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How to Offend Someone
Sermon by Ryan McClureIn the discussion of cultural differences and the ease of causing offense, a significant biblical example emerges concerning meat offered to idols, as addressed by Paul in his letters to the Corinthians. In I Corinthians 8:1-13, Paul speaks to the issue of eating things offered to idols, noting that while knowledge may puff up, love edifies. He acknowledges that an idol is nothing in the world and there is no other God but one. However, not everyone possesses this understanding; some, with a consciousness of the idol, eat such meat as if it were truly offered to an idol, and their weak conscience is defiled. Paul emphasizes that food does not commend us to God, for neither eating nor abstaining makes us better or worse. Yet, he warns against allowing personal liberty to become a stumbling block to those who are weak. If someone with knowledge is seen eating in an idol's temple, it might embolden a weaker brother to partake, thus causing him to stumble. Paul declares that if food makes his brother stumble, he will never again eat meat, lest he cause offense. Further, in I Corinthians 10:23-30, Paul continues this teaching, stating that while all things may be lawful, not all things are helpful or edifying. He advises to eat whatever is sold in the market without questioning for conscience's sake, for the earth is the Lord's. However, if invited to dinner by an unbeliever and someone points out that the food was offered to idols, one should not eat it for the sake of the one who mentioned it and for conscience's sake—not one's own, but that of the other. Paul questions why his liberty should be judged by another's conscience, yet he urges consideration for others' feelings. He concludes in I Corinthians 10:31-33 that whether eating or drinking, all should be done to the glory of God, giving no offense to Jews, Greeks, or the church of God, seeking not personal profit but the well-being of many, that they may be saved. Through these teachings, Paul demonstrates a profound concern for avoiding offense, prioritizing the spiritual welfare of his brethren over personal freedoms.
Did God Change the Law of Clean and Unclean Meats?
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidWere the clean and unclean laws abolished at the cross? A closer look at the pertinent New Testament scriptures reveals God's intent.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Five): Thyatira
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Thyatira epistle carries a central theme for all seven churches, namely the tendency to syncretize or mix worldly ideas with the truth of God.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Four): Pergamos
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughCultural compromise, such as found in Pergamos, brings judgment from Jesus. To those who refuse to compromise their convictions, Christ promises eternal life.
Clean and Unclean Meats
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughModerns sneer at the Bible's food laws, but God gave them for man's good. This study shows they are still in effect for us today.
Growing Into Liberty
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur emancipation from sin does not automatically remove our acquired spiritual shackles. We must grow out of the slave mentality into liberty and freedom.
Our Genetically Altered Foods (Part Three)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our food has been hopelessly contaminated by genetic modification. However, we must not look down on others who are unable to purchase organic foods.
Nicolaitanism Today
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe end-time church is warned against Nicolaitanism, for it exists today. The Scriptures, plus some first century history, reveal who the Nicolaitans are.
Acts (Part Sixteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe must always conduct ourselves with the long-term spiritual interests of others in mind, being sensitive to the conscience and scruples of others.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 6)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReminding us to stay sensitive to conscience, Paul suggests we become other-centered, doing everything to the glory of God, especially in our relationships.
Abstaining From Evil
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidGod does not just want us not to sin, He also wants us not even to appear to be doing evil. We must guard their thoughts, words and deeds at all times.
Acts (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughActs 15 focuses upon the Council of Jerusalem, discussing the controversial subject of circumcision and its relationship to salvation.
The Jerusalem Council's Conclusion
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 addressed whether Gentile converts had to follow Jewish customs and additions to God's law to be saved.
Tests of True Knowledge
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA person who is puffed up parades his knowledge by exhibiting impatience, intolerance, or a false modesty, marginalizing what the uneducated in their minds.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Acts 15 decision did not do away with God's law, but solved the question of circumcision and the misconception that it was a recipe for salvation.
Conscience (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLawful behavior with a wrong attitude, motivated by pride, displaying lack of sensitivity to others or lack of wisdom, also constitutes sin.
The Seven Churches (Part Six): Thyatira
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThyatira receives a litany of praise and rebuke from our Savior. He particularly focuses on idolatry, which is spiritual fornication.
I Know Your Works
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughContrary to Protestant understanding, our works emphatically do count - showing or demonstrating (not just telling) that we will be obedient.
Passover and I Corinthians 10
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the Old Testament examples, the Corinthians had a careless presumption, allowing themselves to lust, fornicate, tempt God, and murmur.