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Prosperity's Consequences
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsProsperity, while often a blessing from God, carries inherent dangers that can lead to spiritual downfall. It is a gift, sometimes resulting from human effort or divine grace, but not always a reward for righteousness. The possession of material wealth brings great risks, including the failure to acknowledge God as the source of blessings, as warned in Deuteronomy 8. There is also the peril of trusting in riches rather than in God, as Psalm 52:7 describes a man who relies on his wealth and strengthens himself in wickedness. Christ Himself emphasized the difficulty for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, highlighting how wealth can become a barrier to spiritual commitment. Another danger is materialism, where riches become the center of one's interest, as seen in the wealthy farmer of Luke 12:21 who was not rich toward God. The church in Laodicea exemplifies this flaw, believing they need nothing due to their material abundance, as noted in Revelation 3:17. Covetousness, or the desire to be rich, is a further evil frequently cautioned against in Scripture, with I Timothy 6 identifying the love of money as a root of all kinds of evil. These dangers illustrate how prosperity, if not handled with a godly attitude, can insulate individuals from seeking first the Kingdom of God and lead to a self-centered life, ultimately separating one from God and His purpose.
The Consequences of Affluence
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins'Affluenza' describes the bloated insensitivity caused by trying to keep up with the Joneses, the stress caused by doggedly pursuing the American Dream.
A Bed Too Short (Part 1)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles WhitakerOur 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.
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.
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.
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.
God's Rest (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCoveting—lust—is a fountainhead of many other sins. Desiring things is not wrong, but desiring someone else's things promotes overtly sinful behavior.
Do You Desire the Day of the Lord?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeAmos describes the Israelites as proud and secure in their special relationship with God, while God castigates them for presuming He approved of them.
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.
Deuteronomy (Part 5) (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughParadoxically, humble obedience and dependency upon God strengthens us, while prideful self-sufficiency weakens us.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Seven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe letters to the seven churches of Revelation warn of losing our first love, heeding false teachers, compromising God's Truth, and forgetting right doctrine.