Playlist: Discernment (topic)
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.
Discerning Truth and Applying Wisdom
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSpiritual discernment is a gift from God, enabling us to judge between good and evil, comparing things with God's Word to see if they align with His standards.
Discerning Spirits and Discerning the Body
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause of the culture of deception fostered by Satan and his children, we must develop discernment to tell the difference between truth and falsehood.
Understanding and Wisdom
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughKnowledge, understanding and wisdom leads to righteousness and ultimately knowing God and attaining eternal life. By applying diligence, wisdom will accrue.
Recognizing the Intents of the Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are counseled to seek wisdom (the power of judging rightly) and discernment (the ability to consider the end of a thought pattern or behavior).
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our supreme objective in godly living is attainment and cultivation of wisdom, which consists of attributes giving us skill in living.
Judging
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughLike Solomon, we should be asking God for a discerning and understanding heart, capable of judging righteously, which requires knowing God's standards.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Sixteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ecclesiastes 1-6 contains an indictment of materialism. The only lasting fulfillment comes from establishing and maintaining a relationship with God.
Ecclesiastes and Wisdom
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughThere is a vital linkage between wisdom and understanding, understanding comes only through hard work and experience. Wisdom is skill in living.
Get Understanding
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughIf we ask God for wisdom, we will also need to be ready to work to achieve it. Good results do not just magically happen; 'some assembly' is required.
Using Righteous Judgment
Sermon by Kim MyersWhen we minimize sin, we become displeasing to God. God expects His people to confront brothers and sisters in Christ gently, without becoming judgmental.
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.
Do Not Judge
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile we do not have the prerogative of condemning and passing judgment, we do have the responsibility of observing behaviors or inspecting spiritual fruit.
The Purposes of Aging
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughModern society is obsessed with youth and staying young, but aging is a natural process God intended as part of life. Aging is a process for gaining wisdom.
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.
Judging in the Church
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Human nature is strongly competitive and full of pride, making judgment inherently problematic. Nevertheless, God wants us to learn to judge with equity.
Foolishness and Cleansing
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHuman nature has a perverse drive to take risks, pushing the envelope, taking unwise chances, foolishly gambling away the future. Foolishness is sin.
Elements of Motivation (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughVision is a picture in the mind's eye that is undergirded by faith and scriptural revelation, enabling one to anticipate events that have not yet occurred.
Pitfalls of Scholarship
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile we find much biblical scholarship useful and productive, without God's Spirit, most biblical scholarship is at best a mixture of good and evil.
Matthew (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEntering the Kingdom requires choosing the narrow, difficult path of sacrifice, service, and humility over the easy, broad path of selfishness.
The Second Resurrection and Union With Christ
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are going to have to find ways to make God's way appealing to people of alien cultures, gently bringing them to a tipping point.
Experiencing God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue knowledge of God comes only from experience. The apostle Peter has admonished us to grow in knowledge, both biblical knowledge and secular knowledge.
Real Conversion
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe process of conversion is actually God's workmanship creating a new spiritual being with godly spiritual character- the image of Christ.
The Parable of the Wheat and Tares
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFor every pure thing God has created, Satan has manufactured a counterfeit, even passing himself off as an angel of light. He is the master imitator.
Considered Rather Than Commanded - Choose Life
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAs God calls His people, He enables them (through His Spirit) to make considered decisions concerning living His way of life by obeying His commandments.
Being Deceived
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaChrist warned that many would be deceived, though no one ever admits to being deceived. The Bible warns of deceptions from within and without the church.
God's Special Presence and Direct Intervention
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe scattering of the early church strengthened it, allowing fresh seed to be scattered in new fields. The 'bad' thing actually increased the church's power.
Hebrews (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus experienced the same temptations and suffering we do, qualifying Him for the role of High Priest, the bridge-builder between man and God.
What the Holy Spirit Does
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit always inspires loving, wise, sound-minded actions according to God's will. This helps us discern true guidance from other spirits.
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSatan's biggest targets for disinformation are God's called-out ones. How can the true disciples be identified?
What the Holy Spirit Does (2005)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's Spirit will never prod us to do anything that is not godly love, and because it a spirit of a sound mind, it will never motivate us to do crazy things.
The Law's Purpose and Intent
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe effectiveness of a law is found in its purpose and intent rather than the letter. Love and mercy constitute the spiritual fulfillment of the Law.
Philippians (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul both appealed for unity among the Philippians and offered encouragement, reminding them that their relationship with one another was through Christ.
Mephibosheth
Sermonette by James C. StoertzWhen confronted with the treachery of Absalom, Ziba and Mephibosheth seemed to express divided loyalties just as we do when we yield to our carnal minds.
The Pure in Heart
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIt is the core of our heart that must be cleansed before we can have a pure heart, enabling us to see God as He is.
Spiritual Renewal
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul admonishes the Corinthians to resist contentions, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambition, backbiting, whispering, slander, conceit, and agitation.
You Deceitful Tongue!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsA study conducted by Dr. Tara Stewart explains why journalists of the mainstream media have fallen into disapproval for their widespread deception and bias.
What's Your Function?
Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity'Functional' refers to fulfilling the role for what was intended or performing as designed. Functional families deal with conflict, avoiding abuse or neglect.
Seeking God's Will (Part Six): Forethought
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Pilgrims were unprepared for the bitter New England winters. They had very little practical foresight, paying a heavy toll for not counting the cost.
The Priesthood of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must endure chastening and correction to grow in holiness and become priests. In the qualifications of a Melchizedek priest, zeal and holiness are mandatory.
Our Personal Plumblines
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. Maaswe learn righteous judgment through learning to see the consequences of our thoughts, words, and behaviors as they affect us and the lives of others.
Christ Our Passover
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe focus of our self-examination should not be self-centered or comparing ourselves with others, but on the awesome significance of His sacrifice.
Preparing Your Heart
Sermon by John O. ReidBecause the heart represents what and who we are and how we conduct our lives, the condition of our spiritual heart is of the utmost importance to us.