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Defining Trials
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidIn our Christian calling, a vital yet often less discussed aspect is the trials and tests we endure. These trials are crucial, defining who we are before God, as they shape our mind and nature to reflect those of God and Jesus Christ through obedience to His laws. The testing of our faith holds tremendous value, proving if it is pure and solid, far surpassing the testing of gold, for genuine faith endures eternally. God seeks to know each of us individually through these trials, declaring of each one, "Now I know you fear Me; now I know you!" Our acceptance into His Kingdom hinges not on group affiliation but on our individual performance in this calling, demonstrated through the proving of our faith. Trials are designed to produce positive results within us, correcting aspects of our character as God deems necessary. They are not a new concept, for God has always tested His people, and we must be wise enough to recognize that these tests are for our good. Our response to trials defines our faithfulness to Him. As we endure various challenges, whether daily struggles or significant afflictions, we must remember that God is with us in every trial, ensuring we are not tested beyond our limits and providing a way to endure. His corrections, like a loving Father's, are meant to perfect us for ruling in the Kingdom of God, showing His great love and watchful care over us. Through trials, we develop maturity of character and the balance needed for the life to which we are called. Perseverance in facing these challenges builds courage and strength, enabling us to stand firm. God expects us to strive to overcome, taking on His mind and character, denying ourselves, and bearing our cross daily by surrendering our will to do what is right. The examples of faithful individuals throughout history show that obedience amid great odds and trials is what identifies those who belong to God. As we face future trials, including those of the end times, we must hold fast, knowing that enduring these tests yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness and prepares us for the promises God has in store.
Days of Trials
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThe conversion process resembles a battle, requiring that we must put on armor, expecting continuous skirmishes to enter God's Kingdom victoriously.
Trials: Much Needed Experiences
Sermon by John O. ReidAs the Passover season approaches each year, we anticipate an increase in trials, a pattern observed over decades, signaling the nearness of the spring holy days. These trials, often serious, deeply affect us, and this year they have not diminished after the holy days but have intensified, prompting questions about why such challenges persist. Historically, God's people have faced continuous trials, with individual and national struggles being commonplace, reflecting a world living by standards apart from God's laws, which inevitably produces trials. We, too, encounter trials when we make choices contrary to God's teachings, a difficult change from worldly ways to embodying the new man in Jesus Christ. He uses trials as effective tools to facilitate this transformation, testing us to foster growth. Though we may not relish trials, the results He achieves through them are ultimately thrilling. He employs trials to reveal what is in our hearts, to humble us, to test us, to teach us, to correct us, to encourage us, to build our faith, and to inspire both us and those around us. He brings some trials upon us for our development, allows others from external sources for the same purpose, and permits us to bring trials upon ourselves through our actions, that we might learn repentance. Trials we bring upon ourselves teach us to repent of sin and living apart from Him, showing that sin quickly leads to trials. Our desires, shaped by upbringing, environment, habits, attitudes, and escapes, draw us into sin, not Him. We are responsible for these trials, ensnared by our own weaknesses, and should not blame others or external factors but recognize our reactions as the source of temptation. Even so, He works with us in these situations to produce a desire to draw close to Him and seek His help and instruction. Trials also arise from the world we inhabit, common to humanity, testing our faith and confidence in Him. The nature of these trials varies by location and societal conditions, such as abundance and moral compromise in some nations, presenting tests of standing fast in His teachings and making decisions based on His principles. He remains faithful, providing strength and a way of escape, ensuring we are not tested beyond what we can bear, and hears us when we cry out in repentance for deliverance. Additionally, trials are sometimes specifically orchestrated by Him, as seen in historical examples where He set limits and brought individuals through severe challenges to achieve profound personal growth and humility. Such trials reveal human weakness and His awesome power, resulting in blessings and a deeper understanding of reliance on His strength. Through trials, we learn to rejoice not in personal strengths but in weaknesses, as His power is made perfect in our frailty, teaching us compassion for others facing similar struggles. Trials produce valuable fruits such as patience, endurance, godly character, experience, hope, humility, and obedience. They compel us to place situations entirely in His hands, trusting Him completely when all seems lost. By enduring trials, we are proven and approved, emerging pure and righteous, ready to receive His crown. They correct us when we stray, drawing us back to the right path, fostering thankfulness for maturity, closeness to Him, and deliverance, and enabling us to empathize with others' sufferings. Ultimately, trials build great faith, complete trust, and confidence in Him, preparing us for future challenges with unwavering reliance on His presence. He assures us that He will never leave or forsake us, no matter the trial, emphasizing His constant support. As we face intensifying trials in a world soon to encounter heavy challenges, He works with us now, testing us to prepare for greater trials ahead. His purpose is to develop us for the Kingdom of God, using testing as a productive means to bring us closer to Him, teaching us patience, correction, and overcoming, so we may rule with compassio
Trial by Fire
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTrials and tests are an integral part of God's purpose for those He has called. Within His omniscience, He is fully aware of our lives and the challenges we face, using these difficulties to fulfill His divine plan. These trials are not merely obstacles but are essential for our spiritual growth, providing experiential understanding of His faithfulness rather than just theoretical knowledge. The history of Israel in the wilderness reveals how trials were used to shape their relationship with Him. Despite His constant presence and provision, they often succumbed to fear, murmuring, and rebellion due to pride, ignorance, and unbelief. Their lack of experience with Him led them to limit His power in their minds, yet it was through these very trials that they could come to know His steadfast loyalty and mercy. He remembers and rescues us in our difficulties, even when we resist, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His purpose. Noah's trial during the flood exemplifies His watchful care. Amidst terrifying devastation, He never forgot Noah, His family, or the animals, maintaining constant attention over them. This serves as a reminder that He is always near, never allowing His mind to wander from us, just as He was with Israel through visible signs of His presence. Job's experience further illustrates the purpose of trials. Despite intense suffering and mystery, Job recognized that He knew his path, even if he could not fully perceive it. His faith led him to declare that when tested, he would come forth as gold, viewing trials not as immediate pain but as a refining process guided by His hand. Unlike Israel, Job took the long view, trusting in His ultimate purpose despite the dark clouds of his circumstances. Trials are necessary, as they are His will for us, revealing their value in testing and perfecting our faith. They are not isolated events but are connected to a future reward in the Kingdom of God. He sees every step we take, and whether He designs or permits a trial, it is deemed good in His judgment, a gift of His grace to produce growth in us. Even when we feel unprepared or mystified by life's challenges, the purpose remains to sharpen our vision and understanding of the reality He is leading us toward. Often, in the midst of trials, we may feel abandoned or doubt His providence, mistakenly viewing suffering as punishment. However, the examples of Jesus, Job, and Paul show that trials are not punishment but correction, intended to refine His image in us. For His sons, suffering is remedial, aimed at producing His mind and character within us, rather than retributive. Through these challenges, He establishes our steps toward His Kingdom, ensuring that we are not left without provision or guidance, as His supreme purpose orders every trial for our ultimate good.
The Continuous Testing of Our Faith
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe constant tests to which God submits His people enable them to build character by responding in faith. God perfected Abraham's faith through difficult trials.
Walking With God Through Trials
Sermonette by Craig SablichTrials, instead of prompting a 'woe is me' attitude, should be re-evaluated as valuable experiences, nudging us into God's divine purpose for us.

