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Prevailing Winds
'Ready Answer' by Gary MontgomeryPeople are prone to follow the path of least resistance, allowing themselves to be carried along by the prevailing cultural winds in areas such as fashion, ethics, and religion without setting a deliberate course. This tendency leaves them vulnerable to the trickery of men who employ cunning and deceitful plotting to promote every wind of doctrine, resulting in spiritual immaturity marked by changeability, credulity, and a lack of settled convictions. The apostle Paul therefore urges believers to move beyond childish instability so that they are no longer tossed to and fro by such influences, but instead develop the firmness in religious opinion that characterizes maturity. This process of spiritual growth equips them to resist the dominant, Satan-inspired forces of the world that seek to sweep them off course through smooth words and apparent opportunities that ultimately lead to destruction. By examining Scripture, confirming the truth of God in their hearts, and fixing their destination as the Kingdom of God, they can learn to tack against these contrary winds, maintaining control over their direction through obedience and conviction rather than yielding to popular trends or new opinions. Such mature faith, grounded in the truth embodied by Jesus Christ, enables them to endure the ceaseless pressure of deceitful teachings and arrive safely at their intended port.
The Importance of Doctrine
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPeople who try to supplement their spiritual diet with lawlessness or other heresies risk losing their identity, and ultimately their spiritual life.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe priorities in Matthew 6:33 indicates that the primary emphasis should be on repentance and overcoming rather than mastering a technicality.
Anarchy in God's Church? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIf we reject the spiritual gifts God gave to others, we put ourselves at risk of being deceived, and altering our belief system in response to every new idea.
It Takes a Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs Christians, we need to form warm, productive, quality relationships with our brethren, actively ministering to the needs of one another.
Going Beyond Definitions
Commentary by David C. GrabbeIt is improper to build a doctrine on one scripture, let alone the definition of a word. We need at least two reliable witnesses to establish any teaching.
Eating Out on the Sabbath
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the gray areas of applying God's Law, extending mercy and easing of burdens trumps legalism and hairsplitting.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ warns us to hold fast to true doctrine. Secular historians help us discover the identity of the small flock repeatedly rescued from apostasy.
Presumptuousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIndividuals arrogating to themselves the authority to change doctrine are on extremely dangerous ground, presumptuously setting up idols in place of God.
Testing the Spirits (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Apostle John exhorts us to test and discern the spirits, judging between the true and the false, using the scripture as the steady standard of truth.
'But I Say to You' (Part Five): Oaths
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must grow in personal integrity, providing a witness for the truth to those around them, not needing the crutch of an oath to guarantee our integrity.