The Gospel of the Kingdom of God is a comprehensive message proclaiming God's coming dominion and the path to salvation as His children. It includes teachings on repentance, faith, healing, and liberation, preparing believers for eternal life and resurrection. Jesus Christ, sanctified by the Father, preached this gospel, emphasizing its present spiritual reality and future earthly establishment. It contrasts with worldly systems, offering hope through divine governance. As foretold in Matthew 24:14, this gospel will reach all nations before the end. It guides believers to live God's way, shaping character for leadership in the Millennium, and remains relevant today as a call to repentance and belief in Christ's return.

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Why Such Confusion About the Kingdom of God?

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus states that seeking His Kingdom is our primary goal. Most Christian organizations have no concept of what the Kingdom of God is.

God's Powerful Gospel

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The gospel of the Kingdom of God is not merely an announcement that a kingdom is coming. It is a comprehensive message that includes the goal of salvation and becoming God's children in His Kingdom. This gospel encompasses all the preparatory material needed to reach that goal, as well as other aspects that support those instructions. It includes healing, setting people free, delivering captives, removing blindness, and opening salvation. The gospel also involves saving the world, witnessing, testifying of the truth, producing belief, giving eternal life, and opening the way for resurrection. The gospel message includes everything necessary to call, teach, correct, and motivate a person to be saved and enter the Kingdom. It is the complete revelation of God to man, containing everything God chose to reveal for man to fulfill his part in the plan. The gospel is God's powerful means to teach, motivate, and create salvation in those who believe. It is dynamic and active, working to destroy sin and build righteousness and holiness in us, preparing us for the Kingdom of God. The gospel always contains repentance and faith. Repentance involves cutting away evil, while faith involves adding the necessary elements to become godly and holy. These two forces work together to produce the new man in the Christian. The gospel is the process by which we can reach the Kingdom of God, a lifelong educational journey that prepares us to live God's way of life.

'This Gospel of the Kingdom Shall Be Preached'

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Matthew 24:14 declares that the gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come. This prophecy assures that by the time Jesus Christ returns and the Millennium begins, this good news will have reached everyone on earth. The verse does not specify who will preach this message, whether an individual, multiple entities, or another means, nor does it detail the timeframe or method of proclamation, only affirming that it will be accomplished before the end. When Jesus Christ was on earth, He preached this same gospel of the Kingdom. Before He began, He was sanctified and sent by the Father, set apart to perform His works, including the preaching of the gospel. His ministry, spanning three and a half years, stemmed from this sanctification, with the content and power of His message originating from the Father. This establishes that it is ultimately God who preaches the gospel, regardless of the human instrument or method used. The assurance remains that the gospel of the Kingdom will be preached as prophesied in Matthew 24:14. God will ensure its fulfillment through whatever means and timing He has ordained. The focus for His servants is to align with Him, submitting to His leadership to be usable in His work, recognizing that He determines the results and effects of this proclamation.

How Much Do You Value the Kingdom of God?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Jesus Christ lived and died for His Kingdom. The main thrust of His work was teaching about the Kingdom of God, its way of life, and its establishment on earth. He inaugurated His ministry by preaching in Galilee. Christ taught that the Kingdom would begin small and grow large, as illustrated in the Parable of the Mustard Seed. He also taught that our performance in this lifetime determines our role in God's Kingdom, as shown in the Parable of the Pounds. The humble, obedient, and teachable disposition of a little child is a model for those who expect to inherit God's Kingdom. Christ announced that the Kingdom of God is within or among us, embodying it through His teaching and works. Christ's Kingdom is not of this world's system of government. When questioned by Pilate, Jesus affirmed His kingship but clarified that His Kingdom was not part of this world's society. The charge against Him was for claiming to be King of the coming Kingdom of God, which was inscribed over His head during crucifixion. After His resurrection, Christ spent forty days teaching His followers about the Kingdom of God. His teaching focused on the validation and nature of His messiahship and kingdom, the interpretation of the Old Testament from the perspective of His resurrection, and the responsibility of His disciples to bear witness to the fulfillment of Israel's hope. This teaching is elaborated in the book of Acts, where the true Christian church is described as responding obediently to Jesus' commission, acting on His behalf, and focusing its proclamation on the coming Kingdom of God. As members of God's church, we have the duty and responsibility to teach and witness about the coming Kingdom of God and God's way of life. This prepares us for leadership in the Millennium, and we must be doing this now, as we are in training for that role.

