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The Sovereignty of God (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The sovereignty of God is a concept easily accepted intellectually, yet it becomes profoundly challenging to embrace when its practical reality strikes close to home in difficult or tragic ways. It is simple to elevate man's importance while diminishing God's, especially since He remains out of sight. The question arises: who regulates affairs on earth? Is it God, the devil, or man? There is a tendency to assume God reigns supreme in the heavens while satan rules the earth, influenced by the notion that the earth is the domain of fallen angels and satan is its ruler. However, this perspective can obscure God's true authority. In the world, where evolution prevails as a popular belief, few acknowledge God's direct creation or His ongoing regulation of events, attributing everything to abstract laws of nature. Yet, God does not view us as free from blame simply because we have been deceived by satan. He holds each responsible for their actions, as seen in His judgment of Adam and Eve, assigning blame precisely where it belongs to all participants. This underscores that free moral agency holds consequence, and God expects us to choose whom we will serve—whether it be the Sovereign Lord Creator or a fallen angel. The world often portrays God as distant or His creation as a mere plaything without purpose, fostering the impression that He is frustrated by satan's cunning or man's resistance. Such a view makes it easy to live as though God is not truly sovereign over His creation. Yet, those living by faith reject this notion, allowing their thoughts and conduct to be shaped by God's word, recognizing His authority. Faith comes by hearing and listening to God's message, a command Jesus Christ repeatedly emphasized with the charge to listen. To the end-time church, Christ's primary exhortation remains to listen, acknowledging the distractions and appealing arrangements of satan's world that can sidetrack even those who give lip service to God's word. The pain of disobedience, as seen in Judah's history, stems from dismissing God's word as inconsequential, lacking faith in His sovereignty. They heard but did not truly listen, resulting in war and captivity. True listening and belief in God's message are vital, for it is through this that His summons comes and His work is accomplished. If God is seen as the sovereign ruler of all creation, deeply involved in our lives, His words carry authority, compelling us to listen and act. This sovereignty is evident in the history of Israel, no accident but a testament to God's will being done, just as it is no accident that individuals are part of His church. God works all things after the counsel of His will, paying close attention even to the smallest details, as Jesus noted that not even a sparrow falls without God's notice. We are worth more than many sparrows, affirming His care and scrutiny over His children. Either God rules, or He is swayed by satan; either His will is accomplished, or it is thwarted by His creation. There is no middle ground—He is the only King of kings with perfect vision and limitless power. Faith, undergirded by knowing God intimately, enables trust in Him and perception of His actions. This relationship forms the foundation of authority in His word, affirming that He is holy, righteous, faithful, omnipotent, and omniscient, with no problem beyond His mastery. Even when God's judgments are unsearchable and His ways past finding out, trust in His sovereignty allows patience amidst uncertainty. Unlike worldly standards that judge by senses and time, faith views events from God's perspective, considering eternity. This series aims to provide biblical evidence of God's sovereignty over His creation, encouraging us to translate this belief into action, trusting that as long as we do not rebel, He will bring our lives to a successful conclusion in His Kingdom.

The Christian Walk (Part Four): Mutual Submission in Godly Fear

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Americans have a hard time submitting to authority and like to consider themselves as sovereigns, having the last say over anything including church doctrine.

Sovereign God, Not Man

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We have all become little 'sovereigns.' Everyone thinks he or she can make up the rules about God's truth, when God is to be the sole arbiter of truth.

A Badly Divided Nation

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Our country is divided politically and culturally more than at any other time since the Civil War and the population as a whole has become more callused.

Job: Things Left Unsaid

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

Even the accuser of the brethren made no accusations against Job, the first of several curious absences—things left unsaid—in the book of Job.

Wilderness Wanderings (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Israel's trek was not only a physical journey, but a mental wandering caused by rejecting God's leadership. The potential to sin is a test of resolve.

The Doctrine of Israel (Part Three): A Cycle of Rebellion

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Israel consistently cycles through God's deliverance, apostasy through idolatry and immorality, God's chastening, national repentance, then deliverance again.