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Power Belongs to God (Part One)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God's power and faithfulness stand as the supreme issues of importance in these critical times. He holds the power to save, as David expressed in Psalm 59:9-10, waiting for God, His Strength, as his defense and trusting in His mercy to meet him in trouble. David further sings of God's power and mercy in Psalm 59:16-17, affirming his faith in God as his defense and refuge in times of distress. In Psalm 62:1-12, David emphasizes that the supreme power in all creation belongs to God, naming Him as our Rock, Salvation, Defender, Refuge, and Glory. Power is not only something God possesses, but all power flows from Him, and He distributes it as He sees fit. No one can resist or nullify what He desires to accomplish. Compared to God, human strength is nothing, yet this powerful Being chooses to be on our side, providing strength and stability. God's power extends beyond brute force into qualities like love, intellect, wisdom, understanding, vision, logic, energy, eloquence, authority, control, mastery, persuasion, and forgiveness, making Him superior in every area of need. David suggests in Psalm 62 that when help is needed, we should go directly to the top, to our Father who is willing to provide. Additionally, God's power is coupled with mercy, rendering to everyone according to their deeds, yet always acting in love, even in correction. Broadly, God's power and willingness to act according to His purpose form the foundation of a believer's practical faith in Him.

Power Belongs to God (Part 1)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Power belongs to God, not merely as a trait, but as His very essence. He is the unseen force directing events to the conclusions He wills, and these outcomes are certain. A firm conviction in God's ever-present power provides the right perspective to not only endure challenging times but to grow, overcome, and witness for Him in the best way possible. Through His Spirit, we are directly involved in this dynamic, as His power enables us to face any circumstance. God's strength is enough to put down nations, offering safety and mercy to those who serve Him. As David expresses in Psalm 59, His power becomes our strength, bolstering confidence and dispelling fear even in dire situations. This combination of strength and mercy forms the foundation of trust in Him, especially as trouble on a scale never before experienced looms on the horizon. In Psalm 62, David emphasizes that God is the Supreme Power in all creation, our salvation, our Rock, our defense, our glory, and our refuge. He is the only sure place of safety in any circumstance, the One who can deflect attacks in ways no human can. Power belongs to God alone, flowing from Him and distributed as He sees fit. No one can nullify His will or counsel Him on its use, for He owns it entirely. This power encompasses not just brute force but intellect, wisdom, understanding, vision, logic, energy, eloquence, authority, mercy, and countless other faculties. There is no help like His anywhere, as He is superior to any other source we might seek in times of need. David urges us to turn to God first in trouble, to go directly to the top, for He decides the outcome of all disputes and renders to everyone according to their deeds, balancing justice with mercy. God's power to act on behalf of His purposes is the very foundation of our faith in Him. There is nobody more trustworthy, and this trust is essential as we face the challenges ahead, seeking His strength and guidance above all else.

Power Belongs to God (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Deep-seated faith in God's reality, understanding of His promises, and trust in His powers and willingness to save are absolute essentials for the Christian. God's power is not limited to brute strength, but also includes qualities such as love, mercy, wisdom, foresight, discernment, and intellectual genius, combined with His willingness to use it on behalf of those called according to His purpose. Through the continuing fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He demonstrates that He acts for the benefit of the Israelitish people, having given many powers to them. Jesus declares that without Him, we can do nothing, emphasizing that He is our salvation and alone is able to save us, enabling our efforts to grow into His likeness and enter the Kingdom of God through His power. A critical issue for God's children is the innate fear that He might not provide for us, yet Romans 8:31-32 reassures us that if God is for us, who can be against us, and having not spared His own Son, He will freely give us all things. God has the necessary powers to do as He sees fit for His purpose and for us, always doing what is right according to His will. He has the power and the will, never making mistakes or empty promises, and no one can successfully stand in His way of completing His purpose in each of us. Our responsibility is to choose to draw on His power, cultivating the habit of cooperating by faith and accepting whatever He chooses to provide in our circumstances. God is the Source of our deliverance in every circumstance, possessing all-encompassing power over everything, as shown by His authority over civil and religious authorities who owe their appointments to Him. His labors are the continuous managing and ruling over the affairs of men, actively involved in bringing His purpose to pass at all times. By His will and providence, authorities are appointed to maintain order, encourage good conduct, and punish wrongdoing, ensuring that His will stands firm against any enemy. Regarding Jesus Christ, He declares that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him, equipping Him perfectly to handle our needs in the widest variety of situations. His authority and abilities, restored to their pre-human state, position Him above all other beings and institutions under the Father, ensuring that the universe remains under control through His power. The power to do spiritual works, to overcome, and to produce the fruit of God's Spirit comes from above, as Jesus Himself performed works through the Father's power. God empowers us in our salvation and preparation for His Kingdom by drawing us to Him, granting repentance, grace, and faith to perform what He requires. He justifies us, grants peace, provides access to His presence, and fills us with His love through His Spirit. Additionally, He offers the resurrected Christ as our High Priest to save us, provides gifts to each for our functions in the church, and supplies human guidance through the ministry. God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus, emphasizing that everything pertaining to salvation stems from our relationship with Him.

