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Kindness
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe fifth fruit of the Spirit, kindness, reflects God's loving actions toward us. We in turn must learn to bestow kindness on others.
Fear the Lord's Goodness!
'Ready Answer' by Martin G. CollinsThere is an aspect of God's goodness that is rarely associated with goodness. As surprising as it may seem, God's goodness can be feared!
Themes of Ruth (Part Four): Kindness and Faith
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBoth Ruth and Naomi demonstrated covenant loyalty in this marriages long after the death of their spouses. Ruth faithfully continued to serve her mother-in-law.
Manifesting Kindness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe desperately need to internalize the godly traits of kindness, mercy, compassion, and tenderness, displacing the carnal traits of bitterness and wrath.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGoodness is a nebulous concept, used to describe everything from a tasty snack to God's sublime character. But God's character defines what goodness is.
Displaying a Good Conscience: Politeness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsTrue politeness is not mere social formality but a sacred expression of Christian virtue. Genuine courtesy flows from love, humility, patience, and integrity.
No Real Love Without God
Sermon by John O. ReidThe world today is driven by greed, hatred, and self-seeking, reflecting satan's way of living, rather than love. Yet, what the world truly needs is not the fleeting, worldly idea of love, but the true love of mankind that brings peace, harmony, joy, happiness, fulfillment, purpose, and brotherly love to all. We are called to embody and reflect this love in our interactions with each other and those around us, becoming the salt of the earth and the light of the world, imitating the nature of the One who invited us into His Family. God's love, defined as agape, is a willful direction toward mankind, involving doing what He knows is best for us, not merely what we desire. This love is exemplified in John 3:16, where God gave His Son as a sacrifice, not to satisfy man's wants, but to meet man's deepest needs through justification and reconciliation upon repentance. This love is an outgoing concern for others, characterized by benevolence, kindness, sympathy, and generosity, while also being part of a grand, philanthropic plan to elevate mankind to participate in the Kingdom of God. Man's concept of love is far simpler, often limited to deep devotion, affection, or passion, whereas God's love originates from Him and reflects His Spirit in us. As we exhibit this love, we take on the nature of our Father, demonstrating that we are born of Him. Those who fail to reflect God's love do not truly know Him, regardless of their knowledge. God's love is not always apparent to the world amidst turmoil and history's persistent wars and greed, yet His patience, the world He provides, and the ultimate sacrifice of His Son stand as proof of His profound love for us, even when we were ignorant or opposed to His way. We perceive God's love through His act of laying down His life for us, and in like manner, we are to lay down our lives for others. By loving one another as God loves us, within and beyond the church, we perfect His love in us and grow in His nature. This love, evident in early Christians who risked their lives for others, identifies us as disciples of Christ, as He declared that all will know us by our love for one another. Perfecting this love casts out fear and builds confidence before Him, reflecting His nature in us. We are to love as the Father and the Son love, working to extend this love to our fellow man. If we harbor hatred toward others, we lack God's love. Our calling as disciples is to emulate Christ in patience, kindness, longsuffering, wisdom, courage, thoughtfulness, concern, and willingness to serve, thereby reflecting God's true love. In the end times, as lawlessness abounds, the love of many will grow cold, and we face pressures that can dull the zeal of our first love. We must remain vigilant not to let our love slip away like an unmoored boat drifting from its anchor. The greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, submitting all our faculties to His will and devoting ourselves to glorify Him by being like Him. The first four commandments show direct love to God by honoring Him above all, avoiding idols, revering His name in all aspects of life, and keeping the Sabbath as holy time to rest, study, and encourage one another. The second great commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves, extending to anyone near us, including family, friends, countrymen, and even enemies. We show this love by not harming them in body, property, or reputation, by seeking their good, and by being tender and kind, even when their actions do not merit it, without condoning sin. Attaining God's nature and love requires keeping His commandments through active faith, trust, and obedience, drawing close to Him in prayer, fasting, and study. True love of God produces a desire to live His way, appreciating the boundaries His commandments provide, training us to become like Him. If true love exists in our hearts, it will be reflected in our way of living, showing that we belong to Him. Above all,
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Eight)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe husband is commanded to love his wife as his own body, regarding her as precious and delicate, continually nourishing and protecting her.
Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur manners express our personality, especially as they portray humility, courtesy, or gentleness, and are improved as we make use of God's Spirit.
The Lord's Nourishing and Cherishing
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe marriage covenant must be elevated to the stature of Christ and the church. A caring husband must love his wife as he nourishes his own physical body.
The Manifold Grace of God
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsGod's calling us is just our initial taste of His grace. Grace is unmerited, but it is not unconditional. We have an obligation to respond to God.
How God Deals With Conscience (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAt times, God has to ignite our conscience and undermine our self-confidence to get our attention in a similar fashion as he did to Joseph's brothers.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Six)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus shared many happy feasts with His disciples and attended banquets and celebrations, much to the chagrin of the self-righteous Pharisees.
Philippians (Part Nine)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGodly righteousness demands humility, a readiness to admit shortcomings, a yieldedness to correction, and a willingness to be refashioned.