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The Sovereignty of God: Part Nine

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God's Presence is an ever-constant reality, not dependent on our perception or attempts to influence Him. He is always aware, never unaware of our circumstances, as His promise to be with us endures without fail. In His mercy, He may mitigate the full effect of our sins or delay consequences to allow time for repentance, yet He remains fully engaged, supplying what we need with perfect awareness. His thoughts and ways are far beyond ours, as He declares, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," and "as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." His mind's capacity exceeds human understanding, guiding us with unerring wisdom and control over all influences that might sway His purpose. Through prayer, we draw near to Him, not to change His mind, but to harmonize with His Spirit, the only nature equipped to live eternally in peace and oneness. His Presence offers access to the Father, as we are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find help in time of need. Humility before Him fosters obedience and a deeper relationship, acknowledging our dependency and unworthiness compared to His greatness. His constant companionship is affirmed by Jesus, who assures us that the Father is always with Him, never leaving Him alone, as He does only what pleases the Father.

The Sovereignty of God: Part Eight

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

In God's presence, through an intimate relationship with Him, lies the source of every good, righteous, and positive attitude and act. Because the justifying work of Jesus Christ grants us access to God, prayer draws us near to Him, allowing Him to bestow these qualities upon us, and enabling us to receive them. Prayer to God through Jesus Christ brings us into the very presence of the most positive, righteous, and unchanging attitudes in the entire universe. God greatly desires us to possess the qualities of His Spirit, and being in His presence through prayer is one way He accomplishes this. This is why individuals can leave God's presence in prayer feeling peace, joy, confidence, or even humble and chastened, as He leads them to remorse and repentance. As David writes, in His presence is fullness of joy, and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. The earth itself shakes, and the heavens drop rain at the presence of God, demonstrating His awe-inspiring power.

The Sovereignty of God (Part Eight)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God has opened our minds and granted us access to Him. He has forgiven our sins and given us His Spirit, providing the opportunity to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. In His presence, we find joy, pleasure, vindication, fair judgment, justice, and power. Nearness to Him fosters every righteous and positive attitude and act, allowing us to absorb His qualities through a mystical connection, much like Moses radiated God's glory after being in His presence. Prayer serves as a vital means to draw close to Him, not to change His will or mind, but to conform ourselves to His purpose. It is through this intimate relationship that we receive what we ask when our will aligns with His, knowing that what He has willed is good, loving, and right. Prayer brings us into His presence, enabling us to be transformed and to participate in fulfilling His purpose for us, as it offers direct access made possible by Jesus Christ's sacrifice.

Fellowship and Fellowshipping Are Very Important to God

Sermonette by Gary Garrett

If we lack love for our brethren who live in the presence of God, we are emulating Cain. It is God's desire that we stay in the fellowship.

God Is Still on His Throne

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The LORD is on His throne in Heaven, the location before which God's resurrected saints will occupy on the Sea of Glass.

God is Still on His Throne!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Sovereignty of God (Part Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Prayer is not a dictating to a reluctant God, but a demonstration of our attitude of dependence and need. It is a means to get into harmony with God's will.

The Fear of God

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Many have inadvertently adopted a soft concept of God, disrespecting and showing contempt for God's authority and power. Godly fear is a gift of wisdom.

Where God Places His Name (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The re-establishment of Jerusalem as the world capitol demonstrates that even when God is angry, He still restores His people.

The Glory of God (Part 2): In Christ

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

When we (following Jesus' example) display the way of God in our lives, bearing His name, and keeping His commandments, God's glory radiates in our lives.

The Glory of God (Part 1): The Shekinah

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Shekinah, the pillar of cloud and fire, depicts God's visible presence and protection. Yet His glory is manifested in many other ways as well.

Hebrews 2: God Is Present

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's people must immerse themselves daily in the Scriptures. While sinning Israelites consider God to be absent, He is nevertheless present with His saints.

The Presence of the Eternal

Sermonette by Martin G. Collins

Our offerings should consist of prayer, service to others, as well as material or monetary contributions, reflecting our gratitude for blessings.

Image and Likeness of God (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The true nature of God differs greatly from the trinitarian concept. Having created us in His form and shape, God is developing us into His character image.

Where God Places His Name (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because we would die from exposure to God's glory, the name of God, reflecting His characteristics, is the only way we can approach God.

God's Sea of Glass (Part 1)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Unlike tumultuous waves, the sea of glass before God's throne is tranquil and serene. Before we can stand on this sea of glass, we must be set apart and cleansed.

Image and Likeness of God (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The numerous figures of speech describing God's body parts substantiate that God has shape and form and occupies a specific location.

Do You See God in Deuteronomy?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God displaced the Amorites because they had defiled the land; not one righteous person existed. Israel was warned not to defile themselves with demonism.

The Temptations of Christ: Behold, the Lamb of God

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Christ's baptism possibly occurred after His return from temptation, leading His Father to praise Him as a victor, returning on the anniversary of Trumpets.

God Is Aware

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Unlike 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.

The Absence-Presence Dichotomy and God's Spirit

Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

Paul's use of the presence-absence dichotomy clarified that absence does not materially affect the Work of God because the same Holy Spirit is always present.

Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The notion that it does not matter what we wear if our heart is right on the inside is foolish. Our clothing ought to reflect our inward character.

Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Eight)

Sermon by David F. Maas

The most effective way to develop a relationship with God is by developing a continuous prayer dialogue, conversing with Him through Bible study and prayer.

Praying Always (Part Four)

Article by Pat Higgins

How does 'praying always' work? Why is consistent, thoughtful prayer such a powerful tool in the process of overcoming?

Out of the Abundance of Our Prayers

'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid

Jesus remarks that our lips tell the tale our hearts try to hide. Using this proverb as a foundation, what do our prayers tell God about us?

The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God personally handpicks individuals with whom He desires to form a reciprocal relationship. This relationship must be dressed, kept, tended, and maintained.

History of the Church

Sermonette by Gary Garrett

The honor roll of faith in Hebrews 11, suggests that the 31 AD dispersal of God's Holy Spirit was in fact merely a continuation of a much older distribution.

Hebrews (Part Ten)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Everything about the Priesthood of Christ is superior to the Levitical system, which only served as a type of the access to God that Jesus would fulfill.

The Return of the Clouds

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

Clouds can be an emblem of God's ability to hide Himself from some and reveal Himself to others. God is in total control of what He reveals and hides at any time.

His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

From the beginning, God has set apart certain individuals, putting them through a sanctifying process, perfecting their character until they reflect His image.

Bezaleel of the House of Judah

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

God augmented Bezaleel's natural abilities, not only in physical craftsmanship, but also in the soft skills of management, patience, and longsuffering.

Love's Emotional Dimension

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Love doesn't become 'love' until we act. If we don't do what is right, the right feeling will never be formed; emotions are largely developed by our experiences.

Hebrews (Part Fifteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

We dare not allow a root of bitterness to spring up in us as a result of trials - those burdens intended by God to strengthen us and perfect us.

Praying Always (Part Five)

Article by Pat Higgins

Deeply examining ourselves for flaws and shortcomings, as we do each year before Passover, helps us to accomplish Christ's command to watch and pray always.