The Elder Brother
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingTed Bowling, cuing in on three well-known parables in Luke 15 , all of which emphasize that every life matters —- every life is worth saving, focuses on the disturbing, resentful reaction of the elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The older brother felt that he had remained loyal to the family's honor, while …
The Elder Brother
'Prophecy Watch' by Ted E. BowlingMany sermons and articles - even books - have covered the Parable of the Prodigal Son, but most of them dwell on the relationship between the prodigal and his father, giving the elder brother short shrift. Ted Bowling gives the elder brother his due, explaining why Jesus adds his reaction to his younger brother's return.
The Wrath of Man
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaRighteous anger is unselfish. Sinful anger occurs when our desires, ambitions, or demands are not met, always focusing on satisfying the self.
A Root of Bitterness
Sermonette by Bill OnisickBill Onisick, reviewing five daily meditation exercises adapted from Shawn Achor's book titled The Happiness Advantage— (1) grounding ourselves with expectation, (2) doing small acts of kindness to others, (3) reflecting on things for which we are thankful, (4) maintaining gratitude, and (5) bearing positive spiritual …
The Defense Against Offense
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Bible states that offenses will come. Here are ways to handle offenses and keep minor irritations from growing into bitterness.
Spiritual Grave Robbers
CGG Weekly by David F. MaasHow many of us have felt embarrassed after finding leavening in our homes during the Days of Unleavened Bread? Far more embarrassing is to reclaim leavening after throwing it out, yet I had such an experience, one I was ashamed for years to admit had happened. ...
So Far Away
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWhen the children of light judge and condemn those living in this world, they become the world and move away from God.
Forgiveness and the Unpardonable Sin
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerForgiveness is difficult, but the willing failure to forgive, along with any other unrepented sin, has the potential of permanently separating us from God.
The Weightier Matters (Part 3): Mercy
Article by StaffMany have a love-hate relationship with mercy: They love to receive it, but hate to give it! Here is why we should lean toward mercy in all our judgments.
Anger (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe dare not let the sun go down on our wrath. Uncontrolled anger can be a major cause of mental and physical illness. We must reconcile with our adversaries.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFocusing upon the absolute necessity for exercising forgiveness and reconciliation, John Ritenbaugh admonishes us that receiving or using spiritual gifts should never produce an inflated ego or sense of superiority. Prideful, idolatrous, self-worship reaps a crop of bitter fruit from a root of bitterness. As God has forgiven and …
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride destroys relationships, rendering righteous judgment next to impossible. Self-righteousness (a product of pride) makes an idol out of self.
The Sixth Commandment (Part One) (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur society is becoming increasingly violent. The sixth of the Ten Commandments covers crime, capital punishment, murder, hatred, revenge and war.
Seeds of Anger
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityGod obligates us to separate our anger from sin. Whether anger is active or passive, those who cannot control it will be cut off and consumed by their own anger.
Envy: The Most Precious Daughter
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIt is easy to follow in Satan's footsteps, courting his daughter Envy, reaping the disquiet which accompanies her. Envy comes from pushing God from our thoughts.
Blessed Are the Meek
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Paul's listings of virtues, meekness always appears near the end, reflecting its difficulty. Meekness is the gentle, quiet spirit of selfless devotion.
The Spiritual Mark of the Beast
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnger and hostility, driven by self-centered competitive pride constitute Satan's spiritual mark that divides nations, ethnic groups, families, and the church.
What if You Are Betrayed?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBetrayal is triggered by a root of bitterness resulting from envy, but turning into hatred, a shoot of bitterness manifesting a spirit of murder.
The Great Divide
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityJoe Baity reminds us that we live in a world divided, as seen in the impending implosions of the two major political parties, the fragmentation of the European 'Union,' fratricide among the Islamic factions, race wars, gender wars, class wars, and bitter vitriol, anger, and resentment rule the day. People are no longer hearing …
The Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughKindness goes hand-in-hand with love. It is an active expression of love toward God and fellow man, produced through the power of God's Spirit.
Understanding Unity
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, focusing on the alarming fragmentation and disunity taking place throughout society and within God's church, assures us that God will ultimately answer Jesus' five-fold prayer for unity in John 17:11. We have a vital part to play in bringing about this unity, beginning with the marriage institution and families. …
Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by StaffJames' exhortation about the use of the tongue seems to stop with James 3:12. However, the rest of the chapter provides more wisdom on controlling our speech.
Is This the Spirit of the Times?
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh,reflecting that our culture has undergone a vast change in zeitgeist (spirit of the times) in both leadership and standards of morality, suggests a change in national attitude, a lifting of mental fog and an emergent rage. Responsibility in leadership has disappeared. After they left office, Harry Truman rejected …
The Commandments (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus emphasized the spirit of the law, which places deterrents on the motive (anger, resentment, envy, revenge), preventing murder from ever taking place.
Purging the Rumor Bug from the Body of Christ
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasThe church grapevine is good at spreading news, but it can be evil when it spreads gossip and rumor. Gossip actually harms the gossip himself. Here's how.
