Filter by Categories
Parable of the Marriage Feast
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe wedding garment is conspicuous and distinctive, and it represents a person's righteousness. It symbolizes the habit of sincerity, repentance, humility, and obedience, and it replaces the street clothes that stand for the habits of pride, rebellion, and sinfulness. Guests gathered from the highways would be inappropriately clothed, so time is given them to put on proper attire provided by the king. The man without the garment did not lack it by necessity but by choice. He decided against clothing himself properly even though the right clothing was available. His presence at the wedding is therefore a sign of rebellion against the king's authority and majesty, which the feast symbolizes. When he realizes his sin against the king's order, he is speechless as judgment is pronounced. Biblically, beautiful clothing indicates spiritual character developed by submission to God. Paul exhorts Christians to put on the Lord Jesus Christ like a garment, so the wedding garment represents a Christ-covered life and the character consistent with God's way of life. Human goodness cannot earn an invitation, and the called must still repent and change their ways, or they will not remain at the feast.
Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidGod's calling and predestination can be confusing, especially the verse that 'many are called, but few are chosen'. Why does God not just choose everyone?
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Nine)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe loyalty of the Laodiceans did not extend far beyond loyalty to self. Loyalty and friendship are inextricably bound together.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhen God gives a responsibility, He gives all the tools to carry it out and the freedom to decide how to do it. He wants to see how we do with what He gives.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe notion that it does not matter what we wear if our heart is right on the inside is foolish. Our clothing ought to reflect our inward character.
Four Warnings (Part One): Enter By the Narrow Gate
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are admonished to seek the narrow, difficult gate rather than the wide gate and the broad, well-traveled easy way, representing Satan's reprobate teachings.
Sanctification and Holiness (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe bronze altar, made with the censers from the rebels, was a reminder of the folly of rebelling against holy things, replacing God's standards with human ones.
Remembering Who We Are
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWhen we consider the awesome contrast of what we were before God called us and what we are now, we cannot allow ourselves to commit spiritual fornication.