Playlist: Joy, in Suffering (topic)
Joy in Our Time?
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Life is difficult, a truth that holds across all times and circumstances. Yet, in the midst of such difficulty, joy emerges as a profound fruit of God's spirit, second only to love. This joy, rooted in the Greek meaning of cheerfulness and calm delight, bears no resemblance to fleeting mirth or humor. It is a deep, enduring …
Joy in Our Time
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Joy in suffering is a profound reality for those called by God, despite the overwhelming sin and immorality that burden the world. This biblical joy is not laughter or hilarity, but a calm cheerfulness, a positive, upbeat, hope-filled attitude that does not spring from anything earthly or material. Its presence in one's life is …
Trials and Suffering
Sermonette by James BeaubelleTrials and suffering are woven throughout God's purpose for humanity, shaping His people for their eternal inheritance.
How Our Joy May Be Full!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJoy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and a gift from God, so it is stronger and more lasting than adverse circumstances and does not fluctuate with them. Paul's use of the Greek chara includes the paradox that Christian joy may come out of suffering and sorrow for Christ's sake, because Christ produces it and not us. John wrote so …
Joy in the Lord
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGodly joy is not a passing emotion of pleasure but a fruit of the Spirit: an enduring attitude rooted in knowing God, trusting that He sovereignly controls all events, and hoping in the coming Kingdom. Because it perceives what is truly going on beyond what the eyes see, it can be present in trials and even persecution, as with …
Happiness is Circumstantial, but Joy is Not!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJoy is a supernatural delight in God that is distinct from happiness, which is circumstantial and tied to chance. Faith does not exempt believers from suffering, only from defeat by it, so beneath the blows of life runs a deeper current of joy that nothing can shake. Christians who are confined by illness or pain often show this …
The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJoy in suffering emerges as a central paradox addressed through the example of the apostle Paul and the promises of Jesus Christ. While the world seeks joy through prosperity, wealth, and accomplishment, it finds only depression, anxiety, and despair, proving that true joy cannot be rooted in material accumulation or …
The Quest for Happiness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHappiness is the result of faithfully keeping God's Covenant, ensuring peace, prosperity, and an abundant life. The world's joy only disappoints in the end.
Facing Times of Stress: Grieved by Various Trials
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFaith from God will be required to endure and profit from trials, bringing about character and genuineness of faith, as well as patience and trust in God.
Facing Times of Stress: Faithfulness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPrayers often become difficult because we fail to add thanksgiving, praise or adoration toward God. Thankfulness is an obligation to which we are bound.
Defining Trials
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidTrials define who we are by placing choices before us, forcing us to have faith in God. Character is built by making right, though difficult, choices.
Whom the Lord Loves He Chastens (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf we endure chastisement and discipline from God, we prove we are His children. Sanctification is an incremental process, requiring trials and chastening.
The Healing of a Man Born Blind (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIronically, the blind man who could not see physically eventually sees spiritually, but the Pharisees, who could see physically, could not see spiritually.
Be Thankful!
Sermon by John O. ReidThe danger of abundant blessings is that we tend to forget the source of the blessings and cease being thankful. When we forget to be thankful, we forget God.
Philippians (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughNot one of us with heavenly citizenship has ever been there, but like an ambassador, we are compelled to carry on the culture and laws in our lives.
Patiently Waiting for Christ's Return
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must develop an active, God-given restraint and constancy in endurance while facing trials and waiting for Christ's return, trusting that God will provide.
Peace, Peace (Part Three): Contentment
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue peace is an internal state of contentment and wholeness, rooted in trust, spiritual maturity, and alignment with God's will.