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Diligence in the Face of Trials
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are in the battle of our very lives, facing the three formidable fronts of the world, Satan, and our own flesh. We must be strong in the Lord.
'Follow Me'
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonThe death of a loved one can be one of the most transformative experiences of life because of how profoundly it reveals God's presence, comfort and purpose.
Are You Strong in the Lord?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHardship is not removed from our spiritual trek, but God strengthens us to endure and overcome through our afflictions. Suffering is a training ground.
Trials Are a Gift From God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWeakness and affliction are gifts from God that awaken strength otherwise unknown. Major de Seversky lost his leg at twenty-one and believed his life was over, yet the loss focused dormant mental energies, opened whole new worlds of interest, and led to inventions and a career he would never have had with two sound legs. What seemed a black end was a bright beginning, and the handicap became a distinction, a symbol of victory over difficulty. Paul teaches the same in II Corinthians 12:7-10. God did not remove his thorn in the flesh but answered, "My strength is made perfect in weakness." The affliction kept Paul humble and in constant dependence on God, so his gifts did not become a curse. Therefore he took pleasure in infirmities, for when he was weak, then he was strong. Christ's power rests on the one who is weak, and the very weakness being endured is what makes him strong by grace. Trials are therefore not the end of life but the means God uses to save it. Like Lazarus's sickness, which was "for the glory of God," every trial lets us see God rather than only our limited circumstances. Trials with Christ mark legitimate sons (Hebrews 12), and Romans 8 shows the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the coming glory. Seen in faithful foresight, trials are already symbols of victory, and they equip us to serve God and others.
Keep Your Heart With All Diligence!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChrist does not remove His people's trials, but He provides help for those going through them, using the cleansing power of the trial to heal their minds.
Faith (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe would like God to instantly gratify our desires. Consequently, we find living by faith difficult; we do not trust that He has things under control.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAbraham embodied living by faith. Through perpetually living in a tent, he demonstrated his complete trust and reliance upon God.
The Great Flood (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 'giants' in Genesis 6 could have been large for average human beings, but the giant aspect should be applied metaphorically as the movers and shakers.
Trials: Much Needed Experiences
Sermon by John O. ReidGod uses trials to test our hearts, but He never places a trial before us to tempt us. God uses trials we bring on ourselves to draw us closer to Him.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSacrifices of thanksgiving, praise, and gratitude are required of God's called out priests. By meditating on the right things, we prepare ourselves for prayer.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride elevates one above God, denigrating any dependence upon God, replacing it with self-idolatry. We ought to boast or glory in the Lord instead of ourselves.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose who emphasize one trait of God, or one doctrine, at the expense of the others run the risk of distorting the truth, creating a grotesque caricature.
Abraham (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIf we surrender to God, allowing Him to shape character in us, He will enable us to live in hope, giving us direct access to Him, giving us a more abundant life.
Eternal Paradoxes
Sermonette byWe must learn to be content to be weak and powerless, realizing that, when we are poor in spirit, we receive power from God's Holy Spirit.