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The Divine Warrior
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThis message presents a cohesive biblical theology of God as the Divine Warrior, a central image revealing His righteous power, justice, and mercy. Divine warfare is not a relic of primitive religion, but instead a profound expression of God's sovereign authority and redemptive purpose throughout Scripture. Beginning with the Exodus and Red Sea deliverance, God is shown fighting for His people, not through miraculous intervention, teaching them to trust in His power: "The Lord will fight for you." This theme continues in Joshua's encounter with the "Commander of the Lord's army," identified as the pre-incarnate Christ, and in the recurring title, "Lord of Hosts" ( Yahweh Sabaoth) , the sovereign commander of heaven's armies who rules over all earthly and cosmic powers. The later sections ( Isaiah, Deuteronomy, Revelation) deepen this portrayal wicked nations, expressing divine justice against evil, not cruelty. His sovereign right to judge and to show mercy, as Paul explains in Romans, reflecting His absolute holiness. The vision culminates in Revelation 19, where Christ appears as the victorious Warrior -King, who defeats evil, vindicating the righteous, establishing eternal peace. Divine warfare ultimately revealing God's redemptive Justice. Christ's battle is not for destruction, but for the renewal of creation and the triumph of His kingdom. God's might in battle embodies His sovereign justice, covenantal love, and ultimate victory over evil- calling His people to awe, trust, and worship.
Joshua's Four Miracles (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe life and leadership of Joshua provide a metaphor for the Christian journey following baptism, a path marked by spiritual warfare, growth, and trust in God.
Joshua and the Gibeonites (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Gibeonites' subterfuge succeeded because Israel's leaders, including Joshua, failed to check in with God, and in time, that failure cost them dearly.
Spiritual Strongholds (Part Three): God's Intervention
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn addition to dispatching the talent sized hail, God responded to Joshua's request to extend the day—requiring an infinitude of miracles.
Joshua's Four Miracles (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIsrael's conquest of Canaan under Joshua can be a metaphor for the journey from baptism to entering God's kingdom, especially for the second generation.
Spiritual Strongholds (Part One): Obedience
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJoshua quickly acquiesced to God, realizing that it is not a question of God being with us; we must yield unconditionally to the sovereign will of God.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part One): Origins
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause Abraham trusted God, his descendants have received unprecedented blessings. If the Israelites would have kept God's law, they would have served as a model.
Love and Fellowship
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFellowship with God is the only antidote to overwhelming feelings of despair, doubt, and self-condemnation.