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God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Six)

Sermon by David F. Maas

God has given all of us minds to think and to plan, but He does not always grant us control over the outcomes of our plans. Though our hearts may devise our paths, the Lord carefully directs our steps, sometimes leading us sideways, backwards, or through unexpected detours. At times, He steers us away from unseen dangers, even when we mistakenly believe He is hindering us or ignoring our prayers. Without His guidance, our plans inevitably lead to failure and ruin, as our natural talents and gifts must be used for the purposes Almighty God intends. When we align our desires with His will, following the way of giving rather than getting, we find immense pleasure, joy, and happiness, free from sorrow or regret. Keeping His laws brings good outcomes, while straying from them results in hardship. Thus, surrendering to His direction transforms our efforts into true sustenance, nourishing us as we fulfill His purpose.

Stewardship of God's Temple (Part One): Controlling Our Appetites

Sermon by David F. Maas

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ teaches that true sustenance comes from aligning our desires with the divine purpose. He declares in John 4:34, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work," revealing that fulfilling God's mission nourishes the soul in a way that physical food cannot. He assures us that this spiritual food will fill us completely, so we shall never go hungry again, as stated in John 6:35. Furthermore, He encourages us to hunger and thirst for righteousness, promising that such a pursuit will truly satisfy us, as noted in Matthew 5:6. Once God has placed His precious Holy Spirit within our minds, the deep-seated need for a relationship with Our Creator cannot be satiated by material substitutes like food or possessions. Only by channeling our affections toward those things that bring us closer to God can we find the peace and fulfillment we crave, as David expresses in Psalm 16:11, "You will show the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Fifteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

True satisfaction in life comes from a deep relationship with God, where one finds fulfillment in doing His will. Jesus Himself declared that His food, which energizes and fills His life with satisfaction, is to do the will of Him who sent Him and to accomplish His work. This illustrates that genuine fulfillment is not derived from material things, which offer only temporary satisfaction, but from aligning one's life with God's purpose. By seeking ways to please Him through obedience and yielding to His guidance, we experience a nourishment and strength that sustains us. In this relationship, God gifts us with what truly makes for life, providing a sense of balance and contentment even amidst life's trials. True happiness and satisfaction are blessed by-products of making a good life with God as a partner, achieved by devoting oneself to doing His will from the heart for His glory.

Sincerity and Truth (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In contrast to the world's embracing of fraud and deceit, God's called-out ones are obligated to eat the bread of sincerity and truth all our lives.

James and Unleavened Bread (Part Three)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

James had to be written as a counterbalance to antinomian elements that twisted Paul's writings to proclaim that that grace nullifies the need for works.

Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Three)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

We are what we eat. The same can apply spiritually to what we put into our minds. God wants us to desire His Word with the eagerness of a baby craving milk.

James and Unleavened Bread (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The book of James applies to us after the sanctification process has begun. The most effective way of eliminating sin is to do righteousness.

John (Part Eight)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The woman of Samaria is like each of us, initially hardened, self-willed and skeptical when called, but afterwards zealous when enlightened by the truth.

Maintaining Good Health (Part 7)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jeremiah compares studying and meditating upon God's Word to physical eating, enabling a person to receive spiritual energy, vitality, and health.

The Elements of Motivation (Part Five): Who We Are

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God has summoned us to a unique position. As saints, we have the responsibility to work toward the Kingdom of God and become holy—things only we can do!

Elements of Motivation (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We can become energized and motivated by our high calling and summons to do the will of God, seeing how vitally important we are to God's purpose.

John (Part Nine)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus teaches the difference between works that cause burdens (work that profanes the Sabbath) and works that relieve burdens. The Father and Son never stop working.

The Present Harvest (Part One)

Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

The Jews of Christ's day were weary and discouraged because of the burdensome yoke their leaders placed on them through the tradition of the elders.

Why 153?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The first sign in the book of John corrected the physical need for wine; the eighth sign of 153 fish corrected a spiritual need on the part of God's people.

Are You Zealous? (Part Four)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus' driven, untiring work exemplifies the concept of zeal in Scripture: as holy fervor—virtuous wrath against evil and great ardor for doing good.