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Carefully Tending and Keeping God's Extraordinary Blessings

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler

God's blessings are extraordinary gifts that He bestows upon us, calling the weak of the world to share in His limitless grace. These blessings are meant to shape us into a people reflecting His very image, preparing us for the return of Jesus Christ and our eternal work with Him. We must diligently tend and keep these blessings, for if we fail to use them thoughtfully, we risk losing them. During this sacred Feast, God has given us holy time as a blessing, set apart from a world descending into chaos, to strengthen the unity of the body of Christ. This time is His business, intended for us to share our lives in a way that pleases Him and fosters unity among His people. God has separated us from an increasingly evil world, granting us the extraordinary blessing of direct access to Him through Jesus Christ. We are tasked with staying close to Him to rightly discern the words of truth and to assemble together, stirring one another to love and noble deeds. This blessing of unity, especially during this Feast, connects us to His purpose, as we work diligently to grow closer to His holiness. Each blessing is singularly tailored to us, and we must recognize and cherish them, understanding that God sees the end from the beginning, always moving us toward His plan. We are to redeem the time wisely, faithfully tending and keeping these extraordinary blessings within Christ's work of sanctifying His church. His blessings are custom-made for each of us, and the sooner we recognize them, especially during this holy time, the more joyfully productive our lives will be as we prepare together for the perfection of being holy as God is holy.

Give God Something to Bless

Sermonette by Hunter D. Swanson

We are not puppets whom God and Satan are fighting to take control over. We are fighting carnal nature and must always take action to give our hearts to God.

According to the Blessing

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Because we do not have an abundance of material blessings, we are gently forced to go back to Almighty God for our sustenance, much the same way as Israel.

Passover of the Most High God

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

God's blessing is intricately woven into the fabric of His relationship with His people, as seen through the title Most High, first mentioned in connection with Passover. The Most High, described as the possessor of heaven and earth, demonstrates a profound care and concern for His possessions, far beyond mere ownership. His governance in human affairs springs from a will and purpose that are inherently good, even when not fully understood by humanity. Whenever Scripture employs the title Most High, it portrays God blessing His people with whatever they need to fulfill His perfect will, whether it be knowledge, physical provision, or defense and deliverance from enemies. His personal involvement is a hallmark of this blessing, ensuring that His people are equipped to achieve His divine plan. The Most High's blessing is evident in His active intervention, such as delivering Abraham's enemies into his hand, showcasing His deep interest in human affairs. He shows Himself strong on behalf of His people and judges the unrighteous, providing protection and deliverance as recurring themes associated with this title. This blessing extends to spiritual battles, offering protection and forgiveness to those who seek it, countering the unseen forces that attempt to sow division and doubt among His people. The Most High also aids in the internal struggle against the carnal nature, granting victory where human effort alone would fail. Furthermore, the ultimate blessing of the Most High is seen in the provision of His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Lamb without blemish, who delivers His people from sin and even from the last enemy, death. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He paves the way for others to follow, ensuring victory over death through the promise of resurrection. The title Most High, tied to the context of Passover, underscores the immense blessing this occasion represents, as it embodies His active possession of heaven and earth and His governance in the affairs of those He has called, leading them to triumph.

God's Love and Teachings for His Children

Sermon by Kim Myers

God's blessing is a profound gift to His children, for we belong to Him and are part of His Family. With God, all things are possible, and without Him, nothing can be achieved. He shows kindness and grace to those who keep His commandments, demonstrating His love for us as His chosen ones. As our Father, He teaches us His ways and laws, guiding us just as a parent instructs their own children, not the children of the world. What a tremendous blessing it is to be born into His Family through baptism, with God watching over us constantly. God assures us that He has not given us a spirit of fear, reminding us to trust in Him as the leader of our Family. He loves us deeply, and as His children, we should be confident that no matter the challenges we face, He is with us, ensuring everything works for our good. His love for us is immense, far surpassing even His care for a wayward nation, showing how much more He cherishes His faithful children. God builds faith and trust in us, much like parents nurture their young, proving His concern through acts of love and protection. His love is so great that He works with us every moment, helping us toward His Kingdom. He empowers us through His Holy Spirit, making all things possible, and reminds us that we can do everything through Christ. Even when we feel unable or think it is not worth it, God affirms that it will be worth it, promising a future beyond imagination for those who follow Him. God also tells us to cast our cares on Him, relieving us of worry and frustration, for we are in His hands. He never takes His eyes off us, watching over us every day, able to care for us in ways we cannot fathom. As His children, we are deeply loved, blessed with fabulous promises, and assured of being His heirs with Christ. Though we will face trials and corrections, God is always with us, protecting and encouraging us as His own. Finally, God instructs us to focus on outgoing concern, to edify one another, to be at peace, to support the weak, to avoid evil, to rejoice, and to give thanks in all things. As His children, we should not be consumed by inward fears or doubts, for He is with us, loves us, and ensures we are never alone.

Do You See God Working in You?

