Filter by Categories
What is the Church?
Sermon by Ryan McClureAmid a culture where newcomers shop for churches the way they shop for plumbers or schools—seeking preferred programs, preaching styles, or service times—this message challenges that consumer mindset by returning to Scripture to answer a deeper question: What is the Church? Drawing from Jesus' first use of the term in Gospel of Matthew 16:18, it presents the Church not as a building or denomination, but as the "ekklesia"—a called-out assembly of believers built upon and led by Jesus Christ Himself, the true Rock and Head. From the congregation in the wilderness to the Spirit-empowered believers of Acts of the Apostles 2, the Church is shown to be God's divinely initiated work: individuals drawn by the Father, brought to repentance and baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and gathered into a covenant community that worships in spirit and truth. This assembly is not formed by human preference but by divine calling; its members are chosen, transformed, and trained to live by God's Word rather than cultural trends, putting off the old self and putting on the new. Ultimately, the Church exists as God's spiritual training ground—His teachers' college—preparing a royal priesthood to reflect His image, proclaim His truth, and participate in His unfolding plan, growing into the likeness of Christ as they await His Kingdom.
In the Grip of Distrust
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAs our culture deteriorates, a deep-seated distrust exists, not just of government but of institutions like the church that people once had confidence in.
Firstfruits and the Master Potter
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe Potter and Clay analogy provides instructions for understanding character-building tests and trials in the life-long sanctification process.
For the Perfecting of the Saints
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughDo Christians need a church? With all the church problems in recent years, many have withdrawn. Yet the church—problems and all—serves a God-ordained role.
The Purpose of the Church
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe function of the church is like a teacher's college, preparing the firstfruits and providing them with the needed education and character development.
Hebrews (Part Fifteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Even though we must cooperate in cultivating spiritual fruit, God alone creates character and takes responsibility for creating spiritual offspring.
Prayer and Fervency
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLiving faith has its roots in fervently, diligently seeking God and His righteousness with intense desire (like a passionate lover) through habitual prayer.
Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Constitution, in some ways, makes a mockery of God's sovereignty, preferring a hodge-podge of syncretism of the world's religions.
Inclusivity?
Sermon by Ronny H. GrahamMany churches have abandoned traditional values and have embraced humanism, using buzzwords such as inclusivity, community, spirituality, and justice.
The Commandments (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughMany biblical examples illustrate that when the leader put his faith in God and submitted himself to God's rule, God supernaturally protected His people.
Go With Him Two
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWe have all kinds of rights, but not all rights should be exercised if we have opportunities to demonstrate God's way of give to total strangers.
Our Participation in Services
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughWe should not trivialize the importance of music in helping our meditation and remembering spiritual lessons, especially regarding congregational singing.
Islands and Offenses
'Ready Answer' by StaffAs much as we wish our church congregations could get along peacefully, Jesus tells us that, sadly, offenses must come (Luke 17:1).