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Compassion (Part One)
CGG Weekly by John ReissAs God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, we are instructed to clothe ourselves with compassion. Compassion is often misunderstood as merely having tender-hearted feelings or doing nice things for those less advantaged, yet it encompasses much more. It reflects the Golden Rule: doing to others what we would want done to us. God's compassion, as shown in Scripture, is profound and renewing, with His compassions refreshed every morning, offering comfort during heavy trials. He deeply cares for His people, seeing their oppression, hearing their cries, and knowing their sorrows. In the life of Jesus Christ, compassion is vividly demonstrated as a visceral reaction, a deep inner movement when witnessing suffering. He was moved with compassion upon seeing great multitudes, healing their sick, feeding the hungry who had been with Him for days, and comforting a widow in her grief by telling her not to weep. True compassion, as exemplified by Him, means suffering together, sharing in another's pain, and truly feeling their anguish within ourselves.
Compassion (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by John ReissThe Word of God became a man so that He could completely feel both joy and pain as mankind does. He put on the form of a servant to feel our frailty.
The False Morality of Compassion
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughJust as love can be feigned to get a spouse's money or loyalty can be faked to attain a promotion, so can compassion be put on to gain sympathy, votes, and power.
Compassion and Couch Potatoes
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Christians who 'sit out' opportunities to serve, becoming in effect couch potatoes, commit sins of omission which may lead to the Lake of Fire.
God's Enduring Mercy
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamOur hearts may overflow with compassion for someone in need, and it could be in our power to help, but if we take no positive action, what good is it?
Just What is Mercy?
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaIt is impossible to become perfect without having mercy or compassion. Jesus' command to become perfect includes showing compassion to our enemies.
Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus teaches us how to deal with offenses and sins against us in this parable, focusing on our attitude of forgiveness because of being forgiven ourselves.
Mercy
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamMercy is an important dimension of God's character, displayed by our compassion on and forgiveness of those over whom we have power.
God Always Defaults in Mercy
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaAs we strive to be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect, we should be as merciful as Our Heavenly Father, making mercy our default.
Parable of the Good Samaritan
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThis well-known parable describes working compassion as contrasted to selfishness. It also clarifies just who is our neighbor.
Have Mercy
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonWhen we become fixated on past resentment, we will never find opportunities to display mercy, enabling a repentant brother to move forward.
The Prisoners
Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo'To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.' Forgiving and being forgiven are part of being a family.
Carrying Water for Jesus Christ
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Ted E. BowlingThe parable of the Good Samaritan depicts a way of life God intends all His called-out Saints to follow.
Mercy: The Better Option
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidIt is easy to fall into the traps of judgmentalism, gossip, and unforgiveness. We must overcome our natural reactions and use forbearance in our relationships.
Conduct of the New Life
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDriving out the evil must be followed by cultivating goodness and righteousness. An antidote to depression is to get our hearts focused on someone else.
The Beatitudes, Part 5: Blessed Are the Merciful
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMercy is a virtue that has gone out of vogue, though it is sometimes admired. Jesus, however, places it among the most vital His followers should possess.
A True Disciple
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaWe must exercise longsuffering and kindness to all, including to those that have done ill to us. We are disciples of Christ if we love one another.
Being a Christian
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaMicah provides a formula for being a Christian: 1.) Doing justly, 2.) Exercising mercy and 3.) Walking humbly. These demand total commitment, not a pretense.
Kindness
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe fifth fruit of the Spirit, kindness, reflects God's loving actions toward us. We in turn must learn to bestow kindness on others.
Thou Shall Love Thy Neighbor
Sermon by John O. ReidWe are obligated to show compassion and mercy to all, refraining from gossip, exercising righteous judgment, forgiving others and applying the Golden Rule.
Listen To The Lamb's Voice
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe movie Ben-Hur captures the essence of the time and ministry of Christ. By letting go of anger and hatred, we take on the yoke of Jesus Christ.
Manifesting Kindness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe desperately need to internalize the godly traits of kindness, mercy, compassion, and tenderness, displacing the carnal traits of bitterness and wrath.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Six): Cultivating Kindness
Sermon by David F. MaasBecause kindness is love in action, we must galvanize our thoughts into concrete behaviors, including offering encouraging words and performing uplifting deeds.
Lost and Found: The Power of Apologies and Forgiveness
Sermonette by Jared M. EllisForgiving, even when there is no apology, reflects the Father and Jesus Christ. The prodigal son is a story of the deep love we should have towards each other.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Centurion's Servant (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe healing of the centurion's servant is one of only two miracles that Jesus did for Gentiles, and He is especially taken with the Roman officer's faith.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur forgiveness from God is conditional, depending upon our forgiving others. It is an opportunity for us to extend grace, sacrificing as Christ did for us.
Our Growing Fellowship
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe need to nurture fellowship with our spiritual siblings, forgiving others as Christ forgave, steadfastly resisting pride and division within the church.
Children of the Light
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe Beatitudes Mount contains Jesus' instruction primarily to His disciples, outlining seven unified character traits that define the 'children of light.'
The Merciful
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe harsh religion of the Pharisees was unfeeling, placing more attention on rituals and man-made laws, and had turned their super-righteousness into sin.
What Does It Take to Be a Hero?
