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Examining God's Judgments
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe fall holy days picture various judgments by God, bringing about liberty, reconciliation, regathering, and restoration.
The Wrath of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLove motivates the two intrinsic parts of God's holy character—goodness and severity, as He seeks to rescue humanity from the consequences of sin.
Is God to Blame?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe 9/11 bombings were tragic and terrible. Some have since asked, 'Was God involved? Is He to blame?' These tough questions have challenging answers.
Basic Doctrines: Eternal Judgment
Bible Study by Earl L. HennOne of God's roles is as Judge, and His judgments are eternally binding. But what does this mean? Who is judged? How? When? For what?
Living by Faith and God's Justice
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAmong the spiritual realities that a faithful Christian must understand is God's sense of justice. The deaths of Nadab and Abihu are a case in point.
The Process of Righteous Judgment
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe share with Christ the prospect of preparing the earth for billions of people awaiting their opportunity for eternal life, assisting in the harvest.
God's Will in the End Time
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod does not like to inflict punishment on people, but because of sin, He is obligated to correct. But as quickly as God punishes, God restores and heals.
Elements of Judgment (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must emulate the ways of God, demonstrating justice in our lives, thoughts, words, and deeds, preparing to judge in God's Kingdom. Not all sins are equal.
Assessment Now, Judgment Later!
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsGod commands us to set our minds on things above and not on the earthly, seeking the eternal Kingdom of God rather than perishable treasures of this world.
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Sometimes God's sense of justice seems unusual or strange to us, giving us many questions to ponder about fairness. Justice and fairness are not identical.
Standing Before God's Judgement
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsWe must consider ourselves cooperating with a great cloud of witnesses, who had to jettison the weights that encumbered them, making them less vulnerable to sin.
Living By Faith: God's Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn order to live by faith, we must understand God's sovereignty, God's character, and God's justice, realizing that we do not see the entire picture.
Clouds (Part Two): God's Cloud as His Chariot
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerGod's cloud expresses His glory because of His presence in it. His 'portable throne' in Ezekiel 1 and 10 is likewise linked to 'a great cloud.'
Would Our God Do That?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe distorted perception of Jesus as an effeminate and ineffective Savior fails to understand that He is the so-called stern God of the Old Testament.
God's Sense of Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is absolutely justified in what He decides regarding the judgment and punishment of us all. However, He is merciful and always rewards righteousness.
Judgment Is a Merciful Blessing
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod is patient and tender-hearted to late bloomers, forgiving sincerely repentant individuals, but will not budge an inch on rebellion or sin.
The Fear of God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMany have inadvertently adopted a soft concept of God, disrespecting and showing contempt for God's authority and power. Godly fear is a gift of wisdom.
God, Satan, and David's Numbering of Israel
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeAn apparent contradiction exists between I Chronicles 21:1 stating that Satan moved David to take the census while I Samuel 21:1 claims that he did not. The contradiction is resolved by the understanding that God uses Satan to accomplish His purposes, as is demonstrated in the book of Job, as well the account of King Ahab. …
God of Our Salvation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Great White Throne Judgment is a general resurrection to mortal life, allowing the majority of those who have ever lived an opportunity for salvation.
Warning of Judgment, Urgency to Prepare!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe need to prepare physically and mentally for God's expected judgment—a terrible thing for those not aligned to His divine purpose for humanity.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (The Book of Amos) (Part One)
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Amos is an astounding prophecy, closely paralleling the conditions in the Western world today. Amos reveals how unrighteousness undermines society.
Spiritual Strongholds (Part Three): God's Intervention
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn addition to dispatching the talent sized hail, God responded to Joshua's request to extend the day—requiring an infinitude of miracles.
Micah (Part Three): Who Is a God Like You?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMicah 5 describes legal proceedings against the people who have rejected God, promising a harsh retribution but future restoration for a physical remnant.
Why Does God Allow Us to Be Afflicted?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn God's hands, trials and afflictions are tools to produce refined character and joy, and to move us away from worldly choices and back to His purpose.
Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part Three): A Faithful Witness to God's Mercy
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod protected Enoch from death so he could teach Noah, providing the godly instruction that Methuselah and Lamech (Noah's grandfather and father) failed to give.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (The Book of Amos) (Part Two)
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughIsrael had every opportunity that the Gentiles did not have. God gave the Israelites gifts to live a better way, but they completely failed to reflect Him.
Habakkuk: God's Power and Patience
Sermonette by James BeaubelleGod has expressed infinite patience with Jacob's rebellious children, but He has also put a time limit on their tolerance and craving for lawlessness.
God's Stare Decisis
Sermon by Mark Schindler'Stare Decisis' is a principle that precedent should determine legal decision in making a case involving similar facts.
Do You Take Sin Seriously? God Does!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe demise of an institution can result from the irresponsibility of its constituents; if one member sins, the whole body experiences the effects.
The Priesthood of God (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The ephod, the curious girdle, and the breastplate of judgment were part of the high priest's attire that teach us godly principles today.
The Torment of the Godly (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerGod's prophets have a difficult job. Seeing the world through God's eyes, they are tormented by the rising tide of sin and the coming destruction.
The Torment Of The Godly
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Both Lot and Ezekiel were tormented by the abominations, sins, and defilement taking place within their culture, polluted with idolatry and paganism.
Katrina, Rita, Trumpets, and Judgment
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughGod exercised incredible restraint and mercy considering the magnitude of our national sins. Natural disasters should lead us all to reflect and repent.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Seven): Fear of Judgment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur fear of being judged negatively by God should spur us to greater obedience and growth toward godliness. The fear of God is a fundamental mindset.
The Fear of God (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAfter the Spirit of God is imparted, removing the fear of men and installing the life-sustaining fear of God, the real dramatic growth takes place.
The Weightier Matters (Part 2): Judgment
Article by StaffJesus lists judgment as the first of the weightier matters in Matthew 23. Judgment is a major part of Christianity, but needs to be properly understood.
Judgment, Tolerance, and Correction
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughA common mantra, even among Christians, is 'You shouldn't judge.' Is this a right concept? Here is the problem, and how righteous judgment should be done.
Numbers: The Book of Judgment
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe live daily in uncharted territory, but the sobering account in Numbers provides a roadmap, establishing God's pattern of judging our pilgrimage conduct.
The Second Exodus (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe timing of the regathering of Israel is uncertain, but here are the Scriptural markers that narrow the time frame to a significant prophetic event.
The Vessels of Wrath
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeSometimes we see God as unfair, but when we remember that we are worthy of death, we understand that God has demonstrated far more mercy than harshness.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Thirteen): Jacob's Trouble
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDuring Jacob's Trouble, a confederacy of gentile peoples (particularly the offspring of Ishmael and Esau) will destroy the nations of modern-day Israel.
Something to Remember
Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our forebears often forgot the frequency of God's merciful intervention and declared that it was useless to serve God.
The Fifth Seal (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughPersecution and martyrdom are not popular topics among Christians, but they are facts. The fifth seal shows the cry of the martyrs and God's response.
Post-Historic Cave-Dwellers
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerThe Sixth Seal of Revelation details the reaction of some people to the amazing heavenly signs they witness, giving us insight into what lies ahead.
The Sixth Seal
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Sixth Seal of Revelation foretells of the sun turning black and the moon turning red, stars falling, and a terrible earthquake that moves mountains.
The Seventh Trumpet
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is a memorial of blowing of trumpets, symbolizing the Day of the Lord, the real war to end all wars, when Christ will subdue the earth.
How Long, O Lord?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Seventh Trumpet is a call to assemble, a call to battle, and announces the arrival of a new ruler, Jesus Christ, separating the wheat from the tares.
The Great White Throne
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBoth the time element and the significance of the Great White Throne has been lost on most of 'Christianity' because it refuses to keep God's Holy Days.
The Book of Joel (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen Joel describes the devastating locust plagues, instead of promising a silver lining on a very black cloud, he says things are going to get intensely worse.
Shrugging Off Scoffers (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPeter warns of scoffers in the church, apostate tares, devoid of God's spirit, ridiculing the doctrine that Christ would return or doctrines of judgment.
