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Four Views of Christ (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the exploration of the four gospel accounts, each presents a dominant theme reflecting a particular aspect of Jesus Christ's relationship to God's purpose, modeled after the cherubim in Revelation 4 with their four faces: lion, ox, man, and eagle. Specifically, the lion symbolizes Jesus Christ as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, as directly stated in Revelation 5:5, where He is described as having prevailed to open the scroll and loose its seven seals. This imagery connects Him to the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David, as reinforced in Revelation 22:16, where He identifies Himself as the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. The lion, used in both good and bad senses in Scripture, here represents power, courage, eminence, kingdom, firmness, and wisdom. In Hosea 11:10, the Lord is likened to a lion whose roar commands attention and instills awe, signaling His authority and warning. Further, in Hosea 13:7-8, God's fierce judgment is compared to a lion's destructive force, illustrating an aspect of His rulership that, while severe, is ultimately for the good of His people. Genesis 49:8-9 portrays Judah as a lion's whelp, symbolizing rulership and authority, with a majestic and terrorizing aura that none dare rouse. Psalm 108:8 associates Judah as God's lawgiver, reinforcing Christ's connection to governance and dominion as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. In the gospel of Matthew, this lion imagery dominates, portraying Christ as the Son of Abraham through David, in connection with ruling and kingdom. This theme emphasizes His role as a sovereign figure, commanding authority and inviting the weary while uttering woes, distinct from the servant, man, or divine aspects highlighted in the other gospels. Through this perspective, we see Christ as a powerful and majestic ruler, an image that guides us on our spiritual pilgrimage toward the Kingdom of God.
Four Views of Christ (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe dominant emphasis of Matthew is the kingly qualities of Jesus as a descendant of the royal house of David, representing the Lion of Judah.
Four Views of Christ (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus sets a pattern for us by serving without thought of authority, power, position, status, fame, or gain, but as a patient, enduring, faithful servant.
The Spiritual Mark of the Beast
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAnger and hostility, driven by self-centered competitive pride constitute Satan's spiritual mark that divides nations, ethnic groups, families, and the church.
Blinded Minds
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughSatan has convinced many mainstream 'Christian' churches that the Giver of Grace cannot also be a Champion of the Law and a Hater of sin.
Parables and Prophecy
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughAside from being only simple stories, parables can have prophetic implications as well.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 1): The Mustard Seed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible, in both parables and prophecies, interprets itself and remains consistent in its use of symbols. We cannot arbitrarily attach meaning to symbols.
Animals of Israel
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamAnimals often serve to symbolically represent human traits, and Jacob referred to some of his offspring in Genesis 49 as having animal characteristics.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (Part Three)
Article by John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. RitenbaughGod's impartial judgment is a significant factor in the book of Amos. He will execute proper judgment, true justice, on all according to their works.
Why the Transfiguration?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughPeter, James, and John heard the Father's praise of Jesus, declaring Him to be more important than the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah).
Amos (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughModern Israel cannot see the connection between its own faithlessness to the covenant and the violence of society that mirrors her spiritual condition.
The Two Witnesses (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod wants us to recognize prophecies as they occur or shortly afterward. To cling to an interpretation before the events happen leads to missing vital details.