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Recognizing Our Obligation
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughHow different would our lives be if God had not called us? God's intervention in our lives improved their quality exponentially, and we must respond in kind.
What Would You Die For?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJephthah's daughter had to fulfill her father's vow to God, resulting in her death as a sacrifice for the victory over the Ammonites. Jephthah made a vow out of desperation and a lack of faith in God's power, influenced by the pagan practices of neighboring nations. Despite knowing human sacrifice was forbidden, Jephthah proceeded with his vow, believing it was necessary for victory. His daughter, aware of the vow's implications, willingly accepted her fate, seeing it as an honor to die for the benefit of her people, though not as an atonement for their sins. Jephthah's vow was a curse upon his family, made without truth or faith, leading to his daughter's martyrdom in vain.
'But I Say to You' (Part Five): Oaths
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Ecclesiastes 5, if one makes a vow to God and does not fulfill it, God considers that person foolish. This illustrates the seriousness with which vows are to be regarded, as failing to pay a vow to God is seen as a foolish act.
Lessons from the Story of Jephthah
Sermonette by Jared M. EllisJephthah's daughter had every right to be angry, but like her father, she chose not to repay evil for evil and instead yielded to the will of God.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe obligation to pay all your vows is mentioned in Psalm 50:14. This refers to the commitment the Israelites made when they entered into the Old Covenant with God. They were required to keep the moral law they had agreed to, but they failed to do so, indicating a serious flaw in their relationship with God.