God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part One): Sower and Seed

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

The essence of Jesus Christ's message centers on the Kingdom of God, also referred to as the Kingdom of Heaven. His ministry commenced with preaching repentance and the good news of the Kingdom. John the Baptist, His forerunner, delivered the same fundamental message, as did the apostles during their missions. The theme of the Kingdom accompanied Paul on his travels and illuminates his epistles. Grasping God's purpose for humanity begins with comprehending the Kingdom. The Greek word for kingdom, basileia, meaning dominion, is used in various ways in the scriptures. One common usage points to a future hope where Christ returns to rule over the earth. The Kingdom of God is also a present spiritual reality, where those called by God in this age are figuratively translated into that Kingdom, even as they live in the world. Additionally, basileia refers to Christ Himself as the King of His Kingdom, as when He told the Pharisees that the Kingdom of God was in their midst. Another usage of basileia, often overlooked, appears in the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers, where Jesus indicates that the kingdom of God would be taken from the audience of chief priests and elders and given to a nation bearing its fruits, referring to a dominion then in existence. This parable, along with others like the Parable of the Sower, served as a rebuke to the nation, highlighting their inability to receive the word of the kingdom, which is the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Despite some interest and willingness to repent and be baptized among the people, there was little depth because their hearts were far from their King. Only the good soil, those who hear and understand the word, bears fruit, while the masses lacked ears to hear, fulfilling prophecies of spiritual blindness and deafness.

Implications of the Gospel of the Kingdom

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

After John the Baptist was imprisoned, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, declaring, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." The gospel, meaning good news, centers on the Kingdom of God, highlighting the dominion of God, both in the present and the future. Jesus, moved with compassion for the weary and scattered multitudes, preached this gospel to a downtrodden people, burdened by oppressive leadership and power structures. The gospel of the Kingdom of God offers hope as a message of divine governance, promising righteous leadership to those who are governed. This divine Kingdom stands in contrast to human nations, emphasizing a spiritual, holy nation that holds greater significance and favor before the Most High God. Though God has not yet established His Kingdom on earth, His sovereignty remains, directing events according to His purpose. The gospel teaches that true solutions come from above, transcending the factions and moral crises of physical nations, and calls for hope and confidence to be placed solely in the true King and His unchanging dominion.

Implications of the Gospel of the Kingdom

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

God's people must let go of the world's solutions, involving party spirit, revolutions, and power struggles, placing their trust in the sovereignty of God.

The True Gospel (Part 4)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus proclaimed the gospel focused on the Kingdom of God, as evidenced by His own words where He modifies the term gospel with the phrase "of the kingdom." Matthew, Mark, and Luke consistently refer to it in this manner, aligning with their Savior's usage. Jesus frequently speaks of preaching the Kingdom of God to the people, emphasizing its significance. The Kingdom of God fundamentally represents God's dominion, rule, governance, or realm. In various teachings, such as His parables and the Olivet Prophecy, Jesus points to a future establishment of God's Kingdom on the earth. He declares that the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels to reward each according to their works. The Kingdom of God also holds a present reality, ruling over those whom God has called, though they have not yet inherited or entered it due to their fleshly state. Those called and chosen await the return of Christ at the last trumpet, when He will transform their mortal bodies into immortal, incorruptible spirit bodies like His own. Thus, the Kingdom of God carries both present and future implications. It is a spiritual reality now for believers, as God rules over them, subjecting them to the laws and responsibilities of His Kingdom. When Christ returns to establish His government on earth, the gospel will have prepared them for rulership with Him. They are presently watching, praying, and expecting its fullness at any time. As a future event, the gospel of the Kingdom of God also concerns itself with prophecy. While many prophecies predicted the coming of Jesus Christ as a Man to die as our Savior, numerous others focus on His second coming as King of kings and Lord of lords. The Christian hope centers on the belief that He will return, put down all rebellion against Him, grant eternal life to His saints, and establish a Millennium of peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth for surviving humanity. The gospel includes this message of a future utopia. The gospel of the Kingdom of God serves as a general term that extends beyond merely announcing God's Kingdom. It encompasses the teaching about the soon-coming establishment of God's government on earth, as well as its current rule over those God has called. It includes instruction for preparing the elect for their responsibilities in His Kingdom, particularly in developing character in God's image. In essence, the gospel of the Kingdom of God acts as an umbrella term that covers the entire revelation of God to man.

