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The Household of God and Loyalty
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsCovenant loyalty stands as a profound virtue, reflecting an enduring commitment to both God and fellow brethren, even amidst formidable obstacles. This loyalty is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship that God establishes with His people, a bond marked by His unwavering faithfulness and gracious love. God's loyalty to His covenant is evident in His promise to maintain mercy and lovingkindness for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9. His determined faithfulness ensures that nothing can separate us from His love, as affirmed in Romans 8:35-39, where neither tribulation, distress, nor any created thing can sever the intimate relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ. On the human level, loyalty is a prime virtue essential for dependable relationships and societal stability. The example of Nehemiah illustrates this, as he rallied the Jews to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, urging them to fight for their families and brethren with total dedication, even to death, based on faith in God's covenant promises. This fierce loyalty, reflected in Nehemiah 4:14, calls for a consuming commitment to protect and defend one another. Similarly, Ruth's unwavering loyalty to Naomi, expressed in Ruth 1:16-17, showcases a profound bond of friendship and family, pledging to remain together until death. God's covenant loyalty demands a reciprocal response from His people. As Joshua 24:14-15 exhorts, we are to serve the Lord in sincerity and truth, choosing to align our hearts fully with Him. Samuel reinforces this in I Samuel 12:24, urging the Israelites to serve God with all their heart, recognizing His great deeds on their behalf. This dutiful response is not a gracious act but an obligation, reflecting appreciation for God's faithfulness in His dealings with us. The faithfulness of Jesus Christ further exemplifies covenant loyalty, surpassing even Moses in His role over the household of God, as described in Hebrews 3:1-6. As a Son over His own house, Christ embodies the ultimate loyalty to the Father, ensuring that we, as part of this Family, are called to hold fast to our hope. His example teaches that true loyalty, grounded in God's truth and commandments, must take precedence over all other commitments, fostering enduring bonds within our households and the household of God.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Becoming equipped for leadership requires that we discipline ourselves in following God's way of life, allowing the mind of Jesus Christ to be in us in.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The covenants of God are paramount in defining our relationship with Him and outlining our responsibilities to please Him. They are not merely legalistic constraints but are a wonderful gift, intended to keep us free through His guidance and to clarify our duties so we are not lost in confusion. Each covenant establishes a defined relationship with the unseen Almighty God, requiring faith to interact with Him through His understandable Word. These covenants are not coldly rigid or impersonal; they are legal and binding, yet they unite us through the merciful kindness of the most loving Being. God reaches out to us, desiring our success within His purpose, ensuring that we have no chance to disrupt the agreement if we align with His will. As the sovereign and faithful God, He will not fail to keep His responsibilities or promises within these covenants, presenting us with the requirements for success in life according to His purpose. The covenant made with Jesus Christ is personal and specific to the church, the Israel of God, at this time. It is a forerunner to the New Covenant prophesied for the nations of Israel and Judah, carrying every attribute of that future covenant, yet it is individually made with Him as our Savior, God, and King. Loyalty to Him is paramount in this relationship. Breaking a covenant with God mirrors the sin that destroys a human marriage—disloyalty. Just as adultery can shatter a marriage, idolatry, which is spiritual adultery, destroys the union with God. Israel and Judah broke their covenant through idolatry, engaging in pagan practices that defiled their relationship with Him. Yet, no covenant is done away with unless God explicitly declares it so; even the Old Covenant remains in effect, as evidenced by the enduring relevance of the Ten Commandments. God's covenants tie the unseen, supernatural Creator to material man through binding legal agreements, working out His purpose through faith. We must believe and make good use of these covenants until the time of transformation, understanding that some apply even to the unconverted world, holding them responsible whether they are aware of them or not.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Four)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEven though Christians have been called to follow Christ, their journey to the Kingdom of God is preparation for leadership under Him.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Six)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughDespite having served mankind well for millennia, marriage is crumbling under a three-pronged attack. Marriage is vital to understanding God's purpose.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We qualify to lead by internalizing the covenants, not only believing God, but doing what He says, realizing that the covenants are not complicated.
Faithfulness
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsPertinent scriptures and comments on the seventh fruit of the Spirit, faithfulness.
A Virtuous Woman
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe phrase "a virtuous woman" means "woman of worth," "woman of strength," or "woman of noble character." It denotes a woman of skill, aptitude, or achievement.
I Pledge Allegiance
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe words 'under God' were added to the Pledge in 1954. As our country drifts toward socialism, we need to determine where our true allegiance lies.
Christ as Righteous Judge
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughBoaz is a type of Jesus Christ. Boaz' actions toward Ruth give us insight into the character of our Savior, particularly in His office of Judge.
