Playlist:

playlist Go to the Self Denial (topic) playlist

Overcoming (Part 5): Self-Denial

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

A key to overcoming our sins is learning when to deny ourselves. Christ plainly declares that those who desire to follow Him must deny themselves.


The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Has anyone, other than Jesus Christ, really exhibited self-control? In the end, however, this is the ultimate aim of growing in the character of God.


Flee From Idolatry (Part One): Self-Discipline

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Though Paul's spiritual credentials outstripped all of his coworkers, Paul used none of his rights as an apostle, but gave his life as a sacrifice.


Self-Discipline

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Protestant theology recognizes that Christian self-discipline presents a major logical difficulty in its keystone doctrine of 'by grace alone.'


Self-Confidence

Sermonette by James C. Stoertz

This world in general touts self-confidence as a key indicator of capability and success, even if one has to 'fake it' until he makes it.


Are You Bearing Your Cross?

'Ready Answer' by Staff

How do we, as modern Christians, bear our cross as Jesus commands? Christ meant far more than simply carrying a stake over our shoulders!


Without Me, You Can Do Nothing (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Producing fruit is not simply a matter of having Jesus Christ or being forgiven. He says we will not produce anything unless we go on growing in Him.


It's Important to God Too (Part One)

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

God intends that we give ourselves as living sacrifices, mortifying our carnal nature, allowing God to consume our abilities in service.


It's Important to God Too (Part Two)

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

God does not do things uselessly, and certainly does not need our physical goods. Being a living sacrifice produces successful living.


What Does It Mean to Take Up the Cross?

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

Jesus commands His followers to take our cross and follow Him. Does He mean to carry a pagan symbol, or is there a deeper meaning to His weighty words?


What Does it Mean to Take Up the Cross?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Bearing our cross means our time on this earth is virtually finished, that we are willing to give up our lives, emulating the life of our Savior.


Conditions of Discipleship (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Mike Fuhrer

When Jesus gathered His disciples as He began His ministry, He needed principled and devout worshippers to teach and prepare for the work of spreading the gospel.


What Does It Take to Be a Hero?

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

God has chosen the weak and base things of the world, yet we can still sacrifice our personal concerns for the greater good just as our Savior did.


Principled Living (Part One): Imitating Christ

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Following Jesus requires absolute commitment, often involving sacrifice and discomfort. We must be willing to give up family and societal ties for God's sake.


Abstinence - Asceticism or Christian Living?

'Ready Answer' by Martin G. Collins

Some equate abstinence with religious asceticism, but abstinence is broader. Christians may need to abstain from more than just sinful actions.


Four Views of Christ (Part 7)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our lives parallel what Christ experienced: crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and glorification. The death of self must precede resurrection and glory.


God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

For His Own reasons, God has chosen not to reveal His plan to those the world considers wise, but, instead, to work with the weaker sort of mankind.


Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Solomon emphasized in Ecclesiastes 2 that we should enjoy and derive pleasure from our work. The way that we work is a visible witness of God before men.


Offerings (Part Seven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

If we want to follow Christ, we must sacrifice, take up our cross, and follow His example of service to God and others.


A Light To The World

Commentary by Mark Schindler

Exposure to more than two hours per day on digital screens lowers scores on thinking and language tests. We must not abandon our children to smartphones.


Do You Have 'the Hunger'?

Article by John O. Reid

We all have hungers, from a desire for certain foods to a yearning for success. Jesus teaches that we are blessed when we hunger for righteousness.


Knowing Christ (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

When we mortify the flesh, refusing to feed the hungry beast of our carnal nature, we suffer. Suffering for righteousness' sake helps us to know Christ.


The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Gnostics criticized by Paul in Colossians 2:16-17 were guilty of bringing in ritualistic ascetic discipline to propitiate demons.


Remembering Your Vows

Sermon by John O. Reid

Like the marriage covenant, counting the cost is the most serious part of the baptismal agreement, not something to be taken lightly.


Knowing Christ (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Christ's sacrifice was not merely substitutionary, but representative, with Christ giving us a pattern for life - mortifying our flesh and putting out sin.


A Lesson in Sportsmanship

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

The 'Pierre De Coubertin Medal' is given out for sportsmanship, honoring generous behavior toward competing athletes—much harder to win than a gold medal.