Playlist: Prosperity (topic)
A Brief Overview of Biblical Prosperity
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughIn Proverbs 30:7-9, Agur asks God to cushion him from the extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, allowing himself to live a balanced life of contentment.
Prosperity's Consequences
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsProsperity is not always an emblem of God's approval. God will not prosper us if it would cause spiritual damage, insulating us from seeking His kingdom.
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.
Prosperity
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe still suffer the consequences of Israel's request to have a king like other nations and to adopt political and economic systems like every other nation.
Prosperity and a Challenge
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughMost of God's people do not appear to be as financially prosperous as those in the world, making God's way seem confining. But there is more to the story.
How to Become Rich
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughGod does not measure prosperity by the ownership of physical possessions but with the depth of a person's relationship with Him.
Are You Missing Out On Blessings?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOften physical prosperity works against godly character and spiritual well-being. To be rich toward God means to seek His Kingdom first, live His way, and trust Him.
Blessing Promises: Our Spiritual Inheritance
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen we ask to be blessed, it should be exclusively on God's terms. What God has done in our lives is the best preparation for our future responsibilities.
Laodiceanism and Being There Next Year
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur biggest danger at this time is to be lured into spiritual drunkenness by the pagan Babylonian system. Our God is not what we say we worship but whom we serve.
The Tenth Commandment
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Coveting begins as a desire. Human nature cannot be satisfied, nothing physical can satisfy covetousness, and joy does not derive from materialism.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the Bible, eating can be a symbol of fornication. Like Jacob and Christ, we must learn to curb our appetites, learning to distinguish holy from profane.
Considering the Day of the Lord
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe ancient Israelites smugly believed that God was on their side, and that because He had not yet responded to their sins, they would be victorious.
Indifference and Offering
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Herbert Armstrong used his advertising skill to teach the truth of God, unlike the peddlers of the 'Prosperity' gospel who promise material blessings.
Laodiceanism
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur love for beauty must be coupled with love for righteousness and holiness. Our relationship with Christ must take central place in our lives, displacing all else.
Micah (Part One): Hope for the Hopeless
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe prophecy of Micah had a delayed effect, taking many years before a reformer emerged on the scene. Jeremiah's life was spared because of the memory of Micah.
Contentment
Sermon by John O. ReidMany 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.
Endure as a Good Soldier
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn God's plan, the development of uncompromising character requires struggle and sacrifice. Our victory requires continual drill, tests and development of discipline.
Matthew (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe should not seek material rewards under the New Covenant, though God may sometimes bless us physically. Our focus should be on spiritual rewards.
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.
Malachi's Appeal to Backsliders (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must be careful when we ask for justice, for our request might come back to bite us. Those begging for justice will indeed get what they ask for.
The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe true source of joy does not consist on any worldly commodity, or any self-centered, hedonistic pursuit, but instead a spiritual gift, bestowed by God.
The Christian and the World (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHaving anxiety, foreboding and fretting about food, clothing, and shelter, or being distressed about the future, demonstrates a gross lack of faith.
Created to Do God's Will and Work
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod requires us to work and not deliberately seek welfare or food stamps, but He also does not want us to obsess on acquiring riches.
Take Heed to Yourselves
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ tells us to take heed about our vulnerability to evil influences. We have a short window of time to repent and get our lives turned around.
The Laborers: Matthew 20:1-16
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause God is completely just, we have an obligation to be content with what He has given us, to allow Him to use us for whatever purpose He desires.
Rejoice in God's Feast
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God can take satisfaction that He is doing the right thing, and thus His rejoicing can even come from painful judgments. Sacrificing and rejoicing are linked.
A Bed Too Short (Part 1)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Our society is too connected with the present, too enamored of technology, too surfeited on abundance to pay attention to basic laws of cause and effect.
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.
Deuteronomy (Part 4) (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must seek God as ardently as we would a physical love relationship, spending quality time with Him. If we make no effort, the relationship cools.
Amos (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAncient Israel had at the core of its religion an obsession to please the self at the expense of justice and the best interests of the disadvantaged.
Amos (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAmos, like a circling hawk, makes dire pronouncements on all of Israel's enemies but reserves the harshest judgment for Israel, who should have known better.
The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Millennium will come about because Jesus Christ is faithful to rescue mankind from its own stupidity, putting an end to sin and rebellion.
Amos (Part Thirteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe people to whom Amos writes have the mistaken assumption that because they have made the covenant with God, they can bask in a kind of divine favoritism.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Solomon emphasized in Ecclesiastes 2 that we should enjoy and derive pleasure from our work. The way that we work is a visible witness of God before men.
Lacking Nothing (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe should reduce expenses today in order to be free tomorrow. Debt is designed to bring people under subjection; the debtor is always the servant.
Love Thy Neighbor
Sermon by John O. ReidAs the Good Samaritan took pity on what normally would be his adversary, we are obligated to be sensitive to the needs of those around us, enemy and friend.
Abraham (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe learn from Abraham's experience to trust God even when we have incomplete information. When we attempt to take the expedient way out, we will run into trouble.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Biblical wisdom (sagacity, quickness of perception, soundness of judgment) is achievable by anyone called of God because God is the source of this wisdom.
Living Abundantly In Tough Times
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLived properly, a Christian's life is scintillating and deeply satisfying, full of rewards, even though it involves responsibility and self-control.
