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Vengeance is Mine
Sermonette by Bill OnisickChrist counsels us to love our enemies in order that we may be children of God, demonstrating not only His mercy but also our sonship by being peacemakers.
'But I Say to You' (Part Six): Retaliation
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus, using hyperbole to shock His disciples into a change of behavior or attitude, emphasizing that they should resist the impulse to retaliate.
Taking an Insult
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingAs God's called-out saints, we are mandated to embrace a "foot-washing attitude," constituting a daily commitment to humility, forgiveness, and selfless service to God, our spiritual siblings, and our neighbors. Referencing David's restraint toward Shimei in II Samuel 16 and 19, and Our Savior's teachings in Matthew 5:38-42, we are to resist retaliating against insults, but to respond to offences with grace and forbearance. When Jesus commands us to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile, he never presented that option as weakness and timidity, but as powerful demonstrations of spiritual maturity, reflecting God's character. When we consider David's dignity in the face of insult, coupled with Jesus Christ's incredible love for His enemies, we believers are prompted to trust God's justice, responding with humility. True spiritual strength lies in meekness rather than revenge. Emulating godly meekness strengthens our witness to a hostile world.
By This Shall All Men Know You
Sermon by John O. ReidA native practice involves leaving a young man on a remote island with only a bow and arrows until he learns to become a man, and God does something similar.
Bitterness Can Kill
Sermon by Mike FordAhithophel serves as a poignant example that we must not permit bitterness to undermine our faith that the sovereign God is able to bring justice.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur obligation toward God mandates that we love our fellow human beings, even individuals who have severely wronged 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.
Many Excuses
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need to avoid the trap of self-justification, allowing our hasty words to lure us into sin. We must be quick to listen, and slow to speak.