Filter by Categories
Narrow Is the Way
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe liberty that God grants comes with an unexpected twist, as knowing the truth severely limits the choices available to those who seek to do right. God, as the ultimate Parent, hedges us in, narrowing our path to avoid confusion and ensure we focus on attaining His Kingdom. This principle is evident in Proverbs 22:6, where God instructs parents to train their children by limiting their choices, guiding them in the way they should go, because too many options lead to confusion. This narrowing of choices is also reflected in the symbolism of manna, representing the Word of God as the sole food for the mind and spirit. God endorses only His Word as the true nourishment, limiting the variety of influences we should allow into our lives to transform us into His image. In Matthew 7:13, Jesus Christ reinforces this by describing the difficult and narrow way of life that comes from following the good Master, who reduces our choices to foster clear thinking and right decisions, in contrast to the broad way of many choices offered by the bad master, which leads to confusion. God's approach to liberty is to free us not for endless options, but to remove ignorance and increase our knowledge of Him and His way, thereby limiting our choices to what aligns with His will. As seen in Deuteronomy 30:11-20, He sets before us life and death, urging us to choose life, a path defined by clear, limited moral choices rooted in His eternal laws. Thus, true freedom under God is found in the narrow way, where consistent right choices lead to His Kingdom and ultimate liberation from the shackles of sin and humanity.
Four Warnings (Part One): Enter By the Narrow Gate
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are admonished to seek the narrow, difficult gate rather than the wide gate and the broad, well-traveled easy way, representing Satan's reprobate teachings.
What Is 'My Way'?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though we may claim to follow God's way, there is a considerable measure of selfishness in our pathways, a tendency to be dismissive of other people.
The Road Less Traveled
Article by Richard T. RitenbaughThe road that leads to salvation has ditches on either side: legalism and liberalism. God's way perfectly balances and blends law and grace.
Called to Change
Sermon by Ryan McClureWe are admonished to change, becoming living sacrifices, renewing our minds from carnal to spiritual, becoming transformed into the image of our Savior.
Striking a Balance
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughBoth legalism and liberalism can lead to our destruction. God's word implanted in our hearts and minds will promote a perfect balance.
Corporate Sin
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are obligated to purge our thoughts, deeds, and words, cleaning out individual and corporate sins and replacing them with sincerity, truth, and holiness.
Heavenly Citizenship (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are strangers, foreigners, aliens, or pilgrims to the world, but full-fledged citizens of God's Kingdom.
The Road to the Kingdom
Article by Mike FordThe way leading to eternal life is narrow and difficult and few find it. The road to the Kingdom may not be a highway, but neither is it concealed or secret.
Spirituality and True Conversion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must guard against the fuzzy, emotional spirituality without a Deity, based upon a worldly syncretism of Eastern and Western philosophical thought.
The Christian Medal of Honor
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod rewards patient and continual perseverance in good works, reflecting an inner nobility and character.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Colossians 2:16 and Galatians 4:9-10, Paul was warning against mixing Gnostic asceticism and pagan customs with the keeping of God's Sabbath and Holy Days.
Psalm 23 (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughSheep are the most dependent on their owner for their well-being. From the viewpoint of the sheep, the quality of care of the shepherd is of utmost importance.
Parenting (Part 5): Methods
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOf the various approaches to discipline, spanking is really the only method endorsed by the Bible. Properly administered, spanking smarts but leaves no bruises.