Building Relationships
Sermonette by Ryan McClureThe Scriptures provide many examples of how difficult relationships were dealt with by humility, deference, longsuffering, and prayer.
A Table is Laid
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamRonny Graham, cuing in on Psalm 23, reflects on the many uses of the term "table," in noun and adjective form. Perhaps the most frequent uses of the term table signify a venue for fellowship, a place of honor, and a place for dining. In scripture, examples involving tables of the king appear for King Saul, King David, …
Souls Knit Together (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamJonathan apparently had no qualms about David receiving the kingship. His recognition of God's hand was so strong that he humbly submitted to God's will.
Joshua and the Gibeonites (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Gibeonites' subterfuge succeeded because Israel's leaders, including Joshua, failed to check in with God, and in time, that failure cost them dearly.
A Time to Tear
Sermon by Charles WhitakerCharles Whitaker, focusing upon the phrase in Ecclesiastes 3:7 that there is a time to tear [or rend] and a time to sew [or mend], delves into the Middle Eastern cultural practice of tearing garments as an expression of grief or despair. When God became upset with Solomon, the kingdom was torn in two as a torn garment. In the …
Beating the Rat Race (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIn these tumultuous times, if we really want to know what God is trying to tell us, we need to calm down, be still, and listen intently to His Word.
To the Third and Fourth Generation
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamThe sins of our forebears have affected us. In the enigmatic incident in II Samuel 21:1-6, David was prevailed upon to turn over seven descendants of Saul to be executed in retribution for Saul's genocidal treatment of the Gibeonites. To be sure, the Gibeonites had deceived Joshua in making a covenant, and the consequences for …
Martha, Martha
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerMartha used her gifts, but to an excessive extreme. Jesus had to reel her in, setting her on a more productive course. We must use our gifts responsibly.
David and the Gibeonites
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSaul tried to placate God by massacring Gibeonites. Later, David yielded to the Gibeonites' by hanging Saul's descendants to avenge the slaughter. God was not pleased.
Benjamin: Son of the Right Hand
Article by StaffWe know a lot about Joseph, but we tend to know precious little about his younger brother Benjamin. Here is what the Bible shows about him.
The Buck Stops Here
Article by David F. MaasDo we tend to shirk responsibility by 'passing the buck'? David Maas explores why we do this and proposes a solution for shouldering our responsibilities—and growing in character.
Don't Be a Politician
Sermon by Mike Ford (1955-2021)Jesus proved that one cannot become a leader through political intrigue, but by assuming the position of a humble servant. God sets Himself against the proud.
Repentance: The Genuine Article (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue repentance involves pain, particularly emotional pain. To repent is wrenching to the psyche. It really hurts because it is difficult to do.
Joshua and the Gibeonites
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Gibeonites' pretense of coming from a distant land resulted in their slavery. Yet, through their influence, they contributed to Israel's destruction.
Rebellion as Witchcraft
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughGod looks more favorably on a person who single-mindedly follows His Word than on someone who excuses his failures as "opportunities" to bring God glory.
The Foolishness of Bias
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, allowing that expectations determine outcomes, gives the rationale for double-blind experiments. Zeal is not the hallmark for truth. Saul, before he was transformed into Paul, was an evil zealot. Public education has been promoting tolerance for foolish points of view as they feel good to the holder and as long …
What Happened at En Dor?
Article by Richard T. RitenbaughSaul's visit to the medium or which at En Dor is an anomaly from which several common misconceptions have arisen. Yet Scripture cannot be broken.
Magic Doesn't Work (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, acknowledging the existence of the paranormal, asks, "What is it about magic that captivates so many people?" The Bible is replete with examples of demonic influences involving magic and sorcery. America's most famous theme park is established on magic lore, and the secular heroes in episodes like …
Contrite Heart
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamAs the day of God's wrath appears imminent, we must diligently seek the Lord, righteousness, and humility. Contrition pleases God the most.
