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Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the foundational promises given to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3, the final assurance stands out as a profound declaration: God will make Abram a blessing to all nations. This promise, one of seven, marks a pivotal moment early in Genesis, laying the groundwork for thousands of years of history. It culminates in the birth and work of Jesus Christ, through whom the true Israel of God, the spiritual Family of God, has been established. Jesus Christ, as the promised seed and descendant of Abram, embodies this blessing to all nations, around which much of the Bible revolves. For approximately 2,000 years, the benefits of this promise were largely a blessing to the Israelitish nations. However, a significant shift occurred with the event in Cornelius' home as recorded in Acts 10, opening the door to the spiritual salvation of the Gentiles. This momentous occasion astonished the Jews who witnessed it, as they saw the Holy Spirit given to Gentiles, marking the beginning of the fulfillment of one of the most important prophecies. The signs and wonders mirrored those at Pentecost in Jerusalem, underscoring the magnitude of this expansion of God's blessing. Through Paul's teachings in Ephesians 1 and 2, the fullness of the blessings available to Gentiles upon conversion becomes evident. These blessings, coming from God the Father, are accessible only because we are in Christ. Gentile converts are now adopted into the Family of God, accepted into the church, sealed with the Holy Spirit, and set to inherit the earth alongside Christ. This inclusion of Gentiles, beginning with Cornelius and his family, reflects the good pleasure of God's will and reveals the mysteries of His purpose. The ultimate destiny of those united in Christ, both Israelites and Gentiles, may involve a further step before His return. As depicted in Revelation 14, this group, transformed by the resurrection, shares direct responsibilities within the work of Jesus Christ, undertaking assignments He delegates. This unity and shared purpose highlight the expansive reach of the blessing promised to Abram, extending to all nations through Christ.
Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Five): Promises Confirmed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSome critical scholars, unable to distinguish between conditional and unconditional promises, mistakenly jump to the conclusion that God cannot be trusted.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Abraham realized that his promised Descendant could not possibly be a mere human being, but the Creator Himself.
Abraham (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham is the only biblical character singled out as a type of God the Father. He is also the only one to be called 'friend of God,' and is a good model.
The World (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur worldview must be shaped by a fear of God, a love for His people, and a hatred for the world's practices that destroy our relationship with God.
The Priesthood of God (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The jeweled arrangement on the breastplate in Exodus 28, arranged in marching order, symbolizes differences in gifts and responsibilities of the tribes.
Faith, Government, and the Calendar (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe calculated Hebrew calendar reflects God's faithfulness in providing His children a reliable calendar. Concocting one's own calendar is presumptuous.