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'Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive . . .'
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe virgin birth of Jesus Christ carries both profound significance and inherent challenges. It is marked by the stigma of illegitimacy, as cultures often reject children born out of wedlock, branding them as born in sin and hindering their life prospects. Jesus faced such accusations during His ministry, likely fueled by societal norms and scriptural references that barred illegitimate offspring from certain privileges. Additionally, the concept of a virgin birth lacks believability to the carnal-minded, who might scoff at the idea of divine intervention, suspecting a fabricated tale to cover a compromising situation. Yet, Mary and Joseph, grounded in their encounters with angelic messengers, stood firm in their account, which is ultimately corroborated by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Another complication arises from the similarity to supernatural birth stories in pagan literature, where sons of gods are born to human maidens, though not true virgin births. The accounts in Matthew and Luke, however, stand apart with their grounding in reality, sobriety, and majesty, distinct from the often crass narratives of heathen demi-gods. Furthermore, the virgin birth lacks verifiability, relying solely on the testimonies of God, Mary, and Joseph, leading skeptics to dismiss it as hearsay or fantasy. Despite this, the internal evidence of Scripture emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus' origin. In Matthew's account, the virgin birth is presented with clarity and repetition, underscoring Mary's virginity at conception, throughout her pregnancy, and beyond, as a fulfillment of prophecy. It is positioned as the most astounding among early proofs of Jesus' Messiahship, achieved without His active involvement, thus reducing the likelihood of human manipulation. Luke, with precision and dignity, sets the miraculous event in the real world, focusing not on Mary's condition but on the divinity and purpose of her Son. The virgin birth serves as a miraculous means to herald the advent of the Son of God in human form, marking Him for His greater future accomplishments. The angel in Luke acknowledges the human perception of impossibility surrounding the virgin birth, yet affirms that with God, nothing is impossible, prompting Mary's faithful submission to His will. The prophecy of the virgin birth, found in Isaiah, is part of a broader messianic context, serving as a sign of God's assurance in historical crises, with both near and later fulfillments. The term used in the prophecy, understood as referring to a literal virgin, underscores the extraordinary nature of the event, distinguishing it as a significant sign. Ultimately, the virgin birth stands as a testament to Jesus' Messiahship and the transcendental nature of the Son of God, pointing to His wonderful works and ongoing role as High Priest before the Father.
Announcing . . . Christ's Birth!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe blending of paganism with inspired Scripture has degraded and obscured the meaning and glory of what happened in the announcement of Jesus Christ's birth.
Why Does Jesus Have Two Different Genealogies (Matthew 1:1-16; Luke 3:23-38)?
Bible Questions & AnswersThe genealogy in Matthew 1 is that of Joseph, Mary's husband, recorded for legal purposes. The genealogy in Luke 3 is Mary's, showing the royal line.
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.

Christ Coming in the Flesh
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJohn and other biblical authors emphasize that Jesus Christ came in the flesh as a human being. Jesus had to be fully human to die for human sins.
John (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe apostle John has provided at least eight separate forms of witness, establishing the veracity of Jesus Christ's identity as God in the flesh.
Is Mary Worthy of Worship?
Article by David C. GrabbeThe Catholic Church places great importance on Mary, to the point that many Catholics are pushing for Mary to be recognized as 'Co-Redemptrix!
Matthew (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughMatthew wrote his account with the Jews in mind, repeatedly saying, 'This was done to fulfill the prophets,' emphasizing the law and the Kingdom of God.
John (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEven many extra-biblical sources such as Tacitus, Seconius, Justin Martyr, Pliny, and Josephus corroborate and validate the biblical accounts of Jesus.
Four Points of Faith
Sermonette by James BeaubelleAt times we exhibit some faithlessness, perhaps because we have viewed faith just in terms of what we do rather than what God does through His gifting to us.