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Standing Up for God
Article by StaffStanding up against the majority is never easy, but as Christians, we have been called to do just that. We need to grow in courage until we are bold as a lion.
How Brave Is Your Heart?
Article by StaffBravery or courage is a character trait Christians need to possess. Having a brave heart will help us to get through these tough times.
What Do You Fear? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeFear can be broken down into two broad categories: the fear of God and the fear of everything else. If we fear God, we will not need to fear anything else.
Dreaming Big
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonDreaming big does not have to mean desiring fame and fortune, but instead aspiring for a meaningful life that aligns to God's plan and trusting God's will for us.
Confidence
Sermon by James BeaubelleIn our walk with God, we seek a strong confidence in Him, a firm belief built over time that assures us of His nearness as we work out our salvation. This confidence teaches us to rely on His promises, no matter the circumstances, knowing that He will finish the good work He has begun in us. It is a two-way affair, where God also seeks confidence in our faith and obedience, often testing us to confirm our commitment, as seen in the trials of His saints. The example of Abraham on Mount Moriah reveals how such testing solidifies confidence. When God saw Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, He declared, "Now I know," affirming His trust in Abraham's obedience, which led to promises and blessings for his descendants. Similarly, in the account of Daniel's three companions—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—in Babylon, their bold confidence in God's providential care shone forth. Facing the fiery furnace, they united in declaring their unwavering trust in God, stating that He alone would decide their fate, not the king, showcasing a powerful lesson of bold faith. Confidence, as an attribute of strong faith, supports the outward expression of our beliefs through works. It is a gift received by the working of God's Spirit, enabling us to approach Him boldly, as encouraged in Hebrews, where we are urged to come before Him with assurance and without wavering. This godly confidence differs from worldly self-reliance, finding its strength solely in faith from God, allowing us to enter His presence with both boldness and a contrite heart. The example of Esther further illustrates this balance of confidence and humility. When she approached King Ahasuerus to secure her people's future, her preparation and demeanor reflected a strong, godly boldness tempered by humility. In contrast, the lie of satan to Eve in Genesis aimed to strip her confidence in God's words, leading her and Adam from walking confidently with Him to hiding in fear. Let us, therefore, boldly seek Him at all times, coming before the throne of grace with unwavering trust in His care.
Sin, Christians, and the Fear of God
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughScripture takes a very stern view of sin because it is failure to live up to God's standard and destroys relationships, especially our relationship with God.
Facing Times of Stress: Fear of the Future
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul's admonition to Timothy to stir up God's Holy Spirit applies just as much today when we sometimes become blindsided by fears about the future.
We Are Saved in This Hope
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Scriptures assure us that by combining God's redemptive acts from the past, we are to have an ardent hope in the future, anticipating eternal life.
Could You Stand Alone?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWould we have the same courage to stand spiritually as the brave unarmed man who resisted the tanks of the Chinese Red Army in Tiananmen Square?
Whatever We Ask
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPrayer comes under attack if we live double-lives, giving us a guilty conscience, not practicing what we have been taught, allowing our hearts to condemn us.
Becoming Fearless
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWhen Job was afflicted with physical problems, he learned that God was using them to perfect him. Afflictions are intended to bind us together.
Self-Confidence
Sermonette by James C. StoertzThis world in general touts self-confidence as a key indicator of capability and success, even if one has to 'fake it' until he makes it.
The Spirit of Bondage
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod did not give us a spirit of fear or bondage. Faith is the antidote to a spirit of slavish cowardice and timidity, the opposite of boldness from the Holy Spirit.
Offerings (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIf we want to follow Christ, we must sacrifice, take up our cross, and follow His example of service to God and others.
Resistance (Part Three): Persistence
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe elite athlete is the one with the gritty persistence and tenacity to fight on regardless of the obstacles, wanting nothing to do with mediocrity.
Facing Cultural Headwinds
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's saints encounter great difficulties keeping their balance and moving toward the Kingdom while being buffeted by the anti-God, progressive culture.