Filter by Categories
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Seven): The Sin and Trespass Offerings
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSin separates us from God, as Isaiah 59:1-2 declares: Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He will not hear. This separation is a universal condition, affecting all of humanity, and must be overcome to restore access to Him. As we grow in God's way and become more discerning, sin becomes apparent everywhere we look, often within ourselves. We may see little deceits, envy, jealousy, anger, and even rage and hatred just below the surface, ready to emerge. Sin is like a cancer, invisible much of the time but silently working to destroy us, desiring to return us to our former state. Despite our growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, the presence of human nature ensures that sin remains a constant threat, as even mature Christians like Paul experienced its pull and occasional outbreak. The discouraging reality of seeing sin in ourselves can turn to thankful encouragement, for our ability to discern it more clearly is evidence of spiritual growth. It is also encouraging to understand that to overcome sin, we must first be aware of its corruption. Moreover, it is wonderful to know that our merciful God has covered even the accumulated sin we were unaware of, as Christ's blood is sufficient to cover the sins of the whole world. This awareness should deepen our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice and motivate us to cry out for God's Kingdom to come, yearning for the time we will be free of the flesh's pulls. Even as we strive to walk as Christ walked, human nature persists, often overpowering us and leading us to revert to its drives. This can be disturbing, piling guilt upon us and making us fearful of separation from God. Yet, despite this wretchedness, we have assurance through Jesus Christ that there is an end to this struggle, and we will be delivered from this peculiar situation of battling our dual nature.
What Sin Is
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughNo one seems to talk about sin anymore, but it still exists and continues to wreak havoc! Scripture describes sin and what God wants us to do about it.
Are Humans Good or Evil?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughPhilosophy debates whether human beings are by nature good or evil, but the Bible is consistent—and perhaps surprising—in its description of man's nature.
Repentance: The Genuine Article (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughRepentance is a first step, but it is also ongoing throughout our lives. To become a true Christian, we must repent—and then we must make it a continual practice.
Has Humanity Reached Total Depravity? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPeople living after the Flood, up to today, have the same sinful nature. As much as evolutionists would like to argue the point, humanity has not improved.
Has Humanity Reached Total Depravity? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIt would be difficult to devise a sentence that would more effectively portray the corruption of humanity than does Genesis 6:5. Mankind was totally depraved.
Human Nature: Good or Evil?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughProgressives tend to believe that human nature is perfectible and evolving. Conservatives tend to believe that human nature is evil and must be controlled.
This Body of Death
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingIn ancient times, the corpse of a murdered person was attached to the murderer, allowing the body to decompose until the murderer was infected and died.
Wilderness Wanderings (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Israel's trek was not only a physical journey, but a mental wandering caused by rejecting God's leadership. The potential to sin is a test of resolve.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe have been called, not just to believe in Christ, but also to overcome sin, which takes a great deal of effort. Justification requires a response.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJust as a dead person does no works, so a faith that does not include works is also dead. A person in whom living, saving faith exists will produce works.
Elements of Motivation (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though sin offers fleeting pleasure, we must learn to intensely hate sin, regarding this product of Satan as a destroyer of everything God loves.
God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's mysteries have been in plain sight from the beginning of time, but carnality has obscured them from mankind.
What Is Real Conversion? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughSince conversion is a process in which one turns to righteousness over time, it also takes time and a great deal of habitual sin for one to completely fall away.
Flee From Idolatry (Part One): Self-Discipline
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough Paul's spiritual credentials outstripped all of his coworkers, Paul used none of his rights as an apostle, but gave his life as a sacrifice.
The Fruit of Repentance
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe may feel sorry or even guilty when we sin, but have we actually repented? The Scriptures show that true repentance produces these seven, distinct fruits.
The Christian Paradox (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSalvation is not merely self-identifying oneself as a saint, but it involves rigorously working with God in an arduous process of transformation.