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God as Father
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAbraham stands as a significant example of fatherhood, reflecting both challenges and successes in rearing his children. His first son, Ishmael, grew to be a scoffer and a wild man, hostile toward everyone, as foretold in Genesis. In contrast, Isaac, the son of promise, displayed remarkable obedience and faithfulness to Abraham, even in the face of great personal trial. There is uncertainty about Abraham's involvement in Ishmael's upbringing, as he may have been largely raised by his mother, Hagar. However, Abraham devoted considerable time and energy to Isaac, shaping him so closely in his own image that Isaac mirrored even his father's flaws. This dedication highlights Abraham's commitment to guiding Isaac in a manner that aligned with God's ways. Through his relationship with God, Abraham gained the ability to command and train his children, ensuring that divine principles were passed down to future generations. This connection with the Almighty enabled Abraham to be a father who not only nurtured his son but also set a foundation for lasting spiritual heritage.
Abraham (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham stands as a monumental figure, uniquely portrayed as a type of God the Father, embodying a profound spiritual significance. Chosen by God, he became the father, in type, of a new spiritual race, a pioneer leading a mighty host of born sons of God. His role as the father of the faithful marks him as a landmark in the spiritual history of the world, a position underscored by his designation as God's friend, a singular honor among billions. As the father of this spiritual family, Abraham's influence extends beyond mere blood ties, encompassing all who are in Christ, regardless of race, gender, or social status. His seed, metaphorically speaking, represents a continuation and reproduction of faith, an unbroken line from Abraham through Christ down to the present day. This spiritual lineage is not by natural means but through God's miraculous intervention, mirroring the birth of Isaac, which came by divine promise to Abraham and Sarah despite their physical limitations. The promises made to Abraham carry forward, benefiting his progeny not because of their own merit, but due to God's friendship with him. These benefits include the material wealth of Israel and the spiritual heritage of being the people of the Book, keepers and teachers of God's Word, which has come to the world through Abraham's descendants. His life, recorded faithfully by God, continues to teach and pass on central values of faith, reflecting the way of life God intended. Abraham's example as a spiritual father reveals that claiming descent from him is not enough; it requires reproducing the same spirit of faith and submission to God's Word that he exemplified. This faith, grounded in the character and power of God, led to his separation from the world and produced works distinct from those of the adversary. Thus, Abraham's role as father is not merely historical but serves as an essential guide for the proper development of this spiritual race, inspiring and encouraging through his enduring example.
Basic Doctrines: The Reward of the Saved
Bible Study by Earl L. HennJust where do true Christians go after they die? What is their reward? Where is their reward? The Bible reveals some surprising truths.
Abraham (Part One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAbraham stands as the father of the faithful, a pivotal figure whose role has profoundly shaped history. He is not merely a nomadic figure or a mythological hero, but a man of significant intelligence and leadership, called by God as His friend. When God called Abraham, He was not summoning a primitive or backward individual, but a skilled and articulate man from a highly developed culture in Mesopotamia, capable of advanced knowledge and governance. As a patriarch, Abraham bore the authority and responsibility to guide and educate his family, ensuring the preservation of God's truth through his line. His lineage, descending from Noah through Shem and Eber, established the Hebrew identity and laid the foundation for the line through which the Savior would come. Abraham's impact altered the course of history, bridging the ancient and modern worlds through his role as the father of the faithful and the progenitor of the kings of Israel.
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.
Focus on the Father
Article by StaffInstead of some grandiose title, God asks us to call Him simply "Father." We have human fathers, church fathers and since our calling, a spiritual Father.
The Christian Fight (Part Six)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughFar more than on any other hero of faith, Hebrews concentrates on Abraham as the father of the faithful, the Bible's premier example of walking with God.
The Promise and the Kingdom
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)The promise given to Abraham was actually the Gospel, extending God's blessing to his family and all the nations — eternal promises of land and people.
