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Little Things Count!
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe often think that little things, even our individual lives, do not count for much. Do not be deceived—they do! Even seemingly insignificant human beings matter because we participate in processes. We can begin them, move them along, or even conclude them. People play a large role in determining the direction and quality of an event or thing. How we interact with living things can be exceedingly important, regardless of our being only one person. What we do with earth's resources makes a huge difference in the quality of life for ourselves and our posterity. Never think that what you do is meaningless! Little things like you and me count because God has graciously inserted Himself into our lives. Our lives do make a difference!
Do Little Things Not Count?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLittle things often seem insignificant, but they carry profound weight in the eyes of God. Many dismiss certain scriptures or requirements as trivial, unworthy of serious consideration, yet these small matters are critical to the quality of a converted life. For instance, the precise source of the Wavesheaf offering is deemed by some as a minor detail, but it must come from what the Israelites themselves have sown, reflecting a holy connection to those who have made the covenant with God. Ignoring this specificity renders the offering unholy, a direct affront to the purity required by Him. Consider the tragic example of Nadab and Abihu, who perished for using common fire instead of the holy fire from the brazen altar. On the surface, their error appeared minor—a mere deviation in a ceremonial ritual. Yet, this small act of neglect was a rejection of God Himself, for He is a consuming fire, holy and not common. Their failure to adhere to His exact command revealed a disregard for His sanctity, and He executed them for disparaging Him. This underscores that little things are not nothing to God; they must matter to us as well. Similarly, Cain's offering, one of the first recorded in Scripture, was rejected, possibly due to the type of sacrifice or his attitude, or both. To Cain, the issue might have seemed a small, piddling thing, yet God saw through to his heart, revealing a lack of humble submission. Despite an outward appearance of religiosity, Cain's internal spiritual state did not align with God's requirements, leading to rejection. This shows that acceptable worship begins with a pure heart, and even the smallest deviation in obedience can reflect a deeper misalignment with Him. In God's plan, every ingredient, no matter how small it appears to human nature, is essential. Just as leaving out a single component in cooking alters the result, neglecting what might be judged as insignificant can affect the outcome of our spiritual lives. The use of grain from a pagan source for the Wavesheaf offering, for example, would assign Jesus, our sinless Savior and High Priest, as common and profane—an abomination akin to the sin of Nadab and Abihu. Thus, little things are vital, for they contribute to the whole of what we become in striving to be like Him.
Little Compromises (2001)
Article by John O. ReidCompromise is a dirty word to a Christian. The story of Solomon shows that big compromises—and eventual apostasy—begins with little compromises.
A Little Leaven
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughOur individual sins (committed in our thoughts, words, and behaviors) are never isolated, but sadly influence every other member of the congregation.
Is It Salvational? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeSimply watching out for the so-called "big sins" suggests that we are not genuinely interested in conforming to God—just in not crossing a major red line.
Is It Salvational? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhen Jesus returns, many will be prohibited from entering the Kingdom! They think they know Him, yet they are just using Him to make themselves important.
Is It Salvational? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhether a matter is salvational is the wrong question. There is a better question and another approach to evaluating matters that will put us on better footing.
Should We 'Sweat the Small Stuff'? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Bill OnisickWe have a proclivity to worry about the things that we should not. But worse yet, we have a proclivity not to worry about the things that we should!
Lord, Increase Our Faith
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeFaith is a gift which requires continual practice and exercise. God will grant us more faith if we faithfully use what He has already given us.
Carelessness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughCarelessness, indicative of not thinking, when reinforced or carried on into life, can be lethal or irreparable. Undervaluing our way leads to a careless lifestyle.
Is it Salvational?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIt is easy to denigrate a matter as not being 'salvational,' but the real question to ask is, How will this action affect my relationship with God?
Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur manners express our personality, especially as they portray humility, courtesy, or gentleness, and are improved as we make use of God's Spirit.
Every Action Has a Reaction
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEvery action has a corresponding reaction; even the little things we do matter. Sin produces increase (the leavening effect) just as righteousness does.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur experiences prepare us to be a better judge or king. Though we may exercise righteous judgment, we dare not pass judgment nor justify sin in ourselves.
A Leader in Every Man!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs Joshua felt fearful at assuming leadership, most men also feel the same trepidation, but God Almighty has placed in their DNA the ability to lead.
God Will Understand
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod pays attention to the small things we may excuse in ourselves, sins we commit in weakness. God's patience does not constitute approval of our sin.