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Faithfulness
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsAmidst the upheavals of an unstable world and the disunity of a distracted church, truth remains steadfast, and God's foundation stands firm. God's truth, word, promises, and covenant are as sure as He is faithful. Faithfulness, as a fruit of the Spirit, is built on faith, which is the confidence in possessing the things hoped for because of God's promises. To be faithful, one must be loyal, conscientious, dedicated, and truthful in adhering to God and His covenant. God's faithfulness is infinite, incomparable, unfailing, everlasting, and great. He shows His faithfulness by keeping His covenant with those who submit to His will, forgiving the sins of those who genuinely repent, and ensuring His Word remains eternally reliable and true. Christ, the faithful witness, and the Father exemplify this unwavering character trait. Faithfulness is not only required in major situations but also in trivial matters, as Christ teaches that fidelity in small things prepares one for weightier responsibilities. God tests faithfulness in day-to-day activities, where true Christianity emerges. A faithful church does not escape suffering, and often, the more faithful one is, the more at odds with the world one becomes. Without true faithfulness, it is impossible to please God. Faithfulness is demonstrated through loving concealment of others' sins, truthfulness, doing God's work, and loyalty. As Christians, faith must become a living reality to produce faithfulness. However, faithfulness cannot be accumulated by oneself; it is a gift of God, produced through the Holy Spirit. Those in His true church have the faith of Jesus, not merely faith in Him, but His faith placed within them. The indwelling of Christ through the Holy Spirit enables faithfulness, imparting His faithful mind to become part of one's own. This righteousness comes through the faith of Jesus Christ, encompassing loyalty, conscientiousness, dedication, and truthfulness. This faithfulness extends beyond feelings and actions toward God to behavior toward others, influenced by the Holy Spirit. A Christian must always be faithful as a child, spouse, parent, friend, neighbor, and employee, remaining true to contracts and promises. Faithfulness is the character trait of one whom others confide in and trust.
Faith
Sermonette by James BeaubelleKing Jehoshaphat, by totally surrendering to God, achieved a miraculous victory over three armies by standing still, waiting patiently for His intervention.
Four Points of Faith
Sermonette by James BeaubelleAt times we exhibit some faithlessness, perhaps because we have viewed faith just in terms of what we do rather than what God does through His gifting to us.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughFaithfulness is a critical aspect of human character, often reflecting what individuals value most deeply combined with their commitment to it. People tend to be faithful to what they deem truly important, whether it be family, friends, employers, or even personal interests. Jesus emphasized this principle when He questioned Peter's love for Him, urging Peter to prioritize Him above all else on earth. To be faithful to Christ, one must love Him supremely, willing to forsake all earthly possessions and relationships, and obey Him above personal desires. Holding true to the path God has set is challenging amidst the world's distractions, which appeal to human nature and urge self-satisfaction. Jesus warns that the way is difficult and narrow, requiring vision and discipline to remain faithful to His cause. Some have completed this course, holding God and His way in the highest esteem, and their example stands as a call to remain steadfast. The concept of faithfulness, though not explicitly mentioned in certain translations, is deeply embedded in the idea of reliability and trustworthiness. It is the characteristic of being constant, loyal, and conscientious, marked by a strong sense of duty. Even if humans are faithless, God remains faithful, as He cannot deny Himself. His nature and character are a solemn obligation, ensuring He is consistent and uniform, never contradictory to His own being. God's faithfulness guarantees the progressive perfection of a Christian's life, as He never abandons a work He begins, continuing until He is satisfied with the result. God's faithfulness extends to all life, human and animal, as He upholds all things by the word of His power, never leaving His creations to their own devices. In trials, His faithfulness assures that no one is lost to Him, promising that challenges will be proportionate to one's strength. His unchanging character of justice and forgiveness means He can be depended upon as the central object of faith. Faithfulness in God awakens a corresponding faith in His followers, prompting submissive obedience. As God is faithful, it becomes a responsibility to imitate Him by committing to well-doing. The strength to be faithful is promised through access to His throne of grace, where mercy and help are found in times of need. Combined with His Spirit and assurance that no trial will be too great, this fruit of faithfulness can be produced in those who yield as faithful servants.
