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Israelite Soap Opera
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughBathsheba was the daughter of Eliam and the granddaughter of Ahithophel. She was born around 1000 BC and was about twenty years old in the middle of David's reign. Bathsheba had been married to Uriah the Hittite for only a few years at most when David saw her bathing naked on the roof of her house. David lusted after her and they committed adultery. Bathsheba conceived a child as a result. David arranged for Uriah to be killed in battle. After this Bathsheba became the queen of Israel and David's favorite wife. The baby died and David repented of his actions. Bathsheba's actions placed her family in a poor light yet the account places the greater share of responsibility on David.
Bitterness Can Kill
Sermon by Mike FordBathsheba was the granddaughter of Ahithophel and the daughter of Eliam. She was the wife of Uriah the Hittite. David saw her bathing and inquired about her. Ahithophel informed David of her identity and lineage in an attempt to warn him. David sent for her and she came to him. She conceived a child by David after her monthly cycle. This event led to further sins by David including the death of Uriah.
Psalm 55
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughBathsheba was the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite. Eliam was the son of Ahithophel. Bathsheba was therefore the granddaughter of Ahithophel. David committed adultery with Bathsheba. David then arranged for Uriah the Hittite to be killed in battle. Ahithophel was devastated by the dishonoring of his granddaughter and the killing of his son-in-law. This event may have been the beginning of Ahithophel's betrayal of David. Ahithophel may have decided to stay close to David in order to do the most damage to him at a later time. When Absalom rebelled against David, Ahithophel saw the best opportunity to get back at David. David later realized that Ahithophel had been false to him all along.
Psalm 51 (Part One): Background
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughDavid's power and assumption of immunity led to arrogance, complacency, and a total disregard for God's commands, bringing an unpleasant visit from Nathan.
Three Missing Kings (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJesus Christ's genealogy in Matthew's gospel leaves out three kings. But which ones are excluded, and what does their absence teach us?
Christ's Female Ancestors
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughLuke records four female ancestors of Christ: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Three out of the four were Gentiles and 3/4 also had glaring sexual problems
Where is Beauty?
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughGod has created beauty in function. The beauty in physical creation is a mere shadow of what God sees in our potential as future members of His family.
A Merry Heart
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingDespite all the tinsel and glitz, the Christmas season brings a great deal of stress. Knowing God and knowing the will of God brings about contentment.
Why Three Kings Are Missing From Matthew 1
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJoash, Amaziah, and Uzziah are kept out of Christ's genealogy. Although they started out well, their hearts were turned away by the end of their lives.
Ephraim and Manasseh: Half-Egyptians?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughWith God, racial identity and racial 'purity' are not the top priority. If we focus upon spiritual Israel rather than the race, this issue should not matter.
Sin Against God
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughMore important than our offense against another human being is the offense we have committed against Almighty God.
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.
Do We See What We Are Looking At?
Sermonette bySeeing versus truly perceiving frames a powerful exploration of biblical examples in which people failed or succeeded in spiritual discernment.
Character Matters
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUnlike America's presidents, in God's kingdom only those who have God's approval, those who have developed iron-clad character, will be qualified to rule.
The Great Flood (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGenesis 6:1-4 summarize what led to God's rejection of the pre-flood civilization: men chose wives solely on the basis of sex appeal and external beauty.
Decide Now How You Will Respond!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhile temptation is universal, it is not irresistible; no one is forced to yield. Every temptation provides a choice between life or death, blessing or curse.
Honoring Mom
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingTruly, a mother's love knows no bounds. The special bond between mothers and their children provides an insight as to how Jesus Christ loves us.
Modesty (Part Two): Put On Righteousness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe immodesty of current fashion exposes the nakedness of our children as though they were prostitutes. Swimsuits have evolved into 'legalized' nakedness.