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The Providence of God (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJacob's wrestling match with God stands as a profound example of God's providence in shaping character and purpose. Jacob, a vigorous and gifted man, often resorted to deceitful contention with both man and God to achieve his desires, revealing a controlling nature through crafty scheming. God provided a painful and humbling wrestling match to teach Jacob a vital lesson: within God's purpose, it is He who orders life, commands, and arranges events. Jacob endured this struggle but did not overcome God; instead, he emerged transformed, understanding that submission to God's will is essential. This turning point marked the change of his name to Israel, signifying that God rules, not Jacob. Through this encounter, Jacob learned to trust God and overcome his own will, a struggle that mirrored his spiritual contention against God's purpose. Though he did not prevail over God, Jacob prevailed with God by prevailing over himself, submitting and repenting. This event, provided by God, underscored that no one, not even someone as beloved as Jacob, can enter God's Kingdom by controlling life through personal means. It is God who orders life, and submission to His way is required to be in His image. Approximately 800 years later, God inspired Hosea to apply the lessons of Jacob's wrestling match to the nation of Israel. Just as Jacob had schemed and deceived, the nation surrounded God with lies and deceit, seeking to control their destiny through manipulation and power. God held Jacob's example before them, noting that he emerged a better man through repentance, weeping, and supplication. Jacob's victory was in humbling himself, not in overcoming God, and God urged Israel to follow this pattern of submission. God marked Jacob's lesson with a lasting reminder by injuring his hip, ensuring every step he took recalled the wrestling match and the truth that God rules. The name Israel constantly reinforced that God commands and orders the life of His elect. Through Hosea, God spoke to Jacob's descendants, applying the same principle of submission to His will across time, emphasizing His faithfulness in dealing with those in covenant with Him.
The Providence of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA spiritual Israelite undergoes a metamorphosis in which his own self-centered will is broken so that God's creative work can be completed within him.
The Providence of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod uses calamities as part of His creative process. Like Jacob, who initially succumbed to weak faith and fear, we must repent of our loss of devotion to God.
The Providence of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe have to exercise faith, realizing the timing will be right for us, enabling us to accept His provisions and decisions for us without fear or anxiety.
A God Near at Hand (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Ryan McClureDeists believe that a Creator God exists but that He does not intervene in its affairs. Yet Genesis is filled with rich examples of God's close involvement.
Prayer and Seeking God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRather than having an apathetic relationship toward God, we must ardently, earnestly, and fervently seek God in order to imitate His behavior in our lives.
God and Self-Government
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe New Covenant, wherein God writes His law on the heart and gives His Spirit, empowers God's people to obey without the need for external control.
The Glory of God (Part 1): The Shekinah
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 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.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus did not take on a different shape or form when He was transfigured. Taking on the image of the heavenly does not vaporize one into shapeless essence.
Imagining The Garden of Eden (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe rivers identified in the Garden of Eden were given in the context of pre-flood geography, making the use of modern topographical maps irrelevant.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Eight): Overcoming
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEach of the letters in Revelation 2 and 3 speak of overcoming. By examining those churches, we can understand what we are up against and what we must do.
Hosea's Prophecy (Part Six)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsModern Israel is repeating the same sins as ancient Israel. God's metaphors of the promiscuous wife, stubborn heifer, and rebellious child all apply to America.
Among the Few
Sermon by Mark SchindlerInitially, the primary motivation for responding to God's call may be a panicky desire to save our skin, gloming onto a place of safety like Petra.
Spiritual Minefields
Sermon by John O. ReidTo navigate safely through Satan's minefield, we must ask for God's protection, maintaining humility, watchfulness, and diligence in our task of overcoming.
Spiritual Strongholds (Part One): Obedience
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJoshua quickly acquiesced to God, realizing that it is not a question of God being with us; we must yield unconditionally to the sovereign will of God.
Habakkuk
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHabakkuk learns to look, watch, wait, then respond, realizing that God is sovereign and will rectify all the injustices in His own time.