Playlist: Persecution, from the Jews (topic)
Facing Times of Stress: Forewarned of Persecution!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsUnder the best of times, God's people are not immune to persecution. Persecution for righteousness' sake is evidence that God's people have Christ's Spirit.
Acts (Part Eighteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOn Paul's second evangelistic campaign, he preaches in southern Turkey and western Greece. He tries to go north but is prevented.
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 Seven)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The socio-cultural milieu before the writing of Hebrews created difficulties for the Jewish converts to the Gospel, who were deemed to be traitors.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When Hebrews was written, the newly converted Jew to the Way encountered persecution from the established religion and culture similar to what we experience.
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.
Acts (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAgrippa was knowledgeable about Jewish customs, so Festus brought him in to hear Paul's case, which lincluded his conversion and ministry.
To Him Who Overcomes (Part Two): Enduring to the End
Sermonette by Levi W. GrahamThough God gives us His Holy Spirit, we have no free pass into His kingdom, and we will have to endure our share of tribulation.
Acts (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul's insistence that a relationship with God could not be established by keeping the law did not lead to the conclusion that the law had been done away.
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.
Acts (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughActs 15 focuses upon the Council of Jerusalem, discussing the controversial subject of circumcision and its relationship to salvation.
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.
Acts (Part Twenty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul's success at promoting the Way started to undermine the prosperity of vendors promoting the worship of Diana, leading to a riotous assembly in her temple.
Hebrews (Part One): The Stage Is Set
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Early converts from Judaism claimed to accept the Law but had difficulty accepting the Lawgiver. Today, many claim to accept Christ, but will not accept His Law.
Titus (Part One): Introduction
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Cretan people had earned the reputation of duplicity. Church members faced the consequences of being tarred with the same brush—sometimes deservedly.
Acts (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHad Paul not appealed to Caesar, Agrippa (moved by Paul's testimony and convinced of his innocence) would have set him free. But God had other plans.
Acts (Part Nineteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul encountered persecution but also saw his work bear fruit. He was driven from the synagogue, but paradoxically won over its leader, Crispus.
God's Special Presence and Direct Intervention
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe scattering of the early church strengthened it, allowing fresh seed to be scattered in new fields. The 'bad' thing actually increased the church's power.
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughCorinth was at the crossroads of trade routes, abounding in religious syncretism. Paul's letter to the Corinthians instructs us how to live in a wicked society.
Acts (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe phrase 'first day of the week' is used 8 times in scripture, but none does away with the Sabbath nor establishes Sunday as the 'Lords Day.'
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.
Remember the Christians
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod made the gospel available to the Gentiles to provoke Israel to jealousy. The key to breaking down the enmity and animosity is to put on Christ.
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.
Don't Be a Prudent Agnostic
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSome of us, facing the stress of the times, may simply be going through the motions but losing every vestige of faith. We must strengthen our convictions.
Lamentations (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe people suffering under the Babylonians had basked in the privilege of being God's chosen people while also trashing the terms of the Covenant.
Abraham (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIf we hold fast to principles, though it may seem initially uncomfortable and fearful, we will eventually receive respect and even admiration.
Abraham (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham's experiences teach us not to try to force God's will. When any sin or self-will is involved, the fruits of such an endeavor will be bitter.
Philippians (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe must willing to yield to God's shaping of us, willing to be corrected and changed as He sees fit. If we become self-satisfied, He cannot work with us.