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The Providence of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's providence is evident in the life of Jacob, demonstrating that it is God who orders life. Jacob struggled to learn this lesson, often driven by fear rather than faith, and unable to supplant God's will for him. It required a profound wrestling with God for Jacob to finally understand that God's purpose prevails, as reflected in the name Israel, meaning God prevails. In Abraham's experience, God's providence is shown through a severe test of faith. God provided a challenging path for Abraham with the command to sacrifice Isaac, which appeared as a cruel curse to human understanding. Yet, in truth, it was providential, as God's plan unfolded through Abraham's trust and obedience. Abraham calculated and reasoned that God had both the power and the character to keep His promises, even to the point of resurrecting Isaac if necessary. God's intervention at the critical moment, saving Isaac's life, confirmed His faithful provision. God's providence also extends to all, as He watches over each individual, testing and guiding them to higher levels of understanding and wisdom. He never tests beyond what one can endure, ensuring that trials are balanced to the capacity of each person. His promise stands firm that He will not tempt beyond what can be borne, providing encouragement that He is closely involved in every life, working patiently as He did with Jacob until the lesson is learned. God's providence is not a distant force but an active, caring presence, engineering events over time for a purpose that continues to impact lives.
The Providence of God (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's providence encompasses His foresight and the provision of what He provides, along with its perfect timing. He supplies essentials like food and clothing, as well as interventions such as altering weather, granting favor in others' eyes, and offering protection. Beyond material needs, He orchestrates events and circumstances to test, develop, and correct His children, preparing them for His Kingdom. We are called to trust in what He provides, whether it be a tangible item, a situation, or an event, as there is no alternative but to rely on Him. Anxiety over these provisions hinders us from fulfilling our responsibility to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the assurance that all necessary things will be added unto us. God's watchful care is evident in His historical provision for Israel, ensuring their safe exodus from Egypt without even a dog barking against them. His providence operates within His purpose, providing what aligns with His will rather than our desires, yet it is always sufficient. As David declared, God will always provide, and Paul affirmed that He supplies all needs through Jesus Christ our Lord. Our duty remains to trust in His provision. In the life of Jacob, God's providence is illustrated through the wrestling match that led to his name change to Israel, signifying that God rules and orders life. This event taught Jacob to submit to God's will, a lesson reinforced by the humbling injury to his hip and the constant reminder in his new name that God commands. Through this, God provided a transformative experience to correct Jacob's character, showing that submission to His way, not personal control or deceit, is the path to overcoming. Similarly, God's providence extended to the nation of Israel, as He used Jacob's experience to call them to repentance and submission. Through Hosea, He reminded them of their covenant and urged them to wait on Him for blessings rather than seeking control through deceitful means. Despite their history of provision since leaving Egypt, Israel's persistent sin and self-sufficiency led to warnings of privation and scattering, a humbling reminder of their dependence on Him. God's providence, woven through both Jacob's personal journey and the nation's history, consistently calls His people to submit to His rule and trust in His ordered plan for their lives.
The Providence of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's providence is a profound and active force in the lives of His people, encompassing both blessings and trials. He is intimately involved, ensuring that all events, whether perceived as good or bad, work toward His ultimate purpose. As seen in Romans 8:28, all things are orchestrated by Him, even the painful and difficult circumstances that might seem like curses. In the life of Jacob, God's providence is evident when He appeared at Bethel, promising to keep, guard, protect, provide, and preserve him in all places. This assurance underlines His commitment to His people, regardless of their human weaknesses or distractions. The story of Joseph further illustrates God's providence. Despite the apparent evil of being sold into slavery by his brothers, God engineered the entire situation for a greater good. This event, which seemed a curse, turned into a blessing as it saved many from starvation, brought reconciliation within Jacob's family, and advanced God's plan by positioning Israel in Egypt to grow into a great nation. This demonstrates how God's providence operates beyond human perception, turning trials into steps toward His overarching goals. God's providence is not merely foresight but includes active provision, as He sees in advance and supplies what is needed at the perfect time. