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Fear of Death
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamFear of death originated with Adam and Eve's sin of eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, and, in response, they tried to hide from God.
Death Is Not the End (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ approached His own death with a calm and purposeful demeanor, as seen in Matthew 16:21, where He straightforwardly informed His disciples of His impending suffering, death, and resurrection in Jerusalem. He viewed His death as a necessary part of God's plan, showing no fear but rather a dispassionate acceptance of His fate as the will of God. In contrast, Peter reacted with fear and hostility to the news of Jesus' death, rebuking Him in Matthew 16:22, which prompted a sharp response from Jesus in Matthew 16:23, identifying such fear as influenced by satan and offensive to the divine purpose. In the account of Lazarus' death in John 11, Jesus again displayed a calm and confident attitude. Despite His close bond with Lazarus and knowing the illness was fatal, He delayed His response for two days, expressing gladness for the opportunity this death provided to strengthen the faith of His disciples and to demonstrate a greater good through the forthcoming resurrection. His emotional response of weeping was not for Lazarus but for the unbelief and lack of hope among those around Him, highlighting His mastery over death and His perspective of hope beyond it.
Death Is Not the End (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughFrom God's perspective, death is not a subject to be approached with fear or grief, but with a positive and hopeful outlook. He views death as an enemy due to its connection with sin, yet He has incorporated it into His plan, transforming what seems a curse into a potential blessing. God allowed sin and thus death to enter the world, fully aware of humanity's inclination to err, and He prepared for this through the foreordained sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In the end, even death can be seen as a good thing in certain respects, as it fits within God's overarching purpose. Jesus Himself, facing the prospect of suffering and separation from His Father, did not ultimately fear death but rather life without God, demonstrating perfect submission to His Father's will with the assurance of resurrection to eternal life.
Of Death
Sermon by James BeaubelleAs one advances in age, the shadow of death looms larger, prompting deeper contemplation of eternity and life beyond the grave. In the quiet of later years, when the rush of youthful days has subsided, the reality of mortality becomes a frequent companion, urging us to consider our tomorrows as precious gifts. Death, a pervasive theme throughout the Scriptures, appears repeatedly, reminding us of its inescapable presence in human experience. Solomon in Ecclesiastes speaks plainly of this inevitability, stating there is a time to be born and a time to die, highlighting that life and death are inseparable within each person's timeline. Fear often accompanies thoughts of death, walking closely with humanity as a constant companion. Yet, Jesus Christ offers reassurance to His disciples, teaching them not to fear, for they are of great value to the Father, who watches over even the smallest sparrow. He emphasizes a godly fear of the Father, who is sovereign over all creation, aware of every life and every death. If God is mindful of a sparrow's fall, how much more does He care for those made in His image? This assurance extends to all, encouraging us to see death not as an end, but as a pathway to a closer tomorrow within God's household. Christ's words in Luke remind us to focus on the Father, finding comfort in His oversight. Our eventual passing should not be viewed with dread but as a transition, a doorway through which we will see Him clearly, as Paul suggests, no longer through a glass darkly. Our faith and hope can strengthen us, providing solace as death approaches, knowing that God is ever-present, guiding and protecting His own.
Christ's Death and the Immortality of the Soul
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe dangerous false belief of inherent immortal life has led to an acceleration of sin and the danger of eternal oblivion. Only God can give eternal life.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Eight): Death
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes 7:1-4 highlight the Bible's attitude toward death, particularly its insistence that we allow the reality of death to change our approach to life.
Death: The End of the Beginning
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLooking at death as 'gain,' Jesus Christ and Paul calmly looked upon death as a natural part of life, as a transition to a better life in the resurrection.
State of Fear
Sermonette by Ryan McClureAfter witnessing the Covid pandemic and several deaths, God's people have a fear of the possibility of an encore of these tragedies.
Fear Not (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by John ReissMost of us have been brave on occasion, but perhaps other times we have been timid. What can we do to avoid being a coward when it matters most?
Facing Times of Stress: Fear of the Future
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul's admonition to Timothy to stir up God's Holy Spirit applies just as much today when we sometimes become blindsided by fears about the future.
Our 'Mental' Deathbed
Sermonette by Bill OnisickMoses asks God to teach us to number our days, realizing that our physical lives are finite, requiring a sense of urgency to get rid of our sins.
Should We Fear Terrorism?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWith terrorism taking place every day somewhere in the world, how should we as Christians respond? What is a faithful reaction to terrorism?
Globalism (Part One): Founded on Fear and Faithlessness
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerWhat is globalism? Where is it headed? Does it have a balancing counterpart? Who is driving it? What does it have to do with the prophecies of the end time?
Time and Life
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe way men and God look at time and life are very different. But if we come to understand God's perspective, we have a greater chance of living His way!
John (Part Eighteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughTrust in God's ability to resurrect can neutralize the most basic debilitating fear—the fear of death. Christ assures us that death is not the end.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Eighteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We accept most of our opinions, prejudices, and beliefs unconsciously. We must scrutinize our own beliefs through the principles of God's Holy Scriptures.
Liberty vs. Independence
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have been liberated from the degeneration of sin, the fear of death, corruption, and the elements of this world. If we live righteously, we remain free.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ecclesiastes 7 contains a series of 'this is better than that' observations. Wisdom seems to carry more sadness and sorrow than mirth or foolishness.
How Does God Help Us? (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus explains that the truth is the only thing that will set us free. A major player in our lives or spiritual journey is the truth and how we use it.