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Investing in Eternal Life
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughEternal life, as described in I Timothy 6:17-19, is connected to the actions and conduct of believers in the present age. Those who are rich are commanded not to be arrogant or to trust in uncertain wealth, but to place their hope in the living God, who richly provides all things for enjoyment. They are urged to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. By doing so, they store up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, enabling them to take hold of the life that is truly life. This life is not merely eternal but is worth living due to the quality of conditions and circumstances it entails. The principle of generous giving and good works applies not only to those with wealth but to all who serve with their time, energy, talents, and intelligence. Conduct in the present determines the full possession of this true life. Generous giving is likened to an investment in the Kingdom of God, promising great dividends as God richly rewards. Actions now build a foundation for eternal life, setting the character and nature that will continue into the future. Believers are encouraged to vigorously pursue and lay hold on this life now, making the best use of resources to sacrifice in service and give generously in God's way, securing great reward in building character acceptable for the Kingdom of God.
Do You Really Want Just Any Eternal Life?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsEternal life, as a divine gift from God, is not merely about endless duration but embodies a profound quality and character found only in His Son, Jesus Christ. God has given us eternal life through His Son, and this life is inseparable from Him; whoever has the Son has life, and whoever does not have the Son does not have life. The purpose of God's testimony is to inspire faith in Christ, leading to a life of belief, obedience, and the development of Christ-like character. The way to eternal life is through faith, which is ignited by God's testimony about His Son. This testimony, received in the heart through the Spirit, assures believers of their possession of eternal life, providing a present certainty rather than a gradual assurance. Eternal life is the life of God Himself, characterized by peace that brings serenity, power that defeats frustration, holiness that overcomes sin, love that ends bitterness and hatred, and indestructibility that triumphs over death. Conditions for receiving eternal life include absolute allegiance to Christ, requiring undivided loyalty and full-hearted obedience. This entails a total commitment to follow Him, surrendering self to God's absolute claim through His calling. Mere compliance with commandments is insufficient without this readiness for self-surrender. Eternal life, therefore, is not just a future promise but a current reality of fellowship with the Father and His Son, accessible only through Jesus Christ, who reveals God and opens the way to abide in Him.
The Gift of Eternal Life
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsEternal life, as a divine gift from God, is not merely about endless existence but embodies a profound quality and character of life found only in His Son, Jesus Christ. God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son; whoever has the Son has life, and whoever does not have the Son does not have life. It is an undeserved gift, not a prize to be earned, and it is a present possession for those who believe in Him. The way to this life is through faith, stirred by the testimony of God concerning His Son, which leads to belief and the reception of life as a gift. The condition for receiving eternal life is absolute and unhindered discipleship to Jesus Christ, requiring total commitment and self-surrender. This entails undivided loyalty and full-hearted obedience, surpassing mere adherence to commandments. It demands a readiness to sacrifice in service to God and others, reflecting the humility of a child and absolute allegiance to Christ. Eternal life is thus not just about longevity but about a transformed existence marked by fellowship with God and His Son, accessible only through Jesus Christ, who reveals the Father and opens the way into His presence.

Carrying Water for Jesus Christ
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Ted E. BowlingThe parable of the Good Samaritan depicts a way of life God intends all His called-out Saints to follow.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe doctrinal changes made by the leaders in the Worldwide Church of God worked to destroy the vision of God's purpose through obscuring the real reason for works.
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part Three: Satan's Three Heresies
Article by David C. GrabbeWhen Satan confronted Adam and Eve, he fed them three heresies that Gnosticism incorporated into its parasitic philosophy and way of life.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe term "covenant" describes an agreement made by two parties and "testament" to describe the one-sided commitment made by God to improve the promises.
Christ's Death and the Immortality of the Soul
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe dangerous false belief of inherent immortal life has led to an acceleration of sin and the danger of eternal oblivion. Only God can give eternal life.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA summary of the Covenants, Grace, and Law series, reiterating the differences in the Covenants and the respective places of grace and law in God's purpose.
Heaven Must Wait
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughGoing to heaven is not scriptural. The soul is not immortal; it is equivalent to life. Mankind does not have a soul; he is a soul, subject to death.
The Rich Young Ruler and the Needle's Eye
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordIn the rich young ruler, we see a respectful and eager young man who leaves Christ and goes away sorrowful. The Christian walk is particularly hard for the wealthy.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan has attempted to obliterate the sanctification step from the conversion process. Sanctification is produced by doing works pleasing to God.
What Do You Mean . . . the Unpardonable Sin?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletCan a Christian commit a sin, and still be a Christian? Or would this be 'the unpardonable sin'? Or would it prove he never was a Christian?