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The Providence of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's foresight is a profound aspect of His involvement in our lives, demonstrating His ability to see and provide for events long before they unfold. He orchestrates circumstances, as seen in the life of Jacob, where He promised, "I am with you, and will keep you in all places whither you go, and will bring you again into this land; for I will not leave you, until I have done that which I have spoken to you of." This assurance of protection and provision reveals His commitment to guard, protect, and preserve, ensuring His purpose is fulfilled. In the account of Joseph, God's foresight is evident when He engineered the events of Joseph's sale into slavery, ultimately positioning him to preserve life during famine. Joseph himself acknowledged this divine plan, declaring, "God did send me before you to preserve life." Through this, God not only saved many from starvation but also facilitated reconciliation within Jacob's family, demonstrating how what seemed a curse turned into a great blessing under His provident care. God's providence encompasses both foresight and provision, seeing beforehand and acting at the precise moment to bring about His intended outcome. As illustrated in Matthew 6:25, Jesus urges us to trust in this divine oversight, saying, "Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on." This teaching emphasizes that God, with His perfect timing, will provide what is needed for His purpose, far surpassing our own understanding or capabilities. Moreover, God's active involvement means He is not merely observing but watching over us with intent to bring about the best possible result. His providence ensures that what He provides is exactly what is required for His purpose, even if it may not align with our immediate desires or perceptions. This careful management extends to restricting free moral agency when necessary, guiding us as a wise parent to ensure His will is accomplished, as affirmed in Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this very thing, that He which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
How God Deals With Conscience (Part Five)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJoseph knew and recognized his brothers before they knew him, even as God knows our guiltiest secret sins that we think we have effectively hidden.
Themes of Ruth (Part Two): God's Providence
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs we count the 50 days toward Pentecost, we should consider the events of our lives, coming to understand that they reveal God's on-going maintenance.
God's Sovereignty and the Church's Condition (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod's hand was definitely involved in the scattering of the church. We should respond by growing and preparing ourselves for His Kingdom.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPrayer is not a dictating to a reluctant God, but a demonstration of our attitude of dependence and need. It is a means to get into harmony with God's will.
Seeking God's Will (Part Six): Forethought
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Pilgrims were unprepared for the bitter New England winters. They had very little practical foresight, paying a heavy toll for not counting the cost.
Before the World Began
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod had each of us in mind before the foundation of the world, realizing how we would develop spiritually, reaching our ultimate destination in His family.
Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Four): Providence Manifested
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe story of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac encourages God's people that they need never doubt God commitment and ability to give them everything they need.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus qualified as High Priest, teaching us about living by faith in the New Covenant, which mandates that we keep His commandments.
The Night to be Much Observed
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Night Much to be Observed is a memorial of the covenant with Abraham, and God's watchfulness in delivering ancient Israel as well as spiritual Israel.
Preternatural, Natural, Unnatural, Supernatural (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God, before He created Adam and Eve, preternaturally planned the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save humanity from the curse of sin and death.