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Money and Balancing Prosperity
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughAmbition is good in itself as a driving force that enables one to produce and increase prosperity both physical and spiritual, much like a watch with a working spring. Without it a person would accomplish little and remain unproductive. Yet the desire to succeed must extend beyond the self, as Christ shifted the focus from singular individual achievement to group success in which all rise or fall together through cooperation and sharing. Personal self-assertiveness easily becomes unbalanced when centered on the self, so it must be guarded and corrected by outgrowing individual success into larger loyalties that include responsibility toward others. This responsibility encompasses the use of wealth and reaches its clearest expression in the principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself and in the body analogy that shows every part dependent on the others. The same principle operates negatively as well, since a little leaven leavens the whole lump. True success therefore requires that personal prosperity be shared so that it becomes a source of success for others; otherwise it is not genuine success. This enlarged understanding of ambition aligns with Christ's change of success from the merely physical to the spiritual, where being rich toward God supplies the real shelter and security that money alone cannot provide.
Self-Confidence
Sermonette by James C. StoertzThis world in general touts self-confidence as a key indicator of capability and success, even if one has to 'fake it' until he makes it.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHabakkuk was frustrated that God would use an evil people to punish Israel, yet he resolved to cease fretting and to become a responsible watcher.
What's So Bad About Babylon? (1997)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBabylon constitutes the fountainhead of instruction that, like strong drink, impairs the ability to function properly while creating the illusion of ability.
Sons of Thunder (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamJames and John do not appear to have been selfish, but men of action ready to meet a challenge.
Living By Faith and Human Pride
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod wants us to walk—live our lives—by faith, but our pride and vanity frequently get in the way. Critically, pride causes us to reject God and His Word.
Presumptuousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIndividuals arrogating to themselves the authority to change doctrine are on extremely dangerous ground, presumptuously setting up idols in place of God.
What's So Bad About Babylon? (2013) (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Babylon is a system, virtually irresistible to the carnal mind, appealing to ambition and self-centeredness. It is far greater than any church institution.
Tamerlane's Ant
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordTamerlane, the 14th century conqueror, learned a valuable lesson from the initiative of a tiny ant, motivating him to turn defeat into victory.
Who Then Is In The Kingdom Of Heaven?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn Matthew 18, some disciples pondered who would be greatest in the Kingdom. However, ambition, arrogance, and pride will keep one from even being there.
God, Satan, and David's Numbering of Israel
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeAn apparent contradiction exists between I Chronicles 21:1 stating that Satan moved David to take the census while I Samuel 21:1 says that God did.
Carried About by Every Wind
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughNearly 90% of college students admit to pretending to be more woke to gain favor at school. Such adaptability can lead to easy compromise and nihilism.
Baruch's Complaint (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerJeremiah and his scribe, Baruch, lived during a time of great upheaval. Baruch complained that God's plans against Judah were crimping his own ambitions.