Does God Want You to be Rich?
'Ready Answer' by StaffLaodiceans think of themselves as rich, while God sees them as poor. On the other hand, the Smyrnans see themselves as poor, yet God says they are rich! What are true riches?
How to Become Rich
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, relating some insights from economist Gary North, an unusually religious man who has authored (or co-authored) over 60 books, all demonstrating a clear support of biblically-based law and economics, examines some of the causes of poverty and scarcity, concluding that material wealth is an inaccurate gauge of …
Spiritual Food Satisfies
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsThose who view religion as a life of gloom and deprivation are too short-sighted to realize that the world's entertainments do not satisfy the deepest need.
Parable of the Treasure
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus' Parable of the Treasure in Matthew 6:19-21 is designed to get us to evaluate the relative values of material wealth and "treasures in heaven." Martin Collins expands on the metaphors of moths, rust, and thieves.
A Brief Overview of Biblical Prosperity
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh focuses on Proverbs 30:7-9, in which Agur asks God to cushion him from the extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, allowing himself to live a balanced life of contentment. Wealth has a powerful influence on one's life, causing us to overestimate our own prowess and underestimate God's involvement with us. We …
Money, Control and Sacrifice (2015)
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, cuing in on Ecclesiastes 10:13, explains the context in which the statement "money answers everything" appears. Some people obsess about money, working their fingers to the bone to accumulate more. Money is neutral, but the inordinate desire or love of money has horrific, evil consequences. Money does …
Eternal Paradoxes
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, examining the properties of a paradox (a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true), suggests that paradox plays an essential role in the lives of those called by God. Some of the paradoxical truths of God include, "He who loses his life will find it," …
The Relationship Deficit (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIn Laodicea, the people judge, but they are judging according to themselves. They are not seeking the will of Christ, and thus their judgment is distorted.
Poor in Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBeing poor in spirit is a foundational spiritual state for qualifying for God's Kingdom. Poor in spirit describes being acutely aware of one's dependency.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh insists that true riches consist of what we are (or what we become) rather than what we have. True riches consist of those things that can be carried through the grave and into the Kingdom of God. The circumstances of our lives (totally determined by God)- health, sickness, wealth, poverty, etc. we could consider …
Aim for Productivity
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, focusing on God's creation of plants (Genesis 1:11-13), observes that God demonstrates His practicality and efficiency by establishing the genotype within the seed capable of infinite reproduction. God also gave humans the means to master time efficiently. God's called out-ones, metaphorized as soil, should …
Do You Have Enough Oil? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhile the indwelling of God's Spirit certainly produces abundance, it is more accurate to say that oil and the Holy Spirit are often parallel, not equivalent.
The Relationship Deficit (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeChrist is uncertain how much the Laodiceans really desire what He has offered them. Other things are competing for their attention. Will they open the door?
Contentment
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)John Reid observes that many people live in a state of discontent. Ironically, what they set their hearts upon (wealth, power, influence) often displaces the love for family and a relationship with God. True riches consist of godly character coupled with contentment- a by-product of obedience. Contentment (an inner quality) does …
Don't Lose Your Focus!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul urged that we get our focus more balanced, emphasizing love over prophetic correctness, not remaining indifferent to what Christ deemed important.
I Know Your Works
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughContrary to Protestant understanding, our works emphatically do count - showing or demonstrating (not just telling) that we will be obedient.
The Seven Churches: Smyrna
Bible Study by StaffThe letter to Smyrna contains a rarity among the seven churches—no criticism! What's so good about the Smyrnans?
