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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, Ecclesiastes, and God's Will
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God knows the end from the beginning, but He does not give us all the details at once, except as they are necessary for us for His purpose to be worked out.
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.
Our Ultimate Purpose
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloAs 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.
God Has the Last Word
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We need to realize the seriousness of the times, waking ourselves out of our zombie-like slumber, casting off the works of darkness.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Eight
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIf God is manipulating everything in His sovereignty, why pray? What does prayer teach us? Here is why God commands us to come before Him in prayer.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Six
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe overriding issue of life is to whom we will give ourselves in obedience. Will it be ourselves, society, business, Satan or God?
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMost converted Christians realize that God is sovereign. But sometimes the Bible reveals something about God that makes us uncomfortable. Can we accept it?
God the Father (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThroughout Christ's life, the relationship between Him and His Father exemplified perfect, reciprocal, unconditional love, providing a perfect template.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has consistently moved His creation toward its ultimate purpose, setting the bounds of nations, motivating rulers to pursue a certain course of action.
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?
The Sovereignty of God: Part Three
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughConsider two end-time, dominant forces: the Beast power of Revelation 13 and God. To whom will we yield to in the coming years?
God is on His Throne
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonOver the years, we have seen doors open to us and doors closed to us. Sometimes we forcefully shut the open door and other times we try to push a closed door.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though the evidence from creation is overwhelming, people deliberately want to disregard it because accepting it would require submitting to His will.
God Works In Marvelous Ways (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's highest goal is not salvation, but sanctification into godly character, leading to membership in His family as co-rulers with Jesus Christ.
Psalms: Book Four (Part Four): God as Creator
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe creation offers compelling testimony to the intricacies which preclude even the possibility of evolution. Evolution is a futile attempt to get rid of God.
How God Deals With Conscience (Part Five)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJoseph knew and recognized his brothers before they knew him, even as God knows our guiltiest secret sins that we think we have effectively hidden.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Two
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThat God is sovereign means that He IS God, the absolute governor of all things. This has profound implications for us: It means He chooses goodness or severity.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNo one has any excuse for doubting God's purpose for mankind, whether revealed publicly through His Creation or privately through the Holy Scriptures.
The Faithfulness of God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God established permanent patterns, electing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as all of those He has called. This election should be our obsession.
The Wonderful, Powerful Gift of God's Holy Spirit
Sermon by John O. ReidWhen we receive God's Spirit, we cannot escape the responsibility of using it, being a light to the world in the correct way of living. Hi Spirit is His power.
God's Good Work in Us
Sermon by John O. ReidDespite the privileged position of our calling, God does not cut us any slack in terms of trials and tests to perfect us. We must accept God's sovereignty.
God's Will
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPraying according to God's will is sometimes ambiguous. Yet as we respond positively to His covenant, He reveals more and more of His secret plans.
The Purpose of the Church
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe function of the church is like a teacher's college, preparing the firstfruits and providing them with the needed education and character development.
God the Father (Part 3)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Father's purpose is to make us Christ-like, abounding in godly love. God is able to turn horrendous and gruesome circumstances into ultimate blessings.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe purpose of prayer is not to overcome God's reluctance, but to help in yielding to His will. 'Prayer changes things' is only true if it conforms to God's will.
We Shall Be God
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Though it may sound pretentious or even blasphemous, God's Word shows that we will become literal offspring of the Eternal God, sharing His name and nature.
Do You See God? (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughConversion is a lifelong process in which we endeavor to see things as God does. We must understand and act on the fact that God is deeply involved with us.
The Providence of God (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven when we exercise free moral agency, God engineers circumstances and outcomes so that we are virtually forced to make the right decision.
A Misunderstood Characteristic of God
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany are shocked at the seeming lack of sensitivity in the Father's bruising of His Son. He struck the Being He loved most to add multiple members to His family.
It is Done! The Perfect Peace of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerIn the peace offering, Christ is the priest, offeror, and offering. Since all parties share the peace offering as a meal, it exemplifies a peaceful communion.
