Dead to the Law?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. Henn (1934-1997)Romans 7:4 says we are 'dead to the law through ... Christ.' What does this mean? The context shows that it refers to the 'old man' that perished at baptism.
The Law's Purpose and Intent
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe effectiveness of a law is found in its purpose and intent rather than the letter. Love and mercy constitute the spiritual fulfillment of the Law.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe spirit of the law does not do away with the letter of the law; without the letter, there is no spirit because there is no foundation. Examples show God's will.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Fifteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThings written in the Old Testament were written for us. The differences in the covenants focus on justification and access to God, not doing away with the law.
Righteousness from Inside-Out
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasMany people fail to understand the kind of righteousness God is looking for. God wants it written on our hearts—not just a set of dos and don'ts.
Have the Ten Commandments Passed Away?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. Henn (1934-1997)Many Protestant denominations teach that God's law is done away. Earl Henn proves that II Corinthians 3:7 does not support this.
Why We Tithe (Part 2)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh points out that it is much harder to keep the law in the spirit than it is in the letter. Applying the spirit of the law enables us to behave the way God does, putting us on the road to perfection. Tithing grudgingly or with a blemished sacrifice (keeping the best for self and the worst or leftovers for God) …
Repentance and Righteousness (Part 2)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh asserts that mechanically keeping the law is only the beginning of righteousness. The broad underlying principles of God's Law are far more stringent than the narrowly stated rules. Principles are broad comprehensive truths covering all unforeseen circumstances. Conforming to rules without understanding the …
The Bible Does Not Have All the Answers!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile the Bible does not contain all knowledge, it does contain foundational principles, enabling people to live in a godly, spiritual manner.
Are We Ever Good Enough?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, reminding us that as God's people we should stand out in contrast from the world, mentions that we can sometimes find ourselves assailed by doubts, fears, and lack of joy. When we find ourselves in a state of misery, we need to understand the causes for this lack of joy. Second- and third-generation Christians …
The Pharisees (Part 2)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh continues his exposition on the Pharisees, a group seemingly starting off on the right track under Ezra, but getting hopelessly sidetracked over the years, ultimately placing impossible burdens on the people they supposedly served. These zealous dedicated legalists elevated the traditions of man (and their …
The Mystery of Goodness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause even Satan can transform himself into an angel of light, we must be careful not to assess goodness by surface appearances. God's goodness is our pattern.
The Road Less Traveled
Article by Richard T. RitenbaughThe road that leads to salvation has ditches on either side: legalism and liberalism. God's way perfectly balances and blends law and grace, producing the "new man" within us.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the Old and New Testament are complementary to one another, the emphasis of justice in the New Testament switches from national to personal in scope.
All His Ways Are Just
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins maintains that justice is more a process of doing (exercising justice, mercy, love, humility and faith — in short, the way of give) in all of our interpersonal relations rather than rendering a stern verdict or sentence. God's justice is more a continuous practice of righteousness rather than a matter of …
Sin (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThough relatively neutral at its inception, human nature is subject to a deadly magnetic pull toward self-centeredness, deceit, and sin.
Politics and Christ's Return
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAfter exploring the philosophical, economic, and social definitions of liberal, conservative, and moderate, Richard Ritenbaugh concludes that in the church we are none of these—we are "God-ists." The world considers us liberals because we are not bound by its religious orthodoxy. Conversely, we are conservative …
What Happened Between the Testaments?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Inter-Testamental period, approximately 400 years between the time of Malachi and Matthew, was a time of intense political and intellectual fermentation.
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.
The Epistles of II and III John (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins indicates that, even though II and III John are the shortest books of the Bible, they do contain significant themes, amplifying the contents of I John, emphasizing the fellowship with God. II and III John, addressed to elders in supporting local churches, advocate hospitality to legitimate teachers and forbid …
Hebrews (Part One): The Stage Is Set
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEarly converts from Judaism claimed to accept the Law but had difficulty accepting the Lawgiver. Today, many claim to accept Christ, but will not accept His Law.
The Ship Is Yours
Sermon by Mark SchindlerMark Schindler, reflecting on Michael Abraschoff's book, It's Your Ship, suggests that just as a captain of a ship wants decision-makers, not just order takers, God expects members of His family to be decision-makers. We cannot follow the example of Satan, who used his free moral agency to succumb to pride and vanity, totally …
