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Living by Faith and God's Justice
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughLiving by faith, as commanded in II Corinthians 5:7, is our Christian responsibility, yet it stands in stark contrast to the natural inclination to live by sight. Human nature pulls us toward living by sight, just as gravity pulls us toward the earth, making the act of living by faith unnatural and challenging. It requires a gracious and miraculous intervention from God to initiate this way of life through His calling. While simply believing in a Creator God may be easy, living by faith day by day is a difficult endeavor. In relation to God, those of unbelief live by sight, ignoring a vital, everyday relationship with Him and failing to deepen their obedience. As God's children, we cannot allow ourselves to disregard His seriousness about fulfilling His purposes, especially in our lives. We are more responsible than others, and though His justice may seem delayed by our reckoning of time, His prophecies will be fulfilled, and His Kingdom established under Jesus Christ. We must push on in faith, not letting down, but yielding to Him. Living by faith demands that we seriously consider God's justice, understanding that we do not see the entire picture as He does. His justice reveals critical truths: the wages of sin is death, we are headed toward death without knowing its time, and God means exactly what He says. This reality constantly reminds us of sin's penalty and the precious value of Christ's sacrifice. When we enter into covenant with God, we pledge our lives to serve Him in gladness and faithfulness, allowing Him to create us in His image. Neglect in this commitment is spiritually dangerous, as it can lead to a drifting lack of faith, diminishing our motivation to live by faith when we fail to hear His word correctly.
Deceived by His Eyes
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughAbram learned that God gives material prosperity to those who are not seeking it. Those who seek riches are destined to fall into a snare.
Living By Faith: God's Justice
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn order to live by faith, we must understand God's sovereignty, God's character, and God's justice, realizing that we do not see the entire picture.
Seeing is Not Believing
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWe have the tendency when we see something to register it as truth imprinted on our minds. Jesus warned of deceptions that could confound our sense of sight.
Our Spiritual Climb
Sermon by Bill OnisickOur journey to the Kingdom of God is not easy, requiring the same kind of physical and mental stamina that climbers need to climb Mount Everest.
Wilderness Wandering (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are in various stages of our wilderness journey, not knowing where our journey will take us. The turns give us opportunities to strengthen our faith.
Faith (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFar from being blind, faith is based on analyzing, comparing, adding up from evidence in God's Word, our own experience, and our calling by God's Holy Spirit.
Abraham (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe learn from Abraham's experience to trust God even when we have incomplete information. When we attempt to take the expedient way out, we will run into trouble.
Faith (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe example of Lot's wife teaches us that God does not want us to maintain close associations with the world because it almost inevitably leads to compromise.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAbraham embodied living by faith. Through perpetually living in a tent, he demonstrated his complete trust and reliance upon God.
The Christian and the World (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must realize we are walking on a razor's edge, with the Kingdom of God on one side and the world with all its sensual magnetic charms on the other side.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe church of God is not immune to the deterioration of doctrine. Minor deviations from doctrine bring about irreparable, disastrous consequences.
Lest We Forget (2011)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The modern Israelitish nations have difficulty remembering God, His providence, and His mercy. Ingratitude has been one of the worst traits of our culture.
Abraham (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughLot equivocated with God's instructions, looking for escape clauses, showing him to be self-centered and worldly wise, compromised by the values of the world.