The True Gospel

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ preached the gospel of the Kingdom of God, proclaiming the good news that God's Kingdom would come and restore all things. This gospel explains not only that the Kingdom is coming but also how we can be a part of it. The conditions for entering God's Kingdom are to repent and believe in the gospel, which means turning from a sinful way of life, keeping God's commandments, and believing both in Christ and the message He brought. This gospel originated in God the Father, was proclaimed by His Son, and tells of the coming rule of God and our role in it. The gospel of the grace of God, as preached by Paul, is also part of the gospel of the Kingdom, encompassing God's offer of grace and salvation. While Christians are spiritually considered part of God's Kingdom and under Christ's rule, they have not yet inherited it in its fullness, which will occur at Christ's return. Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God was in the midst of the people, as He, the coming King, was among them, though unbelievers often failed to recognize it. The gospel of the Kingdom remains relevant today, to be preached before the end comes, proclaiming Christ's return to establish His government on earth and teaching all to live God's way of life.

The True Gospel (Part 1)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, declaring, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.' This message, rooted in the meaning of good news, underscores the urgency and hope of God's kingdom. However, the danger of perverting this gospel is evident, as even within two decades of Christ's death, alterations had shifted the focus from His original announcement, changing the message from good to bad news. Such a change misdirects believers away from the Kingdom of God. The true gospel, as preached by Jesus, emphasizes that time is short, Christ will soon establish the Kingdom of God, and we must repent as a way of life. We are called to believe in this message by living it in faith, focusing on the Kingdom of God, and prioritizing our lives with God first.

The True Gospel (Part 6)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The true gospel message, revealed through supernatural disclosure from God, is not readily available to all and cannot be stumbled upon or found merely by reading the Bible. God must open one's mind to receive it, as the carnal mind is enmity against Him. Jesus Himself designed His parables to hide meaning rather than reveal it. When He preached the gospel, He did not focus on His own virtues but revealed the way to the Kingdom of God. In commissioning His disciples, He instructed them to preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand,' and to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons. Nowhere did He tell them to preach about Himself; His concern was always in proclaiming God's Kingdom. Before His ascension, He emphasized that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations. He was so dedicated to preaching the gospel of the Kingdom and ensuring His disciples understood it that it filled His conversations during His post-resurrection appearances to them. What gospel we learn is vitally important, and we must ensure it is the true gospel Christ brought, the revelation of the imminent Kingdom of God.

False Gospels

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ came proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that His message was not about His person but about the Kingdom. He consistently instructed His disciples to preach the Kingdom, to spread the Word of that gospel. However, within two decades after His ascension, by the early 50s AD, this gospel was perverted, shifting the focus to the person of Christ instead of the Kingdom He preached. For over 19 centuries, the true gospel of the Kingdom of God was not preached to the world, remaining known only to a scattered remnant of the church in the wilderness. God had a purpose in allowing this long period of darkness, with great works reserved for the beginning and the end, before His Son's return. Herbert W. Armstrong, as God's apostle, restored this true gospel to the church and the world, illuminating the plan of God for mankind. Once the gospel of the Kingdom is understood correctly, everything falls into place, revealing the purpose of mankind and the church, both now and when Christ returns to establish God's government on earth. There is only one true gospel, while many false gospels exist, leading away from the truth of the Kingdom of God.

