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'Before the Foundation of the World' (Part One)
CGG Weekly by John ReissGod loved the One who became Jesus Christ before the foundation of the world and had a plan for Him from that time. We, as members of the church of God, have also been part of this plan since before the foundation of the world. God chose us individually to be part of His people and His Family ages ago, before the current creation. This choice reflects His sovereign will and purpose, which surpasses any merit we might claim. The election by God includes all the benefits of His grace and providence necessary to shape us into the character image of Jesus Christ. We do not know precisely when before the foundation of the world God selected us to be specific officers in His Kingdom, but it could have been millions or even billions of years ago. This selection involved significant foresight, planning, and preparation on God's part.
Before the World Began
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerOur great and holy God decided to bless us with what we have received, possibly from before the world began. This blessing is part of a destination meticulously created for each individual He has called to be among the firstfruits with Jesus Christ. These gifts, which are part of the royal fortune of spiritual traits like faith, joy, hope, kindness, mercy, and patience, are included in the individual blueprint of each of our lives. They are designed to serve and fill the Body of Christ, expanding the royal fortune of the Family of God for eternity.
Did God Know You Before Your Birth?
CGG Weekly by Pat HigginsPaul states in Ephesians 1:4 that God chose us before the foundation of the world. This concept is reinforced by various scriptures. God spoke of Cyrus, saying, 'He is My shepherd, and he shall perform all My pleasure, saying to Jerusalem, You shall be built, and to the temple, Your foundation shall be laid' (Isaiah 44:28). God also said about Jeremiah, 'Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations that's what I had in mind for you' (Jeremiah 1:5). King David wrote of himself, 'Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began' (Psalm 139:16). Paul also wrote, 'But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace' (Galatians 1:15). James at the Council of Jerusalem stated, 'Known to God from eternity are all his works' (Acts 15:18). This is further supported by Ephesians 2:10, which says, 'We are His work. He has made us to belong to Christ Jesus so we can work for Him. He planned that we should do this.'
In Search of a Clear World View (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A Christian worldview includes the importance of our calling and the reality of God and His laws. Our worldview determines how we spend our time.
Our Ultimate Purpose
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloAs David pointed out in Psalm 139, God had His eyes on us before our birth, foreknowing the individuals He would call, predestining them into His plan.
The Miracle of God's Calling
Sermon by Kim MyersDo we appreciate the miracle of our calling, an event which changed our orientation regarding our belief structure, diet, and moral behavior?
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.
God's Sovereignty and the Church's Condition (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHow involved in man's affairs is God? Is He merely reactive, or does He actively participate—even cause events and circumstances, particularly in the church?
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNo one has any excuse for doubting God's purpose for mankind, whether revealed publicly through His Creation or privately through the Holy Scriptures.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ has full control of the church. Everything of consequence, including the development of our character, is engineered by Him.
Why Is God Doing This, This Way?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must learn to see ourselves and our function as God sees us—as a distinct, unique entity, a holy people, a special treasure.
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.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Three)
Sermon by David F. MaasThe natural gift, talent, or ability we receive at our birth provides the raw material God's Spirit uses to transform physical gifts into spiritual gifts.
A Millennium of Preparation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod has been preparing His plan from before the foundation of the world, and life's complexity and symbiosis reveal a super-competent Designer and Planner.
Who Deserves Our Loyalties?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When we are called, we are asked to count the cost and plan accordingly. We must totally give ourselves over to becoming fashioned into His image.
New Heavens and New Earth
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFollowing Jacob's Trouble, God will regather a remnant of the outcasts, breaking their yokes and bringing them to repentance and rest in the Promised Land.
Free Will or God's Sovereignty?
Sermon by David C. GrabbeIf God is sovereign and promises salvation to believers, why does it matter how believers live? How significant are our choices in the grand scheme of life?
Final Words of Jesus on the Cross
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe seven last sayings of Christ were all determined well before the creation of the earth.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Two
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThat God is sovereign means that He IS God, the absolute governor of all things. This has profound implications for us: It means He chooses goodness or severity.
For the Love of God
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe are royalty, part of the highest Family in all creation. We can take great comfort in knowing who it is we really are and that the Father greatly values us.
Is Any Time Right for You?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen life is empty, time drags; when life is full, time flies. In order to make the best use of time, we must spend it on something that will outlast it.
The 'Rest' of Hebrews 4
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf we patiently endure, trusting in God's faithfulness to bring us to completion, there will be a time when we will attain the rest we desperately yearn for.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNothing and no one can thwart God's purposes. We need to develop the faith to yield and conform to His will as clay in the potter's hands.
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has placed us all in the body where it has pleased Him. We dare not imitate Satan by letting self-centered goals eclipse God's purpose.