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Should We Make Vows Today?
Article by John O. ReidOur desires can lead us to make vows to God, promising to change our way of living or perform a specific deed in return for a request. We must count the cost before making such promises. Hanna, in I Samuel 1, desired a child and vowed that if God granted her a son, she would dedicate him to His service. God heard her plea and fulfilled her desire. In contrast, Jephthah made a rash vow, desiring victory so greatly that he gave little thought to his part of the bargain. His impetuousness led to grief when he had to fulfill his promise, affecting his only daughter. God devotes an entire chapter, Numbers 30, to the rules of vowing, emphasizing that these are His direct commands. A person must always keep his word, whether swearing an oath or making a vow, and is bound to fulfill all its terms. For unmarried women living at home, their vows stand if their father hears and does not object, but if he disallows it on the day he hears, the vow does not stand, and God forgives her. Similarly, for betrothed or married women, their fiancé or husband holds authority to allow or disallow their vows. Widows and divorced women are fully accountable for their vows. God holds these promises as serious undertakings and considers it sin to fail in performing what is promised. In the New Testament, Jesus advises against swearing oaths, urging simply to say yes or no, as a Christian's word should be their bond. He warns that making vows to acquire something may lead to forgetting the promised performance once the desire is fulfilled. God does not take reneging on promises lightly. Though He advises against making vows, we can still choose to do so, but we must seriously contemplate what we request and promise, ensuring we can fulfill our commitment. As a special people to God, with direct access to His throne, we should consider whether vows are necessary when He hears our prayers and answers according to what is best for us. Let us ensure we fulfill all responsibilities in our relationship with Him, avoiding the dishonesty prevalent in society.
Jephthah's Vow: Did He or Didn't He?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughJephthah's vow has been a bone of contention for centuries. Did he really sacrifice his daughter? What kind of man was Jephthah?
Remembering Your Vows
Sermon by John O. ReidLike the marriage covenant, counting the cost is the most serious part of the baptismal agreement, not something to be taken lightly.
Giving Your Word
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidOne's word is not worth a whole lot these days in the world. But God listens to what we promise, so we had better perform it!
What Would You Die For?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChristian martyrs, convicted by God's truth, having an ardent love for Christ, have attained a special place of honor because of their ultimate sacrifice.
The Importance of Follow-Through
Article by David F. MaasJust as important as follow-through is in an athletic motion, its spiritual counterpart is vital to our life in Jesus Christ.
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.
'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.
Swear Not!
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidThe New Testament strictly forbids oaths of any kind, as our word should always be honest and trustworthy.
How Much Do You Value the Kingdom of God?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartyrdom is not a penalty because a person has failed to qualify for the Place of Safety; rather, it is a badge of honor for those who have overcome.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Six): Listening
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhen Solomon visits the Temple, he comes away with a sense that too many treat religion far too casually, forgetting that they are coming before God.
Numbers (Part Three): Poised at the Jordan
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe last chapters in Numbers describe a lengthy holding pattern in which not much seemed to happen. We must have patience as we wait for the Kingdom of God.
Malachi's Appeal to Backsliders (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMalachi assures the people of Judah that if they repent, God's favor will resume, but if they continue defiling the Covenant, a day of reckoning will come.
Recognizing Our Obligation
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughHow different would our lives be if God had not called us? God's intervention in our lives improved their quality exponentially, and we must respond in kind.
Samson and the Christian (Part 2)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughManoah, Samson's father, seem to have been a irresolute, docile parent, who caved to Samson's whims, producing an angry, willful rebel.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause of sin prompted, God has deliberately subjected creation to futility. Solomon has accurately taught us that without God, life is meaningless.
Judging
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughLike Solomon, we should be asking God for a discerning and understanding heart, capable of judging righteously, which requires knowing God's standards.