Glorifying God

Sermon by John O. Reid

We have been called for the purpose of glorifying God by totally changing our lives, conforming to His character and image.

The Glory of God (Part 4): Glorifying God

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A raw display of emotion and exuberance does not necessarily glorify God. What we do to glorify God will reflect just how highly we esteem Him.

To the Glory of God

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As we reflect God in our behavior through imitating Jesus Christ, occasionally accepting His suffering when called upon, we reciprocally glorify the Father.

God's Workmanship (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Salvation is not a one time event, but a continuous process—not just immunity from death, but a total transformation of our nature into a new creation.

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.

Glorify You Me

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

The purpose of our calling is not the place of safety, but that we glorify God, following the example of Jesus Christ.

Teaching Us To Think (Part Three): Proving God's Will

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As God tests His people, He desires that they test and prove His Laws to demonstrate that they invariably work, to prove these principles by following them.

God is Still on His Throne!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God Is Still on His Throne

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The LORD is on His throne in Heaven, the location before which God's resurrected saints will occupy on the Sea of Glass.

Why Does God Allow Us to Be Afflicted?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In God's hands, trials and afflictions are tools to produce refined character and joy, and to move us away from worldly choices and back to His purpose.

God Never Disappoints

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Unlike people who, because of their natural carnal nature, feel disappointment with God, God's people should never experience any disappointment with Him.

Using God's Irrevocable Gifts for His Glory

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Luke had the gift of an investigative journalist, presenting the words in a plain, logical, orderly fashion, making matters crystal clear.

Jesus and the Feast (Part One): Alignment With God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Only in John 7 do we find some evidence of Tabernacles and the Eighth Day, providing a gold mine to discover what was on Jesus's mind during this time.

Stewardship of God's Temple (Part One): Controlling Our Appetites

Sermon by David F. Maas

After God's calling, the human body becomes the temple of God's Spirit, a reality which obliges us to care for our bodies because they belong to God.

Using God's Given Authority

Sermon by Mark Schindler

God has gifted all His called-out ones, expecting them to use those gifts with the pillars of godly wisdom for the edification of the Body of Christ.

Psalms: Book Four (Part Four): God as Creator

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The creation offers compelling testimony to the intricacies which preclude even the possibility of evolution. Evolution is a futile attempt to get rid of God.

Do All to the Glory of God!

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

Casualness has overtaken many mainstream Protestant and Catholic churches, but has also been creeping into the greater church of God.

Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Grace implies empowerment for growth. It is the single most important aspect of our salvation, and His giving of it is completely unmerited on our part.

Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the matter of godly standards for dress, we must adopt the humble, childlike, sincere, unassuming, and teachable attitude, loving God intimately.

The Sovereignty of God (Part Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Prayer is not a dictating to a reluctant God, but a demonstration of our attitude of dependence and need. It is a means to get into harmony with God's will.

How Bright is Your Light?

Sermonette by Ryan McClure

Do we let our lights shine through our lives by godly conduct, or are we trying to blend in with the world, compromising so as not to stand apart?

End of an Era

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The death of John Ritenbaugh is part of one era of the greater church of God ending. The older generation is passing and the next generations must step up.

Matthew (Part Six)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Those who are meek are capable of anger but keep it under control. They are humble, open-minded, willing to listen, don't jump to conclusions, and aren't defensive.

The Unspeakable Gift

Sermonette by Levi W. Graham

Though Paul planted, and Apollo watered, God gave abilities as well as the increase. If God had not supervised the process, each gift would have no use.

Persecution (1993)

Sermonette by Martin G. Collins

Christians have been subject to psychological abuse as well as torture. Peter says that persecution is inevitable and is often triggered by good works

Christians in the Spotlight

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We must let our lights shine by our moderation, self-control, attitude, and behavior, realizing that we are reflecting the characteristics of God Almighty.

Lollapolooza

Sermonette by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

The word 'lollapalooza' was used in World War II to detect Japanese infiltrators, whose language habits obliterated the r/l distinction common in English.

Will Jesus Be Ashamed of You?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We are never to be ashamed of God's truth no matter what the consequences. For those who keep this charge, God will reciprocate with honor.

The Epistle of You

Sermonette by Levi W. Graham

Paul referred to the Corinthians as epistles, shining the dazzling light of God in their deeds and word, driving away the world's darkness and satanic lies.

Are You Worthy of Your Calling?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Paul encourages the Thessalonians to thank God for their salvation, surrender without complaint, ask God for wisdom, and look for opportunities to serve.

An Acceptable Sacrifice

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Abel was totally consumed, becoming the first martyr for faith. Likewise, when we are called to God, we can expect to be used until we are consumed.

Everlasting Light

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God's Spirit illumines the truth to the core of our beings. We must exemplify light in our testimony and behavior, anticipating our future glory of the New Jerusalem.

