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Seeking God's Will (Part One): Holiness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs children of light, we are called to walk in a manner that reflects our transformation from darkness to light, proving what is acceptable to the Lord. This means actively seeking to understand and align with God's will through our conduct. By submitting to God's commandments, even when the reasons are not immediately clear, we open ourselves to eventual understanding of His purposes. This act of submission, though often challenging, is an act of faith that tests our loyalty and obedience. Over time, God reveals the reasons behind His commands, enhancing our comprehension of His will. Submission to one another, as God instructs, is another area where we prove what is acceptable to the Lord. Though it may be difficult to submit without fully understanding why, obedience to this command allows God to eventually provide clarity. This process of submitting in faith, despite uncertainties, yields fruits of righteousness and godly character, as God honors our persistence by revealing His intentions. In situations where God's will is unclear, we must rely on a deep knowledge of His character to guide our decisions. Understanding His traits narrows our options, helping us eliminate choices that do not align with His nature. By walking as children of light and imitating Christ, we strive to embody His character, making decisions that reflect His will. This continuous effort to know and apply God's character enables us to determine His will in various circumstances, fostering growth in faith and righteousness.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMost converted Christians realize that God is sovereign. But sometimes the Bible reveals something about God that makes us uncomfortable. Can we accept it?
Human Will
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's children should never emulate the self-willed attitude Frank Sinatra's song "My Way" glorifies. Human nature and godly character are polar opposites.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Six
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe overriding issue of life is to whom we will give ourselves in obedience. Will it be ourselves, society, business, Satan or God?
Abraham's One God
Article by Mike FordThe first commandment sets the stage for understanding Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac. God wanted to know: Would Abraham put Him first and have no other god?
The Sovereignty of God: Part Two
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThat 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.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLoyalty and submission to God (not always easy) empowers and guarantees ultimate success and leadership, actually freeing us from the fear of death.
The Sovereignty of God and Human Responsibility: Part Eleven
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod's sovereignty and free moral agency set up a seeming paradox. Just how much choice and freedom do we have under God's sovereign rule?
Unity (Part 4): The Voice of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe voice of God, whether expressed through thunder, events of His providence, handiwork of creation, or the preaching of His truth, is recognizable to His flock.
God Is . . . What?
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughWhat is God's nature? Is God one Being? Two? Three? Bible students have long searched for the answers to these questions. The truth is both simple and profound.
Submitting (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLiberty without guidelines will turn into chaos. We will be free only if we submit to the truth. All authority, even incompetent authority, derives from God.
Sovereignty and Its Fruit: Part Ten
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOnce we accept God's sovereignty, it begins to produce certain virtues in us. Here are four of these byproducts of total submission to God.
The Meek
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMeekness is the opposite of weakness, exemplifying self-control under immense pressure, demonstrated by Jesus refusing to retaliate.
Characteristics of the Surrendered Life
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerBy surrendering to God and conducting ourselves in harmony with His revealed truth, we can live abundantly, and our lives become transformed.
Marriage and the Bride of Christ (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWives are admonished to submit to their husbands, children to their parents, servants to their overseers, and we all are admonished to submit to one another.
'This Gospel of the Kingdom Shall Be Preached'
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeMany fail to understand that Matthew 24:14 is a prophecy and instead read it as a commission. God will ensure His gospel is preached; we follow His lead.
Intimacy with Christ (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe don't really know something unless we have experienced it. Knowing God manifests itself in the way one lives, reflecting faithfulness and obedience.
That No Flesh Should Glory
Sermon by Mark SchindlerHaving God's spiritual gifts should not incline us to exercise any measure of pride because we have nothing that has not been given to us by God.
Presumptuousness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIndividuals arrogating to themselves the authority to change doctrine are on extremely dangerous ground, presumptuously setting up idols in place of God.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father and the Son are two distinct beings, not co-equal as the trinity doctrine proclaims, but with the Son deferring to the Father in all things.
Overcoming (Part 4): Self-Will
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWe can easily slide down the path of spiritual self-destruction when self-will becomes dominant in our lives. Our goal is to live by God's will, not ours!
Parables of Counting the Cost
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn Luke 14:25-33, two parables and an exhortation urge us to forsake all that we have as a mandatory condition for becoming Christ's true disciples.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Seven): Contentment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod desires far more for us than mere satisfaction: He wants to give us real contentment, a state that comes only through a relationship with Him.
Does Scripture Allow for Killing in Self-Defense?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeMany believe that we are allowed to take another's life in defense of our own, God's Word distinguishes only between accidental and premeditated killing.
Communication and Coming Out of Babylon (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod commands us to come out of Babylon, giving us spiritual resources to do so, including faith, vision, hope, and love. These come through knowing Him.
Five Teachings of Grace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughProtestantism unthinkingly presents grace as "free." However, Scripture shows that God expects a great deal of effort from us once we receive it—it is costly.