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The Clear Light of a God-Given Life
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod expects us to live in the moment, using the gifts He has given us within the circumstances of our lives, whether in strength or weakness, health or illness, triumph or tragedy. He calls us to act now, fulfilling His purpose with perseverance, even when our physical strength diminishes. In our weakness, we grow stronger through His power, as He accomplishes exactly what He desires in us, regardless of how we perceive our standing. We must not wait for better conditions, for we may find ourselves unable to act when the time comes. Instead, we are to courageously use our God-given gifts in the present, knowing that as we decrease, we increase with Jesus Christ. Like Jeremiah, who protested his youth but was empowered by God to speak and act, we too must fulfill our responsibilities, trusting that God is with us to deliver us from fear and obstacles.
Futility, Sovereignty, and Faith
CGG WeeklyCreation is subjected to frailty and futility, not by its own fault, but by the will of Him Who designed it so, with the hope that it will eventually be set free from decay and corruption into the glorious freedom of God's children. Everywhere, this law of futility manifests in daily struggles: weeds in gardens, physical soreness, and the inability to master skills or alter even minor physical traits by sheer will. In spiritual matters, the same principle applies; human effort alone cannot overcome sin's curses or achieve godliness. Relying on personal strength to resolve spiritual problems is a losing strategy, as human will cannot change even the smallest reality, let alone a spiritual one. When faced with problems beyond our capacity, logic dictates seeking help from those equipped to solve them. In spiritual dilemmas, only Jesus Christ, the Savior, can supply what is lacking. The impossible tasks—parting seas, bringing down walls, or upholding all things—are beyond human power, but absolute faith in Christ provides the strength to confront any obstacle and conform to His will. Scripture demonstrates His unmatched power and capability in countless examples, emphasizing that He alone is God, and no other power should be sought for aid. Trust in Christ ensures that trials are worked out for good, even if the outcome is not immediately visible, sustaining hope through every challenge, even unto death.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In navigating the challenges of life, we must be a thinking people, carefully considering our choices amidst the pervasive influence of satan's mind in this world. God has willed that we must deliberately and voluntarily choose between satan's way and His way, demonstrating our loyalty through the manner in which we live, even when faced with temptations. We cannot let our guard down, for sin can creep into our lives if we are not vigilant. Wisdom, as a vital tool, must be worked at through searching things out, believing, and choosing to apply it, regardless of the sacrifices required. The example of Adam and Eve illustrates the consequences of failing to resist evil communication. Their lack of defense against satan's appeal led them to focus on self-centered desires, ultimately breaking down their resolve to follow God's instructions. Our spirit, even with God's Holy Spirit within us, can still be swayed by satan's influence, making it essential to remain cautious and thoughtful in our daily walk. God promises His help, ensuring that we are not left to face life's trials alone. We must avoid charging recklessly through life, instead relying on His Spirit to guide us to the comprehension and practice needed to fulfill our responsibility to Him. Wisdom, however, has its limitations. It is not the answer to every circumstance, as some events are beyond our control, despite our spiritual understanding or character. Even those with great wisdom, like Jesus Christ, faced unavoidable trials. Others, such as Peter and Paul, endured hardships and martyrdom despite their godly wisdom, showing that God sometimes overrules its effectiveness for His purposes. We must never leave God out of our perspective on life, recognizing that certain situations may test our faith or serve as a witness to others. In such moments, the wise response is to trust God, even when no immediate answers are apparent. Wisdom transforms a person, not only in conduct but also in appearance, reflecting a change in mind and attitude. When wrestling with a puzzling problem, the moment of understanding can light up one's face, symbolizing the joy and relief that wisdom brings. Yet, its rarity and difficulty emphasize that it is a precious gift, often requiring persistent effort to attain. In dealing with authority, wisdom is especially crucial. It begins with knowledge of God, progresses to understanding, and culminates in application, guiding our interactions with those in power. Whether facing governmental rulers or daily supervisors, wisdom rooted in spiritual knowledge must direct our attitudes and conduct, acknowledging God's sovereign role over all authority. Even in challenging circumstances, we must rely on this wisdom, trusting that God supervises His creation and may intervene according to His will.
Challenges
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryLife is difficult to navigate. Adversity is a common part of life, yet now, having been called by God, we must work hard to overcome and conquer these challenges.
How Much Does God Love Us? (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsChristians have difficulty trusting in God's limitless love for His elect. But if they do, it provides a genuine power to overcome life's challenges.
We Can Make It!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A disciple cannot escape the kind of persecution directed against his teacher. In the wake of this kind of abuse, people can succumb to depression.
Perseverance and Hope
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the turbulent and uncertain times ahead, we will need extraordinary fortitude and courage. Trials can improving perseverance or active endurance.
Discouragement
Sermonette by James BeaubelleDiscouragement paralyzes one's efforts to overcome temptation or to lose patience in a trial, ultimately leading to deterioration or the destruction of faith.
Christian Optimism
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul wrote some of his most optimistic letters from prison, under the possibility of execution, but absolutely convinced that ultimate victory was imminent.
No Doubt
Sermonette by James BeaubelleDoubt can be a tool to drive us to seek God and His counsel, where there are plenty of resources to stabilize us from wavering between two opinions.
Consequences of a Wrong Focus (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaContempt manifests itself in bad feelings and wrong attitudes against the source of the problem and against God and the purposes He seeks to accomplish.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose who emphasize one trait of God, or one doctrine, at the expense of the others run the risk of distorting the truth, creating a grotesque caricature.
Ecclesiastes: What is it All About? (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes teaches that life has meaning and purpose only when lived by faith for God's Kingdom, not just for earthly, 'under the sun' pursuits.
Faith and Healing (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBoth spiritual and physical healing require us to work intensely, asking for God's merciful intervention while working toward a solution, exercising wisdom.
Rejoice in What We Are (2011)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because we have been given revelation, we should have peace and a sense of well-being about life that would make the high-achievers of this world envious.
Vanity (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughVanity has many nuances, including transitoriness, futility, profitlessness, confusion, falseness, conceit, vainglory, denial, and idolatry.
Waiting
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe discipline of waiting is on the same level as the other spiritual disciplines, requiring substantial admixtures of faith and hope, building endurance.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe should never be tripped up when we see bad things happen to good people or vice versa, realizing that history is indeed following God's timetable.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon Without Becoming Assimilated (Part Six)
Sermon by David F. MaasWe must embrace failure as a tool for spiritual growth. Trials are essential in shaping character, building faith, and reinforcing dependence on God.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Eight): Ecclesiastes 11:1-8
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSolomon counsels us to exercise diligence, work hard, plan for disruptions, obstacles, and roadblocks, spreading risk to work within this futile world.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe may find God's means of correction discouraging, but when we place His actions in context with His overall plan, we can find peace in God's sovereignty.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Until Christ returns, the world's problems will not be solved. Using godly wisdom helps us to deal with our circumstances, but it won't change the world.