Playlist: Wisdom (topic)
Ecclesiastes and Wisdom
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughThere is a vital linkage between wisdom and understanding, understanding comes only through hard work and experience. Wisdom is skill in living.
Knowledge and Wisdom
Sermonette by Mike FordThe wise of the world are fools in comparison to those who find and protect godly wisdom, realizing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Understanding and Wisdom
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughKnowledge, understanding and wisdom leads to righteousness and ultimately knowing God and attaining eternal life. By applying diligence, wisdom will accrue.
Biblical Wisdom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile Greek culture rendered wisdom mostly mental and contemplative, it is not truly biblical wisdom unless it follows through with a specific behavior.
Discerning Truth and Applying Wisdom
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSpiritual discernment is a gift from God, enabling us to judge between good and evil, comparing things with God's Word to see if they align with His standards.
Sovereignty and Choice
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeSome theologians see law and grace at the opposite ends of a continuum. They cannot imagine how God's sovereignty and man's free moral agency can co-exist.
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.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God wants us to use wisdom to change ourselves, humbly replacing our perspective with His perspective. God gives wisdom as a component of His grace.
Developing Discernment
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHuman discernment can be developed and exercised, triggering early warning systems with the reactions of revulsion and confusion when confronted by evil.
Good Old Age
Sermonette by James BeaubelleAlways understanding that it is God who orders life, our success at a good life depends on our yielding to His direction. We will reap what we sow.
The Purposes of Aging
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughModern society is obsessed with youth and staying young, but aging is a natural process God intended as part of life. Aging is a process for gaining wisdom.
What Is Christ's Hidden Treasure?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe parables of the leaven and the treasure hidden in the field show two sides of the same coin. The hidden treasure is the God-given solution to the leaven.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Sixteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ecclesiastes 1-6 contains an indictment of materialism. The only lasting fulfillment comes from establishing and maintaining a relationship with God.
Get Understanding
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughIf we ask God for wisdom, we will also need to be ready to work to achieve it. Good results do not just magically happen; 'some assembly' is required.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Seventeen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Wisdom can be defined as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to the right measure. Wisdom is not given as a whole, but incrementally.
The Danger of Trusting in Oneself
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThose wise in their own eyes, including philosophers, politicians, educators, and religious leaders, have failed in their quest to make the world better.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Wisdom does not give us complete understanding into the ultimate purposes of God, but when accompanied with faith in God, it will brighten our countenance.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Biblical wisdom (sagacity, quickness of perception, soundness of judgment) is achievable by anyone called of God because God is the source of this wisdom.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Fifteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our relationship with God is often strengthened through hardship. We must choose to yield to God, living for a much higher goal than raw materialism.
Even From My Youth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSolomon teaches that childhood and youth are vanity, and that having fun while forgetting God may create flawed character and permanent sorrow.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike Job, we must surrender to God's will and purpose for our lives, realizing that both pleasant and horrendous times work for our spiritual development.
Recognizing the Intents of the Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are counseled to seek wisdom (the power of judging rightly) and discernment (the ability to consider the end of a thought pattern or behavior).
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the matter of deference to civil authority, we must remember that we must give governing officials respect, even though they may be the basest of men.
Sin (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThoughts, words, or behaviors not in alignment with the mind of God are also violations against God's law. Foolishness should never be part of our conduct.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Gossip about us from someone we may have trusted can be painful, yet our tongue has likely been just as detrimental against someone who may have trusted us.
The Longsuffering of Our Lord Is Salvation
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause God has demonstrated incredible longsuffering with our shortcomings, we should similarly exercise forbearance to those who have offended us.
Foolishness and Cleansing
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHuman nature has a perverse drive to take risks, pushing the envelope, taking unwise chances, foolishly gambling away the future. Foolishness is sin.
Deuteronomy (Part 5)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's faithfulness is the foundation of our faith. We cannot live by faith unless we believe we have a God who is faithful in everything He does.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To keep us secure from the temptations of the world, we must embrace our metaphorical sister, Wisdom, keeping us focused on our relationship with God.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Eighteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We accept most of our opinions, prejudices, and beliefs unconsciously. We must scrutinize our own beliefs through the principles of God's Holy Scriptures.
Elements of Motivation (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughVision is a picture in the mind's eye that is undergirded by faith and scriptural revelation, enabling one to anticipate events that have not yet occurred.
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod emphasizes Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Tabernacles to show the result of doing whatever our human heart leads us to do. The physical cannot satisfy.
Considered Rather Than Commanded - Choose Life
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAs God calls His people, He enables them (through His Spirit) to make considered decisions concerning living His way of life by obeying His commandments.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Nine)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are not privy to God's, but we must realize that He has the prerogative to impose both blessings and calamity, the latter in response to disobedience.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Solomon exercised a lifetime of hard work trying to find answers, but fell short because some things are discoverable only through God's revelation.
What Is Happening Is Ordained of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAs we look at the insanity around us, we need to remember that our citizenship is in heaven. We cannot allow pride to draw us into the controversy before us.
The Day of Israel's Calamity
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs a nation, we have rejected wisdom in favor of foolishness, bringing about major calamities: famines, pestilence, earthquakes, cosmic disturbances.
