Faith and Works - Sermons, Bible Studies, Articles, and Essays
Faith Without Works
'Ready Answer' by StaffFaith without works is dead! This truth is of utmost importance, emphasized through repetition, underscoring the necessity of both faith and works in the life of a true Christian. While grace and faith are the means of salvation, as they are gifts from God and not earned by our efforts, works are not to be dismissed. God has prepar
Works of Faith (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by StaffThe church of God emphasizes that faith does not replace the need for good works. Works do not save us, but they are required as evidence of our faith. The issue is not works or faith, but works and faith, since faith without works is dead. If faith without works is useless, then faith accompanied by works must have a purpose. We m
Works of Faith (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by StaffGod expects perfection, but not instantly. We are to become perfect in keeping His law step by step, just as our heavenly Father is. Our attitude can be perfect today by seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, giving top priority to repentance and belief in the gospel. There is no boasting for those perfecting their
How Can We Measure Our Faith?
CGG Weekly by Pat HigginsExamine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith; test yourselves, as instructed in II Corinthians 13:5. God measures faith by obedience, as seen in Abraham, the Father of the Faithful. In Genesis 22:12, God acknowledges Abraham's fear of Him because he did not withhold his only son, proving his faith through obedience. Genesi
Four Points of Faith
Sermonette by James BeaubelleAt times we exhibit some faithlessness, perhaps because we have viewed faith just in terms of what we do rather than what God does through His gifting to us.
Faith
Sermonette by James BeaubelleKing Jehoshaphat, by totally surrendering to God, achieved a miraculous victory over three armies by standing still, waiting patiently for His intervention.
Basic Doctrines: Faith Toward God
Bible Study by StaffFaith toward God is a fundamental doctrine that Christians must not only grasp at conversion but also develop toward spiritual maturity. Many profess faith in God yet do not truly know Him, as their worship is vain and based on human doctrines rather than divine truth. True faith begins when God initiates a calling, for man cannot
Another View of Faith
Sermonette by James BeaubelleWithout the right relationship with God, we cannot have the evidence of things not seen. But with it, we can focus on what cannot be seen by most of mankind.
Beware of Faith Blockers!
Article by StaffThe recent emphasis on faith underscores our need to strengthen it, as Jesus' disciples requested in Luke 17:5. Jesus teaches that the key to increased faith lies in working with a specific attitude, as illustrated in Luke 17:7-10. He instructs us to strive to be as profitable as the servant described, performing our duties without
What Kind of Faith is Required for Salvation?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletThere are two kinds of faith: a living faith and a dead faith. A dead faith, blindly trusted by many today, will never save a soul. As James 2:20 states, faith without works is dead. Abraham, our father, was justified by works when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar, showing how faith wrought with his works, and by works, fait
No Works Is No Good!
CGG WeeklySpiritual dualism has distorted the biblical truths of justification and sanctification, promoting the notion that mere belief in Jesus Christ and acceptance of His grace are sufficient for salvation, rendering physical actions inconsequential. This view narrows the comprehensive process of salvation to justification alone, suggest
Abraham's Sacrifice (Part One): Faith Perfected
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod requires us to be ready to perform self-sacrificial acts both toward Him and toward other people, as we are called to be living sacrifices throughout our Christian lives. Yet, human nature is self-centered, often driven by the instinct for self-preservation and comfort, making sacrifice a rare and difficult act. We naturally re
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Six)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWorks are essential in fulfilling God's creative purposes and enhancing our spiritual well-being. While they do not earn salvation, they play numerous roles in our calling. God expects us to engage in many works as He creates practical holiness within us. It is a biblical principle that whatever God requires, He provides the means
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Four)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Bible clearly states that Christians are required to do good works. While justification, which acquits us and aligns us with God's legal standard for access to Him, cannot be earned by any works of a sinful person, it is a gift given through the perfect works of Jesus Christ. Our gracious Creator freely accounts Christ's righte
Our Faith Is the Victory
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs believers, we overcome the world through our faith, a conviction that Jesus is the Son of God. This faith, born from our new birth by God, equips us with a new disposition and outlook, enabling us to resist the influences of an evil world. We are begotten of God, and through our relationship with the Father via Jesus Christ, our
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Eight) Cultivating the Fruit of Faithfulness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasFaith and works are inseparable in demonstrating true loyalty to God. We can only show our love and faithfulness to Him by keeping His commandments, understanding that love is an action, not merely a feeling. Faithfulness means living continually by faith, completing a commanded act, even if it costs us something of value. It is a
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's gifts, freely given through grace, are the foundation of our faith, enabling us to approach Him and be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ. These gifts, testified by God, were evident in Abel's life as he offered by faith, believing and obeying God's word, which produced a work in agreement with God's purpose. Faith, com
Faith and Healing (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBoth spiritual and physical healing require us to work intensely, asking for God's merciful intervention while working toward a solution, exercising wisdom.
Faithful, Following Firstfruits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThose reveling in the 'new freedoms' of apostasy cannot be persuaded to return to former beliefs because they no longer believe in the sanctified Word of God.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAll of God's people should be watchmen like Habakkuk, living continually by faith, discerning, listening to, and responding to God's instructions.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Bible abounds in metaphors of warfare, indicating that the Christian's walk will be characterized by stress, sacrifice, and deprivation in building faith.
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.
Faith Overcomes the World
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs we attempt to overcome the world, we soon realize that we battle against invisible principalities, requiring us to form a close relationship with Christ.
Faith and Remembering
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWe will not have faith tomorrow simply because we had it yesterday; we must renew faith daily by deliberately remembering God's prior interventions.
