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Why Does God Keep Secrets?
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasIt is the glory of God to conceal a matter, as Proverbs 25:2 declares, while the glory of kings is to search out a matter. Scripture affirms that certain things are kept hidden by the Lord our God, as stated in Deuteronomy 29:29: The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. God purposefully withholds knowledge, revealing His intentions incrementally to those who obey Him. Knowledge of His intent and purpose is conditional, linked to obedience to His holy law. God Almighty places a high priority on the seeking and exploring aspect of our character, promising to reveal Himself only to those who yield to His will and actively search for Him as they would for hidden treasures. Even with the aid of His Holy Spirit, which searches the deep things of God, as noted in I Corinthians 2:10, this revelation comes with the condition of obedience, as the Spirit is given to those who obey Him, according to Acts 5:32. God deliberately withholds many answers He could provide at once, requiring effort and persistence to uncover His purposes and draw closer to Him.
Why Does God Keep Secrets?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasIt is the glory of God to conceal a matter, as Proverbs 25:2 declares, while the glory of kings is to search out a matter. Countless individuals have expressed frustration at this tendency of our Creator to keep secrets, as seen in Job's lament, "And these things You have hidden in Your heart; I know that this was with You" (Job 10:13), and his longing, "Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come to His seat!" (Job 23:3). Scripture reveals that certain things God has withheld from His creation, choosing to unveil them incrementally and conditionally to His obedient chosen offspring. Daniel affirms that there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets (Daniel 2:28) and discloses deep and secret things to those with understanding (Daniel 2:21-22). Knowledge of God's intents and purposes, His secrets, is linked unequivocally to submission and obedience to His holy law. God Almighty promises to reveal Himself, making His purposes known, only to those who yield to Him and actively seek Him as one would search for buried precious minerals. Paul, addressing the philosophers of Athens, suggested that finding God requires expended effort and energy, with God placing a high priority on the seeking and exploring aspect of character-building. Even with the aid of God's Holy Spirit, given to those who obey Him as noted in Acts 5:32, God does not instantly disclose all truths. The Bible, often described as a coded book or jigsaw puzzle, reveals its schematic diagram incrementally through His Holy Spirit, demanding readers to search for parallels and patterns. Jesus Christ, our future Bridegroom, incorporated this coded feature into His parables, sharing the deeper meanings privately with His disciples while withholding them from the uninitiated (Matthew 13:11-13). Psalm 25:14 affirms, "The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him; and He will show them His covenant," indicating an intimate level of revelation for those who revere Him. God deliberately withholds many answers He could provide at once, using inductive and explorative methods to foster reflective thinking and character growth, ensuring that His secrets are unveiled through a lifetime of diligent seeking and obedience.
God's Sovereignty, Ecclesiastes, and God's Will
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God knows the end from the beginning, but He does not give us all the details at once, except as they are necessary for us for His purpose to be worked out.
God's Will
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPraying according to God's will is sometimes ambiguous. Yet as we respond positively to His covenant, He reveals more and more of His secret plans.
Stewards of the Mysteries of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe lowly, not impeded so much with pride or ego, make better stewards than those who may seem more presumptuous and self-centered.
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.'
Approaching God Through Christ (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughReligious bumper stickers fall short of revealing the full counsel of God, which is more complex than 'believe on the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved.'
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.
Never Again: God's Purpose For Bad Memories
Sermon by David F. MaasAfter God forgives our sins, He still allows residual memories of these transgressions to remain in our memories, evidently to help us in overcoming.
I Love a Mystery
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Eighth Day focuses upon the Rivers of Living Waters, signifying God's Holy Spirit flowing from the resurrected saints, unlocking previously secret things.
The Beast and Babylon (Part Three): Who Is the Woman?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIs the Woman depicted in Revelation 12 the church, as the church has dogmatically taught? Or is she another prophetic entity that is active today?
Why Are We Here and What Is Our Focus?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod has a plan to bring all to Christ, but each in his own order. We cannot have a proper understanding of the plan if we do not keep Christ as the focus.
How Long, O Lord? (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe references to trumpets suggest an announcement of a specific event or an alarm of what is to follow. Typically, the events themselves are figurative trumpet blasts.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Three): Ecclesiastes 8:10-9:1
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFor the called, enjoying life's pleasures should not be the top priority, but rather seeking first the kingdom of God, trusting that physical things will be added.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Four)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasWe must respond to our precious calling, choosing permanent eternal spiritual treasures, such as knowing God.
Born Again (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The gestation or fetus analogy does not adequately depict the sanctification process in which there has to be volition, judgment, and conscious choice.
Who Do You Trust? (Part Three)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe corruption of sin was brought on the world through the rebellion of Satan and his fallen angels, an event which took place between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2.
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod emphasizes Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Tabernacles to show the result of doing whatever our human heart leads us to do. The physical cannot satisfy.