Offerings Still Relevant

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christ's sacrifice was both a sacrifice (fulfilling the law, which requires the shedding of blood for expiation from sin) and an offering (freely given).

All in All

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The 'all in all' process has already begun. Our obligation and responsibility is to obey and yield to Christ and God the Father, conforming to their image.

Persecution

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Although many have gone through sore trials, virtually no one has gone through the nightmarish persecutions suffered by the early Christians in Imperial Rome.

Aim for Productivity

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

We must strive to bear spiritual fruit efficiently and productively. Material well-being is not as good a measure of fruitfulness as is the use of God's gifts.

Those Who Are Persecuted

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Persecution is already here, part and parcel in the lives of followers of Christ. If we are persecuted for following God's instructions, we will be blessed.

What Are You Leaving?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The Ephesians had a strong sense of duty and served as a vanguard in the battle against false doctrines. What was lacking was devotion to Christ.

John (Part Sixteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The closer we get to God, the more likely we will have persecution, but also the greater and more real He becomes and the more likely we will serve Him correctly.

Back to Life (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Sickness and hardship should not erode our faith in God's ultimately favorable purpose for us. A current trial may serve as a witness for the good of others.

Of Snowflakes and Suns and Glory

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

The glory we reflect to God goes all the way over the sun to God's throne room; God in turn reciprocates with spiritual assets and gifts.

Sanctification and Holiness (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

As God's priesthood, we must draw near to God, keep His commandments, and witness to the world that God is God. God is shaping and fashioning His new creation.

Faith to Carry Us to the Millennium

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim Myers

How do we get the faith we need to endure this present age? Living faith requires that we match hearing with productive works.

Knowing Christ (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In taking undue attention off the self, sacrifice (as an act and as a way of life) creates peace, prosperity, cooperation, and most of all, character.

Glory Be

Sermon by Ronny H. Graham

The Hebrew word for glory carries the connotation of a burden or responsibility, just as Christ glorified the Father in every thought, word, and deed.

'All Mine Are Yours!'

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Christ prays for us as He did for His original disciples because we, too, have been called by the Father. Christ values us because the Father values us.

The Healing of a Man Born Blind (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Ironically, the blind man who could not see physically eventually sees spiritually, but the Pharisees, who could see physically, could not see spiritually.

The Third Commandment: Idolatry

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the the Third Commandment, God's name describes His character, attributes, and nature. If we bear God's name, we must reflect His image and His character.

Acts (Part Twelve)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Paul and Barnabas developed the church in the cosmopolitan city of Antioch, the location from where the term 'Christian' originated.

John (Part Twenty-Five)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Eternal life is to know God, seeking Him to imitate Him, living as He does, and developing an intimate relationship with Him. This brings an abundant life.

Hebrews (Part Eleven): A Simple Recap

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Most of the attrition from the truth stems from losing interest. Drifting away is rarely intentional, but the result of choosing to live carnally.

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.

How to Know We Love Christ

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We cannot become weary of well-doing, allowing our first love to deteriorate, looking to the world for satisfaction. Here are 8 tests of our love for Christ.

Producing Fruit

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

To be made clean only prepares us for producing fruit. If we stand still, simply resting on our justification, the dark forces will pull us backwards.

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.

Uniqueness and Time

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our unique calling makes us a special possession of God. Sealed with a downpayment of God's Spirit, we have the obligation to glorify God by obedience.

Why Are We Afflicted?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Affliction is a necessary aspect of life, yielding strength of character, while ease and comfort weaken us. Christ was perfected as High Priest through suffering.

John (Part Twenty-Four)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Though Christ knows that we will inevitably fail, as all of the disciples stumbled, He knows He can pull us through as long as we yield to Him.

John (Part Twelve)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

What we believe automatically determines what we do; it is impossible to separate faith and works. If Jesus is not our source of belief, our works will suffer.

Holiness (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

To appropriate the name of God means to represent His attributes, character and nature. Our behavior must imitate Christ just as Christ revealed God the Father.

Matthew (Part Twenty-One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Pharisees and Sadducees, who normally opposed each other, joined forces against their common enemy, Jesus. They should have recognized Him as the Messiah.

Why Do We Give?

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

The widow who gave a mere two mites gave more than all the other contributors combined because she gave out of her poverty with genuine sacrifice.

Gifted With Power From on High

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

With the Holy Spirit, we receive spiritual gifts that amplify extant physical abilities for the expressed purpose of edifying the church.

The Two Wave Loaves of Pentecost

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

The offerings of the Old Testament are like divine parables, acted out to teach about the Messiah, unveiling a beautiful picture once we understand the symbols.

