Playlist: Focus (topic)
Focus Is The Key
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To counteract interruptions, we must rid ourselves of vague goal setting, replacing it with a deadline, continually reminding us that time is finite.
Make Sure of Your Focus!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDistractions produce a movement toward randomness and confusion, seriously endangering one's calling. We must sharpen our focus on God and His purpose.
Focus on the First
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWe need to be less concerned about world events and more concerned about our relationship with God. The more serious conflict is the one within our heads.
Keeping Our Focus Through Stormy Seas
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingDistractions of any type may cause us to shift our attention from our Creator, as Jesus' disciples did on that stormy night in the Sea of Galilee.
Focus!
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityMany spiritual parallels exist regarding the function of the camera lens to enable light rays to converge at a specific point.
Don't Lose Your Focus!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul urged that we get our focus more balanced, emphasizing love over prophetic correctness, not remaining indifferent to what Christ deemed important.
Make Sure NOW of Your Focus
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDemas became distracted by pulls of the world, which may have started by small incremental seemingly innocent thoughts, but scuttled his conversion.
Focusing on God's Thoughts
Sermonette by Craig SablichWe have the responsibility to hear God's still, small voice and to act upon His thoughts, thereby shunning the deceitful input constantly coming from Satan.
Focus
Sermon by John O. ReidThough Christ has warned us to be aware of the times, we need to be more alert to how we are living. End-time events should lead us to repentance.
Age of Distraction
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A distraction is any event that breaks our focus or attention. Satan's chief stock in trade is the distraction, creating confusion and consternation for all.
One Answer to Distractions
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Distractions and interruptions caused by phone, e-mail, computers, or texting are detrimental to productivity and to the operating a business at a profit.
Is Your Eye Single?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughIf our goal is wrong, our entire being will be off. Our first priority is to be loyal to God, casting aside all distractions and other interests.
What Is Your Game?
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamPaul was certainly aware of the obsessiveness of Olympic athletes but stressed that sacrificing for eternal, godly character was a far wiser investment.
Staying On Point
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We need to carefully consider whether TV and the Internet are really a blessing or a potentially life-threatening curse—another pull we are forced to resist.
Listening
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBiblical listening is not just hearing, but active understanding and responding, leading to changed behavior. Not hearing is tantamount to rebellion.
Walking the Tightrope
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOur calling could be compared to tightrope walking, in which balance and proportion must be assiduously maintained and elements are in correct proportion.
Don't Meddle and Always Be Ready to Answer
Sermon by Mark SchindlerSatan seeks to distract God's people by enticing them to meddle in governmental matters, thereby endangering their relationship with God.
Pilgrim's Progress
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerEach one of God's elect will go through a continuous succession of metaphorical hurricanes that will scuttle us unless we keep our focus on Christ.
Friends
Sermonette by Craig SablichGod's people should not waste their time on entertainments dedicated to spreading Satan's lies, but rather turn their attention to pure and wholesome things.
Looking Back
Sermon by Ryan McClureWe must be careful not to get too accustomed to the things of this world so that we find it difficult to leave it behind, like Lot's hapless wife.
How to Combat Future Shock
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAlvin Toffler described a phenomenon known as Future Shock, a stressful malady caused by an inability to adjust to rapid change and over-stimulation.
Start Now to Begin Walking
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The things of God require digging; it is time to walk step-by-step to the finish of the cause He has called us to complete.
The W's and H's of Meditation (Conclusion)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasBecause we will ultimately turn into what we assimilate, we must take back the hijacked tool of meditation to drive out carnal thoughts.
Deuteronomy: Hearing
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBy listening, taking heed, and drinking in of God's Word daily, we take on the wisdom of God, upending and making foolish the wisdom of man.
Rejoice at the Feast
Sermonette by Mike FordDeuteronomy 16:13 and other scriptures admonish us to rejoice at the Feast of Tabernacles. How does this apply if things go wrong?
Self-Discipline
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughProtestant theology recognizes that Christian self-discipline presents a major logical difficulty in its keystone doctrine of 'by grace alone.'
Thankfulness
Sermonette by James BeaubelleRobbing God extends far beyond the neglect of tithes and offerings, but also includes ignoring God and neglecting to thank Him for the plethora of blessings.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSacrifices of thanksgiving, praise, and gratitude are required of God's called out priests. By meditating on the right things, we prepare ourselves for prayer.
Aim for Productivity
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWe must strive to bear spiritual fruit efficiently and productively. Material well-being is not as good a measure of fruitfulness as is the use of God's gifts.
Contentment
Sermon by John O. ReidMany people live in a state of discontent. Tragically, what they set their hearts upon often displaces the love for family and a relationship with God.
