Playlist: Generosity (topic)
Sowing and Reaping
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughFear of any kind is never an excuse to break any of God's laws. God wants us to learn the principle of reciprocity- that what we sow we will also reap.
Investing in Eternal Life
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWe are commissioned to be generous in good works, whether it consists of money, time, or talent. Conduct now lays up treasure for the future.
The Cheerful Giver
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWhen people ask for a handout, we may feel reluctant to help out. But when someone helps us when we are in need need, the value of charity becomes apparent.
Spiritual Satisfaction
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of the Rich Fool illustrates that, when one has all the material possessions he could want, he may still not be rich toward God.
Tithing: 'Try Me Now!' (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsTithing requires faith and trust in God, who provides our ability to acquire wealth. Each member must make his own decision. Tithing is based on increase.
Principles of Christian Giving
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsWhen the early church went through a famine, the Macedonian congregation contributed spontaneously, somewhat putting to shame the Corinthian congregation.
Offerings and Taxes
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughDeuteronomy 16:16 does not specify the exact amount of the offering, but does ask us to make a thoughtful recollection of the benefits received from God.
Money, Control, and Sacrifice
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWealth will certainly damage our character if we permit it to control us. Riches cannot buy forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, or eternal life.
A Motivation for Giving
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When Paul attempted to motivate the Corinthians, he compared them to the Philippians, who were more generous with what they had than the richer Corinthians.
"If I Have Not Charity"
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChristianity has both an inward aspect (building godly character or becoming sanctified) and an outward aspect (doing practical good works).
The Commandments (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWealth accumulated by honest work and diligence will be blessed, but hastily acquired by any kind of theft or dishonesty will be cursed.
Prosperity: What Is True Wealth?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsNew Testament examples reverse the Old Testament emphasis, focusing instead on upon the wealth of spiritual character, salvation, and eternal life.
Themes of Ruth (Part Four): Kindness and Faith
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBoth Ruth and Naomi demonstrated covenant loyalty in this marriages long after the death of their spouses. Ruth faithfully continued to serve her mother-in-law.
Why We Tithe (Part 3)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod uses tithing as a learning experience to teach us to give as He does, helping to fashion us into His image. Our generosity reflects God's generosity.
A Vivid Comparison
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughThe widow described in Luke 21:1-4 gave a paltry 2 mites—a mere quarter of one cent. Yet she sacrificed all she had rather than giving from excess.
The Mystery of Goodness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause even Satan can transform himself into an angel of light, we must be careful not to assess goodness by surface appearances. God's goodness is our pattern.
Misplacing Hope
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityForces of greed have highjacked charities, their executives sometimes receiving high levels of compensation while their recipients receive left-over crumbs.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasWe have the obligation to bear spiritual fruit, heeding the lessons of the cursing of the fig tree, and the parables of the barren fig tree and the talents.
The Eighth Commandment
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Though God indicts Gentile nations for violent crimes, He indicts Israelitish nations for untrustworthiness and their tendency to defraud or misrepresent.
Was the Early Church Socialist or Communist?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe apostles never required converts to give up property as a precondition for church membership. Rather, the members voluntarily gave, retaining ownership.
Are We Ever Good Enough?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt is necessary to begin with a conviction of sin in order to experience a need for Jesus Christ and to receive the joy in the forgiveness of sin.
Manifesting Kindness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe desperately need to internalize the godly traits of kindness, mercy, compassion, and tenderness, displacing the carnal traits of bitterness and wrath.
Sow for Yourself
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidA harvest depicts the reward of diligent management of time and resources. We have to be careful what we sow, proving our faith by concrete deeds.
Tithing: 'Try Me Now!' (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe tithes did not belong to the Levites, but to God who commanded their services on behalf of the people. Refusal to tithe robs God.
Everlasting Consolation and Good Hope
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod's saints are not immune to depression. Job, Moses, and Elijah all felt so overwhelmed, they wanted God to take their lives.
Titus (Part Seven): Maintaining Good Works
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though we are not justified by good works, good works are the honing process with which God perfects us in the life-long process of sanctification.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Six): Cultivating Kindness
Sermon by David F. MaasBecause kindness is love in action, we must galvanize our thoughts into concrete behaviors, including offering encouraging words and performing uplifting deeds.
Could You Be Struck Dead?
Sermon by Martin G. Collinsthe deaths of Ananias, Saphira, Nadab, Abihu, and Uzzah all occurred at a pivotal time of change, a time God desired to get the attention of all people.
Love Thy Neighbor (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus set the bar very high when it comes to love. We no longer live for ourselves, but to Christ, who commands us to love everyone, including our enemies.
Government (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOnly those who are governable will be allowed to govern with God. No government will work without each individual submitting in his area of responsibility.
The Purpose of the Marriage Relationship
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMarriage prepares God's called-out ones to collectively become the bride of Christ. God hates divorce but allows it on grounds of adultery and violence.
'But I Say to You' (Part Six): Retaliation
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus, using hyperbole to shock His disciples into a change of behavior or attitude, emphasizing that they should resist the impulse to retaliate.
Lydia
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingCombining her intense work ethic and her faithfulness to Almighty God, Lydia could serve as the exemplification of the Proverbs 31 woman.
Loving Your Enemy
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaScripture speaks of helping an enemy and "heaping burning coals of fire on his head." This seems to imply revenge, yet the Hebrew idiom indicates otherwise.
Take Heed and Remember the Less Fortunate
Sermon by Kim MyersWhen a nation loses its morals, people feel free to take advantage of one another, especially the poor. God hates seeing the poor oppressed.
Are You Subject to Perpetual Bondage?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul appealed to his old friend Philemon after his slave Onesimus ran away, stealing his money, running to Rome to assist Paul during his imprisonment.
One Nation Under God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe need to follow Nehemiah's example in submitting to God, focusing on the right goals, having wisdom in handling complex situations, and having courage.
Seeking God's Will (Part Three): Patience
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must adopt God's perspective on time, developing longsuffering and developing tranquility under adversity, waiting patiently on God.
Facing Times of Stress: Contentment
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf we trust God, we do not have to worry about the future. Having abundance and having need both have their unique problems and difficulties.
What Is a Liberal?
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)While the term 'liberal' used to stand for generosity, the Democrat party has hijacked the term, applying it to murder (abortion) and sexual immorality.
Why We Tithe (Part 2)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod does not want basic compliance, but growth in godliness. Jesus encourages the Pharisees to emulate the generosity of God rather than stinginess.
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.
Government (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor us to take on the glory of God, we must have the same kind of access to the Father as Christ did, taking on the responsibility of behaving like His sons.
Acts (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe early church had confidence in God's sovereignty, realizing that no human authority could thwart God's power. This conviction gave them strength.