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Our Stewardship
Sermonette by Bill OnisickAfter we are baptized and become members of God's church, we inherit a new primary job and responsibility: to become a steward.
Stewardship
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughStewardship, in essence, is the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care. It involves conducting, supervising, or managing resources or responsibilities given by a superior, often with the expectation of guarding, maintaining, and enhancing what has been provided. A steward is always under authority and must report progress to the one who entrusted them with the task. In biblical examples, stewardship is vividly illustrated through various figures. Eliezer, Abraham's oldest servant, exemplifies a faithful steward by selflessly managing Abraham's affairs, even to the point of securing a bride for Isaac, thereby forgoing his own potential inheritance. Joseph, as overseer of Potiphar's house, stands as a premier example of a good steward, serving willingly despite being a slave, and prospering everything under his care through God's blessing. Later, Joseph himself had a steward who showed remarkable kindness and diligence in serving Joseph's brothers, demonstrating selfless service despite cultural differences. Stewards in David's time managed the vast wealth of the king and his sons, proving trustworthy in handling significant resources and contributing to the accumulation of materials for the Temple. Another steward, under the chief of the eunuchs in Babylon, showed flexibility by allowing Daniel and his friends to test a different diet, achieving the desired result through an alternative method without compromising the goal. Jesus Christ emphasizes the importance of stewardship in His teachings, particularly in an end-time context, urging readiness for His return. He describes a faithful and wise steward as one who provides for the household in due season, with the promise of greater responsibility for those found diligent. Conversely, neglect or abuse of entrusted duties leads to severe consequences, highlighting the gravity of the role. Jesus also draws lessons from the unjust steward, encouraging resourcefulness and zeal in pursuing righteousness, using wealth and influence with eternity in mind, and stressing that faithfulness in small matters determines greater rewards. He insists on total loyalty, stating that no servant can serve two masters. Paul reinforces this by describing ministers as stewards of God's mysteries, required to be faithful and accountable only to God, while Peter urges believers to use their gifts as good stewards of God's manifold grace, serving one another with love and hospitality to glorify God through Jesus Christ. Stewardship, therefore, encompasses a broad responsibility to manage all that God has given, with watchfulness and dedication, especially as the end approaches.
Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Five)
Sermon by David F. MaasSome have foolishly denigrated the value of physical exercise by taking Paul's admonition to Timothy totally and hopelessly out of context.
Creation Stewardship
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe as Christians should strive to be the most conscientious environmentalists or creationists in the world because the earth and its fullness are the Lord's.
The Peter Principle (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordGod has given us certain gifts and the space to use them. He expects us to use them properly in service to Himself and the Body, and requires an accounting.
The Peter Principle (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordWe have our physical job, and then we also have our spiritual job. They go hand in hand. We are a witness to those we work with and to all those we meet.
The Peter Principle
Sermon by Mike FordAs one uses the power provided by God's Holy Spirit, even one who has previously failed miserably can rise to astounding levels of spiritual competence.
The Peter Principle (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordGod has called us to be servants with humble attitudes. We are also expected to grow beyond that low-level position, gaining skills to perform well in our next job.
Money: A Gauge of Character
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughIf God cannot trust a person to properly handle a small amount of money, He will not give him responsibility over more crucial matters.
The Peter Principle (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordThe Peter Principle is a concept in business management developed by Laurence J. Peter: People in a hierarchy tend to rise to their level of incompetence.
This Land Is Our Land
'Prophecy Watch' by Mike FordMore and more land is owned by the government—a situation that contradicts the biblical principles concerning individual land ownership.
Money Is Power
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we are untrustworthy with a paltry sum of money, we will be untrustworthy with the vast resources of God's creative power.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are called to fulfill our job as a steward, entrusted with managing, protecting, preserving, attending, and increasing what has been entrusted to us.
Am I My Brother's Keeper?
Sermon by Bill OnisickBelievers are crafted to be the caretakers of all that belongs to God, accountable for how we serve, nurturing both His creation and His people.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhat God really wants is for us to see things from His point of view, making the right choices, striving to build character, developing into His image.
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.
'As a Thief in the Night'
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeChrist's second coming is described as being like 'a thief in the night.' Here is what it means for Christians living in the end times.
Conviction and Moses
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur conviction reveals itself in living by faith. Moses is a stunning example of how a convicted Christian should live — with loyalty and faithfulness to God.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasWe have the obligation to bear spiritual fruit, heeding the lessons of the cursing of the fig tree, and the parables of the barren fig tree and the talents.
Ecclesiastes: What Is It All About? (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTime must not be wasted walking into blind alleys and labyrinths, but must be spent walking the paths God has set before us, developing character through our choices.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughUniversal in scope, the Edenic Covenant introduces God to mankind as his Creator and establishes the way human beings are to relate to Him and the creation.
The 'Open Door' of Philadelphia
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe letter to Philadelphia speaks of a coveted 'open door,' a clear reference to a neglected prophecy in Isaiah 22 that calls many into account today.
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Bible frequently uses analogies from physical life to explain spiritual principles. There are over 700 references to eating in Scripture.
Why We Tithe (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTithing both precedes and transcends the covenant, having a deep spiritual significance far beyond the letter of the law: learning to give as God gives.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)All of the sufferings in the present had their origin in the Garden of Eden when our parents sinned, seemingly in secret. The effects of sins radiate outward.
Preparing Your Heart
Sermon by John O. ReidBecause the heart represents what and who we are and how we conduct our lives, the condition of our spiritual heart is of the utmost importance to us.