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Are You Missing Out On Blessings?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMaterial prosperity is pursued by many as the measure of success and the path to happiness, yet it fails to bring satisfaction or peace. Those who love abundance remain unsatisfied, and the rich often lose restful sleep. Material blessings are frequently overvalued while relationships with God, family, friends, health, and service to others produce greater joy. God promises abundant material blessings to those who submit in obedience, including through tithing, yet many dedicated believers struggle to make ends meet and wonder why more blessings do not come. Comparisons with the prosperity of the wicked or with other believers lead to discouragement and wrong attitudes. The standard for measuring blessings must be God's rather than worldly measures of physical goods. God calls many from humble or poor circumstances, and material wealth does not automatically follow conversion. Poor believers in the first century required relief from others in the church. All good things, including life itself and the ability to work, are unmerited gifts from God. Envy arises from comparing one's situation with others, yet God distributes blessings according to individual needs for spiritual growth. An increase in material possessions can become a trap that harms salvation. Contentment with what one has is required, as happiness consists not in abundance but in a state of mind shaped by faith. God may bless materially those who seek improvement, yet there is no promise of automatic wealth for Christians. Godliness with contentment constitutes great gain. Spiritual blessings, such as a relationship with God, the promise of eternal life, inner strength, and the fruits of the Holy Spirit, hold greater value than material possessions.
Parable of the Treasure
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus' Parable of the Treasure in Matthew 6:19-21 is designed to get us to evaluate the relative values of material wealth and 'treasures in heaven.'
Great Expectations
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughOur expectations in this life far outstrip our needs. Compared to earlier times, our lifestyle is far superior to what most people enjoyed in the past.
Why Is Life So Hard? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeSome have a warped idea of godliness, not pursuing it with a desire to resemble God, but believing that if they are righteous, God will materially bless.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Seven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe letters to the seven churches of Revelation warn of losing our first love, heeding false teachers, compromising God's Truth, and forgetting right doctrine.
Are You Living an Abundant Life?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf Christianity is lived the way Christ intended, rather than as represented by media caricatures, it is one of the most exhilarating and abundant lifestyles.
Hebrews 12 and 13: Advice for the End Time
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must lay aside every weight, accept God's chastening, receive encouragement from those who have gone before, and get back into the spiritual race.
Wrong Will Eventually Be Set Right
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod frequently turns things around with an element of surprise, defeating human will, replacing it with understanding of the benefits of His will.
Matthew (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe should not seek material rewards under the New Covenant, though God may sometimes bless us physically. Our focus should be on spiritual rewards.
God's Rest (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCoveting—lust—is a fountainhead of many other sins. Desiring things is not wrong, but desiring someone else's things promotes overtly sinful behavior.
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.
Appearing Before God (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeGod is not after our pocketbooks, and those of His servants who emulate Him will not be either. He is interested in our character and our regard for Him.
Malachi's Appeal to Backsliders (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must be careful when we ask for justice, for our request might come back to bite us. Those begging for justice will indeed get what they ask for.
Take Heed to Yourselves
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ tells us to take heed about our vulnerability to evil influences. We have a short window of time to repent and get our lives turned around.
The Sabbath: Redemption
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod 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.