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The Last Words of Jesus Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus everyone, let's dive into the varied perceptions of Jesus Christ as seen by different groups during His time. When Jesus asked His followers who people thought He was, responses ranged widely. Some believed He was John the Baptist returned from the dead, others saw Him as a second Elijah, and still others thought He was Jeremiah or another ancient prophet. Even among His closest disciples, there was confusion; Peter momentarily recognized Him as the Christ, the Son of the living God, but soon misunderstood His true mission, viewing Him as a human Messiah meant to lead the Jewish nation to independence and glory. This was a common belief among His disciples, who were shocked and disappointed by His unexpected death, expecting Him to spearhead an insurrection for Israel's sovereignty. The public held mixed views as well. Many were unsure about who He was, despite the signs in ancient scriptures. Some even thought He was less than sane, claiming He had a demon and was mad, questioning why anyone should listen to Him. Even those who knew Him from childhood were concerned, saying He was out of His mind. Yet, Jesus drew large crowds of common people, intrigued by something special in Him and His teachings, which stirred jealousy among religious leaders who complained that the world had gone after Him. Roman official Pontius Pilate was puzzled too, growing more afraid when the Jews accused Jesus of claiming to be the Son of God, prompting Pilate to ask, "Where are You from?" Jesus' own disciples wondered about His identity, asking, "Who can this be?" Despite His miracles, preaching, and fulfillment of prophetic writings, confusion and doubt persisted. The people were astonished at His authoritative teaching, unlike the scribes, and the educated elite were shocked by His depth of learning and wisdom, though they mocked Him, admitting they did not know where He was from. Though impressed by His knowledge and philosophy, many were unwilling to change themselves, reflecting the broad spectrum of perceptions about Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry.
Jesus and the Feast (Part One): Alignment With God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOnly in John 7 do we find some evidence of Tabernacles and the Eighth Day, providing a gold mine to discover what was on Jesus's mind during this time.
Why Did the Jews Hate Jesus?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe elites' jealousy over losing political power fueled their hatred of Jesus. Conflict between those who have power and those who want it is a way of life.
Christ, Our Passover
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany people believe that our sins are the focus of Passover—but they are wrong! Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb, should be our focus. How well do you know Him?
Christ Our Passover
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe focus of our self-examination should not be self-centered or comparing ourselves with others, but on the awesome significance of His sacrifice.
Four Views of Christ (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Gospels are Christ's biography. They also illustrate the typology of Revelation 4:7 depicting a lion, ox, man, and eagle, giving a picture of Christ's character.
Loving Christ
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Participation in Christ's life is the source of all good. Regardless of what church group we are in, we must establish a relationship with Christ.
Not-So-Great Expectations
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAt every turn, Jesus Christ was doubted, challenged, and scorned by people blinded and enslaved by their expectations of what God should be like.
Priceless
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's sacrifice is often not as real as it needs to be, but what He and His Father did for the elect, and ultimately, most of humanity, is priceless
Recognizing the Second Witness
Article by Charles WhitakerJesus Christ has and will make a witness in His two advents. Will we devoutly accept Him or reject Him because He does not fit our preconceptions?
Do You See God? (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIt is true that we cannot physically see the invisible God, but that does not mean that we cannot recognize His involvement in our lives. Here's how.
John (Part Thirteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe myriad opinions of the crowd concerning Jesus were all conditioned from their perspectives and traditions, but hardly ever from God's perspective.
No Private Interpretation
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughPeter warns that prophecy is not 'of any private interpretation.' Wild or self-serving speculating, as Judas Iscariot did, can lead to grave consequences.
John (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhat we believe automatically determines what we do; it is impossible to separate faith and works. If Jesus is not our source of belief, our works will suffer.
From Both Sides Now and the Greatest Day
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must know both where we are starting and where we are going, having absolute faith that we will get there. If we do, taking that last step will be as certain as the first.
What Is 'Son of God'?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughOur concept of God determines how we will worship Him. The fact that so many misunderstandings about Him indicates His people didn't listen to Him.
My House or God's?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeIn a revealing passage (John 7:53-8:1), the apostle John contrasts Jesus Christ to the Jews. God wants His people to prioritize Him above themselves.
Hebrews (Part Thirteen): Chapter 2, A Mind-Bending Purpose (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Jewish converts to the Way, although having had the benefit of Messianic prophecies, did not recognize the powerful significance of Psalm 8.
Matthew (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Pharisees and Sadducees, who normally opposed each other, joined forces against their common enemy, Jesus. They should have recognized Him as the Messiah.