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Christ, the Way
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus sets the goal before us, eternal life in God's house, declaring that He will soon be going to that same goal to prepare us to reach it. When Thomas expresses confusion, saying they do not know where He is going or how to find the way, Jesus responds in John 14:6, affirming, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." His emphasis is on the way, indicating that He is the true and living path to follow. Jesus has blazed the trail before us, showing the route to the Kingdom of God, and the only road that leads there is the one He Himself trod. To reach this destination, we must follow in His footsteps and imitate Him. Further, Jesus explains in John 14:7-11 that knowing Him is knowing the Father, for He and the Father are one in character and action. He speaks and acts as the Father does, revealing that if we desire to be members of this Family, we must think, speak, and act in the same manner as the Father and the Son. Thus, we must go through Christ, as there is no other way to gain admittance to God's Kingdom. He is the method and process by which eternal salvation is secured, and any other approach will lead to failure. Jesus then instructs in John 14:12 that those who believe in Him will do the works He does, and even greater works, because He goes to the Father. These greater works include the day-to-day acts of Christian living, such as overcoming sin, growing in character, producing spiritual fruit, and encouraging others in their walk with God. These are the truly great works with eternal consequences, far surpassing mere miracles, as they help assure that we and those we fellowship with will be in the Kingdom of God. Following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, doing good as He did with every moment of His life, is the way to one day be where He is.
What Is 'My Way'?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though we may claim to follow God's way, there is a considerable measure of selfishness in our pathways, a tendency to be dismissive of other people.
The Spirit and the Way
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThroughout the New Testament, Christianity is referred to as the Way, a term that reflects a profound understanding of the faith as a path to be walked. This path is not merely a set of beliefs but a course of conduct, a manner of living according to divine principles. Jesus Christ Himself declared, "I am the Way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me," emphasizing that He is the sole path to God. This concept of the Way signifies a journey, a continuous act of traveling along a road of behavior and practice aligned with God's will. The early followers of Christ identified themselves as belonging to the Way, viewing their faith as an active pursuit rather than a static doctrine. They understood it as a way of life, a method of thinking, choosing, and doing that mirrors how God lived as a man on earth. This perspective is evident in various accounts where the Way is mentioned as the path of salvation, the way of the Lord, and the way of righteousness. It is a practical religion, concerned with how we think, speak, act, and react toward God, our brethren, and others in the world. The Way is about walking in alignment with God's guidance, as echoed in the call to "walk in it." It prioritizes behavior over mere knowledge, focusing on the day-to-day living where actions reflect the teachings received. The emphasis is on practical application—living out the principles of love, humility, and service to God and others. While knowledge of God's will is vital, it is the conduct, the doing, that truly forms character and demonstrates faithfulness to the path Christ has set before us.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChristianity is a way of life, a specific course to follow in seeking the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes unto the Father, but by Me," emphasizing that the path to the Kingdom involves a unique relationship with Him, being justified through Him, following His example, and obeying His commands. This way is not a vague notion of all roads leading to heaven, but a defined route with clear direction. In the book of Acts, Christianity is repeatedly referred to as "the way." It is described as a distinct path, as seen when Paul sought letters to persecute those of "this way," and when a demon-possessed girl acknowledged Paul and his companions as showing "the way of salvation." Others were instructed in "the way of the Lord," and opposition arose against "that way," underscoring its specific and singular nature. Psalm 119 further defines this way, linking it closely to God's law. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. The way is illuminated by God's Word, serving as a lamp to guide one's steps and prevent wandering. It is a course of life, a method of accomplishing God's purpose, involving commandments, statutes, and testimonies as essential components. A way, by definition, is a course traveled from one place to another, a manner of doing, or a route with specific direction. Like a pilgrimage, it has a definite goal, requiring adherence to a set path to reach the destination. God's purpose is to produce a product in His image, and this way—encompassing His commandments—plays a major role. Removing any part of this way results in a deficient product, unable to fit within the community God is creating. In His holy mountain, as described in Isaiah, all will live by the same rules, the knowledge of the LORD, ensuring harmony and preventing hurt or destruction.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has given us His Law, which shows us the way of sanctification and holiness. God is in the process of reproducing His kind — the God-kind.
Psalms: Book Five (Part Six): Psalm 119 (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe keeping of the law is a practical response to God, providing us with principles for our lives, establishing our character and implanting God's values.
Psalms: Book Five (Part Five): Psalm 119 (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though keeping the law does not justify us, it does point out to us what sin is. The law is a guide keeping us within moral and ethical boundaries.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Colossians 2:16 and Galatians 4:9-10, Paul was warning against mixing Gnostic asceticism and pagan customs with the keeping of God's Sabbath and Holy Days.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe strife between this world's belief systems shows that God did not originate them. False teachings are dangerous because they can erode the faith.
Let's Get Real!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe exist as imperfect shadows of God. As we follow the example of Christ, the real Light that reveals God's way, we also move from shadow to reality.
Don't Give Up (2015)!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHave you ever wanted to just give up? Have trials weighed you down to the point of despair? Is old age sapping the strength and determination?
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The responsibility given to the church Christ has called out of this world is to expand His teachings, magnifying them and making them clear and honorable.
Acts (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe martyrdom of Stephen had the paradoxical effect of spreading the Gospel into Gentile venues, enabling individuals like Cornelius to be added to Christ.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have access to a Trailblazer, who has gone before us to show us the way. The only way can have fellowship with the Father is through Jesus Christ.
Principled Living (Part One): Imitating Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowing Jesus requires absolute commitment, often involving sacrifice and discomfort. We must be willing to give up family and societal ties for God's sake.
A GPS for our Spiritual Pilgrimage
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasSince God's thoughts are higher than ours, we must keep an intimate GPS-like dialogue with our heavenly Father so we can stay on the right path to the Kingdom.
Work Out Your Own Salvation
Sermon by Kim MyersThe seven churches listed in Revelation 2 and 3 all have deficits and strengths. God is testing us as never before; we must prepare and endure to the end.