Playlist:

playlist Go to the Change, Motivation for (topic) playlist

Filter by Categories

Are We Ready for Change?

Article by Bill Onisick

Change is essential, yet profoundly challenging due to our deeply entrenched habits and behaviors formed over a lifetime of unique experiences. These patterns resist alteration, snapping back to their original form like a stretched rubber tire, reflecting our internal resistance rooted in human nature and carnality. This struggle is evident as we often fail to practice what we desire to change, clinging to familiar, undesired ways despite knowing they should be discarded. The motivation for change stems from a powerful prospect: the future inheritance as sons of God, a glory that far outweighs present sufferings. This incredible potential serves as a driving force, urging us to be ready for change and to seek God's help in identifying necessary transformations. Recognizing the need for change through self-evaluation against God's righteousness and holiness, we must categorize changes into actions such as start, do more, stop, or do less, and understand the reasons behind them. Envisioning the differences in ourselves and our relationships upon successful change fuels our commitment. Change requires time, patience, and endurance, as it does not happen instantly. God, in His wisdom, knows that gradual transformation ensures lasting impact, and thus we must stay the course, renewing our inward man day by day despite the perishing outward man. The trials of change, though severe, work toward an eternal weight of glory. Maintaining faith in God the Father and Jesus Christ is crucial, as Their strength and guidance, through the Helper, God's Holy Spirit, enable us to overcome carnal resistance. Through constant contact with God, we sustain our focus on positive change, finding the strength to achieve it, as all things are possible through Christ who strengthens us. Successful change is not merely an option but a requirement, as God has called us to this process of spiritual preparation for His Kingdom.

Teaching Us to Think (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God is putting His children through a demanding educational program designed to teach godly values and impart spiritual maturity. Learning is hard work.

He Who Overcomes

Sermon by John O. Reid

It is not profitable to focus on the place of safety or the specific time of Christ's return, but instead to make the best use of our time to overcome.

Afflicting Our Souls

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus taught that fasting is an internal, spiritual good work, done in the inner self. Any other kind of fasting has little or no spiritual value.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Twelve)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The early church was invaded by Gnosticism that denigrated the 'enslavement to Yahweh, His Law, and the Sabbath,' replacing it with Greek philosophy.

John (Part Ten)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

When God removes an infirmity or gives a blessing, He also gives a responsibility to follow through, using the blessing to overcome and glorify God.

Self-Government

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Submitting to a human government is a work that requires self-government. Paul thoroughly disciplined his body as he followed the example of Jesus Christ.

Shaping Your Worldview

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Our worldview influences every decision we make. If we do not give God the prominent position in our worldview, we will make self-destructive choices.

Lamentations (Part Three)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Personified Jerusalem, whom God depicts as a grieving widow, blames others for her troubles while overlooking her own sins as the real cause of her sorrow.

Trumpets, Christ's Coming, and Works

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Because the exact time of Christ's return is not known, we must always be ready, as though His return is imminent. Those not prepared will be blindsided.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Seventeen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Law (including the judgments, ordinances, and statutes), far from being done away, shows us our faults and outlines the way of mercy and love—how to live.