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Don't Cherry Pick God's Law
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersGod expects His people to live by every word that proceeds from His mouth. Mankind, however, picks and chooses which of God's laws to follow, agreeing with some, like those against murder and theft, while disregarding others, such as keeping the Sabbath holy. Many do not even understand the full scope of God's commandments, altering or omitting them to suit their preferences. Yet, for God's people, the call is clear: we must strive to keep His words at the forefront of our minds every moment of our lives. This is not easy, but it is essential to study the Bible to know His words and to work diligently to live by them. God warns against foolishness, loss of self-control, and mixing true worship with human traditions, emphasizing that He will not accept partial obedience. Living by every word of God brings blessings, while disregarding His laws leads to penalties and misery, as seen in the consequences of sin. God pleads with us to listen to His voice, for He knows what is best for us, and if we make the effort to live by His words, our relationships and lives will be enriched with love and purpose.
Do We Truly Honor God in Our Actions?
Sermon by Kim MyersGod's Word is essential for training and discipline, and it must be used as the foundation for our lives. We are called to live by every word that comes from the mouth of God, not merely to hear it, but to put it into practice. Failing to act on His Word renders our efforts futile. As firstfruits, we bear the responsibility to be doers of His Word, striving to align our actions with His commands. Many, however, choose a way of life contrary to God's instructions, neglecting the importance of His commands like keeping the Sabbath holy. The Sabbath holds great significance to God, mentioned numerous times throughout Scripture, underscoring our duty to honor it by refraining from personal pleasures and focusing on His will. Similarly, adherence to God's instructions regarding the Feast of Tabernacles, such as saving second tithe, ensures we can keep His holy days without financial burden, fostering generosity and obedience that bring blessings. God also commands us to assemble where He places His name, emphasizing the importance of gathering as a community under His guidance. Disregarding this by choosing isolation or streaming services when able to attend in person reflects a failure to live by His Word. In matters of relationships, God warns against becoming unequally yoked, as it often leads to compromise or conflict that can distance us from Him. His laws are designed for our good, aiming to protect us from misery and to secure our place in His plan. God's Word extends to family dynamics, calling for mutual love and respect in marriage, and for discipline in raising children. Following His guidance in these areas brings wisdom and blessings, making our lives, marriages, and families stronger. When we live by every Word of God, or at least strive to do so, we experience the benefits of His ways, which are always for our well-being. Refusing to adhere to His Word, or reasoning contrary to His truth, places us in rebellion, a dangerous path that we must avoid by embracing His commands fully.
The Awesome Cost of Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJesus clearly teaches that abiding in His word is essential for true discipleship and freedom. As He states, if you abide in His word, you are His disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. The term "abide" conveys a sense of continuing, dwelling, remaining, and enduring, suggesting a consistent movement within a pattern rather than standing still. This truth, which brings freedom, is not a singular concept but a broad and deep reality, a package of many individual truths that require time to accumulate. Abiding in His word, therefore, demands a disciplined investment of time and energy to maintain and expand the freedom once given. This freedom does not come instantly but progressively, as growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is necessary. Truth and freedom are intertwined, but truth produces freedom only when it is actively used. Without application, truth holds no value, much like possessing money but never using it to buy or invest. Thus, those who have truth must press on, maintaining what they already possess while simultaneously deepening and expanding it through a steadfast commitment to abiding in His word.
The Awesome Cost of Salvation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAbiding in God's Word is essential to truly becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. If you remain in His Word and continue in it, then you are His disciples indeed. A true disciple is not merely one who begins the journey of faith, but one who persists and abides in the way. Freedom, which is a central theme of Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread, is tied to this abiding. Truth and freedom go hand-in-hand, but truth will produce freedom only as it is used. Freedom, the kind God brings us into, comes progressively, not all at once. If we continue on the way, we will understand the truth and become free. The truth of God reveals the real values of life, showing us what we are to give our lives to. This relationship with God, opened through Passover, must be developed and continued. We are not free merely because the relationship is established; continuing in His Word is a vital part of the process to attain true freedom.
Growing Into Liberty
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAbiding in God's Word is essential for true liberty and spiritual growth. Jesus emphasized that His Word holds value only when there is commitment to it, as He admonished that without such dedication, acceptance of His teachings remains superficial and does not transform lives. He stated that continuing in His Word marks one as His disciple, indicating that freedom is a process achieved through the deep inculcation of the meaning of God's Word. Without this commitment and understanding, there is little devotion to truth, and without love for truth, genuine comprehension of its implications for life is lacking. God's Word is central to developing faith, as Jesus declared that the words He speaks are spirit and life. It is not merely about absorbing the Word, but grasping its meaning as it applies to daily living. Many have knowledge of God's Word and of His existence, but without understanding and commitment to its implications, they fail to progress toward the liberty God desires for them. This liberty, tied to the function of God's Spirit, requires growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, a process that transforms the heart and frees it from old, enslaved patterns of thinking. Understanding God's Word eliminates fear and fosters love, which are crucial for true freedom. Fear, often rooted in excessive self-consciousness, strips away liberty and hinders the ability to love, leading back to bondage. By focusing on serving and giving, one becomes free from sin and unifies rather than divides. This growth in understanding and application of God's Word is a gradual journey, but with God's faithfulness, His Word accomplishes what He intends, offering hope for ultimate liberation as we continue to abide in it.
A Rewired Society (Part Two): A Post-Truth World
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the face of rising lawlessness and the rejection of absolute truth in society, the importance of abiding in God's Word becomes paramount. Jesus Christ emphasizes that true freedom is found in knowing and adhering to His truth. He declares that if you abide in His Word, you are His disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. This truth, embodied in His Word, stands in direct opposition to the postmodern ideology of personal truth, which leads to sin and enslavement rather than liberation. God's Word contains all a person needs to understand His unalterable purpose and the means by which it will come to pass. With His Spirit guiding us, we gain actual freedom to choose a course aligned with reality—what is truly happening in the universe and where God's purpose is heading. Jesus asserts that without this insight, humanity remains enslaved to sin, unable to choose what is best. Only through the Son can one be made free indeed, gaining the power to make right choices based on God's reality. As the world veers into a post-Christian, post-truth era, where personal truth reigns and lawlessness surges, God's people must remain committed to His revealed truth. Despite deceptions and troubles mounting, diligent endurance in observing and preserving the teachings of God's Word will keep our feet on the path to His Kingdom. We must hold fast to His law, His testimonies, and His eternal foundations, which are reliable and true, ensuring we do not falter amidst societal chaos.
Conditions of Discipleship (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerIf our worship of God ends in slavish obedience, so does our salvation! While He wants us to obey, God is not looking for obedient drudges but loyal children.
John (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAs long as we are slaves of sin and following the dictates of our lusts, we have no free moral agency. God liberates us from sin so we are free to obey Him.
Born Again (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Things pertaining to the New Covenant can only be understood by those who have been circumcised in the heart, which equates to having been born again.
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSatan's biggest targets for disinformation are God's called-out ones. How can the true disciples be identified?
John (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe overriding motivation for the individuals bringing to Jesus the woman caught in adultery was to trap Him, impaling Him on the horns of a dilemma.
The W's and H's of Meditation (Part Six)
Sermon by David F. MaasThe admonition to remember is one of the most dominant themes in both Testaments. James teaches that the most important project is the cultivation of our minds.
The Sin of Fear (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsThere are two seemingly-contradictory types of fear, the good fears and the bad ones. We must begin and remain in the proper fear of God to cast off other fears.
Truth (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf we are going to search for truth, we should not be seeking it in the philosophies of men, but rather in the fullness of truth found in God's revelation.