God's moral standards, as outlined in His commandments, form the foundation for right living, prioritizing God and His laws above all. These standards forbid idolatry, demand respect for His name, and require keeping the Sabbath holy. They uphold life through prohibitions on murder, protect families by banning adultery, and promote trust by condemning stealing, false witness, and coveting. In a world marked by moral decline, war, and greed over 6,000 years due to rejecting God's way, His people must live out these standards. This pursuit of holiness and moral purity, guided by God's Spirit, separates believers from worldly corruption, preparing them for roles in God's Kingdom to teach His unifying way of peace.

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Keeping God's Standards

Sermon by John O. Reid

The world operates with standards for business to prevent chaos, driven by monetary gain rather than a desire to live by right principles. Yet, it lacks motivation to adhere to moral standards, resulting in a society where differing values in religion, government, and human rights create conflict. This lack of unified moral standards over the past 6,000 years has led to war, prejudice, suspicion, hatred, perversion, greed, abuse, dishonesty, and a complete breakdown of the moral system worldwide. The root cause is mankind's rejection of the way of life set forth by God. God's standards, as outlined in His commandments, are the foundation for right living. These standards dictate that God and His laws must always come first, shaping every aspect of life to reflect His nature. Idolatry, in any form, is forbidden, as it places other desires above God. Respect for His name must be evident in all thoughts, words, and actions, aligning life under His authority. The Sabbath is to be kept holy, set apart for rest and learning about God, demonstrating love and trust in Him. Honoring parents establishes right relationships, extending to respect for God. The prohibition against murder emphasizes the sanctity of life, requiring control over anger to prevent hatred and strife. Adultery is forbidden to protect the integrity of families, ensuring stable homes without brokenness or disease. Stealing is condemned, promoting a society where property is respected, and trust is upheld without the need for locks or alarms. Bearing false witness is prohibited to foster honesty and trust, essential for peace. Coveting is warned against as it leads to idolatry and conflict, undermining peace. These moral standards, entrusted to God's people now, must be lived out in a deteriorating society. Despite challenges and the scattering of believers, maintaining these standards is crucial, as they are the basis for the future world under Jesus Christ's rule. God's people are called to reform and purify their lives, reflecting His power rather than human wisdom or strength. This calling is a special honor, requiring diligence to grow in maturity and understanding of God's ways, avoiding the pitfalls of complacency or false teachings. The urgency to uphold these standards is heightened as the world approaches perilous times, marked by scoffers and moral decline. God's people must strive for perfection, pressing forward in holy conduct and godliness, anticipating the return of Jesus Christ. Living by these standards separates believers from the world's corruption, aligning them with God's will to become part of His family. The ultimate purpose is to prepare for roles in the Kingdom of God, teaching these standards to a world blind to the way of life that brings peace and unity with God and fellow man.

Moral Purity

Sermon by James Beaubelle

God has set exceedingly high standards for His people, emphasizing moral purity as a central goal. As we strive to take on the character of the Father and Jesus Christ, we are called to be holy, for He is holy. This pursuit of holiness leaves little time for useless endeavors and pointless thinking, focusing instead on setting our minds on things above, not on the earthly distractions that surround us. For those called into the Body of Christ, the urgency to develop godly virtues and wisdom is paramount, avoiding the nonsense of worldly affairs that can derail our purpose. Moral purity, exemplified by virtues like honesty, must be actively pursued and integrated into our daily lives. These virtues are good habits that require use to reach full maturity, and we are encouraged to make choices that reflect this pursuit. The freedom to choose, a gift from God, holds us accountable for our thoughts and actions as we yield to His understanding and Spirit. Without His guidance, we cannot change, but with it, we are empowered to grow into His likeness. The cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and desires for other things can choke the pursuit of holiness, making it unfruitful. We must remain vigilant, listening to God's call to be a separate, holy people, asking Him where we fall short and welcoming His trials and chastisements to shape us. As we stand declared clean by the righteous blood of Jesus Christ, we are presented as a holy people, separated by God to Himself, built up as a spiritual house and a holy priesthood to offer acceptable sacrifices through Him.

Right? Wrong?

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As the years wind down toward the twenty-first century, the world is being turned upside down for the worse. In early America, issues were clearly defined as right or wrong, good or evil, with gray areas being rare. Most people viewed middle-of-the-road positions and compromises as signs of weakness and indecision, valuing strong leadership and commitment to high standards. However, times have changed, and the blurring of right and wrong has become a certainty in an age of compromise. Moral and ethical matters, often resolved by consensus, sink toward the lowest common belief in the community, driven by self-interest. Even in the medical profession, the historic standard of the Hippocratic Oath is now considered outdated, leaving no consistent ethical standard for doctors to follow.

The Commandments (Part One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

What have we accepted as our authority for permitting ourselves to do or behave as we do — our value system, our code of ethics or code of morality?

The Nones, Atheism, and Immorality

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The 'Nones' have risen to prominence in society, ideologically committed to abortion, radical feminism, homosexuality, strict gun control, and socialism.

How Far Have We Fallen? (Part Two)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Keeping God's laws becomes dangerous in a godless society, in which bribery is good, homosexuality is good, murder is good, theft is good, and sin is good.

Out of Bounds

Sermonette by Mike Ford

Without physical boundaries, basketball would degenerate into chaos; without moral boundaries, our culture is rapidly degenerating into chaos.

Murder?

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

No ethical issue since the Civil War has so disturbed the social fabric of this nation. People instinctively know that abortion is not morally neutral.

The First Commandment (1997)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The Ten Commandments open with the most important, the one that puts our relationship with God in its proper perspective. It is a simple but vital command.

What God's Love Is Not

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

An increasing number believe that the Bible is not the literal word of God, motivated by the desire to protect 'politically correct' positions.

The Not-A-Problem Folk

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker

We have no bold Phineases today who are unafraid of political correctness. The die has been cast for morally bankrupt America.

It's All Relative

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We frequently hear our culture labeled as postmodern. What is postmodernism? How is it related to relativism? Most importantly, what does God think?

Is Conservatism Dead?

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The decline of orthodox teaching in the churches has led to an tolerant approach to moral degeneracy, with standards in a constant state of flux.

Conspiracy Theory (Part Fifteen)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Satan has been working in the educational system, recognizing that the educator (secular or religious) can do more lasting damage than any other leader.

Conscience (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Human nature will degenerate as far as it is allowed. It can adapt quickly to its environment, adjusting effortlessly to immorality and perversion.

A Bed Too Short (Part 2)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

Americans, living well on credit and enamored with technology, have deceived themselves that they have advanced beyond the consequences of God's Law.

Do We See the Line?

'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford

Lonesome Dove contains the story of a cowboy who fails to perceive the line between right and wrong, and for his lack of moral sense, he pays with his life.

Handwriting on the Wall: Cultural Christianity

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

'Cultural Christianity' is a Christ-free, worldly adaptation of faith used for cultural identity, often embraced for its social influence, lacking true devotion.

The First Commandment: Idolatry

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Idolatry is the most frequently committed sin, seen in five commandments. God challenges us to either defend our body of beliefs or drop them in favor of His.