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The Pride of the Ephraimites
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingPride goes before destruction, as Proverbs 16:18 says, and the Ephraimites in Judges 12 show how it produces ingratitude. After Jephthah, once rejected by his own people, led Gilead to victory over Ammon, the Ephraimites should have offered support, praise, and thanks. Instead they threatened to burn his house down because they had not been given a central, esteemed role. They cared more about credit than about seeing the job done. Pride blinded them to God's presence with Jephthah and to His appointment of him as leader. It kept them from heeding his reasonable explanation, and from seeing the personal sacrifice of his vow, which cost him his only daughter. Rather than consoling or thanking him, they saw only their own interests and looked down on the Gileadites as fugitives and outcasts. Their pride was stripped away when they themselves fled as fugitives and denied being Ephraimites at the Jordan fords, and 42,000 of them died. The lessons are that pride stirs up strife, hinders seeing what God is doing, and separates us from the brethren, while humility brings peace and unity. Pride prevents the support, praise, and thanks that strengthen a brother. Believers are to serve without concern for praise or reward, following Christ's example of humility in washing the disciples' feet. Jephthah, who sought peace, led those who had rejected him, and gave God the glory, is listed among the men of faith in Hebrews 11:32.
Benefits of Thanksgiving
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryDo we thank God daily for all His blessings? Do we thank Him for only the nice things? He wants us to thank Him for His benefits, mercy, and graciousness.
The Spirit of Gratitude
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Pride, the kind demonstrated by Nebuchadnezzar when he boasted about what he had accomplished, militates against any feelings of gratitude.
Thankfulness (1986)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe need to give thanks for everything, blessings and trials. Christianity ought to be an exhilarating experience, but it depends on our outlook on life.
Authority: Why So Many Resent It
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPride, the father of all sins, is the source of self-exaltation, self-justification and the despising of authority. It cloaks rebellion in a deceptive appeal.
Be Thankful!
Sermon by John O. ReidThe danger of abundant blessings is that we tend to forget the source of the blessings and cease being thankful. When we forget to be thankful, we forget God.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSacrifices of thanksgiving, praise, and gratitude are required of God's called out priests. By meditating on the right things, we prepare ourselves for prayer.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWithout thanksgiving and praise, our prayers degenerate into the 'gimmes' with the emphasis on the self. We must give God thoughtful thanks in every circumstance.
Is God Fair?
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerAfter complaining, the Israelites received the death penalty. Is that fair? It seem to be a touch heavy-handed, but there is more more to the story.
The Mystery of Goodness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause even Satan can transform himself into an angel of light, we must be careful not to assess goodness by surface appearances. God's goodness is our pattern.
The Heart's Self-Absorption
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughII Timothy 3:1-5 contains 19 characteristics of carnality. The common denominator is self-absorption and pride, placing the self above others.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur forgiveness from God is conditional, depending upon our forgiving others. It is an opportunity for us to extend grace, sacrificing as Christ did for us.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOutcome based religion exalts numerical growth and feeling good over the truth of God, promoting the use of modern psychology over 'divisive' biblical doctrine.
An Important Reality (Part 2)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We, as employees of God's government, are not owed or entitled to anything. Pride blinds from seeing the destruction ahead if we refuse to sacrifice.