Playlist: Hebrews, Book of (topic)
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews holds a vital place in understanding Jesus Christ and His role as our High Priest. It is a necessary part of comprehending His responsibility to His Father and to us, potentially making it one of the most needful books in the entire Bible for church members. The central personality within Hebrews is Jesus …
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The epistle to the Hebrews holds a significant place in the spiritual foundation of the church, serving as a crucial key to the salvation of many since God inspired its writing. When it was composed, it was urgently needed for the spiritual stability and salvation of the church, as God's called-out ones were transitioning from …
Hebrews (Part Thirteen): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Book of Hebrews holds a central place in understanding the profound importance of a relationship with Jesus Christ. The epistle, likely authored by the apostle Paul, was written decades after significant events like the Acts 15 conference, addressing Jewish individuals called to conversion who struggled to accept Jesus as …
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Hebrews holds a significant place within the broader context of God's purpose and the challenges faced by the early church. Internal evidence suggests that the apostle Paul may be the author, fitting with the assignment God gave him to minister to Gentiles, though the exact authorship remains uncertain and is not …
Hebrews 10:9 - Sacrificial System or Old Covenant?
Sermonette by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Hebrews 10:9 does not say that God's law or the Old Covenant has been done away, but that the system of animal sacrifices has been set aside for now.
Hebrews (Part Eleven): A Simple Recap
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Book of Hebrews stands out as one of the most exhortative writings in Scripture, driven by the author's deep conviction in the truth of his message. He urges believers to act on God's calling with urgency, emphasizing that they must carry out their duty to glorify Him by producing much fruit and growing in the grace and …
Hebrews (Part Ten): Chapters 1 and 2
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The epistle to the Hebrews holds a significant place among the books of the Bible, standing as first among equals in its importance to our salvation. It is devoted entirely to Jesus Christ, our Savior, the Captain of our salvation, guiding us in how to make our relationship with Him bear fruit for our salvation. Hebrews 1 sets a …
Hebrews (Part Four): Who Was Jesus?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The epistle to the Hebrews stands distinct among other biblical writings, crafted with a mature spiritual mind and experiential understanding, likely as one of the last epistles written. Its content was not dictated like the book of Leviticus but was taught by God in the flesh to twelve chosen leaders who followed Him, learning …
Hebrews (Part Eight): Greater Than Angels (cont.)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The author of the epistle to the Hebrews, from the very beginning, endeavors to persuade the Jews to relinquish their deep reverence for angels and accept Jesus Christ as their High Priest in the current covenant order. The author presents Christ's qualifications, emphasizing that He is the Creator God, a status that surpasses …
Hebrews (Part Twelve): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Hebrews carries a mind-bending purpose, requiring deep exploration to uncover its profound messages. It stands as perhaps the most exhortative book in the Bible, filled with strong urgings that underscore its importance to our relationship with Jesus Christ. The author, addressing critical issues faced by the Jews …
Hebrews (Part Seven): Greater than Angels
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Hebrews is written to explain a small but significant aspect of Jesus Christ, focusing on His qualifications and role as the ultimate communicator of God's message. It is crafted for the benefit of His disciples, emphasizing that He is the one to listen to above all others. The epistle presents a series of clear …
A Feast Message From Hebrews
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews stands as a profound and motivating force, drawing attention to the superiority of Jesus Christ and the message He brought to mankind. It presents the gospel of the Kingdom of God, encompassing the New Covenant, as surpassing any other message, person, or way of life ever given, even exceeding what was …
Hebrews (Part Two): Who Was Jesus?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Hebrews stands as a profound testament to the supremacy of Jesus Christ, presenting Him as the central figure and major theme. Unlike Leviticus, which details specific responsibilities under the Old Covenant through instructions given to Moses, Hebrews reveals a new dimension of worship and relationship with God. It …
Hebrews (Part One): The Stage Is Set
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The epistle to the Hebrews emerged as a vital source of guidance for the early church, particularly during a period of intense cultural and spiritual turmoil in Jerusalem. From 31 AD, following the significant events of Pentecost, until around 65 AD, the church faced nearly four decades of persecution without the written support …
Hebrews: Its Background (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Epistle to the Hebrews emphasizes the paramount importance of Jesus Christ as the spiritual High Priest, seated at the right hand of the throne of God in heaven. This book is devoted to the ministry He provides, detailing His indispensable role in the salvation of God's sanctified ones. Without Him, spiritual progress is …
