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Spiritual Maturity
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom parables allude to the process of spiritual maturity, depicting a planted and cultivated seed becoming a sprout, eventually bearing fruit.
The Spiritual Hard Hat Zone
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasChristian's lives are constantly under construction. It is this point of view that makes it easier for us to deal with both setbacks and progress.
Fasting: Building Spiritual Muscle
Article by David F. MaasThough fasting deprives the physical body of nutrition and strength, a proper, biblical fast adds conviction and depth to the inner, spiritual man.
Testing Spiritual Character
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAn outward trial can be a catalyst for character development. By testing ourselves, we can take the edge off the pressure of God testing us.
What Is Real Conversion? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughSome in Antioch believed the preaching of the persecuted Christians, and they not only agreed with the teaching but also changed or transformed their lives.
Salvation: The Path to God's Kingdom (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by John ReissBeing brought into legal conformity with God's law does not mean that we are eternally saved. We are not yet perfect or spiritually complete.
Growing to Perfection
Article by Charles WhitakerSpiritual growth mimics our physical growth to maturity. If we continue in the process, we will 'grow into' our potential as God's children.
Desire Earnestly to Prophesy
'Ready Answer' by Bill CherryPaul's admonition to the Corinthians to desire to prophesy has confused some due to a fundamental misunderstanding of what prophesying really is.
Perfection...Piece by Piece
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordWhat is perfection? Does God require perfection of us? The Bible defines perfection in a surprising way, and tells to what standard God holds us accountable.
Magic Doesn't Work (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMagic is always used as some kind of weapon, but not to build or develop moral strength or character. God chooses a life-long process of sanctification.
Born Again or Begotten? (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe concept of a spiritual birth has confused many. The Bible consistently compares Christians to already-born children or adults, not fetuses.
God's Tools
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaSpiritual maturity does not come about without difficulty, and suffering is one of God's tools to perfect us. Suffering refines endurance and character.
Godly Training and Admonition
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGodly training forewarns a child of danger or faults in human nature. The Scriptures do not contain many examples of exemplary child rearing.
Prevailing Winds
'Ready Answer' by Gary MontgomeryThe steady, contrary winds of this world's way of life can be overcome by adjusting our sails to make spiritual headway.
Real Conversion
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe process of conversion is actually God's workmanship creating a new spiritual being with godly spiritual character- the image of Christ.
Giving All Diligence!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe recipients of Peter's epistle were having difficulty holding on to their faith, having succumbed to fear as a result of lack of discipline and laziness.
Five Teachings of Grace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughProtestantism unthinkingly presents grace as "free." However, Scripture shows that God expects a great deal of effort from us once we receive it—it is costly.
God's Creation and Our Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike Joseph, we need to realize that God—not ourselves—is the Creator, engineering events that form us into what He wants us to become.
Joy and Trial
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordWhat does the Bible mean when it says we should count it all joy when you fall into various trials? What is this joy we must experience, and how do we come by it?
Judgment According to Works
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause God sees the content of our hearts, nothing escapes His attention. He mercifully judges over a lifetime of behaviors, not just isolated incidents.
Choosing the New Man (Part One)
Article by Charles WhitakerThe Bible describes many men, but one of the most important is the new man, a creative effort of renewing our minds in cooperation with God.
Obeying From the Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFailure to obey from the heart, and not having an accurate picture or appraisal of God, is the chief contributory cause of spiritual depression.
The Purpose of the Ministry
Sermon by John O. ReidThe purpose of the ministry is to train members for service to God, edifying them, equipping them for their job, and bringing them to spiritual maturity.
Born Again (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Baptism and being born again were already understood by the Jews, but the traditions had evidently blinded people to some additional spiritual nuances.
The Second Resurrection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has a timetable, carefully calculated to allow people to receive and respond to the truth at their best time for salvation, each in his own order.
Uniqueness and Time
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur unique calling makes us a special possession of God. Sealed with a downpayment of God's Spirit, we have the obligation to glorify God by obedience.
Bible Difficulties by Design
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe God-designed difficulties in the Bible are there to stimulate our minds, causing us to think deeply and meditate on the facts, inspiring us to seek God.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe spirit of the law does not do away with the letter of the law; without the letter, there is no spirit because there is no foundation. Examples show God's will.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan has attempted to obliterate the sanctification step from the conversion process. Sanctification is produced by doing works pleasing to God.
Mutability and Our Christlike Response
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe all change repeatedly throughout the stages of life, as do others, requiring constant adjustment as to how we evaluate and treat others.
Principled Living (Part Three): Growing in Righteousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's law—the unleavened bread of righteousness—needs to be ingested into our minds as we purge sin, resulting in righteous thoughts, words, and deeds.