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The Holiness Code
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Holiness Code refers to a section of Scripture in Leviticus, specifically chapters 17 through 26, identified by scholars as focusing on sanctification and holiness due to the frequent use of the term "holiness" within these chapters. This designation, though not found in the Bible itself, was applied by liberal scholars known as the German Higher Critics of the last century, who viewed it as a distinct part of Leviticus, possibly written post-exile by priests to regulate the lives of returning Jews and prevent further captivity through strict laws. Despite disagreements over its exact boundaries, with some suggesting chapter 27 should be included due to its emphasis on sanctification, the core chapters from 17 to 23 are often the focus, covering themes of holiness and holy days. The central theme of the Holiness Code, as seen in Leviticus 19:1-2, is the call to be holy because the Lord is holy. Throughout these chapters, God repeatedly declares, "I am the Lord," as a shorthand reminder of His holiness and authority, emphasizing that His people must reflect His character in their actions. The purpose of the numerous laws, statutes, and ordinances within the Holiness Code is to teach how God lives, revealing His holy nature—ultimate purity beyond human imagination—and instructing His people to live accordingly since they are commanded to become holy as He is. However, adhering to these laws alone does not make one holy; only God, who is inherently holy, has the power to sanctify. The Holiness Code is not about achieving holiness through mere compliance, as this would be legalism, akin to the Pharisees' approach, missing the vital component of God's involvement through His Spirit. Holiness begins with God's act of setting apart His people, a legal pronouncement of initial holiness upon entering the covenant, followed by a lifelong process of growing in holiness through living according to His ways. The Holiness Code remains relevant as it reflects God's unchanging character, teaching righteous character and how to live as He does. While some laws may not apply in their literal form due to cultural or contextual differences, their spiritual principles endure, requiring thoughtful meditation to discern their application in daily life. Examples from the Holiness Code, such as laws against swearing falsely or provisions for the poor, demonstrate broader spiritual applications—like integrity in speech and generosity—reinforced by New Testament teachings and Christ's own words, showing that these laws still guide the pursuit of holiness.
Entrusted with Godly Holiness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerIn Leviticus 19, we encounter a section known as the Holiness Chapters, which are directed at outlining the eternal responsibilities and goals of God's principles of liberty for the Spirit-led Body of Christ. These scriptures, addressing the physical church of God in the wilderness, are intended for those called now, to whom God has entrusted His own holiness. They emphasize a relationship with Him that must endure forever, being shaped through a significant separation from the ways of this dying world, both physically and spiritually. In Leviticus 21, an essential lesson emerges, highlighting the consuming fire that must burn within each of us as a major responsibility for those called to offer sacrifice to God, for themselves and for all of mankind who will follow under our elder brother Jesus Christ. This entrusted holiness and love, as Jesus Christ declared, will serve as a beacon of unity with Him, visible to the entire world. This same beacon of unity with the Father and the Son, through Their entrusted holiness, will provoke the wrath of a dying world upon those called now, yet we must remain faithful in the place He is preparing for us through continuous growth, understanding, and love under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. God has entrusted us with His holiness from the inside out, and we must vigorously stay the course, recognizing the awesome privilege of learning, growing, and having a relationship with Him and one another by diligently living His Word. This is our entrusted position for eternity, requiring fervent effort in every aspect of our lives to grow in truth, love, and grace under His tender care. We must be carefully diligent with the holiness already entrusted to us, knowing that judgment has begun with the household of God.
Sanctification and Holiness (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod gives conditions for acceptable sacrifices and offerings, differentiating the holy and authentic from the defiled, unclean and strange.
Homosexual Marriage?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHomosexuality is not a lifestyle, but a sin directly against God, flouting God's creation of male and female, and perverting the natural use of the human body.
Halloween
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue Christians do not celebrate Halloween. It is pagan in origin and practice and will destroy one's relationship with God. Light and darkness cannot mix.
Privilege, Responsibility, and Judgment
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our welfare programs have scriptural principles as their general inspiration, but they have been abused, encouraging dependency which God never intended.
Lessons From Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)If God's Law has not been written in our hearts, the corporate entity in which we find ourselves will not save us from the wrong side of the judgmental cut.
Gossip
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe apostle James says that the tongue can metaphorically start a dangerous fire. He warns that gossip, tale-bearing and being a busy-body is like murder.
Psalms: Book Five (Part Five): Psalm 119 (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though keeping the law does not justify us, it does point out to us what sin is. The law is a guide keeping us within moral and ethical boundaries.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eighteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul never taught any Jew to forsake the Law of Moses, but he did warn against Pharisaical additions for the expressed purpose of attaining justification.