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God is Still on His Throne!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod is still on His throne, reigning with power, might, and constant excitement in a spiritual universe much closer than we realize. His majesty and splendor are beyond human description, as seen in visions of His throne, which radiates supernatural brilliance like jasper and sardius, portraying Him as a monarch in scarlet colors. A rainbow resembling an emerald encircles His throne, symbolizing His mercy and peace, while the Sea of Glass before it reflects a fixed state of holiness, mirroring His divine excellence with crystal-like splendor, emblematic of peace, omniscience, righteousness, and justice. In these visions, Jesus Christ is seen at the right hand of God, either standing or sitting depending on the occasion, representing honor, dignity, and majesty as the eternal High Priest ministering from heaven. The throne area manifests incredible power and energy, with lightning announcing the presence of the omnipotent God, evoking awe and terror. Around the throne, twenty-four elders on lesser thrones, representing the redeemed church, wear white robes of purity and righteousness, uniting with heavenly hosts to ascribe power and dominion to God. Four living creatures, full of eyes and with six wings, surround the throne, portraying God's majesty through symbols of royal authority, strength, intelligence, and swiftness in executing His commands. Their ceaseless reverence and service sustain His throne, reflecting the firmness, energy, and wisdom of His divine government. Wherever God goes, carried by cherubim, He is accompanied by a portable throne, mirroring the grandeur of the main throne in heaven. The glory of God overwhelms all who come before Him, even in visions, causing prophets and apostles to fall on their faces in reverential fear and adoration. His presence is so powerful that humans feel undone, unable to stand without divine support, as seen in the reactions of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and John. Yet, God lifts His saints to kneel or stand before Him, promising tremendous worship and ceremonies on the Sea of Glass, where the resurrected firstfruits will bow in awe of His infinite holiness and glory.
God Is Still on His Throne
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod is still on His throne, reigning with power, might, and excitement that is beyond human comprehension. His throne in heaven is a place of immense spiritual significance, closer than we often realize, existing in a spiritual universe. The majesty of God is evident as Jesus Christ stands or sits at His right hand, a position of supreme honor and dignity, actively participating in the events unfolding before Him. Visions of God's throne, as seen by prophets like Ezekiel, Isaiah, and John, reveal a scene of transcendent glory, with a firmament shining like crystal, a throne resembling sapphire, and radiant light diffused through precious jewels, portraying His supernatural splendor. The throne area manifests incredible power and energy, with lightning and thunder announcing the presence of the omnipotent God, evoking awe and terror. A Sea of Glass, like crystal, lies before the throne, symbolizing holiness, purity, and the eternal nature of God's dominion, reflecting His omniscience, righteousness, and justice. Surrounding the throne are four living creatures, full of eyes, embodying qualities of God such as royal power, strength, intelligence, and swiftness in executing His commands. These creatures, along with the twenty-four elders representing the redeemed church, ceaselessly offer praise and adoration, honoring God's majesty and the wonders of His grace. The rainbow around the throne, resembling an emerald, conveys God's encircling brilliance, mercy, and peace, serving as a magnificent emblem of His covenant with humanity. The throne's attending circumstances, described in visions, show symbols of firmness, energy, and intelligence in the administration of God's government. Whether through the seraphim with their fiery presence or the cherubim supporting His portable throne, every element underscores the indescribable splendor of God. Human reactions to His presence, even in visions, are profound, often leading to falling on one's face in reverential fear and awe, overwhelmed by the glory and honor due to God the Father and Jesus Christ.
God's Sea of Glass (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe majesty of God is vividly reflected in the imagery of the sea of glass before His throne, a stark contrast to the chaotic and turbulent earthly seas. This sea of glass, crystal-clear and perfectly smooth, symbolizes the holiness, purity, and eternal peace of His sovereign rule. It mirrors the glorious and dynamic nature of His throne room, described as flaming with fire, glittering with sapphires, flashing with lightning and thunder, and dazzlingly white. The sea of glass represents a fixed state of holiness, both inward and outward, reflecting the holy excellence of God and His eternal throne. Its stationary calmness signifies the absence of evil and chaos in heaven, embodying an inherent sparkle and eternal peace. Visions of God's throne, as seen by Jacob, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Stephen, reveal its overwhelming grandeur and awe-inspiring nature. Jacob described God's abiding place as awesome, grand, breathtaking, and splendid. Ezekiel witnessed a firmament shining like crystal above a sapphire-like throne, an experience beyond human comprehension. Isaiah, in the presence of God, felt undone, unable to stand due to the power and glory surrounding Him. Stephen, in vision, saw Christ standing at the right hand of God, a position of honor and majesty, actively witnessing his victory. These accounts underscore the fearful and majestic power of God's presence, where even in vision, human strength falters before His glory. The throne of God, with the sea of glass before it, stands as a symbol of His ultimate authority and control over creation. As Creator, He restrains the defiant and rebellious nature of the earthly sea, setting boundaries for it, just as He controls the forces of chaos and evil. His power to produce or calm waves, to dry up the sea, or unleash it in judgment, demonstrates His supreme dominion. This authority is mirrored in Christ, who rebuked the winds and sea, bringing great calm, affirming His command over creation. The sea of glass, ever-present before His throne, whether in heaven or as a movable throne with the cherubim, signifies that wherever God is, there is peace, order, and holiness, a testament to His eternal majesty.
