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Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's grace stands as the cornerstone of our spiritual salvation, a divine assistance that is entirely unmerited and unearned. It is not given out of obligation or compulsion, but flows freely from His nature as a giver who delights in saving and helping those less fortunate. His benevolence empowers us for service and spiritual growth, a gift that prompts gratitude and recognition of His abundant providence. Without what He freely provides, we are nothing, utterly dependent on Him for both physical sustenance and spiritual life. Salvation is accomplished through God's grace from beginning to end. He rescues and saves us, not because we deserve it, but because it is His purpose and character to do so. This grace is not an entitlement; it is a reflection of His covenant love and faithfulness, a power that enables us to live a new life in Christ. As seen in the journey of the Israelites, salvation can be lost if we refuse His gifts, underscoring that it is not unconditionally guaranteed. We must believe and yield to what He offers, acknowledging that every spiritual gift, including faith itself, originates from His grace. Faith, as a fruit of God's grace, is not something innate within us but is given by Him. He draws us to Himself, initiating a relationship that allows us to trust in His Son. This calling and election are acts of His grace, often determined before we have done any works, emphasizing that our spiritual standing is entirely due to His gifting power. We are saved by grace through faith, both of which are not of ourselves but are His gifts, ensuring that no one can boast as if salvation were earned. Understanding grace humbles us, as it reveals that He owes us nothing but death due to our sins, yet He continues to bestow wonderful gifts. Every aspect of Christian responsibility and work derives from His creating grace, which equips us to glorify Him and serve His body. Even good works, while fruits of His grace, cannot earn it; they are simply the result of His freely given empowerment. His steadfast love, reflected in both Old and New Testament concepts, remains the foundation of our hope, assuring us of His unchanging character and faithful commitment to His people.
The Manifold Grace of God
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsGod's calling us is just our initial taste of His grace. Grace is unmerited, but it is not unconditional. We have an obligation to respond to God.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEverything that we go through has been engineered by God. We are His workmanship, created for good works, a response to the faith He has given us.
Faith (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAt the time of the end, sin will be so pervasive and so compelling that our only resource for enduring its influence will be our relationship with God.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist emphasizes that the internal, weightier matters, which change the heart, take precedence over external ceremonial concerns that don't change the heart.