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Vision (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A dream is an aspect of the broader subject of vision. Vision relates to the faculty of sight, encompassing the ability to anticipate and make provisions for future events. It involves insight, imagination, and the capacity to picture and conceptualize. Vision is crucial to creative power and motivation to accomplish goals. It plays a major role in creating anticipation, and in times of despair, even hopelessness. Having a vision does not stand alone; it must be supported by other sub-factors to sustain successful accomplishment. The vision of beauty, such as living eternally in the Kingdom of God with Christ as our Leader, without disease, and with constant challenge and accomplishment, may supply motivation. However, it must be supported by an ever-increasing understanding of the goal and what it takes to achieve it. This requires a detailed plan with internal controls to prevent deviation. Life's realities in this world can destroy the vision of living in the wonderful World Tomorrow that the gospel portrays, if we allow it. Each day of our life is connected to the dream, and the long-term achievement of the vision is built upon a multitude of short-term achievements. Emotional control over small daily matters makes a significant difference in the long term. Without a coordinated plan connecting daily ethics to the long-term dream, the vision cannot be sustained.
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.
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 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.
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.
Hebrews (Part Thirteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham, the father of the faithful, did not have a blind faith; it was based upon observation of God's proven track record of faithfulness.
Hebrews (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHebrews 11 provides examples to bolster faith. The faith described is not blind, but is carefully developed from systematic analysis of available evidence.
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.
Do You See God?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnless we acknowledge God's sovereign authority in our lives, following through with the things we learn from scripture, we, like atheists, will not see God.
Reach for the Goal
Sermon by John O. ReidSimilar to the way people pull together in times of crisis, we must also have a goal, a vision of the finish line, in order to overcome and grow.
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.
Two Realities
Sermon by David C. GrabbeAt baptism, we begin living in two realities simultaneously, one identified by the physical senses and the other discerned by the eyes of faith.
Hebrews (Part Thirteen): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Jewish converts to the Way, although having had the benefit of Messianic prophecies, did not recognize the powerful significance of Psalm 8.
Elements of Motivation (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughVision is a picture in the mind's eye that is undergirded by faith and scriptural revelation, enabling one to anticipate events that have not yet occurred.