Vanity (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSolomon's statement that all of life is vanity is only true if one is not privy to God's ultimate purpose for mankind. Paul describes what God is doing.
Vanity (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughVanity has many nuances, including transitoriness, futility, profitlessness, confusion, falseness, conceit, vainglory, denial, and idolatry.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 …
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 Ford (1955-2021)Jesus 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.
Individualism and Unity
CGG WeeklyRather than establishing the differences we possess, God requires individuals to strengthen and grow in our similarities that He establishes as desirable.
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 …
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.
Preparing To Rule
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reminding us that God has chosen the weak and base things to confound the wise (I Corinthians 1:26), suggests that many of those currently holding governmental power are exponentially wiser than God's called-out ones in terms of technological expertise. Yet, they are total failures when it comes to stopping …
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the matter of godly standards for dress, we must adopt the humble, childlike, sincere, unassuming, and teachable attitude, loving God intimately.
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.
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.