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God's Creation and Our Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is the Creator, not only of all things on earth but also of His Family. He is the Designer and Creator of each individual, both physically and spiritually. As Paul declares in II Corinthians 5:17-18, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and all things have become new, and all these things are of God. This spiritual creation does not originate from human effort; no one creates himself into a Christian, nor does a Christian create himself into God. Just as a human baby does not create itself in its mother's womb, each Christian is a product of God's creative powers, shaped through His laws and relationship with Him. The process of spiritual creation begins with God's calling, as Jesus states in John 6:44, that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws him. This calling is followed by revelation through His Spirit, as described in I Corinthians 2:10, where God reveals deep things to those He calls. Psalm 104:30 further illustrates this by stating that when God sends forth His Spirit, creation occurs, renewing the face of the earth. This same principle applies to the spiritual transformation of each called person, changing their outlook on life, as seen in Paul's shift from viewing Christ as an enemy to a Savior. God, as the hands-on Creator, actively molds and shapes His people. He is not distant but intimately involved in a Family relationship, closer than any human bond. It is His initiative that brings about a reaction in us; without His first act of calling, sending His Spirit, granting repentance, and empowering belief, there would be no spiritual progress. As Jesus emphasizes in John 15:5, without Him, we can do nothing in terms of producing spiritual fruit. Every step toward the Kingdom of God is made possible by what God does first, which is grace—favor in action. Ephesians 2:8-10 reinforces this by stating that salvation is by grace through faith, both gifts from God, not of our own works. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand for us to walk in. This spiritual creation is an ongoing process, fitting us into the body of Christ, as described in Ephesians 1:22-23, where we are the fullness of Him who fills all in all. God places each member in the body as it pleases Him, according to I Corinthians 12:18, ensuring that every part functions as designed within His vision. The ultimate goal of this creation is reflected in I John 3:1-2, where we are called children of God, destined to be like Him when He is revealed. Yet, we do not fully know what we shall be, as our understanding is limited. God continually reveals Himself and His purpose, guiding us to conform to His will. Our role is to yield to His creative manipulations, expressing what He has already put within us, as Philippians 2:12-13 urges us to work out our salvation, knowing it is God who works in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
The Sabbath: Creation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe often become consumed by the demands of daily life, neglecting to marvel at the perfection and beauty of God's creation. As believers, we are not blind to the wonders of the natural world, recognizing that in six days God created all that we see and enjoy in our environment. We stand in awe of the intricate design evident in nature, confident that only a great, intelligent, and wise God could have crafted something so magnificent. The notion that this amazing world, which has sustained life for thousands of years, emerged through random processes is unthinkable to us. The earth itself stands as a testament to divine precision, perfectly suited to support life with its ideal atmosphere and conditions. Factors such as the right ingredients, crust, temperature, moon, star, core, and neighboring planets all align to create a habitable planet. These elements, often referred to as the Goldilocks principle, demonstrate a balance that we believe only God could orchestrate. Despite scientific theories attributing this perfection to chance, we affirm that only a Supreme Intelligence could ensure such a harmonious environment for life. Beyond the physical creation, God's work continues in a spiritual dimension. He has not left us mired in human ignorance and self-destruction but has lifted us through His love and grace. As stated in Ephesians 2:4-10, God, rich in mercy, has made us alive with Christ, raising us to sit with Him in heavenly places. This spiritual elevation grants us a divine perspective, adding the Holy Spirit to our lives, which makes all the difference. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, prepared beforehand by God for us to walk in them. God's creative process does not cease with physical creation or even with our initial calling. He is constantly working on those He has called, shaping us through ongoing spiritual creation. This is evident in His weekly engagement with us on the Sabbath, a day set apart for His continued work in creating His sons and daughters. The Sabbath, rooted in the creation week as described in Genesis 2:1-3, marks a shift from physical labor to spiritual focus, where God rested, blessed, and sanctified the seventh day, setting it apart for holy use. On the Sabbath, God's work transitions to building faith in Christ within us, as highlighted in John 6:29. This spiritual labor, evident from the earliest interactions with Adam and Eve, shows God addressing salvation and the effects of sin, preparing humanity for a life aligned with His purpose. His ongoing task, as seen in Psalm 74:12 and Ephesians 4:23-24, is to work salvation and create a new man in righteousness and holiness. The Sabbath serves as a sign between God and His people, reminding us weekly that He is the Lord who sanctifies us, as noted in Exodus 31:13. It is a dedicated time to focus on His transformative work, aligning us with His purpose to make us holy. By observing the Sabbath, we participate in God's spiritual creation, growing in our knowledge of Him and advancing toward eternal life, as reflected in John 17:3. Properly keeping this day facilitates our spiritual growth, setting us apart and deepening our relationship with the Father and the Son.
