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Whom Do We Trust?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughAmericans often place their trust in individuals based on emotional satisfaction and perceived good intentions, rather than true reliability. They frequently trust public figures and media personalities, such as actors and television hosts, whose images are often manufactured and may not reflect genuine trustworthiness. People are inherently untrustworthy, driven by a self-centered nature that seeks personal advantage. As Micah 7:5 warns, one should not trust even a friend or companion, and must guard against betrayal from those closest. In times of unbelief, distrust extends even to flickering images on a screen. Psalm 118:8 reminds us that it is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man, for He alone is truly worthy of trust.
Trust Issues
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityLike people of Micah's time, our people also have serious trust issues, even between close friends and family members.
Who Do You Trust? (Part Two)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod has allowed mankind to teeter on the edge of destruction due to self-serving broken trust, a distrust of His wisdom and truth that began in the Garden. As complicated as the problems of this world are, they boil down to misplaced trust. This world is fragmented into thousands of pieces of distrust because it cannot see the only One who can be totally trusted. The most brilliant minds, blinded by their own soaring intellect, hurtle toward disaster, confronted with good and evil but lacking the wisdom to handle it. The wisdom of vain men, full of prideful riches of this world and judging good and evil, is far from trustworthy. Life and wisdom come not from satisfying self-centered desires but from trusting the Word of God through Jesus Christ. Trust is submitting to Christ in faith, within the place He has chosen to put us.
'I'll Never Follow Another Man!'
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Scriptures caution against placing trust in men, regardless of their high status in society or government. No matter how much power or influence they wield in this world, they are not to be trusted as we trust in God. When one declares a refusal to follow another man, it often reflects a deeper sentiment of unwillingness to trust a spiritual leader as before. The notion of an independent Christian standing alone is nearly impossible according to Scripture, as God has placed individuals in His church as it pleases Him, including leaders such as apostles, prophets, and teachers. Though these leaders are not better than others, they bear greater responsibility to Him due to the gifts of leadership He has bestowed upon them. God commands us to follow none but Him, forsaking anyone who would lead us astray, ensuring that our trust remains steadfast in Him alone.
A More Excellent Way
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughWhy are we satisfied with what we are when we know we could be doing much better? Many believe God will be satisfied with just about anything.
The Truth About Deception (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeHow are we different from those who have fallen away from the truth? How do we know that we will not also follow a path of deception and eventual apostasy?
God Heals Today
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughThe doctrine of healing has always had a paramount position, declaring that through the stripes of Christ, we are forgiven and our bodies our healed.
Ask God for the Little Things
CGG Weekly by John O. ReidPeople used to look to God more than they do now. It was common for people to take all their needs to God, confident that He would listen to and provide them.
Vaccine Policy
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's church, though responsible to preach scriptural principles on God's health laws, including vaccines, does not dictate how God's people choose.
The Perils of Populism
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughAmericans have rushed to support various populist candidates for President, but history proves that populism has a tendency to spin out of control.
Humanism's Flooding Influence (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Humanism stems from the Renaissance, a time men felt free to exalt human reason and self-realization over religion and divine authority.
Faith in the Healer
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must establish an iron clad trust in God for spiritual matters, including healing, rather than having a misguided trust in self or other human beings.
Misplacing Hope
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityForces of greed have highjacked charities, their executives sometimes receiving high levels of compensation while their recipients receive left-over crumbs.
No One Else Matters (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll God's shepherds are mortal men, guilty of sin, including Moses. Despite that, God backed them up because they faithfully followed His leadership.
Poor Choices
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHuman beings with carnal minds, when faced with a choice between God (or a God-fearing man) or Satan (or a scoundrel) will automatically choose the scoundrel.
Lamentations (Part Two; 1989)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJerusalem recounts her sins as a nation, depending on her own strength or on her lovers (political alliances) rather than upon God.
Guarding Our Vulnerable Hearts
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaSome scholars hold that none of the words denoting rebellion are used in Jeremiah 17:9, but instead it means the heart is vulnerable and easily deceived.
Fear of the Unknown
Sermonette by Craig SablichGod wants us to live in day-tight compartments, trusting that He protects us from the fear of the unknown and all the things that go bump in the night.
Defective Reasoning: Appeal to Authority
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsWe must be wary of placing too much confidence in self-appointed experts—the 'professionals' who rise to the top of every field of endeavor
Psalms: Book One (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalm 23 depicts the gratitude we should display from a sheep's point of view, as the animal boasts of blessings and marvels about the care of his Shepherd.