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Reciprocity (Part One)
CGG Weekly by John ReissReciprocity is a principle that operates as a universal law created by God. It functions like a spiritual version of Newton's Third Law of Motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. God's way is the way of giving, and true giving always receives an equitable return. Even God expects a return on His investments in us. He is faithful in providing for us and rewarding us exponentially for the good we do, as promised in Luke 6:38.
Reciprocity (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by John ReissThe principle of reciprocity reveals that kindness and service are rewarded with blessings, particularly when nothing is expected in return. God has embedded this as a universal law, part of His way of giving, and He expects us to learn and partake in it, as He abundantly practices it in the lives of His children. Though we cannot fully repay what our Father and Elder Brother have done for us, we can seek to reciprocate by giving thoughtful offerings, evaluating what God has blessed us with, and placing value on those blessings based on our appreciation of His actions. God initiated this cycle of love and blessing, acting first, and we must place ourselves under the obligation to reciprocate, doing what we can to return some of His benevolence to Him.
Humble Your Hearts and Be No Longer Stubborn
Sermonette by Bill OnisickThe peace that passes all understanding comes from yielding to God's will, asking Him for a soft, pliable heart to replace the hard heart of stubbornness.
Eternal Servant Leadership
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIn the love of the Father and the Son, there is a call to reciprocate Their sacrificial love by actively participating in the commandments given to us. We must stand firm within Their love by doing the things we have been led to do, ensuring that we keep moving forward in our commitment. This reciprocity is essential to abide in Their love, as it reflects our dedication to live as They live, within the letter and the spirit of Their guidance. By reciprocating Their love through our actions, we allow Their way of life to become engraved in our hearts, fostering a continuous relationship with Them.
Sowing and Reaping (2003)
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughFear of any kind is never an excuse to break any of God's laws. God wants us to learn the principle of reciprocity- that what we sow we will also reap.
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.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride destroys relationships, rendering righteous judgment next to impossible. Self-righteousness (a product of pride) makes an idol out of self.
Be Kind
Sermonette by James C. StoertzThe seemingly benign advice to 'Be Nice' falls short of a truly virtuous approach to life. It is associated with pleasant but superficial behavior.
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.
I Pledge Allegiance
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe words 'under God' were added to the Pledge in 1954. As our country drifts toward socialism, we need to determine where our true allegiance lies.
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.
The Christian Fight (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughDespite God's many blessings, real Christianity more resembles a running battle against persistent forces than a leisurely stroll down the path of life.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Patience
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughBiblically, patience is far more than simple endurance or longsuffering. The patience that God has shown man gives us an example of what true, godly patience is.
Do Unto Others and Reap What We Sow
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Reaping good fruit does not happen immediately. If we feel we are not reaping, we must consider that we might be reaping some negative things we have sown.
An Offering, Sanctification and Atonement
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWe will reap what we sow; if we sow in fear, we will reap fear, but if we sow in faith, trust, and love, we will reap spiritual and physical abundance.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father and the Son are two distinct beings, not co-equal as the trinity doctrine proclaims, but with the Son deferring to the Father in all things.
The Tongue: Our Tool of Power
'Ready Answer' by StaffOur hurtful words can create scars that last longer than any physical scar that sticks and stones may cause. Christians must harness the power of the tongue.
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.
Be Kind
'Ready Answer' by James C. StoertzWe frequently admonish our children to 'Be nice,' but what does it mean? It is far better to learn kindness, a biblically defined fruit of God's Spirit.
The Fear of God (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must have established some relationship with God before we can rightly fear Him. A holy fear is the key to unlocking the treasuries of salvation and wisdom.
John 3:16: Does God Really Love the World?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod does not love everybody equally. Nowhere does He tell us to prefer the ungodly world. Though He tells us to love our enemies, but not to be affectionate.