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Are You An Unwitting Spiritual Terrorist?
Sermonette by David F. MaasA theme throughout the wisdom literature is the deleterious effects of neglect or passivity, where the sluggard is both the perpetrator and recipient of ruin.
Five Easily-Neglected Doctrines
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The following is a concise rewrite of the sections from the provided material that focus on 'Neglect, Spiritual,' maintaining the original tone and focusing on its relation to the broader context of spiritual growth and salvation. Only complete sentences are included, and non-English words or phrases are marked with HTML italic tags where applicable. —- We may have grown careless about certain doctrines that are vital to the quality of our relationship with the Father and Son, and thus to our salvation. This neglect does not mean outright rejection, but rather a tendency to pay little attention to these truths after initially proving them, moving on without serious thought or thanksgiving to God for their value. Such spiritual neglect is strongly cautioned against, as it can distort the importance of these qualities exemplified by Jesus Christ in His ministry, potentially causing us to fall short of being like Him and jeopardizing our journey toward the salvation promised by God. If we are self-centeredly careless in considering and using these doctrines in our lives, we might lose our salvation due to neglect of God's counsel. We cannot afford to ignore the example of our Savior in our relationships with others, for without abiding in Him, as He solemnly warned, we can do nothing toward salvation. This relationship with Jesus Christ is paramount; without Him, there is no fruit, and without fruit, there is no Kingdom of God in our future. Every relationship, even with the merciful Jesus, must be actively maintained, or it deteriorates, requiring us to reciprocate with friendship and closeness through persistent efforts to speak to Him. Spiritual neglect can also manifest in failing to recognize how tenaciously we hold on to our liberties, overlooking the reality that God is absolutely in charge of the operations and timing of His purposes, including our calling, which must not be doubted or forgotten as unimportant. —-
Make Sure NOW of Your Focus
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNeglect, as a spiritual concern, emerges as a critical barrier to maintaining focus on God's calling amidst a world filled with distractions. The apostle in Hebrews 2:1-4 warns us to give earnest heed to the truths we have heard, lest we drift away and neglect the great salvation first spoken by the Lord and confirmed through signs and wonders. This neglect is not merely a passive oversight but a failure to actively engage with the invaluable purpose God has set before us. Salvation is priceless, and yet the danger lies in simply accepting it without putting in the effort to complete the course God has laid out. The definition of neglect, as explored, intensifies this warning. It means to fail to heed, to disregard, to ignore, or to give little attention or care to what has been given. This failure often begins with a distraction, a subtle trigger that diverts the mind from its intended path. If not addressed, such distractions can lead to a profound neglect of spiritual responsibilities, pulling one away from God's purpose. The biblical law requiring a fence around flat roofs in Israel illustrates this principle—neglect of such a safety measure rendered the owner guilty without appeal, underscoring the seriousness of ignoring God's commands. The example of Demas, mentioned in II Timothy 4:9-10, serves as a stark reminder of neglect's consequences. Despite being under the direct influence of the apostle Paul, Demas succumbed to the allure of the present world, abandoning his calling and likely his salvation. His neglect began with a distraction, a fleeting thought that grew unchecked, ultimately leading him away from the church and God's path. This pattern reveals how distractions, if not quickly addressed, can foster neglect, causing a break in focus and a diversion from spiritual goals. The urgency to combat neglect is clear. We must prepare now to build spiritual strength to resist the distractions that will intensify in the coming years. The world is becoming increasingly chaotic and dangerous, exerting pressures that can wear down attitudes and lure us into neglecting our great salvation. The call is to not delay, to organize a plan, and to maintain focus on God's purpose, ensuring that we do not drift away through neglect as Demas did.
Put God First
CGG Weekly by John ReissIn His letter to the church in Laodicea, Jesus Christ rebukes the members for failing to prioritize their calling in their lives and warns them of the consequences of their spiritual neglect. He extends this warning to the entire church to heed and learn from. Our Savior offers the solution: Repent and make God and His way of life the foremost priority. The things of this world are fleeting, but our God is eternal, and His Kingdom will endure forever, which is why our relationship with Him must take precedence in all we do. We must give God the very best of our time and efforts. Our calling demands focused and dedicated concentration on God and living His way of life. He has great plans for our future, knows our needs and dreams, and will ensure our spiritual success if we put Him first.
Weeds!
Article by Mike FordWe must weed out detrimental habits that choke our lives. If we want to produce quality fruit, we must weed our garden.
