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God's Calling and Election
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe concept of the Elect, as presented, revolves around God's sovereign choice and calling of individuals for a special relationship with Him. God initiates this relationship, personally selecting those whom He draws to Christ. No one can come to Christ unless the Father calls them, emphasizing that it is not by human effort or seeking, but by His grace and purpose that individuals are chosen. The Father, the Great God of the universe, condescends to reach down to insignificant humans, desiring a relationship that transforms them from corruptible to eternal beings. The calling of God generally targets ordinary people, often from the middle or lower echelons of society, rather than the great or powerful. This choice ensures that all credit and glory go to God for raising up these individuals into glorious children from the dust of the ground. Paul emphasizes that the Elect did nothing to deserve this calling; it is entirely due to God's grace and sovereign plan, established before time began, to create a body of Christ and erect a spiritual temple. In the teachings of Jesus, the term 'call' often refers to a general invitation or summons to hear God's truth, broadcast widely to many, like a message on radio or television, available for anyone to encounter. However, Jesus clarifies that while many are called in this broad sense, only a few are chosen by the Father to truly understand and enter into a relationship with Him and His Son, forming a little flock of firstfruits. Paul, on the other hand, uses 'called' to specifically denote the Elect, those chosen by God for salvation. In his writings, terms like 'the called,' 'the elect,' 'the chosen,' and 'saints' are synonymous, representing those separated out and set apart to know God deeply. This calling encompasses the entire salvation process, from the initial summons to glorification, with God confident in His ability to bring the called to salvation, provided they cooperate. The Elect are distinguished as those who love God and are invited to be part of His purpose, holding a special place as firstfruits and the apple of His eye. God's calling involves a process, not a one-time event. It begins with pre-appointment and calling, steps solely performed by God, followed by justification and sanctification, which require the individual's active participation in growing in godly character and transforming into the image of Christ. The process culminates in glorification through resurrection at Christ's return, with God urging the Elect onward, confident in completing their transformation. To call individuals out of the world, God must overcome the hold of human nature, influenced by satan and societal forces. He opens the minds of the Elect to hear and understand the truth, often dramatically, as seen in the conversion of Paul, where God instantly changed his heart from hostility to obedience. Through His Spirit, God works with the called, guiding them toward truth, glorifying Christ, and revealing His plan, clearing the fog of misunderstanding that once veiled their hearts. Ultimately, God's calling offers a rare and precious opportunity for an eternal inheritance as co-heirs with Christ. He employs any means necessary—be it a magazine, broadcast, or personal example—to awaken a willing mind in the Elect, motivating them to pursue His way over the deceptive promises of satan, ensuring they see the incomparable value of His eternal promise.
Who Are You?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidGod is shaping us into heroes, though the world does not see us as such. Instead, it views us as the opposite. Yet, we are called by God out of an unbelieving world, considered foolish by worldly standards, to confound and humble the wise in the future. We are the elect, truly working to please God and stand for what is correct. Because of our efforts, and those who have gone before, this world is not destroyed. Individually, we are so prized by God that the days, if not shortened, would lead to the destruction of all mankind. However, due to our striving to overcome, much of this world will be saved. Though they may laugh at our beliefs now, the payoff will be beyond their imagination. Our reward, as the elect, is to rule with Christ for a thousand years and to be kings and priests on the earth, teaching and helping all of mankind to live together at last.
Pentecost and the Mystery of the Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod has revealed profound mysteries to His elect, entrusting them with a serious responsibility to live as Christ lives under the guidance of His Holy Spirit. As stewards of these mysteries, the elect are called to patiently submit to a way of life that remains unfathomable to the rest of the world, expressing their God-given faith. God has predetermined the calling of each member of His elect into the church, training them as a small, select group to lead under Christ at His return. This mission, clear to the elect, stands as an absolute mystery to the world, which remains blind to God's patient work. Even among the elect, the comprehension of these mysteries is limited by their own carnal nature, yet they are predestined to maintain absolute unity through the gifts God has provided, serving within the body of Christ as they prepare for His return and eternal service with Him.
Limited Atonement
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prospect of atonement and salvation is available to everybody, but only those called by the Father—not by an evangelical altar call—are eligible.
The Faithfulness of God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God established permanent patterns, electing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as all of those He has called. This election should be our obsession.
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.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Five): Who We Are
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod has summoned us to a unique position. As saints, we have the responsibility to work toward the Kingdom of God and become holy—things only we can do!
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.
The Faithfulness of God (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God is absolutely faithful to His promises. We attain salvation is entirely by grace; God owes us absolutely nothing.
Who Are the 144,000?
'Prophecy Watch' by StaffThe identity of the 144,000 in Revelation has long been a source of controversy. However, when we let the Bible interpret itself, the answer is plain!
Why Preach the Gospel to the World?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhy is the church to preach the gospel? Preaching the gospel is good, but preaching it for the right reasons puts one in harmony with God.
The Christian Fight (Part Six)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughFar more than on any other hero of faith, Hebrews concentrates on Abraham as the father of the faithful, the Bible's premier example of walking with God.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Six): New Testament Teaching
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThose who follow Christ are the true Israel, the Elect, and the Chosen, called by God to precede unfaithful physical Israel in the salvation process.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFaith permitted Enoch, Noah, and Abraham to receive God's personal calling. Like our patriarchs, we were called while we lived in the wicked world.
Sabbathkeeping (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe biblical instructions for Sabbath keeping apply far more to the church than to the Israelites, who did not have the fullness of scriptural counsel.
Don't Be a Prudent Agnostic
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSome of us, facing the stress of the times, may simply be going through the motions but losing every vestige of faith. We must strengthen our convictions.