Playlist: Acts, Book of (topic)
Acts (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn the Book of Acts, chapter 26 presents Paul recounting his conversion and ministry before King Agrippa and Festus. Paul had been under house arrest for two years under Felix, with no substantial legal basis for his detention, as both Felix and Festus sought to appease the Jews. Agrippa, considered an authority on Jewish …
Acts (Part Eighteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn the Book of Acts, the journey of the apostle Paul on his second evangelistic campaign is detailed, beginning in the southern end of Turkey and moving westward. Despite attempts to travel north into other regions, Paul was repeatedly turned back, attributing these hindrances to satan. His path led him to Asos on the western …
Acts (Part Thirteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn the Book of Acts, chapters 13 and 14 serve as a bridge to the pivotal chapter 15, highlighting the initial concerted efforts to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, who had no prior commitment to Jewish customs. The apostles began their outreach in synagogues to establish contact with the community, yet they did not mandate …
Acts (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Acts chronicles the early spread of the gospel, beginning with the foundation of the church in Jerusalem and extending outward. Initially, the martyrdom of Stephen marked a pivotal moment, as the ensuing persecution scattered the Hellenists across the Roman Empire, carrying the gospel with them. In chapter 8, the …
Acts (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Acts holds a significant place as the longest book in the New Testament, containing a wealth of information vital to understanding the early church. Its length and depth suggest a purposeful inclusion, offering insights that can benefit both the church as a whole and individuals within it. There is a notable …
Acts (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Acts traces the expansion of the gospel from Jerusalem outward, beginning with Stephen's preaching to the Hellenistic group in Jerusalem in chapter 7. In chapter 8, the message spreads to Samaria through those scattered by persecutions following Stephen's preaching, and Philip proclaims the gospel to the Ethiopian …
Acts (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn the Book of Acts, chapter 26 opens with the apostle Paul standing before King Agrippa, a Jewish authority under Roman rule and the last of the Herodian line. During a courtesy visit to Festus, Agrippa is introduced to Paul's case, providing Paul an opportunity to speak in his defense, which becomes a powerful proclamation of …
Acts (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Acts provides significant insights into the early church's practices and challenges, particularly through the actions and teachings of the apostle Paul. In Acts 20:20, Paul speaks to the elders of the church in Ephesus, emphasizing his method of teaching in their homes. This was not an effort to reach the unconverted …
Acts (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn the Book of Acts, the apostle Paul frequently found himself in perilous situations due to opposition from crowds who rejected his message. In Acts 21, Paul's journey to Jerusalem is marked by warnings of impending trouble, yet he resolutely proceeds, driven by the need to deliver a contribution from the Gentiles to the …
Acts (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Acts provides significant insight into the observance of the Sabbath among early believers, both Jews and Gentiles. In Acts 13:13-14, the apostle Paul, as was his custom, entered a synagogue in a Gentile city on the Sabbath to engage with those already keeping the day, using it as a starting point for his teachings. …
Acts (Part Twenty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Acts highlights significant moments in the apostle Paul's ministry, showcasing his impactful journeys and the growth of early congregations. In Acts chapter 18, Paul arrives in Corinth, where he spends a fruitful year and a half, leading to numerous conversions and the establishment of a congregation. Despite …
Acts (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Acts serves as a vital historical account of the early church, chronicling its development from the ascension of Jesus Christ to the spread of the gospel across diverse regions. It begins with the empowering of the church by God's Holy Spirit in chapter 2, detailing the early preaching in and around Jerusalem. The …
Acts (Part Nineteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn the Book of Acts, the journey of the apostle Paul through various cities reveals his persistent efforts to spread the message of Christ amidst numerous challenges. In Acts 17, Paul traveled from Philippi to Athens, encountering difficulties in Thessalonica where he left a small group of converted people under duress before …
Acts (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn the Book of Acts, following the significant council decisions in chapter 15, Paul, Barnabas, Silas, and Judas were tasked with spreading the word about these resolutions. As they journeyed to Antioch, Paul expressed a desire to revisit previously established churches. However, a sharp contention arose between Paul and …
Acts (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Acts chronicles the early spread of the gospel, beginning with the significant impact of Stephen's martyrdom, which propelled the message beyond Jerusalem. Initially, the apostles focused their preaching on the Jews in Jerusalem, but the persecution following Stephen's death, largely instigated by the …
Acts (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Acts presents a detailed account of the apostle Paul's trials and defenses before various authorities. In Acts 24, Paul appears before Felix, the governor of Samaria and Judea, alongside his wife Drusilla. Paul seizes the opportunity to witness about the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Despite recognizing Paul's …
Acts (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Acts provides a detailed account of the early New Testament church, beginning with the events of chapter 5, which opens with the deceit and subsequent deaths of Ananias and Sapphira. This distressing event contrasts with the positive depiction of church life in chapter 4, where everything appeared harmonious and the …
Acts (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn the Book of Acts, particularly in chapter 20, verse 7, a gathering on the first day of the week is mentioned, but it does not establish this day as a regular day of worship. The meeting occurred at night, beginning after sunset, which, by biblical reckoning, marks the start of the first day of the week, aligning with what …
Acts (Part Sixteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Acts, particularly in chapter 15, records a pivotal event in the history of the early church, marking a significant turning point in its development. This chapter captures a crucial council that addressed the question of whether Gentiles could become Christians without adhering to the entirety of the Mosaic law. The …
Acts (Part Nine)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Acts holds a significant place in recording pivotal moments that shaped the early church, particularly through events like Stephen's speech in chapter 7. This speech, whether deemed a sermon or address, played a crucial role in the church's trajectory due to the ensuing persecution that scattered believers, thereby …
Acts (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Acts serves as a foundational narrative, with each chapter introducing elements that shape the subsequent events. Chapter 1 acts as a bridge between the crucifixion and ascension of Jesus Christ and the arrival of the Holy Spirit. Chapter 2 stands as the pivotal chapter, marking the arrival of the promised Comforter, …
Acts (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe people of Lystra and Derbe mistake Paul for Hermes and Barnabas for Zeus. When Paul convinces the crowds that he and Barnabas are not gods, they are rejected.
