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Living by Faith: God's Sovereignty
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Walking by faith signifies forming our thoughts about life, its events, and its circumstances based on the Word of God, and regulating our conduct accordingly. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, which means it is built through studying, believing, and obeying the message contained within the Scriptures. This process is not a one-time event but a continuous necessity, as the Bible remains a chief faith-building tool at our disposal. The foundation of faith lies in knowing, believing, and using what God says in His Word strongly enough to make it a part of our life. Living by faith contrasts sharply with the influences of the world, where powerful and frequent communication through radio, television, the Internet, movies, and other media pounds our senses almost incessantly. The general attitude of the mass of people surrounding us in this culture, the spirit of the times, often shows little respect for the fear of God in daily life. This secular dominance is evident in societal issues like abortion, homosexuality, lesbianism, and same-sex marriage, making it appear as though evil forces have overwhelmed God's presence on earth. However, to those walking by faith, it is crucial to understand that God permits these circumstances and remains in absolute control of His creation. Walking by faith requires recognizing God's sovereignty over all things, trusting that He works everything according to the counsel of His will. Even in calamitous events, God is not detached; He is either allowing or directly causing them for His purposes. For those who know Him through a deep, intimate relationship built over time, God will back them up and work miraculous things through them, especially in times of great pressure. Every thought of those who live by faith should begin with Him and His will, acknowledging that wherever we are, He is there, keeping track of all that transpires for our good.
Wandering the Wilderness in Faith
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWalking by faith is essential to a Christian's life, as it is both a statement of fact and a command. The just shall live by faith, a principle so vital that it is reiterated multiple times in Scripture. This faith is more than merely acknowledging God's existence; it involves a deep trust that manifests in loyalty and obedience. Unlike the Israelites in the wilderness, who witnessed God's mighty acts yet failed to trust Him when higher obedience was required, Christians must walk by faith, not by sight. Their conduct in life should be undergirded by an implicit trust in God's Word, even when circumstances seem contrary to the senses. The Israelites' example serves as a sobering warning. Despite having God's presence, His Word through Moses and Aaron, and living examples of faith in men like Joshua and Caleb, they could not enter the Promised Land due to unbelief. Their carnal minds, shaped by the world, led them to live according to the flesh, disregarding God's commands and losing sight of the promised homeland. In contrast, walking by faith means moving through life in a manner that reflects trust in God, not driven by carnal impulses but by a steadfast reliance on His promises. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. It underlies the Christian's life as a foundation, often unseen but essential. Without this foundation, one's spiritual life becomes warped and unusable. True faith prompts obedience, even in difficult times, as seen in the lives of biblical heroes who trusted God despite challenging circumstances. This trust must extend to a personal relationship with Jesus, who calls for friendship demonstrated through obedience to His commands. The importance of faith to salvation is undeniable, as it is through faith that one is saved by grace, a gift from God. This saving faith begins when God calls and leads to repentance, guiding into truth by His Spirit. Faith grows by hearing the Word of God, and it is critical to evaluate the message preached, ensuring trust is placed in the right teachings. The Israelites often trusted false messages, leading to dire consequences, a pattern that warns against misplaced faith. Ultimately, the choice to live by faith rests with each individual. The Israelites in the wilderness had evidence of God's existence and purpose, yet they chose not to believe, disregarding His graciousness and the witness of faithful men. God provides overwhelming proof of His existence and purpose, stirring minds to understand spiritual truths through His Spirit. With faith, Christians trust that what He has said and promised is true, even in trials, knowing they are part of a spiritual company of faithful individuals from the past whose trust in Him never wavered.
First Things First (Part Three): Walking With God
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWalking with God is a vital prerequisite to witnessing faithfully for Him. Before one can walk with God, access to Him and peace with Him must be established. Enoch's example illustrates this, as he diligently sought God, not to find Him, but to be like Him, demonstrating his belief by following all that God said. God rewarded Enoch with a powerful testimony of His pleasure, shown through Enoch's physical removal to escape the wrath of those to whom he prophesied. Walking with God symbolizes a continual approach to a relationship with Him, always moving toward the goal of being exactly like Him. This walk requires agreement with how God walks, a change possible only by seeking Him to conform to His ways. Faith undergirds the walk with God, ensuring it aligns with His Word. A person's walk is pleasing to God only when it matches His path, reflecting the degree to which one conducts oneself like Him and thus becomes a faithful witness. Jesus Christ exemplifies this as the Faithful Witness, being a true and complete representation of the Father through perfect agreement in His walk with Him. Without walking by faith and resembling God in deed and truth, even perfect doctrine cannot produce the witness God seeks. Doctrine defines the path, but the walk must still be by faith. One cannot resemble God without walking with Him, spending time with Him, and making Him an everyday reality.
Our Walk With God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLike ancient Israel, we walk out of our individual circumstances through a metaphorical desert of trials and tests, following God into the Promised Land.
The Christian Fight (Part Seven)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe virtue of love gets the most attention, yet the life of Abraham illustrates how foundational faith—belief and trust in God—is to love and salvation.
The Great Work the Lord Has Done!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must not fear but stand firm and be still, watching the salvation of the Lord, actively exercising faith, while God makes short work out of our enemies.
Intimacy with Christ (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan has deliberately designed this world to burn up our precious time, creating an artificial sense of urgency and a perpetual state of discontent.
The Christian Fight (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe faithful life and work of Noah illustrates that after justification, walking by faith with God is a practical responsibility.
Choices and a Man After God's Own Heart: Turn, Turn, Turn
Sermon by Mark SchindlerHonoring our free choice and understanding our weaknesses, God alters time and chance for us, using our mistakes as tools to enhance our godly character.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Two): The Old Covenant
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod made the New Covenant because Jacob's offspring did not have what it took to fulfill the terms of the Old Covenant. The carnal mind is hostile to God's law.
Abraham (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe learn from Abraham's experience to trust God even when we have incomplete information. When we attempt to take the expedient way out, we will run into trouble.
The Sovereignty of God: Introduction
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod's sovereignty is one of the most important issues a Christian must consider. Have we acknowledged that He has total authority over us in particular?