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Are You Living the Abundant Life?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughIt is a common misconception that the Christian life is boring, dull, and austere. Yet, lived properly, a Christian life is ultimately more exciting, successful, and satisfying than most can imagine. The rewards and blessings that accrue over a lifetime of pleasing God and living His way of life far outweigh the seemingly onerous duties and strictures. Christ Himself stated in John 10:10 that He came so His disciples may have life, and have it more abundantly, promising a life far better than one could ever envision. This abundant life, however, is not defined by material wealth, prestige, or power, but by knowing God and Jesus Christ, as expressed in John 17:3. As Christians, our perspective must shift from earthly things to things above, recognizing that life and abundant living take on a whole new meaning. Despite humble circumstances, our lives can be better than expected when we follow God's way. The abundant life is found in keeping God's commandments, supported by the grace provided through Jesus Christ. Walking in the Spirit, free from the penalties of breaking the law, naturally leads to an abundant life, pleasing to God, who blesses us now and in the life to come. Every Sabbath, we enjoy physical rest, time with family, fellowship with brethren, and communion with God, living as He desires. Happy families, trustworthiness, contentment, and spiritual growth are rewards of adhering to God's commandments. A strengthening relationship with our Creator is the key to abundant living, the most satisfying accomplishment among men. At this point, we understand that the life of God we live is truly abundant, regardless of our circumstances.
Life in the Church
Sermon by David C. GrabbeDeath, in a symbolic sense, can indicate an inferior quality of life, stemming from unawareness of spiritual matters and separation from God. This results in a life far from what God intends. Jesus Christ declared that He came to give life abundantly, yet without this life, a person may experience much stimulation but not truly be alive. The world may call certain behaviors "living it up," such as walking in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and idolatries, but these hold no lasting quality. They gratify the senses temporarily but lead only to decay and ruin. Such an enslaving walk is death, devoid of the meaningful future that God offers. Life in Christ, however, is a way and quality of life that comes through living in alignment with how God directs. It is not a trouble-free existence, but it is a blessed life because the Giver of life is its source, guiding its path. Real spiritual life, rising above what the world offers, can only be found through Jesus Christ. Pursuing this life is a lifelong endeavor, requiring submission to His reality. When one submits to His words, life takes on a different quality, harmonizing with the spiritual work the Creator is doing. Following these powerful words provides a quality of life that the world cannot match, revealing the shortsightedness of those who ignore them.
Are You Living an Abundant Life?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMany perceive the Christian life as restrictive and boring, believing it lacks fun and authenticity. Non-Christians often view Christians as dull and out of touch, pointing to lifestyles that seem austere or archaic. Yet, this perception misses the profound truth about the quality of life that Christianity offers. If lived properly, the Christian life is ultimately more exciting, successful, and satisfying than most can imagine. Though it demands responsibility and self-control, the rewards and blessings of living according to God's way far outweigh any sense of restriction or boredom. Jesus Christ Himself declared that He came so that His followers might have life, and have it more abundantly. This abundant life is not merely about material excess or personal definitions of fulfillment, but an extraordinary, overflowing existence that surpasses expectation. It is a life far greater than human imagination can grasp, rooted in a quality that transcends physical circumstances or duration. God's intent is for Christians to live wonderfully fulfilled lives through the power He provides, encouraging a perspective focused on spiritual richness rather than worldly gain. This abundant life centers on knowing God and Jesus Christ, prioritizing a relationship over material wealth or social status. It is about quality, not quantity, defined by living as God lives, emulating His ways. Physical blessings are not guaranteed indicators of spiritual standing; instead, true abundance lies in spiritual growth, learning, practicing, and maturing in grace and knowledge. God's promises of blessings are conditional, based on His perfect judgment of what is good and timely for each individual, ensuring that what is given aligns with His purpose. Ultimately, the abundant life is found in keeping God's commandments, which encapsulate His way of life. This brings tangible benefits, such as rest and fellowship through observing the Sabbath, trust and honesty in relationships, and contentment in circumstances. The greatest reward is the deepening relationship with God, a source of unmatched satisfaction that may not always be evident in this life but will be fully realized in the life to come. True contentment, regardless of external conditions, marks the godly perspective on abundant living.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Six): Eternal Life
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIf you knew you would live forever, how would you live? Biblically, eternal life is much more than living forever: It is living as God lives!
The Gift of Eternal Life
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe difference between living forever and eternal life is that longevity does not equate to quality of life. Living forever while enduring pain lacks appeal.
The Unleavened Life Is a Happy Life!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Days of Unleavened Bread define our responsibility in God's plan to purge out habits, attitudes, and teachings that do not conform to God's way.
Life Doesn't Work on a Balance Sheet (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAs soon as The Father and Son created man with the ability to choose right or wrong, They exposed Themselves to the certainty that humanity would rebel.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Solomon teaches us that money may provide some security, but it cannot be relied upon for satisfaction; only a relationship with God will fill that vacuum.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Seven): Contentment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod desires far more for us than mere satisfaction: He wants to give us real contentment, a state that comes only through a relationship with Him.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Corruption in the courts is a fact of life. We should not be surprised by this curse, realizing that God is aware and is allowing it for a purpose.
Elements of Motivation (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal life, emphasizing a special intimate relationship with God the Father and Christ, is vastly different from immortality, connoting only endless existence.
House Rules
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeSticking to timeless standards is not legalism. It is the only sane way to live while striving to achieve God's greater purpose.
Deuteronomy (Part 1) (1994)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDeuteronomy could be considered the New Testament of the Old Testament, serving as a commentary on the Ten Commandments. It gives vision for critical times.
Natural Law
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeGravity is but one of the many natural laws. These cause-and-effect principles operate continuously in our lives. We either comply, or we suffer the consequences.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Fourteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSolomon ruminates about life being seemingly futile and purposeless. A relationship with God is the only factor which prevents life from becoming useless.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes is full of frustration, bluntness, and even a little hopeless. However, its themes are realistic and necessary for us to grasp.
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Four)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJohn 6 has always been a difficult chapter to explain. However, Jesus' teaching is clear. Here is what it means to us.
Deuteronomy (Part 2)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need to develop vision (the ability to see in the mind's eye) so that by living the statutes of Deuteronomy, we may become a witness to all of mankind.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Six): Listening
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhen Solomon visits the Temple, he comes away with a sense that too many treat religion far too casually, forgetting that they are coming before God.
John (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhat we believe automatically determines what we do; it is impossible to separate faith and works. If Jesus is not our source of belief, our works will suffer.
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.
Recognizing Our Obligation
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughHow different would our lives be if God had not called us? God's intervention in our lives improved their quality exponentially, and we must respond in kind.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Psalm 73 describes someone seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, but it is not true that people in the world are leading superior lives.
What's So Bad About Babylon? (2003) (Part 2)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe entire Babylonian system has an enslaving, addicting, and inebriating quality, producing a pernicious unfaithfulness and Laodicean temperament.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike geodes, hiding magnificent structural and aesthetic designs, the biblical types, emblems, or allegories are deceptively simple on the surface.
Our Awesome Destiny (1993)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMan's destiny is to have dominion over the entire universe. Preparation for this awesome responsibility requires faithful stewardship over God's gifts.
Holiness (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo appropriate the name of God means to represent His attributes, character and nature. Our behavior must imitate Christ just as Christ revealed God the Father.