Sermon by Kim Myers

It is vital to our conversion to see God working in our lives each day. If we do not see Him working with us, we will not believe what He says, leading to poor choices and liberties with His laws and commandments. Job endured unimaginable trials because he could see God working in his life from a young age, giving him the faith to withstand severe losses and personal suffering. God works with us in good times and through very severe trials, always present in our lives. We must look for Him as we live, to have the faith Job had, recognizing His presence even amidst tragedy. The more we pray and study, the more we see God working in our lives, and the more we desire to please Him by keeping His laws and commandments. This creates a continuous circle: seeing God at work inspires more prayer and study, which in turn deepens our recognition of His involvement. God is with us all the time, in both good and bad moments, and we must be astute enough to perceive His actions. When we clearly see God working in our lives, it strengthens our belief in Him and motivates us to obey, mirroring the obedience we desire from our own children. Failure to see God working in our lives leads to justification of disobedience, causing us to stray from His ways. If we are not striving to live a holy life through prayer and study, we cannot see God at work, blinding us to His presence. Living outside this circle of prayer, study, and recognition results in poor choices that bring misery. However, by engaging in this cycle, we grow in belief and desire to please Him, receiving blessings as a result. God is indeed working in all our lives, and we must be discerning enough to recognize Him as He works with us.

Giving Flows From the Focused Work of God

Sermonette by Mark Schindler

If God's people keep their focus upon His purpose for them as outlined by His Holy Days, they will be able to accomplish the work God has given them.

God Never Disappoints

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

There is no disappointment with God. His purpose for life remains unshaken, even in the face of human struggles. According to Scripture, those who trust in Him are never disillusioned or disappointed, as hope in Him does not disappoint. God assures that those who wait for Him will not be ashamed, meaning they will not face disappointment. The gospel, the message of the coming Kingdom of God, salvation, and eternal life, carries the power of God, producing supernatural results wherever it is preached. This power does not disappoint, transforming lives and satisfying the deepest spiritual longings. God also guarantees the spiritual deposits entrusted to Him. Unlike human systems that fail, He has the power to keep what is committed to Him, whether it be faith for salvation or the character traits being developed. His ability to guard these deposits is certain, and He pays spectacular dividends through blessings such as love, joy, and peace that surpasses understanding. These blessings, often unexpected, serve as evidence of His care and guardianship. Furthermore, Christ will be magnified in the lives of believers, whether through life or death. God's determination to exalt His Son extends to those united to Him by faith, ensuring that His will is perfect and ultimately works for their salvation. This confidence in God's plan allows believers to trust Him even amidst trials, knowing that Christ is magnified through His saints and that His purpose will be accomplished.

The Faithfulness of God (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God established permanent patterns, electing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as all of those He has called. This election should be our obsession.

Cleansing God's People

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Haggai received the last two prophecies on the same day. Haggai 2:10 and 20 identify that day as the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, called Kislev.

Blessings We Could Have Had

Sermon by Kim Myers

Despite Abraham's loyalty to God's covenant, Abraham's offspring have violated this covenant, thanklessly squandering the blessings and reaping curses.

One Nation Under God (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We need to follow Nehemiah's example in submitting to God, focusing on the right goals, having wisdom in handling complex situations, and having courage.

A Motivation for Giving

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

When Paul attempted to motivate the Corinthians, he compared them to the Philippians, who were more generous with what they had than the richer Corinthians.

The Sabbath: Redemption

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God has blessed us with the Sabbath, a period of holy time, when He redeems us from the clutches of our carnality and this evil world.

Simple Gifts: American Reflection

Commentary by Mark Schindler

Liberty cannot exist without morality, or morality without faith. Today, humanists are destroying God's 'simple gifts' that made America exceptional.

Offerings and Taxes

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Deuteronomy 16:16 does not specify the exact amount of the offering, but does ask us to make a thoughtful recollection of the benefits received from God.

Isaac

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The name Isaac—'laughter'—suggests his optimistic disposition, someone not afflicted by fear and doubt. Isaac serves as a type of Christ, honoring his father.

Numbers (Part One): Journey in the Desert

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God never says the Christian life would be easy or that life would always be fair. Difficulties and tests are given to test our hearts and promote humility.

The Ultimate Gift

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler

Paul reveals God's plan to save all Israel (Romans 11:25-36); the ultimate gift to His saints is the ability to help in the reconciliation process.

The Love of Money

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The context for the oft-misquoted 'money is the root of all evil' is a warning against ministers who wish to enrich themselves using the pretext of God's Word.

Are You Living the Abundant Life?

'Ready Answer' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Non-Christians tend to see Christianity as an utterly boring, rigid way of life. However, Jesus says He came to give His disciples abundant life. Here's how.

Thanksgiving

'Ready Answer' by Staff

Here is why we should be thankful, how much we have to be thankful for, and how we can give God our thanks.

Tithing

Sermon by John O. Reid

This comprehensive overview of tithing explores the attitudes we should have toward tithing, the purposes of the tithe, and the benefits of tithing.

The Quest for Happiness

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Happiness is the result of faithfully keeping God's Covenant, ensuring peace, prosperity, and an abundant life. The world's joy only disappoints in the end.

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Christians?

Article by Staff

Of all people, one might think, Christians should be the most blessed, yet they often fall under heavy trials. Why does God allow this? What is His purpose?

Isaac and the Day of Small Things

Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

Isaac did not play what historians might judge to be a significant role on the world's stage, yet kept the faith, never despising the day of small things.