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God Is Not a Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma

Sermon by Mark Schindler

The world often views God as an absolute mystery, hidden behind a forbidding and impenetrable iron curtain. This great mystery is perceived as real or imagined, hands-on or hands-off, fearsome or affable, self-serving or subject to the limits of a deteriorating or expanding universe, unjust and unreasonable, or absolutely merciful and subject to the whims of men. Driven by carnal nature in the spirit of this world, God is seen as an overwhelming, powerful force that must be rationally dealt with, akin to an awesome power driven by duplicitous interests. Yet, for those called by Him, God should not be absolutely mysterious, as His revelation has moved beyond creation to the indwelling mind of the Creator Himself. This tender care must be carefully and continuously cultivated with reverential awe, learning and living the very life of Christ together. The stakes are higher, but God has not changed; He has given more so that we can change. Our intimate knowledge of what others see as an absolute mystery should be precious and tenderly cultivated in relationship with one another, or we risk becoming as blind and befuddled as the world. We should greatly fear God, not because He is an ominously powerful mystery hidden behind an iron curtain, but because we do know Him, submitting to Him with reverence. We can continue to grow in grace and knowledge only as we live as He lives in us.

Is God's Way Simple?

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The concept of the Mystery of God reveals that God's way is not always simple, though it can appear so at first glance. On some levels, God's way is extremely straightforward, distilled into easily understood messages. Yet, beyond these initial ideas, there is profound depth to God's way of life and the theology that underpins it. Many aspects remain totally beyond human comprehension, and to assume that God's way is always simple is a misconception. The Bible itself is constructed with multiple levels of understanding, ranging from simple meanings to complex, unfathomable truths. As one delves deeper, the Scriptures remain relevant and true, no matter the depth explored. God's creations, like the Bible, start with simplicity but reveal almost limitless complexity upon closer examination, reflecting the vastness of His mind. His thoughts are far above human thoughts, and humans are merely scratching the surface of understanding His depths. Scriptural illustrations, such as the vision in Ezekiel 47, portray a progression from shallow to deep waters, symbolizing the Christian walk as a journey into the mysteries of God. This journey requires steady progress, moving from basic understanding to swimming in profound truths. Similarly, in II Peter 3, it is acknowledged that some writings, like those of Paul, are hard to understand, demanding deep thought and diligence to grasp fully. Without such diligence, one risks being led astray by error. In Romans 11, even Paul admits that some aspects of God's plan are unsearchable and past finding out, emphasizing that God's thoughts are higher than ours and often beyond human grasp in this life. The rulers of the world cannot comprehend God's way, and even to His followers, many things remain mysteries, only partially understood through the revelation of His Spirit. In I Corinthians 13, Paul speaks of spiritual maturity, acknowledging that while we strive for deeper understanding, some things will remain dimly seen until we are transformed into spirit beings, when full knowledge will be granted. The purpose of Scripture, as seen in Proverbs 1, is to move believers beyond simplicity to prudence and subtlety in understanding God's way. God desires His people to grasp the depths of His thoughts and actions, to govern themselves with wisdom and sound judgment, and to avoid remaining in simplicity, which makes one vulnerable to deception. The mysteries of God call for a continuous journey into deeper knowledge, ensuring that believers are firmly rooted and less likely to be swayed by falsehood.

The Wonderful, Powerful Gift of God's Holy Spirit

Sermon by John O. Reid

God has made known to us the mystery of His will, a concept that signifies something concealed or hidden, beyond ordinary comprehension. This mystery, once obscured, is now revealed and made understandable to those called by God the Father. With the giving of God's Spirit, understanding comes alongside the conversion of the individual, illuminating the role of Jesus as their Redeemer and unveiling the entire plan of salvation. Until this revelation, a veil had covered their understanding of what God is about, but with its removal, they can now grasp the will of God in their lives. This divine disclosure showcases the vast scope of God's plan, aiming to restore harmony in the universe by placing all things under Christ, returning everything to a pristine condition through the power of God's Holy Spirit.

Privileges of the Temple of God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Church is a building which has been constructed from the foundation of the world, fashioned incrementally stone by stone, layer by layer, member-by-member.

God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's mysteries have been in plain sight from the beginning of time, but carnality has obscured them from mankind.

Approaching God Through Christ (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Religious bumper stickers fall short of revealing the full counsel of God, which is more complex than 'believe on the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved.'

The Mystery of the Church (2005)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Paul's body analogy illustrates the interconnectedness of all members to Jesus Christ and to each other. Not one is unimportant or useless.

The Glory of God (Part 3): From Glory to Glory

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We must not limit God's glory to something physical like fire or cloud, but rather recognize God's glory as radiating from His character, which we can share.

What Does God Really Want? (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We are called to fulfill our job as a steward, entrusted with managing, protecting, preserving, attending, and increasing what has been entrusted to us.

Born Again (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The gestation or fetus analogy does not adequately depict the sanctification process in which there has to be volition, judgment, and conscious choice.

Our Awesome Destiny

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Understanding is totally different from knowledge. Some people with ample knowledge are incredibly ignorant when discerning the plan of God.

Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Nine)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The marriage relationship and the family structure provide a workshop to learn the intricacies of the God-plane relationship between Christ and the church.

Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Four)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. Maas

We must respond to our precious calling, choosing permanent eternal spiritual treasures, such as knowing God.

Two Contrary Visions

Sermon by John O. Reid

God has a vision for us, a vision He has been planning from the foundation of creation, an awesome plan to bring us into His very family, giving us His mind.