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God and Reality
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's Word is the foundation of reality, and believing what God has said about His Son, Jesus Christ, is essential. Those who reject what Jesus said about Himself or what He will do are, in effect, calling God a liar, for everything God says is true. The reality of God's Word includes the return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the wages of sin being death, and the Lake of Fire. These truths are not taken seriously by many, as God is not a reality in their daily lives, and they do not relate to Him or consult Him unless in desperation. Despite much of humanity being religious, the Creator God remains unreal to most, and His purpose and plan are not part of their everyday thinking. Many who think about God or pray daily often hold distorted views of Him, failing to grasp His true nature. God's Word, as truth, is designed to bring us into alignment with reality, emphasizing that what He has said will come to pass, regardless of current appearances. God's awareness is so profound that nothing can be hidden from Him, not even the thoughts in our minds. This reality demands that we recognize no idolatry or sin escapes His notice, as He is minutely involved in our lives. We must be cautious not to conjure false images of God by over-emphasizing one attribute of His nature, as unrealistic perceptions of Him misalign us with what He is creating in us. The world often scoffs at the return of Jesus Christ, viewing such belief as irrelevant or an escape from reality. This scoffing reflects arrogance and pride, dismissing God's Word as invalid because events have not occurred on their expected timeline. Yet, truth is reality, and God's Word stands as more reliable than human accounts, unaffected by personal perspectives or experiences. His prophecies and promises, including the return of Christ and the judgment we face, are certainties we must heed. God's Word clearly states that humanity's problems are spiritual, requiring each individual to confront and correct their own deficiencies. The calamities foretold, such as the great tribulation, will come to pass because God is not a reality to most, and they do not seek Him for solutions. Only through humility can one begin to have a relationship with God, wherein He reveals reality and makes it possible to believe. God's ultimate intervention will force mankind to deal with His reality, ensuring that He becomes undeniable to all.
Two Realities
Sermon by David C. GrabbeAt baptism, we begin living in two realities simultaneously, one identified by the physical senses and the other discerned by the eyes of faith.
Is God a Magician?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTechnology makes us susceptible to the 'quick fix' mentality, expecting miraculous solutions to all problems, making us susceptible to false miracles.
Why Do You Believe?
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonCombatting the ubiquitous falsehoods is an obligation entrusted to every saint. But the sword of truth cannot be properly used without conviction.
The Ninth Commandment
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must embody truth as did Jesus Christ, absolutely refusing to bear false witness in our words, our behavior, and our cumulative reputation.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 13)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCommitment to a course of action is essential for physical or spiritual success. Faith motivates and sustains right action, protecting us from wavering.
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.
Faith (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFar from being blind, faith is based on analyzing, comparing, adding up from evidence in God's Word, our own experience, and our calling by God's Holy Spirit.
The Truth Matters!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsSecular scientists opt for political correctness, denying anything which would establish the historicity of the Bible, even the location of Joseph's tomb.
Hope in a Turbulent World
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Greek and Roman myths have shaped the world view of Western culture, including our attitude toward hope, a concept which is often abused and distorted.