Playlist: God's Involvement in Our Lives (topic)
God's Creation and Our Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike Joseph, we need to realize that God—not ourselves—is the Creator, engineering events that form us into what He wants us to become.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are mandated to live by faith, being given trials of faith in order to chisel our character. We must totally and unreservedly accept God's sovereignty.
Do You See God Working in You?
Sermon by Kim MyersJob was able to endure the multiple trials and tragic events by seeing the hand of God in his life, realizing that God works in both good and bad times.
A God Near at Hand
Sermonette by Ryan McClureDeists believe that creation proves the existence of God, yet they assert that God has left this marvelous and interdependent creation to manage itself.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faith in God and in the motivating power in God's Word have to be the driving force in everything we do each day.
The Faithfulness of God (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has a very real concern for us, promising to never leave us. We have to strongly believe in His faithfulness to build a relationship with Him.
The Faithfulness of God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God established permanent patterns, electing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as all of those He has called. This election should be our obsession.
The Providence of God (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven when we exercise free moral agency, God engineers circumstances and outcomes so that we are virtually forced to make the right decision.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though the evidence from creation is overwhelming, people deliberately want to disregard it because accepting it would require submitting to His will.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose who emphasize one trait of God, or one doctrine, at the expense of the others run the risk of distorting the truth, creating a grotesque caricature.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA converted person, accepting God's specific care with His children, realizes that both prosperity and deprivation are tools in the Creator's workshop.
God's Tools
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaSpiritual maturity does not come about without difficulty, and suffering is one of God's tools to perfect us. Suffering refines endurance and character.
The Providence of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe have to exercise faith, realizing the timing will be right for us, enabling us to accept His provisions and decisions for us without fear or anxiety.
God's Workmanship (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod assumes the burden for our salvation, but we are obligated to yield to His workmanship—made manifest by good works, the effect of salvation.
Do You See God?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnless we acknowledge God's sovereign authority in our lives, following through with the things we learn from scripture, we, like atheists, will not see God.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod not only upholds, but also guides and propels His creation, periodically overruling man's mismanagement with floods, fires, winds, and earthquakes.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnderstanding God's sovereignty as a basic doctrine provides a link between knowledge and practice, as well as providing motivation to yield to God's purpose.
Themes of Ruth (Part Two): God's Providence
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs we count the 50 days toward Pentecost, we should consider the events of our lives, coming to understand that they reveal God's on-going maintenance.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe preaching the gospel to the world is at best the beginning of a complex process of creating disciples through steady feeding and encouragement to overcome.
The Providence of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod uses calamities as part of His creative process. Like Jacob, who initially succumbed to weak faith and fear, we must repent of our loss of devotion to God.
Moses, Servant of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMoses sacrificed great worldly honor to become a servant of God, demonstrating real servant leadership. God praises Moses for his faithfulness and meekness.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Solomon teaches us that money may provide some security, but it cannot be relied upon for satisfaction; only a relationship with God will fill that vacuum.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Solomon warns against bad choices in our investment of time. Our knowledge that we will ultimately die should motivate us to use our time circumspectly.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Eight): Time
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must realize that God is sovereign over time all the time, even as it is running out for all of us. God works to make the most of every situation in our lives.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod, as Creator, takes the initiative (as the potter over the clay) for the elect's salvation, enabling us to build the repertoire of habits called character.
Hebrews (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe must emulate Christ, who learned through suffering, preparing Himself for His role as High Priest. Giving in alienates us from the fellowship with God.
Ecclesiastes and Wisdom
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughThere is a vital linkage between wisdom and understanding, understanding comes only through hard work and experience. Wisdom is skill in living.
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod emphasizes Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Tabernacles to show the result of doing whatever our human heart leads us to do. The physical cannot satisfy.
Psalms: Book Two (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEight of the psalms of Book Two were not written by David, but by Asaph, the sons of Korah, and Solomon. These psalms have more of a group emphasis.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Sixteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ecclesiastes 1-6 contains an indictment of materialism. The only lasting fulfillment comes from establishing and maintaining a relationship with God.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe term 'grace' describes a generous, thoughtful action of God, accompanied by love, which accomplishes His will, equipping us with everything we need.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We do not need to excessively fear Satan, his demons, or the world, but we should fear and respect the One who has complete involvement in our lives.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ecclesiastes deals with quality of life issues for those who have been called, emphasizing responsibility and choice, continually fearing God.
Joy: What Is It?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWithout God's Spirit, the fruit of joy is unattainable. Godly joy buoys people in the midst of grave trials, providing hope for a glorious future.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though we have the free moral agency to run counter to God's purposes, we court disaster if we presumptuously plan against these purposes.
The Christian and the World (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnxious care and foreboding are debilitating and faith-destroying. Meditating on what God has already done strengthens our faith and trust in God.
Christian Optimism
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul wrote some of his most optimistic letters from prison, under the possibility of execution, but absolutely convinced that ultimate victory was imminent.
A Pre-Passover Look
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must thoroughly examine ourselves, exercising and strengthening our faith, actively giving love back to God, to avoid taking Passover in a careless manner.
The Christian and the World (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHaving anxiety, foreboding and fretting about food, clothing, and shelter, or being distressed about the future, demonstrates a gross lack of faith.