Acts (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe witness of the apostles, particularly miraculous healings performed in the name of Jesus Christ, brought them into conflict with the Jewish leaders.
Acts (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughStephen points out that historically, God has dealt with His people without land or temple, but instead through deliverers, initially rejected by their own.
Acts (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAs Paul is miraculously rescued and taken to Caesarea, he uses every trial as an opportunity to bear witness to Christ, preaching the Gospel.
Acts (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPeter, using the details of fulfilled prophecy, establishes the Messiahship of Jesus Christ and convicts the crowd of their culpability in His death.
Acts (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAdherents to the Pentecostal movement try to mimic some of the superficial surface manifestations of Acts 2 rather than follow the teaching given on that day.
Using God's Irrevocable Gifts for His Glory
Sermon by Mark SchindlerLuke had the gift of an investigative journalist, presenting the words in a plain, logical, orderly fashion, making matters crystal clear.
Was Paul a False Apostle?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeAn increasing number of people believe Paul was not a real apostle, but an imposter, trying to seduce people to stop keeping God's laws.
Facing Times of Stress: When God is Silent (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul demonstrated inner peace during turmoil, showing consistency in times of instability and faith in God during persecution, fulfilling the role God gave him.
Hebrews as a Sermon (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Even as Hebrews prepared the first century church for persecution, so it is also relevant to today's church as it faces an increasing assault on God's law.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The frightful conditions during the 1st century are typical of the times ahead. To weather these circumstances, we need the encouragement of Hebrews.
Lamentations (Part One; 1989)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAn introduction to the book of Lamentations, focusing on grim hardships (similar to Paul's perils) Christians may face in the future.
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.
Facing Times of Stress: When God Is Silent (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhat appeared to be a series of judicial set-backs for Paul was actually the outworking of God to place him before even higher levels of secular leadership.
Suffering Disgrace For Christ's Name
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe can always expect new challenges, including persecution, and must never be content with standing still, but must press on to spiritual maturity.
The Magnificent Work of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod is always giving us more ways to examine ourselves, knowing that the gift of knowing cannot take place without His grafting us into the Vine.
Where Is Your Ultimate Allegiance?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen the laws of God conflict with the laws of man, civil disobedience is the only correct response, as was patterned by Peter, Paul, and the apostles.
Facing Times of Stress: When God Is Silent (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsActs 27 teaches that we must distinguish among several types of suffering. Regardless of the type of suffering, we must remember that God will deliver us.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Ten): The Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUps and downs, blessings and trials, have characterized every era of the church. God's people are always battling something negative between the brief highs.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Hebrews is a must-read for all members of God's church who seek the key for spiritual growth through a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.
Facing Times of Stress: When God Is Silent (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsParadoxically, when God seems to be silent, He is feverishly at work micro-managing what otherwise appears as insignificant details.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe days, months, and times of Galatians 4:10 do not refer to God's Holy Days (which are not weak or beggarly), but to pagan rites the Galatians came out of.
Was the Early Church Socialist or Communist?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe apostles never required converts to give up property as a precondition for church membership. Rather, the members voluntarily gave, retaining ownership.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part One): Introduction
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must keep the spiritual lessons of the letters, not just figure out prophecies. There are several ways to view them, but the most important is personally.
Paul: Grace, Law, and Obedience
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul's writings, because of their complexity, are frequently twisted to say that he was anti-law. By denigrating God's law, the unconverted set their own standards.
Israel's Restoration and the Zeitgeist of Zeal
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)After the Tribulation, God promises to restore Israel to the promised land where she will have a chance to learn and live God's truth in the Millennium.
Things Pertaining to the Kingdom!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBetween Christ's resurrection and ascension, He appeared to His disciples 10 times within 40 days, instructing them about things pertaining to the Kingdom.
Dominion and Glory and a Kingdom
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWhen Jesus told the religious leaders they would see Him seated at God's right hand and coming on the clouds, He did not mean they would be alive at His return.
Does God Care About History?
Sermonette by Mike FordIt is necessary for God's called-out ones to learn from history, realizing that two-thirds of the Bible appears in a historical context.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the Old and New Testament are complementary to one another, the emphasis of justice in the New Testament switches from national to personal in scope.
Preparing While Waiting For God
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWaiting for God is an acquired virtue requiring patience and longsuffering. Times of waiting are times to practice obedience and fellowship with others.