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Gratitude for Deliverance and God's Word
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeEven though we have heard that the Feast of Unleavened Bread signifies coming out of sin, the principal focus is that we remember God as our Deliverer.
Do You Believe—Really Believe?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's Word is the foundation of true belief and practice for His church, serving as the Instruction Book for Christian living. False religions, however, mix godly teaching with human self-righteousness, eating from the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Jesus declares that the work of God is to believe in Him whom He sent, which goes beyond accepting His sacrifice for sins. Believing in Jesus means following His words for instruction, imitating His example, obeying Him, and striving to become more like Him every day. God seeks men and women to worship Him in spirit and truth, and these are the ones who truly believe. We must examine ourselves to ensure we are in the faith and truly believe, resisting the deceitful influence of human tradition that contradicts God's Word.
Separation and Oneness With God
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod's Word provides a profound hope amidst humanity's ongoing conflicts and divisions. He declares through Peter that since the foundation of the world, His purpose has been to bring all things into harmony with Him, offering mankind a refreshing respite from the heaviness of a sin-laden world. Yet, reconciliation with God is essential for this harmony, as man's carnal mind is at enmity with Him, refusing to submit to His governance. Before unity with God can occur, there must be reconciliation, which begins with repentance. Repentance, however, requires belief—a belief strong enough to compel a change in conduct. Jesus emphasizes in John 6:29 that the work of God is to believe in Him whom He sent. Disbelief in God's Word is the essence of sin, preventing repentance and reconciliation. As long as one rejects the truth of God, whether through His message or His Messenger, true repentance toward Him remains impossible. Belief, repentance, and the blood of Christ reconcile us to God, granting salvation as His gift. Accepting Christ's blood places us under obligation to live in submission to God's will, transforming our perspective. As II Corinthians 5:16-17 states, we no longer regard anyone according to the flesh; in Christ, we are a new creation, viewing everything through the lens of God's Word and His Kingdom. This renewed relationship drives us to grow in His character, striving for complete union with Him. Disbelief slanders God's righteous character, assuming He does not know what He is talking about, assaulting His integrity and love. Genesis 3 reveals that Adam and Eve's sin stemmed from not believing God's Word, declaring independence from Him. Mankind continues this pattern, thinking it knows better. Only through humility and belief can we submit to God, allowing our minds to change and become one with Him. God's Word is spirit and life, as John 6:63 affirms, and rejecting it leads to spiritual weakness and death, just as denying physical food leads to physical death. Fasting, as part of the Day of Atonement, reminds us of our dependence on God, inducing a physical weakness that mirrors our spiritual need for His sustenance. It humbles us, showing our mortality and need for His generous provision. Through belief, repentance, and submission to God's Word, we fight our pride and grow into His image, preparing for a future where separation from Him will cease, and harmony will prevail.
Faith, Hope, and the Worship of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUsing assumptions, some have concocted some nine conflicting calendars. The preservation of the oracles has not been entrusted to the church but to the Jews.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty, Part Three: The Fruits
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHere are four qualities of character that our full acceptance of God's sovereignty will build and that will prepare us for whatever work God may choose for us.
Abel Glorified God!
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsAbel offered his sacrifice in obedience to God's instructions. We must worship Him in a spirit of truth, bringing about a profound change in heart.
God and Reality
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhat God puts us through is designed to reveal reality to us. Accepting His doctrine without looking for loopholes will keep us true.
To Watch and Keep
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerIs prophecy merely to enlighten us about the future? On the contrary, God's spiritual purposes for prophecy concern the subjects of warning and keeping.
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe are what we eat. The same can apply spiritually to what we put into our minds. God wants us to desire His Word with the eagerness of a baby craving milk.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 8)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA poor spiritual diet will bring about a weak spiritual condition. What the mind assimilates is exceedingly more important than what the stomach assimilates.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Centurion's Servant (Part Three)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThis Roman officer seems to have understood an aspect of God's authority and power that even most Israelites never realized.
Sincerity and Truth (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have been given the priceless gift of God's Word of sincerity and truth which has the power to sanctify. We must guard it as a life preserver.
Azazel: Observations and Questions
Article by Pat HigginsDoctrinal changes after decades of believing differently can raise questions. God reveals truth by His Spirit on His timetable and for His own reasons.
Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOutcome-based religion holds large membership as its measure of success, believing that the ends justify the means. It avoids doctrine that might divide.
Back to Life (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus' deliberately delayed His return to Bethany until Lazarus had died so that He could bolster the faith of Martha and His other disciples, then and now.
Back to Basics
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIncreasing knowledge without the capacity to process it leads to insanity. To combat information overload, we must get back to the basics of Christianity.