Filter by Categories

How Much Does God Love Us? (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsGod's love for us is the foundation of our hope, endurance, and salvation. We love Him because He first loved us, and to keep our love strong, we must hold on to the truth of how much He cares for us. When we forget how special we are to Him, our love grows cold, and we risk losing faith. Yet, those who endure to the end, believing in His love, shall be saved. Even in the face of trials, such as famine, disease, or persecution, we can endure only if we firmly believe in how deeply God loves us. His love motivates every action, word, and thought, ensuring that even our trials are acts of supreme love, designed for our good and ultimate salvation. God allows us to face these challenges to perfect us, never using us merely as tools, but always acting out of His profound love. Trusting in this love gives us the confidence, courage, and hope to face any trial, just as Christ did with absolute faith in His Father's love. Real love is not our love for God, but His love for us, shown through the sacrifice of His Son. We have known and believed this love, and as we abide in it, we abide in God, and He in us. This faith in His unchanging love enables us to look ahead with confidence, becoming like Christ in love and endurance.

How Much Does God Love Us? (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsGod's love for us is profound and unparalleled, as Jesus Christ confirms in John 17:23 that God loves us as much as He loves Christ. This astounding truth means that God loves no one in the universe more than us, not even Jesus Himself. Our faith in this deep love is crucial, as Christ's question in Luke 18:8 challenges whether He will find such faith on earth when He returns. It takes unwavering belief in God's love to endure to the end, just as Christ trusted in this love during His trials on earth. This faith in God's love is the master key to endurance, as I John 4:17 reveals that God's love has reached its goal in us, enabling us to face trials with confidence, just as Christ did. We are to be exactly like Him in our belief in God's love while we navigate this world. This trust expels worry and fear, for as Romans 8:31 declares, if God is for us, who can be against us? Isaiah 43:13 further assures us of God's promise that no one can snatch us from Him or stand in His way. Nothing can stop God from fulfilling His plan to save us, except our own choice to neglect this great salvation. God's second-by-second care, as described in Isaiah 27:3 and Job 7:18, should fill us with confidence. Even in extreme hardship, we have no reason to fear, trusting that God shapes us for our good through trials. Our response to trials measures our faith in His love; if we truly believe, we accept that trials are for our growth and part of His greater purpose, never random or meaningless. Trusting in God's deep love helps us avoid self-reliance and mistrust, preventing the doubt that led to satan's fall. God, as the Perfect Parent, knows what we need to prepare us for our future roles in His Family. Exodus 34:6 affirms that He shows great love and can be trusted. By perfecting our faith in His love, as promised in I John 4:17, we gain the strength to face trials with boldness, following Christ's example of complete trust in God's love. Jesus declares that God loves each of us just as much as He loves Him, and we must believe this truth to avoid the mistake of doubting God's love. Like a shepherd caring for his sheep, God watches over us moment by moment, guiding and protecting us through every trial.
God's Love and Teachings for His Children
Sermon by Kim MyersGod's love for us, His children, is profound and unwavering. We belong to Him, and as His kids, everything is possible with Him by our side. He shows kindness and grace to us, those who keep His commandments, demonstrating His deep care for His Family. God loves us so much that He is with us constantly, teaching us His ways and laws, just as a parent guides their own children, not the children of the world. When we feel afraid, God reminds us that He has not given us a spirit of fear. As our Father, He protects us and loves us, ensuring that whatever happens in our lives is for our good. We should be confident, knowing that He is always with us, and not be overly concerned or fearful, for our Father leads the Family we are blessed to be part of. Even when we say nobody loves us, God declares, "I love you." His love for His chosen children is immense, far surpassing what we can imagine. Despite our shortcomings and rebellion, He continues to love us, working with us in our conversion, building our faith, trust, and confidence in Him from the earliest moments of our journey in His Family. God's love is so great that He helps us toward His Kingdom every minute of every day. We are deeply loved as His kids, and the only way we could lose this love is by returning to the ways of the world. When we doubt our abilities, saying we cannot do it, God assures us that we can do all things with Him, for He empowers us as His children. Even when we feel life is not worth the struggle, God promises it will be worth it. What we endure now pales in comparison to the unimaginable future He has prepared for us. When worry and frustration consume us, God urges us to cast our cares on Him. As our Father, He looks out for us, taking care of our concerns just as we do for our own children, reminding us that we are in His hands. God never takes His eyes off us, watching over us every day, all day long. He is able to care for us in ways we cannot even fathom. As His children, we are deeply loved and blessed, though we will face trials and corrections. Yet, through it all, God is with us, protecting us and encouraging us, for we are His heirs with Christ. Knowing that He loves us, we should be confident and not weighed down by fear or doubt, for we are truly His kids.
