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The Miracles of Jesus Christ: The Coin in the Fish's Mouth
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ, as the Creator of all things, demonstrates His divine authority and control over creation in the miracle of the coin found in the fish's mouth. His omniscience is evident as He knows not only that a fish would yield the necessary money but also ensures that the first fish caught by Peter contains the precise sum required, a full shekel to cover the Temple tax for both Himself and Peter. The purpose and pleasure of His will, which all creation obeys, guides that single fish out of countless others in the lake to Peter's hook. Christ, the Lord of Creation, commands all things, even the fish of the sea and the silver of the earth, showcasing His spiritual power to produce the exact amount needed. This miracle serves as a reminder to the disciples that He is indeed the omnipotent Son of God who holds dominion over all creation.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Ten): Christianity's Claims
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ, as the Creator of all things, holds a unique and exalted position. He is the One through whom God spoke prophetically, and by virtue of being divine, He stakes a claim on humanity's attention. As the literal Creator, we owe our very being to Him. His divine nature is evident from the beginning, for even as a newborn, He was worshipped by those who came to witness His birth, acknowledging that He has always been God. The Bible attests to His divinity, addressing Him as God, and reveals that He and the Father are identical in character and purpose, living without division or competition. His actions, impossible for a mere man, such as quieting roaring winds, calming raging seas, and healing from a distance, demonstrate His awe-inspiring powers combined with the purity of their use, setting Him apart as Creator God. Through His life, He modeled the glory of God's way, being the way, the truth, and the life we are to follow. As our Creator, He paid the penalty for our sins by Himself, opening the door to eternity in the Kingdom of God. Now, raised from the dead by the Father, He sits in glory at the Father's right side on His throne in heaven, continuing to work with the Father on Their plan to complete the creation of mankind in God's image. God is forming His Kingdom as He and the Son create more children in Their image, with His converted children already considered its citizens.
Christ's Revelation of the Father
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ, as the Creator of all things, holds a central and profound role in revealing the divine nature and purpose. In the opening of John's gospel, it is established that from the depths of eternity past, two great Beings existed, both divine, and always together. One of Them, known as the Word or Logos, is identified as the communicator, the speaker of truth, who spoke at Creation, bringing all things into existence. This establishes Him as the Creator God of all things, underscoring His authority and the necessity to heed His words. As created beings, there is an obligation to listen and follow Him, for He speaks vital, truthful, and necessary messages. This role as Creator is not merely a title but a foundation for understanding His mission. His words are to be used as a lens to interpret and comprehend everything God has revealed. His prehistory, stretching infinitely back, confirms that He is no ordinary human being, but a divine Being with a history and relationship with the One called God. His authority as Creator compels recognition of His power and the responsibility to give ear to Him, for He is the Maker who has always been with God, shaping the universe and guiding creation with purpose.
Jesus' Pre-Existence
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughIt's not just an intellectual exercise to say Jesus was the God of the Old Testament - we must truly believe and submit to Him as eternal God and Savior.
Jesus Was a Carpenter
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughNazareth's citizens could not reconcile their long-time knowledge of Christ with His ministry. Stuck on the stereotype, they failed to see how He could be more.
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.
Jesus Is God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ is the Word, by whom the world was created. He has always interfaced between mankind and the Father, having primacy as our Lord, Master, and Ruler.
Hebrews (Part Three): Who Was Jesus? (cont.)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)John identifies Christ as co-eternal with the Father, equal in character, but subordinate in authority. Christ's sonship was unique; He was the 'only Begotten Son.'
Hebrews (Part Two): Who Was Jesus?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)If we understand the function of the Old Covenant as explained in Leviticus, we will better understand the New Covenant and not reject the law of the Savior.
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.
Creator, Sustainer, Head (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeDespite being perhaps the oldest text in the canon, Job contains many detailed, even scientific, insights into the creative and sustaining power of Christ.
Creator, Sustainer, Head (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe book of Hebrews resonates for the church of God at this time due to the strong parallels between our circumstances and those of the first century church.
Four Views of Christ (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist provides a model of how to live a godly life in the flesh, living life the way God lives it. Using His light, we can navigate our way in this world.
Our Creator and Savior
Sermon by Ryan McClureThe first sentence in the Bible makes the reader aware of time, space, and matter, and draws the reader in to seek God and understand who He is.
Psalms: Book Four (Part Four): God as Creator
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe creation offers compelling testimony to the intricacies which preclude even the possibility of evolution. Evolution is a futile attempt to get rid of God.
The Christian Walk (Part Two): In Light
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTo His disciples, Christ admonishes us to follow the light, imitate (or do) the light, and become sons of the light; to not just reflect light but become it.
Creator, Sustainer, Head (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe One who sent forth His Spirit to create and breathe life into the physical world, also breathed on His disciples and endowed them with spiritual life.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Twelve): The Son's Superiority Over Angels
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSome 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 Eight): Hebrews 1
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHebrews 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.
The God of the Old Testament
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsMany believe that the God of the Old Testament was a cruel, angry God, while Jesus, the God of the New Testament, is kind and loving. Here's what Scripture shows.
God the Father in the Old Testament
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Hebrew Scriptures reveal the existence of the Father. Deuteronomy 6:4 refers to God as one, signifying unity of purpose and identical character.
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.
Hebrews (Part Thirteen): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Jewish converts to the Way, although having had the benefit of Messianic prophecies, did not recognize the powerful significance of Psalm 8.
Hebrews (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn terms of spiritual insight, Hebrews is a pivotal book, whose function is to bridge the purposes and themes of the Old and New Testaments.
Hebrews (Part Seven): Greater than Angels
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Hebrews systematically proves Christ's superiority to patriarchs, prophets, the Levitical Priesthood, and angels, establishing His credentials.
God Is . . . What?
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughWhat is God's nature? Is God one Being? Two? Three? Bible students have long searched for the answers to these questions. The truth is both simple and profound.
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.
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.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews' audience consisted of converts from Judaism, suffering estrangement from family and community, excommunicated from the temple.
John (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe apostle John has provided at least eight separate forms of witness, establishing the veracity of Jesus Christ's identity as God in the flesh.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Fourteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has sanctified no day other than the Sabbath. Sunday worship is a pagan deviation, perpetuated by Gnosticism, a movement that despises God's laws.