Playlist: Wisdom, Worldly (topic)
The Wisdom of Men and Faith
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe wisdom of men, which Paul contrasts with the wisdom of God in I Corinthians 1-3, is corrupt from the roots. It never came from God, however respectable its bearers look, and it has its taproot in Satan, who is over all in the world. It fed the Jews' and Greeks' notions of how life should be lived, led the Jews to put Christ …
Biblical Wisdom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWorldly wisdom is human wisdom built on philosophy: grizzled thinkers, hermits, and ivory-tower residents who contemplate for years, using human logic, often Greek, and their own life experience to search for the secrets of living. Dictionaries define it as experience, knowledge, and good judgment, and these definitions are not …
Knowledge and Wisdom
Sermonette byThe wise of the world are fools in comparison to those who find and protect godly wisdom, realizing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
The Fifth Teacher
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeCorinth had four positive teachers, yet a mysterious fifth teacher was also influencing them and instilling beliefs that were the source of all the bad fruit.
Nothing But Ashes
Sermonette by Bill OnisickCarnal fear puts us into terror, but fear of God brings security. We dare not try to replace the fear of God with the love of God; both are foundational.
What Do We Have to be Proud Of? (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWorldly wisdom forms the central contrast Paul establishes in the opening chapters of I Corinthians as he confronts a congregation that had become proud, divided, and convinced of its own superior spiritual understanding. The discussion begins with the observation that human beings, though biologically unique through their DNA, …
Let Him Who Glories Glory in This (Part Four)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe downfall of Ahithophel demonstrates carnal counsel leading to self-destruction, while King David's grace toward Mephibosheth reveals how divine wisdom manifests.
What Do We Have to Be Proud Of? (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBelievers often rely on worldly philosophy rather than divine revelation, ignoring the fact that all gifts and abilities are received from God rather than earned.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is pleased to save those who humble themselves, allowing Him to perform a mighty work through them, and putting everyone in debt to Him.
Pitfalls of Scholarship
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile we find much biblical scholarship useful and productive, without God's Spirit, most biblical scholarship is at best a mixture of good and evil.
Why Many Do Not Understand
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBiblical truth cannot be discerned by human intellect alone, but must be spiritually discerned. God has hidden spiritual truth from the majority for now.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Eight)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe should not expect brethren to be perfect; we all sin. God has not given His People the prerogative to judge another member as a tare.
Using God's Given Authority
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod has gifted all His called-out ones, expecting them to use those gifts with the pillars of godly wisdom for the edification of the Body of Christ.
How Emotions Affect Spiritual Maturity
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod displays emotions, but they are always under control, unlike mankind. Using God's Spirit, we can grow into emotional (not emotionless) spiritual maturity.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe epistle of James stresses both faith and works, emphasizing those factors necessary for growth, enabling us to produce a bountiful harvest of fruit.
The Peacemakers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen people are not in a right relationship with God, peace is impossible. Sin (the breaking of the law or covenant) automatically breaks the peace.
The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus demonstrated His meekness in His treatment of many with whom He interacted. Balancing firmness and gentleness, He seeks to save rather than destroy.
The Secret Sin Everyone Commits
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSelf-righteous people tend to trust in their own heart, be wise in their own eyes, justify themselves, despise or disregard others, and judge or condemn others.
A Survey of God's Gifts to Us
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe apostle Paul inventories spiritual gifts that God has given for the edification of the church, including ministry of the word and practical service.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (1996): Scattering
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod initiated the scattering of the church for our ultimate good. When the revelation of God was replaced with the wisdom of this world, God intervened.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Three)
Sermon by David F. MaasThe natural gift, talent, or ability we receive at our birth provides the raw material God's Spirit uses to transform physical gifts into spiritual gifts.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Eight)
Sermon by David F. MaasThe most effective way to develop a relationship with God is by developing a continuous prayer dialogue, conversing with Him through Bible study and prayer.
Gifted With Power From on High
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWith the Holy Spirit, we receive spiritual gifts that amplify extant physical abilities for the expressed purpose of edifying the church.
False Gospels
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA major clue for discerning false gospels is that any teaching attempting to change the nature of God or Christ or their doctrines is anti-Christ and false.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Five): Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:4
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughExplore Genesis 1:31 and Ecclesiastes 9-10: the fall from innocence, wisdom's limits in a flawed world, and guidance on handling folly in leadership wisely.
Foundations of Sand
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe all have a measure of sand in our foundations, symbolic of the world's evil standards, prioritizing badly, becoming neglectful, and letting things slip.
Jabez: 'That I May Not Cause Pain'
Sermon by Mark SchindlerJabez's brief but powerful prayer identifies him as a spiritual beacon, a man born in pain who seeks blessing and alignment with God's will.
God Is Not a Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWinston Churchill observed that 'Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.' The majority of organized 'Christianity' has a similar view of God.
Deceived by His Eyes
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughAbram learned that God gives material prosperity to those who are not seeking it. Those who seek riches are destined to fall into a snare.
The Foolishness of Bias
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWorldly wisdom is human reasoning driven by instinct, expectation, zeal, fear, and bias, and it cannot be trusted. Studies show that people find what they expect to find, and "there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Worldly wisdom is the fool's wisdom: he is wise in his own eyes, trusts his …
Testing Spiritual Character
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe wisdom of this world and the wisdom of God do not mix. Anyone who seems wise by this age's standards must renounce dependence on worldly wisdom and become a fool in its eyes in order to receive God's wisdom (I Corinthians 3:18-20). Worldly wisdom is foolishness with God, who catches the wise in their own craftiness and knows …
Warfare!
Sermon by John O. ReidWe must don the whole armor of God, using His spiritual weapons to bring every thought into obedience to Christ, destroying the enemy's footholds.
Abraham (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIf we hold fast to principles, though it may seem initially uncomfortable and fearful, we will eventually receive respect and even admiration.
Abraham (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughLot equivocated with God's instructions, looking for escape clauses, showing him to be self-centered and worldly wise, compromised by the values of the world.