Love God, Love Neighbor
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's love for us is the foundation of all existence, originating in the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son. From the depths of eternity, the Father has loved the Son, and the Son has reciprocated that love, demonstrating that godly love thrives in relationship and is expressed outwardly. This love is not bottled up but flows as an outgoing concern, a principle central to understanding God's nature. His love was not meant to remain within the God Family alone; it was designed to be shared with billions of beings whom He would call His children, adopting them from humanity to become His sons and daughters. God's entire plan is an outworking of His love, manifesting in the creation of angels, matter, and ultimately Adam and Eve. Every act of creation—from the planets to the sun, moon, and stars—was done out of love to provide a context for human beings to exist and eventually reciprocate His love. His love expressed itself in deeds, not just words, as seen in the creation account where He spoke, and things came into being. Even when humanity sinned, God's love provided a solution before the foundation of the world by designating the death of the Creator, Jesus Christ, as the payment for sin. This sacrifice, planned from the earliest designs, shows how far back His love for us extends, ensuring a just way to overcome and pay for sin. God's love for us is personal and profound, demonstrated while we were still sinners, as Christ died for us. Even before we took a breath or committed a sin, He had us in mind, willing to sacrifice Himself nearly 2,000 years ago to cover our sins, over which we had no power. His love encompasses all, from the most righteous to the most wicked, offering redemption to anyone who believes and repents. This sacrifice is not a distant event but remains efficacious for our justification and entrance before His throne. Beyond historical acts, God's love is poured abundantly into our hearts through His Spirit upon our calling and justification. It works from the inside out, transforming us into His image, changing us to become like Him. Rooted and grounded in His love, we begin to comprehend the vast dimensions of Christ's love—its length, depth, width, and height—leading us toward the fullness of God. This transformation is the goal of our Christian life, to express and reflect His love eternally. God's love is central to our growth in character, aiming for spiritual perfection as we imitate His selfless, impartial concern for others. Our love for neighbors and even enemies mirrors His love, which extends to the just and unjust alike. The love we show to others serves as a gauge of our love for Him, revealing the depth of our commitment. Practicing real godly love for our brethren—through actions like feeding, clothing, visiting, and encouraging—manifests how much we love Him. Such actions, even if unnoticed by others, are seen by God and contribute to passing the bar of judgment. Perfecting this love for one another brings us closer to reflecting the perfect character of the Father and Christ, starting with our closest relationships and extending outward.
How Much Does God Love You?
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod's love for us is an astounding and mind-boggling truth. We are a unique group of people, special to God, distinctive from all others, as evidenced by the titles He has given us, such as the called, the chosen, the redeemed, saints, the Bride of Christ, sons of God, citizens of the Kingdom of God, heirs of the promises, the body of Jesus Christ, branches, the church, firstfruits, a treasure, and the beloved of God. This specialness can be encouraging and motivating if we believe in it, despite the distractions and trials of life. In Jesus' prayer before His crucifixion, He prays for us, asking that we may understand and know that we are loved by God every bit as much as He loves Christ. This equality in love is profound; God loves each disciple no more and no less than He loves Jesus, as confirmed by the meaning of the word "as," indicating the same degree and extent. Even in times of pain or doubt, we must trust this truth, for every request Jesus made was in harmony with the Father's will and is answered. God's love is demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice for us while we were yet sinners, proving His love by giving Christ as the payment for our sins. This act was not only a general demonstration but became personal as He specifically chose us out of billions, dragging us to Christ despite our resistance, granting us repentance, and giving us His Spirit. This love, shed abroad in our hearts, enables us to keep His commandments, a gift freely given because of His deep affection for us. Furthermore, God's love ensures that He will never withhold what we need in any circumstance. Having already given the hardest sacrifice—His Son—everything else He provides is easier by comparison. He freely gives us all things necessary for our salvation, as His sovereignty and omniscience