God's calling is a deeply personal and individual act, initiated by the Father Himself. He selects specific individuals out of billions across history, drawing them to a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, through divine grace, not human effort. This calling is not random but purposeful, tailored to each person's potential for His glory, as everything works for good for those called. It is a holy summons to be conformed to Christ's image, serve in His Kingdom, and join God's Family. This priceless gift, given before time began, requires diligence to maintain, ensuring we never stumble and gain entrance into His everlasting Kingdom.

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Our Awesome Calling

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God's calling is a noble invitation to a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, and thus to Him through Christ. The Father Himself initiates this relationship, taking a personal interest in each individual summoned into fellowship with His Son. Jesus asserts that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws them, emphasizing that this calling is not a result of human seeking but a divine act of grace. The Father elects only a few to understand the truth and have a relationship with Him and His Son, doing so out of love and by His grace, with no compulsion from anything we are or have done. Through His Spirit, the Father opens the mind to spiritual understanding, granting the gift of faith by which we can truly believe and act upon His words. This calling is a summons to a great purpose: to be conformed to the image of His Son, to prepare as firstfruits of His spiritual harvest, to serve as kings and priests in His Kingdom, and to be the Bride of Christ.

Human Will and God's Sovereignty (Part One)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's calling is a deeply personal and individual process, distinct from human will or self-initiated efforts. Salvation is limited to those specifically called and sanctified by God for His purpose, a truth that challenges the notion of volunteering one's services to Him. Mankind, born with a carnal mind, lacks the free will to truly seek God unless He deliberately adjusts the individual's understanding and willingness to submit to His law through a divine calling. The Father personally calls individuals, drawing them to the Son, who then chooses their placement within the church, as seen when He appointed the apostles, declaring that they did not choose Him, but He appointed them. This divine selection underscores that no one can force themselves into God's family or kingdom by their own standards; it is solely by His will, as affirmed in John 1:12-13, where those who receive Him are born not of the flesh, but of God.

What Is Your Calling Worth?

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God's calling is a deeply personal and individual matter, a selection made by Him out of billions of people across history. He specifically chooses each one according to His purpose, as Romans 8:28 affirms, ensuring everything works for good for those who love Him and are called. This calling is not random; He sees in each of us a kernel, a fragment of something He can use for His glory and ours. As II Timothy 1:9 states, He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works, but according to His own purpose and grace given in Christ Jesus before time began. This priceless gift demands our diligence to maintain, as II Peter 1:10 urges us to be even more diligent to make our call and election sure, promising that if we do so, we will never stumble. Our calling is an opportunity to be part of God's Family, to strive toward perfection of character, and to gain entrance into His everlasting Kingdom, a chance of immeasurable worth.

Human Will and God's Sovereignty (Part Three)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's calling is uniquely individual, requiring a personal invitation from the Father or the Son, predominantly from the Father, for one to truly receive it. Without Their direct involvement, one cannot attain it. The notion that a person can create themselves in God's image is an impossibility, as only God holds the creative authority to form mankind, both in the initial physical creation and the subsequent spiritual transformation. As stated in Genesis 1:26, the Father and the Son decided to make man in Their image, establishing Themselves as the sole Creators with no other being appointed to this responsibility. Mankind's creation unfolds in two stages: the first is physical, preparing humanity for life on earth, and the second is spiritual, culminating in a transformation into an eternal spirit being, ready for God's world. No human can effect this change from physical to spiritual life; it must be orchestrated by the Father and the Son. As II Corinthians 5:17 declares, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, with old things passed away and all things become new, a process entirely driven by God, not by the individual. Furthermore, Jesus asserts in John 15:5 that without Him, one can do nothing, underscoring the absolute dependence on Him for this spiritual creation. The idea of self-made personalities within the Father's family lacks truthful logic, as even those truly called by God do not design themselves. Humans lack the knowledge of spirit life, the organizational structure of the God family, or the divine purposes set to launch after the resurrection, rendering self-creation into God's image utterly unfeasible.

God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's calling is marked by a profound individuality, rooted in His purposeful and loving plan established before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:3-12 reveals that He chose us in Christ, blessing us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, predestining us to adoption as His children through Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure of His will. This selection was not a mere mechanical act but a series of supremely purposeful acts driven by His deep emotional desire, reflecting a heartfelt intention to create and share life with His offspring. While these verses come close to suggesting individual predestination, they clearly indicate that an organization, a church, was predetermined to exist, allowing the Father and Son to interact with mankind in a group setting where mutual support and aid could flourish. The emotional depth of God's purpose, counsel, and will—translated from the Greek as prothesis, boule, and selema—illustrates His burning desire and deliberate determination to achieve a glorious conclusion, anticipating the formation of His Family in the Kingdom of God. This calling, imbued with His love, encompasses our birth, forgiveness, conversion, and placement into His Family, driven by a Creator whose motivations are far from routine but are instead filled with joyous anticipation for our ultimate unity in Christ.

Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen

'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid

God's calling is likened to the king's invitation in the parable, extended widely to many, yet only a few are chosen to wear the wedding garment, symbolizing righteousness. This invitation first went to a select group, representing Israel and Judah, and later to mankind generally, showing that while God's call reaches many, those who respond and are chosen are a smaller group. God's foreknowledge and predestination include specific individuals, as seen in biblical examples, indicating that He has known certain people from before their births to fulfill particular roles. However, this predestination does not guarantee salvation, as each person must cooperate with God, working out their salvation with fear and trembling, as it is God who works in them to will and to do for His good pleasure. The danger lies in becoming complacent, assuming one is automatically chosen; instead, the focus must be on bearing fruit, overcoming sinful natures, and growing in the traits of the Savior to ensure being among the chosen.

The Sovereignty of God (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's calling is a profound demonstration of His sovereignty, uniquely tailored to each individual. He determines the order in which each person encounters His grace, as seen in the assertion that every man is made alive in Christ in his own order. This divine selection is not based on human merit or understanding, for who makes one differ from another spiritually, and what does one have that was not received? It is by the grace of God that individuals are transformed, as exemplified by Paul, who declared that by God's grace he became what he was. The individuality of God's calling is evident in the reality that not all are chosen at the same time or in the same way. Some are called while others in their family or community are not, highlighting that God, as the potter, has power over the clay to shape vessels for honor or dishonor from the same lump. This choice is solely His, and He does not reveal the reasons behind it, preventing any basis for human boasting. Instead, His purpose is to confound the wise and mighty by choosing the foolish, weak, and despised, ensuring that no flesh glories in His presence. Furthermore, the faith necessary for salvation is itself a gift from God, given to those ordained to eternal life. Only those whom God elects to open their eyes can believe unto salvation, underscoring that even this faith is not of human origin but is bestowed by divine will. God's sovereign choice in calling individuals is a humbling truth, urging a response of gratitude and submission to His purpose, recognizing the unparalleled gift of being chosen to be in His image through His grace.

For the Love of God

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

We 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.

The Sovereignty of God (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's calling is a deeply individual and sovereign act, as seen in Acts 13:48, where only those appointed to eternal life believed. This divine appointment, or predestination, reflects God's choice to summon some and not others, separating them for His purpose, much like a parent calling a specific child from a group. He supernaturally calls and begins to reveal Himself and His way to those He chooses, a process not extended to everyone due to human deception and preoccupation with personal pursuits. This calling does not mean every act of a person's life is predetermined. God's will is that none should perish, as stated in II Peter 3:9, yet He allows free moral agency, evident in the choices of the Israelites who, despite His will to bring them into the Promised Land, chose disobedience and perished in the wilderness. Similarly, while God wills eternal life for those He calls, individuals must work out their salvation with fear and trembling, as instructed in Philippians 2:12-13, where He provides both the desire and power to accomplish His pleasure, not ours. The individuality of God's calling is further illustrated in Romans 9:18-23, where He has mercy on whom He will and hardens whom He will, shaping vessels for honor or dishonor from the same lump of humanity. This sovereign choice is not based on personal merit or qualities, as confirmed in I Corinthians 1:26-29, where God chooses the foolish, weak, and base to confound the wise and mighty, ensuring no flesh glories in His presence. His calling is an act of grace, not works, as seen in Romans 11:5-6, with a remnant elected by grace, not by any inherent virtue. Moreover, God's initiative in this relationship is clear in verses like I Corinthians 8:3 and Galatians 4:9, where being known by Him precedes our love for Him. Conversely, in Matthew 7:21-23, some are told by Christ, "I never knew you," indicating no intimate relationship was established. This reinforces that God's calling is rooted solely in His will, not in any human action or worth, as further emphasized in I Peter 2:8-9, where some are appointed to stumble while others are chosen as a royal priesthood, called out of darkness into His marvelous light.

The Faithfulness of God (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God has a very real concern for us, promising to never leave us. We have to strongly believe in His faithfulness to build a relationship with Him.

