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Facing Times of Stress: Lovers of Self
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn these last days, perilous times of great stress and trouble will come, marked by a dominant characteristic of self-love. This self-love fosters a greedy, covetous, and arrogant attitude prevalent in society, where true affection has nearly vanished, replaced by unnatural affection. We live in a reckless, self-destructive culture of death, surrounded by sin, which is the most stressful of all things. A major challenge in facing these times is resisting and overcoming the human tendency to be 'lovers of self' in a narcissistic society, which affects even members of God's church, though we are strengthened by Him to resist. Paul, in his letter to Timothy, vividly describes this societal condition and its influence on the church, warning that in the last days, men will be 'lovers of themselves,' prioritizing self over God. This misdirected love leads them to be 'lovers of money' and 'lovers of pleasure' rather than 'lovers of God.' Such self-centeredness results in pride, arrogance, and abusiveness, manifesting as boasting, haughtiness, and slander. It disrupts family life, showing disobedience to parents, ingratitude, irreverence, heartlessness, and implacability. Beyond the family, these individuals are slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, and haughty, all stemming from a godless self-centeredness. The root of trouble in these times of stress lies in people being utterly self-centered, reversing God's order of love by placing self first and God last, causing neighbors to suffer. Only through the inspired word of God can this be transformed, offering a radical solution by reorienting us to be God-centered, loving humankind as He does, and seeking to give and serve like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our Father. In contrast to this self-love, Paul urges Timothy to stand firm against the prevailing societal direction, to be different, and to follow a standard of godliness, even amidst inevitable persecution for those who live a godly life in Christ Jesus. We must replace self-centered love with God-centered love, striving first and foremost to be 'lovers of God.'
Are These the Last Days? (Part 2)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughAccording to the book, 13th Gen: Abort, Retry, Ignore, Fail?, those born between 1961-1981 belongs to the 13th Generation, the 13th since America's Founding Fathers.
Courtesy
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordThese days, everyone demands respect but few are willing to grant it. It is a rare event when someone gives up his seat or when a child shows deference.
Courtesy
Sermonette by Mike FordGod's word has much to say about politeness and rudeness. A Christian who is taught to put others first will have little difficulty being courteous.
Troubling the Household of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIf we allow the old, carnal man to dictate how we speak or make other decisions, we will trouble the household of God and inherit nothing but the wind.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJust as a dead person does no works, so a faith that does not include works is also dead. A person in whom living, saving faith exists will produce works.
The Times They Are a-Changin'
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaBob Dylan's lyrics in 'The Times They Are A-changin' seem prescient; within a few years of Herbert Armstrong's death, heresies were imported into the church.
Trumpets: Soon To Be Fulfilled?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe attitudes of II Timothy 3:1-5 are rampant now and should give us the urgent incentive to repent and overcome, preparing for Jesus Christ's return.
It Takes a Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs Christians, we need to form warm, productive, quality relationships with our brethren, actively ministering to the needs of one another.
The World, the Church, and Laodiceanism
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughLaodiceanism is the attitude that dominates the end time. It is a subtle form of worldliness that has infected the church, and Christ warns against it strongly.
Thankfulness (1986)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe need to give thanks for everything, blessings and trials. Christianity ought to be an exhilarating experience, but it depends on our outlook on life.
Me, Myself, and You
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThis generation promotes self-gratification, self-realization, and self-indulgence, with a plethora of self-help books elevating self interest above others.
Hands That Hang Low
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThose caught in the throes of chronic depression, unable to cope with the stress of horrendous events, need the sympathetic understanding of brethren.