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Hebrews as a Sermon (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the early ministry of Jesus Christ, as recorded in Matthew 10:5-6, He instructed the apostles to avoid the Gentiles and the Samaritans, directing them instead to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. However, by the time of Pentecost and the events in the book of Acts, a significant shift occurred, marking a stage where Christ determined it was time to extend the message to other nations. Despite this outreach, the response from Gentiles often mirrored that of the Jews; unless God was specifically calling individuals, as with Cornelius and his family, Gentiles frequently reacted with persecution, just as many Jews did. As the apostles preached in Gentile areas, such as in Acts 13:42-50, initial interest from Gentiles in cities like Antioch in Pisidia was evident, with many begging to hear more on the next Sabbath. Yet, opposition arose as Jews, filled with envy, contradicted and blasphemed against Paul's teachings, leading Paul and Barnabas to boldly turn their focus to the Gentiles, declaring that the Lord had commanded them to be a light to the Gentiles for salvation to the ends of the earth. While many Gentiles rejoiced and believed, Jewish opposition stirred persecution, ultimately expelling Paul and Barnabas from the region. In Acts 14:1-7, in Iconium, a great multitude of both Jews and Greeks believed due to the apostles' preaching, but unbelieving Jews incited the Gentiles, poisoning their minds against the brethren. This division led to violent attempts by both Gentiles and Jews to abuse and stone the apostles, forcing them to flee to Lystra and Derbe. Later, in Acts 14:19-28, Jews from Antioch and Iconium persuaded Gentile multitudes in Lystra to stone Paul, though he survived and continued preaching, eventually reporting back in Antioch that God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. The tension between Jewish and Gentile believers also surfaced in Acts 15:1-10, where certain men from Judea insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised according to Mosaic custom to be saved, sparking significant dispute. Peter addressed this at the Jerusalem council, affirming that God had chosen him to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, granting them the Holy Spirit just as He did to the Jews, making no distinction and purifying their hearts by faith. James, in Acts 15:14-21, further declared that God had visited the Gentiles to take out a people for His name, aligning with prophetic words, and judged that they should not trouble Gentile converts with additional burdens beyond abstaining from idolatry, sexual immorality, things strangled, and blood. These events highlight a historical pattern where Gentiles, like Israelites, often initially accepted the gospel but turned to persecution when influenced by opposition or deeper reflection, revealing a shared human nature prone to sin. This recurring behavior underscores the challenges faced by the early church in bridging the divide between Jews and Gentiles as they navigated the expansion of God's message.
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.
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 Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe conversion of Cornelius is nearly as pivotal as the original Pentecost because the Gentiles are given the same portal of salvation offered to Israel.
The Jerusalem Council's Conclusion
Sermon/Bible Study byThe Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 addressed whether Gentile converts had to follow Jewish customs and additions to God's law to be saved.
Acts (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul's insistence that a relationship with God could not be established by keeping the law did not lead to the conclusion that the law had been done away.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHebrews was written to fulfill several needs of the first-century church. One of the most critical was to explain God's opening of eternal life to the Gentiles.
Hebrews (Part One): The Stage Is Set
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Early converts from Judaism claimed to accept the Law but had difficulty accepting the Lawgiver. Today, many claim to accept Christ, but will not accept His Law.
Facing Times of Stress: When God is Silent (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul demonstrated inner peace during turmoil, showing consistency in times of instability and faith in God during persecution, fulfilling the role God gave him.
Acts (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul established his identity and credentials as a Jew in order to build a foundation from which to provide a logical defense of his 'apostasy'.
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.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Acts 15 decision did not do away with God's law, but solved the question of circumcision and the misconception that it was a recipe for salvation.
How Does Faith Establish the Law?
Sermonette byThe book of Romans is like a song in which some lyrics are popular but others are unfamiliar and hummed through, obscuring the overall message.
Remember the Christians
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod made the gospel available to the Gentiles to provoke Israel to jealousy. The key to breaking down the enmity and animosity is to put on Christ.
Acts (Part Fourteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe people of Lystra and Derbe mistake Paul for Hermes and Barnabas for Zeus. When Paul convinces the crowds that he and Barnabas are not gods, they are rejected.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though the evidence from creation is overwhelming, people deliberately want to disregard it because accepting it would require submitting to His will.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCircumcision is a token, sign, or seal that one was the heir of Abraham. No physical sign has the power to transfer righteousness to the doer.
Tychicus the Messenger
Sermonette by Jared M. EllisTychicus, the companion and helper of Paul, displayed many godly actions and characteristics like eagerness to serve and bringing the comfort as a messenger.
Pentecost's Two Leavened Loaves (Part Five)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeRight now in the church of God, doctrinal differences divide us, including when to start the count to Pentecost when Passover falls on a weekly Sabbath.
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.
The Covenant of Circumcision
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughCircumcision was the sign God gave Abraham indicating that his descendants would ascend to greatness, acquiring physical and spiritual blessings.