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The Rich Young Ruler and the Needle's Eye
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordIn the course of Christ's earthly ministry, a significant conversation with a rich young ruler is recorded in Matthew 19:16-22, highlighting the challenges wealth poses to entering the Kingdom of God. Jesus emphasizes the difficulty by stating it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God's Kingdom, using hyperbole to underscore the impossibility of such a feat. This comparison illustrates that no one, whether rich or poor, can achieve salvation through personal efforts or possessions. The rich young ruler, unable to relinquish his attachment to wealth, walked away from Christ in deep sadness, unable to make the necessary leap of faith. This encounter serves as a poignant reminder that attachment to worldly things, be it wealth or otherwise, can anchor one's spiritual journey, preventing progress toward God's Kingdom. Jesus reassures that while this is impossible with human effort, with God all things are possible.
Does God Want You to be Rich?
'Ready Answer' by StaffIn a world obsessed with material wealth, the story of the rich young ruler serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of prioritizing money over true riches. This young man, who could have been a disciple, rejected his calling because he could not give up his wealth. His choice illustrates how easily the pursuit of material gain can ensnare us, diverting our focus from the spiritual treasures that God offers. Christ warns that if we cling to temporary values, we risk allowing the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches to choke the word of God, rendering it and us unfruitful. We must heed this lesson, ensuring that we do not chase after false riches, but instead seek the true wealth that comes from a relationship with Him.
How to Become Rich
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughGod does not measure prosperity by the ownership of physical possessions but with the depth of a person's relationship with Him.
A Brief Overview of Biblical Prosperity
Sermonette byIn Proverbs 30:7-9, Agur asks God to cushion him from the extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, allowing himself to live a balanced life of contentment.
Money, Control and Sacrifice (2015)
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughIn the important things in life, money is powerless. Wealth cannot buy forgiveness, eternal life, or God's Spirit. Riches do not profit in the day of wrath.
Prosperity's Consequences
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsProsperity is not always an emblem of God's approval. God will not prosper us if it would cause spiritual damage, insulating us from seeking His kingdom.
Blessing Promises: Our Spiritual Inheritance
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen we ask to be blessed, it should be exclusively on God's terms. What God has done in our lives is the best preparation for our future responsibilities.
Poor in Spirit (1997)
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.
Priorities
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWe must screen out the allure of Babylon and make sure that God is always number one on our list of priorities.
Aim for Productivity
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWe must strive to bear spiritual fruit efficiently and productively. Material well-being is not as good a measure of fruitfulness as is the use of God's gifts.
Christ's Vital Final Warning to His Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must be careful in our approach to our spiritual riches so we do not fall into the same trap that people with abundant physical wealth fall.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Good Samaritan parable teaches that unless one practices doing good rather than just knowing good, his faith will be severely compromised.
The Laborers: Matthew 20:1-16
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause God is completely just, we have an obligation to be content with what He has given us, to allow Him to use us for whatever purpose He desires.
Psalm 23 (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOf all animals, sheep need the most care and are extremely vulnerable to predators, pests, and fear, leading to extremely dependent and trusting behavior.
Job, Self-Righteousness, and Humility
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe story of Job reveals a man whom God forced to see himself as he really was, and his true self-image paved the way to a leap forward in spiritual growth.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must have both perseverance and humility in prayer to keep our vision sharp and clear. Without humility, the doorway to acceptance by God is closed.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus contrasts the enormity of what we are forgiven to what we forgive others. Our forgiveness is directly connected with our forgiveness of our brother.