One God and One God Only
Sermonette by Mike FordAbraham stands as a profound example of placing God first, even above the deepest human bonds. In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham by commanding him to offer his only son Isaac, whom he loved, as a burnt offering in the land of Moriah. Despite the unimaginable weight of this command, Abraham obeyed without hesitation, rising early in the morning to prepare for the journey. His immediate response to God's call, "Here I am," reflects a humble and yielded heart, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to God above all else. As a father, Abraham's relationship with Isaac was marked by deep affection, evident in their tender exchange of "My father" and "My son" during the journey. Yet, this love did not become worship or displace God in Abraham's heart. Even as he prepared the altar and bound Isaac, his actions showed that God held the primary place in his life. Abraham's faith was unshakable; he trusted that God would provide, telling Isaac that God would supply the lamb for the offering. His belief that they would return together to the young men waiting below further reveals his confidence in God's plan, even if it meant facing the unthinkable. Isaac, too, mirrored this submission as a son under his father's authority. Though likely a grown man, he willingly carried the wood and allowed himself to be bound, showing complete trust in Abraham and in their shared relationship with God. When God intervened, providing a ram for the sacrifice, Abraham's obedience was affirmed. God declared, "Now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me," confirming that Abraham had no other gods before Him. As a result of this ultimate act of faith, God blessed Abraham, promising to multiply his descendants and ensure that through his seed all nations would be blessed. Abraham's example as a father teaches that nothing, not even the most cherished relationships, must compete with God for primacy in our lives. His story underscores that God's plan and provision unfold only when He is the sole focus of our devotion.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's calling is personal and individual rather than general, opening otherwise closed minds, replacing spiritual blindness with spiritual understanding.
The Handwriting Is On the Wall (Part One) (2007)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe scattering of the church was God-ordained, providing a test for godliness. The isolating demonstrated by some groups is an abomination and an affront.
The Christian Fight (Part Seven)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe virtue of love gets the most attention, yet the life of Abraham illustrates how foundational faith—belief and trust in God—is to love and salvation.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFaith permitted Enoch, Noah, and Abraham to receive God's personal calling. Like our patriarchs, we were called while we lived in the wicked world.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe New Covenant, which writes God's law onto the heart, in no way does away with any aspect of the law. Works do not justify us, they sanctify us.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The seven 'I will' promises Got made to Abraham were truly foundational promises, impacting the lives of multiple billions of people up to the present day.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part One): Origins
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause Abraham trusted God, his descendants have received unprecedented blessings. If the Israelites would have kept God's law, they would have served as a model.
A Name's Significance
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA name has higher significance than an identifier, but also ties one down, committing one to a destiny.
Wandering or Pilgrimage?
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are not aimlessly wandering, but are on a God-guided pilgrimage. The circuitous route ensures our safety, just as it did for the ancient Israelites.
Why Does God Keep Secrets?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasBy not revealing everything immediately, God has been employing teaching techniques that have taken the educational community thousands of years to discover.
Dominion and Leaven (Part Two)
Sermonette byContrary to Dominion Theology, the Parables of the Mustard Seed and Leaven are not about the church but describe the history and condition of Israel.
Saved By Our Attributes of Hope
Sermonette by Bill OnisickIn 2018, what is known as 'the ultimate storm,' whose 155 MPH winds generated waves 80 feet high, failed to scuttle a small boat out of New Zealand, Tonga.
God's Pattern of the Family
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe family structure, with assigned orders of responsibility (not orders of importance implying superiority or inferiority), is paramount to God's plan.
The Third Day (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs a biblical motif, the third day indicates a colossal turn-around from hopelessness to victory. The third day revival motif recurs throughout Scripture.
The Christian Walk (Part Three): In Wisdom
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod wants us to take our salvation seriously, walking in love, light, and wisdom, attaining the know-how to work out our own salvation, redeeming the time.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe spirit of the law does not do away with the letter of the law; without the letter, there is no spirit because there is no foundation. Examples show God's will.