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The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing Malchus' Ear (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ, as the Forerunner (archegos, G747), was sent to live among men to reveal His Father, the Living God. As the one who goes before, it was necessary for Him to drink the cup of suffering, enduring arrest, persecution, crucifixion, and death at the hands of His own creation. His role as Forerunner required Him to submit to the Father's will with perfect humility, setting an example for all men. Through this submission, He became our Savior, demonstrating the faithful attitude needed to fulfill God's plan.
Hebrews (Part Two)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHebrews is addressed to a people living at the end of an era, who were drifting away, had lost their devotion, and were no longer motivated by zeal.
Wilderness Wandering (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Greek term *archegos* (G747) carries a rich and multifaceted meaning in relation to Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 2:10, He is described as the "captain" or "author" of salvation, made perfect through sufferings. This word, *archegos*, can also be translated as "prince," "trailblazer," "scout," or "pioneer," indicating one who leads the way for others to follow, initiates a path, sets a pattern, and guides. In Acts, Jesus Christ is called the *Archegos* of life, emphasizing His role as the originator who starts and leads the journey to eternal life, a role confirmed by God raising Him from the dead. The imagery of *archegos* is vividly illustrated by the concept of a person jumping from a floundering ship with a rope, swimming to shore, and securing it so others can follow to safety. Jesus Christ fulfills this role as the *Archegos*, saving us from the loss of hope for eternal life and guiding us to the safety of the Kingdom of God. His leadership is not one of ruling but of serving, as He came in the form of a servant, providing an example for us to follow in our own service under Him. Through His sufferings, He was perfected to carry out His purpose as High Priest and Savior, blazing the trail for us to inherit the promises of God.
Are You Strong in the Lord?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn exploring the concept of strength and leadership in Scripture, the Greek term *archegos* (G747) is used to describe Jesus Christ in several passages, including Hebrews 2:10, Acts 3:15, Acts 5:31, and Hebrews 12:2. This word, translated as Captain, Author, Founder, or Pioneer, fundamentally means head or leader, akin to a general leading an army. It also conveys the idea of a founder or originator, such as the founder of a city or family, and can indicate a source or origin, where a good governor might be the *archegos* of peace, or a bad one, the *archegos* of confusion. At its core, *archegos* embodies the notion of initiating something so that others may follow or enter into it. Jesus, as *archegos*, blazes a trail for humanity, starting a path that others can pursue. This role is deeply tied to His identification with human nature through suffering. By taking on flesh and blood, Jesus shared in the human experience, enabling Him to sympathize with our sorrows and temptations. His sufferings allowed Him to understand and feel with us, positioning Him as the ultimate leader who can help because He has endured what we endure. As *archegos*, He not only pioneers the way of salvation but also empowers us through His shared experience, supporting us in our struggles and temptations with unmatched understanding.
Christ Our Standard
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn examining the role of Jesus Christ as our ultimate Standard, we find a profound insight in the term archegos (G747), which translates to trailblazer or pioneer. This word encapsulates Christ's position as the one who goes before us, leading the way like a captain guiding his host. He blazes the trail for our salvation, showing us the path to follow by imitating His footsteps. As the archegos, Christ not only initiates our journey but also establishes a foundation, akin to building a city for others to inhabit or founding a dynasty. His life and actions define the true and living way to the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that there is no other path to the Father except through Him. By embodying this pioneering role, He ensures that we have a clear example to emulate in our pursuit of spiritual growth and ultimate salvation.
Hebrews (Part Five): Who Was Jesus?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In Hebrews 2:10, Jesus Christ is described with the title of captain of our salvation, translated from the Greek term archegos (G747). This term specifically means chief leader, defining one who proceeds before others, and can also describe a pioneer as well as a leader of a group. As an archegos, Jesus is perceived as one who inspires others to deeds of valor. Regarding salvation, He has gone before us in three significant ways: in obedience to the Father, in the suffering of His office to achieve God's glory, and in His example of both living and teaching the way of glory into God's Kingdom. The term archegos encapsulates in one word the blending of characteristics that qualify Him as our worthy High Priest, highlighting His unique role as a specific, one-of-a-kind leader in guiding us toward salvation.
Blazing a Trail Through the Wilderness
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordIn our spiritual journey, we are akin to pioneers, blazing a path for others to follow. Christ has gone before us, demonstrating that despite trials, we can reach the end of the trail. As described in Hebrews 6:19-20, He is our forerunner, referred to as the archegos (G747), a term signifying a leader or pioneer who initiates and guides the way. As firstfruits, we are not breaking a new trail but are tasked with widening and improving the path Christ has established. We fill the low spots, level the high areas, strengthen the weak, and make straight paths, ensuring that many others can follow and experience the joys of life in God's Family.
Hebrews: A Message for Today
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe book of Hebrews provides reasons to recapture flagging zeal, focusing on the reason for our hope and faith, establishing Christ's credentials.
Knowing Christ (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist's sacrifice was not merely substitutionary, but representative, with Christ giving us a pattern for life - mortifying our flesh and putting out sin.
Hebrews (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus blazed a trail, giving a pattern for qualifying (through suffering and resisting sin) for our responsibility as priests, reconnecting man and God.
Keep Your Heart With All Diligence!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChrist does not remove His people's trials, but He provides help for those going through them, using the cleansing power of the trial to heal their minds.
Raising Our Conception of the Resurrection
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we are satisfied with the fact that Jesus was resurrected, we miss its full glory and significance, as it has eternal consequences for God's elect.
Persecution
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough many have gone through sore trials, virtually no one has gone through the nightmarish persecutions suffered by the early Christians in Imperial Rome.
Diligence in the Face of Trials
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are in the battle of our very lives, facing the three formidable fronts of the world, Satan, and our own flesh. We must be strong in the Lord.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe spirit of the law does not do away with the letter of the law; without the letter, there is no spirit because there is no foundation. Examples show God's will.
Persistence
Sermon by John O. ReidPersistence is impossible without a transcendent and ardent vision, which prevents us from casting off restraint and gives us the will to keep on.
Four Views of Christ (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur lives parallel what Christ experienced: crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and glorification. The death of self must precede resurrection and glory.
Knowing Christ (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhen we mortify the flesh, refusing to feed the hungry beast of our carnal nature, we suffer. Suffering for righteousness' sake helps us to know Christ.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike geodes, hiding magnificent structural and aesthetic designs, the biblical types, emblems, or allegories are deceptively simple on the surface.
Psalm 23 (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe valley-of-shadow imagery symbolizes the fears, trials, and tests needed to produce character, quality fruit, and an intimate trust in the shepherd.
Philippians (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul conveyed to the Philippians his optimism that his imprisonment was actually a blessing, enabling him to magnify his effectiveness and bear more fruit.