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Where God Places His Name (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's children bear His name. As a father possesses his children and they take his name, so those who are signatories of the New Covenant have His name written on them and represent Him wherever they go. Speech, demeanor, attitudes, decisions, advice, even dress and grooming, all belong to bearing His name, and anyone with a little knowledge of God should look at His children and see the resemblance. For this reason the third commandment forbids bearing His name in vain, whether thoughtlessly or unrighteously, and God holds His children accountable. God's name encapsulates His character: compassion, grace, patience, covenant loyalty, truth, forgiveness, and justice. Baptism is "into" His name, which means coming under His Lordship and into relationship with Him. It also begins immersion into everything God is, the start of oneness with His very nature and character, though only in baby steps. Jesus prayed that those the Father gave Him would be kept through that name and become one with Them, with the Father's own love in them. Those who keep His word and do not deny His name, despite their weaknesses, will have the names of the Father, the Son, and New Jerusalem written on them. In the end God's children inherit all things and are fully one with Him, bearing His name forever.
John 3:16: Does God Really Love the World?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod does not love everybody equally. Nowhere does He tell us to prefer the ungodly world. Though He tells us to love our enemies, but not to be affectionate.
The Canaanite Woman's Faith
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSome claim that Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman reveals racism, misogyny, and prejudice. The details show something different altogether.
The Three Witnesses of Christ (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Trinitarian controversy surrounding I John 5:7-8 overshadows the record of what Jesus Christ did. It also hides key characteristics of God's children.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe New Covenant, which writes God's law onto the heart, in no way does away with any aspect of the law. Works do not justify us, they sanctify us.
Growing to Perfection
Article by Charles WhitakerSpiritual growth mimics our physical growth to maturity. If we continue in the process, we will 'grow into' our potential as God's children.
Matthew (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe should not seek material rewards under the New Covenant, though God may sometimes bless us physically. Our focus should be on spiritual rewards.