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My Hour Has Not Yet Come
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerJesus' response to His mother at the wedding—'My hour has not yet come'—was not disrespect but perhaps a challenge to attach real faith with mere knowledge.
Confidence at Christ's Appearance
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe live in a time when many feel uncomfortable standing up for virtue and sound principles, often preferring silence over disagreement on important issues. Embarrassment is frequently tied to trivial matters like clothing or social image, while society feels little shame over wrongdoing but deep embarrassment about being associated with faith and moral standards. What was once honored is now avoided, and what was once shameful is openly celebrated. The feeling of shame or embarrassment about God's way of life manifests as a sense of inferiority or unworthiness in relation to the world, disrupting dedication to Jesus Christ. Christ warned that whoever is ashamed of Him and His words in this sinful generation, of them will the Son of Man also be ashamed when He returns in glory. To feel ashamed is to align with this generation instead of with Him. Paul, unashamed of the gospel of Christ, saw it as the power of God to salvation, remaining bold despite persecution and societal disdain. He urged others not to be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, encouraging them to share in sufferings for the gospel through God's power. Paul's hope was to stand unashamed before Christ, magnifying Him in life or death with boldness. Peter also taught that if one suffers as a Christian, they should not be ashamed but glorify God in the matter, recognizing the blessing in being reproached for Christ's name. John emphasized abiding in Christ to have confidence and not be ashamed at His coming, linking righteousness with remaining in Him. Christ Himself is not ashamed to call believers brethren, uniting with them as siblings. God is not ashamed to be called the God of the faithful, treating them as friends and benefactors. The faithful patriarchs trusted in God and were not ashamed, finding deliverance through their trust. Scripture warns that being ashamed of Jesus and His words carries serious consequences, as the Son of Man will be ashamed of such a person at judgment. Yet, those who remain in Him, walking in righteousness and trusting in His promises, can stand unashamed, looking forward to His return with confidence and joy.
John (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn and James were related, but still had to have the Messiah revealed to them. God is involved in the details of our lives as well as the great events in history.
Reconciliation and Unity
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIt is foolish and pointless to use the same charm, social skills, and duplicity toward God as we use to deceive others and, sadly, even ourselves.