What's Happening to Deference?
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, continuing the description of the pernicious fruit of secular humanism, pointing out the one-way nature of tolerance, such as respecting the perverse life-style of homosexuals and other aberrant behaviors and disrespecting the rights of those who attempt to faithfully serve God, turns his attention to another …
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Fifteen): Deference
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSolomon makes the subject of deference a major part of Ecclesiastes 8. Christians must always strive to see God behind those in power over us.
What Has Happened to Deference?
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughDeference is a foundational virtue. It reveals one's humility—that he is thoughtfully aware of others and seeking to serve them even in insignificant ways.
Respect or Respect of Persons?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhat is the proper balance between respecting someone and showing respect of persons? Is formality among church members necessary? Desirable? How should Christians treat each other in this area?
Courtesy
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordThese days, everyone demands respect but few are willing to grant it. It is a rare event when someone gives up his seat or when a child shows deference.
Servant Leadership: Practical Meekness
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasMuch has been said and written about leadership in the church in the past several years. Godly leadership is an outworking of the virtue of meekness.
The Vicissitudes of Old Age
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting on his memory of a local legend in his youth, an 85-year-old woman named Mother Barker, who frequently walked several miles, doggedly sacrificing for her family by toting groceries and provisions, makes several observations about the vicissitudes of aging. The inexperienced young and the wiser senior …
Government (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reiterates that if one does not give up control to God (does not submit to Him), then one is never going to live the Government of God; and one will never be able to understand it. The church is neither an institution nor a corporation, but a living organism- a body connected to the Head (Jesus Christ). The body …
The Commandments (Part 10)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe fifth commandment provides a bridge, connecting our relationships with God and the relationships with our fellow human beings.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reflects on two recent news items in which individuals foolishly initiated altercations with police and lost their lives in the process. As a matter of common sense, it seems the height of idiocy to challenge constituted authority. Solomon reminds us in Ecclesiastes 8:17 that we are not privy to God's operations …
The Absence of Love
CGG WeeklyPaul fought against discord by reminding the brethren that the church is united in Christ, and that He requires His followers to show love to each other.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reiterating that wisdom is not the answer to all of life's problems, indicates that it is still a valuable virtue, transforming us for good and a sense of well-being. In the matter of deference to civil authority, we must remember that, as ambassadors and sojourners in a foreign land, we must give governing …
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Twelve)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, focusing upon the covenantal relationship of marriage, reaffirms the respective roles of husband and wife, typifying the relationship between Christ and His Church. In this twelfth and concluding message in this series, the emphasis is upon unity and cohesiveness. As husband and wife are commanded to become one …
The Value of Humility
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloPride distorts our view of reality and our relationships. Being humble is not for the faint of heart, but requires God's Spirit operating in our lives.
Parables of Luke 15 (Part Three)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins concludes his series on the three illustrations that comprise one long parable in Luke 15. In this part, he explains what is known as the Parable of the Prodigal (or Lost) Son.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs wives are admonished to emulate the ideal of the Proverbs 31 woman, husbands must emulate the sacrificial spirit of Jesus Christ.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhen the U.S. Congress wanted to put 'In God we Trust' on currency, the Seventh Day Adventists objected, arguing that the U.S. has never been a Christian nation.
Faith, Hope, and the Worship of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUsing assumptions, some have concocted some nine conflicting calendars. The preservation of the oracles has not been entrusted to the church but to the Jews.
Childrearing (Part 5)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh emphasizes that God's main focus today is on the development of spiritual Israel, as the "apple [or mirror] of His eye." God initiated this special contact and remains intensively involved, actively directing and guiding this relationship, leaving nothing to chance. Likewise, we as members of God's …
