them. Psychologists have concluded that fear and pleasure are the primary drivers. Our relationship with …
Loving Christ and Revelation 2:1-7
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere is a direct relationship between loving Christ and doing the right works. God's love for us places us under a compelling obligation to reciprocate.
Love's Emotional Dimension
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove doesn't become 'love' until we act. If we don't do what is right, the right feeling will never be formed; emotions are largely developed by our experiences.
By This Shall All Men Know You
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)Using an analogy of a Tlingit Indian ritual of leaving a young man on a remote island with only a bow and arrows until he learns to become a man, John Reid suggests that God requires a similar thing for us. We have to learn the survival skill of loving one another (John 13:34-35), developing personal relationships, the chief …
Essence of Love
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaDavid took all the persecutions from King Saul, and then later showed his mercy to Saul's extended family, he demonstrated the true essence of godly love.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughLove is the first of the fruit of the Spirit, the one trait of God that exemplifies His character. Here is how the Bible defines what love is and what love does.
Love
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)God appreciates when we show concern for others, developing the maturity to overlook the slights others have made to us. Love sets an example for others.
Love Thy Neighbor (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus set the bar very high when it comes to love. We no longer live for ourselves, but to Christ, who commands us to love everyone, including our enemies.
No Real Love Without God
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)We are called to take on the very nature of God, to put on the love of God. Surprisingly, We can rekindle our first love by ardently keeping God's Commandments.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Bible shows different forms of holiness, different forms of righteousness, and different forms of love. The holiness of the Old Covenant referred to something cut away, separated, or consecrated for special use—but not inherently moral or ethical. The New Covenant, based upon better gifts and promises, actually …
Keeping Love Alive (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf we love another person, we like to think about him/her, to hear about him/her, please him/her, and we are jealous about his/her reputation and honor.
Offerings (Part 5)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh[Editors Note: Audio quality improves at the 4 minute mark.]
You Are My Friends!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, reflecting on the practice of "defriending" (or "unfriending") on Facebook, contrasts this practice with Christ's love for His called-out ones, a friending with the condition that godly fruit is born. When Paul challenged the Roman congregation to produce godly fruit, he was not looking for …
Love Thy Neighbor (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHe who loves God must love his brother, including every fellow human being. Our closeness with God transcends the other human relationships.
"If I Have Not Charity"
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChristianity has both an inward aspect (building godly character or becoming sanctified) and an outward aspect (doing practical good works).
Love's Basic Definition
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove is not a feeling, but an action—defined as keeping God's commandments, the only means by which we can possibly know Him, leading to eternal life.
You Shall Love Your Neighbor (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by John O. Reid (1930-2016)A well-known principle of Bible study is that repetition is among the best forms of emphasis. If God states something once, it is important, and if twice, ...
Reach for the Goal
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)John Reid, observing that people pull together in camaraderie and productivity in times of national crisis, admonishes that we must also have a transcendental goal, a vision of the finish line, in order to overcome and grow. Sacrifice and discipline rather than self-absorption come naturally when we envision a goal. The faith …
The Fruit of Repentance
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe may feel sorry or even guilty when we sin, but have we actually repented? The Scriptures show that true repentance produces these seven, distinct fruits.
Keeping Love Alive (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWorks demonstrate our faith, our response to God's calling and His freely given grace. Reciprocity is always a part of our relationship with God.
Love's Greatest Challenges
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLaziness and fear are the greatest challenges to love. When Protestant theologians disparage "works," connecting them to salvation rather than sanctification and growth, they encourage spiritual laziness. If we are lazy, we might still be saved, but we will have built nothing to fulfill God's purpose in us. If we …
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhen the U.S. Congress wanted to put 'In God we Trust' on currency, the Seventh Day Adventists objected, arguing that the U.S. has never been a Christian nation.
Love and Fellowship
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFellowship with God is the only antidote to overwhelming feelings of despair, doubt, and self-condemnation.
Psalm 23 (Part 3)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reveals that the valley-of-shadow imagery symbolizes the fears, frustrations, trials, and tests needed to produce character, quality fruit, and an intimate trust in the shepherd. His rod, an extension of his will and strength, serves not only against predators, but also prevents members of the flock from butting …
John (Part 22)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus encouraged His disciples by promising to send the Holy Spirit to empower them for the challenges of the Christian life, making us sensitive to God.
Philippians (Part 2)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh focuses upon Paul's motivation for his letter to the Philippians, both appealing for unity and offering encouragement, reminding them that their relationship with one another was through Christ. Unity could only be maintained if they prayed for one another, exercising reasoning, discerning, and discriminating …
