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Death Is Not the End (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ approached His own death with calm determination, viewing it as a vital part of God's plan. In Matthew 16:21, He plainly told His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things, be killed, and be raised on the third day, presenting it almost as a necessary checklist. Despite the intense emotional pain He later endured, His initial attitude remained dispassionate and purposeful, accepting His death as God's will to pay for humanity's sins and ensure eternal life through resurrection. When Peter rebuked Him, expressing fear and hostility toward the idea of His death, Jesus sharply corrected him, declaring such a mindset an offense and influenced by satan, as it disregarded the divine purpose (Matthew 16:23). Jesus saw no need for fear, recognizing it as a tactic of the evil spirit to hinder God's will. In another instance, Jesus displayed a similar composure regarding the death of Lazarus, a beloved disciple. Despite knowing Lazarus was fatally ill, He delayed His response for two days, showing a calm and confident demeanor (John 11:6). When He finally announced Lazarus' death to His disciples, He expressed gladness, not out of malice, but with a righteous joy, knowing the resurrection He would perform would strengthen faith, bear witness, and further God's plan (John 11:14-15). Though He wept, it was not for Lazarus, but out of frustration at the unbelief and lack of hope among those around Him, even those closest to Him, revealing His mastery over death and His focus on the hope beyond it (John 11:33-35). Jesus consistently viewed death through a lens of purpose and the greater good that lay ahead.
Death Is Not the End (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhile various religions and some philosophies suggest an afterlife of some sort, the fear of the unknown transforms death into a foreboding Grim Reaper.
Death Is Not the End (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughAll men have been subject to the fear of death, and it is something that we have to strive to overcome. But Christians have been freed in order to fear God.
Death Is Not the End (Part Seven)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThere is life after death; there is an age to come in which all who have not been called to salvation will be raised to new life to hear what God offers.
Christ's Death and the Immortality of the Soul
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe dangerous false belief of inherent immortal life has led to an acceleration of sin and the danger of eternal oblivion. Only God can give eternal life.
How Did They Overcome? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe blood of the Lamb grants us eternal life, as well as entrance to the Holy of Holies, enabling us to come before the throne of the Most High God.
The Resurrection: A Central Pillar
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's resurrection is of paramount importance to us, because Jesus alone has the keys to our own resurrection and eternal life as firstfruits.
Disproving Hell
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughMost of Protestant and Catholic theology is immersed in pagan concepts of hell, reinforced by Dante's Inferno. Here is what the Bible says, without tradition.
John (Part Eighteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughTrust in God's ability to resurrect can neutralize the most basic debilitating fear—the fear of death. Christ assures us that death is not the end.
Trumpets and Hope
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur hope is founded on Jesus rising from the dead. If there is no resurrection, our faith is worthless; if Christ did not rise, we are still under condemnation.
He Lives, We Live
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRedemption is useless to mortal beings without God's gift of eternal life (I Corinthians 15:19), which God made possible through Christ's resurrection.
Back to Life (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSickness and hardship should not erode our faith in God's ultimately favorable purpose for us. A current trial may serve as a witness for the good of others.
The Greatness of God's Power
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul emphasized the power of God living in us through the Holy Spirit to enable us to develop into His family. Through God's power, we will triumph over death.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Three): Smyrna
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist prepared the members of Smyrna for martyrdom, promising them eternal glory for enduring a relatively short time, looking at things from a hopeful perspective.
Psalms: Book Four: All His Benefits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll that we have has come from others, especially God. The Day of Atonement points out how needy and dependent on God we are; fasting shows our frailty.
Assurance (Part One): Self Examination
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSalvation is an ongoing work of God, obligating us to walk in the Spirit. If we do, we will be not captivated by the lusts of the flesh.
Some Thoughts on Healing
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughSecular people call healing through faith in God "superstition" or "mind over matter." Yet, God promises to heal, but His promise is not unconditional.
The Gift of Eternal Life
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe difference between living forever and eternal life is that longevity does not equate to quality of life. Living forever while enduring pain lacks appeal.
Snapshots (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAmong the greatest challenges we face is not to let a bad snapshot—or even a whole progression of them—convince us that the journey is not worth continuing.