Considered Rather Than Commanded - Choose Life
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAs God calls His people, He enables them (through His Spirit) to make considered decisions concerning living His way of life by obeying His commandments.
You Are What You Choose
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, focusing upon the statement of Almighty God in Psalm 50 that He needs absolutely nothing from us, proclaims God's absolute sovereignty and power over everything. Surprisingly, mankind refuses to acknowledge God in their daily dealings. Unfortunately, mankind will marshal their 'brilliance' and 'intelligence' in …
The Ship Is Yours
Sermon by Mark SchindlerMark Schindler, reflecting on Michael Abraschoff's book, It's Your Ship, suggests that just as a captain of a ship wants decision-makers, not just order takers, God expects members of His family to be decision-makers. We cannot follow the example of Satan, who used his free moral agency to succumb to pride and vanity, totally …
Fasting: Building Spiritual Muscle
Article by David F. MaasThough fasting deprives the physical body of nutrition and strength, a proper, biblical fast adds conviction and depth to the inner, spiritual man.
Who Is on the Lord's Side?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is a day of decision, a time to determine whether we are on the Lord's side. We must loyally fulfill the role to which God called us.
Sin Is Spiritual!
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughMany people divide sin into physical and spiritual sins, but the Bible clearly says that all sin is lawlessness.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasMisguided theologians have tried to create a false dichotomy between grace and works. We do works of obedience to build character, not to earn salvation.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has consistently moved His creation toward its ultimate purpose, setting the bounds of nations, motivating rulers to pursue a certain course of action.
Human Nature: Good or Evil?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughProgressives tend to believe that human nature is perfectible and evolving. Conservatives tend to believe that human nature is evil and must be controlled.
Eternal Security (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reiterates that God is a working God, creating holy, righteous, divine character with the goal of recreating man in His image. From the time of our justification until our glorification in God's Kingdom, it almost seems 'downhill,' with sanctification being a difficult road. Works are not only required during …
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJustification does not 'do away' with the law; it brings us into alignment with it, imputing the righteousness of Christ and giving access to God for sanctification.
Overcoming Is A Choice
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh reminds us that God commands that we choose between life and death. History can take a drastically different turn if a critical choice is made or not made. King Josiah, who was designated as potentially one of the most righteous kings, made a bad choice to curry favor with Babylon, fighting incognito against …
Character and Reputation
Article by James BeaubelleObedience to God's instructions brings a Christian excellent benefits, and one of the greatest of these is working with God to grow in righteous character.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Six
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe overriding issue of life is to whom we will give ourselves in obedience. Will it be ourselves, society, business, Satan or God?
Narrow Is the Way
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh teaches that biblical liberty consists of choosing to whom we will submit and by whom we will be constrained. Making wrong choices, largely in ignorance, has placed us in bondage to sin and destruction. God's truth indeed limits our choices'largely in matters of right and wrong. A mind focused on too many choices …
Deuteronomy (Part 1) (1994)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDeuteronomy could be considered the New Testament of the Old Testament, serving as a commentary on the Ten Commandments. It gives vision for critical times.
The Summertime Soldier and Sunshine Patriotism
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must put our lives, treasure, and honor on the line, picking up our cross daily, declaring our independence from carnality, evil and bondage to sin.
Be There Next Year
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMembers of God's church usually come home from the Feast of Tabernacles with renewed strength. Yet, some fall away each year. Here's how to stay the course.
Sovereignty and 'Once Saved Always Saved'
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose who believe in the "once saved always saved" doctrine fail to see that God has a more extensive and creative plan for mankind than merely saving him.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Fifteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, continuing his exposition on Ecclesiastes 6, appraises the book of Ecclesiastes as the most bluntly profound book in the entire Bible, pointing to our urgent need to develop a relationship with God. We did not create ourselves or give ourselves life. The Psalmist David realized we were made by somebody other …
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are not individually sovereign, but we are taught to give ourselves over completely to God's sovereignty. If we do, we will reap unfathomable blessings.
Deuteronomy (Part 4)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, focusing upon Deuteronomy 30:15-20, stresses that the choices we make on the day-to-day basis have long-term spiritual consequences. Only the immature think their behaviors will not catch up with them (Numbers 32:23). If we learn to fear and love God, loyalty, faithfulness and commandment keeping will naturally …