Discouragement and Trumpets
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, in this offertory message for the Feast of Trumpets, cautions us that even though members of God's church might get depressed or feel lost in the shuffle, the Christian life is not always easy. While there may be reasons to become depressed, there is no reason to stay depressed, realizing that God is with us the …
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.
Discouraged? Why?
Article by StaffAs God's children, we have no need to become discouraged for long. God has given and done so much for us that we have no reason to get down.
Motivation to Endure
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)John Reid, taking a cue from prisoner of war examples, identifies four factors that will boost a person's resolve to endure sore trials: (1) Hope (that the war would end) (2) Faith (in the ability to tough it out) (3) Vision (of being able to escape), leading to a (4) Determination (or mindset not to give in.) We can profitably …
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 Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhen things go wrong, an improperly rooted person becomes hard and cynical. This disillusionment happens if our hope or trust are in the wrong place.
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.
Faith to Face Our Trials
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsLife seems to be one trial after another. However, God has revealed an astounding facet of God's love that should give us the faith to soldier on.
How Can We Develop True Patience?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPatience in the face of trying events is a clear indication that we are developing genuine godliness. We can learn to turn trials into positive growth opportunities.
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.
Elements of Motivation (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh focuses on the remarkable energizing capacity of hope. In the familiar triumvirate (faith, hope, and love) faith serves as the foundation, love serves as the goal, and hope serves as the great motivator or energizer. Unique among the religions, Christianity, with its expectation of a Messiah and the promise of a …
Defining Hope for the Creation
'Ready Answer' by James BeaubelleNone of us is perfect. We are all, in a sense, broken to some degree, whether from birth or by the constant grind of life. We have little hope of repair. James Beaubelle, however, finds real hope in Scripture, arguing that, if our hope is in our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, we can have faith that our hope will be fulfilled …
Faith to Face the Fire
'Ready Answer' by StaffWe sometimes mistake faith for certainty about God's will. However, faith is not knowing what God will do in a situation but trusting Him to do what is best for us.
Persistence
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)John Reid, focusing upon a diary excerpt of a pioneer woman on the Oregon Trail, asserts that the trait of persistence is impossible without a transcendent and ardent vision (Proverbs 29:18). Having vision prevents us from casting off life-saving restraint and gives us the will to keep on. The Father and Jesus Christ have …
Life Is Worth Living
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reflecting on the Roman Catholic Church's teaching that suicide constitutes a mortal sin, demanding punishment in eternal hell fire, focuses on a poignant movie in which Denzel Washington portrays a man, desirous to commit suicide, who sacrificed his life for a noble cause of enabling someone else to live. In …
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Nine): Wisdom as a Defense
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe type of wisdom Ecclesiastes teaches is not of the purely philosophical variety, but is a spiritual sagacity combined with practical skill in living.
A Cure for News Depression
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughThe overwhelmingly depressing news must be counterbalanced by edifying news, namely God's Word. The Scripture, with its life-giving words, provides hope.
Trumpets Is a Day of Hope
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are on the threshold of the greatest period of testing ever to come upon mankind. We need a sense of hope and faith to stay focused on our calling.
The Clear Light Of A God-Given Life
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerMark Schindler draws a powerful life lesson from the biographical film Claire—The Documentary of Claire Wineland. Claire was an inspirational speaker who suffered from cystic fibrosis from birth, dying from a stroke in September 11, 2018 following a lung transplant. From her valiant example, we learn that: (1.) God the …
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.
We Can Make It!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, focusing on Matthew 10:16-26, warns us that a teacher's disciples cannot escape the kind of persecution directed against their teacher. In the wake of this kind of abuse, people can succumb to depression, and in some cases, suicidal depression. When we compare ourselves with spiritual heavyweights like the …
Will Christ Find Faith?
'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid (1930-2016)At the end of the Parable of the Persistent Widow, Jesus asks, "When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith...?" The answer is surprising to many.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, focusing on Proverbs 4:7, maintains that our supreme objective in godly living is attainment and cultivation of wisdom, which consists of attributes giving us skill in living. We learn that the Book of Ecclesiastes has no meaning for someone not called of God, relegating it as an epistle of despair from one of …
God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod, as our true Shepherd, provides total protection of His called out-ones forever. Being kept in God's name refers to assimilating the attributes of God.
Christian Optimism
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul wrote some of his most optimistic letters from prison, under the possibility of execution, but absolutely convinced that ultimate victory was imminent.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Eight): Time
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, cuing in on Ecclesiastes 2:24-26, affirms that enjoyment from one's labor comes from the LORD and that the proper use of our allotted time becomes increasingly more relevant as we anticipate the conclusion of our physical lives. Solomon instructs us to adjust our attitude from under the sun (carnal, …
Are You Weary of Doing What's Right?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, acknowledging that weariness in patient well-doing is probably the biggest affliction upon God"s Church, urges that we sow spiritual seed (largely thoughts and deeds) in order to reap spiritual character (fruits of repentance and fruits of righteousness). Sowing to the Spirit enables us to walk in the …