Before the World Began
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod had each of us in mind before the foundation of the world, realizing how we would develop spiritually, reaching our ultimate destination in His family.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our supreme objective in godly living is attainment and cultivation of wisdom, which consists of attributes giving us skill in living.
Rejoice in What We Are (2011)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because we have been given revelation, we should have peace and a sense of well-being about life that would make the high-achievers of this world envious.
Growing Into Liberty
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur emancipation from sin does not automatically remove our acquired spiritual shackles. We must grow out of the slave mentality into liberty and freedom.
Wilderness Wanderings (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The spiritual journey of God's people is more difficult than the physical one of the ancient Israelites, requiring as it does more resources to navigate.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)From the beginning, God has set apart certain individuals, putting them through a sanctifying process, perfecting their character until they reflect His image.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is intimately involved with the smallest details of our life, including our conception and birth, supplying spiritual gifts to carry out His work.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As the lives of the major biblical figures were predestined, so are our lives. God chooses, moves, and manages the lives of His servants.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Psalm 73 describes someone seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, but it is not true that people in the world are leading superior lives.
John (Part Thirteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe myriad opinions of the crowd concerning Jesus were all conditioned from their perspectives and traditions, but hardly ever from God's perspective.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Nine)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are not privy to God's, but we must realize that He has the prerogative to impose both blessings and calamity, the latter in response to disobedience.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe heroes of faith may have had a longer period of testing than those called now, but the trials will come at greater intensity here at the end.
Keeping Love Alive (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf we love another person, we like to think about him/her, to hear about him/her, please him/her, and we are jealous about his/her reputation and honor.
Joseph: A Saga of Excellence (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven allowing for mankind's free moral agency and propensity to stumble, God still works out His purpose, even when people do not know it is for their good.
Faith and Prayer
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughConstant, earnest prayer keeps faith alive and makes certain the receiving of the qualities that make us in the image of God. God's purpose comes first.
Five Easily-Neglected Doctrines
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Here are five easily neglected doctrines, which, if carelessly observed or distorted, could jeopardize the salvation of God's people.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod begins His spiritual creation by grace because the wages of sin is death. Consequently, God's people will exercise humility and faith in yielding to Him.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWithout thanksgiving and praise, our prayers degenerate into the 'gimmes' with the emphasis on the self. We must give God thoughtful thanks in every circumstance.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Two): Ephesus
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Ephesus church effectively battled various heresies, for which Christ commends it. However, the members lost sight of the reason, having left their first love.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ has full control of the church. Everything of consequence, including the development of our character, is engineered by Him.
Childrearing (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe must not leave child rearing to chance, but ought to bend the tender twigs entrusted to us toward God's purpose, training our children in righteousness.
Matthew (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe commission to the disciples evolves from their initial orders to go to the House of Israel to their ultimate commission of going to the Gentiles.
Passover and I Corinthians 10
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the Old Testament examples, the Corinthians had a careless presumption, allowing themselves to lust, fornicate, tempt God, and murmur.
Among the Few
Sermon by Mark SchindlerInitially, the primary motivation for responding to God's call may be a panicky desire to save our skin, gloming onto a place of safety like Petra.
The Purpose of Offerings
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Pastor General of a well-known church made a statement that turned the giving of offerings into a competition and a rich man's game. Is this God's intent?
Offerings and Taxes
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughDeuteronomy 16:16 does not specify the exact amount of the offering, but does ask us to make a thoughtful recollection of the benefits received from God.
Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (2019)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Egypt is not directly a symbol of sin, but instead the world. The Days of Unleavened Bread symbolize what God did for us, not what we did by our own power.
Psalms: Book Three (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalm 75 reveals that God both promotes and removes individuals from positions of power and He has the final say as to how power will be administrated.
Seeking the King
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIt is common to focus on what the King gives and does, at the expense of what the King desires and requires, emphasizing God's grace over obligation.
Sand Ramblers
Sermonette by James BeaubelleGod is actively involved in the lives of His people. The command to love our God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves cannot be carried out passively.
Are You Light In The Lord?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLight is a revealer of truth and a means to expose error. When we receive God's Holy Spirit with Christ dwelling in us, we become a light to the world.
Trial by Fire
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike a loving parent, God brings just the right pressures to bear to bring about necessary change in His children. Each trial has a place in His purpose.
Sanctification and Holiness (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs God's priesthood, we must draw near to God, keep His commandments, and witness to the world that God is God. God is shaping and fashioning His new creation.
The Need for Forgiveness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause it is more blessed to give than to receive, the things we desire for ourselves we should be willing to give to others, including forgiveness.
The Purpose of the Ministry
Sermon by John O. ReidThe purpose of the ministry is to train members for service to God, edifying them, equipping them for their job, and bringing them to spiritual maturity.
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.
Amos (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAmos, like a circling hawk, makes dire pronouncements on all of Israel's enemies but reserves the harshest judgment for Israel, who should have known better.
Hebrews (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus blazed a trail, giving a pattern for qualifying (through suffering and resisting sin) for our responsibility as priests, reconnecting man and God.
John (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhen God removes an infirmity or gives a blessing, He also gives a responsibility to follow through, using the blessing to overcome and glorify God.
John (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn and James were related, but still had to have the Messiah revealed to them. God is involved in the details of our lives as well as the great events in history.
Matthew (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus, showing the spirit of the law, warns against rash divorces, taking oaths, invoking God's name frivolously, realizing that a covenant is binding.