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Five Teachings of Grace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe grace of God schools us to live a life of piety, emphasizing a deep commitment to religious duties. Piety includes giving to God reverence and worship that emanates from a holy life, embodying dedication, consecration, earnestness, faithfulness, and loyalty with an implication of intensity and intrinsic sanctity. A pious, devout, godly person is serious about these responsibilities and will not lackadaisically drift into the Kingdom of God. This devotion, taught by grace, obligates us to turn our attention toward fulfilling our duty to Christ through a life marked by such profound commitment.
Titus 2:11-14
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPiety, or godliness, is a vital outcome of the transformative journey that grace initiates in a believer's life. It is described as rendering to God the reverence and worship that emanate from a holy life. This process begins with renouncing irreligion and worldly passions, then progresses through self-mastery and integrity, ultimately leading to a state of godliness. Only after establishing a holy life can true devotion to God be expressed. This piety reflects a deep commitment and seriousness about religious duties, showing that one is not merely drifting toward the Kingdom of God. It involves striving and making concerted efforts to glorify God. Such devotion positions a person to offer God the right kind of worship, following the proper order of progression: first changing oneself, then fostering right relationships with others, and finally achieving a profound connection with God. The grace of God bursts into moral darkness to redeem and guide away from ungodliness, leading onto the path of holiness. Living a life of self-mastery, fairness, integrity, and devotion is essential, driven by the hope in the return of Jesus Christ. This hope fuels the pursuit of noble deeds, transforming believers into a special treasure to God, purified and zealous for righteousness.
The Unleavened Life Is a Happy Life!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPiety, as reflected in the diligent observance of God's commands and practices, is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with His will. The repeated engagement in holy days and associated traditions, such as removing leaven from our homes, serves as a vital object lesson to ingrain deep spiritual truths into our character. Human nature often resists these lessons, being thick and hard-headed, easily forgetting God's interventions and blessings due to a self-centered focus. Yet, through consistent practice and fear of Him, coupled with faith in Him, these practices gradually become a part of us, shaping our conduct and attitudes toward God and others. The symbolism of leaven teaches us to be vigilant against false teachings that may seem pleasurable but lead to harmful consequences. Just as leaven puffs up bread, false doctrines can inflate our minds with vanity, making it crucial to purge them out and conform to God's ways. This process of purging, though challenging, is our responsibility alongside God's grace, requiring repeated effort and practice to overcome ingrained habits and attitudes formed by past deceptions. By actively participating in these commanded practices, we develop a sharpness in spiritual discernment, akin to a skill honed through repetition, ensuring we do not lose our edge in living according to His purpose. God's patience and mercy sustain us in this journey, continually molding and shaping us to recognize reality over vanity. He sees us as fermented by sin, yet He works to expose and help us address this condition, urging us to cooperate in purging the leaven from our lives. The lesson of removing leaven, though seemingly simple, reinforces a profound spiritual truth: what may appear necessary or enjoyable in human terms must be sacrificed to achieve the perfection He desires for us. Through yielding to Him and committing to this ongoing process, we prepare ourselves for a life aligned with His Kingdom, finding lasting satisfaction and joy as promised by Jesus Christ.
Private Religion
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSomeone misusing piety to draw attention to themselves to enhance their reputation destroys character and they will not enter the Kingdom of God.
Afflicting Our Souls
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus taught that fasting is an internal, spiritual good work, done in the inner self. Any other kind of fasting has little or no spiritual value.
Elisha and the Shunammite Woman, Part I: Reviving God's Children
Article by Richard T. RitenbaughSome of Elisha's miracles read like parables. There are parallels between modern church history and the second of these miracles in II Kings 4.
Pentecost and the Book of Ruth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough many lessons of the book of Ruth allude to Old Covenant teachings, Ruth prefigures New Covenant principles such as mercy, Christ's care, and acceptance.
The Commandments (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHonor of parents is the basis for good government. The family provides the venue for someone to learn to make sacrifices and be part of a community.