Playlist: Knowing God (topic)
Do You Really Know God?
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaWe can know for sure that we know Him intimately by keeping His commandments and practicing loving kindnesses.
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.
Knowing God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo fulfill one's purpose, one must be singularly focused on what one wants to accomplish. Divided minds result in no productivity or even devastation.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal life is to live a quality life as God lives, having developed a close relationship with God, living by faith and accepting His sovereignty over all.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are not individually sovereign, but we are taught to give ourselves over completely to God's sovereignty. If we do, we will reap unfathomable blessings.
God Is Not a Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWinston Churchill observed that 'Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.' The majority of organized 'Christianity' has a similar view of God.
These Things We Know
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe writings of John contain nine categories of "we know" assertions. Fully knowing consists of developing a deep intense relationship with God.
The Fear of God (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must have established some relationship with God before we can rightly fear Him. A holy fear is the key to unlocking the treasuries of salvation and wisdom.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faith in God and in the motivating power in God's Word have to be the driving force in everything we do each day.
The Fear of God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMany have inadvertently adopted a soft concept of God, disrespecting and showing contempt for God's authority and power. Godly fear is a gift of wisdom.
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.
God, the Church's Greatest Problem
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAfter our calling, we must seek God and His way, for our conduct is motivated by our concept of God. Coming to know God is the church's biggest problem.
The Sovereignty of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are assured that even though inexplicable things happen in our lives, God is still sovereign. We must develop childlike faith to trust in Him for solutions.
Experiencing God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue knowledge of God comes only from experience. The apostle Peter has admonished us to grow in knowledge, both biblical knowledge and secular knowledge.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose who have made a covenant with God can be corrupted unless they make a concerted effort to know God, realizing He has the right to do as He pleases.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur carnal nature's desire to satisfy an addictive self-centeredness can eventually overrule the Christian's loyalty to God and His commandments.
Power Belongs to God (Part 2)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe may be going through a period of hopelessness, but must believe that all things work together for those who believe and are called for His purpose.
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.
Israel's Missing Characteristics of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faithfulness is living continually by faith, acting even though doing so may cost us. Love is not primarily a feeling, but faithfulness in applying God's Word.
Why Is God Doing This, This Way?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must learn to see ourselves and our function as God sees us—as a distinct, unique entity, a holy people, a special treasure.
Assurance That We Know Him!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf we know God, we no longer have the feeling that God is against us; we have no dread of God, but instead have awe and respect; we know that God loves us.
Knowing Christ (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhen we mortify the flesh, refusing to feed the hungry beast of our carnal nature, we suffer. Suffering for righteousness' sake helps us to know Christ.
Seeking God's Will (Part Seven): Conclusion
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs we walk in the light, we will prove to ourselves and others that God's way is best. Wisdom and understanding will accrue by keeping God's commandments.
God and Reality
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhat God puts us through is designed to reveal reality to us. Accepting His doctrine without looking for loopholes will keep us true.
Holiness of God (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs bearers of God's name, we must aspire to holiness. Perfecting holiness is the process by which we are transformed from the glory of man to the glory of God.
Deuteronomy: What Is God Looking For?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Deuteronomy constitutes instruction for the Israel of God, serving as a compass and guide, preparing God's people to enter the Kingdom of God.
Tests of True Knowledge
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA person who is puffed up parades his knowledge by exhibiting impatience, intolerance, or a false modesty, marginalizing what the uneducated in their minds.
Seeking God's Will (Part Five): Goodness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod employs goodness when He shakes us out of complacency and directs us toward repentance. God's goodness is there to take advantage of if we trust Him.
Living by Faith: God's Sovereignty
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Since God is sovereign over His creation, we need to be careful about reviling someone in authority, even someone who may have been appointed to bring evil.
God the Father (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus reveals that the Father has always had supreme authority, and that He and His Father are absolutely at one in purpose. We must conform to their image.
The Providence of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA spiritual Israelite undergoes a metamorphosis in which his own self-centered will is broken so that God's creative work can be completed within him.
Knowing Christ (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn 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.
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.
Responding to God's Pruning Is Not Passive (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasOur Heavenly Father, the Vine Dresser, has provided His junior partners some valuable tools to assist in pruning and cultivating His emerging spiritual crop.
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.
Seeking God's Will (Part One): Holiness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDetermining the will of God is difficult to do unless we know the character of God. Holiness is the foundation for all of the other traits of God.
