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How Human Nature Came to Be
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughHuman nature, defined as the fundamental dispositions and characteristics of human beings, is highly susceptible to corruption. We tend to be selfish, self-centered, and self-aggrandizing, habitually following behaviors and opportunities that promote or benefit us without thought to how they may affect others. Everyone covets what others have, most will lie to deflect hurt or blame, some will steal to line their pockets, and a few will take another person's life to protect their self-interests. Originally, the nature God created in man was very good, not corrupt. When created, Adam and Eve had pure minds, though as fleshly beings, they had physical drives that tend to pull in a selfish direction, such as drives to feed and protect themselves. They were innocent in their pursuit to satisfy these drives. However, their idyllic life ended with the temptation by the cunning serpent, who sowed doubt and confusion in Eve's mind, accused God of deceit, and urged her to desire equality with God through disobedience. Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, and Adam weakly followed her lead into sin. In this moment, carnal human nature, which all human beings now possess, was created. This nature generally follows the course it took with Eve: the forbidden fruit looked good, she desired to eat it, and saw how it could benefit her, so she partook of it despite God's command. Because of their rebellion, God let humanity go its own way, giving them over to a debased mind to do things which are not fitting. Now all of humanity, except for those few whom God calls to redeem, are open to the selfish and rebellious attitudes broadcast by the adversary, and without resistance, all fall under its influence, making it their nature as they grow up.
Psychological Manipulation
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Subtle influences seek to continually shape us; our mental state is influenced by our environment, seeking to move us in a direction away from God.
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 Most Dangerous Battlefront
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasThe most dangerous battle at hand is against our own flesh, where we least expect treachery and where we have become the most complacent.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur carnal nature's desire to satisfy an addictive self-centeredness can eventually overrule the Christian's loyalty to God and His commandments.
The Christian and the World (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHelp in following God comes from displacing the love for the world with the love for God, and setting our hearts on spiritual treasures instead of earthly ones.
Crookedness
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeSolomon says, 'What is crooked cannot be made straight,' a truism that most people know to be the case. Harsh words cannot be unsaid. Wicked deeds cannot be undone.
Conviction to Godly Righteousness
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughReal repentance and conviction of righteousness should dramatically augment prayer, study, meditation, but most importantly, how we live our lives.
Why Must Satan Be Released?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeSatan's release after the Millennium will reveal the Devil's unrepentant rebellion against God and test the character of humanity one last time.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Ten): Cultivating the Fruit of Self Control
Sermon by David F. MaasIt is impossible to cultivate self-control unless one uses God's Spirit to reprogram the desires of the heart from self-centeredness to submission to God.
Genesis 3:20-24: Consequences for God and Man
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Adam and Eve were given the death sentence by God, they also received hope that through the offspring of Eve a Savior would be born to crush the serpent.
Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe most formidable foe in our spiritual battle is the flesh. We must mortify, slay, and crucify the flesh, enduring suffering as Jesus Christ exemplified.
The Beatitudes, Part Three: Mourning
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughBlessedness and mourning seem contradictory, but obviously Jesus saw spiritual benefits to sorrow. True, godly mourning gets high marks from God.
The Back Door
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaitySatan knows how to exploit the vulnerabilities of carnal nature for his purposes. Satan's tireless efforts to hack the human mind steal valuable time.
Sin And Overcoming (Part 1): If Anyone Sins!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are obligated to uphold a higher standard of morality, responsible for the letter and spirit of the law, as well as the prompts of our consciences.
Surprise Attack
Sermon by Bill OnisickAny thought not aligned to God's Spirit is satanic, including bragging, putting others down, being puffed up with arrogance, or putting anything before God.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though the evidence from creation is overwhelming, people deliberately want to disregard it because accepting it would require submitting to His will.
The Summertime Soldier and Sunshine Patriotism
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must put our lives, treasure, and honor on the line, picking up our cross daily, declaring our independence from carnality, evil and bondage to sin.
Israel's Missing Characteristics of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faithfulness is living continually by faith, acting even though doing so may cost us. Love is not primarily a feeling, but faithfulness in applying God's Word.