Filter by Categories
Jesus Christ, the Bearer of Sin
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeAs God leads us through conversion, He challenges our understanding of Him, and accepting these challenges sharpens our vision of His character. Searching the Scriptures is vital, for they testify of the Father and the Son, yet sometimes their truths are difficult to embrace, especially regarding the harsh reality of Christ's sacrifice. In the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah 53, it is foretold that He would bear our griefs, carry our sorrows, and be wounded for our transgressions. The Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all, paralleling the Day of Atonement ritual in Leviticus 16 where sins are placed on the azazel goat, which then bears them into the wilderness. Jesus Christ, as the antitype, bore our sins in His own body on the tree, as stated in I Peter 2:24, enduring not just death but immense suffering, shame, and anguish during those hours. This bearing of sin was not merely a legal act but a real, physical fulfillment, as He experienced the full weight of sin's consequences. Isaiah 53:11-12 further confirms that by bearing our iniquities, He justifies many and intercedes for transgressors. Hebrews 9:28 echoes this, noting that Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. As Mediator, He intercedes for us, having borne the complete chastening we deserved, so that the chastening we now receive is mediated and bearable, aiding our sanctification. Sin remains serious, yet through His sacrifice, God can turn its consequences to a good end for His children. II Corinthians 5:21 reveals a startling truth: God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Galatians 3:13 adds that Christ became a curse for us, redeeming us from the curse of the law by hanging on the tree. Like the azazel, He became sin and a curse, bearing our transgressions outside the gate, as Hebrews 13:12 states, suffering not at the temple but in a place apart, feeling every moment of agony. This role, though dreadful, was necessary for our reconciliation and healing, both spiritual and otherwise, as foretold in Isaiah 53 and affirmed in I Peter 2:24-25, turning us back to the Shepherd. Accepting His sacrifice means acknowledging the profound reality of what the Son of God endured for our sake.
The Measure of Christ's Gift
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ stands as the central figure in the unity of the church, serving as the Head who dispenses grace and gifts to each member. He Himself is the giver of every gift, ensuring that each one of us receives grace according to the measure of His gift. As the great Mediator, He both receives from the Father and gives to the church, showering His blessings upon His people. Through His triumph, He has led captivity captive, conquering enemies such as sin and death, and distributing His bounty to us. His role as the Head guarantees unity amidst variety, as He calls each member to specific functions within the body, equipping them with the necessary grace to fulfill their purpose. It is Christ Himself who directly calls and assigns roles, ensuring that the church operates under His divine guidance and not through human presumption or desire for recognition.
Hebrews (Part Three): Who Was Jesus? (cont.)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)John identifies Christ as co-eternal with the Father, equal in character, but subordinate in authority. Christ's sonship was unique; He was the 'only Begotten Son.'
The Intercessory Character of Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus demonstrated the importance of intercessory prayer, a practice urged by Paul for spiritual siblings, family members, rulers, and even enemies.
Hebrews (Part Five): Who Was Jesus?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In Hebrews, we learn that Jesus is the only- begotten Son, creator and heir of all things, the express image of God's person, and has purged our sins.
Christ's Death, Resurrection, and Ascension
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus perfectly fulfilled the Old Testament types, slain as the Passover Lamb, resurrected with the cutting of the wavesheaf, and ascended to His Father at the time of the waving of the sheaf.
Powers of Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAfter His resurrection, Jesus Christ commissioned His disciples, reminding them of His limitless power to help them in their work.
Jesus the Door
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJohn 10:7-10 proclaims that Jesus is the door of the sheepfold or corral. If we follow Him in and out, we will have abundant life, now and in the Kingdom.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe have access to a Trailblazer, who has gone before us to show us the way. The only way can have fellowship with the Father is through Jesus Christ.
Peace with God Through Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe only possibility of attaining peace is a relationship with God—peace with God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which must continually be refined.
Four Views of Christ (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLuke's gospel portrays Christ as the son of man, the high priest of man, and the savior of man, having all the feelings, compassions, and aspirations of man.
The Meaning of "In Christ"
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn order to have our inner core properly re-adjusted, we must have the state of 'being in Christ.'
The Resurrection: A Central Pillar
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's resurrection is of paramount importance to us, because Jesus alone has the keys to our own resurrection and eternal life as firstfruits.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAlthough Christ is not the Absolute Deity, He is nevertheless the complement of the Father. He had a pre-existence as the God of the Old Testament.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father and Son are separate; the Father is the source of all power, while the Son serves as the channel through which we interface with the Father.
Is Confession of Sins a Biblical Practice?
Bible Questions & AnswersThere is a difference between seeking a brother's help in overcoming a fault—a human weakness—and confessing sins of the past. Only God can forgive sin.
Consequences of Resurrection and Ascension
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNeither Christmas or Easter appear in the Feasts of the Lord, but we find plenty of emphasis on the resurrection and ascension of Christ in the Holy Days.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist Himself asserted the superiority of the Father. Jesus serves as the revelator of the great God, providing the only means of access to Him.
We Have an Advocate With the Father
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen we sin, we have an advocate with Jesus Christ, who has been commissioned to forgive our sins upon repentance. There is no forgiveness apart from Christ.
Magic Doesn't Work (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPeople are attracted to magic because they think it brings quick results, bringing them their desires, erasing their fears and providing for their needs.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Although God never intended the Old Covenant to endure eternally, the spiritual law (shared by both the old and new covenants) lasts forever.
He Lives, We Live
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRedemption is useless to mortal beings without God's gift of eternal life (I Corinthians 15:19), which God made possible through Christ's resurrection.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father is the source of everything and the Son is the channel through which He carries out His purpose. Jesus declared that the Father is superior to Him.
Hebrews (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHebrews emphasizes the infinite superiority of Christ's priesthood and one-time sacrifice as contrasted to the repetitive Aaronic sacrifices.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Six)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus shared many happy feasts with His disciples and attended banquets and celebrations, much to the chagrin of the self-righteous Pharisees.