Overcoming (Part 1): Self-Deception
Bible Study by StaffGod desires us to overcome our human nature and grow, but we tend to place major hurdles in the way of accomplishing this. Here are impediments to overcoming.
The Sin of Self-Deception
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn our relationship with God, we must emphasize principle over pragmatism. If we are led into deception, it is because our carnal nature wanted it that way.
The Truth About Deception (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeSatan is capable of much greater complexity than man is. Still, we can envision how Satan deceives by considering some of the strategies in the world around us.
Deceptions of the End Time
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughOur world is full of lies, and many are ignorant of just how much deceit is out there. The best way to resist deception is being convicted of the truth.
Overcoming (Part 3): Self-Righteousness
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsOn the heels of self-deception and self-justification often comes self-righteousness. This obstacle to overcoming occurs when we set our own standards rather than God's.
Overcoming (Part 9): Self-Exaltation
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsSelf-exaltation was one of the sins that got Satan in trouble. Conversely, we are to humble ourselves so God can exalt us in due time.
The False Christ Deception
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA new lie alleges that a tomb has been found with the remains of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and their alleged son Judah. It may undermine the faith of many.
Overcoming (Part 2): Self-Justification
Bible Study by StaffA great impediment to overcoming our sins is self-justification. We tend to excuse ourselves for what we do, and this only makes it harder to become like God.
The Heart's Self-Absorption
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughII Timothy 3:1-5 contains 19 characteristics of carnality. The common denominator is self-absorption and pride, placing the self above others.
Preventing Deception
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReligious hucksters use the bait of self-gratification, selling non-essential or even heretical ideas. The elect resist deception by knowing the real article.
Patterns of Resistance (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Joseph B. BaityIt is natural, as age increases, for a person to feel the end creeping up on him or her, and we begin asking how, when, where, and what is to be our end.
Who Is the 'God of This World'? (Part Two)
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeAs Moses had to veil his luminous face, so, metaphorically, the God of this age mercifully blinds carnal individual for now because light hurts their eyes.
Strangers to the Truth (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordIn any sin, deceit is involved. Society considers lying as a whole to be harmless. Everyone does it, so it must be okay, right?
The Seven Churches: Laodicea
Bible Study by StaffThe church of the Laodiceans is today's prevalent attitude. Is there hope? Can a Laodicean be in God's Kingdom?
Patterns of Resistance (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Joseph B. BaityA vicious circle begins with elevating ourselves in relation to God, which leads to our failure to submit. Separated from God, we then lie to ourselves, neglecting any opportunity for repentance.
The Vetting
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWe must take a closer look at ourselves, inviting God into the vetting process, recognizing the difference between what we are and how we present ourselves.
A Disagreement With the Truth
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityGod alone possesses truth and we must seek this truth as we would seek precious gems. Pride could be described as disagreement with the truth.
Living By Faith and Human Pride
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod wants us to walk—live our lives—by faith, but our pride and vanity frequently get in the way. Critically, pride causes us to reject God and His Word.
Pride, Humility, and the Day of Atonement
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAtonement, when we are commanded to afflict our souls, is a time of self-evaluation and repentance. This is the only way to have real unity with God.
Is Ignorance Truly Bliss?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeDavid Grabbe, examining the saying, "ignorance is bliss," implying that a measure of peace may come to us if we do not know something that might be disturbing, cautions us that this ignorance is dangerous when it comes to the spiritual preparation of self-examination before the Passover. Self-evaluation is foundational …
What Does God Really Want? (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, using the term "malignant narcissism" (from M. Scott Peck's book "People Of The Lie") to describe the blind Laodicean pride which denies our inherent sinfulness and imperfection by means of clever self-decptive quibbling and equivocation. Accepting one of the most pernicious gifts of …
Pride, Contention, and Unity
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe sin of pride underlies many of our other sins, and it is often the reason for the contentions we get into as brethren.
Being Deceived
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaChrist warned that many would be deceived, though no one ever admits to being deceived. The Bible warns of deceptions from within and without the church.
What's Your Function?
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityJoseph Baity, reflecting on Marcellus,' oft-quoted pronouncement from Shakespeare's Hamlet, "something rotten in the state of Denmark," suggests that this aphorism has served as a shorthand for political corruption and intrigue in our culture. In scanning the Internet, one finds impelling substantiation for this …
Living by Faith: Human Pride
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur human nature is pure vanity with a heart that is desperately deceitful and wicked, motivated by self-centeredness, a deadly combination for producing sin.
Conspiracy Theory (Part Two)
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reminding us that political conspiracies have always been a part of our culture, citing four successful assassinations of Presidents and one resignation of a President forced out by a sinister political conspiracy, indicates that these conniving plots and schemes will crescendo to the time of the end when they …
The Ninth Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe world is so full of lying and other forms of deceit that 'bearing false witness' has become a way of life for the vast majority of humanity.
The Commandments (Part Eighteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughA community can only be established upon a foundation of stability and truth. Our relationships must be based upon God's truth, producing faithfulness.
Take the Red Pill
Sermonette by Bill OnisickIf we were to consciously monitor our thoughts, we would be appalled about the percentage of our day that we are exclusively wrapped up in ourselves.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChrist cautions the Pergamos congregation to shun the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. The Church suffers when it harbors those who compromise and offend.
Satan (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan uses lies and disinformation to promote self-satisfaction over obedience to God. The way to the kingdom is through self-denial, even suffering unjustly.
The Beatitudes, Part Two: Poor in Spirit
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhat is it to be poor in spirit? This attribute is foundational to Christian living. Those who are truly poor in spirit are on the road to true spiritual riches.
