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Parables of Counting the Cost
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn Luke 14:25-33, two parables and an exhortation urge us to forsake all that we have as a mandatory condition for becoming Christ's true disciples.
Conditions of Discipleship (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerWhen Jesus gathered His disciples as He began His ministry, He needed principled and devout worshippers to teach and prepare for the work of spreading the gospel.
Counting the Cost of Humility
Sermonette by Bill OnisickEven as several grandiose building projects have terminated because of cost overruns, so must we carefully count the cost of our spiritual building project.
The Awesome Cost of Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe assess costs and values all the time in our daily lives. We should employ the same process to God's love for us in giving His Son as the sacrifice for sin.
Called to Follow
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIf there is one great principle of Christian living, it is walking in Christ's footsteps. Sounds easy, but putting it into practice is one of the hardest tasks.
How Expensive Is Your Religion? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordAre God's requirements too exacting and difficult for us? Are we committed to the way forward, or are we spending time looking back to the world?
Without Me, You Can Do Nothing (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeProducing fruit is not simply a matter of having Jesus Christ or being forgiven. He says we will not produce anything unless we go on growing in Him.
Principled Living (Part One): Imitating Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowing Jesus requires absolute commitment, often involving sacrifice and discomfort. We must be willing to give up family and societal ties for God's sake.
Our 'Mental' Deathbed
Sermonette by Bill OnisickMoses asks God to teach us to number our days, realizing that our physical lives are finite, requiring a sense of urgency to get rid of our sins.
Remembering Your Vows
Sermon by John O. ReidLike the marriage covenant, counting the cost is the most serious part of the baptismal agreement, not something to be taken lightly.
Being a Christian
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaMicah provides a formula for being a Christian: 1.) Doing justly, 2.) Exercising mercy and 3.) Walking humbly. These demand total commitment, not a pretense.
What Does It Mean to Take Up the Cross?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeJesus commands His followers to take our cross and follow Him. Does He mean to carry a pagan symbol, or is there a deeper meaning to His weighty words?
Leadership and Covenants (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Much of Protestantism misconstrues the significance of the New Covenant as a 'free pass into Heaven' without paying attention to the Law within the Covenant.
How Expensive is Your Religion?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mike Fordwe must soberly count the cost before we embark on our spiritual trek. Are we willing to give up our job, our family, or even our life to follow God's plan?
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor His Own reasons, God has chosen not to reveal His plan to those the world considers wise, but, instead, to work with the weaker sort of mankind.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod inspired the book of Hebrews to answer the difficult questions church members were struggling with during the tumultuous first decades of the church.
How Expensive Is Your Religion? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordChristianity is not for the faint of heart. Jesus urges us to count the cost of discipleship. Many of the patriarchs had to make hard choices, as do we.
Offerings (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIf we want to follow Christ, we must sacrifice, take up our cross, and follow His example of service to God and others.
What Does it Mean to Take Up the Cross?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeBearing our cross means our time on this earth is virtually finished, that we are willing to give up our lives, emulating the life of our Savior.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe brazen altar symbolized total sacrifice. We have to be willing to give up everything, bearing our own individual cross, forsaking all to follow Him.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Nine): Conclusion (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThere must be something to prove we are one with Christ and in union with the Father and the Son. That something is the manner in which we conduct our life.
Life, Fortunes, Sacred Honor
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMany of the Declaration's signers literally lost their fortunes, properties, and health—even their lives. Are we willing to commit ourselves as fully?
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Solomon emphasized in Ecclesiastes 2 that we should enjoy and derive pleasure from our work. The way that we work is a visible witness of God before men.
Knowing Christ (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn taking undue attention off the self, sacrifice (as an act and as a way of life) creates peace, prosperity, cooperation, and most of all, character.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus qualified as High Priest, teaching us about living by faith in the New Covenant, which mandates that we keep His commandments.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Although God never intended the Old Covenant to endure eternally, the spiritual law (shared by both the old and new covenants) lasts forever.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod is putting us through exercises to create leaders in His image. His covenants are a primary tool in this process.