This Life of Sacrifice
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughSelfishness in any form turns Christianity on its head, making a mockery of the many sacrifices that form its foundation and the grace of God that makes it possible.
Overcoming (Part 6): Self-Surrender
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsMany words that begin with "self" describe conditions that we must overcome. Self-surrender, however, is something we need to engage in to overcome our faults.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHas anyone, other than Jesus Christ, really exhibited self-control? In the end, however, this is the ultimate aim of growing in the character of God.
Overcoming (Part 5): Self-Denial
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsA key to overcoming our sins is learning when to deny ourselves. Christ plainly declares that those who desire to follow Him must deny themselves.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Five): The Peace Offering, Sacrifice, and Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe peace offering teaches many things, but one of its main symbols is fellowship. Our communion with the Father and the Son obligates us to pursue peace.
What the Sacrifices Mean
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughThe sacrificial system of Leviticus typifies spiritual sacrifices which we perform under the New Covenant. The animal sacrifices focused on total commitment.
God and Self-Government
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe New Covenant, wherein God writes His law on the heart and gives His Spirit, empowers God's people to obey without the need for external control.
Abraham's Sacrifice (Part One): Faith Perfected
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Scriptures place a paramount importance on sacrifice. Abraham's 'sacrifice' of Isaac confirmed him to the position of father of the faithful.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe meal offering represents the intense self-sacrifice required in service to man. Our service to man must be done for God's sake rather than man's appreciation.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe sacrifices were neither insignificant nor barbaric, but a teaching tool for us. In the burnt offering, we see Christ in His work for the already redeemed.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe meal offering represents the second Great Commandment, love toward fellow man. Our service to others requires much grinding self-sacrifice and surrender.
Valor and Sacrifice
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhat would today's average, obese, couch-potato American do if the nation required him to serve his country? Would he volunteer to serve in the armed forces?
Lessons From Esther: Esther Sacrifices Herself
Article by Ronny H. GrahamQueen Esther, faced with the destruction of her people in Persia, put her life on the line. Her example can be an inspiration to all of us.
No Greater Love
'Ready Answer' by StaffChrist says that we can show no greater love than in sacrificing our lives. We must come to the point where we are doing this daily, yet how do we do this?
Stephen and the New Deal
Article by StaffOver the centuries, God has been disappointed by mankind over and over again. One man who did not disappoint was the deacon Stephen. Find out why he was so special.
It's Important to God Too (Part One)
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, focusing upon Deuteronomy 16:16 and Exodus 23:17, the traditional verses calling for an offering, admonishing not to come to Holy Day services empty-handed, reminds us that we are not really giving God anything because He owns everything. The experience of giving an offering is for our benefit. We receive …
Knowing Christ (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn taking undue attention off the self, sacrifice (as an act and as a way of life) creates peace, prosperity, cooperation, and most of all, character.
It's Important to God Too (Part Two)
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reminding us that God does not do things uselessly, and certainly does not need our physical goods, examines the role of the offering and sacrifice rehearsed at each Holy Day. The nouns offering and sacrifice derive from two separate Greek words meaning "to bring forth" and "to kill" …
What Does It Take to Be a Hero?
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamGod has chosen the weak and base things of the world, yet we can still sacrifice our personal concerns for the greater good just as our Savior did.
Pentecost and Memorial Day
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecost and Memorial Day may seem to be quite different, but we should not be too hasty in concluding that they do not share any common features.
Precious Human Treasures
Article by StaffWe live in a youth-oriented culture. Once a person grays and wrinkles, he is essentially pushed to the margins of society, but this should not happen in the church of God! The elderly have a great deal to offer—if we will only pay attention.
Are You Bearing Your Cross?
'Ready Answer' by StaffHow do we, as modern Christians, bear our cross as Jesus commands? Christ meant far more than simply carrying a stake over our shoulders!
An Unequal Comparison
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh takes issue with a popular meme which suggests that the sacrifices made by soldiers in defense of liberty are commensurate with Christ's sacrifice to redeem us from our sins. They are not equal in scope or importance. While the sacrifice in life or limb is commendable and worthy of honor, to compare it with …
Without Me, You Can Do Nothing (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeProducing fruit is not simply a matter of having Jesus Christ or being forgiven. He says we will not produce anything unless we go on growing in Him.
Offerings Still Relevant
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's sacrifice was both a sacrifice (fulfilling the law, which requires the shedding of blood for expiation from sin) and an offering (freely given).
Forgiveness and the Perpetual Covenant of Peace
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIt is commonly thought that we pay no price for forgiveness, yet Scripture shows that God gives us significant responsibilities to be a part of His family.
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.
The Awesome Cost of Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe assess costs and values all the time in our daily lives. We should employ the same process to God's love for us in giving His Son as the sacrifice for sin.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part One): Introduction
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe offerings of Leviticus, though not necessary under the New Covenant, are invaluable for teaching about Christ in His roles as sacrifice, offerer, and priest.
Preparing to Be a Priest
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe primary function of a priest is to assist people in accessing God so that there can be unity with God. A priest is a bridge-builder between man and God.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMuch of Protestantism misconstrues the significance of the New Covenant as a 'free pass into Heaven' without paying attention to the Law within the Covenant.
