Like a Growing Seed (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughLike its physical counterpart, spiritual growth happens slowly. A newly baptized Christian will not produce the fruit of the spirit as easily as a mature one.
Like a Growing Seed (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Parable of the Growing Seed is unique to the book of Mark, the most basic of the gospels, perhaps due to it being so simple and its point self-evident.
Lessons From Roots (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIf we are intent on bearing fruit, we can do some things to make sure that we are not inhibiting the process. We find them in one of the fig tree parables.
Spiritual Maturity
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom parables allude to the process of spiritual maturity, depicting a planted and cultivated seed becoming a sprout, eventually bearing fruit.
Like a Tree
'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford (1955-2021)Trees provide living illustrations of godly behavior that will prepare Christians to partake of the Tree of Life in God's Kingdom.
The True Vine of Agape
Sermonette by Bill OnisickBill Onisick, asserting that getting grape vines to bear fruit is difficult, suggests that the production of succulent grapes is at least a two-year project, in which pruning dead wood and lateral vines that produce much foliage, but little fruit, and exposing buds to sufficient sun (by thinning the canopy) are essential. …
Magic Doesn't Work (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMagic is always used as some kind of weapon, but not to build or develop moral strength or character. God chooses a life-long process of sanctification.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Two): The Parable of the Sower
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn the first parable of the sower, the quality of the various soils upon which the seed of the gospel falls determines whether or not there is growth.
Parable of the Sower
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWhen the gospel of the coming Kingdom of God is preached in all the world, the ears that hear it are not always receptive of this priceless knowledge.
Weeds!
Article by Mike Ford (1955-2021)We must weed out detrimental habits that choke our lives. If we want to produce quality fruit, we must weed the garden!
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFruit is a product of growth requiring knowledge, work, patience, truth (light) and water (God's Spirit). Only by remaining on the vine will we bear fruit.
Seeds and Seasons (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIn Part One, we learned that God teaches His children important lessons through the seasons of the year, particularly in the harvest seasons during which He has placed His appointed times . . .
The Branch Of God's Planting
Sermonette by Bill OnisickThree factors are necessary for successful grafting: (1) compatibility, (2) alignment and pressure, and (3) proper care of the joint site.
Patience With Growth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFruit maturation takes time. Waiting for the fruit is just part of the story; while we wait, we must also work, including thinning and pruning.
Every Action Has a Reaction
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEvery action has a corresponding reaction; even the little things we do matter. Sin produces increase (the leavening effect) just as righteousness does.
Be There!
Article by Mike Ford (1955-2021)Many have friends and relatives who will rise in the second resurrection, but what a shame it would be if we were not there to greet them!
The Harvesting of the Firstfruits
'Prophecy Watch' by Bill Keesee (1935-2010)Biblically, a harvest represents the gathering and resurrection of the saints, but also includes other aspects of our preparation for God's Kingdom.
Do Unto Others and Reap What We Sow
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughReaping good fruit does not happen immediately. If we feel we are not reaping, we must consider that we might be reaping some negative things we have sown.