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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. What the world truly needs is not the fleeting, worldly notion of love, but the true love of mankind that brings peace, harmony, joy, and fulfillment. This love, which we are called to embody, mirrors the nature of God, who is defined by love. God's love, described as agape, signifies affectionate regard, goodwill, and benevolence. It is a willful direction toward humanity, focusing on what God 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 fulfill human wants, but to meet our deepest needs through justification and reconciliation upon repentance. Human understanding of love often falls short, limited to deep devotion, affection, or sexual passion, or even mere enjoyment of activities. In contrast, God's love is both individual and vast, marked by sympathy, understanding, kindness, and generosity, while encompassing a grand philanthropic plan to elevate mankind into His Kingdom. True love originates from God, reflecting His Spirit in us, and as we exhibit it, we grow in the nature of our Father. God's love is proven through the world He has provided, where rain falls on the just and unjust alike, through His patience with us, and most profoundly, through sending His Son as a sacrifice for our reconciliation. Even when we were ignorant or hostile to His ways, He loved us and sought our ultimate good. As stated in I John 3:16, we perceive God's love because He laid down His life for us, and in turn, we are to lay down our lives for others, perfecting His love in us through active application in our relationships. This love identifies God's people, as Jesus said in John 13:35, that all will know His disciples by their love for one another. Perfect love casts out fear, and as we grow in it, we take on God's nature, gaining boldness before Him. We love Him because He first loved us, and this love is not ours but God's love working through us, urging us to love others as the Father and Son love. The greatest commandments underscore this love: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Loving God is shown through obedience to His commandments, particularly the first four, which direct our devotion to Him by rejecting idols, honoring His name, and keeping the Sabbath holy. Loving our neighbor, as illustrated by the Good Samaritan, extends to all around us—family, friends, countrymen, and even enemies—through acts of kindness, protection of their well-being, and selfless concern, without condoning sin but seeking their good. True love, reflected in an outgoing concern for others, is perfected through obedience to God's Word and active belief that moves us to grow and apply His teachings. If this love exists in the heart, it will manifest in our way of living, showing that we belong to Him. Above all, we are to put on godly love, forgiving others as Christ forgave us, uniting all aspects of God's calling and opening His mind for us to emulate.
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.