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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 Two)
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamJesus gave surnames to His disciples on rare occasions, and to the sons of Zebedee, James and John, He bestowed the name Boanerges, translated as Sons of Thunder. This name may reflect their fervent zeal, as seen in an episode where they took offense on behalf of their Lord, though their zeal was misdirected and destructive. Another instance revealing their nature involves their request to sit at His right and left hand in the Kingdom, possibly driven by ambition or a deep dedication to serve Christ. Whether the request came through their mother Salome or directly from them, it stirred displeasure among the other disciples, suggesting a bold, perhaps arrogant, desire for prominence, or a genuine readiness to face challenges alongside Him. James is depicted as resolute and vigorous, ready for any task, even martyrdom, while John appears more contemplative and reflective. Both emerge as men of action, eager to meet challenges head-on. When Christ named them Sons of Thunder, He might have been shaping their identity, indicating that He called them to be powerful voices of God, their witness resounding through the ages to proclaim His way.
Peter, a Sketch
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughOf all the disciples, the one that we usually consider to have the most personality is Simon Peter. No other disciple's words and actions are so often recorded.
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.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughTrue greatness does not come from dominance but from serving with the attitude of a slave. Willingness to sacrifice self is the secret to success.
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.
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.
Matthew (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughMatthew wrote his account with the Jews in mind, repeatedly saying, 'This was done to fulfill the prophets,' emphasizing the law and the Kingdom of God.
WHAT?! Me Submit to Someone Else?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSubmitting is repugnant to the carnal mind. The church is no place for uncompromising people who demand their own way.