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'You Are My Witnesses...'
Article by Martin G. CollinsThe real value of a witness depends upon the faithfulness and truth of his testimony. A witness is one who sees an event and can report it to others, and the reliability and accuracy of their testimony are crucial for true justice. In the context of God's plan, we are individually and collectively called to witness by our works, demonstrating that our God is God. Good works will glorify Him if we are a reliable and accurate witness of His way of life. Witnessing is not a spare-time occupation or a once-a-week activity; it must be a quality of life. You do not go witnessing; you are a witness. Our actions often speak louder than our words, and we write a sermon each day by the deeds we do and the words we say, reflecting the gospel according to us.
First Things First (Part Four): Faithfully Witnessing
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIn the Western world, success is often measured by numeric growth and profitability, focusing on impressive figures rather than quality. However, the story of Noah illustrates that God's measure of success for His servants is not based on human standards of results but on their faithfulness. Noah, called a preacher of righteousness in II Peter 2:5, proclaimed God's judgment and righteousness, yet only his family was saved, as noted in Hebrews 11:7. Despite the apparent lack of impact on those around him, Noah is commended for his faith and obedience, not for the number of people he influenced. God's specifications for the Ark in Genesis 6 were designed to save only Noah's household, indicating that God Himself determined the outcome, focusing on Noah's faithfulness rather than widespread repentance. God's desire is to see His servants demonstrate trustworthiness, loyalty, and constancy to Him, regardless of visible results. Faithfulness, derived from the Greek word meaning trustworthiness, implies being reliable and worthy of God's trust, with a track record of loyal service to Him above all else. Without proper spiritual preparation, attempting to witness to the world may fail to bear the fruit God desires and could even misrepresent Him.
You Are My Witnesses That I Am God
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe concept of witness carries profound significance, as it intertwines with the essence of testimony and sacrifice. John the Baptist bore witness to Christ, and those blessed by His work become witnesses by default, empowered by the Spirit to reflect His impact. The disciples who witnessed the resurrection hold a unique status as direct testifiers to His triumph over death. In the book of Revelation, the Greek word for witness, martyrs, already bore deeper meaning even during Christ's time, signifying that those who testify to His saving death may seal their witness with their own lives. Yet, the critical question remains: what kind of witness are you? If God is the sovereign Creator as portrayed in Scripture, then nothing lacks meaning—every element of creation, every historical event, and especially the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ holds purpose. These events, far from random, were predetermined and prophetically foretold by God, each detail teaching lessons about Christ's work and the atonement. The story of Barabbas, present in all four gospels, underscores the nature of witness through the lens of human choice and salvation. Pilate, in his attempt to release Jesus, offered the crowd a choice between Him and Barabbas, a notorious robber, insurrectionist, and murderer. To Pilate's shock, the crowd, influenced by the rulers, chose Barabbas, rejecting the guiltless Christ. This decision reflects the world's preference for the controllable over the transformative, highlighting a lesson for all: you cannot please both God and the world. Whose side are you on? Who do you witness to? Barabbas, representing every sinner, was freed while Jesus took his place, illustrating Christ's substitutionary death for humanity. What kind of witness was Barabbas after his release? What kind are we? Pilate's repeated attempts to free Jesus, including sending Him to Herod, offering Barabbas, and scourging Him to evoke pity, reveal human nature's flaws and God's redemptive plan. Each action, packed with meaning, shows the significance of Christ's suffering. Pilate's call to "Behold the Man!" after the brutal scourging invites awe at Jesus' dignity and bravery, despite unjust treatment. Yet, the crowd's hatred only grew, driven by their rejection of His sinlessness—a reaction rooted in the natural enmity toward God's holiness. Today, this same Jesus is often ignored or opposed, adding insult to injury by suggesting He is unworthy of attention. What kind of witness are we in a world that dismisses Him? Jesus' parables, such as the Ten Virgins, the Talents, and the Sheep and Goats, further challenge the quality of our witness. They emphasize preparation, faithful use of gifts, and service to others as reflections of readiness for His return. Those unprepared or inactive face judgment, often shocked at their fate. With unprecedented opportunities to know Christ, many squander them through distraction. The call remains: "Behold the Man!" He loves you, died for you, and rose again. How do we respond? The question of Jesus' identity intensifies the weight of our witness. If He was merely a man, His death holds limited meaning; if He is God, as He claimed, it transforms everything. Multiple witnesses—God Himself at Jesus' baptism and transfiguration, Jesus' own declarations, angels, demons, and human testimonies from the gospel writers, disciples, and even the centurion at the cross—affirm His deity. Their unified testimony compels us to ask: what kind of witness are we? Isaiah declares, "You are My witnesses," says the Lord, "that I am God." Our decision does not determine Christ's destiny but our own. Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, we are called to lay aside sin, run with endurance, and look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, striving to be faithful witnesses to His truth.