The Greatness of God's Power

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

True power, the ability to exercise authority effectively, belongs to God alone. His strength is the only true sovereignty, and no one possesses power unless He allows it. Jesus Christ shares this power, as do members of God's church. God's power is evident in His creation and sustenance of the world, surpassing all forces within it. His might is also displayed in acts of salvation, which stand as the most significant demonstration of His authority. Names like El Shaddai (God Almighty), Abhir (Mighty One), and Omnipotent (All Powerful) reflect His boundless strength. When God delegates authority to humanity, it provides a measure of power to care for and use the earth responsibly. Yet, He often intervenes with miraculous works, especially in deliverance, as seen when He brought His people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and outstretched arm, granting them the Promised Land. In the New Testament, God's power shifts focus to the spiritual realm. Christ, given all authority by His Father, used it to forgive sins and cast out evil spirits, and He extends authority to His disciples to become sons of God and share in His work. The greatest display of His power of deliverance is in individual calling and conversion to His truth and way of life. On the Day of Pentecost, the power of God's Spirit became operative in the church, a demonstration that continued to inspire encouragement about the exceeding greatness of His power. This power, working within believers, is evidenced by the resurrection of Christ, serving as the primary proof of God's might and the means by which it operates in people's lives through the gospel. God's power resides in believers, instilling confidence and assurance in salvation, overcoming doubts about human frailty and worldly distractions. This power, described as surpassing greatness and boundless energy, is the effective, conquering strength of God to whom nothing is impossible. It is a dynamic force, permeating everything, overcoming all resistance, and manifesting in the resurrection of Christ as proof that every obstacle and enemy, including death, is defeated. This mighty power ensures that nothing can prevent the fulfillment of God's purpose for His people, guaranteeing their ultimate transformation and readiness for future glory.

Power Belongs to God (Part 2)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We are heading toward the worst period of mankind's history, and it will take the greatest of resources to negotiate the troubles ahead. Our problems will often be physical, but primarily they will be spiritual, requiring supernatural spiritual help. This help is available to God's children through Jesus Christ, establishing a relationship with the Father and the Son, granting access to the source of the greatest power in the universe. Power belongs to our Father in Heaven, encompassing not just brute strength but also qualities of mind and character such as love, wisdom, mercy, intellect, judgment, and understanding. He distributes these powers as He wills, and His will is always the best and always accomplished. The Israelites sang in Exodus 15 that God is their strength, acknowledging that they do not possess it themselves, but He does, using it for their benefit. David echoed this in the Psalms, declaring God as his strength, the source of what appears before men. Strength is wealth, and wealth is power, representing all evidences of prosperity and well-being, including health, sound mindedness, education, understanding, and godly perception of world events. God has made these powers available to us, prospering us by granting favor in the eyes of others, opening doors because power belongs to Him, and no potential help is beyond His reach. Jesus Christ declared that without Him, we can do nothing, a humbling reminder from the One described as upholding all things by the word of His power. God's power involves every circumstance in life, ensuring that all things work together for good for those who cooperate through faith. He has the necessary powers to do as He sees fit for His purpose and for us, watching over us for our welfare. God does not make mistakes or empty promises, having already given His Son, with everything else being minor by comparison. God's authority extends over all civil and religious powers, appointing authorities worldwide to move history in the direction He desires. He rules in the affairs of men, actively involved in bringing His purpose to pass, using both converted and unconverted individuals to fulfill His plans. All power belongs to God, and no enemy can deflect or nullify the real unseen Power standing behind and above all visible powers. His will shall stand. Jesus Christ, given all authority by the Father, holds primacy over all beings, human or spirit, excepting the Father. His rank and divine nature elevate His teachings far above all others, having defeated even the highest demonic forces under satan. As a man, Jesus operated on the same level as others, yet turned to the Father for help, knowing where true power resides and committing everything to His will, even in the most painful circumstances. God oversees our preparation for the Kingdom, ensuring that satan can do nothing against His children without His permission. He places a protective wall around us, commanding limits to satan's actions, for all power is given only as God allows. The Father performed miracles through Jesus, backing Him with power that Jesus, as a man, did not possess alone, demonstrating a synchronized relationship where the Father's will was always fulfilled. God is the source of every strength needed for salvation, summoning us, revealing Himself, granting repentance, faith, and providing our Savior through Jesus Christ. He resurrects, justifies, sanctifies, and gives His Spirit for eternal life, opening access to Him, and bestowing love and numerous gifts to enable us to perform our roles within the church. Whatever God requires, He enables, urging us to turn to Him as our Father for all needs rather than to the world.

