Filter by Categories
Hope and Refuge (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordGod is a steadfast refuge for those who seek safety and redemption. As Hebrews 6:17-18 declares, God, in His unchangeable counsel, confirmed His promise with an oath, ensuring strong consolation for those who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before them. This refuge mirrors the ancient cities of refuge in Israel, where one guilty of manslaughter could run for safety, knowing that protection awaited within the city gates. Similarly, God offers a sanctuary for the sinner, a place of confident expectation and hope. Proverbs 18:10 affirms that the name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Psalm 62:7-8 further emphasizes this truth, proclaiming that in God is salvation, strength, and refuge. The call is to trust in Him at all times and pour out the heart before Him, for God is a refuge for His people. This hope, rooted in His immutable promises, urges the believer to race toward safety, leaving behind worldly distractions and focusing on the redemption and future reward that God has assured.
Hope and Refuge (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordIn times of dire need, when one has unintentionally taken a life and faces the threat of retribution, God provides a sanctuary. He appoints a place where the guilty may flee for safety, a city of refuge where they can live without fear of the blood avenger's pursuit. There, they may remain until the death of the high priest, at which point they are free to return home unmolested. This divine provision offers hope amidst grief and guilt, ensuring a path to eventual freedom and forgiveness through the high priest's death, which clears the wrongdoing and halts the avenger's hand.
Power Belongs to God (Part 1)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPower belongs to God, and it is His to use or distribute as He sees fit. He is the Supreme Power in all creation, and all power flows from Him. When we are in trouble, we ought to turn to Him first, for He is our salvation, our deliverer from trouble. He is our Rock, a source of stability that keeps us from undirected anxiety. He is our defense, our defender, with ways of deflecting attacks that no human can match. He is our glory, the One in whom we take pride for all that He is, and He can give us favor even before those who might otherwise be against us. Above all, He is our refuge, an unqualified place of safety in any circumstance, no matter what it may be. We are exhorted to pray to Him for help, for He is a solid place of refuge in times of trouble. There is no help like Him anywhere, for power belongs to Him, encompassing intellect, wisdom, understanding, vision, logic, energy, eloquence, wealth, authority, privilege, control, mastery, persuasion, forgiveness, mercy, and much more. Whenever we are in need, we should go right to the top, seeking Him first, for there is nobody more trustworthy. His power to act in behalf of His purposes is the very foundation of our faith in Him.
Power Belongs to God (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIn times of serious trouble, God stands as our unyielding refuge. David, in Psalm 59:9-10, expresses unwavering confidence in God's strength and mercy, declaring, "I will wait for You, O You his Strength; for God is my defense. My God of mercy shall come to meet me." He further affirms in verses 16-17, "But I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my defense, the God of my mercy." This trust is rooted in God's combined power and willingness to protect those who rely on Him. Psalm 62 expands on this theme, portraying God as the supreme source of safety and stability. David begins in verse 1 by stating that salvation comes from God, positioning Him as our Deliverer from trouble. In verse 2, He is described as our rock, providing a foundation that keeps us grounded, and our defense, capable of deflecting attacks in ways beyond human ability. In verse 7, David reminds us that God is our glory, granting favor even amidst opposition, and our refuge, a secure haven in any circumstance. He urges others in verse 8 to pray, emphasizing that God is a solid place of refuge in times of need. Five times within this psalm, David reinforces that God is the only sure sanctuary and source of help, highlighting in verse 11 that all power belongs to Him, enabling Him to act or distribute strength as He sees fit. This profound truth underscores why we can fully rely on Him, knowing that no one can resist His will or nullify His actions.
Refuge! Refuge! (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsRealizing that men are prone to mistakes, God commanded the Israelites to have six cities of refuge to protect those who accidentally committed manslaughter.
Refuge! Refuge! (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe cities of refuge highlight the great importance God placed on the sanctity of life, especially in beings created in God's image.
God Is Aware
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughUnlike human beings, who are very limited in their awareness, God knows all of our secret desires and urges, which are continually open to Him for inspection.
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Five): Tabernacles
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe should consider the temporary dwellings as a foreshadowing of Christ as our ultimate Tabernacle—the divine presence with and within His people
Stewards of the Mysteries of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe lowly, not impeded so much with pride or ego, make better stewards than those who may seem more presumptuous and self-centered.
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.
The Patient Pineapple
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingThe majority of the growth or maturation of a pineapple plant takes place from within. The same holds true for our calling and conversion.
Psalms 90-100
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalms 90-100 are prophetic, having a definite time progression, especially referencing the time frame between the Feast of Trumpets to the Last Great Day.
Be Anxious For Nothing
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFear and anxiety are normal human emotions. But through changing our focus from earthly to heavenly things, we can rise above the concerns, remembering Who is with us.
Promised: Protection and Healing
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod gives several conditions for receiving protection and healing, including God's sovereignty, God's purpose, and one's level of growth.
Psalms: Book Two (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEight of the psalms of Book Two were not written by David, but by Asaph, the sons of Korah, and Solomon. These psalms have more of a group emphasis.
Warning in the Wind
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod can use lethal storms to execute judgment on sinful people. Elihu informed Job that God has sovereign control of the weather, for blessing or cursing.