Longsuffering
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsLongsuffering, or patience, the fourth fruit of the Spirit, is a much needed virtue in a fast-paced, impatient world.
The Longsuffering of Our Lord Is Salvation
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, citing a startling 700,000 assaults ("intimate partner violence" episodes) in 2001, accounting for 20% of felonious crime, suggests that patience and longsuffering are diminishing commodities in modern Israel, while selfishness and violence sadly are on the increase. We are admonished, as practicing …
A True Disciple
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaClyde Finklea, asking us what identifies a person as a true disciple of Christ, points to the command in John 13:34, commanding that the disciples love one another as Christ loved us—loving to the extent that He would give up His life. God is composed of love, as described in its many facets in Galatians 5:22 and I …
Patience
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWe should cultivate the Heinz Ketchup motto ('The best things come to those who wait'), rather than the Burger King approach ('Your way, right away').
What Makes a True Disciple? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaLove is patient and kind. These are the only two characteristics Paul says love is, defining it positively. What follows is what love does not do.
Essence of Love
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaDavid took all the persecutions from King Saul, and then later showed his mercy to Saul's extended family, he demonstrated the true essence of godly love.
Time for Self-Evaluation
'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid (1930-2016)Prior to the Days of Unleavened Bread, we are told to examine ourselves. How can we do that? Here are a few pointers on doing a thorough, honest once over.
Sticks and Stones
'Ready Answer' by Ted E. BowlingAs members of God's church, what are we to do when destructive words come our way? Ted Bowling advises us not to take to heart everything people say. We must learn to take everything in our lives with much patience and longsuffering, which will result in peace.
Is the Love of Many Growing Cold?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeJesus foretells that "the love of many will grow cold" at the end time. Is this happening right now, or is there love that is just difficult to recognize?
The Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughKindness goes hand-in-hand with love. It is an active expression of love toward God and fellow man, produced through the power of God's Spirit.
Forbearance
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod put up with the foibles of Abraham, Samson, David, Job, and others, allowing them time to repent and build character. We need to develop this godly trait.
Patience
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamPatience, a fruit of God's Spirit and a trait He abundantly displays, is not a passive turning away, but an active effort to control bursts of anger.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Patience
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughBiblically, patience is far more than simple endurance or longsuffering. The patience that God has shown man gives us an example of what true, godly patience is.
Love
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)God appreciates when we show concern for others, developing the maturity to overlook the slights others have made to us. Love sets an example for others.
By This Shall All Men Know You
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)A native practice involves leaving a young man on a remote island with only a bow and arrows until he learns to become a man, and God does something similar.
Is Any Time Right for You?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, reflecting that the first thing a human being asks when waking up from a nap, "What time is it?" indicates that people process the significance of time differently, depending the time and place they were born. To senior citizens events which seem like ancient history to teenagers seem like the here and …
No Real Love Without God
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)We are called to take on the very nature of God, to put on the love of God. Surprisingly, We can rekindle our first love by ardently keeping God's Commandments.
Patiently Waiting for Christ's Return
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must develop an active, God-given restraint and constancy in endurance while facing trials and waiting for Christ's return, trusting that God will provide.
Blessed Are the Meek
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Paul's listings of virtues, meekness always appears near the end, reflecting its difficulty. Meekness is the gentle, quiet spirit of selfless devotion.
Unity (Part 8): Ephesians 4 (E)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe group that one fellowships with is less important than the understanding that there is one true church, bound by a spiritual, not a physical unity.
I Desire Mercy and Not Sacrifice
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaGod defaults in mercy and love Likewise, He calls on His children to default in mercy to those who have stumbled and on those whom He has not yet called.
Are You Worthy of Your Calling?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, focusing upon the topic of unity, maintains that the church has been charged with the responsibility to bring unity to a hopelessly disunited, fragmented, and chaotic world. In order to maintain this unity, like the Ephesians, we must maintain a solid balance between doctrine and practice, walking worthy of our …
God's Faithfulness and Hope
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, relating a story of a rebellious Siberian Husky he had once owned, compares God's infinite patience with us (compared to our fleeting short-lived patience we have for each other). Like the Husky, the children of Israel severely tested the patience of their master through their compulsive murmuring and …
The Continuous Testing of Our Faith
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe constant tests to which God submits His people enable them to build character by responding in faith. God perfected Abraham's faith through difficult trials.
From Sheriff to Shepherd: Are We Willing to Be Defrauded?
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasWhich leadership style do you follow: Andy Griffith's or Barney Fife's? Using experiences from his own life, David Maas explains that the desire to be in control and to win takes a toll on both one's relationships and one's health.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Nine): Cultivating the Fruit of Gentleness
Sermon by David F. MaasDavid Maas, concurring with William Barclay that the term meekness is the most untranslatable word in the New Testament, suggests that the iconography (Pictures and statuary) of Christendom, coupled with the fact that it rhymes in English with the term "weak," have rendered its meaning as synonymous with helpless, …
The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus demonstrated His meekness in His treatment of many with whom He interacted. Balancing firmness and gentleness, He seeks to save rather than destroy.
How Can We Develop True Patience?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPatience in the face of trying events is a clear indication that we are developing genuine godliness. We can learn to turn trials into positive growth opportunities.
