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The Household of God and Loyalty
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLoyalty, as a vital virtue, reflects an enduring commitment to a person over a long period, often persisting through obstacles that threaten such dedication. Within the household of God, loyalty has been severely tested over recent decades, with significant declines in faithfulness among members, mirroring a broader societal trend of religious disloyalty. Many have abandoned fellowship under false pretenses, revealing a deeper issue in their relationship with God. True loyalty, however, is not blind but grounded in truth and the Word of God, demanding integrity in our treatment of others through word and action. On a human level, loyalty is a prime virtue essential for dependable relationships and societal stability. Biblical examples, such as the mutual loyalty between Abimelech and Abraham, and Ruth's unwavering commitment to her mother-in-law, highlight loyalty as the ultimate basis for integrity in personal dealings. Nehemiah's call to the Jews to fight fiercely for their families and brethren underscores a total loyalty, even unto death, rooted in shared goals and faith in God's promises. Similarly, the friendship of David and Jonathan exemplifies loyalty as a deep bond of trust and reliability, even in adversity. Loyalty extends to various roles—servants, priests, brethren, and leaders—each carrying obligations of faithfulness that strengthen communal bonds. In marriage and among brethren, loyalty manifests as a steadfast promise to stand by one another through challenges, reflecting the ideal of enduring commitment. Disloyalty, however, brings disgrace, as seen in Israel's historical faithlessness despite God's covenant loyalty, resulting in severe consequences. God's loyalty to His people stands in stark contrast to human unfaithfulness. His determined faithfulness to a gracious covenant-relationship is evident in His unwavering promises and lovingkindness, demanding a response of loyalty from His people. As the faithful God, He maintains covenant-loyalty with those who love Him and keep His commandments, inspiring a dutiful response of faithfulness to His commands. Jesus Christ, as the ultimate fulfillment of this loyalty, exemplifies faithfulness in His role as High Priest and ruler over God's household, surpassing even Moses in dedication. Loyalty within the household of God and our personal relationships serves as training for belonging to the faithful Family of God the Father and Jesus Christ. It requires humility, outgoing concern for others, and an enduring commitment that withstands obstacles, ensuring that nothing separates us as brethren. Our families and brethren yearn for this loyalty, desiring friendships built on trustworthiness and mutual support. Thus, the question remains: How loyal are we in our commitments to God and to one another?
Loyalty and Submission (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn marriage, loyalty, trust and subjection are demanded of both partners. If we are not loyal to God and life, we are automatically subject to Satan and death.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs wives are admonished to emulate the ideal of the Proverbs 31 woman, husbands must emulate the sacrificial spirit of Jesus Christ.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLoyalty and submission to God (not always easy) empowers and guarantees ultimate success and leadership, actually freeing us from the fear of death.
Loyalty to the Body
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWhen we consider the value of our calling, we must look at Paul's warning about discerning the Body more soberly, maintaining our loyalty to the Body.
Loyalty
Sermon by James BeaubelleAs God's called out saints, the God given human longing for freedom is not the pursuit of uninhibited self-will, but the disciplined, loyal use of our choices to follow God and build righteous character. Sadly, the rich young ruler was trapped by his own wealth. When we survey Israel's rebellion and the prodigal son who squandered his inheritance, we realize that liberty without wisdom, law, and loyalty leads to blindness, bondage, and self-destruction, while liberty guided by godly vision, humility, and responsibility leads to life, joy and spiritual growth. Ultimately, Christ offers us the only freedom that matters, namely the freedom to choose righteousness, reject destructive paths, and faithfully follow him toward eternal life.
Divided Loyalty
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamThe word 'loyalty' is not found in the Bible, but is denoted by other words such as 'faithfulness' and 'steadfastness', and applies to allegiance to God or man.
Who Deserves Our Loyalties?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When we are called, we are asked to count the cost and plan accordingly. We must totally give ourselves over to becoming fashioned into His image.
Are You a True Friend of Jesus Christ?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn every platitude and truism about friendship that we have read, all point to loyalty and faithfulness as the most desired attributes.
Souls Knit Together (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamThe friendship of Jonathan and David is one of the greatest friendships of the Old Testament. Jonathan's loyalty and integrity stands out in everything he does.
Thank You For Being A Friend
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingTrue friendship is not just a casual relationship, but a deep commitment of trust, enabling the sharing of our deepest thoughts without fear of betrayal.
Passover and Friends United in Truth (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mark SchindlerThere is a kind of artificial friendship, that to show one's self friendly in it, is very expensive, and in every way utterly unprofitable.
