How Emotions Affect Spiritual Maturity
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod displays emotions, but they are always under control, unlike mankind. Using God's Spirit, we can grow into emotional (not emotionless) spiritual maturity.
Spiritual Maturity
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom parables allude to the process of spiritual maturity, depicting a planted and cultivated seed becoming a sprout, eventually bearing fruit.
Developing a Mature Spiritual Appetite
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasOne of the most widely occurring metaphors in the Bible involves eating. We must develop the ability to feed ourselves properly, discerning the good and bad.
Like a Growing Seed (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughLike its physical counterpart, spiritual growth happens slowly. A newly baptized Christian will not produce the fruit of the spirit as easily as a mature one.
Basic Doctrines: Going On to Perfection
Bible Study by StaffMost of our Christian lives will be spent going on to perfection. But how do we do it? This Bible Study helps explain this broad, yet vital subject.
A Time to Grow
Sermonette by Ryan McClureHorticulture is not so easy as merely planting a seed and watching it grow. Tending and keeping implies continually watering, fertilizing, and cultivating.
What Is Real Conversion? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughSome in Antioch believed the preaching of the persecuted Christians, and they not only agreed with the teaching but also changed or transformed their lives.
Perfection...Piece by Piece
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordWhat is perfection? Does God require perfection of us? The Bible defines perfection in a surprising way, and tells to what standard God holds us accountable.
The Patient Pineapple
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingThe majority of the growth or maturation of a pineapple plant takes place from within. The same holds true for our calling and conversion.
Like a Growing Seed (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Parable of the Growing Seed is unique to the book of Mark, the most basic of the gospels, perhaps due to it being so simple and its point self-evident.
Adolescent Geriatrics
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe cultural phenomenon known as 'adolescent geriatrics' is when a senior citizen, ignoring the ravages of time, continues youthful styles, desires, and goals.
Basic Doctrines: Doctrine
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn these days of psychology and feeling, doctrine is not very popular. But it is absolutely necessary for the salvation! Here are the basic doctrines.
Growing Up
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChildren who learn to obey their parents (and by extension, the laws of God and society) save themselves from untold grief later in life.
Making the Cut (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhy should we think that God disdains requirements for entrance into His Kingdom? Spiritual growth is an intrinsic part of equipping the saints for service.
Godly Training and Admonition
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGodly training forewarns a child of danger or faults in human nature. The Scriptures do not contain many examples of exemplary child rearing.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Two): Vision
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Kingdom of God is our goal, and our vision of what it means gives us compelling motivation to overcome, grow, and bear fruit in preparation for eternal life.
Developing Discernment
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHuman discernment can be developed and exercised, triggering early warning systems with the reactions of revulsion and confusion when confronted by evil.
Prevailing Winds
'Ready Answer' by Gary MontgomeryThe steady, contrary winds of this world's way of life can be overcome by adjusting our sails to make spiritual headway.
Seeks Not Its Own
Sermon by Bill OnisickThough as a Pharisee, the apostle Paul had abundant knowledge of God's law and obedience, he was a spiritual babe because he lacked agape love.
Wrong Ideas
Sermonette by James BeaubelleOver the course of millennia, only a few have been willing to hold to the covenant with God or make the sacrifice for building the faith He requires.
Judgment According to Works
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause God sees the content of our hearts, nothing escapes His attention. He mercifully judges over a lifetime of behaviors, not just isolated incidents.
Joy and Trial
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordWhat does the Bible mean when it says we should count it all joy when you fall into various trials? What is this joy we must experience, and how do we come by it?
Conviction, Moses, and Us
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike Moses, we have to develop conviction, a product of a relationship of God, established by being faithful day by day in the little things of life.
We Are Part of Something Special
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingAs we mature, our rough edges become smoothed, and we become thankful for the bond between us, looking for ways to edify one another.
A Seed of Highest Quality
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod calls Israel a seed of highest quality, but she turned into a degenerate vine, bearing bitter fruit, rejecting God and relying on her own resources.
Do You See God? (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughConversion is a lifelong process in which we endeavor to see things as God does. We must understand and act on the fact that God is deeply involved with us.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Seventeen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Wisdom can be defined as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to the right measure. Wisdom is not given as a whole, but incrementally.
Going on to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe are bombarded by technology, competing for our attention, causing us to drift from our spiritual quest. God expects us to continue to mature spiritually.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Nine): Conclusion (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThere must be something to prove we are one with Christ and in union with the Father and the Son. That something is the manner in which we conduct our life.
Holy Days: Unleavened Bread
Bible Study by StaffThe Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately follows the Passover. In it we see how hard it is to overcome and rid our lives of sin.
Commencement
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGraduations bring advice-laden commencement speeches designed to inspire and motivate young people, sending them out to their destinations and destinies.
Is God's Way Simple?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJust because something is simple does not make it true and just because something is complex does not make it false. Deeper knowledge often comes with complexity.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe priorities in Matthew 6:33 indicates that the primary emphasis should be on repentance and overcoming rather than mastering a technicality.
Knowing Christ (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSanctification is the longest, most difficult, and most grueling part of the conversion process—a time when suffering and sacrifice are demanded of us.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan has attempted to obliterate the sanctification step from the conversion process. Sanctification is produced by doing works pleasing to God.