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The Birth of Jesus Christ (Part One): Annunciation
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe biblical passages concerning the prophecy of Jesus Christ's birth, as presented in the accounts of Luke and Matthew, hold significant meaning that has often been obscured by worldly celebrations. Luke, a masterful historian and literary writer, sets a complex scene with concise detail, revealing the angel's message to Mary that she, highly favored by God, would bear His Son. The angel, likely Gabriel, quotes Messianic prophecies from Isaiah, foretelling a virgin conceiving a son named Immanuel, meaning God with us, though Gabriel names Him Jesus, signifying Savior. Similarly, in Matthew's account, Gabriel appears to Joseph in a dream, reiterating the prophecy that Mary's Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit, would be called Jesus and save His people from their sins, fulfilling the promise of God with us. These accounts emphasize the divine orchestration and fulfillment of ancient prophecies in the birth of Jesus, highlighting God's graciousness in choosing Mary and preparing both her and Joseph for this extraordinary role.
Announcing . . . Christ's Birth!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe accounts of Jesus Christ's birth, as recorded by Matthew and Luke, carry profound significance through fulfilled prophecy, building faith and hope while offering instruction and edification. These passages, often overshadowed by worldly portrayals, reveal the meticulous fulfillment of ancient predictions. In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph of the house of David, that she will conceive and bear a Son named Jesus, who will be great, called the Son of the Most High, and will reign over the house of Jacob forever with a Kingdom that will have no end. Gabriel quotes Messianic prophecies from Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9, affirming that Mary is chosen to fulfill these divine promises, as the Child will be Immanuel, meaning God with us, and a Savior. Mary, initially perplexed, is comforted by Gabriel's assurance that the power of the Highest will overshadow her, echoing the protective and miraculous presence of God as seen in the wilderness with the Israelites. Further confirmation comes through a sign involving Elizabeth's pregnancy, reinforcing the certainty of God's plan. In Matthew 1, Gabriel appears to Joseph in a dream, addressing his concerns about Mary's pregnancy. He reveals that the Child, conceived by the Holy Spirit, will save His people and be called Immanuel, fulfilling prophecy. Joseph, a humble and obedient man, accepts this divine message without question and complies with the angel's command. Additionally, in Luke 2, an angel announces the birth to shepherds, declaring good tidings of great joy for all people, specifically Israel, as the Savior, Christ the Lord, is born in the city of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. A host of angels joins in praising God, emphasizing the monumental importance of this event as a step in God's plan. These accounts underscore the precision of prophecy, affirming that God's Word, as spoken through Gabriel and echoed in Isaiah 55:10-11, accomplishes what He intends, ensuring the birth of the Savior who will bring salvation and eventual peace to those favored by His grace.
'Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive . . .'
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prophecy of Jesus Christ's birth, as a fulfillment of ancient predictions, stands as a remarkable sign of His identity as the Messiah. Matthew meticulously presents evidence to demonstrate that Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, which declares that a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son named Immanuel. In Matthew 1:18-25, it is emphasized that Mary, betrothed to Joseph, was found with child by the Holy Spirit before they came together, underscoring her virginity at the time of conception and throughout her pregnancy. Matthew reinforces this by noting that Joseph did not know her until after she had given birth to her firstborn Son, highlighting the miraculous nature of the event as a direct fulfillment of prophecy, untainted by human orchestration. Luke's account in Luke 1:26-38 and 2:4-7 complements this with precision and dignity, grounding the miraculous birth in the real world through specific details of time and place. The angel's announcement to Mary, and her humble acceptance of God's will despite her initial consternation as a virgin, emphasize the divine origin of the Child. Luke focuses not on the uniqueness of the virgin birth itself, but on the divinity, nobility, and purpose of the Son it produced, marking Him as the Son of God destined for far greater works. The prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 is part of a broader set of messianic predictions in Isaiah 7 through 12, indicating its significance beyond a singular historical context. While some argue it was meant only as a sign for King Ahaz's time, the presence of other messianic prophecies nearby suggests a dual fulfillment, both near and later, with the ultimate realization in Jesus Christ's birth. This extraordinary sign, a virgin bearing a Son, underscores the miraculous intervention of God, affirming that with Him, nothing is impossible.
Born of a Woman
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the church of God has emphasized His death over His birth, the prophecies of Christ's first advent are vitally important in establishing our faith.
John (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe apostle John has provided at least eight separate forms of witness, establishing the veracity of Jesus Christ's identity as God in the flesh.
From Both Sides Now and the Feast of Tabernacles
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe disillusionment experienced by all living under the sun can only be cleared up under the perfect government of Jesus Christ.
Micah (Part Two): Rest for the Restless
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMicah describes the current state of America, in which the former checks and balances between the three branches of government have rapidly deteriorated,
The Plan of Salvation in Genesis 3:15
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe sin of Adam and Eve led to three prophecies that outline God's plan to remedy this grim situation. The conflict ends with the Christ destroying Satan.
The Beast and Babylon (Part Three): Who Is the Woman?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIs the Woman depicted in Revelation 12 the church, as the church has dogmatically taught? Or is she another prophetic entity that is active today?