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Love and Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's purpose for us is to be transformed into His image, a process that involves both love and works as essential components of our Christian walk. Christ emphasizes to each church in Revelation 2 and 3, "I know your works," indicating that works are a vital part of our faith, not for earning salvation, which is a free gift, but for demonstrating loyalty to Him. Our works—our conduct and what we produce with what we have been given—show our faithfulness, much like loyalty in a marriage. Love and works are inseparable in expressing our commitment to God. As Christ declares in John 14:15, if we love Him, we must keep His commandments. This love, deposited in our hearts by His Holy Spirit, is a gift that empowers us to perform the right kind of works, which involve overcoming human nature, the influences of the world, and the deceits of satan the devil. Using this love requires hard work, as there is a constant downward pull from the flesh, yet it is through this effort that we express our love for God by striving to keep His commandments in the spirit. The right works, rooted in love, do not earn salvation but are crucial for our growth in character, for stabilizing society, and for providing blessings here and now. These works prove to God our understanding of His purpose and show His love in us to the world, ensuring the right kind of witness for Him. If our love weakens, our commitment to keeping His commandments diminishes, and without love, we cannot be ruled by God. Yet, the power to do these works is within us through His Spirit, if we will put forth the effort to overcome and live according to His way.
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.
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 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.
How to Know We Love Christ
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot become weary of well-doing, allowing our first love to deteriorate, looking to the world for satisfaction. Here are 8 tests of our love for Christ.
Filling Our Vessels with Pure Oil
Sermonette by Bill OnisickA good spiritual lamp, fueled by God's pure oil, will shine brightly, uniting heart, emotion, and will keep the letter and spirit of the law simultaneously.
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.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's holy law gives love its foundation, stability, and evenness, preventing it from degenerating into a sappy, sentimental feeling.
He Who Overcomes
Sermon by John O. ReidIt is not profitable to focus on the place of safety or the specific time of Christ's return, but instead to make the best use of our time to overcome.
Producing Fruit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo be made clean only prepares us for producing fruit. If we stand still, simply resting on our justification, the dark forces will pull us backwards.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Profit from life is produced by work, requiring sacrifices of time and energy. We have been created for the very purpose of doing good works.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Four): The Peace Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe peace (or thank) offering was the most commonly given in ancient Israel. It pictures God, the priest, and the offerer in satisfying fellowship.