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What Sin Does
Article by John W. RitenbaughSin produces sickness, pain, and degeneracy in subtle yet profound ways. The connection between sin and sickness is evident, as seen in the episode with Jesus and the paralytic, where a direct link is made between the two. Often, an illness or a weakened state of health may not stem from a single sin but from a series of sins committed over many years or a lifetime. Sin's subtlety can obscure its role as a cause of physical suffering, especially to those unaware of its deeper impact. Jesus Himself warns of this connection, instructing a healed man to sin no more, lest a worse condition befall him, making it clear that sin can lead to severe physical consequences.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Paralytic (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWhen Jesus heals the paralytic, He makes no bones about the fact that He, as the Son of Man, has the prerogative to forgive sin.
'Never Events'
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsMedication error constitutes the deadliest form of 'never events.' The medical community seems more interested in managing disease than in finding its cause.
Acquainted with Grief
Sermonette byChrist's bearing of our sicknesses and infirmities may have taken place throughout His life. He may have been acquainted with ill health for our benefit.
Faith in the Healer
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must establish an iron clad trust in God for spiritual matters, including healing, rather than having a misguided trust in self or other human beings.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 10)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though we are already damaged goods when God calls us, by embracing God's truth and seeking His help, we can break the bad habits which enslave us.
The Scourge of AIDS and the Sacrifice of Christ
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHIV/AIDS and all its ramifications on society impacts the church too. Here is how Jesus Christ's sacrifice applies in this situation.
Psalm Genres (Part Six): Penitential Psalms
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThis lesson explains that Penitential Psalms focus on the deep human experience of guilt and God's transformative response to it: while guilt is painful and stems from sin, God uses it to lead people toward repentance, forgiveness, and restoration through faith in Jesus Christ. These psalms—especially Psalm 51, along with Psalm 6 and Psalm 32—model heartfelt confession, reliance on divine mercy, and the necessity of inner change rather than mere outward ritual. They portray sin as an internal affliction that brings spiritual and even physical distress, but also emphasize the joy and freedom that come when one humbly confesses, seeks God's grace, and is restored to a right relationship with Him, resulting in a renewed life marked by obedience, gratitude, and praise.
Promised: Protection and Healing
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod gives several conditions for receiving protection and healing, including God's sovereignty, God's purpose, and one's level of growth.
Are You Dissipating Your Own Energy?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe need to be on guard against dissipating our energy, becoming over-immersed in activity and busyness to the point of losing overall effectiveness.
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.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 11)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHuman nature takes chances, assuming the day of reckoning will come later, not sooner. We cannot ignore truth or God's laws without paying a horrific price.
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.
Elements of Motivation (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though sin offers fleeting pleasure, we must learn to intensely hate sin, regarding this product of Satan as a destroyer of everything God loves.
John (Part Nine)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus teaches the difference between works that cause burdens (work that profanes the Sabbath) and works that relieve burdens. The Father and Son never stop working.
Why Does God Allow Us to Be Afflicted?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn God's hands, trials and afflictions are tools to produce refined character and joy, and to move us away from worldly choices and back to His purpose.