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Moses, Servant of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMoses, described as God's servant, My servant, and the servant of the Lord, holds a unique position as this term is applied to him more frequently than to any other individual. The Hebrew root for servant implies work, reflecting a life of submission expressed through actions rather than words. Though often seen as a position of low degree, serving a master, it defines Moses' relationship with God, portraying a role of great honor. Despite his extraordinary leadership and sacrifices, Moses exemplifies the essence of a servant through his submissive, realistic, constant, sacrificial, vulnerable, courageous, and bold leadership qualities. Moses stands out as a preacher and prophet, chosen by God to establish a nation with the right moral and spiritual standards. His intimate relationship with God, not merely as a servant but also as a friend, highlights his unique standing. God commends Moses for his profound humility, a trait that enabled him to carry out heavy responsibilities without seeking personal glory, faithfully serving in every circumstance within the House of God. His life, marked by exceptional character and reliability, showcases his unwavering commitment as a servant, always dependable to fulfill obligations laid upon him by God. God prepared Moses meticulously for his role, guiding every aspect of his life from birth into a spiritually stable family, through preservation from death, to receiving the best education in Egypt, and later humbling experiences as a shepherd. These preparations equipped him to lead a stubborn people, demonstrating that God enables His servants with the necessary tools, blessings, and gifts to meet their assignments. Just as God supplied Moses with vigor and overcame his initial reluctance to speak, He ensures that what He requires of His servants, He always enables them to achieve. The concept of servanthood, as exemplified by Moses, extends to all who follow God, requiring subjection to Him as a slave with a life belonging to another. This demands constant preoccupation with God's will over personal desires, a battlefield where faithfulness is tested. Yet, God remains faithful, supplying all needs to ensure His servants can fulfill their responsibilities, just as He did for Moses. Every servant, within the measure of gifts and responsibilities given, can emulate Moses' faithfulness, knowing that God prepares and enables them to overcome challenges as He did for His chosen servant.
Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, God's Servant
Sermonette by Jarod RitenbaughGod chose Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, as His servant, despite his carnal nature and the terrible acts he committed against God's people. In Jeremiah 25:9, the Lord declares, "Behold, I will send for all the tribes of the north, and for Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, My servant, and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all these surrounding nations." Similarly, in Jeremiah 27:6, God states, "Now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, My servant, and I have given him also the beasts of the field to serve him." Again, in Jeremiah 43:10, the Lord affirms, "Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, My servant, and I will set his throne above these stones that I have hidden, and he will spread his royal canopy over them." Through these declarations, God positioned Nebuchadnezzar as His instrument of judgment, executing His will as a punisher against nations. Despite his flaws, God worked through this man, demonstrating that He can choose even the most unlikely individuals to serve His purposes.
How God Deals With Conscience (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe concept of becoming servants of God is central to the journey of liberation from personal bondage, as illustrated by the experiences of the Israelites. The purpose of their Exodus from Egypt was not merely to escape Pharaoh's slavery, but to embrace servitude to God. Moses did not simply demand, "Let my people go," but rather, "Let my people go so that they may worship God in the desert." This underscores the true intent of their freedom: to serve Him. The climax of their journey was not the day they left Egypt, but when they accepted God's authority at Mt. Sinai, 50 days after the wave sheaf offering, on the day of Pentecost. This transition from being servants of Pharaoh to servants of God reveals the ultimate goal of liberation—to dedicate oneself to His will. This principle applies to individual struggles as well. Escaping a personal Egypt, whether it be addiction, financial hardship, or any form of bondage, requires a clear purpose beyond mere freedom. One must commit to becoming a servant of God, understanding what it means to worship Him in spirit and truth. Without a higher goal of service to Him, the escape from personal bondage risks becoming meaningless, leading one back into a state of confinement. True freedom is found in submitting to God's authority, ensuring that the journey out of Egypt leads to a life of purpose under His guidance.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughServants of God are entrusted with immense responsibilities, reflecting a position of great authority and trust, much like stewards in biblical accounts. As stewards, they are not owners but caretakers of what belongs to God, managing His creation and gifts with vigilance and fidelity. Whether converted or unconverted, all are stewards of the physical creation, but servants of God bear a higher calling, entrusted with the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, a treasure beyond earthly value. This stewardship demands loyalty, humility, and dedication, as exemplified by Abraham's steward, Eliezer, who served faithfully even when displaced as heir, demonstrating unwavering commitment to his master's will. God desires faithfulness above all from His stewards, requiring them to use His gifts—both physical and spiritual—judiciously and responsibly. Servants of God are judged on how they manage what has been entrusted to them, ensuring they do not misuse or neglect these treasures for personal gain. They must guard this invaluable trust with their lives, protecting it from being stolen away by worldly distractions, and remain vigilant to prevent their own spiritual drift. Their role extends to serving one another within the body of Christ, loving, helping, and being patient, as they are members of the same family under God's ownership. The lesson for servants of God is to emulate the foresight and wisdom of worldly individuals in preparing for the future, but to direct these qualities toward eternal goals rather than transient ones. They are called to work as diligently for the Kingdom of God as others do for fleeting worldly success, applying persistence and discipline to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Stewardship encompasses managing both material and spiritual riches, with the spiritual being of far greater value, as it endures beyond the grave. Servants of God must prioritize their stewardship of eternal truths over temporary possessions, focusing on building character that will stand when judgment comes.
