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Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe true church of God, established by Jesus Christ and spread by His apostles, is composed of the Called Out Ones, individuals summoned and selected from the ways of this present world to surrender totally to God's rule. These are the eklektos, the chosen, picked out by God to the exclusion of others, as distinct from the broader kletos, those merely invited or called. As illustrated in the Parable of the Wedding Feast, many are called, but few are chosen, with God evaluating and narrowing down to those who wear the wedding garment of righteousness. The Called Out Ones are a small flock, often persecuted and unnoticed by the world, yet united in Spirit, mind, and heart through submission to God. They are not defined by membership in a physical organization but by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, growing in truth as God reveals it. Throughout nearly 2000 years of church history, many have been introduced to God's truth, yet only a few thousand have overcome and remained faithful to the end, enduring the judgment that begins at the house of God. The Called Out Ones must yield to being molded into God's image, producing fruit through His Spirit, showing faithfulness, commitment, and obedience in a joint effort with the Father to achieve their calling and election.
God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod, as our true Shepherd, provides total protection of His called out-ones forever. Being kept in God's name refers to assimilating the attributes of God.
Biblical Symbolism (Part Two)
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible contains many metaphors, and its authors use multiple symbols for the church to help God's elect understand and respond to God's purpose.
Is There a True Church?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany 'church of God' organizations claim to be part of—or even the only—church of God. The Bible reveals specific characteristics of God's church.
Is There a True Church?
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod's true church cannot be found without revelation nor can one join the organization; God calls and places each member in its appropriate place in the Body.
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.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As the lives of the major biblical figures were predestined, so are our lives. God chooses, moves, and manages the lives of His servants.
Firstfruits and the Master Potter
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe Potter and Clay analogy provides instructions for understanding character-building tests and trials in the life-long sanctification process.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part Six)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHusbands must be humble (willing to sacrifice), imitating the behavior of Christ, striving to attain reconciliation and atonement with their wives.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Ten): The Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUps and downs, blessings and trials, have characterized every era of the church. God's people are always battling something negative between the brief highs.
Guard the Truth!
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughThe true church of God is an invisible, spiritual organism, of those people that have and are led by the Spirit of God, who hold fast to apostolic teaching.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe way that one lives provides testimony and witness. To witness and endure life's various trials, we must have faith in who and what we are.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Five): Who We Are
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod has summoned us to a unique position. As saints, we have the responsibility to work toward the Kingdom of God and become holy—things only we can do!
Elements of Motivation (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe can become energized and motivated by our high calling and summons to do the will of God, seeing how vitally important we are to God's purpose.
The Measure of Christ's Gift
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus selected disciples with disparate temperaments, unifying them to accomplish a steadfast purpose. God disperses a wide diversity of spiritual gifts.