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The Trial of Jesus
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ as Temple is a profound concept revealed during His trial, highlighting His identity and purpose. In Mark 14:56-59, false witnesses accused Him of saying, "I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands," though their testimonies did not agree. This accusation was a distortion of His actual words, as recorded in John 2:19, where He declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." John clarifies in verse 21 that He was speaking of the temple of His body, not the physical structure. This illustrates that He used the temple as a type of Himself, pointing to His death and resurrection. Through this, He revealed that His body was the true temple, the dwelling place of God, which would be destroyed and raised again, fulfilling His mission and demonstrating His authority over life and death.
Born Again or Begotten? (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ is central to the understanding of God's Kingdom, embodying its presence and reality. In Luke 10:9, 11 and Luke 11:20, He declares that the Kingdom is already present, manifested in His Person and ministry, as well as in the acts of the apostles. His statement in Luke 17:20-21 further clarifies that the Kingdom of God is among them, emphasizing His immediate presence as the embodiment of the Kingdom. When combined with John 18:36, where He states that His Kingdom is not from here, it becomes clear that His role bridges both a present and future reality, with heavenly and earthly aspects. As a present reality, the Kingdom is evident in Him and in those to whom God has given His Spirit, chosen to represent Him. Jesus Christ is undeniably in the Kingdom of God, and because we are perceived by God as in Him, we are part of it as well.
Fully Man and Fully God?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ as Temple embodies a profound metaphor central to understanding His role and nature. In John 2:19, when Jesus declares, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," He speaks not of a physical structure but of His own Body, using the Greek word "naos," which signifies the dwelling place of a deity. While the Jews interpreted His words as referring to the physical Temple, Jesus intended a deeper meaning, pointing to His Body as the church. This is further clarified in Mark 14:58, where it is recorded that He said, "I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands." The moment God the Father raised Jesus from the dead, the church—the spiritual body in which God dwells—became a reality, with Jesus Christ as its first Member and Head. This aligns with Matthew 16:18, where Jesus states, "On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." Thus, His statement in John 2:19 serves as a parable-like expression of His nature, indicating that His physical Body at that time represented the entirety of His church, as He was its sole member, but through His resurrection, He raised a spiritual Temple of believers, of which we are part.
Fully Man and Fully God? (1994)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ is often misunderstood. The phrase 'fully man and fully God' does not have biblical support; Christ's real nature is much more meaningful.
The Priesthood of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)It is time to prepare ourselves for the role of a priest, teaching a way of life to the world, serving as a mediator, blessing or conferring good upon people.
The Priesthood of God (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The jeweled arrangement on the breastplate in Exodus 28, arranged in marching order, symbolizes differences in gifts and responsibilities of the tribes.
Born Again (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Things pertaining to the New Covenant can only be understood by those who have been circumcised in the heart, which equates to having been born again.
Born Again (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Baptism and being born again were already understood by the Jews, but the traditions had evidently blinded people to some additional spiritual nuances.
The Priesthood of God (Part Ten) Conclusion
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As future priests, we are going to be given rigorous, hands-on jobs to teach people righteousness and holiness, distinguishing between the sacred and profane.
Born Again (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We have been adopted into the family of God and have become members of God's Kingdom. The Kingdom is here in the same way the church is a spiritual entity.
A Time to Build Up
Sermonette by Christian D. HunterThe building of Solomons' Temple began in the month of Ziv. Ziv occurs in the springtime when the sun is in the sky for longer, enabling working in the light.
Go Not Out of the House
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor Passover, Israel was commanded not to go out of their houses. This is also a warning to Christians when we understand the implications of the word 'house'.
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)As the lives of the major biblical figures were predestined, so are our lives. God chooses, moves, and manages the lives of His servants.
The End
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNoah's flood was an end, the temple's destruction was an end, Christ's second coming will be an end, and the Last Great Day will be an end and a beginning.
Preternatural, Natural, Unnatural, Supernatural (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Christ's life and death were supernatural in that He had God's Spirit from the beginning, giving Him power over things, as well as undeniable logic.
The Unshakable Kingdom!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause all things will be violently shaken, God commands His people to place their trust in the unshakeable Kingdom of God which will displace all empires.
Faithful Stephen
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChrist does not want His staff to exercise Gentile patterns of tyrannical, top-down leadership, but to humbly serve people without striving for greatness.
God Never Disappoints
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsUnlike people who, because of their natural carnal nature, feel disappointment with God, God's people should never experience any disappointment with Him.