Playlist: Relationship with Jesus Christ (topic)
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.
Jesus Christ Is Our Hope
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingRahab considered the red cord a symbol of her faith and hope that she and her family would be rescued from destruction. Her faith was not wasted but rewarded.
Intimacy with Christ (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must guard our time, not allowing busyness and involvement with activities of the world to prevent us from forming a deep intimacy with God.
Intimacy with Christ (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan has deliberately designed this world to burn up our precious time, creating an artificial sense of urgency and a perpetual state of discontent.
Have You Given Your Heart to Jesus?
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloIt behooves God's called-out ones to recognize Jesus Christ as providing the access to God the Father, the Way and the Life.
An Intimate Expanding Relationship
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must trade our impulsive and capricious carnal natures for a controlled, sacrificing nature, imitating Christ in an intimate, expanding relationship.
Hebrews (Part Four): Who Was Jesus?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ was not just an extraordinary man, but also possessed the massive intellect needed to create, design and implementing all manner of life—He was God.
Christ's Revelation of the Father
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJohn 1:1-3 reveals Jesus' pedigree as the Logos (Spokesman), whose function was to declare or reveal the Father. He had existed with His Father from eternity.
Loving Christ
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Participation in Christ's life is the source of all good. Regardless of what church group we are in, we must establish a relationship with Christ.
How to Know We Love Christ
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot become weary of well-doing, allowing our first love to deteriorate, looking to the world for satisfaction. Here are 8 tests of our love for Christ.
Running God's Marathon With Christ
Sermon by Mark SchindlerChrist endured many more than three temptations; rather, He was tested continuously, and perhaps the intensity increased as He neared the end of His life.
Loving Christ and Revelation 2:1-7
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere is a direct relationship between loving Christ and doing the right works. God's love for us places us under a compelling obligation to reciprocate.
Does Jesus See You as His Friend?
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloJesus puts a condition on our friendship: We are His friends if we do what He commands, unlike the assumption that belief on His name is the only requirement.
Choosing to Have a Good Relationship
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Bible emphasizes marriage as the primary bond of society. The purpose for the marriage relationship is to depict the marriage of Christ and His bride.
Four Views of Christ (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur lives parallel what Christ experienced: crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and glorification. The death of self must precede resurrection and glory.
Four Views of Christ (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLuke's gospel portrays Christ as the son of man, the high priest of man, and the savior of man, having all the feelings, compassions, and aspirations of man.
Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Having experienced the turmoil of the Catholic—Protestant clash, the framers of our Constitution did not want any sect dictating religious doctrines or practices.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe brazen altar symbolized total sacrifice. We have to be willing to give up everything, bearing our own individual cross, forsaking all to follow Him.
Knowing, Following, and Striving for Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur goal is to know Christ on a personal basis, knowing the power of His resurrection. This knowledge should be a practical understanding of His power.
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.
Our Affinity to Christ
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus has already suffered the things we have, and now serves as our compassionate High Priest and Advocate. He provides the pattern we are to emulate.
Knowing Christ (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhen we mortify the flesh, refusing to feed the hungry beast of our carnal nature, we suffer. Suffering for righteousness' sake helps us to know Christ.
Yoked With Christ, Our Helper
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingThe Paracletos (Helper or One who goes alongside) clarifies the biblical metaphor of taking Christ's yoke, which eases burdens because He shares them.
The Purpose of the Marriage Relationship
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMarriage prepares God's called-out ones to collectively become the bride of Christ. God hates divorce but allows it on grounds of adultery and violence.
Hebrews (Part Thirteen): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Jewish converts to the Way, although having had the benefit of Messianic prophecies, did not recognize the powerful significance of Psalm 8.
Hebrews (Part Six): God's Salvation Communication
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God personally communicated with Adam, Eve, Abraham, Moses, the prophets, and to us through His Son. With the Scriptures, God teaches His faithful today.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Hebrews is a must-read for all members of God's church who seek the key for spiritual growth through a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.
Hebrews (Part Twelve): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)To counteract complacency, Hebrews warns against neglecting God's invitation of salvation, which He does not guarantee until sanctification has run its course.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews emphasizes that spiritual growth and glorification depends on an individual's relationship with Christ, the centerpiece of the Book of Hebrews.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Hebrews' audience consisted of converts from Judaism, suffering estrangement from family and community, excommunicated from the temple.
Keeping Love Alive (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWorks demonstrate our faith, our response to God's calling and His freely given grace. Reciprocity is always a part of our relationship with God.
