Filter by Categories
Abraham's One God
Article by Mike FordAbraham's relationship with God stands as a profound example of unwavering faith and obedience. God tested Abraham by commanding him to offer his only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering in the land of Moriah, a request that challenged the very core of Abraham's love and trust. Yet, Abraham responded with immediate obedience, rising early in the morning to prepare for the journey, demonstrating his recognition of God's supreme authority. He fully appreciated who and what God is: He is GOD! Throughout the three-day journey to Moriah, Abraham's resolve did not waver, even as he carried the weight of sacrificing his beloved son. His faith was ironclad, knowing with certainty that God would fulfill His promises, even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead. When God called out to him at the critical moment, through the Angel of the Lord, Abraham's readiness to answer, "Here I am," revealed his deep humility and submission. God acknowledged this loyalty, declaring, "Now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me," affirming that He held first place in Abraham's heart. Abraham's obedience led to God's provision of a ram for the sacrifice, sparing Isaac, and reinforcing the truth that God will provide for those who trust in Him completely. Naming the place "The-Lord-Will-Provide," Abraham cemented the lesson of yielding to God's will. God's subsequent promise to bless Abraham and multiply his descendants became unconditional due to this act of faith, showing that placing God above all else ensures participation in His divine plan. Abraham's life exemplifies that there is room for only one God, a standard of devotion that challenges all to prioritize Him above everything.
One God and One God Only
Sermonette by Mike FordAbraham's relationship with God stands as a profound example of unwavering faith and obedience. God tested Abraham by commanding him to offer his only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering in the land of Moriah. Despite the unimaginable weight of this command, Abraham responded with immediate obedience, rising early in the morning to prepare for the journey without hesitation. His readiness to sacrifice Isaac, even as he grappled with the implications, demonstrated that God held the first place in his heart, above all else, including his beloved son. Throughout the three-day journey to the designated mountain, Abraham's resolve did not waver, though Isaac was as good as dead in his mind during this time. When they reached the place God had chosen, Abraham built the altar and bound Isaac, poised to slay him with a knife, showing the pinnacle of his obedience and faith. At that critical moment, the Angel of the LORD intervened, calling out to Abraham and affirming that He now knew Abraham feared God, having not withheld his only son from Him. God provided a ram caught in a thicket as a substitute for Isaac, and Abraham named the place "The-LORD-Will-Provide," acknowledging God's provision for those who trust in Him completely. God further blessed Abraham for his obedience, swearing by Himself to multiply Abraham's descendants and ensure that through his seed all nations would be blessed. This promise became unconditional because Abraham proved he had no other gods before God, placing Him first in his life. Abraham's example illustrates that for God's plan to come to fruition and for His blessings to be received, He must be the sole focus of worship and devotion, above all competing desires or attachments.
Abraham (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham's relationship with God stands as a profound and unique bond, marked by deep friendship and faith. God chose Abraham to represent Him as a type of the Father, a singular honor in spiritual history, reflecting a combination of Abraham's natural abilities and yieldedness through faith, empowered by God's Spirit to accomplish mighty spiritual works. Abraham is distinctly called God's friend, a favored companion to whom God is attached by affection and esteem, placing Abraham in a remarkable position where God, in the highest place, acknowledges him as a friend, extending benefits to Abraham's progeny not for their merit, but due to this friendship. This friendship manifests in the great promises God gave to Abraham, establishing him as the father of a new spiritual race and the leader of a mighty host of born sons of God. God's love for Abraham extends benefits to his descendants, including material wealth and spiritual heritage through the Word of God, preserved and taught by them. Abraham's role was to pass on the faith, the way of life, and central values that God entrusted to him, teaching through the faithful recording of his life in Scripture. God's call to Abraham initiated this relationship, beginning with a promise in its simplest form, a gospel that Abraham believed and obeyed, leading to his separation from his world. This faith rested on the character and power of God who declared, "I will," providing a solid foundation for Abraham's actions. God's personal appearances and encouragements to Abraham further strengthened this bond, guiding him through a life of faith filled with movement and instability, yet always directed by God. Central to Abraham's relationship with God was not the physical inheritance or rewards, but the covenant and personal connection they shared. Abraham cherished this relationship above all, motivated by the character and power of God, unwilling to let anything break their bond. This friendship, built on trust and submission to God's word, defined Abraham's life and actions, inspiring a pattern of separation from the world and a continuous pilgrimage guided by faith. Communication through prayer and study, akin to the way friends maintain closeness, remains vital in sustaining and deepening this relationship with God, as it was for Abraham, God's friend.
