'I Want To Be First'
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamSatan challenged God because he wanted to be first. God, on the other hand, competes with no one. Nor does He desire us to compete with each other.
Are You Envious or Content?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mike FordEnvy is a work of the flesh, involving coveting. A significant example of envy is found in the relationship of the two wives of Elkanah, Hannah and Peninnah.
Unity Through Humility
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughCompetition in the church can lead to disaster, destroying harmony and unity. Competition and pride destroy unity; humility and cooperation enhance unity.
The Jealousy of God
'Ready Answer' by Ronny H. GrahamDeuteronomy 4:24 may strike an astute reader as somewhat controversial, if not contradictory. How can our holy and perfect God be jealous?
Satan, Division, and Humility
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCompetition is the root cause of war, business takeovers, and marital discord. Solomon describes man's rivalry with one another as a striving after wind.
Hannah's Thanksgiving
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughHannah gave up the very thing she asked for. Her willingness to give God her most precious possession stands on par with Abraham's renowned sacrifice of Isaac.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Five): Comparisons
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSolomon provides these comparisons to indicate the choices we should make to live better lives in alignment with God, even in an 'nder the sun' world.
Prosperity's Consequences
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsProsperity is not always an emblem of God's approval. God will not prosper us if it would cause spiritual damage, insulating us from seeking His kingdom.
Overcoming Satan's Competitive Spirit
Sermonette by Bill OnisickThe competitive spirit to dominate a competitor, not confined to athletic contests, militates against God's mandate that we esteem others over ourselves.
The Pursuit of Excellence (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaExcellence is greatly emphasized in athletics and in the business world. Yet none of the excellence sought after today is what Christians are to seek.
All About Edom (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe twin sons of Isaac, Esau and Jacob, are a classic model of sibling rivalry, and their contentious relationship has had a tremendous impact on history.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMany of God's servants, including Elijah and Jeremiah, had their crises of faith, desiring to flee from their responsibilities and commitments.
Unity (2006)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the symphony orchestra, only as an instrumentalist submits to the leader, working with the other members of the ensemble, can unity be accomplished.
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.
Civility and Courtesy
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSocietal incivility, discourtesy, and in-your-face attitudes (works of the flesh) have manifested themselves in the church of God, but contradict agape.
Differences of Opinion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSatan champions self-opinion and mob behavior. God's church has never been immune to division because each member has only part of the truth.
Concerning Edom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prophet Obadiah sorrowfully dramatizes God's judgment upon Edom (Esau) for his hatred, haughtiness, and pride, and how and why Edom will be annihilated.
Joseph: A Saga of Excellence (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though Joseph was born into a highly dysfunctional family, he nevertheless had a high batting average when it came to making the right moral choices.