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Simplifying Life (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasThe brevity of life is a profound theme that underscores the fleeting nature of human existence in comparison to God's eternal perspective. Psalm 90:10 reminds us that the days of our lives are seventy years, or eighty by reason of strength, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow, for life is soon cut off, and we fly away. This sentiment is echoed in Psalm 89:47-48, which earnestly pleads for God to remember how short our time is, highlighting the emptiness, falsity, futility, and frailty of human life, as no man can live and not see death or deliver himself from the powerful hand of sheol, the place of the dead. David, in Psalm 39:5, further emphasizes this transience, declaring that our days are as handbreadths, our age as nothing before God, and every man at his best state is but a vapor. James 4:14 reinforces this by describing life as a wisp of vapor, a puff of smoke that appears for a little while and then disappears into thin air. Moses, in Psalm 90:12, cautions us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom, urging an awareness of life's fleeting nature to align our time with God's will. This perspective contrasts sharply with God's view of time, as Psalm 90:4 states that a thousand years in His sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night, illustrating the vast difference between human frailty and divine eternity. Solomon, in Ecclesiastes 9:11-12, paints a somber picture of life's uncertainty, noting that time and chance happen to all, and man knows not his time of death, likening humans to fish caught in a cruel net or birds in a snare when calamity falls suddenly. This brevity instills a sense of urgency to live purposefully, making the most of each moment, as encouraged by Paul in Ephesians 5:15-16, to walk wisely and redeem the time because the days are evil.
The W's and H's of Meditation (Part Four)
Sermon by David F. MaasMeditating on the perils of our transitory existence paradoxically leads to a longer, happier life as our portion of God's Spirit grows within us.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Four)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasWe must respond to our precious calling, choosing permanent eternal spiritual treasures, such as knowing God.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Forty): Ecclesiastes 12:1-14
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEcclesiastes 12:1-14 emphasizes the brevity and the progressively harder difficulties of life and urges youth to seek God before the decline of old age.
Our 'Mental' Deathbed
Sermonette by Bill OnisickMoses asks God to teach us to number our days, realizing that our physical lives are finite, requiring a sense of urgency to get rid of our sins.
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.
Resuming Ecclesiastes (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes provides a testimony to the conundrum of life, showing the result of both bad and good choices, enabling us to effectively use time.
Stewards of the Mysteries of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe lowly, not impeded so much with pride or ego, make better stewards than those who may seem more presumptuous and self-centered.
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.
Days of Trials
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThe conversion process resembles a battle, requiring that we must put on armor, expecting continuous skirmishes to enter God's Kingdom victoriously.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhatever life is, it derives from a non-material, non-physical, imparted life-force having a spiritual source. God creates and sustains life, as well as ends it.
Glory Days
Sermonette by James C. StoertzLooking back can teach lessons but can also be harmful if it leads to disobedience or dwelling on the past. Our focus should be on the glory that lies ahead.