Blame Games
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThe tendency to point fingers at others is hard-wired into human nature. Mistakes are the portals of discovery if we admit them and learn from them.
In What Way Have We Wearied Him?
CGG Weekly by Martin G. CollinsHardly anyone is willing to take responsibility for his actions. Are people innocent when leaders lead them astray? Can we rightly blame others for our actions?
Overcoming (Part 2): Self-Justification
Bible Study by StaffA great impediment to overcoming our sins is self-justification. We tend to excuse ourselves for what we do, and this only makes it harder to become like God.
Refuting a False Proverb
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the book of Ezekiel, God exposes the falsehood behind a common Israelite proverb that earlier generations should be blamed for the present pitiful state.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Seven)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur sinful nature drives us to disobey God's laws, just as Adam and Eve transgressed by choosing the way of death. Such choices have made this evil world.
Responsibility Equals Accountability
CGG Weekly by Martin G. CollinsChildren frequently practice the same sins as their parents, and they receive the same punishment. However, each is still responsible for his or her own actions.
March 12, 2005: One Year Later
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeOn March 12, 2005, Terry Ratzmann entered a church meeting room and opened fire. After 22 rounds had been fired, four people were wounded, and eight lay dead.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur experiences prepare us to be a better judge or king. Though we may exercise righteous judgment, we dare not pass judgment nor justify sin in ourselves.
Who Is Responsible For Sin?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThough Satan influences, the choices an individual make are totally his own, even for those without God's Spirit. We sin when we are drawn away by our own desires.
God's Simple Commands
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughGod puts His commands in such clear terminology that no one can retort with 'yes, but....' We continue to sin because we do not really believe what He says.
Lamentations (Part Eight)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs we approach the coming self-examination prior to Passover, we can apply six significant lessons taught to ancient Israel through the book of Lamentations.
Do Angels Live Forever? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot assume that angels are immortal and share the same kind of spirit God Almighty has; we cannot assume they are indestructible.
Joseph: A Saga of Excellence (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJoseph's example proves that even the most difficult temptation can be resisted and overcome, though this skill must be developed incrementally.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJacob's Trouble, or the Great Tribulation, comes about because people are not meeting their God-given responsibilities: keeping His Commandments.
Is Ignorance Truly Bliss?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe 'people of the lie' do not believe they have any major defects and, consequently, do not have any need to examine themselves, let alone change.
Confessions of a Finger-Pointer
'Ready Answer' by StaffDuring times of unrest and confusion, it is easy to blame others for our problems. Yet finger-pointing is contrary to everything God teaches.
Lamentations (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe people suffering under the Babylonians had basked in the privilege of being God's chosen people while also trashing the terms of the Covenant.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPsalm 73 describes someone seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, but it is not true that people in the world are leading superior lives.
The Sovereignty of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are assured that even though inexplicable things happen in our lives, God is still sovereign. We must develop childlike faith to trust in Him for solutions.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe term "covenant" describes an agreement made by two parties and "testament" to describe the one-sided commitment made by God to improve the promises.