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Divine Providence (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerA glorious inheritance awaits those who endure to the end. The King will say to the blessed, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.' In His Father's house are many mansions, and Jesus has gone to prepare a place for His followers, promising to return and receive them so they may be where He is. This inheritance is described as a heavenly country and a city, called New Jerusalem, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, where the Father will dwell with His children and freely give all things to the victorious. Everyone who has sacrificed for His name's sake shall receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life. This inheritance, beyond current understanding or imagination, is reserved for the faithful who keep His commandments and walk as He walked, for flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
Hebrews as a Sermon (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are qualified to share in a mind-bending inheritance with Jesus Christ, an inheritance that He will fully receive upon His return. This inheritance, as revealed in Colossians 1:9-12, is assured to us by the Father, who has qualified us to partake in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Acts 20:29-32 further confirms that the word of His grace builds us up and grants us this inheritance among the sanctified. Jesus Christ is set to inherit all things, and we, through no merit of our own but by God's calling and merciful generosity, are to receive a portion of what He inherits. This calling, as stated in Ephesians 1, is directly willed by Him, a humbling truth that underscores our adoption into His Family through the combined purposes of the Father and the Son. Our position as heirs is illustrated through powerful imagery, such as being part of a holy temple in Ephesians 2:19-22, where we are built together as a dwelling place for God in the Spirit. In Ephesians 1:15-23, we are considered vital parts of Christ's very body, necessary and functional, no matter how small our role may seem. Romans 8:15-17 emphasizes that through adoption, we are children of God and joint heirs with Christ, sharing in His glory if we suffer with Him. This inheritance is not a reward for prior righteousness but a gift, bestowed upon us through the salvation provided by Jesus Christ. However, inheriting this great reward requires effort on our part. Hebrews 2:1-4 urges us to heed the things we have heard, lest we drift away and neglect so great a salvation. We must make sacrificial efforts to mold ourselves into what the Father and Son desire us to become, preparing to receive this inheritance. If we fail to fulfill our responsibilities, we risk losing out on this incredible promise. Additionally, becoming one with Christ and each other, as prayed for in John 17:20-23, is essential to inheriting the Kingdom. This oneness extends beyond mere belief to unity in mind, heart, and spirit, reflecting the perfect unity between the Father and the Son. I Peter 3:7-11 reinforces that we are heirs together of the grace of life, called to be of one mind, showing compassion and love to one another, seeking peace to inherit a blessing. Hebrews 6:13-20 reminds us of the hope set before us, an anchor for our souls, as we wait patiently like Abraham for the fulfillment of God's promises. Though the wait may seem long, the goal is not merely the inheritance but to live a life aligned with God's will, becoming one with Jesus Christ and each other, so that we may be deemed worthy to inherit a portion of what He has already received.
The True Meaning of Fellowship
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaWhen we examine two important connotations of the word 'fellowship,' we see that the meaning radiates far beyond the activity of talking with one another.
God Wants You
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidGod the Father is deeply excited to share what He has with us, though we cannot yet see the spirit world. The heavenly host eagerly anticipates revealing all they possess to us, having watched our struggles, growth, and small successes. They long to show us the things we now have in common. We are called as the first fruits of God's purpose, a sacred beginning ripened first. Through His will, God brought us forth by the word of truth, opening our minds and giving us to Jesus Christ, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures. He has granted us the right to become children of God, born not of flesh but of His will. As sons and daughters through faith in Christ Jesus, we are the temple of the living God, with Him dwelling in us and walking among us. As children of God, led by His Spirit, we are heirs—joint heirs with Christ. If we suffer with Him, we shall also be glorified with Him, inheriting everything that Christ possesses. This inheritance is total legitimacy, carrying the rights and obligations of the Family name. God's Spirit bears witness that we are His adopted children, and as joint heirs with Christ, we will share in the glory to come. God has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, delivering us from the power of darkness into the kingdom of the Son of His love. All things were created by Him and for Him, and He holds the power to help us stand and succeed. Our citizenship is in heaven, from where we eagerly await the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly bodies to be conformed to His glorious body. Christ is risen from the dead, becoming the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep, demonstrating that our resurrection will follow. At His coming, each in their own order, those who are Christ's will be changed in a moment, at the last trumpet, raised incorruptible from corruption to glory, from weakness to power, from a natural body to a spiritual body. We shall bear the image of the heavenly Man, becoming like Him when He is revealed. In the Kingdom of God, we will reign with Christ for a thousand years as kings and priests, nurturing those who come out of the tribulation, healing the earth and God's people. We will prepare for the Great White Throne Judgment, guiding those who come after us. The universe itself will be under our subjection, as God has put all things under man's feet, leaving nothing outside this vast inheritance. Though we face trials now, the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to be revealed in us. The creation groans, awaiting the revealing of the sons of God, when we are changed into spirit beings and delivered from corruption into glorious liberty. Our light afflictions work for us an eternal weight of glory, as we focus not on the temporary but on the eternal Kingdom of God. God has given us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of our bodies. Blessed are those who endure trials, for they will receive the crown of life promised to those who love Him. This crown, a victor's symbol of triumph, woven as a permanent garland, will be awarded by the Lord, the righteous Judge, to all who have loved His appearing. A special entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be supplied abundantly to us, a victor's gate opened only for the faithful. This ceremony, likely at the throne of God with countless angels and spirit beings, will be a moment of profound joy as we receive what God has in store for us. God the Father and Jesus Christ, knowing the transformation awaiting us, are thrilled to see us reach this glorious destiny. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Seek the kingdom of God, and all necessary things shall be added to you, as He values you far beyond the birds and lilies He so faithfully provides for.
The High Christology of Colossians
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHigh Christology as a doctrinal stance was not enough to prevent the eventual apostasy of those in Asia Minor. Doctrine must produce the right conduct.
The Eternal Privileges of the Bride
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJust as a bride gains a new identity, name, and inheritance through marriage, God's chosen saints, share Christ's very life, glory, and eternal prospects.
The Absence-Presence Dichotomy and God's Spirit
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Paul's use of the presence-absence dichotomy clarified that absence does not materially affect the Work of God because the same Holy Spirit is always present.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Eight): Overcoming
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEach of the letters in Revelation 2 and 3 speak of overcoming. By examining those churches, we can understand what we are up against and what we must do.