God's Power: Our Shield Against Apostasy

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God is the Source of all power, creating and ruling over all. He grants power to others within His purpose, calling us, granting repentance, forgiving, justifying, and endowing us with His Spirit of power. He sanctifies us, bestows gifts upon us, and sends us forth, enabling and preparing us for salvation. Despite His awesome power that we are encouraged to draw upon, His almost inexhaustible patience and mercy, and His sincere desire for all to enter His Kingdom, there remains a point of no return for those who persist in sin. Power belongs to God, and it is His expressed will to use it to prepare us for His Kingdom, urging us not to let salvation slip away through neglectful non-cooperation.

Habakkuk: God's Power and Patience

Sermonette by James Beaubelle

God has expressed infinite patience with Jacob's rebellious children, but He has also put a time limit on their tolerance and craving for lawlessness.

The Model Prayer (Part Nine): Kingdom, Power, Glory

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The final, glorifying clause of the Model Prayer returns the focus to God and leaves the petitioner confident in God's ability to fulfill his requests.

The Sovereignty of God: Part Two

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

That God is sovereign means that He IS God, the absolute governor of all things. This has profound implications for us: It means He chooses goodness or severity.

The Fear of God (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We must have established some relationship with God before we can rightly fear Him. A holy fear is the key to unlocking the treasuries of salvation and wisdom.

Godly Fear is Humble Reverence

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

The fear and trembling before God is more like reverence and awe instead of abject terror. It leads us to total dependence upon God with a desire to repudiate sin.

Living By Faith and God's Sovereignty

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Some may doubt that God is in control, but God's sovereignty over His creation is complete. The course of world events are moving according to His will.

Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part One)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Most converted Christians realize that God is sovereign. But sometimes the Bible reveals something about God that makes us uncomfortable. Can we accept it?

God's Throne

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Solomon's opulent throne pales miserably in comparison to God's heavenly throne, surrounded by angelic beings, demonstrating the perfection of His government.

The Power of the Holy People

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Does 'the holy people' in Daniel 12:7 refer to the church of God? What is the church's power? Can it be completely shattered? Are there other 'holy people'?

Wonders of God

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

When science confines itself to observable facts, it is impossible to escape the evidence of intelligent design and the reality of God.

The Patience of God

CGG Weekly by Ronny H. Graham

Patience is sometimes misunderstood. Many think that it is just sitting and waiting, but exercising patience takes work and sometimes great self-control.

The Sovereignty of God (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Nothing and no one can thwart God's purposes. We need to develop the faith to yield and conform to His will as clay in the potter's hands.

How Big Is God?

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We must not have a one-dimensional perspective of God. Our puny minds can only grasp a tiny sliver of what God really is.

Spiritual Strongholds (Part Three): God's Intervention

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In addition to dispatching the talent sized hail, God responded to Joshua's request to extend the day—requiring an infinitude of miracles.

Where God Places His Name (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because we would die from exposure to God's glory, the name of God, reflecting His characteristics, is the only way we can approach God.

