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Will You Be Accounted Worthy for the Kingdom?
Sermon by John O. ReidGod holds us accountable for our actions, just as we are held accountable in worldly responsibilities. He will render to each one according to their deeds, with some resurrected to eternal life and glory, while others face disaster. Tremendous rewards await those who fulfill their responsibilities correctly, as God brings His rewards with Him. To qualify for the Kingdom of God, we must understand what is expected of us. Many hold personal or superstitious beliefs about gaining the Kingdom, but these do not align with God's requirements. Instead, we are called to a higher standard beyond mere adherence to the letter of the law. Paul realized that keeping the law perfectly was impossible due to human nature's resistance, and salvation comes only through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and God's plan, not through our own efforts alone. We must strive to live by the spirit of the law, producing a new man after Jesus Christ, fighting the carnal desires within us. Qualifying for the Kingdom requires diligence in overcoming sin and making our salvation operational by living now as we will in the Kingdom. This involves giving ourselves completely to God, laying aside sins, avoiding worldly distractions, keeping the goal in sight, denying what is wrong or imprudent, and focusing on Jesus Christ as our example and strength. Paul disciplined his body harshly to ensure victory, knowing the danger of being lost if he let down, and worked tirelessly to be approved by God. We are also accountable for applying God's way of living, becoming citizens of the heavenly world governed by His laws while on earth. This transformation involves exhibiting mercy, kindness, service, gentleness, and honesty—character traits God treasures. By living this way, we take on His nature and set an example to the world, preparing to live with Him eternally as members of the God Family. The great standard for qualifying is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, placing Him above all else and submitting to His will. We must also love our neighbor as ourselves, showing respect, forgiveness, mercy, patience, kindness, and honesty in all interactions, even when difficult. By doing so, we slowly change into the character of God the Father and Jesus Christ. In the accounting at Christ's return, as illustrated in the parable of the talents, God will judge our efforts based on what we were given to accomplish. Those who strive to overcome and double their talents, despite struggles and failures, will receive great rewards. However, those who fail to try or let down will face disaster. Jesus Christ understands our human struggles and will honor our efforts, serving us with pride for working to overcome and live according to God's Word. We must remain diligent, determined, and ready for His return, working to complete our calling with our lights burning.
Qualifications of a Godly Judge
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's disciples are going through a rigorous training period to qualify for positions of leadership in God's Kingdom by conforming to Christ's image.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the matter of godly standards for dress, we must adopt the humble, childlike, sincere, unassuming, and teachable attitude, loving God intimately.
Hebrews 12 and 13: Advice for the End Time
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must lay aside every weight, accept God's chastening, receive encouragement from those who have gone before, and get back into the spiritual race.
Remembering God's Gifts, Promises, and Rewards
Sermon by John O. ReidDuring these times of intense distress and tribulation, God expects that we use our memories to reflect upon His gifts, promises, and rewards.
Holiness of God (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo be like God, we need to work on purifying ourselves, purging out sin and uncleanness, reflecting our relationship with God in every aspect our behavior.
Part of the Plan
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloMany believe that salvation is assured and works only relate to reward. However, God did not reward the unprofitable servant with eternal life but exclusion.
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.
Stand Fast in a Changing World
Sermon by Kim MyersWe have been warned to keep alert, watching for the return of our Savior, not living in careless ease. We should be sobered by the degenerating state of the world.
Making the Cut (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhy should we think that God disdains requirements for entrance into His Kingdom? Spiritual growth is an intrinsic part of equipping the saints for service.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasMisguided theologians have tried to create a false dichotomy between grace and works. We do works of obedience to build character, not to earn salvation.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe doctrinal changes made by the leaders in the Worldwide Church of God worked to destroy the vision of God's purpose through obscuring the real reason for works.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Thirteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe elect are not immune to antinomian deception, including the doctrine of eternal security, the total depravity of man, unconditional love, and cheap grace.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJesus came with a message of salvation, called 'the gospel of the Kingdom of God.' Here is the relationship between the gospel and Christian works.