Truth and God's Governance (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Jesus Christ came into the world to bear witness to the truth, which He expressed as the reality of God's governance. This reality is the gospel of the Kingdom of God, the highest plane of truth, where God's sovereignty and control over His creation stand as permanent and unchanging factors. He proclaimed that a literal Kingdom would be established on earth, making God's governance clearly visible. Jesus declared that everyone who is of this reality hears and obeys His voice, as He is the Spokesman of that Kingdom. This truth of God's governance provides a foundational lens through which to view life, emphasizing submission to His will and authority as the essence of humility.

God Has a Dream

'Ready Answer' by Staff

God's heart is an open book, revealing His deepest thoughts and greatest hopes to mankind through the Bible. When Christ came, He preached the gospel of the Kingdom of God, proclaiming the good news of why God created humanity and the glory their future holds in store. This same message motivated Abraham to wait for a city whose builder and maker is God, was preached to the Israelites coming out of Egypt, and was the message of the prophets. For those who observe God's seven annual Sabbaths, this gospel is preached through the harvest symbolism of the holy day plan, eloquently conveying the good news of human beings entering into the glorious realm of the ever-living God. When we apply our minds and hearts to consider the meaning of God's holy days, we are thinking the Father's thoughts, ideas that originated with the Great God. Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, and urged us to seek first the Kingdom of God, emphasizing the importance of embracing these ideas above everything else. God wishes us to open the doors of our hearts and adopt this mindset, desiring to dream His dreams with us, sharing what He has to give.

Importance of the True Gospel

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ brought the revelation of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, a message of profound understanding that opens the way to an intimate relationship with the Father and leads to eternal life. This Gospel, as proclaimed by Him, is not merely about a future physical government over the earth but encompasses all that God is and desires for His sons and daughters to understand and possess. It is a comprehensive package of information that stimulates, educates, motivates, and invigorates the called children of God, serving as an instruction manual for the journey toward the ultimate goal of glorification. The Gospel of the Kingdom of God is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes, revealing His righteousness in a dynamic, active, and motivating way that propels the faithful toward salvation. This revelation, brought by Jesus Christ as the Messenger of the New Covenant, contains everything needed to achieve this goal, providing a vision that should ignite a passionate pursuit within us. It teaches us to reject evil, to live righteously and godly, and to look forward to the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has redeemed us to be zealous for good works. However, this vital message is under constant attack by satan, who seeks to pervert, twist, dilute, or divert it, knowing that a false gospel cannot lead to the Kingdom of God or eternal life. Such perversions, even within a short time after the initial proclamation, have led to confusion and division, as seen in early churches where counterfeit messages emerged. The true Gospel remains the sole path to the vision of the Kingdom, and any deviation results in spiritual destruction. The scattering and disunity within the church have been exacerbated by shifts in focus away from the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, causing individuals to pursue varied and conflicting goals. This lack of a unified vision has fragmented the church, making it impossible to achieve a common purpose. In contrast, the Millennium will be a time of blessed unity, as Jesus Christ, our King and Savior, will refocus the world's attention on Him, His Kingdom, and the Father, establishing a common vision where the knowledge of God will cover the earth, and all will be directed toward the purpose of being made in His image.

According to My Gospel

Sermonette by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

Paul's believed that there is only one gospel and used the terms 'gospel of God' and 'gospel of Jesus Christ,' teaching the same things as Jesus Christ.

Where Is God's True Church Today?

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

In the midst of today's confused secular and religious environment, the gospel of the Kingdom of God stands as a central message of Christianity, distinguishing it from all other religions. Jesus was not the first of God's agents to preach this gospel, as it was also proclaimed to earlier generations. His own testimony reveals that He announced the good news of the Father establishing His Kingdom and capital city on earth. He Himself will be present, no longer separated from His children or ruling indirectly from heaven, but governing directly on earth. This awe-inspiring future is what we, as part of His Family, are called to prepare for and participate in directly. While Jesus is mankind's Savior, having died for our sins, this act must be understood within the context of preparation for and the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth. A kingdom comprises a king, a territory, subjects, laws, and a form of government through which the ruler's will is exercised, and each of these elements is integral to the gospel. No founder of any other religion has offered a message or program that can match what Jesus taught, making this the most wonderful message mankind could receive, delivered solely through Him.

