Filter by Categories
Dissatisfaction
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsDissatisfaction has been a key tool used by change agents to force transformations not only in politics and government but also within mainstream Christianity and the true church of God community. These agents promote dissatisfaction with the old ways to facilitate changes aimed at creating a one world religion. Within churches, leaders deliberately stir dissatisfaction to prepare people for change, often using startling statistics or embarrassing revelations to highlight perceived shortcomings and create a desire for something new. Social psychologist Arnold Mitchell from Stanford identifies dissatisfaction as the first essential ingredient for change, noting that effective change agents assess and cultivate this sentiment within a group to gauge the potential for transformation. Leaders are encouraged to develop dissatisfaction intentionally, ensuring it remains a driving force at all stages of the change process to prevent stagnation. This tactic, supported by historical manuals on group development, positions dissatisfaction as a prerequisite for intentional change, turning initially dissatisfied individuals into agents of further transformation within church organizations. The process begins with assessing the attitudes and values of the people, using surveys that often contain anxiety-producing questions to initiate dissatisfaction and prompt public dialogue and complaint. This dissatisfaction is then utilized continuously to keep the group open to new solutions and prevent adherence to past practices, driving the group toward a envisioned future crafted by human imagination rather than divine promise.
Consequences of a Wrong Focus (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaWhen we lose our focus, taking our eyes off Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God to concentrate on our problems, we enter a downward spiral that can lead to spiritual death. This begins with concentrating on the problem, as seen with the Israelites in the wilderness in Numbers 11:1-2, 4-6, where their complaints displeased the Lord, arousing His anger. They wept and craved the foods of Egypt, lamenting over fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic, feeling their whole being was dried up with only manna to sustain them. Their focus shifted from the Lord leading them to the details of life, fostering ungratefulness and dissatisfaction. They became bored with spiritual things and God's purposes, believing happiness lay in material desires rather than in the miraculous provision of manna. Complaining often marks the first sign that our attention has drifted from Jesus Christ and His Kingdom to our personal issues, revealing a heart discontent with God's provision.
The Hand You're Dealt
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonThe hand that we are dealt contains the potential for victory, but not if we are not equipped to play it skillfully and wisely.
Spiritual Food Satisfies
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsThose who view religion as a life of gloom and deprivation are too short-sighted to realize that the world's entertainments do not satisfy the deepest need.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Seven): Contentment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIn the pursuit of understanding life's purpose, Solomon reveals a profound sense of dissatisfaction that permeates human endeavors rooted in materialism. He illustrates that satisfaction in life cannot be derived from wealth, societal status, or any material possession. While these things may offer momentary pleasure, such pleasure is fleeting compared to the eternal. True satisfaction emerges from an eternal, spiritual relationship with our Creator, who gifts us with what we need to use our lives wisely, bringing a balanced and sustained measure of fulfillment. Solomon further explores this theme through a series of perplexing questions that highlight the roots of dissatisfaction. He questions the point of making decisions if everything is predestined, suggesting a futility in effort when outcomes seem fixed. He ponders why one should disagree with God, implying that opposing Him is futile and that His will might be burdensome. He also asks what is accomplished with endless words, noting that excessive talk often diminishes meaning and fails to solve underlying issues. Additionally, he queries who truly knows what is good for us, underscoring the deception and vanity of life without God's truth. Finally, he wonders if anyone can predict what comes next, emphasizing the uncertainty of life's grand purposes outside of God's revelation. These questions reflect justifications for not fully engaging in a relationship with God, fostering lingering doubts that hinder progress and perpetuate dissatisfaction. Solomon's exploration reveals that without accepting and using God's truth, dissatisfaction and discontentment remain, as human efforts alone cannot achieve the lasting contentment that comes from living according to God's purpose.
The Refuser of Festivities
'Ready Answer' by Ronny H. GrahamThe Bible confronts party-poopers who throw a wet blanket on an enjoyable time, condemning their killjoy attitudes and commanding us to rejoice appropriately.
The Tenth Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEveryone is out to acquire as much as possible for himself. The tenth commandment, however, governs this proclivity of human nature, striking at man's heart.
Joy No One Will Take From You!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMaterialism has never led to anything but increased sorrow. True lasting joy is based neither on material accumulation nor in physical accomplishments.
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.
The Tenth Commandment (1998)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOne commentator said all public crime would cease if this one law was kept. Another said every sin against one's neighbor springs from breaking this commandment.
The Tenth Commandment
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Coveting begins as a desire. Human nature cannot be satisfied, nothing physical can satisfy covetousness, and joy does not derive from materialism.
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.
The Commandments (Part Nineteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus taught that all outward sin stems from inner inordinate desire. What we desire or lust after automatically becomes our idol.
Mercy, Pilgrimage, and Providence
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur experience in overcoming and developing character will be fraught with difficulties, but God will provide the power to get through all the anguish.
God's Rest (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLust begets a guilty conscience, agitation, anxiety, depression, grief, torment. Wrong desire leads to lying, adultery, and murder—eventually leading to death.
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.
Are You Missing Out On Blessings?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOften physical prosperity works against godly character and spiritual well-being. To be rich toward God means to seek His Kingdom first, live His way, and trust Him.
Ingratitude
Article by Mark SchindlerSome people cannot seem to realize a blessing if it slaps them across the face! Ingratitude can hold a person back in his or her relationship with God.
Spiritual Strongholds (Part One): Obedience
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJoshua quickly acquiesced to God, realizing that it is not a question of God being with us; we must yield unconditionally to the sovereign will of God.
Countering Presumptuousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughKorah, Dathan, and Abiram were not content with where God had placed them, but, in a spirit of pride, wanted to arrogate to themselves the office of Moses.
Worry and Seeking the Kingdom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWorry is a wired-in proclivity of carnal human nature, a response that Satan has programmed in a perpetual state of discontent and distrust in God.
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.
Wrong Will Eventually Be Set Right
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod frequently turns things around with an element of surprise, defeating human will, replacing it with understanding of the benefits of His will.
Reasons for Optimism
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe epilogue to Job's story reveals a lesson for us. Job's 'golden age' was before him, not behind, and the key to his optimism was his relationship with God.
Are You an Israelite?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMost of ancient Israel, because of their hardened hearts, did not please God. We must reflect on the the ways they stumbled so we can walk differently.
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.
Passover and I Corinthians 10
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the Old Testament examples, the Corinthians had a careless presumption, allowing themselves to lust, fornicate, tempt God, and murmur.