ensure no random occurrences happen to His children; everything is within our capability to handle with His guidance. This love is also a test of our faith, especially in difficult times. Jesus warns that at the end, when circumstances are frightening and scarce, we must hold fast to the belief that God loves us. Unlike the Israelites who forgot God's love in crises, we must trust in His presence and care, even when it seems He is not there. God tests us to produce in us qualities like His own, pushing us to trust Him under every circumstance. Finally, God's love endures through trials, which are often gifts designed by Him for our growth. As with Job, what we go through, though painful, is good for us if we continue to believe in His love. He is the God who is there, shielding us and providing grace, never withholding anything necessary for our salvation, ensuring that out of trials comes something far better than we could have been without them.
John 3:16: Does God Really Love the World?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod does not love everybody equally. Nowhere does He tell us to prefer the ungodly world. Though He tells us to love our enemies, but not to be affectionate.
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.
God's Good Work in Us
Sermon by John O. ReidDespite the privileged position of our calling, God does not cut us any slack in terms of trials and tests to perfect us. We must accept God's sovereignty.
God In Us
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamThe force of the preposition 'in' reveals that the Father loves us to the same degree that He loves Jesus Christ. We must reciprocate their love.
The Faithfulness of God (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has a very real concern for us, promising to never leave us. We have to strongly believe in His faithfulness to build a relationship with Him.
Love's Emotional Dimension
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove doesn't become 'love' until we act. If we don't do what is right, the right feeling will never be formed; emotions are largely developed by our experiences.
Keeping Love Alive (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf we love another person, we like to think about him/her, to hear about him/her, please him/her, and we are jealous about his/her reputation and honor.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughLove is the first fruit of the Spirit, the one trait of God that exemplifies His character. The Bible defines love as both what it is and what it does.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Two): Cultivating Love
Sermon by David F. MaasThe opposite of selfishness is not self-hatred, but mature self-love, loving ourselves as a responsible, caring parent would (or should) love a growing child.
Loving Christ and Revelation 2:1-7
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere is a direct relationship between loving Christ and doing the right works. God's love for us places us under a compelling obligation to reciprocate.
Boundaries, Incursions, Migrations, and God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Even though the way God exercises His sovereignty is inscrutable to us , calling the foolish to confound the wise, all He does fits perfectly into His plan.
God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe unity Jesus appeals for with His disciples is not organizational unity, but unity within the divine nature, exampled in the unity between He and the Father.
Biblical Loves
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughScripture draws from Koine Greek, offering four distinct words for 'love,' each relaying different dimensions of human connection, restoring clarity and depth.
God Has Faith in You
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidIt can be encouraging to us that our patriarchs and the prophets had serious doubts, but God overrode all their fears in accomplishing His purpose.
Loving Christ
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Participation in Christ's life is the source of all good. Regardless of what church group we are in, we must establish a relationship with Christ.
Love's Basic Definition
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove is not a feeling, but an action—defined as keeping God's commandments, the only means by which we can possibly know Him, leading to eternal life.
Hosea, Gomer, God, and Israel
Sermon by Kim MyersTo dramatize the perennial harlotry of Israel and the incredible love God exhibits toward His people, He commands Hosea to marry a harlot, Gomer.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Seven
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOne aspect of sovereignty that causes some confusion is predestination. God's sovereignty does not remove a person's free moral agency — we must still choose.
Holiness of God (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo be like God, we need to work on purifying ourselves, purging out sin and uncleanness, reflecting our relationship with God in every aspect our behavior.
For Love of Family
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloGod's saints, as both kings and priests, will both teach God's law as well as maintain civic governmental functions, needing to exercise patience.
God Wants You
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe have a special calling as the firstfruits, ultimately becoming God's very offspring, patterning and conforming our lives after Jesus Christ.