The Providence of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAbraham's relationship with God stands as a profound example of faith and obedience amidst intense personal struggle. God, who had promised Abraham a son, fulfilled that promise after many years of waiting with the birth of Isaac, whom Abraham loved deeply. Yet, God, as his Friend and Master, commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, creating a heart-wrenching dilemma. If Abraham obeyed, he would keep God but lose his son; if he disobeyed, he would keep Isaac but lose God. Despite the emotional turmoil, Abraham's faith in God's character and promises prevailed. He calculated, reasoning through his knowledge of God, and concluded that God had both the power to resurrect and the faithfulness to keep His word. Abraham's resolve was set by the third day of his journey, trusting that both he and Isaac would return, demonstrating his belief that God would intervene or provide a way. Abraham's actions were not stoic or emotionless; he rose early, saddled his donkey, and chopped wood himself, a rich and elderly man who could have delegated such tasks, likely driven by a mind in turmoil, seeking distraction from the impending sacrifice. His faith was not merely intellectual but deeply rooted in knowing God intimately, believing that God would never go back on His promise. This trust enabled Abraham to obey fully, even to the point where Isaac was as good as dead and resurrected in his mind, until God intervened and saved Isaac's life. Abraham's faith rose above his feelings, showing that he was not walking by sight but by a profound trust in his Friend, God. This episode reveals that Abraham lived by faith, a motivation that permeated his entire life, not just this singular event, as he yielded to God's will regardless of immediate circumstances. God engineered this trial, testing Abraham's belief in His faithfulness, and through it, Abraham's devotion and obedience became evident, reflecting a life of worship in every action.
Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Four): Providence Manifested
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAbraham's relationship with God, as depicted in Genesis 22, reveals a profound bond marked by deep faith and unwavering obedience. Abraham's trust in God was evident as he confidently believed that God would provide what was needed, even in the face of the ultimate test—sacrificing his son Isaac. He knew God's providence would supply the lamb for the offering, demonstrating his certainty in God's promises. His interactions with God were characterized by calmness and readiness to serve, as seen in his steady responses of "Here I am" when called by God, reflecting a heart willing to obey without hesitation. This relationship was tested to its limits, yet Abraham's fear of God—understood as deep reverence and loyalty—prevailed over his love for Isaac. God Himself acknowledged this, declaring, "Now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." Abraham's obedience confirmed his understanding of his place as the lesser partner in the covenant with God, a humble servant who recognized the necessity of absolute loyalty. He knew that under this covenant, his faithfulness would be rewarded, while disloyalty could bring severe consequences. Abraham's faith was further shown in his belief that God had the power to intervene, whether by stopping the sacrifice or by resurrecting Isaac if necessary, to fulfill the promises made through his heir. His relationship with God was not only personal but also covenantal, as he strove to walk before God and be blameless, fulfilling his part while trusting God to provide and bless him in return. This dynamic of mutual commitment—Abraham's obedience and God's provision—underscored their bond, culminating in God supplying the ram as a substitute for Isaac, affirming His role as the provider in their sacred agreement.
