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Elijah and John the Baptist
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJohn the Baptist stands as a monumental figure, declared by Jesus Christ to be much more than a prophet, surpassing even the greatest of the Old Testament prophets in significance. His role was uniquely pivotal as the fulfillment of the prophecy in Malachi 3:1, preparing the way for the Messiah. The Bible positions John's ministry as the starting point of Christ's gospel through his preparatory work, impacting all Judea and Jerusalem, where a sizeable majority went out to hear him and be baptized, confessing their sins. The common people regarded him as a prophet, a perception that even the highest Jewish authorities feared due to his reputation. John's ministry bore the spirit and power of Elijah, as foretold by the angel to Zacharias, revealing the true God through preaching repentance and the certainty of things regarding Christ. Jesus Himself confirmed on two occasions that John was the Elijah to come, fulfilling Malachi 4:5-6 by restoring right conceptions about the Messiah and fostering right relationships within human families and the Family of God. His preaching turned the hearts of the fathers to the children, preparing a people for the Lord. Though lacking detailed accounts of all he preached, it is clear that John restored everything necessary for the Messiah to be recognized and received, marking him as the last and greatest of the Old Testament prophets who came before the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
Basic Doctrines: Salvation
Bible Study by Earl L. HennAre you saved already or are you being saved? What is salvation anyway? What part do we play? Here is a study of God's Word on salvation.
The Sixth Century Axial Period (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Prophets, even though they may bring new messages, stay consistent with existing Scripture and doctrine as they speak on behalf of God.
Prophets and Prophecy (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAlthough by no means a wild man, John the Baptist experienced alienation from people, especially the entrenched religious and political leaders.
New Name - Same Teaching!
Article by Richard T. RitenbaughIn October 1993, the church's magazine took the name Forerunner. This article explains how this name fits the work of the Church of the Great God.
Matthew (Part Sixteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughMatthew 11 focuses upon the ruminations of John the Baptist, who, even though he was close to Christ, may have misunderstood the nature of Christ's mission.
Matthew (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus' 28 'missing' years were spent maturing, studying, and gaining life experience to equip Him as a high priest who could relate to human struggles.
Lift Up Your Voice Like a Trumpet
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHardly anything is more dramatic than the blast of a trumpet. Alarm or warning is a primary function, and its other uses likewise culminate in the Feast of Trumpets.
Preparations For Christ's Return
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause of its intractability, the earth will require softening up through earth-shaking events before Christ's return, symbolized by the Feast of Trumpets.
Malachi's Appeal to Backsliders (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must be careful when we ask for justice, for our request might come back to bite us. Those begging for justice will indeed get what they ask for.
The Angel and the Apostle
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeHebrews 1-2 establish Christ's superiority over angels, but notably do not mention the Angel of the Lord. Instead, the author handles the Angel differently.