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Overcoming (Part 5): Self-Denial
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsA key to overcoming our sins is learning when to deny ourselves. Christ plainly declares that those who desire to follow Him must deny themselves.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHas anyone, other than Jesus Christ, really exhibited self-control? In the end, however, this is the ultimate aim of growing in the character of God.
Flee From Idolatry (Part One): Self-Discipline
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough Paul's spiritual credentials outstripped all of his coworkers, Paul used none of his rights as an apostle, but gave his life as a sacrifice.
Self-Discipline
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughProtestant theology recognizes that Christian self-discipline presents a major logical difficulty in its keystone doctrine of 'by grace alone.'
Self-Confidence
Sermonette by James C. StoertzThis world in general touts self-confidence as a key indicator of capability and success, even if one has to 'fake it' until he makes it.
Are You Bearing Your Cross?
'Ready Answer' by StaffHow do we, as modern Christians, bear our cross as Jesus commands? Christ meant far more than simply carrying a stake over our shoulders!
What Does It Mean to Take Up the Cross?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeJesus commands His followers to take our cross and follow Him. Does He mean to carry a pagan symbol, or is there a deeper meaning to His weighty words?
It's Important to God Too (Part One)
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughGod intends that we give ourselves as living sacrifices, mortifying our carnal nature, allowing God to consume our abilities in service.
Without Me, You Can Do Nothing (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeProducing fruit is not simply a matter of having Jesus Christ or being forgiven. He says we will not produce anything unless we go on growing in Him.
It's Important to God Too (Part Two)
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughGod does not do things uselessly, and certainly does not need our physical goods. Being a living sacrifice produces successful living.
What Does it Mean to Take Up the Cross?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeBearing our cross means our time on this earth is virtually finished, that we are willing to give up our lives, emulating the life of our Savior.
Conditions of Discipleship (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerWhen Jesus gathered His disciples as He began His ministry, He needed principled and devout worshippers to teach and prepare for the work of spreading the gospel.
Principled Living (Part One): Imitating Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowing Jesus requires absolute commitment, often involving sacrifice and discomfort. We must be willing to give up family and societal ties for God's sake.
What Does It Take to Be a Hero?
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamGod has chosen the weak and base things of the world, yet we can still sacrifice our personal concerns for the greater good just as our Savior did.
Abstinence - Asceticism or Christian Living?
'Ready Answer' by Martin G. CollinsSome equate abstinence with religious asceticism, but abstinence is broader. Christians may need to abstain from more than just sinful actions.
Four Views of Christ (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur lives parallel what Christ experienced: crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and glorification. The death of self must precede resurrection and glory.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor His Own reasons, God has chosen not to reveal His plan to those the world considers wise, but, instead, to work with the weaker sort of mankind.
Knowing Christ (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist's sacrifice was not merely substitutionary, but representative, with Christ giving us a pattern for life - mortifying our flesh and putting out sin.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Solomon emphasized in Ecclesiastes 2 that we should enjoy and derive pleasure from our work. The way that we work is a visible witness of God before men.
Do You Have 'the Hunger'?
Article by John O. ReidWe all have hungers, from a desire for certain foods to a yearning for success. Jesus teaches that we are blessed when we hunger for righteousness.
Remembering Your Vows
Sermon by John O. ReidLike the marriage covenant, counting the cost is the most serious part of the baptismal agreement, not something to be taken lightly.
Offerings (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIf we want to follow Christ, we must sacrifice, take up our cross, and follow His example of service to God and others.
A Light To The World
Commentary by Mark SchindlerExposure to more than two hours per day on digital screens lowers scores on thinking and language tests. We must not abandon our children to smartphones.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Gnostics criticized by Paul in Colossians 2:16-17 were guilty of bringing in ritualistic ascetic discipline to propitiate demons.
'Follow Me'
Sermonette by James C. StoertzChrist's usage of 'Follow Me' is vastly superior to all definitions under the sun, rendering politics and social media vain, foolish, and vaporous.
A Lesson in Sportsmanship
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingThe 'Pierre De Coubertin Medal' is given out for sportsmanship, honoring generous behavior toward competing athletes—much harder to win than a gold medal.
Knowing Christ (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhen we mortify the flesh, refusing to feed the hungry beast of our carnal nature, we suffer. Suffering for righteousness' sake helps us to know Christ.
Knowing Christ (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn taking undue attention off the self, sacrifice (as an act and as a way of life) creates peace, prosperity, cooperation, and most of all, character.