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When Emotions Take Over

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

Emotions, including fear and anger, are a gift from God, but we must use them responsibly. Uncontrolled emotions can keep us from the Kingdom of God.

How Emotions Affect Spiritual Maturity

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Emotions play a critical role in human behavior and maturity, often driving actions in ways that can either hinder or foster personal growth. Many individuals are so emotionally entangled in their dilemmas that they fail to see clear solutions, displaying a profound emotional immaturity. This immaturity is evident when people prioritize fleeting feelings over rational judgment, such as in relationships marked by dysfunction yet sustained by misguided affection. Emotional maturity is defined as the transition from self-centeredness to a genuine concern for others, a quality not commonly taught in societal institutions but vital for true happiness. It involves controlling emotions rather than being controlled by them, a process that must be learned from those who have already achieved such balance. Emotions, as strong feelings or impulses like fear, anger, joy, and desire, can disrupt rational thinking if not properly managed. Moods, often reflecting a dominant emotion, further illustrate this struggle in emotionally immature individuals who fail to govern their moodiness. God endowed humanity with minds capable of reason and decision-making, intending for these faculties to guide actions. Yet, without emotional maturity, achieving God's purpose for human life remains elusive. The development of right character, central to human existence, hinges on the ability to direct emotions wisely. An example of emotional immaturity is seen in a highly educated man who, despite vast knowledge, failed to control his moods and impulses, leading to personal and familial ruin. His inability to harness emotions resulted in a distorted perception of reality, showcasing the devastating effects of such immaturity. Scientific insights reveal that emotional reactions can override rational thought, as seen in structures of the brain like the amygdala, which can trigger impulsive responses. Without self-control, these reactions lead to destructive behaviors, from hurtful words to violence. Emotional intelligence, or maturity, requires a harmony between reason and emotion, a balance that enables appropriate behavior and decision-making. Skills such as emotional awareness, empathy, and delayed gratification are essential and must be learned, particularly in childhood, to prevent issues like substance abuse, aggression, and depression rooted in emotional deficiencies. Training in emotional maturity begins early in life and involves guiding feelings, tempers, and impulses toward outgoing concern for others. Uncontrolled expressions like anger or rudeness signify a lack of emotional intelligence, allowing human nature to dominate without reasoned restraint. Even in personal challenges, such as facing grief at a funeral, emotional control is crucial to fulfill responsibilities with dignity and compassion, relying on God's strength to maintain balance. Anger, a powerful emotion, illustrates the contrast between human and divine responses. While human anger often erupts without control, leading to hostility and foolish actions, God's anger is always measured and just, reflecting His character. His wrath, though severe against disobedience, is tempered by mercy for the repentant, demonstrating a controlled response that humans must strive to emulate. Uncontrolled human anger, often sparked by perceived threats to self-interest, becomes sinful when it rises too quickly or disproportionately, highlighting the need for careful consideration and restraint. In religious contexts, emotional immaturity manifests as either excessive emotional frenzy or a complete suppression of feelings, neither of which equates to true spirituality. True emotional maturity, guided by God's Spirit, combines controlled emotional expression with a sound mind, allowing for genuine joy, compassion, and reverence in worship. Emotions are not to be eradicated but intelligently directed, reflecting the full spectrum of human experience as exemplified by Jesus Christ, whose emotional life mir

Love's Emotional Dimension

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Love doesn't become 'love' until we act. If we don't do what is right, the right feeling will never be formed; emotions are largely developed by our experiences.

Developing EQ to Overcome Fear

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

The emotional cues which influence our behavior are complex, often tracing back to events in our youth that demand a compensatory physiological response.

What Lies Beneath

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

If we let our emotions rule, we can lose a lifetime acquisition of reputation in a split second. When Jesus Christ undergirds us, there is stability.

IQ, EQ, GQ?

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

We understand IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient), but do we also have 'GQ' (Godly Quotient)?

Are Your Feelings Fighting Your Faith?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Today's Christianity is more theatrics than theological; feelings have become the replacement for faith, eroding spiritual growth and character.

What You Feel vs. What You Believe

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Feelings and emotions may throw our faith off course. Our moods are mercurial and we must control them with daily prayer and Bible study.

The Godly Purpose for Music

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

Even music in religion can be a contentious subject! The Bible shows that music is a blessing from God and an appropriate vehicle for praise and worship.

Love and Fellowship

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Fellowship with God is the only antidote to overwhelming feelings of despair, doubt, and self-condemnation.

The Point of No Return

Commentary by Joseph B. Baity

Even before COVID-19, Americans were gripped by anxiety, fear, and depression, pointing to an unrecognized but quickly spreading mental health pandemic.

Facing Times of Stress: Hopeless Regrets

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

It sometimes appears that people outside the church have fewer problems and anxieties, having been spared Satan's onslaught of temptation and deception.

Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Three)

Sermon by David F. Maas

Creating a sense of humor will make it easier to escape the satanic lies of Babylon, or at least make it more endurable.

Root Out Your Bitterness

Sermonette by Hunter D. Swanson

Bitterness is like a poison that springs from unresolved hurt, helplessness, or disappointment, leading to caustic sharpness in speech or behavior.

The Imposter Syndrome

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

The Imposter Syndrome leads to an identity crisis with an exterior covering or facade that protects exposure of internal feelings of inadequacy.

Anger (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Unrighteous anger, whether explosive or smoldering, can lead to high blood pressure, migraine headaches, or can ultimately lead to our spiritual demise.

Love's Greatest Challenges

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

An irrational fear of loss prevents the development of agape love — we fear that keeping God's commandments will cause us to lose something valuable.

What's Your Attitude?

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Scriptures reveal that attitude or disposition constitutes the critical difference between pleasing God and incurring God's wrath.

Lamentations (Part Five)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The expressions of sorrow in the Psalms far outnumber expressions of praise, indicating that the Hebrew culture has almost made the lamentation an art form.

Loving Christ

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Participation in Christ's life is the source of all good. Regardless of what church group we are in, we must establish a relationship with Christ.

Parable of the Good Samaritan

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

This well-known parable describes working compassion as contrasted to selfishness. It also clarifies just who is our neighbor.

Judging in the Church

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Human nature is strongly competitive and full of pride, making judgment inherently problematic. Nevertheless, God wants us to learn to judge with equity.