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Godly Regret
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWorldly sorrow is superficial and unproductive, while godly sorrow yields not only repentance, but also a bumper crop of the fruits of God's Holy Spirit.
Facing Times of Stress: Hopeless Regrets
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt sometimes appears that people outside the church have fewer problems and anxieties, having been spared Satan's onslaught of temptation and deception.
Repentance: The Genuine Article (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue repentance involves pain, particularly emotional pain. To repent is wrenching to the psyche. It really hurts because it is difficult to do.
What Would You Do With a Second Chance?
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasHow often have we wished we could live some part of our lives over again to correct a wrong? God gives us multiple chances to change our character for the better.
A Contrite Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe contrite or brokenhearted person finds special favor with God, and a humble or contrite spirit is indeed a precursor to forgiveness and spiritual healing.
True or False Guilt?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingWe must be able to separate genuine guilt, which is the spiritual equivalent of pain, from false guilt when we call into question God's forgiveness.
Repentance and Righteousness (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNothing happens in our lives (including repentance) until God initiates it. A change of heart, by God's Holy Spirit, results in a total change of direction.
The Good Ol' Days
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityMany try to run away from the pessimistic view of the future by retreating into the past, a nostalgic participation in the 'good old days.'
Psalm Genres (Part Six): Penitential Psalms
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThis lesson explains that Penitential Psalms focus on the deep human experience of guilt and God's transformative response to it: while guilt is painful and stems from sin, God uses it to lead people toward repentance, forgiveness, and restoration through faith in Jesus Christ. These psalms—especially Psalm 51, along with Psalm 6 and Psalm 32—model heartfelt confession, reliance on divine mercy, and the necessity of inner change rather than mere outward ritual. They portray sin as an internal affliction that brings spiritual and even physical distress, but also emphasize the joy and freedom that come when one humbly confesses, seeks God's grace, and is restored to a right relationship with Him, resulting in a renewed life marked by obedience, gratitude, and praise.
The Attitude of Esau
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaWe are warned not to take these privileges and responsibilities as shallowly as Esau, who took something that was holy and treated it as common.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Five)
Sermon by David F. MaasTo escape Babylon, we must embrace God's work ethic, choosing to serve rather than be served, endeavoring to give extra measure and go the second mile.
Are You Living An Illusion?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsReligious narcissists, who identify with the servant who received ten talents, cherry-pick Scripture to enhance their self-love and support their views.
An Exhortation for Young Adults
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Wisdom is not a trait valued or acquired by youth, but takes second place to strength, beauty, or fun. We get too soon old and too late smart.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Forty): Ecclesiastes 12:1-14
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEcclesiastes 12:1-14 emphasizes the brevity and the progressively harder difficulties of life and urges youth to seek God before the decline of old age.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon Without Becoming Assimilated (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasThere are three basic causes for discontentment and three strategies to contentment, enabling us to emulate the apostle Paul's content state of mind.