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Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part Three): A Faithful Witness to God's Mercy
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod's favor is a profound gift that works within each of us, the elect of Jesus Christ, as we strive to live in harmony with Him, following His supreme example of self-sacrifice. He counts on us to fulfill our roles with an awareness of His favor, constantly active in our lives, as we approach sacred times like Passover. His favor makes us uniquely special to Him, uniting us as one body through Jesus Christ, with His grace dwelling in each of us. Through His favor, He patiently brings men of faith into His purpose, making our entrance into His Family a distinct possibility as we faithfully use His grace to become preachers of righteousness in word and deed, just as Noah did in a time opposed to God's grace. His favor is evident in His meticulous work from beginning to end, guiding us toward repentance, salvation, and knowledge of the truth through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His favor also protected individuals like Enoch, who walked with Him and was taken away, possibly to shield him from harm in a world overwhelmed by evil, reflecting His long and patient strategy. In Noah's time, His favor provided the tools needed to build the ark, preserving the line of men despite widespread wickedness, as He continued His plan toward merciful redemption. His favor looked upon Noah, who faithfully lived and learned His way, setting him apart in his generations. Through His favor, we too become part of His living witness of faith, trusting in the hope before us through the merciful and complete work of Jesus Christ.
Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part Four): Favor to Live as God Lives
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod's favor is a vital aspect of the relationship between Him and those who seek Him with a humble and contrite spirit. In Genesis 18:3, the Hebrew word "khane," translated as favor, signifies kindness or beauty, reflecting a disposition of favorable action toward the recipient. This favor often comes as a response to an action or condition, as seen in the lives of individuals like Noah, who found favor in the sight of the Lord. The more one leans on Him and the truth of His Word, rather than limited human understanding, the more likely He will grant His favor, shaping a way of thinking aligned with His own, a witness to His righteousness and way of life. God's strong desire is to grant His favor to those who embody the humble attitude of the publican, demonstrating a teachable and child-like spirit. This favor is not merely a gift but a call to live as He lives, with outgoing concern and sacrificial service to both God and man. Among the humbly upright, who walk reverently and worshipfully fearing the Lord, there is comprehensive insight into His ways and purposes, accompanied by His favor. As part of the journey toward the Feast of Firstfruits, maintaining this first love relationship with Him ensures growth in His favor, ultimately shown through the fruit of sacrificial service mirroring that of the Father and the Son.
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.
Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part Two)
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerRather than considering God's calling a badge of righteousness, the child of God must consider it to be a call to action, motivating him to yield and glorify God.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Three
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughConsider two end-time, dominant forces: the Beast power of Revelation 13 and God. To whom will we yield to in the coming years?
Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part One): To the Beaten
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod's people may fall into the trap of forgetting the sinful past from which God rescued them and come to look disdainfully on those not yet called.
The Fear of God (Part Four)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe fear of God is the first line of defense, keeping us from profaning God's name, tarnishing the image of the Lord, and defending us from pain and/or death.
God's Creation and Our Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike Joseph, we need to realize that God—not ourselves—is the Creator, engineering events that form us into what He wants us to become.
The Beauty of God's Law
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughKeeping God's Law brings bountiful blessings, harmony, and profound peace (Psalm 119:165), while the 'cheap' grace brings guilt, anxiety, and pain.
Finding Favor
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWhen we attain favor with God, we often find favor with our fellow man, but not always. We can find favor with both God and man if we value a good name.
One Nation Under God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe need to follow Nehemiah's example in submitting to God, focusing on the right goals, having wisdom in handling complex situations, and having courage.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn terms of salvation, works cannot save, but good works are the fruit of God's involvement. Grace frees one; works prove that one has been freed.
The Vessels of Wrath
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeSometimes we see God as unfair, but when we remember that we are worthy of death, we understand that God has demonstrated far more mercy than harshness.
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.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though we have the free moral agency to run counter to God's purposes, we court disaster if we presumptuously plan against these purposes.
Do You Desire the Day of the Lord?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeAmos describes the Israelites as proud and secure in their special relationship with God, while God castigates them for presuming He approved of them.
Justice and Grace
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSometimes we are disturbed, even angered, because an act of God seems unfair. We have difficulty because we do not understand holiness, justice, sin, and grace.
The Philadelphia Syndrome (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeChrist favors the Philadelphia church, but such favor puts it under obligation. Sadly, God's favor causes some to think too highly of themselves.
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.
The Philadelphia Syndrome (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe effect of the Worldwide Church of God seeing itself as Philadelphia has been profound, elevating organizational loyalty over faithfulness to God.
Simple Gifts: American Reflection
Commentary by Mark SchindlerLiberty cannot exist without morality, or morality without faith. Today, humanists are destroying God's 'simple gifts' that made America exceptional.
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.