Tested: Our Trust in God's Promises
Sermonette byThere is an apparent contradiction between God's promises to protect and heal, and the persecution, health crises, and death that we all experience.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the journey of faith, the concept of being servants of God emerges as a profound relationship marked by divine sovereignty and calling. God, in His supreme authority, summons some to be His servants, separating them from the masses for a purpose known only to Him. This calling is not based on any inherent quality or merit within us, but solely on His will and choice. As servants, we are akin to slaves in our responsibility to obey, reflecting a bond of complete submission to His commands, as illustrated by the Greek term doulos, which underscores the seriousness of our duty. This relationship demands a recognition of God as the sovereign Master over His creation, where we, as His servants, must trust in His personal and individual working within us. Our faith and obedience as servants are not self-initiated but are gifts from Him, enabling us to believe and to overcome. God has ordained some to eternal life, appointing us as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a peculiar people to show forth His praises who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. As servants of God, we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, not as earning it, but taking what He has given to its logical conclusion. He provides both the desire and the power to accomplish His will, constantly guiding and correcting us along the path to the Kingdom of God. Our role as servants requires a humble acknowledgment that we have no claim to praise for our calling; it is entirely due to His choice, hidden within Himself, prompting us to respond with overflowing gratitude and zealous obedience.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasAs God's called-out firstfruits, we are appointed by Jesus Christ to bear much fruit, glorifying the Father through righteous works empowered by God's Holy Spirit. Jesus declares in John 15:8, "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so, you will be My disciples." We prove our discipleship by abiding in His love, keeping His commandments, and loving one another as He has loved us, even to the point of laying down our lives for our friends, as stated in John 15:9-14. He chose us to go and bear lasting fruit, promising that whatever we ask the Father in His name, He will give us, according to John 15:16. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to walk in, as Ephesians 2:10 reminds us. As servants of God, we must not remain dormant but actively produce fruit, for Jesus warns in John 15:6 that those who do not abide in Him, bearing no fruit, will be cast out and burned. The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 further illustrates our responsibility to use the gifts God entrusts to us, whether great or small, to generate a return for the Master. The faithful servants who multiplied their talents were commended with, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and invited into the joy of their lord, while the unprofitable servant who hid his talent was cast into outer darkness. God expects a return on His investment in us, providing all we need to fulfill His calling, as seen in the diverse talents given according to each servant's ability. We work not for selfish purposes but to honor Him, stewarding His resources with diligence. Ultimately, we will be held accountable for how we use our gifts—material, mental, and spiritual—to serve God and others, as Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 emphasizes that God will bring every deed into judgment. In Matthew 25:31-40, Jesus reveals that serving the least of His brethren is serving Him, promising the kingdom to those who faithfully do so. As His servants, we are commissioned to work in the here and now, using all that God has given us to glorify Him and prepare for His coming Kingdom.
