Envy: The Most Precious Daughter
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIt is easy to follow in Satan's footsteps, courting his daughter Envy, reaping the disquiet which accompanies her. Envy comes from pushing God from our thoughts.
Are You Envious or Content?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mike FordMike Ford makes a distinction between envy, which is always evil, and jealousy, which in some contexts is godly, especially in cases when God commands His people to have no other gods before Him. Envy is a work of the flesh, involving coveting what someone else has. Being content with what one has serves as an antidote to envy. …
How Big Is the Pie?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIt does not glorify God when His children squabble over their respective roles and opportunities in serving, competing for the biggest piece of the pie.
The Jealousy of God
'Ready Answer' by Ronny H. GrahamDeuteronomy 4:24 may strike an astute reader as somewhat controversial, if not contradictory. How can our holy and perfect God be jealous? Knowing that the Bible is consistent in its revelation of God, Ronny Graham reasons that since God's Word is not at fault, it is our limited understanding of godly jealousy that must be …
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Five): Comparisons
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSolomon provides these comparisons to indicate the choices we should make to live better lives in alignment with God, even in an 'nder the sun' world.
Satan, Division, and Humility
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCompetition is the root cause of war, business takeovers, and marital discord. Solomon describes man's rivalry with one another as a striving after wind.
Why Do the Wicked Prosper?
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordRighteous men have complained about the ease of the evil for ages, but what is the answer? King David contemplated this, and gives us the answer.
Hannah's Thanksgiving
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughHannah gave up the very thing she asked for. Her willingness to give God her most precious possession stands on par with Abraham's renowned sacrifice of Isaac.
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 …
The Tenth Commandment (1998)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOne commentator said all public crime would cease if this one law was kept. Another said every sin against one's neighbor springs from breaking this commandment.
The Elder Brother
'Prophecy Watch' by Ted E. BowlingMany sermons and articles - even books - have covered the Parable of the Prodigal Son, but most of them dwell on the relationship between the prodigal and his father, giving the elder brother short shrift. Ted Bowling gives the elder brother his due, explaining why Jesus adds his reaction to his younger brother's return.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, stating that Ecclesiastes 3 expresses awesome possibilities for the future, also points out that Ecclesiastes 4 reminds us that there are harsh realities for those living under the sun, making compromise with the world inviting. Many of God's servants, including Elijah and Jeremiah, had their crises of faith, …
Parables of Luke 15 (Part Three)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins concludes his series on the three illustrations that comprise one long parable in Luke 15. In this part, he explains what is known as the Parable of the Prodigal (or Lost) Son.
Unity (2006)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the symphony orchestra, only as an instrumentalist submits to the leader, working with the other members of the ensemble, can unity be accomplished.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Ten): Paradox
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes 7 contains a paradox: wickedness appears to be rewarded and righteousness seems to bring trouble. We must be careful in how we respond to this.
Criticism: The Foolish Habit
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaJesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount: "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For by the standard you judge you will be judged, ...
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.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, cuing in on Psalm 73:1-9, describing the despair of someone seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, affirms that it is a delusion that people in the world are leading comfortable lives. Christian living, while not comfortable, has a restorative faith in God. If our focus is on comfort, we cannot …
Debate
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh contends that we in the church should side neither with the progressive (liberal) worldview nor the traditional (conservative) worldview, but march to the beat of a different drummer. Americans, as part of the culture of Israel, debate absolutely everything. The Bible takes a very dim view of argument, debate, …
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Twelve): Paradox, Conclusion
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThere is a danger that arises when the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper: trying to put God under obligation to bless us through becoming 'super-righteous'.
Understanding Unity
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, focusing on the alarming fragmentation and disunity taking place throughout society and within God's church, assures us that God will ultimately answer Jesus' five-fold prayer for unity in John 17:11. We have a vital part to play in bringing about this unity, beginning with the marriage institution and families. …
Are You Missing Out On Blessings?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOften physical prosperity works against godly character and spiritual well-being. To be rich toward God means to seek His Kingdom first, live His way, and trust Him.
The Consequences of Affluence
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins'Affluenza' describes the bloated insensitivity caused by trying to keep up with the Joneses, the stress caused by doggedly pursuing the American Dream.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe paradox of Ecclesiastes 7 shows an unrighteous man flourishing and a righteous man suffering. The solution to this conundrum is found in Psalm 73.
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod emphasizes Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Tabernacles to show the result of doing whatever our human heart leads us to do. The physical cannot satisfy.
