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Passover, Obligation, and Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIn a world where a sense of obligation often wanes, the concept of sacrificial love emerges as a profound counterpoint, urging us to recognize our deep indebtedness. This love is vividly illustrated by the fallen woman who, overwhelmed by gratitude, washed Christ's feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with oil. Her actions were not mere duty but an outpouring of a heart freed to give everything, motivated by the recognition of her unworthiness against His greatness. Her deed stands as a timeless expression of love and gratitude, recorded for all humanity to witness. Christ's death exemplifies the ultimate unselfish, sacrificial service and love. The Father and Son gave freely and generously of Themselves, not out of compulsion but out of beneficent goodwill for our well-being. This sacrifice becomes the foundation of all loving relationships, reminding us of the measure of His love and our worth to Him. Remembering this helps retain a right sense of obligation, filling us with wonder that He would pay so much for something so defiled. When we truly evaluate ourselves against what was freely sacrificed for our forgiveness and eventual eternal life, we begin to partake of God's favor. This recognition compels us to love, motivating us to do what we previously failed to do, which placed us in debt. Our fellowship with Christ, especially during the Passover, centers on this sacrificial love, where He is both host and feast, urging us to approach with devotion and awe at the immense price paid on our behalf.
Is the Love of Many Growing Cold?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeJesus foretells that "the love of many will grow cold" at the end time. Is this happening right now, or is there love that is just difficult to recognize?
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.
We Stick Together
Sermon by Mark SchindlerChrist's final marching orders to His disciples was that they love one another, sacrificially sticking together in service to one another.
Debt and Obligation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe 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.
A Priceless Gift
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod's children look no different on the outside, but God has given them something inside, something spiritual, that makes them special to Him.
John (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe humble attitude exemplified by Jesus in footwashing shows the mind of God. God expects us to follow Christ's example of loving others, flaws and all.
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.
The Greatest Motivation
Sermonette by Bill OnisickMost people are not aware of the motivations that drive their behavior. Are we cognizant of our own motivations? Are we analyzing their activation and intensity?
How God Deals With Conscience (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAt times, God has to ignite our conscience and undermine our self-confidence to get our attention in a similar fashion as he did to Joseph's brothers.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Nine)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe marriage relationship and the family structure provide a workshop to learn the intricacies of the God-plane relationship between Christ and the church.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Seven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChristians must address marriage problems from God's perspective. Stress can cause people to lay aside their values in favor of humanly reasoned solutions.