Playlist: Samson (topic)
Samson and the Christian (Part 6)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the latter parts of Judges 16, the story of Samson unfolds within the context of Philistine religion and their worship of Dagon, their national god. Samson, a hero of faith though carnal, had judged Israel for twenty years, holding the Philistines at bay single-handedly. He had stood in the highlands above the valley of …
Samson and the Christian (Part 2)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSamson's parents, Manoah and his unnamed wife, were ordinary Israelites living during the period of the Judges, a time of great oppression under the Philistines. Their lives were marked by simplicity and subsistence, reflective of the broader Israelite struggle against a materially and militarily superior enemy. God acted to …
Samson and the Christian (Part 5)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSamson stands as a pivotal figure among the judges of Israel, embodying the essence of his nation during a time of spiritual and moral decline. As one of the last judges before Samuel, Samson is portrayed as the archetypal judge, reflecting Israel's state where every man did what was right in his own eyes. His life mirrors …
Samson and the Christian (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSamson, a man chosen by God before his birth, was destined to perform a significant work for Him. Born into a loving and faithful family in the tribe of Dan, with his father Manoah and an unnamed mother, he was likely raised with wise guidance and affection to prepare for his God-given task. Scripture notes that as he matured, …
Samson and the Christian (Part 3)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the tumultuous early eleventh century BC, the region along the eastern Mediterranean Sea, including Israel, faced significant instability. During this Period of the Judges, Israel experienced cycles of unfaithfulness, oppression, and deliverance through judges raised by God. Amidst this chaos, the Philistines emerged as a …
Samson and the Christian (Part 4)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAfter slaughtering Philistines with a donkey's jawbone, Samson prayed perhaps his first truly humble prayer, acknowledging that God had gifted him.
Manoah, Father of Samson
Sermonette by Mike FordMany Biblical scholars teach that Manoah was dimwitted, lazy, jealous, and faithless. But a close reading of the Scriptures proves just the opposite.
Do We See What We Are Looking At?
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamSeeing versus truly perceiving frames a powerful exploration of biblical examples in which people failed or succeeded in spiritual discernment.
Hair Care?
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamExperimentation with hair has always been associated with rebellion. Absalom's rebellion seemed to be inextricably tied to his vanity over his long hair.
Persistence
Sermon by John O. ReidPersistence is impossible without a transcendent and ardent vision, which prevents us from casting off restraint and gives us the will to keep on.
Faith (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe would like God to instantly gratify our desires. Consequently, we find living by faith difficult; we do not trust that He has things under control.
Could You Stand Alone?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWould we have the same courage to stand spiritually as the brave unarmed man who resisted the tanks of the Chinese Red Army in Tiananmen Square?
Warning of Judgment, Urgency to Prepare!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe need to prepare physically and mentally for God's expected judgment—a terrible thing for those not aligned to His divine purpose for humanity.
The Poor in Spirit
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNothing that we could ever do could impress God, except for our contrition, acknowledgment of our infirmity, and remorse for our sins which displease God.
What the Holy Spirit Does
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Holy Spirit always inspires loving, wise, sound-minded actions according to God's will. This helps us discern true guidance from other spirits.
What the Holy Spirit Does (2005)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's Spirit will never prod us to do anything that is not godly love, and because it a spirit of a sound mind, it will never motivate us to do crazy things.
The Witty Side of God's Inspiration
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ was a master of satire, word play, absurdity, irony, sarcasm, and exaggeration. Humor in the Bible reveals one dimension of God's personality.
Fatherhood and Modern Temptations
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany fathers abdicate their leadership responsibilities, becoming addicted to workaholism, television, or even pornography. The culture teeters on destruction
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBeing 'in Christ' does not refer to location, but instead our 'concern with' or 'involvement with' Him—and He with us.
Forbearance
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod put up with the foibles of Abraham, Samson, David, Job, and others, allowing them time to repent and build character. We need to develop this godly trait.