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Giving Your Word
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidIn a world where promises are often broken and a man's word holds little value, keeping one's word is of the highest importance to God. It is a criterion for entering into His Kingdom, as Psalm 15:1-4 highlights that those who may dwell in His holy hill are those who swear to their own hurt and do not change. God cuts through all justifications, emphasizing that if we desire to be in His Kingdom, we must keep our word even when it is painful. God notices and values faithfulness in keeping promises, as seen in Jeremiah 35 with the Rechabites, who honored their forefather Jonadab's command to abstain from wine for over two centuries. God uses their example to contrast His people's lack of faithfulness to Him, showing how seriously He takes promises. Life's most significant vows are made in marriage and baptism. In marriage, a man covenants before God to love, cherish, honor, and provide for his wife until death, while a woman promises to be bound to her husband, submitting to and respecting him. How we keep these vows reflects how faithful we will be to God. At baptism, we make the most serious promise to give our lives unconditionally to God, vowing to change and take on His nature by keeping His laws and doing good, regardless of societal or personal challenges. He expects us to do our best in keeping this word, with His help and strength. In Matthew 21:28-32, the Parable of the Two Sons illustrates the importance of fulfilling promises. The father, representing God, asks his sons to work in the vineyard. The second son promises to work but fails to do so, embodying deception and disobedience. The first son initially refuses but repents and works, showing a change from bad to good. Jesus warns against being like the son who promises but neglects to perform, emphasizing that God values those who ultimately do His will. God has called us, and we have promised to work for Him. Now we must perform what we have pledged, remaining faithful in keeping His commandments, observing His Sabbath and holy days, and maintaining zeal for His way of life. In a world of distrust where many fail to keep their word, our only true stability is God, who has promised never to leave us. Our task is to be faithful in all we have promised Him, rededicating ourselves to fulfilling our commitment and seeking His Kingdom.
How Good Is Your Word?
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasIn a world where promises are increasingly broken, the value of keeping one's word has diminished, reflecting a foretold characteristic of the last days as trucebreakers emerge. From international relations to personal commitments, the failure to honor guarantees has become commonplace, eroding trust across nations and individuals. God's Word emphasizes the importance of carefully considering the cost before making promises, warning against rash commitments that lead to broken hopes and sickened hearts, as seen in Proverbs 13:12. Our children learn from us that keeping one's word is not significant, perpetuating a cycle of unfulfilled obligations in education, loans, and marriages. God is not impressed by the number of commitments made, but by the actions completed, as Jesus Christ teaches that substance outweighs symbolism. Solomon in Ecclesiastes 7:8 reinforces that the end of a matter is better than its beginning, highlighting the need for perseverance. Keeping our word in small matters, like taking children to the park or being punctual for choir practice, builds a habit of faithfulness that prepares us for larger responsibilities, as Jesus Christ's principle in Matthew 25:23 affirms that fidelity in little things leads to trustworthiness in greater ones. To address this dilemma, we must exercise care when making commitments, avoiding boastful or rash promises, as cautioned in Proverbs 27:1. Once a promise is made, we must resolve to see it through to completion, adhering to the principle that a man shall not break his word, as stated in Numbers 30:2. Jesus Christ warns that looking back after starting a task renders one unfit for the kingdom of God, underscoring the eternal consequences of keeping our word. By learning to honor commitments in small matters, we build the character necessary for the ultimate goal of entering God's Family.
Should We Make Vows Today?
Article by John O. ReidWe can promise to change our lives in return for a request we ask from God, but should we do this? Although not forbidden, making vows is a risky business.
The Importance of Follow-Through
Article by David F. MaasJust as important as follow-through is in an athletic motion, its spiritual counterpart is vital to our life in Jesus Christ.
Making the Cut (Part Five)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughA vile person is one who, in his contempt for God, is wicked, perverse, consumed by sin. Perhaps surprisingly, God says such people should be despised!
Numbers (Part Three): Poised at the Jordan
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe last chapters in Numbers describe a lengthy holding pattern in which not much seemed to happen. We must have patience as we wait for the Kingdom of God.
Matthew (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus, showing the spirit of the law, warns against rash divorces, taking oaths, invoking God's name frivolously, realizing that a covenant is binding.
The Seventh Commandment: Adultery
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Amos' prophecy, faithlessness and sexual immorality loom large, like a a prostitute chasing after lovers. Faithlessness extends into not keeping one's word.
God's Epistle
Sermon by John O. ReidWe as Christians have the obligation or responsibility to provide a light or shining example in a darkened world that generally hates God's way.
The Laborers: Matthew 20:1-16
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause God is completely just, we have an obligation to be content with what He has given us, to allow Him to use us for whatever purpose He desires.
Psalms: Book One (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalm 23 depicts the gratitude we should display from a sheep's point of view, as the animal boasts of blessings and marvels about the care of his Shepherd.