Filter by Categories
Faithful Minister in Perilous Times
Sermon by David F. MaasGod equips the saints by granting every believer grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ, distributing abilities, opportunities, and spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit for the common good. Christ ascended and gave specific offices—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—to perfect the saints, equip them for works of service, and build up the body of Christ until all reach unity in the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, attaining maturity and the fullness of Christ. These gifts function as tools rather than trophies, enabling believers to minister to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God so that the whole body grows and matures in unselfish love when each part works properly. Paul therefore exhorts Timothy not to neglect the gift given through prophecy and the laying on of the hands of the eldership, urging him instead to fan it into flame so that the saints may be strengthened rather than left without needed ministry. When gifts remain dormant through fear, distraction, or complacency, the church suffers diminished effectiveness and lost opportunities for edification, yet faithful cultivation through prayer, diligent study, consistent service, and godly counsel multiplies their impact and glorifies God. In this way the equipping of the saints advances the Kingdom, protects against every wind of doctrine, and prepares the body to stand mature in Christ.
Character and Leadership (2023)
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughLeaders cannot compartmentalize their personal and public lives. Immorality in private life will bleed into public leadership. Jesus condemned hypocrisy.
Character and Leadership
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughChristian leaders should exhibit Christ-like qualities such as truth speaking, upholding standards, listening to others, giving gifts, and remaining humble.
The Purpose of the Ministry
Sermon by John O. ReidThe purpose of the ministry is to train members for service to God, edifying them, equipping them for their job, and bringing them to spiritual maturity.
Government (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe authority in the ministry is a 'staff position,' given by God, as a gift for equipping the saints for service and for edifying the body of Christ.
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe minister's main task should consist of exhorting on spiritual matters rather than worldly ones, rejecting the profane in favor of the spiritual.
Titus (Part Four): Traits of a Healthy Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTitus 2 gives specific instructions to senior members of the congregation, followed by instructions to the youth, explaining their responsibilities.
It Takes a Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs Christians, we need to form warm, productive, quality relationships with our brethren, actively ministering to the needs of one another.
Titus 2:11-14
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are obligated to dress and keep what is placed in our care, improving what He has given to us. We dare not stand still, but must make effort to grow.
Government (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe ministry's authority consists of teaching, edifying, and equipping the members for sainthood, but not to wield dictatorial power over their lives.
God and Government
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGovernment run by carnal men will never work, but those under the New Covenant, having God's law written on their hearts, can make any form of government work.