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Compassion (Part One)
CGG Weekly by John ReissAs God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, we are instructed to clothe ourselves with compassion. Compassion is often misunderstood as merely having tender-hearted feelings or doing nice things for those less advantaged, yet it encompasses much more. It reflects the Golden Rule: doing to others what we would want done to us. God's compassion, as shown in Scripture, is profound and renewing, with His compassions refreshed every morning, offering comfort during heavy trials. He deeply cares for His people, seeing their oppression, hearing their cries, and knowing their sorrows. In the life of Jesus Christ, compassion is vividly demonstrated as a visceral reaction, a deep inner movement when witnessing suffering. He was moved with compassion upon seeing great multitudes, healing their sick, feeding the hungry who had been with Him for days, and comforting a widow in her grief by telling her not to weep. True compassion, as exemplified by Him, means suffering together, sharing in another's pain, and truly feeling their anguish within ourselves.
Compassion (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by John ReissThe Word of God became a man so that He could completely feel both joy and pain as mankind does. He put on the form of a servant to feel our frailty.
The False Morality of Compassion
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughJust as love can be feigned to get a spouse's money or loyalty can be faked to attain a promotion, so can compassion be put on to gain sympathy, votes, and power.
Compassion and Couch Potatoes
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Christians who 'sit out' opportunities to serve, becoming in effect couch potatoes, commit sins of omission which may lead to the Lake of Fire.
God's Enduring Mercy
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamOur hearts may overflow with compassion for someone in need, and it could be in our power to help, but if we take no positive action, what good is it?
Just What is Mercy?
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaIt is impossible to become perfect without having mercy or compassion. Jesus' command to become perfect includes showing compassion to our enemies.
Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus teaches us how to deal with offenses and sins against us in this parable, focusing on our attitude of forgiveness because of being forgiven ourselves.
Mercy
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamMercy is an important dimension of God's character, displayed by our compassion on and forgiveness of those over whom we have power.
God Always Defaults in Mercy
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaAs we strive to be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect, we should be as merciful as Our Heavenly Father, making mercy our default.
Parable of the Good Samaritan
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThis well-known parable describes working compassion as contrasted to selfishness. It also clarifies just who is our neighbor.
Have Mercy
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonWhen we become fixated on past resentment, we will never find opportunities to display mercy, enabling a repentant brother to move forward.
The Prisoners
Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo'To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.' Forgiving and being forgiven are part of being a family.
Carrying Water for Jesus Christ
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Ted E. BowlingThe parable of the Good Samaritan depicts a way of life God intends all His called-out Saints to follow.
Mercy: The Better Option
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidIt is easy to fall into the traps of judgmentalism, gossip, and unforgiveness. We must overcome our natural reactions and use forbearance in our relationships.
Conduct of the New Life
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDriving out the evil must be followed by cultivating goodness and righteousness. An antidote to depression is to get our hearts focused on someone else.
The Beatitudes, Part 5: Blessed Are the Merciful
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMercy is a virtue that has gone out of vogue, though it is sometimes admired. Jesus, however, places it among the most vital His followers should possess.
A True Disciple
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaWe must exercise longsuffering and kindness to all, including to those that have done ill to us. We are disciples of Christ if we love one another.
Being a Christian
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaMicah provides a formula for being a Christian: 1.) Doing justly, 2.) Exercising mercy and 3.) Walking humbly. These demand total commitment, not a pretense.
Kindness
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe fifth fruit of the Spirit, kindness, reflects God's loving actions toward us. We in turn must learn to bestow kindness on others.
Thou Shall Love Thy Neighbor
Sermon by John O. ReidWe are obligated to show compassion and mercy to all, refraining from gossip, exercising righteous judgment, forgiving others and applying the Golden Rule.
Listen To The Lamb's Voice
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe movie Ben-Hur captures the essence of the time and ministry of Christ. By letting go of anger and hatred, we take on the yoke of Jesus Christ.
Manifesting Kindness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe desperately need to internalize the godly traits of kindness, mercy, compassion, and tenderness, displacing the carnal traits of bitterness and wrath.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Six): Cultivating Kindness
Sermon by David F. MaasBecause kindness is love in action, we must galvanize our thoughts into concrete behaviors, including offering encouraging words and performing uplifting deeds.
Lost and Found: The Power of Apologies and Forgiveness
Sermonette by Jared M. EllisForgiving, even when there is no apology, reflects the Father and Jesus Christ. The prodigal son is a story of the deep love we should have towards each other.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Centurion's Servant (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe healing of the centurion's servant is one of only two miracles that Jesus did for Gentiles, and He is especially taken with the Roman officer's faith.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur forgiveness from God is conditional, depending upon our forgiving others. It is an opportunity for us to extend grace, sacrificing as Christ did for us.
Our Growing Fellowship
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe need to nurture fellowship with our spiritual siblings, forgiving others as Christ forgave, steadfastly resisting pride and division within the church.
Children of the Light
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe Beatitudes Mount contains Jesus' instruction primarily to His disciples, outlining seven unified character traits that define the 'children of light.'
The Merciful
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe harsh religion of the Pharisees was unfeeling, placing more attention on rituals and man-made laws, and had turned their super-righteousness into sin.
What Does It Take to Be a Hero?
