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Differences of Opinion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThere is widespread disagreement in every aspect of our lives, permeating politics, religion, and even mundane issues like mask-wearing, often leading to verbal and physical confrontations. Society frequently resorts to the notion of agreeing to disagree, reflecting deep divisions on various subjects. The argument that widespread disagreement justifies labeling a law as unjust is being used to challenge moral laws, suggesting that diversity of opinion within society renders certain laws or policies invalid. This false reasoning, rooted in satan's promotion of self-opinion, has led to a culture where individuals do what is right in their own eyes, lacking a shared moral standard. Within the church, differences of opinion have existed since its inception and persist due to human nature. The false premise of widespread disagreement has influenced some church members, with arguments for changing teachings based on the notion that brethren desire change or find doctrines too hard. Unity in the church should not rely on uniformity of opinion but on mutual appreciation and the collective pursuit of truth, recognizing that no single individual holds all knowledge. Personal opinions, even among Christians, must be founded on the basics represented by Christ Himself, demonstrating His mind in all matters.
'Sons of God?'
Sermonette by Bill OnisickGod gave Jesus Christ to us to restore peace, reconciliation, and harmony with God. In the Beatitudes, the peacemakers are called 'sons of God.'
Fruit of the Flesh - On Conflict
Sermonette by Bill OnisickAs God's chosen saints, we must not let our keyboard or mouth defile us. Godly conversation includes stifling the urge to win the argument at all costs.
Flame Wars
Sermonette by Ryan McClureAre we part of flaming — the aggressive and offensive interaction between Internet users? Or do we pursue righteousness in our speech and communication?
The Ambiguous Mind
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsA double standard often manifests in the form of opinions that are inconsistent or contradictory, reflecting a pretense of virtues or beliefs one does not truly hold. The continuous shaping of consciousness through conflicting opinions can render individuals unwilling and unable to think deeply on any subject. In the realm of politics, ambiguous expressions serve to bridge the gap between words and actions, often programming the mind to accept detrimental policies without critical thought. Social media also reveals double standards in opinions, where one person's expression is deemed free speech, while another's is labeled as hateful or intolerant. Individuals who reject a consistent moral standard and replace it with shifting opinions lack true convictions, holding only preferences that are easily altered. Such a double-minded approach results in instability, as a person vacillates between conflicting views, torn between different influences, and remains insecure and indecisive in their ways.
A Badly Divided Nation
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In a world marked by deep divisions, opinions on various issues are sharply fragmented, leaving little room for harmony. People struggle to accept differing views, driven by pride that elevates their own perspective above all others. On the contentious issue of abortion, a recent survey revealed a significant split among Americans: 49% support keeping it legal in most situations, 42% advocate for it to be illegal in all or most cases, 15% favor legality in every situation, and 19% prefer it to be illegal in all cases. Even among evangelicals, only 78% believe the practice should be illegal in all or most cases, highlighting a surprising diversity of opinion. The survey summary indicates that while abortion continues to divide, the debate appears to be shifting, with the issue becoming less relevant compared to other concerns. This persistent division over such a grave matter reveals a troubling callousness in attitudes across society.
Polling Problems
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe problem with polls is that they are fundamentally worthless. The media uses them, not to provide a snapshot of Americans' opinions, but to influence.
The Beatitudes, Part 7: Blessed Are the Peacemakers
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThis world lauds warmakers, but God says that peacemakers are blessed. The first step in becoming a peacemaker is to be reconciled to God.
Unity (Part 2): God's Pattern of Leadership
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is not the author of confusion, but throughout the scriptures has used a consistent pattern of appointing leaders over His called-out ones.
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has placed us all in the body where it has pleased Him. We dare not imitate Satan by letting self-centered goals eclipse God's purpose.
Christians and Politics
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though conservative views seem to be more compatible with the Bible, neither Republican nor Democrat standards are consistent with God's standards.
Without a Parable
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Christ's judgments are made according to what each person has been given. We need to internalize this practice of evaluating, especially regarding a brother.
Unity
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEach member of Christ's body must choose to function in the role God has ordained to produce unity, emulating Christ in striving to please the Father
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.
What to Believe?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe absolute flood of words available to digest every day can make us a little crazy, carried this way and that by persuasive rhetoric or a new fact or angle.
Hate the Sin, But Love and Forgive the Sinner
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOne of the deadliest afflictions we can develop is a self-righteous, vindictive 'Phineas' complex, seizing the sword of the Lord to correct a fellow member.
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.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWives are admonished to submit to their husbands, children to their parents, servants to their overseers, and we all are admonished to submit to one another.
Division, Satan, Humility
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThroughout the course of Biblical history, whenever sin appears, confusion, division and separation are the automatic consequences.
The Same Mind, Judgment, and Speech (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeDespite our differences, Jesus Christ is our commonality. As we pursue His image, we will have greater harmony with those seeking the same thing.

How to Conduct Ourselves as Ambassadors for Christ
Article by David F. MaasThe apostle Paul calls Christians 'ambassadors of Christ.' Our commission parallels what this world's ambassadors do and how they present themselves.
The Christian and the World (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must realize we are walking on a razor's edge, with the Kingdom of God on one side and the world with all its sensual magnetic charms on the other side.
Out of Control
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Diverse cultures separate peoples, causing cantankerousness and hostility, even when these cultures share the same language or share a common language.