Who Will Be Kept from the Hour of Trial?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeGod promises some Christians that He will keep them from the Tribulation, the 'hour of trial.' Here are the characteristics of those whom God will protect.
Testing Spiritual Character
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAn outward trial can be a catalyst for character development. By testing ourselves, we can take the edge off the pressure of God testing us.
Facing Times of Stress: Grieved by Various Trials
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFaith from God will be required to endure and profit from trials, bringing about character and genuineness of faith, as well as patience and trust in God.
Tested: Our Trust in God's Promises
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloThere is an apparent contradiction between God's promises to protect and heal, and the persecution, health crises, and death that we all experience.
Trials Are a Gift From God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod is able to allow a setback or a handicap to help us transcend our trials, building sterling character. The weaknesses we live through make us strong.
Hedged About on Every Side
'Ready Answer' by StaffSatan accused God of hedging Job about on every side, saying that if God would let down the hedge, they could see what Job was really made of.

Lead Us Not Into Temptation
Sermon by Ryan McClureIt is solely God's prerogative to test and to prove, while Satan's function is to tempt, to trip up, and to destroy. God tests but does not tempt.
Enduring to the End of What?
Sermonette by Craig SablichEvery previous event and decision in our lives has shaped our resultant character, including the bad decisions that led us down a wrong path.
In the Hands of the Potter
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingAs the Master Potter, God will apply the water of His Holy Spirit to make us more malleable, enabling Him to turn the lump of clay into a flawless work.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Eleven): Paradox, Continued
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHard trials are not punishments from God for unrighteousness but tests of faith in which He is intimately involved to prepare us for the world to come.
Hope in a Turbulent World
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Greek and Roman myths have shaped the world view of Western culture, including our attitude toward hope, a concept which is often abused and distorted.

