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God's Spiritual House
Sermon by Ronny H. GrahamIn the journey of faith, we are called to understand our role as living stones, chosen by God to be part of a spiritual house. As described in I Peter 2:5, we are being built up as a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. This spiritual house is not a mere physical structure but a divine habitation, a place where God desires to dwell in the Spirit, as affirmed in Ephesians 2:19-22. We are no longer strangers but fellow citizens with the saints, members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone. The construction of this spiritual house, though challenging, is guided by the Master Builder. God has provided the necessary tools and blueprint through His Word, granting us access to Him by the sacrifice of His Son. Our task involves not only avoiding sin but actively pursuing righteousness, as outlined in Ephesians 4:25-32. We must speak truth, resolve anger without sin, work honestly to help others, and let no corrupt words proceed from our mouths, instead imparting grace to those who hear us. This active building requires diligence, for we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, as stated in Ephesians 1:3. Understanding the gravity of this calling, we recognize that God is serious about His house. Just as the Levites were tasked with guarding the Tabernacle with their lives in Numbers 1:47-53, we must guard the truth and eliminate sin from our lives, ensuring that we are a fitting dwelling place for God. The exclusivity and sanctity of this spiritual house remind us that God cannot dwell where sin resides, urging us to strive continually to build a proper habitation for Him. Will God find in us a worthy place to dwell, a spiritual house built with the living stones He has chosen?
Go Not Out of the House
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe concept of 'House, Spiritual' carries profound significance as an enclosure that represents both protection and belonging within God's family. The command "Do not go out of the house," originating from Exodus 12, serves as a vital spiritual lesson, urging us to remain within the safety of this divine enclosure. Spiritually, the house symbolizes not just a physical structure but a dynamic, living organism encompassing God's Family, Kingdom, and dynasty. It is a container for His people, identified as a household, family, church, or the Israel of God, where judgment begins with those already part of this sacred space. As living stones, we are integral to this spiritual house, built upon the foundation of Christ, the chief cornerstone. This house is not static but a growing temple, an inner sanctuary where God dwells by His Spirit. We are not merely within the building; we are part of its very structure, laborers alongside God, working on and being worked upon in this living entity. The house extends metaphorically to represent the body of Christ, with Him as the Head, and us as essential members contributing to His fullness. To leave this house is to sever connection from the source of life, risking spiritual death. Thus, the urgent call remains: do not go out of the house, for within it lies our purpose, protection, and eternal connection to God.
Don't Go Out of the House!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe term house can mean structure, family, kingdom, or church of God. The instruction to us personally is to not leave the church or fellowship of faith.
Don't Leave the House!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs part of Christ's body or household, we have a responsibility to stay attached to the spiritual organism and to respond to the head.
The Household of God and Truth
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsTo destroy the concept of home is to destroy the nation or church. The centrality of the family or household is the heart of the church and the nation.
Sanctification and Holiness (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs God's priesthood, we must draw near to God, keep His commandments, and witness to the world that God is God. God is shaping and fashioning His new creation.
Wilderness Wandering (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)If we yield to God's manipulation of our lives, we will handle stress constructively, developing a relationship with Him, bearing spiritual fruit.
The Purpose of the Church
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe function of the church is like a teacher's college, preparing the firstfruits and providing them with the needed education and character development.
Knowing Christ (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist's sacrifice was not merely substitutionary, but representative, with Christ giving us a pattern for life - mortifying our flesh and putting out sin.
Government (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is establishing a spiritual kingdom, with Christ as King, installed at the seventh trump when He will unleash the power of His Kingdom against the world.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOld Testament activities picture New Testament realities, elevated to their spiritual intent. The church has been chosen as a royal and holy priesthood.
Government (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur attitude toward government must be one of submission. The church cannot perform its function without the cooperation of the carnal civil governments.