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'Arguments Over Words'
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe word Jesus is often claimed to be derived from the name of the supreme Greek god Zeus. However, this claim is unfounded. Jesus is actually a Latinized spelling of the Greek Iesous, which is a transliteration of the Hebrew Yahshua or Joshua, meaning "Yah saves" or "Savior."
Do We Want to Catch 'Olympic Fever'?
Article by StaffIn the ancient Olympic games, held in the city of Olympia, a great temple to Zeus stood within a sacred grove, facing east with an altar on a mound of sacrificial animal ashes. Nearby was a temple to Hera, Zeus' wife, and connected to these temples by a short covered porch was an athletic field where worshippers re-enacted the …
Esther (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMordecai's name is associated with the Babylonian god Marduk, who is equivalent to the Greek god Zeus. This connection highlights Mordecai's immersion in the pagan world, despite his true heart as an ideal Jew.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Colossians 2:16 and Galatians 4:9-10, Paul was warning against mixing Gnostic asceticism and pagan customs with the keeping of God's Sabbath and Holy Days.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part Five)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasThe sanctification process is slow and methodical with no dazzling pyrotechnics. Each of us are given a basic set of gifts to serve our spiritual siblings.
Deuteronomy and Idolatry
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are admonished to internalize the book of Deuteronomy in preparation for our future leadership roles.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Six): Sardis
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe letter to the church in Sardis reads like an obituary, warning us who are alive but lacking zeal to repent and become serious about our calling.
Extremes of Idolatry: Graven Images and Sacred Names
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSome stretch the second commandment to condemn the use of all paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Others claim only Hebrew names for God can be used.
The Great Flood (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGenesis 6 reflects a distortion of marriage. One improbable explanation of the "sons of God" is that angelic beings cohabited with human beings.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Four): Pergamos
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughCultural compromise, such as found in Pergamos, brings judgment from Jesus. To those who refuse to compromise their convictions, Christ promises eternal life.
Wilderness Wandering (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Christ's suffering was not confined to crucifixion, but also consisted of rejection, humiliation, and the duress of persecution. Glory follows suffering.
Magic Doesn't Work (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMagic is always used as some kind of weapon, but not to build or develop moral strength or character. God chooses a life-long process of sanctification.
Nebuchadnezzar's Image (Part Three): 'Belly and Thighs of Bronze'
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughAfter Alexander's death, his generals carved out kingdoms of their own. From the resultant wars, two major powers emerged: Ptolemaic Egypt and Seleucid Syria.
Acts (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe people of Lystra and Derbe mistake Paul for Hermes and Barnabas for Zeus. When Paul convinces the crowds that he and Barnabas are not gods, they are rejected.