A Time to Grow
Sermonette by Ryan McClureHorticulture is not so easy as merely planting a seed and watching it grow. Tending and keeping implies continually watering, fertilizing, and cultivating.
Knowing Christ (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, using athletic running metaphors, emphasizes that we, like the Apostle Paul, must discipline ourselves, apply concentrated effort, and run with endurance to attain our reward or office (not to attain salvation, as some anti-nomian teachers have falsely charged). Sanctification is the longest, most difficult, and …
Our Spiritual Marathon
Sermonette by Bill OnisickBill Onisick, reflecting on his recent experience training for and running a marathon, draws some analogies that apply to our spiritual marathon—a race characterized as a mental task. We all have goals and trials, but often pride makes us think we know better than God what course is best for us to follow. Our God has a …
The Gun Lap
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordOver the years, we have been told many times that we are on the gun lap. What is this gun lap? Using his track experience, Mike Ford shows how we must give our all to reach our finish line!
Motivation to Endure
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)Without daily contact with God in prayer and Bible study, and without continual contact with the brethren, we may lose the determination to persevere.
Hope to the End (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFaith, hope and love are spiritual gifts which safeguard us from discouragement and depression, giving us a mature perspective that will last eternally.
Running God's Marathon With Christ
Sermon by Mark SchindlerChrist endured many more than three temptations; rather, He was tested continuously, and perhaps the intensity increased as He neared the end of His life.
Resistance (Part Three): Persistence
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe elite athlete is the one with the gritty persistence and tenacity to fight on regardless of the obstacles, wanting nothing to do with mediocrity.
It's Important to God Too (Part One)
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, focusing upon Deuteronomy 16:16 and Exodus 23:17, the traditional verses calling for an offering, admonishing not to come to Holy Day services empty-handed, reminds us that we are not really giving God anything because He owns everything. The experience of giving an offering is for our benefit. We receive …
It's Important to God Too (Part Two)
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reminding us that God does not do things uselessly, and certainly does not need our physical goods, examines the role of the offering and sacrifice rehearsed at each Holy Day. The nouns offering and sacrifice derive from two separate Greek words meaning "to bring forth" and "to kill" …
The Crown of Life
Article by Martin G. CollinsWe do not think about crowns much, but one awaits us if we continue in the faith! The Bible describes the crown we will receive when we enter God's Kingdom.
Going on to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)We are bombarded by technology, competing for our attention, causing us to drift from our spiritual quest. God expects us to continue to mature spiritually.
Philippians (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, pointing out the Apostle Paul's contention that any righteousness or morality attained by our own law keeping falls short of the righteousness required for salvation, asserts that only the righteousness of Christ attained through faith will pass muster. Unlike man's limiting, myopic, self-centered righteousness, …
Finishing Your Gun Lap
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)The most dangerous lap we encounter is when everyone around us tends to be compromising. Today, what was once aberrant behavior is now considered normal.
Hope in a Turbulent World
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGreek and Roman myths have shaped the world view of Western culture, including our attitude toward hope, a concept which is often abused and distorted.
