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When Will God Answer?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod does not delay because of indifference, but wants to provide maximum opportunity for repenting, overcoming, and building character.
Anointing With Oil
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingBeing anointed is no guarantee of healing unless it is part of God's will. Sometimes a thorn in the flesh may produce some undeveloped character.
The Grand Secret!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod reveals a grand secret through David: namely, that spiritual growth will come to people who set the Lord before oneself continuously.
Trials: Much Needed Experiences
Sermon by John O. ReidGod uses trials to test our hearts, but He never places a trial before us to tempt us. God uses trials we bring on ourselves to draw us closer to Him.
Unanswered Prayer
Sermonette by James BeaubelleEven though we often must wait for a response, God listens closely to our prayers from the heart and is looking out for our best interests.
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.
Contentment
Sermon by John O. ReidMany people live in a state of discontent. Tragically, what they set their hearts upon often displaces the love for family and a relationship with God.
Why Does God Allow Us to Be Afflicted?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn God's hands, trials and afflictions are tools to produce refined character and joy, and to move us away from worldly choices and back to His purpose.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPrayer is not a dictating to a reluctant God, but a demonstration of our attitude of dependence and need. It is a means to get into harmony with God's will.
Lamentations (Part Six; 1989)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe discussion uses the example of Paul's thorn in the flesh to illustrate the distinction between human and divine perspectives on what constitutes good during affliction. Paul repeatedly appealed for removal of the affliction, yet God declined each time because the condition served a higher purpose by keeping him humble and dependent on divine strength rather than allowing self-reliance or pride to develop from his accomplishments. From Paul's viewpoint the ongoing burden appeared undesirable, but from God's viewpoint it proved beneficial by maintaining closeness and preventing the elevation of human ability above its proper limits. This example reinforces the surrounding reflection on Lamentations 3, where the same principle applies to Israel's calamities: afflictions permitted by God are never arbitrary but are designed to produce repentance, submission, and spiritual growth. The passage therefore presents the thorn in the flesh as a concrete demonstration that waiting quietly for God's salvation and accepting His discipline yield lasting benefit precisely because they align with His purpose rather than immediate human comfort.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ecclesiastes 7 contains a series of 'this is better than that' observations. Wisdom seems to carry more sadness and sorrow than mirth or foolishness.
Where Is God Working?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAre numeric growth or miraculous signs sure indicators of God's presence? Before trying to determine where God is working, we must understand what God is doing.
Do We See Ourselves As God Sees Us?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Praying without gratitude is like clipping the wings of prayer. Thankfulness is not natural to carnal human nature which loves to grovel as a timid worrywart.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe purpose of prayer is not to overcome God's reluctance, but to help in yielding to His will. 'Prayer changes things' is only true if it conforms to God's will.
Self-Examination, Not Self-Preoccupation
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThere is a critical difference between self-examination and self-preoccupation. We must accurately assess our spiritual state without becoming self-absorbed.
The Greatness of God's Power
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul emphasized the power of God living in us through the Holy Spirit to enable us to develop into His family. Through God's power, we will triumph over death.
Prayer Does Make a Difference
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod does not hear a prayer of pride, selfishness, and self exaltation, but He listens to prayers of supplication and intercession for the saints.