The Purpose of Offerings
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Pastor General of a well-known church made a statement that turned the giving of offerings into a competition and a rich man's game. Is this God's intent?
Supernatural Gifts
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerIn Deuteronomy 16:16, we are commanded to appear three times a year with an offering, with an offering pertaining to each holy day. In verse 17, the qualification about using judgment is added, denoting acquiring a proper attitude. This is not a popularity contest, comparing oneself to others, nor is it attempting to bribe God …
Assessment Now, Judgment Later!
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, cautioning us to properly value the infinite blessings that God has given us, warns that underestimating God's gifts can lead us to undervalue the spiritual or overvalue the physical. Esau, despised his birthright, preferring a bowl of lentils to placate his stomach; Lot's wife, preferring material prosperity, …
Time Management
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaA time management seminar teaches that unless we put large rocks (priorities) in a container first, the container will inevitably fill up with trivia.
Grateful For Reconciliation
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must remember what we were and how far God has brought us out of that place, pulled out of the muck and brought into His glory.
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughBy studying eating in the experiences of those in the Bible, we plumb a deep well of instruction from which we can draw vital lessons to help us through life.
Offerings and Taxes
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, comparing the tax systems devised by human governments with God's offerings, observes that mankind's tax laws are intricate, while God's system of offerings are straightforward. Deuteronomy 16:16 does not specify the exact amount of the offering, but does ask us to make a thoughtful recollection of the …
A Motivation for Giving
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting on offertory sermonettes he has heard in the past, many of which seemed to emphasize that people were not sacrificing enough for the work, explores other motivations for giving. When Paul attempted to motivate the Corinthians (a wealthy congregation which had received spiritual gifts), he compared …
What Is There to Be Thankful for Today?
CGG Weekly by John O. Reid (1930-2016)We find it difficult to retain a positive, thankful attitude these days, but we should always offer thanksgiving to God, especially in times like these.
The Awesome Cost of Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe assess costs and values all the time in our daily lives. We should employ the same process to God's love for us in giving His Son as the sacrifice for sin.
Nothing Is More Important
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughGod is not hiding; mankind is ignoring. Man's disregard is largely a deliberate choice, driven by skewed priorities that place no value on a relationship with God.
Priceless
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause it happened so long ago, Christ's sacrifice is often not as real to His modern disciples as it needs to be. For some of us, it is reduced to mere fact.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews clarifies that the persecution on the early church did not come directly from God, but He did stir the pot that caused the persecution.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reminding us that remaining or abiding in Christ's word separates us from everybody else, exhorts us to treasure and appreciate the truth we have. Ezekiel prophetically warns Israelites today of imminent cultural collapse because of godly leadership. America, sadly, has never been a Christian nation; the hearts …
Studying the Bible
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)Bible study provides a personal means of attaining the mind of God, growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Money: A Gauge of Character
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughIf God cannot trust a person to properly handle a small amount of money, He will not give him responsibility over more crucial matters.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe frightful conditions during the 1st century are typical of the times ahead. To weather these circumstances, we need the encouragement of Hebrews.
Supreme Permanence and Value
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, reflecting that precious stones are highlighted in Scripture 26 times, focuses on the stones in the New Jerusalem referenced in Revelation 21:9ff The 12 precious stones radiate pure light. When precious stones are the recipients of polarized light, all colors of the rainbow are generated (anisotrophic) or they go …
Christ Our Passover
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe focus of our self-examination should not be self-centered or comparing ourselves with others, but on the awesome significance of His sacrifice.
All in All (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe end of the sanctification process is when Christ will have defeated all enemies and put all things under His feet. Then, God the Father will be all in all.
What Happens Next
Sermonette by Ryan McClureRyan McClure, acknowledging that self-reflection over our own spiritual progress (perhaps without seeing any progress) has potentially a negative effect, avers that we should understand self-reflection as a God-given tool to produce abundant spiritual fruit. The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 teaches that God requires a …
The Fear of God (Part Four)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe fear of God is the first line of defense, keeping us from profaning God's name, tarnishing the image of the Lord, and defending us from pain and/or death.
The Importance of Appreciation
CGG Weekly by John ReissIn addition to thanking God for all He does, it is a godly principle to take time to consider the kind acts of others and let them know we appreciate them.
Loyalty to the Body
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWhen we consider the value of our calling, we must look at Paul's warning about discerning the Body more soberly, maintaining our loyalty to the Body.
In Honor of Jesus Christ
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughIt is our responsibility to glorify God. As obedient children, we bring Him honor; as disobedient children, we bring shame on Him and blaspheme His name.
Patriotism, the Summer Soldier, and Our Times (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn terms of patriotism to God's Kingdom, Jesus set the standard higher than anyone else, sacrificing His life for everyone, even before the Father called them.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Eleven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of the Talents teaches the need for diligence in using the gifts of God. God expects us to use our talents to His glory and in the service of others.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod wants us to use wisdom to change ourselves, humbly replacing our perspective with His perspective. God gives wisdom as a component of His grace.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 13)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCommitment to a course of action is essential for physical or spiritual success. Faith motivates and sustains right action, protecting us from the yo-yo like fits of starting and stopping. Shallow or incomplete faith is contrasted with complete or mature faith. Our simple faith must transform into mature or enduring faith, which …