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The Kingdom of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom of God is fundamentally God's own domain. He is its owner, creator, and ruler, possessing it in every sense. He holds absolute sovereignty over it, admitting or barring anyone at His will, with no one standing between Him and His Kingdom. The central focus of this Kingdom is God Himself; its chief aim is to promote, enhance the power of, and glorify the King. This Kingdom is defined by four essential elements: a King, a territory, citizens, and a code of law. God is the Great King, as numerous scriptures affirm His reign and rule. The territory of the Kingdom is the earth, which will be filled by God's dominion, as seen in prophecies where a stone cut without hands crushes other nations and covers the entire earth. While the earth is the central focus, God's rule extends over the entire universe, sustaining and governing all that exists. The citizens of this Kingdom are the elect, the chosen, including prophets, saints, and all who fear God's name, both small and great, with no respect of persons. The code of law is rooted in the Ten Commandments, encompassing the testimony of Jesus and the entirety of Scripture, ultimately reflecting the very character of God Himself by which He rules. The concept of the Kingdom, derived from the Greek word "basileia," signifies rule, reign, royal power, or sovereignty more than a mere physical place. It embodies the sovereignty of God, where whatever He rules over constitutes His Kingdom. Though primarily an abstract idea, the Kingdom is inseparable from a tangible reality, especially when Christ returns to establish it on earth as both an idea and a place. Currently, the Kingdom resides in heaven, its origin and genesis, awaiting restoration to earth, the rightful place God intended for His rule since creation. The Kingdom of God represents both the spiritual dominion of God's rule and a literal government. Anyone who submits to God's rule becomes part of the Kingdom in spirit, even now, as it is not yet fully established on earth. Simultaneously, it is a real government existing in heaven, soon to be re-established on earth by Christ. God considers those He has called as citizens of the Kingdom already, translated into it in spirit, serving as ambassadors for Christ on earth, though the full inheritance and glorification are yet to come. Historically, God's rulership has been a constant, extending from time immemorial over the universe. After rebellion disrupted His government on earth, the Kingdom reverted to its heavenly domain. God later used physical Israel as a type of His Kingdom to teach lessons and provide prophecies about the future literal Kingdom. Despite Israel's rejection of God as their King, His plan continued, culminating in Christ's mission to preach and re-establish the Kingdom of God. Members of the church, regenerated by the Holy Spirit, are now considered spiritual citizens of this Kingdom, training for future roles as kings and priests under Christ's reign. When Christ returns, He will set up His Father's Kingdom from Jerusalem, ruling for a thousand years, bringing all nations under God's dominion. Ultimately, Christ will deliver the Kingdom to the Father, who will rule the renewed earth and universe for eternity. Even now, God views His called ones as part of the Kingdom from His eternal perspective, conferring upon them the responsibility to represent His rule on earth, though they remain in a trial period, shaped and trained for their ultimate roles in the fullness of His Kingdom.
Why Such Confusion About the Kingdom of God?
Sermonette by Craig SablichIn Matthew 6:33, Jesus states that seeking His Kingdom is our primary goal. Most Christian organizations have no concept of what the Kingdom of God is.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's rulership is the central theme of life, established from the beginning as the Creator and source of all good things. He is the focal point of existence, not any other being or entity, and His purpose is to create humanity in His image. From the outset, He sets forth the fundamental elements of His purpose, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation. He reveals that each person must decide who will be loved and obeyed, a choice that determines character and the image in which one will be formed. God's sovereignty means He governs His creation actively, intervening and making adjustments in both national and personal events to align with His purpose. He sets the boundaries and times of nations, demonstrating His control through historical events like the flood and the tower of Babel. He moves the hearts of kings and leaders, directing their decisions as easily as a farmer directs water through irrigation channels, ensuring His will is accomplished. No ruler or force can turn Him aside from His determined path. His rulership extends over all governmental authority, as He permits or brings about circumstances according to His overarching purpose. Even under illegal or unjust governments, submission to His sovereignty takes precedence, as seen in the actions of Jesus Christ, who recognized God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers. God's allowance of certain rulers or situations reflects His active management of creation, and He is fully aware of every event, never caught off guard. God's sovereignty also encompasses individual lives and salvation. He chooses whom to call into His family, determining the order and timing of each person's conversion by His grace. He makes the choice to open the eyes of some to believe unto salvation, a decision based on His will alone, not influenced by human merit or understanding. His fairness is beyond question, as He, like a potter, has the right to shape His creation as He sees fit, choosing one over another from the same lump of humanity. Ultimately, God's rulership demands recognition and submission. Safety lies in trusting Him, as He is sovereign over all challenges and threats. His will prevails despite human attempts to rule independently, and His counsel is to find security in Him, acknowledging that He is infinitely above all opposition. The opportunity to submit to His way, as He has shown, is a profound gift, leading to becoming in His image through His power and grace.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's rulership is defined by His absolute sovereignty over all creation, exercising His will and purpose as He sees fit. He chooses to act or refrain from acting based on His own divine purpose, as seen in miraculous events like the fall of Jericho's walls, which He never repeated, or in personal interventions such as healing Hezekiah while not healing Paul. He demonstrates His authority by healing a man who showed no faith, passing by others, revealing that He is running the show with complete control over His creation. Our faith must rest in this understanding, acknowledging that, having accepted the blood of Jesus Christ, we are His servants, subject to His will for His glory at all times. His sovereignty extends to the distribution of His love and grace, which He does not bestow equally. He chooses whom to favor, as evidenced by His love for Jacob and rejection of Esau before their births, independent of their actions. This choice reflects His right to act according to His will, blessing some with abundance and others with less, not because of merit but because He is God. Even when we, as individuals or as a nation like Israel, are unworthy, He declares us as worms yet loves us, persevering to save us by His grace, often against our resistance, until every knee bows before Him. In creation, God's rulership is displayed through His act of will, bringing all things into existence for His pleasure. He creates with immense diversity, from the smallest organism to the vast universe, from lions to lambs, and from the swift cheetah to the slow tortoise, endowing each with unique nature and function. He assigns talents and characteristics to individuals as He pleases, shaping a world of variety that benefits and amazes us. His authority is unchallenged, and no one can do a better job than He, for He is the most wonderful Ruler, generous Father, and gracious Being. His providential care oversees every detail of creation, down to the fall of a sparrow, ensuring nothing escapes His notice. Murmuring against circumstances challenges His wisdom and government, forgetting that everything is under His control. His sovereignty is beyond comparison, as He Himself questions to whom He can be likened, affirming His unparalleled rule over all that exists.
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 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.
God and Government
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGovernment run by carnal men will never work, but those under the New Covenant, having God's law written on their hearts, can make any form of government work.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Fifteen):The Israel of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe top priority for the Israel of God is to cooperate with Him as He develops godly character through their mortifying the old man and putting on the new man.
The Providence of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA spiritual Israelite undergoes a metamorphosis in which his own self-centered will is broken so that God's creative work can be completed within him.
The Providence of God (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must learn to let God provide blessings rather than, through crafty scheming life our forefather Jacob, grabbing them from others for themselves.
Implications of the Gospel of the Kingdom
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeGod's people must let go of the world's solutions, involving party spirit, revolutions, and power struggles, placing their trust in the sovereignty of God.

