Filter by Categories
Lessons From Esther: Esther Sacrifices Herself
Article by Ronny H. GrahamQueen Esther, faced with the destruction of her people in Persia, put her life on the line. Her example can be an inspiration to all of us.
Lessons From Esther: Mordecai Never Grew Weary
Article by Mark SchindlerMordecai, a Jew living in the Persia capital, faithfully guided Esther through a time of potentially great trouble. Such character is in our reach as well.
Esther (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSome regard approaching the Bible as literature to be demeaning, yet the literary approach can be a powerful tool to appreciating it more fully.
Esther (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJust as Mordecai conceals Esther, God conceals His people in secret places under the shadow of His wings, in the sanctuary—the fellowship of the church.
Esther (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHaman was the treacherous offspring of King Agag, and Mordecai was the godly descendant of King Saul. Their pairing in Esther provides a sequel to I Samuel 15.
All About Edom (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughEsau was prophesied to be the father of a nation, Edom, and the Bible gives us plenty of clues about the character of his descendants.
Old Testament: Fruit of the Spirit (Part Three)
Sermon by Ronny H. GrahamIn contrast to Stephen who spoke the truth fearlessly, Haman valued his position more than the truth and gave into hatred for Mordecai and his people.
Esther (Part Five)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod allows each of us to experience trials and tests to humble us, leading us to repent, obey and trust, followed by an often-dramatic deliverance and joy.
Blood and Soil: The Persistence of Anti-Semitism
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerWhy has anti-Semitism remained a part of this world's way of thinking? Recent history shows that anti-Semitism has morphed into new expressions of an old evil.
The King of the South
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe King of the South (Daniel 11:40) might be a confederation of Arabic/Islamic nations continually at war with the people of Israel.
Secession (Part One): Is Separation Wrong?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs members of God's family, we are admonished to separate ourselves from the Babylonish system as Noah prepared himself from a hopelessly corrupt world.
Reap the Whirlwind
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamHaman's evil purposes were thwarted; he had sown the wind only to reap the whirlwind, paying for his evil communication with his life and his family.
Against All Odds
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are assured victory if we put on the whole armor of God, standing together as a spiritual phalanx and repelling all attacks, the waves of trials we face.
Wrong Will Eventually Be Set Right
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod frequently turns things around with an element of surprise, defeating human will, replacing it with understanding of the benefits of His will.
Narcissists! Get Real!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsAs Haman demonstrates, God deposes the proud and will bring them low. We must learn to humble ourselves under God's hand, and He will exalt us.
Who Were the Wise Men?
Article by StaffThe Feast of Epiphany, observed on January 6, commemorates the visit of the wise men, known as magi, to the infant Jesus at Bethlehem. These wise men knew in advance who they would visit and that their purpose was to worship Him. It is highly unlikely that heathen, idolatrous astrologers would travel great distances to honor the son of a deity they did not worship, suggesting that these magi were not pagan astrologers. The star that led the wise men to the young Jesus in Bethlehem was of miraculous origin, not an ordinary physical star. It had the ability to move, going before them until it came and stood over where the young Child was, a feat no known star or meteor can accomplish. This star, referred to as His star, was possibly an angel, given the glorious appearance of such spirit beings and their ability to move and guide. The magi were from the East, a distant land far from Judea of 4 BC, likely within the Parthian Empire, which included lands like Babylon and Persia where some of the ancient house of Israel had been exiled. Historical evidence suggests that some ancient magi claimed Abraham as their ancestor, adding to the possibility that these magi were Israelites eager to honor the One who could be their rightful King, especially given the auspicious nature of the miraculous star at His birth. Biblical and historical evidence indicates that these magi were not pagan astrologers led by heavenly observations but probably God-fearing descendants of the exiled house of Israel, guided miraculously to Bethlehem, likely by an angel, and divinely warned to flee back to their homeland after their visit.
The Reversal of Human Will
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsNumerous examples in scripture demonstrate a sudden reversal by God, who overturns the pride of human will, revealing His plans to the lowly and the humble.
The Witty Side of God's Inspiration
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ was a master of satire, word play, absurdity, irony, sarcasm, and exaggeration. Humor in the Bible reveals one dimension of God's personality.