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamGod has chosen the weak and base things of the world, yet we can still sacrifice our personal concerns for the greater good just as our Savior did.
You Shall Love Your Neighbor (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by John O. ReidWe learn to love God by first loving our parents. Our first lessons in loving our neighbors happen within what should be the friendly confines of the family.
Love Thy Neighbor (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus set the bar very high when it comes to love. We no longer live for ourselves, but to Christ, who commands us to love everyone, including our enemies.
Sacrifice Dost Thou Want: Kindness
Sermon by Bill OnisickKindness is the feeling of compassion in action, encompassing the right thoughts, words, gestures, and deeds. It reciprocates God's sacrificial love outwardly to others, requiring effort to develop and put on each day. Only through God's enabling Spirit, bonded by humble daily sacrifice and obedience, can we perform acts of kindness that control our minds to think positively of others and seek opportunities to serve. Kindness bridles our tongue, never complaining, and never speaks evil of anyone, giving readily to those in need without keeping score. God's Spirit of kindness forbears, forgives, and accepts loss of self-esteem to maintain peace. True kindness arises from spiritual transformation and submission to God, especially in challenging situations. It is not optional but a necessary response to the forgiveness and compassion we have received from Him. God's fruit of kindness is freely given to everyone, whether deserved or not, reflecting His character of being kind to the unthankful and the evil. When we understand the fullness of God's great mercy and kindness, we are empowered by His Holy Spirit to exhibit this humble sacrifice of kindness to all, regardless of merit. During a desperate time on a ship in the ocean, we tasted the kindness of our great God and His Family, sustaining and strengthening us through the longest 36 hours of our lives. Each card, call, email, and text of encouragement from brethren strengthened us, producing the fruit of God's lovingkindness through daily sacrifices. These small acts of kindness, though not requiring much time or effort, are especially sweet to those in need and are a major factor in producing unity. As God's elect, we are called to be a shining light to this world by working harder to exhibit His fruit of kindness. Whether through a friendly greeting, a smile, encouraging words, or a simple gesture like letting someone into traffic, kindness given without expectation of return transforms our selfish carnal mind into a selfless, godly one. Each act of kindness, as a daily living sacrifice, extends His kindness to others, developing a heart attuned to their needs and ready to reach out when the opportunity arises.
Antidote For Disunity!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe will become united as we draw closer to God. If we regard a brother in Christ as a competitor rather than as a trusted ally, unity will be impossible.
Altruism
CGG Weekly by John ReissGod's way of giving is true altruism, and while we will never attain to such a perfect standard, He exhorts us to develop this characteristic.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Feeding the Five Thousand (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe feeding of the 5,000 tells us far more than that Jesus was a miracle-worker. It also reveals Christ's compassion on those who hunger, plus His ability to teach.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: The Resurrection of Lazarus (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus' resurrection of His friend Lazarus from the dead proved to be the final straw for the Jews who were trying to kill Him.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon without Becoming Assimilated (Part Seven)
Sermon by David F. MaasTrue peacemaking means emulating Christ, which that involves promoting justice and righteousness, not merely avoiding conflict or appeasing by compromising.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Six)
Sermon by David F. MaasWhen we find our proper niche of service in the body of Christ, we will experience more joy and fun than a human being ought to be allowed.
Sand Ramblers
Sermonette by James BeaubelleGod is actively involved in the lives of His people. The command to love our God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves cannot be carried out passively.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Raising a Widow's Son
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe gospels present Jesus performing three resurrections, one of which is the raising of the widow's son. The episode shows the depth of Christ's compassion.
Mercy and Justice
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are obligated to emulate God's mercy, as well as kindness, forbearance, and judgment. As we extend heartfelt compassion, God will extend mercy to us.
No Real Love Without God
Sermon by John O. ReidGod is the true source of love, and His love is defined as an outgoing concern for mankind, reflecting a willful direction to do what is best for humanity, even when it is not what they desire. This love, characterized by benevolence, kindness, sympathy, and generosity, is evident in His individual dealings with us and in His grand, philanthropic plan to elevate mankind into His Kingdom. Love originates from God, and as we exhibit it, we take on the nature of our Father, growing in His Spirit. Those who reflect this love show they are born of Him, while those who do not, regardless of their knowledge, fail to truly know Him. God's love is demonstrated through the world He has provided, where rain falls on the just and unjust alike, and through His patience toward us. The ultimate proof of His love is the sacrifice of His Son, sent into the world while we were still opposed to Him, to reconcile us to God and offer us a path to live by following His example. We perceive His love in this act, as He laid down His life for us, and we are called to lay down our lives for others in the same manner. By loving one another as God loves us, His love is perfected in us, and we grow in applying it toward others, moving toward perfection. This love is not our own but God's love within us, and we are to love our fellow man as the Father and the Son love. Perfect love casts out fear, and as we grow in it, we can stand boldly before Him, reflecting His nature. We love Him because He first loved us, and this love must be active, shown through obedience to His commandments and in our relationships with others. True love for God produces a desire to live His way, and obedience to His Word trains us to become like Him. If this love exists in our hearts, it will be reflected in our way of living, confirming that we belong to Him.
Jumping Into the Shallow Pond (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerCommunism presents itself as high-minded in its redistribution of wealth, producing prosperity for all. However, reality belies collectivist theory.