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Our Words Matter: Are They Harmful or Helpful?
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingAs members of God's church, we must recognize the profound impact of our words. Harsh and idle words can cause lasting emotional pain, creating invisible scars that some may carry for a lifetime. They can perpetuate negativity, resentment, and distrust, deeply affecting others in ways we may never fully comprehend. We must never underestimate the power of our speech, as even a casual remark can destroy self-esteem and linger for years. Our words matter greatly to God, and He holds us accountable for what we say. Harmful words can separate and destroy, negating countless kind expressions with a single negative statement. We must consider the effect of our words, both positive and negative, before speaking, ensuring they reflect God's love and character rather than detract from His purpose. The Scriptures warn against destructive language such as lying, sowing discord, tale bearing, and gossip, which are abominations to God, being against His character. Like an arrow shot from a bow, idle words cannot be taken back once spoken, often causing irreversible harm. Gossip and tale bearing wound reputations and create strife, feeding contention as wood feeds a fire, and a small rumor can grow into a destructive blaze. In contrast, helpful words can bond us together, elevate, encourage, and strengthen one another when spoken with care and love. As representatives of Christ, we must refine our speech by cultivating humility, courtesy, and kindness, learning from His example to speak truth with love, offer forgiveness, and build others up. Our speech should always honor God, reflecting His mercy and grace, and we must guard our tongues against harshness and negativity. Let us continually examine ourselves, asking whether our words are harmful or helpful. Like David, we should pray for God to set a watch over our lips, ensuring that what we say nurtures a closer relationship with Him and mirrors His values.
Rumors Will Fly
CGG Weekly by John O. ReidIt does not matter to what organization one belongs - office, team, or church - rumors and gossip always fly. Intentional or not, rumors produce results.
Apologies and Hypocrisy
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughGod proclaims in Hosea 4:1, 'There is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God in the land.' Considering the state of American hypocrisy, His judgment is not far off.
Penalty of Death
Sermonette by Bill OnisickGossip is like scattering feathers in a wind: It is just as impossible to reverse the damage done by gossip as it is to regather the feathers.
Listen, Wait, and Then Speak
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJames provides some of the best advice on communication and control of the tongue. The correct order of communication is listening, waiting, and then responding.
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.
Gossip
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe apostle James says that the tongue can metaphorically start a dangerous fire. He warns that gossip, tale-bearing and being a busy-body is like murder.
Making the Cut (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughKing David's list of required character traits in Psalm 15 starts off by setting an impossibly high standard: the very character of God Himself.
Purging the Rumor Bug from the Body of Christ
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasThe church grapevine is good at spreading news, but it can be evil when it spreads gossip and rumor. Gossip actually harms the gossip himself. Here's how.
The Incomprehensibility of Our Great God
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsWestern society is increasingly using exaggerations or superlatives to describe the ordinary and mundane. Everyone will give an account of all idle words.
Am I Childlike or Childish
Sermonette by Bill OnisickChildlike humility overlooks offenses, but childish pride causes one to strike out in retaliation when feelings are hurt or feathers are ruffled.
Matthew (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus didn't break the Sabbath, but he did break extra-legal fanatical human custom applied to the Sabbath apart from God's Law.
Character and Reputation (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by James BeaubelleWe can never destroy another's standing before God, but we can easily injure his or her standing before other people. We truly are our brother's keeper.
Speaking the Truth in Love
Sermon by Bill OnisickOur speech reveals the true condition of our hearts. Even truthful words can be brandished as tools of destruction when delivered with pride or malice.
Have You Become an Example to All Who Believe?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhether we are called to welcome others, speak truthfully, keep commitments, or guard our own speech, credibility flows from consistent daily actions.
Pure Language Restored
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen we repeat negative expressions, they become reinforced, and we develop a negative disposition. Our spoken words reinforce our thoughts.
Out of the Abundance of Our Prayers
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidJesus remarks that our lips tell the tale our hearts try to hide. Using this proverb as a foundation, what do our prayers tell God about us?
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Six): Listening
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhen Solomon visits the Temple, he comes away with a sense that too many treat religion far too casually, forgetting that they are coming before God.
Titus (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have the commission to be witnesses to a corrupt society. It is in the closeness of the crowd that we have the greatest potential to grow spiritually.
God Never Disappoints
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsUnlike people who, because of their natural carnal nature, feel disappointment with God, God's people should never experience any disappointment with Him.
Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur manners express our personality, especially as they portray humility, courtesy, or gentleness, and are improved as we make use of God's Spirit.