Playlist: Loss, Suffering (topic)
Not To Reason Why
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen loss and suffering occur, God allows time to mourn, as Jesus wept with those who grieved, recognizing this response as natural, necessary, and good. Questions quickly follow about why such events happen, what role personal guilt or sin may have played, and why God permitted the pain, whether through disasters, illness, …
It's Enough! Now, Lord, Take My Life!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBiblical figures such as Noah, Moses, David, Elijah, and Jeremiah endured severe trials that produced discouragement and depression, sometimes to the point of desiring death. Hebrews 11:32-40 describes saints who through faith subdued kingdoms yet also faced torture, mockings, scourgings, chains, imprisonment, stoning, being …
Overcoming Discouragement and Depression
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLoss and suffering frequently initiate discouragement that deepens into depression when a person confronts a specific loss, fear of loss, or adverse event with no apparent means of recovery or reversal. Such experiences produce a sense of futility that collapses self-worth, fosters self-depreciation, and generates the conviction …
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.
Those Who Mourn
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWorldly sorrow leads to death while godly sorrow leads to repentance and life. After godly repentance, sorrow is swallowed up in profound joy.
Lamentations (Part Eight)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs we approach the coming self-examination prior to Passover, we can apply six significant lessons taught to ancient Israel through the book of Lamentations.
Job: Things Left Unsaid
Sermon by David C. GrabbeEven the accuser of the brethren made no accusations against Job, the first of several curious absences—things left unsaid—in the book of Job.
Our Affinity to Christ
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus 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.
According to My Gospel
Sermonette byPaul's believed that there is only one gospel and used the terms 'gospel of God' and 'gospel of Jesus Christ,' teaching the same things as Jesus Christ.
Lamentations (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Lamentations 3, the narrator finally convinces Lady Jerusalem that her own sins have caused her necessary punishment and affliction by God.
Confidence in the Flesh Versus Faith
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must turn from our own gossamer righteousness to God's solid righteousness, accepting a higher standard than the rest of society.
Unity (2006)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the symphony orchestra, only as an instrumentalist submits to the leader, working with the other members of the ensemble, can unity be accomplished.
Acts (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul and Barnabas developed the church in the cosmopolitan city of Antioch, the location from where the term 'Christian' originated.
Unity and Unleavened Bread
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs members of Christ's body, we must function for the good of the whole body, not competing with other parts. We must continually function as a son of God.
Philippians (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul warns the Philippians that nothing blemishes their witness more than complaining, because like the Israelites, they were calling God into account.
'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.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Profit from life is produced by work, requiring sacrifices of time and energy. We have been created for the very purpose of doing good works.
Freedom and Responsibility
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When a culture liberalizes, there will be a corresponding rise in irresponsibility, as people become fickle, rash, undependable, untrustworthy or disloyal.