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What Sin Is
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSin begets sin with a relentless and pervasive force. As God warned Cain, if one does not change, sin lies at the door, its desire ever ready to dominate. It strives to pile iniquity upon iniquity, much like one lie often produces another to maintain a façade of deception. God's admonition is stark: repent at once, or sin's powerful tendency to grow will thoroughly control the individual who fails to resist it. Sin's desire is so persistent and its appeal so subtle that, if not consciously stopped, one becomes a master at sinning, making it a way of life. As Jeremiah laments, God's people are wise to do evil but have no knowledge of doing good. This pervasive influence of sin cannot be ignored, for it wormed its way into every fiber of human being, holding sway as a living, malignant power that struggles to retain dominion even after conversion.
The Sin of Fear (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsPhobias are common, but our fears can have far more serious consequences. The Bible warns that the wrong kind of fear could keep a person from God's Kingdom.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Seven): Fear of Judgment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur fear of being judged negatively by God should spur us to greater obedience and growth toward godliness. The fear of God is a fundamental mindset.
Preternatural, Natural, Unnatural, Supernatural (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God, before He created Adam and Eve, preternaturally planned the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save humanity from the curse of sin and death.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Six): Eternal Life
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIf you knew you would live forever, how would you live? Biblically, eternal life is much more than living forever: It is living as God lives!
Without Natural Affection
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause of lawlessness, love has gone stone-cold. Sin and lawlessness begets more sin and lawlessness, and natural affection and love disappear.
Handwriting on the Wall: Without Natural Affection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNarcissism and self-centeredness have snuffed out out-going concern, and everyone does what is right in their own eyes as the love of many grows cold.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Leper (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsLeprosy is a horrible disease, one that the ancients said could only be cured by God Himself. Jesus' healing of a leper manifested His divine power and mercy.
God's Rest (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLust begets a guilty conscience, agitation, anxiety, depression, grief, torment. Wrong desire leads to lying, adultery, and murder—eventually leading to death.
Joseph: A Saga of Excellence (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJoseph's example proves that even the most difficult temptation can be resisted and overcome, though this skill must be developed incrementally.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere are varieties of spirit, motivating people to 'go with the flow' and conform to a sheep-like mob psychology. Satan's spirit encourages sinfulness.
Everything Is A Lie
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must be careful about processing information we receive because much pernicious fraud exists on the Web, as well as the rest of the media.