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Judgment According to Works
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGood Works as Fruit are a vital measure in God's judgment, reflecting the essence of a person's life over time. God evaluates us not on isolated incidents but on the overall fruit of our doings, as seen in Jeremiah 17:10, where He searches the heart and tests the mind to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his actions. Fruit, understood in a plural sense, signifies what is produced through a long process of growth, much like a tree that takes years to mature and bear good produce. God recognizes that spiritual maturity is not immediate, especially for those emerging from a world influenced by satan, and He grants ample time for individuals to adjust to His ways and demonstrate their progress. In this judgment, God looks for trends and trajectories in our choices and behaviors to see if we are conforming to His image. He acknowledges that not all fruit will reach maturity; some may be unusable or flawed due to various factors. Yet, He weighs the good fruit against the bad, considering the proportion and impact of our actions. As a fair Judge, He takes into account that we are not perfect, evaluating our works with mercy and patience, giving us opportunities to repent and produce better fruit over a lifetime. This principle applies universally, from our current walk to the Great White Throne Judgment period. God's standard remains consistent, assessing everyone based on their actions, behaviors, and the fruit of their doings. His judgment is always according to works, ensuring that each person's merit is clearly seen in what they produce over time.
Producing Fruit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo be made clean only prepares us for producing fruit. If we stand still, simply resting on our justification, the dark forces will pull us backwards.
God's Workmanship (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSalvation is not a one time event, but a continuous process—not just immunity from death, but a total transformation of our nature into a new creation.
The Vinedresser
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaJohn 15:2 seems to say the Vinedresser cuts off every barren branch, but the Greek behind 'takes away' shows God doing something else: He lifts up.
Excellence in Character (Part Three)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsEach Christian must develop godliness through righteous behavior and service, adding virtue to their faith.
The Vinedresser - Revisited
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaDr. Bruce Wilkinson explains that 'takes away' should be more properly rendered 'takes up,' meaning new grape vines are lifted out of the dirt.
Christ Our Standard
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughKnowledge of God's truth is useless unless it is acted on. God will only accept children who follow Christ's example and conduct their lives by His high standards.
Conditions of Discipleship (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerWhen Jesus gathered His disciples as He began His ministry, He needed principled and devout worshippers to teach and prepare for the work of spreading the gospel.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFruit is a product of growth requiring knowledge, work, patience, truth (light) and water (God's Spirit). Only by remaining on the vine will we bear fruit.
Teachings From Tabernacles (2021)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David C. GrabbeIf we neglect our cultivation of spiritual fruit during the year, the harvest will reflect that. The fruit of one's labors will be evident at harvest time.
The Glory of God (Part 4): Glorifying God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA raw display of emotion and exuberance does not necessarily glorify God. What we do to glorify God will reflect just how highly we esteem Him.
Building on the Foundation
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughConsiderable effort must be expended to find suitable bedrock for use as a foundation. We must build on the proper foundation; our bedrock is Jesus Christ.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn terms of salvation, works cannot save, but good works are the fruit of God's involvement. Grace frees one; works prove that one has been freed.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Three): Cultivating Joy
Sermon by David F. MaasStrategies for cultivating joy include developing contentment and gratitude, giving rather than getting, finding pleasure in work, and valuing God's law.
Elements of Motivation (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause we have been bought with an awesome price, we have no right to pervert our lives, but are obligated to look upon our bodies as vessels in His service.