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Vain Repetitions
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ warns against the pitfalls of prayer, specifically condemning vain repetitions. He denounces prayers that are repeated carelessly, uselessly, or thoughtlessly, labeling such practices as heathen. Christ emphasizes that prayer should not be a mindless recitation but a meaningful conversation with our Father in heaven. He instructs that public prayers made to be seen by others are hypocritical, and repetitious, canned, or overlong prayers are ineffective. When we pray, we must avoid making it about ourselves or rendering it meaningless, as doing so ruins its effectiveness and hinders spiritual growth. Instead, our prayers should be a formal dialogue with the divine Governor of the Universe, offered with proper reverence, humility, and focus on His will, ensuring that we draw closer to Him.
The Model Prayer (Part One): Introduction
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the model prayer, Jesus Christ gave His disciples a basic outline from which they could craft their own meaningful prayers to the Father.
Avoiding Prayer? Consider Carefully
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe whole world is in hurry-up mode. What have often suffered are prayer and its companion, Bible study—and ultimately, the individual's relationship with God.
Matthew (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe should not seek material rewards under the New Covenant, though God may sometimes bless us physically. Our focus should be on spiritual rewards.
Whatever We Ask
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPrayer comes under attack if we live double-lives, giving us a guilty conscience, not practicing what we have been taught, allowing our hearts to condemn us.
Tired Clichés
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsWhat would happen if God responded to us the same way we funnel our sometimes careless, casual, repetitive, and mindless petitions to Him?
The Prayers of Jesus
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's example teaches us to pray humbly in all situations, including decision making, resisting temptation, and acquiring spiritual strength.
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.
Prayer and Persistence
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPersistence in prayer does not mean an incessant pestering God into action. God always looks at our petitions from the vantage-point of His purpose.
The Road Not Taken
Sermonette by James C. StoertzAfter standing still, waiting for God's decision for us, we must diligently move forward as God draws us, taking the opportunity of acquiring more of God's Spirit.
The Third Commandment
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe third commandment may be the most misunderstood of all. This commandment covers the quality of our worship — how we bear God's name before others.
Acts (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAdherents to the Pentecostal movement try to mimic some of the superficial surface manifestations of Acts 2 rather than follow the teaching given on that day.