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Human Nature: Good or Evil?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Founders of this nation held a profound understanding of human nature, viewing it as fundamentally corrupt and easily corruptible. They believed that because human nature is depraved, it required control through the structure of government. This perspective led them to form a republic, which they deemed the best system to manage and constrain human tendencies toward corruption. They established separated powers and checks and balances within the government to prevent any single person or branch from gaining enough power to tyrannize the people. Their design included three branches of government, with the legislative branch further divided into the Senate and the House, each with different terms of service to ensure varied perspectives and wisdom over time. They implemented mechanisms like the House initiating appropriations bills and the Senate approving presidential appointments to maintain balance. The Founders understood that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely, driving their efforts to protect the nation from the inherent corruption of human nature. They recognized that the most significant check on government power is the people themselves, a radical concept at the time, making the people the masters and the government the servant. Their firsthand experience with tyranny under King George III reinforced their belief in the need to constrain human nature within governance, having witnessed the oppressive actions of a ruler swayed by corrupt tendencies. Despite their best efforts to create a system to control human nature, it is evident that even the most rational attempts to do so are ultimately doomed to failure without divine intervention. Current political debates still reflect this struggle over human nature, with differing views on whether it is perfectible or inherently evil and in need of constraint. Human nature, as seen from the beginning with Adam and Eve, starts as neutral but with a bias toward selfishness due to the flesh's desires. Their choice to follow Satan's influence in the Garden marked a shift, turning human nature from being open to God to being hostile and self-directed. Each person, through free will, has the ability to shape their own nature, either toward good with God's guidance or toward corruption under Satan's sway. Sin separates humanity from God, driving a wedge that pulls human nature further from His way of life. Without God's calling and grace, individuals remain in a state of corruption, unable to change their nature on their own. Even with divine help, human nature persists as a constant struggle, requiring continuous effort to fight and subdue it. God's Spirit empowers His called-out ones to recognize and overcome sin, gradually transforming their nature to resemble His own, though the battle against inherent corruption remains until the end.
Control and Self-Control
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughParadoxically, when we yield to God's sovereignty, He wants to cede control over to us, teaching us to develop self-control as an ingrained habit.
The Essence of Self-Control
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThis nation has absorbed behaviors reminiscent of pagan Gentiles, surpassing them in decadence due to its affluence. Such behaviors include overindulgence, marked by revelry and drunkenness, which lead to disorder and sensuality. Additionally, lewdness and lust manifest as immodest actions and illicit indulgences, prevalent among those who do not know God. Strife and envy further characterize this lack of self-control, fostering contention and intense passions that degrade attitudes and relationships. These tendencies mirror the pagan practices of old, where unrestrained behavior was common, and stand in stark contrast to the call for purity and holiness among God's people. Moreover, spiritual immorality, akin to adultery, emerges when individuals are enticed by teachings contrary to God's will, such as those from Far Eastern and Native American religions. These pagan influences, often promoted in media like children's movies and cartoons with themes of the circle of life, yin yang, reincarnation, spirit guides, and dream catchers, pose a risk of spiritual unfaithfulness. Witchcraft, growing rapidly among young women in schools, further exemplifies this trend. It is imperative to guard against such influences to maintain spiritual purity and honor the sanctification that God desires for His followers.
Living by Faith: Human Pride
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur human nature is pure vanity with a heart that is desperately deceitful and wicked, motivated by self-centeredness, a deadly combination for producing sin.
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.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Seven): The Sin and Trespass Offerings
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSin and human nature affect everyone in society—from king to commoner—but God has covered sin from every angle in the sacrifice of His Son, fulfilling Leviticus 4-5.
Building the Wall (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBuilding a wall requires standing, holding firm, showing alertness and a readiness for action, even if it requires self-denial and unpleasant dirty work.
Examine and Come Out
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Old Testament examples were given to show us what God had to do to pave the way for our calling, sanctification, and ultimate glorification.
Unity (Part 8): Ephesians 4 (E)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe group that one fellowships with is less important than the understanding that there is one true church, bound by a spiritual, not a physical unity.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The apostle John warns us to be vigilant about the world, not loving its attitudes, mindsets, and frame of mind. We cannot both love the world and love God.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOutcome based religion exalts numerical growth and feeling good over the truth of God, promoting the use of modern psychology over 'divisive' biblical doctrine.
Israel's Missing Characteristics of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faithfulness is living continually by faith, acting even though doing so may cost us. Love is not primarily a feeling, but faithfulness in applying God's Word.
Faith versus Doubtful Things
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFaith falters when our attention moves to ourselves. God periodically allows storms to test our faith. We are driven back to God when there is nowhere else to turn.