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The High Christology of Colossians

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Our indebtedness to Christ is profound and central to our salvation. We have been transferred from the dominion of darkness into the sovereign reign of Christ, moving from a state of evil and harm to one of safety and loving care under the Father's beloved Son. This deliverance is a rescue, a stark contrast between two distinct worlds, where Christ's rule is so superior that we should have no desire to return to the chaos and futility of our former life. We owe this redemption to Christ, who voluntarily shed His blood to buy us out of that terrible situation, paying for our sins so we might have forgiveness, grace, and life instead of death. Without Christ, we would be nowhere, unredeemed, unforgiven, unenlightened, without hope, and without real life, facing only death with nothing beyond. His gracious redemption and reconciliation have changed our trajectory. Moreover, He continues to work on our behalf as our High Priest, striving day and night to present us holy, blameless, and irreproachable before God, producing the best fruit on His vine. This ongoing effort underscores our deep indebtedness to Him, as He is the source of all we need for salvation and preparation for the Kingdom of God.

Parable of the Two Debtors

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

In the narrative of the Parable of the Two Debtors, we are all debtors in the sight of our just Creditor, Jesus Christ. All have sinned, and none of us can discharge our debt on our own. Yet, through His willingness to take our debt and blot it out with His own blood, we receive the remission of our sins. Once freed from sin's oppressive burden, we must show our gratitude to Him by living in holiness and loving service to others, glorifying Him in a life of righteousness. The parable illustrates this through the contrast between the two debtors: one owing 500 denarii, representing a woman burdened by many sins, and another owing 50 denarii, representing Simon, a man complacent in his self-righteousness. The woman, in her repentance and faith, expresses lavish love and abundant appreciation for the forgiveness offered by Christ, while Simon shows little love or concern. Christ's readiness to forgive both debtors underscores His boundless grace, emphasizing that it is faith, as shown by the woman, that brings forgiveness and peace. Her response to this forgiveness—washing His feet with tears, anointing Him with costly oil, and displaying open love—stands as a powerful example of the gratitude we owe Him for releasing us from our debt.

Loving Christ and Revelation 2:1-7

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

There is a direct relationship between loving Christ and doing the right works. God's love for us places us under a compelling obligation to reciprocate.

The Christian Fight (Part Five)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The faithful life and work of Noah illustrates that after justification, walking by faith with God is a practical responsibility.

Passover, Obligation, and Love

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Christ's redemption obligates us to obey and serve Him. We show our gratitude for this priceless gift by doing good in acts of love and service to others.

An Unpayable Debt and Obligation

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

When God calls us and redeems us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we suddenly come under obligation—a debt we cannot pay but overshadows all we do.

The Elements of Motivation (Part Four): Obligation

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Understanding our obligation to Christ leads to a deeply held loyalty to Him. Our redemption should make us strive to please Him in every facet of life.

Be You Thankful

Sermon by John O. Reid

When we neglect to become thankful, our hearts harden, bringing about alienation from God. Gratitude is the glue that cements our relationships with God.

Debt and Obligation

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We live in a time when people have acquired a weak sense of obligation to family, society, or nation. Because sin cannot be undone, all are debtors to God.

Elements of Motivation (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Because we have been bought with an awesome price, we have no right to pervert our lives, but are obligated to look upon our bodies as vessels in His service.

Thankfulness (1986)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

We need to give thanks for everything, blessings and trials. Christianity ought to be an exhilarating experience, but it depends on our outlook on life.

Matthew (Part Twenty-Five)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus contrasts the enormity of what we are forgiven to what we forgive others. Our forgiveness is directly connected with our forgiveness of our brother.

Faithful, Following Firstfruits

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Those reveling in the 'new freedoms' of apostasy cannot be persuaded to return to former beliefs because they no longer believe in the sanctified Word of God.

Our Daily Bread of Affliction

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

We have been de-leavened, but we know we still have sin in us that has to be purified through a lengthy process of sanctification.

On Self-Righteousness

CGG Weekly by John W. Ritenbaugh

Self-righteousness lies at the root of many other sins. Because we are self-centered, self-righteousness will follow as surely as water runs downhill.