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What Do You Fear? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeFear of change, known as tropophobia, can profoundly impact a person's life, limiting their ability to adapt and grow. This fear, like other phobias, evokes intense reactions that hinder normal functioning and decision-making. In a spiritual context, fear of change can obstruct a Christian's journey of overcoming, as it may prevent them from shedding old habits or aspects of their personality to embrace a renewed self. Such fear can inhibit reaching out to others or using spiritual gifts due to concerns about opinions or loss of control. It may manifest as anxiety over not being provided for, not receiving deserved recognition, or facing unknown situations. Ultimately, when fear of change overshadows reverence for God, it can limit one's usefulness to Him and impede the inheritance of all things promised to those who overcome.
Fear of the Unknown
Sermonette by Craig SablichGod wants us to live in day-tight compartments, trusting that He protects us from the fear of the unknown and all the things that go bump in the night.
Change and Constancy
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughChange is constant; nothing remains the same for long - except God. He uses the stresses inherent in change to nudge us toward a more godly way of life.
When Our Change Comes
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRepentance and conversion leading to transforming into Christ's image depend on change. Christianity is a force for personal change, leading to universal change.
Disruption
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWe must consider our ways, especially in times of stress when continuous disruptions throw us into confusion and impede physical and spiritual progress.
Character and Reputation (Part One)
CGG Weekly by James BeaubelleObedience to God's laws brings great benefits. By living within the framework of what God has revealed, we receive the reward of developing godly character.
Be Anxious For Nothing
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFear and anxiety are normal human emotions. But through changing our focus from earthly to heavenly things, we can rise above the concerns, remembering Who is with us.
Love's Greatest Challenges
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAn irrational fear of loss prevents the development of agape love — we fear that keeping God's commandments will cause us to lose something valuable.
Elements of Motivation (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFearing God leads to a determination not to bring shame on God's name or offending and hurting the relationship between God and us.
The Same Mind
Sermonette byWe must not allow ideological differences to overshadow our shared faith, far greater than the lesser issues which currently divide us.
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 (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.
Ground Hog Day - Again?
Sermonette byIf we become stiff-necked, like our ancestors at Sinai, we are not submitting to God's Holy Spirit, sabotaging our overcoming and our path to salvation.
Letting Go (Part One)
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityFearing the end of something we thoroughly know and have become emotionally attached to may be every bit as terrifying as facing the unknown.
What Do The Mentally Strong Avoid?
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsAmy Morin, a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker, compiled a list in Forbes, identifying the things mentally strong individuals don't do.
Lamentations (Part Six; 1989)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe material presents fear of change as a natural human response to affliction that God uses to prompt repentance and realignment with His will. Affliction is portrayed as a heavy yoke that forces examination of conduct, yet older individuals resist because habits have become deeply ingrained, forming ruts whose high sides make escape difficult. Youth offers an advantage precisely because change remains easier, granting more years of service once the adjustment occurs. The same principle applies to relationships, where early correction prevents decades of conflict. Submission requires sitting alone in silence, placing one's mouth in the dust, and offering both hands and heart to God without complaint or resistance. This posture acknowledges that the discipline will not last forever, that mercy will follow, and that God acts only because no gentler method has succeeded. By accepting the yoke rather than kicking against it, a person moves from despair to quiet hope, recognizing that the present hardship produces the very transformation needed for future blessing.
Lamentations (Part Eight)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs we approach the coming self-examination prior to Passover, we can apply six significant lessons taught to ancient Israel through the book of Lamentations.
Remember the Luddites!
Commentary by Joseph B. BaitySome accept any innovation without calculating the damage it might bring to the culture, while others find it difficult to accept any technological changes.