The Tongue: Our Tool of Power
'Ready Answer' by StaffOur hurtful words can create scars that last longer than any physical scar that sticks and stones may cause. Christians must harness the power of the tongue.
Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by StaffThe tongue may be the most untamed beast on earth! James says we all offend in word. But James 3 is filled with wisdom regarding how we can overcome the beast.
Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by StaffJames' exhortation about the use of the tongue seems to stop with James 3:12. However, the rest of the chapter provides more wisdom on controlling our speech.
Profanity (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, reminding us that profanity has a much larger scope than cusswords, emphasizes that profane living is equally, if not more significant than profane words or speech. As God's called-out people, we bear the name of God; how we act and behave reflects on God the Father and Jesus Christ. Everything we do reflect …
Profanity (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, reflecting on the tongue chapter in James, suggests that profanity is on the increase in both the public networks and the private blogs. The average person in the English speaking world speaks 80 to 90 curse words a day. Cussing has been a basic part of American culture. Reportedly, Abraham Lincoln used …
The Essence of Self-Control
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA lack of self-control, as well as the cultivation of self-indulgent perversions, will characterize large segments of our society living at the end times.
The Art of Tact and Diplomacy
'Ready Answer' by StaffMuch of a Christian's judgment will be based on his interactions with people—many different kinds of people. Enter tact and diplomacy, two necessary tools in the task of getting along. We need to use them like seasoned diplomats.
Listen, Wait, and Then Speak
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingTed Bowling, reiterating that the apostle James provides some of the best advice on communication and control of the tongue, reminds us that, because the wrath of man does not bring the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20), God's people must be swift to hear and slow to speak. James 3:1-12 contains perhaps the most sustained …
Flame Wars
Sermonette by Ryan McClureRyan McClure, referring to the aggressive, offensive, and sometimes violent interaction between internet users called flaming, asks if we are flamers, or if are we pursuing righteousness in our speech and communication. It is important how we interact with our brethren and others. We can look to our Savior, Jesus Christ, who …
Fire Igniter or Fire Extinguisher
Sermonette by Bill OnisickBill Onisick, reflecting on the horrendous damage caused by forest fires in the Carolina mountains, draws some parallels to the spiritual forest fires currently raging in the greater Church of God. Most literal and spiritual fires are caused by human carelessness or arson rather than natural causes like lightning strikes. There …
Making the Cut (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughKing David's list of required character traits in Psalm 15 starts off by setting an impossibly high standard: the very character of God Himself.
Purging the Rumor Bug from the Body of Christ
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasThe church grapevine is good at spreading news, but it can be evil when it spreads gossip and rumor. Gossip actually harms the gossip himself. Here's how.
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.
Take the Red Pill
Sermonette by Bill OnisickIf we were to consciously monitor our thoughts, we would be appalled about the percentage of our day that we are exclusively wrapped up in ourselves.
Swear Not at All!
'Ready Answer' by StaffToday's society is becoming increasingly insensitive and calloused to the base and profane words. This article examines this issue and gives suggestions for eliminating obscenities from our lives.
Making the Cut (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughA word here or an anecdote there into the right ears can eventually cut another down like knives in the back, blindsiding the subject with wounding gossip.
Confessions of a Finger-Pointer
'Ready Answer' by StaffDuring times of unrest and confusion, it is easy to blame others for our problems. Yet finger-pointing is contrary to everything God teaches, as it shows a self-exalting, judgmental attitude. Now is the time to break this ingrained habit!
Keeping Love Alive (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf we love another person, we like to think about him/her, to hear about him/her, please him/her, and we are jealous about his/her reputation and honor.
Pride, Humility, and the Day of Atonement
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAtonement, when we are commanded to afflict our souls, is a time of self-evaluation and repentance. This is the only way to have real unity with God.
The Weightier Matters (Part 4) : Faith and Fidelity
Article by StaffFaith and fidelity to God and His way of life should be a major part of our character. In this fourth article on the weightier matters, it details what faith and fidelity are, how to recognize a lack of them in our lives and how to develop them so we can grow into the image of Jesus Christ.
Anger (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe dare not let the sun go down on our wrath. Uncontrolled anger can be a major cause of mental and physical illness. We must reconcile with our adversaries.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn this sermon on the deadly consequences of pride, John Ritenbaugh warns that pride elevates one above God, denigrating any dependence upon God, replacing it with insidious self-idolatry. Pride is entirely about disrespect (of God, other people, traditions, policies, etc.) to get for oneself what one wants. Pride produces an …
Pure Language Restored
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, observing that language contains energy, expresses chagrin that advertisements from major corporations seem to be descending to the lowest common denominator. Today we live in a country that praises impulse over restraint, law breaking over law keeping, and foolishness over wisdom. Politically correct language …
James and Unleavened Bread (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh asserts that the epistle of James stresses both faith and works, emphasizing those factors necessary for growth, enabling us to produce a bountiful harvest of fruit. We are to exercise humility and impartiality, taking particular effort to bring our tongues under control, being cautiously slow to speak, …
The Elder Brother
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingTed Bowling, cuing in on three well-known parables in Luke 15 , all of which emphasize that every life matters —- every life is worth saving, focuses on the disturbing, resentful reaction of the elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The older brother felt that he had remained loyal to the family's honor, while …
