Islands and Offenses
'Ready Answer' by StaffAs much as we wish our church congregations could get along peacefully, Jesus tells us that, sadly, offenses must come (Luke 17:1).
The Defense Against Offense
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Bible states that offenses will come. Here are ways to handle offenses and keep minor irritations from growing into bitterness.
Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus teaches us how to deal with offenses and sins against us in this parable, focusing on our attitude of forgiveness because of being forgiven ourselves.
The Prisoners
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloAustin Del Castillo maintains that the reason we are here is to learn our part in God's plan to reconcile the whole of mankind to Himself. We need to get to know God in order that we feel like Him, think like Him, and act like Him. Without Jesus Christ's atonement, we would be part of the walking dead. God forgives us more than …
The Prisoner
'Ready Answer' by Austin Del CastilloWe tend to work at cross-purposes to God, imprisoning ourselves and others in our adversarial relationships. The key to our cell is true forgiveness.
A Root of Bitterness
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOnly by letting go of the poisonous root of bitterness can we become like our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father.
Sins in the Balance (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeForgiveness is not a feeling that washes over us, but a conscious choice. It does not mean that the offense will never come to mind, nor that all the pain vanishes.
The Elder Brother
'Prophecy Watch' by Ted E. BowlingIn the Prodigal Son, most people dwell on the relationship between the prodigal and his father. However, the elder brother has much to teach us as well.
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
Sermonette by Bill OnisickMercy eclipses any kind of sacrifice one may offer, triumphing over judgement. The leaven of the Pharisees consists of prideful, hypocritical, merciless judgment.
A True Disciple
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaWe must exercise longsuffering and kindness to all, including to those that have done ill to us. We are disciples of Christ if we love one another.
'Sons of God?'
Sermonette by Bill OnisickGod gave Jesus Christ to us to restore peace, reconciliation, and harmony with God. In the Beatitudes, the peacemakers are called 'sons of God.'
Godly Tact and Diplomacy
Article by David F. MaasHumans are very adept at causing offense. But as Christians, we must learn the art of tact and diplomacy that works toward unity among the brethren.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur forgiveness from God is conditional, depending upon our forgiving others. It is an opportunity for us to extend grace, sacrificing as Christ did for us.
The Elder Brother
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingLike the older brother in the parable, we may have looked down on those who have stumbled. We are not equipped to judge anybody else's repentance.
Reacting to Criticism
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsAll have been guilty of malicious gossip; consequently, they should not become offended when they hear gossip about themselves (Ecclesiastes 7:21).
Vengeance is Mine
Sermonette by Bill OnisickChrist counsels us to love our enemies in order that we may be children of God, demonstrating not only His mercy but also our sonship by being peacemakers.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughGod's forgiveness of us is directly tied to our forgiveness of those who have sinned against us! We must reciprocate God's forgiveness by forgiving others.
Restoration and Forgiveness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt is impossible to grow spiritually in a climate of animosity and jealousy. If we use the power of God's Holy Spirit, peace will accrue as a fruit.
Go the Extra Mile
'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid (1930-2016)The Sermon on the Mount contains a explanation of what it takes to be a Christian. Matthew 5:38-42 provides the principles behind the 'above and beyond' attitude.
Anger (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe dare not let the sun go down on our wrath. Uncontrolled anger can be a major cause of mental and physical illness. We must reconcile with our adversaries.
Forbearance
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod put up with the foibles of Abraham, Samson, David, Job, and others, allowing them time to repent and build character. We need to develop this godly trait.
Blessed Are the Meek
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Paul's listings of virtues, meekness always appears near the end, reflecting its difficulty. Meekness is the gentle, quiet spirit of selfless devotion.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus contrasts the enormity of what we are forgiven to what we forgive others. Our forgiveness is directly connected with our forgiveness of our brother.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur obligation toward God mandates that we love our fellow human beings, even individuals who have severely wronged us.
The Sixth Commandment (Part One) (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur society is becoming increasingly violent. The sixth of the Ten Commandments covers crime, capital punishment, murder, hatred, revenge and war.
Stand Fast in a Changing World
Sermon by Kim MyersWe have been warned to keep alert, watching for the return of our Savior, not living in careless ease. We should be sobered by the degenerating state of the world.
The Need for Forgiveness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause it is more blessed to give than to receive, the things we desire for ourselves we should be willing to give to others, including forgiveness.
Do Unto Others and Reap What We Sow
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughReaping good fruit does not happen immediately. If we feel we are not reaping, we must consider that we might be reaping some negative things we have sown.
Joseph's Extraordinary Example
Sermon by Kim MyersJoseph was an extraordinary type of Jesus Christ. His life and character parallels Christ's in at least 16 ways, which God purposefully foreordained.
Is a Rock Just a Rock to God?
'Ready Answer' by Bill Keesee (1935-2010)God calls us 'living stones' in I Peter 2. Bill Keesee illustrates why this description is so apt view of God's work making us His jewels.
The Spiritual Mark of the Beast
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnger and hostility, driven by self-centered competitive pride constitute Satan's spiritual mark that divides nations, ethnic groups, families, and the church.
Offences Must Come
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamContrary to popular usage, the verb 'offend' indicates a transgression of a moral or divine standard. There is little room to be offended unless there is sin.
Grateful For Reconciliation
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh recounts the bitter feud which took place between two brothers, Adolph Dassler (founder of Adidas® shoes), and Rudolph Dassler (founder of Puma® shoes), stemming from a misunderstanding during a time Adolf took shelter in a bomb-shelter with his brother, who had exclaimed "Here come those dirty bastards back …
Matthew (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reiterates that Matthew 18 describes the essence of personal relationships within the church. Seven basic characteristics are emphasized, including having a childlike humble attitude, setting a proper example, exercising self-denial, individual care, using tact in correcting a person, practicing fellowship and …