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The God of the Old Testament
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsThe Greek term *logos* (G3056), translated as "Word," is central to understanding the identity of the Creator God. As revealed in the opening of John's gospel, the Word is Jesus Christ, who is God and the Creator of all things. According to Strong's Concordance, *logos* fundamentally means something said, while Spiros Zodhiates defines it as to speak. This aligns with the method of creation, where the Creator God spoke the world and everything in it into existence, as seen in Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, and 26. The Logos, the One who speaks, is thus Jesus Christ, through whom all things were made.
Fully Man and Fully God? (2001)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe concept of logos (G3056), as presented in John 1:1-3, identifies Jesus as the Word, who was with God and was God from the beginning. John further explains in verse 14 that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, indicating a transformation from a divine state to a human one. This transition raises questions about the nature of His divinity during His earthly life. While He was God absolutely, the Scripture does not explicitly claim He was fully God in His human form. Instead, it suggests a change in the expression of His divine essence, as seen in Philippians 2:5-7, where He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant and coming in the likeness of men. Here, the Word did not cease being God, but the outward expression of His inner divine nature was altered to that of humanity. Thus, His human form could not fully express the entirety of His divine essence, even though He remained God in essence. John 1:14 encapsulates this reality without assigning percentages to His humanity or divinity, simply stating that the Word became flesh.
The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Bible introduces God with the word *Elohim*, which is plural, indicating two God Beings referred to with a single term. Another significant descriptor is the Word, or *logos* (G3056), which identifies the divine Messenger who later became flesh as Jesus Christ. This Word was God from the beginning, embodying multiple titles and roles, and serves as the sole access to the Father. Understanding Him requires recognizing His presence and actions throughout the Old Testament as the One who interacted with the fathers and guided Israel.
The Helper and the Angel of the Lord
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist frequently used 3rd person titles, such as the Son of Man and the Helper. Just as Christ sent the Helper—Himself—so Yahweh sent His Angel—Himself.
The Shepherd of Israel
Sermonette by David C. GrabbePsalm 80 shows that the Shepherd of Israel sat between the Cherubim in the Holy of Holies, showing that Jesus Christ is the God who interacted with Israel.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist Himself asserted the superiority of the Father. Jesus serves as the revelator of the great God, providing the only means of access to Him.
Christ's Revelation of the Father
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJohn 1:1-3 reveals Jesus' pedigree as the Logos (Spokesman), whose function was to declare or reveal the Father. He had existed with His Father from eternity.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father and Son are separate; the Father is the source of all power, while the Son serves as the channel through which we interface with the Father.
Was Jesus Dead?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletCan God die? Was Jesus really dead, or did only His body die? Was Jesus the Divine One alive during the three days and three nights a body was in the tomb?
Can Theology Define God's Nature?
Article by Earl L. HennHuman reason and logic are practically useless as tools in determining the nature of God. Only the Bible gives a complete revelation of God.
Then Comes the End
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist's return marks the beginning of the end of mankind's problems. However, His return will not be the final end, which comes when God is all in all.
Defining Logos (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 'word of the Lord' came (appeared) to Abraham, suggesting that the Word (dabar, the Hebrew equivalent of logos) is a Being, the 'Lord God.'
The Last Words of Jesus Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDuring the final hours of His life, Jesus made seven last statements to mankind, illustrating His nature and what He considered to be important for us.
Words Versus Images
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSpiritually, relying on images leads to shallowness of thought at best and idolatry at its worst. Virtually everything we know about God comes through words.
John (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn presents Jesus, not as a phantom emanation, but as the reality, transcending the shadows represented by the temporal physical life.
The Names of God
'Ready Answer' by Martin G. CollinsThe name of God is important—so important that He included its proper use in His Ten Commandments. However, His emphasis is on His character, not a pronunciation.
John (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEven many extra-biblical sources such as Tacitus, Seconius, Justin Martyr, Pliny, and Josephus corroborate and validate the biblical accounts of Jesus.
The Bible's Claims About Itself
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must challenge the Bible to verify its claims, and conversely, we must take up the challenge to put its instructions to the test in our lives.
John (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn emphasizes the reality of Jesus as the Logos (a word revealing hidden thought), the manifestation of God in the flesh, emphasizing His preexistence and divinity.
Malachi's Appeal to Backsliders (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMalachi assures the people of Judah that if they repent, God's favor will resume, but if they continue defiling the Covenant, a day of reckoning will come.
Defining Logos (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Greek word 'logos' has been negatively loaded with unbiblical meanings. Its basic meaning is 'word' or 'saying,' yet it is really more complex.