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Shrugging Off Scoffers (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPeter warns of scoffers in the church, apostate tares, devoid of God's spirit, ridiculing the doctrine that Christ would return or doctrines of judgment.
The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Eight): The Parable of the Dragnet
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe penultimate parable of Matthew 13 uses the illustration with which Christ's disciples were very familiar: fishing in the Sea of Galilee.
Parched West Is 'Ready to Burn'
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe dry weather across the American West make fire and famine a real possibility. God often uses drought and fire to show His displeasure.
What a Difference a Day Makes
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerOn the Day of the Lord, God will use natural forces to bring drastic change to planet Earth. Fire and water are two agents by which God will purify the earth.
God's Spiritual Harvest
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLike Christ, we too are firstfruits, represented by the leavened loaves picturing our acceptance by the Father.
Let the Saints be Joyful in Glory!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFire symbolizes the presence of God and His holiness throughout the material. In the wave sheaf offering described in Leviticus 23, portions of the sacrifice including the grain offering mixed with oil are presented as an offering made by fire to the Lord for a sweet aroma. Similar language recurs in the instructions for Pentecost, where the lambs, bull, and rams along with their grain and drink offerings are likewise designated an offering made by fire for a sweet aroma to the Lord. On the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, divided tongues appear as of fire and rest upon each of the apostles, filling them with the Holy Spirit. This manifestation is not literal flame but indicates the appearance of the gift now bestowed. The fire is associated in the Old Testament with the presence of God and His holiness, and the same connection appears in the New Testament, where fire relates to the presence of God as well as the purification He brings to human life. The tongues as of fire therefore imply both God's presence and holiness while identifying with Christ Himself. The same imagery of fire on the mountain at Sinai underscores the awe and separation required when God draws near. Through these references the symbol consistently points to the divine initiative that sanctifies and empowers the firstfruits for inclusion in God's Kingdom.
Powerful Effects of the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are intrigued by supernatural power, and many seek to display it. Yet the Scriptures show the activity of the Holy Spirit in ways that are commonly missed.
The Father's Promise of Power!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe first fruits who have received the gift of God's Holy Spirit have a second spirit to bring the spirit in man in line with God's will.
The Church, One Body
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's call to learn from the ant does not teach us to yield to a hierarchical system, but to participate in a community with the goal of edification.
Standing on the Sea of Glass
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Sea of Glass at God's throne reflects and symbolizes God's holiness and purity, peace and calmness, and His purposes of righteousness and love.
Silence in Heaven (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhat is the connection between the prayers that ascend to God and the angel hurling the censer down to earth, initiating the seven trumpets in Revelation 8?
Caught in a Blizzard?
Sermonette by Bill OnisickWe are being exposed to a spiritual blizzard, bringing darkness and coldness into the entire world. We are admonished to stoke the fire of God's Holy Spirit.
Metaphors of God's Word
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist says His words are Spirit and Life; they have a quality above human words because their source is divine. If ingested, these words lead to eternal life.
The Two Witnesses (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe olive trees in Zechariah 4:11 refer to the Two Witnesses who pour oil (spiritual instruction) into a golden bowl, supplying the churches with nourishment.