Is Confession of Sins a Biblical Practice?
Bible Questions & AnswersThere is a difference between seeking a brother's help in overcoming a fault—a human weakness—and confessing sins of the past. Only God can forgive sin.
Admission of Sin
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWhen people believe that God's law is no longer valid, they deceive themselves. Yet Scripture urges us to admit our sins, which contributes to our growth.
Are Some Sins Worse Than Others?
'Ready Answer' by Martin G. CollinsIt seems that some sins should be worse than others in God's eyes. Though all sin merits the death penalty, some sins carry greater consequences and penalties.
A Sin Unto Death
'Ready Answer' by StaffI John 5:16 often raises questions about sin and its consequences. This verse is about more than appears on the surface, and holds out hope for backsliders.
Is Alcoholics Anonymous Godly?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIs Alcoholics Anonymous a godly organization? Does it use the methods God uses? Where should Christians go who have problems with alcohol?
Repentance: The Genuine Article (Part Six)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe proof that a person has truly made a change of heart appears when his life begins to show him doing what is right. Right living is the fruit of repentance.
Unresolved: The Way We Were
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityAll unresolved—and that includes hidden—sins occupying the deep, dark recesses of our memory possess the ability to create a gap between us and God.
Repentance and Righteousness (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNothing happens in our lives (including repentance) until God initiates it. A change of heart, by God's Holy Spirit, results in a total change of direction.
Lamentations (Part Two; 1989)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJerusalem recounts her sins as a nation, depending on her own strength or on her lovers (political alliances) rather than upon God.
Setting Spiritual Goals
'Ready Answer' by StaffBusiness advisors and self-help books recommend that we set goals and make plans to succeed in our endeavors. Why do we not do this to help us overcome sin?
What Every Christian Must Know
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsI John is a very encouraging epistle, giving us a testimonial of what God has done. It teaches that there are foundational things every Christian must know.
The Manifold Grace of God
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsGod's calling us is just our initial taste of His grace. Grace is unmerited, but it is not unconditional. We have an obligation to respond to God.
The Book of Joel (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen Joel describes the devastating locust plagues, instead of promising a silver lining on a very black cloud, he says things are going to get intensely worse.
How God Deals With Conscience (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod orchestrated the repentance of Joseph's brothers by carefully crafted words and enforced solitude to refresh their memories and expose their sin.
Hosea's Prophecy (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsModern Israel has a form of religion, but it is empty and unsatisfying because it refuses to obey God and substitutes the traditions of man in its place.
Out of the Abundance of Our Prayers
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidJesus remarks that our lips tell the tale our hearts try to hide. Using this proverb as a foundation, what do our prayers tell God about us?
Our Walk Out of Darkness Into the Light
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAfter we accept Christ's sacrifice, we desperately need to come out of sin, walking in light rather than darkness, having continuous fellowship with God.
Limiting the Holy One of Israel (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod has self-imposed limitations when we go against His commands, testing His patience, purposely limiting Him by our faithlessness, robbing ourselves of blessings.
Spirituality and True Conversion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must guard against the fuzzy, emotional spirituality without a Deity, based upon a worldly syncretism of Eastern and Western philosophical thought.
The Buck Stops Here
Article by David F. MaasDo we tend to shirk responsibility by 'passing the buck'? Here is why we do this, and a solution for shouldering our responsibilities and growing in character.
Lamentations (Part Eight; 1989)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughLamentations 4 contains a series of contrasts, showing the indignities suffered by a once proud people reduced to humiliating servitude because of idolatry.