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Coveting and the Roots of Sin
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughDesire in its basic form is not sinful, as God Himself built this feature into us, wanting children like Him as the ultimate aim of His plan. However, under the influence of human nature and the selfishness of the flesh, desire often morphs into lust or inordinate craving. God addresses this in the tenth commandment, forbidding the coveting of a neighbor's house, spouse, servants, animals, or anything that belongs to another. This commandment focuses on the internal attitude of intense desire for forbidden things, rather than the act of taking them, highlighting that sin begins within the heart. Such internal wickedness sows the seeds of societal breakdown, undermining harmony among families, neighbors, and nations. Jesus echoes this in teaching that evil thoughts, including covetousness, come from within and defile a person. God's aim is to curtail these sinful attitudes that spawn damaging words and actions, identifying improper desire as the causal element behind breaking all commandments. To counter covetousness, two beatitudes offer guidance. First, those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled, replacing evil desires with a zeal for godly living, displacing inordinate cravings that lead astray. Second, the pure in heart will see God, emphasizing the need to cleanse and polish covetous hearts to reflect God's pure nature. In the sanctification process, God works with us to purify our hearts, preparing us to live eternally as He does. Sin starts inside, in the mind and heart with iniquitous desires, and that is where we must begin to change our natures into the image of Jesus Christ.
Principled Living (Part Two): Conquering Sin
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist warns that we must do everything possible to annihilate sin - surgically going right to the heart or mind: the level of thought and imagination.
It Won't Stop Until We Stop Giving Permission
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)All sin has occurred because God has given people the ability to make choices. Knowing that God is right will help deter us from making the wrong choice.
The Commandments (Part Nineteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus taught that all outward sin stems from inner inordinate desire. What we desire or lust after automatically becomes our idol.
God's Rest (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLust begets a guilty conscience, agitation, anxiety, depression, grief, torment. Wrong desire leads to lying, adultery, and murder—eventually leading to death.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor His Own reasons, God has chosen not to reveal His plan to those the world considers wise, but, instead, to work with the weaker sort of mankind.
Wilderness Wanderings (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Israel's trek was not only a physical journey, but a mental wandering caused by rejecting God's leadership. The potential to sin is a test of resolve.
God and Self-Government
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe New Covenant, wherein God writes His law on the heart and gives His Spirit, empowers God's people to obey without the need for external control.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur experiences prepare us to be a better judge or king. Though we may exercise righteous judgment, we dare not pass judgment nor justify sin in ourselves.
Highly Skilled Overcomers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowing our passions only applies if we invest the career capital to perfect our craft, honing our skills so that other people will pay for what we have to offer.
Ecclesiastes (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are required to make judgments in our area of influence, in the home and in our own lives. We cannot be careless with God's standards in our own family.
Teaching Us to Think (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is putting His children through a demanding educational program designed to teach godly values and impart spiritual maturity. Learning is hard work.
Root Out Your Bitterness
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonBitterness is like a poison that springs from unresolved hurt, helplessness, or disappointment, leading to caustic sharpness in speech or behavior.
Reflections on the COVID-19 Pandemic
Sermon by David C. GrabbeLessons learned from COVID, as well as possible reasons God allowed or caused the pandemic to sweep through the church and wreak havoc on Feast observance.
Wilderness Wandering (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Christ's suffering was not confined to crucifixion, but also consisted of rejection, humiliation, and the duress of persecution. Glory follows suffering.