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Building Relationships
Sermonette by Ryan McClureThe Scriptures provide many examples of how difficult relationships were dealt with by humility, deference, longsuffering, and prayer.
Can We Win People For Christ?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeMost of the Christian world believes that it is the duty of believers to 'win people for Christ.' Yet the whole counsel of God reveals a larger reality.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Meekness
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMeekness is often confused with weakness and considered to be undesirable. But Jesus lists it as a primary virtue of one who will inherit His Kingdom.
First Things First (Part Two): The Right Sacrifice
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeCain represents religion and worship on a person's own terms, according to his own priorities, rather than according to God's instruction.
The Beatitudes, Part 5: Blessed Are the Merciful
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMercy is a virtue that has gone out of vogue, though it is sometimes admired. Jesus, however, places it among the most vital His followers should possess.
Courtesy
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordThese days, everyone demands respect but few are willing to grant it. It is a rare event when someone gives up his seat or when a child shows deference.
The Second Greatest Commandment
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaJesus said the greatest commandments were Lord toward God and neighbor. There is no connective between the first and second clauses; they cannot be separated.
The Beatitudes, Part 7: Blessed Are the Peacemakers
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThis world lauds warmakers, but God says that peacemakers are blessed. The first step in becoming a peacemaker is to be reconciled to God.
Another Look at Footwashing
Article by Bill KeeseeMany consider footwashing at Passover to be a mere ritual to remind us to serve one another. But it teaches another godly attribute: forgiveness.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Fourteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSolomon ruminates about life being seemingly futile and purposeless. A relationship with God is the only factor which prevents life from becoming useless.
Pride, Humility, and the Day of Atonement
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Day of Atonement, when God commands us to afflict our souls, is a day of self-evaluation and repentance to seek unity with Him and our brethren.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Patience
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughBiblically, patience is far more than simple endurance or longsuffering. The patience that God has shown man gives us an example of what true, godly patience is.
The God of All Comfort
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIn our relationships with others, comfort plays a vital role, reflecting the divine example set by the God of All Comfort. God comforts us in all our tribulations so that we, in turn, may comfort those in any trouble with the same comfort we receive from Him. This mutual exchange of comfort is essential within the Body of Christ, as it fosters connection and support among brethren. On a human level, the presence or absence of comfort in our formative years profoundly shapes how we relate to others, including in marriage and within our spiritual community. Experiences of comfort—or the lack thereof—create lasting imprints that influence our styles of love and connection. Some may become closed off, valuing independence over emotional bonds, finding it hard to connect deeply due to a lack of early affection. Others, raised in anxious or critical environments, might focus on pleasing others to avoid conflict, often leading to resentment over time. Unpredictable affection in childhood can result in a fear of abandonment, causing one to idealize relationships only to reject them when expectations are unmet. In chaotic or abusive settings, individuals may become controlling to avoid vulnerability or, conversely, submissive, tolerating mistreatment and losing their own voice. Despite these challenges, God's comfort offers healing. As we draw closer to Him, He provides the security and strength needed to overcome relational barriers. Through His unchanging nature, we find stability to trust rather than fear abandonment. His forbearance teaches us to bear with others, and His example helps us relinquish the need to control, trusting Him with our lives. As we experience His comfort, often through others as conduits, we learn to be open and vulnerable, expressing emotions appropriately and connecting more deeply with His Body. Ultimately, God, the only Perfect Parent, offers everlasting consolation and hope. By receiving His comfort, we are equipped to extend relief and support to others, enhancing our relationships. This process, guided by His love and example, transforms how we relate to one another, establishing us in every good word and work.
Simplifying Life (Part Three)
Sermon by David F. MaasScripture emphasizes the importance of nurturing a deep connection with God as the foundation of all other relationships.
Reconciliation and the Day of Atonement
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRepentance is something we must do with our God-given free moral agency. Reconciliation is an ongoing process that enables us to draw closer to what God is.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod personally handpicks individuals with whom He desires to form a reciprocal relationship. This relationship must be dressed, kept, tended, and maintained.