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A Name's Significance
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA name has higher significance than an identifier, but also ties one down, committing one to a destiny.
Where God Places His Name (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod renamed Abram when he was ninety-nine years old, appearing to him and establishing His covenant. In Genesis 17 God declared, "No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations." The new name means father of many nations, or father of multitudes, and God gave it before Abraham even had the son of promise. Ishmael did not count, since the line would come through Isaac. God likewise changed Sarai to Sarah, meaning princess, because kings would descend from her. These renamings illustrate a principle: the namer is superior to the one named, and when God gives a name, it is a true name that fits its bearer and what he will be known for forever. God, with perfect insight into true character and destiny, named Abram for what he would become. The same is true of other names God gives, such as Babel, meaning confusion, and Jesus, the Savior.
Abraham (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham did not come from a primitive, but a highly advanced civilization, having huge multi-storied dwellings with running water and indoor bathrooms.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Eight): Hebrews 1
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHebrews 1 delivers a knock-out punch to skeptics like many first-century Jews who claimed He falls short in qualifying as our High Priest and Savior.