Consequences of Accepting False Gospels

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

Many false gospels appear among professed Christians, imitating Satan's clever lie that we can become like God by doing our own thing, disregarding God's law.

God's Law in Our Mouths

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The gospel of the Kingdom of God is an integral part of the Christian life, emphasizing the necessity of morality and adherence to God's law. It is irrefutable from Scripture that the church must teach morality as part of this gospel, for we will not be in God's Kingdom if we are not moral people. Growth into the image of Jesus Christ, the most moral man who ever lived, is our ultimate goal. We must be taught and strive to live in a way that pleases God, combining the keeping of His commandments with the faith of Jesus. These elements are not to be separated but are to be pursued together in our journey toward the Kingdom of God.

Facing Times of Stress: When God is Silent (Part Four)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The gospel of the Kingdom of God, as proclaimed by Paul in Rome, stands as a central theme in the narrative of biblical travel and spiritual mission. Luke, in documenting the expansion of Christianity, emphasizes the unstoppable power of this gospel, showing how it grew from a small beginning in Judea to a force in many cities of the Roman Empire. Despite numerous hindrances such as persecution, imprisonment, and opposition from both Jewish leaders and Roman authorities, the gospel was preached without hindrance in the heart of Rome, as Paul declared the Kingdom of God and revealed Jesus' divine identity. Paul's ministry in Rome, even under house arrest and later in stricter confinement, exemplified the persistent spread of this message. He engaged with Jewish leaders, explaining the Kingdom of God and facing their challenges and opposition with steadfast faith. Though many rejected the message, some believed, and Paul continued to preach, turning to the Gentiles when necessary, affirming that the Word of God cannot be bound. His conversations and teachings, likely mirroring the themes of his letter to the Romans, underscored the universal need for salvation and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus Christ. The narrative of Acts concludes with an open and optimistic note on the gospel's expansion, highlighting that the door remains open to those whom God calls. Paul's mission, driven by Christ's commission, was to teach all nations, bearing witness to the Kingdom of God even amidst personal trials and societal turmoil. This enduring message, carried through the travels and trials of Paul, reveals that God's plan unfolds regardless of external obstacles, ensuring the gospel's reach to the ends of the earth.

God Never Disappoints

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The gospel of the Kingdom of God stands as a beacon of hope amidst the disappointments of human life. It is the message of God's grace revealed in Jesus Christ, centered on His death, burial, and resurrection. This gospel, as proclaimed by Paul, carries the power of God, producing supernatural results wherever it is preached. It does not disappoint, offering salvation and eternal life, transforming lives and satisfying the deepest spiritual longings. Paul, in Romans 1:16, emphasizes the explosive, effective power of this gospel, describing it as the dynamic force of God unto salvation. This power was evident as he preached to diverse cultures—Jews, Greeks, and Romans—each with their own barriers to accepting the message. Yet, Paul demonstrated that the gospel transcends these obstacles, showing it as the foundation of true religion to the Jews, the wisdom of God to the Greeks, and the ultimate power of God to the Romans. Through this message of the Kingdom, lives are changed, turning the weak into witnesses for Christ and giving purpose to those lost in immorality. The gospel of the Kingdom of God remains a steadfast assurance against disappointment. It is a message that accomplishes God's purpose, never failing those who trust in it. As Paul knew, this gospel ensures that God's will is perfect, providing confidence even in the face of trials, and affirming that Christ will be magnified in the lives of believers, whether through life or death.

God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part Three)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The gospel of the Kingdom of God stands as a central revelation, once shrouded in mystery but now made clear through the ministry of Jesus Christ. In His good pleasure, He purposed to unveil this message, bringing understanding to what was previously hidden. As Jesus came into Galilee preaching, He declared the good news of the Kingdom of God, giving it a title and lifting the veil so it is no longer a mystery. This gospel message, now revealed, anchors our understanding amidst the tumult and confusion of the world, guiding us in our preparation for His Kingdom.

