Filter by Categories
Bad Is The New Good For Girls!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe transition from girlhood to womanhood has been made difficult because of impossible societal demands requiring young women to become sexy supermodels.
Dating (Part 2): The Proper Order of Things
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany singles have found dating in the church difficult, consequently turning to the world for companionship, courting dangerous consequences.
What's So Bad About Valentines Day?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughValentine's Day dates back to the Roman fertility ritual honoring Lupercus, the god of the hunt and fertility. The day is not about love, but lust.
Dating (Part 1): The Purposes of Dating
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA key ingredient in dating is faith in God's purpose. The relationship one has with God takes precedence over any relationship with any other human being.
Biblical Loves
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEnglish speakers often overuse general and precise words, especially with profound concepts like the word "love." Even though English contains the world's largest vocabulary, speakers carelessly tend to flatten nuances. However, Scripture draws from Koine Greek, offering four distinct words for "love," each relaying different dimensions of human connection, restoring clarity and depth to what has often been reduced for human emotion. 1.) Eros signifies romantic and sexual love—within marriage honorable, but outside porneia. 2.) Storge signifying natural family affection among family members—parents, children, and siblings, referring to a loyal, comfortable affection within close-knot relationships extending to those treated as family. 3.) Phileo, brotherly love and affection, signifies personal attachment, and chosen companionship outside the family, forming the root of Philadelphia-"brotherly love" exhorting believers to love their spiritual brethren (Hebrews 13:1), describing the bonds formed through shared values and covenant. 4.) Agape, signifying divine selfless love, transcending phileo by being intentional, sacrificial, and rooted solidly in God's nature. Unlike emotional affection, agape flows from will and principle, demonstrating love as action, a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) as well as the greatest virtue (I Corinthians 13:13) embodying humility, selflessness, and Christlike service. Jesus summarized the great law, love God with all our might, and our neighbor as ourselves, which requires God-like love agape.
Choosing to Have a Good Relationship
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Bible emphasizes marriage as the primary bond of society. The purpose for the marriage relationship is to depict the marriage of Christ and His bride.