Filter by Categories

More Blessed To Give Than Receive

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive and urged giving without expectation of return from the recipient. This instruction does not eliminate the expectation of compensation from God, who rewards the giver abundantly though not necessarily in the same form as the gift. Sowing through generous action must precede any reaping, and the blessing that follows may appear as physical or mental health, confident living, good friends, healing, understanding, discernment, or wisdom rather than material return. Such provision leaves the giver free to act without calculating personal gain, because God alone decides the timing, manner, and substance of the reward. The same generous spirit applies to every area of life, producing readiness to share time, encouragement, kind correction, sympathy, and thoughtfulness. God enriches the original giver in order to enlarge the capacity for further liberality, which in turn generates thanksgiving both to Him and to the human channel of the gift. This cycle demonstrates that nobody outgives God and that every generous act ultimately benefits the giver more than the receiver.

The Third Tithe Blessing

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

God's people were obligated to declare before God that they had faithfully distributed the tithe. The blessing was applied nationally.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Eight): Ecclesiastes 11:1-8

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Solomon counsels us to exercise diligence, work hard, plan for disruptions, obstacles, and roadblocks, spreading risk to work within this futile world.