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Strangers to the Truth (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordWe often cloud the meaning of lying by using synonyms like prevaricate, mendacious, dissemble, equivocate, and obfuscate, or softer terms such as fibs, white lies, evasions, and less-than-truthful statements. Why do we attempt to obscure the act of lying? We know it is wrong, yet by calling it something else, something less overt, we question if it becomes less wrong. Our daily interactions are filled with phrases seeking affirmation of truth, like "You don't say!" or "Really?" We start sentences with "Honestly," or respond with "I hear you" and "You know what I mean?" We have grown so accustomed to lying or being lied to that we constantly seek reassurance that words, whether ours or others', hold truth.
The Whole Truth
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidThe world suffers greatly because it lacks the truth, or more completely, because even though the truth is available, most will not accept it. Many times, the entire truth never comes out as we desire to appear good, making truthful statements that do not reveal the whole truth. This trait of evading the full truth traces back to our earliest ancestors. Adam told God, "This woman You gave me made me eat the forbidden fruit," yet the deeper truth was that he knew better but chose to please his wife. Similarly, Eve said to God, "It wasn't my fault. That tricky serpent deceived me into eating it," while the real truth was her desire to be made wise and have her mind opened, leading her to take what she wanted. Avoiding the whole truth can have far-reaching consequences, as partial truths often obscure the penalties and harm that follow actions, leaving out the full impact of choices made.
Strangers to the Truth (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordJesus, in John 8:40, confronts His audience, declaring that though they claim descent from righteous Abraham, their actions betray a different lineage, as they seek to kill Him, a Man who has spoken the truth He heard from God. He asserts that Abraham did not act in such a way, revealing that their behaviors contradict their heritage. In verse 44, Our Savior further exposes the spiritual root of their deception, linking their lies and actions to the influence of satan.
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.
Truth (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOnly a converted person humbles himself before the truth, making a conscientious effort to follow the light of evidence, even to unwelcome conclusions.
Our Trusted Source of Truth (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe veracity of the Scriptures is something we can take to the bank, in essence our only protection against the torrent of deception we face today.
A Search For Christmas Truth?
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughRejecting the Sabbath or embracing Christmas requires rejecting fundamental biblical truths. If we do not do what Christ did, we cannot claim to follow Christ.
The Victim: Truth
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have come to expect mudslinging and attack ads during presidential campaigns. Centuries of such campaigns have produced mean-spirited attacks on candidates.
Why Liberals Love Illegals (Part Four)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Demonic influence seems to be guiding the decision to court the favor of Islamic extremists, with the Attorney General forbidding profiling of Islamists.
Changing the Narrative
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWe must remain separate from the world, keeping a safe distance from the satanic intrigue served out by the media, trusting only in the pure word of God.
National False Witness
CGG Weekly by John O. ReidLying has become so normal that we just expect it. Worse, we can slip into the mode of living with it and even unconsciously participating in it.
Suppressed Archaeology (Part One)
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsSeveral groups have questioned the bias of the Smithsonian Institute for suppressing records of pre-Columbus exploration and inhabiting of North America.
Part of the Narrative
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughNarratology posits the existence of a contract between author and reader to adhere to a predisposed belief system with fixed rules and explanations.
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.
Deception by Silence
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThose who are obeying Christ's command to 'watch therefore, and pray always' should not be so naïve as to trust any one source for news of the world.
The Ninth Commandment
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must embody truth as did Jesus Christ, absolutely refusing to bear false witness in our words, our behavior, and our cumulative reputation.
Are You an Israelite?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMost of ancient Israel, because of their hardened hearts, did not please God. We must reflect on the the ways they stumbled so we can walk differently.
Why Do You Believe What You Believe?
Sermonette by Craig SablichWhy are we taking ten days out of our lives, putting 10% of our income aside, bringing ourselves to a vacation mecca but seemingly not doing whatever we want?
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPurpose-driven churches experience exponential growth through tolerating any belief. These churches would sacrifice any doctrine if it stands in the way of growth.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOutcome-based religion holds large membership as its measure of success, believing that the ends justify the means. It avoids doctrine that might divide.
Dancing With the Devil's World
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Unlike most Millennials, obsessed with acceptance by their peers, Jesus did not mind being a loner because He loved the things His Father taught.
Everlasting Light
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod's Spirit illumines the truth to the core of our beings. We must exemplify light in our testimony and behavior, anticipating our future glory of the New Jerusalem.