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Image and Likeness of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has clearly revealed Himself through His Word, emphasizing that He possesses form and shape. In Genesis 1:26-27, it is stated that mankind is created in His image and likeness, a direct and foundational truth laid out in the very first chapter of the Bible. This establishes a vision of His purpose, showing that humans are made in His image with the potential to be exactly like Him. Unlike animals, which reproduce after their kind and resemble their parents, mankind's creation reflects a physical image and likeness of God, already accomplished at the moment of creation. The Bible consistently uses terms like "tselem," meaning shape, resemblance, or figure, to describe this image, with no abstract connotation when applied to human reproduction or idols. Yet, when applied to God, some question this clear meaning, suggesting He lacks form or shape. Scriptures across both Old and New Testaments, such as in Exodus, Leviticus, Psalms, Isaiah, and Ezekiel, reinforce that "tselem" and related terms like "demooth" and "icon" denote a concrete, visible form and direct relationship, much like a reflection mirrors its source or a child resembles a parent. This direct connection underscores that mankind, made in His image, reflects God's bodily form and shape. God Himself affirms He does not lie, as seen in Numbers 23:19 and I Samuel 15, establishing that His descriptions of Himself are trustworthy. Unlike human tendencies to project their own character onto deities, His ways and thoughts are higher, and He cannot deceive. Therefore, to doubt the plain statements of His form and image is to challenge His truthfulness. Jesus Christ further confirms this in teachings where He indicates that a spirit being, including the Father, has form and shape, solid to the touch, not merely vaporous, as evidenced in interactions after His resurrection and statements in John 5:37 and Luke 3. Thus, the revelation of God through His Word is for His children, those with His Spirit, to understand His nature clearly. To obscure or spiritualize away these descriptions undermines His purpose in disclosing Himself, as the Bible contains numerous references detailing what He is like. Mankind, created in His image, is a testament to His form and shape, a truth that stands firm against attempts to cast doubt on His clear words.
Human Will and God's Sovereignty (Part Three)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God-designed personalities, having His character, will make up God's family, not self-made personalities created by human will. We must yield as He creates.
God's Sovereignty and the Church's Condition (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHow involved in man's affairs is God? Is He merely reactive, or does He actively participate—even cause events and circumstances, particularly in the church?
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Four)
Sermon by David F. MaasSatan's malicious forked tongue has become a symbol of lies and falsehood, blending good and evil, truth and mendacity, into poisonous mixtures.
From Dust to Glory
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Clyde FinkleaAs our sanctification process comes to full term, we will see our Creator as He is, having attained the same glorified state.
Our Awesome Destiny (1993)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMan's destiny is to have dominion over the entire universe. Preparation for this awesome responsibility requires faithful stewardship over God's gifts.
Genesis 1 and Free-Moral Agency
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughWhat does Scripture say about free-moral agency? Are we human puppets on a string, manipulated from above? How does free will relate to God's sovereignty?
Hebrews (Part Fourteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Without a meaningful relationship with Christ, God's people cannot possibly bear fruit. Our responsibility is to yield to God's creative work in our lives.
Our Awesome Destiny (2000)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThrough a miraculous combination of knowledge plus the spirit of God, we realize that our destiny is to be a part of the divine Family.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe doctrinal changes made by the Worldwide Church of God have devastating ramifications. Predictably, when the vision was changed, God's law was cast aside.
A Millennium of Preparation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod has been preparing His plan from before the foundation of the world, and life's complexity and symbiosis reveal a super-competent Designer and Planner.
The Perfect Marriage
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUnder the best of conditions, marriage takes work to make it succeed. Next to baptism, marriage is the most important decision we could ever make.
Who Do You Trust? (Part Three)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe corruption of sin was brought on the world through the rebellion of Satan and his fallen angels, an event which took place between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ has full control of the church. Everything of consequence, including the development of our character, is engineered by Him.
The Trinity and the Holy Spirit (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The true understanding of Elohim dismantles the entire trinity argument. God is reproducing Himself; we are being prepared to become a part of Elohim.
In the Hands of the Potter
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingAs the Master Potter, God will apply the water of His Holy Spirit to make us more malleable, enabling Him to turn the lump of clay into a flawless work.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is doing more than merely saving people; He is producing children in His image. The difference between the covenants is in the quality of the faith.