Taking Our Lead From God
Article by StaffIn the midst of a splintering church, many have forgotten that God determines the right leadership qualities, contrasting sharply with the worldly mindset of dominance and competition that has infiltrated even God's people. God is not blind to the divisions as group after group breaks further apart, with modern-day Korahs professing to stand in the gap while ignoring the prophetic warning of wicked leadership. The example of Korah illustrates the dangers of rebelliousness and presumptuousness, as he and his followers challenged Moses and Aaron, blaming them instead of recognizing their opposition to God Himself. This same attitude prevails today, with self-proclaimed leaders attracting misguided sheep to self-determination and self-righteousness, rather than following God's lead. God chooses His servants from unremarkable circumstances, valuing humility, meekness, and contriteness over worldly arrogance, as seen in the lives of Moses, David, Jesus' apostles, and Paul. These individuals did not seek their roles; God determined their paths, even when they faltered. It remains challenging to discern the true heart and intent of leaders among various church organizations, yet God places members where He desires them, urging a discerning spirit to follow His standards rather than human methodologies. As servants of God, we are called to be of one body and one Spirit, taking our lead from Him rather than blindly following human direction or allowing Korah-like figures to steer us astray. Real unity demands repentance, overcoming, and hard work, surrendering to the Spirit given by God, and embracing wisdom from above that is pure, peaceable, and willing to yield. A mindset of repentance, cooperation, edification, and humble obedience is essential for God's servants, as we strive to follow His perfect path toward glory in His Kingdom.
The Peter Principle (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordGod has blessed us with gifts, talents, and endowments that we do not deserve, and He expects us to manage them in a godly way under the Spiritual Peter Principle. In Luke 12:35-41, Christ's Parable of the Faithful Servant and the Evil Servant teaches us to be alert and ready, as the Son of Man will come at an unexpected hour. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds watching, for he will serve them upon his return. Jesus emphasizes that we must continue to manage our gifts diligently, as the master could return at any time. In Luke 12:42, the Lord speaks of the faithful and wise steward, using the Greek word oikonomos, meaning a manager of a household or estate, who is put in charge to provide for others at the proper time. Such a steward is rewarded with greater responsibilities, and under the Spiritual Peter Principle, God places His servants in roles for which they are perfectly suited. The Bible shows that a steward, or oikonomos, could hold high positions, as seen in Romans 16:23 with Erastus, the treasurer of the city. We are stewards and servants with management duties over the gifts God has loaned to us. Whether low or high in our physical roles, we are called to use these spiritual gifts for the good of others, as stated in I Peter 4:10. Our physical and spiritual jobs go hand in hand, making us witnesses to those we encounter, using the knowledge God has given us in our speech and actions, especially within our family and among brethren.
What Is Your Talent?
CGG Weekly by Pat HigginsAs servants of God, we are entrusted with various responsibilities, likened to talents or weights in the Parable of the Talents. These responsibilities, given according to each person's ability, may include roles such as husband, wife, parent, employer, or employee. Our calling itself is a significant talent, filled with challenges, and we are to carry it out faithfully for our Lord, who is Christ. Whatever the task, we work for and are accountable to Him, striving to please Him above all, regardless of earthly circumstances or people involved. Our focus should be on the eternal rewards He promises, rather than temporary gains in this life. These responsibilities are distributed by our Lord, who, in His sovereignty, decides who receives what and how much. We must submit willingly to His decisions, trusting that He knows why we are in our current roles and that it is for our ultimate good. Discontentment can hinder our performance, but we are called to trust in His love and sovereignty, believing that He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly. Our Lord seeks faithful, productive activity in our calling. We must grow and produce spiritual fruit, as each servant's efforts are measured. Misjudging His character, as the unfaithful servant did by viewing his lord as harsh, can lead to laziness and failure. Conversely, a true understanding of His goodness and love motivates us to serve diligently, ensuring that we may one day hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Every Slave and Free Man
CGG Weekly by Charles WhitakerThe phrase "every slave and every free man" represents a merism, describing a single class of person who is both free and enslaved, specifically referring to God's people. Christ promised that abiding in His Word brings freedom, as He stated that knowing the truth shall make you free. Yet, the apostle Paul describes believers as slaves bought by God, emphasizing that their bodies and spirits belong to Him. Similarly, Peter calls God's people bondservants, urging them to live as free yet not to use liberty as a cover for vice, but to serve God. This merism may also point to true Christians who, while free in God's sight through knowing the truth, face enslavement by man during end-time religious persecution. God might protect His people by arranging for them to be taken to caves as slaves to serve others. In these caves during the sixth seal, God's people are expected to be a light to those around them, equipped with greater knowledge of God and His plan. They could assure fellow cave dwellers that Christ will soon end the chaos by establishing His rule, inform them of His visible return, notify them of God's people rising to meet Him, instruct them about the healing that follows His reign, and encourage them to journey to Jerusalem to be taught by Christ, the Lamb. Thus, "every slave and every free man" likely refers to God's people, who play a crucial role in preparing others for their work in the early years of the Millennium.
