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God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part One): Sower and Seed
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe 'kingdom of heaven' is commonly interpreted to describe the church, but in the first four parables of Matthew 13, it has a clearer application: Israel.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Two): The Parable of the Sower
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn the first parable of the sower, the quality of the various soils upon which the seed of the gospel falls determines whether or not there is growth.
Parable of the Sower
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWhen the gospel of the coming Kingdom of God is preached in all the world, the ears that hear it are not always receptive of this priceless knowledge.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 1): The Mustard Seed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible, in both parables and prophecies, interprets itself and remains consistent in its use of symbols. We cannot arbitrarily attach meaning to symbols.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Four): The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Mustard Seed parable is commonly interpreted as an illustration of church growth. However, rightly dividing the word of truth shows a sobering reality.
Like a Growing Seed (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughLike its physical counterpart, spiritual growth happens slowly. A newly baptized Christian will not produce the fruit of the spirit as easily as a mature one.
Seedtime and Harvest
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsLike the farmer waiting patiently for the rains, we must wait patiently for the yield of the implanted seed, the fruit God will harvest from us.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part One): Introduction
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsMatthew 13 contains more parables than any other chapter in the Gospels. They are related in theme and organized to teach Christians specific lessons.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Three): The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsBible students do not often consider Christ's parables to contain intrigue, but His Parable of the Wheat and the Tares has its share!
The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Five): The Parable of the Leaven
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsMost commentators see this parable as a positive message of the growth of the church. However, deeper study shows that they have it exactly backward!
The Parable of the Wheat and Tares
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFor every pure thing God has created, Satan has manufactured a counterfeit, even passing himself off as an angel of light. He is the master imitator.
God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Three): Hidden Treasure
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeIn Matthew 13, the hidden treasure the man finds provides the spiritual solution to the leaven - corruption - the woman hides in the three measures of meal.
Without a Parable
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Christ's judgments are made according to what each person has been given. We need to internalize this practice of evaluating, especially regarding a brother.
Weeds!
Article by Mike FordWe must weed out detrimental habits that choke our lives. If we want to produce quality fruit, we must weed our garden.
Amending the Soil
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the Parable of the Sower, Christ describes different qualities of soil. We must respond properly to the implantation of the seed—the word of God.
Listen Carefully (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaIt is vital for Christians to establish an attitude and habit of hearing. Of particular importance is our responsibility to listen to Jesus Christ.
Hear the Word
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerWe must invest as much energy into understanding the messages as went into preparing them, regardless of the idiosyncrasies of those delivering them.
Aim for Productivity
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWe must strive to bear spiritual fruit efficiently and productively. Material well-being is not as good a measure of fruitfulness as is the use of God's gifts.
Of Living Dogs and Dead Lions
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloGuilt from failure to overcome is a dangerous distraction. When we consider God's profound pity, we realize that He is able to cleanse us, too.
Controlling the Weeds
Sermonette by Mike FordThe entangling cares of the world draw off nutrients from our spiritual garden. Without daily tending, the spiritual weeds get out of control.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Seven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe letters to the seven churches of Revelation warn of losing our first love, heeding false teachers, compromising God's Truth, and forgetting right doctrine.
Is Your Eye Single?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughIf our goal is wrong, our entire being will be off. Our first priority is to be loyal to God, casting aside all distractions and other interests.
Matthew (Part Eighteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIf we ask God for protection from demonic influence, we cannot sit back passively; Satan always counterattacks. Evil must be displaced with good.
Responding to God's Pruning Is Not Passive (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasBriars, thistles, thorns, and weeds are visible emblems of sin or its consequences, which we must pull up by the roots for the balance of our physical life.
Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidGod's calling and predestination can be confusing, especially the verse that 'many are called, but few are chosen'. Why does God not just choose everyone?
Spiritual Maturity
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom parables allude to the process of spiritual maturity, depicting a planted and cultivated seed becoming a sprout, eventually bearing fruit.
Simplify Your Life!
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe waste a lot of time on foolish pursuits, procrastination, and distractions. Getting control of our time is foundational for seeking God's Kingdom.
Lessons From Roots (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeFruit is not produced immediately; it is produced only when a plant is both mature and stable enough that mere survival is no longer its top priority.
Ears to Hear
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamAs we hear instructions, we must apply those principles to our lives immediately. We are responsible for what we hear, and consequently, we must take heed.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Six): Listening
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhen Solomon visits the Temple, he comes away with a sense that too many treat religion far too casually, forgetting that they are coming before God.
Listening
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBiblical listening is not just hearing, but active understanding and responding, leading to changed behavior. Not hearing is tantamount to rebellion.
The Christian and the World (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHaving anxiety, foreboding and fretting about food, clothing, and shelter, or being distressed about the future, demonstrates a gross lack of faith.
Patience
Sermonette by James BeaubelleBecause none of us know when Christ will return, we must ask God for patience for the changes that work to build our future in the Kingdom of God.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ecclesiastes deals with quality of life issues for those who have been called, emphasizing responsibility and choice, continually fearing God.
The Unknown Deadline
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeGod gives His elect two unknown deadlines: Christ's return and the Christian's lifespan. They focus His people on becoming spiritually rich toward God.
Intimacy with Christ (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must fight against the world's pulls (including advertising), simplifying our lives, seeking quiet to meditate and build a relationship with God.
The Endurance of the Firstfruits (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Parable of the Sower and the Seed exemplifies a number things that can happen to prevent us from having a place in God's spiritual harvest.
Dominion and Leaven (Part One)
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeDominion theology holds that the church's responsibility is to spread God's Kingdom around the world, but it misunderstands the Parable of Leaven.
Magic Doesn't Work (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMagic is always used as some kind of weapon, but not to build or develop moral strength or character. God chooses a life-long process of sanctification.