Where the Eagles Are Gathered
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Olivet Prophecy foretells a gathering of eagles or vultures in anticipation of God's judgment. Will they mistake us for the nearly-dead?
The Reversal of Human Will
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsNumerous examples in scripture demonstrate a sudden reversal by God, who overturns the pride of human will, revealing His plans to the lowly and the humble.
Where is the Promise of His Coming?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDoubting that Christ will return has always been problematic for the faithful weak as well as a tool of the heretics denying the second coming of Christ.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Seven): Romans 9
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul describes physical Israel as broken branches, allowing gentile branches to be grafted in, ultimately leading to the return of Israel to God's grace.
Psalms: Book Four: He Is Coming!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is like the opening salvo of the fall feasts, beginning with a blast of the trumpet or shofar, reminiscent of the event on Mount Sinai.
A House Left Desolate
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is a God of mercy, but He has a stiff core of justice which will not be placated unless we repent. To whom much has been given, much will be required.
Lamentations (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPersonified Jerusalem, whom God depicts as a grieving widow, blames others for her troubles while overlooking her own sins as the real cause of her sorrow.
The Book of Joel (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the fullness of time, God will pour His spirit on all peoples, including those who had formerly directed their hostility on God and His chosen people.
A Swift End
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen the end-time signs begin to be fulfilled, the time for long-term spiritual growth will be over. So Jesus commands us, 'Therefore you also be ready.'
Looking Forward (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe church may fear that the Lord is delaying His coming, and scoffers make the seeming delay worse. However, God is giving people opportunity for repentance.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe can do nothing to gain the favor of God before our calling, but we are empowered by God to carry out a particular part of His plan to edify the body.
The Eighth Day
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThe seventh Millennium will be a time of rest, when the suffering we experience today will be gone, enabling preparation for the Great White Throne Judgment.
Lamentations (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe book's five acrostic songs (chapters) answer the question, 'Why did this happen?' God brought the punishment on Judah because of gross and sustained sin.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll authority for law and justice resides in God; when God is taken out of the picture, darkness and chaos dominate. God's laws create a better life and character.
Fall Feast Lessons
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe world will learn that God judges—that He has the ultimate decision over everything. After Satan is bound, God will bring about seven reconcilements.
Do You Desire the Day of the Lord?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeAmos describes the Israelites as proud and secure in their special relationship with God, while God castigates them for presuming He approved of them.
Lamentations (Part Eight)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs we approach the coming self-examination prior to Passover, we can apply six significant lessons taught to ancient Israel through the book of Lamentations.
Lamentations (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Lamentations 2, Lady Jerusalem sidesteps godly repentance, opting instead for self-centered recrimination against Almighty God.
Examples of Divine Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNadab and Abihu, Ananias and Sapphira, and Uzzah, all aware of the penalties for their actions, rebelled against God's clear and unambiguous instructions.
Grass of the Field
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamIf physical life (symbolized by the grass of the earth) withers away, we who have been given the Word of the Lord will endure and thrive forever.
Wrong Will Eventually Be Set Right
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod frequently turns things around with an element of surprise, defeating human will, replacing it with understanding of the benefits of His will.
Shouting Gleanings and Singing Olives (Part One)
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Isaiah 24 prophesies that God will preserve a remnant made up of grape gleanings (the His Church) and of olives (national Israelites) who will sing together.
Shrugging Off Scoffers (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAny prophetic speculation, accurate or not, is useless unless it is promotes diligence in living godly lives, eagerly preparing for the return of Christ.
Forbearance
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod put up with the foibles of Abraham, Samson, David, Job, and others, allowing them time to repent and build character. We need to develop this godly trait.
Justice and Grace
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSometimes we are disturbed, even angered, because an act of God seems unfair. We have difficulty because we do not understand holiness, justice, sin, and grace.
A Place of Safety? (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul gives two signs of the Tribulation: The falling away and the appearance of the man of sin who sits in the temple in Jerusalem (II Thessalonians 2:3-4).