Jesus Christ: First Savior, Second High Priest, Third King
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe 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.
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.
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.
Pentecost - The Beginning - All in All
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must look beyond our own calling, realizing that the sacrifice of Christ was for all men, with the hope that they will be added to the family of God.
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.
The Sabbath: Creation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Sabbath provides an opportunity for God's children to develop a relationship with Him, reflecting on the spiritual as well as the physical creation.
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.
Mightier Than the Sword (Part Four)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)John Locke rejected all contact with any influence of the will of God, promoting secular liberty and human reason as the final arbiter of all truth.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has given time to mankind as a gift, manipulating its use for us. The bad as well as the pleasant aspects of life are fashioned for our ultimate good.
Elements of Motivation (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe 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.
Why Are We Here and What Is Our Focus?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod has a plan to bring all to Christ, but each in his own order. We cannot have a proper understanding of the plan if we do not keep Christ as the focus.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are being trained to become leaders, but before we can lead, we must be able to carry out responsibilities, conforming to God's leadership and covenants.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Solomon warns against bad choices in our investment of time. Our knowledge that we will ultimately die should motivate us to use our time circumspectly.
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.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGrace's influence extends beyond justification, into the sanctification stage where the believer yields himself to righteousness, keeping God's commandments.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod is putting us through exercises to create leaders in His image. His covenants are a primary tool in this process.
Our Awesome Destiny
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnderstanding is totally different from knowledge. Some people with ample knowledge are incredibly ignorant when discerning the plan of God.
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 Doctrine of Israel (Part Seven): Romans 9
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul describes physical Israel as broken branches, allowing gentile branches to be grafted in, ultimately leading to the return of Israel to God's grace.
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.
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.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes is full of frustration, bluntness, and even a little hopeless. However, its themes are realistic and necessary for us to grasp.
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.
Ecclesiastes: What Is It All About? (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTime must not be wasted walking into blind alleys and labyrinths, but must be spent walking the paths God has set before us, developing character through our choices.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As the lives of the major biblical figures were predestined, so are our lives. God chooses, moves, and manages the lives of His servants.
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.
Made Alive by Exceeding Greatness!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod granted humans a limited measure of power and dominion at creation, but not until the Day of Pentecost of 31 AD did their potential become fully operative.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Six)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAmerican culture is in obvious decline, and it is undoubtedly linked to the fact that mainstream Christianity is bereft of moral leadership.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the combined history of Judah and Israel, when the leaders abandoned the covenants with God, the citizenry generally followed suit.
His Eye is On the Sparrow (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As God has His eye on the sparrow, He has had His eye on us through the entire process of scattering so the tests we have endured will bear good fruit.
Ecclesiastes (Part Four; A)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is sovereign over time; nothing happens without His superintending. Birth and death are divine events which God alone controls.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Forty): Ecclesiastes 12:1-14
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEcclesiastes 12:1-14 emphasizes the brevity and the progressively harder difficulties of life and urges youth to seek God before the decline of old age.
A Royal Priesthood
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe have a much bigger reason for developing godly character than merely make it into the Kingdom. We are rehearsing our roles as a royal priesthood.
Is America a Christian Nation? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The founding of the United States and the other nations of modern Israel was not random or accidental, but purposely orchestrated by our Creator.
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.
Where Is Your Trust?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIn times of trouble, where is our trust? The Kingdom of God is what we should be seeking—not a self-satisfied avoidance of suffering.
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod emphasizes Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Tabernacles to show the result of doing whatever our human heart leads us to do. The physical cannot satisfy.
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.
Deuteronomy Opening
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Deuteronomy is addressed to the Israel of God, a group of God's called out ones who have been convicted that the Law has not been done away.
Why We Observe Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe keep Unleavened Bread because of what God did to bring us out of sin (typified by Egypt). While God compels us to make choices, He is with us all the way.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has given us His Law, which shows us the way of sanctification and holiness. God is in the process of reproducing His kind — the God-kind.