God's Calling and Election
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have been given something far more valuable than the lottery, namely our calling. We are obligated not to squander this valuable opportunity.
God's Investment in You
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod wants to protect His investment in us, calling those whom He knows will exercise the zeal, and willingness to sacrifice, to complete the project.
Our Precious Calling
Sermonette by James BeaubelleGod has ordained that His chosen grow while residing in an environment of transience and corruption created by Satan and perpetuated by those rejecting God.
For the Love of God
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe are royalty, part of the highest Family in all creation. We can take great comfort in knowing who it is we really are and that the Father greatly values us.
Seeking God's Will (Part Seven): Conclusion
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRichard Ritenbaugh, reminding us that before our calling we were clueless, in a state of spiritual darkness, unaware of a better life, states that our lives after our calling could be considered a night and day difference, a flipping of poles from negative to positive, from earthly and demonic to heavenly and divine. We have …
Why Are We Called To Overcome?
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)In this sermon prepared for the Days of Unleavened Bread, John Reid examines the symbols of leavening (representing a way of life against God and against us) and unleavening (representing harmony with God and positive things for us now, representing a wonderful positive life in the future, as a beloved member of the family of …
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe way that one lives provides testimony and witness. To witness and endure life's various trials, we must have faith in who and what we are.
God's Workmanship (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod assumes the burden for our salvation, but we are obligated to yield to His workmanship—made manifest by good works, the effect of salvation.
Keeping God's Standards
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)God's law will be the spiritual weights and measures in the Kingdom, but until then, we must glorify God by keeping these standards as a bright light.
Put God First
CGG Weekly by John ReissIt is easy to be distracted by things other than prayer, Bible study, and our relationship with God. He rarely zaps us to remind us to study and pray.
God Is Not a Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWinston Churchill observed that 'Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.' The majority of organized 'Christianity' has a similar view of God.
Glorifying God
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)John Reid emphasizes that we have a responsibility after our calling to conform to the image of Jesus Christ, actively giving of ourselves to overcome. God has called us in order that we glorify Him in our behavior, being His representatives. God wants His people to be just like Him, to imitate Him, to adopt His very nature. If …
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reminding us that Jesus handpicked the twelve apostles for a specific work, notes that there is a strong possibility that God has also handpicked each one of us to fulfill a particular role in the Body. Like an engineer on a building project, Jesus Christ has constructed a blueprint with detailed specifications. …
Assessment Now, Judgment Later!
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, cautioning us to properly value the infinite blessings that God has given us, warns that underestimating God's gifts can lead us to undervalue the spiritual or overvalue the physical. Esau, despised his birthright, preferring a bowl of lentils to placate his stomach; Lot's wife, preferring material prosperity, …
The Purpose of Offerings
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Pastor General of a well-known church made a statement that turned the giving of offerings into a competition and a rich man's game. Is this God's intent?
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, observing that Psalm 78 reveals Israel's intermittent fractured-and-restored-relationship with God, emphasizes that those who fail to learn the lessons of history are destined to repeat them. Israel has forgotten her unique position as the only people to whom God has revealed Himself. Sadly, Israel is …
Hebrews (Part Fourteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWithout 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.
Elements of Motivation (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhen Jesus became mentally exhausted and enervated, he became invigorated and refreshed by seeing God's will completed, regarding it metaphorically as food and nourishment (John 4:34) Similarly we can become energized and motivated by our high calling and summons to do the will of God, seeing how vitally important we are to …
Nothing Is More Important
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughMany of us have experienced an event that completely altered the direction we were heading. ...
All in All (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe end of the sanctification process is when Christ will have defeated all enemies and put all things under His feet. Then, God the Father will be all in all.
Who Are You?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)John Reid, reflecting that incredible as it may seem, we have all been called to be heroes. The wise of this world does not recognize the validity of our calling. Christ appears foolish to both the Greek culture who want to see philosophical insight and the Jewish culture, who desire a sign or miracle. Consequently, God chooses …
Hebrews (Part Twelve): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo counteract complacency, Hebrews warns against neglecting God's invitation of salvation, which He does not guarantee until sanctification has run its course.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe frightful conditions during the 1st century are typical of the times ahead. To weather these circumstances, we need the encouragement of Hebrews.
Remember When
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaGod wants us to remember when we were called out of bondage into virtue, when He gave us the power of His Holy Spirit to do what ancient Israel could not.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, reminding us that remaining or abiding in Christ's word separates us from everybody else, exhorts us to treasure and appreciate the truth we have. Ezekiel prophetically warns Israelites today of imminent cultural collapse because of godly leadership. America, sadly, has never been a Christian nation; the hearts …
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reminds us that, though we are born equally, we rapidly become vastly different due to the forces and elements which shape us. Those who have been called by God have been given an enviable treasure, something which must be guarded and esteemed above everything else. What we treasure will determine what we think, …
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughBy studying eating in the experiences of those in the Bible, we plumb a deep well of instruction from which we can draw vital lessons to help us through life.
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has placed us all in the body where it has pleased Him. We dare not imitate Satan by letting self-centered goals eclipse God's purpose.
Going on to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)John Reid, reflecting on his skin diving experiences several years ago, recalls that the ocean is always unstable. If we do not latch on to our target in the ocean, it will quickly drift away, very much like the congregation in Hebrews 2:1. Today, we are bombarded by fast moving technology, competing for our attention, causing …
What Happens Next
Sermonette by Ryan McClureRyan McClure, acknowledging that self-reflection over our own spiritual progress (perhaps without seeing any progress) has potentially a negative effect, avers that we should understand self-reflection as a God-given tool to produce abundant spiritual fruit. The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 teaches that God requires a …
Matthew (Part 19)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh explains the context in which a tenant farmer would find a buried treasure after the original inhabitant had meticulously hid it fleeing from an invading army. Our calling resembles this parable and the Parable of the Pearl of great price; we seemingly stumble upon it accidentally and intuitively realize its …
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, finding a commonality in three scriptures describing our calling and sanctification, answers the questions: "Who are we?" and "How do we fit?" God has demonstrated that He loves us in a different way than He does our neighbor (perhaps a neighbor having better traits than we do) calling us …
Studying the Bible
Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)Bible study provides a personal means of attaining the mind of God, growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Five Easily Neglected Doctrines
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHere are five easily neglected doctrines, which, if carelessly observed or distorted, could jeopardize the salvation of God's people.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Five): Who We Are
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod has summoned us to a unique position. As saints, we have the responsibility to work toward the Kingdom of God and become holy—things only we can do!
Christ Our Passover
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe focus of our self-examination should not be self-centered or comparing ourselves with others, but on the awesome significance of His sacrifice.
The Five Warnings of Hebrews
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe modern church stands in danger of allowing salvation to slip away. Hebrews gives warnings to help us turn our lives around so we do not fall short.