Hebrews (Part Five): Who Was Jesus?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Book of Hebrews stands as a profound treatise within the New Testament, distinct in its form and purpose from other epistles. It begins with a striking focus on God, setting it apart by announcing a transition from one time period to a new age with the entrance of Jesus Christ. This epistle, written specifically for the …
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The epistle to the Hebrews was written in the first century for the edification of church members amidst a culture in turmoil, where they faced persecution for religious reasons. It aimed to help members grasp the profound importance of their relationship with Jesus Christ during a time of intense social and cultural challenges. …
Hebrews as a Sermon (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The epistle to the Hebrews offers significant insight into God's mercy, faithfulness, and forgiveness under the New Covenant, with much of its content focusing on Jesus Christ as our High Priest. Despite its profound importance, it is often the least studied book of the New Testament among modern church members due to its …
Hebrews (Part Three): Who Was Jesus? (cont.)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Book of Hebrews is central to understanding the identity and mission of Jesus Christ, particularly in relation to His humanity and sacrifice. This exploration ties directly to the significance of Passover, as Jesus, through His life and sacrifice, became the means of making peace between humanity and God, fostering a …
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The epistle to the Hebrews is a vital communication essential to our salvation, significantly impacting our relationship with Jesus Christ when its counsel is applied. It is often considered a difficult book, yet it is immensely needed for maintaining a strong connection with Him, offering guidance on how to sustain this crucial …
Hebrews (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHebrews is addressed to a people living at the end of an era, who were drifting away, had lost their devotion, and were no longer motivated by zeal.
Hebrews 2: God Is Present
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The epistle to the Hebrews is presented as a sermon message, alerting brethren to prepare their minds for challenging times as Christians, particularly in the Mediterranean area around 65 AD, when threats of warfare loomed large. It begins by emphasizing that God is not silent, affirming that He communicates with His people in …
Hebrews (Part Six): God's Salvation Communication
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Book of Hebrews holds a significant place in emphasizing the importance of Jesus Christ to salvation. Hebrews 1:1-14 punctuates His essential role, portraying Him as the Potter while we are the clay, underscoring that without attachment to Him, there is no fruit or salvation life. His importance is central; He is the Creator …
Hebrews: A Message for Today
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews provides reasons to recapture flagging zeal, focusing on the reason for our hope and faith, establishing Christ's credentials.
Hebrews (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ's priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood because Christ tenure is eternal rather than temporal, guaranteeing both continuity and quality.
Hebrews (Part Fourteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Without a meaningful relationship with Christ, God's people cannot possibly bear fruit. Our responsibility is to yield to God's creative work in our lives.
Hebrews (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHebrews emphasizes the infinite superiority of Christ's priesthood and one-time sacrifice as contrasted to the repetitive Aaronic sacrifices.
Hebrews as a Sermon (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God designed the sermon of Hebrews to motivate God's people, who are going through the same turmoil as those living in 65 AD, facing persecution from society.
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 (Part Nine)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAfter the change from the Aaronic to the Melchizedek priesthood, it was also necessary to change the Covenant. The flaw was not the law, but the heart.
Hebrews (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus blazed a trail, giving a pattern for qualifying (through suffering and resisting sin) for our responsibility as priests, reconnecting man and God.
Hebrews 12 and 13: Advice for the End Time
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must lay aside every weight, accept God's chastening, receive encouragement from those who have gone before, and get back into the spiritual race.
Hebrews (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHebrews 11 provides examples to bolster faith. The faith described is not blind, but is carefully developed from systematic analysis of available evidence.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughParts of God's law are not presently required, yet not 'done away." Paul took a vow that required animal sacrifice. Ezekiel 34-48 shows the sacrificial law observed.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus qualified as High Priest, teaching us about living by faith in the New Covenant, which mandates that we keep His commandments.
The Five Warnings of Hebrews
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe modern church stands in danger of allowing salvation to slip away. Hebrews gives warnings to help us turn our lives around so we do not fall short.
Hebrews (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEverything about the Priesthood of Christ is superior to the Levitical system, which only served as a type of the access to God that Jesus would fulfill.
