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Resistance
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIf we resist the Potter's fashioning, we may lose out on our opportunity to be a goblet and become a crude bowl. We must trade our resistance for pliability.
Patterns of Resistance (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Joseph B. BaityA pervasive pattern of resistance against God lies at the core of human sin, where individuals elevate their own standing above His will, failing to submit to Him. This resistance begins with self-elevation, leading to separation from God through sin, and perpetuates as people deceive themselves, neglecting repentance and continuing in sinful ways. Historical examples abound, from Adam and Eve's progeny whose sins led to the Flood, to the men of Babel who sought to supplant God with a tower to heaven. The Israelites, despite being chosen by God, repeatedly resisted during their wilderness journey, earning the label of stiff-necked as they complained and questioned His will. Figures like Nadab, Abihu, Korah, Miriam, Aaron, and even Moses succumbed to this pattern of self-elevation and failure to submit, resulting in severe consequences. In the New Testament, the Pharisees and Sadducees resisted God by elevating themselves, lying to themselves about enhancing His law, which culminated in the crucifixion of their Creator. Today, this resistance persists within God's church as assemblies fragment, and individuals prioritize personal agendas over the faith, while false ministers promote defiance by preaching gospels that elevate man over God. The adversary, satan, exploits the natural enmity against God within deceitful minds, deceiving individuals into following personal agendas under the guise of following Christ, rendering self-examination futile when separated from His Spirit. Yet, there is hope in recognizing these patterns of resistance, submitting to God's perfect design, and surrendering personal agendas to be rebuilt on His foundation, urgently turning away from self toward His Kingdom.
Patterns of Resistance
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityOne of man's twisted thought patterns has two parts: (1) We seek to elevate ourselves above God, and (2) we lie to ourselves about the first pattern.
Resistance (Part Two): Solutions
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMoses, Jonah, David, and Gideon demonstrated resistance to God's prompts, indicating that they initially feared men more than they feared God.
Resistance Is Not Futile
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloSatan salivates over our discouragement, proclaiming that any resistance is futile. But we must actively resist Satan's lies and propaganda.
Resistance (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe antidote to spiritual resistance is certainty and confidence in Christ to conform us into His image—a directed movement toward Christ.
Resistance (Part Three): Persistence
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe elite athlete is the one with the gritty persistence and tenacity to fight on regardless of the obstacles, wanting nothing to do with mediocrity.
Vulnerable
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWhile we are all different, we are all vulnerable to something, such as fear of deprivation, harm or shame. In response, we all create protective defense mechanisms.
Jonah: Typical Israelite
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTo this borderline-suicidal narcissist, his universe held only himself, permitting God's will for others only if it conformed to his own will.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has providentially given us trials to build character, proving beyond a doubt that we believe Him and have a burning desire to be at one with Him.
John (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhat we believe automatically determines what we do; it is impossible to separate faith and works. If Jesus is not our source of belief, our works will suffer.
Be There Next Year!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhether we do or do not make it to the Feast of Tabernacles next year depends on our faithfulness at stirring up the gift of God's spirit within us.
Teaching Us to Think (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod instructs us to be living sacrifices. Too many drag this change out over decades, thereby self-limiting the process of sanctification.
Sovereignty and Its Fruit: Part Ten
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOnce we accept God's sovereignty, it begins to produce certain virtues in us. Here are four of these byproducts of total submission to God.
Our Apostasy
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles WhitakerThe subtle and deceptive apostasy upon the church became so pervasive that God couldn't find anyone to serve as an intercessor.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride is the basis of resisting God, while humility is the key to a relationship with Him. We recognize it in others but we seldom see it in ourselves.
Principled Living (Part Seven): Enduring to the End
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLike a marathoner or a soldier fighting a battle, we are admonished to endure to the end, standing firm, holding our ground, and resisting assaults.
Firstfruits and the Master Potter
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe Potter and Clay analogy provides instructions for understanding character-building tests and trials in the life-long sanctification process.
Thank You for Finishing What You Start!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe should be thankful to God for His Holy Spirit, spiritual blessings, fellowship, as well as God's promise that He will finish what He has started.