First Things First (Part Three): Walking With God
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAbel's example of alignment with God precedes Enoch's example of walking with God, and they both precede Noah's example of faithfully witnessing for God.
Increased With Goods
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThe Laodicean congregation had a penchant toward materialism, which sidetracked them from their primary goal of following Christ.
The Pentecost Witness
Article by David C. GrabbePentecost is known for its stupendous signs, particularly in Acts 2. Yet it teaches us of another witness: our own display of Christ's way of life in us.
God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe seriously err if we rely on the secular media to give us spiritual understanding. God sends strong delusion to those who do not love the truth.
Proselytism Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (Part One)
Article by Charles WhitakerProselytism has become a bad word in today's discourse, but it has not always been that way. Here is the Bible's view of evangelism from both Testaments.
Taking God's Name in Vain
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's prohibition against taking His name in vain covers a broad array of words and behaviors that reflect negatively upon Him.
'This Gospel of the Kingdom Shall Be Preached'
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeMany fail to understand that Matthew 24:14 is a prophecy and instead read it as a commission. God will ensure His gospel is preached; we follow His lead.
This Little Light of Mine
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryNo sincere and humble Christian lives in vain. Even the feeblest light at midnight is of use. How brightly has our light shined this past year?
First Things First (Part One): Access to God
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe lessons of Abel, Enoch, and Noah in Hebrews 11 are sequential. The lesson of Abel's faith must be understood before Enoch's example can be followed.
The Ninth Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe cannot measure how much evil the tongue has perpetrated, for falsehoods disguised as truth have destroyed reputations and even nations.
The Commandments (Part Eighteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughA community can only be established upon a foundation of stability and truth. Our relationships must be based upon God's truth, producing faithfulness.
Seeds and Seasons (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeGod has been planting seeds of truth through His servants for millennia. These seeds are awaiting watering by His Spirit in the future.
The Third Commandment: Idolatry
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the the Third Commandment, God's name describes His character, attributes, and nature. If we bear God's name, we must reflect His image and His character.
Our Reputation, Our Character
Article by StaffWhat is the difference between reputation and character? Which is more important? Ultimately, our character should be the foundation of our reputation.
How Did They Overcome? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeOur deliverance does not come fully until the resurrection, but along the way, though our submission to God, He overcomes and delivers us from the evil within us.
If the Lord Wills
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeDo we prefer to take matters into our own hands, make our own plans, and look to God for a blessing only after we have decided what needs to be done?
The Third Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany think the third commandment deals only with euphemisms and swearing, but it goes much deeper. It regulates the quality of our worship and glorifying God.
Overcoming Lying Spirits
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerIncreasingly, God's people are subject to continuous harassment and persecution because of Satan's double-barreled propaganda spewing from his media.
The Ninth Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe world is so full of lying and other forms of deceit that 'bearing false witness' has become a way of life for the vast majority of humanity.
The Fourth Commandment: Idolatry
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod, not man, created, sanctified and memorialized the seventh day Sabbath from the time of creation, intending that man use this holy time to worship God.
A City on a Hill (Part One)
CGG Weekly by John ReissThe eyes of the world are on those who seek to be God's servants. Consider these stories of people whose inspiring examples serve as witnesses to God's character.
The Post-Resurrection Last Words of Christ (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must be involved in proclaiming His message, feeding the flock, living His example, assuming the responsibilities of our awesome commission.
How Much Do You Value the Kingdom of God?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartyrdom is not a penalty because a person has failed to qualify for the Place of Safety; rather, it is a badge of honor for those who have overcome.
A "Lot" of Credibility
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWe need to resist the lure of the world to pitch our tent toward Sodom as Lot did. Love for the world's ways constitutes enmity for God and His law.
The Ninth Commandment
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must embody truth as did Jesus Christ, absolutely refusing to bear false witness in our words, our behavior, and our cumulative reputation.
The Commandments (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath is a period of time God purposefully sanctified and set apart for the benefit of mankind, a time dedicated to God's spiritual creation.
To the Glory of God
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs we reflect God in our behavior through imitating Jesus Christ, occasionally accepting His suffering when called upon, we reciprocally glorify the Father.
The Same Mind, Judgment, and Speech (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeDespite our differences, Jesus Christ is our commonality. As we pursue His image, we will have greater harmony with those seeking the same thing.
Holiness (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo appropriate the name of God means to represent His attributes, character and nature. Our behavior must imitate Christ just as Christ revealed God the Father.