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Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's impartiality stands as a cornerstone of His divine character, ensuring that His judgments are always just and unbiased. Romans 2:11-15 declares that there is no partiality with God, emphasizing that all, whether under the law or apart from it, are judged by the same righteous standard. Those without the law perish without it, and those with the law are judged by it, for it is not the hearers but the doers of the law who are justified in His sight. Even Gentiles, who do not have the law, demonstrate its work written in their hearts through their conscience, which bears witness to their actions, either accusing or excusing them. This universal standard reveals God's fairness, as He has endowed all mankind with a conscience that naturally discerns right from wrong, leaving them without excuse before Him. Furthermore, God's impartial nature is evident in His consistent application of justice and mercy across all humanity. He does not change, as affirmed in Malachi 3:6, and His judgments remain aligned with His holy character and purpose, never swayed by human tradition or bias. Whether dealing with His children or mankind in general, His decisions are tempered by righteousness and love, ensuring that no injustice ever mars His actions. This steadfast impartiality undergirds His purpose to create man in His image, as revealed in Genesis 1:26, offering equal opportunity for all to respond to His call, while holding each accountable to the same divine standard.
The Wrath of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's judgment and thus His wrath are impartial. He cannot be bribed or swayed by any kind of clever legal arguments. God judges perfectly. He does not give a pass to the rich or to the poor. He does not give a pass to people who are high in status or low. He does not give the popular or the obscure, the Jew, the Gentile, the slave or free, man or woman, any outs. He judges with equity, that is, all are equal under the law. If some do not know the formal law, they are judged according to the law written in their hearts, which condemns them. Their own hearts condemn them. They know by nature that the things that they were doing were wrong. They too are judged as wicked and sinful, like the rest of humanity.
Living By Faith: God's Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn order to live by faith, we must understand God's sovereignty, God's character, and God's justice, realizing that we do not see the entire picture.
Standing Before God's Judgement
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsWe must consider ourselves cooperating with a great cloud of witnesses, who had to jettison the weights that encumbered them, making them less vulnerable to sin.
God as Father
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is the only perfect example of fatherhood. We need to emulate His virtues, among them being the perfect example of what we want our children to be.
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.
Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasHumanity has been disobeying the laws of sleep and rest, leading to a cumulative sleep-debt which has shortened and deteriorated the quality of their lives.
Something to Remember
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our forebears often forgot the frequency of God's merciful intervention and declared that it was useless to serve God.
The Myth of Fairness
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughThe term 'fairness' when used by progressives means guaranteeing equal outcome by taking from the productive and giving to the unproductive.
Judgment According to Works
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause God sees the content of our hearts, nothing escapes His attention. He mercifully judges over a lifetime of behaviors, not just isolated incidents.
Basic Doctrines: Eternal Judgment
Bible Study by Earl L. HennOne of God's roles is as Judge, and His judgments are eternally binding. But what does this mean? Who is judged? How? When? For what?
Justice and Grace
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSometimes we are disturbed, even angered, because an act of God seems unfair. We have difficulty because we do not understand holiness, justice, sin, and grace.
Judgment Is a Merciful Blessing
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod is patient and tender-hearted to late bloomers, forgiving sincerely repentant individuals, but will not budge an inch on rebellion or sin.
Examples of Divine Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNadab and Abihu, Ananias and Sapphira, and Uzzah, all aware of the penalties for their actions, rebelled against God's clear and unambiguous instructions.
Using Power Righteously (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When we yield to God's Spirit, we receive the power to do the things God has prepared His firstfruits to accomplish, adding to the capabilities of the spirit in man.
Our Merciful and Faithful Provider
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The experiences of ancient Israel, bad and good, guide us in our spiritual pilgrimage to our Promised Land. The book of Deuteronomy is a strong foundation.
Is Redistribution of Wealth Biblical?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible shows that economic disparity is a given. Scripture teaches that we should voluntarily help the poor rather than be coerced by the government.