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Conspiracy Theory (Part Fifteen)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Satan has been working in the educational system, recognizing that the educator (secular or religious) can do more lasting damage than any other leader.
Christ's Death and the 'Immortality' of the Soul
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe dangerous false belief of inherent immortal life has led to an acceleration of sin and the danger of eternal oblivion. Only God can give eternal life.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe cosmology of ancient Greece, saturated with astrology and Gnostic dualism, filtered into the doctrines of the early church, creating corrupt doctrines.
Maieutics
Sermonette by James C. StoertzDeriving knowledge by asking questions is called maieutics, referring to the birthing of ideas. We must know the intent of questions before answering.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFaith is difficult enough to maintain on its own, but greatly confused when the pastor dilutes correct doctrine with 'benign' false doctrine from the world.
What Do We Have to Be Proud Of? (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughModern obsession with originality, uniqueness, and superiority is a misdirected form of pride that obscures the Christian call to speak truth, do good, and pursue excellence. By examining passages from Romans, Philippians, Proverbs, and particularly I Corinthians, it demonstrates that human wisdom and transgressive individualism are not truly novel but are rooted in the universal condition of sin and self-exaltation. The text contends that believers often rely on worldly philosophy rather than divine revelation, ignoring the fact that all gifts and abilities are received from God rather than earned. Consequently, the pursuit of personal distinction is exposed as baseless arrogance, and the proper Christian response is a humble acceptance of one's place within God's design, anchoring identity and wisdom in Christ and Scripture rather than in the fleeting acclaim of human approval.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughLove is the first fruit of the Spirit, the one trait of God that exemplifies His character. The Bible defines love as both what it is and what it does.
Debate
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible takes a very dim view of argument, debate, discord, and strife. In all matters of contention, we must strive to put ourselves above the fray.
Love's Emotional Dimension
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove doesn't become 'love' until we act. If we don't do what is right, the right feeling will never be formed; emotions are largely developed by our experiences.
Joy in the Lord
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGodly joy is a fruit of the Spirit that does not come naturally. It takes a while to mature, but it is infinitely more intense than human pleasure.