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The Fear of God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe fear of the Lord is declared as the beginning of knowledge, as stated in Proverbs 1:7, emphasizing a fundamental principle for a life that seeks true wisdom. This fear is not merely a soft reverence but carries a harsher connotation of fright, dread, and terror, intended by God to be an integral part of our understanding. It is a vital aspect of worshiping a great, powerful, and holy God, not to be taken for granted. This fear of God is crucial to salvation, serving as a motive for strenuous effort and reaction. It compels us to react in proportion to its intensity, driving us to avoid the unpleasant consequences of sin and to enrich and save our lives by considering God, His Son, His purpose, and sin in every circumstance. The fear of the Lord does not come naturally; it must be learned and instilled by God, often through the recognition of His power, holiness, justice, and wisdom, which the world does not possess. As a prerequisite and chief part of true knowledge, the fear of God leads to eternal life and a right relationship with Him and others. It is the essential ingredient that transforms knowledge, understanding, and wisdom into a life that pleases God. Without it, knowledge becomes an instrument of destruction, as seen in the world filled with violence, war, and moral decay. The fear of God involves both shrinking back and drawing close, not paralyzing action but motivating a departure from evil. It is to hate evil, pride, arrogance, and the evil way, compelling one to keep God's commandments and live a godly life. This fear makes God a sanctuary and place of refuge, shifting our reaction from running toward sin to running toward Him. Thus, the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, essential for clear direction and purpose in life.
The Fear of God (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must have established some relationship with God before we can rightly fear Him. A holy fear is the key to unlocking the treasuries of salvation and wisdom.
Learn to Fear God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidFearing God is equated with obeying or complying with God's instructions, voluntarily measuring all our thoughts and behavior against His Law.
State of Fear
Sermonette by Ryan McClureAfter witnessing the Covid pandemic and several deaths, God's people have a fear of the possibility of an encore of these tragedies.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal life is to live a quality life as God lives, having developed a close relationship with God, living by faith and accepting His sovereignty over all.
Knowledge and Wisdom (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordAnyone, of any age, with the gift of God's Holy Spirit, through study, prayer, and meditation can gain wisdom, that skill in living that we all need and want.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are not individually sovereign, but we are taught to give ourselves over completely to God's sovereignty. If we do, we will reap unfathomable blessings.
Knowledge and Wisdom
Sermonette by Mike FordThe wise of the world are fools in comparison to those who find and protect godly wisdom, realizing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Tests of True Knowledge
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsA person who is puffed up parades his knowledge by exhibiting impatience, intolerance, or a false modesty, marginalizing what the uneducated in their minds.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Nine)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are not privy to God's, but we must realize that He has the prerogative to impose both blessings and calamity, the latter in response to disobedience.
Resuming Ecclesiastes (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes provides a testimony to the conundrum of life, showing the result of both bad and good choices, enabling us to effectively use time.
A Survey of God's Gifts to Us
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe apostle Paul inventories spiritual gifts that God has given for the edification of the church, including ministry of the word and practical service.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Only those called by God are given insight into God's grand design, making living by faith possible. God adds understanding as we are able to use it.
Nothing But Ashes
Sermonette by Bill OnisickCarnal fear puts us into terror, but fear of God brings security. We dare not try to replace the fear of God with the love of God; both are foundational.
Trumpets: Glorious Appearings
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod spoke audibly to Moses and the people, intentionally testing their faithfulness, to instill the fear of the Lord in them, and to keep them from sin.
Deuteronomy (Part 5)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's faithfulness is the foundation of our faith. We cannot live by faith unless we believe we have a God who is faithful in everything He does.
Sovereignty and Its Fruit: Part Ten
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOnce we accept God's sovereignty, it begins to produce certain virtues in us. Here are four of these byproducts of total submission to God.
Elements of Motivation (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFearing God leads to a determination not to bring shame on God's name or offending and hurting the relationship between God and us.
Prepare to Teach
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe will be kings and priests, responsible for those coming out of the tribulation. We must prepare now to fill the entire earth with the knowledge of God.
Deuteronomy (Part 2) (1994)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughDeuteronomy, which is to be reviewed every seven years, provides us with vision and instruction for living in our spiritual Promised Land.