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Principled Living (Part Six): Becoming Holy
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue Christians are called by God to stand apart from the world, embracing a life of difference that marks them as His firstfruits. God's invitation to His family sets us apart, as He commands us to widen the gap from worldly conformity through the transformation of our minds. Pentecost, known as the Feast of Harvest or Firstfruits, highlights this distinction, portraying firstfruits as special, of higher quality, and holy, even if only to a degree initially. The symbolism of the two wave loaves offered on Pentecost, baked with leaven yet made of fine flour, illustrates the church's journey through trials and sin, being ground and sifted to become a fitting offering to God. This process of refinement, involving fire and preparation, reflects the Christian life of being shaped for the Kingdom of God. Holiness begins with God's choice, setting us apart as His firstfruits, dedicated for His use. This initial holiness by decree is followed by a process of sanctification, where through cooperation with Him, we grow in true holiness, becoming pure and unblemished. Scriptures reveal that God has shifted His focus from physical Israel to the church, calling individuals from all nations to be part of the Israel of God, a select group regenerated spiritually. As firstfruits, we are nourished by the Word of Truth and guided by His Spirit to reach our potential as His creatures, distinct and excellent. The journey to holiness involves active pursuit, resisting conformity to the world and embracing a different spirit, as exemplified by Caleb, who followed God fully and secured his inheritance through his distinct attitude. We are urged to stand fast against worldly pressures, hold to the teachings of Christ, and submit to God's work in us, allowing His Spirit and our belief in truth to sanctify us. Pursuing holiness is essential; without becoming different from the world, we cannot enter God's Kingdom as His special firstfruits. Thus, becoming holy is a vital principle of Christian living, requiring us to dare to be different and strive for the reward of God's purpose.
The Holiness Code
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA portion of Leviticus, dubbed 'the holiness code,' describes how God lives. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expanded the application of the holiness code.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan has attempted to obliterate the sanctification step from the conversion process. Sanctification is produced by doing works pleasing to God.
Holiness of God (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo be like God, we need to work on purifying ourselves, purging out sin and uncleanness, reflecting our relationship with God in every aspect our behavior.
God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe seriously err if we rely on the secular media to give us spiritual understanding. God sends strong delusion to those who do not love the truth.
Self-Discipline
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughProtestant theology recognizes that Christian self-discipline presents a major logical difficulty in its keystone doctrine of 'by grace alone.'
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause of Dispensationalism, many believe there is an adversarial relationship between law and grace, as though they cannot be complementary.
We Must Work for What We Believe
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWiping out terrorists may seem clear-headed, but our viewpoint must be based on Micah 4:1-7, which describes a time when swords will be beaten into plowshares.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJustification is not the end of the salvation process, but merely the opening to sanctification, where we bear fruit and give evidence of God's Spirit in us.
The Priesthood of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because God is holy, His people must also be holy, displaying the character of God. Holiness designates God-like qualities found in those sanctified by God.
The Priesthood of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must endure chastening and correction to grow in holiness and become priests. In the qualifications of a Melchizedek priest, zeal and holiness are mandatory.
The Priesthood of God (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The ephod, the curious girdle, and the breastplate of judgment were part of the high priest's attire that teach us godly principles today.
Choosing the New Man (Part One)
Article by Charles WhitakerThe Bible describes many men, but one of the most important is the new man, a creative effort of renewing our minds in cooperation with God.
Going On to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though everything we need in this quest has been given to us, our spiritual growth depends on believing in the promises of receiving the divine nature.
Qualifications of a Godly Judge
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's disciples are going through a rigorous training period to qualify for positions of leadership in God's Kingdom by conforming to Christ's image.
Themes of Ruth (Part Two): God's Providence
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs we count the 50 days toward Pentecost, we should consider the events of our lives, coming to understand that they reveal God's on-going maintenance.