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Power Belongs to God (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe are involved in a cooperative effort with Jesus Christ, with the goal to grow into His likeness and enter the Kingdom of God. His power enables these efforts to be accomplished. Now is the time, before major social, cultural, and military storms hit us, to get into the habit of cooperating with Him. A critical issue for the children of God, one that can potentially destroy our cooperation with Him through making wrong choices, is our innate fear that, at times, He will not provide for us. If we want to cooperate in faith to bring God's purpose for us to its intended conclusion, we must believe that His watchfulness over us involves every circumstance of our lives. Our responsibility is to choose to put these facts to work in our specific circumstances. The only successful way to complete our minute part in God's purpose is to choose to draw on His power. We must begin at once to cultivate the habit of cooperating by faith, accepting whatever He chooses to provide in our circumstances. If this habit is in place through long practice, we will be ready when the pressure really mounts. God asks of us to give Him our lives as living sacrifices in cooperation with His will so that His purpose for us can be completed.
Responding to God's Pruning Is Not Passive (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasSanctification absolutely requires active cooperation with Almighty God. It will not occur in our lives unless we willingly cooperate with Him, throwing ourselves into doing what He instructs. God must witness that we are applying His words, as He perpetually observes us to see if we are truly following His guidance. His holy and righteous character cannot be created by fiat; it demands our willing and freely given cooperation. By exercising our free moral agency, we submit to Him through the experiences of life, a process that is far from easy. As junior partners, akin to spiritual sharecroppers, we diligently cultivate the fruits of God's Holy Spirit, pulling the weeds of the flesh that threaten to choke the emerging spiritual fruit. Our role, though it may seem insignificant, involves active participation in this lifelong sanctification process, working alongside our Creator to develop character and root out destructive sins.
Power Belongs to God (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIn times of trouble, we must recognize that the supreme power in all creation is God. From Him comes salvation, as He is our Deliverer, our rock, and our foundation of stability, keeping us grounded and free from unreasonable anxieties. He is our defense, able to deflect attacks in ways humans cannot, and our refuge, a place of unqualified safety in any circumstance. We take pride in Him as our glory, for He can grant us favor even before those who oppose us. Power belongs to God, not merely as a possession, but as something He can use in any situation or distribute as He sees fit. No one can resist His will or nullify His actions, for all power flows from Him, and He alone decides the outcome of all disputes. When we face need, whether simple or complex, we should go directly to the top, to our Father, who is willing to provide for us. His power is not just brute strength but encompasses love, intellect, wisdom, understanding, vision, logic, energy, eloquence, authority, forgiveness, and mastery in every area of activity. God renders to everyone according to their deeds, yet He is also merciful, the pinnacle of love, even in His corrections. To those who believe, no one is more qualified or trustworthy than Him. We must grow to trust Him, understanding that His judgment will be exactly right because He is powerful in wisdom and mercy. God has made available many powers for our benefit, ones we may take for granted. He is our strength, working unseen to make living according to His standards possible. As believers, we are not called as the wise of this world, but Jesus Christ lives in us, embodying the power and wisdom of God. He, as our High Priest, leads us prepared into the Kingdom. We must continuously seek God to equip us to serve Him to our greatest extent, establishing a right pattern of accessing His powers, especially as times intensify. Despite the terrifying challenges ahead, we can be assured of victory and have no need for irrational fear, for we can access His powers all along the way.
Power Belongs to God (Part 2)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe may be going through a period of hopelessness, but must believe that all things work together for those who believe and are called for His purpose.
God's Workmanship (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWorks are not the cause of salvation, but instead are the effect of God's creative efforts at bringing us into His image—a new creation.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Seven)
Sermon by David F. MaasGod has generously given us a set of tools that we must use for overcoming and building character, as well as edifying our spiritual siblings.
Psalms: Book Four (Part Four): God as Creator
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe creation offers compelling testimony to the intricacies which preclude even the possibility of evolution. Evolution is a futile attempt to get rid of God.
God Has Faith in You
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidIt can be encouraging to us that our patriarchs and the prophets had serious doubts, but God overrode all their fears in accomplishing His purpose.
Seeking God (Part Two): A Foundation
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughChristians need to have a conscious plan in seeking God. Here are several essential qualities that must be included in any successful course of action.
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.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has providentially given us trials to build character, proving beyond a doubt that we believe Him and have a burning desire to be at one with Him.
God's Workmanship (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSalvation is not a one time event, but a continuous process—not just immunity from death, but a total transformation of our nature into a new creation.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose who have made a covenant with God can be corrupted unless they make a concerted effort to know God, realizing He has the right to do as He pleases.
To Do Your Will, O God!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe necessity for Christ's death stems from God's holiness and absolute intolerance of sin and His obligation to judge righteously.
The Unleavened Vanguard with Christ
Sermon by Mark SchindlerChrist's warnings to His disciples in Luke 12 may have been given during the Unleavened Bread season, giving us additional forms of leaven to guard against.
Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasEven though individuals do not necessarily practice spiritual fasting for physical reasons, the physical benefits supply types that teach us spiritual things.
Why Did God Command Israel to Go to War?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeGod's command for Israel to execute total war on the Canaanites has a rational—and yes, Christian—explanation. He is not cruel; there is a benevolent reason.
'Before the Foundation of the World' (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by John ReissWe all have a part to play in the construction of the church. The apostles and the prophets laid its foundation, but we are fellow workers, building the edifice.
Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our exodus from the bondage of sin begins and ends with God. He commanded Israel to mark their escape with unleavened bread because of what He did.
Character and Reputation
Article by James BeaubelleObedience to God's instructions brings a Christian excellent benefits, and one of the greatest of these is working with God to grow in righteous character.
Eternal Security (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAll people will be judged according to the quality of their works after they make the covenant with God. Works are required and rewarded.
All in All (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)While we are not yet 'all in all' with God's purpose for us, we will, if we yield to our calling and sanctification, become at one with God.
Christ's Responsibility, Resurrections, and All in All
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist's resurrection was bodily. He will destroy death before returning control back to the Father, at which time the entire creation would be all in all.
Themes of Ruth (Part One): Naomi
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNaomi's attractive personality, selflessness, godly conviction and common sense characterize her relationship with her Gentile daughters-in-law.
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ is the architect of the church, indicating that the institution must take on the characteristics of the Builder, reflecting His character.
Two Contrary Visions
Sermon by John O. ReidGod has a vision for us, a vision He has been planning from the foundation of creation, an awesome plan to bring us into His very family, giving us His mind.
Going On to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though everything we need in this quest has been given to us, our spiritual growth depends on believing in the promises of receiving the divine nature.
Made His Wonderful Works to Be Remembered (Part Two)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThose called by God now have a unique privilege and responsibility to live in God's truth, distinguishing them from those who have hope but lack understanding.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEverything that we go through has been engineered by God. We are His workmanship, created for good works, a response to the faith He has given us.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe fault of the Old Covenant was with the hearts of the people. Christ took it upon Himself to amend the fault enabling us to keep the commandments.
Our Awesome Destiny (1993)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMan's destiny is to have dominion over the entire universe. Preparation for this awesome responsibility requires faithful stewardship over God's gifts.
Ecclesiastes: What Is It All About? (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTime must not be wasted walking into blind alleys and labyrinths, but must be spent walking the paths God has set before us, developing character through our choices.