Anticipation
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityIn Carly Simon's song 'Anticipation,' she wonders whether the present moment of joy will last into the future or turn into disillusionment.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Eight)
Sermon by David F. MaasThe most effective way to develop a relationship with God is by developing a continuous prayer dialogue, conversing with Him through Bible study and prayer.
Christ's Revelation of the Father
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJohn 1:1-3 reveals Jesus' pedigree as the Logos (Spokesman), whose function was to declare or reveal the Father. He had existed with His Father from eternity.
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.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike geodes, hiding magnificent structural and aesthetic designs, the biblical types, emblems, or allegories are deceptively simple on the surface.
Deuteronomy (Part 4) (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe 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.
"If I Have Not Charity"
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChristianity has both an inward aspect (building godly character or becoming sanctified) and an outward aspect (doing practical good works).
Intimacy with Christ (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan has deliberately designed this world to burn up our precious time, creating an artificial sense of urgency and a perpetual state of discontent.
Love's Importance and Source
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is the source of real love; mankind by nature does not have it. It is only by knowing God that we can have this love. Godly love is a cycle that God initiates.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Seven)
Sermon by David F. MaasWe draw closer to God through Bible study and prayer. Here are practical techniques for augmenting our Bible study, gathering our daily spiritual manna.
Intimacy with Christ (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe don't really know something unless we have experienced it. Knowing God manifests itself in the way one lives, reflecting faithfulness and obedience.
Intimacy with Christ (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must guard our time, not allowing busyness and involvement with activities of the world to prevent us from forming a deep intimacy with God.
Love's Emotional Dimension
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove doesn't become 'love' until we act. If we don't do what is right, the right feeling will never be formed; emotions are largely developed by our experiences.
A Priceless Gift
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's people are the precious jewels (or the private, personal possessions) of God, obligated to conform exclusively to His will and purpose.
Hebrews (Part Thirteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham, the father of the faithful, did not have a blind faith; it was based upon observation of God's proven track record of faithfulness.
Living Abundantly In Tough Times
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLived properly, a Christian's life is scintillating and deeply satisfying, full of rewards, even though it involves responsibility and self-control.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe yoke grievous to bear (Acts 15:10) was not God's law, but an entire package of Pharisaic regulations that had been elevated to the level of God's law.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We qualify to lead by internalizing the covenants, not only believing God, but doing what He says, realizing that the covenants are not complicated.
Psalms: Book One (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause Jesus is God's Son, we can avoid the rod of His anger by paying respect with worshipful awe. We must know both His instruction and Him personally.
Blogging For Truth
Sermonette by Joshua MontgomeryOur only antidote to the barrage of lies is to stay close to God's Word, trusting in His providence and His promises to protect us as we obey Him.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Fourteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Solomon ruminates about life being seemingly futile and purposeless. A relationship with God is the only factor which prevents life from becoming useless.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father and Son are separate; the Father is the source of all power, while the Son serves as the channel through which we interface with the Father.
Sabbathkeeping (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIt is from the proper use of the Sabbath—in fellowshipping with Him and getting to know Him—that we derive true spiritual rest and refreshment.
A Pre-Passover Look
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must thoroughly examine ourselves, exercising and strengthening our faith, actively giving love back to God, to avoid taking Passover in a careless manner.
Faith and Prayer
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughConstant, earnest prayer keeps faith alive and makes certain the receiving of the qualities that make us in the image of God. God's purpose comes first.
Love's Basic Definition
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove is not a feeling, but an action—defined as keeping God's commandments, the only means by which we can possibly know Him, leading to eternal life.
John (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEternal 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.
Elements of Motivation (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal life, emphasizing a special intimate relationship with God the Father and Christ, is vastly different from immortality, connoting only endless existence.
Our Spiritual Roof
Sermon by Bill OnisickIf we are not performing righteous acts with the right spirit (God's Holy Spirit or the mind of Christ) we will not hit the mark.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The paradox of Ecclesiastes 7 shows an unrighteous man flourishing and a righteous man suffering. The solution to this conundrum is found in Psalm 73.
Communication and Coming Out of Babylon (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod commands us to come out of Babylon, giving us spiritual resources to do so, including faith, vision, hope, and love. These come through knowing Him.
Conviction, Moses, and Us
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike Moses, we have to develop conviction, a product of a relationship of God, established by being faithful day by day in the little things of life.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)From the beginning, God has set apart certain individuals, putting them through a sanctifying process, perfecting their character until they reflect His image.
