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Love
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidLove, as exemplified by the lieutenant in the story of conflict with his captain, is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice. The lieutenant, despite facing hatred and harsh treatment, chose to act with kindness and patience, ultimately sacrificing his life for the captain. This act of agape love demonstrates an outgoing concern for others, a decision of the will leading to right action, even in the absence of emotional affection. This principle of love as a choice is reinforced in the call to love one another fervently, with a pure heart, stretching and straining oneself to love despite differences in personality or background. It is a command that can be followed because it rests on a decision, not a feeling. As shown in the example of Christ, who died for the ungodly while they were still sinners, love is unconditional, not dependent on reciprocation or shared traits. Love, when chosen, covers a multitude of sins by overlooking faults and forgiving offenses, setting a powerful example for others to follow. It is seen in acts of kindness returned for cruelty, as in the story of the Japanese private who cleaned his sergeant's boots despite brutal treatment, prompting regret in the sergeant. Such love endures patiently, believes the best of others, hopes when all else fails, and never gives up, reflecting a commitment to act in accordance with God's standards.
Loving Christ and Revelation 2:1-7
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere is a direct relationship between loving Christ and doing the right works. God's love for us places us under a compelling obligation to reciprocate.
Honor Before Love
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAgape love will not occur unless we first learn to honor, esteem, and cherish God and the preciousness of Christ's sacrifice for us.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur carnal nature's desire to satisfy an addictive self-centeredness can eventually overrule the Christian's loyalty to God and His commandments.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Much of Protestantism misconstrues the significance of the New Covenant as a 'free pass into Heaven' without paying attention to the Law within the Covenant.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs wives are admonished to emulate the ideal of the Proverbs 31 woman, husbands must emulate the sacrificial spirit of Jesus Christ.
The Purpose of the Marriage Relationship
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMarriage prepares God's called-out ones to collectively become the bride of Christ. God hates divorce but allows it on grounds of adultery and violence.
The Christian and the World (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere is a clear demarcation in God's mind regarding which is the true way and which is not. We were formerly children of Satan until God rescued us.
Don't Take God for Granted
Sermon by John O. ReidWe all tend to allow familiarity to lure us into carelessly taking something for granted. This is particularly dangerous regarding God and His purpose for us.
John (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe shepherd and door analogies in John 10 depict the close relationship of Jesus with His flock as the security and stability provided by His protection.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ has full control of the church. Everything of consequence, including the development of our character, is engineered by Him.
Self-Government
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughSubmitting to a human government is a work that requires self-government. Paul thoroughly disciplined his body as he followed the example of Jesus Christ.