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Parable of the Persistent Widow
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of the Persistent Widow, found in Luke 18:1-8, emphasizes the importance of patient, persistent, and persevering prayer. Similar to the Parable of the Persistent Friend, it highlights the vast contrast between God and men, showing that God responds to the pleas of His saints. In this parable, a corrupt judge grants a widow's request for protection due to her persistence, driven by his own selfish motives. This story underscores that God will not fail us as human acquaintances often do. It is particularly connected to the final crisis of the last days, where the faithful remnant will face painful circumstances, finding prayer as a major resource for refreshment and patience while awaiting God's vengeance on their oppressors. The parable is introduced by Jesus' call to the duty of prayer, dedication in praying, and resisting the urge to abandon it, concluding that prayer is fundamentally a matter of faith. Jesus uses the comparison of God to an unjust judge to illustrate the immense difference between a corrupt, self-interested man and the righteous God. While the judge, who respects neither God nor man, eventually avenges the widow out of irritation, God, in His lovingkindness, will far more readily come to the aid of His elect when they pray according to His will. The widow's success comes not from eloquent words but from her relentless persistence, teaching that long prayers or repetitions are unnecessary since God already knows our needs. This parable assures us that God hears and answers prayer, promising vindication for His elect when they are wronged.
Prayer and Persistence
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPersistence in prayer does not mean an incessant pestering God into action. God always looks at our petitions from the vantage-point of His purpose.
Will Christ Find Faith?
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidAt 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.
How Much Does God Love Us? (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsIn John 17:23, Jesus states that the Father loves every child of God as He loves Christ! The spiritual ramifications of this love are astounding.
We Must Believe!
Sermon by John O. ReidWe are asked to believe in a Being nobody has directly seen or heard, whose written word has been vilified and scorned. Without faith, we can't please God.
Faith
Sermonette by James BeaubelleKing Jehoshaphat, by totally surrendering to God, achieved a miraculous victory over three armies by standing still, waiting patiently for His intervention.
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.
When Will God Answer?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod does not delay because of indifference, but wants to provide maximum opportunity for repenting, overcoming, and building character.
Faith (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAt the time of the end, sin will be so pervasive and so compelling that our only resource for enduring its influence will be our relationship with God.
The Grand Secret!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod reveals a grand secret through David: namely, that spiritual growth will come to people who set the Lord before oneself continuously.
The Weightier Matters (Part 4) : Faith and Fidelity
Article by StaffFaith and fidelity to God and His way of life should be a major part of our character. Here is what faith and fidelity are, how to recognize a lack of them.
Willingness to Believe
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAmericans (like most of the Western world) tend to be skeptical, cynical, and jaded, demanding mountains of evidence before becoming convinced of anything.
Unanswered Prayer
Sermonette by James BeaubelleEven though we often must wait for a response, God listens closely to our prayers from the heart and is looking out for our best interests.
Answered Prayer Through Faith
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFor prayer to be successful, our petitions must be specific and synchronized to God's will, but we must patiently and humbly accept God's timetable.
How Much Does God Love You?
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughI John 4:17 reveals the depth of love God the Father has for us as unique, special components of His creation, loving each of us as much as He loved Christ.
The Mark of the Beast
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWill we trust God in the basic areas of life—food, clothing, and water—or compromise, accepting the mark of the beast to save our physical lives?
Our Spiritual Climb
Sermon by Bill OnisickOur journey to the Kingdom of God is not easy, requiring the same kind of physical and mental stamina that climbers need to climb Mount Everest.
Facing Times of Stress: Always in God's Presence
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe can maintain spiritual contact using David's tactic of continually maintaining the Lord before him in his thoughts, prayers, and meditations.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Eight) Cultivating the Fruit of Faithfulness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasThe only tangible measures of faith is faithfulness, trust, and loyalty to God. We don't need to ask God for more faith, but rather work on being faithful.