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamGod has chosen the weak and base things of the world, yet we can still sacrifice our personal concerns for the greater good just as our Savior did.
You Shall Love Your Neighbor (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by John O. ReidWe learn to love God by first loving our parents. Our first lessons in loving our neighbors happen within what should be the friendly confines of the family.
Love Thy Neighbor (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus set the bar very high when it comes to love. We no longer live for ourselves, but to Christ, who commands us to love everyone, including our enemies.
Sacrifice Dost Thou Want - Kindness
Sermon by Bill OnisickBiblical love is best understood as sacrificial obedience, not sentiment. Scripture frames true love as giving oneself at personal cost.
Antidote For Disunity!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe will become united as we draw closer to God. If we regard a brother in Christ as a competitor rather than as a trusted ally, unity will be impossible.
Altruism
CGG Weekly by John ReissGod's way of giving is true altruism, and while we will never attain to such a perfect standard, He exhorts us to develop this characteristic.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Feeding the Five Thousand (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe feeding of the 5,000 tells us far more than that Jesus was a miracle-worker. It also reveals Christ's compassion on those who hunger, plus His ability to teach.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: The Resurrection of Lazarus (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus' resurrection of His friend Lazarus from the dead proved to be the final straw for the Jews who were trying to kill Him.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon without Becoming Assimilated (Part Seven)
Sermon by David F. MaasTrue peacemaking means emulating Christ, which that involves promoting justice and righteousness, not merely avoiding conflict or appeasing by compromising.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Six)
Sermon by David F. MaasWhen we find our proper niche of service in the body of Christ, we will experience more joy and fun than a human being ought to be allowed.
Sand Ramblers
Sermonette by James BeaubelleGod is actively involved in the lives of His people. The command to love our God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves cannot be carried out passively.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Raising a Widow's Son
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe gospels present Jesus performing three resurrections, one of which is the raising of the widow's son. The episode shows the depth of Christ's compassion.
Mercy and Justice
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are obligated to emulate God's mercy, as well as kindness, forbearance, and judgment. As we extend heartfelt compassion, God will extend mercy to us.
No Real Love Without God
Sermon by John O. ReidThe world today is driven by greed, hatred, and self-seeking, reflecting the way of get, rather than love. What the world truly needs is not the fleeting, worldly idea of love, but the true love of man reflected across all humanity, which alone can bring peace, harmony, joy, happiness, fulfillment, purpose, and brotherly love to this earth. We are called to embody and reflect this love in our interactions with each other and those around us, becoming the salt of the earth and the light of the world, imitating the very nature of the One who invited us into His Family. God's love, defined as agape, is a willful direction toward mankind, involving doing what He knows is best for us, not merely what we desire. This love is an outgoing concern for others, characterized by benevolence, kindness, sympathy, and generosity in our dealings. God's love operates on both an individual level with understanding and kindness, and on a grand, philanthropic scale, aiming to elevate mankind to participate in His Kingdom. Love originates from God, reflecting His Spirit in us. As we exhibit this love, we take on the nature of our Father. Those who reflect God's love show they are born of Him, while those who do not, regardless of their knowledge, do not truly know Him. God's love is evident in the world He has provided, in the patience He shows, and most convincingly, in sending His Son as a sacrifice for us, offering reconciliation and the chance to live by following His life. Even when we were ignorant and opposed to His way, He loved us and desired the best for us. We perceive God's love because He laid down His life for us, and in like manner, we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. If we love others, both within and outside the church, as God loves us, His love is perfected in us, and we grow in applying it toward others, moving toward perfection. Early Christians exemplified this love, risking their lives for one another during plagues, reflecting the criterion by which God selects those for His Kingdom—visiting the sick and imprisoned. Jesus declared that love for one another identifies His disciples, serving as a sign of belonging to God. In this manner, our love is made complete, allowing us to be bold before Him as we take on His nature. Perfect love casts out fear, and though we may face apprehensions in this world, we must work on perfecting our love, faith, and trust in God, knowing He will help us. We love Him because He first loved us, and this love is not ours but God's love in us. As the Father and the Son love, so must we strive to love our fellow man. If we harbor hatred toward others, we do not possess God's love. Our task as disciples of Jesus Christ is to become like Him, reflecting His patience, kindness, longsuffering, wisdom, courage, thoughtfulness, concern, and willingness to serve. In doing so, we manifest the true love of God. However, in the end times, as lawlessness abounds, the love of many will grow cold due to cruelty, persecutions, betrayals, and false teachings. We must guard against losing the zeal of our first love amidst such pressures and rekindle the flame of excitement to apply what we know. The greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, submitting all our faculties to His will and devoting ourselves to glorifying Him. The first four commandments demonstrate direct love toward God, ensuring no idols take precedence, honoring His name in all we do, and keeping the Sabbath as holy time to refresh spiritually and encourage one another. The second great commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves, extending to anyone near us—family, friends, countrymen, even enemies. We show this love by not injuring them physically or in reputation, seeking their good, and being tender and kind, even without condoning sin. Attaining God's nature and love requires keeping His commandments through active faith, trust, and obedience, drawing close to Him in pr
Jumping Into the Shallow Pond (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerCommunism presents itself as high-minded in its redistribution of wealth, producing prosperity for all. However, reality belies collectivist theory.