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Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Three): Time

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

For those with a sincere desire to please God by living by faith, the instruction in Ecclesiastes offers profound encouragement. Solomon, in the final verses of chapter 2, shifts to a perspective that acknowledges God's gracious gifts, advising us to enjoy good in our labor as it comes from the hand of God. He counsels that our attitude toward labor should be one of gratitude, recognizing it as a God-designed responsibility that sets us apart from all other created beings. We should be thankful for the very fact that we have life and a mind capable of thinking about God, looking forward to the future within His purpose, and understanding our unique calling. Solomon hints that God is already involved in the lives of those He instructs, urging us to maintain an attitude of thankfulness and contentment. This faith-based contentment, regardless of circumstances, brings great spiritual gain and enables us to live a life focused on God as the Central Figure. With this focus, a Christian can work through trials, overcoming self-centeredness by trusting that God is with him. Without God as the guiding beacon, one can easily drift into discouragement and discontent, halting spiritual progress. Our challenge is to live by faith, trusting God's sovereignty in every situation, finding peace and contentment in the truth that He is fully aware of our lives and in control of the broader picture. We must use the time He has set for us to grow, overcome, and meet the responsibilities our trials impose, holding onto a positive and hopeful attitude through our relationship with Him. By doing spiritual work directly in relation to God, we guard against sinking into a discouraged, self-centered state, allowing Him to lift us up as we place our hope in Him.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Seventeen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Wisdom can be defined as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to the right measure. Wisdom is not given as a whole, but incrementally.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Ecclesiastes is perhaps the most practical book in the Old Testament, providing overviews of life-guiding advice, essentially a roadmap through the maze.

What's Going On Up There?

Article by Staff

Does it seem like your prayers never reach God's throne—that at best they are only recorded on His answering machine? Here is another way to look at prayer.

Psalm Genres (Part Eight): Wisdom Psalms

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Wisdom, understood biblically, is not merely a philosophical or intellectual concept but a practical, God-given skill in living rightly. Its Hebrew and Greek roots—hokmah and sophia—show progression from practical craftsmanship to divine understanding, and its first biblical appearances, connected to skilled work on priestly garments and the Tabernacle, reveal that true wisdom is both a spiritual gift from God and a skill developed through diligent practice. Just as artisans mastered their craft through knowledge, understanding, and repeated application, believers are called to master "skill in living"—applying God's instruction faithfully in the daily details of life. This is what distinguishes true wisdom from mere knowledge or understanding: knowledge and understanding must lead to action, or they become empty and even foolish. Wisdom, then, is the practical outworking of a life yielded to God, following Christ's example and walking as He walked. This principle is expressed through the wisdom psalms, which give practical guidance on righteous living in a world alienated from God. These psalms are addressed to people rather than to God, contrasting right and wrong conduct and showing the blessings of godliness against the consequences of wickedness. They do not promise immediate or guaranteed rewards in this life but reveal general spiritual truths: that righteousness ultimately leads to blessing, and wickedness to ruin, though the full outworking may only be realized in God's coming Kingdom. This underscores that Christian living requires enduring faith, trusting God's purposes even when circumstances seem to contradict divine justice. Psalm 128 illustrates that fearing God means practically walking in His ways—applying His instructions in family life, work, and community—resulting in blessings that grow and extend across generations. Psalm 111 and Psalm 112 together show the relationship between God's mighty works and humanity's faithful response: as God acts graciously, His people are to reflect His character through generosity, righteousness, steadfastness, and compassion. This reflects the goal of Christian living—to grow into the very image and character of God, with righteousness that "endures forever," pointing toward eternal life and the ultimate hope of reigning in righteousness within God's Kingdom. The wicked, by contrast, face grief, destruction, and eventual erasure of all rebellion in the Lake of Fire, emphasizing that no unrighteousness will remain in the new heavens and new earth. This reality calls believers, as Peter later affirms, to live in holy conduct and godliness, growing continually in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ while awaiting His return. Thus, Christian living is portrayed as the lifelong pursuit of embodying divine wisdom—applying God's truth practically, faithfully, and increasingly, until it is perfected in His coming Kingdom.

Philippians (Part Ten)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Not one of us with heavenly citizenship has ever been there, but like an ambassador, we are compelled to carry on the culture and laws in our lives.

Highly Skilled Overcomers

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Following our passions only applies if we invest the career capital to perfect our craft, honing our skills so that other people will pay for what we have to offer.

Too Good to Ignore

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

When we become skillful, doing things that perhaps no one else has done, we acquire passion, creativity, control over output, and fulfillment.

Love Thy Neighbor (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Jesus set the bar very high when it comes to love. We no longer live for ourselves, but to Christ, who commands us to love everyone, including our enemies.

The Mark of the Beast

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Will 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?

Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 1)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Our manners express our personality, especially as they portray humility, courtesy, or gentleness, and are improved as we make use of God's Spirit.

Colossian Law-Keeping

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Nominal Christendom cannot see God's law even though it is in plain sight. In Colossians, Paul reiterates or alludes to all but one of the Ten Commandments.

Christ Our Standard

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Knowledge of God's truth is useless unless it is acted on. God will only accept children who follow Christ's example and conduct their lives by His high standards.

The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Five): The Peace Offering, Sacrifice, and Love

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The peace offering teaches many things, but one of its main symbols is fellowship. Our communion with the Father and the Son obligates us to pursue peace.

Soldiers of Christ

Sermonette by Ryan McClure

Paul enjoins God's people to enlist as soldiers of Christ, enduring hardship, keeping themselves from the world, and putting on armor for spiritual battle.

James: From Skeptic to Believer

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

James was not called during His ministry, but may have received his calling when Jesus entrusted the care of His mother to John, a non-family member.

Themes of I Corinthians (Part 1)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Corinth was at the crossroads of trade routes, abounding in religious syncretism. Paul's letter to the Corinthians instructs us how to live in a wicked society.

The Importance of Doctrine

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

People who try to supplement their spiritual diet with lawlessness or other heresies risk losing their identity, and ultimately their spiritual life.

Holiness (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Holy things are set apart from the rest, consecrated, sanctified, and transcendentally separate. God wants to transform us into that very image.