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A Peaceful Spirit
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryIf we consider our relationship with God of small value, our conduct, especially toward our brethren, will show it and produce contention and disunity.
A Badly Divided Nation
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our country is divided politically and culturally more than at any other time since the Civil War and the population as a whole has become more callused.
Discord From Self-Determination
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsAmong the six things that God hates (Proverbs 6:16) is those who sow discord among the brethren. Discord, though effective, never has a productive purpose.
Differences of Opinion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSatan champions self-opinion and mob behavior. God's church has never been immune to division because each member has only part of the truth.
The Absence of Love
CGG WeeklyPaul fought against discord by reminding the brethren that the church is united in Christ, and that He requires His followers to show love to each other.
Titus (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have the commission to be witnesses to a corrupt society. It is in the closeness of the crowd that we have the greatest potential to grow spiritually.
The Same Mind, Judgment, and Speech (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhat is hotly contested today will be irrelevant in a short time. Earthly knowledge has an expiration date, but understanding how to live is eternal.
Division, Satan, Humility
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThroughout the course of Biblical history, whenever sin appears, confusion, division and separation are the automatic consequences.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon Without Becoming Assimilated (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasIn a culture which glorifies war heroes and winning at all costs, becoming an ambassador to peace is perhaps the most elusive goal we could ever accomplish.
Reconciliation (Part Two): Christ's Work
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAfter reconciliation, there can finally be a meeting of minds as we are fashioned into a new creation, invited to sit in heavenly places, created for good works.
Understanding Unity
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must separate ourselves from the world, sacrificing ourselves to God's purpose to become at one with God, waiting for Him to unify us to others.
How Much of the Mind of Christ Do We Have?
Sermon by David C. GrabbePossessing the mind of Christ is a lifelong process rather than a quick transformation. True unity requires seeking Christ's mind through faith, humility, and love.
'But I Say to You' (Part Two): Murder and Anger
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMurder originates in the heart. Nothing from the outside defiles a man but originates in the heart governed by carnal human nature.
The Elephant in the Room
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOne of the practices of a tare is passive-aggressive behavior, characterized by a hypocritical display of diplomacy while concealing hatred.
'But I Say to You' (Part Six): Retaliation
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus, using hyperbole to shock His disciples into a change of behavior or attitude, emphasizing that they should resist the impulse to retaliate.
Jesus and the Feast (Part Two): Belief in the Spirit
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOn the last day of the Feast, Jesus proclaimed Himself as the One who will dispense God's Spirit, amplifying the promise He had made to the woman at the well.
Knowing God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA divided mind brings severe consequences, leading to confusion and misdirection in life. As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:22-23, if the eye is single, the body is full of light, but if it is evil or divided, darkness prevails, hindering one's ability to fulfill their purpose. Similarly, in Matthew 12:25-26, Jesus emphasized that a kingdom, city, or house divided against itself cannot stand, illustrating the destructive nature of division, even within an individual. Elijah, in I Kings 18:21, challenged the people for halting between two opinions, unable to choose between the LORD and Baal, depicting a staggering lack of balance and focus due to a divided mind. This wavering prevents any meaningful accomplishment, as the mind lacks direction, resulting in a life of disorder. Paul, in II Timothy 2:24-25, addresses division within oneself, noting that those who oppose themselves by disagreeing with truth bring destructive consequences upon themselves. Such internal conflict is akin to self-sabotage, fighting against one's own best interest and leading to personal detriment. Israel's history, as seen in I Samuel 8:7-8 and 19-20, reveals a divided mind toward God, driven by a desire for variety and a rejection of His ways. Their insistence on a king like other nations, contrary to God's design, exemplified their division and led to their rejection of Him, highlighting the underlying problem of disbelief and unwillingness to heed His counsel. This divided nature contrasts sharply with God's undivided mind, which is whole, unified, and unchanging. Israel's fickle curiosity and stubbornness, evident throughout their history, continuously created division, preventing oneness with Him. Unlike God, who is constant and complete, human minds are easily distracted, underscoring the challenge of achieving unity with Him.
No Meeting of the Minds
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPeople in the world are functioning and reasoning on one wavelength and Christians on another, and the two are diametrically opposed.
Our Walk With God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLike ancient Israel, we walk out of our individual circumstances through a metaphorical desert of trials and tests, following God into the Promised Land.