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Endure to the End of What?
Article by Craig SablichSuffering is an inevitable part of life, and enduring it requires patience and faith. As challenges arise, whether through daily trials or significant events, we are called to bear with them firmly, to sustain ourselves without yielding. Endurance means to suffer patiently, to persevere under misfortunes and trials, not to recede or flee from the pain. Jesus Christ emphasizes the importance of enduring to the end of such events, suggesting that salvation comes to those who persist through hardships, be they the end of a job, a relationship, or other personal losses. The sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. Even in the midst of hardship, we must recognize that God is never far away, though the resolution of our ordeals may take time. All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. This promise assures us that every trial, no matter how severe, is part of a greater plan for our ultimate benefit. We may feel cursed or punished in the moment, but with perspective, we can trust that God is involved in every detail of our lives, shaping events for our good. Navigating obstacles mindfully is crucial, not just in enduring but in how we respond while enduring. We must strive to make sound decisions, avoid negative behaviors, and treat others with love and kindness, conducting ourselves as Christ would. During fiery trials, it is difficult to see that all things work for good, yet we must step back and have faith that God is active in our lives, accepting His will above our own. His love for us surpasses our understanding, and He works His plan over years, decades, and centuries, ensuring that every situation in our lives comes with His approval for our growth and the good of others. Enduring requires faith and constant prayer, giving thanks in all things as the will of God in Christ Jesus for us. We must remain close to God, keep fighting, and stay patient, knowing that the last page of our story has not yet been written. We have not reached the end, and with absolute confidence, we can trust that our Father and His Son are always with us, never leaving us as we face each trial.
Catastrophe to Blessing
CGG Weekly by John ReissPaul says 'all things work together for good.' His words indicate a situation in which matters seem dire, but things will work out for God's people in the end.
Why Does God Allow Us to Be Afflicted?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn God's hands, trials and afflictions are tools to produce refined character and joy, and to move us away from worldly choices and back to His purpose.
Power Belongs to God (Part 1)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul knew that only through strengthening his relationship with God was he able to both abound and be abased. When we are in trouble, we need to contact God first.
Not To Reason Why
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughWhy did God allow this tragedy? Why do the good suffer and the evil prosper? We want answers to these questions, but Jesus points us in another direction.
Pre-Feast Annoyances
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamAs we prepare for the Feast of Tabernacles, chances are that there will be things that test our patience and even a few more will crop up when we get there.
God's Correction of His Children
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerTrials provide an opportunity to inspect our attitudes and actions, prompting us to make adjustments, avoiding further, harsher correction from the Almighty.
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.
The Providence of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCalamities, trials, anxiety, evil, and calamities, as well as blessings, happen to Christians in order to become fashioned and molded into God's image.
Running God's Marathon With Christ
Sermon by Mark SchindlerChrist endured many more than three temptations; rather, He was tested continuously, and perhaps the intensity increased as He neared the end of His life.
Why Are We Afflicted?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAffliction is a necessary aspect of life, yielding strength of character, while ease and comfort weaken us. Christ was perfected as High Priest through suffering.
Are You a Victim?
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughBoth David and Job provided sterling examples for us responding to seemingly 'unfair' situations, keeping within the bounds of what is acceptable to God.
Hope in a Turbulent World
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Greek and Roman myths have shaped the world view of Western culture, including our attitude toward hope, a concept which is often abused and distorted.
The Clear Light Of A God-Given Life
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod the Father has given us life, He and His Son living their lives in us. God expects us to live now, in the moment, not waiting for a better day.
Discouragement and Trumpets
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWhile there may be reasons to become depressed, there is no reason to stay depressed, realizing that God is with us the whole way.
God's Good Work in Us
Sermon by John O. ReidDespite the privileged position of our calling, God does not cut us any slack in terms of trials and tests to perfect us. We must accept God's sovereignty.
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.
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.
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.
It's Enough! Now, Lord, Take My Life!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThis insightful message provides a powerful exploration through both biblical insight and practical wisdom, showing that great luminaries of faith—like Moses, Elijah, David, and Jeremiah—all wrestled with devastating despair. Hebrews reassures God's chosen saints that depression is not a failure of faith, but instead a human struggle which we can only meet with divine strength. The speaker identifies emotional, spiritual, and physical causes of depression, and through Elijah's story, presents four divine remedies: rest and renewal, restored faith and focus, realistic hope, and obedient action in God's presence. Ultimately, this timely message calls believers to face depression with honesty, compassion, including self-compassion, and unwavering trust in the Almighty's sustaining grace.
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.