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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.
Gambling: A Question of Motive
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe addiction of gambling comes from the lure of effortless profit and the way of get, motivated by covetousness, which militates against contentment.
Preparing For Our Spiritual Inheritance
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWe see the importance of continuous work for our Father and our Family as we realize that we are part of His most important Family and will share in their inheritance and all the benefits that come with it. Comparing the two families, the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers, both started with similar fortunes, but the direction of the two founders and their immediate family led to two different outcomes. The Vanderbilts spent all their money and time on frivolous pursuits while Rockefeller encouraged the family members to adopt values that maintained and sometimes grew their fortune. We see a parallel with the two sons in Luke 15 with the faithful and prodigal son. We often feel like both of the sons in our lives. God places great importance in repentance and turning to Him, but we often feel discouraged with the struggle of doing the work of God while experiencing a lot of suffering. While we are not saved by works, it is very important to God, as shown in I Peter 3, and those who fight to do His will can be expected to get all that belongs to a member of the God Family.
Money, Control, and Sacrifice
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWealth will certainly damage our character if we permit it to control us. Riches cannot buy forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, or eternal life.
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.
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.
Intimacy with Christ (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must fight against the world's pulls (including advertising), simplifying our lives, seeking quiet to meditate and build a relationship with God.
What's So Bad About Babylon? (1997)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBabylon constitutes the fountainhead of instruction that, like strong drink, impairs the ability to function properly while creating the illusion of ability.
Enduring as a Good Soldier
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To wage spiritual warfare, we must endure hardship, not entangling ourselves in the affairs of the world, being single-minded in pleasing our Captain.
Knowing Christ (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSanctification is the longest, most difficult, and most grueling part of the conversion process—a time when suffering and sacrifice are demanded of us.