Acting the Fool
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Hebrew words for 'fool' describe a person living his life without considering the consequences of his deeds—a moral deficiency, grounded in insolence.
The Pattern of Creation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mike FordGod has a pattern that we can use for planet formation, a skill He will teach us after we assume a glorified spirit body following our resurrection.
An Exhortation for Young Adults
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Wisdom is not a trait valued or acquired by youth, but takes second place to strength, beauty, or fun. We get too soon old and too late smart.
The Fear of God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMany have inadvertently adopted a soft concept of God, disrespecting and showing contempt for God's authority and power. Godly fear is a gift of wisdom.
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.
Don't Cherry Pick God's Law
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersWhile many people like some of God's laws, they like to pick and choose, preferring a blend of their own preferences with some of God's laws added in.
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.
Are You Sure You Believe in God? (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAn atheist rationalizes his belief in no God by stating that suffering could no longer be blamed on an omniscient deity, allowing him to live without guilt.
WHAT?! Me Submit to Someone Else?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSubmitting is repugnant to the carnal mind. The church is no place for uncompromising people who demand their own way.
Are You Being Brainwashed? (Part 4)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPublic opinion is easily manipulated by propaganda. By manipulating attitudinal desensitization, the mainstream media pushes society into progressive positions.
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.
Are We Redeeming the Time?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTime is fleeting; any of us could perish tomorrow. Procrastination in matters of godliness can be fatal, as the parable of the rich fool teaches.
Commencement
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGraduations bring advice-laden commencement speeches designed to inspire and motivate young people, sending them out to their destinations and destinies.
Who Do You Trust? (Part Two)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerCarnal men prove themselves to be dangerous, hopeless fools when not equipped with the wisdom of God, made possible only with his Holy Spirit.
Self-Government (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Regardless of whether one submits to God, government, or community, self-government is the best means to having a safe, smooth course toward an objective.
What the Holy Spirit Does (2005)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's Spirit will never prod us to do anything that is not godly love, and because it a spirit of a sound mind, it will never motivate us to do crazy things.
A Survey of God's Gifts to Us
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe apostle Paul inventories spiritual gifts that God has given for the edification of the church, including ministry of the word and practical service.
Teaching Us to Think (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is putting His children through a demanding educational program designed to teach godly values and impart spiritual maturity. Learning is hard work.
Using God's Given Authority
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod has gifted all His called-out ones, expecting them to use those gifts with the pillars of godly wisdom for the edification of the Body of Christ.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Profit from life is produced by work, requiring sacrifices of time and energy. We have been created for the very purpose of doing good works.
Are We Ready To Enter The Promised Land?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe may not be troubled by giants or enemy nations, but we have trials of similar magnitude. We dare not behave as the timid spies, but live with boldness.
Perversity
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityChange or open-mindedness without wisdom is foolish and perverted, as one can see by the horrendous fruits of the Boomer's open-minded permissiveness.
The Joy of Aging
Commentary by David F. MaasStudies show that instead of deteriorating, the senior brain, if it has been sufficiently exercised, actually grows stronger as it reaches 70 years old.
The Honeycomb
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingWords spoken in anger or thoughtlessness, though they may not break bones, can irreparably damage or destroy a person's spirit long after broken bones heal.
Gentle and Lowly in Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul displayed a gentleness not grounded in weakness, but in strength, a gentleness which showed anger, but only at the right time and to the right degree.
Finding Favor
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWhen we attain favor with God, we often find favor with our fellow man, but not always. We can find favor with both God and man if we value a good name.
Liberal Lunacy (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Progressive humanists are neither satisfied with God's standards nor common sense, but strive to replace them with something they deem to be 'better.'
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Nine)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe command not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is universal and for all time, applying to each and every one of us.
Are You Weary of Doing What's Right?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSowing to the Spirit enables us to walk in the Spirit, keeping ourselves from spiritual weariness while keeping an environment of peace and tranquility.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is pleased to save those who humble themselves, allowing Him to perform a mighty work through them, and putting everyone in debt to Him.
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.
Defining Logos (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Greek word 'logos' has been negatively loaded with unbiblical meanings. Its basic meaning is 'word' or 'saying,' yet it is really more complex.
Consider the Butterfly
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCreation teaches the orderly mind of God. The butterfly provides valuable analogies to illustrate our conversion and transformation from mortal to immortal.
Growing Up
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChildren who learn to obey their parents (and by extension, the laws of God and society) save themselves from untold grief later in life.
Why Count Fifty Days?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible has much to say about the number fifty, such as counting 50 days to Pentecost, the measurements of the Tabernacle, and the 50 year Jubilee.
Preventing Deception
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReligious hucksters use the bait of self-gratification, selling non-essential or even heretical ideas. The elect resist deception by knowing the real article.
God's Sense of Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is absolutely justified in what He decides regarding the judgment and punishment of us all. However, He is merciful and always rewards righteousness.
A Place of Safety? (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMany biblical examples, including Jesus, David, and Jacob, all fled for their lives in a prudent common sense move. Discretion is often the best part of valor.