Seeking God's Will (Part Two): Faithfulness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFaithfulness, encapsulated in the motto Semper Fidelis, meaning "Always Faithful," forms a foundational part of God's character. God never fails; He is always trustworthy. His words are sure and true, refined in purity. If He makes a promise, He will carry it through. If He makes a prophecy, He will bring it to pass. He never lies, is never late, and never changes His plans. God embodies faithfulness, always reliable and steadfast. The Greek word "pistos," often translated as faithful, carries both active and passive senses. In the active sense, it means trusting or believing, as seen in descriptions of individuals like Abraham. In the passive sense, applied more often to God, it means trustworthy, reliable, and faithful. This distinction highlights that God is not only trusting but inherently dependable. Jesus Christ is called the faithful witness, utterly believable in His testimony, reflecting His absolute truthfulness and reliability. Scriptural passages underscore God's unwavering faithfulness. In I Corinthians, Paul assures that Jesus Christ will confirm His followers to the end, blameless, due to God's faithful character. God, having called individuals into fellowship, commits to seeing them through to the Kingdom of God, never wavering or going back on His word. Similarly, in I Thessalonians, Paul emphasizes that God is faithful and will fulfill His promises to strengthen and establish His people. In the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 32 portrays God as the Rock, a symbol of firmness and reliability, paralleled with being a faithful God, emphasizing His constancy and trustworthiness. Moses stresses that despite human leaders coming and going, God remains the unchanging, faithful constant. Psalm 33 calls for praise to God because His word is right and His works are done in faithfulness, worthy of trust even when His paths seem unexpected. Psalm 36 illustrates the immensity of God's faithfulness, reaching to the heavens, an inexhaustible resource surrounding His creation. Psalm 89 focuses on God's faithfulness in His covenant with David, showing that even in uncertain times, God remains true to His promises, extending this reliability to all His covenants. This faithfulness is evident in fulfilled prophecies concerning Jesus Christ's first coming and provides assurance for future fulfillments at His second coming. Hosea 2 highlights God's commitment to betroth Israel in faithfulness, linking fidelity with truly knowing Him, suggesting that only through faithfulness can one grow in His character. Further, I Corinthians 10:13 assures that God, in His faithfulness, will not allow temptations beyond one's ability to bear, always providing a way of escape. I Peter 4:19 encourages commitment to doing good during suffering, trusting in God's faithful presence as Creator. God's faithfulness ensures endurance to the end, securing salvation and the hope of inheriting His Kingdom. To emulate this characteristic, one can study Jeremiah 35, where the Rechabites are commended for their faithfulness to their ancestor's command, reflecting how God desires obedience to His commands. Psalm 15 outlines practical traits of faithfulness in relationships, such as truthfulness, avoiding slander, keeping one's word, and acting justly, fostering unity and progress among God's people. Finally, Lamentations 3 reveals Jeremiah's recognition of God's enduring faithfulness even amidst devastation, affirming that God remains Semper Fidelis, always faithful.
Making Faithful Choices (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGideon began his life as a coward, became a conqueror, and ended a compromiser, all the while needing assurances from God to bolster his flagging faith.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Eight) Cultivating the Fruit of Faithfulness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasThe only tangible measures of faith is faithfulness, trust, and loyalty to God. We don't need to ask God for more faith, but rather work on being faithful.
The Weightier Matters (Part 4) : Faith and Fidelity
Article by StaffFaith and fidelity to God and His way of life should be a major part of our character. Here is what faith and fidelity are, how to recognize a lack of them.
Our Faith Is the Victory
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhile the carnal mindset is hostile to everything in God's word, we have been provided a gift to enable us to overcome: the faith from being born of God.
Lord, Increase Our Faith
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeFaith is a gift which requires continual practice and exercise. God will grant us more faith if we faithfully use what He has already given us.
Faith (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFaithfulness in a person ultimately rests on his or her trust in God, and if a person is going to be faithful, its because he or she believes what God says.
First Things First (Part Four): Faithfully Witnessing
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeGod's measure of success for Noah was not how many sinners he saved from the Flood. If numeric results were God's measure of success, Noah would be a failure.
Abraham's Sacrifice (Part One): Faith Perfected
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Scriptures place a paramount importance on sacrifice. Abraham's 'sacrifice' of Isaac confirmed him to the position of father of the faithful.
Faith Overcomes the World
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs we attempt to overcome the world, we soon realize that we battle against invisible principalities, requiring us to form a close relationship with Christ.
Titus (Part Two): A Faithful Ministry
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTitus had the remarkable ability for being a problem solver, exercising tact, diplomacy, strength, stability, and leadership when sent to problem areas.
Faith versus Doubtful Things
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFaith falters when our attention moves to ourselves. God periodically allows storms to test our faith. We are driven back to God when there is nowhere else to turn.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAll of God's people should be watchmen like Habakkuk, living continually by faith, discerning, listening to, and responding to God's instructions.
Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part Three): A Faithful Witness to God's Mercy
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod protected Enoch from death so he could teach Noah, providing the godly instruction that Methuselah and Lamech (Noah's grandfather and father) failed to give.
The Continuous Testing of Our Faith
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe constant tests to which God submits His people enable them to build character by responding in faith. God perfected Abraham's faith through difficult trials.
