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The Oracles of God
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerThe oracles of God are His divine utterances, His revelation to mankind, carrying profound significance despite their limited mention in Scripture. These oracles encompass His speaking place, from which He breaks silence to repay the wicked according to their deeds. They are not confined to a single form but include the entire Law, the covenants, and the promises, extending beyond the Pentateuch to the Writings and Prophets. The oracles of God are intended for all people, showing no partiality, as His revelation aims to nourish and bring mankind to perfection, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. God's oracles are communicated through chosen individuals. The Logos Himself, Jesus Christ, spoke the words of the Father, as God has in these last days spoken to us by His Son. Moses delivered God's utterances repeatedly, teaching statutes and judgments as commanded by the Lord. The prophets, including David, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Zechariah, and even Balaam, spoke God's words, often receiving direct revelation to convey His message. The apostles, too, declared what they saw and heard from God, their message originating from Him, not from myths or human invention. The purpose of God's oracles is to guide and sustain, providing the nourishment by which we grow into maturity. Those who speak or write must do so according to God's oracles, acting as good stewards of His manifold grace. His revelation serves as the foundation for discerning good and evil, urging us to move beyond the basics toward perfection.
Faith, Hope, and the Worship of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe oracles of God, as the sacred sayings of God, have been committed to the Jews for preservation and transmission, as stated in Romans 3:2. This responsibility has not been given to others, emphasizing the divine trust placed in them to maintain these vital elements of faith and worship. The issue of the calendar, integral to worshipping God, falls under this preservation, and God has not provided specific rules in His Word regarding its construction or adjustments such as postponements. Therefore, any deviation from what has been received through centuries of tradition and apostolic guidance indicates a lack of faith in what God has ordained. The faithfulness of God remains paramount, regardless of the faithfulness of some Jews. As Romans 3 affirms, even if some were unfaithful, this does not nullify God's steadfastness. His truth and promises stand firm, providing the foundation for hope and worship. God does not hide His way; He makes it available to His children, ensuring that the means to worship Him are preserved through the entrusted hands of the Jews. In worshipping God, faith must be anchored in what He reveals. Without specific revelation on certain matters like the calendar, there is no basis for altering what has been established. God has spoken on the assignment of this responsibility to the Jews, and this must be believed and followed. His Word, combined with the historical witness of usage by both Jews and the church, underscores the unity and effectiveness of adhering to this divinely appointed system. Faith in His sovereignty and providence requires accepting the means He has provided for worship, trusting that He faithfully watches over it as He has preserved the Old Testament through them.
Entrusted with Godly Holiness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod entrusted the oracles to the Jews, a trust that remains unchanged. Even though some may not be faithful to the privilege God has given them, He will always accomplish His Word through men faithful to their entrusted responsibilities. With physical Israel, failure to remain trustworthy had deadly physical consequences. Yet, how much greater is the privileged responsibility before God for those called now as part of this tiny group from all over the world, entrusted with His holiness through His Spirit? We are to be physically faithful in ways that separate us from a world against God, and we have been given the true principles of liberty in God's Word, stirred by His Holy Spirit to be internalized and lived in each of our lives. We have been entrusted through these things to be united in love with the Father and the Son, to be holy as They are holy.
Faith and the Calendar (Part Five): Summary
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod assigned the tribe of Judah to be the caretakers of the oracles. The real issue in this controversy is faith in God's sovereignty and His faithfulness.
The Cancerous Calendar Controversy
Article by John W. RitenbaughWhich calendar should be used to set God's holy days? No subject, unless it is church government, has divided more people for as long a period of time.
Faith and the Calendar (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe issue is not mathematical or astronomical, but instead a matter of trust in God's faithfulness, authority, sovereignty, oversight, or ability to govern.
The Lunar Sabbath or the Seventh-Day Sabbath: Which?
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerThe recent Lunar Sabbath phenomenon is unbiblical and unworkable. The weekly Sabbath, observed every seventh day, is correct and in line with God's Word.
Faith and the Calendar (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe real issue in the calendar controversy is not astronomical, but faith in God's sovereignty, providence, and His right to assign responsibility.
Faith, Government, and the Calendar (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe calculated Hebrew calendar reflects God's faithfulness in providing His children a reliable calendar. Concocting one's own calendar is presumptuous.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ezekiel prophetically warns Israelites today of imminent cultural collapse because of ungodly leadership. We must treasure and appreciate the truth we have.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 13)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCommitment to a course of action is essential for physical or spiritual success. Faith motivates and sustains right action, protecting us from wavering.
When Is the Year of Release (Shemitah)?
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe anchor point of both the Shemitah and Jubilee is the Day of Atonement. Deuteronomy should be read at the Feast just after the year of release begins.
Are We Ever Good Enough?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt is necessary to begin with a conviction of sin in order to experience a need for Jesus Christ and to receive the joy in the forgiveness of sin.
Are the Jews Cursed for Deicide?
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerIs Matthew 27:25 a Jewish admission of deicide? Rightly understood, it is absolutely not a curse. God has not bound Himself to chastise Jewry as a whole.
The Jewish Testament?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible never calls the Old Testament 'the Jewish Testament.' The New Testament cannot be understood without the foundation of the Old Testament.
Bible Difficulties by Design
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe God-designed difficulties in the Bible are there to stimulate our minds, causing us to think deeply and meditate on the facts, inspiring us to seek God.
Passover (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Passover is to be kept on the twilight of the 14th, while the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins on the 15th. The Word of God supersedes tradition and heritage.