Man's Greatest Challenge (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIt is almost impossible to make sense out of this world if we try to process the voluminous information available in these days of exploding knowledge.
The Needed Dimension
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnless we humbly submit before God, all of His efforts go for naught. God will not give His Spirit to those who will not obey Him.
Shrugging Off Scoffers (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAny prophetic speculation, accurate or not, is useless unless it is promotes diligence in living godly lives, eagerly preparing for the return of Christ.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Psalm 73 describes someone seeing the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, but it is not true that people in the world are leading superior lives.
What Are You Leaving?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe 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.
Glorify You Me
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidThe purpose of our calling is not the place of safety, but that we glorify God, following the example of Jesus Christ.
Passover and Hope
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Passover is a beacon of hope in an otherwise hopeless milieu. Jesus provided hope at His last Passover, exuding confidence despite what lay ahead.
Holiness (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo 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. RitenbaughThe Pharisees and Sadducees, who normally opposed each other, joined forces against their common enemy, Jesus. They should have recognized Him as the Messiah.
Idolatrous Suppressors of the Truth
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen John talks about idols, he is going far beyond things like statues, icons, and crucifixes, but instead anything people focus on first.
The Pure in Heart
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIt is the core of our heart that must be cleansed before we can have a pure heart, enabling us to see God as He is.
Psalms: Book Four: He Is Coming!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is like the opening salvo of the fall feasts, beginning with a blast of the trumpet or shofar, reminiscent of the event on Mount Sinai.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Founders of this nation were guided more by laws of expedience than by ideology or theology, not having the true faith once delivered.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father and the Son are two distinct beings, not co-equal as the trinity doctrine proclaims, but with the Son deferring to the Father in all things.
The Christian and the World (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHelp in following God comes from displacing the love for the world with the love for God, and setting our hearts on spiritual treasures instead of earthly ones.
The Fourth Commandment (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath reminds us that God is Creator and that we were once in slavery to sin. The Sabbath is a time of blessing, deliverance, liberty, and redemption.
What's So Bad About Babylon? (2003) (Part 2)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe entire Babylonian system has an enslaving, addicting, and inebriating quality, producing a pernicious unfaithfulness and Laodicean temperament.
Belief with Obedience
Sermon by John O. ReidCatholics and Protestants, because of lack of belief, do not find the Bible a sufficient guide to salvation. They claim to believe Christ, yet disobey.
Four Views of Christ (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist provides a model of how to live a godly life in the flesh, living life the way God lives it. Using His light, we can navigate our way in this world.
Hebrews (Part Nine)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAfter the change from the Aaronic to the Melchizedek priesthood, it was also necessary to change the Covenant. The flaw was not the law, but the heart.
Lessons From First-Century Christianity
Sermon by David C. GrabbeEven though the believers of the first century experienced extraordinary events, because of entropy, their zeal atrophied after the shockwaves dissipated.
We Are Saved in This Hope
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Scriptures assure us that by combining God's redemptive acts from the past, we are to have an ardent hope in the future, anticipating eternal life.
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.
Patriotism, the Summer Soldier, and Our Times (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ was not a sunshine patriot, but sacrificed everything He had for the sake of God's people and the Kingdom of God—His holy nation.
The Healing of a Man Born Blind (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must accept that there are some things for which we do not know the answer, and not all the things we 'know' are necessarily true.
I Never Knew You
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe flesh can counterfeit spiritual attributes, mimicking genuine spiritual gifts. Some pastors have preached the truth, but from an insincere motivation.
Understanding and Wisdom
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughKnowledge, understanding and wisdom leads to righteousness and ultimately knowing God and attaining eternal life. By applying diligence, wisdom will accrue.
Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must avoid following the negative examples of our forbears. We have been enlisted into spiritual warfare on three fronts: the heart, the world, and Satan.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ and God the Father are one in spirit and purpose, purposing to draw us toward that same kind of unity that currently exists between them.
False Gospels
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA major clue for discerning false gospels is that any teaching attempting to change the nature of God or Christ or their doctrines is anti-Christ and false.
The Christian and the World (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughClear vision lights the way spiritually. If the eye of the heart is aimed at spiritual treasure and the glory of God, it will remain singly focused.
The Commandments (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod gave the Sabbath to His people so they can know Him intimately. Idolatry, scattering, and captivity are the natural consequences of Sabbath-breaking.
Hebrews (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEverything about the Priesthood of Christ is superior to the Levitical system, which only served as a type of the access to God that Jesus would fulfill.