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Wisdom for the Young (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughSolomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes offers profound guidance for the young, emphasizing the importance of seeking God early in life. He counsels young people to use their youthful energy, ambition, and mental acuity in His service, dedicating themselves to doing what is right before the human spirit begins to wear down and lose its idealism, vigor, and zeal. By seeking God when young, it is often easier to embrace Him with the whole being, gaining strength to bear the darker days that may come. Solomon urges the young to pursue this path before experiencing the world and accumulating the baggage and penalties of sin and flawed character, noting that it is far easier to avoid forming bad habits than to overcome them later. He asserts that by seeking God early, a person will avoid many troubles and live a more fulfilling life.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Forty): Ecclesiastes 12:1-14
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSolomon urges the importance of seeking God early in life, emphasizing that youth offers the best opportunity for spiritual growth. He advises against waiting until old age to turn to the Creator and grow in righteousness, as the later years bring difficulties and a lack of enjoyment, making the pursuit more challenging. When young, circumstances are more favorable with strength, endurance, and a sharp mind to focus on building a relationship with God. While it is not impossible to seek God later in life, Solomon stresses that it is better to do so in youth, when energy and ability are at their peak, to fully engage in the work of conforming to God's heart.
Wisdom for the Young (Part Five)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughSeeking God is a personal and private matter between God and the individual, yet the result of this quest will be publicly manifested in the way one lives, bearing fruits worthy of repentance. God must initiate a relationship through His calling, as no one can find Him unless He first extends an invitation to salvation and opens the mind to His truth. Children of church members, however, have a unique opportunity to seek God in their youth, being sanctified by their parents' relationship with Him. Once this initial stage is cleared, seeking the Lord requires more than listening and learning. It involves calling upon Him in prayer to know Him, confessing sins to seek forgiveness, and repenting by turning from sin toward His good and right way. God targets sin on two levels: exterior conduct and behavior, and interior attitudes and motivations, both of which must be examined and purified. If this is done, He promises abundant mercy, and the relationship will leap forward. There is urgency in seeking a relationship with God. He advises not to delay, as the time available is uncertain. God commands to seek Him and live, emphasizing the pursuit of good over evil, hating evil, loving good, and establishing justice. He desires all to seek Him and live, offering grace to those who follow His call. Youth, in particular, have a golden opportunity to declare His wondrous works from an early age.
An Exhortation for Young Adults
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Wisdom is not a trait valued or acquired by youth, but takes second place to strength, beauty, or fun. We get too soon old and too late smart.
Even From My Youth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSolomon teaches that childhood and youth are vanity, and that having fun while forgetting God may create flawed character and permanent sorrow.
Ask and It Will Be Given
'Ready Answer' by StaffMany people hit a plateau in their spiritual growth and go little further. Have we have overlooked the simple principle of 'ask and it will be given'?
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod begins His spiritual creation by grace because the wages of sin is death. Consequently, God's people will exercise humility and faith in yielding to Him.
Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe sanctification process requires us to cooperate with God in order to produce Christian works and character, preparing us for the Kingdom of God.
Instruction in the Morning
Sermon by Charles WhitakerSpiritual breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The early morning hours seem to be the most advantageous time to receive the counsel of God.
Have You Had Your Manna Today?
'Ready Answer' by StaffGod gave Israel manna to eat every day for forty years. Today, we have God's Word as our daily bread. Are we taking advantage of it, or are we allowing it to spoil?
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBoth the 'eternal security' and 'no works' doctrines are destroyed by the remarkable example of Noah, who performed extraordinary works based upon faith.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod personally handpicks individuals with whom He desires to form a reciprocal relationship. This relationship must be dressed, kept, tended, and maintained.