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Are You Missing Out On Blessings?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod has promised to abundantly bless those who submit their lives to Him in obedience to His precepts and laws. In Malachi 3:10, He declares that those who bring their tithes into the storehouse will receive blessings so great that there will not be room enough to store them. Job 36:11 assures that those who obey and serve God shall spend their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures, while Psalm 1:3 states that whatever the righteous do shall prosper. Yet, sometimes we become discouraged when we do not see these blessings in our lives as we expect, wondering why God seems to prosper the wicked or other Christians more visibly, as reflected in Psalm 73:1-3. We must examine by what standard we measure blessings, questioning whether material possessions are the true Christian gauge of blessedness. James 2:5 reveals that God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of His kingdom, showing that spiritual wealth often outweighs physical gain. The gift of life itself is an undeserved blessing, and anything beyond it is a bonus, reminding us that all good things in our lives are unmerited gifts from God. James 1:16-17 affirms that every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation. Comparing ourselves to others often clouds our recognition of blessings, leading to envy and dissatisfaction, as illustrated in the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard in Matthew 20:1-16. Jesus teaches that human comparisons are inadequate, for only God can assess faithfulness and opportunity. In Luke 12:13-21, the Parable of the Rich Fool warns that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions, urging us to be rich toward God rather than hoard material wealth. True blessings are recognized through living God's way of life, as Psalm 34:8 invites us to taste and see that the Lord is good, promising blessedness to those who trust in Him. David's experience in Psalm 19:7-10 praises God's laws and commandments as more desirable than gold, bringing great reward when kept. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 emphasizes that diligent obedience to God's voice brings blessings that overtake us, while disobedience leads to curses. These blessings are not merely physical but are rooted in spiritual growth and contentment. The saints of Hebrews 11, despite trials and deprivations, were richly blessed with a personal relationship with God, the promise of eternal life, and inner strength, showing that true blessings are often invisible and perceived by faith. Matthew 6:31-33 encourages us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all necessary things will be added to us. Through faith and works, as seen in James 2:14-26, we perfect our faith and recognize both physical and spiritual blessings, understanding that the greatest blessings are eternal, as II Corinthians 4:16-18 reminds us to focus on the unseen rather than the temporary.
Blessing Promises: Our Spiritual Inheritance
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen we ask to be blessed, it should be exclusively on God's terms. What God has done in our lives is the best preparation for our future responsibilities.
Blessings We Could Have Had
Sermon by Kim MyersDespite Abraham's loyalty to God's covenant, Abraham's offspring have violated this covenant, thanklessly squandering the blessings and reaping curses.
The Third Tithe Blessing
Sermon by David C. GrabbeGod's people were obligated to declare before God that they had faithfully distributed the tithe. The blessing was applied nationally.
Catastrophe to Blessing
CGG Weekly by John ReissPaul says 'all things work together for good.' His words indicate a situation in which matters seem dire, but things will work out for God's people in the end.
Why Do the Wicked Prosper?
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordRighteous men have complained about the ease of the evil for ages, but what is the answer? King David contemplated this, and gives us the answer.
Why Is Life So Hard? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeSome have a warped idea of godliness, not pursuing it with a desire to resemble God, but believing that if they are righteous, God will materially bless.
Thanks for Everything
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWe should not confine the giving of thanks to a single day of the year, but express it continually—in fact, every time we come before God in prayer.
Hannah's Thanksgiving
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughHannah gave up the very thing she asked for. Her willingness to give God her most precious possession stands on par with Abraham's renowned sacrifice of Isaac.
Tithing: Third Tithe
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsGod ensures that all His children have what they need to survive and thrive. The third tithe is God's way of supporting the needy and the poor.
Thanksgiving
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWe cannot emulate the nine ungrateful lepers, but must be proactive in our expressions of thanksgiving, such as making lists of things for which we are thankful.
Is It a Sin to Drink Alcoholic Beverages?
'Ready Answer' by StaffSome scriptures seem to teach total abstinence from alcohol. However, many other passages show otherwise. Here is how the unbroken word of God fits together.
Tithing
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe biblical system of tithing has been a point of controversy among Christians for centuries. Was the law of tithing changed for Christ's church?
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWithout thanksgiving and praise, our prayers degenerate into the 'gimmes' with the emphasis on the self. We must give God thoughtful thanks in every circumstance.
Doing Righteousness
Sermon by Kim MyersGod's church, because it co-exists with the unrighteousness of the world, is in danger of becoming corrupted or leavened by the world's example.
Tithing
Sermon by John O. ReidThis comprehensive overview of tithing explores the attitudes we should have toward tithing, the purposes of the tithe, and the benefits of tithing.
The Beatitudes, Part Two: Poor in Spirit
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhat is it to be poor in spirit? This attribute is foundational to Christian living. Those who are truly poor in spirit are on the road to true spiritual riches.
John's Feeding of the 5,000
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe only miracle recorded in all four Gospels is the feeding of the 5,000, a profound sign that Jesus Christ exclusively is the Bread of Life.
Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPhysical hunger and thirst provide important types of the desire one must cultivate for spiritual resources, realizing that man cannot live by bread alone.
Living Abundantly In Tough Times
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLived properly, a Christian's life is scintillating and deeply satisfying, full of rewards, even though it involves responsibility and self-control.
The Dew of Heaven
Article by Ronny H. GrahamDew is a creation of God that He uses several times in His Word. Here is how this symbolism applies to us today.
The Providence of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCalamities, trials, anxiety, evil, and calamities, as well as blessings, happen to Christians in order to become fashioned and molded into God's image.