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Image and Likeness of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's Word clearly states that He has form and shape, as revealed in Genesis 1:26-27, where He declares that man is made in His image and likeness, using the Hebrew words tselem and demooth, which denote shape, resemblance, and bodily form. This foundational truth, established in the very first chapter of Scripture, sets the vision for His purpose, implying that He is reproducing Himself so that we may ultimately be exactly like Him. In I Corinthians 15:45-49, Paul affirms this by contrasting the earthly image of Adam with the heavenly image we shall bear, indicating that just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man, suggesting that spiritual bodies exist and God possesses such a form. Further, in Luke 24:36-40, Jesus Christ, after His resurrection, demonstrates that a spirit being has a tangible body, not merely vaporous or formless, as He invites His disciples to handle Him and see that He has flesh and bones, though not of earthly composition. This reinforces the reality of spiritual form, aligning with John 5:37, where He confirms that the Father has a form, using the Greek word eidos, meaning shape or appearance visible to the eye. The consistent use of terms like tselem, demooth, and icon across Scriptures, whether applied to God, man, or idols, overwhelmingly points to physical resemblance and form, not merely abstract or spiritual likeness. Scripture leaves no room for doubt that God has a body with outward form and shape, as seen in Ezekiel 1, where demooth describes the likeness of living creatures and a throne, reflecting a visible resemblance to human form. Even the concept of man as a shadow of His Creator, as a possible interpretation of tselem, implies a real, solid source casting that shadow, affirming God's concrete existence. Thus, to deny this clear revelation is to question the very words He inspired, for He, the Author of the Book, knows best what He is and has disclosed Himself to His children through His Spirit.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus did not take on a different shape or form when He was transfigured. Taking on the image of the heavenly does not vaporize one into shapeless essence.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe doctrinal changes made by the Worldwide Church of God have devastating ramifications. Predictably, when the vision was changed, God's law was cast aside.
Government (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur attitude toward government must be one of submission. The church cannot perform its function without the cooperation of the carnal civil governments.
Why Wasn't Jesus Christ Crucified at the Start of Passover?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeJesus was crucified late on Abib 14, yet the Passover lambs were to be killed at the beginning of the 14th. The time of Christ's death is highly significant.
Elements of Motivation (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the familiar triumvirate (faith, hope, and love), faith serves as the foundation, love serves as the goal, and hope serves as the great motivator.
The First Prophecy (Part Three)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughFor his sin, Adam is promised great toil and suffering throughout his life, but just as in all things God does, a silver lining appears amidst the woe.