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The Christian and the World (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must realize we are walking on a razor's edge, with the Kingdom of God on one side and the world with all its sensual magnetic charms on the other side.
The Christian and the World (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe entire world is antagonistic to God because of the spirit generated by an unseen ruler. Our Christian duty is to stay awake and keep our guard up.
The Christian Paradox (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSalvation is an ongoing process, beginning with justification (the lifetime process of sanctification) and ultimately glorification following the resurrection. The insidious Protestant doctrine of 'eternal security' or 'once saved, always saved' distorts and oversimplifies the biblical teaching on salvation, leading to complacency in spiritual growth. Salvation has a past, present, and future component. The doctrine of eternal security suggests that salvation is complete at baptism when, in reality, it is only the beginning. God views believers as holy and righteous based on their future potential rather than their current state. We have two conflicting natures—a downward-pulling carnal nature versus a divine nature imparted by God's Holy Spirit, continually at odds. The apostle Paul discusses this conflict in Romans 7, where he laments that a law (or reality) of sin often scuttles his desire to do right. God's people must actively work on salvation by following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. True salvation will not be fully realized until Christ's return or death, when believers will be glorified and perfectly conformed to the image of Christ. Salvation is a continuing dynamic process, requiring active engagement of believers overcoming the continual inherent conflict between their human and divine natures.
Is There a True Church?
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod's true church cannot be found without revelation nor can one join the organization; God calls and places each member in its appropriate place in the Body.
The Wisdom of Men and Faith
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe pressures and conflicts that the church has undergone is part of the spirit of the time that has embroiled religious and political institutions worldwide.
The Mystery of the Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod desires to know whether the spiritual remnants will choose His teaching or assimilating into the world, biting and devouring one another.
The More Things Change
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe tend to think of the early Church as a 'golden age' of unity and momentum. But early church members experienced problems similar to what we face today.
Differences of Opinion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSatan champions self-opinion and mob behavior. God's church has never been immune to division because each member has only part of the truth.
All in All
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe 'all in all' process has already begun. Our obligation and responsibility is to obey and yield to Christ and God the Father, conforming to their image.
Two Realities
Sermon by David C. GrabbeAt baptism, we begin living in two realities simultaneously, one identified by the physical senses and the other discerned by the eyes of faith.
No One Else Matters (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSin has tainted the most faithful leaders. Most (perhaps all) church leaders have skeletons in their closets, but we follow them as they follow Christ.
Living by Faith: Humility and God's Justice
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Humility, poverty of spirit, and acknowledging our total dependence on God are of the utmost importance. God responds to those who are humble.