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Nothing Is More Important
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughMany place little or no value on a relationship with God and therefore give only passing attention to what He says that man must do with his life. God without partiality judges according to each one's work. For everyone to whom much is given from him much will be required and to whom much has been committed of him they will ask the more. God does not show favoritism nor does He respect the honors bestowed by men. He rewards no man's heritage wealth rank position titles education or beauty. Because He does not see with a man's eyes He does not value highly what man values. He measures our heart and our works against that of His Son our Savior. What matters is how well we have done spiritually and morally with what we have been given. Those who do well will be those who value highly as precious above all gifts what they have been given to attain the Kingdom of God. Those who do well will be those who regardless of their station in life use them to serve God and mankind in order to glorify God. They will use them because they have caught a vision of their worth. The apostle Paul considered our calling a prize that he pressed toward as a goal. Peter refers to Jesus Christ's sacrificed blood as precious. Since His shed blood has been deemed by God to be sufficient to redeem the life of everyone who has ever lived on earth it is more valuable than all the lives of everyone who has ever lived or will live. First because of whose blood it was a sinless God-Man. Second because it can free us from the shackles of a pointless life that ends in death. Third because it opens the door for us to an eternity of life with joy peace and accomplishment. Wisdom is more precious than jewels and nothing you desire can compare with her. Nothing was more valuable to Jesus Christ than His relationship with His Father and fulfilling His life's purpose.
Supernatural Gifts
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerAttitude, attitude, and attitude should lead us to correctly estimate the value of God's spiritual gifts.
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?
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.
Making Good Use of God's Talent
Sermonette byBiblically, a talent has nothing to do with ability, skill, or aptitude. The Parable of the Talents goes far beyond making use of skills and abilities.
Assessment Now, Judgment Later!
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsGod commands us to set our minds on things above and not on the earthly, seeking the eternal Kingdom of God rather than perishable treasures of this world.
What Is There to Be Thankful for Today?
CGG Weekly by John O. ReidWhen appreciation is lacking the worth and value of others goes unseen. Blessings are taken for granted without thankfulness. The treasure given by God should be valued highly through thanks even amid persecution. Many blessings from God are taken for granted in this nation. Consideration of blessings leads to giving thanks.
Offerings and Taxes
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughDeuteronomy 16:16 does not specify the exact amount of the offering, but does ask us to make a thoughtful recollection of the benefits received from God.
A Motivation for Giving
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When Paul attempted to motivate the Corinthians, he compared them to the Philippians, who were more generous with what they had than the richer Corinthians.
What Does 'Discerning the Lord's Body' Mean? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Corinthians were in danger of eating and drinking judgment to themselves because they were not being partial to Christ's spiritual Body as a whole.
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.
Priceless
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's sacrifice is often not as real as it needs to be, but what He and His Father did for the elect, and ultimately, most of humanity, is priceless
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.
Worry and Seeking the Kingdom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWorry is a wired-in proclivity of carnal human nature, a response that Satan has programmed in a perpetual state of discontent and distrust in God.
Studying the Bible
Sermon by John O. ReidBible study provides a personal means of attaining the mind of God, growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
You Shall Call Your Walls Salvation
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsThe church must keep a protective wall to protect against scattering and assimilation. We can assist in building protective walls by making sacrifices.
Money: A Gauge of Character
Sermonette byIf God cannot trust a person to properly handle a small amount of money, He will not give him responsibility over more crucial matters.
Supreme Permanence and Value
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsOur offerings must reflect the radiance of Christ. Only God can assess the quality of light in the precious stones He has called.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The 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. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ezekiel prophetically warns Israelites today of imminent cultural collapse because of ungodly leadership. We must treasure and appreciate the truth we have.
The Magnificent Work of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod is always giving us more ways to examine ourselves, knowing that the gift of knowing cannot take place without His grafting us into the Vine.
Walking the Tightrope
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOur calling could be compared to tightrope walking, in which balance and proportion must be assiduously maintained and elements are in correct proportion.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The frightful conditions during the 1st century are typical of the times ahead. To weather these circumstances, we need the encouragement of Hebrews.
What Happens Next
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWhen we determine we have slipped spiritually, we need to get back up and continue overcoming rather than continuing to wallow in the muck of Babylon.
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.
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 byWhen 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.
God's Investment in You
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod wants to protect His investment in us, calling those whom He knows will exercise the zeal, and willingness to sacrifice, to complete the project.
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.
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.
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. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God wants us to use wisdom to change ourselves, humbly replacing our perspective with His perspective. God gives wisdom as a component of His grace.
How Much Would You Give Up for the Kingdom of God?
Sermon by Kim MyersWe should be willing to give up anything for the Kingdom, controlling our speech, thoughts, behaviors, and lives. We cannot grow in grace without works.
Honor Before Love
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAgape love will not occur unless we first learn to honor, esteem, and cherish God and the preciousness of Christ's sacrifice for us.