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Repentant Goats
Sermon by Bill OnisickAs Jesus Christ concludes His Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, the sheep are granted eternal life, while the goats are cast into the Lake of Fire. The sheep are surprised not by the king's judgment, but by the reasons He provides for His final decision. His judgment is based solely on how they treated those in whom Christ lives, emphasizing that whatever is done to brothers and sisters in the greater church of God is done to Jesus Christ Himself. Both the sheep and the goats are judged by the same criteria, focusing on their actions or inactions toward those in whom Jesus Christ dwells. The final judgment hinges on what is done or not done for brothers and sisters in the church of God. This parable serves as a reminder that such treatment directly reflects how one treats Jesus Christ on earth. It calls for self-awareness of goat-like tendencies, such as impatience or neglect, which can lead to sins against brethren and must be overcome to be counted among the sheep on the right.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 3): Hidden Treasure
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Matthew 25:31-34, the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats presents Christ as the Judge who separates the sheep from the goats, placing the sheep on His right hand and the goats on His left. The sheep are ushered into glory, while the goats are destined for the lake of fire. This parable underscores the certainty of judgment, emphasizing that it is an ongoing process. Christ judges all by the same standard, evaluating whether individuals are doing good or evil. It serves as a reminder to live in accordance with God's expectations, knowing that everyone faces the same fair assessment. The burden of judgment rests with Christ, relieving individuals from the responsibility of judging others, as He will determine the fate of each based on their deeds.
Goats on the Left
Article by Mike FordIn Matthew 25:31-46, the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats describes Christ's return and His judgment of the nations. He will set the sheep on His right hand, signifying favor and eternal life, while the goats are placed on the left, destined for the Lake of Fire. This parable underscores a stark contrast between the two groups, highlighting the importance of embodying the traits of sheep rather than those of goats in the eyes of God.
Goats
Sermonette by Mike FordGoats are intelligent, sensitive, playful, and quick to respond to attention, but they are also capricious, impulsive, devious, and contrary.
Sand Ramblers
Sermonette by James BeaubelleGod is actively involved in the lives of His people. The command to love our God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves cannot be carried out passively.
Examine Yourself
Sermon by James BeaubelleJesus kept the two great commandments flawlessly, providing us an example. These two great commandments are where most of our self-examination should revolve.
The One Thing
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Bill OnisickSacrifice is the foundational principle for salvation and spiritual growth, as exemplified by Christ's preordained sacrifice before the world's creation.
Make a Widow's Heart Sing
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingIf we want to follow Almighty God, we will strive to protect the rights of the vulnerable, particularly the widows—tantamount to serving our Lord and Savior.
Serving Others
Sermonette byNeither the toxic worldview of evolution nor that espoused by mainstream Christendom fails to answer why we exist. We have a mandate to serve both God and man.
Service with a Smile
Sermonette by Bill OnisickJesus Christ expects His followers to serve while expecting nothing in return. Whoever wants to become great must fill the role of an unpretentious servant.
Love Thy Neighbor (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus set the bar very high when it comes to love. We no longer live for ourselves, but to Christ, who commands us to love everyone, including our enemies.
God's Warning
Sermon by John O. ReidTo watch world events but to ignore our spiritual progress and overcoming is a foolish and futile exercise. We need to watch how we conduct ourselves.
Sin (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThoughts, words, or behaviors not in alignment with the mind of God are also violations against God's law. Foolishness should never be part of our conduct.
Our Growing Fellowship
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe need to nurture fellowship with our spiritual siblings, forgiving others as Christ forgave, steadfastly resisting pride and division within the church.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Twelve)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGoats are aggressive, sneaky and disobedient; they are loners, uncooperative, and stingy. The sheep enter God's Kingdom because they show compassion to others.
You Are My Witnesses That I Am God
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChrist's trial and crucifixion were not historical accidents; rather, God prophesied both events in minute detail in Old Testament scriptures.
The Beatitudes, Part 5: Blessed Are the Merciful
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMercy is a virtue that has gone out of vogue, though it is sometimes admired. Jesus, however, places it among the most vital His followers should possess.
Compassion and Couch Potatoes
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Christians who 'sit out' opportunities to serve, becoming in effect couch potatoes, commit sins of omission which may lead to the Lake of Fire.
Does Jesus See You as His Friend?
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloJesus puts a condition on our friendship: We are His friends if we do what He commands, unlike the assumption that belief on His name is the only requirement.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Profit from life is produced by work, requiring sacrifices of time and energy. We have been created for the very purpose of doing good works.
Compromise
Sermon by John O. ReidSolomon compromised with God's law because his heart was turned to idolatry through his multiple marriages, diluting his early gift of wisdom and understanding
Love Thy Neighbor
Sermon by John O. ReidAs the Good Samaritan took pity on what normally would be his adversary, we are obligated to be sensitive to the needs of those around us, enemy and friend.
Kings and Priests
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThe Eighth Day is a dramatic, pivotal moment in God's divine plan of salvation, symbolizing new beginnings and the final phase of God's redemptive work.
Mercy: The Better Option
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidIt is easy to fall into the traps of judgmentalism, gossip, and unforgiveness. We must overcome our natural reactions and use forbearance in our relationships.
Focus
Sermon by John O. ReidThough Christ has warned us to be aware of the times, we need to be more alert to how we are living. End-time events should lead us to repentance.
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.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Ten)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe three parables in Matthew 25 (The Ten Virgins, The Talents and The Sheep and Goats) all focus on the importance of spiritual preparedness.
The Joyful Advantage
Sermonette by Bill OnisickBecause a brain with a positive attitude has higher levels of dopamine and serotonin, it is more successful and productive.
Civility and Courtesy
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSocietal incivility, discourtesy, and in-your-face attitudes (works of the flesh) have manifested themselves in the church of God, but contradict agape.
Sin (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThough relatively neutral at its inception, human nature is subject to a deadly magnetic pull toward self-centeredness, deceit, and sin.
The New World Order Rises
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Beast is a reality, and it is coming to pass in the scope of globalism. Satan has a vast reservoir of people he can work through; we used to be a part of it.