Power Belongs to God (Part 2)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe may be going through a period of hopelessness, but must believe that all things work together for those who believe and are called for His purpose.
You Are What You Choose
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughYoung people must make a choice in favor of God's will. We have the freedom of choice to set our destiny, and must bear the consequences of our choice.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 14)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughProper diet demands responsible choices, and if we do not yield to God's laws governing nutrition, choosing the best foods, we will eventually pay the price.
A Bed Too Short (Part 2)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Americans, living well on credit and enamored with technology, have deceived themselves that they have advanced beyond the consequences of God's Law.
Preparing for Bad Times (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBoth the watchman and the one who hears have a responsibility to make preparations for bad times, helping themselves and others through the tough times.
Deuteronomy (Part 5) (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughParadoxically, humble obedience and dependency upon God strengthens us, while prideful self-sufficiency weakens us.
Thankfulness (1986)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe need to give thanks for everything, blessings and trials. Christianity ought to be an exhilarating experience, but it depends on our outlook on life.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Twelve): Joseph
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod frequently bypasses the firstborn, selecting for His purposes another sibling. Jacob selected Joseph's second son, Ephraim, to receive the blessing.
Christian Optimism
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul wrote some of his most optimistic letters from prison, under the possibility of execution, but absolutely convinced that ultimate victory was imminent.
Glorifying God
Sermon by John O. ReidWe have been called for the purpose of glorifying God by totally changing our lives, conforming to His character and image.
Joseph: A Saga of Excellence (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJoseph's example proves that even the most difficult temptation can be resisted and overcome, though this skill must be developed incrementally.
Prayer and Fervency
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLiving faith has its roots in fervently, diligently seeking God and His righteousness with intense desire (like a passionate lover) through habitual prayer.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath is not a mere ceremonial observance, but identifies God's people as different, and consequently a perpetual irritant to the world.
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.
When Is the Year of Release (Shemitah)?
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe anchor point of both the Shemitah and Jubilee is the Day of Atonement. Deuteronomy should be read at the Feast just after the year of release begins.
Shabbat Shalom
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaThe word shalom denotes 'making something whole' or returned to well-being or good health. True biblical shalom refers to inner completeness and wholeness.
The Shemitah: God's Year of Release
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeBecause we have spurned God's years of release, we have reaped a whirlwind of curses, including crop failure and devastating stock market crashes.
Conditions for Blessings
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsWhen people test God's promises, they come to appreciate the blessings which follow obedience to His laws. Most of the blessings we receive today are spiritual.
Simple Gifts: American Reflection
Commentary by Mark SchindlerLiberty cannot exist without morality, or morality without faith. Today, humanists are destroying God's 'simple gifts' that made America exceptional.
Aim for Productivity
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWe must strive to bear spiritual fruit efficiently and productively. Material well-being is not as good a measure of fruitfulness as is the use of God's gifts.
Why Be Industrious?
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughTraining a child to be industrious helps him to be successful, which in turn promotes a stable family, community, nation and will transfer into God's Kingdom.
Resistance (Part Three): Persistence
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe elite athlete is the one with the gritty persistence and tenacity to fight on regardless of the obstacles, wanting nothing to do with mediocrity.
Day By Day
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaEcclesiastes teaches us to rejoice when times are good and to reflect soberly when times are bad. Adversity is a tool God uses to create something beautiful.
The Year of Release
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The land Sabbath is a type of the weekly Sabbath, wherein the land is given time to regenerate, and all debts (and grudges) are forgiven and slaves set free.
Dystopia? Utopia?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Great Tribulation is the ultimate dystopia. The return of Christ will avenge all the crimes committed against God's people, as God's Kingdom is restored.
If You Do Not Obey My Voice
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsAmerica's infrastructure, educational standards, and economy, etc. are beginning to flag, largely from disobedience to God's laws and squandering blessings.
Overcoming is a Choice
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must make choices over our entire lifetime. God does the heavy lifting in terms of giving the choices and the solutions for us, but He will not choose for us.
The Fear Has Shifted
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A family, a company, or nation cannot keep spending beyond its means without consequences. It is illogical that we need to spend money to get out of debt.
Do You See God in Deuteronomy?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God displaced the Amorites because they had defiled the land; not one righteous person existed. Israel was warned not to defile themselves with demonism.
The Fifth Commandment
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe fifth commandment teaches our responsibility to give high regard, respect, and esteem to parents and other authority figures, leading to a prosperous life.
You Have Not So Learned Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhile the truth of Christ has the power to elevate, our worldly orientation blinds us, dulls our minds, and pulls us downward to abject slavery to sin.
Why Are We Here? (2004)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidKeeping the Feast of Tabernacles includes temporary dwellings, rejoicing before God, and learning to fear God and faithfully keep His law.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe church of God is not immune to the deterioration of doctrine. Minor deviations from doctrine bring about irreparable, disastrous consequences.
The Challenge of Growth in the New Eden
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Young people need to prepare themselves now, envisioning themselves as architects, civil engineers, transportation engineers, explorers, and teachers.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA converted person, accepting God's specific care with His children, realizes that both prosperity and deprivation are tools in the Creator's workshop.
Lessons From the Animals
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMankind has been given dominion or responsibility for the care of animal life, preserving and embellishing their environment, as God would take care of them.
The Sin of Self-Deception
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn our relationship with God, we must emphasize principle over pragmatism. If we are led into deception, it is because our carnal nature wanted it that way.