Playlist:

playlist Go to the Jesus Christ as High Priest (topic) playlist

Jesus Christ: First Savior, Second High Priest, Third King

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Hebrews teaches that our relationship to Christ as our Savior, High Priest, and King is the key to salvation. He shows us the way to the Father.


Hebrews (Part Nine): Chapter 1: Jesus' Exultation and Christianity's Claims

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Hebrews 1:3 and Psalm 2 explain how Jesus becomes something He previously was not. Because of Christ's qualifications, Christianity has a claim on all mankind.


Christ Our Passover

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The focus of our self-examination should not be self-centered or comparing ourselves with others, but on the awesome significance of His sacrifice.


Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Eight): Death

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 highlight the Bible's attitude toward death, particularly its insistence that we allow the reality of death to change our approach to life.


Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Ten): Christianity's Claims

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Here are twelve claims that the Father, the Son, and Their way of life make upon humanity, giving mankind no excuse for its failure to respond to God.


Hebrews (Part Five): Who Was Jesus?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

In Hebrews, we learn that Jesus is the only- begotten Son, creator and heir of all things, the express image of God's person, and has purged our sins.


Hebrews (Part Four): Who Was Jesus?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Jesus Christ was not just an extraordinary man, but also possessed the massive intellect needed to create, design and implementing all manner of life—He was God.


Hebrews as a Sermon (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Even as Hebrews prepared the first century church for persecution, so it is also relevant to today's church as it faces an increasing assault on God's law.


The Intercessory Character of Christ

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Jesus demonstrated the importance of intercessory prayer, a practice urged by Paul for spiritual siblings, family members, rulers, and even enemies.


A Feast Message From Hebrews

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Bible shows a clear pattern of how people leave the faith: looking back, drawing back, looking elsewhere, and then going backward and refusing to hear.


Hebrews as a Sermon (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God designed the sermon of Hebrews to motivate God's people, who are going through the same turmoil as those living in 65 AD, facing persecution from society.


The Priesthood of God (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

It is time to prepare ourselves for the role of a priest, teaching a way of life to the world, serving as a mediator, blessing or conferring good upon people.


Knowing Christ (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Christ's sacrifice was not merely substitutionary, but representative, with Christ giving us a pattern for life - mortifying our flesh and putting out sin.


The Last Great Day of Reconciliation

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

God did not create rebellion, but He did create free will, giving us a choice, which our carnal nature sabotages because it is enmity against God and His law.


Knowing, Following, and Striving for Christ

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Our goal is to know Christ on a personal basis, knowing the power of His resurrection. This knowledge should be a practical understanding of His power.


The Priesthood of God (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We must endure chastening and correction to grow in holiness and become priests. In the qualifications of a Melchizedek priest, zeal and holiness are mandatory.


Preparing to Be a Priest

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The primary function of a priest is to assist people in accessing God so that there can be unity with God. A priest is a bridge-builder between man and God.


New Covenant Priesthood (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Old Testament activities picture New Testament realities, elevated to their spiritual intent. The church has been chosen as a royal and holy priesthood.


The Priesthood of God (Part Ten) Conclusion

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

As future priests, we are going to be given rigorous, hands-on jobs to teach people righteousness and holiness, distinguishing between the sacred and profane.


Four Views of Christ (Part 5)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Luke's gospel portrays Christ as the son of man, the high priest of man, and the savior of man, having all the feelings, compassions, and aspirations of man.


The Priesthood of God (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

A priest, having cognizance of his own weaknesses, has an obligation to empathize with other peoples' weaknesses and bear one another's burdens.


Peace with God Through Christ

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The only possibility of attaining peace is a relationship with God—peace with God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which must continually be refined.


Jesus the Door

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

John 10:7-10 proclaims that Jesus is the door of the sheepfold or corral. If we follow Him in and out, we will have abundant life, now and in the Kingdom.