The True Gospel (Part 5)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus' words in Mark 1:15 deliver an urgent command: The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel. Christ announces the soon-coming Kingdom of God, especially to those whom God calls, and prepares the elect for their spiritual responsibilities both now and in the Kingdom. Repentance, meaning to change or turn from one's wrong way of life, is a prerequisite for belief, leading to visible actions or fruits worthy of repentance. Believing the gospel involves having faith, trust, and confidence in its truth, which results in obedience and godly behavior. Thus, Jesus' command to repent and believe encompasses both ridding oneself of evil and beginning to live as God expects, promising righteousness, salvation, and entrance into His Kingdom.

The True Gospel (Part 3)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The New Testament writers frequently refer to the gospel, and among its various descriptions, it is called the Gospel of the Kingdom four times. This gospel, as preached by Jesus Christ, carries a dynamic message, primed to propel a believer to eternal life with the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. However, this gospel is not universal in its application, as the Father calls specific individuals to the choice of accepting it. True belief in this gospel requires not just agreement with Christ, but also doing what He teaches, living a life of righteousness as revealed by God through faith. The Gospel of the Kingdom instructs us in living what is right, godly, and faithful, guiding us to walk by faith and not by sight.

What Did Jesus Preach?

Bible Questions & Answers

The good news that Jesus Christ brought was about the Kingdom of God. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the message of good news that He preached, focusing on the establishment of His Kingdom on earth, rather than primarily on the events of His life. This announcement, given through Jesus Christ by the Father, represents the very best news that could be heard today. A kingdom, as understood in this context, is essentially a nation with citizens, land, and laws, ruled by a government, and can also signify a family grown into a nation. It comprises four basic elements: a king or supreme ruler, territory with defined boundaries, subjects or citizens within that jurisdiction, and laws through which the ruler's will is exercised. Ignoring this message that Jesus Christ brought from the Father leads to a distorted faith that cannot bring salvation.

A Heavenly Homeland (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

When Jesus Christ began His earthly ministry, He proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom of God. This Kingdom encompasses a king, subjects or citizens, laws, and a defined territory. Upon baptism, we become citizens of the Kingdom of God, as the Father delivers us from the power of darkness and conveys us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. Even though the Kingdom of God is not yet fully established on earth, and we cannot fully inherit it until our resurrection, we are already part of the Kingdom of His Son, enjoying its incredible benefits while being under obligation to it, an obligation that surpasses any earthly citizenship. Our citizenship is in heaven, and from this divine state, we earnestly await the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. As citizens of this heavenly Kingdom, our spiritual community should define our general course of manners, behavior, and deportment, especially with respect to morals. This Kingdom is our new homeland, and our loyalty to it places constraints on us. As ambassadors for Christ, we represent this Kingdom to the world, promoting its interests, culture, position, standards, and overall will. Our standing with Christ should drive us and be the reason we are willing to sacrifice everything, in stark contrast to those who reject their heavenly citizenship and set their minds on earthly things.

Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Five)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The gospel of Jesus Christ, as a message of hope amidst the crisis at the close of the age, centers on the Kingdom of God. Jesus came as a Messenger from God the Father, preaching not primarily about Himself, but about the good news of the Kingdom of God. Mark 1:14-15 records Him declaring, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." This proclamation was His customary activity, as seen in Luke 8:1, where He went through every city and village, bringing glad tidings of the Kingdom of God. In Luke 4:43, He affirms this as His purpose, stating, "I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also: because for this purpose I have been sent." Even in the days before His ascension, Acts 1:3 notes that He spoke of things pertaining to the Kingdom of God to His apostles. Jesus was not alone in this mission; He charged His disciples to preach the Kingdom of God, as seen in Luke 9:1-2. Others, like Philip, continued this work, preaching the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, leading to baptisms as recorded in Acts 8:12. The apostle Paul also devoted himself to this message, preaching the Kingdom of God among the Ephesians and, at the end of his life, teaching about it with confidence in his rented house, as stated in Acts 20:25 and Acts 28:30-31. The Kingdom of God represents the ultimate objective set before humanity in God's purpose. It will be established on the earth, as Revelation 11:15 proclaims, with the kingdoms of this world becoming the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, who shall reign forever and ever. Those resurrected at Christ's return will inherit this Kingdom, ruling alongside Him over the earth's remaining peoples, as depicted in various scriptures. The Kingdom will be peaceful and orderly, governed by God's commandments, which are standards of conduct revealing how to apply love practically, guiding and judging lives within this everlasting realm.

