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Blame Games
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThe tendency to point fingers at others is hard-wired into human nature. Mistakes are the portals of discovery if we admit them and learn from them.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Five)
Sermon by David F. MaasGod's people must reject the societal pressure to succumb to victimhood and entitlement, instead embracing the work ethic and passing it on to their children. Jesus Christ loathed the victim mentality, emphasizing the importance of going the extra mile and giving extra measure in service and commitment.
Seeing Sanctification as an Exciting Adventure
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasIn the journey of sanctification and character building, it is crucial to replace a sense of victimization or burdensome obligation with a sense of self-control. Jesus exemplified this by performing His life's tasks not out of coercion or fear, but through voluntary commitment. God has granted us free moral agency and the power to choose, equipping us with His Holy Spirit to will and do righteousness, yet also allowing us the ability to refuse His rulership. God desires the best for us, not wanting mindless followers but individuals who commit to His way out of their own free will. Victimhood, an invention of satan, distorts life into a perpetual curse rather than a blessing. Instead, we are called to be active participants in our sanctification, exercising the freedom to choose our attitudes and responses in any circumstance, as emphasized by the power of choice in shaping our path. True freedom comes from internalizing and keeping God's law, rejecting the bondage that results from breaking it. By substituting a sense of victimhood with empowerment, we transform our overcoming experience into a meaningful adventure.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHuman nature often drives individuals to avoid responsibility by shifting blame to others, such as parents, teachers, mates, or even external forces like culture or the environment. This denial of accountability, often termed as rationalization or justification, allows a person to evade the pain of changing destructive behaviors. Instead of confronting their issues, they use these excuses as a crutch, perpetuating their problems rather than resolving them. Even if external factors partly contribute to one's circumstances, clinging to a victim mentality does not solve the underlying issues; it merely justifies continuing in harmful patterns. True change begins when individuals accept full responsibility for their actions and choices, acknowledging their role in their current state without blaming others. This acceptance is a critical step toward personal growth and fulfilling the responsibilities God has entrusted to each person.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJacob's Trouble, or the Great Tribulation, comes about because people are not meeting their God-given responsibilities: keeping His Commandments.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Five): Cultivating Patience
Sermon by David F. MaasNumerous scriptures show the bad effects of impatience committed by ancient Israel, while the patriarchs, Jesus Christ, and the Father set examples of true patience.
Are We Ready To Enter The Promised Land?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe may not be troubled by giants or enemy nations, but we have trials of similar magnitude. We dare not behave as the timid spies, but live with boldness.
The Most Dangerous Battlefront
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasThe most dangerous battle at hand is against our own flesh, where we least expect treachery and where we have become the most complacent.