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The Providence of God (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God'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. Collins

God exercises foresight by knowing individuals profoundly from their earliest moments, forming them in the womb and comprehending every thought, path, and word before they ever recognize Him. This knowledge extends to hidden sins that people suppose are buried and forgotten, yet God brings them to light through circumstances designed to awaken conscience and lead to repentance. In the events surrounding Joseph, God sent him ahead of his brothers to preserve life and a posterity for them in the earth, orchestrating famine, imprisonment, and trials so that what the brothers intended for evil became the means of their physical and spiritual deliverance. God remains sovereign over all secondary causes, assuming responsibility for permitting evil while directing it toward good ends that human actors cannot foresee. He limits adversity, initiates tests for the sake of demonstrating genuine faith, and works every step to accomplish purposes such as saving many lives and forming a nation. This foresight operates quietly in the heart, calling people effectively when they would otherwise flee, granting them the status of sons and heirs, and providing for them from the moment of recognition onward. The same oversight that exposed guilt and produced trembling also reassures the repentant, supplies their needs, and binds them in lasting relationship, demonstrating that divine purposes prevail despite appearances to the contrary and that every trial serves the ultimate good of those whom God has known from the beginning.

Themes of Ruth (Part Two): God's Providence

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As 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. Ritenbaugh

God'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. Ritenbaugh

Prayer 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. Ritenbaugh

The 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 Schindler

God 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. Ritenbaugh

The 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. Ritenbaugh

The 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.