Words Without Knowledge
Sermonette by Levi W. GrahamElihu respectfully admonished Job for presumptuously taking God to task for his affliction, instructing Job that his words were without wisdom and insight
Follow the Herd?
Commentary by Mark SchindlerGreed has caused panic buying and selling of pharmaceutical stocks and has spawned a booming vaccine industry coupled with shameless scientific fraud.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has providentially given us trials to build character, proving beyond a doubt that we believe Him and have a burning desire to be at one with Him.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur carnal nature's desire to satisfy an addictive self-centeredness can eventually overrule the Christian's loyalty to God and His commandments.
Faith and Technology
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeAs technology becomes more available, the material world threatens to crowd God out of the picture. The information age will destroy us unless we manage it.
Enduring as a Good Soldier
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To wage spiritual warfare, we must endure hardship, not entangling ourselves in the affairs of the world, being single-minded in pleasing our Captain.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWithout thanksgiving and praise, our prayers degenerate into the 'gimmes' with the emphasis on the self. We must give God thoughtful thanks in every circumstance.
Lessons From First-Century Christianity
Sermon by David C. GrabbeEven though the believers of the first century experienced extraordinary events, because of entropy, their zeal atrophied after the shockwaves dissipated.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (2004)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot assume that we are going to be immune from tough times and persecution, but we need to ask God for the strength to endure what He gives us to endure.
It is Done! The Perfect Peace of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIn the peace offering, Christ is the priest, offeror, and offering. Since all parties share the peace offering as a meal, it exemplifies a peaceful communion.
Childrearing (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe must not leave child rearing to chance, but ought to bend the tender twigs entrusted to us toward God's purpose, training our children in righteousness.
No One Else Matters (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSin has tainted the most faithful leaders. Most (perhaps all) church leaders have skeletons in their closets, but we follow them as they follow Christ.
Overcoming Discouragement and Depression
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsEven loyal servants of God have had to contend with depression and discouragement. Antidotes include rest, refocus, right expectations, and obedient actions.
The Christian and the World (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughClear vision lights the way spiritually. If the eye of the heart is aimed at spiritual treasure and the glory of God, it will remain singly focused.
Childrearing (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughChildren do not initiate love but reflect it. If a child does not receive a convincing demonstration of this love, he will not become a conductor of love.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Seven)
Sermon by David F. MaasGod has generously given us a set of tools that we must use for overcoming and building character, as well as edifying our spiritual siblings.
Hebrews (Part Eleven): A Simple Recap
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Most of the attrition from the truth stems from losing interest. Drifting away is rarely intentional, but the result of choosing to live carnally.
Hope to the End
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Peter, while warning about impending suffering, nevertheless distinguishes himself as the apostle of hope, keeping our minds on what is to be rather than what now is.
Highly Skilled Overcomers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowing our passions only applies if we invest the career capital to perfect our craft, honing our skills so that other people will pay for what we have to offer.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNo one has any excuse for doubting God's purpose for mankind, whether revealed publicly through His Creation or privately through the Holy Scriptures.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhat God really wants is for us to see things from His point of view, making the right choices, striving to build character, developing into His image.
Trumpets Is a Day of Hope
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe 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.
Our Spiritual Roof
Sermon by Bill OnisickIf we are not performing righteous acts with the right spirit (God's Holy Spirit or the mind of Christ) we will not hit the mark.
Attitude Is Everything
Commentary by Bill OnisickWe must wrest control of the narrative away from Satan, the Destroyer, expert in promulgating misinformation, focusing instead on the end of the story.
Dire Predictions
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughAlarmists in recent decades have wrongly predicted overpopulation, famine, water rationing, peak oil, killer bees, global cooling, and global warming.
Spiritual Blindness: Choosing a Curse
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeGod proclaims a cause-effect relationship between sin and madness, blindness, and confusion of heart. Sin causes blindness, and blindness begets more sin.
The W's and H's of Meditation (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasMeditating on God's Law produces profound peace and vivid memory. Meditation fosters tranquility, safeguarding the integrity of our emerging spiritual body.
Why Be Industrious?
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughTraining a child to be industrious helps him to be successful, which in turn promotes a stable family, community, nation and will transfer into God's Kingdom.
Too Good to Ignore
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen we become skillful, doing things that perhaps no one else has done, we acquire passion, creativity, control over output, and fulfillment.
Looking Forward
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, citing Mark Twain's aphorism, "The art of prophecy is difficult, especially with respect to the future," points out that there are too many variables for any human to predict accurately. We can be thankful that God's prognostications and prophecies are totally trustworthy, many of which have already …
The Priesthood of God (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A priest, having cognizance of his own weaknesses, has an obligation to empathize with other peoples' weaknesses and bear one another's burdens.