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Sabbathkeeping (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need to develop righteous judgment about what constitutes a genuine Sabbath emergency and what may be a deceptive rationalization of our human nature.
Sabbathkeeping (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIt is from the proper use of the Sabbath—in fellowshipping with Him and getting to know Him—that we derive true spiritual rest and refreshment.
Sabbathkeeping (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe biblical instructions for Sabbath keeping apply far more to the church than to the Israelites, who did not have the fullness of scriptural counsel.
Sabbathkeeping (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHow and why a person keeps the Sabbath determines whether this test commandment is really a sign between God and His people or an act of futility.
So Little Respect
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To human nature, following Christ or keeping the Sabbath is such a big obstacle that all kinds of twisted reasoning to avoid keeping God's commands.
Holy Ground
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingEven though the term "holiness" appears 900 times in scripture, God's people struggle to understand it. The first time it appears in scripture is God's appearance at the burning bush (Exodus 3) when the ground became holy because of God's presence, just as when the Commander of God's Army met Joshua. The principle of sanctification applies to time as well as place, as God sanctified the seventh day Sabbath as a covenant sign between Him and His people (Ezekiel 20:12) as a "test commandment" of obedience. We keep the Sabbath when we cease from ordinary work, gather in holy convocation, rest, focus on God, and appreciate the day of delight (Isaiah 58:13-14) a day designed for rest, worship, and spiritual growth (Mark 2:27). Holiness demands both inner humility and outward reverence. As Moses removed his sandals, God's people must surrender pride, show respect, and walk in obedience, maintaining holiness in all their conduct (I Peter 1:15-16).
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath is not a mere ceremonial observance, but identifies God's people as different, and consequently a perpetual irritant to the world.
Why Are We Here?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ's and Paul's example in Sabbath observance (including the annual Sabbaths) provide a model as to how we keep the Sabbath and the holy days.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews emphasizes that spiritual growth and glorification depends on an individual's relationship with Christ, the centerpiece of the Book of Hebrews.
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.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove, justice, mercy, and fidelity (the weightier matters of the law) God desires more than meticulous, mechanical religiosity.