Playlist: God's Calling, Value of (topic)
God's Calling and Election
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have been given something far more valuable than the lottery, namely our calling. We are obligated not to squander this valuable opportunity.
Making Good Use of God's Talent
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeBiblically, a talent has nothing to do with ability, skill, or aptitude. The Parable of the Talents goes far beyond making use of skills and abilities.
The Magnificent Work of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod is always giving us more ways to examine ourselves, knowing that the gift of knowing cannot take place without His grafting us into the Vine.
God's Investment in You
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod wants to protect His investment in us, calling those whom He knows will exercise the zeal, and willingness to sacrifice, to complete the project.
Our Precious Calling
Sermonette by James BeaubelleGod has ordained that His chosen grow while residing in an environment of transience and corruption created by Satan and perpetuated by those rejecting God.
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.
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.
Why Are We Called To Overcome?
Sermon by John O. ReidLike physical leaven, if spiritual leaven is not checked quickly, it will expand exponentially, destroying the container housing it.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe way that one lives provides testimony and witness. To witness and endure life's various trials, we must have faith in who and what we are.
God's Workmanship (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod assumes the burden for our salvation, but we are obligated to yield to His workmanship—made manifest by good works, the effect of salvation.
Keeping God's Standards
Sermon by John O. ReidGod's law will be the spiritual weights and measures in the Kingdom, but until then, we must glorify God by keeping these standards as a bright light.
Glorifying God
Sermon by John O. ReidWe have been called for the purpose of glorifying God by totally changing our lives, conforming to His character and image.
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.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Hebrews clarifies that the persecution on the early church did not come directly from God, but He did stir the pot that caused the persecution.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus qualified as High Priest, teaching us about living by faith in the New Covenant, which mandates that we keep His commandments.
Hebrews (Part Fourteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Without a meaningful relationship with Christ, God's people cannot possibly bear fruit. Our responsibility is to yield to God's creative work in our lives.
The Purpose of Offerings
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Pastor General of a well-known church made a statement that turned the giving of offerings into a competition and a rich man's game. Is this God's intent?
Elements of Motivation (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe can become energized and motivated by our high calling and summons to do the will of God, seeing how vitally important we are to God's purpose.
Hebrews (Part Twelve): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To counteract complacency, Hebrews warns against neglecting God's invitation of salvation, which He does not guarantee until sanctification has run its course.
Who Are You?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidGod chooses the base and the foolish of the world, giving them the precious truth leading to sanctification and glorification, making us unique to God.
All in All (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The end of the sanctification process is when Christ will have defeated all enemies and put all things under His feet. Then, God the Father will be all in all.
Remember When
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaGod wants us to remember when we were called out of bondage into virtue, when He gave us the power of His Holy Spirit to do what ancient Israel could not.
Studying the Bible
Sermon by John O. ReidBible study provides a personal means of attaining the mind of God, growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ezekiel prophetically warns Israelites today of imminent cultural collapse because of ungodly leadership. We must treasure and appreciate the truth we have.
What Happens Next
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWhen we determine we have slipped spiritually, we need to get back up and continue overcoming rather than continuing to wallow in the muck of Babylon.
Going on to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe are bombarded by technology, competing for our attention, causing us to drift from our spiritual quest. God expects us to continue to mature spiritually.
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.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The frightful conditions during the 1st century are typical of the times ahead. To weather these circumstances, we need the encouragement of Hebrews.
Assessment Now, Judgment Later!
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsGod commands us to set our minds on things above and not on the earthly, seeking the eternal Kingdom of God rather than perishable treasures of this world.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The responsibility given to the church Christ has called out of this world is to expand His teachings, magnifying them and making them clear and honorable.
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has placed us all in the body where it has pleased Him. We dare not imitate Satan by letting self-centered goals eclipse God's purpose.
Christ Our Passover
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe focus of our self-examination should not be self-centered or comparing ourselves with others, but on the awesome significance of His sacrifice.
Matthew (Part Nineteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe parable of the Dragnet describes the culling process God uses to separate the truly committed from every walk of life from those mildly interested.
Five Easily-Neglected Doctrines
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Here are five easily neglected doctrines, which, if carelessly observed or distorted, could jeopardize the salvation of God's people.
We Are Part of Something Special
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingAs we mature, our rough edges become smoothed, and we become thankful for the bond between us, looking for ways to edify one another.