Life Is Service (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA culture of slavery pervaded life in the early Christian church, forcing Paul to pen instructions accommodating this practice in the context of love.
Why Do You Feel Entitled?
Sermon by Kim MyersGod's firstfruits are called not to be entitled, but to be servants of the Most High God. We are called to serve, to render assistance, to be of use, to help, and to work for others. In God's nation Israel, there were no entitlements; even the poor were expected to work as servants until the Year of Jubilee, as seen in Leviticus 25:39-41, where a poor Israelite was to be treated as a hired servant and sojourner, not as a slave, and allowed to return to their family and inheritance. God's government, based on His Word, emphasizes work—physical, spiritual, and serving the brethren—as exemplified by Paul, Silas, and Timothy in II Thessalonians 3:7-10, who worked night and day to avoid being a burden and set an example that if anyone will not work, neither let them eat. Our ultimate example is Jesus Christ, our King, who, despite His rightful claim to entitlement, lived a life of humility and service, as shown in Zechariah 9:9, riding lowly on a donkey, and in John 5:6-9, healing the sick on the Sabbath to serve humanity. Christ's entire life was dedicated to serving mankind, not just His disciples, through miracles and teachings that demonstrated love and outgoing concern. Similarly, the priests and Levites in the Old Testament, as seen in I Kings 8:63 and II Chronicles 30:22, worked tirelessly in service to God and the people, sacrificing animals and teaching the good knowledge of the Lord. In the Millennium, as kings and priests with Christ, we will serve physical human beings, helping to sort out the destruction left after the Tribulation and teaching God's way of life, which is rooted in love, as commanded in John 13:34 and Galatians 5:13-14. Love, the opposite of entitlement, is an action word, requiring us to give our time and life in service to others, as emphasized in I John 3:17-18. God desires a peculiar people, zealous for good works, as stated in Titus 2:14, and a royal priesthood distinct from the entitled society around us, as described in I Peter 2:9, proclaiming His praises through our uncommon way of life.
Sand Ramblers
Sermonette by James BeaubelleGod is actively involved in the lives of His people. The command to love our God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves cannot be carried out passively.
Conviction and Moses
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur conviction reveals itself in living by faith. Moses is a stunning example of how a convicted Christian should live — with loyalty and faithfulness to God.
'As a Thief in the Night'
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeChrist's second coming is described as being like 'a thief in the night.' Here is what it means for Christians living in the end times.
The Peter Principle
Sermon by Mike FordAs one uses the power provided by God's Holy Spirit, even one who has previously failed miserably can rise to astounding levels of spiritual competence.
The Peter Principle (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordGod has called us to be servants with humble attitudes. We are also expected to grow beyond that low-level position, gaining skills to perform well in our next job.
Preparing Your Heart
Sermon by John O. ReidBecause the heart represents what and who we are and how we conduct our lives, the condition of our spiritual heart is of the utmost importance to us.
Are You Subject to Perpetual Bondage?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul appealed to his old friend Philemon after his slave Onesimus ran away, stealing his money, running to Rome to assist Paul during his imprisonment.
Entanglement with the Yoke of Bondage
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsNo civilization has escaped the scourge of slavery, although Gentile administration has always been more cruel and severe than Israelite administration.
Government (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOnly those who are governable will be allowed to govern with God. No government will work without each individual submitting in his area of responsibility.
Life Is Service (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the American mindset does not feel inclined to serve, outgoing service to others yields the maximum joy and fulfillment one can possibly attain.
A Place of Safety? (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughObsessing about the Place of Safety is a sure way to disqualify oneself from it. God calls some faithful, zealous ones for martyrdom during the Tribulation.