The Model Prayer (Part Four): Your Kingdom Come
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus instructs His disciples to ask God to establish His Kingdom. By doing so, the supplicant aligns himself with God's plan for humanity.
Should a Christian Go To War? (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsConscientious objection to military action requires exercising mature faith, involving submission, loyalty, dedication, and conscientious obedience to God's Law.
The Commandments (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughMany biblical examples illustrate that when the leader put his faith in God and submitted himself to God's rule, God supernaturally protected His people.

All Nations Before Him Are As Nothing!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod used the unconverted Israelites as His instrument of removal of the Canaanites, but showed them the fruits of war, including captivity for disobedience.

Structure and Sovereignty in Daniel 2-7
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughDaniel chapters 2-7 form a chiastic (X shaped) structure. Chapters 2 and 7, 3 and 6, and 4 and 5 are paired and mirrored, reinforcing significant themes.
The Handwriting Is On the Wall (Part One) (2007)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe scattering of the church was God-ordained, providing a test for godliness. The isolating demonstrated by some groups is an abomination and an affront.
The Commandments (Part Thirteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod has never given mankind the prerogative to determine whether war is just or not. God has promised to protect us, conditioned on our obedience to our covenant.

Watch and Vigilantly Prepare
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are ambassadors in a foreign land, awaiting the return of Christ, when we will help our Warrior King subdue all the rebellious nations of the earth.