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The Source of Church Characteristics (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The church of God stands unique from all others, possessing many distinct spiritual qualities that set it apart as a religious institution. Its teachings are unparalleled, as no other organization offers the same comprehensive set of beliefs. At the same time, it functions both as a family and a nation in formation, embodying a level and quality of love that is exceptional even among religious institutions. The church, one of the older continuously existing entities, began its formal operations in 31 AD following the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the dramatic arrival of God's Holy Spirit, and has now existed for roughly two thousand years. Jesus Christ, as the Architect and Builder of the church, actively shapes it to fulfill the functions He desires. He hires, trains, and utilizes those He places within it to achieve His designed purposes, creating the characteristics He wishes in each part of His operations. These unique characteristics originate from Him and are being formed in the members with their voluntary cooperation, making them a new creation under His guidance. Christ gifts individuals with abilities to carry out specific responsibilities, training them before placing them in roles to perform the functions He intends. The church's uniqueness is further enabled by the Holy Spirit, which bridges the difference in kind between God and humankind, allowing for true communication and relationship. This spiritual connection, initiated by God, produces a transformation of the heart, igniting a change that enables members to grasp and apply spiritual teachings. This process, which begins before baptism, marks the start of a long journey toward salvation, requiring growth and cooperation with the Father and the Son to form a spiritually minded person in the image of God. The unity between the Father and the Son, described by Jesus Christ as Them being one, serves as the goal for the church members to achieve oneness with Them. This harmony unites the church as a whole, distinguishing it in a divided world. The church's characteristics, formed from on high, underscore that it is not of this world, reflecting a spiritual creation entirely of God's design. Every member is purposefully called and equipped with gifts by God to perform assigned functions within the body, ensuring there is no dead wood in the church, as each is placed and prepared by Him for a specific role.

Can the True Church Be Found?

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The church of Jesus Christ is a spiritual organism composed of individual true Christians, wherever they may be, united in the spiritual body of Christ despite being scattered among various organizations. Jesus Christ Himself is the Rock on which the church rests, and as the Head of the body, He ensures that nothing, not even death, can defeat or destroy it. The church is not necessarily confined to one human organization or denomination but exists as a spiritual assembly of the elect, the little flock of true disciples called out by God. True Christians, as members of the church, are led by the Spirit of God, showing through their words and behaviors that God is directing them. They strive to represent Him properly before the world as His witnesses and servants. A key characteristic of these members is their commitment to keeping all of God's commandments in faith, not picking and choosing, but following His complete instruction. They aim to go on to perfection, seeking first God's Kingdom and His righteousness, and striving to be perfect as their Father in heaven is perfect. Additionally, a true church of God will often identify itself with a name that reflects its divine origin, such as a church of God, giving honor and glory to the great God who is its Lord, rather than to a man, doctrine, or form of government. Finding such a church requires diligent study, as true disciples may be scattered among many worldly churches, yet God guides those He draws to Christ to make contact with His true church.

Is There a True Church?

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Many 'church of God' organizations claim to be part of—or even the only—church of God. The Bible reveals specific characteristics of God's church.

Where Is God's True Church Today?

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Where can we find the true religion, the true church, in all this confusion? Only the church Christ founded and heads today has the answers to eternal life.

Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The 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.

The Three Witnesses of Christ (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The Trinitarian controversy surrounding I John 5:7-8 overshadows the record of what Jesus Christ did. It also hides key characteristics of God's children.

Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Jesus Christ warns us to hold fast to true doctrine. Secular historians help us discover the identity of the small flock repeatedly rescued from apostasy.

God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part Two)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We seriously err if we rely on the secular media to give us spiritual understanding. God sends strong delusion to those who do not love the truth.

God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God, 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.

Leadership and the Covenants (Part Eight)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We learn from our original parents that as soon as we sin, a stark change occurs throughout our nervous system, subjecting us to shame and fear.

Leadership and the Covenants (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We qualify to lead by internalizing the covenants, not only believing God, but doing what He says, realizing that the covenants are not complicated.

For the Perfecting of the Saints

Booklet by John W. Ritenbaugh

Do 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.

Assurance (Part One): Self Examination

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Salvation is an ongoing work of God, obligating us to walk in the Spirit. If we do, we will be not captivated by the lusts of the flesh.

God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part Three)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The unity Jesus appeals for with His disciples is not organizational unity, but unity within the divine nature, exampled in the unity between He and the Father.

Leadership and the Covenants (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We must become leaders in our own families, protecting them from the curses that are already falling on our nation. We have the obligation to fear God.

Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Three)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Christ cautions the Pergamos congregation to shun the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. The Church suffers when it harbors those who compromise and offend.