Hebrews (Part Fifteen): Chapter 2, A Mind Bending Purpose (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Even though we must cooperate in cultivating spiritual fruit, God alone creates character and takes responsibility for creating spiritual offspring.
Hebrews (Part Nine): Chapter 1: Jesus' Exultation and Christianity's Claims
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews 1:3 and Psalm 2 explain how Jesus becomes something He previously was not. Because of Christ's qualifications, Christianity has a claim on all mankind.
Hebrews (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWith godly hope, we need to envision the successful accomplishment of God's purpose for us, realizing that God has bound that promise with an oath.
Hebrews, Love, and the Ephesian Church
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the Ephesians, the weary veterans in Hebrews were becoming apathetic through outside pressures, losing their former zeal and devotion to Christ.
Hebrews (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe dare not allow a root of bitterness to spring up in us as a result of trials - those burdens intended by God to strengthen us and perfect us.
Hebrews (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn terms of spiritual insight, Hebrews is a pivotal book, whose function is to bridge the purposes and themes of the Old and New Testaments.
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.
Hebrews (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus experienced the same temptations and suffering we do, qualifying Him for the role of High Priest, the bridge-builder between man and God.
Hebrews (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe must emulate Christ, who learned through suffering, preparing Himself for His role as High Priest. Giving in alienates us from the fellowship with God.
Hebrews (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe ancient Israelites resisted the gospel, refusing to mix it with actual obedience. What they heard never became a part of their lives; Egypt never left them.
The 'Rest' of Hebrews 4
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIf we patiently endure, trusting in God's faithfulness to bring us to completion, there will be a time when we will attain the rest we desperately yearn for.
Hebrews (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughLike Jesus and other heroes of faith, we need to look beyond the present to the long term effects of the trials and tests we go though, seeing their value.
Hebrews (Part Thirteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham, the father of the faithful, did not have a blind faith; it was based upon observation of God's proven track record of faithfulness.
Each Other
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIf we stick together, allowing ourselves the benefit of exhortation, consolation, and encouragement, we will less likely commit willful sin.
Jesus Christ: First Savior, Second High Priest, Third King
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews teaches that our relationship to Christ as our Savior, High Priest, and King is the key to salvation. He shows us the way to the Father.
The Angel and the Apostle
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeHebrews 1-2 establish Christ's superiority over angels, but notably do not mention the Angel of the Lord. Instead, the author handles the Angel differently.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eighteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul never taught any Jew to forsake the Law of Moses, but he did warn against Pharisaical additions for the expressed purpose of attaining justification.
Going on to Perfection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe are bombarded by technology, competing for our attention, causing us to drift from our spiritual quest. God expects us to continue to mature spiritually.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike with the heroes of faith, our testing will be commensurate with the job God has prepared for us. We must make our relationship with God our top priority.
Lessons From First-Century Christianity
Sermon by David C. GrabbeEven though the believers of the first century experienced extraordinary events, because of entropy, their zeal atrophied after the shockwaves dissipated.
Harden Not Your Heart
Sermon by John O. ReidWe are warned in Hebrews not to harden our hearts, not to let the precious truth of God drift away, realizing that we have been called with a high calling.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Seventeen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Law (including the judgments, ordinances, and statutes), far from being done away, shows us our faults and outlines the way of mercy and love—how to live.
After the Resurrection
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe absence of the 100 pounds of aloes, the folded 'turban,' and the rolled away stone indicate that a thorough cleansing and purification had occurred.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father and Son are separate; the Father is the source of all power, while the Son serves as the channel through which we interface with the Father.
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.
Don't Give Up!
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must reorient our focus onto God's Word and His message of hope, never giving up our quest for righteousness and integrity in the midst of immorality.
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.
Why Wasn't Jesus Christ Crucified at the Start of Passover?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeJesus was crucified late on Abib 14, yet the Passover lambs were to be killed at the beginning of the 14th. The time of Christ's death is highly significant.
Conviction and Moses
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur conviction reveals itself in living by faith. Moses is a stunning example of how a convicted Christian should live — with loyalty and faithfulness to God.
Trumpets Is a Day of Hope
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are on the threshold of the greatest period of testing ever to come upon mankind. We need a sense of hope and faith to stay focused on our calling.
Where Do We Fit?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The church exists because of what God has purposed and done, not because anything we have done. When pride exists within us, God can do nothing with us.
