Playlist: Perfection, Through Suffering (topic)

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Perfect Through Suffering

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

As we follow the pattern set by Jesus Christ, we will suffer as God prepares us for roles of great glory as members of His Family.


Going on to Perfection

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

We are bombarded by technology, competing for our attention, causing us to drift from our spiritual quest. God expects us to continue to mature spiritually.


Running God's Marathon With Christ

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Christ endured many more than three temptations; rather, He was tested continuously, and perhaps the intensity increased as He neared the end of His life.


Trials Are a Gift From God

Sermon by Mark Schindler

God is able to allow a setback or a handicap to help us transcend our trials, building sterling character. The weaknesses we live through make us strong.


Assurance (Part Two): Of the Path to Glory

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We can be assured that we are God's heirs and offspring if we are led by the spirit, remaining on the sanctified path of fellowship, growing continually.


Are You Worthy of Your Calling?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Paul encourages the Thessalonians to thank God for their salvation, surrender without complaint, ask God for wisdom, and look for opportunities to serve.


Wilderness Wandering (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Christ's suffering was not confined to crucifixion, but also consisted of rejection, humiliation, and the duress of persecution. Glory follows suffering.


Assurance (Part Three): Glory and Hope

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The sufferings we go through are minuscule compared to the glory which we will receive, completely eclipsing the glory of Adam and Eve before their fall.


Persecution

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Although many have gone through sore trials, virtually no one has gone through the nightmarish persecutions suffered by the early Christians in Imperial Rome.


Trials: Much Needed Experiences

Sermon by John O. Reid

God uses trials to test our hearts, but He never places a trial before us to tempt us. God uses trials we bring on ourselves to draw us closer to Him.


Job: Things Left Unsaid

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

Even the accuser of the brethren made no accusations against Job, the first of several curious absences—things left unsaid—in the book of Job.


Facing Times of Stress: When God Is Silent (Part Three)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Acts 27 teaches that we must distinguish among several types of suffering. Regardless of the type of suffering, we must remember that God will deliver us.


Trial by Fire

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Like a loving parent, God brings just the right pressures to bear to bring about necessary change in His children. Each trial has a place in His purpose.


Philippians (Part Three)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Paul conveyed to the Philippians his optimism that his imprisonment was actually a blessing, enabling him to magnify his effectiveness and bear more fruit.


Wilderness Wandering (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We share in Christ's suffering, realizing that glory follows suffering. It may involve enduring hardship, deprivation, duress, and outright boredom.


Hebrews: A Message for Today

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Hebrews provides reasons to recapture flagging zeal, focusing on the reason for our hope and faith, establishing Christ's credentials.


Knowing Christ (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

When we mortify the flesh, refusing to feed the hungry beast of our carnal nature, we suffer. Suffering for righteousness' sake helps us to know Christ.


The Last Great Day

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

Because we have been tempted and failed many times, and had to overcome, we will be able encourage those resurrected, proving that it is not impossible.


Contentment

Sermon by John O. Reid

Many 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.


The More Things Change

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We tend to think of the early Church as a 'golden age' of unity and momentum. But early church members experienced problems similar to what we face today.


Our Affinity to Christ

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus has already suffered the things we have, and now serves as our compassionate High Priest and Advocate. He provides the pattern we are to emulate.


Preparing to Rule (1993)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Sanctification is both a state and a process—a time period between justification and glorification during which overcoming, purification, and holiness takes place.


Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Love for this world will inevitably bring disillusionment. Because the world is passing away, our priorities should be to fear God and keep his commandments.


Vulnerable

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

While we are all different, we are all vulnerable to something, such as fear of deprivation, harm or shame. In response, we all create protective defense mechanisms.


Reflections on the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

Lessons learned from COVID, as well as possible reasons God allowed or caused the pandemic to sweep through the church and wreak havoc on Feast observance.


Lamentations (Part Eight)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As we approach the coming self-examination prior to Passover, we can apply six significant lessons taught to ancient Israel through the book of Lamentations.


Knowing Christ (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Sanctification is the longest, most difficult, and most grueling part of the conversion process—a time when suffering and sacrifice are demanded of us.


Knowing Christ (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In taking undue attention off the self, sacrifice (as an act and as a way of life) creates peace, prosperity, cooperation, and most of all, character.


Keep Your Heart With All Diligence!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Christ does not remove His people's trials, but He provides help for those going through them, using the cleansing power of the trial to heal their minds.


Wilderness Wandering (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We are being fitted as lively stones into an already formed Kingdom, being conformed to the image of Christ, who has been designated as the Cornerstone.


He Who Overcomes

Sermon by John O. Reid

Just as fighting to escape its cocoon strengthens the butterfly, our calling requires effort above what the world has to endure to become free of Satan's cocoon.


The Priesthood of God (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We must endure chastening and correction to grow in holiness and become priests. In the qualifications of a Melchizedek priest, zeal and holiness are mandatory.


God Gives Grace to the Humble

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Genuine humility is one of the most elusive characteristics a person can attain. It consists of of self-respect accompanied by a genuine desire to serve.


Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Three): Hope Demonstrated

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Abraham's resolute intent to sacrifice Isaac displayed his unreserved devotion to God's purpose for him. We must display the same kind of tenacity.


The Doctrine of Israel (Part Fifteen):The Israel of God

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The top priority for the Israel of God is to cooperate with Him as He develops godly character through their mortifying the old man and putting on the new man.


Seeking God's Will (Part Five): Goodness

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God employs goodness when He shakes us out of complacency and directs us toward repentance. God's goodness is there to take advantage of if we trust Him.


Diligence in the Face of Trials

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We are in the battle of our very lives, facing the three formidable fronts of the world, Satan, and our own flesh. We must be strong in the Lord.


Antidotes to Fear and Depression

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The key to overcoming the fear of loss of control is to admit that God is in control. If we have our priorities straight, God will take care of our anxieties.


Don't Leave the House!

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

As part of Christ's body or household, we have a responsibility to stay attached to the spiritual organism and to respond to the head.