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Caleb: Wholeheartedly Following God Exemplified
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingThe Scriptures provide rich lessons for us to learn and grow, fostering a closer relationship with God. They reveal how God thinks, where His heart is, and what His character embodies, offering us hope as we strive to live godly lives. God expects us to read and apply these lessons directly, recognizing that the men and women in these accounts are just like us, facing extraordinary circumstances with faith. Caleb stands as an inspiring example of wholeheartedly following the Lord. Described six times in the Scriptures as fully devoted to God, his life went beyond mere duty or habit; he passionately sought to serve God with his whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. Despite challenges and potential ridicule, Caleb's loyalty and faith transformed his very name into a symbol of devotion. When sent as a spy into the Promised Land, Caleb, alongside Joshua, saw the potential and trusted in God's power to deliver, even when others doubted. They witnessed God's miracles in Egypt and believed in His promise, urging the people to move forward with confidence in what God could accomplish. Caleb's different spirit, likely God's Holy Spirit, set him apart, giving him strength to stand firm against rebellion and opposition from his own people. Throughout the forty years of wandering, Caleb exhibited patience, never complaining despite knowing the goodness of the land he had to wait to inherit. His loyalty to God remained steadfast, even in hardship, as he supported Joshua without envy or rivalry, living a life of humility and mutual friendship. When the time came to claim his portion of the land at age 85, Caleb approached with confidence in God's promise, not arrogance, acknowledging that any success would be through God's help, not his own strength. Caleb's story teaches us to have courage in moments of pressure, to trust God when others doubt, and to persevere while waiting for His promises. His life shows that age is no barrier to accomplishing great things when trust is placed entirely in God. We are reminded to give God credit for our existence, to rely on His power, and to remain loyal and patient, knowing that no problem or mountain is too great for Him to overcome for us. God honors the faithfulness of His people, and through examples like Caleb, we see how to wholeheartedly follow Him.
Our Walk With God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLike ancient Israel, we walk out of our individual circumstances through a metaphorical desert of trials and tests, following God into the Promised Land.
Faithful, Following Firstfruits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThose reveling in the 'new freedoms' of apostasy cannot be persuaded to return to former beliefs because they no longer believe in the sanctified Word of God.
'Follow Me'
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonThe death of a loved one can be one of the most transformative experiences of life because of how profoundly it reveals God's presence, comfort and purpose.
God and Government
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGovernment run by carnal men will never work, but those under the New Covenant, having God's law written on their hearts, can make any form of government work.
Taking Our Lead From God
Article by StaffIn light of the examples of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, have we allowed ourselves to be led by men or are we really following God?
The Priesthood of God (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our responsibility as a royal priesthood and a kingdom of priests is to become holy as God is holy, exceeding the holiness of the Levitical priesthood.
End of an Era
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughThe death of John Ritenbaugh is part of one era of the greater church of God ending. The older generation is passing and the next generations must step up.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Becoming equipped for leadership requires that we discipline ourselves in following God's way of life, allowing the mind of Jesus Christ to be in us in.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We qualify to lead by internalizing the covenants, not only believing God, but doing what He says, realizing that the covenants are not complicated.
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.
Leadership and Covenants (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe contains a detailed record of both good and bad leaders, and it provides a repetitive principle that 'as go the leadership, so goes the nation.'
Escape From Box Canyon
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod forced Israel either to trust Him completely for deliverance or to return to their slavery. One of the greatest miracles in history has a lesson for us.
Unleavened Bread and Pentecost
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnleavened bread serves as a memorial of God's deliverance from the bondage of sin. We must realize that our part of the salvation process is to follow God.
Wilderness Wandering (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are in various stages of our wilderness journey, not knowing where our journey will take us. The turns give us opportunities to strengthen our faith.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the combined history of Judah and Israel, when the leaders abandoned the covenants with God, the citizenry generally followed suit.
Grace, Unleavened Bread, and the Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe eat unleavened bread because of what God has done, not what we have done. Eating unleavened bread symbolizes following God and displacing sin.