Playlist: Words, Idle (topic)
Our Words Matter: Are They Harmful or Helpful?
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingEmotional damage from hurtful words is more harmful to our nervous system than we have imagined, lingering long past the healing time of any cut or broken bone
Penalty of Death
Sermonette by Bill OnisickGossip is like scattering feathers in a wind: It is just as impossible to reverse the damage done by gossip as it is to regather the feathers.
Listen, Wait, and Then Speak
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJames provides some of the best advice on communication and control of the tongue. The correct order of communication is listening, waiting, and then responding.
Flavorless Salt
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonThe metaphor of properly flavoring our speech with salt applies to how we speak to those who have not yet been called, which reflects on the family name of God.
Gossip
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe apostle James says that the tongue can metaphorically start a dangerous fire. He warns that gossip, tale-bearing and being a busy-body is like murder.
Am I Childlike or Childish
Sermonette by Bill OnisickChildlike humility overlooks offenses, but childish pride causes one to strike out in retaliation when feelings are hurt or feathers are ruffled.
The Incomprehensibility of Our Great God
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsWestern society is increasingly using exaggerations or superlatives to describe the ordinary and mundane. Everyone will give an account of all idle words.
Matthew (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus didn't break the Sabbath, but he did break extra-legal fanatical human custom applied to the Sabbath apart from God's Law.
Pure Language Restored
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen we repeat negative expressions, they become reinforced, and we develop a negative disposition. Our spoken words reinforce our thoughts.
Titus (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have the commission to be witnesses to a corrupt society. It is in the closeness of the crowd that we have the greatest potential to grow spiritually.
God Never Disappoints
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsUnlike people who, because of their natural carnal nature, feel disappointment with God, God's people should never experience any disappointment with Him.
Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur manners express our personality, especially as they portray humility, courtesy, or gentleness, and are improved as we make use of God's Spirit.
Avoiding Detrimental Assumptions
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe world's religions have attempted to cast Almighty God into their faulty images, crafting an evil and destructive situational ethics.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Nine): Philadelphia
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Jesus warns us not to let anyone take our crown, He encourages us to endure over the long-haul and not bask in the glory of a brief, victorious accomplishment.
God Will Understand
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod pays attention to the small things we may excuse in ourselves, sins we commit in weakness. God's patience does not constitute approval of our sin.
Displaying Virtuous Character
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSelf-control has both an inward and outward dimension, the latter concerned with human relationships, manners, and reflecting God's orderly mindset.
Philippians (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWorking out our salvation does not mean working for salvation, but instead making what we believe operational. God gives us the power both to will and to do.
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.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause of sin prompted, God has deliberately subjected creation to futility. Solomon has accurately taught us that without God, life is meaningless.
Secret Faults and Presumptuous Thoughts
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPeople can mentally 'legalize their iniquities,' in doing so attempting to make God the accomplice of their sins. But He will not overlook blatant faults.
From Pilgrims to Pillars (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasSanctification is a process through which God transforms perishable raw materials into permanent, indestructible beings—literal members of the God-family.
Elements of Judgment (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must emulate the ways of God, demonstrating justice in our lives, thoughts, words, and deeds, preparing to judge in God's Kingdom. Not all sins are equal.