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?
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.
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because we are all sinners, we have earned only death; justification is not earned, but must come through faith and believing God as did our father Abraham.
Whom the Lord Loves He Chastens (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf we are not receiving God's correction or chastisement, we should be concerned! God's chastening is what He uses to sanctify His spiritual children.

God's Pearls
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Ted E. BowlingOur spiritual development is like the creation of a pearl. Just as the oyster coats an irritant with a mother of pearl, we begin as an irritant in God's creation.

The Christian Walk (Part Four): Mutual Submission in Godly Fear
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAmericans have a hard time submitting to authority and like to consider themselves as sovereigns, having the last say over anything including church doctrine.

The Longsuffering of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Ronny H. GrahamGod has exercised patience, longsuffering, and forbearance, but He cannot acquit the unrepentant sinner.
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.
Using Power Righteously (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has singled each one of us out individually, calling us, gifting us with capabilities, and preparing us for eternal life as members of His family.
The Greatness of God's Power
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul emphasized the power of God living in us through the Holy Spirit to enable us to develop into His family. Through God's power, we will triumph over death.
Knowing God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo fulfill one's purpose, one must be singularly focused on what one wants to accomplish. Divided minds result in no productivity or even devastation.
Remembering God's Gifts, Promises, and Rewards
Sermon by John O. ReidDuring these times of intense distress and tribulation, God expects that we use our memories to reflect upon His gifts, promises, and rewards.

Go and Do Likewise
Sermon by Bill OnisickWithout the gift of God's Holy Spirit, it is impossible to understand the kind of love which Christ commanded of His disciples.
Deuteronomy and Holiness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has provided the God-plane marriage relationship to teach us how to submit to one another, sacrificing our self-centeredness for the benefit of our spouse.

The Unleavened Sinless Life!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLike with Joseph, trials and troubles have been preplanned by God to shape us into members of His family, predestined to be sanctified and glorified.
Recognizing Our Obligation
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughHow different would our lives be if God had not called us? God's intervention in our lives improved their quality exponentially, and we must respond in kind.
Endure to the End of What?
Article by Craig SablichChrist urges God's elect to endure to the end. What is that end? He desires that we persevere through our struggles in faith, building godly character.
Faith to Face Our Trials
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsLife seems to be one trial after another. However, God has revealed an astounding facet of God's love that should give us the faith to soldier on.
Those Best Prepared to Suffer with Him
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must learn to seek God's will and purpose for us, avoiding the temptation of Hezekiah who feared death more than trusting God to decide his expiration date.
You Are My Friends!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhile it is common on Facebook to defriend/unfriend, Christ's love for His people is a friending with the condition that godly fruit is produced.
A Priceless Gift
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's people are the precious jewels (or the private, personal possessions) of God, obligated to conform exclusively to His will and purpose.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe yoke grievous to bear (Acts 15:10) was not God's law, but an entire package of Pharisaic regulations that had been elevated to the level of God's law.
Psalm 23 (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe valley-of-shadow imagery symbolizes the fears, trials, and tests needed to produce character, quality fruit, and an intimate trust in the shepherd.
Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When the U.S. Congress wanted to put 'In God we Trust' on currency, the Seventh Day Adventists objected, arguing that the U.S. has never been a Christian nation.
Saved By His Life
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloContrary to the belief that most of the Christian professing world hold that we are saved by the death of Jesus Christ, in reality we are saved by His life.
Christian Optimism
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul wrote some of his most optimistic letters from prison, under the possibility of execution, but absolutely convinced that ultimate victory was imminent.
Our Core Business
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWhen corporations get rid of their core business, they become less effective. Likewise when we deviate from our core job, we risk returning to the world.
A Priceless Gift
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod's children look no different on the outside, but God has given them something inside, something spiritual, that makes them special to Him.
Deuteronomy (Part 3) (1994)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe will not be prepared to rule in the Millennium unless we are experientially persuaded of God's faithfulness to His Covenant and His intolerance of evil.
Childrearing (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOur children internalize our values; we teach largely by example. If we do not take seriously the responsibility for rearing our children, somebody else will.