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God's Non-Transmittable Attributes (Part One): Omnipotence
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsGod's omnipotence is a non-transmittable attribute, setting Him wholly apart from His creation. He alone possesses this supreme power, reigning as the Sovereign and Supreme Being over the universe and beyond, with all power and authority originating from Him. He has the power to do all His pleasure and ensures the fulfillment of His plans without fail. Jesus confirms that with God all things are possible, and Job declares that no purpose of His can be withheld from Him. God's omnipotence, however, is not the power to do anything and everything without bounds, but the power to carry out the will of His perfect, divine nature without any constraints, though He cannot act contrary to His nature, such as lying or denying Himself. The prophet Jeremiah proclaims that God is the all-powerful Creator, with nothing too hard for Him, as He made the heavens and the earth by His great power. The Almighty Himself questions if anything is too hard for Him, and the prophet Isaiah describes the nations as a drop in a bucket before Him, emphasizing His infinite power to accomplish whatever He pleases, with His only restraints being self-imposed.
The Sovereignty of God: Introduction
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod's omnipotence underscores His supreme authority over all creation, demonstrating that He is above all others in power, rank, and authority. He shapes the history of nations, places and displaces rulers of both mighty and not-so-mighty nations, and is deeply involved in the details of life, as perceived by David in Psalm 139. From His sovereign position, He regulates affairs on earth, governing all His creation in righteousness, and His will cannot be thwarted by what He has created. He is the only King of kings with perfect vision, wisdom, and limitless power, ruling as the Almighty without any middle ground—either He is sovereign, or He is not. His omnipotence ensures that no one can resist Him, and because He is omniscient, there is no problem He cannot master. His involvement in the lives of His elect is unwavering; He is too wise to make mistakes and too loving to allow His children to be totally overwhelmed. Even in tumultuous and confusing times, His sovereignty provides assurance that He is on the job, enabling His people to endure disappointments and mysteries with a peace that passes all understanding. His counsel stands firm, and He will do all His pleasure, declaring the end from the beginning and bringing His righteousness and salvation near as He purposes.
Living By Faith and God's Sovereignty
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod is the Supreme Sovereign over His creation, His purpose for creating it, and His plan for fulfilling it. God is sovereign over all. God is supreme in everything, including in qualities like love, power, wisdom, forgiveness, mercy, patience, and kindness. These virtues provide multiple reasons for fearing Him. God reigns supreme in heaven, but that He does so over the world is almost universally denied. Despite this vivid chapter's impressively detailed description of God's personal involvement, it appears that, because the world is so evil, satan has far more to do with affairs on earth than God. God's Word shows satan has a tight-enough leash on him that he can do only what God permits. The reality is that, despite appearances, God is in complete control. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The faith exists when people hear the message, believe it, and then obey it. God is aware of everything regarding our lives. Not even a thought can be hidden from Him regardless of where we are, regardless of what justifications we might give for what we decide to do. When it comes down to the issue of sovereignty, do we allow God to be sovereign in our lives? One of His names, Yahweh Shammah, means The Lord Is There. Since we are His children, wherever we are, He is. If we allow ourselves to entertain ideas that He is unconcerned about us, we are gravely mistaken. God's supremacy is so great that He can keep track of all that is happening across the entire expanse of what He has made. He is allowing what is occurring in the world. He is permitting it to occur and even directly causing some of the calamitous events to happen. He is not detached from what is going on; everything is under control. He who sees every sparrow fall also has His eyes on us for our good. Whatever we do, we must not allow Him to slip from our thoughts. Every thought of those who live by faith should begin with Him and His will.
The Sovereignty of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are assured that even though inexplicable things happen in our lives, God is still sovereign. We must develop childlike faith to trust in Him for solutions.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Five
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIs God sovereign over angels? What about mankind's choices? God's sovereignty is absolute as He directs events toward the culmination of His plan.
The Fear of God (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must have established some relationship with God before we can rightly fear Him. A holy fear is the key to unlocking the treasuries of salvation and wisdom.
Spiritual Strongholds (Part Three): God's Intervention
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn addition to dispatching the talent sized hail, God responded to Joshua's request to extend the day—requiring an infinitude of miracles.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe true nature of God differs greatly from the trinitarian concept. Having created us in His form and shape, God is developing us into His character image.
Passover of the Most High God
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeAmong God's many titles is one that proclaims His supremacy over all others: 'God Most High.' It provides confidence in God's governance of our lives.
Power Belongs to God (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHuman beings, even those who have been called, have an innate fear that God will not always provide. This fear originates in doubt about God's power.
Micah (Part Three): Who Is a God Like You?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMicah 5 describes legal proceedings against the people who have rejected God, promising a harsh retribution but future restoration for a physical remnant.
The Greatness of God's Power
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul emphasized the power of God living in us through the Holy Spirit to enable us to develop into His family. Through God's power, we will triumph over death.
Psalm Genres (Part Five): Psalms of Praise
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe psalms of praise celebrate God's worthiness through what He has revealed of Himself in creation and throughout the Bible. His omnipotence is evident in His full control over creation, as He is ultimately responsible for all its functionality and the upholding of the laws that govern it. Everything seen in nature, apart from the effects of sin, underlies His creation, demonstrating His power and authority. As Psalm 135:6-7 declares, whatever the Lord pleases, He does in heaven and earth, in the seas and in all deep places; He causes the vapors to ascend, makes lightning for the rain, and brings the wind out of His treasuries. This boundless power over all aspects of the world, from the water cycles to the forces of nature, is a testament to His supreme might, making Him worthy of endless praise and worship.
The Model Prayer (Part Nine): Kingdom, Power, Glory
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe final, glorifying clause of the Model Prayer returns the focus to God and leaves the petitioner confident in God's ability to fulfill his requests.
Psalms: Book One (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause Jesus is God's Son, we can avoid the rod of His anger by paying respect with worshipful awe. We must know both His instruction and Him personally.
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.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSacrifices of thanksgiving, praise, and gratitude are required of God's called out priests. By meditating on the right things, we prepare ourselves for prayer.
Forgiving, Giving, and Living
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod possesses attributes that are His alone, like omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience. But there are other attributes that become part of our new nature.
Psalms: Book Two (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe second set of documents and events consists of Book Two of Psalms, Exodus, Ruth, Psalm 147, and the Pentecost season, relating to faith within trials.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are being trained to become leaders, but before we can lead, we must be able to carry out responsibilities, conforming to God's leadership and covenants.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: The Great Catch of Fish
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn performing the miracle of the great catch of fish, Jesus manifests His divine power over creation, forcing Peter to realize just who his Master was.