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because we are all sinners, we have earned only death; justification is not earned, but must come through faith and believing God as did our father Abraham.
On Works
Sermon by John O. ReidWorks are necessary for a Christian, and have not been neutralized by grace. Good works serve as the evidence of faith; faith without works is dead.
Revelation 2-3 and Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe letters in Revelation 2 and 3 are for the end times, shortly before Christ's return. Each emphasizes repentance, overcoming, and judgment according to works.
Faith to Carry Us to the Millennium
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersHow do we get the faith we need to endure this present age? Living faith requires that we match hearing with productive works.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Two): Works
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod works all the time. In fact, it is the first thing we see God doing in His Book. We must follow His example to become skilled in living as He does.
The Genuineness of Your Faith
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the Bible, character is not affirmed until action takes place-namely obedience to God's commands in which faith or trust in God is the dominant ingredient.
Hope and Faith
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaGod requires His people to put their faith in action, giving evidence of their hope, demonstrating godly behavior rather than abrasive carnal behavior.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBoth the 'eternal security' and 'no works' doctrines are destroyed by the remarkable example of Noah, who performed extraordinary works based upon faith.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJust as a dead person does no works, so a faith that does not include works is also dead. A person in whom living, saving faith exists will produce works.
God's Workmanship (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSalvation is not a one time event, but a continuous process—not just immunity from death, but a total transformation of our nature into a new creation.
Created to Do God's Will and Work
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod requires us to work and not deliberately seek welfare or food stamps, but He also does not want us to obsess on acquiring riches.
The True Gospel (Part 2)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus' message is certainly encouraging, but the adjective 'good has its roots in the word 'god,' suggesting that Jesus' message also possesses a moral quality.
A Man of Fortitude and Conviction
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingDesmond Doss was the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor. This Sabbath-keeping medic exemplifies total conviction.
The Christian Fight (Part Four)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWhile we must express some of our own faith as we come to salvation, most of saving faith is a gift of God. Abel and Enoch illustrate the pattern of faith.
Belief and the Firstfruits (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeJesus said, 'Believe in Me,' and hundreds of millions have said, 'I believe.' But true belief is impossible until a person has been appointed to eternal life.
How Much Would You Give Up for the Kingdom of God?
Sermon by Kim MyersWe should be willing to give up anything for the Kingdom, controlling our speech, thoughts, behaviors, and lives. We cannot grow in grace without works.
The Providence of God (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus and Abraham rose above their emotional pulls by exercising living faith—a faith built on acts of obedience. Faith can never be separated from works.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The seven 'I will' promises Got made to Abraham were truly foundational promises, impacting the lives of multiple billions of people up to the present day.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 13)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCommitment to a course of action is essential for physical or spiritual success. Faith motivates and sustains right action, protecting us from wavering.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe book of James applies to us after the sanctification process has begun. The most effective way of eliminating sin is to do righteousness.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA summary of the Covenants, Grace, and Law series, reiterating the differences in the Covenants and the respective places of grace and law in God's purpose.
The Christian Fight (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe faithful life and work of Noah illustrates that after justification, walking by faith with God is a practical responsibility.
The Widow and the Fatherless (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordWe can sum up the epistle of James with one verse: 'Pure and undefiled religion...is this: to visit orphans and widows..., and to keep oneself unspotted...."
As I Breathe
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloSome in the church of God have succumbed to the lie that we do not need to be overly concerned about sinning because we are under God's grace.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Galatians, Paul took issue with the Halakhah, not God's word. Halakhah was a massive collection of human opinion that placed a yoke on its followers.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnder both the Old and New Covenants, refusal to keep to keep God's Law severs the relationship. God's law protects us and brings us quality life.
Conviction and Moses
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur conviction reveals itself in living by faith. Moses is a stunning example of how a convicted Christian should live — with loyalty and faithfulness to God.
The Christian Fight (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWith all the military metaphors in the Bible, there can be no doubt that God likens the Christian life to a war against the evils and temptations we face.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Six)
Sermon by David F. MaasAll the New Testament writers warned about false prophets trying to sever the symbiotic relationship between law and grace, law and faith, law and works.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The frightful conditions during the 1st century are typical of the times ahead. To weather these circumstances, we need the encouragement of Hebrews.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Becoming equipped for leadership requires that we discipline ourselves in following God's way of life, allowing the mind of Jesus Christ to be in us in.
The Providence of God (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA spiritual Israelite undergoes a metamorphosis in which his own self-centered will is broken so that God's creative work can be completed within him.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe yoke of bondage Paul refers to in Galatians was a combination of the code of regulations added by the Pharisees and Gnostic ritualism, not God's Law.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist will empower us, but will not live our lives for us. The marching orders for our pilgrimage derive from God's Word, containing His holy law.
Hebrews (Part Thirteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham, the father of the faithful, did not have a blind faith; it was based upon observation of God's proven track record of faithfulness.
Seeing the Invisible
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughImagination, coupled by the power of the Holy Spirit, helps us to understand the power and reality of the invisible. Faith as a concept is immaterial.
Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Having experienced the turmoil of the Catholic—Protestant clash, the framers of our Constitution did not want any sect dictating religious doctrines or practices.
Do We Have 'Eternal Security'?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughAre we 'once-saved, always-saved'? Once God grants us His grace, are we assured eternal life? The fallacies of the doctrine of 'eternal security' are exposed.
Eating: How Good It Is! (Part Four)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJohn 6 has always been a difficult chapter to explain. However, Jesus' teaching is clear. Here is what it means to us.