Firstfruits and the Master Potter
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe Potter and Clay analogy provides instructions for understanding character-building tests and trials in the life-long sanctification process.
Running God's Marathon With Christ
Sermon by Mark SchindlerChrist endured many more than three temptations; rather, He was tested continuously, and perhaps the intensity increased as He neared the end of His life.
God's Good Work in Us
Sermon by John O. ReidDespite the privileged position of our calling, God does not cut us any slack in terms of trials and tests to perfect us. We must accept God's sovereignty.
From Pilgrims to Pillars (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasThe intensity of the heat in both the refiner's furnace and the potter's kiln resembles the fiery trials we must endure for the Refiner to remove the dross.
God Is Preparing Us For the Kingdom
Sermon by Kim MyersToday, the church is experiencing more overwhelming trials than ever before, indicating that God is preparing His people for the end time.
Keep Walking
Sermonette by Ryan McClureGod uses trials to test and humble us, but He never impedes our ability to move forward toward His goal of creating us as a family in His image.
The Miracle of God's Calling
Sermon by Kim MyersDo we appreciate the miracle of our calling, an event which changed our orientation regarding our belief structure, diet, and moral behavior?
The Providence of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCalamities, trials, anxiety, evil, and calamities, as well as blessings, happen to Christians in order to become fashioned and molded into God's image.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Trials are a means to produce spiritual growth, unless we resort to super-righteousness, straining to please God by exalting our works.
Spiritual Heat Treatment
Sermonette by Christian D. HunterAfter metal has endured its prescribed heat treatment, it glows brightly. Our job, as God's metaphorical metal, is to endure the trials of heat treatments.

Job: Things Left Unsaid
Sermon by David C. GrabbeEven the accuser of the brethren made no accusations against Job, the first of several curious absences—things left unsaid—in the book of Job.
Don't Grow Weary While Doing Good
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWhen facing the character-building tests God provides, we may become weary, forgetting that these trials are necessary for God to test what is in our hearts.
Are You Worthy of Your Calling?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul encourages the Thessalonians to thank God for their salvation, surrender without complaint, ask God for wisdom, and look for opportunities to serve.
No Longer Brain Dead
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAs God teaches us spiritual things, He expects us to act less like blockheads and more like adults, making the truth of God the bedrock of our lives.

Why Does God Allow Us to Be Afflicted?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn God's hands, trials and afflictions are tools to produce refined character and joy, and to move us away from worldly choices and back to His purpose.
The More Things Change
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe tend to think of the early Church as a 'golden age' of unity and momentum. But early church members experienced problems similar to what we face today.
Whom the Lord Loves He Chastens (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf we endure chastisement and discipline from God, we prove we are His children. Sanctification is an incremental process, requiring trials and chastening.
Unity (Part 8): Ephesians 4 (E)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe group that one fellowships with is less important than the understanding that there is one true church, bound by a spiritual, not a physical unity.
Fear and Faith (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordThe spies returned on the 8th of Av, and as the 9th of Av began, the people murmured, beginning a long list of calamities to befall Israel on this date.
Our Spiritual Wilderness
Sermonette by Ryan McClureTime after time, the children of Israel accused Moses of leading them to their deaths, failing to trust God in spite of His track record of provision.
The Healing of a Man Born Blind (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIronically, the blind man who could not see physically eventually sees spiritually, but the Pharisees, who could see physically, could not see spiritually.
Lacking Nothing (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsScarcity seems to redefine the value of everything, including tools, food, or sentimental objects. Utility trumps every other consideration.
Hebrews (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughLike Jesus and other heroes of faith, we need to look beyond the present to the long term effects of the trials and tests we go though, seeing their value.
Becoming Fearless
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWhen Job was afflicted with physical problems, he learned that God was using them to perfect him. Afflictions are intended to bind us together.
Wilderness Wandering (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Christ's suffering was not confined to crucifixion, but also consisted of rejection, humiliation, and the duress of persecution. Glory follows suffering.
Are You Sure You Believe in God? (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsReal saving faith is a gift from God, but we are obligated to walk by this faith, developing incremental levels of faith through obedience.

The Christian Fight (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughDespite God's many blessings, real Christianity more resembles a running battle against persistent forces than a leisurely stroll down the path of life.
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.
Labor Pains
Sermonette by Ryan McClureDuring the past century, the world has experienced 'practice contractions.' These birth pangs will increase until Christ returns to establish the Kingdom.
Our Hope
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our 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.