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Facing Times of Stress: Always in God's Presence
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe can maintain spiritual contact using David's tactic of continually maintaining the Lord before him in his thoughts, prayers, and meditations.
What Kind of Life Do You Want?
Sermon by David C. GrabbeIn times of societal imbalance and institutional decay, history reminds us—much like the trials faced by the Hebrews—that survival requires radical reorientation, not superficial reform. For believers, this means restoring the supremacy of Christ and placing Him first, embracing not a life of worldly fulfillment or prosperity-driven self-optimization, but the distinct calling granted to the baptized: a lifelong path of self-denial and sacrifice. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, "When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die," echoing Luke 9:23-26's summons to daily cross-bearing—crucifying the old self, relinquishing even legitimate pursuits that rival full devotion, and resisting materialistic complacency. Baptism begins this dying, yet it continues as the old nature resists surrender. Delighting in the Lord reshapes desires toward righteousness (Psalm 37:4-6) and aligns with seeking first the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33), trusting God to provide what is needed. As the potter forms clay (Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 18:1-6), so God refines His people through pressure and trial, as seen in Job's endurance, shaping vessels fit for His purposes. Rather than questioning His justice or comparing callings—recalling Christ's correction of Peter—believers yield patiently, trusting the Shepherd of Psalm 23 who restores souls and leads through chaos into abundant life (John 10:10). In a distracted age where technology competes for attention and prosperity gospels dull conviction, the call remains clear: crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20), live by faith, serve one Master, and choose the narrow path of surrender that leads to eternal glory.
Self-Examination, Not Self-Preoccupation
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThere is a critical difference between self-examination and self-preoccupation. We must accurately assess our spiritual state without becoming self-absorbed.
Imagining The Garden of Eden (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Garden of Eden was probably prepared or planted after Adam was created so he could see God at work, providing him an example of diligence and satisfaction.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasGod's promises to give us the desires of our hearts, His Holy Spirit, wisdom, and spiritual gifts to edify the Body all come with strings attached.
Stewardship of God's Temple (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasAfter God's calling, the human body becomes the temple of God's Spirit, a reality which obliges us to care for our bodies because they belong to God.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Twelve)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough authority over the family unit was given to the husband, man and woman were created to be complementary and supplementary to one another.
Living Abundantly In Tough Times
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLived properly, a Christian's life is scintillating and deeply satisfying, full of rewards, even though it involves responsibility and self-control.
Praying Always (Part Six)
Article by Pat HigginsJesus' command to pray always contains the advice Christians need to strengthen their relationships with God as the return of Christ nears.
Achieving the Desires of Our Hearts
Sermonette by David F. MaasGod's promise to give us the desires of our heart is contingent upon delighting ourselves in Him, changing our hearts to be in alignment with His attributes.
Psalms: Book One (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDavid reminds us in Psalm 37 that we should not be concerned about the wicked, whose destiny is to perish, and that the righteous are infinitely better off.
Establishing Our Hearts Before Christ's Return
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJames emphasizes patience five times, suggesting that it is a capstone of saintly character, encompassing long-suffering, forbearance, and self-restraint.
Christian Optimism
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul wrote some of his most optimistic letters from prison, under the possibility of execution, but absolutely convinced that ultimate victory was imminent.
Stimulating a Spiritual Appetite
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasA major key to our spiritual survival is the control, regulation, and re-direction of our appetites from what is not good for us to what is good for us.
The Commandments (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn our hectic culture, we commit far too little time to God, depriving ourselves of the Holy Spirit and attenuating the faith required to draw close to God.
Remember the Sabbath Day
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonAll of God's people have at times felt overwhelmed by grief and exhaustion, needing a genuine rehabilitative rest. The Sabbath restores spiritual strength.