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Getting To Know God
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughGetting to know God intimately, by virtue of His enabling us to experience life as He experiences life, makes the New Covenant vastly superior to the Old.
Do You Really Know God?
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaMany claim to know God, but the vital question remains: does God know you? In the parables of Jesus, He often speaks of those who call out, "Lord, Lord," yet face disappointment, hearing Him say, "I do not know you" or "I never knew you." Though God knows everything, including their names and deeds, His statement reflects a lack of intimate relationship with them. The word "know" in this context, such as the Greek term "ginosko," signifies deep intimacy, akin to the bond between husband and wife, or the bridegroom and bride, as seen in the imagery of Christ and His followers. This intimacy implies a familiarity with a person's character, preferences, hopes, and dreams. When Jesus declares, "I never knew you," to those who thought they knew God, He indicates that no such close bond existed with them, as they were workers of lawlessness and unrighteousness. God reveals His nature as one of lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, delighting in these traits. He is loving, merciful, compassionate, kind, and longsuffering, yet also just, fair, and unwavering in His standards. These characteristics define who He is, and they are what He desires us to understand about Him. To truly know God, and for Him to know us, we must reflect these traits, practicing righteousness, exercising lovingkindness, and maintaining proper judgment. Those whom God knows are those who strive to be obedient to Him, growing in His love and not practicing sin. Though we may falter, God lifts us up, corrects us, and sets us back on the path of righteousness. By living in this way, we can be assured that we know God, and He knows us, as we make every effort to enter through the narrow gate.
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 Faithfulness of God (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has a very real concern for us, promising to never leave us. We have to strongly believe in His faithfulness to build a relationship with Him.
A Vision of Eternity
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloThough we currently dwell in a temporary fleshly tent, we will be ultimately clothed in a permanent spiritual body, able to see God the Father and Christ.
Our Hope
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our hope is based on having a living Savior. At times we are discouraged and overwhelmed, but God has not left us—though unseen, He is in the trials with us.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe term 'grace' describes a generous, thoughtful action of God, accompanied by love, which accomplishes His will, equipping us with everything we need.
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.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is intimately involved with the smallest details of our life, including our conception and birth, supplying spiritual gifts to carry out His work.
Don't Be a Prudent Agnostic
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSome of us, facing the stress of the times, may simply be going through the motions but losing every vestige of faith. We must strengthen our convictions.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod personally handpicks individuals with whom He desires to form a reciprocal relationship. This relationship must be dressed, kept, tended, and maintained.
Trumpets Is a Day of Hope
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are on the threshold of the greatest period of testing ever to come upon mankind. We need a sense of hope and faith to stay focused on our calling.
The Same Mind, Judgment, and Speech (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhat is hotly contested today will be irrelevant in a short time. Earthly knowledge has an expiration date, but understanding how to live is eternal.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Three): Smyrna
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist prepared the members of Smyrna for martyrdom, promising them eternal glory for enduring a relatively short time, looking at things from a hopeful perspective.
A Name's Significance
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA name has higher significance than an identifier, but also ties one down, committing one to a destiny.
Prosperity's Consequences
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsProsperity is not always an emblem of God's approval. God will not prosper us if it would cause spiritual damage, insulating us from seeking His kingdom.
The Four Cups of Wine
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaJewish tradition calls for four cups of wine on Passover based on God's 'I will' statements in Exodus 6:6-7, which apply to the Israel of God today.