Peter, a Sketch
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughOf all the disciples, the one that we usually consider to have the most personality is Simon Peter. No other disciple's words and actions are so often recorded.
Where Did The Original Apostles Go?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Scriptures are largely silent about the exploits of the apostles other than Paul. We have only general comments concerning their spheres of activities.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing Peter's Mother-in-Law
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus had served the people all day, but when He entered Simon Peter's house, He found He had one more miracle to perform: healing Peter's mother-in-law.
Sons of Thunder (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamIn Mark 3:16-19, Jesus calls the disciples. He gives the brothers James and John a nickname, or title, "Boanerges," which is Greek for "Sons of Thunder."
Sons of Thunder
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamJames and John had great zeal, but initially lacked eloquence and wisdom. Similarly, we need God to redirect our efforts to His purpose rather than our own.
Acts (Part 12)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh initially explores the work of Paul and Barnabas developing the church in the cosmopolitan city of Antioch, the location from where the term Christian originated. The twelfth chapter, an apparent flashback, focuses upon the execution of James (at the hands of mad Herod Agrippa), Peter's miraculous escape from …
Acts (Part 11)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh explores the conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile. This event is nearly as pivotal a benchmark as the original Pentecost because the Gentiles at this point are given the same portal of salvation (repentance, belief in Christ, and receipt of God's Holy Spirit) originally offered to Israel. This portion of Acts …
Acts (Part 1)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh explores the possibility that the book of Acts, in addition to its role in continuing and advancing the Gospel or Good News, could well have been assembled as an exculpatory trial document designed to vindicate the Apostle Paul and the early Church, demonstrating that Christianity was not a threat to the Roman …
Acts (Part 7)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh initially focuses upon the execution of Ananias and Sapphira for their deceit and hypocrisy (an event parallel to Aachan's deceit and execution), pretending to have sacrificed more than they actually had. In this same account, Luke records the volatile confrontation of the Apostles (who had been instructed by an …
Matthew (Part 3)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh reiterates that Jesus was baptized, not because He had committed any sin, but in order to fulfill God's Commandments of righteousness. Baptism is used symbolically to represent one's total commitment. Perhaps if people knew what was required, there would be fewer baptisms. Every thought, every attitude, every …
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: The Great Catch of Fish
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn performing the miracle of the great catch of fish, Jesus manifests His divine power over creation, forcing Peter to realize just who his Master was.
John (Part 28)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh explains that Jesus' caution to Mary in John 20:17, "Don't touch me," is more accurately translated "Don't cling to me." Either translation does not contradict the First Fruits symbolism. (After all, the Levitical Priests had to "touch" the grain in order to offer it.) Also the …
John (Part 1)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn presents Jesus, not as a phantom emanation, but as the reality, transcending the shadows represented by the temporal physical life.
Daring to Be Vulnerable
Sermonette by Bill OnisickBill Onisick, alluding to some insights in Bruce Wilkinson's book Secrets of the Vine, namely that there are many barriers to producing agape love, contends that lack of love is the biggest problem the greater Church of God struggles with today. We find it difficult to love our brethren as Christ loved us because we do not want …
Where Is Your Ultimate Allegiance?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, reminding us that we, as followers of Christ, may suffer persecution, provides encouragement by reminding us we are promised boldness through the power of the Holy Spirit, making it unnecessary to prepare a response against the persecutors. When the laws of God conflict with the laws of man, civil disobedience is …
Suffering Disgrace For Christ's Name
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, asking why Christians must endure such horrendous persecution and struggle, asserts that Paul warned in Acts 5 that the church would always be in danger of deception from within and opposition from without. "Opposition from without" in Peter's time came from the evil oppression incited by the Pharisees …
Acts (Part 15)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAfter explaining the context in which Paul advocated going from house to house, John Ritenbaugh reiterates that Paul, who understands clearly that God alone calls (John 6:44), makes his initial contact with non-believers in public places (synagogue and forum), going later to private dwellings by invitation only. Chapter 15 …
Four Views of Christ (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus sets a pattern for us by serving without thought of authority, power, position, status, fame, or gain, but as a patient, enduring, faithful servant.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJohn Ritenbaugh, suggesting that most of us resemble the Samaritan woman in our understanding of the value of our calling, maintains that our relationship with God is our sole protection from carnal human nature and the deadly pulls of the world. Whatever consumes our time has the power to either edify or distract us. Faith and …
Mark: Stupid, Unbelieving Disciples
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMark's gospel describes the miraculous transformation of the disciples, who began with slow comprehension, into faithful, mature apostles and fishers of men.
Matthew (Part 23)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe apostles' inability to drive out the demon teaches that faith is not a constant factor; it will deteriorate if it not exercised through prayer and fasting.
No One Else Matters (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSin has tainted the most faithful leaders. Most (perhaps all) church leaders have skeletons in their closets, but we follow them as they follow Christ.
The Post-Resurrection Last Words of Christ (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMartin Collins, reviewing the significance of Christ's final post-Resurrection sayings, "Feed My sheep" (appearing thrice) and "Follow me" (appearing twice), emphasizes that these words apply to all of God's called-out ones). We have a mandate to study the Bible comprehensively and responsibly, not becoming …
Breakfast by the Sea (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeJohn 21 contains a strong lesson about our part of our Father's business. It begins with a significant miracle, the eighth sign found in the book of John.
That No Flesh Should Glory
Sermon by Mark SchindlerMark Schindler, maintaining that it is indeed a privilege to be in the body of Christ, cautions us to be mindful of our calling, and to remember that we are indeed the weak of the world, still seeing through a glass darkly, having incomplete knowledge as to how God is using us. We do know that the most intelligent and wise of …
God Has Faith in You
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid (1930-2016)It can be encouraging to us that our patriarchs and the prophets had serious doubts, but God overrode all their fears in accomplishing His purpose.
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.
John (Part 21)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe humble attitude exemplified by Jesus in footwashing shows the mind of God. God expects us to follow Christ's example of loving others, flaws and all.
