Playlist: Church, Founding of (topic)
"I Will Build My Church"
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough Peter was given responsibilities of leadership, as connoted from the rock imagery or symbolism, he was not granted the post of 'vicar of Christ.'
The Mystery of the Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod desires to know whether the spiritual remnants will choose His teaching or assimilating into the world, biting and devouring one another.
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.
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.
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.
Acts (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOur historical and theological roots are advanced in a polished, chronological narrative (Acts), perhaps designed as a trial document authored by Luke.
God's Spiritual Harvest
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLike Christ, we too are firstfruits, represented by the leavened loaves picturing our acceptance by the Father.
Pentecost and Speaking In Tongues
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe apostle Paul teaches that tongues (languages) are only used to communicate intelligently, not gibberish. Tongues originally served as a sign for unbelievers.
Powerful Effects of the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are intrigued by supernatural power, and many seek to display it. Yet the Scriptures show the activity of the Holy Spirit in ways that are commonly missed.
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.
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 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.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A Christian worldview includes the importance of our calling and the reality of God and His laws. Our worldview determines how we spend our time.
Asphalt Aspirations and Pentecost's Promise
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)God reversed the Babel debacle with His own plan to unify, making one called-out people, having one mutually understood language, commencing on Pentecost.
Unity (2006)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the symphony orchestra, only as an instrumentalist submits to the leader, working with the other members of the ensemble, can unity be accomplished.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Each member has been gifted by Christ. We must not go beyond the gifts that have been given to us, but must use them humbly, employing them to edify.
The More Things Change
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe tend to think of the early Church as a 'golden age' of unity and momentum. But early church members experienced problems similar to what we face today.
1335
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles WhitakerTwo of Daniel's prophecies differ by 75 days, perhaps paralleling the 75 dramatic days between the resurrections of Lazarus and Jesus Christ.
Grace, Faith, and Love
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride condemned Satan to a fate of manipulating rather than serving. This presumptuous self-centered trait creates disunity and ultimately destruction.
Is America a Christian Nation? Summary (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The founders made no covenant between the People of the United States and God. American citizenry never practiced true Christianity.
Going On to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though everything we need in this quest has been given to us, our spiritual growth depends on believing in the promises of receiving the divine nature.
Is America a Christian Nation? Summary (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The following seven points refute the unsubstantiated claim that America ever was, or continues to be, a Christian nation.