Service: A Key to Spiritual Success
Article by William GrayHave we lost the fire for God and His way that we we once had? If we have, we need to reconsider our basic commitments, and one of those is service.
Life Is Service (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA culture of slavery pervaded life in the early Christian church, forcing Paul to pen instructions accommodating this practice in the context of love.
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.
Christian Service
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough selfless service is not valued today, it is at the core of God's character and a trait we must emulate to go to a higher level of Christian living.
Life Is Service (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the American mindset does not feel inclined to serve, outgoing service to others yields the maximum joy and fulfillment one can possibly attain.
Philip the Witness
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingTed Bowling, recollecting a conversation with his late mother about the identity of Philip, the individual who ministered to the Ethiopian eunuch, affirmed that this same Philip was one of the first seven deacons chosen to serve the neglected Grecian widows, providing sorely needed administrative relief. These men were chosen …
Precious Human Treasures
Article by StaffWe live in a youth-oriented culture. Once a person grays and wrinkles, he is essentially pushed to the margins of society, but this should not happen in the church of God! The elderly have a great deal to offer—if we will only pay attention.
Lydia
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingTed Bowling, focusing on a woman known for her hospitality (Acts 16:13-16), reveals that she was evidently a wealthy woman, probably a widow, who used her business acumen to trade in costly royal or imperial purple dye extracted from the glands of shellfish. She had a large house with children and servants, capable of hosting a …
Hur (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by John ReissOur faithfulness has an effect on our offspring. Could it be that God chose Bezalel to build the Tabernacle because of Hur's loyalty to Him?
Another Look at Footwashing
Article by Bill Keesee (1935-2010)Many consider the footwashing at Passover merely as a ritual to remind us of the need to serve one another. But it teaches another godly attribute: forgiveness.
John (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe humble attitude exemplified by Jesus in footwashing shows the mind of God. God expects us to follow Christ's example of loving others, flaws and all.
Parable of the Talents (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWhile the Parable of the Ten Virgins highlights preparation for Christ's return, the Parable of the Talents portrays Christians engaged in profitable activity.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Nine): Conclusion (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThere must be something to prove we are one with Christ and in union with the Father and the Son. That something is the manner in which we conduct our life.
Sand Ramblers
Sermonette by James BeaubelleJames Beaubelle, insisting that there is nothing passive in the way God deals with His people and His creation, asserts that the God of the Bible was and is actively involved in the lives of His people with the expectation that they become active also. The command to love our God with all our hearts and our neighbors as …
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, reflecting on the exploration of Lewis and Clark, asks whether we would have what it takes to help in the exploration, such as having health, strength, courage, motivation, observant, patient, and enduring hardships. Our trek to the Kingdom of God requires just as much vigor as Lewis and Clark's explorers. …
What Type of Leader Are You?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJesus Christ did not teach the pyramid model of leadership, where successive levels of leaders provide direction to those in the lesser ranks. He served.
Church Unity Despite the Spirit of the World
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe unity of God's church does not derive from organizational expertise, the conformity of ecumenism, or the tolerance for evil, but from the family model.
Rejoice in God's Feast
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod can take satisfaction that He is doing the right thing, and thus His rejoicing can even come from painful judgments. Sarcificing and rejoicing are linked.
Serving Others
Sermonette by James BeaubelleNeither 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.
Faithful Stephen
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, reflecting on an administrative decision about care of the widows in the early Church (mentioned in Acts 6:1), suggests that dual languages and dual cultures (Greek and Hebrew) led to at a perceived "double standard" in the way welfare was distributed to Jewish and Hellenistic widows. The solution was …
Wilderness Wandering (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are being fitted as lively stones into an already formed Kingdom, being conformed to the image of Christ, who has been designated as the Cornerstone.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Four): The Peace Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe peace (or thank) offering was the most commonly given in ancient Israel. It pictures God, the priest, and the offerer in satisfying fellowship.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHas anyone, other than Jesus Christ, really exhibited self-control? In the end, however, this is the ultimate aim of growing in the character of God.
Preparing to Be a Priest
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe primary function of a priest is to assist people in accessing God so that there can be unity with God. A priest is a bridge-builder between man and God.
The Ultimate Gift
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerIn this heart-to-heart sermon, Mark Schindler observes that the world at large has no clue to what God is doing—creating all people in His image. The Feast of Tabernacles provides an opportunity for God's called-out ones to learn to appreciate what He is doing in their lives and to examine the experiences He creates to …
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe meal offering represents the intense self-sacrifice required in service to man. Our service to man must be done for God's sake rather than man's appreciation.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe meal offering represents the second Great Commandment, love toward fellow man. Our service to others requires much grinding self-sacrifice and surrender.
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.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughTrue greatness does not come from dominance but from serving with the attitude of a slave. Willingness to sacrifice self is the secret to success.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe belief that America was or is a Christian nation cannot be supported by the facts. The world, governed by Satan, hates Christ's true followers.
What Has Happened to Deference?
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughDeference is a foundational virtue. It reveals one's humility—that he is thoughtfully aware of others and seeking to serve them even in insignificant ways.
Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part Four): Favor to Live as God Lives
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe earn God's favor by obedience; there is a direct tie between submission to His will and His favor. The more one submits, the more favor and grace accrues.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMuch of Protestantism misconstrues the significance of the New Covenant as a 'free pass into Heaven' without paying attention to the Law within the Covenant.
God Gives Grace to the Humble
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGenuine humility is one of the most elusive characteristics a person can attain. It consists of of self-respect accompanied by a genuine desire to serve.
It Takes a Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, citing the African Proverb, 'It takes a village' asserts that this principle more aptly applies to the church, specifically designed to serve as a support for those in need. In this era of 'going it alone' or 'cocooning,' we as a people like to be self-sufficient without any support from others. Consequently …
Advice to Kings
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingDeuteronomy is so important that God commands it to be read every seven years. Internalizing it ensures the humility required to become a servant leader.
The Priesthood of God (Part Ten) Conclusion
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs future priests, we are going to be given rigorous, hands-on jobs to teach people righteousness and holiness, distinguishing between the sacred and profane.
Camouflage and Salvation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan has provided what appear to be plausible alternatives to Christ's sacrifice for salvation, like service, positive changes, and right thinking.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Two): The Burnt Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe burnt offering is completely consumed on the altar. This type of offering teaches us about Christ's total dedication to God—and how we should emulate it.
Before Honor Is Humility: The Story of Andrew
Article by Martin G. CollinsThe apostle Andrew is a sterling example of humble service. Through Scripture contains only a little about him, his character should encourage us all.
These Things We Know
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe writings of John contain nine categories of "we know" assertions. Fully knowing consists of developing a deep intense relationship with God.
Patriotism, the Summer Soldier, and Our Times (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ was not a sunshine patriot, but sacrificed everything He had for the sake of God's people and the Kingdom of God—His holy nation.
Parable of the Unprofitable Servants
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe only way for a Christian to obtain increased faith is to manifest steadfast, persevering obedience grounded in humility with the help of God's Spirit.
Four Views of Christ (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus sets a pattern for us by serving without thought of authority, power, position, status, fame, or gain, but as a patient, enduring, faithful servant.
God and Self-Government
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe New Covenant, wherein God writes His law on the heart and gives His Spirit, empowers God's people to obey without the need for external control.