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Leadership and the Covenants (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's covenant with David, as revealed in II Samuel 7:12-17, promises enduring establishment of David's lineage and kingdom. God declares that after David's days are fulfilled, He will set up David's seed, who will come from his body, and establish his kingdom. This descendant shall build a house for God's name, and God will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. God affirms, "I will be his Father, and he shall be My son," ensuring that even if iniquity occurs, His mercy will not depart as it did from Saul. David's house and kingdom are to be established forever before him, with his throne enduring eternally. This covenant with David, while not as expansive as the one made with Abram, is a specific branch of God's promises to Abram, as David is indeed a descendant of Abram. Both men shared a deep understanding of God's purpose, recognizing that the fulfillment of these promises would extend far into the future, beyond their lifetimes. They perceived that the promised Seed, who would provide blessings to all families of the earth, would be born into their family line, and that this individual could only be the eternal Creator God Himself, born as a man. David's reaction to this covenant, recorded in II Samuel 7:18, reflects profound gratitude and humility. He sits in prayer before the Lord, marveling at who he is and what his house represents that God has brought him so far. David acknowledges the greatness of God's promise concerning his royal dynasty in the distant future, declaring there is none like God and no other besides Him. He prays for the confirmation of God's covenant word regarding his house and dynasty, asking that God's name be magnified forever and that the house of His servant David be established before Him. David finds courage to pray this prayer, trusting in God's truth and the good things promised to His servant, seeking God's blessing so that his house may continue forever before Him.
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.
Jesus Disqualified?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughSome say Christ cannot be the Messiah because of His genealogy. Here is why this argument is fallacious and why Jesus IS our Savior!
Psalms: Book One (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBook One of the Psalms, parallel with the spring season, focuses on the Messianic prophecies, revealing God's plan to redeem Israel by crushing Satan.
Mr. Darby, Mr. Scofield, and God's Law
Sermonette by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Several destructive heresies have crept into Western religious culture, including the rapture lie, the dispensationalist theory, and the immortality of the soul.
Teaching the Good News of the Promise
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)We must teach God's ways to our offspring, orienting them to the way of give rather than get, admonishing them to purify themselves from the ways of the world.
Seeking God's Will (Part Two): Faithfulness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we mimic God's character, we will be always faithful. We can translate this trait into practical behaviors, as a foundational part of our character.
Government (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod is establishing a spiritual kingdom, with Christ as King, installed at the seventh trump when He will unleash the power of His Kingdom against the world.
Until Shiloh Comes
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prophecies about Judah show that, at the end time, Judah would have victory after victory 'until Shiloh comes,' referring to the return of Jesus Christ.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSins committed presumptuously by people of high responsibility (leaders) are judged more rigorously than those sins committed by people in ignorance.
Psalm 51 (Part One): Background
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDavid's power and assumption of immunity led to arrogance, complacency, and a total disregard for God's commands, bringing an unpleasant visit from Nathan.
Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Five): Promises Confirmed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSome critical scholars, unable to distinguish between conditional and unconditional promises, mistakenly jump to the conclusion that God cannot be trusted.
Christ's Female Ancestors
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLuke records four female ancestors of Christ: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Three out of the four were Gentiles and 3/4 also had glaring sexual problems
Outside the Normal Pattern of Order
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod is a God of order and not confusion; all He does follows a specific order—summarized by the adage, a time and a place for everything.
Lamentations (Part Seven; 1989)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughLamentations 3 and 4 show the stark contrast of a once proud people (secure in their wealth, technology, and cleverness) suffering bitter humiliation.