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Principled Living (Part One): Imitating Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur leader, Jesus Christ, has punched a hole in the air and blazed the trail before us. We are the ones following right on His tail, able to benefit from what He has already done for us. The hole has been punched, and we must follow Him through it to finish this race with a good outcome, depending on how closely we follow Him. The foundational principle of Christian living is imitating Christ, living as He lived, so that in the resurrection, He may say to us, "Well done, good and faithful servant." When Jesus called His disciples, His command was often "Follow Me," and they immediately left what they were doing to follow Him. This command means more than just physically walking behind Him; it encompasses doing what He does, living as He lives, experiencing what He experiences, suffering and dying like Him, and ultimately sharing eternal life and His rewards. Following Him runs the entire gamut of Christian life. Following Jesus is not easy or risk-free; it involves severe sacrifices and hardships, demanding absolute devotion and dedication to Him. True discipleship requires a willingness to give everything, as Jesus tested His followers to see if they were committed to His way of living and His will. The Christian life is one of discomfort, where we live as strangers and sojourners without a fixed abode, often making do with temporary dwellings and lacking the comforts of home, just as Jesus and His disciples did. The Christian life is also sacrificial, requiring us to forsake customary duties, privileges, and associations of normal life to focus on preaching the Kingdom of God. It demands new loyalties, where devotion to Jesus and God's family must be stronger than ties to our own blood, an act of will to prioritize Him above all else. As soldiers in Christ's army, we must take whatever our Commander and the battlefield dish out, doing His will with joy to please Him, wholly committed to serving Him even to the point of martyrdom if required. Jesus gives plenty of warning that following Him will be arduous, exhausting, and consuming. We must count the cost and determine if we have what it takes to fulfill the requirements of our calling. Once we sign on, we must plunge into our calling with everything we have, loving Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. This means denying ourselves—renouncing, rejecting, and abandoning our own desires and ambitions to prioritize Him above all. Jesus instructs us to take up our cross, an instrument of torture and death, voluntarily submitting to God's will no matter where it leads, even if it means suffering or death. This complete submission is a willingness to bear whatever God sends our way, committing our souls to Him and doing good, knowing He will be faithful to reward us. The paradox of following Christ is that the only way to attain eternal life is to sacrifice our lives voluntarily to Him now, dying to ourselves and this world daily until we receive the fullness of eternal life. Our devotion to Jesus is personal; what He requires of each of us may differ, but we must each devote ourselves individually and totally to Him. As His slaves, we must develop a mentality of immediate, cheerful obedience to our Master in all things, even to death, knowing He is not asking us to do anything He has not done Himself. He labored tirelessly, gave everything during His ministry, and ultimately spilled His life for us. Jesus assures us that He is preparing a secure reward for us, waiting at the end of the road. He has given His all for us, and now He asks us to give our all for Him, safely tucked in the palm of His hand with no power able to take us away. The best way to repay Him, especially during the Passover season, is to commit our lives fully to following Him and living as He lived, rededicating ourselves to this fundamental principle of imitating Christ.
What Did Jesus Do?
'Ready Answer' by StaffWe have all seen 'WWJD?' on bracelets, T-shirts, and the like. Perhaps a better question is, "What *did* Jesus do?" because He left us the perfect example.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Six)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHusbands must be humble (willing to sacrifice), imitating the behavior of Christ, striving to attain reconciliation and atonement with their wives.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Six)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWorks cannot earn us salvation. However, they play many vital roles in our Christian walk toward the Kingdom of God, especially in developing holiness.
Is the Christian Required to Do Works? (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhy do so many nominal Christians reject works and obedience to God's law? Largely because they fail to gather God's whole counsel on this subject.
Knowing Christ (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn taking undue attention off the self, sacrifice (as an act and as a way of life) creates peace, prosperity, cooperation, and most of all, character.
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe dominating significance of Pentecost is the celebration of Christ as the Firstfruit of God's spiritual harvest, providing a model for all those who follow Him.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A true Christian is sanctified by a specific body of beliefs and how he lives. No mainstream church in America has ever yielded itself to the right doctrines.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The belief that America was or is a Christian nation cannot be supported by the facts. The world, governed by Satan, hates Christ's true followers.
