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Matthew (Part Twenty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus explains that what truly defiles a person—evil thoughts, murder, adultery—comes from their heart and mind, not from eating with unwashed hands.
Purge Me With Hyssop
Article by StaffThe Bible frequently uses the hyssop plant as a symbol of cleansing and purification. In relation to Christ's sacrifice, this herb has a connection to the Passover.
The Beatitudes, Part 6: The Pure in Heart
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughPurity before God is far more than just being clean. To Jesus, being pure in heart, described in the Beatitudes, touches on the very holiness of God.
Why 153 Fish? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWhy did Jesus provide exactly 153 fish? Apparently, the number stuck in John's mind for decades. This number must hold some significance, but what is it?
The Pharisees (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHaving their origin in the days of Ezra, the Scribes and Pharisees were extremely zealous for the law, separating themselves for this exclusive purpose.
Did God Change the Law of Clean and Unclean Meats?
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidWere the clean and unclean laws abolished at the cross? A closer look at the pertinent New Testament scriptures reveals God's intent.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe one who comes before God must be pure in body and mind. The priests had to wash themselves from a bronze laver, midway between the altar and the entrance.
God's Sea of Glass (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsUnlike tumultuous waves, the sea of glass before God's throne is tranquil and serene. Before we can stand on this sea of glass, we must be set apart and cleansed.
The Priesthood of God (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our responsibility as a royal priesthood and a kingdom of priests is to become holy as God is holy, exceeding the holiness of the Levitical priesthood.
Elements of Judgment (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We dare not 'do away' anything that is part of God's mind, or we will not be in His image. Acts 15 did not give Gentiles exemption from keeping God's Law.
Eden, The Garden, and the Two Trees (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe real cradle of civilization is not Mesopotamia, but Jerusalem, where God started His physical creation and where He will bring it to spiritual fruition.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Five): The Peace Offering, Sacrifice, and Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe peace offering teaches many things, but one of its main symbols is fellowship. Our communion with the Father and the Son obligates us to pursue peace.
Matthew (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Pharisees and Sadducees, who normally opposed each other, joined forces against their common enemy, Jesus. They should have recognized Him as the Messiah.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Parts of God's law are not presently required, yet not 'done away." Paul took a vow that required animal sacrifice. Ezekiel 34-48 shows the sacrificial law observed.
Why 153?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe first sign in the book of John corrected the physical need for wine; the eighth sign of 153 fish corrected a spiritual need on the part of God's people.