Playlist: Predestination (topic)
Our Ultimate Purpose (2024)
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloAs David pointed out in Psalm 139, God had His eyes on us before our birth, foreknowing the individuals He would call, predestining them into His plan.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe concept of predestination is central to understanding God's sovereignty and our relationship with Him. As seen in Acts 13:48, only those who were appointed to eternal life believed, indicating that God predestined them to enable their belief. This does not imply that every act of a person's life is predestined, but rather …
The Sovereignty of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's sovereignty extends profoundly over the calling and salvation of individuals, demonstrating His supreme authority in determining who comes into His family. He chooses some and not others, calling one member of a family while leaving others untouched, or at times calling an entire family while bypassing individuals in …
Before the World Began
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerOur awesome Creator God, who inhabits eternity and has determined the end from the beginning, raises the question of when He prepares us for the unique place He has established for each of us individually within the Body of Christ. Is it possible that He designed and created specific proclivities within us, as particular gifts, …
Of God Appointed Life
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod's Word is absolute, and what He declares is not merely a foretelling of possibilities, but a magnificent surety that everything He has purposed from eternity is being accomplished exactly as He knew it would. He inhabits eternity, declaring the end from the beginning, having chosen us before the foundation of the world, as …
Free Will or God's Sovereignty?
Sermon by David C. GrabbePredestination is mentioned in Ephesians 1, where Paul speaks of being foreordained or chosen and appointed beforehand in accordance with God's purpose. It is stated that we were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world for the purpose of becoming holy and without blame. This choosing was specific, indicating that …
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's sovereignty is evident in the intricate design of our lives, as He is always out in front, creating and enabling us to fulfill the works He has ordained for us. We are His workmanship, crafted in Christ Jesus unto good works, and He paves the way through His grace to make it possible for us to do what He desires. No …
The Faithfulness of God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's unchanging nature establishes a consistent pattern in His choices, as seen in His election of Abraham, Isaac over Ishmael, and Jacob over Esau, demonstrating that His decisions are made solely by Him, often before any actions by those chosen, as with Jacob in the womb. This pattern extends to all whom He calls into His …
The Sovereignty of God (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe doctrine of the Sovereignty of God is fundamental to all other teachings, serving as the foundation that links intellectual understanding to practical application. It exalts the supremacy of God, emphasizing that He is Creator and unchallenged in His position, with the right to do anything He desires with anyone at any time. …
The Faithfulness of God (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The concept of predestination reveals a profound truth about God's eternal plan for mankind. Our spiritual blessings in heavenly places are granted because we have been personally chosen by the very God of creation, a decision made before the foundation of the world. This election, as stated in Ephesians 1:4, began in eternity, …
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's sovereignty extends deeply into the concept of predestination, reflecting His grace and purposeful design from the very beginning of creation. He knows the end He has designed from the start, moving with intention to bring individuals and His entire purpose to that predetermined outcome. Every part of Adam's body was …
The Sovereignty of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the sovereign exercise of His love and will, God does not love everyone equally, and there are strong indications that there are some He does not love at all. As seen in Romans 9:13, He declares, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated," choosing one over the other before they were born, before they had done anything good …
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Three)
Sermon by David F. MaasJust as in His love He chose us in Christ, actually selecting us for Himself as His own before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy, consecrated, and set apart for Him, purpose-driven and blameless in His sight. The answer to when God first endowed His called-out ones with spiritual gifts is clear: it was before …
The Sovereignty of God (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhile I do not believe that everything has been totally predestined, the concept of predestination remains a vital subject that we must integrate into our lives. It is a much-needed topic, often neglected, yet we must balance it with our responsibility and accountability to God. Without this balance, there is a risk of fostering …
Pentecost and the Mystery of the Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerBrethren, we have been predestined to live within a teacher's college, a reality that remains an absolute mystery to this world. God has called us into this unique role, training us as an army of leaders to serve patiently within the gifts He has bestowed upon us. As we uphold the unity He expects, we participate in His …
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Predestination, as presented in this discussion, is not a cold-hearted fate set from the moment of our birth, but rather a loving choice on God's part. Within His purpose, nothing happens randomly because He always exercises control over His creation. He is creating human beings in His image and will not be deterred from the …
Sovereignty and Choice
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe concept of predestination emerges within the broader framework of God's sovereignty, highlighting His supreme authority over creation where nothing occurs without His permission. We have been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will. Under this overarching power, …
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod provides two distinct callings for every person on earth. Everyone rejects the first calling, as evidence of God's existence is everywhere, yet we pay no attention to it. He can hold all guilty of rejecting Him, for His revelation is clear through creation, His Word translated into numerous languages, and a God-given …
Final Words of Jesus on the Cross
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaBefore there was an earth, before anything existed that needed to be controlled by time as we know it, God had already planned everything out. Through Jesus Christ, He has called each and every one of us with a holy calling. Before the ages of time, He had it all planned, probably from beginning to end. This is evident in the …
God's Calling and Election
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe concept of predestination, as it pertains to God's calling, reveals a profound and deliberate process initiated by the Father. It is clear that no one can come to Christ unless the Father draws them, emphasizing that God Himself takes the initiative in this relationship. He seeks us, offers grace, and provides the truth, …
A Royal Priesthood
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe have a much bigger reason for developing godly character than merely make it into the Kingdom. We are rehearsing our roles as a royal priesthood.
