Living Stones in God's House
Article by StaffSolomon's glorious Temple must have been a sight to behold. God's church, however, is His Temple now—and each of us living stones in it. Several analogies are drawn between the construction of the First Temple and our preparation for God's Kingdom.
The Stones of the Jordan
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Clyde FinkleaClyde Finklea shares an insight from Tom Kerry about an overlooked prophecy in Matthew 3:7-9, referring to the stones placed in the Jordan River by the priests in Joshua's time inscribed with the Law of God in some form—the book of Deuteronomy, the Ten Commandments, or perhaps the Blessings and the Curses—which would …
Go Not Out of the House
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor Passover, Israel was commanded not to go out of their houses. This is also a warning to Christians when we understand the implications of the word 'house'.
Building With Integrity
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordPeople may talk a lot about character, but finding a person or a company with integrity is a tall order. Integrity is vital for character growth.
Will the Church of God Be Thrown Down? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeI Peter 2:5 calls Christians 'living stones'; is it possible that the the spiritual Temple will at some point be left with 'not one stone . . . upon another'?
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.
Privileges of the Temple of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, acknowledging that the Feast of Tabernacles pictures Jesus Christ's role as King of kings, points out that Jesus Christ is still under the authority of God the Father, the Father of all of us. Paul uses many metaphors to illustrate our relationship to God the Father: citizens of the Kingdom, household, and …
Wilderness Wandering (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reminds us that if we do not know who we are and where we are going, we are destined to undergo continuous stress. If we yield to God's manipulation of our lives, we will handle stress constructively, developing a relationship with Him, bearing spiritual fruit. As our forebears followed the pillar of cloud and …
The Meaning of "In Christ"
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, continuing the exciting saga of captain John 'Blackjack" Geary in Jack Campbell's futuristic science fiction novel The Lost Fleet, points out that the larger than life propaganda image of captain Geary did not correspond to the fallible, humble, normal man who didn't feel extraordinary. He lets those …
Will the Church of God Be Thrown Down? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe church has Christ as the Chief Cornerstone. As long as there is a church, there will also be at least one living stone upon another.
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.
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.
"I Will Build My Church"
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough Peter was given responsibilities of leadership, as connoted from the rock imagery or symbolism, he was not granted the post of 'vicar of Christ.'
Building on the Foundation
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh explains that considerable effort must be expended to find suitable bedrock for a foundation. Until this bedrock is found, no progress can be made. As Christians, we must build on the proper foundation—the bedrock symbolized by Jesus Christ. Christ constitutes the keystone, supporting the two sides of …
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.
A Time To Scatter
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeDavid Grabbe, cuing in on Ecclesiastes 3:1-3, reminds us that God has designed sequential seasons in which various events occur as a part of a long-term plan. God plans the season; we only get to choose whether and how to respond. There is a time to gather and a time to throw away; there is a time to embrace and a time to …
The Glory of God (Part 4): Glorifying God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh insists that a raw display of emotion and exuberance does not necessarily glorify God. What we do to glorify God will reflect just how highly we esteem Him. Because God has redeemed us (purchasing us with an awesome price), we must become living sacrifices, no longer joined with the world—a condition …
Is a Rock Just a Rock to God?
'Ready Answer' by Bill Keesee (1935-2010)God calls us 'living stones' in I Peter 2. Bill Keesee illustrates why this description is so apt view of God's work making us His jewels.