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches that anxiety over material needs should be replaced with trust in God's providential care. He oversees every detail, ensuring that what He provides aligns with His purpose, even if it differs from human expectations. This care is proactive; He watches over His children, not merely observing but intervening to bring about the best outcome. Moreover, God's providence does not negate human responsibility. While He foresees and provides, individuals must act with faith, as David did when praying fervently for his dying child, accepting God's will when the outcome was not as hoped. This balance of trust and action reflects the dynamic interplay of free moral agency and God's guiding hand, ensuring His will is accomplished. In Jacob's wrestling match with God, His providence is shown in the transformation of Jacob's name to Israel, signifying that God commands and orders life. Despite Jacob's contentious nature and attempts to control his circumstances, God's will prevailed, teaching him that no human strength or manipulation can override His purpose. This event underscores that God's providence shapes lives, often through struggle, to align with His divine plan. Ultimately, God's providence reveals Him as the prime mover of all events. He is not a distant creator but an involved parent, moved by the affairs of His children, ensuring that His purpose is fulfilled. Whether through blessings or perceived curses, His hand is at work, guiding history and individual lives toward the completion of His will, as affirmed in Philippians 1:6, where He promises to finish what He has begun.
The Providence of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCalamities, trials, anxiety, evil, and calamities, as well as blessings, happen to Christians in order to become fashioned and molded into God's image.
The Providence of God (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus and Abraham rose above their emotional pulls by exercising living faith—a faith built on acts of obedience. Faith can never be separated from works.
The Providence of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod uses calamities as part of His creative process. Like Jacob, who initially succumbed to weak faith and fear, we must repent of our loss of devotion to God.
The Providence of God (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven when we exercise free moral agency, God engineers circumstances and outcomes so that we are virtually forced to make the right decision.
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.
Ask God for the Little Things
CGG Weekly by John O. ReidPeople used to look to God more than they do now. It was common for people to take all their needs to God, confident that He would listen to and provide them.
Divine Providence (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerGod's providence is a subject that few people, even in God's church, have a full grasp on. Most look on it too narrowly, but we must consider it carefully.
Fearing God at the Feast (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThough no verse directly states it, a unifying factor in the instructions for the Feast is God's faithfulness, which will lead us to the proper fear of Him.
Providence
Sermonette by James BeaubelleStudying examples of God's hand both favoring and putting down, we must reach out to Him daily for His Divine Providence to be at work in their lives.
Mercy, Pilgrimage, and Providence
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur experience in overcoming and developing character will be fraught with difficulties, but God will provide the power to get through all the anguish.
Tempting God (Numbers 14)
Sermonette by James BeaubelleWe must carefully consider the offenses preventing the Israelites from entering the Land. That evil generation refused to trust Him, but complained continually.
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.
Power Belongs to God (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhere does real power reside? All power has its source in God—and not just the kind of power we typically think of.
Fearing God at the Feast (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Feast is not a celebration just for the sake of having a good time. Our festivities should focus on God's faithfulness, rejoicing in all He did during the year.
Power Belongs to God (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHuman beings, even those who have been called, have an innate fear that God will not always provide. This fear originates in doubt about God's power.
Moses, Servant of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMoses sacrificed great worldly honor to become a servant of God, demonstrating real servant leadership. God praises Moses for his faithfulness and meekness.
Power Belongs to God (Part 2)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe may be going through a period of hopelessness, but must believe that all things work together for those who believe and are called for His purpose.
Why Is God Doing This, This Way?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must learn to see ourselves and our function as God sees us—as a distinct, unique entity, a holy people, a special treasure.
Our Merciful and Faithful Provider
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The experiences of ancient Israel, bad and good, guide us in our spiritual pilgrimage to our Promised Land. The book of Deuteronomy is a strong foundation.
How Does God Help Us? (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus explains that the truth is the only thing that will set us free. A major player in our lives or spiritual journey is the truth and how we use it.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe priorities in Matthew 6:33 indicates that the primary emphasis should be on repentance and overcoming rather than mastering a technicality.

