Power is a profound desire, yet true authority belongs solely to God, who delegates limited power to humanity and intervenes with mighty acts of salvation. In contrast, seeking power for self-recognition mirrors Korah's rebellion, reflecting a worldly mindset of dominance and self-exaltation within the church. Such ambition leads to division, drawing followers away from God's leadership into self-righteousness. Instead, meekness—enduring injury patiently and prioritizing service over position—is essential. Christ teaches that greatness lies in serving others, and God promises to guide and lift the meek. True unity requires surrendering personal ambition, embracing humility, and following God's path rather than man's selfish course in the pursuit of power.

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Habakkuk: God's Power and Patience

Sermonette by James Beaubelle

God has expressed infinite patience with Jacob's rebellious children, but He has also put a time limit on their tolerance and craving for lawlessness.

The Greatness of God's Power

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Power is a profound desire for many in this world. Athletes seek power to achieve their goals, while leaders of nations often compromise everything for it. Satan craves power above all else, as evidenced by a Satan worshipper who, in a chilling voice, declared power as his motivation. Yet, true power, the ability to exercise authority effectively, belongs solely to God. No one possesses power unless God permits it. Jesus Christ shares in this power, as do members of God's church, for it is through Christ that strength is granted. In the Old Testament, power and might are attributed supremely to God, evident in His creation and sustenance of the world, surpassing all forces within it. His power manifests in mighty acts of salvation, reflected in names like El Shaddai (God Almighty), Abhir (Mighty One or Strong One), and Omnipotent (All Powerful). God delegates authority to humanity, granting power over the earth to care for and use it rightly. Though mankind holds this limited authority, God frequently intervenes with miraculous works, especially of deliverance, demonstrating His might. In the New Testament, the focus of God's power shifts to the spiritual realm. Christ, endowed with all authority by His Father, used it to forgive sins and cast out evil spirits, and He extends authority to His disciples to share in His work. The greatest display of God's power is in individual calling and conversion, transforming lives through His truth. Just before His ascension, Christ promised the apostles power from on high, fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost when God's Spirit empowered the church. The apostle Paul emphasized the exceeding greatness of God's power working in believers, praying that they comprehend this force, as seen in the resurrection of Christ, which placed Him above all powers. Paul underscores that salvation results not from human effort plus God's power, but from God's power alone working within us. This power resides in believers, dispelling fears and instilling confidence in God's promises. Despite human frailty and worldly distractions, God's power overcomes all obstacles, ensuring the path to glory. Paul describes God's power as surpassing human comprehension, an energy that conquers resistance and accomplishes His will. This power, demonstrated in Christ's resurrection, proves that no enemy, not even death, can prevail against God's might. Through this act, God shows that every hindrance will be overcome, affirming that nothing can separate believers from His purpose. God's power transforms, making believers alive together with Christ, renewing them daily with a new disposition to live according to His will.

The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth

Article by J. Edwin Pope

God makes tremendous promises of blessing and reward to those who develop meekness in their lives. David writes, The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way (Psalm 25:9). Another psalmist declares, The LORD lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground (Psalm 147:6). In contrast to seeking power or self-recognition, meekness involves enduring injury with patience and without resentment. It is reflected in lowliness of mind, putting self after others (Philippians 2:3). Our responsibility in developing meekness includes stopping the pursuit of self-recognition and setting our minds on serving God. Christ emphasized this in Matthew 23:11, stating, But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. We must no longer strive for position, but examine our motives, asking whether they are to serve or to gain for ourselves. Additionally, we should view ourselves as less than others, following Paul's example in Ephesians 3:7-8, where he considered himself less than the least of all the saints. Most importantly, we must ask God for more of this fruit of His Spirit, trusting that He will give if we ask (Luke 11:9).

Taking Our Lead From God

Article by Staff

In the pursuit of power, many within God's church have mirrored the contentious spirit of Korah, seeking lead-dog status rather than following God's designated leadership. This drive for dominance, seen in both the world and the church, reflects a worldly mindset of self-exaltation and presumptuousness, forgetting that God determines rightful leadership. Korah's rebellion, as recorded in Numbers 16, began with a few but quickly ensnared many, leading to disastrous consequences for nearly 15,000 people who blamed Moses and Aaron, ultimately opposing God Himself. Today, this same attitude prevails as self-proclaimed leaders attract followers with religious rhetoric, drawing them away from God's lead into self-determination and self-righteousness. Instead of learning from Korah's example, many continue to prioritize personal ambition over humility, ignoring God's call for meekness and contriteness. True unity in the church requires surrendering to God's Spirit, rejecting envy and self-seeking, and embracing the wisdom from above that is pure, peaceable, and willing to yield. The critical question remains: are we following God's perfect path or man's selfish course in our quest for power and position?

