Dealing With a Sinning Brother
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, reflecting on the incident of the blatant sinner in I Corinthians 5, observes Paul's administrative decision to disfellowship the offender pending his repentance, lest he contaminate the entire Corinthian congregation. Corinth may have been the wickedest city in the entire empire, having tolerance for the …
Restoration and Forgiveness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins points out that the graphic imagery of a turbulent sea appearing in Isaiah 57:19-20 describes the troubled minds experienced by those who reject God's laws. God's called-out ones must earnestly strive for peace, realizing that Satan has countless ways to trouble people. It is impossible to grow spiritually in a …
Judge Not, That You Be Not Judged (Part Two)
Sermonette by Ryan McClureRyan McClure, in part two of his "Judge Not, That You Be Not Judged" series, reiterates that Christians should not serve on juries because God has not equipped us at this time to look into peoples' hearts and motives. The apostle Paul gave us a clue in I Corinthians 5 that, when God's laws are flagrantly violated (such …
The Prisoner
'Ready Answer' by Austin Del CastilloWe tend to work at cross-purposes to God, imprisoning ourselves and others in our adversarial relationships. The key to our cell is true forgiveness.
Discerning of Spirit
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamWe need the ability to discriminate in spiritual matters. Grace does not cover unrepented sins nor fellowship with those contemptuous of God's laws.
Using Righteous Judgment
Sermon by Kim MyersWhen we minimize sin, we become displeasing to God. God expects His people to confront brothers and sisters in Christ gently, without becoming judgmental.
The Need for Forgiveness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, expounding upon the principle that it is more blessed to give than to receive, suggests that the things we ardently desire for ourselves we should be willing to give to others, including forbearance and forgiveness. Following the Apostle Paul's example to the Corinthians, we ought to forgive and comfort one …
Confessions of a Finger-Pointer
'Ready Answer' by StaffDuring times of unrest and confusion, it is easy to blame others for our problems. Yet finger-pointing is contrary to everything God teaches, as it shows a self-exalting, judgmental attitude. Now is the time to break this ingrained habit!
John (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh observes that the over-riding motivation for the individuals bringing to Jesus the woman caught in adultery was to trap Him, impaling Him on the horns of a dilemma. (Condemning the woman to death would have brought Him into conflict with Roman law; not condemning Her would have brought Him into conflict with the …
The Scepter, Duty, and the Days of Unleavened Bread
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod has honored His promise to David that He would always provide a member of his family to sit on the throne of Judah. The heirs to David's scepter live today.
Thou Shall Love Thy Neighbor
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)We are obligated to show compassion and mercy to all, refraining from gossip, exercising righteous judgment, forgiving others and applying the Golden Rule.
Delusions of Perfection
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh introduces his topic of covering sins by reflecting on the illegal trial of Jesus, in which false witnesses and false accusations were trumped up by the presumptuous Jewish religious leaders against the very Son of God. The Pharisees and Sadducees demonstrated hypocrisy, professing righteousness and teaching …
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.
Each Other (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWe should assemble with the rest of the Body where possible, and the reason the apostle gives is for exhorting others. We cannot exhort if we have withdrawn.
Compassion and Couch Potatoes
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles WhitakerCharles Whitaker, referencing game theory, reminds us that the failure to make a decision in fact represents a decision. Consequences—even of inaction—are inevitable; everything matters. The act of "passing" in a poker game effects all the players' chances to win. Among God's people, the consequences of …
