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Sin (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSin, as depicted in the scriptures, often involves a departure from the divine standard, described vividly as missing the mark or turning aside from the path set by God's Word. Righteousness establishes a standard, and when a person sins, he may not be breaking a specific enacted law but is deviating from the example or spirit of God's instruction. This turning aside is akin to straying from a straight path, where the path represents God's Word, and to walk off it signifies a departure into sin. Such deviation, even in the form of folly or foolishness, is considered sin because it represents a failure to align with the divine standard. The concept of turning aside is further illustrated through the contrast between wisdom and folly. A person of understanding walks uprightly, making his paths straight, while the person of folly turns aside, departing from the righteous way. This imagery underscores that even seemingly minor deviations, such as foolish talking or coarse jesting, are forms of sin because they do not conform to the standard of righteousness exemplified by God. These actions, though they may appear trivial, reflect a low moral and ethical standard, distancing one from the image of God. Moreover, sin as turning aside includes the failure to act when good is within one's power to perform. To withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of one's hand to do so, is to stray from the path of righteousness. This principle reveals how easily one can fall into sin by neglecting opportunities to help or encourage others, thereby turning aside from the example set by Christ, who continuously did good. Such omissions are a departure from the straight path, marking a subtle yet significant form of sin.
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.
Producing Fruit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo be made clean only prepares us for producing fruit. If we stand still, simply resting on our justification, the dark forces will pull us backwards.
Conscience (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA conscience can only function according to what it knows, and will automatically adjust in the way it is exercised. Conscience follows conduct.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove, justice, mercy, and fidelity (the weightier matters of the law) God desires more than meticulous, mechanical religiosity.
Conscience (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLawful behavior with a wrong attitude, motivated by pride, displaying lack of sensitivity to others or lack of wisdom, also constitutes sin.
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.
Vanity (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSolomon's statement that all of life is vanity is only true if one is not privy to God's ultimate purpose for mankind. Paul describes what God is doing.
Deuteronomy: Being Careful
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur care in following God's instructions must be thorough, leaving no place for inattention, short cuts, negligence, or doing only enough to get by.
God's Rest (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLust begets a guilty conscience, agitation, anxiety, depression, grief, torment. Wrong desire leads to lying, adultery, and murder—eventually leading to death.
Perversity
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityChange or open-mindedness without wisdom is foolish and perverted, as one can see by the horrendous fruits of the Boomer's open-minded permissiveness.
Josiah
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJosiah may have been the most righteous of Judah's kings, having fewer foibles than David, but having equivalent leadership skills and a love of God's law.
Numbers: The Book of Judgment
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe live daily in uncharted territory, but the sobering account in Numbers provides a roadmap, establishing God's pattern of judging our pilgrimage conduct.
Striking a Balance
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughBoth legalism and liberalism can lead to our destruction. God's word implanted in our hearts and minds will promote a perfect balance.