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Compassion (Part One)

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

As 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 Reiss

The 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. Ritenbaugh

Just 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. Graham

Our 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 Finklea

It 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. Collins

Jesus 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. Graham

Mercy 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 Finklea

As 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. Collins

This well-known parable describes working compassion as contrasted to selfishness. It also clarifies just who is our neighbor.

Have Mercy

Sermonette by Hunter D. Swanson

When 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. Bowling

The 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. Reid

It 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. Collins

Driving 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. Ritenbaugh

Mercy 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 Finklea

We 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 Finklea

Micah 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. Collins

The 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. Reid

We 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 Schindler

The 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. Collins

We 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. Maas

Because 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. Ellis

Forgiving, 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. Collins

The 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. Ritenbaugh

Our 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 Castillo

We 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 Finklea

The Sermon on the Mount ( Matthew 5-7 ) contains Jesus' instruction primarily to His disciples, outlining seven unified character traits- the Beatitudes defining the "children of light." These are not optional attitudes but a complete picture of Christlike character that God is forming in His people. These seven traits are: 1 Poor in spirit- genuine humility that opens the way to repentance and God's grace. 2Those who mourn- sorrow over sin and evil, not merely personal lost. 3Meekness- gentle strength expressed through kindness and self-control. 4Hunger and thirst for righteousness- a deep desire to obey God personally to see righteousness rule the world 5 Mercy- compassion in action, reflecting God's own merciful nature. 6.Purity of heart- single-minded devotion to God, modeled by Christ's servant-hearted humility. 7. Peacemaking- actively pursuing peace in relationships through godly character. Together, these traits mirror the very character of Jesus Christ, marking those destined to the Kingdom of God. Possessing then inevitably leads to persecution because such lives shine as light in a dark world. Therefore, Jesus calls His disciples the salt of the earth and the light of the world, warning that failing to live out these traits makes one spiritually ineffective . Paul's exhortation to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" reminds believers that God is actively working in them . The Beatitudes describe not multiple choices, but a complete perfected character- the life of those called to reflect Christ, glorifying Almighty God, shining as lights in a corrupt Satanic world.

The Merciful

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The 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. Graham

God 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. Reid

We 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.

Antidote For Disunity!

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We 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 Reiss

God'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. Collins

The 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. Collins

Jesus' 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. Maas

True 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. Maas

When 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 Beaubelle

God 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. Collins

The 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. Collins

We 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. Reid

God's love is the true essence of what the world desperately needs, a love that brings peace, harmony, joy, happiness, fulfillment, purpose, and brotherly unity to all mankind. This love, defined as agape, reflects God's willful direction toward humanity, involving His desire to do what is best for us, even when it differs from our own desires. As John 3:16 reveals, God so loved the world that He gave His Son as a sacrifice, not to fulfill human wants, but to meet our deepest needs, offering justification through repentance and access to His Father. God's love is characterized by benevolence, a disposition to do good, marked by kindness, sympathy, and generosity in individual dealings, while His overarching plan is philanthropic on the grandest scale, aiming to elevate mankind to participate in the Kingdom of God. This love originates from God Himself, reflecting His Spirit in us, and as we exhibit it, we take on the nature of our Father. Those who reflect God's love show they are born of Him, while those who do not, regardless of their knowledge, fail to truly know Him. The proof of God's love is evident in the world He has provided, where rain falls on the just and unjust alike, in His patience toward us, and most profoundly, in sending His Son as a sacrifice to reconcile us to Him. Even when we were ignorant of His ways and opposed to Him, He loved us and sought our ultimate good. As I John 3:16 states, we perceive God's love because He laid down His life for us, and in like manner, we are called to lay down our lives for others, perfecting His love in us through active application in our relationships. This love is not our own but God's love within us, and as the Father and Son love, so must we strive to love our fellow man. John emphasizes that we love Him because He first loved us, underscoring that true love is reflected in our way of living. If we harbor hatred or resentment, we lack God's love, but if we actively love others, even forgiving as He forgave us, we emulate His nature and grow toward perfection. Perfect love casts out fear, granting us boldness to stand before Him, as we become like Him in this world. Jesus Christ taught that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, submitting every faculty to His will and devoting ourselves to glorify Him. The first four commandments demonstrate this direct love for God, ensuring no idols or other gods stand before Him, honoring His name in all aspects of life, and keeping the Sabbath as holy time to refresh spiritually and honor Him. The second great commandment, to love our neighbor as ourselves, extends this love to all around us—family, friends, countrymen, and even enemies—by seeking their good, denying ourselves if needed, and refraining from harm, even when their actions do not warrant kindness. Attaining God's nature and love requires keeping His commandments, not as a burden, but as essential boundaries that train us to become like Him. True love produces a desire to live God's way, and obedience to His Word perfects this love, establishing an intimate relationship with Him and His Son. If true love exists in the heart, it will be reflected in our actions, showing that we belong to Him and uniting all aspects of His calling in us. Above all, we are to put on godly love, forgiving others as He forgave us, cementing the understanding of His laws and opening His mind for us to emulate.

Jumping Into the Shallow Pond (Part Two)

'Ready Answer' by Charles Whitaker

Communism presents itself as high-minded in its redistribution of wealth, producing prosperity for all. However, reality belies collectivist theory.