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Making the Cut (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Psalm 15:3, the prohibition against backbiting is a specific standard for the upright person who seeks to dwell with God. Backbiting, translated from the Hebrew word r&257;gal (Strong's 7270), typically means to spy out, but when combined with "with his tongue," it suggests secretly searching for gossip to use against another. This conveys the idea of slander or defamation, striking when the target is unaware, much like the English term "backbite." The imagery reflects a person scurrying among neighbors, collecting tales for personal advantage, wounding others with malicious gossip as if with knives in the back. A godly person must avoid such behavior, recognizing that slanderous speech and every harmful use of the tongue are wicked and damaging to others.
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.
Iron Sharpens Iron (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Ryan McClureHow do we 'sharpen' another's countenance? Most importantly, the imagery implies proximity, closeness. Nothing can be sharpened unless there is contact.
Old Testament: Fruit of the Spirit (Part Three)
Sermon by Ronny H. GrahamIn contrast to Stephen who spoke the truth fearlessly, Haman valued his position more than the truth and gave into hatred for Mordecai and his people.
Sharpening the Countenance
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWe have the opportunity to have either a positive or negative effect on each other based on how we interact and treat one another.
The Commandments (Part Eighteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughA community can only be established upon a foundation of stability and truth. Our relationships must be based upon God's truth, producing faithfulness.
Spiritual Renewal
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul admonishes the Corinthians to resist contentions, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambition, backbiting, whispering, slander, conceit, and agitation.
Firstfruits to God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSix descriptors describe the special qualities God desires in His Firstfruits. We must continually examine ourselves to make sure these descriptors apply to us.
Peace
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidIt is difficult to find pockets or places of peace on earth today. The world longs for tranquility, freedom from mental anxiety, and cessation from strife.