Vanity (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn this conclusion to the two-part vanity series, John Ritenbaugh bridges the Old and New Testament understanding on this vast, sprawling subject. Solomon's statement that all of life is vanity (transitory, useless, and illusory) is only true if one is not privy to God's ultimate purpose for mankind. Paul describes what God is …
Vanity (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh explores the different nuances of this huge, sprawling negative concept, ranging from transitoriness, futility, profitlessness, confusion, falseness, conceit, vainglory, denial, and idolatry. Moses encapsulates the Old Testament's understanding of vanity, comparing the eternality of God to the brevity of man - a …
Pride, Contention, and Unity
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe sin of pride underlies many of our other sins, and it is often the reason for the contentions we get into as brethren.
Pride, Humility, and the Day of Atonement
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAtonement, when we are commanded to afflict our souls, is a time of self-evaluation and repentance. This is the only way to have real unity with God.
Be Content in All Things (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Geoff Preston (1947-2013)Money or possessions are not the way to happiness. Yes, we can enjoy these things, but if that is all we are interested in, we will never be content.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Fourteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting on Solomon's ruminations about life being seemingly futile and purposeless, reiterates that a relationship with God is the only factor which prevents life from becoming useless. As many celebrities and public figures withdraw to spend more time with families, so must we withdraw from the rat race of …
The Binding of Satan
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile Satan's binding for a thousand years is not his ultimate judgment, it will relieve humanity of a huge weight of spiritual oppression.
Faith (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe hallmark of Christian character is humility, which comes about only when one sees himself in comparison to God. Pride makes distorted comparisons.
If You Do These Things, You Shall Never Fall
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod has not set up us for failure, but if we can't control our inordinate pride, we could destroy our own chances of fulfilling God's purpose for us.
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod emphasizes Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Tabernacles to show the result of doing whatever our human heart leads us to do. The physical cannot satisfy.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes is full of frustration, bluntness, and even a little hopeless. However, its themes are realistic and necessary for us to grasp.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride is the basis of resisting God, while humility is the key to a relationship with Him. We recognize it in others but we seldom see it in ourselves.
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.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh warns that human nature is hostile to change, even when it is confirmed to be in the wrong. In the matter of godly standards for dress (as in any other aspect of God's teaching), we must adopt the humble, childlike, sincere, unassuming, unpretentious, and teachable attitude, loving God intimately, denying …
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove for this world will inevitably bring disillusionment. Because the world is passing away, our priorities should be to fear God and keep his commandments.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn this sermon on the deadly consequences of pride, John Ritenbaugh warns that pride elevates one above God, denigrating any dependence upon God, replacing it with insidious self-idolatry. Pride is entirely about disrespect (of God, other people, traditions, policies, etc.) to get for oneself what one wants. Pride produces an …
Faith (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride is a perverted comparison that elevates one above another. Because of its arrogant self-sufficiency, it hinders our faith. Faith depends on humility.
Satan (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan uses lies and disinformation to promote self-satisfaction over obedience to God. The way to the kingdom is through self-denial, even suffering unjustly.
Unity
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus, in His prayer recorded in John 17, fervently asks for unity among His Disciples (and by extension-all of us). Almost 20% of this prayer is devoted to the subject of unity, that His disciples would be unified with God the Father and with each other, as Jesus is unified with the Father. If we aren't unified with our …
