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Freedom Isn't Free
Commentary by Ryan McClureAs America celebrates its independence, we can be thankful for God's promises that guide us in living righteously as prescribed in His written Word. We are reminded of the freedom we have through the tremendous sacrifice of our Savior, which has liberated us from the bondage of sin. This freedom within the law calls us to reflect on our responsibility to uphold these divine principles, especially as we witness the moral decline around us and anticipate the spiritual nation God and Christ are preparing, where we will be united in spirit and free from sin forever with our God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Freedom's Dark Underbelly
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFreedom within the law means the ability to make choices confined or restrained by law or some standard of conduct that channels freedom in the right direction. This principle appears throughout the historical record of deliverance from bondage. God initiates freedom by bringing people to Himself in relationship. That relationship supplies the standard within which informed choices occur. The law and the principles of the word serve as the guideline or hedge that directs decisions toward ethical and moral results. Without this standard the power to act or speak as one wants leads to excess and destruction. True freedom therefore rests on continuing in the word, knowing the truth, and obeying that truth within the bounds of righteousness. The same idea appears when people are set free from sin yet become slaves of righteousness. They switch masters and submit to God so that holiness and everlasting life result. The law remains the guide that shows the way to righteousness. When liberty is used as an opportunity for the flesh rather than through love to serve one another the outcome is bondage. The law is fulfilled in the command to love one's neighbor as oneself. This combination of choice and law produces the conduct that demonstrates true discipleship.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe days, months, and times of Galatians 4:10 do not refer to God's Holy Days (which are not weak or beggarly), but to pagan rites the Galatians came out of.
The Beauty of God's Law
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughKeeping God's Law brings bountiful blessings, harmony, and profound peace (Psalm 119:165), while the 'cheap' grace brings guilt, anxiety, and pain.
House Rules
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeSticking to timeless standards is not legalism. It is the only sane way to live while striving to achieve God's greater purpose.
Our Declaration of Independence (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by John ReissWhile our independence means that we are self-directed and can make our own decisions, we are still members of a society and must conduct ourselves accordingly.
Responsibilities of Real Liberty
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerA piece of paper, such as Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, does not really set people free, especially from the slavery of human nature.
Liberty or Independence?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe approach of 'I want it my way' begins with license but then leads to chaos, and eventually the loss of liberty.
Liberty vs. Independence
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have been liberated from the degeneration of sin, the fear of death, corruption, and the elements of this world. If we live righteously, we remain free.
John (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAs long as we are slaves of sin and following the dictates of our lusts, we have no free moral agency. God liberates us from sin so we are free to obey Him.
He Came to Reintroduce a Way of Life
Sermonette byJesus Christ did not come to start a new religion, but instead reintroduce a way of life that would liberate people from sin.
Do We See the Line?
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordLonesome Dove contains the story of a cowboy who fails to perceive the line between right and wrong, and for his lack of moral sense, he pays with his life.
Submitting (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLiberty without guidelines will turn into chaos. We will be free only if we submit to the truth. All authority, even incompetent authority, derives from God.
God's Merciful Course Correction
Sermonette by David F. MaasBecause of Israel's sinful heart, God has made a course correction, namely crafting a new and improved Covenant with a lengthy heart transplant operation.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Nine): Ecclesiastes 11:9-10
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe fleeting time of youth is a time of strength, exploration, and boundless opportunities, offering the freedom to try new things as well as make mistakes.