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Genesis 3:17-19: Consequences for Adam
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe curse on Adam, as pronounced by God in Genesis 3:17-19, embodies a profound judgment on mankind's relationship with the earth. God declared that because Adam heeded the voice of his wife and disobeyed His direct command, the ground would be cursed for his sake. This curse meant that Adam would have to toil with hard labor to extract a living from the earth, facing an uncooperative nature that would resist his efforts. The earth would not yield easily, producing thorns and thistles, and requiring sweat and struggle to bring forth food. Despite the severity of this judgment, there lies within it a hidden hope and wisdom. The phrase "for your sake" indicates that this curse was imposed for man's benefit, a paradoxical yet beneficial judgment. God's intention was to do good through this hardship, crafting character and teaching lasting lessons through the trials and privations of labor. Though life would be marked by strenuous work and uncertainty, with nature posing constant challenges, this struggle was designed to shape mankind for a greater purpose. The imagery of the curse completes a cycle, as man, formed from the dust of the ground, would return to it after a life of toil. Man would labor day after day, battling the elements and obstacles, only to face the uncertainty of success and the inevitability of death. Yet, if approached with the right mindset, this hard work could yield something of eternal consequence. God presents this curse as a divine gift, suggesting that merging a life of labor with His work can lead to lessons that guide toward eternal life. Through this process of overcoming hardship, mankind has the opportunity to grow in character, transforming the curse into a pathway for spiritual fruitfulness.
Christian Men: Personal Responsibility
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAlthough men have no moral or mental advantages over women, God has commissioned them to actively lead, providing security and stability to family and society.
Genesis 3:20-24: Consequences for God and Man
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Adam and Eve were given the death sentence by God, they also received hope that through the offspring of Eve a Savior would be born to crush the serpent.
Economics in Prophecy
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughMany doubters think that the Bible is not sophisticated enough to comment on modern ideas, but God's Word factors economics into the end-time prophecies.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Neither Satan nor his demons cause us to sin; we chose to sin, and we die as a result. We were created upright, but bring judgment on ourselves.
The First Prophecy (Part Three)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughFor his sin, Adam is promised great toil and suffering throughout his life, but just as in all things God does, a silver lining appears amidst the woe.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Seven)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur sinful nature drives us to disobey God's laws, just as Adam and Eve transgressed by choosing the way of death. Such choices have made this evil world.
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.
Created to Do God's Will and Work
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod requires us to work and not deliberately seek welfare or food stamps, but He also does not want us to obsess on acquiring riches.
Leadership and Covenants (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe contains a detailed record of both good and bad leaders, and it provides a repetitive principle that 'as go the leadership, so goes the nation.'
The First Prophecy (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughGenesis is a book of beginnings, and in that theme, it also contains the first prophecy. Part of it is God's curse on the serpent in Genesis 3:14-15.
The Sabbath: Rest
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Sabbath is an antidote to the weariness we experience. It recalls God's pausing after completing His physical creation, focusing on the spiritual creation.
His Own Vine and Fig Tree
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughProperty rights will be held sacrosanct during the Millennium. God brings His people back to their own land, and to restore it to be like the Garden of Eden.
Virtues Hard and Soft
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 'hard' virtues displayed by men and 'soft' virtues displayed by women are partial traits of the God being. Both male and female are in His image.
The Hard Makes it Great
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe hard things God wants us to do are preferable to the harsh bondage to sin. The hardness makes us hardy enough to be included in the first harvest.
Resuming Ecclesiastes (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe disappointment in the vanity of life is good for our spiritual preparation, making us disillusioned with all the world's glamorous but false choices.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Bible contains 700 references to the act of eating. Eating reminds us that God's provision and human need also apply on a spiritual level.