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Troubling the Household of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIf we allow the old, carnal man to dictate how we speak or make other decisions, we will trouble the household of God and inherit nothing but the wind.
Is a Rock Just a Rock to God?
'Ready Answer' by Bill KeeseeGod calls us 'living stones' in I Peter 2. Here is why this description is a very fitting view of God's work making us His jewels.
Mutability and Our Christlike Response
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe all change repeatedly throughout the stages of life, as do others, requiring constant adjustment as to how we evaluate and treat others.
All About Edom (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe twin sons of Isaac, Esau and Jacob, are a classic model of sibling rivalry, and their contentious relationship has had a tremendous impact on history.
Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur manners express our personality, especially as they portray humility, courtesy, or gentleness, and are improved as we make use of God's Spirit.
Psalm 23 (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe valley-of-shadow imagery symbolizes the fears, trials, and tests needed to produce character, quality fruit, and an intimate trust in the shepherd.
The Measure of Christ's Gift
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus selected disciples with disparate temperaments, unifying them to accomplish a steadfast purpose. God disperses a wide diversity of spiritual gifts.
The Spiritual Mark of the Beast
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnger and hostility, driven by self-centered competitive pride constitute Satan's spiritual mark that divides nations, ethnic groups, families, and the church.
Why Is God Doing This, This Way?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must learn to see ourselves and our function as God sees us—as a distinct, unique entity, a holy people, a special treasure.
The Epistles of II and III John (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn our quest for unity, we can never compromise with the truth. True love between brethren is impossible without an equal pr greater love for the truth.
The God of All Comfort
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWithin the Body of Christ, personality conflicts often arise from the absence of comfort in our formative years, shaping how we relate to others. Research suggests that our childhood experiences with comfort—or the lack thereof—create lasting imprints on our styles of love and connection. These imprints manifest in five distinct ways, each hindering secure relationships. First, growing up in an environment with little affection and a high value on independence can lead us to become closed off, preferring isolation over risky emotional connections. We may respond with anger when emotional demands are placed on us, struggling to bond deeply with others due to a lack of early bonding. Second, an environment filled with anxiety from overly protective or critical parenting may drive us to become overly pleasing, avoiding conflict by giving in quickly and sometimes being less than honest to maintain peace. This chronic anxiety and over-giving often result in resentment over time. Third, inconsistent parental affection can foster feelings of abandonment, making us hypersensitive to rejection. We may idealize new relationships, only to discard them when they fall short of expectations, struggling to share connections and often harboring anger just below the surface. The last two styles emerge from chaotic or abusive environments. One response is to become aggressive and controlling, fearing vulnerability and reacting with anger to maintain order. The other is to remain under the radar, tolerating abuse as a victim, avoiding personal voice or opinions, and passively accepting wrongdoings. These styles can interfere with developing stable, beneficial relationships within the Body of Christ, affecting how we connect with spouses and brethren. However, God, as the God of All Comfort, offers healing and comfort to His children, enabling us to overcome these relational barriers. As we draw closer to Him, we learn to be open and vulnerable, conquering fears and anxieties, and finding security in His unchanging nature. Through His strength, we can move beyond tendencies to appease or control, trusting Him to guide our interactions and relationships.
Accepted in the Beloved
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)In the greater church of God, amidst schisms of doctrine, personality conflicts, and self-aggrandizement, the peace of God seems to be dwindling away.