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The Ministry
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidMinistry is a gift bestowed by God, who has placed each elder in their position to serve His people. God has given different gifts to each of the elders, a divine arrangement that none of them planned for, as they had their own personal aspirations. Yet, God had different ideas, positioning them to serve Him by serving the congregation. The ministry, composed of individuals like John Ritenbaugh, Daryl Henson, Harold Way, Richard Ritenbaugh, and Jim Slusher, has faced the same challenges as the members—working, tithing, standing up for the Sabbath, and risking job loss for keeping the holy days. They have endured personal struggles and character flaws, preaching to others while confronting their own shortcomings. This shared experience underscores their role as servants, called by God to reflect His love and foster harmony within the family of believers. The church must recognize this divine calling, approaching the ministry with humility and patience, bearing with one another's faults, and resisting the adversary who seeks to sow discord. By drawing close to God and pursuing peace, the congregation can honor the gift of ministry and maintain the unity of the Spirit.
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.
The Purpose of the Ministry
Sermon by John O. ReidThe purpose of the ministry is to train members for service to God, edifying them, equipping them for their job, and bringing them to spiritual maturity.
Anarchy in God's Church? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIf we reject the spiritual gifts God gave to others, we put ourselves at risk of being deceived, and altering our belief system in response to every new idea.
Government (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe authority in the ministry is a 'staff position,' given by God, as a gift for equipping the saints for service and for edifying the body of Christ.
Titus (Part Four): Traits of a Healthy Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTitus 2 gives specific instructions to senior members of the congregation, followed by instructions to the youth, explaining their responsibilities.
For the Perfecting of the Saints
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughDo Christians need a church? With all the church problems in recent years, many have withdrawn. Yet the church—problems and all—serves a God-ordained role.
God and Government
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGovernment run by carnal men will never work, but those under the New Covenant, having God's law written on their hearts, can make any form of government work.
Government (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe ministry's authority consists of teaching, edifying, and equipping the members for sainthood, but not to wield dictatorial power over their lives.
Character and Leadership (2023)
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughLeaders cannot compartmentalize their personal and public lives. Immorality in private life will bleed into public leadership. Jesus condemned hypocrisy.
Character and Leadership
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughChristian leaders should exhibit Christ-like qualities such as truth speaking, upholding standards, listening to others, giving gifts, and remaining humble.
Spotting False Teachers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue shepherds have genuine concern for the flock, as opposed to hirelings who only devour or take advantage of the flock.
Titus 2:11-14
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are obligated to dress and keep what is placed in our care, improving what He has given to us. We dare not stand still, but must make effort to grow.
Corinthian Parallels to Sodom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughI Corinthians is a practical manual for surviving in a Sodom-like culture, guarding against the corrosive aspects of our perverted culture and its excesses.
Checklist for Overcoming
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRomans 12-16 provide a checklist for overcoming and promoting positive relationships, developing tender affection. We are mutually dependent upon one another.
Jesus Christ's Ascension
Sermon by David C. GrabbeAfter ascending victoriously and leading captivity captive, Christ received gifts that He then distributed to men so the Father and Son might dwell among them. This gifting includes the Holy Spirit poured out at Pentecost as well as specific roles within the church. According to the measure of Christ's own gift, grace is apportioned to each believer, and He Himself appoints some as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These offices function as gifts to the whole body, equipping the saints for the work of ministry and building up the church until it reaches the unity of the faith and the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. The purpose of this arrangement is to create a spiritual dwelling place fit for God's presence, with the gifted ministries serving as the means by which the body grows into maturity and reflects the character of its Head. This ministry as gift flows directly from Christ's enthronement at the Father's right hand and forms an essential part of the ongoing work that began on the fortieth day, enabling believers to be living witnesses through the same Spirit that animated Jesus.
Consequences of Resurrection and Ascension
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNeither Christmas or Easter appear in the Feasts of the Lord, but we find plenty of emphasis on the resurrection and ascension of Christ in the Holy Days.
Sanctification and Holiness (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Numbers 16-18, God performed several miracles to demonstrate conclusively that not everyone is called to the same function and that He remains the Boss.