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Death Is Not the End (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe apostle Paul, a righteous man familiar with the perils of life, offers a profound perspective on death. He acknowledges that staying alive serves God's purpose by aiding the Philippian brethren with his teaching, yet he expresses a deep desire to depart and be with Christ, viewing death not as an end but as an interlude to eternal life with God. In his words, to die is gain, likening life to a game where he plays with all his might, ready to cash in his chips and claim his eternal winnings when the time comes. Paul prioritizes eternal life over physical existence, knowing his true treasure lies in heaven, far surpassing earthly pleasures and possessions. He is willing to endure death to attain the promised reward in the resurrection, eagerly anticipating his next conscious act to rise and meet Christ in the air, to live and reign with Him forever. Despite this longing, he resolves to continue his earthly service a while longer for the benefit of others, maintaining a hopeful and positive outlook on death, mirroring the attitude of his Savior.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Four): Ecclesiastes 9:2-12
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough some try to make their lives easier by compromising, Solomon warns that all evil leads to death, and that doing evil in any circumstance is insane.
Death: The End of the Beginning
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLooking at death as 'gain,' Jesus Christ and Paul calmly looked upon death as a natural part of life, as a transition to a better life in the resurrection.
Facing Times of Stress: When God Is Silent (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsActs 27 teaches that we must distinguish among several types of suffering. Regardless of the type of suffering, we must remember that God will deliver us.
Philippians (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul conveyed to the Philippians his optimism that his imprisonment was actually a blessing, enabling him to magnify his effectiveness and bear more fruit.
Lamentations (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Lamentations 3, the narrator finally convinces Lady Jerusalem that her own sins have caused her necessary punishment and affliction by God.
Philippians (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul both appealed for unity among the Philippians and offered encouragement, reminding them that their relationship with one another was through Christ.
The Glory of God (Part 4): Glorifying God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA raw display of emotion and exuberance does not necessarily glorify God. What we do to glorify God will reflect just how highly we esteem Him.
John (Part Twenty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJust as a seed must die to itself in order to bear fruit, we also must sacrifice our lives, submitting unconditionally to God's to bear abundant fruit.