What Would You Die For?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, focusing upon the subject of martyrdom, spiritual conviction, and sacrifice, reflects upon the conviction, deaths or sacrifices of Abel, Jephthah's daughter, Stephen and, most notably, the example of Christ. Christian martyrs, convicted by God's truth, having an ardent love for Christ, empowered with God's Holy …
Rejoice in God's Feast
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod can take satisfaction that He is doing the right thing, and thus His rejoicing can even come from painful judgments. Sarcificing and rejoicing are linked.
Knowing Christ (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist's sacrifice was not merely substitutionary, but representative, with Christ giving us a pattern for life - mortifying our flesh and putting out sin.
Camouflage and Salvation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan has provided what appear to be plausible alternatives to Christ's sacrifice for salvation, like service, positive changes, and right thinking.
John (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe humble attitude exemplified by Jesus in footwashing shows the mind of God. God expects us to follow Christ's example of loving others, flaws and all.
The Ultimate Gift
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerIn this heart-to-heart sermon, Mark Schindler observes that the world at large has no clue to what God is doing—creating all people in His image. The Feast of Tabernacles provides an opportunity for God's called-out ones to learn to appreciate what He is doing in their lives and to examine the experiences He creates to …
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFocusing upon the absolute necessity for exercising forgiveness and reconciliation, John Ritenbaugh admonishes us that receiving or using spiritual gifts should never produce an inflated ego or sense of superiority. Prideful, idolatrous, self-worship reaps a crop of bitter fruit from a root of bitterness. As God has forgiven and …
The Cost of Reconciliation
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReconciliation is the product of a sacrifice to pacify the wrath of an offended person. We must imitate Christ in His approach toward hostility from others.
Patriotism, the Summer Soldier, and Our Times (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ was not a sunshine patriot, but sacrificed everything He had for the sake of God's people and the Kingdom of God—His holy nation.
What Type of Leader Are You?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJesus Christ did not teach the pyramid model of leadership, where successive levels of leaders provide direction to those in the lesser ranks. He served.
Life Is Service (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, while acknowledging that America's relationship with slavery has indeed been checkered, with chattel slaves and indentured servants contributing to the prosperity of earlier times, counters the 'Progressivist' claim that America invented slavery and historically practiced the most tyrannical abuses in the …
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.
Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part Four): Favor to Live as God Lives
Sermon by Mark SchindlerMark Schindler, in this concluding installment of the Grace, Mercy, and Favor series, warns God's people that they could lose God's favor if they forsake their first love (Revelation 2:4). That love manifested itself in their commitment to keeping His law. Like the Ephesian church, the Pharisees started out with a noble …
According to My Gospel
Sermonette by Charles WhitakerPaul's thrice-appearing formula, "... according to my gospel," does not support some theologian's contention that the apostle developed an idiosyncratic gospel distinct from the gospel which Christ preached (Mark 1:14). Paul's belief that there is only one gospel (Galatians 1:6-9), coupled with his frequent use of the …
A Light To The World
Commentary by Mark SchindlerMark Schindler, maintaining that our response to the evil of the world sets us apart as the light of the world, cautions us not to abandon our children to the custody of interactive smartphones or iPads. In 1989, Charles Krauthammer warned that we are moving into extremely dangerous times and that we ought not abandon our …
The Elements of Motivation (Part Six): Eternal Life
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIf you knew you would live forever, how would you live? Biblically, eternal life is much more than living forever: It is living as God lives!
Elements of Motivation (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal life, emphasizing a special intimate relationship with God the Father and Christ, is vastly different from immortality, connoting only endless existence.
Offerings (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh[Editors Note: Audio quality improves at the 4 minute mark.]
A City on a Hill (Part One)
CGG Weekly by John ReissThe eyes of the world are on those who seek to be God's servants. Consider these stories of people whose inspiring examples serve as witnesses to God's character.
Doorway to the Kingdom
Sermonette by Bill OnisickAny time we feel prompted to exalt ourselves, we demonstrate Satan's spirit of pride, thereby jeopardizing our entry into God's family.
Giving a Gift Strengthens and Bonds
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, maintaining that giving a gift strengthens the bond between individuals, bringing about a warm feeling in the giver toward the one receiving the gift, suggests that there is a sentimental dimension factored into offerings. Jacob, in his voluntary gift to the leader of Egypt (whom he discovered later to be Joseph) …
God Gives Grace to the Humble
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGenuine humility is one of the most elusive characteristics a person can attain. It consists of of self-respect accompanied by a genuine desire to serve.
Parables of Counting the Cost
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn Luke 14:25-33, two parables and an exhortation urge us to forsake all that we have as a mandatory condition for becoming Christ's true disciples.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughTrue greatness does not come from dominance but from serving with the attitude of a slave. Willingness to sacrifice self is the secret to success.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor His Own reasons, God has chosen not to reveal His plan to those the world considers wise, but, instead, to work with the weaker sort of mankind.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Six)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, beginning with Pat Wingert's article, "The Incredible Shrinking Bride," decries the short-sighted elaborate planning for a fleeting opulent event at the expense of more important aspects of the marriage covenant. Christ provided a model of a husband loving the bride as his own flesh, sacrificing Himself …
Don't Stand Still!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe best way to conquer evil is to do righteousness, serving God and mankind. Sins of omission are every bit as devastating as sins of commission.
John (Part Twenty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJust as a seed must die to itself in order to bear fruit, we also must sacrifice our lives, submitting unconditionally to God's to bear abundant fruit.