God's Throne
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's majesty is a central theme that underscores the awe-inspiring power and glory of the Divine Sovereign. We serve a King, not merely any king, but the King of kings, whose throne represents the ultimate symbol of authority and dominion. God's throne, as depicted in heavenly visions, far surpasses any earthly counterpart, revealing His supreme power, agency, and glory as the sovereign Ruler over all creation. The splendor of His throne room in heaven, filled with high-ranking angelic beings who incessantly worship and praise Him, showcases a majesty beyond human comprehension. This divine setting, surrounded by a crystalline sea and an emerald green rainbow, evokes a sense of otherness and fabulous superiority, emphasizing God's preeminence in an environment of unimaginable awe. The vision of God's throne is designed to impress upon us His incomparable nature. His presence, described as dazzling and unapproachable light, akin to jasper and sardius stones, radiates a beauty and power that no human throne can match. Unlike earthly rulers, whose thrones often project mere wealth and fear, God's throne embodies sovereign goodness, might, and faithfulness. The mightiest angels, including the four living creatures who constantly proclaim His holiness and sovereignty, fall down before Him, casting their crowns at His feet, a testament to His unmatched glory. This scene is meant to inspire awe, praise, and worship, reminding us that there is no one like Him, no one with His power, judgment, or wisdom. God's majesty, as revealed through His throne, serves as a profound call to humility and anticipation of sharing in His divine glory.
The Glory of God (Part 2): In Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's majesty appears first in physical manifestations that reveal His presence without being identical to Him. In the burning bush, the pillar of cloud and fire, and the cloud filling the tabernacle and temple, God dwelt visibly among His people, making the ground holy by His nearness and guiding Israel for forty years. These signs equated the cloud with the glory of the Lord, yet they pointed beyond themselves to deeper realities. Moses requested to see this glory after the golden calf incident. God responded by causing all His goodness to pass before Moses and by proclaiming His name, defining majesty through mercy, grace, longsuffering, abundant goodness, truth, and righteous judgment rather than radiance alone. The prophets developed the same understanding: David's psalm equates the words of the Lord's mouth and His ways with His glory; Isaiah links the righteousness displayed by God's people to His glory as their rear guard; Habakkuk identifies the knowledge of God's ways with the glory that will fill the earth. Zechariah's prophecy of the Branch states that He will bear the glory, uniting kingship and priesthood on one throne. This majesty is realized in Jesus Christ. At the Transfiguration a bright cloud overshadowed the disciples while the Father's voice identified His Son, directing attention from visible splendor to the message and work of Christ. John presents the Word who tabernacled among us as full of grace and truth, the same character God revealed to Moses, now embodied in flesh. Jesus' raising of Lazarus displayed this majesty through an act of faithful lovingkindness that confirmed His mission and gave glory to the Father. In His final prayer Christ declared that the glory given Him has been imparted to His followers so they may be one with the Father and Son. This unity enables the world to recognize that the Father sent the Son. Consequently the church itself becomes the temple in which God's majesty now dwells, the glory once confined to the mercy seat now residing in those who bear Christ's name.
Holiness of God (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo be like God, we need to work on purifying ourselves, purging out sin and uncleanness, reflecting our relationship with God in every aspect our behavior.
To Do Your Will, O God!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe necessity for Christ's death stems from God's holiness and absolute intolerance of sin and His obligation to judge righteously.
The Unique Greatness of Our God (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible tells us that, far from being the unconcerned and inattentive Creator that the Deists envisioned, God is intimately involved in His universe.
The Model Prayer (Part Nine): Kingdom, Power, Glory
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe final, glorifying clause of the Model Prayer returns the focus to God and leaves the petitioner confident in God's ability to fulfill his requests.
Holiness (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHoly things are set apart from the rest, consecrated, sanctified, and transcendentally separate. God wants to transform us into that very image.
Where is Beauty?
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughGod has created beauty in function. The beauty in physical creation is a mere shadow of what God sees in our potential as future members of His family.
The Third Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany think the third commandment deals only with euphemisms and swearing, but it goes much deeper. It regulates the quality of our worship and glorifying God.
Right Hand
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamFrom the beginning of civilization, shaking hands has represented a warm greeting, good sportsmanship, a symbol of trust, and binding of a contract.