Wilderness Wanderings (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's calling of us is a profound act of His sovereign will, distinct from the collective exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. He chooses us individually and personally, focusing His attention on each one of us with purposeful intent. This selection is not based on our works or talents, for what can a slave offer to God's …
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn exploring God's purpose for mankind, a significant aspect emerges in the concept of predestination, revealing the depth of planning before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1 comes very close to stating that those called were individually predestined to be called before the foundation of the world, though it does not …
Why Is God Doing This, This Way?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's deliberate choice in calling and setting apart individuals for His purpose reflects a profound measure of predestination. He has chosen specific people out of billions, not randomly or by necessity, but with intentional planning and evaluation, setting them apart for His divine work. This selection, as exemplified by the …
For the Love of God
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe are royalty, part of the highest Family in all creation. We can take great comfort in knowing who it is we really are and that the Father greatly values us.
Who Deserves Our Loyalties?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God, through Jesus Christ, is actively preparing us to fit into the positions He has planned for us. While the overarching outline of His purpose is fully established, not every detail is yet fulfilled. He continues to work, shaping us for the arrival of more members into His family. We are instructed to maintain an attitude of …
Trial by Fire
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's omniscience and providence are deeply tied to the concept of predestination, reflecting His intimate and purposeful relationship with those He has chosen. In Romans 8:28-32, we see that God has predestinated, called, justified, and fully intends to glorify us, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His purpose. This …
Maintaining Good Health (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJacob had a distinct advantage over Esau through God's election from the womb, a selection that gave him an edge unrelated to any inherent qualities or actions, as neither had done anything to earn it. This edge was solely due to God's sovereign will, exercising His right to make choices and use individuals as He designs. God's …
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Fifteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In Ecclesiastes 6:10, Solomon raises a profound question about the nature of existence and human effort, suggesting that since what will be is already determined, one might wonder why bother making decisions. The idea emerges that everything could be seen as predestined, leading to a sense of futility in striving against what is …
Our Awesome Destiny
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's purpose in our lives is a profound mystery, impenetrable to even the most discerning carnal minds, as Jesus Himself declared in John 6:44, "No one can come to the Son except the Father draw him." This divine selection underscores that understanding of God's plan is not a result of human effort or merit, but purely an act …
Two Contrary Visions
Sermon by John O. ReidLong before the world was created, God envisioned what He intended to do, and throughout all the ages, this plan has never changed despite any appearances to the contrary. Our calling and the spiritual blessings bestowed upon us did not come by accident; we were not an afterthought but the result of the clear intention and …
The Unleavened Sinless Life!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe sovereign love of the Father intricately weaves all circumstances into a purposeful plan for those He has chosen. Our lives are not random or guided by mysterious fate, but lovingly designed by our attentive Father specifically for us. In Romans 8:29-30, Paul outlines God's plan with five successive verbs, each in the aorist …
Sovereignty and 'Once Saved Always Saved'
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRegarding predestination, it does not guarantee entrance into the Kingdom of God. Though God has predetermined that we will be in His kingdom, as expressed in Ephesians 1:3-5, this intent does not assure salvation. Predestination describes God's purpose, but it is not an absolute promise without conditions. The whole of …
Who Do You Trust? (Part One)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerCynical finger-pointing has destroyed confidence in every human institution, whether political, educational, scientific, and religious.
Deuteronomy (Part 2) (1994)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDeuteronomy, which is to be reviewed every seven years, provides us with vision and instruction for living in our spiritual Promised Land.
Don't Be a Prudent Agnostic
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son, and He has never failed at anything. His desire is to save us and to have us in His Kingdom, preparing us to be resurrected at the time of the seventh trumpet, at the return of Jesus Christ. He is shaping us to rule under and with Jesus Christ in the Kingdom of God, …
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's grace supports and fulfills us, but it does not mean 'once saved,always saved.' It is possible to fall from grace, as Israel's experience demonstrates.
God the Father (Part 3)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Father's purpose is to make us Christ-like, abounding in godly love. God is able to turn horrendous and gruesome circumstances into ultimate blessings.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe true nature of God differs greatly from the trinitarian concept. Having created us in His form and shape, God is developing us into His character image.
Knowing, Following, and Striving for Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur goal is to know Christ on a personal basis, knowing the power of His resurrection. This knowledge should be a practical understanding of His power.
Unity (Part 3): Ephesians 4 (A)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod alone chooses the servants through whom He works His will. Sometimes the rationale God uses for selecting His vessels defies worldly wisdom.
John (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe shepherd and door analogies in John 10 depict the close relationship of Jesus with His flock as the security and stability provided by His protection.
Two Realities
Sermon by David C. GrabbeAt baptism, we begin living in two realities simultaneously, one identified by the physical senses and the other discerned by the eyes of faith.
Privileges of the Family of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt is impossible to be a Christian without being a child of God. When we are in God's family, we have distinct privileges.
Wilderness Wandering (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)If we yield to God's manipulation of our lives, we will handle stress constructively, developing a relationship with Him, bearing spiritual fruit.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe early church was invaded by Gnosticism that denigrated the 'enslavement to Yahweh, His Law, and the Sabbath,' replacing it with Greek philosophy.
Poles Apart
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughSatan sends error into the world in pairs of opposites. If we hate one extreme, we may be drawn to just as hideous an opposite extreme.
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.