Why Is Life So Hard? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeGod narrows in our way because He loves us, just as we hedge our children because we care about their lives. God loves us too much to leave us the way we are.
Why is Life So Hard?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeDavid Grabbe, assessing the impact of struggles, pressures, and tribulations of our spiritual journey, reveals that Christ's followers will have to endure afflictions and fiery trials as He prepares them for His Kingdom. Some detractors have tried to preach that "godliness is a means of gain," implying that if we were …
The Endurance of the Firstfruits (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Parable of the Sower and the Seed exemplifies a number things that can happen to prevent us from having a place in God's spiritual harvest.
Why Is Life So Hard? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeSome have a warped idea of godliness, not pursuing it with a desire to resemble God, but believing that if they are righteous, God will materially bless.
A Look at Christian Suffering (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeEven suffering that may not be as a direct result of our faith is part of the trials of this age. It will bear positive fruit if it is approached in faith.
Dealing With Change (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeNone of the heroes of faith lived a settled life. They experienced continual change to their circumstances, yet they soldiered on and emerged victorious
Why Is Life So Hard? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeEntrance into the Kingdom of God will not happen without many tribulations (Acts 14:22). We may need to adjust our expectations of what discipleship entails.
Perseverance and Hope
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the turbulent and uncertain times ahead, we will need extraordinary fortitude and courage. Trials can improving perseverance or active endurance.
Our Hope
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur hope is based on having a living Savior. At times we are discouraged and overwhelmed, but God has not left us—though unseen, He is in the trials with us.
Persecution
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh acknowledges that although many in God's church have gone through sore trials and tests of sorts, virtually no one has gone through the nightmarish persecutions suffered by the early Christians in Imperial Rome. Because most of us have lived our lives in modern Israel rather than a Gentile culture, we have …
Hebrews: A Message for Today
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews provides reasons to recapture flagging zeal, focusing on the reason for our hope and faith, establishing Christ's credentials.
Hope in a Turbulent World
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGreek and Roman myths have shaped the world view of Western culture, including our attitude toward hope, a concept which is often abused and distorted.
Don't Be a Prudent Agnostic
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSome of us, facing the stress of the times, may simply be going through the motions but losing every vestige of faith. We must strengthen our convictions.
Don't Give Up!
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughWe must reorient our focus onto God's Word and His message of hope, never giving up our quest for righteousness and integrity in the midst of immorality.
Enduring as a Good Soldier
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo wage spiritual warfare, we must endure hardship, not entangling ourselves in the affairs of the world, being single-minded in pleasing our Captain.
Overcoming Discouragement and Depression
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsEven loyal servants of God have had to contend with depression and discouragement. Antidotes include rest, refocus, right expectations, and obedient actions.
Now Is the Time
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerMark Schindler, reflecting on the 1946 movie , The Best Years of Our Lives, as American drama film about three servicemen trying to piece their lives back together after coming home from World War II, only to discover that they and their families have been irreparably changed. The struggle that these veterans encountered has …
Avoiding Spiritual Burnout
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)John Reid, drawing on an example of an exhausted military medic, explores the problem of burnout with the attending symptoms of collapse, callousness, and giving up. The inability of solving mounting cultural and social problems despite advances in technology puts a strain on anyone who cares about the consequences, especially …
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe true church is a unique educational institution, teaching the way of God and amplifying His Commandments, in contrast to the churches of this world.
Wilderness Wandering (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting on the analogy or metaphor of wilderness wanderings, focuses on the role of suffering or persecution (pressure) in perfecting the saints. God the Father perfected Jesus Christ (our Elder Brother, High Priest, and Mediator) through suffering. Likewise, God the Father has determined that His called-out …
Hope to the End (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFaith, hope and love are spiritual gifts which safeguard us from discouragement and depression, giving us a mature perspective that will last eternally.
The Feast Brings Hope
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)John Reid, reflecting upon the plethora of stresses in today's society, observes that the saints are being incrementally worn down by evil societal pressures. Perversions are looked upon as the norm and morality as the perversion. The Feast of Tabernacles gives us hope that all of this filthy perversion will be destroyed, making …
Our Awesome Destiny (1993)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting on man's ultimate destiny to have dominion over the entire universe, admonishes that preparation for this awesome responsibility requires faithful stewardship over the things God has entrusted to us (our bodies, families, possessions, etc.)—dressing, keeping, and maintaining those things, …