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Should a Christian Go To War? (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsConscientious objection to military action requires exercising mature faith, involving submission, loyalty, dedication, and conscientious obedience to God's Law.
Lessons From Esther: Mordecai Never Grew Weary
Article by Mark SchindlerMordecai, a Jew living in the Persia capital, faithfully guided Esther through a time of potentially great trouble. Such character is in our reach as well.
Defining Trials
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidTrials define who we are by placing choices before us, forcing us to have faith in God. Character is built by making right, though difficult, choices.
The Book of Daniel (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen the commands of a secular state conflict with God's commands, we face the same dilemma as was faced by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
The Book of Daniel (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf we look upon the Book of Daniel as a puzzle of prophecies, we miss the more important point that it gives strategies to remain godly in a godless venue.
Who Were the Wise Men?
Article by StaffThe Feast of Epiphany, observed on January 6, commemorates the visit of the wise men, known as magi, to the infant Jesus at Bethlehem. These wise men knew in advance who they would visit and that their purpose was to worship Him. It is highly unlikely that heathen, idolatrous astrologers would travel great distances to honor the son of a deity they did not worship, suggesting that these magi were not pagan astrologers. The star that led the wise men to the young Jesus in Bethlehem was of miraculous origin, not an ordinary physical star. It had the ability to move, going before them until it came and stood over where the young Child was, a feat no known star or meteor can accomplish. This star, referred to as His star, was possibly an angel, given the glorious appearance of such spirit beings and their ability to move and guide. The magi were from the East, a distant land far from Judea of 4 BC, likely within the Parthian Empire, which included lands like Babylon and Persia where some of the ancient house of Israel had been exiled. Historical evidence suggests that some ancient magi claimed Abraham as their ancestor, adding to the possibility that these magi were Israelites eager to honor the One who could be their rightful King, especially given the auspicious nature of the miraculous star at His birth. Biblical and historical evidence indicates that these magi were not pagan astrologers led by heavenly observations but probably God-fearing descendants of the exiled house of Israel, guided miraculously to Bethlehem, likely by an angel, and divinely warned to flee back to their homeland after their visit.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Nine)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are not privy to God's, but we must realize that He has the prerogative to impose both blessings and calamity, the latter in response to disobedience.
Who Is Your Adversary?
CGG WeeklyThe saints of God face a tireless, unremitting adversary. Our chief adversary, Satan the Devil, will always be present to challenge us.
Structure and Sovereignty in Daniel 2-7
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughDaniel chapters 2-7 form a chiastic (X shaped) structure. Chapters 2 and 7, 3 and 6, and 4 and 5 are paired and mirrored, reinforcing significant themes.
Faith to Face the Fire
'Ready Answer' by StaffWe sometimes mistake faith for certainty about God's will. However, faith is not knowing what God will do but trusting Him to do what is best for us.
Faith to Carry Us to the Millennium
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersHow do we get the faith we need to endure this present age? Living faith requires that we match hearing with productive works.
Are Your Beliefs Preferences or Convictions?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughConviction is essential to faithful living, sanctification, loyalty, and faithfulness to God. Whether we compromise depends on the strength of our convictions.
How Does God View Human Government?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs obnoxious as tyrannical power may seem, we have the obligation to behave lawfully. Even the vilest of leaders has been allowed by God to rule.
Hebrews (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughLike Jesus and other heroes of faith, we need to look beyond the present to the long term effects of the trials and tests we go though, seeing their value.
God and Government
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGovernment run by carnal men will never work, but those under the New Covenant, having God's law written on their hearts, can make any form of government work.
Do You See God? (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughConversion is a lifelong process in which we endeavor to see things as God does. We must understand and act on the fact that God is deeply involved with us.
Government (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor us to take on the glory of God, we must have the same kind of access to the Father as Christ did, taking on the responsibility of behaving like His sons.
Examining God's Judgments
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe fall holy days picture various judgments by God, bringing about liberty, reconciliation, regathering, and restoration.