Filter by Categories
Living By Faith and God's Grace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGrace, represented by the Greek term *charis* (G5485), holds a central role in God's purpose for salvation. In the New Testament, *charis* appears over 100 times, evolving from its secular Greek meaning of charm, beauty, and favor to a profound spiritual significance. The apostles imbued *charis* with a sense of divine power and benevolence, reflecting God's covenant love and faithful character. This spiritual depth of *charis* aligns with the concept of grace as the source of power enabling believers to live a new life in Christ. It is through God's grace, as expressed by *charis*, that believers receive continuous blessings, gifts, favor, and the strength to meet spiritual needs. Grace is not merely about justification or forgiveness of sin but encompasses a broad flow of divine support, including knowledge, wisdom, protection, and more, all freely given by God to fulfill His purpose. The apostles, particularly Paul who used *charis* 101 times, adapted this term to mirror Old Testament concepts of God's steadfast love, though *charis* itself is not derived from Hebrew terms. In the Book of John, *charis* is used to describe Jesus as full of grace, from which believers receive grace upon grace, illustrating an endless supply of divine blessings through a relationship with Him. Ultimately, *charis* underscores that without grace, there would be no salvation, no calling, no justification, and no hope, as it is the key element in God's entire purpose for humanity.
The Manifold Grace of God
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsGod's calling us is just our initial taste of His grace. Grace is unmerited, but it is not unconditional. We have an obligation to respond to God.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGrace, derived from the Greek word *charis* (G5485), embodies a graciousness of manner, whether literal, figurative, or spiritual. It signifies favor on the part of the giver, while also reflecting thanks from the receiver. This favor manifests as God's tender awareness of human misery caused by sin, driving His efforts to alleviate and ultimately remove that misery, efforts only thwarted by mankind's persistent perverseness. In its simplest form, grace is favor, a divine inclination to extend unmerited kindness. Related to *charis* is *charisma* (G5486), a gift bestowed without any merit on the recipient's part. This gift, motivated by God's gracious manner, represents endowments given through His Spirit to His children. These gifts are not earned but are freely granted to rescue humanity from its dire circumstances, enabling recipients to glorify Him and participate in His purpose. Grace, through *charis* and *charisma*, initiates the process of deliverance, enlightening the mind to spiritual truths otherwise inaccessible to the natural man, and setting the stage for mankind's rescue from the impossible predicament of sin and death.
Defining Grace
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is normally kind, merciful, and patient to everybody, acting as a Being full of patience, mercy, and grace. His grace, reflected in the Greek word *charis* (G5485), embodies that which causes joy, pleasure, or gratification. In secular Greek usage, *charis* describes something that brings delight, like a warm wind in winter or a fine wine at a meal, offering a sense of relief or enjoyment. It also conveys charm in a person, where the delight experienced is a gift freely given, unearned by the recipient. The New Testament writers transformed this common Greek term into a profound spiritual concept, representing the absolutely free expression of God's lovingkindness. We receive the benefits of His grace—delight, liberty, forgiveness—simply because that is His nature, not because we have earned it. *Charis* thus signifies unmerited favor, a gift that is never deserved. Depending on the context, it can also mean thanks, as in giving God delight through thanksgiving, or a freely given offering, as seen in contributions for the poor saints in Jerusalem, where the gift was unearned and undeserved. The life of Jesus Christ, as God incarnate, was a full manifestation of this grace. His actions—serving the lowest ranks, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and giving His sinless life—demonstrate how God endlessly gives to us, who, if given justice, would deserve death. Grace, in this sense, manifests God's attitude toward those who cannot keep the law, shown through His calling, forgiveness, justification, healings, guidance, gifts, correction, patience, and the promise of eternal life. In Christ, grace became a reality, not an abstraction, as God entered into the storms of life, showing concern and compassion in the clearest way possible.

Living By Faith and God's Grace (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh'Grace' is a term that represents God's awesome generosity toward us, His continuously flowing blessings and saving acts. It goes beyond just forgiveness.
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because we are all sinners, we have earned only death; justification is not earned, but must come through faith and believing God as did our father Abraham.
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's grace supports and fulfills us, but it does not mean 'once saved,always saved.' It is possible to fall from grace, as Israel's experience demonstrates.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ezekiel prophetically warns Israelites today of imminent cultural collapse because of ungodly leadership. We must treasure and appreciate the truth we have.
Grace Upon Grace
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughForgiveness is only the beginning of the grace process, enabling us to grow to the stature of Christ. Paradoxically, grace puts us under obligation to obey.
Faith Without Works
'Ready Answer' by StaffThree times, James states, 'Faith without works is dead!' Here's how James' teaching agrees with and complements the teaching of Paul on justification.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike with the heroes of faith, our testing will be commensurate with the job God has prepared for us. We must make our relationship with God our top priority.
Salt
Article by Mike FordJesus calls His disciples "the salt of the earth." Do we know what He meant? Here is the spiritual side of this common mineral compound.
Amazing Grace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe old song speaks of "Amazing Grace" but do we really understand just how amazing it is? The Bible reveals some details on this vital topic.
Glory and Oneness
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIn Christ's Passover prayer, He states that the glory the Father had given Him had also been given to the disciples. Christ's glory is the key to being one.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGrace's influence extends beyond justification, into the sanctification stage where the believer yields himself to righteousness, keeping God's commandments.
Psalms: Book Five (Part One): Psalms for the Winter Blues
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWinter is a time of cold, darkness, and sadness. As many as 10% of people in northern areas have Seasonal Affective Disorder. The Psalms for winter can help.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Two): Ecclesiastes 8:1-9
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEcclesiastes was to be read during the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing a state of temporariness, as God's people were commanded to live in temporary quarters.
Forget Not All His Benefits
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaAs long as the nation truly remembers God, He will prosper us. When we forget that foundational principle, He will break the pride of our power.