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The Secret Sin Everyone Commits
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSelf-righteousness is a covert and subtle sin, often unseen by those who harbor it, yet it is a flaw common to all humanity. This prideful attitude, defined as an estimation of oneself as more righteous or superior to others, manifests not in overt actions but in hidden thoughts and motives. It is a form of idolatry, placing oneself in a position of divine judgment over others, a role reserved for God alone. This sin is satanic in nature, as it mirrors the attitude that led to the rebellion of the adversary against God, driven by a sense of superiority. God demands righteousness from His people, but according to His standards, not human ones. The Israelites were warned against self-righteousness, reminded that their possession of the Promised Land was not due to their own merit but because of the wickedness of the nations they displaced and God's promise to Abraham. Similarly, members of God's Church today must recognize that entry into the Kingdom is not earned by personal righteousness but is a gift from God, who prepares the way and develops character in His people. Self-righteousness blinds individuals to their true condition, as seen in Job, who could not perceive his own sin despite his righteous life, and in the Pharisees, who deceived themselves and others by adhering to the letter of the law with pride rather than true wisdom. This sin taints all actions, prayers, and offerings, rendering them detestable to God, much like the filthy rags described by Isaiah. It is a secret sin, often unrecognized without the aid of God's Holy Spirit and earnest prayer to reveal it. Characteristic symptoms of self-righteousness include trusting in one's own heart, being wise in one's own eyes, justifying oneself, despising others, and judging or condemning without forgiveness. These attitudes lead to division rather than unity, as self-righteous individuals set themselves as the standard of righteousness, relying on human reasoning rather than God's truth. This sin disrupts relationships within the Church, fostering conflict and disorder instead of peace. The danger of self-righteousness is a constant threat, a hidden pitfall that requires vigilance and reliance on God's strength to overcome. It is an idolatrous attitude that competes with true righteousness, which is God-centered and promotes unity through submission to His will. As a secret sin, it is a tool of the adversary to trip up God's people, encouraging feelings of superiority over others. Only through conscious effort, prayer, and seeking God's commendation can one guard against this destructive flaw and strive for the humility that counters it.
Editing Our Sins
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are so close to our sins that we cannot see the proverbial forest for the trees. We miss glaring faults in our character because of familiarity.
Do You Take Sin Seriously? God Does!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe demise of an institution can result from the irresponsibility of its constituents; if one member sins, the whole body experiences the effects.
Can God Look on Sin?
Sermonette by Ryan McClureMany believe that God is unable to look on sin, yet many scriptures show that God's eyes run to and fro through the earth, observing the evil and the good.
Nothing is Truly Secret
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsNever before have we ever experienced a greater veil of secrecy than in the current administration. The number of federal secrets has burgeoned to over 54 million.
Comparing Ourselves Among Ourselves
Article by Martin G. CollinsMost people think they are moral compared to their peers. Yet we will only begin to grow in character once we compare ourselves to the true standard.
Hide and Seek
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur carnal nature can rationalize the most hideous of sins. We are totally blind to the long-term consequences of our present sins on our future well-being.
The Torment Of The Godly
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Both Lot and Ezekiel were tormented by the abominations, sins, and defilement taking place within their culture, polluted with idolatry and paganism.
The Seventy-Five Cent Screwdriver
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWhen we examine ourselves, we need to determine how useful we are when He uses us, or how available we are to Him when He needs us.
Unity and Division: The Blessing and the Curse (Part Five)
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerJesus desires our total commitment to the truth and to Him. Hypocrites will find themselves among those to whom Christ will say, 'I never knew you.'
The Law's Purpose and Intent
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe effectiveness of a law is found in its purpose and intent rather than the letter. Love and mercy constitute the spiritual fulfillment of the Law.
The Rest of the Story
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIn I Corinthians 11:29, we are cautioned not to partake of the Passover in an unworthy manner, a primary example of which is the shabby treatment of brethren.
Identifying Our Idols
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWe tend to ignore the possibility of idolatry in our lives. But we need to do the hard thing and examine ourselves to identify any hidden idols.
Never Again: God's Purpose For Bad Memories
Sermon by David F. MaasAfter God forgives our sins, He still allows residual memories of these transgressions to remain in our memories, evidently to help us in overcoming.
Lessons From Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)If God's Law has not been written in our hearts, the corporate entity in which we find ourselves will not save us from the wrong side of the judgmental cut.
Caveats About Self-Examination
Sermon by David F. MaasWe must be very careful how we examine ourselves. Taking the Passover in an unworthy manner can result in serious physical or spiritual hazards.
Psalms: Book Four (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOnly 18 psalms—11.3%—apply to the fall holy days. Book IV of the Psalms align with Numbers in the Torah or Pentateuch, and Ecclesiastes in the Megilloth.
Principled Living (Part Three): Growing in Righteousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's law—the unleavened bread of righteousness—needs to be ingested into our minds as we purge sin, resulting in righteous thoughts, words, and deeds.
Foundations of Sand
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe all have a measure of sand in our foundations, symbolic of the world's evil standards, prioritizing badly, becoming neglectful, and letting things slip.
Unity and Division: The Blessing and the Curse (Part Four)
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerGod commanded the Israelites to utter blessings from Mount Gerazim and curses from Mount Ebal, most of which deal with hidden sins that give rise to hypocrisy.