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Take Heed and Remember the Less Fortunate
Sermon by Kim MyersWhen a nation loses its morals, people feel free to take advantage of one another, especially the poor. God hates seeing the poor oppressed.
Panting After the Dust
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughIn every culture in every century, the rich and the strong have oppressed the poor and weak for their own gain. How long until God calls them into account?
Don't Be a Politician
Sermon by Mike FordJesus proved that one cannot become a leader through political intrigue, but by assuming the position of a humble servant. God sets Himself against the proud.
Amos (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAmos gives a series of dire warnings, beginning with Israel's enemies, but concluding with a blistering indictment on Israel herself for her hypocrisy.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHabakkuk was frustrated that God would use an evil people to punish Israel, yet he resolved to cease fretting and to become a responsible watcher.
Amos (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAmos, like a circling hawk, makes dire pronouncements on all of Israel's enemies but reserves the harshest judgment for Israel, who should have known better.
Coming Home to Roost
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughAt the root of American industry's troubles are policies and practices that will result in conflict, injustice, and the demise of many companies.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride elevates one above God, denigrating any dependence upon God, replacing it with self-idolatry. We ought to boast or glory in the Lord instead of ourselves.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe epistle of James stresses both faith and works, emphasizing those factors necessary for growth, enabling us to produce a bountiful harvest of fruit.
Esther (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHaman was the treacherous offspring of King Agag, and Mordecai was the godly descendant of King Saul. Their pairing in Esther provides a sequel to I Samuel 15.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride drives people to take advantage of others, especially those perceived as weaker or lower. In Psalm 10 the wicked "in his pride does persecute the poor," and the Hebrew word for persecute literally means "hotly pursues after," which in practice translates as taking advantage. The two Hebrew words rendered "poor" do not necessarily mean financially poor. They describe anyone seen as defenseless, weak, afflicted, or humble, whom the proud feel entitled to exploit. The proud must get the best of business dealings and law courts, are indifferent to others' needs, and use crafty, malicious plans and manipulation to get their way. The psalm compares them to gangsters and hunters who regard the poor as victims to be used rather than fellow beings meant to share life in God's creation. Lies and distortions serve this end, both to attain what they covet and to protect their image. Satan's own pride led him to mislead and misuse others and circumstances for his personal benefit. By contrast, Moses, who was meek above all men, heard the daughters of Zelophehad rather than scornfully rejecting them, and he admitted he did not know the answer and appealed to God. A leader under God is placed to serve those who seem lower than himself. God answers the proud in kind: He scorns the scorners and holds the proud at a distance, while giving grace to the lowly.
Ecclesiastes (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughToday, as in Solomon's time, we can become discouraged and weary about the corruption in government, especially the evil corruption of the courts.
Pride, Humility, and Fasting
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe intent of fasting is to deflate our pride—the major taproot of sin—the biggest deterrent to a positive relationship with God. Humility heals the breach.