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Original Sin and Holiness
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Sin, even when committed unintentionally, carries significant weight in the eyes of God. There are those who may commit a sin and be ignorant of doing so, yet believe themselves free of guilt. Scripture reveals that ignorance does not excuse the act; the servant who sins unknowingly is still punished, though the penalty may be less severe than the ultimate judgment. Sin remains an ever-present influence in human life, a force that cannot be overestimated, requiring constant vigilance and closeness to God for protection from its worst effects. God's mercy and grace are vital, as He hedges us in, shielding us from the full impact of this pervasive moral disease.
Sin (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSin, even when unintentional, is a formidable enemy that can easily ensnare us. Failing to do good when it is within our power to act is considered sin, as highlighted in James 4:17. This principle obligates us to help others, whether through physical aid or spiritual encouragement, when the opportunity arises. Proverbs 3:27 reinforces this by instructing us not to withhold good from those to whom it is due when we have the means to provide it. The parable in Matthew 25 illustrates that those who fail to help when they have the ability are sinning, missing the mark of entering the Kingdom of God. Similarly, in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the priest and Levite sin by refusing to assist the injured man despite having the capacity to help. Galatians 6:10 urges us to support others, especially fellow believers, as we have the chance. Even in less obvious ways, such as withholding needed correction or encouragement due to fear of offense or personal sacrifice, we can fall short. This shows how easily we can sin through omission, turning aside from the straight path of God's Word.
Sin Defined and Overcome
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughSin, even when unintentional, carries significant weight in the eyes of God. These inadvertent sins, described as missing the mark or straying without willfulness, are often linked to ignorance or weakness. Though they may not stem from deliberate intent, God still considers the context and circumstances in His judgment, showing mercy by not treating every sin with equal harshness. However, even these sins of weakness can have devastating effects, likened to the poison of a cobra, demonstrating that unintended actions can still result in severe consequences. The guilt remains, whether caused by carelessness, laziness, or indifference, as the failure to think things through does not erase the impact of the sin. God's merciful judgment takes into account these factors, yet the seriousness of even unintentional sin underscores the need to remain vigilant in striving against all forms of deviation from His standards.
Sin (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThough relatively neutral at its inception, human nature is subject to a deadly magnetic pull toward self-centeredness, deceit, and sin.
Elements of Judgment (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must emulate the ways of God, demonstrating justice in our lives, thoughts, words, and deeds, preparing to judge in God's Kingdom. Not all sins are equal.
God's Sense of Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is absolutely justified in what He decides regarding the judgment and punishment of us all. However, He is merciful and always rewards righteousness.
Living by Faith and God's Justice
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAmong the spiritual realities that a faithful Christian must understand is God's sense of justice. The deaths of Nadab and Abihu are a case in point.
Living By Faith: God's Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn order to live by faith, we must understand God's sovereignty, God's character, and God's justice, realizing that we do not see the entire picture.
Examples of Divine Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNadab and Abihu, Ananias and Sapphira, and Uzzah, all aware of the penalties for their actions, rebelled against God's clear and unambiguous instructions.
Motives
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityOur motives must be to serve God and our spiritual siblings rather than elevating ourselves. Are we trying to help or merely putting on a show?
Foolishness and Cleansing
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHuman nature has a perverse drive to take risks, pushing the envelope, taking unwise chances, foolishly gambling away the future. Foolishness is sin.
Presumptuousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIndividuals arrogating to themselves the authority to change doctrine are on extremely dangerous ground, presumptuously setting up idols in place of God.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Six): Ecclesiastes 10:5-11
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughCause and effect relationships will always cause multiple metaphorical dominoes to fall. Similarly, sin never occurs in a vacuum but will continue to ripple.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As God sanctified Noah, saving him from the flood, we must trust God to sanctify us, protecting us from the holocaust of fire which will burn this earth.