Abraham (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOne of the profound lessons from Abraham's life is that a life centered on God grants a person an inner strength that prevents life from disintegrating. This strength, derived from a deep companionship with God, fosters a mind that is understanding, merciful, kind, and selfless, stabilizing relationships and bringing peace within a marriage or community. Abraham's fellowship with God operated through faith, impacting every facet of his life. He believed God, and this belief shaped his actions and decisions. In Genesis 17, when Abraham was ninety-nine, God appeared to him, declaring, "I am God Almighty, walk before Me and be blameless, and I will multiply you exceedingly." This encounter emphasized that the fulfillment of God's promise depended solely on Him, as He reiterated His covenant with seven affirmations of "I will," underscoring that it would not be through human effort or self-will, but by His grace. Abraham's response was to fall on his face in complete submission, indicating his readiness to learn and follow God's path. God changed Abram's name to Abraham, signifying a new status and role aligned with the beginning of the fulfillment of the promise through Isaac. God initiated the covenant with Abraham, reaching out to establish a bond that gave purpose to life, ensuring it would not be lived in vain. This divine initiative showed that God desired a relationship with Abraham, inviting it on His terms, requiring complete surrender. Abraham's single-minded devotion to God, walking before Him, was central to receiving the blessings of the promise. This relationship with God, originating from Abraham, was intended to extend to his descendants, influencing families, schools, workplaces, and institutions, building God's way and character into every aspect of life.
Abraham (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham's relationship with God stands as a profound example of faith and trust, even amidst uncertainty and trial. God promised Abraham a land for possession, though He gave him no inheritance in it during his lifetime, not even enough to set his foot on. Despite having no child at the time, God assured Abraham that his descendants would inherit this land, though they would first dwell in a foreign land and endure bondage for four hundred years before being delivered to serve Him. This covenant, sealed with circumcision, underscored the personal bond between God and Abraham, a relationship that Abraham cherished above all, regardless of his physical state or place of residence. Abraham lived by faith, obeying God's call to go to a place he would receive as an inheritance, even though he did not know where he was going. He dwelt in the land of promise as a foreigner, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, waiting for a city with foundations built by God. When tested, Abraham offered up Isaac, trusting that God could raise him from the dead, evaluating the evidence of God's promises and concluding that God would fulfill His word, either by resurrection or by providing an alternative. Though Abraham did not have all the evidence to fully understand every circumstance, there was always enough for him to step out in faith, trusting that God would provide and resolve any difficult situation. This faith kept Abraham on edge through constant movement, a lesson for all as pilgrims, showing that the relationship with God, not the physical land or circumstances, was what mattered most. Abraham obeyed God despite never receiving the promised inheritance in his lifetime, perceiving the intent behind the land and the covenant rather than focusing on the physical possession. His contentment in any state, learned through trials, mirrored the understanding that God's regard for him was not measured by his condition but by the relationship they shared. When commanded to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham saw God provide a ram instead, naming the place "The-Lord-Will-Provide," encapsulating a major lesson of his century-long journey of faith—that God always provides. Abraham's journey was not without missteps, as seen when he went down to Egypt during a famine, possibly failing to trust God long enough to supply his needs. In Egypt, there was no mention of worship, prayer, or communion with God, indicating a lapse in closeness. Only upon returning to Bethel, the house of God, did Abraham rebuild an altar and call on God's name, restoring fellowship. This return marked a renewed focus on his relationship with God, further emphasized by separations from worldly ties, such as Lot, whose carnal focus contrasted with Abraham's spiritual vision. Abraham's choice to dwell in Canaan, content to appear weak with God rather than strong without Him in the strongholds of evil, highlighted his prioritization of this divine bond over worldly gain. Ultimately, Abraham valued his relationship with God above all else, passing the test of faith through trials and learning from mistakes. His life demonstrates that God desires to see whether this relationship matters most, testing reactions through various circumstances to build character. Abraham's pattern of faith, even when enduring confusion and doubt, shows that trusting in God's presence and provision, rather than physical conditions or promises, is the essence of a true bond with Him.
