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Hidden Anger (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAnger can be godly, as it is an emotion created by God, and in the right circumstances, it is appropriate and even necessary. The Bible reveals God being angry and wrathful at times, and we can be sure that His anger is always in the right proportion and always appropriate, motivated by love rather than anger itself. A person in God's image is one who is angry on the right grounds, in the right manner, at the right moment, for the right length of time, and with the right words and actions. The godly purpose of anger is to consume and destroy its target utterly, with the target being sin, not people, though sometimes people get caught in it. The safest target for our anger is our own sin, something that can and should be destroyed.
Anger: Spiritual Drano®
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasAnger, as a godly characteristic, mirrors an aspect of God's own nature, for the Bible frequently speaks of His anger or wrath flaring out at sin, likened to a whirlwind in Jeremiah 30:23-24. Since we are created in the image and likeness of God, He expects us to express anger as part of His character within us. God Almighty anticipates that we call upon a supply of anger for a vital and necessary purpose, using it in a proper, godly way when the situation demands it. Just as God is slow to anger, as noted in Psalm 145:8, and uses it cautiously, we too must treat anger as a controlled substance with a specific purpose, being slow to anger as advised in Proverbs 16:32. God cannot tolerate sin, refusing to coexist with it, and He intends for us to blaze with white-hot anger at the sin in our lives, directing our fury at the thoughts and behaviors that harm us. God expects us to use godly indignation to flush out our sins, displacing complacency, for where anger exists, complacency cannot, allowing repentance to enter. As Paul writes in II Corinthians 7:11, godly sorrow produces diligence, clearing, indignation, fear, vehement desire, zeal, and vindication, proving ourselves clear in the matter.
Anger (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe world is growing increasingly angry, a trend that sadly permeates even God's church, reflecting a common trait of human nature. Anger, whether hidden and smoldering or openly explosive, is among the most destructive works of the flesh, tearing at relationships and the fabric of the church. In Ephesians 4:26-27, the apostle Paul addresses this issue with four principles: 'be angry,' 'do not sin,' 'do not let the sun go down on your wrath,' and 'nor give place to the devil.' Paul commands believers to be angry in certain respects, but never in a sinful manner or out of control, emphasizing that there is a right kind of anger. This righteous anger is a capacity within humans to be stirred by certain injustices, as seen in the Old Testament with Moses' anger at Pharaoh and in the Psalms against cruel injustices. Jesus Christ Himself demonstrated this when He expressed anger towards the Pharisees and drove out the moneychangers from the Temple with righteous indignation, always directing His anger at sin, not people, and remaining under the control of God's Spirit. God's anger, similarly, is constructive and solution-oriented, always under His supreme intelligence and perspective, as evidenced by numerous references to the wrath of God in both the Old and New Testaments. Paul urges believers to be angry against sin and evil, echoing the Psalmist's call to hate evil if one loves the Lord. He warns against the moral indifference of the world, where people have become past feeling, unable to react with indignation to sin. This failure to feel moral anger is a sign of godlessness and moral bankruptcy, a condition Paul exhorts the church to reject by stirring themselves up against iniquity. Jesus Christ exemplified this duty to be angry at sin, showing that such anger is not only permissible but necessary when it aligns with God's perspective.
Anger (Part Two)
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.
The Wrath of Man
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaRighteous anger is unselfish. Sinful anger occurs when our desires, ambitions, or demands are not met, always focusing on satisfying the self.
Be Angry and Do Not Sin
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaRighteous anger is controlled, short-lived and unselfish, while unrighteous anger is uncontrolled, selfish, hard-hearted, and likely to foster bitterness.
How Emotions Affect Spiritual Maturity
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod displays emotions, but they are always under control, unlike mankind. Using God's Spirit, we can grow into emotional (not emotionless) spiritual maturity.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Withered Hand (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWhen Jesus healed the man with the withered hand, He was closely watched by the Pharisees, yet He did not hesitate to heal on the Sabbath.
The Wrath of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLove motivates the two intrinsic parts of God's holy character—goodness and severity, as He seeks to rescue humanity from the consequences of sin.
The Great Divide
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityResentment unresolved can make us physically and spiritually sick. It raises havoc with our nervous system as well as jeopardizes our salvation.
The Goodness and Severity of God
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)On the heels of destruction will come the forces of reconciliation. The forces of destruction and construction will appear to be virtually simultaneous.
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.
Matthew (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe word 'blessed' in the Beatitudes means happy from within, not dependent on circumstances. It comes from having God's spirit and hope for the future.
The Two Witnesses (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's truth may bring about sadness, astonishment, anger, and bitterness to the one delivering the message. James and John were types of the Two Witnesses.
Suffering Disgrace For Christ's Name
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe can always expect new challenges, including persecution, and must never be content with standing still, but must press on to spiritual maturity.
The Two Witnesses (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe first major concern of the Two Witnesses will be directed to the church rather than to the world at large, expunging worldliness out of the church.
Lamentations (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Lamentations 3, the narrator finally convinces Lady Jerusalem that her own sins have caused her necessary punishment and affliction by God.
Wasted Energy
CGG Weekly by John ReissThis world is plunging down a runaway elevator, and all my frustrations will not slow it down by even one floor! How can we use this energy positively?
The Fruit of Repentance
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe may feel sorry or even guilty when we sin, but have we actually repented? The Scriptures show that true repentance produces these seven, distinct fruits.