Smyrna: Faithful Until Death
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe biblical city of Smyrna may be one that many know the least about. The city's name reveals the themes that the Head of the church wants us to understand.
Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servants
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus teaches His disciples to be ready at all times for His return. We show how well prepared we are by the quality of our service to the brethren.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn marriage, loyalty, trust and subjection are demanded of both partners. If we are not loyal to God and life, we are automatically subject to Satan and death.
The Household of God and Loyalty
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe ultimate shame for a covenant people is to be found disloyal. God will be faithful to His purpose for humankind and will pursue it to its glorious end.
Are You a True Friend of Jesus Christ?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn every platitude and truism about friendship that we have read, all point to loyalty and faithfulness as the most desired attributes.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Seventeen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because the world is under the sway of the wicked one, if mankind were left to its own choices, the world would revert to the condition before the Flood.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Becoming equipped for leadership requires that we discipline ourselves in following God's way of life, allowing the mind of Jesus Christ to be in us in.
I Pledge Allegiance
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe words 'under God' were added to the Pledge in 1954. As our country drifts toward socialism, we need to determine where our true allegiance lies.
Money: A Gauge of Character
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughIf God cannot trust a person to properly handle a small amount of money, He will not give him responsibility over more crucial matters.
Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Four): Providence Manifested
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe story of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac encourages God's people that they need never doubt God commitment and ability to give them everything they need.
Our Stewardship
Sermonette by Bill OnisickAfter we are baptized and become members of God's church, we inherit a new primary job and responsibility: to become a steward.
Stewardship
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA steward is responsible for the supervision or managing of something entrusted into his care by a superior. As God's stewards, have been entrusted with much.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughUniversal in scope, the Edenic Covenant introduces God to mankind as his Creator and establishes the way human beings are to relate to Him and the creation.
Israel's Missing Characteristics of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faithfulness is living continually by faith, acting even though doing so may cost us. Love is not primarily a feeling, but faithfulness in applying God's Word.
Deuteronomy (Part 4)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf we learn to fear and love God, loyalty, faithfulness and commandment-keeping will naturally follow, and we will instinctively hasten to depart from evil.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are called to fulfill our job as a steward, entrusted with managing, protecting, preserving, attending, and increasing what has been entrusted to us.
A Tale of Two Complaints (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerJeremiah is often called the 'Weeping Prophet.' He can perhaps also be called the 'Complaining Prophet' on account of his two major complaints to God.
Searching for Israel (Part Three): The Old Covenant
Article by Charles WhitakerThe covenant God made with Israel at Mount Sinai provides important clues to the whereabouts of the descendants of Israel in modern times.
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.
Conviction and Moses
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur conviction reveals itself in living by faith. Moses is a stunning example of how a convicted Christian should live — with loyalty and faithfulness to God.
Lessons From Esther: Mordecai Never Grew Weary
Article by Mark SchindlerMordecai, a Jew living in the Persia capital, faithfully guided Esther through a time of potentially great trouble. Such character is in our reach as well.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLoyalty and submission to God (not always easy) empowers and guarantees ultimate success and leadership, actually freeing us from the fear of death.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhat God really wants is for us to see things from His point of view, making the right choices, striving to build character, developing into His image.
Privileges of the Family of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt is impossible to be a Christian without being a child of God. When we are in God's family, we have distinct privileges.
The Christian Fight (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe faithful life and work of Noah illustrates that after justification, walking by faith with God is a practical responsibility.
Choosing to Have a Good Relationship
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Bible emphasizes marriage as the primary bond of society. The purpose for the marriage relationship is to depict the marriage of Christ and His bride.
Avoiding Superficiality
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSuccess in spiritual things does not consist in growing large and powerful, but humbly living by faith, overcoming, and yielding to God's shaping power.
Am I My Brother's Keeper?
Sermon by Bill OnisickBelievers are crafted to be the caretakers of all that belongs to God, accountable for how we serve, nurturing both His creation and His people.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Nine)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe loyalty of the Laodiceans did not extend far beyond loyalty to self. Loyalty and friendship are inextricably bound together.
The Peter Principle
Sermon by Mike FordAs one uses the power provided by God's Holy Spirit, even one who has previously failed miserably can rise to astounding levels of spiritual competence.
But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?
'Prophecy Watch' by David F. MaasIn the letters to the seven churches, Scripture foresees that a dearth of steadfastness marks the time of the end, but Christians are urged to hold fast.
Parable of the Talents (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of the Talents is often confused with the Parable of the Pounds. These parables illustrate Christian responsibilities from different angles.
'You Are My Witnesses...'
Article by Martin G. CollinsWhat is a witness? Here is how the term is used in both Old and New Testaments, including the everyday witness of a Christian and the end-time Two Witnesses.