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A Contrast of Kings
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the journey toward becoming kings and priests in God's Kingdom, we must consider the profound guidance Jesus Christ offers when He instructs us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. This directive, rooted in the initial biblical depiction of serpents as subtle and crafty, carries a nuanced tone. Even as Jesus presents a positive aspect to this wisdom, it emerges from the foundational understanding of serpents as deceptive and cunning. Thus, we are called to embody a discerning shrewdness, tempered by the innocence and gentleness of doves, ensuring that our actions reflect purity and peace as we prepare for our future roles under His divine leadership.
Casting Pearls
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Matthew 10:16, Jesus Christ instructs His disciples to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves while navigating the world as Christians. He advises them to display good sense, being shrewd and astute like a serpent without aggression or offense, and peaceful like a dove. This guidance is given in the context of interacting with a world filled with individuals likened to dogs and wolves, representing those who reject the message of God and may pose danger. Jesus emphasizes the importance of avoiding conflict and profane unbelief as much as possible, aligning with His earlier teaching in the Sermon on the Mount that blessed are the peacemakers. He encourages His followers to assess their circumstances prudently, saving themselves from grief by steering clear of situations where their message is unwanted and their safety is at risk. God does not expect them to spread His Word where it will be rejected outright or where doing so would endanger their lives, reserving such tasks for those specially chosen, while others are to speak truth and do right without forcing confrontation in hostile environments.
Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGood manners are not just an accomplishment, but a duty that everyone must practice in order for society to move smoothly.
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.
Displaying Gentle and Patient Conduct
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod's people must follow the spirit of the law regarding the treatment of others, being humble, sincere, and gentle, esteeming others before themselves.
Facing Times of Stress: Hopeless Regrets
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt sometimes appears that people outside the church have fewer problems and anxieties, having been spared Satan's onslaught of temptation and deception.
Joshua and the Gibeonites (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWe must be very careful about ascribing human behavior—and especially human sin—to God, concluding that it must be God's will, or it would be different.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughVarious animals were used in the burnt offering—bullocks, lambs, doves, and goats. Each depicts some characteristic of Jesus that we must emulate as we serve God.
Facing Times of Stress: Fear of the Future
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul's admonition to Timothy to stir up God's Holy Spirit applies just as much today when we sometimes become blindsided by fears about the future.
Preventing Deception
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReligious hucksters use the bait of self-gratification, selling non-essential or even heretical ideas. The elect resist deception by knowing the real article.
Matthew (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe word 'blessed' in the Beatitudes means happy from within, not dependent on circumstances. It comes from having God's spirit and hope for the future.
Joshua and the Gibeonites
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Gibeonites' pretense of coming from a distant land resulted in their slavery. Yet, through their influence, they contributed to Israel's destruction.
Offerings (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe sacrifices teach us about the mind, heart, and character of Jesus. The burnt offering symbolizes complete devotion to God in every aspect of life.
What's the Endgame?
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughLeaders will use crises to consolidate their power and further their agenda. The real devastation may occur after the coronavirus runs its course.
Hospitality
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHospitality provides the motivation for good works, establishing a hierarchy of giving, directed toward God, then family, church brethren, and strangers.