Passover of the Most High God
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeAmong God's many titles is one that proclaims His supremacy over all others: 'God Most High.' It provides confidence in God's governance of our lives.
Why Was God So Angry With Israel? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerThe well of God's patience is not bottomless. Today, we are witnessing God's waning patience with this nation as He removes His hand of protection.
Seeking God in the Mundane
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecostalism, with its sensationalism, is dangerous to a true believer. God is more interested in quietness and meekness than in bombastic displays of power.
How Much Money Does God Need?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Bible and history are replete with stories of presumptuous hustlers, claiming to represent God and to know His will as a means to gain fortune.
How Does God Help Us? (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe trials we go through are part of His providence, putting us into humility and determining what really motivates us.
Is God Fair?
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerAfter complaining, the Israelites received the death penalty. Is that fair? It seem to be a touch heavy-handed, but there is more more to the story.
Works of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe idea that the 'work of God' is equated with 'preaching the gospel around the world as a witness' severely limits the awesome scope of God's work.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod provides the gift before it is actually needed so that when it is needed, everything is prepared for the person to do as he has been commissioned to do.

Micah (Part Three): Who Is a God Like You?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMicah 5 describes legal proceedings against the people who have rejected God, promising a harsh retribution but future restoration for a physical remnant.
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.
Seeking God (Part Two): A Foundation
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughChristians need to have a conscious plan in seeking God. Here are several essential qualities that must be included in any successful course of action.
Divine Providence (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerGod's care for us goes well beyond fulfilling our basic physical needs. He is far more interested in providing those things that aid us in our spiritual walk.
God's Ministering Angels
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsAs God's faithful servants, how might the angels work on behalf of God's people be an example to us in our service to God and one another?
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ is symbolized by the table of showbread in the Tabernacle, having gold utensils and vessels for bread and wine, symbolizing our fellowship with God.
God as Father
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is the only perfect example of fatherhood. We need to emulate His virtues, among them being the perfect example of what we want our children to be.

Abraham's One God
Article by Mike FordThe first commandment sets the stage for understanding Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac. God wanted to know: Would Abraham put Him first and have no other god?

Living By the Sword
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeMany Christians today believe that killing in self-defense is sanctioned by the Bible. This is a terrible misunderstanding of Christ's teaching.
Micah 6:1-8 and Our Self Evaluation
Sermonette by Christian D. HunterMicah 6 presents God's faithful acts of deliverance, providence, and protection, urging Israel and us to remember His largely unseen work in our lives.
Psalms: Book One (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalm 23 depicts the gratitude we should display from a sheep's point of view, as the animal boasts of blessings and marvels about the care of his Shepherd.
The Christian and the World (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnxious care and foreboding are debilitating and faith-destroying. Meditating on what God has already done strengthens our faith and trust in God.
Faith and Contentment (Part One)
CGG Weekly by John ReissA Christian can be content because his faith and trust are in the trustworthiness of the supreme God. The world is not spinning wildly out of control.
The Christian and the World (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnxiety and fretting (symptoms of coveting and idolatry), in addition to cutting life short, erode faith, destroying serenity by borrowing tomorrow's troubles.
Deuteronomy (Part 6)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is absolutely faithful to finish what He started, knowing the end from the beginning. Our strength is dependent upon the relationship we have with God.
Making Faithful Choices (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGideon began his life as a coward, became a conqueror, and ended a compromiser, all the while needing assurances from God to bolster his flagging faith.
Keep Walking
Sermonette by Ryan McClureGod uses trials to test and humble us, but He never impedes our ability to move forward toward His goal of creating us as a family in His image.
Deuteronomy (Part 5)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's faithfulness is the foundation of our faith. We cannot live by faith unless we believe we have a God who is faithful in everything He does.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Eight) Cultivating the Fruit of Faithfulness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasThe only tangible measures of faith is faithfulness, trust, and loyalty to God. We don't need to ask God for more faith, but rather work on being faithful.
Pioneers: Our Job Is the Journey
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThough we have been given gifts to edify the Body of Christ, these gifts are of ancillary purposes only as they move everyone forward on the spiritual journey.
Psalms: Book Four (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalms 105 and 106 describe the Great White Throne period, expressing the yearning desire to be included in His Kingdom and declaring God's praises.
The Christian and the World (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHaving anxiety, foreboding and fretting about food, clothing, and shelter, or being distressed about the future, demonstrates a gross lack of faith.

Worry and Seeking the Kingdom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWorry is a wired-in proclivity of carnal human nature, a response that Satan has programmed in a perpetual state of discontent and distrust in God.
Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our exodus from the bondage of sin begins and ends with God. He commanded Israel to mark their escape with unleavened bread because of what He did.
Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Five): Promises Confirmed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSome critical scholars, unable to distinguish between conditional and unconditional promises, mistakenly jump to the conclusion that God cannot be trusted.
Numbers (Part One): Journey in the Desert
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod never says the Christian life would be easy or that life would always be fair. Difficulties and tests are given to test our hearts and promote humility.

Daily Thanksgiving
'Ready Answer' by StaffToo many confine their giving of thanks to one day a year. Answering these four questions will help us to evaluate our approach to this spiritual duty.
Facing Times of Stress: Contentment
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf we trust God, we do not have to worry about the future. Having abundance and having need both have their unique problems and difficulties.
Faith and the Calendar (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe issue is not mathematical or astronomical, but instead a matter of trust in God's faithfulness, authority, sovereignty, oversight, or ability to govern.
Psalm 23 (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOf all animals, sheep need the most care and are extremely vulnerable to predators, pests, and fear, leading to extremely dependent and trusting behavior.
According to the Blessing
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughBecause we do not have an abundance of material blessings, we are gently forced to go back to Almighty God for our sustenance, much the same way as Israel.
All in All (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The end of the sanctification process is when Christ will have defeated all enemies and put all things under His feet. Then, God the Father will be all in all.