The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Five): The Peace Offering, Sacrifice, and Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe peace offering teaches many things, but one of its main symbols is fellowship. Our communion with the Father and the Son obligates us to pursue peace.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Two): The Burnt Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe burnt offering is completely consumed on the altar. This type of offering teaches us about Christ's total dedication to God—and how we should emulate it.
Another Look at Footwashing
Article by Bill Keesee (1935-2010)Many consider the footwashing at Passover merely as a ritual to remind us of the need to serve one another. But it teaches another godly attribute: forgiveness.
How God Deals With Conscience (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAt times, God has to ignite our conscience and undermine our self-confidence to get our attention in a similar fashion as he did to Joseph's brothers.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe meal offering represents the second Great Commandment, love toward fellow man. Our service to others requires much grinding self-sacrifice and surrender.
The Fourth Commandment (Part Two): Christ's Attitude Toward the Sabbath
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIn the Gospels, questions about the Sabbath center on how to keep it, not whether it should be kept. The way Jesus approached the Sabbath gives us an example.
Hospitality
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReflecting on the Homeric concept of xenia (a reciprocal hospitality toward strangers, leading to lifelong bonds), Richard Ritenbaugh maintains that godly hospitality goes far beyond this outstanding Greek characteristic. When Abraham, Lot, Gideon, and Samson's parents entertained angels, the term philoxenia (love or hospitality …
Go the Extra Mile
'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid (1930-2016)The Sermon on the Mount contains a explanation of what it takes to be a Christian. Matthew 5:38-42 provides the principles behind the 'above and beyond' attitude.
The Fourth Commandment (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus magnified the Sabbath, giving principles by which to judge our activities. Each time Jesus taught about the Sabbath, He emphasized some form of redemption.
The World, the Church, and Laodiceanism
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughLaodiceanism is the attitude that dominates the end time. It is a subtle form of worldliness that has infected the church, and Christ warns against it strongly.
Death, or Not A Hair of Your Head?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, acknowledging that people universally are curious about the future, asserts that prophecy is difficult and perplexing. Regardless of when Christ will return, we must be ready. False teachers, apostasy, and wars, as well as rumors of wars, will be a permanent part of the birth pangs ushering in Christ's Second …
Parable of the Good Samaritan
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsMost people understand the basic point of this well-known parable. The whole story describes working compassion as contrasted to selfishness. It also clarifies just who is our neighbor.
Make Sure of Your Focus
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh focuses upon the watchman responsibility as defined in Ezekiel 33:2 and Isaiah 62:6, consisting of both physical and spiritual aspects. Part of the pastor's responsibility is to carefully observe economic, social, meteorological, and political trends, warning the flock to take prudent precautions, including …