Playlist: Nicodemus (topic)
The Secret Disciples
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingJoseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were both high-ranking Jewish leaders who initially approached Jesus in secret, becoming secret or stealth disciples.
John 3:16 in Context
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe account of Nicodemus in John 3 provides the essential context for understanding John 3:16, showing precisely what Jesus meant when He spoke of belief and everlasting life. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, approached Jesus at night, acknowledging Him as a teacher sent from God based on the signs He performed. …
Leadership and Covenants (Part Sixteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, the ruling group of the Jewish people in Jerusalem, held a position akin to a doctor of the law, consulted on spiritual issues. Despite his extensive theological knowledge, much of which was influenced by Jewish teachings and not entirely correct, he encountered Jesus for the first time in a …
The Trial of Jesus
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNicodemus appears at a pivotal point in the account of Christ's unjust trial, specifically in connection with the twelfth illegality committed by the Sanhedrin. Alongside Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus is identified as one of the council members who had not consented to the decision to condemn Jesus, as indicated by Luke's …
We Are Unique!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur responsibility is to freely choose to follow the revelation God has given us, overcoming the baggage and resistance we have absorbed from the world.
God Works In Marvelous Ways (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNicodemus is introduced as a specific illustration of the broader pattern Paul describes regarding Israel's spiritual condition in Romans 9-11. He is identified as a member of the Sanhedrin, a man of high standing in both the Israelite government and its religious establishment, which placed him among those who had received the …
Born Again (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Nicodemus serves as the starting point for examining why Jesus expressed mild surprise that "the teacher of Israel" did not understand the born-again concept when questioned in John 3:10-12. Jesus asked how Nicodemus could fail to grasp "earthly things" if he could not believe "heavenly things," implying that this teaching …
Built as a Witness
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe account of Nicodemus coming to Jesus illustrates the foundational truth that special gifts are provided by God as the starting point from which everything else in the spiritual life becomes possible. Nicodemus, described as a ruler of the Jews, approached Jesus by night and acknowledged Him as a teacher sent from God, …
The Pharisees (Part 2)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNicodemus appears as a significant case study in understanding the Pharisees' spiritual blindness, despite being someone ultimately regarded favorably—a Pharisee who was later converted and became a faithful Christian man. His encounter with Jesus in John 3 illustrates the broader pattern of Pharisaic confrontation that …
Jesus and the Feast (Part Two): Belief in the Spirit
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOn the last day of the Feast, Jesus proclaimed Himself as the One who will dispense God's Spirit, amplifying the promise He had made to the woman at the well.
God Meant it for Good
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsNicodemus appears in connection with the council's hostility toward Jesus following the raising of Lazarus from the dead. When the Pharisees and chief priests convened the Sanhedrin to deliberate over what to do about Jesus, Nicodemus, who was probably a Pharisee, is reported to have objected to the proceedings on the basis that …
Christ's Vital Final Warning to His Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must be careful in our approach to our spiritual riches so we do not fall into the same trap that people with abundant physical wealth fall.
Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our exodus from the bondage of sin begins and ends with God. He commanded Israel to mark their escape with unleavened bread because of what He did.
Born Again (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Nicodemus serves as a key figure through whom the born-again doctrine is illustrated as an entirely spiritual operation rather than a physical one. The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3 occurs deliberately on the heels of the Temple incident in John 2, where Jesus declared that worship would move from something …
The Cursed Redeemer
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHanging on a tree was designated the punishment for the worst kind of sin. Jesus was hung on a tree, having fulfilled the curse of the law for us.
John (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhile the other accounts of Jesus' trial and crucifixion seem to show passivity, John shows Jesus totally in charge, purposefully and courageously moving.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Hebrews clarifies that the persecution on the early church did not come directly from God, but He did stir the pot that caused the persecution.
John (Part Thirteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe myriad opinions of the crowd concerning Jesus were all conditioned from their perspectives and traditions, but hardly ever from God's perspective.
God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's mysteries have been in plain sight from the beginning of time, but carnality has obscured them from mankind.
Wilderness Wandering (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The wave offering enters the discussion through Numbers 8, where Moses and Aaron are instructed to bring the Levites before the tabernacle so that the congregation could lay hands on them, after which "Aaron shall offer the Levites before the LORD like a wave offering from the children of Israel, that they may perform the work …
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNicodemus first approached Jesus by night out of fear of the Jews, just as Joseph of Arimathea remained a secret disciple for the same reason. Both men held positions of authority in
The Bronze Serpent of Moses
Sermon by James C. StoertzLooking up to Christ does not always immediately eliminate our trials, but it transforms our perspective.
Who Was the Samaritan Woman at the Well?
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingThe woman was the first Gentile convert and an evangelist to her fellow Samaritans, who clearly did not consider her an outcast or immoral woman.
Hypocrisy: The Last Sin of America
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHaving its roots in a Greek word denoting 'actor', hypocrisy suggests pretending or deceiving—a filthy inside disguised by a clean outside.