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The Branch of God's Planting
'Ready Answer' by Bill OnisickGod has grafted us into His Family through a process contrary to our nature, as illustrated by the ancient practice of grafting branches. Grafting involves joining two plants so tightly that they grow into one, with the upper branch, or scion, bound to the rootstock, aligning their cambiums to form a unified tissue. This practice, over 4,000 years old, accelerates fruitfulness and improves hardiness. Success depends on compatibility, alignment with pressure, and proper care of the graft site to keep it alive and free of disease. In the analogy, God the Father plants us as branches, grafting us to His Son, Jesus Christ, the righteous Branch and holy Root. Through this union, we are bound tightly to Him, receiving nourishment from His Holy Spirit to produce fruit. As the root is holy, so must the branches be holy, requiring us to strive for holiness and align ourselves closely with Christ. Our Israelite ancestors were broken off due to unbelief, but we are warned that God will not spare us if we become fruitless through disobedience. Jesus Christ declares Himself the true vine, with God the Father as the Vinedresser, pruning branches to bear more fruit and removing those that do not. We, as branches of God's planting, must remain in Him, maintaining our grafted union through daily care, prayer, study, and practice of His ways. Compatibility in holiness, tight alignment with Christ, and keeping our spiritual connection alive mirror the physical grafting factors, ensuring we grow in self-sacrificial love. God the Father, through the sacrifice of our Savior, has peeled back our carnal nature and bound us to the holy Root under the New Covenant. As we receive the engrafted Word with meekness, as urged by James, we are transformed into righteous branches, producing fruit that glorifies Him. By abiding in Him, our grafted union strengthens, and we grow together, destined to inherit the land forever as the branch of God's planting.
The Branch Of God's Planting
Sermonette by Bill OnisickThree factors are necessary for successful grafting: (1) compatibility, (2) alignment and pressure, and (3) proper care of the joint site.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Seven): Romans 9
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul describes physical Israel as broken branches, allowing gentile branches to be grafted in, ultimately leading to the return of Israel to God's grace.
The Vessels of Wrath
Sermonette bySometimes we see God as unfair, but when we remember that we are worthy of death, we understand that God has demonstrated far more mercy than harshness.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Nine): Romans 11
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul poses two questions in Romans 11: Has God discarded Israel for all time? Will God graft physical Israel into the Covenant people of Abraham?
Servant of God, Act II: God's Gift of Faith
Article by Charles WhitakerThe story of Ebed-Melech goes far beyond a historical vignette. His story is an allegory of God's grace to the Gentiles.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIt is not the physical nation, but the spiritual remnant with whom God is working, circumcising their hearts and writing His laws in their minds.
'Go Ye Therefore Into All the World...'
'Ready Answer' by StaffTo understand Jesus' command, we need to examine what else He said to the same people. We should also determine just whom He commissioned to preach.
Finishing the Week
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe 'confirm[ing] a covenant with many' in the Seventy Weeks Prophecy hints at a future confirmation of the covenant to complete the seventieth week.
Esther (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod allows each of us to experience trials and tests to humble us, leading us to repent, obey and trust, followed by an often-dramatic deliverance and joy.
Sovereignty and Submission
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBeing reared in a democratic nation sometimes complicates our relationship with God; God's government is actually a sovereign, benevolent dictatorship.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJeremiah compares studying and meditating upon God's Word to physical eating, enabling a person to receive spiritual energy, vitality, and health.
Faith, Government, and the Calendar (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe calculated Hebrew calendar reflects God's faithfulness in providing His children a reliable calendar. Concocting one's own calendar is presumptuous.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFruit is a product of growth requiring knowledge, work, patience, truth (light) and water (God's Spirit). Only by remaining on the vine will we bear fruit.
The Purpose of Israel
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod chose ancient Israel 1) to be separate, 2) to demonstrate His love to them, 3) to keep His promises to Abraham, and 4) to make a covenant with them.
Think Soberly (Part Two)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerNo one has ever appointed themselves into a position in God's family. God's appointment is a prerogative reserved by Him alone.
Lessons from the Count to Pentecost
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe Sabbaths midway through the count to Pentecost represent times of faithlessness among our ancestors who complained about food and rejected God's leadership.
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.