The Five Warnings of Hebrews
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe modern church stands in danger of allowing salvation to slip away. Hebrews gives warnings to help us turn our lives around so we do not fall short.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe fault of the Old Covenant was with the hearts of the people. Christ took it upon Himself to amend the fault enabling us to keep the commandments.
Treasure Your Birthright
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJacob, though having a conniving spirit, nevertheless knew the superior value of the birthright, and struggled with everything he had to hang onto it.
John (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn Christ's vine and branch analogy, Jesus presents Himself as the true or genuine Vine, as contrasted to the unfaithful vine (ancient Israel).
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Thirteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God is at work producing leadership in an organization that will follow Him, calling people into His family, carefully crafting it into a perfect organism.
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.
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.
Living Stones
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingI 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.
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)If we really considered or believed in our hearts that our calling was truly a treasure, we would take extraordinary steps to prevent any loss of it.
Finishing Your Gun Lap
Sermon by John O. ReidThe most dangerous lap we encounter is when everyone around us tends to be compromising. Today, what was once aberrant behavior is now considered normal.
Be Thankful!
Sermon by John O. ReidThe danger of abundant blessings is that we tend to forget the source of the blessings and cease being thankful. When we forget to be thankful, we forget God.
Honor Before Love
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAgape love will not occur unless we first learn to honor, esteem, and cherish God and the preciousness of Christ's sacrifice for us.
Our Affinity to Christ
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus 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.
Ambassadors for Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are sojourners, pilgrims, aliens, and ambassadors, living among, yet separate from, the peoples of this present world. We must be loyal to our spiritual family.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Paul urges Euodia and Syntyche to follow the example of Christ rather than placing their desire to be right over unity. Godly leadership follows submission.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the Bible, eating can be a symbol of fornication. Like Jacob and Christ, we must learn to curb our appetites, learning to distinguish holy from profane.
Amos (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAmos, like a circling hawk, makes dire pronouncements on all of Israel's enemies but reserves the harshest judgment for Israel, who should have known better.
Titus (Part Seven): Maintaining Good Works
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though we are not justified by good works, good works are the honing process with which God perfects us in the life-long process of sanctification.
I Can Only Imagine
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaThe predestinated, called-out saints, when God finishes His creative work, will be like Jesus Christ, offspring of Almighty God and will see Him as He is.
The Love of Money
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughThe context for the oft-misquoted 'money is the root of all evil' is a warning against ministers who wish to enrich themselves using the pretext of God's Word.
Buying and Selling
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughThe False Prophet compels all to take the Mark of the Beast or be prevented from buying and selling. But 'buying and selling' what?
I Love a Mystery
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Eighth Day focuses upon the Rivers of Living Waters, signifying God's Holy Spirit flowing from the resurrected saints, unlocking previously secret things.
Engage!
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityOur daily social interaction has become digital rather than flesh and blood. Social media has divided us into media ghettos. Society has become disengaged.
Privilege, Responsibility, and Judgment
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our welfare programs have scriptural principles as their general inspiration, but they have been abused, encouraging dependency which God never intended.
Is Speaking in Tongues the Only Sign?
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingIn Pentecostalism, speaking in 'tongues' is the worshipped sign that God has accepted a person. Yet the miracle of Pentecost was not the speaking gibberish.
Conforming to This World
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIt 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.
Psalms: Book Three (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBook Three of the Psalms addresses the compulsion to fast and to mourn. Judah's faithlessness brought about the horrific destruction of Jerusalem on Av 9.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The modern nations of Israel, by turning its back on the truth, has blown its opportunity for moral leadership every bit as much as ancient Judah did.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Four)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Satan can fine-tune the course of this world (Zeitgeist), customizing it depending on whom he may seek to murder. We need to be thinking and vigilant.
Resuming Ecclesiastes (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe disappointment in the vanity of life is good for our spiritual preparation, making us disillusioned with all the world's glamorous but false choices.
When the Trumpet Blows
Sermon by John O. ReidThroughout Israel's history, the trumpet blast has always meant the onset of war, death, and destruction, ushering in harsh correction for physical Israel.
Focus
Sermon by John O. ReidThough Christ has warned us to be aware of the times, we need to be more alert to how we are living. End-time events should lead us to repentance.
Manifesting Kindness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe desperately need to internalize the godly traits of kindness, mercy, compassion, and tenderness, displacing the carnal traits of bitterness and wrath.
Remembering Who We Are
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWhen we consider the awesome contrast of what we were before God called us and what we are now, we cannot allow ourselves to commit spiritual fornication.
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.