Filter by Categories
Blessing Promises: Our Spiritual Inheritance
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe concept of blessing, as explored in this discussion, carries profound spiritual significance beyond mere material gain. In society and mainstream Christian circles, the terms "bless," "blessed," and "blessing" are often misused, associated with material acquisitions or fleeting happiness, which can obscure their deeper meaning. True blessings, as revealed in Scripture, are tied to the covenant with God, emphasizing spiritual inheritance over worldly wealth. In the Old Testament, blessings are linked to God's covenant with His people, characterized by promise, conditionality, obedience, grace, and the contrast of curse for disobedience. God promises to bless those who keep His covenant, as seen in His call to Abraham, where He declares that through Abraham all families of the earth shall be blessed. The conditional nature of blessing is evident in passages like Deuteronomy 28-30, where obedience to God's commandments brings blessing, while disobedience results in curse. Blessing is also portrayed as a reward for obedience, yet it is always rooted in God's grace, not human merit, as Deuteronomy 7:6-9 illustrates His love and choice of Israel despite their smallness. This grace underscores that God's blessings are an expression of His mercy for a thousand generations to those who love Him and keep His commandments. In the New Testament, the focus of blessing shifts to a spiritual inheritance, particularly for individual believers in God's Kingdom. Jesus Christ, in the Beatitudes of Matthew 5:1-12, pronounces blessings on those who suffer deprivation in this life, promising spiritual rewards such as the kingdom of heaven, comfort, and inheritance of the earth. These blessings are overwhelmingly conceived as reserved in heaven for the faithful, with little emphasis on material prosperity. Ephesians 1:3 further affirms this, stating that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, highlighting the eternal nature of these gifts. The Greek terms for blessing provide deeper insight into its meaning. The word eulogeo, meaning "to speak well of," reflects God's inherent worthiness to be praised, as seen in Ephesians 1:3 where He is described as eulogetos, inherently worthy of good speech. Another term, makarios, used in the Beatitudes, denotes a quality of deity, indicating a state of being indwelt by God through Christ and fully satisfied in Him. This spiritual satisfaction surpasses any material gain, as Christ's teachings emphasize that true blessedness comes from spiritual connection rather than worldly comfort. In Revelation, seven blessings are pronounced, each using the term makarios, signifying the ultimate spiritual fulfillment through Christ. These include blessings for those who read, hear, and keep God's Word (Revelation 1:3); for the dead who die in the Lord (Revelation 14:13); for those who stay awake and keep their garments of righteousness (Revelation 16:15); for those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9); for those in the first resurrection (Revelation 20:6); for those who keep the words of prophecy (Revelation 22:7); and for those who do His commandments, washing their robes in Christ's blood (Revelation 22:14). These blessings underscore spiritual endurance, obedience, and unity, promising eternal rewards rather than temporal gains. Ultimately, to be blessed is to be indwelt by God through Jesus Christ, achieving a state of complete satisfaction that transcends material possessions. Blessings are not for selfish gain but for service to others, reflecting God's will for our eternal good over immediate gratification. While material blessings may occur, the primary focus for the church should be on the abundance of spiritual blessings, which are eternal and far surpass anything the world can offer.
Blessed Are: Summary
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, Jesus exposes the depths of His own heart, while demonstrating the deficit of our own carnal hearts.
Blessing God
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamWe bless God through joyfully singing psalms, praising Him and obeying His Commandments, having His word written on our heart..
Judgment Is a Merciful Blessing
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod is patient and tender-hearted to late bloomers, forgiving sincerely repentant individuals, but will not budge an inch on rebellion or sin.
Happiness is Circumstantial, but Joy is Not!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHappiness is a by-product of our response to God's calling, coupled with our determination to connect with the Father, the Son, and the whole spiritual family.
Living Abundantly In Tough Times
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLived properly, a Christian's life is scintillating and deeply satisfying, full of rewards, even though it involves responsibility and self-control.
Marriage—A God-Plane Relationship (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen God introduces marriage, the first thing He does is to put it on a spiritual plane. Our relationships should include this God-plane quality.
Money Is Power
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we are untrustworthy with a paltry sum of money, we will be untrustworthy with the vast resources of God's creative power.
Basic Doctrines: The Laying On of Hands
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsLaying on of hands may seem strange to the non-Christian. However, it is one of the church's fundamental doctrines, found in baptism, healing and ordination.
Hebrews (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ's priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood because Christ tenure is eternal rather than temporal, guaranteeing both continuity and quality.