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Recognizing the Second Witness
Article by Charles WhitakerThe Messiah is to preach the Good News of His Father's Kingdom in two visits, His message taking the form of two witnesses. His first visit, nearly 2,000 years ago, was introduced by reading Isaiah 61:1-2 in Nazareth's synagogue, yet many Galileans failed to recognize Him. At His second visit, many will again be filled with wrath and seek to destroy Him. To avoid delusion and recognize Him, we must learn from events and people during His first witness. In John 7, during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, two groups failed to recognize Jesus as their Messiah. The first group, expecting the Messiah to appear suddenly out of nowhere, dismissed Him because they knew His origins and family. The second group rejected Him based on the false notion that no prophet arose from Galilee, ignoring prophecies of His Galilean ministry. Both groups lacked a love for God's truth, leading them to believe a lie and fail to recognize their Messiah. In contrast, Luke 2 describes a group who recognized Jesus as the Messiah shortly after His birth. These devout individuals, including Simeon and Anna, displayed key characteristics: they had God's Spirit, heard God's Word regularly, fellowshipped with like-minded believers, fasted often, prayed regularly, understood prophecies about the Messiah's coming, and valued assembling together. Through their devotion, they received understanding from God and recognized their Messiah, unlike those who rejected Him. As we stand at the threshold of His second witness, the choices we make will determine whether we recognize our Messiah. Following the example of the devout—loving the truth, using God's Holy Spirit, studying His Word with fastings and prayers, and fellowshipping with God's elect—will enable us to stand before the Son of Man and recognize Him for who He is.
Post-Resurrection Lessons
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOn the Road to Emmaus, some of Christ's followers were agitated, confused, and in turmoil, being unable to put the scriptures and the physical facts together.
A Different Kind of Savior
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Jews were looking for a military leader like Jehu, a hasty, callous, impetuous man with a temper, bent totally on eradicating the legacy of Jezebel.
Why the Transfiguration?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughWhy was Jesus transfigured on the mount? What did it mean? What was it designed to teach the apostles?
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.
Do You See God? (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughConversion is a lifelong process in which we endeavor to see things as God does. We must understand and act on the fact that God is deeply involved with us.
Do You See God?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnless we acknowledge God's sovereign authority in our lives, following through with the things we learn from scripture, we, like atheists, will not see God.
John (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWhen God removes an infirmity or gives a blessing, He also gives a responsibility to follow through, using the blessing to overcome and glorify God.
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.
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.
The Last Words of Jesus Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDuring the final hours of His life, Jesus made seven last statements to mankind, illustrating His nature and what He considered to be important for us.
John (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJohn and James were related, but still had to have the Messiah revealed to them. God is involved in the details of our lives as well as the great events in history.
Why the Transfiguration?
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughPeter, James, and John heard the Father's praise of Jesus, declaring Him to be more important than the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah).
Passover (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Passover is to be kept on the twilight of the 14th, while the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins on the 15th. The Word of God supersedes tradition and heritage.
John (Part Twenty-Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEternal life is to know God, seeking Him to imitate Him, living as He does, and developing an intimate relationship with Him. This brings an abundant life.
Matthew (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughTo establish sound doctrine, we must build on the foundation Christ's teaching, taking the straight and narrow course rather than the wisdom of this world.