Prayer and Fervency
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLiving faith has its roots in fervently, diligently seeking God and His righteousness with intense desire (like a passionate lover) through habitual prayer.
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.
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faith in God and in the motivating power in God's Word have to be the driving force in everything we do each day.
The Priesthood of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must endure chastening and correction to grow in holiness and become priests. In the qualifications of a Melchizedek priest, zeal and holiness are mandatory.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEverything that we go through has been engineered by God. We are His workmanship, created for good works, a response to the faith He has given us.
God's Workmanship (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod assumes the burden for our salvation, but we are obligated to yield to His workmanship—made manifest by good works, the effect of salvation.
Elements of Motivation (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the familiar triumvirate (faith, hope, and love), faith serves as the foundation, love serves as the goal, and hope serves as the great motivator.
The Fourth Commandment (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFocusing on material and temporal things undermines faith. The Sabbath is holy time, created for building faith, energizing our minds for fellowship with God.
Four Views of Christ (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Gospels are Christ's biography. They also illustrate the typology of Revelation 4:7 depicting a lion, ox, man, and eagle, giving a picture of Christ's character.
Completing Sanctification
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAn emphasis on hyper-grace is wrong-headed, denying any need for repentance and overcoming, and totally at odds with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Laodiceanism and Being There Next Year
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur biggest danger at this time is to be lured into spiritual drunkenness by the pagan Babylonian system. Our God is not what we say we worship but whom we serve.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 8)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA poor spiritual diet will bring about a weak spiritual condition. What the mind assimilates is exceedingly more important than what the stomach assimilates.
Unity (Part 5): Ephesians 4 (B)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAdopting a revolutionary stance for the sake of change, variety, or relieving boredom will systematically destroy the faith once delivered.
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe largest portion of the great commission demands that the lion's share of time, money, or energy ought to be invested in feeding the flock.
How Satan Destroys Faith
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause we act on what we believe, any affront to our belief system will alter our choices and behavior, placing us on a destructive trajectory.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist emphasizes that the internal, weightier matters, which change the heart, take precedence over external ceremonial concerns that don't change the heart.
Government (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor us to take on the glory of God, we must have the same kind of access to the Father as Christ did, taking on the responsibility of behaving like His sons.
Government (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur attitude toward government must be one of submission. The church cannot perform its function without the cooperation of the carnal civil governments.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod personally handpicks individuals with whom He desires to form a reciprocal relationship. This relationship must be dressed, kept, tended, and maintained.
What Do We Do at the End of an Age?
Sermon by David C. GrabbeWe are living at the end of a collapsing political, economic and cultural age. The greatest danger for God's people in such times is not the upheaval itself, but instead spiritual drift, neglect, and hardening of the heart. Drawing heavily from the book of Hebrews, we learn that salvation is not merely a past event, but an …
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.
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.
Seeing God in Creation (Part Two)
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamTwo theories try to deny the Creator God: the Big Bang Theory and Darwin's theory of the Origin of the Species. We can deduce God's presence from His creation.
Understanding the Azazel Goat
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe goat for azazel (complete removal) bore the sins of the nation out of sight. Jesus Christ likewise had our iniquities laid on Him, and He bore them.
The Fruit of Repentance
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe may feel sorry or even guilty when we sin, but have we actually repented? The Scriptures show that true repentance produces these seven, distinct fruits.
Forging the Canon
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNeither the original apostolic church nor the Roman Catholic Church authorized scripture, but accepted only what was already canonized. Here is how it happened.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Bible abounds in metaphors of warfare, indicating that the Christian's walk will be characterized by stress, sacrifice, and deprivation in building faith.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven with Christ's sacrifice, God does not owe us salvation. We are called to walk, actively putting to death our carnal natures, resisting the complacency.
Is God's Way Simple?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJust because something is simple does not make it true and just because something is complex does not make it false. Deeper knowledge often comes with complexity.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike geodes, hiding magnificent structural and aesthetic designs, the biblical types, emblems, or allegories are deceptively simple on the surface.
Knowing Christ (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSanctification is the longest, most difficult, and most grueling part of the conversion process—a time when suffering and sacrifice are demanded of us.
The Fear of God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMany have inadvertently adopted a soft concept of God, disrespecting and showing contempt for God's authority and power. Godly fear is a gift of wisdom.