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Love's Basic Definition

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The love of God is defined as keeping His commandments. This act of obedience is the proof of our love for Him, demonstrating that we are following His guidance. Obedience, as an action, submits to His commandments, principles, and examples, regardless of our feelings. Love is not merely a thought or emotion; it becomes love only when the act is performed. Whether we feel like doing it or not, God expects us to follow His directives, showing that love is primarily an action, with feelings being secondary. The commandments provide clear direction, ensuring that our actions align with His will, preventing us from wandering aimlessly in our expressions of love. Love often involves a cost, sometimes minor, sometimes great, but always requiring something from us. This costliness is an essential part of love, as seen in the expectation that acts of love will benefit others, mirroring the actions of God and His Son. As we use this love, it grows and matures within us, becoming perfected through consistent application. The keeping of His commandments, empowered by His Spirit and motivated by His love, perfects this love in us, establishing a cycle that returns to Him. Thus, to know God and to have eternal life is tied directly to this love, expressed through obedience to His Word.

The Ten Commandments

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

God's Ten Commandments are the divine law and standard that regulate human conduct. As our world testifies, they are still very much needed today!

Love God, Love Neighbor

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The 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.

Passover (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The annual reaffirmation of the covenant through the Passover is at the core of an on-going relationship with the Father and Son, beginning the perfecting process.

John 3:16: Does God Really Love the World?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God does not love everybody equally. Nowhere does He tell us to prefer the ungodly world. Though He tells us to love our enemies, but not to be affectionate.

The Christian Walk (Part One): In Love

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

If we submit to God, allowing His spirit to guide us, we can live in the spirit, walking in love.

Is It Salvational? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Simply watching out for the so-called "big sins" suggests that we are not genuinely interested in conforming to God—just in not crossing a major red line.

Deuteronomy and Holiness

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God has provided the God-plane marriage relationship to teach us how to submit to one another, sacrificing our self-centeredness for the benefit of our spouse.

Deuteronomy: Fear

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

When people allow fear to rule them, they lose their mind. Fear of God, however, is not mind killing, but inspires a reverential awe of the Creator.

A Priceless Gift

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's people are the precious jewels (or the private, personal possessions) of God, obligated to conform exclusively to His will and purpose.

God the Father (Part 2)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Throughout Christ's life, the relationship between Him and His Father exemplified perfect, reciprocal, unconditional love, providing a perfect template.

James and Unleavened Bread (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The book of James applies to us after the sanctification process has begun. The most effective way of eliminating sin is to do righteousness.

Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part One)

Sermon by David F. Maas

Misguided theologians have tried to create a false dichotomy between grace and works. We do works of obedience to build character, not to earn salvation.

Satan's Lies About the Law

Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

Contrary to the assertions of Satanically-inspired men, the consequence for all sin is death. God's law applies to everyone, not just the Israelites.

Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Four)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The Bible makes it plain that salvation is by grace, but it is also clear that we are 'created in Christ Jesus for good works.' Grace and works fit together.

The Christian and the World (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Help in following God comes from displacing the love for the world with the love for God, and setting our hearts on spiritual treasures instead of earthly ones.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Circumcision is a token, sign, or seal that one was the heir of Abraham. No physical sign has the power to transfer righteousness to the doer.

What Does God Really Want? (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

If we want to be like our Savior, then we will live the way He lived, keeping God's commandments — which exemplify the highest form of love.

Maintaining Good Health (Part 12)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The church of God today resembles a patient languishing from a deadly disease, resulting from a diet of spiritual junk food and neglecting the bread of life.