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Prepare for Your Future Now
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidBrethren, God does not see us as we are now in our current occupations or circumstances, but as what we will become—kings and priests with a glorious future. He called us from humble and lowly states, not from the wise or mighty of this world, to prepare us for roles of leadership and instruction. We must start to view ourselves as God does, in training to become kings and priests, understanding that we do not start at the top but must grow through effort and discipline. God expects us to press toward the high calling of Jesus Christ, to become like Him, and to develop the skills and character necessary for our future roles. As kings and priests, we will be expected to know and apply God's laws, making decisions based on them. This is why we study the Bible and learn to apply its principles in our lives, preparing to judge righteously and govern ourselves accordingly. We are to build a storehouse of God's knowledge, drawing from both new and old experiences, to serve others when needed. We must also develop God's nature, starting with love—a willful setting of the heart to do good to others, even our enemies, just as God loved us when we were unworthy. This love includes patience, kindness, forgiveness, and discipline, reflecting God's character in our actions. As kings and priests, we will set the standard for those we lead, and our conduct will influence their behavior. Forgiveness is another critical quality we must cultivate now, learning to forgive from the heart as God has forgiven us. We cannot hold grudges or seek to get even, for we are in training to teach others to forgive, even in the face of great wrongs. Patience is equally essential; as kings, we cannot have a short fuse but must show forbearance, desiring that none miss out on the future God has planned, just as He is patient with us. Self-control is vital for godly character, requiring discipline over our thoughts, actions, and desires. We must overcome our human nature through effort and faith, trusting God to give us victory as we prepare for our roles. Our positions as kings and priests will be commensurate with the abilities and character we develop now, ensuring we can implement God's knowledge, love, patience, forgiveness, and self-control to those we will serve in the future. Brethren, God has placed us in the church to be taught how to rule, not merely to be saved, but for a larger purpose. We are to be firstfruits who set God's standards throughout the world, producing peace and happiness. As we pray for God's kingdom to come, we must realize that it is we who will ensure His will is done. Let us not become sidetracked but work diligently to develop God's true characteristics, preparing now for the future roles He has called us to fulfill.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod is putting us through exercises to create leaders in His image. His covenants are a primary tool in this process.
We Must Work for What We Believe
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWiping out terrorists may seem clear-headed, but our viewpoint must be based on Micah 4:1-7, which describes a time when swords will be beaten into plowshares.
Preparing to Rule!
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHave you ever considered what it will be like right after Christ returns? What will you do, as a king, to help and govern the people placed under you?

Leadership and Covenants (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe must learn the lessons of godly leadership now because our positions in the Kingdom will require their use. Society demonstrates a lack of personal leadership.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the combined history of Judah and Israel, when the leaders abandoned the covenants with God, the citizenry generally followed suit.
A Millennium of Preparation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod has been preparing His plan from before the foundation of the world, and life's complexity and symbiosis reveal a super-competent Designer and Planner.

Character and Leadership
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughChristian leaders should exhibit Christ-like qualities such as truth speaking, upholding standards, listening to others, giving gifts, and remaining humble.
Character and Leadership (2023)
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughLeaders cannot compartmentalize their personal and public lives. Immorality in private life will bleed into public leadership. Jesus condemned hypocrisy.
Preparing To Be King
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur life is intended to be preparation for rulership in the Kingdom of God. The Bible has included instructions for preparing for rulership.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Four)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEven though Christians have been called to follow Christ, their journey to the Kingdom of God is preparation for leadership under Him.
Preparing to Rule (1993)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSanctification is both a state and a process—a time period between justification and glorification during which overcoming, purification, and holiness takes place.
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.
Preparing the Bride
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughA Statement of Purpose and beliefs of the Church of the Great God.
Reluctant Leaders
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDo we as God's called-out ones find ourselves reluctant heirs to the throne or priesthood? We are all commoners, not yet equipped for rulership.
Josiah
Article by Mike FordJosiah, king of Judah in the late 7th century BC, may have been Judah's best king. His example teaches several points regarding leadership.
The Heart of a Leader (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeDavid's judgment on behalf of poor Mephibosheth shows the lovingkindness that was at his core, and we can catch a glimpse of the heart that was like God's.
The Heart of a Leader (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeSolomon was blessed in having David as his father and example of leadership. So when Solomon writes about 'the king,' he writes about a subject he knows well.
An Anniversary Message
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The emphasis in the Church of the Great God is on self-control and self-government, responsible to God.
The Last Great Day
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidBecause we have been tempted and failed many times, and had to overcome, we will be able encourage those resurrected, proving that it is not impossible.
A Contrast of Kings
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe currently have no preparation for our future roles as kings and priests, but God desires to fill thousands of leadership positions in the Millennium.
Qualifications of a Godly Judge
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's disciples are going through a rigorous training period to qualify for positions of leadership in God's Kingdom by conforming to Christ's image.
Are You Becoming a Leader?
Sermonette by Craig SablichChrist's followers are not to become just a leader/King or a teacher/Priest, but we are to develop the abilities to become both.
Portrait of a King
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's church is the world's largest preparatory royal academy. Deuteronomy 17 provides basic instructions for kings as God has intended.
God Wants You
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe have a special calling as the firstfruits, ultimately becoming God's very offspring, patterning and conforming our lives after Jesus Christ.
Basic Doctrines: The Reward of the Saved
Bible Study by Earl L. HennJust where do true Christians go after they die? What is their reward? Where is their reward? The Bible reveals some surprising truths.
Judging
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughLike Solomon, we should be asking God for a discerning and understanding heart, capable of judging righteously, which requires knowing God's standards.
A Leader in Every Man!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs Joshua felt fearful at assuming leadership, most men also feel the same trepidation, but God Almighty has placed in their DNA the ability to lead.
We Will Serve the Lord!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJoshua's deeds were demonstrations of God's power. Joshua charged the leaders to remain courageous, love God and His Law, and serving Him with all their heart and soul.
Seeking God (Part Two): A Foundation
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughChristians need to have a conscious plan in seeking God. Here are several essential qualities that must be included in any successful course of action.
The Feast Brings Hope
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidThe Feast of Tabernacles gives us hope that all the perversions will be destroyed, making way for God's righteousness to prevail upon the earth.
Deuteronomy (Part 3)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur goal shouldn't merely be to be saved, but to finish the spiritual journey God has prepared for us, developing the leadership to help those who follow.
Government (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOnly those who are governable will be allowed to govern with God. No government will work without each individual submitting in his area of responsibility.
Hebrews (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus blazed a trail, giving a pattern for qualifying (through suffering and resisting sin) for our responsibility as priests, reconnecting man and God.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs wives are admonished to emulate the ideal of the Proverbs 31 woman, husbands must emulate the sacrificial spirit of Jesus Christ.
Loyalty and Submission (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLoyalty and submission to God (not always easy) empowers and guarantees ultimate success and leadership, actually freeing us from the fear of death.
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.