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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 teaches that the Kingdom of God is not merely a future divine government but a present reality, especially for those called into it in this age. His ministry proclaimed the good news of the coming of that Kingdom, announcing that the Father was opening an entrance into it immediately for a chosen few. Those who respond positively to His call come under Christ's rule in this life. The concept of the Kingdom of God is not limited to a specific place or time; it is the reign or rule of God wherever and whenever it is in effect. Thus, God's converted people have already been conveyed into the kingdom of the Son of His love.
Thy Kingdom Come! (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by StaffThe Kingdom of God holds a present-tense aspect for God's human children, intertwined with both its past and future dimensions. It was present in the human Jesus Christ through the indwelling of an unlimited portion of the Holy Spirit, and it is present in His brothers and sisters through a smaller portion, an earnest or down payment of that same Spirit. This present reality means that, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that was in Jesus, we are heirs of the riches of God the Father. As heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, we have received only a down payment of the fullness of His Holy Spirit and the associated blessings that await us in the future. God's unbreakable promise assures us that we will receive our full inheritance when the time comes. The apostle James clarifies that this inheritance is the Kingdom itself, promised to those who love Him, a firm and indescribable promise from God that He will not break.
Truth and God's Governance (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeJesus Christ came into the world to bear witness to the truth, which He described as reality. This reality is intrinsically tied to His Kingship and the governance of God, representing the highest and most permanent form of reality. Unlike temporary and less real elements such as human authority, God's sovereignty over His creation remains unchanging and is the most significant factor in our evaluations. When Jesus spoke of bearing witness to this reality, He was preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that a literal Kingdom would be established on earth to manifest God's governance clearly. He declared that everyone rooted in this reality of God's Kingdom hears and obeys His voice, highlighting the profound connection between understanding this truth and submitting to God's authority. The reality of God's governance offers a new lens through which to view our lives, revealing the importance of humility in submitting to this truth. A humble person willingly accepts God's sovereignty, justice, and the outworking of His will. This principle is exemplified by John the Baptist, who understood that all authority comes from God and humbly submitted to His plan. Recognizing that Jesus Christ must increase while he must decrease, John embraced his role without opposition, trusting God to manage all outcomes. This submission to the reality of God's governance underscores why Jesus declared that no one was greater than John the Baptist.
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.