Reasons for Optimism
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe epilogue to Job's story reveals a lesson for us. Job's 'golden age' was before him, not behind, and the key to his optimism was his relationship with God.
Christian Optimism
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul wrote some of his most optimistic letters from prison, under the possibility of execution, but absolutely convinced that ultimate victory was imminent.
Be Happy (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryAs we age, the pressures of life, work, and experience all contribute to wearing us down. Only a few seem to have learned to remain happy despite hardship.
Hope Is the Strategy
Sermonette by Bill OnisickHope is the ability to expect positive outcomes despite current circumstances. Faith, hope, and love are the three elements of the fuel for our spiritual journey.
Small, But Significant
'Ready Answer' by StaffSometimes small things make big impacts. Such a small thing was Simon of Cyrene's carrying of Christ's cross. Do we in God's church today consider our "smallness" to be a blessing or a curse?
The Joyful Advantage
Sermonette by Bill OnisickBill Onisick, focusing on Shawn Achor's book, The Happiness Advantage, asserts that, because a brain with a positive attitude has higher levels of dopamine and serotonin, it is more successful and productive. We can draw some spiritual analogies from Shawn Achors's work, utilizing some of his exercises to attain the joyful …
The Clear Light Of A God-Given Life
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerMark Schindler draws a powerful life lesson from the biographical film Claire—The Documentary of Claire Wineland. Claire was an inspirational speaker who suffered from cystic fibrosis from birth, dying from a stroke in September 11, 2018 following a lung transplant. From her valiant example, we learn that: (1.) God the …
Be Happy (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryGod has made it possible through His Spirit for us to be optimistic and happy even in a world that seems to be crumbling around us.
How Can We Develop True Patience?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPatience in the face of trying events is a clear indication that we are developing genuine godliness. We can learn to turn trials into positive growth opportunities.
A Root of Bitterness
Sermonette by Bill OnisickBill Onisick, reviewing five daily meditation exercises adapted from Shawn Achor's book titled The Happiness Advantage— (1) grounding ourselves with expectation, (2) doing small acts of kindness to others, (3) reflecting on things for which we are thankful, (4) maintaining gratitude, and (5) bearing positive spiritual …
What's Your Attitude?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, reflecting on a recent swim meet he attended, suggests that the different strokes exhibited (freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, or backstroke) metaphorically could depict different attitudes or approaches to life (aggressive, timid, wistful, fearful, self-controlled or uncertain). Because the human heart is …
The Elements of Motivation (Part Three): Hope
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHope conveys the idea of absolute certainty of future good, and that is exactly what the Bible tells us we have upon our calling and acceptance of God's way.
Elements of Motivation (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh focuses on the remarkable energizing capacity of hope. In the familiar triumvirate (faith, hope, and love) faith serves as the foundation, love serves as the goal, and hope serves as the great motivator or energizer. Unique among the religions, Christianity, with its expectation of a Messiah and the promise of a …
Antidotes to Fear and Depression
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe key to overcoming the fear of loss of control is to admit that God is in control. If we have our priorities straight, God will take care of our anxieties.
Isaac
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe name Isaac—'laughter'—suggests his optimistic disposition, someone not afflicted by fear and doubt. Isaac serves as a type of Christ, honoring his father.
The Church Family - Convinced and Persuaded
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins suggests that pessimism or cynicism in the leadership or government of God is faithlessness. In the context of church authority, the emphasis is on persuasion not compulsion. We obey because we are convinced from the heart?conversion?rather than from a blind sense of duty. Church government should reflect God's …
The Beginning of History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles WhitakerCharles Whitaker asserts that, if there is a defining element of the American or Western zeitgeist, it is the belief that history is progress: Mankind, along with his nature and governments, is on an inevitable course of advancement. This evolutionary mindset (called Endism) posits that human nature is evolving into a better …
The Book of Joel (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, reflecting on the devastating locust plagues described in Joel, marvels that the prophet, instead of promising a silver lining on a very black cloud, affirmed that things were going to get intensely worse before they got better. Nevertheless, Joel, whose name means Yahve is God, in the middle of his prophecy, …
