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Service: A Key to Spiritual Success
Article by William R. GrayVolunteering to serve God is a vital aspect of our Christian walk, essential for spiritual growth and success in all areas of life. Servanthood, though less frequently discussed than prayer or Bible study, remains a key to fulfilling God's will. With Christ's perfect example as our guide, we can trust that if God opens a door for us to serve, we will succeed, as the Holy Spirit will supply what we lack. Our role is to maintain an attitude of availability and to recognize the call to serve when it comes, trusting God to work through us rather than relying on our own abilities. As we practice serving, we grow accustomed to God working through us, gaining confidence and learning to set aside our human nature. We must humbly direct all praise and credit to Him, understanding that we cannot choose the areas in which we serve. No task God calls us to is beyond our ability to do well, even if it does not meet our expectations. If done to the best of our abilities, we will not displease our Creator. A fundamental principle is that, regardless of who benefits from our service or how they respond, it is ultimately God whom we serve. Seeking approval from others indicates wrong motives, often centered on ourselves, and can lead to emotional instability. Our service must be rooted in commitment, not emotions or a need for recognition, mirroring the steadfast decision to tithe. As part of God's process of shaping us into His Son's image, we should serve whenever the opportunity arises, doing the will of God from the heart, as to the Lord, and not to men.
Human Will and God's Sovereignty (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A prophecy in Zechariah concerns prophets or church leaders who, being ashamed of their false teachings, will claim they were farmers rather than ministers.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the example of a child summoned by a parent to clean up his room, the child's dawdling and complaining are not predestined nor are they part of God's will.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Seven
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOne aspect of sovereignty that causes some confusion is predestination. God's sovereignty does not remove a person's free moral agency — we must still choose.
Boundaries, Incursions, Migrations, and God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Even though the way God exercises His sovereignty is inscrutable to us , calling the foolish to confound the wise, all He does fits perfectly into His plan.
Human Will and God's Sovereignty (Part Two)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Human will is not sovereign in the body, but is just another servant, functioning according to the information it receives. We choose according to desires.
Boundaries, Incursions, Migrations, and God (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe globalist enemies of language, borders, and culture have made themselves enemies of the will of God, who set up boundaries for all the children of Adam.
Being Alert to Our Enemy
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Like the cycles of the seasons, the events of prophecy follow natural progressions. God has given ample warnings to His prophets to prepare His people.
Hebrews (Part Fourteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Without a meaningful relationship with Christ, God's people cannot possibly bear fruit. Our responsibility is to yield to God's creative work in our lives.
Pentecost and the Mystery of the Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod forbids us to make alliances with carnal minds on divisive issues. The only division God desires is a separation from the world and its enticing drives.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ has full control of the church. Everything of consequence, including the development of our character, is engineered by Him.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe have been called, not just to believe in Christ, but also to overcome sin, which takes a great deal of effort. Justification requires a response.
Using Power Righteously (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has singled each one of us out individually, calling us, gifting us with capabilities, and preparing us for eternal life as members of His family.
Why We Observe Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe keep Unleavened Bread because of what God did to bring us out of sin (typified by Egypt). While God compels us to make choices, He is with us all the way.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Six)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAmerican culture is in obvious decline, and it is undoubtedly linked to the fact that mainstream Christianity is bereft of moral leadership.
Is There a True Church?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany 'church of God' organizations claim to be part of—or even the only—church of God. The Bible reveals specific characteristics of God's church.
Five Easily-Neglected Doctrines
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Here are five easily neglected doctrines, which, if carelessly observed or distorted, could jeopardize the salvation of God's people.