Are You a True Friend of Jesus Christ?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn every platitude and truism about friendship that we have read, all point to loyalty and faithfulness as the most desired attributes.
Deuteronomy (Part 4)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf we learn to fear and love God, loyalty, faithfulness and commandment-keeping will naturally follow, and we will instinctively hasten to depart from evil.
Psalm Genres (Part Five): Psalms of Praise
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe concept of Covenant Loyalty, expressed through the Hebrew term *hesed*, is a central reason for praising God in the psalms. *Hesed* appears 127 times in the book of Psalms, translated variously as lovingkindness, mercy, steadfast love, constancy, or unfailing love. This term carries a covenantal nuance, signifying the love, kindness, grace, or mercy that God has bound Himself to provide because He entered into a covenant with His people. It reflects not merely His inherent nature, but His commitment to fulfill the terms of this covenant, as if He signed a contract ensuring His actions toward us. This Covenant Loyalty is evident in the assurance that God will do what He has promised. His covenant acts as a tangible reminder, like clauses in a contract, where we can see His commitments to love, heal, fight our battles, save us, bless us, and keep us safe. These promises are so broad and wonderful that they evoke awe and gratitude, compelling us to praise Him for His faithfulness. For instance, in Psalm 33:5, it is written that He loves righteousness and justice, and the earth is full of His goodness, which is *hesed*, His covenant love expressed in good responses toward us. Further, in Psalm 98:2, the Lord has made known His salvation and openly shown His righteousness to all nations, demonstrating His covenantal love through the deliverance He provides. This *hesed* is paralleled with terms like goodness, mercy, salvation, faithfulness, righteousness, and truth across various psalms, such as Psalm 23:6, Psalm 85:7, Psalm 89:2, Psalm 100:5, and Psalm 103:17. These parallels highlight that God's Covenant Loyalty is reliable and trustworthy, embodying His consistent and true nature. The psalmists, including David, Asaph, and others, recognize that our God stands apart from the capricious gods of other nations. They rejoice in His steadfastness, praising Him for listening, responding, helping, watching, and guiding in ways that false gods or demonic spirits cannot. This realization fosters a deep trust in Him, knowing that He backs up His promises with action. Because of His Covenant Loyalty, we can act in faith on His words and reap the blessings that follow, as He remains true to Himself and His commitments. This unwavering fidelity is a profound reason for our continuous praise, as it assures us that we can rely on Him completely.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughFaithfulness is a hallmark of a true Christian, yet unfaithfulness is prevalent at the end of the age. Here is what the Bible teaches about faithfulness.
Where God Places His Name (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause we would die from exposure to God's glory, the name of God, reflecting His characteristics, is the only way we can approach God.
Living By Faith and God's Grace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod gives grace from start to finish in a person's relationship with Him. It cannot be limited merely to justification and His forgiveness of our sins.
Seeking God (Part One): Our Biggest Problem
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAfter making the covenant with God, how does a person avoid backsliding? The answer lies in seeking God, which involves much more than commonly thought.
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Grace implies empowerment for growth. It is the single most important aspect of our salvation, and His giving of it is completely unmerited on our part.
Privileges of the Family of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt is impossible to be a Christian without being a child of God. When we are in God's family, we have distinct privileges.
Christ's Female Ancestors
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLuke records four female ancestors of Christ: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Three out of the four were Gentiles and 3/4 also had glaring sexual problems
Pentecost and the Book of Ruth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough many lessons of the book of Ruth allude to Old Covenant teachings, Ruth prefigures New Covenant principles such as mercy, Christ's care, and acceptance.
Deuteronomy (Part 4) (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must seek God as ardently as we would a physical love relationship, spending quality time with Him. If we make no effort, the relationship cools.
'But I Say to You' (Part Four): Divorce
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen divorce takes place, spiritual growth from the relationship stops, but when conflict escalates within a dying relationship, no growth can occur either.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Seven)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe epistle of Hebrews is so vital to Christians in the first century and now because it explains the unique place and power of Christianity's High Priest.
Lamentations (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Lamentations 3, the narrator finally convinces Lady Jerusalem that her own sins have caused her necessary punishment and affliction by God.
Numbers (Part Three): Poised at the Jordan
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe last chapters in Numbers describe a lengthy holding pattern in which not much seemed to happen. We must have patience as we wait for the Kingdom of God.
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.
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.
Chronicles: Answered Prayer
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe thesis of Chronicles seems to be that when God's people seek Him in repentance and humility, God comes to their aid; if not, they fail.
The Seventh Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Seventh Commandment—prohibiting adultery—covers the subject of faithfulness. Unfaithfulness devastates many aspects of family and society life.