God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Four): The Pearl, the Dragnet, and the Householder
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeJesus' parables of the Pearl of Great Price, the Dragnet, and the Householder resolve the problems raised in their corresponding earlier parables.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe way that one lives provides testimony and witness. To witness and endure life's various trials, we must have faith in who and what we are.
God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Three): Hidden Treasure
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeIn Matthew 13, the hidden treasure the man finds provides the spiritual solution to the leaven - corruption - the woman hides in the three measures of meal.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHair length and clothing are outward indicators of a person's inner spiritual condition. They serve as a testimony of what we are on the inside.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFaith in God and in the motivating power in God's Word have to be the driving force in everything we do each day.
Tested: Our Trust in God's Promises
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloThere is an apparent contradiction between God's promises to protect and heal, and the persecution, health crises, and death that we all experience.
The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Seven): The Parable of the Pearl
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsCommentators frequently misinterpret the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price. The merchant represents Jesus Christ, giving His all for the church.
The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Six): The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWhile the Parable of the Hidden Treasure is similar to the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price, their meanings are different. The symbols reveal the high value God places on His people.
Our Uniqueness and Time
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur special position before God gives us an equally unique opportunity that we do not want to squander.
Our Genetically Altered Foods (Part One)
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughIn this time of GMOs, we cannot always be sure of the purity of the food we consume. Judging one another for carelessness is not an option open to us.
Parables and a Pearl
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Parable of the Pearl of Great Price is often wrongly interpreted, ascribing meaning that contradicts the Bible. Here is how the Scriptures remain unbroken.
A Priceless Gift
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's people are the precious jewels (or the private, personal possessions) of God, obligated to conform exclusively to His will and purpose.
What Is Christ's Hidden Treasure?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe parables of the leaven and the treasure hidden in the field show two sides of the same coin. The hidden treasure is the God-given solution to the leaven.
Why We Tithe (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTithing both precedes and transcends the covenant, having a deep spiritual significance far beyond the letter of the law: learning to give as God gives.
The Awesome Cost of Salvation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need to be sobered at the awesomeness of the cost to set us free from sin—what the Creator endured. We have been purchased, and are obliged to our Purchaser.
Uniqueness and Time
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur unique calling makes us a special possession of God. Sealed with a downpayment of God's Spirit, we have the obligation to glorify God by obedience.
The Talking Blood (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod the Father does not take the minimization of His Son's sacrifice lightly, as some Protestant theologians imply with their cheap grace doctrine.