The Pattern of Creation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mike FordGod works with patterns, as seen in the creation of the heavens and the earth. By the word of the Lord, the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of His mouth, as David declares in Psalm 33:6-9. He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. This sovereign act of creation reveals His purpose, moving everything toward the conclusion He planned from the beginning. In Genesis 1:1-2, we see that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, with the earth initially without form and void, and the Spirit of God hovering over the waters. The focus narrows to earth, where life is uniquely sustained by a perfect balance of atmosphere, water, and other elements, following His divine pattern. The Hebrew term ruach elohim, often translated as Spirit of God in Genesis 1:2, may also suggest a powerful wind directed by Him, essential for forming clouds and sustaining life through climate equilibrium. God's plan extends beyond the physical to a spiritual purpose. Romans 8:28-29 affirms that all things work together for good to those who love God, predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ, who serves as our living blueprint. Christ prepares a place for us, as stated in John 14:3, promising that where He is, we may be also. As joint heirs with Christ, according to Romans 8:17, we are destined to share in His glory and the inheritance of all things, including the vast universe, as described in Hebrews 1:2. This spiritual creation involves our future roles in the Kingdom of God, where we will reign with Christ, following His pattern. Beyond the Millennium and the Great White Throne Judgment, the undeveloped galaxies await transformation. With Christ as our model, and equipped with the proven patterns of creation—light, water, and wind—we are prepared to participate in this eternal work, reflecting His design in all we do.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist emphasizes that the internal, weightier matters, which change the heart, take precedence over external ceremonial concerns that don't change the heart.
Human Will and God's Sovereignty (Part Three)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God-designed personalities, having His character, will make up God's family, not self-made personalities created by human will. We must yield as He creates.
From Start to Finish (Part Three)
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerThe divine title, 'the First and the Last,' describes God's intensive activity - from start to finish - in bringing His purpose for humanity to fruition.
Hebrews (Part Fourteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Without a meaningful relationship with Christ, God's people cannot possibly bear fruit. Our responsibility is to yield to God's creative work in our lives.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGrace's influence extends beyond justification, into the sanctification stage where the believer yields himself to righteousness, keeping God's commandments.
Where Does Righteousness Come From?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeJob was righteous because of the work of God, forming his righteousness out of nothing, guiding events and providing an environment in which character was formed.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is intimately involved with the smallest details of our life, including our conception and birth, supplying spiritual gifts to carry out His work.
Another Look at the Book of Job
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhere did Job's righteousness come from? Was his character a product of evolution, or was it intelligently formed out of nothingness like the rest of creation?
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn terms of building character, God does the creating, assaying, testing, and proving; we do the yielding and walking in the pathway He has set for us.
Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (2019)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Egypt is not directly a symbol of sin, but instead the world. The Days of Unleavened Bread symbolize what God did for us, not what we did by our own power.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Four): Other Gifts
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod has given His people tremendous gifts that, if used, will build their faith and draw them closer to Him. He wants us to succeed because we matter.
Creator, Sustainer, Head (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe One who sent forth His Spirit to create and breathe life into the physical world, also breathed on His disciples and endowed them with spiritual life.
Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our exodus from the bondage of sin begins and ends with God. He commanded Israel to mark their escape with unleavened bread because of what He did.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are being trained to become leaders, but before we can lead, we must be able to carry out responsibilities, conforming to God's leadership and covenants.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Fourteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Only God's calling, followed by repentance and a rigorous conversion process, will safeguard us from the fiery holocaust that is coming upon this the world.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As the lives of the major biblical figures were predestined, so are our lives. God chooses, moves, and manages the lives of His servants.
Creator, Sustainer, Head (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeDespite being perhaps the oldest text in the canon, Job contains many detailed, even scientific, insights into the creative and sustaining power of Christ.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus qualified as High Priest, teaching us about living by faith in the New Covenant, which mandates that we keep His commandments.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod is putting us through exercises to create leaders in His image. His covenants are a primary tool in this process.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is pleased to save those who humble themselves, allowing Him to perform a mighty work through them, and putting everyone in debt to Him.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod, as Creator, takes the initiative (as the potter over the clay) for the elect's salvation, enabling us to build the repertoire of habits called character.
Jesus Christ: First Savior, Second High Priest, Third King
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews teaches that our relationship to Christ as our Savior, High Priest, and King is the key to salvation. He shows us the way to the Father.
God's Rest (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath rest depicts the miracle of conversion, in which the transformation of mankind into God's image brings about a rest in which God takes pleasure.
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.
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ is the architect of the church, indicating that the institution must take on the characteristics of the Builder, reflecting His character.
Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's command to eat unleavened bread teaches that He rescued His people from the bondage of sin, something they had no power to accomplish of themselves.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the combined history of Judah and Israel, when the leaders abandoned the covenants with God, the citizenry generally followed suit.
Psalms: Book Two (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe second set of documents and events consists of Book Two of Psalms, Exodus, Ruth, Psalm 147, and the Pentecost season, relating to faith within trials.
God's Master Plan
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughLike any good builder, God has a master plan to accomplish His purpose for humanity. We find the blueprint for His creation in the pages of the Bible.
Moral Purity
Sermon by James BeaubelleThe urgency to live righteously, striving for godly character is a continuous, ongoing, and vital pursuit not concluded until our death and resurrection.
Choices and a Man After God's Own Heart: Turn, Turn, Turn
Sermon by Mark SchindlerHonoring our free choice and understanding our weaknesses, God alters time and chance for us, using our mistakes as tools to enhance our godly character.
Psalms: Book Four (Part Four): God as Creator
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe creation offers compelling testimony to the intricacies which preclude even the possibility of evolution. Evolution is a futile attempt to get rid of God.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Fifteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our relationship with God is often strengthened through hardship. We must choose to yield to God, living for a much higher goal than raw materialism.
God's Workmanship (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWorks are not the cause of salvation, but instead are the effect of God's creative efforts at bringing us into His image—a new creation.
Fasting
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThe best offering we can present is a humble and contrite heart, attainable through fasting, if done without pride and self-seeking.
God's Workmanship (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod assumes the burden for our salvation, but we are obligated to yield to His workmanship—made manifest by good works, the effect of salvation.
God's Workmanship (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's creation did not end with the physical creation or our election, but God continues to work, giving us the motivation and the power to do His will.
Seeds and Seasons (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe seasons are an integral part of God's creation and play a foundational role in helping us understand what God is doing and what we should be doing.
Metaphors of God's Word
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist says His words are Spirit and Life; they have a quality above human words because their source is divine. If ingested, these words lead to eternal life.
Firstfruits and the Master Potter
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe Potter and Clay analogy provides instructions for understanding character-building tests and trials in the life-long sanctification process.
Hebrews (Part Fifteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Even though we must cooperate in cultivating spiritual fruit, God alone creates character and takes responsibility for creating spiritual offspring.
Magic Doesn't Work (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMagic is always used as some kind of weapon, but not to build or develop moral strength or character. God chooses a life-long process of sanctification.