Fighting for Our Future

Bishop Riggen preaches from Numbers 32, focusing on the account of the tribes of Reuben and Gad who, on the brink of entering the Promised Land, request to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River instead of crossing over. He emphasizes that after 40 years of wandering, the moment of God's promise had arrived, yet these tribes were content with their current circumstances, valuing convenience over the fullness of God's inheritance. Moses rebukes them, warning that their decision would discourage the entire nation and repeat the failures of their fathers who refused to enter the land at Kadesh Barnea. The core of the message is that individual choices impact the whole body of believers. Bishop Riggen draws a parallel to the church today, asserting that many Christians are satisfied with a comfortable, status quo faith while others are desperate to possess all God has promised. He highlights Moses' concern that believers would fail to recognize their obligation to fight for and with their brothers and sisters. Using 1 Corinthians 12, he explains that every member of the local church is interconnected and necessary, even those who feel insignificant. When one suffers, all suffer; when one fails to participate, the entire body is weakened. The spiritual purpose is to call every believer to lay aside selfishness, link arms with fellow believers, and fight together in prayer, fasting, and commitment so that the church may inherit every promise God has for it.