The Real Solution to Baggy Pants
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughTo combat this trend, several communities have proposed bans on baggy or saggy pants. The ACLU says they are racially discriminatory. Here's what all are missing.
The Writing of Prostitutes
'Prophecy Watch' by Martin G. CollinsWhat is pornography? Is nudity wrong? Discover the attitudes behind pornography and why Christians must strive for purity.
Modesty (Part One): Moderation and Propriety
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must avoid the world's extremes and sensual excesses in matters of dress and fashion, adopting instead humility, chastity, decency, morality, and self control.
How Far Have We Fallen? (Part One)
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, citing Isaiah 5:20-25 and reflecting on the changes that have taken place in our culture for the last 80 years, cautions us that regression in moral turpitude has accelerated rapidly. Because of the rapid information flow, the changes occur faster, and the regressions become the norm, as is seen in the …
Do All to the Glory of God!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, decrying the casualness which has overtaken many mainstream Protestant and Catholic churches, suggests that this attitude has been creeping into the greater Church of God. In the current scattered condition of the church, formality has given way to a casual approach in which some individuals appear in pajamas, …
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh insists that a Christian's perspective or point of reference should always be from God's point of view, as determined by the pages of the Bible. Our human heart, looking and evaluating on the outward appearance, perpetually drawn to the world, must be replaced with the motivation from God's Holy Spirit- cleaning …
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHair length and clothing are outward indicators of a person's inner spiritual condition. They serve as a testimony of what we are on the inside.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Two Demon-Possessed Men Healed (Part Three)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus performed numerous exorcisms of demons, like His casting out of the evil spirits from the men near Gadara. Once freed, these men changed significantly.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh warns that human nature is hostile to change, even when it is confirmed to be in the wrong. In the matter of godly standards for dress (as in any other aspect of God's teaching), we must adopt the humble, childlike, sincere, unassuming, unpretentious, and teachable attitude, loving God intimately, denying …
Can You Mix Wool and Linen?
Sermonette by Mike FordMike Ford explores the possible physical and spiritual significance of the prohibition to mix wool and linen which appears in Deuteronomy 22:11 and Leviticus 19:19. One explanation seems to come from the consumer protection corner, asserting that mixing fibers produces an inferior garment. Some commentaries refer to the …
How Far Have We Fallen? (Part Four)
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting on a Der Spiegel article in which it was reported that 40 wayside chapels have been built along the Autobahn, allowing harried travelers a cursive in-out relationship with God, expresses concern that respect for God seems to be declining all over the world. Fifty years ago, blue laws would force …
Resolutions: Man's and God's
'Ready Answer' by Ronny H. GrahamWith the new year invariably come New Year's resolutions—and days or weeks later, a great deal of failure in keeping them! The idea of making resolutions to improve oneself is commendable, but we should carefully consider the kind of resolutions we make. Ronny Graham suggests that we take up godly resolutions, so that we …
Laodiceanism
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur love for beauty must be coupled with love for righteousness and holiness. Our relationship with Christ must take central place in our lives, displacing all else.
Thou Shall Not Covet
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)Because virtually every sin begins as a desire in the mind, the command against coveting (lustful cravings) could be the key to keeping the other commandments.
The Priesthood of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, focusing upon I Peter 1:13-16, reiterates that holiness must be an indispensible characteristic of the called-out priesthood. This mandate markedly influences our relationships, making us servants to one another as a band of brothers and subject to God, developing respect and affection for the brotherhood. We …
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh debunks the foolish notion that it does not matter what we wear if our heart is right on the inside. Our clothing as well as our outward conduct must match what is going on in our inner heart or being. Our clothing, often symbolizing righteousness, ought to reflect or symbolize our inward character. We are …
Protecting the Vulnerable
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingTed Bowling, focusing on Deuteronomy 21:10-14, a passage giving instructions for the treatment of female prisoners-of-war, contends that, far from being a blatant example of sexual exploitation (as some 'progressives' have characterized it), this passage demonstrates God's protection of the most vulnerable among us. In the event …
The Faith Once Delivered
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersJude 3-4 cautions us to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. There are many who would attempt to turn the grace of God into lasciviousness.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Bible abounds in metaphors of warfare, indicating that the Christian's walk will be characterized by stress, sacrifice, and deprivation in building faith.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPurpose-driven churches experience exponential growth through tolerating any belief. These churches would sacrifice any doctrine if it stands in the way of growth.
Parable of the Treasure
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus' Parable of the Treasure in Matthew 6:19-21 is designed to get us to evaluate the relative values of material wealth and "treasures in heaven." Martin Collins expands on the metaphors of moths, rust, and thieves.
The Christian and the World (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnxiety and fretting (symptoms of coveting and idolatry), in addition to cutting life short, erode faith, destroying serenity by borrowing tomorrow's troubles.
