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Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ teaches a profound principle about God's judgment: to whom much is given, much is required. This means that God evaluates each person individually, based on the gifts they have received and the circumstances of their lives. Those who are granted significant blessings, such as personal appearances from God as seen with Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, and Moses, are held to a higher standard due to the impactful nature of such direct encounters. These encounters, unlike the written Word available to later generations, had a powerful and lasting effect, thus increasing the expectations placed upon them. Similarly, the Israelites who witnessed miraculous events like the Ten Plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the daily provision of manna experienced extraordinary gifts, and therefore, more was demanded of them in their response to God. This principle underscores that God's judgment is fair and tailored, taking into account what each individual has been given, whether in the form of direct divine interaction or other blessings, and adjusting expectations accordingly.
The Unleavened Vanguard with Christ
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAs we reflect on the Last Day of Unleavened Bread, we are reminded of our privileged responsibility to live unleavened lives, set apart from the world around us, within the vanguard alongside Jesus Christ. The Father has placed each of us in specific positions to serve the Body of Christ, and with the gifts given to us by His grace, we are called to use them faithfully. Whether in prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, or showing mercy, we must exercise these gifts with diligence and love, abhorring evil and clinging to what is good, always serving the Lord through the strength of Jesus Christ. To whom much is given, much is required. Jesus Christ has made it clear that those who have been gifted must focus their attention on the truth of God's Word, not merely on the abilities provided for service. We can only fulfill our roles rightly by aligning with the Father's will, allowing Christ to work within us as we ingest Him, the unleavened bread of life. Our responsibility is to persistently seek the Father's will in unity with Christ, ensuring our lives shine before men as a true witness of His work. We must avoid hypocrisy, remain faithful in both small and great matters, and trust in the guidance of Jesus Christ to maintain the unleavened path He has set before us.
Checklist for Overcoming
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the church, God distributes gifts according to His sovereignty, and not all are endowed equally. Some receive more gifts, while others receive fewer, yet each person is essential to the function of the church and must use what they have been given diligently. To whom much is given, much is required, and God holds those with greater gifts to a more stringent standard of judgment, ensuring fairness in His evaluation. This principle underscores the responsibility that accompanies the gifts bestowed upon us, urging us to build and strengthen the church rather than contribute to its disunity. Each of us bears accountability before God for how we employ these gifts, recognizing that our actions reflect our commitment to Him and to the body of Christ.
Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part One): To the Beaten
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod's people may fall into the trap of forgetting the sinful past from which God rescued them and come to look disdainfully on those not yet called.
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe easiest part of God's work is preaching the gospel to the world. Much more demanding is the feeding of the flock, producing life-changing faith.
The Peter Principle (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordGod has given us certain gifts and the space to use them. He expects us to use them properly in service to Himself and the Body, and requires an accounting.
Something to Remember
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our forebears often forgot the frequency of God's merciful intervention and declared that it was useless to serve God.
Living by Faith and God's Justice
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAmong the spiritual realities that a faithful Christian must understand is God's sense of justice. The deaths of Nadab and Abihu are a case in point.
The Peter Principle
Sermon by Mike FordAs one uses the power provided by God's Holy Spirit, even one who has previously failed miserably can rise to astounding levels of spiritual competence.
Elements of Judgment (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must emulate the ways of God, demonstrating justice in our lives, thoughts, words, and deeds, preparing to judge in God's Kingdom. Not all sins are equal.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)All of the sufferings in the present had their origin in the Garden of Eden when our parents sinned, seemingly in secret. The effects of sins radiate outward.
Living By Faith: God's Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn order to live by faith, we must understand God's sovereignty, God's character, and God's justice, realizing that we do not see the entire picture.
The Peter Principle (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordThe Peter Principle is a concept in business management developed by Laurence J. Peter: People in a hierarchy tend to rise to their level of incompetence.
A Search for a Singular Truth
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A political party has the trappings of a religion, trying to get adherents to their beliefs and ideas. America is being torn apart by two false religions.
God's Sense of Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is absolutely justified in what He decides regarding the judgment and punishment of us all. However, He is merciful and always rewards righteousness.
The Wrath of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLove motivates the two intrinsic parts of God's holy character—goodness and severity, as He seeks to rescue humanity from the consequences of sin.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Four): Obligation
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughUnderstanding our obligation to Christ leads to a deeply held loyalty to Him. Our redemption should make us strive to please Him in every facet of life.
Stewardship
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA steward is responsible for the supervision or managing of something entrusted into his care by a superior. As God's stewards, have been entrusted with much.
Conviction and Moses
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur conviction reveals itself in living by faith. Moses is a stunning example of how a convicted Christian should live — with loyalty and faithfulness to God.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe can do nothing to gain the favor of God before our calling, but we are empowered by God to carry out a particular part of His plan to edify the body.
The Fear of God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMany have inadvertently adopted a soft concept of God, disrespecting and showing contempt for God's authority and power. Godly fear is a gift of wisdom.
Amos (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Amos is addressed to the ones who have made the new covenant with God. Having made the covenant, we must remember that privilege brings peril.
Hebrews (Part Twelve): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To counteract complacency, Hebrews warns against neglecting God's invitation of salvation, which He does not guarantee until sanctification has run its course.
Are the Jews Cursed for Deicide?
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerIs Matthew 27:25 a Jewish admission of deicide? Rightly understood, it is absolutely not a curse. God has not bound Himself to chastise Jewry as a whole.