Contend Earnestly
Article by John O. ReidAll the signs point to Christ's imminent return, yet the Bible warns us not to let down. Hebrews 10 exhorts us to strive to please God and finish our course.
A Feast Message From Hebrews
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Bible shows a clear pattern of how people leave the faith: looking back, drawing back, looking elsewhere, and then going backward and refusing to hear.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Thirteen): Hebrews 2 and the Next Five Years
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe must keep God's Word fresh in our minds through diligent study and practice of His way of life to keep from drifting spiritually during perilous times.
Hebrews 12 and 13: Advice for the End Time
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must lay aside every weight, accept God's chastening, receive encouragement from those who have gone before, and get back into the spiritual race.
Remaining Unleavened
Article by John O. ReidWe tend to put matters behind us once we are finished with them, but we cannot afford to do this with the lessons we learn from the Days of Unleavened Bread.
Finishing Your Gun Lap
Sermon by John O. ReidThe most dangerous lap we encounter is when everyone around us tends to be compromising. Today, what was once aberrant behavior is now considered normal.
God's Power: Our Shield Against Apostasy
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod is not only powerful, but He is the source of all power. We can tap into God's power to avoid slipping into apostasy.
Hebrews: A Message for Today
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews provides reasons to recapture flagging zeal, focusing on the reason for our hope and faith, establishing Christ's credentials.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe scattering of the church was an act of love by God to wake us from our lethargic, faithless condition. The feeding of the flock is the priority now.
Living by Faith and God's Justice
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAmong the spiritual realities that a faithful Christian must understand is God's sense of justice. The deaths of Nadab and Abihu are a case in point.
The Five Warnings of Hebrews
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe modern church stands in danger of allowing salvation to slip away. Hebrews gives warnings to help us turn our lives around so we do not fall short.
Hebrews (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHebrews is addressed to a people living at the end of an era, who were drifting away, had lost their devotion, and were no longer motivated by zeal.
What Do We Do at the End of an Age?
Sermon by David C. GrabbeIn this unstable world, the only solution is to decisively prioritize our relationship with God. That relationship is the only secure footing at the end of an age.
Drifting
Sermonette by Bill OnisickHebrews warns us to resist the pernicious pulls of the world and the flesh that cause us to spiritually drift, particularly pride and double-mindedness.
Intimacy with Christ (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must guard our time, not allowing busyness and involvement with activities of the world to prevent us from forming a deep intimacy with God.
In Focus or Out?
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryWhat do an astronomer, a microbiologist, and a photographer have in common? They each use a lensed instrument to see God's physical creation in detail.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 12)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe church of God today resembles a patient languishing from a deadly disease, resulting from a diet of spiritual junk food and neglecting the bread of life.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEverything that we go through has been engineered by God. We are His workmanship, created for good works, a response to the faith He has given us.
The Fourth Commandment (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFocusing on material and temporal things undermines faith. The Sabbath is holy time, created for building faith, energizing our minds for fellowship with God.
Parable of the Ten Virgins (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of the Ten Virgins is prophetic concerning the attitude of Christians at the end time. The wise and foolish virgins each have things to teach us.
How to Know We Love Christ
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot become weary of well-doing, allowing our first love to deteriorate, looking to the world for satisfaction. Here are 8 tests of our love for Christ.
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.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod personally handpicks individuals with whom He desires to form a reciprocal relationship. This relationship must be dressed, kept, tended, and maintained.
Hebrews (Part Twelve): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To counteract complacency, Hebrews warns against neglecting God's invitation of salvation, which He does not guarantee until sanctification has run its course.
Deuteronomy: Being Careful
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur care in following God's instructions must be thorough, leaving no place for inattention, short cuts, negligence, or doing only enough to get by.
What Is Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeIn Matthew 12:31-32, Jesus warns the Pharisees about crossing a line that cannot be uncrossed, an act commonly called 'the unpardonable sin.'
High Thoughts
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeJudging the state of other peoples' conversion is a fast track to committing the unpardonable sin. God's thoughts and plans are far higher than ours.
Can You See Yourself From Every Side?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingAs we exercise circumspection, we must take God's will for us into our cautious examining in our prayers, study, and meditation, avoiding the world.
Parable of the Talents (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of the Talents is often confused with the Parable of the Pounds. These parables illustrate Christian responsibilities from different angles.
A Pre-Passover Look
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must thoroughly examine ourselves, exercising and strengthening our faith, actively giving love back to God, to avoid taking Passover in a careless manner.
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.