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The Kingdom of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom of God, as a present reality, carries profound significance for us even now. Though it is often spoken of in future terms, there is an aspect of it that exists in the present. God considers us citizens of His Kingdom right now, having translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of His love. This is not merely a future hope but a current spiritual state, where we are under His rule and sovereignty. As ambassadors for Christ, we hold positions within this Kingdom, representing His government on earth while still in the flesh. This present aspect of the Kingdom is more of a concept than a physical place, reflecting God's rule, dominion, and sovereignty. Whenever someone submits to His authority, they come under the Kingdom of God in spirit, even though its full manifestation on earth awaits Christ's return. The Kingdom exists now in heaven, and we are part of it spiritually, as God sees us as His family, already belonging to His eternal domain. God, from His eternal perspective, speaks of our entrance into the Kingdom as an accomplished fact, though the process is not yet complete. He has transferred our citizenship, loyalties, and responsibilities from this world to the Kingdom of Heaven. This legal designation means we answer to Him alone, even while living in the world. Though we are still corruptible, we are His, marked by His Spirit. Our current state in the Kingdom is sustained by His grace and the mediation of Christ. Through baptism, we died to our old selves and were raised to newness of life in Him. His righteousness covers us, hiding our sins, so that when God looks upon us, He sees Christ in us. As long as we yield to Him, putting sin out and allowing His righteousness to be built in us, we remain citizens of His Kingdom. This is a training period, a trial membership, where God, knowing our frail frame, shapes us into His image, preparing us for the full inheritance of the Kingdom.
The Model Prayer (Part Four): Your Kingdom Come
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus instructs His disciples to ask God to establish His Kingdom. By doing so, the supplicant aligns himself with God's plan for humanity.
Thy Kingdom Come! (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by StaffWhile most understand the Kingdom of God represents God's future rule over mankind, many do not realize it also has past and present aspects.
Truth and God's Governance (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeJesus as not a typical revolutionary, seeking to overthrow a human regime, yet the truth He spoke was so radical that He was put to death cruelly for it.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe way that one lives provides testimony and witness. To witness and endure life's various trials, we must have faith in who and what we are.
Truth and God's Governance (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe best human leaders are those who recognize that they are not the ones running things. Exceptional leaders submit to the reality of God's sovereignty.
The True Gospel (Part 4)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh'Kingdom of God' describes God's dominion, rule, and governance. Jesus points to a future establishment of God's Kingdom on the earth, yet it also rules now.
Born Again or Begotten? (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughBeing born again signifies a new spiritual beginning at the beginning of our conversion. We are not yet complete, though; we must go on to perfection.
The True Gospel
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThere are many 'gospels' in the world but only one true gospel—the message that Christ brought about the good news of His coming Kingdom!
Born Again (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We have been adopted into the family of God and have become members of God's Kingdom. The Kingdom is here in the same way the church is a spiritual entity.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 1): The Mustard Seed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible, in both parables and prophecies, interprets itself and remains consistent in its use of symbols. We cannot arbitrarily attach meaning to symbols.
Our Heavenly Citizenship
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloThe rampant disorder in America may encourage God's people to choose political sides, but doing so may place them in a position of opposing God's will.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 2): Leaven
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom of God or of Heaven has past, present, and future aspects. The Kingdom parables primarily provide instruction for the present aspect.
Born Again (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The gestation or fetus analogy does not adequately depict the sanctification process in which there has to be volition, judgment, and conscious choice.
Born Again (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Baptism and being born again were already understood by the Jews, but the traditions had evidently blinded people to some additional spiritual nuances.