The Christian Walk (Part One): In Love
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we submit to God, allowing His spirit to guide us, we can live in the spirit, walking in love.
Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Constitution, in some ways, makes a mockery of God's sovereignty, preferring a hodge-podge of syncretism of the world's religions.
Christians in the Spotlight
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must let our lights shine by our moderation, self-control, attitude, and behavior, realizing that we are reflecting the characteristics of God Almighty.
Hope in Christ Purifies Us
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must remember that hope is sure, but we must wait patiently for God's plan for us to unfold. In the meantime, we purify ourselves of corruption.
Our Affinity to Christ
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus has already suffered the things we have, and now serves as our compassionate High Priest and Advocate. He provides the pattern we are to emulate.
Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Having experienced the turmoil of the Catholic—Protestant clash, the framers of our Constitution did not want any sect dictating religious doctrines or practices.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Governments of men are enmity against God. Our allegiance can be only to Jesus Christ, and not to the hopelessly corrupt political systems of the world.
Christ Our Standard
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughKnowledge of God's truth is useless unless it is acted on. God will only accept children who follow Christ's example and conduct their lives by His high standards.
Christ, the Way
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must imitate Christ if we desire to enter God's Kingdom. He is the way by which eternal salvation is secured; we will fail if we try to achieve it any other way.
The Trial of Jesus
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe trial of Jesus Christ had at least 17 illegalities, including corrupt judges, bogus witnesses, switching charges, changing venues, and intimidation.
Knowing Christ (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhen we mortify the flesh, refusing to feed the hungry beast of our carnal nature, we suffer. Suffering for righteousness' sake helps us to know Christ.
Offerings Still Relevant
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's sacrifice was both a sacrifice (fulfilling the law, which requires the shedding of blood for expiation from sin) and an offering (freely given).
God the Father (Part 3)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Father's purpose is to make us Christ-like, abounding in godly love. God is able to turn horrendous and gruesome circumstances into ultimate blessings.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Hebrews is a must-read for all members of God's church who seek the key for spiritual growth through a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Nine): Conclusion (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThere must be something to prove we are one with Christ and in union with the Father and the Son. That something is the manner in which we conduct our life.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe spirit of the law does not do away with the letter of the law; without the letter, there is no spirit because there is no foundation. Examples show God's will.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The true church is a unique educational institution, teaching the way of God and amplifying His Commandments, in contrast to the churches of this world.
Why Are We Here?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ's and Paul's example in Sabbath observance (including the annual Sabbaths) provide a model as to how we keep the Sabbath and the holy days.
The Cost of Reconciliation
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReconciliation is the product of a sacrifice to pacify the wrath of an offended person. We must imitate Christ in His approach toward hostility from others.
Why Worship God?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany believe without really understanding why we must worship God. He demands it, is worthy of it, and without it, we will not grow into His image.
Eternal Servant Leadership
Sermon by Mark SchindlerOur responsibility should be to learn to serve rather than to emulate the pompous gentile leaders who love to domineer over their subjects.
An Acceptable Sacrifice
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughAbel was totally consumed, becoming the first martyr for faith. Likewise, when we are called to God, we can expect to be used until we are consumed.
Called to Follow
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIf there is one great principle of Christian living, it is walking in Christ's footsteps. Sounds easy, but putting it into practice is one of the hardest tasks.
Reach for the Goal
Sermon by John O. ReidSimilar to the way people pull together in times of crisis, we must also have a goal, a vision of the finish line, in order to overcome and grow.
How Bright is Your Light?
Sermonette by Ryan McClureDo we let our lights shine through our lives by godly conduct, or are we trying to blend in with the world, compromising so as not to stand apart?
Seeking God's Will (Part Five): Goodness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod employs goodness when He shakes us out of complacency and directs us toward repentance. God's goodness is there to take advantage of if we trust Him.