Call Upon the Name of the Lord
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloShould we only pray to God the Father, given Christ's words in the model prayer and His proclamation that the Father was greater than He?
Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal life is to live a quality life as God lives, having developed a close relationship with God, living by faith and accepting His sovereignty over all.
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.
The Resurrection: A Central Pillar
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's resurrection is of paramount importance to us, because Jesus alone has the keys to our own resurrection and eternal life as firstfruits.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Eight)
Sermon by David F. MaasThe most effective way to develop a relationship with God is by developing a continuous prayer dialogue, conversing with Him through Bible study and prayer.
All in All
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe 'all in all' process has already begun. Our obligation and responsibility is to obey and yield to Christ and God the Father, conforming to their image.
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.
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.
Unity and Unleavened Bread
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs members of Christ's body, we must function for the good of the whole body, not competing with other parts. We must continually function as a son of God.
Five Easily-Neglected Doctrines
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Here are five easily neglected doctrines, which, if carelessly observed or distorted, could jeopardize the salvation of God's people.
Vulnerable
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWhile we are all different, we are all vulnerable to something, such as fear of deprivation, harm or shame. In response, we all create protective defense mechanisms.
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.
Love Thy Neighbor (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)He who loves God must love his brother, including every fellow human being. Our closeness with God transcends the other human relationships.
The Mystery of the Church (2005)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul's body analogy illustrates the interconnectedness of all members to Jesus Christ and to each other. Not one is unimportant or useless.
Ask, Seek, Knock
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn answer to the question, 'How can a mere human being fulfill the difficult expectations of God?', Jesus instructs us to 'Ask, seek, and knock.'
Church Unity Despite the Spirit of the World
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe unity of God's church does not derive from organizational expertise, the conformity of ecumenism, or the tolerance for evil, but from the family model.
'What Do You Seek?'
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe all had somewhat carnal reasons for responding to God's calling, but we must lay those aside in favor of truly seeking Christ and His righteousness.
Hebrews (Part Seven): Greater than Angels
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Hebrews systematically proves Christ's superiority to patriarchs, prophets, the Levitical Priesthood, and angels, establishing His credentials.
Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (2019)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Egypt is not directly a symbol of sin, but instead the world. The Days of Unleavened Bread symbolize what God did for us, not what we did by our own power.
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.
Psalm 23 (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe valley-of-shadow imagery symbolizes the fears, trials, and tests needed to produce character, quality fruit, and an intimate trust in the shepherd.
Offerings (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIf we want to follow Christ, we must sacrifice, take up our cross, and follow His example of service to God and others.
His Bones Were Not Broken
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingAs we focus upon the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the antitype of the Passover lamb, some have expressed concern about the contradiction of "Christ's broken body" described in the King James Version of I Corinthians 11:24 and the prophetic Psalm 34:20 stating, "not one of His bones will be broken." John 19:36 …
All in All (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The end of the sanctification process is when Christ will have defeated all enemies and put all things under His feet. Then, God the Father will be all in all.
Why Does God Keep Secrets?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasBy not revealing everything immediately, God has been employing teaching techniques that have taken the educational community thousands of years to discover.
Love's Emotional Dimension
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove doesn't become 'love' until we act. If we don't do what is right, the right feeling will never be formed; emotions are largely developed by our experiences.
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.
Is it Salvational?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIt is easy to denigrate a matter as not being 'salvational,' but the real question to ask is, How will this action affect my relationship with God?
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor His Own reasons, God has chosen not to reveal His plan to those the world considers wise, but, instead, to work with the weaker sort of mankind.
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.
God the Father (Part 3)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Father's purpose is to make us Christ-like, abounding in godly love. God is able to turn horrendous and gruesome circumstances into ultimate blessings.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 12)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe church of God today resembles a patient languishing from a deadly disease, resulting from a diet of spiritual junk food and neglecting the bread of life.
Prayer and Seeking God
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRather than having an apathetic relationship toward God, we must ardently, earnestly, and fervently seek God in order to imitate His behavior in our lives.
Life in the Church
Sermon by David C. GrabbeOutwardly, many members in Sardis bore Christ's name, but like the apparently religious Pharisees, they were in reality hypocrites, full of dead men's bones.
Hebrews (Part Ten): Chapters 1 and 2
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God created angels as ministering spirits to take care of the heirs of salvation. The Bible is filled with examples of angels rescuing God's people from harm.
Faith Overcomes the World
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs we attempt to overcome the world, we soon realize that we battle against invisible principalities, requiring us to form a close relationship with Christ.
