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Godly Sorrow
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsWorldly sorrow is grief over the consequences of sin, not over sin itself, and it never changes the person. It arises from lost friends or property, disappointment, shame, disgrace, or getting caught, and it can even overwhelm the mind with guilt, yet it never turns to God for forgiveness. Proverbs 22:8 says he who sows iniquity will reap sorrow. A man like Jim, who was repeatedly remorseful over speeding tickets, jail, a friend's injury, and drunken violence, went right back to the same conduct and only grew worse. Pharaoh is the biblical example. Under the plague of hail he confessed, "I have sinned this time," but once the hail stopped he sinned yet more and hardened his heart. Worldly sorrow also looks to the world for consolation, such as shopping or drinking, and in the extreme, as with Judas, it ends in suicide. Paul states the contrast in II Corinthians 7:10: godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, with no regrets, but the sorrow of the world produces death. Because worldly sorrow sees sin only by its effect on self and others, and not as an offense against a holy and just God, it never produces repentance, and it brings only more sorrow.
A Contrite Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe contrite or brokenhearted person finds special favor with God, and a humble or contrite spirit is indeed a precursor to forgiveness and spiritual healing.
A World of Regret
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityRegret is different from regular sorrow in the greater knowledge that we could have had a better consequence or outcome.
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.
True or False Guilt?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingWe must be able to separate genuine guilt, which is the spiritual equivalent of pain, from false guilt when we call into question God's forgiveness.
Choices and a Man After God's Own Heart: Turn, Turn, Turn
Sermon by Mark SchindlerHonoring our free choice and understanding our weaknesses, God alters time and chance for us, using our mistakes as tools to enhance our godly character.
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.
Caveats About Self-Examination
Sermon by David F. MaasWe must be very careful how we examine ourselves. Taking the Passover in an unworthy manner can result in serious physical or spiritual hazards.
Hebrews (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEverything about the Priesthood of Christ is superior to the Levitical system, which only served as a type of the access to God that Jesus would fulfill.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Eighteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We accept most of our opinions, prejudices, and beliefs unconsciously. We must scrutinize our own beliefs through the principles of God's Holy Scriptures.
Dealing With a Sinning Brother
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDisfellowshiping is only used for the most extreme cases in which the safety of the congregation is threatened. Lesser offenses require more sensitivity.
Lamentations (Part Seven)
Sermon byThe people suffering under the Babylonians had basked in the privilege of being God's chosen people while also trashing the terms of the Covenant.