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Sticks and Stones
'Ready Answer' by Ted E. BowlingWhat are we to do when destructive words come our way? We must learn to take everything with much patience and longsuffering, which will result in peace.
Reacting to Criticism
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsAll have been guilty of malicious gossip; consequently, they should not become offended when they hear gossip about themselves (Ecclesiastes 7:21).
Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by StaffThe tongue may be the most untamed beast on earth! James says we all offend in word. But James 3 is filled with wisdom regarding how we can overcome the beast.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Thirteen): Confessions
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAs he closes Ecclesiastes 7, Solomon makes a confession about the search for wisdom, saying that, even to him, true wisdom remained beyond his grasp.
Taking an Insult
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingAs God's called-out saints, we are mandated to embrace a "foot-washing attitude," constituting a daily commitment to humility, forgiveness, and selfless service to God, our spiritual siblings, and our neighbors. Referencing David's restraint toward Shimei in II Samuel 16 and 19, and Our Savior's teachings in Matthew 5:38-42, we are to resist retaliating against insults, but to respond to offences with grace and forbearance. When Jesus commands us to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile, he never presented that option as weakness and timidity, but as powerful demonstrations of spiritual maturity, reflecting God's character. When we consider David's dignity in the face of insult, coupled with Jesus Christ's incredible love for His enemies, we believers are prompted to trust God's justice, responding with humility. True spiritual strength lies in meekness rather than revenge. Emulating godly meekness strengthens our witness to a hostile world.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Gossip about us from someone we may have trusted can be painful, yet our tongue has likely been just as detrimental against someone who may have trusted us.
Swear Not at All!
'Ready Answer' by StaffToday's society is becoming increasingly insensitive and calloused to the base and profane words. Here is how to eliminate obscenities from our lives.
Elisha, the Young Men, and the She-Bears
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingSome Bible commentaries call Elisha short-tempered for causing two female bears to maul 42 youths for making fun of him. There is more to the story.
The Sixth Commandment (Part One) (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur society is becoming increasingly violent. The sixth of the Ten Commandments covers crime, capital punishment, murder, hatred, revenge and war.
Elisha, the Young Men, and the She-Bears
'Ready Answer' by Ted E. BowlingSome see Elisha's encounter with the youths of Bethel and the she-bears in II Kings 2:23-24 as cruel and vengeful. The narrative tells a different story.
The Beatitudes, Part 8: Blessed Are the Persecuted
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughPersecution is a fact of life for a Christian. Jesus Christ says we are blessed if we are persecuted for righteousness' sake — here's why.
Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur human nature reflects the nature of malevolent spirits' attitudes. The only way to overcome it is through God's creating a new heart in us by His Spirit.
Sanctification and the Teens
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughYoung people in the church must realize that they are not invincible. Not only is God's law no respecter of persons, but also sanctification can be lost.
Government (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOnly those who are governable will be allowed to govern with God. No government will work without each individual submitting in his area of responsibility.
Back to Life (Part Five)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAll of us who are called by God are so precious in His sight that Jesus Christ, before we were even born, died for us, saving us from oblivion.
Balaam and the End-Time Church (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBalaam illustrates the paradox of someone who knows God's will, but willfully and deliberately disobeys, presumptuously thinking he could manipulate or bribe God.