Filter by Categories
Profanity (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughProfanity, particularly in speech, is a pervasive issue in today's world, where crude language and cursing have become commonplace, often seen as a mark of authenticity or credibility among many. The third commandment, as found in Exodus 20:7, explicitly prohibits taking the name of the Lord in vain, emphasizing that God will not hold guiltless those who do so. This commandment extends beyond mere verbal blasphemy to encompass how we bear God's name through our speech and actions, reflecting on His majesty, character, and holiness. Our words and behavior must not denigrate what His name represents, as everything we say or do can impact how others perceive Him. The scope of profane speech includes not only blatant cursing using God's or Jesus' names but also frivolous, meaningless, and irreverent references, as well as euphemisms that substitute for Their names. Examples of such euphemisms include terms like 'golly,' 'gee,' 'jeez,' and even initialized forms like 'OMG,' all of which should be excised from our speech to avoid bearing God's name in vain. Jesus Christ, in Matthew 5:34-37, further instructs against swearing oaths, urging simplicity in speech with a clear 'Yes' or 'No,' as anything more stems from the evil one. He emphasizes that dragging God's name into vain human agreements is blasphemous, and as Christians, our word should be our bond, reflecting His reliability. Moreover, in Matthew 12:33-37, Jesus teaches that speech reveals character, stating that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Every idle word will be accounted for in judgment, potentially justifying or condemning us. If our speech is laden with profanities, vulgarities, or deceit, it signals an unconverted heart, reflecting the influence of satan rather than God. James 3 underscores the challenge of taming the tongue, noting that controlling it signifies maturity and enables control over the entire self. Colossians 3:8-10 calls for the removal of blasphemy, filthy language, and deceit from our speech, as these belong to the old life under satan, not the new man renewed in the image of Christ. The concept of profanity in speech ties into the broader distinction between the holy and the profane, rooted in the idea of being outside the Temple, as conveyed by the Greek term bebelus and the Latin profanus. Speech that is unfit for God's presence is profane, marking a clear threshold between holiness and profanity. As bearers of God's name, our speech must align with His character, ensuring we do not cause others to think less of Him through careless or irreverent words.
Flavorless Salt
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonThe metaphor of properly flavoring our speech with salt applies to how we speak to those who have not yet been called, which reflects on the family name of God.
Flavorless Salt
'Ready Answer' by Hunter D. SwansonThe apostle Paul advises Christians to speak graciously, our speech 'seasoned with salt.' We must control what we say because it exposes our hearts.
Reviler
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamAs culture degenerates, the sin of reviling has become more pervasive, as impatient narcissists lash out at others, using foul and abusive language.
The Vulgar State of America
'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. BaityA coarse and vulgar spirit has overtaken modern culture and its entertainments, one we must counter with personal purity.
The Christian Walk (Part Three): In Wisdom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod wants us to take our salvation seriously, walking in love, light, and wisdom, attaining the know-how to work out our own salvation, redeeming the time.