Moral Sympathy and Spiritual Confusion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBy describing the powerful, psychological effects of music, Martin Collins enlarges upon the Turkish proverb, "As the music is, so are the people of the country." Music preference is a self-conscious declaration of the community with which people identify. Sadly, the media (especially MTV) has shamelessly pandered to …
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.
Just What is Mercy?
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaIt is impossible to become perfect without having mercy or compassion. Jesus' command to become perfect includes showing compassion to our enemies.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: The Resurrection of Lazarus (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus' resurrection of His friend Lazarus from the dead proved to be the final straw for the Jews who were trying to kill Him. After contrasting Jesus' weeping with those around Him, Martin Collins considers the diverse reactions of the witnesses to His great miracle, focusing on how it was a sign to them and us.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Six): Cultivating Kindness
Sermon by David F. MaasBecause kindness is love in action, we must galvanize our thoughts into concrete behaviors, including offering encouraging words and performing uplifting deeds.
The Beatitudes, Part 5: Blessed Are the Merciful
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMercy is a virtue that has gone out of vogue, though it is sometimes admired. Jesus, however, places it among the most vital His followers should possess.
Wilderness Wandering (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh indicates that we are being fitted as lively stones into an already formed Kingdom, being conformed to the image of Christ, who has been designated as the Cornerstone. As God's future priests, becoming living sacrifices, we will constitute God's department of health, education, and welfare, serving and helping …
The Priesthood of God (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, cuing Revelation 15:3-4, focuses on God's absolute holiness, demanding total veneration, drawing a clear and logical connection between goodness and holiness. God demands that we align ourselves with His holiness, separating ourselves from the evil, corruption, and filth of the world. Becoming holy involves …
The True Savior of the World!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, citing several blasphemous newspaper headlines praising various world leaders for being "the savior of the world," contrasts these pretenders to the real Savior of the World. Because He experienced the suffering of the human being, He is able to be a perfect High Priest for us, sympathizing and …
Meditate on These Things
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins admonishes that we desperately need to avoid shallow thinking and distractions, developing spiritual depth by meditating (using mental exercise and effort) upon God's creation, His truth, His Law and His standards of morality and righteousness. With the help of God's Spirit, we should concentrate on what is pure, …
A Survey of God's Gifts to Us
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe apostle Paul inventories spiritual gifts that God has given for the edification of the church, including ministry of the word and practical service.
Our Affinity to Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur lives must be totally wrapped up in Christ, exemplifying His character. As we overcome, taking the same steps as Christ did, we will receive His reward.
Diligence in the Face of Trials
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, exhorting us that we are in the battle of our very lives facing the three formidable fronts of the world, Satan, and our own flesh, admonishes us to be strong in the Lord, following the model, captain, pathfinder, author, trailblazer or archegos of our salvation, our Elder Brother Jesus Christ—who has been …
Psalm 23 (Part 3)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reveals that the valley-of-shadow imagery symbolizes the fears, frustrations, trials, and tests needed to produce character, quality fruit, and an intimate trust in the shepherd. His rod, an extension of his will and strength, serves not only against predators, but also prevents members of the flock from butting …
Whom the Lord Loves He Chastens (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf we are not receiving God's correction or chastisement, we should be concerned! God's chastening is what He uses to sanctify His spiritual children.
John (Part 18)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughTrust in God's ability to resurrect can neutralize the most basic debilitating fear—the fear of death. Christ assures us that death is not the end.
Hebrews (Part 15)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe dare not allow a root of bitterness to spring up in us as a result of trials - those burdens intended by God to strengthen us and perfect us.
