Playlist:

playlist Go to the Discouragement (topic) playlist

Discouragement and Trumpets

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

While there may be reasons to become depressed, there is no reason to stay depressed, realizing that God is with us the whole way.


Discouragement

Sermonette by James Beaubelle

Discouragement paralyzes one's efforts to overcome temptation or to lose patience in a trial, ultimately leading to deterioration or the destruction of faith.


Overcoming Discouragement and Depression

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Even loyal servants of God have had to contend with depression and discouragement. Antidotes include rest, refocus, right expectations, and obedient actions.


Discouraged? Why?

Article by Staff

As God's children, we have no need to become discouraged for long. God has given and done so much for us that we have no reason to get down.


The Endurance of the Firstfruits (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

When things go wrong, an improperly rooted person becomes hard and cynical. This disillusionment happens if our hope or trust are in the wrong place.


Life Is Worth Living

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Suicide is a leading cause of death, surpassing automobile collisions, and this insidious plague shows no signs of abating in the immediate future.


Motivation to Endure

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

Without daily contact with God in prayer and Bible study, and without continual contact with the brethren, we may lose the determination to persevere.


Why is Life So Hard?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The 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.


Perseverance and Hope

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the turbulent and uncertain times ahead, we will need extraordinary fortitude and courage. Trials can improving perseverance or active endurance.


Faith to Face Our Trials

'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins

Life 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.


How Can We Develop True Patience?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Patience in the face of trying events is a clear indication that we are developing genuine godliness. We can learn to turn trials into positive growth opportunities.


Our Hope

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Our hope is based on having a living Savior. At times we are discouraged and overwhelmed, but God has not left us—though unseen, He is in the trials with us.


Defining Hope for the Creation

'Ready Answer' by James Beaubelle

If our hope is in our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, we can have faith that our hope will be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.


Faith to Face the Fire

'Ready Answer' by Staff

We sometimes mistake faith for certainty about God's will. However, faith is not knowing what God will do but trusting Him to do what is best for us.


Elements of Motivation (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the familiar triumvirate (faith, hope, and love), faith serves as the foundation, love serves as the goal, and hope serves as the great motivator.


Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Nine): Wisdom as a Defense

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The type of wisdom Ecclesiastes teaches is not of the purely philosophical variety, but is a spiritual sagacity combined with practical skill in living.


Persistence

Sermon by John O. Reid

Persistence is impossible without a transcendent and ardent vision, which prevents us from casting off restraint and gives us the will to keep on.


A Cure for News Depression

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The overwhelmingly depressing news must be counterbalanced by edifying news, namely God's Word. The Scripture, with its life-giving words, provides hope.


The Clear Light Of A God-Given Life

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler

God the Father has given us life, He and His Son living their lives in us. God expects us to live now, in the moment, not waiting for a better day.


Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Our supreme objective in godly living is attainment and cultivation of wisdom, which consists of attributes giving us skill in living.


We Can Make It!

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

A disciple cannot escape the kind of persecution directed against his teacher. In the wake of this kind of abuse, people can succumb to depression.


Will Christ Find Faith?

'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid

At the end of the Parable of the Persistent Widow, Jesus asks, "When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith...?" The answer is surprising to many.


Trumpets Is a Day of Hope

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We are on the threshold of the greatest period of testing ever to come upon mankind. We need a sense of hope and faith to stay focused on our calling.


Don't Be a Prudent Agnostic

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Some of us, facing the stress of the times, may simply be going through the motions but losing every vestige of faith. We must strengthen our convictions.


God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God, as our true Shepherd, provides total protection of His called out-ones forever. Being kept in God's name refers to assimilating the attributes of God.


Christian Optimism

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Paul wrote some of his most optimistic letters from prison, under the possibility of execution, but absolutely convinced that ultimate victory was imminent.


Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Eight): Time

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We must realize that God is sovereign over time all the time, even as it is running out for all of us. God works to make the most of every situation in our lives.


Psalm 23 (Part Three)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The valley-of-shadow imagery symbolizes the fears, trials, and tests needed to produce character, quality fruit, and an intimate trust in the shepherd.


Daily Thanksgiving

'Ready Answer' by Staff

Too many confine their giving of thanks to one day a year. Answering these four questions will help us to evaluate our approach to this spiritual duty.


Are You Weary of Doing What's Right?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Sowing to the Spirit enables us to walk in the Spirit, keeping ourselves from spiritual weariness while keeping an environment of peace and tranquility.


Christ Our Standard

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Knowledge of God's truth is useless unless it is acted on. God will only accept children who follow Christ's example and conduct their lives by His high standards.


Love and Fellowship

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Fellowship with God is the only antidote to overwhelming feelings of despair, doubt, and self-condemnation.