Facing Persecution
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughHow does Jesus Christ expect us to face persecution? The Scripture show how Jesus, the apostles, and the prophets approached the persecutions they endured.
Persecution (1993)
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsChristians have been subject to psychological abuse as well as torture. Peter says that persecution is inevitable and is often triggered by good works
The Beatitudes, Part 8: Blessed Are the Persecuted
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughPersecution is a fact of life for a Christian. Jesus Christ says we are blessed if we are persecuted for righteousness' sake — here's why.
Persecution Edges Closer
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Religious freedom is grave danger from trust in humanist leaders. If murder does not matter to the government, the Sabbath and holy days are but trifles.
Persecution
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough many have gone through sore trials, virtually no one has gone through the nightmarish persecutions suffered by the early Christians in Imperial Rome.
Facing Times of Stress: Forewarned of Persecution!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsUnder the best of times, God's people are not immune to persecution. Persecution for righteousness' sake is evidence that God's people have Christ's Spirit.
Those Who Are Persecuted
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPersecution is already here, part and parcel in the lives of followers of Christ. If we are persecuted for following God's instructions, we will be blessed.
Persecution, Israelitish Style
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The most hideous persecution against Christianity takes place in the United States courts and universities, where evolution and sexual immorality are protected.
A Pattern of Persecution
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughJust as the child of the flesh persecuted the child of promise, the spiritual children of God can expect persecution from those living according to the flesh.
Facing Times of Stress: Persecution
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPersecution involves a wide spectrum, ranging from torture, physical beating, social excommunication, imprisonment and death. Our boldness should match Paul's.
Persecution From the Nones?
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)From 1950 to the present, the secular progressives called the Nones have risen from 3% to 20% of the population. This group has a Leftist political ideology.
Eroding Religious Freedom
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughFreedom of religion in America is being slowly eroded rather than removed en masse. However, the Bible encourages us in such times.
The Fifth Seal (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughPersecution and martyrdom are not popular topics among Christians, but they are facts. The fifth seal shows the cry of the martyrs and God's response.
A Look at Christian Suffering (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeEven suffering that may not be as a direct result of our faith is part of the trials of this age. It will bear positive fruit if it is approached in faith.
Prudence
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamWe should not bring about needless persecution on ourselves or on the body of Christ because of our foolish texting, posting, tweeting, or e-mailing.
A Government to Fear (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)There is an ominous phenomenon gripping American culture: the imposition of government control over the way we think and act in the name of 'tolerance'.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Four)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe often spend so much time engaged in our present-day trials that we fail to understand and learn from the experiences of Christians of the past.
Endurance
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamAs we approach the time of Christ's return, persecution will become increasingly intense, coming from places we least expect it. We must learn endurance.
The Seven Churches (Part Four): Smyrna
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ's letter to the church in Smyrna contains a rarity among the seven churches: He levels no criticism! What makes the Smyrnans so acceptable?
To Him Who Overcomes (Part Two): Enduring to the End
Sermonette by Levi W. GrahamThough God gives us His Holy Spirit, we have no free pass into His kingdom, and we will have to endure our share of tribulation.
Are You Bearing Your Cross?
'Ready Answer' by StaffHow do we, as modern Christians, bear our cross as Jesus commands? Christ meant far more than simply carrying a stake over our shoulders!
Tested: Our Trust in God's Promises
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloThere is an apparent contradiction between God's promises to protect and heal, and the persecution, health crises, and death that we all experience.
Fearing God's Worthiness
CGG Weekly by Levi W. GrahamRealizing God's willingness to help and knowing His worthiness begin to build in us the vital components of genuine, sincere worship.
The Handwriting Is On the Wall (2011)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)While love grows cold because lawlessness abounds, the church may well have to go underground in order to survive. We must prepare for horrific times.
Smyrna: Faithful Until Death
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe biblical city of Smyrna may be one that many know the least about. The city's name reveals the themes that the Head of the church wants us to understand.
Matthew (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThose who are meek are capable of anger but keep it under control. They are humble, open-minded, willing to listen, don't jump to conclusions, and aren't defensive.
Hebrews: A Message for Today
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews provides reasons to recapture flagging zeal, focusing on the reason for our hope and faith, establishing Christ's credentials.
Overcoming Destructive Fear
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaJesus cautioned His disciples not to have any destructive fear. The worst fear of all is that which would cause us to deny Christ—namely, the fear of man.
Psalms: Book Two (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEight of the psalms of Book Two were not written by David, but by Asaph, the sons of Korah, and Solomon. These psalms have more of a group emphasis.
Where Is Your Ultimate Allegiance?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen the laws of God conflict with the laws of man, civil disobedience is the only correct response, as was patterned by Peter, Paul, and the apostles.
Facing Times of Stress: Grieved by Various Trials
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFaith from God will be required to endure and profit from trials, bringing about character and genuineness of faith, as well as patience and trust in God.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHebrews was written to fulfill several needs of the first-century church. One of the most critical was to explain God's opening of eternal life to the Gentiles.
Are You Worthy of Your Calling?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul encourages the Thessalonians to thank God for their salvation, surrender without complaint, ask God for wisdom, and look for opportunities to serve.
Faith to Face Our Trials
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsLife seems to be one trial after another. However, God has revealed an astounding facet of God's love that should give us the faith to soldier on.
Avoiding Spiritual Burnout
Sermon by John O. ReidThe inability to solve mounting cultural and social problems despite advances in technology puts a strain on anyone who cares about the consequences.
Suffering Disgrace For Christ's Name
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe can always expect new challenges, including persecution, and must never be content with standing still, but must press on to spiritual maturity.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Patience
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughBiblically, patience is far more than simple endurance or longsuffering. The patience that God has shown man gives us an example of what true, godly patience is.
Knowing Christ (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhen we mortify the flesh, refusing to feed the hungry beast of our carnal nature, we suffer. Suffering for righteousness' sake helps us to know Christ.
Facing Cultural Headwinds
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's saints encounter great difficulties keeping their balance and moving toward the Kingdom while being buffeted by the anti-God, progressive culture.
Why Is Life So Hard? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeEntrance into the Kingdom of God will not happen without many tribulations (Acts 14:22). We may need to adjust our expectations of what discipleship entails.
Why is Life So Hard?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe rigors God puts us through are not to crush us, but to shape us, transforming us into His image. True gain is walking through the anguish in victory.
How Far Have We Fallen? (Part Five)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The current persecution of nominal Christians in the Middle East will crescendo until God's called-out ones will receive intense persecution as well.
Everything Is Upside Down
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We have crossed over into a dystopian society, where wrong is right and right is wrong, bad is good and good is bad, error is truth and truth is error.
Lest We Forget (2020)
Commentary by Mark SchindlerMark Schindler, focuses upon the Separatists who fled to Leyden in 1609, to escape persecution from the Anglican Church, which although broke away politically from the Roman Catholic Church, nevertheless retained some of the customs and teachings of Catholicism which the Pilgrims found repulsive. In order to preserve their …
Order in the Midst of Chaos
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityGod can restore order without us, but He wants to share the project with us, enabling us to become little oases of God's order during unbelievable chaos.
Joy: What Is It?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWithout God's Spirit, the fruit of joy is unattainable. Godly joy buoys people in the midst of grave trials, providing hope for a glorious future.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father and the Son are two distinct beings, not co-equal as the trinity doctrine proclaims, but with the Son deferring to the Father in all things.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Three): Smyrna
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist prepared the members of Smyrna for martyrdom, promising them eternal glory for enduring a relatively short time, looking at things from a hopeful perspective.