Abraham (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughBased on his long friendship with God, Abraham could systematically calculate the reliability of God's promises even in the lack of visual evidence.
Seeking God (Part One): Our Biggest Problem
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAfter making the covenant with God, how does a person avoid backsliding? The answer lies in seeking God, which involves much more than commonly thought.
Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Two): Love Exemplified
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe love of Abraham for Isaac serves as an emblem for the love of the Father for His Son and for all the children of Adam and Eve.
God, the Church's Greatest Problem
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAfter our calling, we must seek God and His way, for our conduct is motivated by our concept of God. Coming to know God is the church's biggest problem.
Abraham (Part Nine)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod helps us to overcome our problems in an unraveling process, sometimes taking us back through the consequences of the bad habits we have accumulated.
Israel's Missing Characteristics of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faithfulness is living continually by faith, acting even though doing so may cost us. Love is not primarily a feeling, but faithfulness in applying God's Word.
Experiencing God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue knowledge of God comes only from experience. The apostle Peter has admonished us to grow in knowledge, both biblical knowledge and secular knowledge.
Facing Times of Stress: Always in God's Presence
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe can maintain spiritual contact using David's tactic of continually maintaining the Lord before him in his thoughts, prayers, and meditations.
Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part Four): Favor to Live as God Lives
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe earn God's favor by obedience; there is a direct tie between submission to His will and His favor. The more one submits, the more favor and grace accrues.
God as Father
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is the only perfect example of fatherhood. We need to emulate His virtues, among them being the perfect example of what we want our children to be.
The Glory of God (Part 3): From Glory to Glory
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must not limit God's glory to something physical like fire or cloud, but rather recognize God's glory as radiating from His character, which we can share.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus did not take on a different shape or form when He was transfigured. Taking on the image of the heavenly does not vaporize one into shapeless essence.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Seventeen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because the world is under the sway of the wicked one, if mankind were left to its own choices, the world would revert to the condition before the Flood.
The Christian Fight (Part Six)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughFar more than on any other hero of faith, Hebrews concentrates on Abraham as the father of the faithful, the Bible's premier example of walking with God.
Why Israel? (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughIsrael plays a prominent part in Scripture. Here is God's stated purposes for choosing and using the children of Israel throughout His Word—and beyond.
Teaching the Good News of the Promise
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)We must teach God's ways to our offspring, orienting them to the way of give rather than get, admonishing them to purify themselves from the ways of the world.
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.
The Christian Fight (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Christian life is a constant battle against our own human natures, this evil world, and spiritual foes who do not want to see us inherit the Kingdom.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist will empower us, but will not live our lives for us. The marching orders for our pilgrimage derive from God's Word, containing His holy law.
Be Holy, as I am Holy
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingHoliness consists of not merely moral behavior, but a complete spiritual transformation, as exemplified by keeping His seventh day Sabbath.
Be Perfect
Sermonette by Mike FordBeing perfect refers to becoming mature in the image of God. Overcoming is not easy, but when Christ returns, we don't want just a participation trophy.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Two): The Old Covenant
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod made the New Covenant because Jacob's offspring did not have what it took to fulfill the terms of the Old Covenant. The carnal mind is hostile to God's law.
Martha, Martha
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerMartha used her gifts, but to an excessive extreme. Jesus had to reel her in, setting her on a more productive course. We must use our gifts responsibly.
Knowing, Following, and Striving for Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur goal is to know Christ on a personal basis, knowing the power of His resurrection. This knowledge should be a practical understanding of His power.
Facing Times of Stress: Grieved by Various Trials
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFaith from God will be required to endure and profit from trials, bringing about character and genuineness of faith, as well as patience and trust in God.
Change and Hope
Sermon by John O. ReidAs God found it necessary to test our forbears, He allows us to go through grueling experiences (trials, tests, and temptations) for maximum growth.
Faith (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAt the time of the end, sin will be so pervasive and so compelling that our only resource for enduring its influence will be our relationship with God.