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Humility
Sermonette by James BeaubelleHumility is not an obsequious act we turn on and off at will, but a sober reflection of our true relationship to God and our spiritual siblings.
Taking Our Lead From God
Article by StaffSelfish ambition has become a pervasive issue within God's church, mirroring the competitive, dog-eat-dog mindset of the world. Many individuals, akin to modern-day Korahs, strive for lead-dog status, seeking power and coveted roles rather than following God's lead. This presumptuousness, as seen in Korah's rebellion, starts small but quickly grows, drawing others into factions and contentions driven by envy and strife. Such self-seeking behavior, rooted in earthly wisdom, breeds confusion and evil, contrasting sharply with the heavenly wisdom that is pure, peaceable, and willing to yield. God determines rightful leadership, yet many forget this, allowing a worldly mindset to influence every member of the church. Instead of embracing humility, meekness, and contriteness as God desires, self-proclaimed leaders attract misguided followers to a path of self-determination and self-righteousness. This attitude, evident in Korah's example, shows a refusal to let God place individuals in roles as He sees fit, often masked by religious rhetoric but underpinned by rebelliousness. The church's splintering reflects this ongoing struggle, as groups and leaders rationalize their direction with human reasoning rather than adhering to God's revealed way. True unity in the body of Christ requires repentance and a surrender to the same Spirit, prioritizing God's design over personal ambition or visibility. The challenge remains for God's people to discern whether they are truly following His lead or being steered astray by Korah-like figures. A humble, obedient heart, focused on God's perfect path rather than man's selfish course, is essential to grow in alignment with His will.
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.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe epistle of James stresses both faith and works, emphasizing those factors necessary for growth, enabling us to produce a bountiful harvest of fruit.
What Do We Have to Be Proud Of? (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBelievers often rely on worldly philosophy rather than divine revelation, ignoring the fact that all gifts and abilities are received from God rather than earned.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon Without Becoming Assimilated (Part Three)
Sermon by David F. MaasThe current stormy cultural headwinds consist of noise, hurry, and party spirit. We must replace the gentile style of leadership and elevating leaders.
Coattails
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeNimrod, Babylon's founder, was a narcissistic, arrogant, ungodly rebel who strove for preeminence. Most of his world clung to his coattails for security.
Childlike
Sermon by Bill OnisickOur physical family provides a type of what we aspire to become as children of God, realizing that God loves us as much as He loves Jesus Christ.
Don't Be a Politician
Sermon by Mike FordJesus proved that one cannot become a leader through political intrigue, but by assuming the position of a humble servant. God sets Himself against the proud.
Think Soberly (Part One)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAs we examine our spiritual gifts, we must avoid any presumption that we alone carry exclusive knowledge that other church groups are too blind to see.
Abdicate
Sermonette by Ryan McClureIn 1936, British King Edward VIII abdicated for the woman he loved. Satan's pride and Adonijah's presumptuousness urged them to leave their ordained positions.
Seeing is Submitting
Sermon by Bill OnisickAll of us have received the biblical mandate to submit, even when the authority is flawed, emulating Jesus Christ.
Self-Confidence
Sermonette by James C. StoertzThis world in general touts self-confidence as a key indicator of capability and success, even if one has to 'fake it' until he makes it.
What Type of Leader Are You?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJesus Christ did not teach the pyramid model of leadership, where successive levels of leaders provide direction to those in the lesser ranks. He served.
Who Then Is In The Kingdom Of Heaven?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn Matthew 18, some disciples pondered who would be greatest in the Kingdom. However, ambition, arrogance, and pride will keep one from even being there.
A Just Weight Is His Delight
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeGodly principles are timeless, and though the application may not be the same, honest weights and scales are still crucial for a smooth and peaceful society.
Hidden Anger (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThis source does not address Selfish Ambition.
Parables of the Millstone and the Lost Sheep
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThese two parables are linked because they are the answers to the disciples' question, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?'
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must have both perseverance and humility in prayer to keep our vision sharp and clear. Without humility, the doorway to acceptance by God is closed.
Countering Presumptuousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughKorah, Dathan, and Abiram were not content with where God had placed them, but, in a spirit of pride, wanted to arrogate to themselves the office of Moses.
From Pride to Humility
Sermon by John O. ReidTwo tests to reveal the presence of pride are the way we treat others (especially our own family) and the way we receive instruction or correction.
Division, Satan, Humility
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThroughout the course of Biblical history, whenever sin appears, confusion, division and separation are the automatic consequences.
Do Not Sound a Trumpet
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughTo call attention to one's prayers, fasting, and offerings is a display of hypocrisy. We are warned about showing off our piety and righteousness.
Living by Faith: Human Pride
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur human nature is pure vanity with a heart that is desperately deceitful and wicked, motivated by self-centeredness, a deadly combination for producing sin.
WHAT?! Me Submit to Someone Else?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSubmitting is repugnant to the carnal mind. The church is no place for uncompromising people who demand their own way.
Mercy, Pilgrimage, and Providence
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur experience in overcoming and developing character will be fraught with difficulties, but God will provide the power to get through all the anguish.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSelfish ambition is rooted in pride, which the source presents as the father of other sins and as a perverted comparison in which a person exalts himself and pursues personal objectives that matter to him but not to God. Satan is the model: his pride over his beauty and wisdom led him to say "I will exalt my throne," resent his assigned role, and seek sovereignty for himself, and Adam and Eve followed the same course when they wanted to be "gods." The source holds that every issue in the Bible comes down to government and sovereignty, driven either by self-generated pride or by faith, fear of God, and humility. Jesus alone refused to seize control, saying, "Not My will, but Yours be done." The proud hotly pursue what they covet, manipulate and take advantage of the weak, lie to win and protect their image, and push God out of their thoughts in the drive for mammon. They crave recognition and glory, which Proverbs 25:27 compares to eating too much honey. Pride breeds contention, contempt, competition, and one-upmanship, as in the puffed-up Corinthian church, where members battled for the upper hand. Moses, by contrast, humbly admitted he lacked an answer and listened to those seen as lowly, and God resists the proud while giving grace to the humble.
Presumptuousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIndividuals arrogating to themselves the authority to change doctrine are on extremely dangerous ground, presumptuously setting up idols in place of God.
Fruit of the Flesh - On Conflict
Sermonette by Bill OnisickAs God's chosen saints, we must not let our keyboard or mouth defile us. Godly conversation includes stifling the urge to win the argument at all costs.
Control and Self-Control
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughParadoxically, when we yield to God's sovereignty, He wants to cede control over to us, teaching us to develop self-control as an ingrained habit.
Everybody's Protesting
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughAmericans have a high regard for free speech. God, on the other hand, shows little tolerance for incessant grumbling, complaining, murmuring, or rebellion.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to follow the example of Christ rather than placing their desire to be right over unity. Godly leadership follows submission.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHabakkuk was frustrated that God would use an evil people to punish Israel, yet he resolved to cease fretting and to become a responsible watcher.
Baruch's Complaint (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerJeremiah and his scribe, Baruch, lived during a time of great upheaval. Baruch complained that God's plans against Judah were crimping his own ambitions.