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Admission of Sin
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn a world where morality is often seen as relative, shifting with societal trends and personal desires, many reject God's law, believing it to be the source of sin rather than the act itself. This rejection leads people to define right and wrong for themselves, often refusing to acknowledge their sinful acts due to their enmity against God. Without God's definition of sin, society may justify grave wrongs, losing a genuine sense of sin when His laws are deemed invalid. The apostle John warns that if we claim to have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Confessing sin begins with acknowledging and admitting it, a crucial step in overcoming its addictive impact. Sin is committed against God, revealing its true seriousness, but it also harms oneself, as our bodies and spirits belong to Him, purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. The detrimental effects of sin extend beyond the individual, impacting family, friends, community, and the world, with each sin adding to immeasurable suffering. Sin curtails freedom, weighs us down with bad habits, corrodes our character, and hinders our potential, ultimately leading to death, as the apostle James describes. Sin violates the vital connection with God, akin to a deteriorating relationship between a headstrong child and a parent, diminishing the likelihood of growth without reconciliation. This connection is restored through love, which is walking according to His commandments and doing no harm to others. Habitual sin, however, enslaves and hardens the heart, lowering barriers to further transgression, much like an addiction. Jesus Christ cautions to sin no more, lest worse consequences follow. Each sin not only separates us from our Father and His love but also causes collateral damage to those around us. Yet, through the powerful love of our heavenly Father, He provides the perfect antidote to our sinful habits in the life and blood of Jesus Christ.
Sin (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThough influenced by Satan and the world, sin is still a personal choice. Christ's sacrifice and God's Spirit provide our only defense against its pulls.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Seven): The Sin and Trespass Offerings
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSin and human nature affect everyone in society—from king to commoner—but God has covered sin from every angle in the sacrifice of His Son, fulfilling Leviticus 4-5.
Sin Defined and Overcome
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughSin creates estrangement from God, causing us to fail in everything we attempt. Sin always produces separation; it never heals, but causes death.
A Worthy Manner?
CGG Weekly by Pat HigginsWhy does it mean to observe the Passover in a worthy manner? It is not about works. It begins with realizing the depth of our sin, yet our focus must go beyond this.
Overcoming (Part 3): Self-Righteousness
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsOn the heels of self-deception and self-justification often comes self-righteousness. This occurs when we set our own standards rather than God's.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Seven)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur sinful nature drives us to disobey God's laws, just as Adam and Eve transgressed by choosing the way of death. Such choices have made this evil world.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJust as a dead person does no works, so a faith that does not include works is also dead. A person in whom living, saving faith exists will produce works.
An Unpayable Debt and Obligation
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhen God calls us and redeems us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we suddenly come under obligation—a debt we cannot pay but overshadows all we do.
Conviction to Godly Righteousness
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughReal repentance and conviction of righteousness should dramatically augment prayer, study, meditation, but most importantly, how we live our lives.
Christ Our Passover
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe focus of our self-examination should not be self-centered or comparing ourselves with others, but on the awesome significance of His sacrifice.
What Is Real Conversion? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughSince conversion is a process in which one turns to righteousness over time, it also takes time and a great deal of habitual sin for one to completely fall away.
The Talking Blood (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe blood of Christ, a propitiation or appeasing force, the only means to satisfy God's pure sense of justice, is a testimony of God's intense love for us.
Offerings (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe sin offering was for sin in general deals with our evil nature, while the trespass offering deals with the fruits of that nature.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)All of the sufferings in the present had their origin in the Garden of Eden when our parents sinned, seemingly in secret. The effects of sins radiate outward.