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Jesus Christ's Trial (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe defense of Jesus Christ as the Branch, rooted in Old Testament prophecies, highlights His messianic identity. According to the scriptures, the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, and Jesus was, with proof available through witnesses and Roman records. The Messiah was to be born of a virgin, and Jesus fulfilled this prophecy as recorded by Isaiah, with Mary as a potential witness. The Messiah was to be of the house of David, and Jesus was, descending from David through both His natural mother Mary and adopted father Joseph, establishing His legal claim to the throne. The appearance of the Messiah was to be preceded by a forerunner like Elijah, and John the Baptist fulfilled this role, as Jesus Himself identified. The Messiah was to perform great works and miracles, and Jesus did, with even His accusers acknowledging these acts, though they feared the following He gained. The Messiah would make a public entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, and Jesus did so just days before His trial, in full view of the city. The Messiah would be betrayed by a close friend for thirty pieces of silver, and this was fulfilled through Judas, ironically by the actions of the Sanhedrin themselves. Finally, the Messiah was to be a man of common appearance, suffering, and rejected by Israel's leaders, and Jesus was, as foretold by Isaiah, with the Sanhedrin embodying this rejection during the trial. These fulfillments of prophecy stand as a defense of Jesus as the Branch, the promised Messiah.
The Branch
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Branch is a well-known Old Testament prophetic figure, identified as the Messiah by most people. Yet, is there more to it than that? What does it mean to us?
The Branch Of God's Planting
Sermonette by Bill OnisickThree factors are necessary for successful grafting: (1) compatibility, (2) alignment and pressure, and (3) proper care of the joint site.
Who Fulfills the Azazel Goat— Satan or Christ? (Part Four)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeThe Day of Atonement is not fulfilled with the binding of Satan. Rather, there are numerous prophecies of God atoning for the sins of physical Israel.
The Branch of God's Planting
'Ready Answer' by Bill OnisickGod's Word often employs the metaphor of grafting a branch into a rootstock, the best known of which is Paul's use of it in Romans 11.
The Glory of God (Part 2): In Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen we (following Jesus' example) display the way of God in our lives, bearing His name, and keeping His commandments, God's glory radiates in our lives.
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.
Until Shiloh Comes
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prophecies about Judah show that, at the end time, Judah would have victory after victory 'until Shiloh comes,' referring to the return of Jesus Christ.
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.
The Scepter, Duty, and the Days of Unleavened Bread
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod has honored His promise to David that He would always provide a member of his family to sit on the throne of Judah. The heirs to David's scepter live today.
Meet the Minor Prophets (Part Four)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe books of Zechariah and Malachi create a bridge to the New Testament and the coming of the Son of Man.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (The Book of Amos) (Part Two)
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughIsrael had every opportunity that the Gentiles did not have. God gave the Israelites gifts to live a better way, but they completely failed to reflect Him.
The Harvest is Almost In
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWithout Jesus Christ ruling this earth, mankind cannot govern himself one iota. Good times are coming to the earth when God's governance will restore all things.