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Love's Basic Definition
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe essence of godly love is deeply tied to sacrifice, reflecting a profound cost that must be borne by the one who loves. Love, as exemplified by God, always involves a price, whether minor or immense, sometimes requiring the surrender of that which is most precious for the well-being of another, even someone disliked. This principle is evident in the supreme act of God giving His Son, a clear demonstration that love demands significant personal cost. This costliness is a vital part of love's nature. As seen in the account of David in II Samuel 24:24, true love cannot be expressed through a sacrifice that costs nothing; David refused to offer a sacrifice at another's expense, understanding that genuine love requires personal investment. Thus, every act of love, no matter how small, involves giving something of oneself. Furthermore, the life of Jesus Christ serves as the standard for measuring acts of love. Though He was rich, He became poor; though in the form of God, He humbled Himself, taking on the form of man and becoming subject to death. His entire life was spent for mankind, showing that love is a continuous expenditure of self for others' benefit. We may not face the same ultimate sacrifice, but on a daily basis, we are called to make costly payments in acts of love. Even in His final moments with His disciples, Jesus demonstrated this costly love by placing Judas, His betrayer, in a position of honor at the Last Passover, seeking reconciliation despite knowing the betrayal to come. This act underscores that love persists even towards those who reject it, bearing a personal cost without guarantee of reciprocation. Ultimately, godly love is an action that often requires us to overcome personal feelings, driven by a reasoned effort to follow God's commands. It is perfected through use, growing stronger and more skilled as it is practiced, always at a cost to oneself, yet returning blessings in its cycle of giving. This sacrificial nature of love binds the fellowship of God's people, strengthening the body to bear witness to His presence and care in the world.
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.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughLove is the first fruit of the Spirit, the one trait of God that exemplifies His character. The Bible defines love as both what it is and what it does.
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.
Eternal Servant Leadership
Sermon by Mark SchindlerOur responsibility should be to learn to serve rather than to emulate the pompous gentile leaders who love to domineer over their subjects.
Principled Living (Part Four): Giving of Ourselves
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs Christ sacrificed for us, we are called to sacrifice for others. Love is an action, a behavior, rather than an emotion, described in I Corinthians 13.
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.
Hospitality
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHospitality provides the motivation for good works, establishing a hierarchy of giving, directed toward God, then family, church brethren, and strangers.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Eight)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe husband is commanded to love his wife as his own body, regarding her as precious and delicate, continually nourishing and protecting her.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When 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.
Christian Service
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough selfless service is not valued today, it is at the core of God's character and a trait we must emulate to go to a higher level of Christian living.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Neither permissiveness nor harshness are endorsed by God; sound-mindedness in child-rearing requires control and measured justice while avoiding extremes.
Go the Extra Mile
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidThe Sermon on the Mount contains a explanation of what it takes to be a Christian. Matthew 5:38-42 provides the principles behind the 'above and beyond' attitude.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs wives are admonished to emulate the ideal of the Proverbs 31 woman, husbands must emulate the sacrificial spirit of Jesus Christ.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Eleven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur concept of marriage must be positive and more mature, modeled after Christ's attentiveness toward the Church, as opposed to the world's distorted concept.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven with Christ's sacrifice, God does not owe us salvation. We are called to walk, actively putting to death our carnal natures, resisting the complacency.
Civility and Courtesy
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSocietal incivility, discourtesy, and in-your-face attitudes (works of the flesh) have manifested themselves in the church of God, but contradict agape.
A Priceless Gift
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's people are the precious jewels (or the private, personal possessions) of God, obligated to conform exclusively to His will and purpose.