Judgment Is a Merciful Blessing

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God is patient and tender-hearted to late bloomers, forgiving sincerely repentant individuals, but will not budge an inch on rebellion or sin.

Job and Self-Evaluation (Part Three): Attitude

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Job had not achieved spiritual maturity, but had assumed the arrogant stance of attempting to debate the Creator on his own level.

Wilderness Wanderings (Part Three) - Handpicked Children

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God has allowed carnal nature to remain in His people so He can determine whether they seriously want to defeat the downward pulls of the flesh.

How to Have a Great Feast

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Feasts of God are not vacations, but are holy convocations when God assembles His family for the purpose of enabling us to learn to fear and honor Him.

Making Faithful Choices (Part Two)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God demonstrated to Gideon, through His systematically whittling his army from 30,000 to 300, that His providence, and not Gideon's might, would bring victory.

Thanksgiving

Sermonette by Ryan McClure

We cannot emulate the nine ungrateful lepers, but must be proactive in our expressions of thanksgiving, such as making lists of things for which we are thankful.

Restoration and Forgiveness

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

It is impossible to grow spiritually in a climate of animosity and jealousy. If we use the power of God's Holy Spirit, peace will accrue as a fruit.

The Post-Resurrection Last Words of Christ (Part Two)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

It is presumptuous to cast aspersions on Thomas, using the cliché 'Doubting Thomas,' as he was braver than most of us would have been in his circumstances.

The Post-Resurrection Last Words of Christ (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We must be involved in proclaiming His message, feeding the flock, living His example, assuming the responsibilities of our awesome commission.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We are not privy to God's, but we must realize that He has the prerogative to impose both blessings and calamity, the latter in response to disobedience.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Sixteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Ecclesiastes 1-6 contains an indictment of materialism. The only lasting fulfillment comes from establishing and maintaining a relationship with God.

Be Prepared

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God has given us clear records of what has occurred in the pass, enabling us to bind time, profiting from the past and preparing for the future.

Our Bread of Life

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The world is confused on the timing of Christ's death and resurrection. It becomes clear by a proper understanding of the holy days, preparation days, and Sabbaths.

Psalms: Book Five: (Part Three): The Hallel: Psalms of Praise

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In Book Five of the Psalms, Psalms 113-118 (sometimes termed the Hallel) are to be considered one continuous Psalm of praise, associated with the holy days.

Teach Us To Pray! (Part Two)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Prayer should be a major practice in our life and bring us into contact with God's creative purpose, indicating to Him that we will yield to His purpose.

Teach Us To Pray! (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

A righteous life needs frequent times of prayer or communication with God. In one sense, Jesus Christ's life was one continuous prayer.

Testing the Spirits (Part 1)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Apostle John exhorts us to test and discern the spirits, judging between the true and the false, using the scripture as the steady standard of truth.

Don't Lose Your Focus!

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Paul urged that we get our focus more balanced, emphasizing love over prophetic correctness, not remaining indifferent to what Christ deemed important.

As Much as Depends on You

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Though we are sometimes confronted with conflict, we have a duty to make peace through exercising love. Unity and peace are fruits of God's Spirit.

Gray Areas in Human Reasoning

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We must be on guard for the incremental nature of gray areas. Godly reasoning recognizes no gray areas; just because something is lawful does not mean it is good.

Moral Sympathy and Spiritual Confusion

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Music preference is a self-conscious declaration of the community with which people identify. The media has shamelessly pandered to the basest of cravings.

New Covenant Priesthood (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Without thanksgiving and praise, our prayers degenerate into the 'gimmes' with the emphasis on the self. We must give God thoughtful thanks in every circumstance.

Sanctification and Holiness (Part 5)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God gives conditions for acceptable sacrifices and offerings, differentiating the holy and authentic from the defiled, unclean and strange.

Maintaining Good Health (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

While drunkenness and gluttony show self-centeredness and lack of discipline, often leading to poverty and ill health, moderation is the way to glorify God.

Maintaining Good Health (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Stewardship of our bodies is (like the Levitical maintenance of the temple) an aspect of holiness, strengthening our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Parenting (Part 4): Discipline

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Realizing that parental authority must be used with godly love, the prompt discipline we mete out should be fair and appropriate.

Examples of Divine Justice

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Nadab and Abihu, Ananias and Sapphira, and Uzzah, all aware of the penalties for their actions, rebelled against God's clear and unambiguous instructions.

The Commandments (Part Four)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The prohibition against taking God's name in vain is the least understood commandment. When we bear God's name, we are to bear His character and nature.

John (Part Twenty-Six)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

While the other accounts of Jesus' trial and crucifixion seem to show passivity, John shows Jesus totally in charge, purposefully and courageously moving.

John (Part One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

John presents Jesus, not as a phantom emanation, but as the reality, transcending the shadows represented by the temporal physical life.