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Vision (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A dream, as expressed in the song "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables, sung by the character Fantine, reflects a broader concept of vision. Vision encompasses the faculty of sight, the ability to anticipate and make provisions for future events, and the capacity for insight and imagination to conceptualize and picture possibilities. It is crucial to creative power and motivation, playing a major role in creating anticipation, yet also hopelessness in times of despair. Fantine dreamed of a romantic marriage and family life, but her vision was shattered as life's harsh realities unraveled her hopes. Her dream lacked the support of godly morality and ethics, leading to its destruction. Vision alone, even one as beautiful as living eternally in the Kingdom of God with Christ as our Leader, free from disease and filled with constant challenge and accomplishment, is not enough. It must be supported by an ever-increasing understanding of the goal and a detailed plan to achieve it, with internal controls to prevent deviation. Fantine's story illustrates the danger of a world that can destroy our vision if we allow it. Her long-term dream and daily ethic were uncoordinated, lacking a plan to connect them. Each day of our life must be connected to the dream, built upon a multitude of short-term achievements and emotional control, requiring focus, diligence, and the sacrifice of time and energy to sustain the vision.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Two): Vision
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Kingdom of God is our goal, and our vision of what it means gives us compelling motivation to overcome, grow, and bear fruit in preparation for eternal life.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing the Blind Man from Bethsaida
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsOnly Mark contains the healing of the blind man from Bethsaida, highlighting several important spiritual truths. The miracle's location is part of its unique teaching.
Christian Myopia
Article by StaffMyopia, or nearsightedness, is not just an eye condition. It also describes a worldview that is quite limited and limiting.
The Right Goal
Sermonette by Bill OnisickSuccess depends upon having a transcendent vision (defined as a mission statement), visible goals, and measurable concrete objectives.
Focus!
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityMany spiritual parallels exist regarding the function of the camera lens to enable light rays to converge at a specific point.
Spiritual Blindness: Choosing a Curse
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeGod proclaims a cause-effect relationship between sin and madness, blindness, and confusion of heart. Sin causes blindness, and blindness begets more sin.
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 Eyes of the Blind Shall Be Opened
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe parable of the blind man parallels our post-conversion process throughout many parts of our life. We are given hope and a way of overcoming our lack of clarity.
Impediments to Sanctification
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAny materialistic goal will decay and deteriorate, having a limited lifetime. Only spiritual treasures last forever. God demands undivided loyalty.
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.
Importance of the True Gospel
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe way back to unity is to embrace the vision that once kept us focused on the same goal, giving us active, kinetic, dynamic and explosive power.
'He Who Has an Ear, Let Him Hear . . .'
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeA man with myopic judgment will take the good times he has as evidence of God's pleasure, and conclude that the bad times must be caused by Satan's persecution.
Childrearing (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot turn the teaching of our children over to others, but instead must train and educate them to become productive citizens in the Kingdom of God.