Called To Be Saints (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

One of the greatest blessings we have been given as Christians is our calling by God. Jesus declared that only the Father determines who comes to the Son.

Free Will or God's Sovereignty?

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

If God is sovereign and promises salvation to believers, why does it matter how believers live? How significant are our choices in the grand scheme of life?

Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's grace supports and fulfills us, but it does not mean 'once saved,always saved.' It is possible to fall from grace, as Israel's experience demonstrates.

Handpicked By God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim Myers

God handpicked us for a specific purpose, just as He did Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Noah. God also handpicked second-generation Church members.

Do You See God?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Unless we acknowledge God's sovereign authority in our lives, following through with the things we learn from scripture, we, like atheists, will not see God.

Do We See Ourselves As God Sees Us?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Praying without gratitude is like clipping the wings of prayer. Thankfulness is not natural to carnal human nature which loves to grovel as a timid worrywart.

Living By Faith and God's Grace

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God 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.

How Much Does God Love You?

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

I John 4:17 reveals the depth of love God the Father has for us as unique, special components of His creation, loving each of us as much as He loved Christ.

God's Rest (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The two principal robbers of peace are pride and the drive to have complete control of our lives. Discontent and imagined victimization led Adam and Eve into sin.

'Before the Foundation of the World' (Part One)

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

We can praise God because He chose us individually to be part of His people, His Family. His choice happened ages ago, before this present creation.

Our Ultimate Purpose (2024)

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

As David pointed out in Psalm 139, God had His eyes on us before our birth, foreknowing the individuals He would call, predestining them into His plan.

Jesus Christ: First Savior, Second High Priest, Third King

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Hebrews teaches that our relationship to Christ as our Savior, High Priest, and King is the key to salvation. He shows us the way to the Father.

Where Do We Fit?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The church exists because of what God has purposed and done, not because anything we have done. When pride exists within us, God can do nothing with us.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus qualified as High Priest, teaching us about living by faith in the New Covenant, which mandates that we keep His commandments.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The book of Hebrews clarifies that the persecution on the early church did not come directly from God, but He did stir the pot that caused the persecution.

Our Divine Destiny

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's called-ones have been given the ability to decipher the scattered concepts, revealing the purpose of their destiny throughout the Scriptures.

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.

Leadership and Covenants (Part Three)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God is putting us through exercises to create leaders in His image. His covenants are a primary tool in this process.

Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Our exodus from the bondage of sin begins and ends with God. He commanded Israel to mark their escape with unleavened bread because of what He did.

Leadership and the Covenants (Part Fourteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Only God's calling, followed by repentance and a rigorous conversion process, will safeguard us from the fiery holocaust that is coming upon this the world.

Wilderness Wandering (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We are in various stages of our wilderness journey, not knowing where our journey will take us. The turns give us opportunities to strengthen our faith.

Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's calling is personal and individual rather than general, opening otherwise closed minds, replacing spiritual blindness with spiritual understanding.

Using Power Righteously (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God has singled each one of us out individually, calling us, gifting us with capabilities, and preparing us for eternal life as members of His family.

Our Core Business

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

When corporations get rid of their core business, they become less effective. Likewise when we deviate from our core job, we risk returning to the world.

Elements of Motivation (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

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 God's purpose.

One by One Until Done

Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

God makes the New Covenant with individuals. The implementation of the New Covenant is incremental, beginning in 31 AD and continuing through the Millennium.

Limited Atonement

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The prospect of atonement and salvation is available to everybody, but only those called by the Father—not by an evangelical altar call—are eligible.

Deuteronomy (Part 2) (1994)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Deuteronomy, which is to be reviewed every seven years, provides us with vision and instruction for living in our spiritual Promised Land.

Pentecost and the Mystery of the Church

Sermon by Mark Schindler

God forbids us to make alliances with carnal minds on divisive issues. The only division God desires is a separation from the world and its enticing drives.

Hebrews (Part Two): Who Was Jesus?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

If we understand the function of the Old Covenant as explained in Leviticus, we will better understand the New Covenant and not reject the law of the Savior.

In Our Time of Need

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

When we accepted God's calling, we trusted in His ability to fend off the evil influences of the world as well as our deadly carnal nature.

Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's command to eat unleavened bread teaches that He rescued His people from the bondage of sin, something they had no power to accomplish of themselves.

Who Are We and Where Do We Fit (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God 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.

Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Faith permitted Enoch, Noah, and Abraham to receive God's personal calling. Like our patriarchs, we were called while we lived in the wicked world.

The Elements of Motivation (Part Five): Who We Are

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God 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!