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The Power of the Holy People
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe power of the holy people, where the church is concerned, is the Holy Spirit, the essence of God's mind and the agency by which the Father and the Son live in the begotten Christian. More specifically, this power is God Himself, the Source of that Spirit. The church's power, Jesus Christ living in us by His Spirit, ensures that the gates of the grave will not prevail against the church, and God's purpose will not fail. Even though it is prophesied that the holy set-apart peoples of Israel will fall, and the church of God may not always have an open door to preach the gospel powerfully to the world depending on what God is doing at any given time, we can have every confidence that the power of the New Covenant church will never be shattered, for that power is God Himself. The holy people mentioned in Daniel 12:7 could represent the nations of Israel, and the idea that their power can be shattered implies that God's power is not under discussion.
Entrusted with Godly Holiness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerHoliness moves beyond godliness, demanding that we apply energy to living as God lives, seeking a relationship with God and conforming to His expectations.
Be Holy, as I am Holy
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingThe biblical concept of holy means to be set apart for God's purpose, namely, to reflect His character and righteousness. Mentioned nearly 900 times in Scripture, holiness consists of not merely moral behavior, but a complete spiritual transformation through God's Holy Spirit, as exemplified by keeping His seventh day Sabbath, sanctified as a sign of God's covenant with His called-out people (Ezekiel 20:12). We need to emulate examples like Moses, Joshua, and Abraham, who was chosen, set apart, and faithful, becoming a "friend of God" (James 2:23, Isaiah 41:8). Ancient Israel, similarly chosen as a holy nation to represent God (Deuteronomy 14:2, Exodus 19:15),sadly failed miserably to internalize this covenant. Today, the Israel of God (Galatians 6:16), God's church, is called to be a chosen generation and holy nation and to live righteously, reflecting God's love and character. Sanctification is a lifelong process requiring obedience, faith, and readiness for spiritual challenges (I Peter 1:13-15). Thankfully, Christ's life and death enabled this level of holiness. We must continue to grow in godly virtues, remaining steadfast.
The Holiness Code
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA portion of Leviticus, dubbed 'the holiness code,' describes how God lives. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expanded the application of the holiness code.
As He Is Holy (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamWhile the word 'holy' is easy enough to define, to grasp what it really means is another thing altogether. It takes a lifetime to understand fully.
Sanctification and Holiness (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs God's priesthood, we must draw near to God, keep His commandments, and witness to the world that God is God. God is shaping and fashioning His new creation.
Sanctification and Holiness (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod gives conditions for acceptable sacrifices and offerings, differentiating the holy and authentic from the defiled, unclean and strange.
Holiness of God (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs bearers of God's name, we must aspire to holiness. Perfecting holiness is the process by which we are transformed from the glory of man to the glory of God.
Deuteronomy and Holiness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has provided the God-plane marriage relationship to teach us how to submit to one another, sacrificing our self-centeredness for the benefit of our spouse.
The Priesthood of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because God is holy, His people must also be holy, displaying the character of God. Holiness designates God-like qualities found in those sanctified by God.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)From the beginning, God has set apart certain individuals, putting them through a sanctifying process, perfecting their character until they reflect His image.
Who Are We and Where Do We Fit? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)If we really considered or believed in our hearts that our calling was truly a treasure, we would take extraordinary steps to prevent any loss of it.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As the lives of the major biblical figures were predestined, so are our lives. God chooses, moves, and manages the lives of His servants.
Deuteronomy (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSanctification is an incremental process in which we systematically destroy the sin within us as our forebears were asked to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan.
God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod, as our true Shepherd, provides total protection of His called out-ones forever. Being kept in God's name refers to assimilating the attributes of God.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We do not need to excessively fear Satan, his demons, or the world, but we should fear and respect the One who has complete involvement in our lives.
The World (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur worldview must be shaped by a fear of God, a love for His people, and a hatred for the world's practices that destroy our relationship with God.
Pentecost Revisited (Part Two): Joshua 5
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJoshua 5 makes no mention of a harvest, an altar, a priest, the waving of the sheaf, or the offerings God commanded to accompany the waving of the sheaf.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath is not a mere ceremonial observance, but identifies God's people as different, and consequently a perpetual irritant to the world.
Searching for Israel (Part Twelve): The Sign
Article by Charles WhitakerMost Israelites are blind to their origins, thinking that only Jews are Israelites. Here is why Israel has forgotten its identity.
Examine and Come Out
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Old Testament examples were given to show us what God had to do to pave the way for our calling, sanctification, and ultimate glorification.