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The Ninth Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Greek term *aletheia* (G225), meaning truth, is central to understanding the spiritual foundation of a life aligned with God's ways. God's entire plan rests on the premise that the converted know Him as a God of truth, unswervingly faithful, a Rock impervious to change, a Foundation providing firm footing, and a Fountain of a refreshing, productive way of life. If He is not true to His Word or His way of life, trust in Him becomes impossible. Truth forms the basis, the reality, for a person's conversion, requiring one to live by faith in this true Being and in what He declares. A person with God's Spirit, who is honest, speaks the truth, acknowledges it when shown, and applies it in daily situations, must eventually become like the One they model themselves after. God is making His people kings and priests, leaders and teachers of a way of life based on revealed truth. He will not have anyone in His Family who does not embody truth as Jesus did. Therefore, living truth to the best of one's ability is essential to reflect this divine character.
What is Truth?
Sermonette by Ryan McClureTruth is a fundamental base of a relationship between God and His people. As the days grow evil, God's people must cling to the truth and love His holy law.
The Ninth Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Greek word *aletheia* (G225), translated as "truth" in John 17:17, closely resembles the English concept of "reality." It signifies the manifested, unconcealed essence of a matter. A living, saving faith hinges on the belief that God is true in His being and character. This truth serves as the foundation for a person's conversion. God's ways and laws are reality, despite how things may appear to our senses, and they are intrinsically right and true. Therefore, an honest person who speaks the truth and submits to it when recognized will eventually be transformed to reflect God's nature. As Creator, God is shaping us to be kings and priests who administer and teach a way of life grounded in revealed truth. Because He desires a Family of children bearing His characteristics, He cannot allow anyone in His Family who does not embody truth as Jesus did.
The Ninth Commandment
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Greek word translated as "truth" in John 17:17 is *aletheia*, which indeed means truth but also carries the alternative meaning of reality. This nuance provides a deeper understanding, as reality refers to the visible, unconcealed essence of a matter, the distilled truth at the foundation of a righteous example. While the reality itself may not be seen, it underpins the example, existing as the basis for faithfulness and reliability. Jesus Christ embodies this reality, remaining faithful to it without deviation, making Him absolutely trustworthy in every situation. His actions and words are always grounded in this truth, which is God's truth, forming the foundation for conversion and the goal of a believer's life. This truth, or reality, contrasts sharply with deceit, as exemplified by satan, who is the diametric opposite of Christ, characterized by unmodified deceit. God's entire plan rests on the premise that He is truth and reality, unswervingly faithful to His Word. Trust in Him is possible because He never deviates from this reality. Believers are called to live by faith in this understanding of what He is and what He says, which is a verbal expression of His nature. Sanctification comes through this truth, as it draws individuals toward becoming like Christ, not merely knowing truth but embodying it in speech and action, thus pleasing the Father. The importance of truth, as represented by *aletheia*, extends to the commandment against bearing false witness. This commandment involves faithfulness and loyalty in both words and example before men, highlighting the significance of truth in building a good reputation before God and others. Truth sanctifies and sets apart, guiding believers to resist lies and falsehoods, even when it requires sacrifice. It is through the consistent application of truth that character is formed, reflecting the reality of God's nature and leading toward His Kingdom.
The Commandments (Part Eighteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughA community can only be established upon a foundation of stability and truth. Our relationships must be based upon God's truth, producing faithfulness.
Knowledge and the Truth
Sermonette by James C. StoertzScripture regards truth as divine or spiritual while knowledge refers to physical or experiential understanding. We must live the truth.
Truth and God's Governance (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeJesus as not a typical revolutionary, seeking to overthrow a human regime, yet the truth He spoke was so radical that He was put to death cruelly for it.
Sincerity and Truth (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn contrast to the world's embracing of fraud and deceit, God's called-out ones are obligated to eat the bread of sincerity and truth all our lives.
God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe seriously err if we rely on the secular media to give us spiritual understanding. God sends strong delusion to those who do not love the truth.
A Rewired Society (Part Two): A Post-Truth World
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe new morality is lawlessness and rejection of all restraints, which ironically makes them abject slaves of sin and candidates for the Lake of Fire.

Jesus in the Feasts (Part One): Unleavened Bread
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though the prophetic significance of the Holy Days outlines the the plan of God, the work of Jesus Christ in each event is even more significant.
The Handwriting Is On the Wall (2010)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A perception is how we affix significance to what we look at. With a distorted perception, we will not accept reality; our perception becomes our reality.
John (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn presents Jesus, not as a phantom emanation, but as the reality, transcending the shadows represented by the temporal physical life.
Deuteronomy and Idolatry
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are admonished to internalize the book of Deuteronomy in preparation for our future leadership roles.