Filter by Categories

Courage and the Dog Soldier
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordIn the face of mounting threats and spiritual challenges, we are called to embody courage as Christians. Through the apostle Paul, God instructs us with a command in I Corinthians 16:13-14 to be vigilant, stand firm in the faith, act like men, and be strong, ensuring all is done with love. The Greek term "andrizomai," translated as "quit ye like men," is an imperative urging us to be courageous, a directive meant for all believers regardless of age or gender. This call to courage is not merely physical but deeply rooted in the convictions of our spiritual life. Paul's use of military imagery, familiar to his audience under Roman rule, enhances this message. We are to envision ourselves as sentries on guard, watchful and alert to both worldly dangers and our spiritual state. The imperatives to stand fast in faith, be strong, and live like men evoke a soldier's resolve—stationary, persevering, and increasing in vigor. Historical examples like the Spartans at Thermopylae, who faced overwhelming odds with unyielding bravery, and the Cheyenne Dog Soldiers, who staked themselves to the ground in combat to protect their tribe, illustrate this steadfast courage. As Dog Soldiers, alone against a powerful enemy, we drive our pin into the ground, committed to delay the adversary for the safety of others, embodying the essence of watching, standing fast, being strong, and showing courage. This soldier metaphor extends to our spiritual battle, where we face an adversary seeking to destroy us. Like soldiers under a great Captain, we are equipped with these imperatives to fight against spiritual threats. Our commitment mirrors that of the Dog Soldiers, prepared to give our lives if necessary, protecting our loved ones and way of life. This courage, paired with love as Paul emphasizes, is not exclusive to any group but is a universal call to all Christians to act with strength and concern for others in the face of corruption and temptation.
The Convicted Soldier
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingA good soldier must exemplify honesty and self-control, qualities God desires in us. Uriah demonstrated this high standard by refusing to violate his code of honor.
Endure as a Good Soldier
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the midst of our spiritual journey, we are called to embrace the mindset of a soldier, engaged in a profound warfare that often rages unseen within our minds and hearts. This battle, though not always marked by physical persecution, demands courage and steadfastness as we strive to uphold the high standards of the Kingdom of God. We face pressures that challenge our commitment, whether through economic struggles due to tithing or job loss for keeping holy days, or through subtle temptations that pull us away from our duties as citizens of God's Kingdom. Paul's language resonates with the imagery of war, urging us to stand fast, battle enemies, and endure suffering. He paints our Christian walk as a wrestling match, a race requiring all our strength to cross the finish line victorious. We must recognize that we are in a spiritual war against an invisible enemy, far greater in subtlety and power than any human foe, and this struggle is to the death against supernatural forces. As soldiers in this divine army, we must hold our position before launching any attack, understanding that our enemy is relentless in hostility. We are not inherently equipped for this battle; the qualities needed must be given by God, making our relationship with Him paramount. There will be times of privation, hardship, pain, sorrow, and even depression, alongside moments of victory and exhilaration from obedience. Yet, all these are part of a soldier's life, and we must be prepared for both the intense battles and the deceptive lulls when nothing seems to happen, for those easy times can be the most dangerous. Our primary responsibility, as Paul emphasizes, is to please the One who enlisted us—Jesus Christ. We must remain single-minded, avoiding entanglement in civilian pursuits that distract from enduring hardship and suffering as good soldiers. Like military training designed to produce disciplined individuals who obey without restraint, our spiritual warfare is itself the training ground, shaping us into sons who independently reflect God's character while cooperating as a unified group under His command. Preparedness is the key to victory, and our preparation and warfare are intertwined. Success hinges on mental toughness and character in action, requiring us to go all out in every moment, for we never know which decision will lead to triumph. Even in capture or pressure, we must resist by all means, refusing to accept deliverance that compromises our convictions, setting our teeth to courageously endure whatever we face. We are called to suffer gladly for the defense of the liberties and privileges of God's Kingdom, understanding that the sufferings of the present are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us. Though we are the weak of the world, we have the great God on our side, assuring us that He will carry through to the end. Our part may involve sacrifice and suffering, but as we keep this mindset, we recognize that we are fighting the same war, each in our unique circumstances, with our Creator by our side in this awesome battle.
Enduring as a Good Soldier
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the midst of the unique and stressful times we are living in, we are called to recognize our role in a spiritual war, as illustrated by the soldier metaphor. We are engaged in a battle against enemies far greater in number, intelligence, subtlety, cunning, and power than any physical foe, and these adversaries are invisible, deeply entrenched in the world for millennia. They believe this place is theirs and will defend it fiercely, yet God, the owner of all, intends to reclaim it for His Son and us as our inheritance, making this fight profoundly worthwhile. Paul's writings, particularly in Ephesians 6, command us to take up the whole armor of God, to stand firm with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation as our defenses, and to pray persistently. This is not a passive endurance but an active perseverance, a sticking-to-itiveness that involves progress and growth despite difficulties. We are not merely to hold ground but to resist determined hostility, understanding that our struggle is against supernatural forces led by Satan, the commanding general of the opposing army. The soldier metaphor extends to our mindset, requiring single-mindedness to please the government that inducted us—Jesus Christ and the government of God. We must avoid entanglement in civilian pursuits or distractions, as Paul warns, for such diversions prevent endurance. Drawing from military insights, preparation is key to victory, and we are being trained by God in the midst of battle, unlike earthly armies trained outside of conflict. God's gentle approach picks moments to test our response under pressure, always ready to support us. Qualities essential for this warfare include discipline, self-control, endurance, and unquestioning obedience, which God desires to see in us. Battles are won through preparation, not just on the battlefield, and mental toughness—character in action—is crucial. We must follow Christ's lead, who has already broken through Satan's lines, and honestly evaluate where we might be compromising to make things easier on ourselves. Faith in God and His gospel is the motivating power that keeps us on course, for no training can replace this trust. Suffering, resulting from necessary sacrifices, is part of overcoming Satan, and we are reminded that God is with us, carrying through to the end as we stand fast in this conflict.
The Summertime Soldier and Sunshine Patriotism
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must put our lives, treasure, and honor on the line, picking up our cross daily, declaring our independence from carnality, evil and bondage to sin.
Soldiers of Christ
Sermonette by Ryan McClurePaul enjoins God's people to enlist as soldiers of Christ, enduring hardship, keeping themselves from the world, and putting on armor for spiritual battle.
Soldier On! (Part One)
CGG Weekly by John ReissPeople often give up when tragedy or adversity strikes. We all make mistakes. But God does not want His people to think that failure is the end of the road.
Remembering Our Veterans
CGG Weekly by John ReissChristians are not called to fight in this world's wars, but we are called to spiritual battle. Hebrews 11 speaks of some heroes of faith—spiritual veterans.
Warfare!
Sermon by John O. ReidWe must don the whole armor of God, using His spiritual weapons to bring every thought into obedience to Christ, destroying the enemy's footholds.
Principled Living (Part Seven): Enduring to the End
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLike a marathoner or a soldier fighting a battle, we are admonished to endure to the end, standing firm, holding our ground, and resisting assaults.
Motivation to Endure
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe must develop patience, perseverance, and endurance for the times ahead, safe-guarding the precious calling God has given us and enduring to the end
Against All Odds
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are assured victory if we put on the whole armor of God, standing together as a spiritual phalanx and repelling all attacks, the waves of trials we face.
How Dependent Upon War
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our culture is obsessed with war, relying on conflict, strife, and brute force as the ultimate way to resolve conflicts, with the spoils going to the victor.
Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur pilgrimage to the Kingdom will not be easy; we will suffer fatigue from difficult battles with serious consequences. We fight the world, Satan, and our flesh.