Souls Knit Together (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamJonathan apparently had no qualms about David receiving the kingship. His recognition of God's hand was so strong that he humbly submitted to God's will.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Nine)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe loyalty of the Laodiceans did not extend far beyond loyalty to self. Loyalty and friendship are inextricably bound together.
Freedom and Responsibility
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When a culture liberalizes, there will be a corresponding rise in irresponsibility, as people become fickle, rash, undependable, untrustworthy or disloyal.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughFaithfulness is a hallmark of a true Christian, yet unfaithfulness is prevalent at the end of the age. Here is what the Bible teaches about faithfulness.
I Pledge Allegiance
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe words 'under God' were added to the Pledge in 1954. As our country drifts toward socialism, we need to determine where our true allegiance lies.
Godly Friendship: A Priceless Commodity
Article by David F. MaasHere is how we should cultivate and appreciate our friendships, for they are a necessary tool in growing in godliness.
A Man of Fortitude and Conviction
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingDesmond Doss was the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor. This Sabbath-keeping medic exemplifies total conviction.
The Seventh Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Seventh Commandment—prohibiting adultery—covers the subject of faithfulness. Unfaithfulness devastates many aspects of family and society life.
'But I Say to You' (Part Four): Divorce
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen divorce takes place, spiritual growth from the relationship stops, but when conflict escalates within a dying relationship, no growth can occur either.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Seventeen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because the world is under the sway of the wicked one, if mankind were left to its own choices, the world would revert to the condition before the Flood.
Deuteronomy (Part 4)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf we learn to fear and love God, loyalty, faithfulness and commandment-keeping will naturally follow, and we will instinctively hasten to depart from evil.
Caleb: Wholeheartedly Following God Exemplified
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingThe apostle Paul reminds us that Scripture was written to teach, strengthen, and give hope. The example of Caleb demonstrates wholehearted faith. Though often overshadowed by Joshua, Caleb stands out as a man with a "different spirit," loyal, courageous, patient, and unwavering in trust. While the other spies saw only danger, Caleb saw God's power and urged Israel to act on His promises. He endured forty years of wandering without complaint, supported Joshua without jealousy, and at eighty-five still trusted God-not himself—to fulfill what had been promised. His life demonstrates that faith is proven in adversity, that age does not limit what God can do, and that genuine obedience flows from a heart that relies on God for strength, timing, and victory. Caleb's example calls for believers to the same wholehearted trust, confident that God is bigger than any giant or mountain before them.
America's Mercenary Culture
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughSociologists are concerned that the mercenary attitude pervades American culture. What does the Bible about this 'each man for himself' way of life?
Mephibosheth
Sermonette by James C. StoertzWhen confronted with the treachery of Absalom, Ziba and Mephibosheth seemed to express divided loyalties just as we do when we yield to our carnal minds.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Six)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughDespite having served mankind well for millennia, marriage is crumbling under a three-pronged attack. Marriage is vital to understanding God's purpose.
Dedication is a Necessity
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Devoted dedication to a cause—God's cause—is a vital character quality needed for every Christian. We are required to put Him before all else in life.
The Convicted Soldier
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingA good soldier must exemplify honesty and self-control, qualities God desires in us. Uriah demonstrated this high standard by refusing to violate his code of honor.
'But I Say to You' (Part Three): Adultery
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the current culture war, progressives have declared war against God's seventh commandment by encouraging free sex, homosexuality, and other perversions.
Stewardship
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA steward is responsible for the supervision or managing of something entrusted into his care by a superior. As God's stewards, have been entrusted with much.
'But I Say to You' (Part Five): Oaths
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must grow in personal integrity, providing a witness for the truth to those around them, not needing the crutch of an oath to guarantee our integrity.
Remember the Rechabites!
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJonadab, who demonstrated his zeal toward God by assisting Jehu in ridding Israel of idolators, is one of the finest examples of fatherhood in the Bible.
Friendship Within the Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe will be judged on our responsiveness to each other and our subsequent friendship with our brethren, one that goes through the grave for all eternity.
The Behavior of Onesiphorus
Sermonette by Jared M. EllisOnesiphorus stands out for his unwavering loyalty and selfless support of Paul during persecution. His actions, not his words, spoke volumes.
Israel's Missing Characteristics of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faithfulness is living continually by faith, acting even though doing so may cost us. Love is not primarily a feeling, but faithfulness in applying God's Word.
Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur manners express our personality, especially as they portray humility, courtesy, or gentleness, and are improved as we make use of God's Spirit.
The Ninth Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe cannot measure how much evil the tongue has perpetrated, for falsehoods disguised as truth have destroyed reputations and even nations.