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Setting Spiritual Goals
'Ready Answer' by StaffSpiritually speaking, setting goals is crucial for overcoming sin, a serious endeavor that requires dedication. As God's elect, we must strive to be transformed into His image, especially as we approach the annual rededication of our spiritual walk. Now is the time to commit to doing better at overcoming sin than in the previous year. Admitting we have a problem with sin is the first step, recognizing that we have all fallen short and must struggle to put it out of our lives. To set a spiritual goal, we must write it down to make it real and refer to it often for reminders of our direction. The process begins with prayer, fasting, and meditation, keeping the end goal in mind. Envisioning success in overcoming a specific area is essential, clearly fixing in our minds how to achieve it. The S.M.A.R.T. framework guides this process with five interconnected steps: Specific, Measurable, Action, Review, and Time. For specificity, broad goals like becoming more Christ-like must be broken into smaller, achievable parts, such as stopping negative speech about others. Measurability involves setting a standard, using Christ as the ultimate measure, and tracking progress through actions like counting positive interactions or noting improved relationships. Action requires a deliberate plan to replace negative habits with positive ones, such as offering sincere compliments and strategizing responses to challenging situations or people. Reviewing the goal regularly ensures it remains in focus, adjusting plans as needed and recording progress in a journal to recognize successes and failures. Time-bound goals prevent procrastination, setting realistic deadlines to maintain motivation, such as aiming for positive speech within thirty days. Setting spiritual goals using the S.M.A.R.T. framework provides a simple, effective way to measure growth throughout the year. We are not alone in this endeavor, as God the Father and Jesus Christ promise to support us in achieving these spiritual objectives.
Reach for the Goal
Sermon by John O. ReidSimilar to the way people pull together in times of crisis, we must also have a goal, a vision of the finish line, in order to overcome and grow.
Our Spiritual Climb
Sermon by Bill OnisickOur journey to the Kingdom of God is not easy, requiring the same kind of physical and mental stamina that climbers need to climb Mount Everest.
Rivet Your Eyes on the Destination
Article by John O. ReidOverconcern with the around-and-about tends to distracts us, and before we know it we are off course. Preparation for God's Kingdom depends on our focus
The Formula for Overcoming
Article by David F. MaasWe have no reason to be intimidated or depressed by lofty goals. An easy, proven formula for getting rid of sin and growing in God's character exists.
The Overcoming Skill
Sermonette by Bill OnisickWith God's Spirit, we can develop the overcoming skill, using self-control to make firm commitments to our small, yet progressively significant choices.
Hope to the End (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faith, hope and love are spiritual gifts which safeguard us from discouragement and depression, giving us a mature perspective that will last eternally.
Knowing Christ (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSanctification is the longest, most difficult, and most grueling part of the conversion process—a time when suffering and sacrifice are demanded of us.
What Happens Next
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWhen we determine we have slipped spiritually, we need to get back up and continue overcoming rather than continuing to wallow in the muck of Babylon.
Seeking God (Part Two): A Foundation
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughChristians need to have a conscious plan in seeking God. Here are several essential qualities that must be included in any successful course of action.
Seeing Sanctification as an Exciting Adventure
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasThe events in today's news can seem overwhelming, but there are strategies to turn the sanctification process into an exciting adventure.
Finishing Your Gun Lap
Sermon by John O. ReidThe most dangerous lap we encounter is when everyone around us tends to be compromising. Today, what was once aberrant behavior is now considered normal.
Vision (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)'I Dreamed a Dream' from Les Miserables is a poignant reminder of the personal devastation that comes from not committing to a long-term vision of a good life.
Motivation to Endure
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWithout daily contact with God in prayer and Bible study, and without continual contact with the brethren, we may lose the determination to persevere.
Simplify Your Life!
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe waste a lot of time on foolish pursuits, procrastination, and distractions. Getting control of our time is foundational for seeking God's Kingdom.
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.
Going On to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though everything we need in this quest has been given to us, our spiritual growth depends on believing in the promises of receiving the divine nature.
The Christian Walk (Part Three): In Wisdom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod wants us to take our salvation seriously, walking in love, light, and wisdom, attaining the know-how to work out our own salvation, redeeming the time.
Christian Zeal
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughZeal has been discredited as the tool of the charlatan, but Christians must develop passion and zeal for the Christian way of life and the Kingdom of God.
Pioneers: Our Job Is the Journey
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThough we have been given gifts to edify the Body of Christ, these gifts are of ancillary purposes only as they move everyone forward on the spiritual journey.
Our Final Performance Review
Sermonette by Bill OnisickWithout well-defined plans, projects become quickly derailed. Both time and energy are wasted in the absence of carefully established goals.
Our Hope
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our hope is based on having a living Savior. At times we are discouraged and overwhelmed, but God has not left us—though unseen, He is in the trials with us.
Flee From Idolatry (Part One): Self-Discipline
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough Paul's spiritual credentials outstripped all of his coworkers, Paul used none of his rights as an apostle, but gave his life as a sacrifice.
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.
How Can We Develop True Patience?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPatience in the face of trying events is a clear indication that we are developing genuine godliness. We can learn to turn trials into positive growth opportunities.