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Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God does not owe us anything, and this truth is central to understanding His grace. Just as the potter has complete authority over the clay, as seen in Jeremiah 18, so too does God have the right to shape us according to His will, without any obligation to us. His gifts, including salvation and faith, are freely given, not earned through our works, as emphasized in Ephesians 2:4-10. Every aspect of His creative work in us is a gift of His activity, underscoring that He owes us nothing, not even a tiny jot of what He provides. As surely as the manna appeared to the Israelites in the wilderness, God supplies our every spiritual need for His purpose, all freely given for His glorification and to create us for a place in His family Kingdom. In Romans 3:19-23, it is clear that regardless of who we are, God owes us nothing but death because all have sinned, and sinners are burdened with a debt they cannot pay except by death. Justification cannot be claimed as an entitlement through law-keeping, for once we sin, we are indebted, and only God's grace offers a way out as a gift freely given. This generous freeness of God in justifying sinners, rather than morally meritorious saints, as seen in Romans 5:8-10, highlights His total lack of obligation toward us, ensuring that pride does not enter our relationship with Him.

Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's grace supports and fulfills us, but it does not mean 'once saved,always saved.' It is possible to fall from grace, as Israel's experience demonstrates.

The Sovereignty of God (Part Eleven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Understanding God's sovereignty as a basic doctrine provides a link between knowledge and practice, as well as providing motivation to yield to God's purpose.

How Does Faith Establish the Law? (Part Two)

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

The meaning of Romans 3:31 is plain unless one believes that grace abolishes God's law. Justification by faith is based on the law's true purpose.

Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Grace implies empowerment for growth. It is the single most important aspect of our salvation, and His giving of it is completely unmerited on our part.

The Sovereignty of God (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Those 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.

The Great Wave and God

CGG Weekly by John W. Ritenbaugh

Is it not galling, indeed angering, that renowned people from the world of Christianity cannot give a forthright and true answer straight from God's Book?

Beware of Faith Blockers!

Article by Staff

We need to be working on increasing our faith and ridding our lives of attitudes that block faith. Then we can begin to be profitable servants.

Welfare and Christianity

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

It is beyond question that Christians should be compassionate toward the needy. We are to lend a hand to those who have stumbled. But how far does this go?

New Covenant Priesthood (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Humility is not low self esteem, but instead it is a proper estimate of our relationship to God, which is a choice to act and behave as a servant or slave.

The Laborers: Matthew 20:1-16

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Because God is completely just, we have an obligation to be content with what He has given us, to allow Him to use us for whatever purpose He desires.

Are You Happy? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Ronny H. Graham

Attitude plays a crucial role in bringing us closer to or taking us further away from happiness. Here are five emotional diseases that eat away at happiness.

An Important Reality (Part 2)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We, as employees of God's government, are not owed or entitled to anything. Pride blinds from seeing the destruction ahead if we refuse to sacrifice.

Maintaining Good Health (Part 13)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Commitment to a course of action is essential for physical or spiritual success. Faith motivates and sustains right action, protecting us from wavering.

Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 5)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Acts 15 decision did not do away with God's law, but solved the question of circumcision and the misconception that it was a recipe for salvation.

Poor in Spirit (1997)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Being poor in spirit is a foundational spiritual state for qualifying for God's Kingdom. Poor in spirit describes being acutely aware of one's dependency.

Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jacob's Trouble, or the Great Tribulation, comes about because people are not meeting their God-given responsibilities: keeping His Commandments.

Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our experiences prepare us to be a better judge or king. Though we may exercise righteous judgment, we dare not pass judgment nor justify sin in ourselves.

Our Faith Is the Victory

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

While the carnal mindset is hostile to everything in God's word, we have been provided a gift to enable us to overcome: the faith from being born of God.

Are We Happy?

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

The inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness can only be realized when we live in gratitude for Our Creator's purpose for us.