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Is Your Eye Single?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughIf our goal is wrong, our entire being will be off. Our first priority is to be loyal to God, casting aside all distractions and other interests.
Spiritual Double Agents
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasDouble-mindedness is like being a double agent, serving two masters. As Christ says, one master will be neglected—and unfortunately, it is usually God.
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has placed us all in the body where it has pleased Him. We dare not imitate Satan by letting self-centered goals eclipse God's purpose.
Knowing God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo fulfill one's purpose, one must be singularly focused on what one wants to accomplish. Divided minds result in no productivity or even devastation.
The Christian and the World (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughClear vision lights the way spiritually. If the eye of the heart is aimed at spiritual treasure and the glory of God, it will remain singly focused.
The Summertime Soldier and Sunshine Patriotism
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must put our lives, treasure, and honor on the line, picking up our cross daily, declaring our independence from carnality, evil and bondage to sin.
God Never Disappoints
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsUnlike people who, because of their natural carnal nature, feel disappointment with God, God's people should never experience any disappointment with Him.
Mercy, Pilgrimage, and Providence
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLife is often troublesome and perplexing, as Jesus highlighted in His teachings, portraying a narrow path that constrains human nature from its natural extremes. This narrowing creates unique difficulties for us, distinct from those in the world, as we battle our inherent tendencies. Amidst such challenges, discontentment and murmuring emerge as significant issues, mirroring the struggles of the Israelites in the wilderness. Their grumbling stemmed from a fear that God would not provide, despite evident displays of His power and providence, revealing a deeper lack of faith and a divided mind. This divided mind, evident in the Israelites and in us, reflects a conflict between acknowledging God's promises and practically applying them. Even with clear examples of His provision, like the miracles in Egypt and the well-watered oasis at Elim, the Israelites quickly complained when faced with scarcity, wishing to return to bondage rather than trust in God's continued care. This discontent, fueled by pride and an insatiable human nature, parallels the rebellion of satan, whose spirit of dissatisfaction pervades the earth, influencing mankind to desire more than what God has sovereignly provided. Murmuring, as a symptom of this spiritual malaise, indicates underlying pride and a lack of faith, suggesting that we believe we deserve better than what God has given. It reveals a mind in disagreement with God, obeying grudgingly rather than willingly, as highlighted by Paul in his writings. Such a mindset limits God's ability to work in our lives, much like the Israelites set boundaries in their minds, doubting His power in certain terrains or timelines, thus failing to live by faith. Paul contrasts this discontent with godliness paired with contentment, describing it as great gain. Contentment, a sense of sufficiency with what one has, counters envy, pride, and anxious ambition. It does not imply laziness or lack of concern for welfare but suggests moderated desires and trust in God's providence. Paul learned this contentment through life's trials, recognizing that God consistently supplied his needs, reinforcing that this state rests on God's faithful provision, not self-sufficiency. Ultimately, the challenge is to trust in God's promise to supply all needs, rooted in the monumental sacrifice of His Son. If God did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us, how shall He not freely give us all things necessary for our salvation? This act of love, initiated by the Father, is the ultimate assurance against a divided mind, urging us to dwell on what we have through Christ rather than grumble over what we lack, fostering a firm conviction in His unending grace and providence.