Foolishness and Cleansing
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHuman nature has a perverse drive to take risks, pushing the envelope, taking unwise chances, foolishly gambling away the future. Foolishness is sin.
The Foolishness of Bias
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, allowing that expectations determine outcomes, gives the rationale for double-blind experiments. Zeal is not the hallmark for truth. Saul, before he was transformed into Paul, was an evil zealot. Public education has been promoting tolerance for foolish points of view as they feel good to the holder and as long …
Acting the Fool
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh observes that meaning of foolish has changed over the years from the context of "lacking in judgment or prudence" to "silliness." Greek and Hebrew usage focus on different but related nuances. The main focus of the Hebrew words for foolishness is on a person living his life without …
To Answer a Fool—or Not
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasDo we answer a foolish question in an attempt to help, or do we refrain from answering, not wanting to legitimize the fool and his foolishness?
Parable of the Rich Fool
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsEven if we have everything we could ever want or need, when we die, our goods will do nothing for us. Because of wealth, the fool believes he has no need of God.
Wisdom for the Young (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPart of the problem that confronts young people today is that they—and frankly, all of society—have a devilish misconception of what is fun.
Our Father's Joy
Sermonette by Bill OnisickBill Onisick reminds us that, during our pre-Passover self-examination, we need to ask God for the ability to see our hidden weaknesses. Paradoxically, when we see a major fault in someone else (according to the speck-and-beam principle), it could well be that God is pointing out a deeply concealed sin within our own deceptive, …
Parenting (Part 5): Methods
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOf the various approaches to discipline, spanking is really the only method endorsed by the Bible. Properly administered, spanking smarts but leaves no bruises.
Wisdom for the Young (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe young often lack the wisdom to distinguish mere fun from real joy. Sometimes such wisdom has to come from the hard knocks that result from bad decisions.
Even From My Youth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, observing how the mood and attitude of a generation shapes society, focuses upon the ramifications of the Baby Boomers "Youth Culture," pampering, overprotecting, and worshipping its young people. It teaches a narcissistic, "look out for Number One" attitude, delaying responsibility and …
Don't Cherry Pick God's Law
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersWhile many people like some of God's laws, they like to pick and choose, preferring a blend of their own preferences with some of God's laws added in.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSelf-centeredness is the fountainhead of evil behavior found in our youth, carrying over into the infantile behaviors of our elected officials. The righteous find it increasingly difficult to prevail under these circumstances, but the mandate still stands to persevere through these evil times. The vessels of wrath are being …
The March Toward Globalism (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan is an apostle of deterioration through gradualism. His invisibility makes it difficult to monitor his deadly deception. Satan has successfully transformed himself into an angel of light. We must remember that (1) angels were here on earth before we were created, (2) the earth was their proper domain, (3) those angels who …
Childrearing (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIf we, as Christian parents, could shape and mold the minds of our children early, we could inoculate them against making the same mistakes that we did.
Sovereignty and Choice
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeDavid Grabbe, unraveling several apparently contradictory scriptures, exposes a fundamental flaw in western thinking—namely the binary (that is, either-or) thinking that leads us to construct false dilemmas. Perhaps the best example of this is the one delineated by Protestant theologians who conceptualize law and grace at …
Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 3)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsParents are obligated to teach God's laws to their children. According to Emily Post, good manners are to the family what good morals are to society.
Sin (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThoughts, words, or behaviors not in alignment with the mind of God are also violations against God's law. Foolishness should never be part of our conduct.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting on the multiple nuances of the Hebrew words translated into the English word "wisdom," suggests that an acquired skill for living represents the common denominator in all of these definitions. Godly wisdom is only attained with a high degree of training. Carnal wisdom, through the labyrinth …
Do You See God? (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughConversion is a lifelong process in which we endeavor to see things as God does. We must understand and act on the fact that God is deeply involved with us.
Christ Our Wisdom
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, reflecting on the information overload or data smog of today's information age, suggests that in spite of the plethora of data, there is a dearth of wisdom.Wisdom, a gift given through God's Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12: 8) is an attribute of God and Jesus Christ - encompassing the right uses of the right …
Do You See God? (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIt is true that we cannot physically see the invisible God, but that does not mean that we cannot recognize His involvement in our lives. Here's how.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur carnal nature's desire to satisfy an addictive self-centeredness can eventually overrule the Christian's loyalty to God and His commandments.
The Danger of Trusting in Oneself
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, acknowledging that the expression "woe" (suggesting agony, despair, and grave calamity) gets our immediate attention, reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun. Everything, including fashion, thought, and evil endlessly recycle. America, as well as the rest of the world, has gone through a …
The March Toward Globalism (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChildren do what they do because they are allowed to and because there are no immediate consequences for disobedience. Ecclesiastes 8:11 describes a permissive and tolerant climate in which no fear of immediate consequences occurs. The most significant scripture in the Bible, the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-12) demands systematic …
Developing Discernment
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHuman discernment can be developed and exercised, triggering early warning systems with the reactions of revulsion and confusion when confronted by evil.
Sin (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThough influenced by Satan and the world, sin is still a personal choice. Christ's sacrifice and God's Spirit provide our only defense against its pulls.
Childrearing (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOur children internalize our values; we teach largely by example. If we do not take seriously the responsibility for rearing our children, somebody else will.