Approaching God Through Christ (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Religious bumper stickers fall short of revealing the full counsel of God, which is more complex than 'believe on the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved.'


Christ's Death, Resurrection, and Ascension

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Old Testament types, slain as the Passover Lamb, resurrected with the cutting of the wavesheaf, and ascended to His Father at the time of the waving of the sheaf.


Four Views of Christ (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Gospels are Christ's biography. They also illustrate the typology of Revelation 4:7 depicting a lion, ox, man, and eagle, giving a picture of Christ's character.


Compassion (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

The Word of God became a man so that He could completely feel both joy and pain as mankind does. He put on the form of a servant to feel our frailty.


Atonement Goats and Passover Lambs

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The Day of Atonement is not about Satan, but about the complete cleansing from sins through Christ. The Passover is not a sin offering, but a peace offering.


The Priesthood of God (Part Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The jeweled arrangement on the breastplate in Exodus 28, arranged in marching order, symbolizes differences in gifts and responsibilities of the tribes.


The Priesthood of God (Part Eight)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The ephod, the curious girdle, and the breastplate of judgment were part of the high priest's attire that teach us godly principles today.


Approaching God Through Christ (Part Six)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The altar of incense in the Tabernacle was designed to create a pleasing odor, representing the sweet aroma of Jesus Christ, which covers our uncleanness.


The Glory of God (Part 2): In Christ

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

When we (following Jesus' example) display the way of God in our lives, bearing His name, and keeping His commandments, God's glory radiates in our lives.


Our Affinity to Christ

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Our lives must be totally wrapped up in Christ, exemplifying His character. As we overcome, taking the same steps as Christ did, we will receive His reward.


Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Seven)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The epistle of Hebrews is so vital to Christians in the first century and now because it explains the unique place and power of Christianity's High Priest.


Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Twelve): The Son's Superiority Over Angels

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Some Jews among the early converts believed that Jesus Christ did not qualify to be the church's High Priest, considering angels to be greater and holier.


Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled His spiritual responsibilities and can now aid us in fulfilling ours, which includes keeping God's commandments.


Hebrews: Its Background (Part Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Book of Hebrews is a must-read for all members of God's church who seek the key for spiritual growth through a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.


Why We Tithe (Part 2)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God does not want basic compliance, but growth in godliness. Jesus encourages the Pharisees to emulate the generosity of God rather than stinginess.


Tithing

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

The biblical system of tithing has been a point of controversy among Christians for centuries. Was the law of tithing changed for Christ's church?


The Mystery of Melchizedek Solved!

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

Little is said about Melchizedek, the "king of righteousness" and "king of Salem," but the few clues we have point to a critical role.


Hebrews (Part Eight): Greater Than Angels (cont.)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Hebrews 1:3-4 describes the dramatic transitional period in which God begot Christ, making Him the only human being who could qualify as our Messiah and Savior.


Why Hebrews Was Written (Part One)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God inspired the book of Hebrews to answer the difficult questions church members were struggling with during the tumultuous first decades of the church.


The Resurrection: A Central Pillar

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christ's resurrection is of paramount importance to us, because Jesus alone has the keys to our own resurrection and eternal life as firstfruits.


A Day Without Work

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Refraining from work on the Day of Atonement symbolizes our inability to atone for our sins. We, humble and poor in spirit, depend upon God for everything.


Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Eight): Hebrews 1

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Hebrews 1 delivers a knock-out punch to skeptics like many first-century Jews who claimed He falls short in qualifying as our High Priest and Savior.


Life Doesn't Work on a Balance Sheet (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Our response to God's call has not removed all of our suffering. However, responding to God changes the reason for suffering and what it can accomplish.


Hebrews: Its Background (Part Eight)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Hebrews emphasizes that spiritual growth and glorification depends on an individual's relationship with Christ, the centerpiece of the Book of Hebrews.


Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Three)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Hebrews was written to fulfill several needs of the first-century church. One of the most critical was to explain God's opening of eternal life to the Gentiles.