The Christian Fight (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughDespite God's many blessings, real Christianity more resembles a running battle against persistent forces than a leisurely stroll down the path of life.
Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe most formidable foe in our spiritual battle is the flesh. We must mortify, slay, and crucify the flesh, enduring suffering as Jesus Christ exemplified.
Sin (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTrue Christianity is no cakewalk into eternal life, but a life and death struggle against our flesh, the world, and a most formidable spirit adversary.
Prepare
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe need to prepare for a grim future by coming out of this world, exercising and toughening up the spiritual aspects of our lives through Basic Training.
Intensity is Increasing: Are You Listening?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)It is far more important for God's called-out ones to be ready than to know the time of Christ's return, an event to which even He is not privy.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father and the Son are two distinct beings, not co-equal as the trinity doctrine proclaims, but with the Son deferring to the Father in all things.
Finishing Your Gun Lap
Sermon by John O. ReidThe most dangerous lap we encounter is when everyone around us tends to be compromising. Today, what was once aberrant behavior is now considered normal.

Spiritual Strongholds (Part One): Obedience
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJoshua quickly acquiesced to God, realizing that it is not a question of God being with us; we must yield unconditionally to the sovereign will of God.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhatever life is, it derives from a non-material, non-physical, imparted life-force having a spiritual source. God creates and sustains life, as well as ends it.