Printer-Friendly  |  Share This  |  Subscribe

In this sixteenth installment expounding the book of Matthew, John Ritenbaugh explores the attitudes Christ admonished His church to develop in order to remain viable and unified, including having (1) humility (a proper evaluation of ourselves regarding God and other human beings) or a childlike attitude, having dependence and trust in God, (2) duty of example (Christ places a stern responsibility on all to not offend any one by our example), (3) self-denial (We should go to extraordinary lengths to sacrifice to preserve unity--as Paul was willing to forsake something ostensibly lawful (eating meat) if it would preserve unity, (4) individual care (We have a responsibility for dissuading a brother in Christ from going astray), (5) processes (steps) for correcting a person (We need to avoid a root of bitterness in allowing an offense to fester without doing something about it, beginning with a face to face diplomatic encounter with our brother and only as a last resort taking the matter to the ministry) (6) fellowship (We cannot afford to become loners and independents in God’s Church ), and (7) forgiveness (Our attitude should always be willing to leave the door to repentance open to the one who has offended us). Because our transcendent vision or goal should be the Kingdom of God, we should do everything required to make this vision become reality, paying any price, making the right changes. Regarding productive prayer, instead of asking God to deliver us from our problems, we should ask God for victory over our problems. [NB: This series of Bible Studies from 1981-82 is incomplete.]

Angels Bad examples Childlike attitude Disfellowship Gehennna Forgiveness Going to our brother Hellfire Hinnom Humility Judging Motivation for salvation Offending Brethren Offending little ones Overcoming Peace in the congregation Personal relationships in the Church Prayers for overcoming Repentance Root of bitterness Thinking about self Trials

If you would like to be notified when this transcript is available, please enter your email address in the space below and click the button.

Your Email Address: