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The Post-Resurrection Last Words of Christ (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ's obedience stands as a profound example of humility and submission to God's will. Though He was divine, He did not assert the dignity or prerogatives of a divine being but instead took on a condition of obedience. This voluntary humiliation was shown in His complete obedience, even unto death. His humility reflects His godly character, demonstrating the proper posture before God and others. As He laid aside His glory to become man and die for salvation, He exemplified the depth of His commitment to fulfilling God's purpose. This obedience was not merely an act of submission but a pattern for all to follow, showing that true greatness lies in humbling oneself before God.
Hebrews (Part Five): Who Was Jesus?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ's obedience stands as a cornerstone of His qualifications and leadership in the divine purpose. As the captain of our salvation, He has gone before us in obedience to the Father, exemplifying unwavering submission to His will. This obedience is evident in His suffering, as He endured the trials of His office to achieve God's glory, never deviating from the Father's purpose even to the point of giving His life. His faithful adherence to the same purpose as the Father ensured the purging of our sins, a profound act of obedience that prepares us for His Kingdom. Through His example, both in living and teaching, He leads us toward the way of glory into God's Kingdom, demonstrating a commitment that assures us of His continuing faithful administration. His obedience, coupled with His authority and mercy, underscores His role as our worthy High Priest and Mediator, guiding us with patience and skill toward salvation.
Honoring God the Father
Sermonette by Bill OnisickFather's Day may have originated when the Roman Catholic Church set aside March 19 to honor fatherhood.
Life Doesn't Work on a Balance Sheet (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeJesus Christ, in the days of His flesh, offered up prayers and supplications with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His godly fear. Though He was a Son, He learned obedience through the things which He suffered, and having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Despite being God's Son, this position did not automatically qualify Him to be our High Priest; it was through His manifold sufferings that He was made complete and fully ready for this role. He was always obedient, doing what pleased the Father, yet He willingly learned experientially what it means to obey even while enduring intense pain and hardship. Through His personal acquaintance with suffering, to a degree unmatched by any, He became perfect for the role of High Priest, qualified to build and maintain the bridge between God and suffering man. He can now intercede before God with complete understanding on our behalf, personifying the voice of experience before God's throne. Additionally, in learning obedience through sufferings, He came to know firsthand the wretched consequences of man's disobedience, experiencing the suffering that follows when people deviate from God's superior way of life. His sorrows and griefs stemmed not only from the physical agony of crucifixion but also from rejection by His own, the unbelief of His brothers, the stubbornness and faithlessness of many, the betrayal by Judas, the abandonment by His closest companions, and the profound anguish of bearing humanity's sins. Most harrowing was the misery of being separated from the Father, feeling the unsurpassed distress of having Their eternal oneness shattered, evident in His final cry of abandonment.
God Gives Grace to the Humble
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGenuine humility is one of the most elusive characteristics a person can attain. It consists of of self-respect accompanied by a genuine desire to serve.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike Job, we must surrender to God's will and purpose for our lives, realizing that both pleasant and horrendous times work for our spiritual development.
Sovereignty and Its Fruit: Part Ten
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOnce we accept God's sovereignty, it begins to produce certain virtues in us. Here are four of these byproducts of total submission to God.
Unity
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEach member of Christ's body must choose to function in the role God has ordained to produce unity, emulating Christ in striving to please the Father
Unity and Unleavened Bread
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs members of Christ's body, we must function for the good of the whole body, not competing with other parts. We must continually function as a son of God.
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.
John (Part Twenty-One)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe humble attitude exemplified by Jesus in footwashing shows the mind of God. God expects us to follow Christ's example of loving others, flaws and all.
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.
Godly Training and Admonition
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGodly training forewarns a child of danger or faults in human nature. The Scriptures do not contain many examples of exemplary child rearing.
Control and Self-Control
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughParadoxically, when we yield to God's sovereignty, He wants to cede control over to us, teaching us to develop self-control as an ingrained habit.
Hebrews (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus experienced the same temptations and suffering we do, qualifying Him for the role of High Priest, the bridge-builder between man and God.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Thirteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe elect are not immune to antinomian deception, including the doctrine of eternal security, the total depravity of man, unconditional love, and cheap grace.