God's Sovereignty and the Church's Condition (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God's hand was definitely involved in the scattering of the church. We should respond by growing and preparing ourselves for His Kingdom.

The Fear of God

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Many 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.

Seeking God in the Mundane

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Pentecostalism, with its sensationalism, is dangerous to a true believer. God is more interested in quietness and meekness than in bombastic displays of power.

Powers of Christ

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

After His resurrection, Jesus Christ commissioned His disciples, reminding them of His limitless power to help them in their work.

Holiness of God (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

To be like God, we need to work on purifying ourselves, purging out sin and uncleanness, reflecting our relationship with God in every aspect our behavior.

Psalms: Book Four (Part Four): God as Creator

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The creation offers compelling testimony to the intricacies which preclude even the possibility of evolution. Evolution is a futile attempt to get rid of God.

God's Sea of Glass (Part 1)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Unlike tumultuous waves, the sea of glass before God's throne is tranquil and serene. Before we can stand on this sea of glass, we must be set apart and cleansed.

Gifted With Power From on High

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

With the Holy Spirit, we receive spiritual gifts that amplify extant physical abilities for the expressed purpose of edifying the church.

The Right Use of Power

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

With dominion comes responsibility to maintain. The sad history of mankind shows that he has mismanaged his power, bringing about disease, war, and famine.

Micah (Part Three): Who Is a God Like You?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Micah 5 describes legal proceedings against the people who have rejected God, promising a harsh retribution but future restoration for a physical remnant.

Subtly Ignoring God

Commentary by Mark Schindler

Environmentalists deny the power of Almighty God while attributing natural disasters to 'Mother Nature,' stemming from the worship of Gaia and Venus.

God's Glory in a Volcano

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Most scientists' comments about volcanoes serve to prove their indoctrination into evolutionary theory as they refuse to consider God's creative power.

Why Was God So Angry With Israel? (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Mike Fuhrer

What caused God to become so enraged at Israel when they refused to enter the Promised Land? The story starts a few years earlier in the Exodus from Egypt.

God of the Living (2019)

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christ's comment in Matthew 22:32 about "the God ... of the living" gives absolutely no mention about a place of the afterlife, but only a condition.

God's Rest (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Sabbath rest depicts the miracle of conversion, in which the transformation of mankind into God's image brings about a rest in which God takes pleasure.

The Kingdom of God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Kingdom of God includes a King, territory, citizenry, and laws. The term kingdom (Greek basileia), has a past, present and future application.

Psalms: Book One (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because Jesus is God's Son, we can avoid the rod of His anger by paying respect with worshipful awe. We must know both His instruction and Him personally.

Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Even though we have the free moral agency to run counter to God's purposes, we court disaster if we presumptuously plan against these purposes.

The Miracles of Jesus Christ (Part One)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Jesus' miracles did far more than merely excite His audience: They declared the Source of His power and His message.

Nahum

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

Nahum, whose name means 'comfort,' assures the captives that God would again comfort those who had suffered under the fist of the Assyrians.

A Vision of Eternity

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

Though we currently dwell in a temporary fleshly tent, we will be ultimately clothed in a permanent spiritual body, able to see God the Father and Christ.

Resistance (Part Two): Solutions

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Moses, Jonah, David, and Gideon demonstrated resistance to God's prompts, indicating that they initially feared men more than they feared God.

Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The term 'grace' describes a generous, thoughtful action of God, accompanied by love, which accomplishes His will, equipping us with everything we need.

Structure and Sovereignty in Daniel 2-7

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Daniel chapters 2-7 form a chiastic (X shaped) structure. Chapters 2 and 7, 3 and 6, and 4 and 5 are paired and mirrored, reinforcing significant themes.

Patience (2019)

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

Patience, a fruit of God's Spirit and a trait He abundantly displays, is not a passive turning away, but an active effort to control bursts of anger.

The Miracles of Jesus Christ: The Great Catch of Fish

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

In performing the miracle of the great catch of fish, Jesus manifests His divine power over creation, forcing Peter to realize just who his Master was.

The Third Commandment

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Many think the Third Commandment merely prohibits profane speech. In reality, it regulates the purity and quality of our worship of the great God.