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Necessary Strength
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryIn times of extreme pressure and stress, when circumstances seem beyond our control, we often cry out to God, saying, Lord, give me strength! This plea encompasses not just physical endurance, but also mental and moral vigor, and above all, spiritual fortitude. God is the ultimate source of our strength, as declared in Psalm 68:35: The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God! Through His Spirit, He equips us to resist the selfish pulls of our nature, strengthening us as we train and discipline ourselves. Mentally, we must gird up our minds, remaining sober and hopeful in the grace revealed through Jesus Christ, resisting the secular pressures that aim to weaken our resolve. God grants us a spirit not of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind, as affirmed in II Timothy 1:7, enabling us to withstand the influences that seek to bring us down. By engaging with His Word, reading, absorbing, and practicing it, our mental strength grows. Morally and spiritually, we face a daily barrage of immorality and societal decay, influenced by dark forces and wicked powers in high places. To stand firm, we must don the whole armor of God, relying not on our own might but on the strength He provides. As David proclaimed in Psalm 18:2, The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. We are called to resist these evils, trusting in God's supply of spiritual strength to overcome the prevailing cultural tide. Each day, we must strive to be strong, using our physical, mental, and spiritual capacities to worship and glorify God, resisting distractions and pressures, and moving forward with the strength He grants us to achieve victory over the forces arrayed against us.
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.
God is the Strength of My Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOnly by combining the head, heart, and will can we attain full growth and maturity, godly character, and a mirror image of Jesus Christ.
How Brave Is Your Heart?
Article by StaffBravery or courage is a character trait Christians need to possess. Having a brave heart will help us to get through these tough times.
Christ, Our Hero
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonJacob Collier defines a hero as a person who reveals to us the things that are possible for us to accomplish, including enduring the most difficult hardships.
Choices and a Man After God's Own Heart: Turn, Turn, Turn
Sermon by Mark SchindlerHonoring our free choice and understanding our weaknesses, God alters time and chance for us, using our mistakes as tools to enhance our godly character.
Are You Strong in the Lord?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHardship is not removed from our spiritual trek, but God strengthens us to endure and overcome through our afflictions. Suffering is a training ground.
Good Habits
CGG Weekly by David F. MaasHabit formation is another synonym for character development. The time to begin developing habits that lead to success lies as early in life as possible.
Evil Is Real (Part Five)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Satan hit Him with temptation, Jesus did not need to do some emergency Bible study. Not only was He the Word of God, but He also knew Scripture by heart.
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Seven)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur physical bodies have a defense system to keep out invaders. Spiritually, how well do we maintain our defenses against error and contamination?
Attributes of the Eagle
Sermonette by Christian D. HunterThe eagle is a magnificent awe-inspiriting creature God uses to illustrate His relationship with His people, portraying protection, deliverance, and renewal.
Pillars in the Temple of God
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingChrist says He will make those who overcome 'pillar[s] in the temple of My God.' The pillars of a building support its roof and the structure as a whole.
Keep Your Heart With All Diligence!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChrist does not remove His people's trials, but He provides help for those going through them, using the cleansing power of the trial to heal their minds.
Praying Always (Part Six)
Article by Pat HigginsJesus' command to pray always contains the advice Christians need to strengthen their relationships with God as the return of Christ nears.
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.
Power Belongs to God (Part 1)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul knew that only through strengthening his relationship with God was he able to both abound and be abased. When we are in trouble, we need to contact God first.
Proverbs 31 and the Wife of Christ (Part One)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerRevelation 19 and Proverbs 31 teach that the bride's value, strength, and virtue come entirely from God, yet must be lived out through righteous action.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe fault of the Old Covenant was with the hearts of the people. Christ took it upon Himself to amend the fault enabling us to keep the commandments.
God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFalse doctrines cut people off from a wholesome relationship with God. Doctrinal purity is measured according to how one emulates Christ.
Courage and the Dog Soldier
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordThough we are surrounded and buffeted by numerous difficulties and trials, God is always faithful to provide what we need to endure and overcome them.
Power Belongs to God (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhere does real power reside? All power has its source in God—and not just the kind of power we typically think of.
Sin (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTrue Christianity is no cakewalk into eternal life, but a life and death struggle against our flesh, the world, and a most formidable spirit adversary.