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God's Spiritual House

Sermon by Ronny H. Graham

In the journey of faith, we are called to understand our role as living stones, chosen by God to be part of a spiritual house. As described in I Peter 2:5, we are being built up as a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. This spiritual house is not a mere physical structure but a divine habitation, a place where God desires to dwell in the Spirit, as affirmed in Ephesians 2:19-22. We are no longer strangers but fellow citizens with the saints, members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone. The construction of this spiritual house, though challenging, is guided by the Master Builder. God has provided the necessary tools and blueprint through His Word, granting us access to Him by the sacrifice of His Son. Our task involves not only avoiding sin but actively pursuing righteousness, as outlined in Ephesians 4:25-32. We must speak truth, resolve anger without sin, work honestly to help others, and let no corrupt words proceed from our mouths, instead imparting grace to those who hear us. This active building requires diligence, for we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, as stated in Ephesians 1:3. Understanding the gravity of this calling, we recognize that God is serious about His house. Just as the Levites were tasked with guarding the Tabernacle with their lives in Numbers 1:47-53, we must guard the truth and eliminate sin from our lives, ensuring that we are a fitting dwelling place for God. The exclusivity and sanctity of this spiritual house remind us that God cannot dwell where sin resides, urging us to strive continually to build a proper habitation for Him. Will God find in us a worthy place to dwell, a spiritual house built with the living stones He has chosen?

Go Not Out of the House

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The concept of 'House, Spiritual' carries profound significance as an enclosure that represents both protection and belonging within God's family. The command "Do not go out of the house," originating from Exodus 12, serves as a vital spiritual lesson, urging us to remain within the safety of this divine enclosure. Spiritually, the house symbolizes not just a physical structure but a dynamic, living organism encompassing God's Family, Kingdom, and dynasty. It is a container for His people, identified as a household, family, church, or the Israel of God, where judgment begins with those already part of this sacred space. As living stones, we are integral to this spiritual house, built upon the foundation of Christ, the chief cornerstone. This house is not static but a growing temple, an inner sanctuary where God dwells by His Spirit. We are not merely within the building; we are part of its very structure, laborers alongside God, working on and being worked upon in this living entity. The house extends metaphorically to represent the body of Christ, with Him as the Head, and us as essential members contributing to His fullness. To leave this house is to sever connection from the source of life, risking spiritual death. Thus, the urgent call remains: do not go out of the house, for within it lies our purpose, protection, and eternal connection to God.

Don't Go Out of the House!

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The spiritual house is God's household or family, identified with Christians. It is also His kingdom, dynasty, and temple. Christians are living stones built together into this spiritual house, with Christ as the chief cornerstone and foundation. The house is a living organism integrated by God, in which Christians work with Him, are worked upon by Him, and function as a priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices while showing forth His praises. The church as this house is also a community requiring citizenship, a sheepfold with Christ as the door providing protection and abundant life, and a body with Christ as head. The church is the completion of Christ's power and glory, the buttress of the truth, and the fullness filled by Christ with His life and gifts. Once the blood of the lamb surrounds the door, one must not go out of the house until morning.

Don't Leave the House!

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The spiritual house is a living structure composed of living stones that are believers joined together. It functions as both a receptacle holding the family of God and a dynamic organism in which God dwells by His Spirit. This house is identified as the church, the temple of God, the household of God, and the body of Christ. Jesus Christ serves as the chief cornerstone and the sole foundation upon which the structure rests. Entry occurs only through the bloodstained door that represents Him. Once inside, each living stone bears responsibility to cooperate with God and with fellow stones in perfecting the whole. The house grows into a holy temple and a habitation for God. It is also a kingdom requiring citizenship and a unified body under one head. All members must abide in the vine to bear fruit and remain useful. The structure is indestructible because God has established it, yet each person must hold fast within it until morning.

The Household of God and Truth

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

To destroy the concept of home is to destroy the nation or church. The centrality of the family or household is the heart of the church and the nation.

Sanctification and Holiness (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

As 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.

Wilderness Wandering (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

If we yield to God's manipulation of our lives, we will handle stress constructively, developing a relationship with Him, bearing spiritual fruit.

The Purpose of the Church

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The function of the church is like a teacher's college, preparing the firstfruits and providing them with the needed education and character development.

Knowing Christ (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Christ's sacrifice was not merely substitutionary, but representative, with Christ giving us a pattern for life - mortifying our flesh and putting out sin.

Government (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God is establishing a spiritual kingdom, with Christ as King, installed at the seventh trump when He will unleash the power of His Kingdom against the world.

New Covenant Priesthood (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Old Testament activities picture New Testament realities, elevated to their spiritual intent. The church has been chosen as a royal and holy priesthood.

Government (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our attitude toward government must be one of submission. The church cannot perform its function without the cooperation of the carnal civil governments.