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Sons of Thunder
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamJames and John had great zeal, but initially lacked eloquence and wisdom. Similarly, we need God to redirect our efforts to His purpose rather than our own.
Sons of Thunder (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamJesus, in calling His disciples, gave unique names to a select few. Among them, He named James the son of Zebedee and John his brother as Boanerges, which translates to 'Sons of Thunder.' This distinctive title sets them apart, alongside Simon, whom He called Peter. The reason Christ chose to rename only these three remains a point of curiosity, especially for James and John with their striking designation. Regarding the title 'Sons of Thunder,' their reaction in a particular incident sheds light on its possible origin. When a Samaritan village rejected Jesus, James and John, filled with indignation, asked Him if they should call down lightning from heaven to destroy the villagers. Their fervent response, though misguided, highlights a zealous and powerful nature. Jesus rebuked them, indicating that their spirit in that moment was not aligned with God's. This episode suggests why He might have named them so, capturing their intense and fiery disposition at that time.
Sons of Thunder (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamJesus gave the surname Boanerges, translated as Sons of Thunder, to James and John, the sons of Zebedee, reflecting their fervent zeal. This zeal is evident in an episode where they took offense on behalf of their Lord, though their passion was misdirected and destructive. Another instance revealing their thunderous nature is their request, either through their mother Salome or themselves, to sit at His right and left hand in the Kingdom, possibly showing ambition or a deep dedication to serve Christ. James is described as resolute, vigorous, and active, while John is contemplative and intuitive, both being men of action ready to meet challenges. Thunder, with its terrifying power and association with the voice of God in Scripture, underscores their potential as powerful proclaimers of His message. When Christ called them Sons of Thunder, He may have been shaping them to become voices of God, their witness proclaiming His way for centuries.
The Two Witnesses (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's truth may bring about sadness, astonishment, anger, and bitterness to the one delivering the message. James and John were types of the Two Witnesses.
The Two Witnesses (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe first major concern of the Two Witnesses will be directed to the church rather than to the world at large, expunging worldliness out of the church.
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 Elijah Syndrome
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeElijah fell into a dilemma of either fearing God or fearing man, and ended up fearing Jezebel rather than God, thinking he was alone in his zeal for God.
Where Did The Original Apostles Go?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Scriptures are largely silent about the exploits of the apostles other than Paul. We have only general comments concerning their spheres of activities.
Revelation 10 and the Church's History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRevelation 10 contains the seven thunders and the little book. It serves as an inset, not following a linear time sequence of the book of Revelation.
Revelation 10 and the Laodicean Church
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRevelation 10 and 11 describe a time before the Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, a time when the last of the seven thunders rumbles to a faint whimper.
Matthew (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe commission to the disciples evolves from their initial orders to go to the House of Israel to their ultimate commission of going to the Gentiles.
Matthew (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe word 'blessed' in the Beatitudes means happy from within, not dependent on circumstances. It comes from having God's spirit and hope for the future.
Who Then Is In The Kingdom Of Heaven?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn Matthew 18, some disciples pondered who would be greatest in the Kingdom. However, ambition, arrogance, and pride will keep one from even being there.
Have You Become an Example to All Who Believe?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhether we are called to welcome others, speak truthfully, keep commitments, or guard our own speech, credibility flows from consistent daily actions.
The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus demonstrated His meekness in His treatment of many with whom He interacted. Balancing firmness and gentleness, He seeks to save rather than destroy.
By This Shall All Men Know You
Sermon by John O. ReidA native practice involves leaving a young man on a remote island with only a bow and arrows until he learns to become a man, and God does something similar.
Gentle and Lowly in Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul displayed a gentleness not grounded in weakness, but in strength, a gentleness which showed anger, but only at the right time and to the right degree.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon Without Becoming Assimilated (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasThere are three basic causes for discontentment and three strategies to contentment, enabling us to emulate the apostle Paul's content state of mind.