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Jesus and the Feast (Part Three): Light of the World
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ as Teacher reveals profound lessons through His actions and words during the incident with the woman caught in adultery. In the early morning at the Temple, He teaches with authority, drawing the attention of all present. When the scribes and Pharisees bring the woman before Him, attempting to trap Him in a legal and moral dilemma, He responds with wisdom and composure. Instead of reacting impulsively, He stoops down and writes on the ground, demonstrating calmness and deliberate thought in His judgment. His teaching extends beyond mere words as He turns the accusation back on the accusers, saying, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." This statement exposes their own guilt, causing them to leave in shame, and illustrates His ability to make people see their own flaws in His presence. Addressing the woman with respect and grace, He neither condemns her nor excuses her sin, but firmly instructs, "Go and sin no more," teaching the importance of repentance and the opportunity for a new life. As the Great Judge, He exemplifies mercy over condemnation, showing that His purpose at that time was not to judge but to offer hope and a path to righteousness. His declaration, "I am the light of the world," further illuminates His role as Teacher, guiding humanity toward salvation. His example and words shed light on godly living, revealing the true path to the Kingdom of God, and emphasizing that following His light leads to everlasting life. Through His compassionate response and authoritative bearing, He teaches the balance of justice and mercy, encouraging growth and improvement rather than immediate punishment.
Hebrews (Part Five): Who Was Jesus?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ as Teacher embodies a profound and unique role in guiding humanity toward spiritual growth and salvation. His method of instruction, radically different from any prior divine approach, was lived out before the twelve apostles He personally appointed to follow Him. Through His life as a unique God-Man, He revealed the Father, Himself, the gospel, and His way of life, teaching through a combination of formal sessions and living lessons exemplified by His actions and reactions in real-life situations over three and a half years across Israel. His teaching was not merely verbal but deeply experiential, as the apostles learned on the fly amidst daily life, witnessing His responses in a multitude of circumstances. The content of what became the gospels, epistles, and the epistle to the Hebrews was shaped by these dynamic interactions. Moreover, Jesus Christ's commitment as a teacher reached its pinnacle in His ultimate act of love, sacrificing His life for the spiritual benefit of those who followed Him. This act, described in John 13:1 as loving them to the uttermost, signifies love to the last and highest degree possible, demonstrating that no teacher could go further in dedication to His disciples. His approach continues to influence present-day disciples, modified to meet current circumstances as the church nears the end of the age, through weekly teachings and the daily application of lessons learned, fostering growth within the love of the Father and the Son. Additionally, during the transfiguration event in Matthew 17, the Father's command, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" underscores the supreme importance of Christ's teaching, surpassing even the great figures of Moses and Elijah, directing all to focus solely on His words as the ultimate guide.
Hebrews (Part Four): Who Was Jesus?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ's role as Teacher emerges from His unique dual nature as fully God and fully human, a distinction essential to understanding the method and authority behind His instruction. Unlike Leviticus, which was dictated and copied as fixed law, the teachings that became the New Testament were not handed to the apostles as a completed manuscript. Instead, Christ personally taught twelve chosen leaders through both formal sit-down sessions and living lessons demonstrated through His own daily conduct as He carried out His ministry of revealing the Father and preaching the gospel. This represents a fundamentally new teaching method: truths were absorbed experientially, in real-life situations, requiring disciples to exercise faith practically even while still learning, rather than through a pre-written system of rules. Central to this method is the necessity of a genuine, loving relationship between Teacher and disciple. Christ was with the apostles continually, allowing them to gradually apprehend, over three and a half years of close observation, the staggering reality that this Man who wearied, thirsted, wept, and could be killed was also fully God, Creator of all things. This relational intimacy was indispensable, since many others who witnessed His miracles could not accept that He was truly God and ultimately rejected Him, even calling for His crucifixion. The apostle John testifies that the disciples did not merely observe Jesus casually but examined Him with sustained, contemplative care, reflecting on His life for decades before writing of it, so that the glory they beheld combined humanity's rejection with His unstinting outpouring of love. This teaching relationship did not end with Christ's earthly ministry. Having loved His own "to the uttermost," giving Himself in death as the ultimate expression of sacrificial love, Jesus continued directing His disciples' understanding for roughly fifty years afterward from His place in heaven, overseeing their composition of the twenty-seven writings comprising the New Testament. Under this arrangement, we ourselves become the sacrifices required by our calling, in contrast to Leviticus's detailed sacrificial instructions, making the quality of transformation produced far more personal and profound. Though we do not have the advantage of seeing Him continually as the apostles did, He now lives within us, continuing His teaching work through His Spirit. Jesus' declaration that "without Me you can do nothing" underscores His centrality as Teacher, not merely imparting information but enabling all spiritual growth toward the Father's purposes. His qualifications for this role, as outlined in Hebrews, confirm that He is uniquely suited to teach and lead: He is the only begotten Son, appointed Heir of all things, Creator and Sustainer of life, the exact image of the Father's glory, the One who purged sin, and now seated at God's right hand overseeing His creation. As both faithful Builder of the house and Teacher within it, Jesus surpasses even Moses, ensuring that the way of life He taught is not merely academic but a tried, tested, and ingrained character formed through daily relationship with Him.
Are You Being Brainwashed? (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsUnder group or authority pressure, many people would willingly inflict torture on other human beings, especially if sanctioned by a scientist in a white coat.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The true church is a unique educational institution, teaching the way of God and amplifying His Commandments, in contrast to the churches of this world.
Why Is God Doing This, This Way?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must learn to see ourselves and our function as God sees us—as a distinct, unique entity, a holy people, a special treasure.
Are You Teachable?
'Ready Answer' by StaffScripture is full of advice about being humble and taking heed to God's instruction because, frankly, many think they know it all already!
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The responsibility given to the church Christ has called out of this world is to expand His teachings, magnifying them and making them clear and honorable.
The Plan of Salvation in Genesis 3:15
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe sin of Adam and Eve led to three prophecies that outline God's plan to remedy this grim situation. The conflict ends with the Christ destroying Satan.
Hebrews (Part Six): God's Salvation Communication
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God personally communicated with Adam, Eve, Abraham, Moses, the prophets, and to us through His Son. With the Scriptures, God teaches His faithful today.
Our Core Business
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWhen corporations get rid of their core business, they become less effective. Likewise when we deviate from our core job, we risk returning to the world.
Instruction in the Morning
Sermon by Charles WhitakerSpiritual breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The early morning hours seem to be the most advantageous time to receive the counsel of God.
Being Alert to Our Enemy
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Like the cycles of the seasons, the events of prophecy follow natural progressions. God has given ample warnings to His prophets to prepare His people.
God's Love and Teachings for His Children
Sermon by Kim MyersGod lovingly teaches His children, just as a perfect parent. As children cry out to their parents, so human nature drives God's people to complain to Him.
Prepare to Teach
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe will be kings and priests, responsible for those coming out of the tribulation. We must prepare now to fill the entire earth with the knowledge of God.
The Beatitudes, Part One: The Sermon on the Mount
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Sermon on the Mount is as vitally important today as when Christ preached it. It contains the way we are to live as God's representatives on this earth.
Deuteronomy (Part 3)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur goal shouldn't merely be to be saved, but to finish the spiritual journey God has prepared for us, developing the leadership to help those who follow.