A Look at Christian Suffering (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIf we are merely seeking a crown of glory, hoping to skirt by Christ's suffering, we must ask ourselves whether we really accept the Passover cup.
Jesus' Sufferings on Passover
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamThe sequence of events that took place on Passover, from Jesus' arrest through His death, was orchestrated so we could appreciate what God did for us.
Did God the Father Forsake Jesus Christ?
Sermon by David C. GrabbeJesus suffered the worst of effects including the temporary separation from His Father because of the Father's love for us, enduring what we should have received.
The Last Words of Jesus Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDuring the final hours of His life, Jesus made seven last statements to mankind, illustrating His nature and what He considered to be important for us.
Perfect Through Suffering
Sermonette by Bill OnisickAs we follow the pattern set by Jesus Christ, we will suffer as God prepares us for roles of great glory as members of His Family.
What Did Jesus Do?
'Ready Answer' by StaffWe have all seen 'WWJD?' on bracelets, T-shirts, and the like. Perhaps a better question is, "What *did* Jesus do?" because He left us the perfect example.
Scripture Fulfilled in Christ's Death
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFour distinct Old Testament Messianic prophecies were fulfilled by Christ's death and cited by the Apostle John.
Jesus' Final Human Thoughts (Part One)
Article by StaffWhat was in Jesus' mind during His final hours as a human being? The Bible shows that Jesus' thoughts were not on Himself or the sins He was bearing.
Will Jesus Be Ashamed of You?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are never to be ashamed of God's truth no matter what the consequences. For those who keep this charge, God will reciprocate with honor.
Final Words of Jesus on the Cross
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe seven last sayings of Christ were all determined well before the creation of the earth.
Jesus' Final Human Thoughts (Part Two)
Article by StaffWhat was Jesus thinking about during His last hours as a human? The gospel accounts reveal what Jesus knew about His suffering, death, and resurrection.
Life Doesn't Work on a Balance Sheet (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeOur response to God's call has not removed all of our suffering. However, responding to God changes the reason for suffering and what it can accomplish.
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.
Running God's Marathon With Christ
Sermon by Mark SchindlerChrist endured many more than three temptations; rather, He was tested continuously, and perhaps the intensity increased as He neared the end of His life.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die by Crucifixion?
'Ready Answer' by StaffCrucifixion is man's most cruel form of punishment. Why did Jesus need to die this way? What does it teach us? And was Jesus stabbed before or after He died?
Knowing, Following, and Striving for Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsOur goal is to know Christ on a personal basis, knowing the power of His resurrection. This knowledge should be a practical understanding of His power.
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.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part Eleven): Paradox, Continued
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHard trials are not punishments from God for unrighteousness but tests of faith in which He is intimately involved to prepare us for the world to come.
Knowing Christ (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn taking undue attention off the self, sacrifice (as an act and as a way of life) creates peace, prosperity, cooperation, and most of all, character.
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.
A Christian's Greatest Trial
Sermon by John O. ReidDaniel 7:25 reveals the strategy of the enemy: a concerted effort of the Beast to physically, mentally, and if possible, spiritually wear out the saints.
Intimacy with Christ (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must fight against the world's pulls (including advertising), simplifying our lives, seeking quiet to meditate and build a relationship with God.
Christianity Is a Fight! (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe most formidable foe in our spiritual battle is the flesh. We must mortify, slay, and crucify the flesh, enduring suffering as Jesus Christ exemplified.
Life Doesn't Work on a Balance Sheet (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeBeing God's Son was not enough to automatically qualify Him to be our High Priest. He was made complete and fully ready to be High Priest through sufferings.
Life Doesn't Work on a Balance Sheet (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAs soon as The Father and Son created man with the ability to choose right or wrong, They exposed Themselves to the certainty that humanity would rebel.
On the Mend
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityAs God has designed the physical healing process, God has also designed spiritual healing, requiring that faith, suffering, and healing be part of the same process.
The Price of Your Life
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingFilms try to depict the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, but have all fallen short of presenting the full dimensions of the event—the price of our sin.
Of Sponges and Spears
Article by StaffJesus calls on us to remember His affliction, including the piercing, the cup, the sour wine, and the gall.
Wilderness Wandering (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We share in Christ's suffering, realizing that glory follows suffering. It may involve enduring hardship, deprivation, duress, and outright boredom.
Wilderness Wandering (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Christ's suffering was not confined to crucifixion, but also consisted of rejection, humiliation, and the duress of persecution. Glory follows suffering.
David the Prophet
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughAmong his many other accomplishments, King David was a significant prophet. Psalm 22, for example, is a clearly recognizable prophecy of Christ's suffering.
Death of a Lamb
Article by StaffSince the church no longer keeps the Passover with the slaughter of a lamb, we miss important and poignant details that could enhance our observance.
The First Prophecy (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughGenesis is a book of beginnings, and in that theme, it also contains the first prophecy. Part of it is God's curse on the serpent in Genesis 3:14-15.
Acquainted with Grief
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist's bearing of our sicknesses and infirmities may have taken place throughout His life. He may have been acquainted with ill health for our benefit.
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.
Why Are We Afflicted?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAffliction is a necessary aspect of life, yielding strength of character, while ease and comfort weaken us. Christ was perfected as High Priest through suffering.
Light Affliction?
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsAffliction seems to be an integral part of Christianity. However, when it is viewed in the context of eternity, it is relatively light.
Why Does God Allow Us to Be Afflicted?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn God's hands, trials and afflictions are tools to produce refined character and joy, and to move us away from worldly choices and back to His purpose.
His Body, His Blood, and His Resurrection
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaThere are three components to Christ's composite sacrifice for our salvation: His death through the shedding of His blood, His body, and His resurrection.
The Unleavened Bread of Perfection
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaKeeping the leaven out is very important in its own right. However, our primary focus should not be on the leavened bread but on the unleavened bread.
After the Resurrection
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe absence of the 100 pounds of aloes, the folded 'turban,' and the rolled away stone indicate that a thorough cleansing and purification had occurred.
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.
Assurance (Part Two): Of the Path to Glory
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe can be assured that we are God's heirs and offspring if we are led by the spirit, remaining on the sanctified path of fellowship, growing continually.
The Providence of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCalamities, trials, anxiety, evil, and calamities, as well as blessings, happen to Christians in order to become fashioned and molded into God's image.
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.
The Last Great Day
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidBecause we have been tempted and failed many times, and had to overcome, we will be able encourage those resurrected, proving that it is not impossible.
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.
Lamentations (Part Eight)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs we approach the coming self-examination prior to Passover, we can apply six significant lessons taught to ancient Israel through the book of Lamentations.
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove for this world will inevitably bring disillusionment. Because the world is passing away, our priorities should be to fear God and keep his commandments.
Lamentations (Part Six)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Lamentations 3, the narrator finally convinces Lady Jerusalem that her own sins have caused her necessary punishment and affliction by God.
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.