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Passover and the Blood of Jesus Christ
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist's blood does much more than remit sin; it gives eternal life. The Passover wine represents the blood of the covenant, by which we are made complete.
Knowing Christ (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal life is to know God and Jesus Christ in a personal, experiential way, not merely to possess knowledge about Them. Knowing Them requires a relationship that begins with God's imputation of righteousness upon repentance, acceptance of the blood of Jesus Christ, and receiving His Holy Spirit, granting access to Him. This relationship grows through daily experiences, facing problems, serving, and meeting needs by the power of God's Holy Spirit, the same power that raised Christ from the dead. To know Christ is eternal life, as this intimate connection is the path to the resurrection. Paul desired to know Christ deeply, understanding that this step precedes the resurrection, and through this process, one comes to truly know God. The purpose of being raised to newness of life, as symbolized in baptism, is to know God, for knowing Him is eternal life, leading to real holiness through walking with Him. By putting sin to death and participating in Christ's sufferings, one comes to know Christ, aligning with His image and preparing for the Kingdom of God.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEternal life is found in knowing God and Jesus Christ, as They have established the sole path to a lasting relationship with the Father. Jesus Christ declares in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This profound statement reveals that He is the only means to approach God, embodying the way through His example of behavior and direction of life, the truth through His revelation of spiritual knowledge and understanding, and the life as the Life-giver who imparts eternal life. To know Him and His Father is to attain eternal life, as expressed in John 17:3. Through His sacrifice, teachings, and mediation, Jesus Christ provides the essential elements—behavior, knowledge, and spiritual life—necessary to enter the Kingdom of God. Without Him, there is no connection to the Father, no forgiveness of sins, and no hope for immortality. He forges the path, lights the way, and offers the promise of eternal life to those who follow Him.
Do We Know God?
CGG Weekly by Pat HigginsHow can we build a relationship of such intimacy that God and Christ know it is a relationship that will last for an eternity?
The Elements of Motivation (Part Six): Eternal Life
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIf you knew you would live forever, how would you live? Biblically, eternal life is much more than living forever: It is living as God lives!
Christ's Revelation of the Father
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJohn 1:1-3 reveals Jesus' pedigree as the Logos (Spokesman), whose function was to declare or reveal the Father. He had existed with His Father from eternity.
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.
Four Views of Christ (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist provides a model of how to live a godly life in the flesh, living life the way God lives it. Using His light, we can navigate our way in this world.
Getting To Know God
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughGetting to know God intimately, by virtue of His enabling us to experience life as He experiences life, makes the New Covenant vastly superior to the Old.
Do You Really Want Just Any Eternal Life?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe have a natural desire for eternal life, but living endlessly would not be a blessing if our circumstances were miserable. Eternal life means quality of life.
Are You Living the Abundant Life?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughNon-Christians tend to see Christianity as an utterly boring, rigid way of life. However, Jesus says He came to give His disciples abundant life. Here's how.
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.
These Things We Know
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe writings of John contain nine categories of "we know" assertions. Fully knowing consists of developing a deep intense relationship with God.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal life is to live a quality life as God lives, having developed a close relationship with God, living by faith and accepting His sovereignty over all.
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.
Are You Living an Abundant Life?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf Christianity is lived the way Christ intended, rather than as represented by media caricatures, it is one of the most exhilarating and abundant lifestyles.
Eternal Responsibilities
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe each have an eternal responsibility to do the will of God, continually seeking Him. Those who do not choose God's way of life will be mercifully put to death.
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.
Harmony with God and the Brethren
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingGod's people are like a musical ensemble, each having unique pitches and timbre. As we yield to our Conductor, we also blend with one another, creating harmony.
Anticipation
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityIn Carly Simon's song 'Anticipation,' she wonders whether the present moment of joy will last into the future or turn into disillusionment.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Eight)
Sermon by David F. MaasThe most effective way to develop a relationship with God is by developing a continuous prayer dialogue, conversing with Him through Bible study and prayer.
Elements of Motivation (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal life, emphasizing a special intimate relationship with God the Father and Christ, is vastly different from immortality, connoting only endless existence.
John (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEternal life is to know God, seeking Him to imitate Him, living as He does, and developing an intimate relationship with Him. This brings an abundant life.
Is it Salvational?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIt is easy to denigrate a matter as not being 'salvational,' but the real question to ask is, How will this action affect my relationship with God?
Is It Salvational? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeSimply watching out for the so-called "big sins" suggests that we are not genuinely interested in conforming to God—just in not crossing a major red line.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The true church is a unique educational institution, teaching the way of God and amplifying His Commandments, in contrast to the churches of this world.
The Third Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany think the third commandment deals only with euphemisms and swearing, but it goes much deeper. It regulates the quality of our worship and glorifying God.
Holiness (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo appropriate the name of God means to represent His attributes, character and nature. Our behavior must imitate Christ just as Christ revealed God the Father.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Seven)
Sermon by David F. MaasWe draw closer to God through Bible study and prayer. Here are practical techniques for augmenting our Bible study, gathering our daily spiritual manna.
The Resurrection From the Dead
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur lives revolve around the hope of a resurrection from the dead. Hope, deriving from Christ's resurrection, gives faith and love impetus and energy.
Love's Basic Definition
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove is not a feeling, but an action—defined as keeping God's commandments, the only means by which we can possibly know Him, leading to eternal life.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father and Son are separate; the Father is the source of all power, while the Son serves as the channel through which we interface with the Father.
A Priceless Gift
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's people are the precious jewels (or the private, personal possessions) of God, obligated to conform exclusively to His will and purpose.
The Same Mind, Judgment, and Speech
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWith the mind of Christ, we can agree with our spiritual siblings. We do not receive the fullness of Christ's mind at baptism; we must continue to seek it.
Unity (2006)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the symphony orchestra, only as an instrumentalist submits to the leader, working with the other members of the ensemble, can unity be accomplished.