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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.
Prosperity's Consequences
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsProsperity, in a spiritual sense, is deeply tied to the blessings and success that come as gifts from God, often intertwined with human effort or divine grace. It is not solely about material wealth but encompasses an exceptional degree of spiritual blessings. As seen in Genesis 39:1-5, the Lord was with Joseph, causing all he did to prosper in his hands, bringing favor and blessings not only to him but also to those around him, such as Potiphar's household. This illustrates a life of giving, where one's prosperity blesses others. In Psalm 1:1-3, the godly person is likened to a well-watered tree, bearing fruit in season, with the promise that whatever they do shall prosper. This prosperity is a process leading to the fulfillment of God's purpose for creation, not always tied to financial gain in this world. The Old Testament often portrays prosperity through fruitful work and agricultural abundance, as in Psalm 144:12-15, where vigorous sons, full barns, and abundant livestock signify happiness for those whose God is the Lord. Prosperity, however, is not always a marker of righteousness. In the Old Testament, it often signified God's approval, as with Abraham's wealth in Genesis 13:2 or Hezekiah's riches in II Chronicles 31:20-21 and 32:27-31, given by God for his heartfelt service. Yet, Jeremiah 12:1-2 questions why the wicked prosper, revealing that material success does not guarantee spiritual alignment. Ecclesiastes 11:4-6 further notes the uncertainty of outcomes despite hard work, emphasizing that God's works are beyond human understanding. In the New Testament, the focus shifts from material prosperity as a sign of righteousness to spiritual richness. II Corinthians 8:9 highlights how Jesus Christ, though rich, became poor for our sakes, so that through His poverty we might gain spiritual wealth. Mark 10:17-27 illustrates the challenge wealth poses to entering the Kingdom of God, as seen with the rich young ruler who could not relinquish his possessions to follow Christ. True prosperity now lies in prioritizing the Kingdom of God over material gain. The right use of prosperity requires generosity and trust in God, not in riches, as warned in I Timothy 6:17-19. Dangers such as materialism, covetousness, and trusting in wealth can lead to spiritual ruin, as seen in Luke 12:21 and Revelation 3:17 with the Laodicean attitude of self-sufficiency. Ultimately, true prosperity is found in spiritual sacrifices, faith, and righteousness, as Romans 12:1-2 urges presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, transformed by God's will. In the Millennium, prosperity will manifest on a grand scale for obedient nations, characterized by spiritual and physical health, as pictured in Zechariah 3:10, where everyone invites their neighbor under their vine and fig tree. Contentment and faithfulness in handling wealth, as in I Timothy 6:6-8 and Luke 16:10-11, are essential for true prosperity, which in the Kingdom of God transcends material wealth to embrace the eternal riches of salvation and a life dedicated to serving others with the mind of Christ.
Are You Living the Abundant Life?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughNon-Christians tend to see Christianity as an utterly boring, rigid way of life. However, Jesus says He came to give His disciples abundant life. Here's how.
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.
Appearing Before God (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeGod's Word causes things to increase just as rain causes crops to increase, but the increase is not always numeric. Often, it is qualitative.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe world has little or no idea what true peace is or how it is achieved. Yet we can produce godly peace even in the midst of turmoil—and we must.
Courage and Faith
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaFear of man keeps us from resisting the current of the world, leading us off the path of God because of the overwhelming pressure to not be different from the crowd.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Joy
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJoy is more than happiness. God gives a superior kind of joy through the action of His Spirit in us that far exceeds mere human cheer and well-being.
Like a Tree
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordTrees provide living illustrations of godly behavior that will prepare Christians to partake of the Tree of Life in God's Kingdom.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Ten): Paradox
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes 7 contains a paradox: wickedness appears to be rewarded and righteousness seems to bring trouble. We must be careful in how we respond to this.
Love's Greatest Challenges
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAn irrational fear of loss prevents the development of agape love — we fear that keeping God's commandments will cause us to lose something valuable.
The Epistles of II and III John (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJohn warns Gaius of the treachery of Diotrephes, who had initiated a mutiny against God's true ministers, putting out of the church those who did not follow him.
Don't Show Up Empty
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWe must not think that we will achieve spiritual growth merely by passively standing in close proximity to God's word or His church; fruit requires work.
The Man Like a Tree
Sermonette by Bill CherryThe righteous man, like the tree, flourishes when tapped into an abundant source of water—metaphorically identified with God's Holy Spirit and His Word.
Teaching Children
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughShould we teach our children or should we allow the church to do that? Do youth programs have a positive impact? Do they keep youth them in the church?
The Needed Dimension
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnless we humbly submit before God, all of His efforts go for naught. God will not give His Spirit to those who will not obey Him.
Matthew (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughTo establish sound doctrine, we must build on the foundation Christ's teaching, taking the straight and narrow course rather than the wisdom of this world.