Coattails

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Nimrod, Babylon's founder, was a narcissistic, arrogant, ungodly rebel who strove for preeminence. Most of his world clung to his coattails for security.

Don't Be a Politician

Sermon by Mike Ford

Jesus proved that one cannot become a leader through political intrigue, but by assuming the position of a humble servant. God sets Himself against the proud.

A Political Hurricane

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Mass media and social media have been deliberately poking political hot buttons, purposely dividing the people of this nation to take adversary positions.

Would Jesus Christ Vote? (Part One)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Because it is not directly mentioned in Scripture, people often ask if voting is biblically condoned. The real question is, would Jesus vote?

What Type of Leader Are You?

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

Jesus Christ did not teach the pyramid model of leadership, where successive levels of leaders provide direction to those in the lesser ranks. He served.

Conspiracy Theory (Part Seven)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Satan has done a good job of sabotaging the educational system of this nation, a deliberate effort by those motivated by a desire for wealth and power.

Abdicate

Sermonette by Ryan McClure

In 1936, British King Edward VIII abdicated for the woman he loved. Satan's pride and Adonijah's presumptuousness urged them to leave their ordained positions.

Countering Presumptuousness

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram were not content with where God had placed them, but, in a spirit of pride, wanted to arrogate to themselves the office of Moses.

James and Unleavened Bread (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The epistle of James stresses both faith and works, emphasizing those factors necessary for growth, enabling us to produce a bountiful harvest of fruit.

A Government to Fear (Part Seven)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Even though Western governments are comparatively less tyrannical than their Gentile counterparts, they too can force their ways on the populace.

Who Then Is In The Kingdom Of Heaven?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In Matthew 18, some disciples pondered who would be greatest in the Kingdom. However, ambition, arrogance, and pride will keep one from even being there.

Mercy, Pilgrimage, and Providence

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our experience in overcoming and developing character will be fraught with difficulties, but God will provide the power to get through all the anguish.

Why Liberals Love Illegals (Part Two)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Liberals desire the votes of minorities for the sake of power, making them dependent so special interest groups can overturn the influence of the majority.

New Covenant Priesthood (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Pride is the basis of resisting God, while humility is the key to a relationship with Him. We recognize it in others but we seldom see it in ourselves.

Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Three)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Habakkuk was frustrated that God would use an evil people to punish Israel, yet he resolved to cease fretting and to become a responsible watcher.

Climategate

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The e-mails of Climategate have exposed the sham and hypocrisy of leftist pseudo-scientists who have fudged the data, clearly lusting after government grants.

Seeing is Submitting

Sermon by Bill Onisick

All of us have received the biblical mandate to submit, even when the authority is flawed, emulating Jesus Christ.

What I Believe About Conspiracy Theories

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The drive toward one world government is a transparent reality having several biblical prototypes, all inspired by demonic opposition to God's rule.

God and Self-Government

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The New Covenant, wherein God writes His law on the heart and gives His Spirit, empowers God's people to obey without the need for external control.

Spotting False Teachers

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

True shepherds have genuine concern for the flock, as opposed to hirelings who only devour or take advantage of the flock.

The Tenth Commandment

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Covetousness is an insatiable desire for worldly gain and lies at the heart of where most sin originates. The tenth emphasizes man's relationship to man.

Why Did the Jews Hate Jesus?

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The elites' jealousy over losing political power fueled their hatred of Jesus. Conflict between those who have power and those who want it is a way of life.

Living by Faith: Human Pride

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our human nature is pure vanity with a heart that is desperately deceitful and wicked, motivated by self-centeredness, a deadly combination for producing sin.

Thou Shall Not Covet

Sermon by John O. Reid

Because virtually every sin begins as a desire in the mind, the command against coveting (lustful cravings) could be the key to keeping the other commandments.

Character and Leadership

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christian leaders should exhibit Christ-like qualities such as truth speaking, upholding standards, listening to others, giving gifts, and remaining humble.

Miriam: Prophetess and Leader

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

Miriam resembles every one of us as potential leaders. When she learned her lesson about pride, Miriam achieved the same exalted stature as Moses and Aaron.

What Is a False Prophet?

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

False prophets—including the great False Prophet of Revelation—claim to speak for God, yet reveal themselves in predictable ways. Here is what to look for.

Satan (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Satan uses lies and disinformation to promote self-satisfaction over obedience to God. The way to the kingdom is through self-denial, even suffering unjustly.