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Image and Likeness of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has clearly revealed Himself through His Word, declaring that He possesses form and shape. In Genesis 1:26-27, it is stated that man is made in His image and likeness, a direct and concrete resemblance, not an abstract concept. This image was accomplished at creation, as man was formed in the physical likeness of God, reflecting His purpose to reproduce Himself so that we might ultimately be exactly like Him. The Bible uses terms like "tselem," "demooth," and "icon" to describe this image, consistently indicating shape, resemblance, and form, whether applied to God, man, or idols. These words affirm a visible, tangible form, not merely a spiritual or moral likeness, as seen in various scriptures where the same terms denote physical representations. God's revelation is not meant to be incomprehensible or vague; He has made known His nature to His children through His Spirit, ensuring clarity in understanding His form. Despite this, some within the church cast doubt on these plain statements, suggesting that God does not truly mean what He says about His image. Such doubt mirrors the tactics of satan, who questioned God's clear instructions to Adam and Eve, sowing uncertainty about what God has plainly declared. Yet, God is not a man that He would lie; it is not in His character to deceive, as affirmed in Numbers 23:19 and I Samuel 15. To claim that God does not have the form He describes is to accuse Him of falsehood, a serious contradiction to His nature. The consistent testimony of scripture, from Genesis to the teachings of Jesus Christ, supports that God has a form visible to the eye and a voice audible to the ear, as seen in references like John 5:37 and Luke 3. Jesus Himself taught that a spirit being's body is not vaporous or ghostly but solid, possessing spirit flesh and bones, affirming that both He and the Father have form. Thus, believing what God declares about Himself is the safer and more accurate path, recognizing that He, as the author of the Book, knows best what He is and has disclosed this truth to us.
Is God a Male Chauvinist?
Article by David F. MaasDoes God have something against women? On the contrary, the sexes are equal, and distortions of Scripture such as 'gender neutral' Bibles are unnecessary.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though the evidence from creation is overwhelming, people deliberately want to disregard it because accepting it would require submitting to His will.
Our Awesome Destiny
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnderstanding is totally different from knowledge. Some people with ample knowledge are incredibly ignorant when discerning the plan of God.
God's Sovereignty and the Church's Condition (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHow involved in man's affairs is God? Is He merely reactive, or does He actively participate—even cause events and circumstances, particularly in the church?
God's Workmanship (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's creation did not end with the physical creation or our election, but God continues to work, giving us the motivation and the power to do His will.
Our Awesome Destiny (2000)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThrough a miraculous combination of knowledge plus the spirit of God, we realize that our destiny is to be a part of the divine Family.
God Has Faith in You
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidIt can be encouraging to us that our patriarchs and the prophets had serious doubts, but God overrode all their fears in accomplishing His purpose.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Three)
Sermon by David F. MaasThe natural gift, talent, or ability we receive at our birth provides the raw material God's Spirit uses to transform physical gifts into spiritual gifts.
Our Affinity to Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur lives must be totally wrapped up in Christ, exemplifying His character. As we overcome, taking the same steps as Christ did, we will receive His reward.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor His Own reasons, God has chosen not to reveal His plan to those the world considers wise, but, instead, to work with the weaker sort of mankind.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe best use of imagination would be to assimilate events, principles, lessons, and doctrine from scripture, transforming us into the image of God.
The Promises of God
Sermon by John O. ReidIn this time of confusion and rapid change, we have a desperate need for something solid to hold onto. Some of the most secure things are the promises of God.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Six)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAmerican culture is in obvious decline, and it is undoubtedly linked to the fact that mainstream Christianity is bereft of moral leadership.
Why Work?
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughJesus said that His Father has been working continually, setting an example for us to develop a passion for creating, along with tending and keeping.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Three): Hope
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHope conveys the idea of absolute certainty of future good, and that is exactly what the Bible tells us we have upon our calling and acceptance of God's way.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Thirteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God is at work producing leadership in an organization that will follow Him, calling people into His family, carefully crafting it into a perfect organism.
Pitfalls of Scholarship
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile we find much biblical scholarship useful and productive, without God's Spirit, most biblical scholarship is at best a mixture of good and evil.