Playlist: Conforming to Christ's Image (topic)

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Our Affinity to Christ

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus has already suffered the things we have, and now serves as our compassionate High Priest and Advocate. He provides the pattern we are to emulate.


Our Affinity to Christ

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Our lives must be totally wrapped up in Christ, exemplifying His character. As we overcome, taking the same steps as Christ did, we will receive His reward.


Conforming to This World

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

It is far easier to conform to the world than to Christ. We must yield to God to renew our minds, living in the spirit rather than in the flesh.


Intimacy with Christ (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Satan has deliberately designed this world to burn up our precious time, creating an artificial sense of urgency and a perpetual state of discontent.


Conversion: Turning to God

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We are like new immigrants to the Kingdom of God; we still carry the traits of our countries of origin. We must take on the characteristics of God's nation.


Are You Alive to God?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Ephesians 2 says Christians were spiritually dead. Thankfully, God resurrected us from the grave through the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ.


Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The belief that America was or is a Christian nation cannot be supported by the facts. The world, governed by Satan, hates Christ's true followers.


Four Views of Christ (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The dominant emphasis of Matthew is the kingly qualities of Jesus as a descendant of the royal house of David, representing the Lion of Judah.


Going On to Perfection

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Even though everything we need in this quest has been given to us, our spiritual growth depends on believing in the promises of receiving the divine nature.


Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

America has never embraced true Christianity as its dominant faith, nor has it ever really followed Christ, but has instead embraced a counterfeit.


Hope in Christ Purifies Us

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We must remember that hope is sure, but we must wait patiently for God's plan for us to unfold. In the meantime, we purify ourselves of corruption.


Knowing, Following, and Striving for Christ

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Our 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.


Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Formality and decorum (in terms of dress and behavior) are part of godly standards and sanctity. We must always look for the spirit and intent of what God commands.


Four Views of Christ (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Gospels are Christ's biography. They also illustrate the typology of Revelation 4:7 depicting a lion, ox, man, and eagle, giving a picture of Christ's character.


Living Stones

Sermon by Ted E. Bowling

I Peter 2:9 reveals how precious we are to God, a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a living stone fitted to join our spiritual siblings.


God the Father (Part 3)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The 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.


These Things We Know

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The writings of John contain nine categories of "we know" assertions. Fully knowing consists of developing a deep intense relationship with God.


The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The doctrinal changes made by the Worldwide Church of God have devastating ramifications. Predictably, when the vision was changed, God's law was cast aside.


Defining Logos (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The 'word of the Lord' came (appeared) to Abraham, suggesting that the Word (dabar, the Hebrew equivalent of logos) is a Being, the 'Lord God.'


Hebrews: Its Background (Part Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Book of Hebrews is a must-read for all members of God's church who seek the key for spiritual growth through a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.


A Time To Scatter

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

While we yearn for the church to be re-united, until our own personal walk with God is attained and we intently seek Him first, church unity will not happen.


Spiritual Maturity

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Kingdom parables allude to the process of spiritual maturity, depicting a planted and cultivated seed becoming a sprout, eventually bearing fruit.


Sin and Overcoming (Part 3): The Battle For Eternal Life

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Laodicean temperament falls far short in promoting the processes of overcoming and repentance. Spiritual growth and godly behavior take tremendous work.


The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Satan has attempted to obliterate the sanctification step from the conversion process. Sanctification is produced by doing works pleasing to God.


Self-Government and Responsibility (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We need free moral agency to be transformed into God's image. Unless one has God's Spirit, he cannot exercise the internal control to be subject to the way of God.


Offerings (Part Seven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

If we want to follow Christ, we must sacrifice, take up our cross, and follow His example of service to God and others.


Faithful, Following Firstfruits

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Those reveling in the 'new freedoms' of apostasy cannot be persuaded to return to former beliefs because they no longer believe in the sanctified Word of God.


The Father-Son Relationship (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Father is the source of everything and the Son is the channel through which He carries out His purpose. Jesus declared that the Father is superior to Him.


Deuteronomy (Part 4) (1994)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We must seek God as ardently as we would a physical love relationship, spending quality time with Him. If we make no effort, the relationship cools.


Self-Government (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Regardless of whether one submits to God, government, or community, self-government is the best means to having a safe, smooth course toward an objective.


Government (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our attitude toward government must be one of submission. The church cannot perform its function without the cooperation of the carnal civil governments.


Hope That Purifies

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The true Christian has the unique hope of becoming like Jesus Christ, sharing in His joy, power, and honor. Only the pure in heart will actually see God.


Heavenly Citizenship (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are strangers, foreigners, aliens, or pilgrims to the world, but full-fledged citizens of God's Kingdom.


A Feast Message From Hebrews

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Bible shows a clear pattern of how people leave the faith: looking back, drawing back, looking elsewhere, and then going backward and refusing to hear.


Our Closest Neighbors

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We cannot have peace on a grand scale until we make peace with those closest to us. Without loving our brother, it is impossible to take on God's image.


God's Workmanship (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Works 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.


Submitting (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Liberty without guidelines will turn into chaos. We will be free only if we submit to the truth. All authority, even incompetent authority, derives from God.


Job and Self-Evaluation (Part One): Job's Character

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The lessons of the book of Job, which carry distinct New Covenant insights, applies to all. Job was complete, yet had spiritually stalled.


The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Ten)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The term "covenant" describes an agreement made by two parties and "testament" to describe the one-sided commitment made by God to improve the promises.


The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The seven churches of Revelation 2-3 all existed simultaneously and the characteristics of five of them will apparently be extant at the return of Christ.


All in All (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

While we are not yet 'all in all' with God's purpose for us, we will, if we yield to our calling and sanctification, become at one with God.


Don't Be a Prudent Agnostic

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Some 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.


Philippians (Part Ten)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Not one of us with heavenly citizenship has ever been there, but like an ambassador, we are compelled to carry on the culture and laws in our lives.


Firstfruits and the Master Potter

Sermon by Clyde Finklea

The Potter and Clay analogy provides instructions for understanding character-building tests and trials in the life-long sanctification process.


Sincerity and Truth (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We have been given the priceless gift of God's Word of sincerity and truth which has the power to sanctify. We must guard it as a life preserver.


In the Hands of the Potter

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

As the Master Potter, God will apply the water of His Holy Spirit to make us more malleable, enabling Him to turn the lump of clay into a flawless work.


The Reality of the Feast

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Unless we anchor ourselves in God's precepts, we are in danger of succumbing to deadly deception. We must treat God's Holy Days as sanctified times.


Character Matters

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Unlike America's presidents, in God's kingdom only those who have God's approval, those who have developed iron-clad character, will be qualified to rule.


Government (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

For us to take on the glory of God, we must have the same kind of access to the Father as Christ did, taking on the responsibility of behaving like His sons.


Offerings (Part One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The burnt offering shows Christ giving Himself completely to God as God's portion. It represents a life fully devoted to God, which is what truly satisfies Him.