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Is Jesus Christ a Christian?
Sermonette by Craig SablichExploring the topic of whether Jesus would be considered part of the Christian religion and movement, it is found that sadly He would not align with the vast majority of doctrines taught in the major branches of Christianity. We examine throughout this message three main questions: what Jesus thought about God's law, how He worshiped, and what He will be looking for when He returns." As Jesus loved the Father, He asked his disciples to love Him and explained that the way to do that would be to keep His law. He emphasized His law and not the traditions of men, which at that time were the extra rituals imposed by the rabbinic leaders. When Jesus Christ returns, He will look for people who strictly follow and go beyond in the spirit of the law and not the man-made rituals. It is demonstrated that the law preexisted the giving of the ten commandments at Sinai, and it will exist beyond Jesus' death and into the millennium. We are encouraged to self-examine our own lives to make sure we carefully keep the commandments and not get influenced by the worldly traditions.
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's Law, as kept by Jesus Christ, is a vital aspect of the spiritual creation and relationship with God. Jesus Christ, as the personification of grace, exemplifies the continuous flow of empowerment and blessings that enable us to fulfill His commandments. In John 14:15, He instructs, "If you love Me, keep My commandments," emphasizing that this obedience extends beyond the Ten Commandments to encompass all aspects of God's law relevant to the Christian way of life. This keeping of the law is not merely for earning salvation but for glorifying God and internalizing His character within our hearts during the process of sanctification. Jesus Christ's role as our Savior is deeply tied to His faithful adherence to God's law, providing a model for us to follow. Through His life and ministry, as seen in Titus 2, He teaches, empowers, and inspires us to live godly lives, overcome challenges, and perform good works. His example shows that justification by grace through faith does not abolish the law but liberates us to keep it as He did, aligning with God's purpose for our spiritual growth. This truth is reinforced by the understanding that salvation and the ability to uphold God's law are gifts freely given, not earned, ensuring that pride does not taint our relationship with God. Furthermore, the continuous personal involvement of the Father and the Son in our lives, as promised in John 14:18 and 14:23, assures us that we are not orphans but are supported in our efforts to live according to God's law. This divine presence, through the Holy Spirit, is a gracious gift that enables us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, following His example in obedience to God's commandments for the preparation of our place in His Kingdom.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod inspired the book of Hebrews to answer the difficult questions church members were struggling with during the tumultuous first decades of the church.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Although God never intended the Old Covenant to endure eternally, the spiritual law (shared by both the old and new covenants) lasts forever.
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.