Call Upon the Name of the Lord

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

Should we only pray to God the Father, given Christ's words in the model prayer and His proclamation that the Father was greater than He?


Ezekiel's Temple and the Covenants

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

A future Millennial temple (described in Ezekiel 40—48) will contain some elements of the Old Covenant, including animal sacrifices and Levitical priests.


Tithing: First Tithe

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Many churches understand tithing but do not believe that God commands them for today. However, tithing has always been God's way of financing His work on earth.


The Angel and the Apostle

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Hebrews 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.


Hebrews: Its Background (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Although God never intended the Old Covenant to endure eternally, the spiritual law (shared by both the old and new covenants) lasts forever.


Fully Man and Fully God? (2001)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The Bible records that Jesus of Nazareth's Father was God and His mother was Mary, a human. What, then, was His nature? Was He a man? Was He divine?


Hebrews (Part Eleven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Hebrews emphasizes the infinite superiority of Christ's priesthood and one-time sacrifice as contrasted to the repetitive Aaronic sacrifices.


Life Doesn't Work on a Balance Sheet (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Being God's Son was not enough to automatically qualify Him to be our High Priest. He was made complete and fully ready to be High Priest through sufferings.


On This Side of Jordan

Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

When the circumstance of sin ceases, what happens to the law? The concept of sin as a reality will be gone at a certain point in time.


Hebrews (Part Eight)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ's priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood because Christ tenure is eternal rather than temporal, guaranteeing both continuity and quality.


Ending Your Financial Worries

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

Even with all the political problems hanging over us, Americans are most concerned about their personal finances. Here is how your financial problems can be solved!


Sins Borne Away

Sermonette by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Day of Atonement represents both a blood sacrifice for covering/cleansing and a means of removing sin permanently from the camp of Israel.


Hebrews 2: God Is Present

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's people must immerse themselves daily in the Scriptures. While sinning Israelites consider God to be absent, He is nevertheless present with His saints.


Hebrews (Part Twelve): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

To counteract complacency, Hebrews warns against neglecting God's invitation of salvation, which He does not guarantee until sanctification has run its course.


After the Resurrection

Sermon by Mark Schindler

The absence of the 100 pounds of aloes, the folded 'turban,' and the rolled away stone indicate that a thorough cleansing and purification had occurred.


Hebrews (Part Three)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus blazed a trail, giving a pattern for qualifying (through suffering and resisting sin) for our responsibility as priests, reconnecting man and God.


Hebrews: Its Background (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The book of Hebrews' audience consisted of converts from Judaism, suffering estrangement from family and community, excommunicated from the temple.


Hebrews: A Message for Today

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The book of Hebrews provides reasons to recapture flagging zeal, focusing on the reason for our hope and faith, establishing Christ's credentials.


Hebrews (Part Five)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The ancient Israelites resisted the gospel, refusing to mix it with actual obedience. What they heard never became a part of their lives; Egypt never left them.


Offerings (Part Two)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh


Hebrews (Part Seven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

With godly hope, we need to envision the successful accomplishment of God's purpose for us, realizing that God has bound that promise with an oath.


Hebrews (Part Six)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus experienced the same temptations and suffering we do, qualifying Him for the role of High Priest, the bridge-builder between man and God.


Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Nine)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

God has communicated tirelessly with humanity through men and angels. The first chapters of Hebrews displays Christ's superiority over even the angels.


Hebrews: Its Background (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

When Hebrews was written, the newly converted Jew to the Way encountered persecution from the established religion and culture similar to what we experience.


The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Two): The Burnt Offering

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The burnt offering is completely consumed on the altar. This type of offering teaches us about Christ's total dedication to God—and how we should emulate it.


Hebrews (Part Nine)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

After the change from the Aaronic to the Melchizedek priesthood, it was also necessary to change the Covenant. The flaw was not the law, but the heart.