Producing Fruit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo be made clean only prepares us for producing fruit. If we stand still, simply resting on our justification, the dark forces will pull us backwards.
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.
The Cursed Tree
'Ready Answer' by Dan ElmoreJesus' cursing of the fig tree just days before His crucifixion has puzzled and even disturbed Bible readers for centuries, as it just does not seem to be something our Savior would do. However, Dan Elmore resolves this seeming contradiction by framing Christ's actions as a pointed object lesson that we would do well to take to …
The Vinedresser - Revisited
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaClyde Finklea revisits the interpretation of John 15:2 , which reads in most translations, "every branch that does not bear fruit, He takes way." This is assumed by many to mean "get rid of." Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, in his book, The Secrets of the Vine, explains that "takes away" should be more …
Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, Jesus does not attribute tragedy directly to any person's sins as the Jews did; instead, He affirms the sinfulness of everyone.
A Time to Grow
Sermonette by Ryan McClureHorticulture is not so easy as merely planting a seed and watching it grow. Tending and keeping implies continually watering, fertilizing, and cultivating.
Lessons From Roots (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeImagine a man studying the Bible for two hours a day. But if he then spends his other waking hours watching cartoons, he will derive little benefit from study.
The Vinedresser
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaJohn 15:2 may seem to say that the Vinedresser cuts off every barren branch, but the Greek behind "takes away" shows something else. Here is what God does.
Weeds!
Article by Mike FordDrawing an analogy between kudzu and the thorns in the Parable of the Sower, Mike Ford shows how we have to "weed out" detrimental habits that choke our lives. If we want to produce quality fruit, we must weed the garden!
Parable of the Sower
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsGod spreads His Word liberally among the world's people. Besides God's direct involvement in converting people, the difference between one growing in it and another "dying on the vine" is the soil in which the Word is planted, explained in Jesus' Parable of the Sower.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Hebrews is a must-read for all members of God's church who seek the key for spiritual growth through a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.
Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen
'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid (1930-2016)God'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?
Hebrews (Part Fourteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWithout a meaningful relationship with Christ, God's people cannot possibly bear fruit. Our responsibility is to yield to God's creative work in our lives.
Five Easily Neglected Doctrines
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHere are five easily neglected doctrines, which, if carelessly observed or distorted, could jeopardize the salvation of God's people.
Hebrews (Part Ten): Chapters 1 and 2
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod created angels as ministering spirits to take care of the heirs of salvation. The Bible is filled with examples of angels rescuing God's people from harm.
Don't Stand Still!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh shows that the Days of Unleavened Bread have both a negative and positive aspect. It is not enough to get rid of something negative (get rid of the leavening of sin); if we don't do something positive (eat unleavened bread or do righteousness), we leave ourselves in an extremely vulnerable position (Luke …
Matthew (Part 27)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh picks up with the account of Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem shortly before His crucifixion, an event which fulfilled prophecies and significantly dramatized Jesus Christ's messiahship. The crowds welcoming Jesus, while looking for a political or military hero, were actually choosing the sacrificial Paschal …