A Heavenly Homeland (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The gospel of the Kingdom of God reveals a truly good Kingdom that will be established to end the mad rule of man. Empires will crumble, and any nations left standing at Christ's second coming will be subjugated. Our hope and confidence are not in the capabilities of man or in a perfect human government, which is impossible, but in an unshakable Kingdom. We are subjects of a government immune to greed, corruption, subversion, power-grabs, pragmatism, and megalomania. Our Kingdom is inherently stable, continually working toward peace and real unity, with the means and the will to protect us from foes both spiritual and physical. It provides in perfect proportion and timing, neither too much nor too little, neither too early nor too late. We have a King who became an earthen vessel like us and was crushed so that we might be reconciled to Him and to our spiritual Father. This Kingdom does not shield us from all suffering or consequences, but it guides us through a life that prepares us to inherit the Kingdom in its fullness, with trials that have God-ordained parameters and limits. Our King regulates the duration and intensity of these trials, ensuring we are not tested beyond what we can bear. The citizenship aspect of the gospel of the Kingdom is very good news, offering us a heavenly homeland and the opportunity to inherit that Kingdom when the King returns. If this is what we desire, we must set our minds on it, keeping our heavenly citizenship at the forefront of our thoughts.

Have You Given Your Heart to Jesus?

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

It behooves God's called-out ones to recognize Jesus Christ as providing the access to God the Father, the Way and the Life.

Focus on the Father

Article by Staff

Instead of some grandiose title, God asks us to call Him simply "Father." We have human fathers, church fathers and since our calling, a spiritual Father.

Itching Ears

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

False ministers pander to the 'itching ears' of the audience, telling it what it wants to hear, catering to desires and lusts, fatally mixing truth with error.

'Go Ye Therefore Into All the World...'

'Ready Answer' by Staff

To understand Jesus' command, we need to examine what else He said to the same people. We should also determine just whom He commissioned to preach.

Would Jesus Christ Vote? (Part Two)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Jesus never inserted Himself into the political process, but instead, He taught His disciples to come out of this world's way of life.

Preparing the Bride

Booklet by John W. Ritenbaugh

A Statement of Purpose and beliefs of the Church of the Great God.

Acts (Part One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Acts could have been an exculpatory trial document designed to vindicate Paul and the early church, showing that Christianity was not a threat.

Would Jesus Christ Vote? (Part Three)

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

While it may seem to be the height of patriotism to cast a ballot, Christians are urged to refrain from interfering in the politics of this world.

Anniversary Message 2026

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

CGG has intentionally remained small, maintaining a core of about 400 members, because its mission has never been numerical growth or mass evangelism.

Jesus on His Second Coming

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Only the Father knows the precise time of Christ's return, but the message to all Christians is to be vigilant and busy overcoming that we may see Him in glory.

What Is the Work?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The work of God does not always stay the same, continually shifting media, techniques, and approaches, similar to the Israelites following the Cloud.

Suffering Disgrace For Christ's Name

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We can always expect new challenges, including persecution, and must never be content with standing still, but must press on to spiritual maturity.

Government (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God is establishing a spiritual kingdom, with Christ as King, installed at the seventh trump when He will unleash the power of His Kingdom against the world.

In Search of a Clear World View (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The true church is a unique educational institution, teaching the way of God and amplifying His Commandments, in contrast to the churches of this world.

Traditions of Men, Continued

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

We must always select the perspective through which God wishes us to view the Bible and not the man-made systems and interpretations.

The Purpose of the Church

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The function of the church is like a teacher's college, preparing the firstfruits and providing them with the needed education and character development.