God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFalse doctrines cut people off from a wholesome relationship with God. Doctrinal purity is measured according to how one emulates Christ.
What Are You Leaving?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Ephesians had a strong sense of duty and served as a vanguard in the battle against false doctrines. What was lacking was devotion to Christ.
Wilderness Wandering (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are in various stages of our wilderness journey, not knowing where our journey will take us. The turns give us opportunities to strengthen our faith.
Assurance That We Know Him!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf we know God, we no longer have the feeling that God is against us; we have no dread of God, but instead have awe and respect; we know that God loves us.
Power Belongs to God (Part 1)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPaul knew that only through strengthening his relationship with God was he able to both abound and be abased. When we are in trouble, we need to contact God first.
Patriotism, the Summer Soldier, and Our Times (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn terms of patriotism to God's Kingdom, Jesus set the standard higher than anyone else, sacrificing His life for everyone, even before the Father called them.
The Talking Blood (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Christ admonishes His people to prepare for difficult times by cultivating a close relationship with their Savior. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing.
Laodiceanism
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur love for beauty must be coupled with love for righteousness and holiness. Our relationship with Christ must take central place in our lives, displacing all else.
God's Rest (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe two principal robbers of peace are pride and the drive to have complete control of our lives. Discontent and imagined victimization led Adam and Eve into sin.
God's Good Work in Us
Sermon by John O. ReidDespite the privileged position of our calling, God does not cut us any slack in terms of trials and tests to perfect us. We must accept God's sovereignty.
Psalm 23 (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughOf all animals, sheep need the most care and are extremely vulnerable to predators, pests, and fear, leading to extremely dependent and trusting behavior.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Two): Ephesus
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Ephesus church effectively battled various heresies, for which Christ commends it. However, the members lost sight of the reason, having left their first love.
Self-Government
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughSubmitting to a human government is a work that requires self-government. Paul thoroughly disciplined his body as he followed the example of Jesus Christ.
Looking Back to the Future
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe dwelling in booths and the sacrifices were the context for rejoicing at the Feast of Tabernacles. The booths depict our current lives as pilgrims.
Greatest Offering
Sermonette by Bill OnisickGod demands that we love, do justice, and walk humbly, assuming the role of a servant rather than a tyrant, after the manner of the Gentiles.
End of an Era
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughThe death of John Ritenbaugh is part of one era of the greater church of God ending. The older generation is passing and the next generations must step up.
Burn the Ships
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingTotal commitment is not an option, it is a requirement, as Elisha demonstrated when Elijah threw the mantle on him leading Elisha to sacrifice his oxen.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerI AM, the surname of the God family, applies to God the Father and Son who desire to share that glory with their called-out saints (John 17).
Why Are We Here and What Is Our Focus?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod has a plan to bring all to Christ, but each in his own order. We cannot have a proper understanding of the plan if we do not keep Christ as the focus.
Pillars in the Temple of God
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingChrist says He will make those who overcome 'pillar[s] in the temple of My God.' The pillars of a building support its roof and the structure as a whole.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Seven): Repentance
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs High Priest, Christ is putting His people through the paces, tailoring the trials and experiences needed for sanctification and ultimate glorification.
Can You Handle the Truth?
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloWe must be willing to allow God to make changes in our thinking, even when those changes discomfort the beliefs to which we have acclimated ourselves.
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.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasMisguided theologians have tried to create a false dichotomy between grace and works. We do works of obedience to build character, not to earn salvation.
Boundaries, Incursions, Migrations, and God (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe globalist enemies of language, borders, and culture have made themselves enemies of the will of God, who set up boundaries for all the children of Adam.
God Is Not a Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWinston Churchill observed that 'Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.' The majority of organized 'Christianity' has a similar view of God.
Who Is the Israel of God?
Sermonette by Gary GarrettWhile the Old Testament Israelites provided the type of the Israel of God, Jesus Christ is actually God's Israel.
Our Divine Fellowship
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloUnless our primary relationship is with God, positive relationships with our brethren will be impossible and we will feel alone in our spiritual battles.
The March Toward Globalism (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We cannot instill sound-mindedness in our offspring unless we are personally filled with the fruits of God's Holy Spirit, modeling these for our children.
Passover (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughNine steps had to be included with the Passover observance, all within the house until morning. It takes place between sun's setting and complete darkness.
Philippians (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul warns the Philippians that nothing blemishes their witness more than complaining, because like the Israelites, they were calling God into account.